Morning all.
Quick gossip round up before K-TR7’s post.
The Telegraph report that we are still hoping to get Lars Bender and/or Sami Khedira. Apparently Jose wants the latter and we all know he loves to get one over Arsene Wenger .
Stan Collymore has tweeted that he spoke to the players Agent yesterday and he confirmed that we are in talks and hope to get the player signed.
Loic Remy continues to make the Arsenal pages too with a story suggesting he is to choose between us, Newcastle and Tottenham. Logic would suggest, there is only one club he’d choose and that’s us, he’s said for many years he wants to play for Arsenal, well now could be his time.
However, having seen us sign Sanchez, he may just start thinking about playing time and whether he’d get much with us. I personally think he would, if he’s ready to fight for his place, he’ll play if he performs well.But many footballs want things on a plate these days and if he’s not up for the competition, then he’s not for us is he. I still have a hunch he’ll be in a Puma kit next season.
As will the girlfriend of Alexis Sanchez.
Today’s post:
When Van Persie decided to leave the club in the year 2012 I was heartbroken.
I remember that day when the news broke on this very blog I was so angry that fellow Housers had to calm me down. I really rated RvP but the way he turned his back on us further justified my stance in not growing attached to football players.
To this day I only own two replica jerseys with players on them, a Rosicky Arsenal jersey and a Mesut German jersey.
Now we have Alexis Sanchez, a player I rate highly enough to buy a kit with his name on it, a player I have followed from his days with Udinese days, where he really shone brightly.
Since the Dutchman left we have had no cutting edge player in the front line. In the current market its so difficult to get such players since most of them are at the biggest clubs in Europe and would be ridiculously expensive to purchase.
Wenger this past year even said that there are fewer top class forwards being produced in Europe and that the only continent which is doing well is South America. Oh boy was he right. He and our negotiation team deserve plaudits for being able to acquire Alexis.
For those who are wondering what all the hype is all about let me elaborate.
At Udinese Alexis was a menace. He first started playing out wide as a conventional winger where his dribbling skills and immense work rate both in attack and defence really stood out.
However he really went up a level when he was switched to playing in the middle as part of a front two. He was brilliant up top. He had the freedom to drift all over the final 3rd and this made it even harder for the opposition to cope with him. He was especially lethal on counter attacks and even the likes of Mourinho back at Inter then, had to instruct players to man mark him in order to minimise his impact.
Playing him closer to the goal saw him improve his scoring threat and soon enough the vultures came circling and Udinese had to sell.
Man City scouts had prepared a 59 page scout report on him and were very keen to sign him but he chose to join the Catalan giants.
Upon arrival to Barca, Guardiola observed that Alexis really liked to take risks on the ball by taking defenders at every opportunity and I think he was discouraged to do this. Instead, he was taught on how to make better off the ball movements to allow Messi to flourish.
It was difficult for him since as he had to re-learn how to play again. He was also very shy and this made it even harder for him to settle in initially. In a recent Q/A he pretty much confirmed this.
Q: How has Alexis changed his way from the way he was at Udinese?
A: I attacked any way I could before. I’d always take on players on. Now I have to read each sitiuation, to take players on but make sure I don’t lose the ball. They are the kind of things the team and club club demand.
Q: Is it difficult to play for Barca?
A: Yes, I think so. I’ve had to learn to play football all over again. What I did in Italy I could not do here. Before I would always wait for the ball at my feet, try to beat three players, and I was the one who tried to pass the ball into space, because the other players opened the field for me.
Q: Do you think you’re now a better player than you arrived?
A: I believe that I’ve adapted and that is very important when we talk about the best team in the world. But I’m still not what I can be, I am sure that I can be better, that am not playing entirely freely. I have shown that I can beat players here and give an assist, like I did in Italy- but I also have a sense of what I have not yet demonstrated. It’s that at times I want to take a defender one-on-one but I can’t shoot, because the team is behind me and I know I should pass the ball back to start play over.
At Barca he learnt a lot about off the ball movement under Guardiola. He became so good at it and it contributed to many goals for Messi.
If you can get your hands on some Messi goals, keep an eye on Alexis and you’ll see just how good he is at dragging defenders all over the place. He also improved his vision so much that he can spot passes like an Attacking Midfielder.
On the downside his individuality was toned down as I have shown in the bold section of the transcript. He can do more and he knows this.
The number of successful dribbles per game at his best at Udinese was 3 which dropped drastically to 0.9 at Barca. At the world cup, he had 5.3 successful dribbles per game which is very high.
This is what his Chilean coach had to say:
Perhaps at Barca, with the team-mates he has and all great players there, it is more difficult, but for me he has all the conditions to be the best players in the world: assists, goals, dribbles, everything.
This is where Wenger comes in.
At Barca he added off the ball movement and refined his vision to become a better team player in addition to his undeniable individual quality and immense offensive and defensive work-rate.
This feels like the moment Wenger took a certain left winger from Juve and nurtured him into our best player ever.
Alexis has everything you need in a forward. He is now complete. Wenger will now give him back that freedom he solely craves to be one of the very best.
Mesut Ozil must be excited too since he’ll have a moving target at all times. Giroud is another player who will benefit so much from Alexis.
Where will he play?
Wenger likes his best players central so we’ll have to wait and see but you can be sure he will get that free role. If there is a player who could come close to replicate what Henry did for us I’d bet on Alexis to be the man. So much that I’ll buy his tight Puma kit after hitting the gym to fit in it ;-).
This is truly a watershed moment for the club.
Seeing Ozil welcome Sanchez to the club is the stuff of dreams since it would’ve been inconceivable just a year ago and if you had told me we would sign the number 10 and number 9 from the Spanish giants in consecutive years I would’ve laughed hysterically at you.
Remember when we haggled over 5mil for Schwarzer?…
We deserve this, we really do…..
Welcome to Arsenal Football Club Alexis Sanchez, welcome…..!!
Written by K-TR7
Morning Kt and all…
Good read Kt and thank you.
A big welcome to Sanchez from me too.
I have to go out for the day, catch up this afternoon. Hope Sami is in by then….. 😉
Brb after reading the post
https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/487739845197180929
Good Morning Sun Chess Cheezy crusts.
How is life today? Heard the weather is not too clement in the area of Leigh on Sea.
Even in Dipperland the skies are grey and crying with grief because Sun Chess has not joined their wailing toothless gnashers club
Off to read the daily holy sermon.
Well done KT
good post.
But SunChess is not RVP’s replacement. He is as you pointed out…….a certain winger turned striker. So in essence he replaces TH14.
Morning All…
Morning Rico…
Like the girlfriend of Alexis Sanchez, she has hypnotic lazer blue eyes… 😀
http://
desigunner.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/welcome-
alexis-sanchez-and-a-new-age-for-arsenal/.You guys should check desi gooner sometimes,he write great post on analysis of matches and pre match analysis,he rarely got it wrong.
Thanks devil/rico.I agree he replaces Henry devil.however the point i was trying to make is that since the dutchman left we have had no outstanding forward.he is the 1st.
wait till you see my eyes habib.
http://desigunner.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/welcome-
alexis-sanchez-and-a-new-age-for-arsenal/
What a good news for arsenal and arsenal supporters to hear the signning of Alexis Sanchez and it is good start for arsenal
Blue eyes? Is she a descendent of a Scottish highland clearance settler or perhaps her antecedents came from another part of Europe, after a massive conflict 70 years ago……..who the f cares she is is well nice ain’t she!! Good on him I just hope she can keep him at home! During term time, of course.
Good read KT…
I wonder, now that Gazides and Law have, it seems, more latitude to negotiate for players, if they’ll go head to head with Gazprom for Khadira…
Just match their offer and leave it to Sam to choose where to go.
Park the Bus FC
Or
Arsenal All Stars FC
Coach, I have seen your eyes, a little bloodshot, but quite breathtaking… 😛
Thanks kev.to put it into context how much of a bargain Sanchez is Di maria is rumoured to be interested in a move to PSG in a move that could cost almost double what we paid for Alexis.
Am actually starting to think we are really going in hard for Khedira.am not his biggest fan though but a midfield of khedira/ramsey/arteta say at stamford bridge would be excellent.
welcome sanchez from african stands we salute your tireles efforts u gave to win at barca nw show us what u can do at our grEat club Arsenal
Di Maria would have been a great signing KT, but as you say, his transfer fee was growing towards unsustainable proportions…
But who knows, we might still be in for him as well?
If Arsenal continue to up the ante with Khadira, we might force Gazprom to go over budget to out-bid us, thus affecting their FFP…
Thag might scupper other transfer plans they have this summer?!
Arsenal are still in a very strong position this summer, spending only what we earn…
Maybe the worm has turned, at last?
I’ve just seen a picture of Robben on BBC sportsday web site. Do you know he has the distinct look of Gollum! I suppose his ‘precious’ would be a small ball!
ktr7 – I enjoyed your post.;)
Like I am still dreaming. I can’t believe we’ve signed Sanchez 😉 😉
We deserve this kev.remember when we were being linked to players like Cana/Gourcuff?…we even baulked at paying £5mil for Schwarzer FFS!we are now shopping in the high end after years of work to get here.
Thanks emma.I know Sanchez is a favorite of yours.
Heard Sanchezs wife is a Tygerian (spelling isn’t my cuppa), can anyone confirm?
Good read KT,
Same as you on judas exactly how I felt,when he went,it felt to me at the time..Here you alex a little present from the arsenal.
At the time I thought wenger had committed Hari Cari,,even now I’m amazed how some of our fans gave wenger any support.
2 Years later.
Anyway Sanchez and Ozil signings along with Ramsey,Theo and Oxo we have a threat against anyone.
Your right about Sanchez he now looks like an all round player,he even defends,what I hope will happen is that Oxo learns from this guy,because I think Oxo is a bit like Sanchez.
As if we weren’t excited enough about Sanchez, KT, you write about him in such glowing terms.
You were the one who tipped me on to him; I must admit (and you know I find Barcelona loathsome), he was one I spared from any unduly harsh criticism because he is such a bright, lively player, always full of running and with great technique. 🙂 🙂
I’ve never read that interview. I like that he sounds smart and raring to go. 🙂 🙂
Yes KT, I remember those days all too well…
And yes, you are right, we do deserve it…
No more Chamakhs and Squilmaci’s….
https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/487893826548551680
Hello, kev. Why aren’t you “allez” today?
Hello, all. 🙂
My god those eyes
Thanks AGAG.A year ago it would’ve been ridiculous to even entertain the idea of such a player signing for us.now we have Sanchez and Ozil!!!…
I know Gonerjoe…you could swim in those eyes 🙂
Liverpool fans are quite something aren’t they?…i’ve just seen one say Lallana is a better player than Ozil
She has to be among the prettiest WAGS at Arsenal now. 🙂
ktr7 – That is why we were shit at the world cup. Hodgson listened to the press and thought wait a minute Henderson is better than Wilshere
Many Liverpool fans are deluded. They are quick to mock our 4th place trophy, but how many years did they not even make that spot?
I think , we need one striker , stopper and more
Sanchez is a good player but we need more
how do u think K tr 7?
What we need in our teams?
I hope Sanchez is new Henry.
Fighting gunner…
Do PSG even have a transfer strategy?…they just seem to sign players continously.If they get Di maria they surely have to sell?…I reckon Cavani/Lucas will be shown the door.
Kya i reckon we need a back up GK, a holding midfielder and maybe a CB.If a worldclass ST is available we should get him.however am still convinced Giroud will be our starting CF for the majority of our games next season whether we like it or not.
I don’t get PSG’s purchses either. They seem so keen to thumb their noses at FFP.
There are rumours that we are close to signing Ospina Colombia’s Number 1 GK.he is good enough to be 1st choice and will push Szczesny all the way if it happens.
Agag
Is she pretty I can’t get past the eyes as Ktr7 says pools to swim in of to get swimming lessons.
Her eyes are almost an unnatural blue, GJ. 🙂 Oh, and I absolutely love her ombre dye job. 🙂
Ospina would be a coup. 🙂 I wonder what happened to the Schneiderlin deal. 🙂
The only draw Chelsea might have for Khedira is Mourinho and money. Mourinho may be fired soon by the Russian oligarch if they don’t win anything in the coming season. I’m sure the Chavs can pay him more, but that club has no history, no class, and right now, shows only moderate promise. He would be a fool not to choose us. 😉
Les yeux bleu…. trés magnifique!!!
Agag
The heir is dyed ok I am on an Arsenal blog getting appearance advice and tips that’s the thing about HH great writing on football.
As well a whole life view from it’s many contributors.
Lee
In any language those eyes
AGAG if we make a good offer khedira will come.he is very close to Ozil and he could join our growing German contigent.
Also to be fair to UEFA the FFP is actually working better than i thought it would.
Diese Augen
Morning all, great post Kt, SANCHEZZZ!! a front line warrior with all the weapons to be a legend. Welcome to The Arsenal Alexis SANCHEZZZZ!!!
After Sanchez I’d be happy if the transfer went away unless we buy Messi nothing or no one will come close.
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Can’t stay today, but I had to drop by to congratulate ktr7 on an excellent article. Like AGAG, I am even more impressed with Alexis and look forward to seeing him play in our new kits.
Kev – I too was thinking along the same lines regarding Chelski, Khedira and FFP. It would be good karma to see Maureen buy their way into deeper trouble with UEFA over FFP. Maybe they’ll have to have a fire sale to balance the books.
Have a great day everyone. Keep The Faith!
Very good write up Kt… I was looking forward to this post… and you touched on all points…
I hope you don’t mind me adding that El Nino struggled initially upfront but he quickly modeled his game on his partner upfront at Udinese the legend Di Natale…
To me that shows how intelligent he can be…
Afternoon all btw…
Hiya Agag, a change, is as good, as a rest, imo… 😉
While we are still in this stte of dreaming, why not Vidal? 🙂 Would hate for him to go to United. Ick.
Gjoe, I gather you don’t really fancy her hair color. 😛 That type of treatment costs a fortune.
Hiya, Lee and Bt62. 🙂 CG, get some sleep before tonight’s match. 🙂
Lee and mince pies, an unforgettable combination…
Hi Agag- apparently when Koeman came in he put a pause on the deal until he can convince Witsel to join the Saints…
Its in the news…
Witsel had a very good world cup and it seems his banishment to Serbia has curbed his ninja-like tackles…
Witsel is a gooner as Wath said a few weeks back and I won’t mind him as our destroyer in the big games tbh if Morgan can’t work…
Good news on Sami if true… my only question is what his point will be in the team…
If we going for someone like him then AW should have bought Cesc instead of strengthening Chelsea…
Note Sami turned us down in 2010 too…
Arsenal hinting that Sanchez will play up top on eurosport yesterday
https://twitter.com/bryanoboyle/status/487688886173577217
Seems as if Manquillo will soon be in through the door as well.
Debuchy confirmed it seems.
So where does that leave Jenks?
one of the following option…….
1) sell him (God forbid)
2) loan him and stress that he must play either at CB or RB
3) keep him and play him as a CB
I prefer the number 2
Vidal is very good Agag, what colour are his eyes btw? 🙂
Ginge, the name El Nino is reserved for my favorite Chav; the only one I like. 😛 😛
Must be tiring, saying alez, allez, allez all the time. 😛 What do you think of United and the Chavs dying to sign our erstwhile “AS 17”? Maybe they think he’s the next best thing to our current “AS 17”. 😆
Sanchez to play up front????
So in a 4-2-3-1 he will play on the LHS of the team. Cant see him play as the CF imo. Not big enough.
In a 4-4-2 he can play off OG12
however I think of the following formation……..(Ginge will shout with glee)…..
Szcesney
———–Jenks, Merts,Kos
Debuchy——Khedira——Gibbs
———–Ramsey, Ozil————-
———–Giroud—–Sanchez
3-5-2
Mouthwatering.
I am leaving TommyV on the hearsay that he will go. Unless he stays and the club uses Jenks as back up CB with JD
Coach, I would keep Corporal Jenks and see how he goes converting him to a centre-back…
If that young Spanish full-back comes in, it could spell the end for Verm, due to the balance of the 25 man squad, and all that jazz…
Hiya, Dev. 🙂 would hate for Jenks to go, he is good enough, he just needs playing time. Gibbs had some really shocking matches before he improved; so I hope Jenks is given an equally generous opportunity.
Dev, they are a warm chocolate. Lol. 🙂
that is why I think Jenks will be kept. due to the balance of the 25 man squad
Variety is the Spice of Life, buddy….
I will simply piss my pant larfin’ if ManUre or Gazprom go for a Song…. 😆
but if he is to be loaned out I would stress for the club to play him as a CB if I was AW
Thank you all.ts i forgot to mention that.thank you for adding that.he initially struggled but came to grips soon enough playing off Di Natale.it will be interesting to see how we use him.can’t wait.
I would like to see Song play for Manure!!!! lol
I am with you Dev.. I will keep CJ and play him as a CB in training…
Shame that will mean Miguel might have to go… he showed us loyalty by not joing Malaga 2 seasons ago…
**I meant Kev re: the second comment. Lol.
Ah dark brown mince pies, doesn’t Torres have green eyes buddy? 😉
Ts, do you think Miguel has really improved since joining us?
I know Agag, maybe I should try AllezDev.. 😀
Miguel is homegrown Ginge.
So he will be kept.
hell………..if AW goes for a 3-5-2 he can keep Jenks, Miguel and JD…..all are homegrown.
Ts the Khedira links seem to be growind stronger by the day.I think if he does come in big games we can play a 4-3-3 with khedira/ramsey/arteta.with alexis and Giroud as part of the frontline we can press much better than last season which would prevent us being cut into ribbons in big games.even in such a setup i think jack could play the arteta role as a distributor with khedira/ramsey doing most of the defensive work.what do you think??…
Agag- On why Jose will want Song..
Fans slated Song for not doing his job defensively even though he was not playing as a DM but as a box to box midfielder for us but prefer Khedira who plays the same way but does far less tackles, interceptions and plays less games due to niggle injuries?
Khedira has scored 8 goals for RM as a box to box midfielder since 2010. Song scored 10 goals for us and even played several games as a CB.
Majority of fans I know who want Sami keep saying he is a DM and will stop us getting beaten 6-1.. how is that possible when he wins less duels/tackles than even JW?
Lets buy a proper DM and give Ox and JW a go in CM…imho of course
Ginge, Khedira’s edge over Cesc would be height, I guess. Our team is already chockfull of smallish players; Ozil, Rambo, Cazorla has his space covered.
Plus, we are building a team to rival BM. AW would hate to be shown up by Peppy again. And with our luck in the CL draw, or lack thereof, I’m sure we’d get Munich or Madrid or Barfa again. 😀
Kt- I am totally with you on 12:36… Ozil and Sami won’t work in CM unless Ozil is moved to the wings like he has done with Germany.
Arteta will be our Schweinsteiger; Ramsey or Kroos and Sami will be our Sami. lol
You have convinced me now… cheers kt. hope Aw is thinking the same way…
Thanks Dev… good reminder re Miquel..
you have a solid point re height agag- Sanchez is not that tall so Sami will balance it…
Ginge, maybe it’s Song’s attitude, wasn’t he rumored to be lazy? It’s telling that teammates weren’t vocal about their “sadness” at his leaving. In contrast, many were on the record saying that they were sad to see Pursey and Cesc go.
Plus, I really hated it when he went all Songinho; bombing forward without care and leaving our defenders to cover so much space.
Hi Bt- Miguel played very well in the games he played for Leicester…albeit he only played 10 games out of a possible 41 if you include CoC as he went there when Leicester had played almost 9 games…
He scores goals too…
Only a very few CBs play for top teams like AFC as teenagers as you know… him not breaking through does not make him a bad player..
Not even the great Maldini was a LB until the last 10 years of his career when Baresi retired….
His attitude after where he came from pissed off Aw…
I don’t think it was him per se but DD forcing a higher wage…
Rumours were AW and IG wanted him to move agents to JW’s but he refused…
Bt- the foxes want him back
http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/topic/90745-arsenals-ignasi-miquel-is-happy-with-life-at-leicester-city/page-2
DD has played a part in the downfall of Song and Cesc then. Agents!!! Doesn’t matter what they say or believe about their own game, they both played their better football at AFC.
The other advantage of Khedira is that he can actually rotate with Ramsey.in big games khedira/ramsey is such a strong engine room.we can press teams to death with them in the same midfield if we employ a setup similar to Germany.
I still prefer a pure holder myself but maybe its what Wenger is planning.To press teams higher up the pitch.it gives us more variety that way.
Exactly Agag.
When you watch the video of the players on the Asia tour all the players liked Song including the backroom staff… I don’t know about SB btw…
But apparently what set AW off after an initial offer from barca had been rejected was that when we went to Germany for our final tour Song asked for an answer on his contract…
At that time AW was being pushed to sell RvP when Stan flew to Cologne so he wasn’t pleased. Not eSong played the whole 2nd half in that game on Poldi’s debut whilst RvP played much less as he was going then…
Ginge and Agag……..at the end of the day do you honestly think that agents like DD give a FA about their players??? They take care of them because players mean money. and agents care only for their pockets.
Do you honestly think that DD cares about Song??? Dont make me larg.
Do you honestly think that DD cares about Cesc??? Dont make me piss with laughter.
No mates. DD cares only about how much he is going to get. If it was for DD Cesc would move every year…..more money from signing on fees, part payments etc.
Now obvious why our neighbour at seven sisters are not purchasing players. They are about to go into recession
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28275495
Give me 32 year old Arteta with weak legs any day over Song on two strong legs.
Gleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Tottenham Hotspur: New stadium plans given major boost
Tottenham Hotspur’s 58,000-capacity stadium plans have taken a major step forward after the government approved a compulsory purchase order allowing building work to begin.
More than 95% of the site has been approved and the order will allow the final two of three phases to go ahead.
Spurs hope to be able to open the new stadium, which will be built next to White Hart Lane, in 2017.
Who is going to bet a fiver with me that the Spuddie smurfs will celebrate the opening of their new stadium in the championship???
I am with you Kt- sami will be a very good replacement for Ramsey in games in terms of work rate…
Only down side is Khedira rarely plays 90 minutes for RM…
ha ha Dev.. so true re relegation;you beat me to it…
Song’s problem for me was about intelligence, it doesn’t matter how many passes , interceptions etc that he made it was about the mistakes he made where on the pitch and the time he made them.
Ts, was never really that sure on Miguel, have seen him appear for Afc a few times when young.He seemed to want time on the ball and panicked a bit when under pressure,but he was young. Ts, also read those rumours, regarding agents attributed to Cesc as well, but he refused to.
so true potter..
As Syg will put it, he had a rush of blood to his head sometimes…
Bt- Most of Miguels games have been at LB; even TV with more experience has struggled there…
Note he has scored in the CoC for us as he didfor the foxes
Well, we got a good price for him, ginge. 😛 I only know that he gave an interview where he said that if he were to leave Arsenal, he would cry; and the next season, he was only too happy to move to Barca. Pfff.
Dev, that is simply not true. Felicevich cared about Sancheeez enough to land him a spot in our starting 11. 😛 Haha. If he gets us Vidal, too, I would be the happiest Arsenal fan.
But seriously, DD has really messed with us, hasn’t he?
I feel that if AW uses the 3-5-2 formation, both Jenks and Miguel will benefit if they have Merte and Kos next to them. Even JD (though he is 27 years) will benefit from playing in a 3 CB role with the above two.
Ts the thing is if Ramsey/khedira play together then they can share the workload which means they don’t have to cover so much ground.this will help both players since for example last season Ramsey had to cover lots of ground on his own and he got injured as a result.with Ozil staying high up the pitch and arteta sitting he had to do it.its similar to how khedira had to cover so much ground when in the same midfield as Ozil/alonso for madrid.
Agag with DD snr and DD jnr what they did if it was not football will be termed inside trading…
His dad bought young players with AW and passed them onto his son as an agent and then 3 years later those players held us to ransom with inside knowledge of our finances… imho of course. 😉
I feel more secure with Khedira than with Vidal.
Agag……….I referred to agents like DD. who are unscrupulous.
Am not a fan of 3-5-2 to be honest but it would work with our squad.I doubt if Wenger will ever use it though.
Ts, yes remember him scoring in CoC, as you say mostly at LB and thanks for the link.
Ktr7 – Ditto re 1:10
Khedira will definitely serve as a breather for Ramsey. That’s what Diaby could have done unfortunately his injury record is nothing to write home about.
Afternoon everyone, nice post KT, waiting for the Debuchy confirmation now that is taking too long but we signed SANCHEZZZ!!!!!! has anyone heard from Stan yet? the Oranje are playing for the 3rd place trophy today
Great post. I knew he was always 2nd fiddle to Messi, but that interview explains precisely.
a fiver anyone……RVP will have to be happy with another 4th place trophy.
Brazil to trump the Oranje (at least that is what I wish)
Agag
Thanks for the hair dying advice for someone who Was described as salt and pepper yesterday I may have to take it. 🙂
On Khedira he would have to be a lot cheaper than Cesc to make any sense.
kt- I think 3-5-2 is not an every day formation but is very effective nullifying teams who play 2 upfront.
If you cast your mind back Udinese played a version of 3-5-2 with Asamoah and Badu joining Di Natali and As upfront…
Even Ancellotti deployed 3-5-2 to mark out Sanchez in that exciting 3-2 milan Udinese game…
What I find with 4 at the back in an attacking team like ours is that we end up 2 vs 2 when our fbs move forward.
Also 3-5-2 is very good against teams like BM who have Kroos and Schweinsteiger, Muller all making late runs into the box.
Dev will know more. I might be wrong
virtual 5 from me Dev. :d
Dev, I know what you meant. 😛 Take Shrek and his agent for example. It seems to me that even United fans saw a mercenary, and coupled with his average performance in the last two seasons, he is not exactly their golden boy anymore.
Good observation on “insider trading”, Ginge. Do we still ahve any players represented by DD?
Goonerjoe, make sure you don’t go overboard à la Neymar with the dodgy blonde do. 😀
I want the Oranje to beat the Brazilians. I simply do not like them. So overrated.
If you check NN, you will see that the English media have started being silly about Sanchez; he’s “inconsistent” and “frustrating”. He hasn’t even played for us yet, and the hatchet job has started.
Agag
But is it not true blondes have more fun 😀
Could this be another sign? Khedira
https://twitter.com/mattygeraghty/status/487945446829350912/photo/1
Ginge……spot on re the 3-5-2.
it is the best way to counteract those teams which play 4-1-4-1 or with 2 up front. it is not exactly a 3-5-2 in the old sense of use. that used by the italians circa 70’s and 80’s boring era
it is slightly 3-1-2(wingbacks)-2 (AM) and 2 strikers one of which stays centrally and the other drops and floats all over the place.
the key in this formation are the two wingbacks.
so essentially you defend with 5, midfield with 5 and attack with 6 (AM push up as well). If the wingbacks have a good engine than they are worth their weight in diamonds.
sometimes when the ball is in midfield and one of the strikers drops it gives a 6 men midfield. in essence a 3-6-1 or 3-2-2-2-1.
I used that formation around 6 years ago when I had an under 19 team with two good engines on the flanks. Those two engines now play for the country’s present national team. The miles they covered during the games were astonishing.
good day all……still buzzing after the Sanchez signing.,..I watch Madrid alot and IMO khedira is not really my first choice when it comes to DM as he really isn’t the disciplined type plus he loves to join the attack sometimes its something you can’t coach out of someone I would much rather Morgan or ginter but I won’t be too displeased with khedira and IMO we should/most keep arteta around……..a very good kt I agree with everything u said I also think Sanchez can be our aguero/or suarez as he is a good finisher and a good all round footballer
Coach, I would be very suprised if Wenger experimented with 3 centre-backs and wing-backs…
I believe that throughout his coaching career he has stuck ridgedly to a back-four…
Kev even I would be surprised to see him play with 3 CB and 2 WB
Like you I believe he has stuck rigidly to a 4 at the back.
But then, I always thought that he had stuck always with his wife Anita, only to see him licking the sun with beach buxom bums on brazilian beaches.
In life you never stop learning…….even at 65.
ask WATH infact
Ohhhh Laila……….Goonie will kream himself with delight. Especially when she has the bunny in her hands…. 😉
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/388612/Arsenal-signing-Alexis-Sanchez-girlfriend-sexy-photo
Emma
Arsenal on tour 😀
dev I agree re the 351 but we have to have tactical aware players to be able to do that also they have to have some understanding for example if we stat using it this season how many of our players will easily adapt to it? we saw how it failed with Mancini trying to do it with city I don’t get me wrong I think its a great idea to try it out but I’m looking at the time it will take for our players and even if we implement it how will the ox fit in? carzola ozil too
Lovely post for my Saturday hangover, thanks!
Coach, I suspect that Wenger was set up by photographers in some of those snaps on the Copacobana, he can’t deal with a bloody zip for Gods sake, so he ain’t gonna see the pitfalls of being surrounded by near naked women…
Then again, maybe he thought, ooh la la, I’ll have a bit of that. 🙂
Thanks for Dev for the additional input and education…
Agag- i think DD’s clientele finished with Song. That was one reason I believe the board might have vetoed Cesc returning… (my opinion)
Hi Snap, how has France taken the elimination?
AW has his way with the ladies mate; CR07’m mom still reminisces about how charming AW was 10 or so years ago… 😉
methinks that AW has scored on Copacabana beach.
Maybe that is why the smiles. Not because of signing Alexis Sun Chess. He has really had a bit of here there and everyboobywhere.
anytime you want Ginge. you are welcome to any formation info….except the 5-4-1. which I really hate.
I would love your input on Jose’s day 1 formation against Moyes’ Yanited 0-0 draw last season… 4-6-0 without a false 9. 😀
Tsgh
I’ve spent the last couple of hours thinking about the picture that Emma posted.
I maybe reading to much in to it but i’ve come to the
conclusion(hope) that it’s proof that the deal for Khedira is already a done deal what do you think.
Magala probably signs for M-City
4-6-0 is worse than 5-4-1 Ginge. It shows a lack of desire to win plus negative football.
Some people would say Jose is a great tactician. I prefer to say he has a small mind and a bitter soul.
Wellington Silva to join Almeria on loan…
His contract expires in 12 months time…
That will probably be that for Señor Silva…
Wellington out on loan again.
Kev, I cannot fathom out why does AW go after these youngsters fully aware that they need to play for three years in Spain for them to get a work permit, with a high percentage of chance that they will never make it.
Till now Campbell seems to be the exception but how many fell for the emergence of one.
Having said that its neither 100% certain that Campbell will make it.
Or as some wag on another site put it, Wellington is given the boot… 🙄
I know Coach, it was a policy from a few years back when the club was short of funds…
It hasn’t worked and thus we don’t source youngsters from South America anymore…
Botelho, Galindo, Juan, the Brazillian Jap, it’s all been fairly disappointing…
Campbell has a chance, depending on pre-season I reckon, as Remy doesn’t look as if he’s gonna be signed any time soon…
You gonna watch the game tonight Coach?
I can’t say that it’s grabbed my imagination too much…
Afternoon guys and gals…
Have we signed Sami yet?? 😉
Good afternoon,
Darren
@DarrenArsenal1
@DaveMagar very close to signing in Germany. VERY CLOSE
David Ospina ‘very close’ to signing then… 😉
no habib
will watch only the first half
if it turns out to be exciting I will take in the 2nd
but if if is 0-0 by h/t and its a bore feast then I will be off
of course we have signed Sami Rico!!!!!
Sami Ajayi that is. 😛
Afternoon Lady
Darren
@DarrenArsenal1 49m
Arsenal in advanced discussions with Real Madrid
Sami or Lars I wonder Gdna….
Afternoon Devil. Sami Ajayi, who is he… lol
Gdna, Khedira it is then… 😉
Rico, what is happening at AFC with all these high profile signings? lol
Rico, he is always taking pics with the AFC boys, i hope they win the WC.
Only one right now Gdna… 😉
Fingers crossed they’ll be more eh….
I’ve seen the photo’s, and loving it. Just hope we get him and yes, Germany for me too for our boys…
Just read a headline suggesting Bendtner is one of five players who would be better than Sanchez for Arsenal…
How stupid are some fans….
https://t.co/51mldq4Ool
Who is Bendther rico?
AFCPressWatch™
@AFCPressWatch
.@ Kike_Marin_ confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Ospina – Front page suggest he could be heading to Arsenal. #AFC #COL
http://ladyarse.co.uk/2014/06/arsenal-link-puts-25-year-old-colombian-on-front-page/ …
AFCPressWatch™
@AFCPressWatch
Madrid negotiating with PSG for Di Maria and with Arsenal for Khedira , according to reports in Spain. #AFC #RMCF
Some idiot from Denmark Gdna… 😉
hi ts most people are not really upset of course we might have gone further with ribery but like I have been saying its a young squad plus we are rebuilding so we are patient the most important thing was for the boys to give their all which they did…..can’t say I’m disappointed and I think most people aren’t either
Real must have a big signing up their sleeve if they are selling both Di Maria and Khedira….
I don’t know if anybody watches the German league but I will like to know more about christopher Kramer from someone who has watch him extensively he has very good stats for a defensive midfielder and watching his videos he will work very well with Ramsey IMO
Rico I think they are getting kross and James from Monaco according to the reports here…….aurier also going to PSG according to reports
Rico
If this Bendther bloke is considered better than Sanchez Arsenal should buy him whether he’s an idiot or not.
That makes sense snaparse, otherwise they wouldn’t be letting two quality layers go. James is going to be superb for them…
Aurier to PSG, not for the money of course… lol
It’s Bendtner Joe, surely you have seen him play….. 😉
Snap, I have talked about Kramer in the past as the one who took over our ex-youth player Havard Nordtveit’s olace in M’glbach..
Kramer and Kruse(dev’s friend) are the main stars plus Herrmann…
Kramer is one of the youth DM/CM including Goretzka I reckon have over taken Lars recently…
Hi Rico
place*
He is on loan to M’glbach…
If you remember I mentioned in the past a few days ago that AW had spoken to the agent of a german midfielder and I hoped it was not Lars… It could be Chris K.
Rico
With all the time I spend reading your musings as well as the insightful comments I don’t have time for actual football. 😀
Tsgh
What you think of Kherdirs’s picture with the Arsenal Germans I am beginning to take it as a sign of some sought.
Hi Ts…
🙂 Joe, everyone knows Nicklas Bendtner, thankfully, he’s now gone … lol
Ts, do you then think it’s Christoph Kramer we could be in for?
Rico
before I agree with you I am going going now to you tube him I’ll get back to you I whether I thick Arsenal should buy him. 🙂
Lol Rico I think aurier loves arsenal as we were his first choice but Wenger didn’t want so…….he might end up to be a very good player but i really rate bellerin so if he was the reason Wenger went for the experienced debuchy then I’m OK with it……
hi ts from what I saw he really is an excellent player he is a better dribbler than Morgan but other wise they have almost identical stats Morgan I think is better tackler but Kramer is no slush either…….I would like him tbh just wanted to know more about him as I haven’t really watched him play
Spare yourself joe 😉
And the Spanish kid – seems that story has legs…
Well batted Joe Root and Jimmy ‘the Gooner’ Anderson. They may just have spared England’s blushes…
Gj, picture could be a sign or just the old friendship between Ozil and Sami…
They were apparently fined in RM for travelling and missing a flight…
Rico, I think it may be Kramer… it is all rumours but the only player on loan in the German squad is Chris K.
Snap- Kramer has been the one who has come on for Sami most times for defensive stability..
Most Germans thought Kruse will be the only M’glbach player in German squad but it ended up being Kramer…
To me he is perfect.. not he has no UCL experience but he was chosen ahead of liverpool’s Can
note*
catch you guys up later
The German camp according to internet is like the Spanish camp..
RM vs Barca
In Germany its BM vs BVB + others vs the older ones by themselves.
gone now…
Thanks for that Ts. Time will tell I guess and the way Dickie is going about business, it’s shouldn’t be too long before we find out… lol
thanks ts…..if he really brings defensive stability then we should sign him I say
Tsgh
Ah here’s me thinking the picture was a sign
Oh I forgot my 🙂 🙂
Afternoon guys…what did I miss? Someone keep me posted please.
David Ospina is in the running for the Golden Glove in this WC.
Usually you miss very fine discussions Goonie. read the comments mate.
Holland are fighting for 3rd Stan… 😉
Seems like he could soon be ours Devil…
I hope so Rico. I am not going to tell you to go back on past articles, but I have been banging the drum for Ospina since we had Almunia.
I think that Van Pursie Judas will have to be happy with another 4th place trophy. 😛
Darren Lewis said Sanchez could regret choosing AFC over LFC because of LFC history & playing in front the KOP. Lol, can someone explain the importance of the KOP?
Gee rico that was cold 😀 oh well who cares. We ve got sancheeeeeeeeeeeez. Plus maybe we ll win it before I die. With a different team. Hope you guys ll support me then. Looking at you wath.
That’s not your way Devil, you word is enough…
Gdna, Phil Thomson has said the same, idiots all of them…
Stan, I don’t care, that’s for sure… lol
Dna are we really going to sign khediraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. God help me. Somebody grab arsene. Is he alright? Call the doctors rico.
I’m dialling 999 just for you Stan…..
Stan, AW mean business, we are being linked only to WC talents.
Sneider out of match by all accounts, injured in warm up..
Arsene Wenger [on French TV]
: “Why didn’t I sign Cesc
Fabregas? Well all I can tell
you is remember the name
Gedion Zelalem”
Interesting comment from Le
Boss in the last few days
A trip down memory lane……….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vSA40QntQI
The top goal was scored by the God of Football himself….DB10
Playing in front of the Kop, SANCHEZZZ!! will be scoring in front of the Kop, for Arsenal, Darren. LOL.
That’s a bold comment from AW Kc.
🙂 Bt…
World record for the 10 wicket Rico, what was it, 198 stand.
Think it’s 3rd Kev, but absolutely superb……
You know, I kinda remember you mentioning Ospina, or whatever…
Unusual name, stuck in my mind…
Evening Rico/Stan (calm down)
8.53, that was to Coach
Evening Kev… 😉
You sure Rico, I thought they said on the radio that it was THE record?!
No matter, it was a superb effort….
I think that Cook is living on borrowed time…
I’m gonna give it to half-time, like Coach, and if it’s a sham I’ll toddle off to kip…
Lata Rico
I could be wrong Kev… 😉
Agree re Cook, lose this series and he’s a gonner… as captain..
the dutch already 1-0 up
Judas Van Pursie with a pen
Brazil are still sh*t
Rico
Kev’s right was the highest score
Very bold,I like the lad..night all
I’m not so sure joe… 😉
Brazil are still sh*t 50 m for side show bob
Ah, I think we are looking at different records. It’s a record for England, but not throughout cricket….
Not going to get drawn whose right or wrong I won’t win. 😀
Rico
For test matches it is for first class it’s not what the he’ll you drew me in bloody hell. :X
🙂 joe, I think you and Kev are right though, and well done Jimmy and Joe 🙂
Saved us today, that’s for sure. Top Top class….
😡
🙂 Joe…
Still working on my smiley’s
Brazil, Brazil 😛
Brazil are crap.
Even the Arsenal ladies would beat that lot
40 million for Luiz????? holy cow. not even 40p imo
2-0. I think another 2 will be in before the end of the match.
this Brazil team is so bad that they should hand the 4th place medals to the refs and assistant refs who have controlled all the brazilian matches so far.
Rico you re a meaner 😀
Loving it devil/stan….
I’m off guys, it’s nearing my bedtime…
Nighty night….
Am not…was looking forward to playing in the final but hey we ve got sancheeeeeeeeeeeez. That makes up for everything including Annette van droste dumping me for that fucktard jan….boy I outta. 10 years later and am still mad. Oh well forgive and forget the holy book says……hey did I mention we ve got sancheeeeeeeeeeeez. Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaah 😀
Morning guys.
We are away as Sean has a tournament on today, and I’ve just received an email offering from PSG 80 million for him.
He can definitely defend better than Luiz 🙂
An inanimate carbon rod would defend better than Luiz.
good night lady
I am still thinking how much hard Jose is laughing at the way he managed to sell Luiz
no more signs?
The taught of a happy Jose ich pass a sick bag
Scott,your his agent, big cheque on the way! lol
Brazil,braziiiiillll.lmfao
I like blind….very excellent tactically reminds me of arteta
The media come up with shite…
What happen with the £30m bid we made for hulk last month according to John cross? 😀 :S
Blind and clasie…super players.
Is Julio cesar available? 😛
Morning all.
Morning Scott..
How are you, Rico?
Fab thanks Scott, you?
Be glad when today is over though, sign up a couple more German players… lol
That would be nice 🙂
I’m well.
Tired.
Had another full day with a tournament for Sean.
I have a few of these ahead, no doubt!!!
Did Sean win? lol
If so the tiredness will be worth it… lol
Morning All…
Morning Rico, an English record then…
Didn’t watch any of the game, wasn’t interested.
Morning Scott, how did Sean do?
Morning Kev. No, you were right, it’s a record in cricket….
I didn’t watch it either last night, pointless match imo… Who gives a toot about getting 3rd or 4th…
Oh OK, tbh that’s what I thought I heard.
What scores did Root and Anderson get in the finish?
Sean had a shocker lol.
Well, He wasn’t at his best until the last game where he tore the opposition up.
They boys did well.
It was the best of best team In Sydney, and they only lost one game.
I saw some very good footballers go around though, and our boys are right there with the best of them.
Root 154 no & Anderson 81. Great partnership
Root 154 no
Jimmy 81
Good morning Sun Cheese ers!!!!!
I saw the game yesterday. Brazil had a go……but for the first time since 1938 they have lost two games in a row in the WC.
I think Robben will win the best player of the tournament.
G50, awesome wasn’t it….
Morning Devil, I reckon the player of the tournament will be from one of tonights two sides…
Morning All,
As its not announced yet maybe the next player we are signing is still playing in this world cup….Hint..Hint.
🙂 fred, Khedira, it has to be surely….
Morning all, watched Brazil last night, as Dev said they had a go, but were no near beating the Dutch. Brazilian football needs to take a good look at itself, before the rot really sets in.
So do England Bt … 😉
New post up now….
Morning all,
Reus has just revealed he had a verbal agreement with Barca and they have gone for Jaws instead…
the player has gotten he got injured…lol