Morning all.
So that’s pretty much that isn’t it? Europa and Thursday/Sunday football here we come and who apart from Arsene Wenger, Stan Kroenke, the board and players will really care? Of course there could yet be a twist this week as Man City could lose and again on Sunday as the final fixtures play out but lets face it, it isn’t going to happen. Liverpool are at home to Middlesbrough and Man City face West Brom at home this week and then on Sunday, they travel to Watford and I can’t see either side causing Pep too many problems so it’s best not to expect anything to go our way. I thought West Ham might do us a favour yesterday but clearly their players are already thinking about donning their flip-flops in much warmer climates.
Deep down I’d hoped that we would drop out of Europe altogether because it does us no favours whatsoever and I can’t see much difference between playing on a Thursday and then Sunday, or a Wednesday and Saturday as there’s still the same amount of rest days in between, the Tuesday CL is different though as our players get an extra day off but other than that, it’s no big deal. There is the money side of the Champions League of course but Arsene Wenger has already said that that matters not. Fibber! It’ll matter to Stan Kroenke that’s for sure and it could effect our transfer kitty, not that I think Wenger should be trusted with one.
Europa could also play a part in the decision both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez come to in the summer, just as it could any other player Arsenal hope to sign but as said before by many, it didn’t stop Man Utd, Chelsea or even Tottenham getting a few transfers over the line, other clubs too further down table but I guess the difference with the aforementioned clubs, they are more ambitious. They have younger, more energetic, more dynamic and forward thinking managers in place, whereas we are stuck in a time warp under Arsene Wenger.
Adam left this comment on HH earlier this morning, one which I think sums the goings on very well, so I pinched it to add to today’s post:
As the season draws to a close my feelings about the club are conflicted. Whether we play 3 at the back or one up front is of less interest to me than the general feeling of apathy and negativity that has engulfed Wenger for a while now.
When every result seemed to scream that he is well past his best, he somehow has managed to hang on. I believe his decision to stay or go should have been made public weeks and weeks ago. He damaged his credibility with that one for sure and this late surge has been as frustrating as it has been surprising but there will be those who will point to it as a sign that he still has ‘it’ whatever that means. He might be staying, but on what parameters that has been decided I can only guess.
It seems we won’t be in the CL next season and I am fine with that as I don’t think we deserve to be. That’s a competition that looks further away from Wenger as the years have passed.
I think that what is happening at Arsenal is sad and I can see that the contract situations of some of our more serious players are going to chip away at his authority and sense of management once the season closes. His claim that Sanchez won’t be sold no matter what is just plain dumb. If Alexis wants out then the astronomical costs to hold an uncommitted player to a contract will surely be too high. Ozil too, but perhaps to a lesser extent.
There is a huge cloud of negativity over the Emirates and whatever way it goes, the pressure on Wenger, if he stays for another one or two seasons, is going to be absolutely huge and I can only see that widening the rift between the supporters and indeed, the supporters and the club as every result, positive or negative, will add fuel to the different fires.
A new broom could get away with sweeping clean and would start with the fan’s support. Everything would have to change and if the club see that as too big an upheaval then they are surely a cowardly bunch as they should have been planning for this eventuality for a long time now.
If he stays, as most believe he will, what is he going to come up with to win the PL next year?
I really cannot imagine as even putting mega money in his hands seems risky to me.
Morning again guys,
Thanks Adam. Good comment.
Another quiet one here today. I’ll be glad when the season is over, or next season when there actually might be a chance that he’s gone..
Morning All
Morning Rico, nice piece by Adam.
That’s all I can think of to write, so have a good day everyone…
Morning Kev. You have a good day too.
Good post Rico and Adam. I am not really convinced that we will see this pressure next year if Wenger stays on. I think that you will likely see what we have already seen this year – rows and rows of empty seats as fans will not feel that the money will be well spent on a Thursday night against some of the European lesser lights especially given the high ticket prices. It will be yet another competition which he will be found out in anyway.
He mismanaged contractual renewals and with a £25-30 million hole in next years financials, I’d expect that the board may not view this past year with the same foregone conclusion that many people have already prepared themselves for. That also could be me hoping that he is out the door.
I would agree with you that giving him a lot of money to spend isn’t wise either as we are probably looking at exactly the same purchases as last year with the exception of a centreback.
Thanks Begeegs.
If as you suggest, and you make a good point, we see rows and rows of empty seats then that might actually force Kroenke’s hand.
As might so many ST holders not renewing as I’m sure many won’t. Not if he’s staying put.
Wenger ‘opening a new chapter?’ No, I don’t think so. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks and, he is certainly old! In fact he said, after 40 years in the game who could possibly have the wisdom to teach him anything at all? Arrogance or what?
Sadly, I think he’s reached the end of the road. A wise man knows when it’s time to quit. He was wise but I believe he’s lost the plot. The recent improved form of the team is no more than a momentary rerun of his mo……..with no……jo! Hahahahaha.?
When he was at his best his mojo was big and strong. It is a fact of the aging process that with advanced years ones mojo shrinks! I suspect his is now so diminished that it only returns infrequently! Mrs Wenger might be quite informative on the matter! It’s maybe why she went back to France without him!!
It seems that he will be with us a while longer. He said this morning at his presser that if we finish with 75 points it will be a sign of improvement as we only achieved 71 last season. Reasons to be cheerful? He will see this outcome as vindication for his tactics and improvements!! So we can judge him in May, again, and not find him wanting. Oh really! If he wins the Cup then his his feelings of success will be further compounded. He will conclude that ’16-17 has been a rip roaring season and will justify his continuation in the role as arenal manager! …..my arse!
Can see no good reason why the old post age pensioner should carry on. He should be long gone! I mean don’t the French insist that they retire at 62, he’s 67! 5 years over limit! It’s time he gave way to a younger man, time to vacate the day job and give someone else a chance!
The bottom line is, it’s bus pass time and a return ticket to Alsace to contemplate his lack of future where “every third thought should be his grave” (The Tempest) harsh but true, I think you’ll find
Anyway happy Monday to you all on this the first of five successive rainy days! It’s cold, wet and miserable here.
Cold wet miserable day here in Belfast nice post Rico/adam.
A lot of goons online here and there saying we will not be able to attract the best players now etc.. that is why for yrs fans like myself and many on here were crying out for investment and in general were disappointed with the clubs transfer activity over the yrs.
we’ve been dining at the top table for 20 yrs but refused to push the boat out and acquire the top talent that would have pushed us up to the next level to build from a position of strength. instead we always made do or in one yr didn’t even bother entering the transfer market it’s just Shockingly bad management and ownership.
The day Of Europa league has been coming for about 6 seasons now the writing was on the wall we scraped 4th twice on the final days of seasons.
And tell me what other top club would allow Alexis, Ozil, & The Ox run down their contracts all at the same time…
I enjoyed reading that Wavy… 🙂
Thanks Kel. Hard to disagree there. Europa certainly has been a long time coming and to be honest, I’m quite surprised we even finished where we are likely to.
Wenger has a cheek suggesting the West Ham players didn’t turn up yesterday. His haven’t turned up for half a season at least….
Thanks Rico. In the same vein I always enjoy your posts. There’s always something in every one of them that lets us have a nibble in response. Keep on taking the misery pills they work every post!?
if you go to the europa League we will play much more games, no money back and no visibility. Is the same in wahat?
Afternoon Rico/Adam and All
February, Arsene said he would decide on a new contract in March or April.
Last week, Arsene said “I don’t want to speak about my personal case any more.”
So putting 2 & 2 together: I come with.
1: The contract has gone back in the draw?
2: The contract is still on the table..But Arsene
wants to see if can win the FA Cup.For bragging Rights.
The only other stuff is this Gazza idea of a D.o.Football.
What has been said from the club regarding Arsenes contract.
Can someone tell me what has come from the club and from who
on this 2 year roll on contract.
Al I have read is explayers and newspapers saying this
and Stanley the Syrup likes him.
Just asking.
Thanks Rico !
I was going to say about our current points total being better than last season, but Wavy beat me to the point(s)……pun intended………….an improvement !………really !……….an improvement is higher position not more points !………2nd last season and 5th this season !
I
It`s like drawing every game in a season and getting relegated as the invincibles !
Fred……………..the only person to listen to rumour wise is below, decission at end of season, nothing has changed !.
https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/832159858996699136
Last time Spuds finished this high(2nd) was in 1963 !………..amazing stat for such a …….what I`m told……….massive club ! hahahaha
Good reads, Rico, Adam, Wavy
No surprise to hear A.W has taken a dig at West Ham after accusing certain teams of being on holiday during the Premier League run-in,
But what he fails to recognise is that we too have been the beneficiaries of having to play teams that have nothing left to play for, like stoke etc,
I think it was in he,s best interest to refrain from any talks on his future, hoping to go into contract negotiations with a top 4 finish and possibly a F.A cup win to strengthen his hand , but That seems to be backfiring now,
As for improvement from last season to this, we,re certainly worse off defensively and have lost more games, so as usual he continues to see,s things his own way.
Afternoon all. It might be imagined our team was on holiday for large swathes of the season too. His utterings carry the whiff of desperation and have done for a while. He is embarrassing himself far too regularly by trying to desperately prove that failure is somehow a kind of success. It’s only the way one looks at it that makes the difference.
He should be the president of France instead of Macron.
Afternoon Fred and all.
Said similar Adam, his comments about West Ham stink!
Thanks Dublin/Wavy
Number 1 I hope Fred and it never comes out again…
Hi all
A couple of months back Ornstein reported that Arsenal had held talks with Allegri. The report or tweet then mysteriously disappeared. Given that he is the man in the know that was all a bit odd. Now sky are reporting that the Bosnian left back from Schalke is joining in July. He seems like a big strong guy that we need. Maybe these two things are linked? Hopefully???
Breaking news on SS’s.
Sead Kolasinac will join Arsenal on July 1st…
Fingers crossed Bob…
I’m starting to get optimistic about him leaving again…
Although not confirmed by Ornstein this story has been going on for too long, a bit like when we were rumoured for Xhaka, so I think it may be true !……………………………….trouble is I have no fcuking idea if he`s any good as I`d never heard of him before the rumour started !.
I shall look on you tube and see if he is as good as Santos looked on there ! hahaha
https://twitter.com/SkySportsNewsHQ/status/864118671450537984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcfcwatch.com%2F2017%2F05%2F15%2Fconfirmation-that-arsenal-sign-manchester-city-left-back-target-sky-sources%2F
Looks like we are watching the same stuff ! hahaha
Afternoon Rico
Supposedly Le Prof said he will not renew his contract early ….what are the implications ?
Sanchez and all players reaction …!!!
Sense of defeatism and all that.
Le prof knows well that his time is over and the boos and protest of the fans is not an easy really for him to continue.
I am optimistic that he will do the right thing and leave the position.
If only he`d bought us !………..or if Uzzy would have got in before Kroenke !
Lot`s of money spent and lot`s more to be spent on new stadium and lot`s owed, but lot`s of trophies to polish ! 🙂
Can you ever see Kroenke doing a fraction of it ?
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-4503260/Chelsea-matching-United-cost-billions.html
Hi Alex, not seen that comment from Wenger…
Catch up tomorrow guys.
Night all.
Am surprised that AW is reported to have signed Kolasinac, well maybe except for the fact that it’s a free transfer. At Schalke, he’s a very aggressive player and a tenacious tackler, when you watch him it looks like he’s a red card waiting to happen, but he never gets one. I doubt if he will get away with it as an Arsenal player in EPL. He’s more of a faster and aggressive version of Vermaelen. He a good crosser of the ball and very good tracking back when he plays wingback. Sanchez will love him (lol) because the games I saw he’s a workhorse.
Good post rico & Adam,
Arsene Wenger is making changes only because a big part of the fan base have given him justified hell. He of course won’t see it that way, he will claim all the credit if it works, but like I see today, he blames Arsenal when he fails.
In short, the fan base need to keep up the pressure on him until The Club win the PL or until he has gone.
So Arsene you are on notice mon ami. The shit will continue in your general direction while other clubs win the Title.
Thanks Gg.
I wonder how full or empty the stadium will be tonight.
Morning all.
You are welcome rico.
Morning Rico, GG and all. I’ll be there tonight but I reckon there will be a large number of empty seats. I doubt it will make much difference to the club’s thinking though.
Morning Adam. It should though considering we were to.d that if Wenger looses the fans it’s time for change…
Rico. As we know, there’s a big difference between what is said and what is actually done at Arsenal. But I am seeing a big change in Wenger’s pronouncements to the press and it is definitely not for the better.
Adam, you are tight there about what’s said and done. Very little ‘what’s said’ ever gets done…
His press conferences have been odd for a while now but they’ve hit an all time odd these days ?
Morning Rico and All
Little reminder from last years Q&A.
Gazza says that sentiment plays no part in the decision making process at the club:
The reason we have Arsene as our manager is because our board believes he can deliver success. The reason that Arsene is here is because he believes that he can deliver success. If either of us didn’t believe that we would not be constrained by nostalgia or longing; we would have to make a change.
Arsene would understand and support that. But it’s just not how either side feels. We feel we are on a good path.
Gazza went on to say:
One of the biggest challenges we will face is the transition, whenever it happens, but that is not something we are going to be facing imminently. Obviously, he is going to be managing us next year and we are planning and making many decisions for the long term. He’s in his mid-sixties, it’s natural to think about when his time here might come to an end, but the truth is nobody knows.
Gazza added when asked about Arsene:
He has always put the long-term health of the club first. He wants to hand over a football club, whenever that it is, that is in great shape. He views that as a massively important part of his legacy. But we are just not in that mode. I know Arsene wouldn’t stay on if he thought the club wasn’t heading in a good direction and thought he wouldn’t be able to deliver what the fans want.
Yer Right….One them will go.
Morning Fred.
If we are to take those words literally, Wenger would be off this summer. But, when Ivan said that, my guess is he didn’t expect to witness what we/he has done this season. The best squad for a while imo and I reckon he, like us, really expected a PL challenge. A real PL challenge. Yes, Chelsea may have still won it, but we should have been a very close second.
Like many, Ivan has now seen the light imo, although it’s a few seasons too late…
The new post is up now.