Daily Bits and Bobs

Arsenal bid turned down again? Reiss Nelson – the best bits…

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

One of the highlights of Arsenal FC’s pre-season so far has been the impressive performances of 17 year old Reiss Nelson which, despite playing out of position, have included a Man of the Match award whilst on tour in Sydney, an assist against Benfica in the Emirates Cup victory and praise from Arsene Wenger, fans and the wider media.

Here are some of the best bits of Nelson’s cameo appearance against Chelsea.

Nelson has long been rated as one of the best young prospects around and has spent much of the last couple of seasons being fast-tracked through the age groups (including playing regularly for the U23s last season), the below video, thanks to FFDTV Online, with Reiss as a 15 year old also further highlights his talent and potential.

If that’s not pleasing enough on the eye, then here’s him in training yesterday morning with a nutmeg and finish which is quite something.

Mbappe, who needs Mbappe?

I’d say we could do with him, and replacement for Santi Cazorla as this time next season we’re likely to lose a few players for free and we can’t rely on the little Spaniard being fit, certainly not for the entire season ahead, so now is the time to rebuild, not next summer when we’ll look like a club desperate for new players.

But time is pressing on, the season kicks off in less than a weeks time and ideally, those signings we need would have already been in the door and getting used to their team-mates by now, just as Lacazette and Sead have.

Apparently Wenger and his team are trying, that’s if the media are correct anyway as just this morning there’s suggestion that we’ve had a bid for Kingsley Coman turned down, but clearly they are not trying hard enough. Either that or simply being frugal when it comes to the offer made. No-one has ever suggested the club break the bank in a PSG for Neymar kind of fashion and I know Mbappe would be very very expensive but he’s young and we’ll get our money back on him. When one considers the amount of money some average footballers are being sold for during this transfer window, top players will come with a hefty price tag and Arsenal need to accept that.

They did with Lacazette, they’re going to have to again if they want Lemar or someone similar. Monaco clearly rate him highly so we as a club have to pay whatever it is they expect for him.

If we don’t, and soon, someone else will…..

rico

191 thoughts on “Arsenal bid turned down again? Reiss Nelson – the best bits…”

  3. Adam says:

    As for this coming season. Speaking to Gooner mates recently I would say that expectations are lower than they have been for a long time. There are so many scenarios that could play out but I think that Arsene must know that there are no excuses this time round which is why I am surprised he hasn’t steamed into the transfer market with more gusto.
    Leopards, spots and all that perhaps.

  4. rico says:

    Mine certainly are. And with so many set to leave next summer, things will possibly get worse. Unless Arsene goes before then..

  9. allezkev says:

    I remember driving past El Vinos back in 2009, the traffic stopped right outside and from within the bowels of that esteemed wine bar I heard some geezer moaning about Arsene Wenger, he was carrying a guitar and had a manic look in his eyes. ?

  15. Bob John says:

    After all the unrest last season you would have thought the penny may finally had dropped but instead we get another load of bollox from Gazides about the club”s ambition followed by the usual ham-fisted attempts at transfers. Given that Sanchez clearly wants out and we have a glut of players we can”t shift taking up wages and squad numbers then there is absolutely no cause for optimism. Chuck in that blood-sport bastard Kroenke and his vile TV channel then you see s club in turmoil on and off the field. Thank God for No Farah!

  16. goonster says:

    Howdy gooners….looking forward to the game tomorrow but nothing i ve seen this preseason exites me. Reiss nelson is a baller but watch him stagnate under lefraud. We ve seen it all before ramsey Wilshire aneke afobe et al. We might scrape through and make the “coveted” top 4 trophy. Thats all i see happening this season. Which represents a total failure and malaise but watch the AKBs lap it up and “glorify” it. My arsenal apathy has now gravitated into something else. Don’t even know what i feel for the club anymore. Anyway like i said earlier i look forward to watching the arse again but with so huge reservations and complete and utter disbelief that we re still stuck with this twat in 2017/2018 season. Bummer.

  17. rico says:

    Mo was superb again last night wasn’t he…

    Goonie, I wouldn’t bank on a top four finish. If Koeman gets all his players gelling, they’ll be a strong team, West Ham too perhaps…

  18. Le Coq Monster says:

    Afternoon all and thanks Rico.

    There is one thing I asolutely 100% dont believe and that`s Perez was someone other than Wenger`s buy !…………………………………….does anyone …………………..and I`d like to see the proof !…………………..think players get bought without Wenger`s say so ?………………………no way in a million years !

    I know Rico doesn`t like anyone saying someone else`s comments are rubbish, but that is…………………I wont say it, but you cant stop me thinking it ! hahaha

    Lovely and sunny here again !

  19. Meerkat says:

    Hi all.

    I know everyone will disagree, but here goes;-)

    Why didn’t we sell the guy, whom I have vowed not to mention again coz I’m sick of hearing about him, straight away, and get top dollar for him, then go and buy a long-term replacement?

    If he stays, he will have the hump, (more than usual) not give top performances, and team morale will suffer.
    Then he will sod off with a big signing on fee in his back pocket. We will then be short of a top player, and without the £50 million in the bank to spend on a replacement!!

    The way things are panning out with no big signings, we are doomed, and we will be reliving Goonhog day all season.

    As already said, we have a surplus of payers that won’t move on, not that anyone particularly wants them, because they are happy to pick up their wages every week- oh yeah – and ‘fight for their place in the team’ LOL.

    We can’t flippin’ give Wheelchair away. Strange that Perez, who clearly isn’t wanted, has a few clubs after him. What does that tell us? Why is he not given a chance instead of being humiliated by the club? Probably too late now, he’s had enough, and who can blame him?

    I don’t think I can take any more humiliations (such as those suffered last season).
    As things stand we will end up below Totts, Poo’s, Chelski, Citeh and Manure. Perhaps also Everton and West ham, plus another surprise team such as the Foxes again.

    That would make us 8th/9th next May.

    I am depressed today, who’da thunk it? Dreading tomorrow.

  20. rico says:

    Lc, if you’re right and Wenger wanted Lucas, why the heck didn’t he play him. Especially when one considers how well he did play on the odd occasion he got a chance…

  21. potter says:

    I said the other day that this is Wenger’s last hurrah, He will keep Sanchez until he realises that it’s not working , I expect him, Sanchez that is, to leave in January for a derisory amount. Furthermore I anticipate that Wenger may well go at the end of the season when the whole thing blows up in his face. He is not bothered about the legacy that he leaves , this is it last chance saloon time . He is gambling but we are paying for it.

  22. rico says:

    Meerkat, have you seen the pics of Alexis training? He looks as happy as Larry. He’s the last player I’d expect to sulk, he loves playing football too much…

  24. Le Coq Monster says:

    Bizarre that one Rico………………………..scored a hat trick in the CL and goals in FA Cup( we are the champions of FAC )

  25. Le Coq Monster says:

    Anyway !………………..why should Alexis be unhappy ?……………………………..he already gets a decent wage, will play more at Arsenal than at ManC and at the end of the season have the choice of any club after him with massive wages as no buying fee will be involved and who know`s, if he wins the title at Arsenal may well stay !……………..win win situation for Alexis………………and his puppies wont be eaten by selling now to a Chinese club !……woof woof hooray !

  26. Le Coq Monster says:

    …………………and I`m not dreading tomorrow !……………………………………..more important bigger fish on Friday…………….which will soon be here !……………….less than a week !……………….who else is peeing themselves with excitement ? hahaha

  29. Meerkat says:

    Yep. I have seen them before rico (and LC, but thanks for the reminder). I take any media shots or stories with a big lump of salt.
    Of course I believe he smiled and trained. That doesn’t change my opinion though. Soz;-)
    If they are losing badly at Wembley tomorrow, we will see.
    I hope I am proved wrong.

    LC, of course next Friday is the more important game, but a bad loss tomorrow may set the tone.Whereas a win, will help lift morale.

    I’m still pissed that we don’t have a star player to unveil.

  34. Le Coq Monster says:

    Yeah, but if we lose, M`kat, Lord Wenger may dip into his deep pockets !……………. 🙂

    Olympian stuff Kev !
    🙂

  35. Le Coq Monster says:

    Then again !………………………….although a minute trophy/shield, it would be nice to win some silver at Spuds ground !…………………..The Theatre of Screams !

  49. rico says:

    Just think, if he gets the sack by Christmas we’ll all be singing ‘happy new year’…

    That’s me done for Abba, can’t think of any more…

  55. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Morning all on game day,

    For me one of the most frustrating things about this transfer period is that The Club hasn’t offloaded enough deadwood yet. There is lots of lip service relating to it, but not enough action.

    Sam Kerr the best female footballer on the planet @ the moment?

  57. Obi says:

    That’s not good news if AW made a bid for Kinsgley Coman. That mean Lemar is not coming.

    This confirms my speculation that Lemar was to replace Santi, because Coman’s best position is CM…….

  58. Lee says:

    So if Sanchez smiles when training, he’s not happy if he laughs whilst on the bench he’s taking the piss out of the team for losing, if he bollocks another team mate he’s selfish and sulking?!?! Oh and greedy for wanting to leave….

    Bloody hell make your minds up!

    He’s our best player by a country mile, maybe oh maybe he’s frustrated by the fact Arsenal are under achieving and could do so much better. There’s players like Ramsey/Ozil etc that could take a leaf out of Sanchez’ s work ethic book we’d be doing a lot better as a team!

    Arsenal win today for me.

  59. rico says:

    Morning Lee, Obi, Gg and all.

    Poor Alexis, can’t do anything right these days…

    Spot on imo, his work ethic should be an example to others, Ox seems to have caught on…

  60. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning all from the sunshine county………… 🙂

    I think the Neymar deal may possibly turned any transfer sagas on their heads !………………………I mean, Barca now have £200M cash in the bank and can now buy anyone and probably will !…….funny really, as we have had £200M cash in the bank for quite a while and………………………………still have £200M in the bank !

    Also our £200M in the bank has been there for a few seasons………..at a time when £80m got you the very best !…………………….probably could have got 4 top players back then and won the league and bigger sponsors and more fans…………………………..speculate to accumalate !…………….never put into practice at our club………………………………… well not whilst we have the win double of Kronke and Wenger at the helm !.

  61. Le Coq Monster says:

    Trouble is GG, how do you get Jenkinson supposedly on £45k pw to go elsewhere on £20k pw……………………………and I`m being generous there!

  62. rico says:

    Regardless of Neymar, which has as you say given Barca loads of money which they can spend, Wenger had had nearly two months to get his signings in. But again, I suspect dithering and penny pinching will turn out to be his downfall. And ours.

  65. Le Coq Monster says:

    All I will say, Rico, is it on Ornstein ? 🙂

    Nothing on Ornstein for nearly 2 weeks………………………..I think the Qataris may have bought him !………………PSG only want the best rumour miller ! 🙂

  67. ScottfromOz says:

    Ozil has much more quality than Alexis does, imo.
    Germanys player of the year.
    World Cup.
    I guess we Arsenal fans now like someone who hands the ball to the opponents 11.24 times a match, waves his arms around, abuses team mates and loves a dive!!

  69. rico says:

    Morning Adam. I suspect they’ll be more around 3.45pm.

    Scott, there’s no doubt Ozil’s quality but he’s extremely lazy. When the going gets tough, he goes missing.

  70. allezkev says:

    Morning All

    Morning Rico, save any new post for tomorrow, it’ll be busy on here anyway and they’ll be a lot of moaning on here as well as I think we’ll lose…

    Morning Adam, Lee…

    Rocky, where art thou..?

  71. rico says:

    Morning Kev. I’m not doing a post today, see if it brings us luck then I won’t do a preview for the rest of the season… 😉

  72. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, running 11k’s a game isn’t laziness.
    His lack of defending is irresponsible, no question, but at least he’s not a petulant diver 🙂

  75. ScottfromOz says:

    GG, Santi is an absolute gun.
    If he’s healthy enough, he should be our first player picked, imo.
    He took a dive very, very early on his Arensal career, won a penalty and we won 1-0…West Ham I think.
    Find the post that day and you will see I ripped into him, so if that’s what you’re aiming at, and I hope you’re not, don’t bother as I NEVER support a diver.
    Word has it Arsene tore into him as diving isn’t what Arsenal players do and guess what?
    He’s never done it again:
    Alexis does it all the time but hey, he runs plenty,
    Waves his arms around so it’s all good lol

  78. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico,
    And anyone can wave their arms around, hand the ball to opponents a dozen times and abuse teammates.

  79. rico says:

    Scott. You are one of only a few who can only see that in Alexis. Most of us realise what a mess we’d be in without him. Hey ho, whatever floats your boat I guess..

  82. potter says:

    A description of Sanchez might be a flawed genius , Sure he has his faults but in the main his benefits outweigh the detriments. Certainly we are better with him than without in this present squad and as much as I appreciate the difficulty he causes in us criticising other teams for playing the referee . As we have seen over the years they don’t appear to have the balls to stop it and we always seemed to be the ones that suffered.

  83. ScottfromOz says:

    GG, 2 years?
    In my humble opinion, if I said Alexis isn’t a diver i’d be less than honest.
    Apart from his goal scoring, he hasn’t a single trait a football fan could admire, imo,
    No loyalty to his teammates, the manager, club or fans.
    Oh ok, he hasn’t said he wants out, but the guy hasn’t even suggested the rumours are incorrect, either, so guilty as charged imo.
    He’s never extended a contract.
    I’m sorry, but can anyone show me a single reason to have faith in the man?
    I’m failing to find a reason.

  84. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, I’m not one of a few to say the truth about him being a diver.
    I’m one of very few in this group, but as we’ve shown recently, anyone anti Arsene is automatically pro Alexis is it’s hardly representative of Arsenal fans worldwide.

  85. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    You base your opinions about Alexis from what you read on newsnow Scott?

    So what if he dives, @ least he is diving for The Arsenal. I mean ffs, Arsene Wenger believes in playing the game with the right spiwit. What has that achieved? In Arsene’s early days his players were constantly red carded, but he won Titles. What do do say about all those red cards back in the day?

  86. ScottfromOz says:

    GG, so what if he dives?
    He’s a cheat!
    You can choose to condone cheating but I do not because for some of us, the game comes first and foremost.
    Amazing you actually see that as MY weakness, but so be it.
    As for Newsnow-well, what a crock of shit.
    I don’t even look at it, and haven’t for years, but I dare say you’re more guilty than I am of forming an opinion based on what others say, and especially what you deem is popular.
    I say what I think and am open and honest in my opinions.
    How many people agree with anything I say???????
    If that doesn’t tell you I think for myself than nothing will!
    Red cards 10-15 years ago?
    Are you comparing the game then to now?
    Ok then lol

  87. ScottfromOz says:

    Is that we fans have come to?
    Condoning and even encouraging divers?!!!!
    And we criticise Arsene-a man who holds the game in the highest esteem?
    A man who truly loves the club, and the game?
    There it is-for all true football fans to see.

  88. rico says:

    As you know Scott, I only talk about what’s said on here with my views, otherwise I’ll say where I’ve read something so I think you knew I meant on here you are one of very few who see Alexis the way you do.

    I just don’t understand the diver tag you have given him. Maybe he’s gone over lightly as so many footballers do, but an out and out diver, I just don’t see it.

  90. West Sussex gooner says:

    I just don’t see arsenal challenging for the league this season we still need a cm and cb and a winger probably .

  94. potter says:

    I think that perhaps you are still bathing in the rosy glow of their recent charm offensive. You have to bear in mind that any kids going to London Colney will be shown the door. Your boys have been a lot more in contact with the squad and manager than any in this country save the odd junior gunner that gets to go on the pitch before kick off.
    None of us are above criticism and certainly Wenger does not deserve to be a protected species , he has his good and bad traits like everyone else and is quite capable of saying one thing today and changing the story almost immediately. He’s not above manipulating the truth , chasing fourth officials and playing the victim when it suits for his own advantage which is kind of like managerial diving , if you like.

  100. frednerk says:

    Afternoon Rico and All
    Looks like Arsene has settled for the 3 who played
    at the back for Cup Final…
    I thought that was a one off…But this is Arsene.
    The last few years when a big game comes up,
    do you get the feeling he has the excuses all
    ready lined up.

    Anyway fingers crossed..Come on you Reds.

  104. Obi says:

    Hi All:

    Scott if I remembered correctly, you wanted Luis Suarez. If Sanchez is a cheat, why did you wanted Suarez then…… they don’t come any worse than Suarez if honest and integrity are criteria in football….. With regard to the waving of hands, Ozil and Ramsey does it too….. As you said before Alexis holds the ball too long and wants to beat 3 men at a time, it is for that very reason that he goes down because he gets hacked a lot, in his defense.

  106. rico says:

    Doesn’t cont for this one I think Bob.

    You did Adam. Couldn’t quite see what Per had injured. Lots of blood though..

  108. rico says:

    Obi. Have to agree re Alexis getting hacked, I think nearly every club targets him because they know how dangerous he is.

  111. rico says:

    Bob, from the official site, Kos has been left out as he’s suspended for the first two league fixtures. He could have featured today though it says..

  116. Bradster says:

    Hi all, reckon it’s cotton wool for Kos, only important games. Wish Wenger did that with Santi.

  118. rico says:

    Elneny pops up everywhere on the pitch.Just wish he’d pass the ball forwards more instead of back. Keeps it simple though and no fancy stuff.

  119. Meerkat says:

    Wy on earth is Danny Welbeck playing in a position where he needs a left foot? He cannot control or pass the ball.
    Theo and Gorgeous on now, perhaps we might grab a couple of goals.

  128. allezkev says:

    Nice goal, great cross by Xhaka and good finish by Sead, I think he’s gonna be popular with the fans.

    Not a bad performance overall although we looked suspect to the high ball when BFG went off.
    Penalty shootout. Cech. Nah..

  132. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    More silverware over the chavs?

    We won the Shield, at Tottenham,
    We won the Shield at Tottenham.

  136. Bradster says:

    Ok Potter, no worries for my fantasy team then.
    Damn, we haven’t won the league after winning the charity shield.
    However, we are the team that breaks records (mostly for the wrong reasons)

  137. Obi says:

    I have said it for 2 years on here Morata is overrated, remember I was on record last year that I would not even pay 25m for him. There’s a reason Batshuayi is being featured and they r still holding on to Costa….. Anyone who watched him at Juve should’ve seen it.

  139. Adam says:

    The size and colour of Hoddle’s head is freaky and gruesomely fascinating.
    A well-deserved win and a good spot from the ref on that shocking tackle by that ghastly little shit Pedro. That’s the sort of assault that puts a player out for weeks.

  140. frednerk says:

    Hoddle was topping up the Charlie Chan more like it.
    Kia – Ora anyone.

    Great performance from the whole team.
    Arsene has done it again..Amazing.
    Our fans showed the chavs who’s the top club
    in london.

  141. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`m looking for the future hat trick……………..what the fcuk is he on about I hear you say !………………….we owned Shitre Hart Lane……………..we own their temp accomodation !……………..so lets own the new Shite Hart Lane in the future !

    Although Friday is what matters, it`s nice to win a bit of silver at Spuds ground again and not bad for an under strength team with our 3 best players out !…………………………………Arsene still needs to spend though, dont think this means we are world beaters Lord Wenger !………….use the force !

  142. ScottfromOz says:

    Obi, I hardly wanted Suarez lol
    At one point, I accepted the fact we were chasing him and seemingly would sign him but that’s as far as it went, so I’d say you remember Incorrectly, though I’m sure if anyone looks hard enough, I probably made a comment at the time which, when taken out of context, made me seem pretty happy about it.
    Rico/GG, I’ll remain of the opinion he’s a diver and everyone else will obviously believe what they choose to.
    Job done today, and the fact we didn’t get massacred will no doubt upset all the right people 🙂
    Still, I hope as much as anyone else it doesn’t give Arsene a false sense of security, as far as squad depth is concerned.

  143. rico says:

    I was surprised Elneny got up from that one..

    Apart from a few dodgy moments at the back, thought we looked half decent today..

    Made me laugh hearing the pundits say Chelsea have sold all their squad players and now need to buy big. Don’t they have twenty odd players out on loan?

  146. allezkev says:

    The panel, who was it, Gerrard, Lampard, Hoddle, McManaman, what a bunch of tossers?

    Let them big up Chelsea, Costa wouldn’t have made any difference, Hazard maybe but we were without Ramsey, Ozil and Alexis, so suck it up….

  148. allezkev says:

    Adam, I thought that Elneny had a decent game, I just wish that he could shoot…

    Holding again looked strong, a proper defender.

  149. rico says:

    Haha Kev. It was funny after when he said Courtois usually fires into a top corner. Cech dived bottom right… 😉

    Adam, I really like him. He doesn’t try anything fancy like Ramsey, keeps it simple and the ball moving..

  150. Adam says:

    Yes to both of you. Although he isn’t the most skillfull his work-rate and general enthusiasm for the game is great to watch. I bet it inspires others too. I liked the atmosphere around the squad at the end when Alexis came on the pitch.
    I won’t have a moan about our slack moments in defence until tomorrow. 🙂

  151. rico says:

    Agree, at the end it was clear to see how happy they all were together. Lovely to see all of them going up for the trophy, fit or not. Alexis hugging everyone showed what a miserable old so and do he is… 😉

  154. Le Coq Monster says:

    My observations from the game………………………………..Yes, I like Elneny too, yes he may lack the incisive pass of Ozil, Alexis etc`, but he does a lot of running( not just on a track 🙂 ) and keeps it ticking over nicely !…………………………………..Xhaka is what I said he would be when too many didn`t give him a chance, he is our Alonso type !………………………………………………..Monreal imo is a better central defender than he is a LB or LWB, he reads the game well and gets in quickly not allowing strikers time on the ball !……………………………….even though I am the strongest advocate of Ox as LWB, Kolasinac is growing on me and he did well in the left of a back 3, so room for both !…………………………….Hoddle is a blind cnut !..”Chelsea have lost this, they were the better team and missed loads of chances “, or words to that effect !……what a tosser !…………………….this is the man who said disabled people were paying for their sins !………..he should be stoned for a dodgy mullet and singing Diamond Lights, a sin against fashion and music !

  155. Le Coq Monster says:

    And definately a red card !…..I`ve been struggling with an achiles tendon injury for months and it`s not nice………Pedro raked Elneny`s tendon and will now be a stand by for the phantom of the opera !

  158. Le Coq Monster says:

    When asked about the size of his squad, Arsene Wenger replied, “To be honest, the number is too high,

    We will let some players go. Too much competition for places is detrimental, but not enough competition for places is detrimental as well,”

    Oh and we have now won 9 on the bounce at Wembley !…………….must be a record surely !
    🙂

  159. Le Coq Monster says:

    So say`s Theo, Rico !……………..Sead probably towel flicks Theo in the showers ! hahaha

  161. Meerkat says:

    Honestly, I swear that I thought when Sanchez came onto the pitch at the end, he looked as dejected as Courtois did.
    Ox did ok, he faded in the second half.
    Overall, a fair result, but a brilliant victory over them again.

  162. ScottfromOz says:

    Last 3 starts v Chelsea have seen us win twice, lose with a very depleted starting 11, and grab two trophies.
    Meerkat, but he was happy at training lol

  163. allezkev says:

    Cocker, that tackle by Pedro was exactly the same type of Achilles rake that put Wilshere out for a year when that slag Paddy McNair did him a couple of years back.
    So I’m delighted he got the red card.

    I’ve not commented on the Alexis debate, but he goes on a lot of dangerous runs with the ball, running at opponents and basically opening up defences, not many in our team/squad except possibly Wilshere, run with the ball, it’s a lost art, the close control, Messi does it all the time and he’s called a genius!

    Well of course the easy way to stop Alexis is to nudge him off balance as he runs with the ball, it happens all the time and those players who don’t go over are idiots because the referees will not blow for a free kick, even though it’s a foul. So Alexis is absolutely correct in exaggerating the incident and if need be going to ground.
    Football is not played by the Corinthians anymore it’s a fcuking hard business and you have to play your opponent in exactly the same way they play you, otherwise you are naive and are bound to fail…

    There is not a footballer, at the top level, who doesn’t exaggerate a foul.

  164. ScottfromOz says:

    Kev, I don’t criticise players for exaggerating a foul, just when they go over with no contact at all, and he’s done that a few times since joining us.
    Great player, dangerous to opponents and again, I’d be more than happy to see him stay, but he has to show us he wants to stay.
    I’m not seeing anything that shows us he wants to be at the club, to be honest.
    If he just sees this season out, I hope he gives his all as most predict he will.
    If that happens, it’s purely on Wenger-should’ve sorted it last season or sold him now, imo.
    Fancy letting a player worth so much go on a free, but I’m glad a particular German club did this season 🙂 🙂

  165. Wavy says:

    Evening all. Just back from sunny Wembley. What a game, what a result….1-1 ?

    I was particularly pleased by Cech’s 100% penalty saves record! He still hasn’t save one!! Still, at least he stood tall between the posts and made himself look ugly and impenetrable! One day he will get a hand to one and make a genuine save, just like Martinez and Ospina have done!
    I made Xhaka mom although he was just a gnats whisker ahead of Elneny.
    And,
    LC I used the same terminology about our new LB ‘brick outhouse’ is absolutely the right description. I do believe old man Wenger has unearthed a beast, and for free as well!
    Didn’t think for a moment that we would win so a draw was always a good result. And the curse of the Shield, ie win it and the EPL becomes out of reach, we are still in with a chance! So are the chavs, of course, but I was really under whelmed by their approach to the game and their ability to play it. They won’t be winning the league this year on the evidence of today, imo.

    We did well. Friday is the moment. Beat Leicester on Friday and we’re up and running, draw or worse lose and the season will be a sour and dour affair, I think.

    Anyway a good day out. Aims dark here so I’ll sign off, for now!

  166. Meerkat says:

    I agree with your take on it Scott. I Just watched the highlights, and after match interviews on BBC1, Match Of The Day.

    Le Prof made it clear that Sanchez is not leaving, but interestingly he said that he told Sanchez and the others to go onto the pitch at the end. (If he hadn’t, they wouldn’t have joined their teammates celebrations).
    He added that it was right that Sanchez did, because he had contributed a lot last season to get the club to Wembley, and without him, they may not have made it. He said Sanchez is a nice guy, and a pro, and would give 100% this season.
    Nice touch Prof.

    He made an effort though and I’m sure he has a few mates amongst the team, so no doubt was pleased for them.

    As long as he does give his all as per usual when he plays, all of us will be happy I presume.

  167. Meerkat says:

    It looked lovely there wavy. Lucky you.
    You were correct btw, Xhaka was named motm at the end.

    Just wondered what you thought of Bellerin today? On TV you don’t really see it all, but he seemed off his game today.

  170. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Well, well, well. Good to see Boom Xhaka, Lhaka, Lhaka starting to get some praise finally. He is ok, just needed time to pick up the temp, etc. Future captain IMO, only time will tell.

  172. allezkev says:

    Scott, you may or may not be right about Alexis diving, but frankly no incidents stick in my mind.

    And I’m sure if he was a serial diver, that the BBC, Sky, BT, ICI, MGM and all the press would be all over him like a rash, just as Pires and Eduardo were routinely dug out by the media whilst Rooney, Suarez, Gerrard and Co escaped any criticism.

    Don’t you think it’s strange that if Alexis was the diving devil incarnate that he isn’t constantly pilloried?

    You know what, frankly I don’t give a shit if he goes over occasionally, because everyone else and their dog does it.

  173. ScottfromOz says:

    I read Xhaka had 90 odd passes at 100% accuracy.
    No doubt plenty would’ve been simple passes but still, that’s incredible.

  174. ScottfromOz says:

    Kev, fair enough.
    It’s not the only factor that sways my opinion of him but really, it doesn’t matter what any of us think.
    As long as he puts in and plays his part, I’ve got no issue.

  175. allezkev says:

    Exactly Scott, he is going to divide opinion among the fan base for this, his last season.

    But as long as he gives what he’s given over the previous 3 years then I’ll sign for that.

    And despite what utter garbage is written in the press, I’m going to enjoy watching him in an Arsenal shirt and if/when he leaves next summer then I’ll say thanks mate, you was worth every penny these last 4 years, because believe me, I’ve seen plenty in an Arsenal shirt who haven’t been worth a fcuking rub…

  176. allezkev says:

    I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think that Arsene is going to sign anymore new players, unless he gets a kid or two?

    What we have imo, is it…

  177. ScottfromOz says:

    No question we’ve had the our share of duds lol
    Arsene must surely believe he’s a chance of extending, because I can’t see him allowing Alexis to leave on a free.

  179. Obi says:

    I just don’t get a lot of Arsenal fan with this sell Sanchez idea. What do you care if he walks next year? It is not your money. Arsenal supposedly has had 200m sitting in the bank for 2 years and didn’t spend it, but we are to believe that 50m for Sanchez will be invested in the club. Stop it guys.

    We just got Sead for free, a player that teams were bidding 25m and 30m for in January; so Sanchez walks it’s a lost of 20m. AW bid 100m for Mbappe, how about spending some of that money to improve the team NOW, rather than worrying/ speculating about Sanchez walking for free? Get Lemar here, go for Seri/ Illaramendi/Marchisio/ Niguez anyone of these will do the job, and just play for this season. Forget next year for now.

  180. ScottfromOz says:

    Fair call, Obi, but it’s more to do with the question of whether or not he wants to be at the club.
    As Rico says, he’s never actually said he wants out, but then, he hasn’t said anything publicly.
    It’d be nice to know the truth lol
    Either way you’re right, it’s not our money.

  182. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Evening all,

    Looking out the kitchen window here, heavy dumps of snow on all three mountains.

    Speaking of which, interesting to hear Talksport dump on Chelsea. They lose a penalty shootout, & all of a sudden the fickled media say they have a thin squad & The Arsenal has a squad brimming with depth ?

  184. ScottfromOz says:

    Morning guys.
    I just watched the last 35 minutes or so-we looked pretty decent without being fantastic.
    Morata needs to learn about physicality if he wants to succeed in England.
    A few times he was outmuscled quite easily by our lads-who’d ever thought they could say that about our backs lol
    Courtois’ penalty just landed in Alaska.

  188. Wavy says:

    Morning all.

    Charity begins at home! Is winning the shield, albeit on penalties, the dawning of a age in the acquisition of more silverware by the underachieving Arsenal football club? Or is it yet another false dawn?
    I’m not convinced that the team is much better today than it was last Christmas. There were periods of the game, quite long periods when our team of warriors could not hang on to the ball. Renowned for our ‘possession’ football in was not much in evidence yesterday. Unusual for our players to so like Teflon. Not a good thing! They could and perhaps should have scored 2 or 3 goals before half time. A combination of poor finishing and bad luck prevented the team from not going in ahead before the break. Finishing is still an issue.
    Still a win is a win and the season will unfold over the next few weeks for good or ill.

    Dull and overcast here. Not a good start to the week.

  189. Adam says:

    Rico. I am still worried about Cech’s lax distribution to players that can be immediately pressed. That cost us the goal yesterday. What do you think about the possibility of Ox heading out?
    A curate’s egg of a player for me. But I wouldn’t sell him to Liverpool unless we could screw them for really crazy money. And even then I wouldn’t sell to them after the way they tried to humiliate the club over Suarez.

  191. rico says:

    I too worry about Cech Adam. He’s far from the keeper he was in his Chelsea days.

    Ox, I’d prefer him to stay, definitely no dealing with Liverpool…

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