Arsenal miss out of star midfielder & Defender, International snubs Arsenal to sign for rival.

Morning all,

Do these sort of headlines from the media take Arsenal fans for gullible and naive idiots or does it just show how desperate the media are to sell a paper or get a hit on their websites.

It seems it’s a daily occurrence that we read that “Arsenal lose out on deal with Rivals” “Arsenal miss out on superstar international”…. Really, did we indeed… Says who…?

We then read or are told that a player whom a paper linked us with signing six months ago has signed with Bradford City (no disrespect to Brandford City intended) Well “IF” we were ever looking to sign such a player then why would he then sign for someone else…?

The media have used Remy, Aurier and several others in the past few days alone, If we were in for these players and they have signed for another team then surely it is us who have decided not to buy these players. We were told Remy demanded a large salary which we obviously didn’t think was worth paying so he’s signed for Lfc who seem to want to pay anything for anyone just to make up for loosing Gnasher to Barca. Hardly us loosing out is it.

So many outrageous headlines are met with a player signing for a club that just makes Arsenal fans laugh yet a mainstream newspaper thinks that it warrants a headline.

The best way to look at this is in fact to realise that Arsenal are huge news…. Agents know this, players looking for a new club or a new contract know this and so does the media. When a player is linked to Arsenal their profile is raised, their name is bandied around and surely if Arsenal are looking to buy this player other teams must look at trying to buy him because he must be very good.

The down side to all this drivel in the papers and the media is that many fans think we have genuinely missed out on run of the mill players or players that we simply never wanted in the first place. We then have fans disgruntled with why are we not buying more players why are we not active in the transfer window, why are we not spending……. We have so far done some sound business and there is more to come but when you look at years gone by the next few weeks are notoriously quite in the transfer window for the majority of clubs. Managers are assessing their squads and looking to see if younger players step up or older player look their age. Where are we needing players and which players are also looking to maybe leave..? The last two weeks in August is when things pick up again and I think that’s when Arsenal will again become very active in the transfer market. We have huge cash reserves and we can for once throw our weight around with the finances at our disposal but until then lets just laugh at the media rubbish and the fact they like to try and tell us that Arsenal have lost out on players that we never wanted or who we turned down…!

Have a good day.

448 thoughts on “Arsenal miss out of star midfielder & Defender, International snubs Arsenal to sign for rival.

  1. Wath says:

    Morning All,

    I see today no one has snubbed us but we have to double our efforts to sign Schneidelin or he is off to that shower if crap down the rd… Well if he wants to go to them that’s him showing lack of ambition and us walking away laughing….!

    Khedira is back on and just to make Kev happy so to is Bender….! Back on what I’m not sure…!

  2. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning all. Le-Grove sums up the feeling this morning.

    Generally it is Diaby that is the new signing – This morning it’s Jack Wilshire?

  3. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Is Bent back on as well WATH???

    That will have Kev farting in his shorts with delight!!! 😆

    Good post WATH. The problem is that the idiots you wrote about will not be reading it. They will be scratching their heads on Fifa 15 trying to find out which name they will be associating with AFC next.

    Firmino and Costa the latest ones today.

  4. Nickie says:

    Ts

    Further to last post quickly before I read…..That would change if Ramsey was injured/unfit/needed rest. Wilshere next to Diaby would work. Arteta-Diaby. Wilshere and Arteta too lightweight and as someone mentioned yesterday Wilshere doesn’t like to take orders from Arteta

  5. tsgh says:

    Ditto above Nickie..

    But a manager of Aw’s calibre should not be running Ramsey into the ground again…

    Good read btw…

    Hi Wath and Syg…

  6. Nickie says:

    Nice read, settles the nerves a little lol

    It’s like this every year. Wouldn’t be surprised if we got the keeper tied down and didn’t see movement for a month. I expect transfer movement from Arsenal in the last week/deadline day.

  7. Wath says:

    Syg, Think even the Diaby is like a new signing has died a death in the last few years…!

    We have zero need to “make do”…. We need to guy buy what we need simple as that and am sure we will. It’s not even the end of July people need to chill…! The problem is after making a few good signings people expect it to carry on and it doesn’t work like that and then they get all bitter twisted and negative…!

    As i said a few days ago if we have done nothing more and it’s Sep 2nd then we can all throw our toys out the cot.

  8. tsgh says:

    Wath, that was exactly what I was trying to infer with my post a few days back…

    I know folks did not like me slating IG/Law and AW a few days back re. our transfer approach.

    We want Morgan but because Southampton want to save face they do not want to sell…

    So what are we doing? making do… or maybe AW will loan JC or Serge to them for 6 months…

    So unless Morgan comes back from break and put in a transfer request…

    A big club like ours should be demanding a sale like the other clubs do imho…

  9. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Diaby. Take him out into a field and put him out of his misery.

    There has to be another reason that Wenger perseveres with him. Eduardo was twice the player and man yet he was shipped out to Shaktar?

    We still have a gaping hole in the middle.

    Last year Wenger stated Chamberlain could play there. Now its Wilshire. Great if it works, however both players were injured half of last season… Diaby was out all of last season …. and the season before….

  10. tsgh says:

    Just maybe the club is playing mind games with us. They most probably are going to spend and have their targets lined up as per usual. I think a DMF is part of that. But they also know that once they play that hand now, it won’t be enough to satisfy many fans (this early in the window. If they keep holding off and holding off until the last day of the window, we will get so fucking desperate that we will be happy with signing just about anybody.

  11. Wath says:

    I don’t see it quite like that Ts, we may well of thrown our weight behind trying to get Schneiderlin, what if Southampton have said yes we will deal with you BUT only once we have brought in a player…! I also think we have several options that have been discussed and approached made so that we don’t get held over the barrel by either a player or a club….! These things take time and as you will know historically the next 3/4 weeks are basically dead when it comes to transfers it’s the last 10 days of August where it goes mad again.

    AGree totally Syg, trying to make do or fit the square peg into the round hole is bollox…. If we end up trying to make do then Wenger will reap what he sows from the fans and it’s not gonna be pretty…!

  12. snaparse says:

    dev I would like firminho tbh as I was always keen on him ts and I have discussed about him before?…truth is I see him more as a forward than anything but I would still prefer that striker but it is down to arsene so……….hi wath nice post

  13. southyorkshiregunner says:

    You’re right re Schneiderlin, Ginge.
    He’d jump ship to join his fellow Frenchmen and play in the Champions League..
    However, I wouldn’t want Gnabry to go on loan as I feel this could be his season. He’s certainly an interesting player.

    Campbell? He can’t be any worse than Sanogo, so that’s a step in the right direction.

    Me personally – offer them Diaby

  14. Peter Obicci Adoko says:

    Brilliant piece this is. I have for long failed to understand why media outlets and to some extent rival clubs do envy Arsenal to an extend of ridiculing it. Please give us Arsenal fans a break. We are tired of gossips that do not add up

  15. tsgh says:

    True Wath,

    As i have been saying for a few weeks now I heard Koeman wanted Witsel to come in so we can have Morgan but apparently Witsel is looking at Spain or AS Monaco now if Khedira does not move to France…

    i agree with you on the last 10 days bit… most players are still on holiday and so bringing them in early is only good for fans but not for the club’s bottom line…

  16. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Good read.

    It’s like Ospina is done…if we keep TV, the only player we need is a DM.

    I’m not expecting much again from Wenger in this window. He may stretch adrenalin till last day to grab a DM.

  17. potter says:

    It’s always the problem of the timing of the close of the window. By the time the shutters come down we will be 5 games into our season and probably seven by the time any newcomer is assimilated. This includes the annual qualification for Arsene’s pipe dream , if we start slowly then pick up later it could be because of the transfer policy .

  18. snaparse says:

    wilshere as a dlp can work but not yet IMO Wenger tried it against villa and look what happened…..if ever he gets his head right I think he could do a job there in the future as it is where hr is best suited to

  19. Nickie says:

    SYG

    Smack a £35m bid down for him. He would fit in great imo. Young approaching his better years. Versatile CB/CDM. Solid and Strong – Perfect

  20. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha Syg… with that comment on Diaby re. give saints Diaby you are not getting a Christmas card from AW again.. lol

  21. snaparse says:

    tai as you are Nigerian what do u think of iheanacho?(spelling) he played really well for city last night and Was really promising and assured looked like kanu with more pace too

  22. Luznic says:

    Morning all, I like that Arsenal don’t just buy players for the sake of buying and this season all we need to sign will be done and I just enjoy the rumors and it makes for a good laugh sometimes

  23. Wath says:

    The TW is a complete cock up…. there shouldn’t be a Jan window in my opinion and for me it should be June and July and then closed.

    I think we’ll make another big name signing in the last few days of the window…! You can all call me names when it don’t happen lol

    Nice names of course…. Shut up Lee….!

  24. snaparse says:

    witsel is/was promising at benfica has he progressed though? used to think he was hot headed as very rash or I’m I just been negative like ts? lol

  25. Nickie says:

    I’m with Wath. I’m thinking Wenger will have something up his sleeve for us come deadline day. 5-0 win against Leicester on the Sunday, Wenger’s post match interview *cue cheeky grin* then we can relax lol

  26. tsgh says:

    I think Witsel’s move to Russia has changed him..

    He looked very good for Belgium in the WC; no redcard or dangerous tackles.. lol

  27. Wath says:

    Snap, he was hot headed and rash and made that horrendous tackle the other year but seems to of calmed down a lot since he been banished to the salt mines of Siberia…. He was very good at the WC i thought…!

    Nickie, maybe he won’t need to grin he can just say watch this space…!

  28. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We would never ever get rolled over by Chelsea or Liverpool with him in the side … Very calculative and cynical.
    Raheem Sterling might run past him, but Javi Martinez would certainly get both the ball and his shorts.
    All the tabloids stated that we enquired about him in May.

  29. tsgh says:

    RM went for Kroos because BM refused to sell Javi M.
    Pep said on FC Munchen.com that Javi has finally accepted to play CB…

  30. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Snap,

    Iheanacho is the next best thing in waiting for Nigerian football…he’s one of the finest AMs of his era…his skill on the ball, creative passes and goal sense keep him in Kanu’s range….but as you rightly observed, not anywhere near as tall as Kanu, hence not clumsy and much quicker and faster on and off the ball.

    If his father didn’t rush that move to City, he would have been in Brazil with Nigeria.

  31. Wath says:

    He was pictured at several games a few years back, in normal seats with the fans no favours off the club…! He had his Afc shirt on in the one pic and told everyone he was Arsenal and came over to watch when ever he could.

  32. Wath says:

    Ts, think Martinez isn’t a CB’s arse… just like Ox isn’t a central midfielder…!

    As for the tabloids Sy, that should tell you everything you need to know…! It won’t be him we get or go for…!

  33. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Wath, then forget him. Once a player says he likes Arsenal, he hardly ever gets signed up by Wenger! Aurier for one.

  34. tsgh says:

    😀 Wath.

    Apparently we were after JM before he moved to BM…

    Someone told me Aw is counting on Asier being available in early August… lets see.

  35. Luznic says:

    Iheanacho is still a young lad, give him few years and he will be world class but just the problem I have with African kids is they just sort of fade away and you wonder what happened to them

  36. Flex McBuff Chest says:

    Diaby is a special player, he is Yaya Toure with a little less finesse, but he has proven time and time and time, and then one more time again that he is too injury prone. A CM to play along side Ramsey is the priority

    Motta
    Witsel
    Martinez

    I would be very happy with any of the above.

  37. Wath says:

    Ts, I heard similar but he then decided on BM obviously because they offered him a very small salary 😉

    RM need to sell for sure but we know what they like to do biz with….! How old is Asier…? do you rate him…? few times i’ve seen him i thought he was very average…!difficult to judge when he played very little though so maybe unfair of me…! I know who I think we’ll end up with but i am keeping quiet on that one….!

    I’ll say I told you so if/when we get him…. lol

  38. Sammy Nelsons Pants says:

    Good post. Le grove this morning is just laughable really. It amuses me that the fact we.re not in for a striker is reported as some big secret. It’s a direct quote from wenger, as is, more or less, the following: we,re in for a dm, and a cb if tv5 leaves. That’s it. So come the window “slamming” shut ( it never just closes, right?) we will have signed Sanchez, Debuchy, Ospina + 1, possibly 2 ( and I’ d take Phil Jones plus cash for TV if it came to it)

    Interesting, and of course not widely reported, as it is a FACT, from the official website: coquelin and zelalem both have shirt numbers, and not ones in the fifties. May well see one or both this season. Djourou doesn’t, and there appears some confusion. The website I believe has never reported him as sold… and I don’t think he’s an awful 3rd/4th choice at cb. That might be a wait and see, plan C kinda deal. Bottom line, no-one knows, and it’s all made up crap to get hits and drive us crazy. God, roll on September…..

  39. tsgh says:

    Wath we all know JM is better as a DM and can even play as a no.10 but Pep has a habit like his idols AW and Cruyff to play/convert Defensive minded DM as CB.

    JM is not even rated as a DM by Spain.. in the WC he played as a CB…

    Pep did the same to Mascherano when he could have bought a proper defender; then again he bought 3 CB at Barca and they all failed so…

  40. tsgh says:

    lmfao.. a small salary indeed.
    The asking price was ridiculous though.. they was no way we could have matched it…

  41. Luznic says:

    Tai Gervinho loved Arsenal and he said we were his dream and Wenger snapped him up but his problem was he was still dreaming while playing and Arsene sold him in his dream

  42. Wath says:

    Piss funny, Sol Campbell now on twitter and on his profile it says Ex #Arsenal and #England defender………… lol no mention at all of that shit down the road….! 😀 that’s funny and so right…! They’ll hate him even more… Love it.

  43. tsgh says:

    Nickie, Geoffrey moved to AS Monaco last summer for big bucks… he had an ok season… he was too over rated imho..

    He was one player who looked better next to Medel and Rakitic for Seville F.C

  44. Wath says:

    Ts, I think he is a very poor CB….. wasted completely at CB but then again WTF do I know……….!

  45. tsgh says:

    He played 16 times for AS Monaco and started only 4 of those…

    Syg’s, old buddy Toulalon the pensioner made sure Kondogbia did not get any joy…

  46. Nickie says:

    Unfortunately I don’t watch a lot of French footy. Cheers for that.

    So where have you heard this Asier news from? 🙂

  47. Wath says:

    Sammy, Djourou is with Hamburg training. Agreed, it’s all gossip for now and because we have made good early signings and one great signing people are now going mad as it’s been quiet for a bit and we’re not active. How does anyone know what we’re doing behind the scenes…?

    Hasn’t Coquilin just got his old number back..? can see him leaving soon along with a few others…!

  48. tsgh says:

    lol Tai..

    Asier Illarramendi “Illarra” Andonegi. the name out all names..

    Only Djemba Djemba beats that name.. 😛

  49. Nickie says:

    Tai Asier Illiarramendi of Real. CDM purchased for big bucks around 30m last year from Real Sociedad

  50. tsgh says:

    Le Coq gets a squad number and Aneke did not get a single game for us…

    FFS.

    If this continues i may join the dark side for good. 🙂

  51. tsgh says:

    Ospina is done as I said yesterday we dont announce deals stating subject to international clearance. The only caveat when news breaks is signing of ‘player X subject to work permit ‘if he is not from the EU

  52. tsgh says:

    😀 Wath. I need to check if I am allowed to eat Bacon sarnie.

    Since I am a cheap skate… I prefer Burger sauce from the dirty burger van down the road… 😉

  53. Wath says:

    I like the fact Ospina is good enough to push Chez and possibly take his place… Time for Chez to improve and face some proper competition for the No1 shirt

  54. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha.. dont knock my taste until you have tried it… nothing like burger sauce from a dirty kebab van… especially if you are coming from a night out in a pair of sandals or Reebok classics with a fat porky lady in tow. 🙂

  55. Gunnerdna says:

    Morning all, good post. If AW don’t add the players that is needed to make the squad competitive thus having a chance to win the PL, he should be sacked. It makes no sense finishing 4th and out in the round of 16 in the CL every year. With the size of our wage bill we should be winning trophies. The make do mentality should not be entertained, Arsenal is a big club we should be moving forward.

  56. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Wath, good post, ditto the HP on bacon sarnie. Ts, you lumped my name, in with Malaga Gooner, have i offended you that much?..lol

  57. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ok, Ts…never knew that was his first name. He’s no DM or is he?

    Wath, Chez is safe. Once Wenger makes up his mind, he locks it. Even if Ospina comes with monkey gloves, he remains no 2 unless Chez breaks back!

  58. tsgh says:

    Le Coq was loaned to a club to a club smaller than Fulham who had sold 6 of their better stars apart from Ginter the summer before…

    He still failed to make the CM role his own…

    He was so bad he was played on the wings when the black forest club had less than 17 players..

    i know folks use to argue with me about Le Coq being a better DM than Frimps but as good as Le Coq maybe Le Coq has not been trusted by any manager to play as a DM except AW…

    He has been on 2 loans in 2 countries already….

    He played 13 times starting only 5 games…

  59. Wath says:

    Bt, with you all the way on the hp sauce mate….!

    TEO, Am not so sure about Chez, sometimes he world class and other times he makes world class cock ups… def has a smart arse attitude but he is getting older so should quiten down but I think a keeper who can push him will make him better and if he don’t and he don’t like it then it shows lack of character…!

  60. tsgh says:

    Hi Dna,

    he is very similar to Busquet… so I assume he is DM.

    He and Thiago of BM played CM for Spain u-21 in the 2013 European cup…

  61. tsgh says:

    Tai..he is very similar to Busquet… so I assume he is DM.

    He and Thiago of BM played CM for Spain u-21 in the 2013 European cup…

  62. Wath says:

    Le Coq def a player who has not progressed Ts… he showed promise as well… SHame….

    Not good enough, Get rid….! Simples…!

  63. Nickie says:

    Reeboks are back in Ts. They’re my current choice of trainer

    I’m out numbered on the HP front lol

    Surely some chilli sauce on that Donner Ts for that extra burn in the morning? haha

  64. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Wath, you’re right. I was only saying even if Ospina proves better in training, Wenger will still stick with Chez…that’s Le Prof for you!

  65. Gunnerdna says:

    Whats good, Ts. I see AFC makes a smart decision for once and leave the postman in London, finally it seems he is about to find his level.

  66. Nickie says:

    Quick note on Coq…..Very sloppy against Boreham wood. Some good tackles but poor in possession.

    It’s like he was giving Boreham Wood the ball on purpose so he can show how good at tackling he is.

  67. tsgh says:

    Wath, le Coq was always a FB and never a CM.. but AW pacifies the french boys most times…

    His positioning is poor.. the only reason he is around is that he is more confident on the ball for a defensive player imo…

  68. Wath says:

    TEO, A year or so ago I would of agreed with you but Wenger dropped him for BM away and I think he is now looking at players who let him down and picking the right players… Well def a few, he still plays sonogoal in front of others but I think the fact he tries gets him the nod, Chez went all big headed on twitter and in the papers and needed a kick up the arse…!

  69. Wath says:

    Core stability… that mean someone telling him to hit the ball “BETWEEN” the two posts and “UNDER” the crossbar…?

  70. Gunnerdna says:

    Nickie, you need to try some air Jordan retro, you would love them. lol. Why you refer to Reebok as trainers?

  71. tsgh says:

    Nicki. to me reeboks are kool only if they are Ex-O-Fit Hi tops or Uptempo Mids, Cross Fit, Pumps or Kamikaze- Shawn Kemp…

    The new classics look good btw.. but not suitable for a night out imo…

  72. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    This Casillas coming is getting rather strong. Is Ospina deal dead or is Casillas coming as a GK trainer?

  73. Nickie says:

    Ts said Reebok classics, I just assumed he meant trainers lol. Plus i’m currently wearing Reebok Ex-o fits. How should I refer to Reebok?

    What makes you think I’d like Air Jordan Retro? They look horrible lol

  74. southyorkshiregunner says:

    BT62. I don’t mind taking them out into a field and shooting him. Just get Ginge to loan me his AK47 and get Diaby and Sanogo to hold him !

  75. Wath says:

    Bt, when we signed way to many on long term stupid money contracts we could not move them on….! Why would anyone want to leave earning silly money and sitting on their arses…! Bendtner prime example…! he wasn’t the only one. Seems the club have rectified that problem to a degree, I still think the younger players paid way to much when they have done very little and not made the grade..! That’s a football problem as well though not just us.

  76. Gunnerdna says:

    Nickie, in US we called them kicks, i was just wondering if trainers is what they are called in England, I’m trying to learn English slang’s. Air Jordan Retro is the best around, nothing compares. lol

  77. tsgh says:

    Bt- knowing Diaby he can probably vanish like Harry Houdini. Maybe I will get Syg to hold him down.. 🙂

  78. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Ts, Diaby, probably have a sick-note from the doctor, excusing him from all physical activities.

  79. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Wath, with you all the way on wages/contracts, though i think we pushed it a bit further, regarding younger players..imo.

  80. Nickie says:

    Apparently Scz, Gibbs and Flamini were almost sent home by Wenger for replacing his coffee with gravy….very funny if true

  81. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Afternoon to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    Wath – A great and very timely article. I just hope the supporters read it and take it to heart. Other than targets already identified by Arsene et al there is no need for the club to rush out and buy players until Arsene has a chance to assess our current squad in preseason games.

    Meanwhile ManUre are being turned down regularly by both target players and their respective clubs. They are becoming desperate to sign players and are having to pay over the odds for transfer fees and high wages to get them. Liverfool are determined to buy any and all players they can, whether they are quality or not and offering them high wages too. Maybe if they buy enough players some of them might be gems.

    Things should pick up for Arsenal in August after the Emirates Cup. There is still plenty of time.

  82. snaparse says:

    hi tai…..it was a pre season match he scored a very good goal and looked assured for his age….

  83. Wath says:

    CG, plenty time indeed and the Mancs are indeed having problems despite their protestations of being the Worlds biggest club it matters not if you not in the CL….. PLayers will sign of course but it’ll take an extra 10% and a clause saying if no CL in a seasons time they can leave…. I have it from a friend of mine who said that happened all the time with Lfc and he knows that for a fact as he knows ex players and current ppl there.

  84. tsgh says:

    It must be the dodgy trainers..

    it even had the green and white Nigerias national colour and all.. still you can’t make them all happy. 🙂

    Hi Cg

  85. Wath says:

    Ts, your choice and class of trainers is as good as your stats it seems…. 😉 Would you like a pink GG…?

  86. tsgh says:

    Now that is below the belt… take it back 😀

    I prefer girly Bud Light Lime Lime-A-Rita.. don’t mention it to Micko though 😉

  87. Canadian Gooner says:

    Firmini might just be a new name for the journos to match Arsenal to, as the other names are getting rather stale, especially Balotelli and Khedira. However, being young, mobile, skillful and relatively inexpensive; just the type Arsene likes, this one may have legs.

  88. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good day Ginge. I haven’t read all today’s comments yet. I’ve obviously missed what all the fuss over trainers is all about.

  89. Gunnerdna says:

    GeoffArsenal
    ‏@GeoffArsenal
    With a bit of adjusting i truly believe we could have a WC DM in Jack. Tenacious in tackles, quick enough and tidy enough in passing.

    AW truly have some great fans, everything he does make sense, even when its bs. lol

  90. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – “Bud Light” – you have got to be joking. In one of the lands of true ale you choose to drink that American panther piss. Bud Light beer is an oxymoron. You may as well cut out the middle man and pour it directly into the urinal.

  91. Gunnerdna says:

    Daily Cannon @DailyCannon ·
    Judging by promo material I’m pretty sure Arteta will be captain next season and Vermaelen will be gone.

  92. Gunnerdna says:

    David Conn ‏@david_conn 1h
    Arsenal cheapest season ticket for this coming season: £1,020. And yes, that’s the most expensive lowest priced ticket in the Premier League

  93. tsgh says:

    😀 lmfao Cg… that made me laugh…

    ”You may as well cut out the middle man and pour it directly into the urinal.”

  94. Wath says:

    Micko, have the mega trendy black ones for Soul nights and white ones for the punk nights… I can still cut a rug mate….

    Ok Ts, I’ll take back the offer of the pink GG…!

  95. tsgh says:

    Oh I see I was thinking of Fernando Lucas of Shaktar for some reason…

    cheers Wath… hmm not so sure

  96. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Ts, you’ve painted some picture today, dodgy kebab, fat bird in tow and Bud lite, that i’d like to see.

  97. Wath says:

    Bt, If he has fat bird in tow you’d of thought he’d be on the special brew to make her thinner as the night goes on……

  98. Canadian Gooner says:

    The Shakhtar situation is very interesting. Six of their foreign players refusing to return to a war zone, including reputed Arsenal target Douglas Costa. I hope Copenhagen manage to get their away leg against Shakhtar moved to a neutral venue. If Copenhagen don’t advance, Arsenal may face Shakhtar in the playoff round of the UCL.

  99. esxste says:

    How to write a click generating transfer news story:
    1. Pick a random players name
    2. Mention Arsenal/Wenger “could” be interested
    3. Pluck a random number from 1 – 35 and stick “million” next to it
    4. *Important* – mention how this is below the valuation of the selling club
    5. Mention the other players Arsenal have been linked to but missed out on
    6. Publish and begin writing the story about how the deal fell through because Wenger/Arsenal wouldn’t match the players wage demands.

    Rinse and repeat.

  100. Wath says:

    CG, the game has been moved to Kiev….. Still think it should be moved away from there totally but without a lot of their players lets see what happens…!

  101. Nickie says:

    Where are Shakatar in the draw?

    AEL Limassol (7) or Zenit (73)
    Dnipro (32) or Copenhagen (45)
    Feyenoord (13) or Besiktas (34)
    Grasshoppers (9) or Lille (45)
    Standard Liege (38) or Panathinakos (30)

    This are teams Arsenal could potentially play? Or am I missing something

  102. Wath says:

    Never thought of that Bt, hence it’s fat bird in tow so she can carry him home…. Now we know how he operates…………! Sneaky…!

  103. Wath says:

    It’s the Dnipro game with Copenhagen that’s been moved to Kiev Nickie….! Is it the Shaktar players who have gone AWOL or the Dnipro players…?

  104. allezkev says:

    Afternoon All

    Hooray for Rico, a great post…

    I don’t know, but I have a hunch that we’ll see at least two more outfield players signed. And I don’t mean youngsters either.

    It’s all a case of brinkmanship atm…

    And of course the 25 man squad.

    Even the ersatz clubs have to abide by those rules.

  105. Nickie says:

    Shakatar players isn’t it? Douglas Costa and co? lol Either way none of them teams frighten me.

  106. Wath says:

    Kev, stop being so positive……………..!

    Who is it on here that really rates Varane…..? Is it Rico…?

  107. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Afternoon habib.

    The Bent deal is on mate.

    Dont fart in your shorts with excitement Kev!!! 😉

  108. Wath says:

    Spot on CG, it’s also Wenger talking through the media to players that we maybe want that are playing hard ball…. A message of ok well if your going to be greedy we won’t bother…!?!?

  109. Canadian Gooner says:

    Wath – Six of the Shahktar players haven’t reported back, but I may be in error regarding the UCL match-ups.

  110. tsgh says:

    Wath, re Varane if he ws worth £10m I would have said pragmatic wath but since he will cost more than that… not sure now…

    Hi Rico… next time you leaving Wath in charge make sure he has had his fix first. 🙂

  111. Gonerjoe says:

    Just some itk thinking I spent the last two Thursday nights working we signed a player on each Thursday night.
    As I am working tonight I expect the club to announce a new signing this evening between 18.30 -20.00 hours. 😀

  112. Canadian Gooner says:

    Wath – My error, it is Dnipro in the UCL.

    5-10 minutes in the sin bin for propagating false or erroneous information.

  113. Wath says:

    Ts, speak to the hand mate…………… 😛

    I am always fixed up but thanx for caring lol 😀

    CG, no worries, the Shaktar thing will cause probs and if one lot done it you can bet others are thinking the same….!

  114. Micko says:

    Gjoe, if you were a proper supporter you’d start doing a few double shifts over the next few weeks.

  115. Wath says:

    Can’t see it Syg…..! Not less they offering silly money…! Then we’d need a left winger…. There is one going at RM….!

  116. Wath says:

    Yeh Joe I’m with Micko… don’t be so bloody selfish get out there and get those shifts in….! Least we know who to blame on Sep 2nd if we ain’t bought anyone else..!

  117. tsgh says:

    lol you know Wath best…

    Lets hope its not true syg..
    As i said when Santi signed an improved contract it is always a sure sign…

  118. Wath says:

    Ts, if we are prepared to let Santi go then I want a proper out and out winger…! Don’t want another midget midfielder…!

  119. Wath says:

    I could see us selling Rico IF we’re offered a big fee and we have an eye already on a replacement…! I think we do…! 2+2=7 you know my maths is brilliant….!

  120. tsgh says:

    Turan is nearly 5’10; in AFC terms that is a giant; maybe not a nephilim like OG12 or BFG. 🙂

  121. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – I too can’t see Santi going, unless Arsene has a younger like for like ready.

  122. tsgh says:

    The club will see business sense… he has 2 more years left on his contract and at 29 y.o if we can get decent money.

    Arda turan is turkish.. A proper lw like John Barnes or Reyes. Ozil will be pleased with that.

  123. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Read Podolski;

    “I didn’t have to [try to convince Khedira to join Arsenal].

    “Sami knows how much fun he could have with me, Mesut [Ozil] and Per [Mertesacker] at Arsenal.

    “We had a great time together at the World Cup and I would like it very much if he comes to London.”

    Isn’t this a sue sign Khedira’s deal ain’t dead yet? Who’d know better than Poldi?

  124. Hell Raising Devil says:

    WATH….that is why Firmino and Costa are linked. Because Cazorla may be off. If AFC get 15million for Santi and get Costa or Firmino for much less it is something that would appeal to AW…….get more money,…..get a good replacement.

    2+2 may be 7 but in my book 2 and 2 is 22

  125. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I also hope that Turan comes. First of all I like the player. secondly I prefer him to South Americans, Africans and Asians. Too much jetting all over the world at the wrong time.

    1 like Sanchez I accept.

    But 2 or more is a no go area for me.

  126. tsgh says:

    Tai. I would read too much into that personally. AW wont want ‘fun’ in the squad.

    Poldi wants sami because he has lost his partner in crime frimpong.

  127. tsgh says:

    Ditto that Dev… that is why i think fans should be patient with Sanchez.

    Vidal and Sanchez are main core of Chile squad and have been for a very long time. unlike LS07 Jaws who became prominent in the last 2 seasons for his country.

  128. Hell Raising Devil says:

    IMO the AFC squad should be made up of Europeans. One, maximum of two should be non EU.

    Jet lag will not be a problem then.

  129. tsgh says:

    Last August turan nearly joined… just saying. 😉

    Resources were diverted to conclude Ozil and find a striker that was why it did not happen…

  130. Gonerjoe says:

    Seems it only works on a Thursday do you not think i’ve be trying it hurts me that you all think I haven’t been trying other nights. 🙁

  131. Wath says:

    Turan reminds me more of an inside left though Ts, not an out and out winger… He don’t skin full backs and cross the ball does he…? just saying….

    Cuadrado… Isn’t he way more right footed than left footed T’s… spent most of the WC on the right wing…!

  132. allezkev says:

    You know, only too well, that I do not condone such behaviour Coach…

    That is Stan’s depatment. 😉

    Btw Mr Lee, your comment from yesterday was noted and I shall discuss my youth with you at the next HHCC meeting. 😀

  133. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Afternoon, Rico…missed you.

    If Wenger sells Carzola then we’re cooked. Carzola is the only one that can play for Ozil without the team dropping much in quality…nobody yet in the squad…Carzola had an average season last term but I got this feeling he’s preparing for his best on Arsenal colours this term.

    His ability to use both feet at equal measure is something I haven’t seen in modern football.

    For whatever amount, selling him will completely put imbalance into the squad and Wenger knows better than that.

    Liverpool will be attempting to balance the effect of selling their soul, and that, may knock them off top 4. Man City is intact, Chelsea is intact(Luiz is no loss) and Man U? We wait. With a new coach, Evra gone…a lot of tweaks at the back…They’ll struggle again even with LVG. Once we lose an important player like Carzola, we join that struggling train, even if we replace with Griezman.

  134. tsgh says:

    lol… lol
    May 11,2013
    Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Higuain from Real Madrid for €22m . Sky Sports.

  135. allezkev says:

    Hi Rico, was it one of Wath’s?

    I’m gonna be on his case soon… 😉

    Ginge, Brainwashed will return on matchdays.
    It worked for me last season, and so it goes…

  136. Canadian Gooner says:

    The Khedira deal seemed like it was progressing until someone got very greedy either Sami himself and/or his Mr. 10-20%. My bet is on his agent, but they’ll have to blink first as Arsene wont pay wages like that, as it will start a chain reaction with all the other players with contract extensions and renewals.

  137. tsgh says:

    😀 I also miss the late night debates between Kev and Brainwashedkev… but that is another story.

  138. tsgh says:

    Not sure if we were actually in for Sami or just paper talk…

    Rumours say we made enquiries for a German midfielder. Kramer my view; Bender according to Bild. Kramer was interested but his ownership and loan agreement was murky… Bender does not want to move as he does not believe he is ready according to voller.

  139. rico says:

    Sorry Cg, I was chasing chickens around my garden… 😉

    Do you think one of the younger players could push through?

  140. Wath says:

    Ts, if Bender aint ready at 25 he never will be…. He’s lacking in ambition and character if he really don’t wanna test himself and I think Kramer is better anyway. Khedira as said yes would be happy but not unhappy if we don’t get him as long as we get someone for the role…! Maybe we’re trying for Carvalho but obviously not at the 35million buy out clause

  141. Canadian Gooner says:

    Kev – Hopefully if we get a few more class players in and have a good season, there should be no need of the Brainwashed persona. Btw how many distinct personas do you manifest? I’ve seen three so far.

  142. Wath says:

    CG, if he’s on the bevvy it’s about 10… the one includes a rascal of a drag queen…. Kevina….!

  143. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – I’m sure one or two of the Young Guns will be ready to push through soon, but not as a direct replacement for Santi. The youngsters may need another half or full season on loan to get regular playing time.

    I can’t see Santi being sold unless we are offered good money and we have a transfer replacement in the bag. However, that would be another change in the squad and we all know Arsene doesn’t like doing more than three of those in a season. So, with Fabianski, Sagna and maybe TV out, it is looking unlikely. Maybe next year though when this season’s imports have bedded in.

  144. Wath says:

    CG, there is def another big name planned, just depends if we can make it happen and no am not referring to Khedira either…!

  145. Canadian Gooner says:

    Wath – Kevina? Is that why he and Adam keep referring to some street in central London? I think that is more than I wanted to know.

  146. tsgh says:

    SC19 is in the US of A so maybe nothing to it..

    As i said last month Ath B-team signed another Carzola. He is highly rated at 17 y.o.. the media possibly heard that and took advantage of the only Carzola they know who can sell papers. 😉

  147. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Now you’re talking CG … knowing what we can do means thinking like Wenger. Carzola is staying…he wants to stay and I can’t see Wenger wanting to sell. The first time we didn’t lose an important player in the last nine years, we won a trophy. Wenger hasn’t forgotten!

  148. Wath says:

    Another Sth American though Ts and yet more travelling etc etc…!

    Sorry for the info overload CG and yes that “street” in London is where they like to show off their wears… Say no more…..

  149. Canadian Gooner says:

    Wath – I agree with you regarding Bender’s lack of ambition and character.

    Arsene seems to have learned from last season’s fiasco where he put all his effort into Saurez for a new striker and neglected the rest. This time he seems to have the crew working on more than one candidate for any position. I think we’ll see Schneiderlin or Carvalho coming before the end of August. It’s poker time and Arsene is keeping his cards close to his chest.

  150. Wath says:

    Not sure on Joshua Ts…. Didn’t see much of him after the move to make a proper comment to be honest but I think it would depend a lot on the fee but there are better out there for us to pursue don’t you think..?

  151. Wath says:

    CG, if Bender was 19/20 and saying give me one more year then fair enough but really… Sounds like another Reyes…. bit of a petal…!

  152. Canadian Gooner says:

    Tai – With the exception of TV, I can’t see us selling anyone this window. The club might make an exception if we were offered silly money or a player agitated for a transfer. Santi is on record as wanting to stay and looking forward to the new season. Likewise for Poldi who was also rumoured to be leaving.

    As for TV, I think Arsene will keep him if he shows he is willing to fight for a place. If not, Arsene will squeeze every last penny and player he can get out of ManUre.

  153. tsgh says:

    Indeed his low key approach to the game was not up to Simeone’s standard…

    Then again not a lot of players can displace Gabi or Suarez in the DM department without having any preseason.

    Based on that I can’t see how Simeone will like SC19 tbh…

  154. Wath says:

    Be interesting to see how Fernando fits in at Citeh… Looks like a very good buy and great value…!

  155. Nickie says:

    Is Verm a fighter though? He talks the talk on Arsenal.com but rarely delivers, He’s injured more often than not these days which isn’t very handy if you’re next in line to replace a first team player. I get a feeling he feels sorry for himself. That’s a negative and loser attitude. If another team was in for him i’d let him go.

  156. rico says:

    Thanks Cg, like you, I can’t see him going, if he is, just hope another comes in as we need depth and strength…

  157. tsgh says:

    Nickie… i have to disagree with you on that…

    How many times in his first 2 seasons with us did he help us back back from behind… he was the highest scoring defender in those days…

    Up until last season TV was still our best CB. Albeit he and Kosser lacked chemistry due to his absence.. TV has the fight him him but rumours are the way his best friend was hounded out when we decided we did not want him because of the open letter cheesed him off.

    RvP was an AFc fan and maybe thought a making big noise would make the club make moves in the market.

    The board made a move but only to get rid of him…
    In fact he turned down Barca to stay with us when Cesc was also leaving…

  158. tsgh says:

    due to his absence..= due to his injuries.. lower back and ankle injuries.*

    He was even Belgium captain until his long term injury

  159. Nickie says:

    I’m not denying he had fight in his earlier days Ts. But he looks lost now, the fight has left him. Up until last season (start of last season) that’s 2 years ago. That’s a long time to be out of form. Turning down Barca is commendable but we are moving forward as a club, not living in the past.

    I like TV I really do and it’s a shame what has happened to him. he’s lost a spring in his step and it’s time for him to go (just not to Man U)

  160. rico says:

    RvP turned down Barca?

    Not heard that one before, well, I don’t remember ever seeing that story…

  161. Nickie says:

    I’d give him one more chance in our opening 2-3 games of the season, if he can display some quality form and some fight i’d love to keep him. Prove to us why he is captain of Arsenal. He has had chances to show us but this ends up in him being bullied a la Man City, Everton (Lukaku destroyed him and Monreal)

  162. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    I think TV’s problem is that both him and Kozzer are same type of players…can’t really partner effectively. With Mert, both will have decent showings.

    It’d really pain me to see TV move on. I think if he statys injury-free, he’d have more games this season

  163. tsgh says:

    TV has not been bad when he has played though Nickie…
    I think fans expect too much from our players…
    We can’t expect a player who has not played for months to step in and be as good as Per or Kosser had been straight away especailly at the back even if that player trains every day..

    That is why Fergie always rotated his players until November to ensure all his players had matches under their belt if and when needed.

    How many players did the top 6 managers use compared to AW?

    AW on the other had plays his squad in pre-season. Most getting 45 minutes each in 2 or 3 games.
    He then settles on a starting 15 and carries on with them until December. But then expect then to be 100% match fit…

    I love AW but he manages his squad poorly imho…

  164. Nickie says:

    It’s not right seeing your captain getting the odd carling cup and easier prem game run out while the first teamers have a rest. I feel sorry for him. Used to love his tenacity and persistence “get in there VERM!” when he made a solid tackle similar to the ones Kos made. I guess we can put part of Verm’s confidence issues on Wenger for not rotating correctly.

  165. Nickie says:

    Hehe he does have a bad habit of re-introducing Verm into the wrong game at the wrong time. Man city on fire brings Verm into an already sinking ship. Verm returns from injury, let’s stick him in against one of the most inform teams in the country (Everton). I desperately want to see Verm back to his old self. The only way he will achieve that right now is probably a move to Man u.

  166. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Rico, there were strong links with TV to Barca the season Song joined them…but all paper stuff, who’d ever know?

    I prefer TV as Gibbs back up…with both CB and LB chances, he’d surely have more games this season…plus, Mert was injury-free last season…it’s unArsenal to have another one!

  167. tsgh says:

    Under Satchi (spelling) in the 90’s Franco Baresi could play with all of Desaily, Costacurta,Mauro Tassotti but could not play well with Maldini in central defence… both liked to bomb forward.

    Barca vs Milan 1994 is an example

  168. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    You’re very right…TV is a left-footed copy of Kozzer, both going for it, neither sitting back to clean things up like Mert. Maybe that’s why Wenger may sell him…then get a CB that can partner both Mert and Kozzer effectively…with Sagna gone, Per has no real back up.

  169. frednerk says:

    Afternoon All,
    I like Tommy,but……..
    The one game sticks in my head with him..against norwich a couple of season back 3-3,
    3-2 5min to go…we need the win.
    Tommy decides to try and make it 4-2 and go’s on a trip up north.
    you all no what happened next.
    To be honest the geezers brain dead to that…….Bouldy never liked that……Maybe that was the game.

  170. tsgh says:

    Of all the teams who played in the UCL only OG12, Scez played more or equal to 37 games in the EPL.

    Ivanovic played 36, Per, Sagna, Zabelleta, Yaya and Hazard 35.

    Our core players are over used… Song was playing 58 games a season… so sometimes maybe he has to take the odd card to be able to get a break…

  171. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Fred, that’s up there for a comedy movie, the way you put it…sure who would ever forget that game?

  172. Nickie says:

    lol I just looked up the 4-4 Newcastle to see if Verm played. He didn’t but Kos gave away 2 pens that day wow.

  173. rico says:

    I realised Ts 😉

    Tai, I must have slept through those or just lost interest… lol

    fred, I’m not fussed if he stays or goes really, all I care about is if he goes, who replaces him….

    As Potter said the other day, if Hummels really is available for £16 million, we should be in there.

  174. Nickie says:

    I’m not sure Mert really gets tired though. Great stamina and it’s not like he goes anywhere fast lol

  175. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    That’s why our match teams are always predictable. All an opposing manager needs to know exactly how Wenger will line out is take a look at our injury list. And then of course, the tactic is cast in quartz – 4 -3-3

  176. tsgh says:

    We used 26 players including Ryo and Akpom getting sub appearances.. and Flappy making 1 appearance.

    Man city used 26 players too but only Boyata and rodwell made less than 7 appearances… we had 7 players including Diaby’s late sub appearance making less than 7 appearances…

    That tells you we over use our key players…

  177. tsgh says:

    make it 8 I missed out Kim..

    Arteta made 27 appearances after missing 2 months of the season…

    Ramsey made 20 appearances after missing nearly 3.5 months…

    Hi fred

  178. frednerk says:

    Tai,
    I had my head in my hands..he lost me that day.
    Rico,
    I would swop him for smalling..Think bouldy would improve him.

  179. Nickie says:

    Wenger is a stubborn git. All the statistical information in the world, all the near accurate results from fitness/performance machines. Even advice from coaches and probably the player coming to him saying “Arsene, i’m wrecked” wouldn’t stop him from overusing because he thinks he knows the players bodies better than any machine, expert or player.

  180. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts, totally agree. we’re over using our first team players…Wenger would start same team and same tactic with games against Bradford at Emirates and Man City at the Etihad. When I said Carling Cup should exclude first team regulars I had injuries and fatigue in mind.

  181. rico says:

    It’s a tough one fred as selling to Utd would be wrong, be very wrong – I don’t dislike Smalling though and yes, Bould could possibly turn him into a top top defender.

  182. frednerk says:

    Not to sure if the mancs really want Tommy,
    But I know who would love him.His old picnic partner….Judas.

  183. frednerk says:

    Ts did you read this.

    TalkSPORT’s south coast football expert Alex Crook believes Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin would see joining Tottenham as a ‘sideways step’ and would rather move to Arsenal.

  184. rico says:

    Yep, best buddies and holiday partners fred…

    I did see that about Schneiderlin, makes sense but I’d say joining them from Southampton would be a step backwards…. 😉

  185. rico says:

    Didn’t know he was a south coast expert fred…

    Fingers crossed we are interested in him, really don’t like the Jack/DM role rumours. Whoever made that up needs to have a word with him/her self….

  186. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Watching closely my crystal ball I have stumbled upon the present pastime which AW is indulging in. Growing daisies. In fact during this moment in time he has a daisy in his hand and is deriving the utmost satisfaction in picking one petal after the other and uttering to himself…..Ospina, Casillas, Ospina Casillas………

    When he decides he will go to the next daisy…….Khedira, Bender, Schneiderlin,………..

    Jones, Smalling, Jones Smalling,……….

    Good evening lovely doves

  187. Wavy says:

    I’m quite miffed! I’ve been sitting around waiting all day for the unveiling of our next purchase and just nothing’s happened. I mean to say it is Thursday the day of the week we reveal our latest new boot room boy!
    What a let down the ARSENAL are!
    I guess we must have finished our business for this window!
    Ho hum!

  188. Hell Raising Devil says:

    you have intelligent chicks then if they know how to tinker about. Are they like Claudio Ranieri or is Claudio Ranieri like them? Tinkering is his favourite indulgence!!!!

  189. rico says:

    🙂 Devil. Nothing too serious, just the old gals trying to get in with the newly arrived rescued ones….

  190. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ahhhhh. I thought that holes were procured in the chicken wire and you had to do a jogging session after them 😉

    hehe

  191. Hell Raising Devil says:

    The best way to catch a chicken is to put some salt on its tail feathers……that’s what my grand mother used to say.

    I dont know how many bags of salt I frittered away trying to put some salt on tail feathers of hens. I never succeeded in catching one.

  192. Hell Raising Devil says:

    By any chance…….did they go in the direction of Swamp Lane? So may stupid cocks in that area.

  193. rico says:

    We don’t have Cockerels Devil, just hens and no way would they lower their standard of living… lol

  194. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ahhhh that’s better than. We can sleep easy then.

    Be careful not to allow frog food in their pen. Otherwise you will be in trouble dear Rico.

  195. Hell Raising Devil says:

    big trouble that Rico.

    Because in an all female habitat some frogs have been known to change sex and become males. So imagine them mixing with frogs.

    One day one of your hens will change into a cockerel….you will be opening up a chicken farm soon.

  196. Wavy says:

    Yeh, I like salt on my fried chicken! And especially on hard boiled eggs, they’re in edible without!

  197. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Is it true then Rico…….that you kiss your chicks good night in the hope that one of them turns into a prince. 😉

  198. Wavy says:

    Or foul, that’s footballish, isn’t it?
    You can’t beat a bit of a thrash around in the coop now and again, especially in the close season!

    Aurier to PSG has prevented us from offloading Jenks, apparently!
    More creative journalism? Or is it just the fiction factory?

  199. tsgh says:

    Torres is up for grabs Dev apparently..

    RobertoBonafont Cavani’s agent is now in London having talks and looking for options for a transfer to the Premier League. London preferred option so chelsea me guess…

  200. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I am off for tonight mates. I need a good rest as tomorrow I have to do 7 miles.

    Enjoy.

    Ginge be careful what you kiss. I know hope is the last to die but dwelling on kissing a chick so that it will turn into a princess might prove hazardous to your wallet.

    Gd night mates and lasses

  201. tsgh says:

    Our squad for NY

    Goalkeepers: Damien Martinez, Wojciech Szczesny
    Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Kieran Gibbs, Isaac Hayden, Carl Jenkinson, Ignasi Miquel, Nacho Monreal
    Midfielders: Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Abou Diaby, Mathieu Flamini, Kristoffer Olsson, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Jon Toral, Jack Wilshere, Gedion Zelalem
    Forward: Chuba Akpom

    20 man squad… AR16 the captain…

  202. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Crikey…..a one man attack????

    What is AW smoking and thinking????

    Is he going to play 4-6-0??

    Off to bed. This is bad for my health. 😉

    cu tomorrow lads.

  203. tsgh says:

    Dench started his trials with Sturm Graz today..

    I wish him well.. see you soon at AFc when you are a top player…

  204. tsgh says:

    I think my spurds neighbour feels disrespected by me saying he should lay off JW and our academy…

    He said we were stupid to allow Eisfield to leave and that we had the worst academy…

    I referred him to Pirlo playing for Brescia on loan when he was 22-ish…

  205. tsgh says:

    Just guessing mate.
    AR16 was captain during first half on saturday…

    I mentioned last January that Vfb stuttgart wanted him back… AW was not happy apparently that his father was going behind him….
    Only excuse he is in London…

  206. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, why AW cares what his dad do, he is under contract. I hope Arsenal don’t let a player like Serge leave and keep Diaby, MF, MA & Yaya.

  207. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Wenger on Pires;

    “Robert Pires is a good example. He has unbelievable preferential vision, so on the right he is a normal player but on the left he became a world-class player. On the left wing he saw everything, but on the right wing he saw nothing.”

    If you see Sanchez in goal, then know that in attack he saw nothing but in goal he sees everything!

  208. allezkev says:

    Wenger has publicly stated that BFG, Ozil and Podolski will miss Arsenal’s opening game vs Crystal Palace…

    So, does that mean that Vermaelen will start 2014-15 in the colours of Arsenal?

    Or maybe Chris Smalling???

  209. allezkev says:

    Scott, I simply do not want to do any business with our major competitors…

    It sends out the wrong signals mate…

    Cheers… 😀

  210. allezkev says:

    Rico and Adam have got their phone covers btw Digger…

    Gonna give one to Lee on 14th next month…

  211. allezkev says:

    Why oh why are we continually linked to Nani…???

    This story must be a pile of dung?!

    I simply cannot see where that useless tosser would fit in, even if, by some unbelievable chance, Wenger had lost his marbles and was interested in that Portugese show pony.

  212. allezkev says:

    That’s my lot, Night All….

    I will just leave you with this thought, so that you all sleep easy…

    Maybe Wenger sees Coquelin as his new def/mid?

    NightyNight 😉

  213. rico says:

    Morning Kev, Scott, Lee, Wath and all..

    Couldn’t you all sleep last night or something…. 😉

  214. Lee says:

    Missed you AK… Yeah all good mate, had a tear up with a bottle of Smirnoff last night!
    Rico wasn’t it Breezey from Cornwall???

  215. rico says:

    Morning Lee, thanks, I will check the comments and see…

    I asked because we were watching Escape to the Country yesterday and he was on it teaching the house hunters to surf…

  216. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Morning, Rico, all,

    Honesty has departed the dealings in transfer circles. First it was PSG ‘giving’ Chelsea 50 mil for Luiz – a player who just had his worst season in his career!

    Then a reverse is Porto ‘dashing’ Fernando Reges to Man City for a paltry 12 mil.

    Who is fooling who?

    How much did Abramovich add to PSG’s offer, if any in Luiz sale? And how much of Fernando’s transfer was paid in the dark?

    To beat FFP, clubs, owners, managers, players cheat all over the place. Nauseating! My soul is calm, just because I’m certain Arsenal would never cheat under Wenger. We got class…but one day, someone will either self-confess or one false move throws up these ugly deals. And that day, we’d really see managers and clubs that stink.

  217. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Lee, I’m sure Nani’s manager planted that one, to attract suitors…so far, it’s not working, is it?

  218. rico says:

    Morning Tai..

    I think we could all have a good guess which clubs and managers ‘stink’.. Bet we’d not be far wrong either…

  219. Adam says:

    Morning Rico, Led, Tai and all. I remember Thorny. He was an excellent blogger.
    Lee. I was in Orford yesterday. What a lovely place.

  220. rico says:

    Morning Adam. I like him too, guess he’s busy these days…

    No Merts, Ozil or Podolski for the start of the new season! They don’t return until the 11th August…

  221. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ok, Rico. Welcome.

    It all means Merts, Ozil, Poldi may never kick a ball in all of August. Community Shield, UCL playoffs on my mind!

  222. rico says:

    And 3 PL fixtures I think. Merts might be the only one who will be ready for the start of the PL.

  223. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Morning Lovely Smileys and Grins.

    Aneke had a positive debut with Zulte. He played and scored. I hope he does well and maybe one day return as a fully fledged player.

    Drogba is on a free. Would you lot give him a one year contract, even at 36?

    I would.

    At least that would stop him scoring against us. And maybe score against the Moaning midget.

  224. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Dev…Drogba is Chelsea-bound. For just two EPL matches – home and away against Arsenal and then wait for cup matches against you know who…

  225. Adam says:

    Perhaps if you sign Drogba then you condone his cheating and I reckon he is one of the worst football cheats I have ever seen. I despise him yet admit to his effectiveness, when he isn’t cheating that is.

  226. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I would take him even for one season. Would that hold back Campbell, Yaya and Chuba?? No it would not. Because I would use him to rest Giroud and teach the other 3 as well.

    And he is a big monster when leading the line by himself.

    Imagine him, Theo and SAnchez up front.

  227. Adam says:

    No Drogba for me Dev. I believe we should be setting our sights much higher than a cheating ex-Chelsea lump who will be about 37 soon. But that’s just me.

  228. Hell Raising Devil says:

    16 million for TommyV???

    Bite their hand off I say. But we must secure a replacement first.

    otherwise we will be cooked up in shit creek.

  229. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Morning, Adam…

    Just read one article on need for another striker via Goonersphere by Adam Demetriou. Could that by any chance mean our own Adam?

  230. Lee says:

    Drogba is an arsehole….I despise the cheating wanker, no wonder he fitted in so well at Chelsea, he’ll slot back in a treat!
    Trouble is, he always got the better of our defenders!
    Orford is wonderful Adam….what did you eat? My favourite is the smoked cod’s roe and toast!
    Thorny that’s him, good man, I liked him and he spoke a lot of sense!

  231. tsgh says:

    Psg taking lessons from AW it appears… taking players on loans with future purchase is their way of beating FFP…

    Morning mes Amis…

  232. AdamAdams says:

    No Tai. That is not me. I usually write under my own name unless I fancy a change. But on the same theme, might I ask if I am addressing the author of The Senator?

  233. Adam says:

    No Tai, that is not me and I am not of Hellenic origin. I usually write under my real name, unless I fancy a change.
    But, on the same theme, am I addressing the author of The Senator?

  234. Adam says:

    Lee. We started with the smoked prawns then Mrs A had the Skate with black butter and capers while I consoled myself with the herb-crusted Cod.
    Orford is rather like England of the past. Everybody smiles and says hello and I walked around all day without being offered a copy of The Big Issue or asked for money.

  235. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    There’s only one Tai Emeka Obasi in the whole universe and I never write under pseudonyms…yes, The Senator was my first.

  236. tsgh says:

    Interesting stats… which is worrying with BS gone…

    O. Giroud 4.1
    B. Sagna 3.5
    P. Mertesacker 2.7
    T. Vermaelen 2.4
    L. Koscielny 1.6

  237. Adam says:

    Tai. Congratulations. Being published at all is a worthy achievement. I must get you to sign my copy when it arrives from Amazon. 🙂

  238. Adam says:

    Rico. I think he has just said. “And guess what, yes, we put the effing season ticket rices up as well”

  239. frednerk says:

    Morning All,
    Be my luck,I get a chance to chin that cheating git Drogba,and stays on his feet.
    Ts..you and your stats?
    Reason Sagna comes into the heading stats..is that our goal kicks went to him to for knock on’s.Not defensive headers.
    Misleading stat.
    Morning Ts.

  240. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Thanks, Adam. That’d be an honour, really. From what I’ve seen, any book of yours must be a great read.

    Yes, Ts…that’s me too. You a fan of Nollywood?

  241. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Thanks, Dev. Passion is the ultimate teacher. I mean, we all reason like coaches here but I guess only you qualified as one, wrong?

  242. Adam says:

    Morning Scott. It depends on which paper you read. No real immediate action though ‘talks’ are ongoing. 🙂

  243. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    Past season stats rates Debuchy higher than Sagna in aerial duels…now, don’t tell me he played for a s++t club then!

  244. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Scott coaches as well mate. And Ginge can read the game back to front better than some coaches I know and some who I have seen. But there are others here who know how to read the game well. The only difference with me is that I do not see the game and team as a supporter although this has changed slightly last year.

    I have coached anything from 6 year olds to senior teams in the last 23 years. But my preference is always the Under 19. The competition at that age is fierce since they are doing their utmost to impress the senior coach.

  245. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha Ts re Debuchy…

    My father and step-mother are…

    I am a fan of HH only.. 😛

    Joking aside; I went to primary school with Fred Attoh…

  246. tsgh says:

    Tai, Aerially, the only Arsenal defender to win more Premier League aerial duels than Mathieu Debuchy last season (111) was Bacary Sagna (119) .

    But Debuchy won more tackles even though Sagna attempted less and has a higher tackle success…

  247. Adam says:

    Fred. I really am. I think that some who are not fortunate enough to see the team ‘live’ forget just how important the crowd’s backing can be. To go into the season with everyone on board and believing that we truly have a squad that can win the PL will be worth a few points a season. The feedback loop between the players and the crowd is soften under rated. That is why I think that we need 2 more super signings. The ambition the club show will be reciprocated by the fans who will push the team on. As I said the other day, leaving the money in the bank is entirely negative for me. I still think we need something more up front though Fred, bearing in mind the attritional nature of the PL.

  248. Nickie says:

    Hell,

    I won player of the year in under 15s,but struggled most in under 16s and 17s. Hadn’t played for 6 years until this year I got around 7 games under my belt for a local adult team. Much slower pace a lot less frantic, much easier on the ball lol Never had an under19s here but could imagine the intensity.

  249. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    Did you mean Fred Amata?

    You wouldn’t know when you become a fan, would you? How come you noticed I write for Nollywood then?

  250. tsgh says:

    imho, I believe nothing has changed on transfer front tbh…

    The plane was always to get those 2 before US of A, 1 before or just after Emirates cup and then maybe 1 or 2 in the last week in August….

  251. Nickie says:

    It is difficult to get tickets for a prem game. I’m not too far away from north london living buckhurst hill/woodford (outskirts of london) so I should have no excuse. It just seems so difficult to get 2 tickets sitting together. Fortunately, I get to see Sanchez in action at the emirates cup. Luckily i’ve managed to get to 1 Premier league game a couple of seasons ago when Nasri put 2 incredible goals past Fulham, the crowd were electric. I’d hate to be at the Emirates with the crowd turning a la Aston Villa, like Adam says that must have hurt the players.

  252. Lee says:

    Mersea Island, not far off the A12 Adam. I don’t think you can book and you have to bring your own vino or champagne in Mrs A’s case!

  253. Hell Raising Devil says:

    The eight legged creatures are my friends only if I can stew them mate.

    Octopus and squid make fascinating dinners…….if you marinate them well and catch them yourself.

  254. potter says:

    I have to agree with Adam on the connection between the players and the crowd .We are not too far apart in the stadium 1 or 2 blocks I think and it is interesting at the end of games to see where the players go to applaud the crowd. The areas where people have the ” fire drill ” and go 5 – 10 minutes before the end tend to be ignored but to those that stay on the clock end and north bank , the players walk over and show their appreciation.

  255. potter says:

    As I said before Nickie , there will be games this season where my son and I cannot go. Get my e-mail from Rico and I can put your membership numbers on my tickets and if you want them they can be exchanged legally through the club. Block 10 near the back . You will have to stand though.

  256. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Dev,

    Thanks for the info, mate. You’re good in your call. Yeah, I thought I knew one thing or two about reading the game until I met folks here. Ts is indeed awesome…how he collects and stores his stats beats my imagination.

    Ok Ts, maybe I was thinking of tackles. But losing the best and getting second in a pool of over 20 is not a bad bargain…for me, Debuchy is a good substitute for Sagna, if not excellent.

  257. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Its not a question of less technicality Nickie. Its the way your body grows. Some of the boys I have seen have unbelievable skill. But their body is simply not up to it. Not everyone grows at the same rate. The most important thing is to have the right coach who will tell you what your problem is…….and take care of you in the right manner.

    One has to win of course. But you must be humane to the boys you are coaching. The most important thing is to make the boys the subject of your coaching not the object of your ambition.

  258. frednerk says:

    Funny you say that potter.I always went over and thanked this bloke and his dog after every game.

  259. tsgh says:

    Indeed Mattheau is a good player.Tai.

    I just believe in our situation with injuries and all, we should not be losing our most trusted and ever present defender to our rival…

    BS at his so called age played 36 games last season… his discipline is also far better than most of our players especially Debuchy who played 26 games due to suspensions…

    No red cards for BS… combined with BS’s UCL experience and additional games; AW and the board have papered over the cracks…

    Have we bought 2 players? no IMO…

    We have added a player a very top player in AS and replaced a very versatile player with a specialist attacking RB who is very similar to TV and Kosser re relying on his pace to do the work…
    BS and BFG complimented each other…

  260. Nickie says:

    Got your email Potter 🙂 we have yet to become members as Rico said the chances of actually getting tickets through red members is poor lol. So we are ummming and errrring at the moment on whether to become members or not. It’s nice to know the option is there for tickets though, Thank you once again Potter

  261. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam, bloody media 🙂
    Ginge, I’ve retired from coaching.
    Once Sean knew more than I could teach him, that was it for me 🙂

  262. Adam says:

    If Arsene ever had any doubts about the value of having the crowd on board then last season’s opener against a very, very average Villa side might have gone some way toward convincing him as to their worth. The atmosphere in the Emirates at the end of the game was nothing short of poisonous. Personally I doubt if he takes much notice of anyone at all, but what I will say is that, this close season, there has been a completely revised attitude toward transfers from the top management down. Ivan is much more involved and it was he who did all the leg work on the Sanchez deal. Wenger is still a big pull for players though Arsenal are not the biggest payers as we know. What it seems to me is happening at the moment is a simple equation of time vs needs vs availability. Throw in a huge dose of Wenger pride and experience plus internal politics and allegiances and aligning the planets becomes tricky.

  263. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m about to watch a show on the box called Premier League Legends.
    Robert Pires, anyone 🙂

  264. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    You’re right re Sagna but we’re going to replace him one day and it was him who refused our offer, not us not wanting him.

    I didn’t know what we offered but City would have naturally offered far more. Sangna wanted some retirement stuff and wouldn’t blame him neither would I blame Wenger for moving on.

  265. Nickie says:

    It was difficult for me because we had changed league the football was so quick, being a defender/CDM(maybe Arsenal could offer me a contract lol) I was more physical and a ball winner.The games in the new league often were so intense I struggled with the speed. I have a cousin and younger brothers currently with Nottingham Forest youth and like you say, they’re great technical wise it’s hard to believe they’re only 7 and 10 but they’re 100 times the footballer I was at that age. Physically they’re a lacking compared to their team mates, fortunately they’ll grow.

    Adam,

    Where you from? hehe

  266. Scott From Oz says:

    I still say the Sagna scenario was a tough one…….when he wanted an extension, he was just back from his second broken bone, and in terrible form.
    By the time he’d hit form, he didn’t want to talk.
    If we’d extended when he wanted to, plenty of fans would have hit the roof………..

  267. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha Scott.. you need to forget about social Services and get the cane out… 😉

    Seriously though your boy seems to have all the right ingredients so fingers crossed buddy. He needs your support more than your coaching 😉

    Pray he has no disruptions…

    I played for Charlton Conservative u-13/14 at 11 and 12 but I took up break dancing as well and injured my knee…
    Coming back from injury in those days, as a left footed player I was most played as a LB or LW and so I lost the enthusiasm…

    I had trials at leyton Orient and Charlton but again I was more interested in what position I was being played than enjoying the game…

    My father thought football was a distracting to my education anyway and was not too keen driving me around london just to go and watch run around a field whilst standing around other angry dads… but no regrets really…

  268. Adam says:

    Nickie. I am from Highbury but live very close to you in deepest Wanstead. I have mates in Queens Road, near you I think?

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