Biggest hint yet that a defensive midfielder is set to sign? A Bright'n Cheerful day ahead?

Morning all…

I read that Wenger is moaning about what Alan Pardew has done in this transfer window and the fact that only a few clubs will have to face his new rejuvenated side. Funny enough, we are one of them.

I don’t recall him saying that we were also one of the fortunate ones to have faced them when they had more injuries than Diaby has had in his career…. And that’s saying something.

Ok, Newcastle sit in a ‘nasty’ place in the Premier League and they needed to make a few signings but, what they have done to date is pretty darn good in my view.

Moussa Sissoko

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

Massadio Haidara

Yoan Gouffran

Mathieu Debuchy

Instead of moaning, why didn’t Wenger go and sign one or two of the players that have now joined Newcastle?

How many of us would have been chuffed to see at least two of the above sign for us?

How many of the players Pardew has signed would have NOT improved our squad?

How many would have broken the AFC PLC Bank??

Seriously, OUR club has missed out.

Talking of Newcastle, they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton, our opposition for today. I watched a lot of that game and Brighton were on the top of their game. They never let Newcastle settle, they harried the opposition players, closed them down and were prepared to work from start to finish in order to progress into the next round.

I can’t think of the last time I watched us play and thought that about our side.

No doubt some will suggest we did that at Swansea, I’d beg to differ….

But if Wenger wants to come away from Sussex with a victory, he is going to have to ensure the team puts in that kind of effort today, otherwise we will go out of the FA Cup.

Squad news for today’s 3pm kick off.

Vermaelen, Arteta, Coquelin, Fabianski and Gervinho are all missing. Frimpong has gone on loan to Fulham for the rest of the season  so he won’t feature today either.

Maybe the departure of Frimpong is the biggest indication that Wenger is ready to sign a defence minded midfielder? It certainly should be….

He’s only got five days left to bring in a couple of players this transfer window.

I’m beginning to doubt he will though…

Good luck to the guys today, Captain Jack to show us the way?

Have a good day all…..

0 thoughts on “Biggest hint yet that a defensive midfielder is set to sign? A Bright'n Cheerful day ahead?

  1. Brian says:

    Hi Magpie fan here, very good piece, It has got to be frustrating as Arsenal fans that the more the fans shout for new blood the more Wenger digs his heels in, Will fans turn end up turning against him. Wenger has such a legacy at Arsenal it would be a shame to tarnish it by stubborness. I think we will stay up. I honestly thought we would end up about 9th at the beginning of the season, and with the injuries we have had anywhere near that and I will be happy. best of luck for the rest of the season

  2. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, we have played that way in each of our last few games…well, for half of each game 🙂
    Mroning Rico, good to have you back in the hot seat, though Wath really did a great job.
    Morning all.
    4-0 to the Arsenal!!

  3. Apb1987 says:

    Toon fan in peace here. Good article and thanks for showing respect to my club. Only point I’d like to make is against Brighton our team was literally our u21 squad injuries were that bad. We’d gave beaten Brighton otherwise I think.

    Cheers and good luck today in Sussex

  4. rico says:

    Welcome Brian and thanks. You have made some good signings, hopefully they will all take a season to adjust to the PL though 😉

    Morning Scott, thanks and ha ha re the last few games. I didn’t see the WH game so can’t comment…

    4-0? I’d be amazed if we do…

  5. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!! Welcome back, Lady of the House. Howdy? I hope you enjoyed your hols.

    Your deputy, WATH did not do half badly. 🙂

    Quite excited about tonight, I hope last match’s results would be something for our boys to build on!

    Hello, Scott. Welcome, Brian.

  6. Valle says:

    NUFC fan here… An article not tarnished by the green eyed monster. Good on you mate, more of those please :o). That said, even with our new players, we are still way behind you guys.

  7. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, we tore the Hammers a new one for most of the game, but in one 10-12 minute spell, we were scintillating.

  8. michael says:

    actually what he is saying is very much thing he has said in the past, and quite frankly true. No manager likes to see the January transfer window, it unsettles players, managers, supporters and the only people that benefit are clubs in big trouble and unhappy players. QPR and Newcaste the biggest teams in the market should alert you of this fact. If you really think the answer to Arsenal’s problems is to buy more players who are of the same quality as we have at the club then you are watching a different game to me, we are in need of a massive game changer, and alas massive game changers hardly ever get sold in the January market by the selling clubs.

  9. agirlagunner says:

    I am hopeful that we would get two payers in, Scott. I’d be honestly surprised (and more than a little angry) if AW does not buy.

  10. ron says:

    The window is stupid and wenger is alowed to say what he thinks without you moaning. how many other business concerns are told the can only recruit in a two week period?
    stop with your bleating …
    i wouldnt have wanted any that newcastle have signed, that way is mid table medicocrity, sign someone better or leave it..

  11. marinello says:

    Hi Rico,
    Good thought provoking post following the euphoria after the Hammers game.
    Today is all about the FA cup, where dreams are made and nightmares happen. Brighton is not an easy game by any means. Anyone that has played a bit will tell you that in these games, if the Premier League team is not on their game, the minnow senses this and the longer the game goes on with nothing between the sides with regards goals, the under dog grows with confidence. I witnessed this last night at Millwall v Villa. Villa turned up and after 20 minutes looked the poor side that they are. Millwall sensed a victory was there for the taking, and went on to win the match.
    Arsenal must play like they did against West Ham, but also be prepared to dig in and scrap if needed.
    With regards transfers, I do not think we will buy anyone. We certainly need a few additions to the team, but time appears to be running out.

  12. Scott from Oz says:

    Ron, just as Wenger is entitled to his opinion, so are those who disagree with him…..you can not have it both ways.

  13. Mark says:

    Morning all,

    I have grown tired of Arsene’s way of thinking, he builds our hopes up by telling us that they are looking for special talents to add to our squad and that Arsenal for the first time can now compete financially. All of which is complete poop. It started with sorting out Theo’s contract before new additions come in, then it was getting his players back from injury before signing anyone. The man strings us along to avoid uproar knowing that once the window is closed everyone has a moan and then gets on with the rest of the season. If for one minute Wenger honestly thinks that the current Arsenal squad is good enough to challenge for honours then the man is deluded and should be sacked.

  14. rico says:

    Welcome to the Geordie fans joining us today, and thanks re the article…

    One though, wasn’t it Alan Pardew who once said we fielded too many French/International players??

    Guess he’s realised that his money goes further abroad 😉

  15. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and welcome back. Hope you had a great time.
    There’s always (at least) one isn’t there? His initials are MO.

  16. Scott from Oz says:

    Thanks Agag.
    My Australia day consisted of getting up early for work, then straight to cricket…..not a celebratory beverage to be had!!
    I will wake p for the game to ight, then drive to Victoria….app. 8-9 hours….tomorrow tompick up the future Highbury Lass, or Princess, or Queen……we shall see…..but the latest addition to the greyhound kennel!!
    Very excited.

  17. Scott from Oz says:

    I like haing a few comments from fans of other clubs, inless they ae just here to abuse us.
    It’s nice to get a different persepcetive on the same issue.

  18. agirlagunner says:

    You could have done with one drink or two. I see you’re not busy at all, Scott. 😀 Hope you find a winner.

    rico, were you able to go swimming? 😀

  19. Scott from Oz says:

    33 degrees today and bloody humid.
    Cricket is so much fun with foggy glasses.
    Bring on Autumn!!
    Off for a kip…catch you all in a few hours.

  20. agirlagunner says:

    Define a “bit”, Adam. We are having a cold spell, now. Ave. daily temp. is down to 27. 🙂 🙂 It’s quite lovely, actually.

  21. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Morning all. Good post Rico, good to see you back. With was OK in your absence I guess….. Although he had his hands full with goonie!

    Not quite sure what Ron was bleating about above…. His opening sentence sounded like that of a petulant child. I was just waiting for the “so there” at the end of it! And mid-table mediocrity…. Ron, if you look at the table, we’re hardly far from mid table at the moment are we?! But that’s OK with you I guess.

  22. potter says:

    Wenger’s comments have little to do with Newcastle per se, it’s a reposte to the comments made by Pardew some time ago when we has our French double winners . Wenger may not remember what he said yesterday but when he is criticised he has a long memory.

    Morning all and welcome back Rico.

  23. rico says:

    I was kidding agag, went to the south coastal line, very cold and yes, it snowed a bit.. Lovely though, especially seeing the sea….

    Morning Rocky, thanks – I haven’t read back yet, I will do though as goonie makes me laugh when he goes into one….

  24. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners …
    Morning RICO.
    Interesting to get a different perspective from those Newcastle fans…
    Think that in a cup-tie, that players who get stuck in should be chosen.
    We’ll need to compete physically first, then let our superior skill make the difference.

  25. Adam says:

    Goonie is getting married this week Rico. He announced it during the week. Agag is heartbroken and we have tried to cheer her up. 🙂

  26. agirlagunner says:

    You must be sweating buckets, Adam. 😛 I remember when we were in Brussels last year, we were cussing the weather: it was 5 degrees celsius. And then, and then I met New York and Boston. Holy how!! I’m happy to be where I am.

    It’s always lovely to see the water, rico. No shortage of that where I live. Come visit, come visit!

    How’s my shopping buddy?

  27. tsGH says:

    Morning all,

    And a special welcome to the one and only Rico. or as someone said weeks ago you are the man. 😀

    Good post by the way but I have to agree to an extend with michael’s comment at 10:06 am and Potters at 11:06.

    AW’s comments can seem annoying but the man is very ‘crafty’ and its a shame he does not ‘outsmart’ his opponents often enough when it matters.

  28. rico says:

    Morning Ak, I refrained from commenting on your previous 😉

    Who have we got who will do that though apart from Jack?

  29. Adam says:

    Ambitious and driven managers will look at the January transfer window as a positive opportunity to strengthen their squad ready for the second half of the season. Unambitious and sterile managers will moan about the principle of the whole thing. If Wenger really believes that he is being clever or smart then he may be even more deluded than I think. Show some ambition, take the chance that this time affords you and strengthen. Is there really anybody who thinks that this Arsenal team is good enough? If there is, then look at the points total we have.

  30. Wavy says:

    It’s sour grapes from Wenger, his rant about Newcastle in particular but others in general.
    He makes his plans for the season. He has his squad of players sorted in August and they play all the way through the season, subject to fitness and form. (Not always form eg Sagna). Any upsets are just set aside, to be dealt with and resolved at the end of the season, eg RvP.
    His mantra therefore is nobody out and nobody in. Except in times of sheer panic eg Arteta Mertasacker, etc debacle. General panic all round. Prior to that the purchase of Arshavin, winter transfer, most unusal but the natives were really restless, so he bought to placate the seething masses.
    Back to Newcastle. If it’s to be believed he was after Cabaye, he couldn’t. Do the deal in the summer. I just wonder if we have him to come and that is why the magies have bought so many midfielders?
    “But overall I feel we have enough players already so we won’t be adding to the squad this time!”
    Wenger is a one trick pony, really. He has his modus operandi and nothing will alter the way he does business.
    No players in then. A shame but there it is.

  31. Steve says:

    Is it blatant hypocrisy or mere coincidence that Wenger FC hates transfers during the transfer window but talks of little else when season ticket renewals are needed ?

  32. agirlagunner says:

    Great comment, Wavy. Hello, rocky. 🙂 AW should have just kept it zipped about Newcastle. Mind your own transfer business, AW.

  33. Adam says:

    Rico. You go away and then Goonie announces his intention to marry this week!
    The conspiracy theorists had a field day. 🙂 Mr and Mrs Goonster does have a certain ring about it though 🙂

  34. rico says:

    Sums our situation right up Wavy…

    Steve – not the latter in my eyes…

    agag – he’s only jealous, I’d love Moussa Sissoko and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in our squad….

    More action and less speak needed from our Frenchman….

  35. Abubakary says:

    A alwayz say that our boss hav nothng new to show us evn though he try hard,itc better 4 him to step down,u can prove dat by seeing why did he sell Song n he wants to sign a defensive Midfielder Diame!

  36. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning all
    Some amazing factoids….

    1987-88 FAC 30 Jan Brighton 1 – 2 Arsenal – Round 4
    Lost in 6th Round at home to Nott’m Forest 1-2

    1979-80 FAC 26 Jan Arsenal 2 – 0 Brighton – Round 4
    Lost in FAC final 0-1 to West Ham

    1934-35 FAC 12 Jan Brighton 0 – 2 Arsenal – Round 3
    Lost in 6th Round away to Sheffield Wednesday 1-2

    Every time we have met them in the FA Cup we have:
    1) beaten them
    2) scored two goals against them
    3) played them in January
    4) at least reached the sixth round in the FA Cup….
    5) We have always played in red.

    Interestingly
    7) in 1934-1935 We won the league
    8) in 1979-1980 We came 4th in the league and were losing finalists in both the European Cup Winners Cup 0-0 (4-5pens) v Valencia and the FA Cup 0-1 v West Ham….. and In that same season we also dumped Brighton 4-0 in the League Cup after a 0-0 away and then got dumped out of the quarters finals 3-4 away at Swindon

    Def Conclusion:
    1. ARSENAL WILL DEFINITELY PLAY IN RED

  37. southyorkshiregunner says:

    and In 79-80 season, I should have said ….. we also dumped Brighton 4-0 in the League Cup after a 0-0 away and then got dumped out of the quarter finals 3-4 away at Swindon

  38. rockyrocastle07 says:

    How long did that take you agag?! I’m good ta. Just about to have some soup before heading out for a full afternoon of shopping with my wife. Going to be a terrible day!

  39. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Steve did in fact give goonie some amazing advice!! Forgot about that til agag just mentioned it!! Just made me chuckle again!!

  40. agirlagunner says:

    Slowly but surely, rocky!! Bless you, taking Mrs Rocky out to the shops! Hope she finds some great stuff. Nicholas Kirkwood is on sale. 70% off, 5 Mount Street London W1K3NE. Go take her! Go. Now.

  41. tsGH says:

    Agag, the remote personal shopper. 😉

    Jeez, you are over 4000 miles away and you know all the high end sales going on! Are you trying to get Rocky more depressed talking about shopping… 😀

  42. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Not going to London agag….. I work there 5 days a week so there’s no way I wanna go back at the weekend!

    She’s after stuff for the flat… I think! I have no say… I just drive!

  43. agirlagunner says:

    I signed up for all those email thingies. Much to the despair of my purse, ginger. Tut tut. Saw some nice Barbour jackets, too for Mrs Ginger. 50% off at josephm.com.

  44. agirlagunner says:

    Shame, rocky. 😉 Good luck funding that new plasma TV. 😆

    SSP is a poet. Those are memorable lines. 😀

  45. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Haha! Nothing like that thankfully agag! Got a couple of great ones already! In fact, I have no idea what the hell she DOES need to go out for…. I just told her we are going to a few fish shops for me though. I think there should be something for me in this shitter of a day!

  46. emma says:

    Hi agag, tsGh, rocky, syg and Whoever i missed out.
    Good to have u back rico.

    Newcastle have bought very well. Looking forward to see mbiwa and especially sissoko whom i rate highly. Newcastle will do very well next season with the midfielders they ve got(sissoko, cabaye,arfa,morveaux, tiote)

    Back to us. We’ve got 4 days left, and I hope to see a DM/Box-box before the close of the window. If it doesn’t happen I wish Wenger all the luck b/s he is going to need it to stay in his job.

    Lets give some seagulls some spanking today.
    COYGs!!!

  47. allezkev says:

    That’s what happens when you let Wath look after the store?

    The standards slip a little… 🙂

    Although, to be fair to the young lad, is did get a bit unruly on here at times..
    He did ok, I suppose… 😛

  48. tsGH says:

    Barbour jackets?lol.

    I saw a cheaper quilted ladies jacket in my market which should do the same trick 😀

    Enjoy the rest of the day Agag and dont make the rich richer… 😉

  49. allezkev says:

    Mrs AK has had a quite a few of those already Agag…
    I don’t want to spoil her too much…

    You have an informed knowledge of the London shops…
    When are you going to enjoy the experience in person???

    Westfield is the place for you Snhopping Buddy.
    Acres of shops mate. You’ll freak out, believe me… 😉

  50. tsGH says:

    Talking of DM I would not mind Jérémy Toulalan at all… Experienced but CL barred after helping Malaga this season in the competition.

    With Sissoko at NUFC, Capoue is a no go then unless a ridiculous amount is tabled but with Arsenal that would not happen so …

  51. rico says:

    Hi Syg & Emma.

    Don’t talk about flippin seagulls to me, walking along the seafront on Thursday enjoying a lovely clotted cream/vanilla ice cream in a cone and one of those dirty things flew down and nicked it out of my hand!!

    Frightened me to death!!

  52. agirlagunner says:

    Kev, I signed up for email notices from shops. Eeeek. I’m trying for next year and you can bet, I’ll let you know. 😛 London seems dishearteningly expensive though. 🙁 🙁

    rico, you have to admit, the timing is funny. 🙂 Are you sure you weren’t with Goonie?

  53. agirlagunner says:

    I wish there was, too, emma. 🙁 How cold do winters in the Porto region get, JM?

    rico, we have two new dogs. 🙂 🙂

  54. Valle says:

    Rico… Yah AP did seem like a hypocrite there, it could be mind games on his part or he just got to see things from the other perspective. In any way, he dosnt have any say as to what players we get, he just give a list of positions he would like filled and our scout team and negotiation team takes care of the rest… Allot of people may not like that, but I do. Take Martin O’neil as a good example for instance. He is a descent manager, but he buys some weird players to his clubs and thereby waste money that could have been used better. We rarely get things wrong and when we do, its a low budget player.

  55. rico says:

    Hi Valle, I didn’t know that happened at Newcastle. Unusual, and I can’t imagine Wenger liking that one bit.

    Whoever your scouting team is, they look to be getting it right these days. Maybe Arsenal should sign them up 😉

  56. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Wo wo wo Rico, you go on holiday and i would have thought you would come back refreshed instead you come back like a rabid pitball, and that after a 5.1 win against the Hammers. You know as well as me that Wenger will wait to the end of the window, You will get players at that time, whether their the ones you want is something else but heh welcome back you have been missed that Wath tried but he’s not you 🙂

  57. agirlagunner says:

    rico, mongrel pups. A chow spitz and a husky lab. 🙂 🙂 But the latter is at the vet right now being treated for an infection. 🙁

  58. Joaquim Moreira says:

    agag, sometimes is cloudy, sometimes the sun shinning, normaly is cold, sometimes rain a lot but you can be lucky with the wether. No snow.

  59. Valle says:

    Rico… Its mostly Graham Carr mate, Allan Carrs dad. He dosnt speak a word of french but he knows the french and dutch market like his own backyard and are very well connected over there. We also have an office in Paris to make things easier and according to Sissoko who just joined we are apperently shown on tv more than any other club over there even with our lowly position. So we seem to have a strong foothold over there, a bit like you guys in the late 90’s early 20’s.

  60. rico says:

    Hi Sp, you are harsh on poor old Wath… Thanks for your help too re the posts, and Ak 🙂

    5-1 against the Hammers is a great result, but…..

  61. agirlagunner says:

    JM, my friends and I are thinking of going to Portugal midyear or November. But Lisbon weather seems lovelier. What do you suggest?

    Hello, Valle. rico’s a girl. 🙂

  62. rico says:

    Fab agag, the husky/lab will be a big boy/girl… you must have a mansion 🙂

    Really hope the infection isn’t serious 🙁

  63. Khalil says:

    Thank god some civilised comments!! Instead of something stupid like “wenger out and sign d players like d neymar and d ozil and d messi and whatever pops into my head Aslong as it has terrible grammar

  64. agirlagunner says:

    Hi, SSP. 🙂 It got a bit testosterone-fuelled one day, rico, but Uncle Wath handled it well enough.

  65. rico says:

    Thanks Valle for that, I recall Alan Carr talking once about footie being in his family, must have forgotten it was with Newcastle..

    We signed some really good French players, annoyingly though, of late, we have signed some pretty poor ones….

  66. agirlagunner says:

    Both boys, rico. You know we lost two last year, so devastating. 🙁 I was surprised at how big the husky lab had gotten, it was wee when I left for my Christmas hols last year, and sooo big when I got back.

  67. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Agag, not read all the comments but is that right you have an infection, you been a naughty girl 🙂

  68. rico says:

    Merts is captain…

    Team in full: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Ramsey, Diaby, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

    Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Gibbs, Wilshere, Cazorla, Arshavin, Walcott.

  69. Joaquim Moreira says:

    agag, Lisbon is warmer than Porto. However, every season is good for visit botth. Today is January and it’s not cloudy,not raining and it’s a clear day. For me, one important question it’s visiting in the winter time or in the summer time because the sunset in May until July it’s arround 8.30 pm or more and in November-December-January it’s arround 6 p.m In the morning at summer time the sun rise at 6 a.m. and in winter only 7 or 7.30 a.m.

  70. vida says:

    Arsenal team: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker (c), Koscielny, Santos, Diaby, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Giroud

  71. gunnernet says:

    Hallo gunners! I told you Rico that Mertesacker should have been made captain and now he is. Vote the big German for captaincy.. :)COYG!!

  72. rico says:

    Thanks DG, for the link and the welcome 🙂

    😆 Ak.. totally agree re Santos….

    gunnernet, for one night only 😉

  73. gunnernet says:

    It’s a stong lineup. No Mannone, Squillaci on the side. Perfect. Wenger is taking cup seriously at last! I hope Ramsey keeps up his good performances.

  74. Scott from Oz says:

    Gunnernet, i am with you, but i just read elsewhere how well Santos is playing, and obviously the spell on the bench has helped him??
    I refused to comment lol

  75. gunnernet says:

    Offside saved us.What a creditless c@ant this Santos is!! Disgusting… We need a LB back up. He is a waste.

  76. Scott from Oz says:

    Ginge, the commentator is going off at Szczesny, but he had absolutely no protection there.
    Schooloy stuff.

  77. tsGH says:

    Scott, I think Scez gets away with those kind of goal keeping every match day. Its very bad habit. If you ‘youtube’ his fathers technique he use to jump with his foot in the air to prevent an attacker getting next to him. 😉

  78. rico says:

    Same old so far then?

    ‘Ramsey always brilliant’ – I laughed so much I couldn’t watch for a while…

    Sorry Adam, I don’t have one….

    I’d have started Meade instead of Santos too…

  79. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Scott from Oz says:
    January 26, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Totally right. That wasted shot from 35 yard says it all….

    What channel you all got in on…. I’m on Al Jazeera……. Co-Commentator – ex Chelsea stated “IF ARSENAL WANT TO GET ANY SILVERWARE THEY NEED TO WIN TROPHIES”

    Top Rank

  80. southyorkshiregunner says:

    emma says:
    January 26, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    He was a £6.2M panic buy from Fenerbache after the humiliation at Old Trafford……

    Mathieu Debuchy £5.5M
    Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa £6.7M

    No wonder Wenger is up in arms………

  81. tsGH says:

    TR07 is driving the forward play. Ox really wants to play in Ramsey’s position however, he is not putting in an effort in the defensive side of his game so until he shows some willingness he has to forget about it…

    Ox should be giving Mr Sandford a nightmare on the RHS… He has been very poor this season to be honest.

  82. Joaquim Moreira says:

    diaby is very slowly.
    Podorsky the same usually
    Rosicky many wrong options
    ox not clever enoughtjust two shots on the 1st half – one goal and the last one at the 48th minute by Santos

  83. southyorkshiregunner says:

    AOC – He bollocksed a good chance up Ginge when he went back on himself twice and lost it whilst on the left of goal…. You could forgive him for being just a kid …. But he is getting paid a lot not to be making schoolboy footie errors

  84. tsGH says:

    Thanks Emma for the update, as Meade is injured I would play Miguel or CJ25 as LB and play Nico as a RB. Santos should be an AM or playing in a warm country… lol

    QPR losing. ‘arry Mr Bankrupt maker out…

  85. emma says:

    That goal by brighton was embarrassing. Why zonal marking? Everyone thought Bould will stamp his authority. If our players are scared of dong zonal then go man-man marking. No challenge whatsoever for that goal

  86. rico says:

    emma – i have a feeling that AW stopped that pretty soon after the players praised him at the beginning of the season….

  87. Scott from Oz says:

    Emma, zonal marking or man on man marking….it doesn’t mayter if our guys don’t pick up the runners or make a challenge.
    We did neither, and Brighton had two or three players in a position to score.
    Santos and Merts stood by and watched.

  88. tsGH says:

    Emma, its not the system its the mentality of the players this season. Most of our poor first half performances can all be attributed to the fact that most of our players wait for a pass or a ball to arrive at their feet instead of meeting the ball half way…

    And the zonal marking was introduced permanently this season if I am not mistaken.

    Still 3-1 to the Arsenal

  89. gunnernet says:

    A captain for a night indeed. Maybe it’s infectious. Everyone nearby Santos just watch the fcking ball! Take the MIASMA out now…

  90. Scott from Oz says:

    Rosicky, disappointing, but understandable.
    Ox, just disappointing.
    We need Jacks drive through the middle.

  91. Scott from Oz says:

    I know i am being very harsh here, but if Jack had a really good right foot shot, he would be unstoppable.
    He gets into position a bit, but knows the power isn’t there.
    Still, can’t have it all…..Messi has dibs on that!!

  92. rico says:

    Rosicky should have played a few reserves games to build up his strength…

    But no, let’s throw him in at the deep end! Why, because are squad is frail, that’s why!!

    Still, at least we have money in the bank eh…

  93. gunnernet says:

    GET THAT FCKING PRICK SANTOS OUT!! I ve had enough of his inability!! And Theo great control shoot the fcking ball..

  94. rico says:

    G’net, of course you are right, especially now he’s scoring for the IC…

    We are a joke aren’t we…..

  95. Scott from Oz says:

    Gunnernet, it isn’t his lack of ability, it’s his lack of care that pisses me off.
    He has had two shots today from a range of a thousand yards!!
    Piss him off!

  96. Scott from Oz says:

    Well, sometimes you need a little luck.
    Wengers changes, though the obvious ones, did the trick.
    We look different straight away.

  97. gunnernet says:

    Have you seen the ending of his shots Scott. Well i haven’t because they were out of the camera range!! And that’s inability my friend. 😉

    Theo He scores when he wants?? 🙂

  98. rico says:

    We shouldn’t have needed changes today, not to win the game. What we need is to defend!

    If we could, we would have won this game 2-0 and any changes would have been just for resting playing, and not a necessity…

  99. tsGH says:

    This game should reiterate to AW that no matter how good a manager thinks they are when it matters quality makes a lot of difference.

  100. emma says:

    That’s the difference b/w Santos and Gibbs. Gibbs came on and cut off all the crosses coming from the left hand side

  101. Scott from Oz says:

    And the entire defesive unti looked more solid as soon as Gibbs came on.
    We even looked better going forward.
    Santos just doesn’t give a shit.
    Gibbs is improving by the week, he is a gun.

  102. gunnernet says:

    See what i am talking about? Wenger after the final wristle went and encouraged Santos instead of confronting him. He is too lenient. Santos knew he will have his chance today and what did he do?? He looked absolutely lazy disinterested and poor.. Disgrace!

  103. rico says:

    G’net, he needs to chastise him away from the cameras imho…

    Scott, maybe it’s living near the sand that does it for you 🙂 Sleep well….

  104. gunnernet says:

    Another good goal from Gerv.

    Well Rico maybe you are right. That’s it for today. See ya all at next match except Wenger makes a signing which means we will talk again Wednesday against Pool. 🙂 Night all!

  105. agirlagunner says:

    Yay!! Scorers who actually score!! Our defense needs much work though. 🙁 But I am not complaining about the win. We need more of those! COYGs!!

  106. agirlagunner says:

    rico on Diaby. 😆 Would that he would come good. But he is superfrustratingly injury prone. 🙁 Poldi was meh.

  107. southyorkshiregunner says:

    As Myles Palmer says Rico – Wenger doesn’t teach defence ….

    Cop this – it’s interesting …. and as I always say – History repeats itself ..

    —————-

    FICKLE FANS???????????

    26/03/66
    Arsenal 1-3 Newcastle United
    Att: 13,979

    05/04/66
    Arsenal 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
    Att: 8,738

    05/05/66
    Arsenal 0-3 Leeds United
    Att: 4,554

    —————-

    In between we won the UEFA/Fairs Cup ’70
    League and FA Cup double ’71
    FA Cup Finalists ’72
    League Runners Up, FA Cup semi finalists ’73

    —————-
    20/12/75
    Arsenal 1-0 Burnley
    Att: 16,459

    31/01/76
    Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United
    Att: 14,477

    08/04/75
    Arsenal 2-0 Coventry City
    Att: 17,291

    13/04/76
    Arsenal 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
    Att: 19,518

  108. rico says:

    That’s just it agag, Diaby could be darn good for us, but he can’t stay fit…

    Either supplement him in the squad, or replace him Just stop relying on him Wenger….

  109. rico says:

    Maybe he doesn’t Syg, but he’s a manager, he sure as hell should be teaching it, or allowing someone else to do so…..

  110. Adam says:

    Wenger says that he believes that, after today’s result, we don’t need any more players and that his is strongest squad. “To come to a place like Brighton and score 3 goals should tell our fans that we have a great squad. In England everybody always wants you to bankrupt the club with miracle signings but I have tremendous confidence in this squad. Their mental strength is unbelievable”.
    I can’t help but agree with this.

  111. southyorkshiregunner says:

    hiya Adam – The manager of Sheff Wednesday said the same about not needing any forwards after their 4-0 demolition of Salisbury Town !

    And it’s “Mental strenssssssssss”

  112. agirlagunner says:

    Did he really say that, Adam??? (cringe)

    We are agreed on Diaby, rico. I don’t hate him/wish him ill (like I do Na$ti, RvP, et al.), but unless he goes through an injury-free spell, he will continue to take up space/ waste resources that we may well put to better use.

  113. Adam says:

    Hiya SYG. I thought about you last night while watching a news piece on the Crossrail digging. Amazing machine that’s doing the work but how the hell can the billions and billions of £ be justified at this time. Incredible technology though.

  114. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Adam – Investment in infrastructure and that will be paid back … albeit eventually, can I feel, always be justified … It’s loaning money to countries who don’t or won’t pay it back that’s the problem…
    At the moment the UK is pissing money away …. The DHSS for one … The prison service for another ….

    … The next big thing will be the government hitting the internet with a massive taxation due to it damaging the music and tv industry along with the publishing industry …

    The worlds gone mad

  115. agirlagunner says:

    Next time, use the “playing with the handbreak on” line. I particularly like that one. Makes “crap” sound less crappy.

  116. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Evening to the Lady of the House and my fellow Gooners in the House. Welcome back Rico, good to see you enjoyed your holiday.

    It’s great that we won the game, but it was anything but a convincing display. The number of wayward passes in the midfield was appalling and Andre Santos should be put out of his/our misery.

    We seem to lack a captain to organise the troops or give them a kick up the backside when they go walkabout. We need someone in the Tony Adams mold.

  117. agirlagunner says:

    Three points, rocky. And another ugh performance from Santos! How was the shopping?

    CG!! Been a while, how are you, sir? 🙂

  118. Canadian Gooner says:

    Sister AGAG – I am fine. I was just very busy with the family over the holidays. I hope to visit the House more frequently now life is getting back to normal.

  119. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Shopping was awful agag! Only just got in! Bought some fish though so it wasn’t a totally shocking day! and we won. Which is something…..

  120. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Half the wankers that get put inside at HMP, Adam – don’t mind it as it comprises a warm bed, three meals a day and 24-hours TV… Okay, you can’t go out, but if I didn’t have a job or a family I could do a 12-month stretch standing on my head…. I talk from experience. I always do….

    The burglars I’d put in manacles and have them digging drains at the side of the road and driving tunnels through the hillside… If they didn’t conform – Execute them or even worse take their telly off them… Rapists and Paedo’s – Execute them – Murderers come in different categories … Some could dig drains – some could be executed…. Any foreign nationals committing crimes – deport them

    HMP needs to be reformed … with hard graft offered to cut time off sentences …. Anyone not conforming, give them more time – in Thai or Turkish jail conditions with bread and water and no TV… It would save the country billions …

  121. agirlagunner says:

    Shopping and “awful” don’t come hand in hand, rocky. 😛 I’m sure you enjoyed it.

    CG, it’s always fun to have a lots of relatives over the holidays, isn’t it?

  122. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Agag, it does when the shopping isn’t for you, and you are merely the driver for the day!! I’m enjoying my 3 new Firemouth Cichlids that I had to wait all day to buy!!

  123. rico says:

    Hi Cg, thank you and yes, a good result but with an average performance.

    The problem is that some can’t see differentiate between the two….

  124. Lee says:

    Arsene Wenger hailed his side’s character and quality as they overcome a stubborn Brighton side to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

    Gus Poyet’s side twice came from behind to peg back their Premier League opponents before substitute Theo Walcott hit a late winner.

    “Brighton made it very difficult for us and were sharper than us in the first half. They had a great spirit today,” Wenger said.

    “But in the end we had that little bit of extra quality to get us through.

    “We did our job, but needed to fight until the end.”

    In-form Olivier Giroud fired the visitors ahead on 16 minutes, before Ashley Barnes equalised with a powerful header.

    Giroud netted again on 56 minutes with another well-taken strike for his 13th goal of the campaign, but the Seagulls were level once more through a diving header from Argentinian forward Leonardo Ulloa on his debut after joining from Almeria.

    Arsenal, though, finally made sure of a place in the last 16 when Walcott’s shot was deflected in following a corner with five minutes left.

    Wenger admitted his team selection could have come back to haunt him.

    He said: “That is a gamble you take and you know it can backfire.

    “You have to rotate knowing that if it doesn’t work you will be accused of having made the wrong decision.”

    Giroud, 26, has slowly grown in stature since his summer move from Montpellier, and helped himself to a brace against the Irons on Wednesday night.

    The France international offered Arsenal a real physical presence at the spearhead of their attack this afternoon.

    Wenger said: “It’s good for his confidence.

    “He’s scored four goals this week and he had a few more chances today.

    “Giroud gets there. He has a presence in the box. He is dangerous and his physical presence was very important today.”

    Arsenal have yet to move in the January transfer window, and Wenger insisted he was in no rush to panic buy ahead of the deadline despite being linked with a string of players across Europe.

    He said: “You do not find them in the street, strikers who can play for us. We have strength in our team. It is difficult in January.

    “Realistically, I cannot tell you I will sign anyone tomorrow, or Tuesday, as we are not close to doing it.”

  125. Canadian Gooner says:

    Sister AGAG – Christmas is great, but a little stressful. I’m glad it only comes once a year. As my children were all away this season it was a lot of driving. However, my new grandchildren put that touch of magic back into it this year.

  126. agirlagunner says:

    SYG, send your prisoners over to the Phils., they’ll go back to England reformed. http://www.vice.com/read/flip-v14n4

    Nice!! I used to keep fish, rocky. I was gifted some exotic saltwater ones by local fishermen when I did volunteer work at Isla Verde, Batangas while at uni (so long ago). 🙂 🙂

  127. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Even with great sides/teams we have struggled to get the desired wins in cups and in some instances we have even been knocked out …. The so called “Lesser teams” always work their bollocks off and the crowd respond – especially at their place .. today was no exception … Give credit to Brighton – they didn’t just hoof it up field as a route 1 option, they played football their manager would have been proud of, and did well….

    I remember going to watch Sheff Wed v’s Arsenal in January 1979 with my dad, uncle and cousin … we drew 1-1 and Jack Chalton the SWFC manager had to go on to the pitch to stop the Kop slinging snowballs at Pat Jennings … They were well worth their draw..
    We managed a replay followed by three more before we beat them 2-0 at Leicester.. In one instance we had to rely on an 89min o.g by Mark Smith to get a 1-1 draw at our place …. SHEFF WED were then in the old 3rd division… a bit like Bradford … The team who got a draw against us in the League Cup at their place and knocked us out on pens… it happens ….

    We beat Brighton 2-1 in the 4th round of the FA Cup in 1980 and got to the final. I’d take that this year ….

  128. agirlagunner says:

    I stand corrected, rico. 😳 Pretty pathetic from AW, Lee. Ugh.

    Christmas is always magical! And all those presents. One never gets old enough for that. 🙂 🙂

  129. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Love my aquarium agag. Freshwater tropicals are great. Goad loads of new world cichlids in mine. Really interesting to watch! Find myself staring at the tank more than the TV a lot of the time. Especially when Arsenal are on.

    I only caught brief updates on the radio of our match. Did Santos have another shitter?

  130. Adam says:

    SYG. Love your 6.36. I believe it could form the basis for a paper on penal reform. I particularly like the idea of hoards of burglars driving tunnels through hills. It’s a magical image.

  131. rico says:

    Don’t believe him Lee, the man is a liar through and through. But if he doesn’t at least sign a midfielder who can protect our very frail defence, then he can go….

    And yes, that day will be sad for me, he’s been a great man for Arsenal, but that great man has lived on that reputation for far far too long imho…..

  132. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Paper for Penal reform? I very much doubt it Adam, old mate ….

    As a country everything is upside down – too many do-gooders wgho don’t live in the real world ….We can’t do that and we can’t say this … I could say more …

    And the costs to get a £100M road to construction … is nearly as much as it costs to build the thing …

    I think I’ll move to the Phillipines with agag. I could see myself on the beach with a bottle of Tiger beer and a football biography of “Dirty Leeds”….. and copping a indo-curry when the sun goes down …..

  133. Adam says:

    Personally I would get Wenger, Gazidis, Fox and Kroenke sent north and let SYG set them to work driving tunnels through hillsides. Then I would personally sign a few excellent players and kick Santos and the rest of the highly paid flakes out of the door. In fact I’d get them digging too.

  134. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rocky – That is a damning but apt summary of our team of late, when you find your fish tank more enthralling and entertaing than our game. I’m sorry to say I’m not much different.

  135. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We did Borneo in 1998 Adam…… Exactly the same .. dead relaxing..

    The bus load of “ignorant chinamen” coming to the Hotel was the only thing that pissed me off during the whole 12 days I was there … … And I was corrected on that also … the rep said they weren’t chinese and that they were from Taiwan … They were like Locusts at the buffet

  136. agirlagunner says:

    SYG, haha. We have many islands for your retirement, no Tiger beer though; this is San Miguel country. 🙂 The Frenchies and Krauts run a lot of resorts.

    Good night, friends! Adam, don’t you go get too cynical. 😛

  137. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I’m off too. Just poured myself a cheeky glass of Pinot Noir, and trying to get her to return off Splash. Night all

  138. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    So the focus is already of the victory, and on to who Wenger will NOT be signing.
    You poms don’t really know how to celeberate, do you 🙂
    Wengers handbrake line, though very much overused, is a very accurate way of how we play at times.
    Too many choose to treat it as a throwaway line, but there is plenty of merit in it, and i dare anyone to tell me of a better descritoion of then we play slow tempo, non effective football.
    We played it in patches today, and have played it in massive spurts during the season…or last few seasons, to be precise.
    My point is a lot of you are not judging the comment on it’s face value, as your preconceived idea or thoughts on Weng cloud your judgement everytime he opens his mouth.
    I agree that plenty he says is strange, to say the least, but some would have us believe he never makes a worthwhile comment, and that is just ridiculous.
    Anyway, i reiterate me comments of during the game….Santos just can not be trusted to represent this club ever again, and i do not care what the cost is.
    I would rather pay him his entire contract out and piss him off back to Turkey, Brazil…wherever he wants to go…..than have him ever play for us again.
    The minute Gibbs came on, we looked much, much safer at the back.
    An average result v average opposition who did play very well, but a great result.
    There is enough reason to celebrate!

  139. True Gooner says:

    On the original post. Pardew is a two-faced,hypocritical snake. Can’t stand the man.

    Not seen the game yet.

  140. Jenkinson says:

    No we have not missed out on any of the Newcastle signings.
    Sissoko is past it and second-rate
    Gouffran hasn’t made it at Lyon
    Yanga Mbwiya is a troublemaker and not as good as what we’ve got.
    Haidara maybe – I never heard of him before
    Debuchy is a class player but we don’t need a RB.
    I suppose you have to say silly things to generate lots of clicks as you have done.
    Well done then.

  141. allezkev says:

    Just to clear up a couple of queries made on here earlier.

    Jernade Meade has had some niggling injury problems since he gained his full-debut.
    A foot injury in training will see him miss another month.

    Nico Yenarris and Ignasi Miquel have both had a succession of injuries and have both only recently returned to full training.

    Serge Gnabry, who I saw make his EPL debut at Norwich, has also suffered the injury jinx, we so enjoy at Arsenal, and is still out injured.

    Chuba Akpom and Kristoffer Olssen are both fit, but unlike to feature this season.

    Conor Henderson has just returned to full fitness, but is currently regaining his sharpness in the Stiffs.

    Eastmond, Boateng and Watts are all still injured…

  142. allezkev says:

    Didn’t see the game, listened to it on BBC Radio London, so I cannot judge the performance.
    Giroud scoring two more goals, is very welcome.
    He has been in English football barely 6 months, so to hit the net as regularly as he has is IMHO very positive and encouraging for the future.
    I can only imagine that he’ll get better with more games.

    Gibbs again seemed to show his quality when he came on. Of course, a one-legged blind-man would probably be an improvement on Santos…

    As for BFG, many on here criticise him, and fair comment, but I’ve seen our defence when he’s not playing….
    You guys want Vermaelen and Koscielny as a pair???
    Well good luck to ya….

  143. allezkev says:

    5 more days to go before the Transfer Window closes.

    I suspect that Wenger has 3 or 4 offers in for players…
    But they’ll be low offers, the sort that Arsene specialises in…

    He’ll try and get a couple of players on the cheap, and considering the economy around Europe, you have to think that he might get lucky?!

    Clubs have to sell to balance their books, look at the state of Valencia for example!
    We might still get a couple of bodies in, but if not, then so be it…
    My expectations this Window, have been lower than a SYG tunnel, so I’m expecting nothing.
    But if we do sign a player or two, I will be delighted of course.

    To me, our season will revolve around our medical team.
    They sorted out RVP, now they’ve got to repeat the trick with Diaby and Rosicky…

  144. allezkev says:

    Hi Adam.
    Yes mate, very good day. Quite busy in town.
    Knock off at 7.30pm then home for a nice roast dinner.
    Didn’t see highlights, but it sounded a good game on the radio.

  145. Adam says:

    I had a dodgy stream myself. It was the same old. We get a goal then give one away, get a goal and then the same thing again. Chesney was awful with that header and Santos really has no place in the team. Wenger missed a trick by not buying Enrique for the same money.
    I tend to agree re the transfers and also find it hard to get too excited about what is going on over there. If he just addressed the defence, that might be something. Who knows?

  146. allezkev says:

    Gervinho keeps on scoring, that guy is a fcuking enigma…

    I wonder what Wenger would do if another club came in for him with an offer that would see Arsenal get all their fee for him back???

    Most of us would say sell him…

  147. allezkev says:

    Thomas Eisfeld is fit, but for some reason, is not training with the first team squad.

    Now I’d rather see him on the subs bench, in front of Santos & Arshavin…

  148. allezkev says:

    Yes Adam, you’re probably right…
    How he bit so good in France, and so good for Ivory Coast, whilst such a lunatic for Arsenal.
    Is he really that shit?
    Is it a confidence thing?
    Has Lee freaked him out?
    Is there a good player in there trying to get out?
    Do I need to take my medicine?
    Goodnight Adam… 🙂

  149. LJB says:

    Wenger is pissed off because most of the players Newcastle have signed did not have long left on their contracts and could have been bought for fuck all in the summer.He procrastinated as usual and missed out AGAIN,and his grapes have soured! Now i am not saying i would want us to have 12 french players ,because going on the players we have bought recently i have doubts about the quality of the french league .I also think they lack mental strength(!!!),with a tendency to hide when the going gets tough.However,if Newcastle have picked up any gems i will be seriously pissed off that wenger can’t even get the French market right anymore.

  150. Scott from Oz says:

    Ljb, fair call, but Giroud is one Frenchman with a some steel about him.
    Kev, Merts probably had hiw worst game in Arsenal shirt mate.
    You know i support him, but he had a shocker here.
    Still, we got away with the result, and in a cup game, that is all that matters.

  151. Ozgunner10 says:

    LJB – i understand we were in for 3 of them but faltered by not following up with one and started with 2 dismal offers for the other 2 while newcastle agreed quickly – good win for the lads last night but again serious issues with defence and they are not going to go away unless we invest in the real deal players, namely a high end DM for starters

  152. David Southall says:

    The reason Wenger has probably got the hump is that he wanted some of these players but didn’t want to pay the going rate and wanted to pick them up cheap on the last day of the transfer window, hence the hissy fit.

  153. The BearMan says:

    Mr Wenger so remind me of one of my Bear Cubs. He is such a stickler for the rules that in every family games he would complain that no one is playing fairly, then have a Massive Strop!

    For the past eight seasons, he has made the same mistakes and received the same results. Can’t teach some olde dogs no matter how often they get their tails caught in the flap.

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