Arsene Wenger – A Preying Mantis? World Cup winner set to join the squad….

Morning all,

There’s an old saying – the camera never lies……

I’m sure everyone has seen the vast number of photographs of the players/staff on tour and don’t they all look happy?

Arsene Wenger is calm and everything he says is positive. Just as it has been from Ivan Gazidis.

They have both now told us that we will sign quality players this summer and we all know that those kind of signings, unless a club has the kind of money that the owners of Manchester City and Chelsea are prepared to pay, take time to be sorted out.

Players like Suarez, Higuain and Rooney to mention just a few, will no doubt already know where they want to go and I strongly suspect their club know too.

Look back to just last summer with the old badger, and Alex Song to a degree, both knew they wanted to go, both knew where they wanted to go…..

Robin finally moved on the 15th August, five days later Song joined Barcelona, yet he’d been linked to the Catalan Club for a long time prior to that….

Neither Barcelona or Manchester United felt the need to rush the issue, no doubt both clubs knew they would get their man. It was all about playing the waiting game…

Added to that, I strongly suspect that both players had managed to get a message to their now new clubs, making it clear that they were ready to make their move.

Why should anything be different for us?

We are a club with great history.

A club with a fantastic stadium.

A club that has been through very tough times, but now a club that is coming out the other side.

We have secured a very good deal with the Emirates.

We have reportedly sealed an outstanding new kit deal with Puma.

Finally, we have one of the most respected managers in the world of football today……

A man who will, regardless of what some think, continue to attract top footballers.

I know I have been as frustrated as others over the last few years, at times I may have wished that Arsene Wenger would pack his bags and jog on but……

Players like Rooney, Suarez, Higuain and many others will be looking at us this summer and see us as the best club to join because we are on the up……..

Whoever is set to join us this summer possibly already know they are on their way in, it’s just about when they sign.

Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis and Dick Law are I hope, just waiting, waiting in the background, ready to make their move at the right time…..

If that time is August, then so be it……

In the meantime, our first friendly kicks off later today and it’s live on ESPN, coverage satrts at 2.45pm uk time…

Enjoy it…….

I will, especially if England have rolled over the Aussies by then….. πŸ˜‰

Oh, well done to Yaya Sanogo and his French team-mates for winning the World Cup last night…. Ok it’s the under 20’s but it’s still a World Cup.

A few weeks rest and then he’ll be heading to London to brag to his new team-mates….

Have a good one all….

0 thoughts on “Arsene Wenger – A Preying Mantis? World Cup winner set to join the squad….

  1. tsgh says:

    A very fine post. You put things in great context.

    Yes the boys look pleased… maybe if we got a few of those fans enthusiasm into the Erms we may make our stadium a fortress πŸ˜‰

    I am treating myself to re-watching our first match against FC Munchen at the Erms… how we lost that match 3-1 I don’t know?

    Well our bigger players fluffed their lines as always. When our CB’s had the ball, there was no movement upfront at all… no intelligent movement. Every of our players wanting to play infront of their defence and not making the Ljunberg, Bobby, TH14 or Wiltord type of runs…

  2. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, that post is laced with confidence, smothered in optimism and with lashes of hope….now who realllly wrote it πŸ™‚
    Nah, love it, and even the biggest nark world have to agree you make some brilliant points.
    Morning Rico and Ginge….as well as anyone else joining in.

  3. Canadian Gooner says:

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

    I have to agree with tsgh “A very fine post. You put things in great context.”

  4. Canadian Gooner says:

    After reading quite a few articles on the on-going Higuain saga, I’m getting the feeling that Gonzalo is using Arsenal and that if Ancelotti talks to him nicely and reassures him that he is still loved, he will stay at UnReal. I think we will know one way or the other by Tuesday.

  5. tsgh says:

    Morning Cg and Scott… and all my fellow HHers.

    Indeed I enjoyed reading lady rico’s post… in fact since its been hot in the SE of England Rico’s posts have gone up an octave.

    Or maybe its just the trust Rico has in IG πŸ˜‰

    Wenger said ”We will only use financial resources to bring in one or two players who will give us something more.”

    You all know where I sit with IG and his spin. He must have had a distinction from the Carnegie school for Management and CEOs’.

  6. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – “You sarky old buggers”? That’s a fine good morning greeting. It must lose something in the translation from the original English.

  7. tsgh says:

    Cg, when Carlo was linked to Unreal a few months back and the rumours of Hig surfaced… you may remember us discussing it and me saying that Carlo will use Hig to pay AW back for making his time at PSG a living hell… he could not even break a fag break during training without thinking AW was around to take over his position.

  8. Canadian Gooner says:

    tsgh – Unfortunately all too true. However, I’ll continue to wear my rose coloured glasses until at least the middle of August.

    This has got to be the strangest summer transfer window in my experience. I just hope Arsenal will be willing to spend all the money that is required to secure the “few quality players” that is required. I think the club is willing, but the players may not be.

  9. Canadian Gooner says:

    tsgh – I think Ancelotti, Higuain and Perez all have their own personal agendas and biases. I doubt Arsenal will be given any real consideration unless Higuain still wants to leave Madrid. I think Arsenal have told or will soon tell him to make up his mind. Then the club can concentrate on other targets such as Suarez, who I think will do a better job for us.

  10. emma says:

    Goodday my fellow gunners,

    rico – What a +ve vibe from this morning post. love it

    tsgh – PSG are in big mess now with Leonardo leaving and Zlatan wanting out. I doubt Blanc will be able to cope with the job. We will definitely get a clearer pic of Hig situation this week when madrid resumes pre-season camp.

    Love this Moyes’ quote yesterday. “If for any reason we had an injury to Robin (Persie) we’re going to need him(Rooney)”. I bet rooney will be happy to play second fiddle to Greedy flying dutchman this season

  11. Canadian Gooner says:

    Arsene is expecting great things from both those players, it might be a little too soon for Zelalem. The club have some truly great prospects in the Academy set-up in their age groups. Many of their older comrades were released or sold to clear the way into the first team for the likes of Eisfeld and Zelalem.

  12. emma says:

    Congrats to Sanogo who became a world champ yesterday. He was completely anonymous probably not being feed the ball yesterday. Zouma was outstanding in defence reads the game very well. Kondogbia still has a lot to learn, not impress with all the france matches I watched during the U20WC. I will Pass if I were Arsene

  13. Canadian Gooner says:

    emma – A slight correction if you please;

    Mark Overmars – The Flying Dutchman
    Dennis Bergkamp – The Non-Flying Dutchman
    Robin ‘Judas’ van Pursestrings – The Lying Dutchman

  14. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.

    Another lovely day I see.

    Top positive post again Rico.

    Looking forward to the octopus stew today. yummmmmyyyyyyy

    I think there is a hidden twist to the Higuain saga. I feel that AW+IG are waiting for Rooney. I feel he is the real target. Otherwise they would get Higuain by Hook or by Crook.

  15. tsgh says:

    Hi Ms Emma…, I think if Hig was truly serious he would have done a Wiltord. I still believe Perez is expecting a bid for Hig from $hitty or PSG… Hig Snr is frenchman and a PSG fan after all.

  16. frednerk says:

    Morning Rico & All,

    Not to sure rico if you really want to believe your post,
    or are you looking for some reaction from us,

    I’am not to sure what wengers playing at,
    we have told the world we have….Loads of Money
    we have told the world more or less ..Who we Want,
    Wenger did seem very confident,On New Signings,
    Not really like him..is it.
    We know wenger loves a game of poker,
    Fergie told us that.

    The worry I have with all this and the frustration,
    is that when wenger gets fed up,
    he pulls out,
    the list endless.
    And to top it all,we have the two stoodges,

    Ivan Gazidis and Dick Law…sorry,what a double act.

  17. emma says:

    CG – One player that excites me in the academy setup is kristof Olsson. His vision and range of pass at his age is incredible and he will continue to get better. Zelalem looks impressive v Liverpool U20 but will need to see more of him this season to pass judgement

  18. Canadian Gooner says:

    emma – Your thoughts on the France U21’s are very similar to mine. Zouma and the keeper Areola saved France’s bacon on many occassions. Although France had 60% or more of the possesion, Uruguay had way more total shots and shots on goal. Pogba outshone Kondogbia; who was, for the most part, anonymous except for the warning for the handbags around the 80 minute mark. Poor Sanogo was working hard but was starved of any real or regular service by a generally weak and ineffective mid-field. he does show promise though.

  19. tsgh says:

    Olsson has great vision… we saw him orchestrating play during the u-19 tournament last season… i think Mugabo (spelling) could have made it this season too as he already plays for his national team at 16/17 y.o albeit Rwanda

  20. tsgh says:

    Dev, you make a solid point about Hig… and the alternative striker i.e Wooney.

    I doubt AW rates Hig highly enough to bid more than Β£22m for him especially since we will be paying cash down… Yes, Hig is a finisher but until he joins us I will continue to say he is another big game bottler we should not be looking at.

  21. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m looking forward to seeing how our Young Guns perform on the Asian tour and in the Emirates Cup.

  22. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – As I already mentioned above, at least two of the three at UnReal are playing games. Arsene usually, if not always, has an upper limit to the value he puts on a player. If the price exceeds his value, he rarely bids higher. Whether Higuain is getting cold feet, Ancelotti truly does want to keep him or Perez is determined to get his price; I think the Higuain saga is about to end and I’m not sure we will get him.

  23. tsgh says:

    Its the Carlito’s way I think πŸ™‚

    Me too Cg… I really want to see if Miguel and Aneke who I rate very highly are ready. Remember Pep and Barca wanted to buy Aneke from us 3 years ago when he was on loan at Huddersfield…

  24. the mighty karim says:

    Jorge Higuain (daddy) isn’t French at all. He just played for Brest in the 80’s and that’s where Gonzo was born, so he’s French as well, get it ?

  25. tsgh says:

    Hig said he would retire at RM last summer…

    he has 2 years left on his contract.. was he using teams like Juve and us to strengthen his stance at Unreal. He knew Mauren was leaving and therefore knew he would have a new start…

  26. emma says:

    I think wooney is off. The hamstring is just a smokescreen me think. Suarez will come to us but are we willing to place a bid of Β£40m on someone with lots of baggage. Except if Arsene thinks he is worth it and can transform him will this deal happen

    In other news Julio Cesar joins Napoli according to the reliable @Dimarzio

    https://twitter.com/dimarzio/status/356347521641103360

  27. emma says:

    Higuain/Wooney(who might need an artificial hair transplant very soon as he is getting bald again)/Suarez(hannibal)

    I think we will get Suarez if we are willing to pay the stipulated amount to get him

  28. tsgh says:

    You are right MK … I get what you are saying… But Hig Snr is a French passport holder and Hig is too. Hig Jnr became an Argentine national in 2007. In June 2006 Jorge promised PSg his son will play for the in future… when Marca asked Hig Jnr about it he told the journalist he would retire at Unreal…

  29. emma says:

    Napoli’s de Laurentiis to Tutto Napoli: “Ibrahimovic will not play with Cavani. He has been promised a transfer.”

  30. tsgh says:

    Emma, have you ever heard of a failed hair transplant especially from Hayley street- the leading Cosmetic Surgery area in the UK?

    I guess it shows, in life you can’t have it all… money, the gal and hair πŸ™‚

  31. Canadian Gooner says:

    emma – I’m not fond of eiher Suarez or Woonie, but given the choice I’d take Suarez. I thinkk we have already seen the best of Woonie when he was younger. He just reminds me so much of Paul Gascoine; not in playing style, but in attitude and personality. Sadly Paul may not be with us much longer if he can’t control his alcoholism.

  32. emma says:

    More tough words for Rooney by Moyemania “United isn’t about Wayne Rooney. MU is about the team, the club. I won’t allow WR to become more important than the football club”

  33. rico says:

    Thanks emma..

    fred – that’s how I feel right now… Yes I wanted players signed early, we all did but as long as we get them I am happy to wait..

  34. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Le Grove: “I watched France versus Uruguay last night, I did so to see our next three signings Sanogo, Kondogbia and Pogba play.
    What a shocking game, boring unimaginative and a waste of two and a half hours, Pogba was Ok but the rest…
    I know you can’t judge Sanogo on one performance but it’s apparent we really do need a world class forward. He is no Nik Anelka.
    Enjoy the first game of the season Grovers, expect the signings of Paul Pogba and Geoffrey Kondogbia in the next few days..”

    Obviously Le-Grove sees Wenger as a one-trick pony…. “He did it once with that type of player – he can do it again”

    Players like Viera at Β£3.5M come aound once in a lifetime.
    He’s tried the same approach with Demel, Diaby and Song all young AfroFrench boys who he thought would boss the midfield … none of them have worked….

    Sanogo is another – appears big gangly and awkward…. Kanu-like? Adebayor-like? if you like, although Kanu was a million times the man Adebayor was…
    There was only one Kanu, the same as there was only one Viera…

    If Wenger is thinking of the likes of Paul Pogba and Geoffrey Kondogbia with Sanogo as the main man, then expect another eight years of the same ….

    Mediocrity is always available but quality costs money.

    Monreal, Podolski, Giroud and Carzorla were very good buys. Now we need a few great buys.

  35. gavin oz says:

    Maybe we can give ibrahimovic a trail ha ha.another great post rico arsenal first Australia second then who ever is playing against England.

  36. Canadian Gooner says:

    SYG – While watching the U21 final Sanogo also reminded me of Kanu. However, with the lack of service it was difficult to assess his full potential.

  37. Canadian Gooner says:

    Gavin – That is the same attitude as a Scotsman. Scotlanf first and then whoever is playing England.

  38. tsgh says:

    Kanu could have been world class if he did not have the heart condition… his close control was 2nd to none… even DB10 will testify to that…

    Kanu was a 25M striker who AW took a huge gamble on and boy it it pay off…

    He was a big game player too… when the likes of TH14 went missing he came up with the answer i.e Chelsea 3 goals

    Kanu could not lead a line though as in the case of DB10… but I think Sanogo has all the movements needed to make him a very good player… the rest is up to him.

    The boy has played less than 35 professional or high level games in his career due to injury but his movement both on and off the ball can’t be thought imho…

  39. rico says:

    I saw that one earlier Ts, a lot of speculation about the circs of his death having not long been out of rehab….

  40. Canadian Gooner says:

    Well this sarky (sp.? snarky?) old bugger is off to catch a couple of hours sleep and then try to find a link to our Indonesia friendly. I’ll check back after the game.

  41. Micko says:

    rico, sad new re Brooke Bond Louis as well who passed away this weekend aged 37….RIP you cheeky monkey.

  42. Thorough says:

    Emma and Canadian Gooner. I watched the French U-20 almost all through except for the final. Lucky me I heard it was drab. By far the best player in that team is Bahebeck, the boy is simply amazing. Closely followed by Florin Thauvin (Arsenal fans have heard all about him). I think those two are as amazing as youth football gets. Yaya is just a tidy finisher, doesnt have Kanu skills and never will, but a FAR better finisher than Giroud for sure. The way he guides his ball and picks his angle reminds me of Eduardo.

  43. rico says:

    Just been reading the story – They are worried she might take a dip in health… Fingers crossed she gets over the loss..

    They were fantastic in the adverts….

  44. Micko says:

    How’s the form tsgh, sure there’s a long way to go before the window shuts,sept 2nd I think but I’ll be really pished if we have’nt signed a couple of top players before the season actually starts on Aug 17th.
    Fcuk transfer deadline day in the nicest possible way of course.

  45. tsgh says:

    Not bad tsgh… you know I love me an AW more than the next man but I hink he and IG have disappointed me. I was expecting them to have at least one player amongst them on the tour… it helps moral and bonding. my humble opinion of course.

    Saying that I think 2 or 3 signings will happen after he has looked at some of the kids and he realises they may not be as ready as he thinks…

    My concern is the squad for the CL qualifier especially in the CB and DM areas…

  46. tsgh says:

    No one will by TV in this state… πŸ˜‰

    That is what happens when I try to type whilst cycling…

  47. rico says:

    I’m with you there Micko… If we don’t add at least a 2/3 of top players, I’ll be well cheesed off..

  48. rico says:

    Steven Finn really has been awful through this test..

    Surely Tim Bresnan will come in for the next one….

  49. tsgh says:

    sorry Rico.. had to go off for some food shopping..

    He was considered the best DM in Europe for a long time… he is 29 y.o though so…

  50. rico says:

    What a game of cricket that was….

    Have we kicked off yet? πŸ˜‰

    Can’t believe that knob Robson is covering this game…..

  51. rico says:

    Must be strange for all the home team, all their fans are in Arsenal shirts and cheering on the away side πŸ™‚

  52. tsgh says:

    Not’s not Robson…

    What misses were those…

    I don’t think he is there… he was not there last summer either

  53. rico says:

    Maybe he can’t take the heat..

    That makes sense Ts, far to positive about Arsenal for it to have been Robson, one sounds like him though….

  54. emma says:

    Ramsey is everywhere. His skills pre-injury are coming back too. Can’t wait for the season to start

  55. tsgh says:

    True Emma… I have bben impressed with CJ25.. he has improved his ball control… Serge and Akpom is awesome as we all expect him to be…

    Ox missed some chances but maybe rustiness… it seems we are both right that Ox will be playing more centrally this season.

    No comment on Ramsey… Scott is having sweet dreams as we type… πŸ˜›

  56. emma says:

    Ox is going to be a monster AM within 2 years b/s of his directness when he gets the ball and his ability to skip pass opponent. Akpom will be a beast in 2years picking defences apart my only fear is injury which could derail him

  57. tsgh says:

    πŸ˜€ Emma- AW has no choice… his last friends left on the web…

    I am looking forward to seeing Aneke later if his knee is ok…

    I can understand why AW sometimes does not want to buy to stunt some of the boys development..

  58. joaquim Moreira says:

    afternoon all!
    I’ve been watching the Tour.
    Now it’s time for watch Arsenal, the yellow boys.

  59. rico says:

    I do hope Arsene doesn’t look at this game and think he doesn’t need to make any signings….

    But these kids are playing really well… I hope they all have their feet on the ground and will wait….

  60. rico says:

    Well, I don’t care what the doubters say, I thought that was good and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it….

  61. tsgh says:

    Its even better without Robson trying to tell us this game does not mean anything like we didn’t know.

    Good all round performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half with the movement and pace of Akpom, Theooo, and Serge

  62. rico says:

    I hope so Ts, I really do but deep down, I think he might do well there…..

    If of course the players respect him, it could be another Chelsea situation after AVB was appointed…

  63. tsgh says:

    Just my opinion here, but I thinkMoyes has lost the first fight by trying to demonstrate he is in charge by saying Man U is bigger than Wooney…

  64. tsgh says:

    Vietnam 11 I think…

    Ramsey is coming home… there may think he is Rambo πŸ™‚

    Hi Dev… I hope you did not miss this performance for the 8 legged fish πŸ˜›

  65. emma says:

    Zelalem and Olsson creativity and intelligence at this age is amazing. Especially Zelalem, he’s got an eagle eye, cant wait for these kid to break into the first team soonest

  66. tsgh says:

    His passing reminds me of TR07 in 2006 before his injuries…

    Eisfield is ready me think… what do you thing ladies and gents?

  67. rico says:

    Hi devil πŸ™‚

    Or has he won the first battle with the fans Ts, because what he said is right. No player is bigger than any club…

  68. devilgunner says:

    I agree Ginge. When someone starts that type of talk it means he has already lost something. And that means that he is trying to get the manure supporters behind him and on Shreck’s back.

  69. emma says:

    Miguel Ignasi needs to work on his positioning and judging the flight of the ball. Chuks aneke just moved ahead of him in the pecking order for the CB role

  70. devilgunner says:

    aws you said Rico. he is right because no player is bigger than any club……and that includes the last one in the vauxhall etc etc.

    but I feel that he knows that Shrek is gone.

  71. tsgh says:

    thing = think

    Rico… believe it or not man u fans don’t want Wooney.

    The thing is if he thinks Wooney wants out then a good manager will do what is best for the team i.e sell to us πŸ˜›

  72. devilgunner says:

    consider AW. we continually chastise him for not saying anything at all or even worse he says a whole pack of lies. But has he ever been heard saying something like that????

  73. tsgh says:

    Emma I thought Miquel and the BFG will not work because of lack of pace and both wanting the ball to do the work.
    Apart from one incident I thought he did ok for a 4th choice CB…

    Aneke for CB?… not in this life time. He has of course played in every position apart from goalkeeper and LB but I think he could do a job in the middle for us i.e midfield…

    I am not dissing SC19 here… but I thought the likes of Ox and Serge showed what we miss in games where opposition pack the bus in the middle lane…

  74. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, What a good upbeat pot Rico, You know your fiver is safe i know. 7.0 against the all stars ome nice performances from some of our youngsters if they can produce some of that against some of the the big boys we may not need as many new player as we think but get them anyway Arsene. 7 goals in the first match has ettled some nerves i know but each game gets tougher.7.0 leaves a memory for all those fans that was at the game ,i would say that many of them had brought an Arsenal shirt either from the right sources or rip offs but a ee of Arenal shirts in a part of the world that we seldom visit is nice to see. Arsenal are growing they are spreading themselves out, and if Arsene buys the right players we should be the new Barcelona the roads open for us to take on the world we have the club the stadium and the Manager all thats now needed is the right recruits and we will rule the world. today Jakarta tomorow the world. 7.0 am i happy you bet i am when i see scores like that against the top 3 i will be exstatic.

  75. tsgh says:

    Good point Dev…

    When AW joined us in 1996.. TA06 said AW told the back 5 to do their own thing as they did not need him in training… he was smart enough to know, there could be a power struggle if he was not careful.

    Everyone know Moyes had those issues with Wooney… he sounds like a parent telling a child you will get no treats if they did not eat their vegetables.. lol.
    Hollow Threats!

  76. tsgh says:

    Hi Sir SP1.

    Good performance and no Scez or our Jack…
    Even Ramsey got a compliment from lady Rico… I am ecstatic, Scott will be creaming like goonie πŸ˜›

  77. devilgunner says:

    I did not see the game. I have just read all the comments.

    but I am getting a bit mixed up on who scored. Can you kindly illuminate please??

  78. rico says:

    Hi and thanks Sp.

    I’d like to see some of those kids play against stronger sides before believing they are ready for the big games..

  79. Canadian Gooner says:

    Great game and the Asian tour is off to a good start. I particularly liked the fourth goal from Giroud. Receives the ball with his back to goal, pivots and shoots. If he can do that with any regularity, he will be much more lethal in the new season. Most of the kids looked good, but there was a definite improvement in the second half when more of the senior players came on. On to Viet Nam.

  80. stevepalmer1 says:

    Yeh me too Rico, Akpon looks alright but instead of forging forward he has a tendancy to play back seen enough of that already.

  81. devilgunner says:

    Thanks all.

    whoever scored the one which will always bring a smile to my face is when Poldi scores.

    How were Gibbs and Jenks?

  82. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m surprised Scott’s not in the House singing the praises for his beloved Rambo.

  83. tsgh says:

    You have a point SP1 re Chuks… but I think most kids with his confidence would choose to do unnecessary step overs when a simple pass will do… I think he shows maturity beyond his age.

    On the youngsters playing…it is all relative in my opinion… Olsson can play with MF but the likely hood of him doing well from CM alongside a Ramsey or JW is very low due to experience and size especially in this league…

  84. rico says:

    Trouble is though Sp, until we get to the ems cup, I don’t think we play any ‘serious’ side…

    And surely AW needs to know who is who and what is what long before then…

    Just pray AW knows enough about these younger ones already, I’m sure he does πŸ˜‰

  85. tsgh says:

    I think even Syg will be pleased with CJ25’s first touch and control… he must have gone to Brazil or Ghana during the summer for some down low training πŸ˜›

    Gibbs missed a chance that any potential WC LB should be scoring…

    MA08 was very rusty.. but then he was the same last summer too… all in all, compared to last summer when we were 1-0 down and Eisfield and Aneke had to rescue us because Chamakh and Afobe were toothless in front of goal… it is a huge step…

    I liked the fact that the 2 fbs seem to stay behind the CM’s when we were attacking until there was gap on the wide areas before they attacked… we always seemed to have 4 in attack with at least 2 players Serge and Akpom interchanging…

    Ox scared them with his surging rans from CM…

  86. stevepalmer1 says:

    Early days yet Ginge won’t criticise him to much as he still did good.. Olsson did look good i now know why AK has been singing the youngsters praises. I had a little go at Sagna’s turn of pace the other day , he took of on a run and went like a rocket take that back now, theres still life in the old dog πŸ™‚

  87. tsgh says:

    Nice… Cg re $hitty…

    I am happy with this performance.. we hardly beat Boreham XI 11-0 do we?

  88. tsgh says:

    SP1 you had a point which is true… but I think for an English lad… he knows the importance of keeping possession.

    I use to watch a bit of my local under 11 and 15 team, here in Surrey and I use to just get pissed off with some parents shouting at young boys who do not hoof the ball like a typical English lad…

  89. devilgunner says:

    Ginge said………I liked the fact that the 2 fbs seem to stay behind the CM’s when we were attacking until there was gap on the wide areas before they attacked… we always seemed to have 4 in attack with at least 2 players Serge and Akpom interchanging…

    that, ma laaaads is not an earthquake. That is a dragon.

    which means that Bould has finally convinced AW what the full backs should do.

  90. tsgh says:

    Vienna are a CL team though at least on the levels of Southampton or Swansea.. at least they use to be…

    Liverpoool winning 2-0 against PNE…

    Sagana looks good… his first pre-season in over 2 years I think

  91. tsgh says:

    Exactly Dev… re 5:36pm… it is a huge improvement. I would have love it if you had seen the game yourself…

    I know the team we played against is probably league 1 standard but 11 vs 11 in pre-season in this heat… I can’t fault the effort at all…

  92. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – As long as Pellegrini isn’t after or doesn’t interfere with Arsene’s transfer targets, he can sign as many players as he likes. It just means he’ll have to sell more of his current squad.

  93. tsgh says:

    In my view, the Nigerian-Indonesian CB provided the type of physicality a young Akpom will expect from CoC type of game… albeit maybe not the same quality but he was big and strong and Akpom operating as a lone striker did well..

    And the rugby was good today too… come on Lions…

  94. ktr7 says:

    Good read rico.

    On the preseason game i was quite impressed by the British core.also the Ox could turn out to be a fantastic AM in the kaka mould.his directness is ideal for this role.maybe this will be the year he cements his position there.AW may not need to buy one if he continues to impress.

  95. Canadian Gooner says:

    Sister AGAG – Yes a pleasant intermission from the transfer window. Your blue eyed boy Olivier did very well.

  96. rico says:

    Cg, that’s a very good point but in all honesty, we don’t even know who are targets are, not 100%…

    There is plenty of talk about many players, but ultimately, it’s all newspaper stuff…..

  97. ktr7 says:

    Gnabry may not have shone as well as his mates but he has that explosiveness to his game that the likes of bale have and he could be a beast if he develops as planned.he is quite a unique player that we do not possess in.the squad and it wouldn’t surprise me if Gerv left and he was promoted.Wenger doesn’t like loaning out his most talented youngsters.

  98. rico says:

    Hi agag – if there is anyone who loves Arsenal that didn’t enjoy that then I’ll be amazed…

    But I bet there are a few….

    Thanks Kt.

  99. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – “There is plenty of talk about many players, but ultimately, it’s all newspaper stuff…” All too true, but in these times of electronic media you can’t even wipe your derriere with it, which is all most of it is worthy of.

  100. agirlagunner says:

    Sorry, got sidetracked. Ginge, I am very pleased with the results. πŸ™‚ rico, can’t imagine anyone being unhappy about it, but yeah. You’re right; there are probably a few who’d have wanted us to win by twenty goals. πŸ˜€

    CG, MY blue eyed boy. I do like the sound of tht. πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

  101. Canadian Gooner says:

    Sister AGAG – Hopefully Olivier will still be your and Arsenal’s blue eyed boy come the end of next season.

  102. Canadian Gooner says:

    Well I have a busy day ahead. So, I’m off to have a good brunch. Have a Great Day fellow Gooners. Keep the Faith!

  103. rico says:

    I just read that story Ts, an absolute disgrace that they were out training in the first place….

  104. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    A good, positive result from our lads.
    Great to see some of the kids putting in a show.

  105. Scott from Oz says:

    The boys did well.
    They played 6 games….3 wins, a draw and a loss.
    Their played tapered off towards the end, as the poor little buggers had no reserve at all, so played each and every minute.
    Thank you for asking πŸ™‚

  106. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – that is the main thing. If he doesn’t, no matter how talented, it is a waste. Keep up the good work.

  107. tsgh says:

    Credit to Dick Law for spotting Zelalem… the best thing the Texas native has done for AFC… πŸ™‚

  108. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning Ginge and Rico. Hopefully we see some action for Arsenal in the transfer market this week, preferably some incoming(s).

    Scott – I see ManUre are in Oz. You couldn’t arrange for the team, or at least a few key players like van Pursestrings, to be abducted by a rougue herd? of Big Red boommers could you?

  109. Scott from Oz says:

    Agreed, CG.
    I know when the boys win or lose, but is never discussed with them.
    They are only kids once, so i say let them BE kids πŸ™‚
    Hi Ginge, i read all your comments re Aaron haha

  110. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – We just have to keep our fingers crossed that he matures well and fulfills the promise of his obvious talent. I think it will be a year or two before we see him with any regularity.

  111. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, i can tell you there will be plenty of Arsenal shirts in the crowd when Yanited play.
    They will include the initials RVP on them, as well as short and terse profanities πŸ™‚

  112. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – Amen to that. Unfortunately it is a crucial point that is lost on some pushy parents who suck the enjoyment &/or life out of their kids. They can’t all be little Peles, DB10s, TH14’s, etc., but if in future years Sean can look back at having enjoyed himself and treasured a shared experience, you will have done well.

  113. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, when he is at the training academy, some of the parents who quite obviously have little knowedge on the game suddenly become experts.
    To be honest, they talk shit!
    One even asked me if i would put Sean in a side made up of academy kids to play in our local saturday league.
    I asked what the point was?
    They are 7 years old, and a made up side of these kids would win every single game 10-15 nil.
    What would they learn, i asked?
    It really becomes an ego thing for them.
    Sean learns plenty of skills at the academy…things i could never teach him, but he is learning more about teamwork and working hard for a result paying with his mates.
    They really do make me laugh.

  114. tsgh says:

    Cg… you are right just slating D Law for doing nothing as head of North American scouts and transfer negotiator for the club….

    re transfers, I am hoping so… a defender first.

    Scott, I think your boy has a huge year ahead… Ox was very good at CM. He just needs to stop that pass across midfield he keeps repeating.

    Rico, no transfer news at all today… not even Mg can be make one up…

  115. Scott from Oz says:

    Ginge, i cam see Ox being a no. 10 or even striker on occasions.
    He has it all.
    This season, i don’t need to say anything too much about Aaron.
    He has got through his tough times, is getting a pre season so is now big enough and good enough to let his performances do his talking.
    Well, that is my plan πŸ™‚

  116. tsgh says:

    πŸ™‚ our job is done now… re Ramsey

    I hope to see JW and Ryo for 45mins in vietnam

    My plan is to make OG12 world class next…

    Aneke a true gooner from hales’ end will be the new Ramsey… πŸ˜‰

  117. Scott from Oz says:

    Giroud will be a much, much improved player with a season under bis belt.
    Vermaelen will come back to his best.

  118. Canadian Gooner says:

    I think we may see Ox moved around a bit this year, on-field that is, as Arsene looks for his best position. I expect we may see him partnered with an experienced central midfielder like Arteta, Cazorla or Rosicky.

  119. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, Wenger has brought him along beautifully, imo.
    People bagged him for not playing the kid enough, but Wenger stood firm.
    Ox has had bugger all injury concerns, and his game has developed.
    Now is the time to set him loose.

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