Morning all.
Perez, Sanchez, Welbeck and Walcott. There’s no place for Giroud in this starting eleven today, not imo.
They play with three at the back, so pace and width is needed to stretch those central defenders and take them to places they don’t like to be. Giroud doesn’t do that, it’s not his game.
Alexis central is surely a must as his movement will keep them on their toes. The pace of Walcott, Lucas and Welbeck will be a concern and let’s face it, all four aren’t afraid to defend. Two of those three will hopefully line up either side of the Chilean.
Costa v our two central defenders will be interesting – will the Spanillian revert back to his old ways, dirty, cheating and physical as he attempts to yet again get one of our players send off, or will he be the newly found cool, calm and clinical striker Conte has moulded him into? Well, that’s what Fleet Streets finest would have us believe.
Our midfield is a worry, it often has been since the departure of Paddy, Petit, Gilberto etc etc but this summer we looked stronger, on paper at least. But with no Elneny, no Xhaka and no Santi, we are thread bare. Ramsey is missing for three weeks too so Wengers options are limited. Coquelin and Oxlade-Chamberlain is my guess. Kante is their midfield rock and bearing in mind Arsene has said he tried to sign him twice, let’s hope he has a plan to keep him out of the game.
The back five for Arsenal pretty much picks itself as long as Bellerin is fit and healthy he should replace Gabriel which leaves one spot up for grabs. Iwobi or Ozil? The latter is a match winner but he’s no work horse and today I think we’ll need grafters, so whoever starts has to be prepared to dig in and fight for the cause.
Well, that’s my thought for today’s game but I know I’m just playing musical chairs with the players. No doubt Arsene Wenger will have his own ideas, after all, he’s the experienced manager, not me…
Giroud up front it is then…..
good morning…
The secret is in the midfield
Good post Rico…
I know that football has moved on a lot since 1993/94, but I can’t help harping back to that season and how George Graham dealt with European opponents playing 3 at the back…
He’d have Merson and Campbell out wide with Smith through the middle so when defending we’d have 5 in midfield, but when attacking we’d have three forwards harrying their back-three, no whet they were used to when back home where most teams played with only one forward…
I know that Wenger wouldn’t think that way, he is too set in his ways and his methods, and after all those methods haven’t won us the league in 12 years, soon to be 13, so why would he change..?
Agree – Ozil is not ideal for this game and OG, for me is way too slow. Pace and aggression are needed to have any chance today. Sadly, I think that AW will barely change things, and that, IMO is a big mistake. We continue to flatter to deceive, a trait that has afforded our rivals an advantage. Right now I think AW is too old for a big club with title ambitions. Conte and most of the other rival managers are younger, hungrier and have fresher ideas. They learnt from Wenger, because he was once the man. He should bow out and receive the grace he deserves.
Thanks Kev. Didn’t Wenger say he’d change his style if he needed to? His problem is that he can’t see it needs changing…
DB, hard to disagree there…
Morning all.
Let the cobwebs out and ya cash flow free.
Take the odds on offer 🙂
Would have liked to have seen welbeck unleashed today.
Let’s do these horrible chav’s!!!
COYGS
Me too Lewis, I really hoped we’d see a super quick front three…
hi rico nice post as always. Feel your frustration. We HAVE the squad but annual issues exist Complacency,arrogance,poor tactical management and respectfully AW being PAST IT. He has shown us his inability to adjust. Respectfully his age and in built French arrogance are reasons why. He cannot match the new era managers Conte Pochettino who change strategy per opposition and during games.
Arsenal are underachieving due to socialist wage bill structure.
AW is failed dictator holding onto power in final phase of reign whilst populace revolt. We have witnessed this story in modern day politics multiple times recently in Mideast with Hussein Gadaffi and Mubarak – Same line – Too much power and they believe are infallible.
A win today changes Nothing. AS17 and Ozil may leave and we remain club without Champions Mentality due to manager and player personnel aside from AS17 and Mustafi who are both leaders and winners.Losing Interest in Arsenal rapidly as players do not care much as fans.
Cheers
So easy.
Ffs.
Surprised that was allowed. Nice elbow in the face of Bellerin…
Hi A117, thanks…
Straight red.
Elbow flush to the jaw.
Incredible!!!
The ref will allow them away with everything rico. That’s the way the powers that be have set it.
Not according to the pundits Scott, just outmuscled- not that I agree…
I know Lewis, typical of Atkinson
Wenger quote from NBC re. Not being on the bench “I loose impact not being on the bench, but I compensate for that with overall vision” :
Been saying for years that he should get off the bench and see what we see.
Bad but not unexpected start
He caught him with his elbow but it would be unlikely to be given as a foul. A running jumping player always will get over a static one.
Very clever Hazard. I hope he really hurt himself whilst rolling in agony…
Don’t get paranoid it was a foul . Men against boys at the moment.
Do we have any forwards on the pitch?
Is that our first free kick?
Rico, as boxers say, you can’t put muscles on chins lol
Walcott needs to work a bit bleeding harder!
Now that was a card
Yet again Walcott let’s his man go.
Yep.
Got to take outer chances. Should be 1-1
Our*
Bring Welbeck on halftime. Spiral where we are fighting for 5th 6th place and Bayern thrash us that could lead to AW end. PLEASE Please Allegri or Simeone….Same crap different day we cannot compete against Top 6 each season. Tippy Tappy football no penetration end product. Spurs play better football
Didn’t bother my ass to even turn it on today as I know what’s on offer ffs…
We’ve had chances but no killer instinct.
Word in Atkinson’s ear as they walk off . ” Just because Hazard falls over doesn’t make it a foul “
Or 2-1 if Ozil hadnt shot straight at Courtois
Welbeck on please!
Gee, our boys are having a red hot crack and creating chances.
Ask Alexis to either keep possession or pass it-4 times and counting he’s turned it over.
I do wish Coquelin would sit back a bit more, when they counter, he’s far too far up the pitch. They are all over us in midfield…
We are so so soft! Pathetic.
So Coquelin tries the Ramsey flick gives the ball away and we go 2 down.
Fucking pointless really, if you can’t beat Watford at home what’s the relevance of this result?
I’m definitely over this repetitive bollocks that unfolds every season….
New manager please!
Men against boys!
So predictable. As you said Potter men against boys.
A well drilled team who know their jobs and another team that’s not and doesn’t have a plan to deal with certain players/scenarios.
Yawn.
The team is a total reflection of the manager….weak,pathetic and over fucking paid!!
Your time is up please go!
Sign the new contract wenger…… says Chelsea, Utd, city, spurs, Liverpool…. ??
Agree Lee. I actually wish he’d walk away today….
Giroud for Coquelin???
That from Ozil sums up this team. Gutless!
Decided to turn on the game hahaha it’s like watching Arsenal under 11’s lol…
Such a bunch of fairies.
Wengers early reign was built on Pace, power and players that did whatever it takes to win.
Now we have fairies who have no answer to the physicality presented by certain teams.
Who is the manager in the world that thinks Walcott is better than Perez or Welbeck? They start the game with a 4-3-3 formation, ok good idea but then you have Ozil, Iwobi and Walcott 3 player with limited workrate are expected to track back and win the ball. When you could’ve started with Welbeck and Perez. Mind bugging.
Worst midfield under AW.
Worst positional setup.
If Boulder is tactical good why can’t be get the players to be positioned like pros…
Clueless squad and tactically naive players
Coq and ox should never be starting in a game like this.
Please look at AS17 body language he’s off. Doesn’t want to waste his efforts and talents with this lot. Feel Ozil will do the same. So so sad it’s avoidable if Board did not allow one man to be bigger than the club
Who do you think Obi, there’s only one… 😉
69th minute before he brings on welbeck……
Conte probably predicted arsene entire approach to the game
With my eyes it seems Chavs have not even got out of 2nd gear. They just contained us and have ruthless finishing as always
Absolutely unprofessional and overpaid pretenders.
Come on at least draw
I really hope the wenger out banners come out now after this game… I’m sorry but the point has to get across to wenger that he’s not wanted .
GET HIM OUT!
AW’s crime is assembling these absolute wasters.
Very over hyped players
Ya gotta laugh tbh… ????
You couldn’t make it up.
Cech has added nothing to this team.
Sanchez believes in his own hype.
Midfield has no structure.Iwobi and ozil are so deep we must as well just take them off
Fucking hell.
If fans of the club still don’t see change is needed then they are not fans of the club.
Giroud has really made a difference since he came on.
Og12.
Told you.
Congratulations Chavs. Well deserved 3pts and eventual champions. Spurs will be runners up with Man City 3rd and Scousers4th. It will take 5th or 6th for our dictator to relinquish his reign. Time for discipline and proper tactics. Many of these prima donnas will move on
Fair play to Chavs. They have proper owner who in charge and board who is accountable to him. Not Arsenals proxy pyramid where AW is owner board and manager
I agree with you Ts.. cech is fucking shit, long past his best… id rather have forster from Southampton tbh
I don’t know what to say really!!!!!!!
You got to love Gary Neville.At least he has tried his hand at management and is mostly honest and retrospective.
The others just talk B’s…imho
Ts.. Gary neville is a complete wanker.
Would that be because he said the fan with the Wenger out poster was an idiot Ts?
Arsenal fan has a banner saying enough is enough.. neville calls him an idiot….
We’ll to me that fan is doing what I can’t as im not there, and hes saying what a lot of fans on here agree with..
Make no mistake about it neville wants wenger to remain in place as we are no threat..
As a footballer he was an absolute wanker true but as a pundit he is refreshing imho.
Rico- my view has always been the same since I started posting here.
Slate the team on social media etc and demonstrate when season closes.But in my view if you bother to go to a game then get behind the team.
When Arsene goes, he should just walk away so The Club has a chance to re-invent itself. No more Wengerball, please!!!
We agree AW has lost his credibility but the likes of Theo trotting around is completely unprofessional.imho
Coq is not good enough as a top 6 midfielder.
That’s a perfect world ts.. it don’t work like that m8 what if he’s signed the contract extension by seasons end??
What you do is let the fucker know right now he’s not wanted…
I am sure he knows his position.if he wants to walk I am certain he will do it regardless of fans holding up posters.
The man honestly believes he does his best.lots of ppl outside arsenal and at least his employers think he is…
Roman is watching his team.where is our owner?
That is the difference.imho
He probably was for 90 mins Ts and every other game he goes to. It’s Wenger he’s fed up with, not the team….
The Liverpool keeper summed up Gary Neville quite well I thought.
“He was a manager for a short bit and now he’s back to being an expert”
If he knew his position he’d walked away after beating villa in the cup final ts..
so no imo he doesn’t know his position.
But who allows Walcott to trot around, for Ozil to not tackle, or Coquelin to play??
It’s not Stan Kroenke….
Spot on Micko, he can talk the talk, but couldn’t put it into practice….
I was confident today aswell………….fcuking rubbish at this confident stuff ! 🙂
Roman is watching his team because he puts his own money into the club and loves HIS club…………………..Kroenke is getting a hardon watching Buffalo roam the prairies of his £500M ranch !………..he doesn`t give a toss about Arsenal`s on field activities, he only gives a toss about fit looking Buffalo !
The same old debate then Rico 🙂
Let’s pay Ozil and Sanchez 300k p.w. to keep them….please!! we can finish 4th with them and 4th without them…..tactics and selection aside. There is something call workrate and fighting spirit. Bring in a new manager – Massimiliano preferably, this guy plays almost a new line up every week depending on the opponent and his in game adjustments are superb – and let him clean house.
Seems so Adam. Ridiculous in my opinion.
So boring going through this year after year after year.
Yes a change might make us worse if the short term but I truly believe there are managers out there that could get a much better output from this squad.
That manager would need to be ruthless and get rid of the players we all know are not up to it.
If ozil and Sanchez want our, so be it, sell them end of season. It’s not like we they are making the difference for us at the moment anyway. We could have put some kids out there today in there place and they would probably have achieved more.
Nothing unexpected ………with a bit of positivity I did expected a draw but ….not a defeat by that margin .
Check ……absolutely shit for the first goal he could have done better with much flexible keeper.
He is on the down for quite sometime.Wenger not expecting to bench him .
COQ………what was about that tackle to Hazard before the goal ???Pathetic….In his position he
suppose to sniff the danger and take out Hazard. Wenger pet glorified academy product
Just to save money but his ability is unfolding on this type of game.
Ozil……..Did anyone see him ? His mind is somewhere else but i do believe is phisically dead
and dont see anyone shout on him .Untouchable
Wally………Hahaahahaha i love the people that defend this runner and go one to malign Sanogo.
First goal was sleeping .Actually he saw Alonso was there near him but he choose to do
nothing and left Bellerin to dry out. Is Wenger pet and nothing changes there.
I do not think other players was bad Any team would suufer when four essential position are filled with completely crap players .
TOP 4 THROPHY IS ON.
Cheerio
Me too. Nothing new to say really
I`m afraid we have a win double !…………..Wenger as manager and Kroenke as majority shareholder……………one knows nothing about football and the other one knows nothing about soccer !…………..both are great with money though, although it is completely useless for football tactics !.
Le Coq, as the old song goes…..show me a home where the buffalo roam and I’ll show you a house full of shit.
We’re just a complete mess, even with Arsene gone where would you start ?
Yep the music goes round and round and will do so until there are changes for the better or worse.
Not sure either are worth £300k a week…
Rico- is that the reason why he had his poster ready?Lol
This argument about how to get rid of AW is played out really.imho
I know people who want AW and have given up their season ticket after writing to IG.
The club did not even bother writing back to thank them for their support in the post and even pretend to say they were sorry to see them go…
Instead they wrote to 2 of them to threaten them to renew or they will offer their tickets to others…
Where is Stan?
Where are all the fans raving about ox being a cdm mid week?
No one ever admits they were expecting that front 3 to start and give us pace..
I bet if Ramsey or OG12 had started we would have the usual about Wenger starting his pets.
RICO ..dont you think this kind of results will make his days closer and closer The old man ?
Ts, there’s a difference between the team and the manager. That fan, like most of us probably knew what Wenger would dish up today. He’s fed up with Wenger, so am I….
He has a right to his protest…
Re the ST’s – what has that scenario really got to do with Kroenke? I doubt he has a hands on approach at all, he has to delegate because he lives in a different country in a different time zone…
I hope so Alex.
More like………..show me a home where the Buffalo roam and I`ll show you an aroused syrup wearer !
🙂
Serious question my deflated friends…………………………………if we get someone like Simeone ( or other) to replace Wenger, how long do we give him/them to stamp his/their mark on the club and try and get us competitive ?………………………I`m not just a Kroenke Die ! person and do believe that one of the top managers would get more out of our players !.
In less than a week:
– We lost two games
– Definitely away from winning the League
– Almost as many defeats as in 30 previous games.
As I have posted for at least 3 months: Ozil and Iwoby can not play at the same time unless there are other changes.
And explain to me the following: a week ago we won 0-5 with fresh players and in the correct positions. A) Without Xaxha, Elhemy, Ramsey and especially Cazorla why not play Adelaide? Fabregas was younger and had more experience when he started playing? B) Alexis is without lucidity. Why do you play it even with 0-5? (C) The right side without Bellerin does not exist. D) As for the game, I’ll tell you later
The next game with Hull will be very difficult. As I posted earlier this month: pay attention to the Hull coach. It could be perfectly the next coach of Arsenal, without great media and not overly expensive.
@ Alex 3:06, no his excuse will be that we had players missing and at full strength we beat them…..thats AW being AW.
This teams are reminiscent of last year Chelsea ……..It is not only players are phisically jaded but there is something more i guess.
ST is relevant because I assume IG knows sections of fans are not happy with AW. If the club would listen,I am sure they would listen to 2 people who have held st for 3 decades giving up their tickets within few days of each other.
Unless all fans in stadium demonstrate for several games even after a win I personally see no point.
Ya can’t judge that LC until he’s had a full Transfer window and pre season I’d say we could offer an opinion come the January but we’d have to judge in the may ?
Reflect on how we’ve faired in the big games etc like if we’re being beat 8-2 5-1 6-0… ?
Right from the off I’d have preferred Usmanov over Kroenke because it’s highly likely he’d have invested. However, since the board members have often insisted they would back Wenger financially, then that took Kroenke out of the equation..
It’s Wenger who built this team, he trains them, picks the team and leaves wide spaces all over the pitch because it seems that players aren’t told what to do, unlike today’s opponent…
As has been said so many times by many, this team reflects the manager….
After that second half, i would put a broom right through the place.
Arsene can go, and after that pathetic “performance”, Alexis can piss off and take Mesut with him.
Sanchez turned the ball over either 9 or 10 times in that game.
He does slow our attack down.
He is petulant.
His heart isn’t in it so there’s the door!!!
There’s no excuse for it except selfishness and/or a lack of care.
Ozil gave up twice in the last few minutes so stick your 160k a week.
Cech???
I don’t know where to begin.
Ox was fantastic.
He was our only starter who can hold his head high after that game.
Embarrassing.
We were bloody good for about 20 minutes in that first half, but gifted them a second goal and through the towel in.
No fight.
Agreed Alex.
If AW is staying or going he has to make players and fans know.
Time for a change imho…
Obviously AW will not walk and so the hierarchy must call he shots one way or another.imho
Right !……………now that we are completely out of it ( were we ever in it to begin with ? )…………..I have to say I want the Chavs to win the league now as the thought of the scum winning it is to horrifying, anyone but spuds !………………..I`ll settle for CL and FA Cup double fcuk the league and fcuk top 4 ! 🙂
And what can Gazidis do about it? He’s not Wengers boss as far as I can make out. Wenger is Wengers boss…
Agree re Ox Scott, I thought he was good.
Interesting point JM re Silva Hull coach. Sure you know of him well.
Had Interesting chat with my brother last night who is a Spud. He says Hull coach Silva good as Conte Pochettino. We spoke about British players in both Arsenal and Spuds squad. Wilshere Theo Ox Ramsay Gibbs Jenkinson are prima donnas who have no desre. Compared to Ali Kane Dier Rose Walker Winks who have hunger and drive to be successful. Difference is manager. Arsenal have no England core Spuds certainly do.
We were never in it Le coq.
Before Conte was announced I posted on here saying it will be Conte’s title if he joined the league.
Pep 2nd and AW 3rd.
I also said Ranieri will be sacked after his team flopped…
Klopo will be were he is meant to be 5th…Another egotistical manager who put himself about team
The team is where it is.we need investment big time.
I will get Emre in from PSG next sumner
Usmanov ?…………..if only !
Why oh why oh why did we end up with the Buffalo Shaggger ?………………..worst thing to ever happen to the club !……………………………………..there might have been worse thing`s , but I`m not thinking straight at the moment …………………….where`s Herb ?………….I love his rants !………………I took my time typing the letter r on rants as I did not want to accidently slip in a p !…………………….dont want you lot to think I`m that kind of guy !……………………………….I also took my time typing the letter u in guy !………..didn`t want to accidently slip in an a !………………………………should have just said I`m not that kind of person………… hahaha
Also give tremendous credit to Dan Levy for signing Spuds key players to long term contracts at below market rates such as Kane and Llloris who may have received 40% higher wages at Manu or Real. Gazidis is a joker
Rico
I do not think will be any different had we had Usmanov /Chinese/abramovich ..etc Instead of Kronke.
Wenger buy ,train,select players.The board in fairness they allow him to spend close to 100mil and nothing different.
I would have thought from the conspiracy I read on here about Wenger running the show and IG not liking Wenger, that he will use such evidence to tell Stan that if he keeps Wenger around any longer then fans will be unhappy.
So if AW will not walk as he has no shame and IG can’t sack Wenger then what is the point in being the only fan with a prepared poster after a lose?
It`s sad imo Tsgh !………………..all these decent coaches going everywhere apart from going to us !……………..as Rico says………………Wenger is Wenger`s boss !……………….we will get a new manager when he decides !
On the positive ….the OX is coming good in that midfield.Well done …
You back telling us that your crystal ball is working Ts…? 😉
IG is a loser i agee.
Even his puma sponsorship was pathetic.
I fail to see what he has added to the club since he joined.
He does not sign players nor hold Wenger’s feet to the fire…
At least Wenger can sleep well knowing that even when he has spent gross £100m with him having 4th biggest budget he still over acheives
Alex, well, he might have bought in his own men who demanded success as Roman did…..
Wenger overachieves? How?
With the players at the club, he’s underachieving imo, big time…
Glad Ox is doing well as amongst friends I have always said he should be a first choice starter, he`s had his fair share of injuries and always thought he needed a long uninterupted run in the team…………..do me proud Oxxy baby…………………….. 🙂
Wenger’s formation does not work against bigger teams because it is naive but let’s not kid ourselves that too managers change tactics for every game…
I have talked about Conte on here for close to 4 years and he has played the same way.
Reason Roma and gervinho could have beaten his team.it was Vidal coming back that season plus phanic and strootman injuries.
Emre I like or even Allegro’s.
Wenger might get lucky with OC – it was just a few days ago that he said he was a winger. Injuries resulted in AW having to play him central as I bet he wouldn’t have played him there otherwise….
Wow this is a first !………i disagree with Rico ! :0
4th highest wage bill means in theory 4th is our level !…………..anything above is a bonus….in theory !
That`s why main beef is always against Kroenke as a richer proper owner would in theory spend more !……….Usmanov would have been fine, but the Mansour`s !!!…..fcuk !, they`ve spent some money and not just on players 1………their training facilities are second to none !………….if the Mansour lot had bought Arsenal we would be ruling the world !…………obviously just an opinion, but you know I`m right ! hahaha
🙂 LC.
But we should have won the league last season, and it’s not like we don’t have the squad to win it this season too. Oh for a bit of direction and motivation….
I am hungry but i cannot eat …..feel very very bad.
What best to do any good ideas ?
IG has defended AW at AGW by saying Wenger is over acheiving.
As I said it would have worked until Ranieri smashed it last season. But Wenger who always goes on about consistency will be justified to ask why Ranieri has flopped to his season…
When we think with our emotions we are 100% right another manager can do better but hard evidence shows otherwise.
The teams who spend the most and have the biggest budgets have finished where they deserve to finish across Europe, South America and even Africa.
Why are the Chinese buying every mercenary from Europe?
It’s the same in most sports…
That is why sugar daddies should never have been allowed into football after seeing what happened to NFL and NBA.imho
I’ve never heard or read that from Gazidis about Wenger…
If Gazidis and the board believe Wenger is overachieving then we might as well all give up. If an intelligent man, as Arsene is claimed to be, cannot spot a pattern or a trend with regard to our frequent blow-ups season after season then I would be very surprised. You want your manager to be optimistic but surely he must be a realist first.
There’s plenty of managers out there that would get Arsenal firing again especially with the budget Wenger has available to him.
Why can anyone be scared of Wenger leaving?
We’ve been served up this shit for 12yrs, same mistakes same pathetic bollocks!
Fucking disgraceful yet again….just fuck off Wenger you’re finished as a top flight manager!
Protesting at the Emirates need to be cranked up!
Brudder I’ll supply Mrs A with the fizz that should get the ball rolling…..
Wengers team, tactics, decisions…. and imo he’s been underachieving with the players he had and has.
Ivan came in to the club under wenger and was basically appointed by wenger so he can’t do fuck all imo. If he had any balls he’d tell stan how it is.
As for that fan having the banner well imo just like me and most on here he knew how today was gonna pan out and was prepared for it…
Pity wengers wasn’t prepared for Chelsea. ?
Brudder. Be careful what you wish for 🙂
Tsgh, I don’t have any proof but could it be the take-aways are cheaper in China, not everyone’s a mercenary.
I don’t get why change is feared, especially when we watch the same old dross each week…..
Arsenal are stale, Wenger is stale and his coaches should have been changed long ago….
Wenger over achieving?? They’re taking the piss Brudder, they’re on the wind up!!
He’s over achieving on how much he steals for an annual salary from the club!
I fucking hate the sight of him now, his pathetic post match spiel blaming all and sundry. No mirrors at chez Wenger?
You are the problem you clueless has been!
In Wenger we stagnate (at best that is!)
Perhaps England will cheer us up a bit in the egg throwing competition… 😉 😉
Emre? No. With PSG squad, Monaco is in the top and it is in all competitions. Did you read any news about Monaco way of playing?
Behind them, is the coach. The press says he study very well the opponents; Monaco plays very well: score goals, good football and they have much joy to play.
AW came from Monaco; maybe it’s time to catch another one from the Principality.
Bloggers: the problem is not Ozil, giroud,coquelin, alexis… It is also, but the real problem is more deeper. I write a few. 1) the first half, normally is awful. Why? Probably because the game is never prepared. It is settled in the second part, according to the circumstances. 2) There is no empathy between AW and fans. This environment is reflected in the players. When we won a game that was not expected (ex: 3-0 to Chelsea), this detail is diluted but is constantly dormant. 3) The constant failures at crucial moments of the season or in the games are already internalized factors that are somehow expected and statistically predicted. etc…
Probably, another season with bad scores against Chelsea, Totts,Liverpool, M city, M United and Everton. How can we win the title? Hope then the others drop points twice against Watford, Burnley, Palace, Sunderland, etc? , with all respect about those teams?
And then we have the players and the squad.
Top 4 guaranteed ………
Hull 2 liverpool 0
Everything comes back to Wenger Jm…
A strategically shaved chimpanzee would do a better job than Le Loser! Anyone got the PG tips number?
Best strike force he’s had whilst at Arsenal?
He must be on the crack pipe?
Another piss take, got to be surely?
Rico, nice to watch a team with some bollocks not this pathetic extension of Wenger we watch all the time!!!
Don’t bet against Coty and Utd passing us Alex, especially City as they have a new saviour. Jesus ??
Agree there Lee. And a coach with passion for our team, despite him not being English…
The French number three is a monster!
Indeed Rico……. that absolutely possible and i will be gutted if that Moaner of Manure will make the top 4
Rico. Despite asking on many occasions over the past few seasons, nobody has yet made a sensible case for a new contract for him. I remember, when money was short, how people always claimed he was severely limited in the transfer market and gave that as a reason for the poor results. And now he has more or less as much as he wants, he is still failing. And in the same old way. The difference is that that excuse has gone now. I can think of no other top club in the world that would reward his failure with a new contract. People get old and things change. It happens to most top figures in most businesses. The smart ones get out before the inevitable, like Fergie.
What could Wenger bring if he had another couple of years? What could change? We know that he won’t. At this moment and with the prospect of a new contract, I think Arsenal are in a bad place. A change is badly needed. I would say perhaps they should make it at the end of the season, but plan for it now. Big time.
I’ve given up caring much Alex.
Adam, I know, we’ve been saying it for a while now. For me, there is absolutely no reason why he should stay, apart from his own arrogance and ignorance…
And the £9 million a year Rico. 🙂
@Adam
Fergie could have stayed for another 5 years……..simply he make changes not only players but even his coaching stuff……….Le Prof will not change anything out of loyalty……
Le Prof is finished as a football manager ……..
All this years his failure was kind of related to not having money to spend.
With very little money Leicester made it and won the league.The money thing is completely does not hold water.
This time around without selling any important player he spent to the tune of 100Mil
There is no argument left …he just have to go …..period
Spot on re Fergie by the way and he knew his time was up in the summer before he quit which is no doubt why he bought Rvp. If Wenger had been smarter, he wouldn’t have sold him to Utd as in doing so, Fergie left as a winner….
Oh yes Adam, and that… lol
Top 4 guaranteed ………
Hull 2 Liverpool 0
Lucky barsteward gets away with it again as Liverpool steal the headlines.
Seriously?
Top 4???
No chance Jm… lol
What a lucky escape for England. Played poorly but still won.. just like Arsenal… ??
yes… but Totts 1 up
Wait until they play Sunday/Thursday Jm.. lol
Night all..
Alexis and Ozil, £500,000 per week for the pair, worth it..?
No Kev, no….
Rico, Adam told me earlier that Liverpool haven’t won a game this year, some 9 games, and that is pretty awful form…
Arsenal are only one point ahead of them and that says it all…
With the right coach they could be,world beaters as could the rest of their team mates.
The old chap had a few good ideas, game changing ideas and methods, THIRTY YEARS AGO! They were revolutionary at the time but every other coach has caught him up, improved his model and overtaken him. Einstein’s best work was done before he was 21, he didn’t really do anything else but tinker with his original theory for the rest of his life. Wenger is spent, in every sense. He’s past it. He’s a has been. He’s,scrap yard fodder! There’s a reason the French pension their workers off at 60 or 62 it’s simply they know the average person has nothing worthwhile to add,to the world of work! So it is with the wrinkly one. He is seven(7) years past his usefulness! Time to go Arsene. You’ve,already out stayed welcome and I think we’re all tired of seeing the wash rinse cycle over and over again without seeing any change to the quality of the finish!
I could go on, and on and on, and on………just like Wenger but my wisdom, gained from my experience of the world understands that it would be tedious,and ineffectual in that it has all been said over and over again in the last few,years.
Time for me to go. I wonder if grandpa Arsie will take the same view?
Morning rico1 & all
Being over 17,000 kms away, allows me to analyse The Arsenal, from an outsider’s perspective.
The most important thing The Arsenal must get right is the transition from Arsene Wenger to a successor. Spare nothing in the search for a new gaffer, coz if they get it wrong!!!!!!! Well you only have to look at Liverpool & now Man Utd.
Get it right & The Club could be taken to the next level, a golden era never seen b4 at The Arsenal.
Transition has to be smooth for all parties involved. In other words, all parties must act in the best interest of The Club & any negotiations leaked to the press must be in a manipulative way that best serves The Club’s interests going forward.
Time is of an essence, so The Arsenal need to get to the task at hand. How well this goes will shape the next 5 years of The Club, maybe even longer if they get the wrong person for the job.
So people accuse other fans of fearing change, all the while blaming Wenger for all that’s wrong, and stating openly Stan isn’t to blame, it’s all on Arsene?
Stan has nothing to do with this mess, yet refuses to sack the manager who’s so bad????
He has NOTHING to do with it??
Really?
I read that Wenger is to blame for the players attitude, and I do agree with that, but when those same people then tell us Stan is not at fault for Arsenes attitude, then i probably should give up trying to understand that logic lol.
Clean sweep, starting at the very top, is what’s required, else we will have this same conversation, no matter who’s in charge.
Afraid of change?
Not me.
Recognising what change/s is needed is the real issue.
This is the most disappointed I’ve ever been with the club!!!
Make no mistake about it, The Arsenal is at the fork in the road. Clear thinking by those involved with the task at hand of finding a new manager.
The best scenario for The Club in my opinion is to have the current major share holder removed, & have that person replaced by a more ambitious ‘owner’ who has the will & resources at hand to take The Arsenal to the next level, maybe even the best in the world, why not!
Scott, I’m no fan of Kroenke, and he isn’t blameless, but he doesn’t scout the players, he doesn’t sign the players, he doesn’t coach the players, he doesn’t prepare the players, he doesn’t choose the tactics, he doesn’t choose the side, he doesn’t do the team talk or the half time team talk.
GG9, that isn’t going to happen, in fact it’s more likely that Josh Kroenke will take a more hands on approach as his old man rides off into the sunset or moves permanently onto one of his ranches…
It’s more likely that Ursmanov will sell up, probably to some Chinese billionaires
Kev, I understand that, but if he keeps upgrading and extending Wengers contract, the obvious assumption is he believes the man is doing a great job.
On that basis alone, we are screwed until Stan leaves, Imo.
If we agree Roman changed the culture of Chelski, then logic suggests an owner could and should drive the clubs destiny.
What does Stan do?
He allows Arsene to roll along, with no pressure to perform on the pitch, and that culture or attitude flows to the players.
Clean sweep.
Top to bottom.
All the rumours linking Arsenal to Allegri, Howe, Tuchel, Uncle Tom Cobbly, probably have a grain of truth in them. With Arsenal making tentative advances to these herberts’ advisors, seeing how they’d feel about the job, be it this summer or next summer or two years time? Seeing what kind of deal they’d want etc…
And if they’re not doing that, then why the fcuk aren’t they? Forward planning Scott, it’s the only way… ?
Scott, we all know, or we should by now, that Kroenke won’t rock the boat as long as it’s financially stable. He’s seen what happened to ManUre, even with the Special One they’re not ripping up the league, but I bet they’re still turning in a healthy profit…
Kroenke sees that under Arsene Wenger, that Arsenal are now the 7th wealthiest club in the world. He doesn’t care that we haven’t won the league in 13 years, that won’t keep him awake. Losing money keeps him awake!
Also, with the exception of Ken Friar, I don’t think anyone else on the owner/management side have any experience of recruiting a new football manager and certainly not replacing a huge figure like Wenger.
They aren’t gonna take that decision lightly or quickly, so don’t expect change unless Arsene retires…
Kev, forward planning?
What’s that lol
Arsene can’t let go of his baby.
I do believe he’s doing his best, and I also believe his intentions are honourable.
Finally, I think he really believes he’s the clubs best option.
That, combined with the fact Stan either agrees or doesn’t care is a recipe for the disaster we see ourselves in now.
I think it is a distaster.
When I see our “best” 3 players either letting soft goals in, causing other players, making mistake after mistake or not trying, then it’s obvious Wenger is finished and if he’s allowed to continue, the damage could take years to reverse.
Not only for the clubs sake, but for Wengers, someone needs to be cruel to be kind.
It won’t happen, and we all know that.
All we can do hope that Arsene does realise times up, but for the reasons outlined above, he may not be capable of making that decision.
I like your 9:45pm of “he doesn`t”, Kev !…………………you missed out the most important one though !……………..he doesn`t invest any money in the club !……………………now if all our big rivals had that same approach we`d probably have won some more titles/trophies, but they dont run on self sustainability !…………..morally it`s fantastic what we do by not buying trophies, but personally I`d sell my soul to the devil for some frequent big ones whatever they cost ! ………………………………………………having high morals doesn`t get you into bed with fit looking girls……spending money does !…………………I have neither morals or money, but ugly rich farmers around these parts seem to attract gorgeous woman, cant think why ? 🙂
Let’s face it money rules more than most want to admit in football these days.
Kroenke is making a killing on the share price so is happy as long as we maintain the status quo and he doesn’t have to put his hand in his pocket to subsidise us.
However we are up against oil, and gas billionaires who throw money at their clubs. Odds are they should always finish above us. It’s been shown that there is a direct correlation between wage and transfers expenditure and finishing position. For those that instantly say Leicester, this correlation simply means more likely to, not guaranteed. Every year the positions might be slightly different, and once in a blue moon a random event like Leicester could happen.
We have roughly the 4th biggest wage bill so should finish 4th.
Since the oil money came into play we have the 5th biggest net spend so should finish 5th.
Anything above this, including a cup win, means that Wenger is outperforming the trend. So I don’t think that changing the manager will do anything to increase our chances of winning things.
The only thing that will improve our situation is if we are sold to someone else who wants to spend money to compete, or if the financial doping of the oil clubs is stopped.
Everything else is just rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.
Having said all of that, I am so bored and depressed by the last 10 years of Arsenal football that I’d rather we sacked Wenger and had a change. It might mean that we’d swap a regular top 4 spot for a lower position, but I’m bored of finishing 4th and getting knocked out in the knockout stages of the champions league. Give me an exciting cup run and mid table safety, I might enjoy it more.
Hobart,
I agree with you, but I think the fans need a new manager to raise their hopes.
Whether or not it bring success is impossible to say, but changing nothing guarantees things wont improve, imo.
Kev, re the Dippers, it speaks volumes…
I think we all know that changing manager is a gamble, but I said a few days ago that the repetition of just making the CL , finishing just about high enough in the league with a good run in a cup has bored the crowd. Those that go are desperate to see the team trying their guts out to win things and they want to see exiting football.They are not getting it and they are becoming ambivolent about going to matches. Only the club has the full details but as they proudly announce their full houses but they must know the number that sell their ickets on because they can’t be bothered to attend.
It is a gamble, but one worth taking – everything is stale at the club.. Same old football, same old excuses, same old everything….
Rico, what are you doing up, you party animal 🙂
Can we see any change happening in the near future?
I’m switching opinion all the time on Arsene retiring or not.
He won’t be sacked, so the clubs destiny is almost in his hands.
Such a ridiculous situation to be in.
Ha ha Scott, just one of those nights where I can’t sleep…
It is a ridiculous situation. He has far too much power imo…
Yes he has, Rico.
You’d think we were a 4th tier club.
And that’s exactly what cheeses us all off. The club has everything, super stadium, plenty of money, training facilities etc etc and we should be better than we are…. Much better.
Agreed.
It’s frustrating to say the least.. Sad too…
Off back to bed, catch up later Scott…
Hobart, money is a factor but not the main determinant. Look at last year, MU out spent everyone, but didn’t even make the CL. This year again they out spent everyone and are struggling to make the top 4. Prior to that Man City out spent all teams for 5 years and won only 1 EPL title. Yes money gets you better players and managers but not necessarily the title, if you can’t motivate or be tactical. Leicester aside, financial doping is overrated, especially he with the top 4 teams.
Look at PSG this year basically the same players different tactics and they are struggling, look at Chelsea basically the same players as last year but they are thriving.
Hey Rico, what are you doing up, tut tut…
I can’t sleep either, I didn’t get in until 3am, busy in London.
Night All
Hiya Kev/Obi.
The second half was officially the most frustrating and embarrassing I’ve seen from our boys.
At half time, I honestly though we could pinch a draw, at least, but to see guys giving up was terrible.
Obi, a change of manager was obviously instrumental in the examples of clubs you offered, and it’s clearly needed at Arsenal.
Still, I’ll stand by my earlier rant which suggested we sell some of our big guns.
People can say what they like about Ramsey, but I’ve never seen him simply stop the trying.
Mesut, no chance of you reading this, but hang your head in shame.
A mate reckons we should play them in the reserves next up just see how they respond.
I say it’s a bloody decent idea, and I’d be tempted, but I’d include Cech, though his lack of form has nothing to do with a lack of effort or care, imo.
So frustrating, even after 12-14 hours.
8-2…..we were playing with bare bones.
6-0….our boys tried, but nothing went right.
This game….disgusting, disgraceful, embarrassing, fraudulent and shameful.
Well, the second half, at least.
People hold Wenger totally accountable for those previous losses, but this one is squarely on the players, because it was them and them alone who tanked it after the second goal.
That aside, Arsene must go at seasons end.
Rant no. 7 for the day done and dusted 🙂
Morning Rico and all. Another positive day in the Arsenal blogosphere I think.
Scott, if the second half was the worst, clearly a super team talk at half-time by Wenger… 😉
Morning Adam, another 4 months at least I’d say… lol
Rico. You reckon? 🙂
I do Adam. I fear Hull City, let alone Bayern… 😉
Rico. I’ve got to the point where I am sick to death of the whole Wenger situation and I reckon you are too. There is no magical formation of our players that will turn Arsenal into a championship-winning team again under Wenger. There is no solution in giving him another 100 million. What we are witnessing is the slow, agonising demise of one the greatest football managers that just never understood when it was time to go. His continuing and embarrassing references to the players he ‘could’ have signed tell you where his head is at. We just have to suck it up and hope that he leaves but that he tells the board that he is going at the end of the season now, today, so they can make sensible plans. It might take a revolution and it might cost Gazidis his job too. Then we have to hope that they have it in them to appoint the right man. These are big asks – but it all has to happen. Looking for reasons and solutions that include Arsene as manager are delusional I think.
Adam. Yes, I’m in the same place as you right now. This squad is the best he’s had in years and if there was a time to prove he still had it, it was this season. Perhaps last season actually but injuries hit us hard.
It’s clear to me he’s well past his sell by date and he has been for a while now but as you say, he just didn’t or doesn’t know when to admit defeat. He’s boring to listen to these days, frustrating to watch and I real feel sorry for the guy.
He could have left after winning the FA Cup for the first, if not second time he won it recently but no, he clearly believed he could move this club forward. Sadly for him though, he’s taken it further backwards.
Perhaps an FA Cup victory in May would see him leave, I certainly hope so and at least he’d go with the record of winning the most FA Cups in history…
Rico. Sad and dismal, but true.
Adam, this is where I can see why Kroenke and the board takes a bit of flack because none of them imo see the club/football through the eyes of the fans.
They appear to be quite happy to let him drift along regardless…..
If Wenger leaves the new manager will be like, “a new signing” for us!
Take it from Martin Keown on ‘Sports Sunday’ less than half an hour ago. “He’s made up his mind to carry on, it’s just a matter of when they announce it.”
Enough said!
There shouldn’t even be a contract waiting for him Wavy…
Rico good morning ….Hurrrrray
”Arsenal FC would like to take this occasion and thanks Mr.Wenger for his services .He is no longer the manager of the team but will remain active in other day to day activities.We are in a process in identifing a new manager and the club will do its utmost to support the new manager.
Thanks
Few finally the old man left the stage it is in Arsenal.com
Keep Hitting the F5 button till you destroy your keyboard.
Kroenke is a businessman who pays the board to make these decisions. The Wenger situation is a one-off. They would, I am sure, prefer Wenger to make his own but if not then they must. Even Winston Churchill couldn’t go on forever. It’s all made the more emotional because of the longevity, the early successes and the debt some (perhaps the board?) feel is owed. But the team’s on-field success is the yardstick. I see the whole Kroenke debate as a side-show with no guarantees that if he sold out, the next bloke, conglomerate or whatever would be any better.
Make the right choice for the next manager, give him the backing both financially and time-wise and see what happens.
You rotter Alex… lol
Believe and hit f5 button till you break the Board ..lol
Agree Adam and I’m not trying to take the blame away from Wenger, he’s the one who does everything regarding the actual game and he’s doing it badly..
In his own mind, delusionally, by finishing second last year, he believes he is still improving the team and making progress!
I mean what do we ALL KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL??? Ffs, we’ve not been in management for more than 30 years! How on earth would the fans view ever be listened to?
This whole issue is taking on the classic plot of a Greek tragedy, with Wenger as the tragic figure. If he fell on his own sword he’d probably miss the point!!
🙂 Wavy.
I reckon both Sanchez and Ozil will leave in the summer.
Me too, Rico.
Alex is well pissed off with the incompetence of most of his teammates, except Ozil, his best pass to pal! Ozil? Don’t know what’s going on there. He’s a mystery wrapped up in a conundrum! But he’s on his way too.
Sad but true.
What will be will be I guess Wavy, if both go, that’ll be another stick to beat Wenger with. Ozil was simply awful yesterday, no fight in him at all and I’m sure he bottled any tackle he could and should have made.
I would say that is quite likely.
Rico
Sanchez does not seem to me happy with his surrounding players.
Why should he be happy with the continous crap of Ramsey playing ( more disrupting ) next to him.
This is a man who was at Barca remember ….
Surely has seen enough of the manager to….hmmmm
Alex, a few questions.
Did you watch the game?
Did you count the errors Alexis made due to his selfish decisions??
Did you see Ramsey on the pitch?
How many times did Alexis turn the ball over to Chelski??
How many times did you see Alexis actually pass the ball to a team mate??
How can you even bring Ramsey into the argument when that Chilean deceiver on 160k a week didn’t try a yard?
I’m not sure how to even set you straight as that’s a strange argument to raise, considering Ramsey wasn’t playing, but hey, you’re entitled to your opinion.
Rico, Ozil did have a crack, but in the last 5 minutes, he showed he doesn’t give a shit about the club, or the fans.
I’ll ask this, though, how can so many people defend Alexis??
Did everyone watch the game???
Sell that bastard now because he couldn’t give a shit about the club.
And people blame Ramsey who, no matter how poorly he plays, at least tries.
Well, it seems they even blame Ramsey when he doesn’t play lol.
We have one selfish bloke who dives when the fancy takes him, abuses his teammates and makes more mistakes than any of his team mates ever do, but hey, he has talent and cost us a few bob.
Fans need to start being honest.
Alex, I prefer not to think about how players feel about others because once the game kicks off, reality goes out the window as emotions are high..
Also, I haven’t a clue what they all think about each other on or off the pitch…
Scotfromoz……easy easy
Before replying into your comment i will be the first to say that Alexis had a bad game.So there is no defence on that.I didnt see him much running to the box but on Match of the day they highlited that there was no ball coming to him and for what he got he did not cover himself with glory either.
Ramsey may well it last long his recovery is nothing but disruptive figure and no discipline at all in that pitch.He is selected because is Wenger pet.He is not dribler is not hard tackler he has no vision on passes….but…but he is everywhere to…d i s r u p t.
So if you want to deny that Sanchez is a top player is upto you.Top players dont like to play along side crap one .That is my point
Rico
Not sure which game was but during the game Sanchez tried to score and miss and Ramsey was throwing hi hands in despair for not passing the ball to him….and the Chilean he was not have in it
It was a sign for me
Alex, I have never, ever suggested Alexis isn’t one hell of a talented player.
At times, he’s ridiculously brilliant.
On the flip side, I say he is also selfish, petulant and a diver.
The man slows down our attack every game, due to his selfishness.
It’s why Pep sold him.
Give me someone who gives their all, all of the time and for the right reasons, rather than someone who gives their all for themselves.
Add Ozil and Arsene to the list of my wanted departures.
Hurts to say it, but so be it.
Scotfromoz
Hmmm and who you will keep ?
I wonder if when Alexis is selfish it’s because the movement around him is poor so he has few options?
When he has pace and width either side of him, it works and I think Ozil is the one who slows us down far more than the Chilean. Same with Iwobi, neither are speed kings or tough tacklers… imo of course…
Rico…i second to that
I’ve just had a positive thought!!!!
We won on aggregate………4-3.
So are the chavs really the dogs bollocks or they really potential losers???
Have a nice day everybody. Off out to a boozy lunch (if I can my lady wife out of the shower and off the hair dryer!
Rico, his first option is never to look up for team mates, so no, it’s not because of a lack of options, imo.
Alex, will you deny my call that he turned the ball over app. 10 times in the game??
Would you also deny that if Ramsey turns it over twice he’s the worst player on the pitch???
So which one is the managers pet???
Ramsey is a good footballer but he doesn’t suit Arsenal whilst we play Ozil and Sanchez. He is a traditional British midfielder that needs to play with a forward like Giroud. Giroud doesn’t play well with Ozil either he doesn’t have the speed to make the most of Ozil’s passing which is why Ozil looks to Sanchez all the time and Sanchez can’t play with Ramsey because when he breaks into the box Sanchez does not release quick enough.. If both of our mega signings go then I think we will see a different Ramsey but all the while that We try to play players because of either reputation or transfer cost then Ramsey will be a square peg in a round hole.
Wavy, that’s a more positive outcome than even I could come up with Hahahaha.
Well done!!
I have to disagree Scott as watching Alexis, he’s looking to see what his options are before he gets the ball, as does Ozil. Watch their eyes… 😉
Potter, I’m not suggesting we sell those two guys to make Ramsey show his best.
I’m saying we sell them because we will never be able to go forward with those two as our major players.
in my eyes, they both showed their true colours yesterday, and I wasn’t impressed at all.
I still don’t think it’s the players, the real reason we don’t move forward is the manager. If what we all believe is right about certain players and who they can and can’t play well with, why can’t Wenger see it and do something about it?
As Potter says, you don’t play a player each week just because he cost a lot of money, you play the right players for the occasion. Yesterday it was boys v men…
Rico, well, if he looks up, he mis be deciding who he won’t pass to.
Ask Ginge,…..certain players he simply won’t pass to.
Ozil is a different beast.
He’s always looking for a player making a run…he doesn’t pick and choose.
He’s the most talented footballer in England right now, imo, but damn, those two non challenges killed me.
Rico, watching those two last night, it can not be blamed on anything but their own attitude.
People on 160k a week can not blame anyone for their own lack of effort or intensity.
Well, that’s my thoughts.
Anyway, the cure to our problem only exists when the problem is identified by the club.
Fat chance!!
Good night all.
No excuses…he was “outmuscled” bahahahahaha
Bloody pundits!!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=162289147604941&id=100014715709392
I loved Hobarts 12:06am………..it`s what I have been saying for a long time !……I could have written it, but he put it a lot better than me ! 🙂
Also Adam`s 10:28am …..I`m one of the most virile Kroenke outers on here and agree that someone taking his place could be more of the same, but I want a Mansour/Abramobitch type owner to replace The Buffalo Shagger not a Kroenke clone !………………………Buffalo Shagger…………Bob Marley could probably written a song about it ! hahaha
Morning all.
Scott, I have watched Sanchez for a long time at River Plate, Barce, Unidese and with the Chilean National Team… the multiple touches and the spinning around will never change. I know most people here don’t appreciate international football but watch Sanchez with Chile and the constant bickering between him and teammates, especially Vidal, Vagas, Aranguiz etc on ball movement.. Nothing slows the attack more than as Wavy said passing “PAL” football and Alexis is often guilty of that. Ozil is my favorite player but going back to even Schalke when the games get tougher he tends to shrink…..is a fact. This is the problem with Arsenal we are building a team around luxury players who should be “complimentary ” players.
I see Mansour City have knocked us back to out realistic level of 4th ! 🙂
Afternoon guys, won’t be long until we’re pushed down to fifth…. lol
Afternoon Rico………………………I honestly dont care where we come this year and although my main hope is always for Kroenke to disappear up a Buffalo`s Bum, I think the first thing to move will be Wenger !……whether it is end of season or 2/3 years time it is a must and if someone else comes in and make a hash of it so what for at least we will be able to have a good old moan about it because unless your winning trophies then the next best thing is to have a good old moan !………….I know this because my missus is world class at it ! 😆
Afternoon Lc, I have a feeling that once a new manager is in, we’ll see the real Stan Kroenke.
What is the real Kroenke in your opinion Rico ?………………………..someone who gets more involved ?……………………spends some money ?………………doesn`t let the manager have too much power ?…………………..makes us even less than average like all his other sports companies ?……………..stops wearing a ridiculous dead animal on his head ? …………………………………..will the real Stan shady please stand up ! 🙂
No, just a man who will back his manager financially, via the board of course. He came to Arsenal at a time when Wenger held too much power, I doubt the next one will…
The ‘real Stan Kroenke’, now there’s a thought…. ?
Afternoon Rico and All
Two more years of Arsene, now that’s another thought to chew over…
It’s very thoughtful on HH today…
Cocker, what is your thought of the day – and keep it clean? ?
Afternoon Kev. Maybe I’m just hoping a bit too much… 😉
I hope not Rico 🙂
Hi Kev…………..my thought of the day ?………………………I`ll let Mr Jackson relay my thoughts on what Mr Kroenke is ! 🙂
https://twitter.com/WSHHVlDS/status/825517161368141827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
My thought of the day, as I sit in Euston Station, is: “Stanstead Airport please driver”…
I too am hoping Rico… ?
Just because you asked, Cornwall. And careful when hitting the keyboard! 🙂
Most clubs would have used the pain of a CL final defeat as a filip. To step back after the raw emotion has cooled, and reflect on what a remarkable achievement it was getting to the final, but that next time there is a collective determination to go one step further and claim the prize.
It is disturbing how quickly Arsenal changed after that 2006 defeat in Paris.
Having allowed Vieira to leave in the summer of 2005, the ‘Invincibles’ were further dismantled after the CL final with Bergkamp retiring, Pires being allowed to leave, and losing one of the world’s best left-backs (at that time), to a direct rival.
It’s reminiscent of how quickly Bertie Mee broke up the 70-71 ‘Double’ winning team, the difference being that 35 years on, the club had the resources to make sure they could remain ‘legitimately’ competitive, even during a stadium move. Losing over a third of the side is massive, and the club have been playing catch-up ever since.
But most of us wrote off 2006-07 as the season of transition, trying to embrace our new state-of-the-art stadium and make it feel like the new ‘Home of Football’. Eleven years on and it still doesn’t feel like a good fit.
So we brush off the disappointing campaign of 06-07, we still qualified for CL, the second-string lost a League Cup final, CL and the FA Cup were instantly forgettable, but there was still plenty to be optimistic about, and the manager still retained the love and gratitude of the fans.
We were dealt a big blow in the summer of 2007, when 12 months earlier a new lucrative 4-year contract had been signed, Thierry Henry left for Barcelona.
However, with a new strike-force of Adebayor and Eduardo, 2007-08 was looking extremely promising right up until that horror moment at St. Andrews, which was to effectively end Eduardo’s Arsenal adventure. The referee also awarded Birmingham a late penalty that never was, and a 2-1 lead ended in a 2-2 draw, and in the immediate aftermath of that, our momentum crashed and our season never recovered.
But no-one could attribute blame to anyone, because we had been incredibly unlucky, and had Eduardo not been so horrifically injured, Arsenal might well have won the title.
But 2008 was a defining year in Arsenal’s recent time-line.
I’m not going to mention Chelsea or City, because whilst I acknowledge their ‘new’ money has massively impacted the PL and beyond, we shouldn’t be naval-gazing and criticising other clubs for doing something Arsenal refuse to do. There can be no other reason for the ‘self-sustaining model’ than the personal greed of the share-holders, because Arsenal just weren’t that club before WWII. Chapman was given whatever he required to make Arsenal the best, and that’s why it’s impossible to compare him with Wenger. Equally though, when fans are told by important club employees that Arsenal are in line to be as big as Bayern Munich, or that they can afford to buy any player on the planet apart from Messi and Ronaldo, either the club are massively conning their fan-base, or the manager is falling considerably short of what is expected.
We had already been warned that our spending power would be severely restricted because of the stadium move, which we accepted because the promise of ‘jam tomorrow’.
But two things happened that have had major ramifications for the product we have today. Stan Kroenke became our major share-holder, and David Dein was forced out of the club.
Dein got things done, there was no dithering or dragging out transfers – although they wasted plenty of money getting a few wrong – but it’s no coincidence that during his time at Arsenal we saw some of the best football ever played, and since his departure, almost every season since 2008, Arsenal collapse at exactly the same period of time.
Together Wenger and Dein were a formidable force, but since his departure, Wenger has been fire-fighting alone, often defending the indefensible, and the damage it has done in football terms is immeasurable.
The direct consequences for gaining Kroenke and losing Dein are there for us all to see.
The jam is not being delivered and isn’t even in the loading bay waiting to be processed.
Arsenal has been re-designed and re-branded, not for us the supporter, but purely for the corporates.
The important decisions at Arsenal are made purely from a financial perspective rather than any pursuit of sporting success. It feels more like we’re supporting a financial institution than one of the country’s leading football clubs.
Hello and goodbye Rico and the House.
I very much doubt the real Stan Kroenke will ever put his hand in his pocket to fund the club.
IMO we’ll be left as self financing until he decides to sell on the shares.
Gotta luv Samuel L….
Hi Adam, and your thought of the day is..?
I have it on good authority that Arsene also does a similar routine with all the players as they enter the dressing room !
https://twitter.com/Phil_Lewis_/status/826920200423534597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Indeed Adam… 🙂
Hi Herb.
Cracking comment, and one I wish you’d emailed as I could have used that as a post tomorrow.. 🙂
Hope it’s not a quick hello or a permanent goodbye…
Hi Kev. The means justify the end.
Use it if you want to, Rico.
As for Sanchez, I’d sell him as soon as possible, for as much as possible.
A few years ago I watched Fabregas play in a game with (roughly) Squillaci, Chamakh, Denilson, Song and possibly Eboue. I can remember that we lost narrowly. I can also remember Cesc desperately carrying most of the team for most of the game. Until the last 20-30 minutes when the team collapsed around him. At one moment I saw his face as he looked around his teammates. The expression said ‘ sod this, I can’t keep carrying these idiots ‘. He left for Barca a few months later.
Sanchez has the same expression 3-4 times a game lately.
Thanks Herb. I still can’t work out why your comments go into moderation….
Spot on Herb the power struggle between Dein and Fiszman was crucial for the club. Unfortunately Dein lost and the fans were sold down the river.
Cheers Herb !………………I remember in the past defending your comments ( on other site) even though on some occasions I didn`t alway`s agree with them as I was trying to give Arsene one more chance and another and another, but it is safe to say you saw it a lot quicker than me and others !………..carry on blogging my friend it`s your right to express an opinion. 🙂
Adam, that sums of all up…
Hobart, I must say your 12:06 is brilliant.
Even Fergie at his best was still the highest spending manager.Houlier at dippers always outspent AW.
People go on about £100m being spent but forget the oilers also spent more.
No excuses…A change is needed but those saying any other manager can win the title with these lot should tell me the lottery numbers for next Wednesday. ?
One should never forget Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith. She is the reason we have Stan Kroenke…
To me Fiszman let his personal feelings come before the club, and we are paying the price and probably will do for the foreseeable future…
The Kroenkes aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon…
Abramovitch might be vulgar, but he puts his money where his mouth is and is the reason that Chelsea have a CL trophy in their cabinet, a shed load of silverware and a magnificent stadium on the drawing board…
He leaves Kroenke standing when it comes to ambition…
Ginge, are you telling us that there isn’t a manager out there who could organise our team better than is currently is..?
I’m not sure about that…
Arsenal fans worshipping Sanchez should remember pep bought him but dropped him and had a massive blow out with Alexis on the touch line.
Also when barca put him on the transfer list he season before he joined us juvenile passed on him…
I don’t recall the Bayern or even Athleticism after him then…
Our competitor was Liverpool if I recall…
Could should read : couldn’t
Kev,there are better managers.
But if the special one can’t get manure winning then we have to remember nothing is guaranteed in football.
I recall 2 peeps on here who said klopp would win the title the moment he bought his own players…
Talking about trends and patterns…It’s February and so I guess as it has happened with Alexis since he came to Europe…It’s time for a dry patch…?
No Micko, takeaway being cheaper in China? Is it the snake or chicken feet with nails on it? ?
Predictive writing from tablet…
Juventus and athletico…It should read
I bet next season Klopp, Pep, Mourinho, Poch and Conte will all be fighting for the league…
If Wenger stays, we’ll struggle even more than we are now as other clubs will improve…
Obi, on your 4.09…..I rarely watch any football other than Arsenal games, so really didn’t fully know what to expect with Alexis.
Immediately, his energy and enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air, and for all his little negatives, that would be enough to keep me happy to have him at the club, but that abuse of team mates for making errors killed him, for me.
On Arsenes successor, it will be one of the most important decisions in the clubs history, imo.
Morning all.
That’s true Ginge, last September those experts in the Press and on TV we’re predicting that Conte wouldn’t see the season out, now they’re blowing smoke up his Kasserine Pass…
I have to say, that I think that a manager like Allegi or Simeone could have an immediate impact at Arsenal and could make us competitive again…
Good to see Elneny back fit. It’s the final tonight so hope he gets through and back to london asap….
0-0 at the mo…
Kev- Allegri I like but his record at Milan with limited budget was not exceptional.
He is getting rave reviews now because he plays in a 2 team league…
Simeone is a different animal though.
Personally I will go for a steady hand like Carlito for 2 seasons from next summer.
Rico you have a point re’ it becoming much more difficult but I recall the pundits saying since Highbury days that we won’t make UCL place…
Instead we have always made it whilst the likes of Liverpool have spent more and not met their expectations… Even with their Captain fantastic. ?
Isn’t Antelloti struggling in Germany? He’s getting on a bit now isn’t he?
Oops, seems not. Bayern are top… 🙂 🙂
Isn’t Allegri on track for a hat trick of titles with Juventus?
But as you say Ginge, Serie A. isn’t what it was, but it’ll be interesting to see how Allegri does in the CL…
Someone would be brilliant but too much for a club as conservative as Arsenal…
Would Accelotti leave Bayern?
Can’t see it myself…
There must be other managers around, who we’re not as familiar with. But I wouldn’t have Wenger picking his successor…
Kev, did you see JMs comment a few days ago about the Hull City manager? Interesting that he’s sold two of his better players yet they have improved. Maybe his career is worth keeping an eye on….
Catch up tomorrow guys..
Night..
Yes Rico, and the guy at Swansea whose name escapes me…
Maybe the answer is sell Ozil and Alexis and reinvest the money, but let a new manager reinvest it…
Night Rico
Chat again at 4am ?
Night Rico and Kev
Carlito will be leaving and joining us..Watch the space.lol
Ts…. that would not be a surprise because before he left PSG…. BeinSports “The Locker Room” reported that he’s was interested in the Arsenal job and he wants a returned to EPL that was about 3 yrs ago….
Not Clement Kev, da Silva… 🙂
Catch up in the wee hours… 🙂
Wow… watching Juve and Inter, Lichtsteiner just got sub at 80 min mark.. makes Sanchez looks like a choir boy. He went straight to the manager and started mouthing off….. these dudes are unbelievable.
Evening Rico and the House
Elneny scored great goal for Egypt who lost 2-1
He had very good game.
Yes Rick he did ….was the best player on the field until that goal by Aboubaker….. he should walk into the
Hey Scott…
Obi- the RB was the only one who could rival Vidal with his work rate…
Egypt did well…
Flipping heck Burkina has come from no where…
TS…. the last time I watched them they were playing Isla at RB although he usually is a Mid. But I like Beausejour on the other side defends well and bombs forward all the time…..btw Burkina is not that surprising they were runner ups in 2013 and have been steadily improving… the Ghanians underachieved again……
I’m here, Ginge 🙂
Morning all.
Ghanaian’s are like Wenger.lol
Another Monday here scott
Monday evening here.
Dinner time!!!
BBq on the beach then? 🙂
I caught a bit of a programme on tv here showing English ex-pat down yours recently…; too much fun; I just don’t do snakes… 🙂
Obi- what do you think of RB Leipzig this season?
What he did at Ingolstadt was immense. Its like the AW of old mixed with Klopp without the self-interest.
He is the smiling Simeone imho…
I meant Ralph Hasenhattle (spelling).
Interesting RZ bought from Salsburg where Klopps’ assistant/physio from 2012 is now…
I don’t know what to make of the Bundesliga these days..
Blackburn flop Anthony Modeste is a top scorer whilst the ” Legend2 Kalou is tearing it up as well .. 🙂
Dev- where are you Mr?
Have you seen your boy Tim Horn recently? I think he is as good as Coutois now.
I know you a coach but damn you have an eye for goalie unlike Monsieur Wenger. 🙂
Loris Karius is doing well this season again…
Damn; Serge is also killing it for Bremen… flipping heck he should be in the squad ahead of one or 2 of the fans favourites
Ginge, snakes keep to themselves bud.
We survive 🙂 🙂
Gnabry was badly handled at The Arsenal , he should never have gone on loan especially to Pulis . All it did was make him lose confidence and eventually turn his back on Wenger. Probably one of the greatest misses in his 30 + years of management .
Agree re Gnabry, big big mistake letting him go. He offered more than one or two we have in the squad imo..
snakes keep to themselves
There’s a few in the Arsenal boardroom
I offer more than one or two of them, Rico 🙂 🙂 🙂
Potter, I mean the snakes with morals, not the human type lol
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/ken-early-wenger-s-troubles-at-emirates-reminiscent-of-brexit-1.2964734
Interesting piece , rings a few bells.
Very, very good, Potter.
I was being kind Scott.
New post up now.
I also see that Gary Neville wishes to go on Arsenal fan TV to justify his calling an Arsenal fan with a Wenger out banner an idiot and saying be careful what you wish for.
Probably the best viewer ratings that he would ever get. Numbers that is.
Morning Rico. When fans start lamenting those who have left (after achieving very little at the club), then you know you are in trouble.
Unless the atmosphere improves I really can’t see how Wenger can sign an extension, unless the club want a shit storm on its hands.