Another season is all but over, and it’s looking like another pot less one.
Arsenal Football Club will have gone six years without winning one of the four competitions on offer. I am not one to dwell on the disappointments of the past and would much rather think about the future and I hope and pray that next season will turn out more successful. However, after watching year after year and being disappointed I had to ask myself why, why do we keep coming up short and the answer is simple, we are just not good enough!
At the start of this season the media and so-called pundits had written our chances off, many stated that this year we would almost certainly miss out of qualifying for Champions League. The reasons given was that other teams had improved and invested heavily in new players and even new managers in some cases.
We however have just stood still.
So what went wrong with us.
We had in fact started the season off with some difficult matches, compared with the other top three teams and surprisingly we came through with wins, and held our spot in the top three or four, so a pretty good start. Even then I wondered if we good enough to hold that position, I didn’t believe we were…..
The manager had brought two central defenders, both that in all honestly I had not heard of before. We knew we had problems in this area from the season before, would these two be the answer to our devensive problems, I wasn’t sure.
Goal-keeping was also a concern but the manager refused to buy or replace and the problems were still evident at the beginning of the season.
We started to incur a few injuries, defenders and midfielders, even our forwards were injured, but we had bought in a new striker a free signing, and he held out very well.
Arsenal FC are renowned around the world as a side that play an attractive style of football, but although attractive, not very productive as far as trophies, and that has been the same this year. Can we cure this problem for next season, with the present Manager I doubt we can.
So what do we do, we must address the problems we have, we have to replace players and if it means replacing the manager to do this, then so be it.
It is not that we don’t make chances, we do, but our forward payers cannot finish. If half of our chances had gone in, we would be sitting with a piece of silverware now, so it is blatantly obvious that we need a recognised striker.
We have an abundance of midfielders but not to the standard we need, a clear out is needed and with the summer transfer window approaching and we should make changes.
Our Captain should be allowed to leave, as we have seen this year his fitness is questionable. We require a robust Captain with the ability to lead.
A quality goalkeeper is also a must, as is a defence that can be reliant on a strong last man.
Arsenal FC have a lot of work to do in the closed season and if the problems are not addressed we will be talking the same talk this time next year. Will this manager be up to the task ahead, six years says no!
So what about a new manager then? A new broom sweeps clean doesn’t it and isn’t that just what we need?
Should Wenger stay and do something he has yet to do in many a closed season, here is how I see our players right now.
Luxuries we cannot afford.
Arshavin
Fabregas
Bendtner
Frimpong
Chamakh
RvP
Players to keep.
Song
Wilshere
Ramsey
Walcott
Nasri
Sagna
Clichy
Koscielny
Gibbs
Chesney
Fabianski
Vermaelen
Possibilities
Lansbury
JET
Bartley
Miquel
Ryo
Outs
Almunia
Eboue
Mannone
Denilson
Diaby
Squillaci
Eastmond
Rosicky
Just a few changes I believe we should look at, your choices are probably different but changes are a must for our future development. I have always been a staunch supporter of our current manager but times change!
Whats your view?
Written by Steve Palmer
Morning all…
Good read Steve and thought provoking, but we are going to win the league 🙂
I’m not all for Wenger out just yet, i’ll all for a Wenger change, let’s get the 1996-2005 manager back and see the changes made in the summer, then he can go out on a high….
I’d keep Frimpong and Chamakh – the latter i give the benefit of the doubt as it’s his first season. He had to play too much at the begininng of the season and it burned him out. Most players need a season to settle and i think he’ll be good ….
Flying visit and I will read later but how can you call
Fabregas, Frimpong, RvP and Arshavin a luxury?
Hi Will,
If I have understood right what Steve is saying, AA is a luxury as he plays when he feels like it, Fab, as he’s often injured, same with RvP and Frimpong is out injured now….
In the meantime, we are footing the bill…
Have to go off this morning, back in a while…
out/(replacement)
almunia (gunnersaurus)
fabianski (meuer)
squallaci (mexes)
Kos (g. cahill)
eboue (m ricah)
rosicky (lansbury)
denilson (danielle de rossi)
diaby (any water boy)
chamakh (benzema)
i really think arsene shall rape roma for mexes and de rossi. it gonna cost 15mil (Max)
gary cahill and meuer gonna cost 15mil each.
we can easily recover the fees (or salary) by dispose off all the deadwood.
this is a football club, not charity organisation. why do we keep players like squallaci if he is not performing??? who cares if tat;s his first season..
Kc, Gunnersaurus for Almunia sound like a decent swop! lol
how can you take this article seriously no mention of rosicky and excluding frimpon who has yet to really start.Should we not get a real defensive coach regardless of the personnel we will continue to struggle.
Ok it’s true that we didn’t win single title in 6 yrs ,we have been waiting and also the boss,in 6 yrs he were bulding a team i think it’s strong team,but about luxury we cannot afford we can’t loose RvP(because we were waiting for long time for him to reach this point ,smart striker,scoring from no chances),i agree with you about fabi he should really leave,chamakh should stay as second strong striker,Bendtner i don’t know what boss thinking but he has no idea about how to be striker ,from 1oo chances only he can get one chance,arshavin as we call him here (spoiled arsha) :),what make him special for the team his spirit ,playing under any pressure so we should keep him.
About players to keep agree with you 100%,also 100% for player to leave
excuse my language, english is not my mother tongue language,
Morning HH, I would keep Frimpong too Steve he looks a million times better than Denilson and Diaby. I would replace AA with Hazard and call back Miyiach but the rest spot on
agree with most of KC picks, steve what about vela, as he can score for WBA but not us, mainly because they pick him i guess !!
still say samba would be ideal for us reminds me of steve bould (apart from the obvious) type idael for set pieces at both ends also aleader and organiser( who would dare argue with him!!) talent is good heart you cannot buy….. benzema would be good but out of our price brackett now he has found form unless we try clichy/AA swap +£x. i would try vermaleen at left back (wher he played for ajax) with samba and g . cahill as c/h with jd and kosser as back up(+bartley). this will sort three areas at once 1. the central spine2. the weak left back spot 3. crosses from left wing and 4 captaincy (TVor samba)
Interesting article but with obvious bias included…but we all have our own bias.
You write off players as cannot afford ‘Frimpong???’ the kid has not done a thing wrong and you want him out?? I also see RVP as a definite Bergkamp position player, so when he is injured it isnt crucial. As for the rest, I would give Chamakh another season to enhance his value (ie we got him free and could make £7 mill next year).
Cesc, Bentner & Clichy & Arsharvin could all join the list Almunia
Eboue
Mannone
Denilson
Diaby
Squillaci
Eastmond
Rosicky
They could in fact bring in nearly £100 mill if sold quickly..sadly under the new management, nothing is done quickly. With those funds and a bit more the squad could include : Rodwell, Cahill, Mbia, Oxlade Chamberlain,dvril,and Benzema.
Now a squad like that would excite every Gunner around the world and would have Manure Chelski and Shitey craooing themselves. BUT we all know Arsene has lost his bottle re; proper recruitment and will almost certainly bring in 4 under 17’s and an ancient goalie plus two unknown french cheapos. That is his mindset compared with the man who came in and took over a team with the fab 6 plus Bergy,Wrighty and Parlour….and just added Petit, Viera & Overmars…themdays he had guts.
outs/replacement
Almunia (5/7 mill)/ Steklenberg 10 mill
Eboue (7 mill) / Shaun Wright-Phillps 7 mill
Squillaci (7 mill)/ Rodwell + Cahill 25 mill
Rosicky (10 mill)/ Miyaichi (already owned)
Denilson (5 mill)/ Joe Cole (5 mill)
Bendtner (15 mill)/ Defoe (8 mill) or Benzema (25mill)
Total: 6 players (51 mill)/ 6 players (55 mill) or (72 mill)
Morning all,
I see your comments on Frimpong, and acknowledge that he has his merits, the reason i listed him as i did was, because the guy hasn’t been seen that much, Vermin was nearly there too but i do realy rate him and would like to see if he could sustain a season uninjured, Vella, i must admit its been so long since i’ve seen him i forgot him, sorry about that but he would also be listed as a lux. I am no expert but i want us to win, and i, like you, love my club, whether we agree on players is all about opinions but i beleive we all know that changes are imperative.
Morning Steve, extremely harsh on Frimpong when this would of been his first season so to say he a luxury is rather unfair me thinks, as you say no difference between him and TV only that we seen TV but how can Frimpong be described as a luxury when we not seen him, some would say Ramsey as well then, fine line there mate and am nit picking for sure but think what we could say is luxury players are those that don’t pull their weight and Sick-list, those that seem to be always injured or miss half teh season. The rest I totally agree with BUT wenger won’t and for all our comments and thoughts the bottom line is he won’t do shit…!
Elk, who in their right mind would pay money for the spanish waiter, we’d be lucky to get a million for him, same with Denilson, squillaci we’ll get 2mil for and Rosicky the same no way would we get those prices you’ve quoted. The most would be maybe 10million for bighead bendtner…!
Vela I forgot him too, to be honest I would play him with a big man next to him he has quality and can score. He’s not been given a chance like some have.
Mornin weedman 😉
have you all seen Chezny’s comments about rather having Bouldy at centre back instead of teh current lot 😉 I think he’s got a great point…! Bet it won’t please wenger to much though 😀
Morning Wath,
Set myself up for a few arrows i know, Maybe i hav’nt been that fair on Frimpong, and maybe a season uninjured would convince me, this is not a science, so if Wenger cant get things right, dont shoot the messenger.
Howdy GG man I think Chesney was joking Wath he also said Nikky is arrogant not confident…Steve I understand what you mean but Frimpong may need his chance to convince us what he can do lol
Morning All,
Rico, wooooooooo
i can see alot of people have picked up some of the errors in the list of ins and outs so i wont go there. but we often “what went wrong this season” but i think the correct question is “what was right” cos for me, we all know and have always known what is wrong in the team, we only get behind the team cos its our team.
Elk,
Almunia (5/7 mill)? Rosicky (10 mill)? Squillaci (7 mill)?
i really think we will be lucky to get 5mil for those players.
how about cheeky swap of Eboue + 10mil for De Rossi? world cup winner, rot-willer type of DM and he can install some steel in midfield.
and dare i say, swap cesc for afellay, mascherano plus 20mil??
Bendtner +10mil for Schweinsteiger
Morning fellow-Gooners,
What really grinds my gears is people saying we play ‘beautiful football’, or that we play like Barcelona. Firstly, our ‘beautiful’ football only ever works when the opposition allow it. Examples of this are Blackpool, Bolton (both of whom went down to 10-men), Braga, Shakhtar, & Wigan, all at the Emirates, plus Man City away (but they were down to 10-men after 6mins!). Contrast that with performances against 2 newly-promoted sides, Newcastle, WBA, (HOME AND AWAY!!!), Braga & Shakhtar away, Sunderland home & away, god knows how many games against Man Utd, home or away, recent games against the sworn enemy along the road, Birmingham in CC Final etc etc. Stoke battered Newcastle 4-0 on saturday! Braga & Shakhtar aside, when was the las time 11 v 11, that we battered anybody? And that HH is what really grinds my gears.
I think all you had to look at Steve was seperating “luxury” players and “sick-note” players….! Frimpong at present would be a sick note but not his fault the fella did a cruciate ligament. I think we can carry the odd luxury player in a team IF the rest also graft as well as can play a bit, look at Overmars we managed to carry him well enough.
kc, De Rossi would be suspended for half the season if he played for us the bloke has a screw lose same as Melo…! We need hard and tough not brutal and mental.
Mornin HC, very valid points mate, we play the tippy tappy that only works when teams give us space but the ones that are well organised deny us space and close us down are the ones that stop us playing. We have no idea how to beat the proverbia; “parked bus” we don’t use the wings at all and all we ever try is to pass the ball through the eye of a needle to beat well organised teams OR we go backwards and sideways as there are no openings. We no longer have the pace we used to have and have far to many attacking midfielders trying to play as forwards but as usual thats wenger playing square pegs into round holes…!
Kc am sure we won’t get nothing from Coco no team want to play with out a keeper eh… HCCA the problem is we have built a team around one person and if he is out we are out as well…Wath we don’t want to get in trouble with the FA, with the way things stand we are the enemy so no Melo or crazy players please
WATH,
That’s why Wenger is so flawed. He sees things no-one else sees, but there’s a reason no-one else sees it, it doesn’t work! He got away with it with van Bronkhorst because we were still winning things. I confess, I’ve woke up many mornings this season & prayed to read a head-line announcing that Wenger had been sacked or resigned. Isn’t he 1 year into a 4-year contract?
I’ll go along with you Eric, He may turn out a good un as long as Wenger dosn’t sell him, that wouldnt suprise me
it’s not over yet…i think we really hurt ourselves with the first 70 minutes on saturday, and recent history suggests we will quietly drop more points in the near future – but i am going to wait until we are mathematically eliminated from the title before i speculate on who stay or go…
Hmmmmm not to sure HC, think he only signed a 3 yr deal although to be honest I really don’t have a clue. One half of me wants him gone the other half wants the wenger back from the early days. The thing with loosing him is same old story who do we replace with, do we go for a big name or do we stay in house and promote Bouldy…? I want an Arsenal man thats played under wenger that uses the good things wenger does but also instills some passion and some desire into the players and to know what they represent and need to aspire too…..
The problems have been there the last six years. The one sore point I have is the gk situation. Surely after after two seasonsWenger should know Alu is not up to the required std.The ref faced will get rid of any underperforming guy. Howard,Bosnich,etc have been axed.That;s why the red faced has constantly been winning.He doesn’t change his blueprint which had served him so well.
Wenger maybe because of circumstances deviated from his successful blue print. He should realize it aint working .If Arsenal ,don’t win the title,he is responsible and if he carries on the same model,he is risking another blow out.
Great debate guys. I think Frimpong should be given a chance and to be honest, so should Eastmond. I mean, if Denilson gets so many chances, why not Eastmond? Can he be any worse?
As for RvP, we need a sturdy striker that takes the pressure off of him and allows him to play the true number 10 role. In that little hole where the boots don’t fly in as much.
I think Vela should be given a chance in a 4-4-2 system playing off of someone like RvP. Vela has some clever movement but when stuck on the wing he is lost and wasted.
Also, talking 4-4-2 it would be nice to have the personnel on the bench who could come on and allow us to change systems. There is a school of thought that says that benches win you games.
Look at our bench most games and you hope that none of them have to come on and that is where Wenger has let us down. He has allowed the squad number to grow while the squad talent to diminish.
Also, final point in this ramble, I think AA would come good if he had players of his knowledge and intelligence around him, when he clicks with RvP and Nasri, he comes to life.
WATH, i read a couple of days ago, that his got another 2 years of his contract left.you know what that means, his here till that runs out.
Think I saw somewhere WATH that he’s signed up until 2014 (but I could be totally wrong). My short-list would be Hiddink, Capello, Moyes, Coyle or Lambert. When have the French ever been known for their fighting qualities? Just look at WW2.
Before we splash out on an out an out striker, i would like to see Walcott used for a few games down the middle, if we can get a visa for Myo, he could be a good replacement
Does anyone seriously want Wenger out?
100% Will. If after 15 years he and his team were showing the same hunger and desire AND the same tactical nous that Ferguson is still displaying after 25 years, we’d all collectively be shouting a resounding ‘NO’, but he’s nowhere near that standard. For that reason alone he should be replaced.
I’ve had enough of him Will, and it hurts me to say that, but the man is too set in his ways, and will not do the things thats needed for the change we need,The window at Christmas finnished my belief in him, You me and everybody else called for a signing but he knew better now we are out of it almost, even if he had of bought and we were in the same boat at least he would have tried.
I can’t agree, all he needs is a strong person in charge who can remind him of his primary goal.
Trouble is Will, the people in charge are only interested in profit.
Will, ask yourself this………….. If wenger bought all the layers that made us a success in 98,02 and the invincible year, why and how can you settle for players that are nowehere near that good, don’t have a fighting spirit or mentality and you refuse to take of your blinkers and see that players who you have total faith i have let you down and need to be replaced. This is a man torn between ego and stubborness and while he has that attitude nothing will change. HC, nothing wrong with Vieira n Petit when it came to getting stuck in so a few know what its all about. Wenger is in a comfy situation, noone to light a bonfire under his arse, the players a re a reflection on the manager, comfy zone and stagnant.
He runs the club from top to bottom Will, so there is no-one to remind him of his primary goal. And tactically he is light-years behind Ferguson or Mourinho.
At the end of the day, he is in charge of the team he buys them he trains them and he picks them, his talk of belief and motivation and will to win, and he sits and watches the two d’s and calamity Al, Bendys shots off the corner flag, and does nothing, he has lost the sparkle he had, and my respect
The other thing Will, can you see him putting up with someone questioning his player decisions…? his tactics and telling him to sell some of the crap players, he’ll be off in 2 seconds no way would he put up with that. The only option i could see working would be if he respects someone enough to make them his No2 and for them to make make suggestions that this player isnt good enough or lets try buy that player and we’re playing XYZ on Sarutday lets tinker with the formationas we know they will play a certain way so lets be different. Maybe and its a huge maybe that would help matters but again I doubt it. He is as we’ve said turned into a dictator and he is never wrong it seems and is totally inflexible to change and to suggestions. Thats just my opinion on what i see from the team and from the club week in week out.
Good point about Vieira & Petit, WATH, though Petit jumped ship after only 2 seasons, and I remember a game against Man Utd at Highbury, when Vieira picked on Neville, Keane stepped up, Vieira wilted, and we lost not only the psychological battle, but lost the game 4-2. Rooney seems to have a similar effect on us these days.
Think Petit’s head got to big but I’d have him in midfield anyday HC, Vieira n Keane thing was in the tunnel and Keane said I’ll see you on the pitch, we just got played off the park, woz a damp squib that one…. We miss the fighters and the ones that never gave up or knew when they were beat, how many can we say in this lot give you that feeling..? 2 maybe 3 at most..?
I think the thing we are forgetting was he was placed under huge financial strain when we moved. He has managed to keep us in a place that 80 odd clubs would kill to be in and one that many clubs have spent FAR more than us to get too.
I am telling you, he just needs reminding that Arsenal is not an experiment but a functioning football club that needs to win things.
Now, let me get onto winning things. I was going to Highbury in the mid 70’s when we were rubbish and relegation was a real possibility so we have no god given right to win things and no disrespect but I think some of you younger generation forget that as you have been raised on success.
For me, winning is great but not a given but I want and demand a team that will fight and several of the players are happy that they are at The Arsenal. for them, they have reached the summit.
We need someone to remind Wenger of the players he once went after, players the quality of Henry and Pires.
I also lay the blame at the board, as the days go on and I am further convinced that Stan is running the show and he is getting the debt paid off so he can move in to a debt free business.
We need someone young who wants to win and fight. That is all, not get rid of the manager who tuned us into giants among men and made us known across the globe.
HCAA, Dont know if you saw the match the weekend but Jack held his own with a guy twice his size, but he didnt back away, thats the kind of spirit we have lacked
Will, think you’ll find very few “young uns” on here, I was there in the 70’s mate and I seen some utter shit over there but that doesnt excuse what’s going on now. If we’d not been lied to by the board and if Wenger took off his blinkers then maybe we’d accept things not being right but it’s one line of bullshit and excuses after another. You keep saying all wengers needs is to be told but there is noone to tell him and he won’t listen anyway as he’s above being questioned> the financial restraints were a problem i agree but not tfor the last 2 seasons and yet he’s still on about buying stops the youth… Oh do me a favour the youth are very average and in anycase if they so good they would become better than what he buys and he then sells a good player for prob what he paid if not more so that would be win win situation, if not he sells the youth for half decent money as well. It’s all about the spin as much as anything else Will the lies and about noone being honest with exactly whats going on and whats planned for the next few years> I’m not sure I’d believe them anyway since all the lies since we left Highbury.
You’re right Steve, we need 11 Wilshere’s out on the park. Will, I too remember Bertie Mee dismantle the Double-winning team and bring in the likes of Jeff Blockley & Terry Mancini, Brian Kidd etc., and we were shocking at times, and I don’t think Terry Neill improved us a great deal. But they had fighting qualities. Against Bolton on saturday Man Utd went down to 10-men, but they poured forward and were the only side that were going to win that game. Contrast that with us at WBA! Bolton are better than West Brom. Or the last time we went down to 10-men in PL. We surrendered a 4-goal lead at Newcastle. That’s why they’ll finish above us & probably beat us at the Emirates as well.
Will, i beleive you have a bit of Wenger in you, lots of knowledge and belief, its all about opinions and i respect your views although i think your wrong. I beleive we can win things with 3 or 4 signings we can save money on players that have been tried and tested and come up crap, i dont believe its our right to win, but to keep up with the pace and compete without folding year after year is within reach, getting our noses rubbed in it by the likes of an understrength Utd pisses me right off, and it should piss you off as well, its not rocket science, he dosn’t need to break the bank just get off of his skinny arse and buy
HC, totally agree, when we were utterly crap least those crap players tried and didn’t give up, they may of been awful but they always gave it a go how ever bad they were. We also didnt pay a fortune to watch them either or be told pay an extra quid and next season we’ll buy the best players in the world…..! I also think the chavs will catch and overtake us HC, no goalie and a poor centre back partnership cos wenger refused to strengthen.
Afternoon all,
You forgiven Frimpong yet Steve 🙂
I am not saying I am happy with him guys and I am well on record that I hate his “buying will kill the youth” bollocks. As I have said plenty of times, top class youth can only get better when playing with top class players.
But the guy is still a genius and with someone gently pushing him and the board giving him these damn profits, I honestly believe will we dominate.
Your fault Rico ur editor in chief you should of put Frimpongs name in brackets or something then Steve would not of had to dodge a few spears this morning 🙂
How I see it Aw should get rid of alot and bring in a few and blend with the youth
Will…what if Aw does not buy and next season we are in the same situation would you want him out?
WATH,
Chesney is right, I’d rather see Bouldy at the back than some of our lot 🙂
Will, cast your mind back 2 seasons…… The question to Wenger was “what would you do if the board gave you 100million to spend?….. His reply… I’d give it back to them” Does that not sum him up..???
Agree with you about the chavs WATH, they’re more of a threat to Man Utd than us, plus they have no major injuries. Torres has too much ability & will score goals soon enough. Thank fuck Man City are so poor & Spuds are too far adrift, else we’d be flirting with a Europa Lge place.
the chavs look up for it HC, Citeh have a team full of mercenaries and the yids are just average which is about what we are at the moment. This is gonna be one fucked up season if we finish 3rd or 4th and we lose twice in a season to that shit down the rd….!. That will be the last straw for me…..!
Cheers Wath, morning rico, your fault, but i have taken in what these excelent supporters have been saying, and have climbed down to giving Frim another year, these guys and gals on this post do not take no siht, glad to hear your back to your best. cor Christ another arrow just gone past
HCAA – we could still be looking at a Europa place – 9 games let, 27 points – if we muck up and lose 4 or 5, we can still be overtaken by City, Chavs and Spuds….
We definitely need to put the Spuds in their place. Can’t have them winning 3 Lge games in a row. Alarm bells will be ringing then!
I want something changed Erick.
😆 Steve, don’t you blame me, mind you i nearly took Pingpong out of the list but who am i to interfere 🙂
Pingpong is going to be the mutts nutts, in fact i wouldn’t be surprised if it isn’t long before Song is his ‘deputy’ – Either way, it should mean the end of that lazy good for nothing Brazilian…
And Lansbury should spell the end of that lazy good for nothing Diaby !
I like all the stuff coming out about Spuddie golden boy Van Der Varrt 🙂
Hi Rico,
glad to hear you’re recovered from your ills (apart from the football!)
Steve, the thing is on here we all seem to be able to disagree without it getting out of hand which is good and doesnt piss anyone off. As i said mate thought the post was spot on just very harsh on the young fella that was all and I’l of just added a sick-note list of players and had him on that. A lot about a luxury player is also how he’s covered within a team and the selection also the formation so the 4-3-3 that we are supposed to play doesnt allow for any luxury players or passengers that dont pull their weight and it so highlights for me the ones that stroll around…. AA bein a prime example but as seen on sat can change a game in a blink of an eye. You chose a hard topic to keep ppl happy mate and was always gonna be open to a bit of flak so fair play 2u…!
Whats VDW saying Rico I aint reading no shit from that lot….! swamp dwelling inbreds…!
HCAA – i think they will get bogged down with the CL and the PL will take second place, without DvD they lack creativity which showed against West Ham at the weekend, they were lucky not to lose that one….
He’s just knackered WATH, burned out, overweight and he was really pissed off with Arry after being subbed against the Ammers, he sulked off, ignored Harry and went off to shower….
Arry was not an Appy Arry 🙂
Oh no poor ole arry not an appy arry………. shame…! Another cockroach…!
Got to say i like the look of VDVart i hope he pisses the twitcher enough to sell him to us, i could handle a reject like him a straight swap with Denny a
We’re all die-hard Arsenal fans who want the same thing, we may differ in our opinion as to how that is achieved, but we’re all looking in the same direction. I didn’t like what Bertie Mee did after the Double of ’70-71, and I wasn’t a big fan of Terry Neill either, and we don’t have a divine right to win anything, it’s just that Wenger either seriously over-estimates the ability of his players, which means his judgement is severely lacking, or he is consistently lying to us about our chances of winning major honours.
£8 Million Steve, he was a bargin for them, he’s not looking so good right now though, he’s really overweight and sluggish….
Must have been a reason Jose Moanrinho let him go?
My issue is HC, why would wenger lie or big up a load of players that he knows full well wont win things when he has had players who have won things and knows the characteristics required and yet must be able to see this squad don’t have enough of those players in it and also lacks leaders big time who will grab the others by the collar and drag them through when things ain’t going right.
I think its a bit of both with Wenger, he overates some of the players and doesn’t tell the whole truth either….
I think he wants to win, his actions this season certainly make it appear that way but, he needs to realise that we won’t all the time he plays some of the players he does….
We all see it, i’m hoping he does too by now…
He does though WATH, he’s too intelligent to think they are that good, I bet he didn’t even want to have to play Almunia, Denilson or Diaby, its just injury has meant he had to…
And where has Eboue been recently, why has he not been playing on the right in Theo’s absence I wonder??
Is he in the naughty corner??
Wish I knew WATH. Just a few weeks ago he was boasting about quadruples, not so long ago he was talking about a new breed of ‘Invincibles’. What makes it worse is that he is obviously an intelligent man, so why treat us with the same contempt that he does the media? It doesn’t make any sense.
Rico/HC exactly and thats why its all so strange and confusing. He’s not silly, he knows what it takes to win and the players needed but yet. . . . . . .
Yawn its so tedious talking about the same thing over and over and yet deep down the feeling now is that you know wenger isn’t going to put it right and you just so hope your totally wrong about that feeling.
my last post yesterday. I’ll put a new one soon. In consequence
Some of the players who spoke out, just this year’s contract? Fabregas seems to me a good price. I wonder about their physical ability at the moment. I will not be mistaken if I say that was fit to play 50% of the time (or less …).
Returning to the league: only depend on us. AW should bother to join the “bathhouse” (ridiculous goals of the Carling Cup and the latter with the WBA shows little dialogue), and study their opponents and create a spirit of victory. If we won the league (our main goal of the season!), we gave a great joy to the fans, opened up the possibility of investment and probably start their CL later. There are more reasons but these are not sufficient in itself to force us to have this obsession?
Rico, one of the biggest gaffs he made this season is in the CL fielding a weakened side, i know everybody was saying players needed rest,but that is one of the stupidest decisions out of many for me, at a time when players had lots of games, decisions to field 8 and 9 changes, in other cup games resulting in extra games was foolhardy, and ended up with us in the wrong group, we posibly would have ended up against the big boys had we got through but that would have been after the T window, with a possible couple of buys
Steve when you look back to the ’70’s, football was a lot more physically demanding, and Liverpool under Shankly & Paisley regularly played over 60 games a season, so I don’t get why modern-day footballers are always so ‘tired’ and in need of rest.
Boo! How are we all today?
Steve, interesting read. But on your first list, I’m keeping Cesc, Chamakaka, and RvP! 🙂 If we don’t ship off some and buy some this summer, then it will be as it has been for the last six years… Still won’t win anything.
Hi Agag, your keeping the good looking ones then.
HCAA precisley, i did point this out at the time, and was pertly told that the game is much faster now and the players get tired, I can remember Playing Saturday and Sundays, with training in the week, and working 50 hours a week, playing on pitches that we had to chase the cows off first, wet heavy shit covered, and we couldnt wait to get out there, and that was after a few beers down the pub, we must have played realy slow.
Rumour circulating that Koscielny has injured himself training with France. Anyone confirm or refute this? That’s all we need!
Lol, Steve. That is not perfectly true. My decision to keep the aforementioned was based solely on skill and contribution to the team. It’s a happy happenstance that happen to be easy on the eye. 😉
Koz injured??? Eeeek.
Trouble today Steve is they’re wrapped in cotton-wool and are spoilt. A lot of the pitches back then were like bogs compared to today’s bowling green pitches, which is what makes Wenger’s complaints about WBA’s pitch sound even more pathetic. These are allegedly highly-trained professionals who are paid handsomely to perform. A bit of snow nowadays and they’re running for cover!
But thats for the supporters HC, they dont like snow, makes you wonder how we ever grew up dosn’t it, when snow was on the ground for 3 to 4 months at a time.
Hi Agag,
at the moment it’s only rumour, so I hope to be proved wrong.
hi agag…
can’t see anything about Kos, maybe wenger will apply for an emergency CH, we’ll get Cygan back 😆
Hello, HCAA. AW loves to complain about the state of other teams’ pitches… when in truth the impeccable state of ours is more the aberration than the rule… and he says that especially when we’ve played poorly. A bit embarrassing, really.
Afternoon all.good read steve but i slightly disagree about frimpong.
Boo, rico!! Don’t say that!! AW might take your counsel. 😛
Exactly Steve. If footballers back then wore gloves, snoods, leggings or whatever else they wear, they would have been laughed out of town!
Rico, maybe we could have Cygan paired up with Stepanovs
If Mad Jens return is anything to go by, he may just agag 😉
HCAA, what a dreadful duo that would make…
Hi KT..
His pitch excuses have worn very thin, he needs to grow some and admit we lost/drew because we were rubbish…
What do you guys make of the Benatia rumour??
Hey, KT. Howdy? 🙂
rico, you’re right. I won’t put anything past AW now. 🙁
I’ve never forgiven Stepanovs for that 6-1 at OT, Rico. What was Wenger thinking that day!
Back in 20 mins…
I said it yesterday and will repeat it again.wear black snoods to the Emirates to piss Wenger and FIFA off.kill two birds with one stone.
Never heard of him rico, he must be a new signing 30 bob i suppose
agag, meant to ask you, any more trembles 🙁
HCAA, that was just awful wasn’t it…. he was possibly one of the worse wenger signings….
me neither Steve, ‘apparently’ Nasri is urging Wenger to sign him as they are great friends, he’s a 6′ 3″ French central defender playing for Udinese…
Got Wenger written all over it 😉
There were two strongish ones last night. I heard there were two weakish ones today. Way of life here, I guess. Maybe with the Japan disaster, people are just a little more sensitive. 😉
I’m not surprised agag, it’s not good but glad nothing came of yesterdays 🙂
At least fabregas is back in training.we need our leader at the moment if we are to stand a chance.lets hope theo and song are back in training too.
Wenger has bought quite a few duffs during his time woth us Rico, but that one definitely stands out.
KT, i saw that too and its great news, and glad he’s missing out on the internationals, same with Theo – call me a cynic but i think they are both ready now, just wenger is keeping them away from their countries – same with Song, maybe even Diaby but i don’t give a toot about him….
HCAA – tell you one player i wish we had in our squad, he got a ribbing often but he certainly knew how to fight to the death…
Giles Grimandi, i loved him…..
Don’t know about that one Rico, another dud for me. Not blessed with natural footballing ability. I could never work out whether he was supposed to be a centre-half or a defensive midfielder. A fighter yes, but very ordinary.
Good night, all! 🙂
second post:
I’m not agree with the post. Before the players focus on the theme, I would say this: there is no reason for this resistance, not to praise this team. Throughout the world, is praised his football, has fans, assists, respect and almost always guaranteed to watch a good football game. At the beginning of the season, Arsenal had a soccer vigorous, fast, ruthless with opponents’ mistakes. I call this substance. In my opinion, the overload of games, fatigue and injuries, were mischaracterizing his game. Opponents, mortgaged the chance to play as equals and sensing the lowest speed and lucidity to play, use two deadly weapons: give control of the game and defended well, with all players and in a “physical”and try in turn, be ruthless in the errors of the Arsenal, using speed, trying to gain fouls and creating opportunities for set pieces (corners, freekick, long throw in,cross to our area.)
Arsenal play differently from the other English teams (and Barcelona as well). Is good for football that there are opposing ideas and successfully, demonstrating that this is a football game open to any democratic trend.
I do not think Real Madrid win the league, Cup and Champions League since five years ago. Have spent millions. Several coaches. Results? 0. This year, they can earn any or all. We had this hypothesis and we are left with the League. I think that was the main objective. We continue to rely solely on us . Less than 10 days of the end. Instead of strengthening and uniting everyone around the goal, we prefer to devalue the path followed so far, preferring to stress the value of the route. There have been mistakes? Many. I have been critical in the same way to play continuously. The importance of tactics in modern football, it spreads on the ability to occupy the spaces, maintaining control of the ball, whether it is in our possession or the opponent. The good football before arriving at the feet of the players, starts on the head coaches. If MU with 10 does not get done and put Berbataov. Nani, start to constantly shoot from outside the area, had at least lost the game with Bolton. It was a risk, but did pause the game, putting Berbatov to arrest the two centarl backs, freeing up space for Nani shoot out of the area. The game changes depending on your circumstances.
Now the players. I do not agree with most comments. The 1st question is, who ends a contract this year? 2 nd – who does not end, or is part of the squad, there are hypothetical or interested or has to be borrowed. Unaware a1 th issue and consequently, who can leave at zero cost. On the second question, who is under contract and is “asked to leave” must be compensated.
Now names: Almunia, Rosicky, according Squillaci. Maybe Diaby and Denilson. Now most of your players proposed’m in complete disagreement.
One more point: AW started the season with a defense after holding that almost did not play any game. In my view, his biggest mistake was blurring the goalkeeper. I think a good goalkeeper, gives the team confidence, security and helps to steer the entire team for its privileged spot.
But let’s put a few names: I am convinced that Gameiro is safe and is a good bet. Is young, from a club without ambition has insight into the goal, it’s fast, reminds me a little bit and De Villa and Pires. Additionally, born and trained as a footballer in Strasbourg, home of AW.
Benzema? psychologically bad. It takes 21 goals scored in Madrid, is in a state of grace, but come from Madrid to Arsenal, difficult and expensive. I will forward a name, which I think at this point, the best man for the European area: Lorente (Bilbao). 26 years strong in the air, with excellent feet, owns a strong kick.
If Fabregas is out, I believe you could negotiate with Barcelona for the coming one to two players in return. At the top of preferences, Buskets. But it was necessary to find a new medium. I venture a name, but I have to take a closer look: Paulo Machado (Toulouse).
Defense: If Squillaci and Vermaelen out of time to recover, I still support Rolando (Porto). All depend on the possible list of layoffs. But first of all, we have a league to win, which was badly missed last year.
another question: opinions about the left winger of Wolwes call up by Cappelo. Who is this player? I know he starts in Milwall…
Night agag 🙂
HCAA, for a squad player he was good, yes he wasn’t the best but when he came on he gave his all, and i love him for that ‘tackle’ on Davids in Dennis’s testimonial, loved it…. 🙂
Hi JM, i’m not sure if i understand what you are saying in your comment – i am probably just being thick 😉
Hi JM.Good read.i hope we get more players that are fit to play a mix of the possession game and quick direct counter attacking.
Usmanov has upped his stake again.
That was a while ago i think KT, is that the 27% report?
Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has undergone exploratory surgery on his dislocated shoulder, sustained at Old Trafford in the recent FA Cup fixture against Manchester United.
The Club can confirm the positive news that there isn’t a need for reconstructive surgery and he will now begin a period of rehabilitation on the shoulder before returning to training in around a month.
i’m off for dinner, catch up in a bit…..
If I am correct (which doesn’t happen often), JM is saying we would be stupid to fire Wenger as other teams have spent huge fortunes and used many managers and they hae one nothing.
Wenger went from using a formula that worked for 8 years to a formula that hasn’t worked for 6 years.
I think it was forced upon him and to be honest, I have a sneaky feeling it still is.
It seems JD wasn’t badly injured after all.lets hope he is back in time for the spuds.
It def isn’t being forced on him now Will and never really was, what ever he wanted he’s always got from the board they to shit scared of loosing him
I’m talking more about his tactics, Will. Abandoning the 4-4-2 to adopt 4-3-3/4-5-1 to accommodate Fabregas. When Wenger played the 4-4-2 system there weren’t many teams that could live with us, & I still think we’d have won CL in 2006 if Lehmann hadn’t been sent off. The way Wenger operates the 4-3-3/4-5-1 just looks so predictable and impotent, as we’ve seen far too many times in the last 6 years.
I knew you would help me out Will, thanks 🙂
Why though WATH, are they scared of a new manager demading money??
HCAA – 4-3-3 is fine if you have the players but we don’t – same old square pegs in round holes for wenger and it doesn’t work…
I’m done for the day folks, catch you all tommorrow…
Nighty night…..
Nite Rico, chat 2moro, am off too nite peeps…!
Cheers all, goodnight. Let’s send our collective good karma to the club to replace the stagnant air with a mass of positive energy.
Morning all…..
Hola
Beautiful morning in the UK Lee, you here or overseas??
Morning guys, This is a good watch
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/latest-arsenal-s-new-wonderkid-living-up-to-reputation-as-next-cristiano-ronaldo/
Hi Rico, I live in sunny Colchester but unfortunately work in London, in an office where there are few windows!!
WOW!! “He is so quick, technically brilliant and has an eye for the goal” just what we need!!
Will, that kid looks the bees knees, hope he gets his visa this summer…
That’s not so good Lee but it has to be done – been there too but thankfully no more, at least in the winter you are warm 😉
Interesting.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3485257/How-the-Glazers-are-milking-Manchester-United.html
I am not to sure Rico. I would like him to get more end product. A lot of his final balls to straight to the defence but hopefully, he will learn that over there.
I remember when Rosicky used to play similar to that, what a shame he’s past it…
He’s still very young though Will, like you say, he will learn but i wish he’d learn here in England…
New Post going up….
Also, we are told about his electric pace but I saw plenty of defenders keeping up with him and the English game is faster so, for me, the jury’s out.
New Post is up Will…
I think the jury will be out for most fans Will, until we see him here in England, he is a bit of an unknow quantity, at least the reports are promising and it’ll be a season or two til he plays for us…