Let’s do a comparison of Arsenal FC performance since the inception of English Premier League from 1992/93 season, our move to Emirates in 2006/07 season and of course, Arsenal FC during Arsene Wenger Era.
Table 1
|
Season |
Finish |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
+/- |
Pts |
| 1992/93 |
10th |
15 |
11 |
16 |
40 |
38 |
2 |
56 |
| 1993/94 |
4th |
18 |
17 |
7 |
53 |
28 |
25 |
71 |
| 1994/95 |
12th |
13 |
12 |
17 |
52 |
49 |
3 |
51 |
| 1995/96 |
5th |
17 |
12 |
9 |
49 |
32 |
17 |
63 |
| 1996/97 |
3rd |
19 |
11 |
8 |
73 |
40 |
33 |
68 |
| 1997/98 |
1st |
23 |
9 |
6 |
78 |
33 |
45 |
78 |
| 1998/99 |
2nd |
22 |
12 |
4 |
59 |
17 |
42 |
78 |
| 1999/00 |
2nd |
22 |
7 |
9 |
73 |
43 |
30 |
73 |
| 2000/01 |
2nd |
24 |
8 |
6 |
79 |
31 |
48 |
80 |
| 2001/02 |
1st |
26 |
9 |
3 |
79 |
36 |
43 |
87 |
| 2002/03 |
2nd |
23 |
9 |
6 |
85 |
42 |
43 |
78 |
| 2003/04 |
1st |
26 |
12 |
0 |
73 |
26 |
47 |
90 |
| 2004/05 |
2nd |
25 |
8 |
5 |
87 |
36 |
51 |
83 |
| 2005/06 |
4th |
20 |
7 |
11 |
68 |
31 |
37 |
67 |
| 2006/07 |
4th |
19 |
11 |
8 |
63 |
35 |
28 |
68 |
| 2007/08 |
3rd |
24 |
11 |
3 |
74 |
31 |
43 |
83 |
| 2008/09 |
4th |
20 |
12 |
6 |
68 |
37 |
31 |
72 |
| 2009/10 |
3rd |
23 |
6 |
9 |
83 |
41 |
42 |
75 |
| 2010/11 |
4th |
19 |
11 |
8 |
72 |
43 |
29 |
68 |
| 2011/12 |
?? |
13 |
4 |
8 |
48 |
35 |
13 |
43 |
From 1992/93 to 1994/95 season, there were 22 teams before it had been reduced to present day 20 teams. And we had managed 4th spot for 4 seasons only with points varying from 67 to 72 points.
Table 2: The Rebuilding based on Rinus Michels “Ajax Model of team Building”
| Total Games Played | Games |
W |
D |
L |
Average Goal per game | |||||
|
|
CL |
FA |
CC |
Played |
|
|
|
Goals |
Average |
|
| 2005/06 |
13 |
2 |
5 |
58 |
32 |
12 |
14 |
95 |
1.64 |
|
| 2006/07 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
58 |
30 |
16 |
12 |
98 |
1.69 |
|
| 2007/08 |
12 |
3 |
5 |
58 |
36 |
15 |
7 |
113 |
1.95 |
|
| 2008/09 |
14 |
6 |
3 |
61 |
33 |
16 |
12 |
113 |
1.85 |
|
| 2009/10 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
55 |
33 |
8 |
14 |
116 |
2.11 |
|
| 2010/11 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
58 |
31 |
13 |
14 |
119 |
2.05 |
|
| 2011/12 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
40 |
22 |
6 |
12 |
67 |
1.68 |
|
After the end of the French Spine Era from 1996/97 to 2004/05, you can see that Arsene Wenger is still unsuccessful to build a title-winning team as we lost and drawn too many games. Our very best performance during this Rebuilding Stage was in 2007/08 season where again, the failure to strengthen the squad during 2008 January transfer Window resulted us snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory after than shameful collapse at BRUM.
Latest result on Feb 18, 2012:
FA Cup tie: Sunderland 2 0 Arsenal
We are going to have the most dreadful season under Arsene Wenger, playing the least number of matches per season (40 + 13 + 1) = 54 matches and going to score less than even 90 goals in all competitions.
And if Van Persie hits a blip pretty soon, who is going to step up and we may end up scoring less than 20 goals in the remaining 13 league games and one more CL Cup tie!
That is, 67 + 20 = 87 goals!
It is beyond belief as to how did Arsene Wenger end up with such an awful Strikeforce that can’t even score in a brothel even with a nubile nymphomaniac doing lap dance on their laps. Has it is not being Van Persie having a brilliant season that is solely carrying the team so far, we may very well be struggling in the relegation zone.
Basing on an attacking 4-3-3, with a Lone Striker in the box, the contribution of the team should be generally in the ratio of:
40% Strikeforce
50% Midfield
10% Defence and Own Goals
But it is not happening as again we have a bunch of midfielders that cannot even hit the barn door with a banjo, superb in scoring 3 points and skewing their shots wide off the post, and excellent marksmen in hitting bodies in the box with their shots.
Worse, after playing 40 games in this season, there is no sign that the team is gelling, developing an understanding between MIDFIELD and STRIKEFORCE, plus an integral DEFENCE that is measly with plenty of clean sheets.
And in attacking 4-3-3 with us playing a high line, there must be a “Vacuum Cleaner” to sweep that vast space between DEFENCE and MIDFIELD when all go attacking in the opponent’s half and parked near their box playing slow, short and deliberate passes around the box – known as Crab Football – against a 4-6-1 or 1-9-1 formation basing on swift counter-attacks to score goals against Arsenal.
None better shown by Sunderland 2nd goal when the attack broke down, a long racking pass to Sessegnon who just passed aside a “lightweight” Arteta, hold the play well and an on-rushing Larsson came in support with a decent goal scoring chance presented.
Our dreadful 2011/12 season can be summarised in 2 sentences:
The TEAM is not gelling and has no understand whatsoever in movement off the balls, and all plays and passes from MDIFIELD are so inaccurate, wildly crossed on a wing and a prayer, and so predictable that they literally telegraphed their intent to our opponents, easily anticipated, intercepted and cut-off.
Other than Van Persie, We have no goal scorer from our Strikeforce and Attacking Midfielders.
The Table below explains it all.
Table 3: 2011/12 Season Goal Scoring Prowess
|
Game Played = |
39 |
EPL |
CL |
FA |
CC |
|
|
Goal Scored = |
67 |
25 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Game Won = |
22 |
13 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Game Draw = |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Game Lost = |
11 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
2011/12 |
Total |
EPL |
CL |
FA |
CC |
|
|
Squad |
Goals |
48 |
10 |
4 |
5 |
|
| Van Persie |
28 |
22 |
4 |
2 |
– |
|
| Walcott |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
– |
|
| Gervinho |
4 |
4 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Henry |
3 |
2 |
– |
1 |
– |
|
| Chamakh |
1 |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Park CY |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
1 |
|
| Afobe |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Arteta |
4 |
4 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Chamberlain |
4 |
2 |
1 |
– |
1 |
|
| Ramsey |
3 |
2 |
1 |
– |
– |
|
| Benayoun |
3 |
1 |
1 |
– |
1 |
|
| Arshavin |
2 |
1 |
– |
– |
1 |
|
| Song |
1 |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Van Persie |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Rosicky |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Diaby |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Coquelin |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Wilshere |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Frimpong |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Yennaris |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Vermaelen |
3 |
3 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Santos |
2 |
1 |
1 |
– |
– |
|
| Gibbs |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
1 |
|
| Koscielny |
1 |
1 |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Sagna |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Mertesacker |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Jenkinson |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Djourou |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| Miquel |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
| “Own” goal |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
|
STRIKER : |
64.18% |
goals scored |
43 |
goals |
|
MIDFIELD : |
25.37% |
goals scored |
17 |
goals |
|
DEFENCE : |
7.46% |
goals scored |
5 |
goals |
|
Own & “Dubious” goal: |
0.00% |
goals scored |
0 |
goals |
First 7 games = 7 points out of 21 points;
Next 8 games = 22 points out of 24 points;
Next 7 games = 7 points out of 21 points;
Last 3 games = 7 points out of 9 points.
Maximum points achievable = 43 + 39 = 82 points.
Realistic Target of 7 wins 3 draws 3 losses = 24 points.
Minimum points for 4th spot = 43 + 24 = 67 points.
In consolation, we are still on track to fight for Top-4 status as long as do not lose more than 3 matched and get a result against S*CUMS, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Can we even score 90 goals and more for this season, with at least 23 goals in the remaining 14 games of our season?
Written by Merlin96
Morning all
I must appolgise for the layout – Merlin did nice boxes/charts which i could not get into the post layout properly, so please don’t shoot the author – nor me 😉
Fine post Merlin, thank you – as for 90 goals, i can’t see it personally unless somone other than RvP finally steps up and i can’t see who…
I don’t even think we will beat the three clubs we need to, starting this weekend….
http://le-grove.co.uk/2012/02/21/arsenal-spend-10mill-on-loyalty-bonuses-and-agent-fees-hamstrung-for-years-by-arsene/
The goings on at the AST, Pedro’s post on Le Grove…
Morning rico,
I have left comments on our blog so excuse me for not repeating it on yours.
here’s a fact in the 12 month period to now we have lost 20 of the 54 games played. Doesn’t make pleasant reading, does it.
Very good read Merlin.i agree with everything you’ve said.the quality of players we have is one of the main reasons the 4-3-3 isn’t working.if we are to continue with it an overhaul is needed in the summer but its looking unlikely after what AST revealed last night 🙁
Morning all, good stats Merlin. Reading Le Groves take on the AST and the inner workings of the club makes me feel sick to be honest. Wenger is bringing this club to it’s knees. That’s what arrogance and a lack of accountability does for you. Without meaning to sound morbid, I feel like there are some dark times ahead….
Morning Kelsey, no probs and no, it’s not happy reading, we are a club with a few problems…..
Morning Kt and Sam
Kt, and one striker doesn’t even get to play – i can’t see things changing either, unless and which i hope 100% now, AU buys out Stan..
Merlin highlights all our frailties, but i strongly suspect it will the same for a while yet…
Nice post from you.
Can we score 90 goals this season? Not a change in hell. And there is no change that Arsenal will end up in 4th either. For the last couple of years Arsenal have done ok for the first half of the season then usually in february they start loosing. So I think we have not see the worst yet. I think we are looking at 6-7th place this season. Then the usually bullshit starts in the summer RVP will be sold for 15-20mill and nobody will be bought in stead because Wenger says this is the best team he has ever had and there is no good players at the right price in the market.
Morning all. Excellent post, Love a bit of stat analysis and I think it illistrates perfectly that things need to change. To put it mildly.
Wenger is unsackable,simple as that.the board know that he isn’t keen to spend and that is just fine by them.if we miss out on the CL Wenger will be left with approx 10 mil and the board expect him to work with that without complaints.any other manager wouldn’t allow it to happen.someone like Mourinho could expose the board and thats why the board would keep arsene in a life time contract if possible.
Good post Merlin!!
We have 71 professionals on our payroll!!!thats disgusting,what a waste of money.and one wonders why we struggle to give the likes of na$ri/rvp 150k a week which is the standard rate for top players in the current market.
KT, I couldn’t comprehend that!!! 71 FFS!!
We love to mock city for their Ade/bridge/santa cruz deals but are we any different?the revelations by AST made me even sicker.it seems we not only need an overhaul of players but the board too.how the hell do we expect to be lead to glory by a board with an average age of 73 years? 😮 😮 😮
Tell me about it Lee.its shocking just how bad the club is being ran.the club is being crippled by the board and it seems the CL cash has pappered over the cracks.apparently if we fail to get the CL cash we’ll be amongst the first clubs to fail to meet the FFP requirements.self sustainable my foot,the club is on its knees and Kroenke doesn’t seem to care so long as he milks as much cash from the club and sell it off for a nice profit.
Welcom Hordur – 4th? I’m doubting we’ll have the fight to get that this season…
Morning Lee..
We need to get some of those 71 off our payroll and this summer, reading that Diaby is on £60K a week is just a joke, let alone Denislon and Nik etc etc…
No wonder we can’t sort RvP’s new offer out….
wonder what the average weekly salary is?
Makes me laugh how IG can say the CL isn’t the bee all and end all, and then Wenger says it’s a trophy spot….
Also that wage structure is also a fallacy.JD gets paid 50k a week,our kids/fringe players get paid slightly more or less that for doing nothing.then rvp who is the best player at the club gets paid 80k a week?terrible management.we can afford to pay top wages to our top players but we are being crippled by too much junk in the trunk.if we had say 45 professionals on our payroll we could easily have 4-5 players on 150k a week.we need change NOW.
the waiter is on £50k…
No wonder Wenger calls 4th place a trophy.without CL revenue we are in deep s**t 🙁
If RVP wasn’t there blah blah blah
But he is and he’s an arsenal player and currently were the 4th best team in the league this season
Funny isnt it, Wenger is always preaching about efficiency….where’s the efficiency in 71 players on your books!? The only thing that will change this is fan power but so many are happy to absolve Wenger of the blame. Yes the board are guilty but so is the manager, who seems to be the puppet master..
You have to be kidding Lee, £50k a week for doing nothing….
Ehat a joke, and Wenger thinks he knows how to manage money….
Toral Harper has been here barely a year but is now on a juicy contract.any guesses how much he earns?i bet you he is on around 20k a week…for doing what?turning out for the U18s.its like we are running a money laundering scheme at the club 😮 i feel sick just thinking about it.
Rich – it’s where we finish that counts, do you expect us to be 4th in May??
Morning UTA, didn’t see you sneak in earlier 😉
You guys seen that Park has been dropped by Korea, that is all down to Wenger, another career he has ruined….
yes AW tends to ruin a chap’s career
Hi “K”
quote in part ” its like we are running a money laundering scheme at the club ”
You’re getting warmer. Why do you think a foreign billionaire buys a football club?
Hi alan – poor guy, bet he wishes he’d never joined, i wsh he’d play, he may even be the goal machine we lack 😉
Rico Hi
you never know. If he’s anything like Man U’s Park, he should be running on and playing
KT,and if he turns out to be the next Fabregas,you will be saying what great scouting!
Conversely,if we let him go because he wanted more money,you’d be again saying Wenger was too tight!
Be fair.
Alright,I have said 1000 times over the last few years that defence isn’t our big problrm,its the failure to convert enough of our chances.
Even when Utd flogged us,we had more shots at goal!
We shouldn’t have leaked 8,but we should have scored 5!!!!
As for 4th….why not?
Look at the main contenders….they’re no better than us,and have had nowhere near the injuries,whilst spending 5 times as much on transfers..
The main difference……their fans arent constantly complaining.
Nobody will ever get me to heed anything written on Le Grove.
Fair enough scott but paying youngsters too much is part of the problem.they don’t have to work for it.
We will never know if he doesn’t play alan, it’s shocking that he doesn’t get a chance, unless he is dreadful in training etc…
As Merlin points out and we all know, other than RvP we are dreadfully short of goal scorers, Park may just change that….
Happy Snappy Tip-Top Spanky,
Proud of you Merlin/Rico. Bad grades school/attribute mediocre students. But hey, they make great guitar players for subway stations. We are not exactly chart material or Jools Holland entertainment.
I-tunes isn’t a Steve Jobs invention but a surrogate for Wenger lyrics.
Everyone at club level is wearing a party hat and still think they hold authority. Tut tut tut….
Hi Scott, defence is a huge problem, converting chances is a huge problem, and what LG have posted re the AST is factual – Pedro was there at the meeting…..
71 players being paid a wage is also a problem, we have too many kids at the same age all fighting for a chance in the next few years, we have kept players like Eastmond, Hoyte etc etc who are getting older and not getting better so why do we keep them and pay them…
It’s ridiculous in my mere humble opinion….
Also scott don’t you think its insane that we have 71 professionals on our payroll hoping that the next fab/messi/maldini is in there and more often than not we end up with more new denilsons/bendys/hoytes?
Kt – it’s also having too many youngsters in the first place, the man is obsessed with youth players….
A 17 year old like Chamberlain is a great signing, the others, time will prove if they have what it takes but have we got that time??
Morning DG
‘Bad grades school/attribute mediocre students. But hey, they make great guitar players for subway stations. We are not exactly chart material or Jools Holland entertainment.’
Classic….
It might be accurate to also predict that Arsene Wenger is far safer in his job with Kroenke than with Usmanov, and this surely creates even more questions about where Arsenal will be in the next couple of seasons.
But it seems that, unless either Usmanov or Kroenke change their current modus operandi, it can only be bad for Arsenal in the short term and maybe even medium term.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/882992-arsenal-fc-2012-owned-by-kroenke-usmanov-or-somebody-else
48 paid employees at Highbury and over 70 at Ashburton Grove, which is the proper name btw
Should never have left Highbury
KT/Rico.I agree we have too many on the books.
Is rather pay Total 20lk than Bendtner,Denilson,Almunia,Squilaci,Mannone and a few others whatever they get.
Though we need new blood asap,we can’t forget our youngsters and future.
Rico,sorry but I can’t cop Le Grove.
If you’re not a Wenger hating,club knocking whinger,you’re not welcome.
I don’t think Stan would ever sack Wenger alan, not all the time he secures 4th and saves the club money – If we don’t get 4th this season, we’ll see just exaclty what Stan hopes to gain from be our major shareholder…
Götze is on €20k a week,Welbeck £15k a week,Brown was on £18k a week,sergio ramos £45k a week yet all of the aforementioned players earn less than JD/Denilson/Almunia…tell me thats not messed up? 😮
Are we really any better off with the Russian as an owner???
Rico, the whole point of Wenger staying is he gets profitable results for the board. That’s it
The AST haven’t figured it out. They may as well sell their shares to Usmanov for all the affect they have
KT, I doubt anyone would suggest its not messed up.
Finally we agree scott.if we keep Toral then we have to let lots of dross go.we shouldn’t just give contracts to all our youth players;they have to earn it.if Toral is that good,no problem but awarding contracts to just anyone smacks of mismanagement.
Scott
Our Scouts are dickheads
Of course we need to protect our future Scott, we should be doing that by offloading a few of the youth/reserve players who being paid but are crap – i don’t care if we give them away.
As I keep banging on, we have too many at the same age all fighting for one/two positions, whats the point??
It’s costing us money and plenty of it…
Same goes with the crap older players, give them away for nothing, someone will have them at that price, just get their wages off our books and use the money to pay proper players, ones who will actually make our side stronger…
Always maintained, i don’t have a problem with buying younger players as long as it’s not at the expense of our present squad but over the last few years it has been, which is why we are where we are now…
a mess….
11.40 Kt, spot on…..
Scott, probably not. As far as I am concerned Usmanov is a freebooter and a crook, like other old eastern bloc types.
A money launderer of the State funds he stole from the people
We shall see in good time
Morning all, good post Merlin, very informative.
Reading between the lines it looks like god has sh@t on our heads !
Botelho has been on loan for how many years now?…yet we still pay his wages and isn’t impressing according to reports.
Morning all good one Merlin96 i can see a lot of dedication went into that.
I am of the opinion that Arsenal are spent for this year, The players we have will not be changed and we keep having players injured, our form will not improve only get worse. Bad buys and bad management will not change we will nose dive and effectivly end our entry into Champions league.In actual fact the premier league should be our aim not the champions league. Our team is not good enought to compete in the carling cup so champions league is way out of our league. if Wenger stays for another season after this one we deserve all the flack we get. he is the reason we are dredfull he buys he sell he makes the on field selections and the formations he coaches the players and he works out contracts he is responsible . he has to go thank you and good bye.
I can’t see us being any worse under Usmanov….
Morning Micko, well, afternoon to be pedantic 😉
According to the AST the only reason we didn’t sign Mata is because Wenger decides the value of a player and he didn’t think he was worth the cash…unbelievable!!!
And Wellington Silva Kt, another who has a bad attitude….
AFC Reserve squad for tonight:
Will Park get a game….
James Shea
Carl Jenkinson
Jernade Meade
Nico Yennaris
Martin Angha
Ignasi Miquel (c)
Yossi Benayoun
Oguzhan Ozyakup
Marouane Chamakh
Ju Young Park
Andrey Arshavin
Benik Afobe
Sean McDermott
Zak Ansah
Elton Monteiro
Kyle Ebecilio
Hi Steve, that just about sums up my view too….
This say’s it all..
Everton v Arsenal PL fixture postponed due to FA Cup…
No wonder he got Chamakh for free the Kt…. thats all he’s worth….
Remember the good old days when we used to make the quarter finals of the fa cup.
We also pay Denilson’s wages,Bendy’s too 😮
and why would those players want to leave given the wages they are paid?
Our kingdom has sold it’s crown jewelry in a garage sale. Just to fund the start of a supermarket with shelves that don’t pass knee-height as price setting concept.
Many moons ago we should have sold what we call deadwood today. They were considered A-brand products back then, just because they had the Arsenal rubberstamp. Now they have dragged the whole squad/academy value down.
I have heard that the only cup we stand a chance of winning next season The Emirates Cup has been thrown out because of the olympics can anybody confirm this, and Afternoon Rico
I heard the same Steve, we’ve been robbed.
Walcott, Gervinho, Park and Chamakh all have one thing in common, no goal scoring prowess.
Only just remeber them Micko 😉
Think their loan clubs pay a hefty chunk Kt
They would alan, which comes back to us paying to big a wage to unproved players or players who have proved they are crap 😉
Steve, that’s right, no EC in the summer….
Off out with Fido, laters all…..
It would be interesting to know the number of professionals at other PL clubs. Can’t be that hard to find out can it? If we are as overloaded as we think we are then having a bit of empirical evidence would support the argument that a fire sale is needed.
Not a good bit of terminology there as some of the players on my “services not required” list have never got warm let alone caught fire.
Having a remuneration system whereby mediocrity is rewarded and talent is discouraged is now taking its toll. Failure to address this problem is reckless and negligent to say the least.
Such a shame i really wanted to see Park play again too
If there is any Olympic events at Ashburton Grove, then that is one reason the place was built. They saw profit in the games, plus other major events
Arsenal football is nothing more than a part of an events company. That is literally what it is
Private ownership of clubs should be banned
I don’t believe Wenger is unsackable or won’t resign. I think the agenda has changed in the last week. There is now a pressure and a mounting body of opinion which will focus on Wenger’s mismanagement. Every interview with Wenger or IG or PHW will contain one question – the manager’s future. It’s a tide that even Wenger can’t turn back.
I caught part of a discussion on Radio 5 last night – usual stuff, studio pundits and facebook comment. No-one mentioned Wenger’s achievements only his failures and flaws. All agreed his time at Arsenal was over.
Unsackable ? If we lose on Sunday anything can happen !
Steve, Wenger is going nowhere regardless. Like I said, they are an entertainment company, not a football club. The Olympic games is part of what they are trying to achieve, at least I suspect so. Wenger is part of that
Wenger is expecting board policy, and he will stay
sorry re above ” expecting ” should be ” executing “
Afternoon all, some fierce debate going on here!
How long do the likes of Denilson and Bendy have left on their contracts? They have little or no resale value so why can’t AW or the board just give them to another club, no transfer fee necessary. Probably even then other clubs would think they were too expensive.
hi UP the A
if we gave them away then at least their wages are someone else’s problem
exactly but I guess the other club would have to agree to similar wages as we have been paying them, therefore still too expensive.
Wenger is expecting to stay till his contract runs out, he has always said that he will never bow out of a contract. But What Steve has said can have a huge bearing on him. even more so after this weekend Wenger will have to pray we win that game even a draw would be acceptable for him as that is one game he wont be able to talk his way out of.
Is his contract up end of next season SteveP?
If I was getting half of what Wenger was getting in salary, and with board backing, I would not give a fuck what anyone said
http://abehnisch.com/arsenal-squad-status-june/
2014 UTA
Steve
It annoys me these foreigners are considered ” homegrown
Me too Al
I think we have no choice. They run the show and there’s nothing we can do about it
Looking at the list of players contract that is how long contract they
have left it looks like we will be in deep shit for years to come.
There is no way that any club is going to buy Bentdner, Squid, Almunia, Diaby , Djouru, Denilson etc. and pay them the same as Arsenal do.
So welcome to the “Forest of Dead Wood”
Alan
Homegrown is the same as E-numbers in food products being called “natural ingredients”. Or Parma Ham made from Dutch pigs being shipped to the Italian province. It’s marketing lingo for authentic/trustworthy don’t ask we won’t tell.
Alan, three and a half million can only get you so far !
You may have to top it up with a bit of painting and decorating at Arsene’s cosy little apartment in Strasbourg every now and again, nice work if you can get it.
So going by that Almunia shud be gone this summer and also Rosicky if he is not offered another deal. That must free up around 100k/week. Enough to get RVP to commit?! Did Arshavin get an extension as I thought he was here until 2013?
Sry I meant arshavin will be sitting on the bench collecting 85k/week until 2013.
The Board have issued a £50 million transfer fund to keep the fans happy, they know it cannot be spent till the end of the season, what has happened to the £70 million we got for Na$ri, Fabregas and Clichey.
£16 million for Chamberlain £6million for Mertsacker £5 million for Arteta, £1 million for Jenks £6 million for Gerv £5 million for Santos have i missed anybody
UTA
Still 3 days left before the Russian market closes. But don’t keep your fingers crossed cuz you will get arthritis. 😛
Steve you could also ask what happened to the money we got from Adebayor and Kolo. (That was about 40 mill I think)
Good point Hordur, lots of money coming in and very little spent no wonder were the fith richest club in the world, but for how long.
We won’t make Champions league so there goes Robin for £30 mill if he stays fit. Thats the only way we will keep him if he breaks a leg.
You’d think we would have learned from the Bogarde situation at Chelsea all those years back, they gave him a contract he couldn’t refuse and he turned out to be very average and spent his time in the chelsea reserves refusing to go anywhere as no other teams could match his wages, he said he was gonna honour his contract and how we all laughed at Chelsea.
Does that sound familiar, we’ve got the same problem today, too many spongers on our books, dragging the club down, more than happy to pick up their huge wages every week and loyalty payments as well, but who can blame them, its a complete joke, the boot is now on the other foot and we have become the laughing stock.
Steve
Its like pissing in your shoos in a freezing weather, it feels warm for a while bud then it ends in a disaster.
Watching Arsenal play these days is the same. You are waiting for
disaster to happen and if the opponent is not up to it then Arsenal will hit the “self destruction button”
‘Its like pissing in your shoes in a freezing weather, it feels warm for a while bud then it ends in a disaster.’
Nicely put Hordur.
Remember the days when we were frequent visitors of the Millenium stadium… 🙁
Micko good point there, the diference today is that we have a new fashion of loans, players like Bentner Dennilson Vella can be loaned out untill their contracts run out, not that we like to see players on loan but if they do turn out to be a Bogarde we can offset some of the expence.
Hordur, i know what your saying is right, but when all our squad are fit which we will probably never see they could be a very good team, we have problems yes but with our best team i honestly believe we could have been a force. We talk of major signings but if we brought 3 and they all got injured we are still left with what we have now, fitness is our problem not so much spending getting our first eleven seems to be our major headache.
Micko
Bogarde recently filed for bankruptcy. His assets frozen and some even confiscated by tax authority. They are being well paid beyond their needs and some grow egos larger than life or in Bogarde’s case reality.
People, Wenger is a socialist and intend to “equalize” the salary scale from £50k to £100k, which of course total up to £130-million for 2010/11 season.
Wenger is obsessed with Webster Clause as whne Hleb threatened to buy out the remnants of his contract and Wenger retaliated by pormising to let him rot in the Reserves and tie him up in litigation suits if he dare to envoke Webster Clasue to buyout his contract.
Hence all those lucrative contract to tie-up our youngsters in case they activate Webster Clause to buyout their contracts.
Notice that Arsene Wenger only offer professional contracts to pormising youngsters and so far, he turned Arsenal FC into Arsenal Professional Footballer Production Inc as every year, he did not make a loss in seling off al his youngsters…most notably is that £23-million from Anelka…and £30-million from Fabregas.
Look at all the sales of his promising youngsters in Larsson, Muamba, Senderos, Kolo, Adebayor, JET, Clichy, Traore, Nasri, and many more youngsters.
Did Arsene Wenger ever lost money on any deals when selling off all those 16 year old youngsters he signed on?
That book “Pay as you Play” by Paul Tomkins will show Arsene Wenger had generated surpluses in all his player delaings from 1996 to 2010.
Arsene Wenger has two different personality; that suave, urbane and Zen-like Le Professeur of circa 1996-2005; and today whingeing sore loser of a charlatan of an Arsenal manager 2006-2014 obessed with watching the bottom-line like a penny-pinching, cost-cutting American CEO reporting regular quarterly profits to Board of Directors.
Arsene Wenger can’t handle defeat and does not have managerial skills and aggressiveness of an Alex Ferguson to rebuild teams after teams from remnants of preceding ageing teams, willing to stand up to owners to demand funds for the rebuilding process or else….
Even when Manu is in debt of £790-million, funds were alwasy availble for Ferguson to purchase £30+ million of the likes of Rooney to rejuvenation the team.
So the urban myth of “funds not available due to £390-million EMirates Debt” is patently false as ManU and Liverpool had proven conclusively that even if you are in debt, funds are always available from the owner if the manager cna put up a decent case of the urgent need to buy to build a title-winning and trophy-winning team.
Then, who is lying on the “non-availabilty of player transfer funds”?
Arsene Wenger insisted that he got to watch the bottom-line and against “financial doping” or PHW who insisted that “funds are always available for Arsene Wenger to buy the players he needed”?
Glazer Family made funds avaiabel for Ferguson;
Hicks & Gillett made funds available for Benitez;
John Henry made funds available for Dalgish;
Levy amde funds available for Redknapp;
ANd Gazidis did not made funds available for Arsene Wenger in 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12?
Or was it funds were available and a deluded Arsene Wenger in full confidence of his Wenger Wunderkind and refused to buy, flatly siad “non” to PHW and Gazidis’s pleae to “spend and buy players”?
Steve
Yes we got a lot of injuries bud I have heard this excuse for many years and it just don´t make sense any more. The squad is not good
enough, we may have nice 11 bud the rest is not good enough.
This is the same problem over and over again to few good players.
I do think that the Sisters from shite hart lane are going to trash us 5-0 I am ready to put some money on that , and that feels terrible.
Data for “Deloitte Football Money League” were obtained by using “Google Search”.
“Year-on-Year” increase is to compare previous season revenues with current. E.g. Arsenal’s 2005/06 and 2006/07 season are €177.4-million and €263.9-million. FY2006/07 “Year-on-Year” (Y-o-Y) increase is €86.5-million or 49% from FY2005/06 (FY = Financial Year).
2006/07 to 2009/10 revenues (€ million)
2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07
Real Madrid 438.6 401.4 365.8 351.0
Y-o-Y Increase 9% 10% 4% 20%
Barcelona 398.1 365.9 308.8 290.1
Y-o-Y Increase 9% 18% 6% 12%
Man United 349.8 327.0 324.8 315.2
Y-o-Y Increase 7% 1% 3% 30%
B Munich 323.0 289.5 295.3 223.3
Y-o-Y Increase 12% – 2% 32% 9%
Arsenal 274.1 263.0 264.0 263.9
Y-o-Y Increase 4% 0% 0% 49%
Chelsea 255.9 242.3 268.9 283.0
Y-o-Y Increase 6% – 10% – 5% 28%
Revenues increase from 2006 to 2009/10 in €-million
2009/10 2006/07 Increase
Man U 349.8 315.2 34.6 11%
Arsenal 274.1 263.9 10.2 4%
Chelsea 255.9 283.0 – 27.1 – 10%
Liverpool 225.3 198.9 26.4 13%
We had failed to grow the revenues of Arsenal Holdings during the “Emirates Period from 2006/07 to 2009/10” by at least 25% from the same “Highbury Period” from 2000/01 to 2005/06 is a devastating verdict on their acclaimed “financial successes”.
Since we have been resident at the Emirates in 2006/07, our revenues grew only by 4% which indicate Arsenal FC has no global appeal like those marquee clubs in Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.
Every team gets injuries every year, but other big teams seem to cope better than we do. For too long we have been looking at our bench and thinking well who there is going to come on and change things when we are struggling(which is more often than not), the answer generally being no one!
We can’t blame injuries as every season since 1997/98 we alwasy have a Horrendous Injury List.
Once a happenstance;
Twice a coincidence;
Thirce? Then forewarned is forearmed, and wtf Wenger had been doing in not strengthening the squad full of “Sick Notes” and ‘Injury-prone” players like Rosicky, Diaby, Van Persie, Gibbs and Walcott till he fixed his shoulders.
We started the 2011/12 season knowing
WIlshere is out,
Vermaelen is out,
Diaby is out;
Fabregas and Nasri leaving;
Denilson and Bendtner did not want to play for Arsenal;
And what did Wenger did in the summer and January 2012 with a squad full of “SIck Notes” and injury-prone players of the likes of Gibbs, Djourou and DIaby?
Not forgetting a non-existent strikeforce with only ONE PLAYER scoring regularly…..and loaned a 34 year old “has-been” who managed to score 3 goals in 6 games he played?
WHose fault with those injuries – Lady Luck or a deluded manager?
Thinking back…
Arsenal where a Big Club in a Small stadium bud now
Arsenal are a small club in a big stadium…
Nobody are scared of visiting The Emirates.
I really have a bad feeling for the future because I do not think Arsenal is attractive to top class players any more.(then on the other hand Arsenal do not want to buy any good players).
THIS IS SAD
I know how you feel Hordur, we all feel the same, my point was that we have for many years had a continous stream of injuries, not just home grown but whoever plays for us, and i see that has to be sorted out, we need to find out why players get injured on a regular basis.
Merlin good post mate
Your last coments are very good, Wenger as you say seems to hate wasting money, when he buys youngsters i believe he brings them in just for sell on purpose’s. He is a thinking man’s Manager, good if your managing a club with very little funds but not for a club like ours, I believe he has taken it on himself to finance the stadium and still make money for the club at the expense of the team, he has succeeded in making the money with champions league football. I don’t believe he feels we can actually win things and feels that as long as we are in the top half of the league he is doing a good job, he has over the last year or so been pushing for FFPRules as he has everything in place to capitalise we could spend big and still be within the budget .
Afternoon guys and gals…..
Merlin – cracking post and i’m sorry i couldn’t get the charts/leagues as you wanted 🙁
Hordur – good to see you have stayed around HH today, hope you do for a long time….
Good evening all, happy pancake day!
Has my main man Pep taken over at Arsenal yet??!
On RVP
Those players are very good, but we always need common sense in any negotiations, We will not enter the madness market” said Bartomeu.
That fucking scumbag has some nerve considering he all but held a knife to Arsenal last summer when they bulled Fabregas away last summer for a pittance..
Happy Jif lemon day Paul.
Hordur, that warm feeling you talk about often came with the territory standing in the old North Bank !!!
Happy fresh lemons day for me later 🙂
How the other half live eh !
Exactly Micko, i’d love a jif lemon, the only Jif i get to see is when i clean the kitchen sink 😉
Or is that now Cif 😉
Rico, you wanna get yourself Mr Muscles, Sol Campbell in a pinny !
Now you are talking Micko 🙂
Good afternoon guys and chicks of the gunners faith.
Wow. What an article Merlin. Stats are something I always look forward to. Especially when they concern some research.
Guys and chicks you should all stand up and give him a cheer. That article surely took a lot of time to compose.
Again well done.
Seems that I missed quite a discussion today. You see….it was carnival here so getting dressed up is part of the business. Yet not so much fun…..raining all day. grrrrrrrrrr
Afternoon devil, have to concur with all you have said about the post …….
Carnival day eh, good time had by all i hope ?
Off for an early dinner, only so i can make room for my pancakes a bit later 😉
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17117785
http://arsenaltrust.org/news/2012/ast-analysis-of-financial-position-of-arsenal-football-club
Evening AK….
Hiya AK.
Hi Rico.
Merlin’s article raised the bar by a couple of notches today. A well reasearched one. Just a small question….if possible can you ask Merlin if its ok to forward via email to my inbox his tables at least?? I would appreciate that.
Evening Rico/Devil.
Not had a chance to read the post or comments yet Dev.
Being a stats man, i’m want to really have a good read of it.
Stan is here tomorrow…
Wonder if he is going to start behaving like a proper owner?
Hi devil – i will forward the article as it was meant to look, i know Merlin won’t mind 🙂
Pancakes eh Rico?
Hmmmmm lovely jubley… 😉
Now it’s pancake time… 🙂 Back in ten 😉
Also, Evening to all those who are….. Incognito….
Hiya Sir AK. A top notch article today. Take time to read it and analyze it.
Today a thought stuck me. Everyone is commenting on wanting Gotze, Hazard etc. Remember when Arsenal bought Marwood from Sheff Wed??? Not a household name. He was not a Platini, a Maradona or Rumenigge. But he was an honest hard working winger who stuck to his job….that of providing crosses for Alan Smith. The result??? He helped us win the league in 1989.
Then in 1990 we signed Limpar. Again not a household name but a real winger. We won the league in 1991.
Then in 1997 we signed Overmars. He was already known….and was a winger. We won the league in 1998
Then we got Pires and Freddie. Two good hardworking, wait for it, real wingers.
At the moment who are our real wingers. Theo is not a winger who goes on the outside to provide crosses. And the times he gives them it would be more easier to score from row Z. Gervinho is still settling in while the OX is still raw, although he runs at players much better then the previous two.
In a 4-4-1-1 the OX would be perfect on the right/left. But Theo and Gerv would be useless.
What do you think???
If goals scored was such an important factor towards success,which obviously everyone agrees it is,then why did we win nothing last year.
On the other hand,the question could be asked why you aren’t considering the “rebuilding” a blazing success…..I mean,just look how many goals we scored last season.
Tell me I’m wrong,which I am sure plenty will,but that’s exactly what the article tells us.
I watched a replay of our 3-3 game against Spurs last season.
The speed of our counterattack was brilliant.
The only time I’ve seen it this season is V Rovers…..7-1 was the result.
Each time Fabregas got the ball,we went forward in numbers….waves of numbers,actually.
Players just knew with him on the ball,someone was a chance to score.
It’s just not happening,and it is THE single thing we lack most….CREATIVITY.
Before anything else,we need a top flight,creative midfielder.
Wengers biggest blunder was NOT getting one in before allowing Fabregas to leave.
Evening HH, great work Merlin/ Rico, top notch,
one conclusion I get from all that debate and discussion, that Wenger is the culprit. whether its financial, managerial or coaching he messed up big time. He used to be the hero now he is the villian! few weeks ago someone in the house mentioned the analogy of Greek gods and Shakespearian tragedies! was that you Dutch!?
football is the greatest show on earth and you do not pay the stars of your show same as or even close to the comparsas and the extras.
I think sunday derby is crucial, if we loose, he could, would, should be a goner!
off to watch AVB being sacked!
I agree 100% Scott. However a top manager should always adapt the playing style to the players he has. We are still trying to play the same style without Cesc in the same way we used to play it with him.
Not changing to suit our needs and expecting the same results, or playing the same way regardless whom you are facing but with lower level players is sheer arrogance and crass incompetence from the manager’s part.
Devil, in a 4 4 1 1 Gerv could be at the apex of the team?
Devil,who would you have in behind RVP,or would he be at 10 for you?
Probably our better two crossers are Jenkinson and Santos.
Sagna sprays them,Theos,as you say,end up in row Z or the car park,Gervinho doesn’t cross,Gibbs is hit and cold.
We do,as I said in my previous comment,miss creative players,but there’s a lot to be said for honest toliers.
We don’t want AVB sacked, Rokabox.
The longer he stays at The Bridge, the more chance we have of stealing 4th.
Devil,one thing I have conceded on several occasions is Wengets tactics have not been great this season.
Ive banged on about injuries,bad luck etc,etc,but yes,he has stuffed up tactically.
One last point….this AST blaming Wenger for losing Mata is simply their take on it.
EVERY BIT OF EVIDENCE I’ve read elsewhere suggest Gazidis ruined that deal.
AK,well said lol.
Rico, 12.17;
Of that little lot, imho, only Jenkinson, Yennaris, Miquel, Ozyakup and Afobe are 1st team quality.
The jury is out on Angha, Ansah, Monteiro and Ebecilio. But there’s better quality than most of them in the younger groups, so it’ll be tough for them.
The others in that squad are going nowhere or not quite good enough…
Take a look at this mates…
Following Nancy’s relegation Wenger was permitted to leave the club by mutual consent and join Monaco, succeeding manager Ștefan Kovács in 1987.[17]
Before he took up the reins at the club, Wenger identified several players to build his desired team.[18] Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle – granted a free transfer and Patrick Battiston, out of contract at Bordeaux were drafted in.[18] Striker Mark Hateley joined from AC Milan and was encouraged to hear his fellow Englishman Hoddle would be playing with him.[19] Wenger won the league in his debut season at Monaco and finished six points ahead of Bordeaux, losing the same number of matches in the championship. Despite scoring more goals in 1988–89 largely due to the purchase of Liberian striker George Weah, Monaco failed to retain the league – finishing third behind Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain respectively. The club reached the final of the Coupe de France in the same season but lost 4–3 to Marseille.[20]
Monaco again finished third in 1989–90, with striker Ramón Díaz scoring 15 goals in his first season at the club. Wenger resolved to integrate more youth into the first team, signing 23-year old Youri Djorkaeff from Strasbourg and promoting Lilian Thuram and Emmanuel Petit from the reserve set up. Monaco ended the championship season as runners-up but beat league winners Marseille in the Coupe de France final through a last minute goal from substitute Gérald Passi. In 1991–92, Wenger led Monaco to second place for the second successive season and despite acquiring the service of German midfielder Jürgen Klinsmann, the club still could not regain the championship, concluding the subsequent seasons in third and ninth positions. Monaco did reach the semi-finals of the Champions League however in 1994 but lost to eventual winners AC Milan. Wenger’s reputation grew as a result of the run in Europe, with Bayern Munich in particular wanting him as their next manager.[21] Monaco refused to let him leave and Wenger chose not to walk out of the club but a poor start to the 1994–95 season meant he was dismissed on 17 September 1994, with the team lying in 17th spot in the table.
This means that…
1987..joined club in summer
1988…..Monaco Champions
1989….3rd in lge. Finalists in Cup
1990….3rd in lge
1991….runners up in lge. Cup winners
1992….runners up in lge
1993…3rd in lge
1994..9th in lge
1994……….sacked with club in 17th place
ANYONE GOT A SENSE OF DEJA-VU
devil – i have always said, its not about the big names, its about the big effort they are willing to bring – i don’t give a toot about Hazard, Goetze etc, i’d much rather a player like Parlour, Grimandi or even, Kolo…
At least they loved the shirt and gave their all….
Scott i like your optimism. Don’t lose that cobber, because we’re all going suicidal on here at the mo.
Beat the Scum and guess what Scott???
It’ll be party time again.
Even Wath will be happy… 😛
From what we hear,and no,not from Wenger,our 15-16 year old group is just incredible.
Totally agree – we do not want AVB sacked, not until we have secured 4th 😉
Some questions to answer.
AK….I do see Gerv as the main striker. Like TH was transformed from winger to striker. I have a feeling that RVP might be sold this summer and Gerv would be the main man.
On the other hand, and now I will answer Scott….I feel that if RVP stays he should not be a centreforward but plays behind the main striker in the DB10 hole. That is his main position for me.
Back to AK again,,,,,,Of that little lot, imho, only Jenkinson, Yennaris, Miquel, Ozyakup and Afobe are 1st team quality. That is 5 footballers mate (Theo is not). You just forgot the little un who goes by the name of Miyachi. In his last game I feel he showed more skill and correct decision making than Theo did all season.
Devil,the best Rugby League coach of all time…a man twenty years ahead of his time…..only ever stayed at a club for three seasons.
Yes,there are always exceptions to a rule,and I’d give a footbdll manager 5 seasons,buy how many managers continue to be effective after this???
Oh,and watching Cahill defend here against Napoli,really,people wanted him at Arsenal????
Why????
Oliver would chastise us for putting too much pressure or expectation on our kids.
And he is right tbh, but i get more of a buzz out of our youngsters than some of our overpaid seniors….
I’d rather see Bartley and Lansbury on the bench that Squillaci and Arshavin.
They might lack a bit technically, but they won’t hide, and would give all they’ve got for the shirt, like Jack.
In his second season, Arsenal won the Premier League and FA Cup, completing the second league and cup double in the club’s history.[40] The team, written off by many journalists after losing 1–3 at home to Blackburn Rovers[41] had made up a twelve-point deficit on Manchester United in the final nine weeks of the season and secured the league title with two games to spare.
So come on you guys. We are behind the scum with a 10 pt difference (not 12 but 10) so if we put it all in we might win the next game.
If we manage to sneak past them and get 3rd we would go mental. They will not manage to live with it for all their life. Bettered by a club in crisis. Of dear.
But I doubt it. We do not have Remi Garde now so how can we do it. 😆
Lee @ 10.39…LoL
AK,without meaning to sound melodramatic,after what I’ve endured over the least 3 or 4 years,not much upsets me and gets me down.
Coyle has adopted Myachi…..the son he never had lol.
He absolutely loves him.
The best thing was Coyles comment about what Ryo copped early in the game,only to shine on the end.
He also reckons that Ryo is such an athlete,he could seriously play two games.back to back
Apparently,he already enquired about buying him.
No was the quick response.
‘I’d rather see Bartley and Lansbury on the bench that Squillaci and Arshavin.’
So would I AK, so would I…..
I’m off guys – need an early walk up the wooden ones…
be safe all, nighty night….
Boateng starting for Swindon again.
A bit raw, but a big lump who can play a bit.
Hajrovic on the bench at Barnet, but they’ve taken him for another month on loan.
Hoyte cannot get a game for Wimbledon!
Lansbury on the bench for West Ham, again.
Get him back Arsene….
Scott from Oz says:
February 21, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Devil,the best Rugby League coach of all time…a man twenty years ahead of his time…..only ever stayed at a club for three seasons.
Yes,there are always exceptions to a rule,and I’d give a footbdll manager 5 seasons,buy how many managers continue to be effective after this??
Not that much Scott……
Shankly, Paisley, Busby, Whittaker.
Oh and the small matter of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Its not how long….its the fire within.
I have been coaching for 19 years now, and although not with the same club (took me long to find my spiritual home which is the present one {been there for the last 7 years}) the fire within is still burning more fierce than when I started. Simply because I challenge myself to be better than yesterday everyday.
Shang-a-lang Rico, sleep well… 😉
Good night Rico.
I am soon off too.
Hey Coach, did Pa get those magazines i sent him?
Tell him that i’ve a few more for him.
RICO u r right Wellington has got dodgy attitude but god help when he is in a mood,I saw few of his games,monster of a player,just needs to be led on the right path…
He got a letter around three days ago which was posted around Nov/Dec I think. I will ask him regarding those mags.
We’ve all got a story or two to tell Scott.
Lee has got a rotten day ahead of him tomorrow, that’s for sure….
Coach, it was probably dated Nov/Dec, but i posted him a couple about 10 days ago. It could be one of them amigo.
Dune, it’s a shame we couldn’t have got Wellington straight into Arsenal.
Both he and Botelho have had their moments since loaned to Spanish clubs.
Coincidence?
will ask him tomorrow.
Righto…..I am off now to dreamland.
I want to dream we are battering the scum by about 7-0 with Gareth Bale scoring 5 own goals and another hitting the ref and going in. Who cares a fuck. They all count. Oh and the last one hit the post, smacked the togolump in the face and went in. 😆
Good night all
But probably we will not win.
cu you all
Who knows how good Botelho could have been if he’d come to Arsenal, but now it seems he’s blown it…
To me, loaning players to Spain is a disaster.
Holland and France seems a much better destination for our South Americans etc.
Send them to Lorient/Feyenoord any day of the week.
Two excellently run clubs with excellent coaching and discipline.
Sahha Devil.
And our thoughts and prayers will be with Lee,AK.
Devil,there are thousands of examples to support my claim though.
Evening guys/gals, chavs doing ok…..GOOD! Hopefully we’ll sneak 4th whilst they’ve still got CL worries!!
2-1 Napoli as I type!!!
I should also add that Devil its easier in football If you’re at the right club….just keep spending.
R
Cheers Scott (and everyone else) really am not looking forward to tomorrow but gotta be strong!!!!!
Hiya Lee, how’s it going mate?
Just found this as I was browsing my last……its important to read
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2012/02/21/2919559/breaking-news-arsenal-chief-tells-robin-van-persie-you-are-going-
Scott….I agree with you 100%. But there are always exceptions.
Lee, keep busy mate, that’s all i can advise.
There’s plenty of things to organise…
Grrrrrr…..I keep forgetting.
Lee….be strong tomorrow. Remember….she lives in you. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow.
c you all
Yeah that’s been my mindset mate!
Devil, thank you my friend! Good night!
Back up to London Thursday for a few days work Lee.
Maybe we can catch up?
I’m up there for almost 3 weeks.
Think my lad will throw his season ticket at me if we lose to the Yiddos… 🙁
Merlin @ 3.19… True true…
We were even talking about taking in a few away games at the end of the season.
Doubt if he’ll be interested now.
He has a lot of overtime to do, and i’d rather he did that than waste his money on our superstars.
Big Big Decision this spring re: season-ticket.
To re-new or not to re-new?
AK,stay strong champion.
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#AFC lead 1-0 and are in charge v #NCFC. Park got the opener after fine work Benayoun. Arshavin and Özyakup lively.
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Chamakh off injured on 30 minute for #AFC Reserves and replaced by Afobe. Bench seem to see it as a precaution.
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HT. #AFC lead #NCFC 2-0. Park tap in and Arshavin effort have Gunners in control Afobe missed a pen. Chamakh off injured.
Cheers Scott.
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I’m told Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Eisfeld both due to play for #AFC tonight, but not risked after knocks in training.
Devil,if true,then Gazidis needs a rap,simply for being decisive and confident in the de
cision tell RVP that.
Honestly RVP can have no grievances…..he is under contract.
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Carl Jenkinson taken off at HT for #AFC. He’s only been in full training for a few days. Club need not to push him. Solid 45.
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#AFC 3-0 #NCFC. Park plays in pacy Afobe who slots beyond ‘keeper Wooton for 3-0. Plenty more goals in this for Arsenal.
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#AFC 4-0 #NCFC. That man Benayoun plays in Arshavin who grabs a brace with a low finish. Gunners running riot.
Park is a goal a scoring machine lol.
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#AFC 5-0 #NCFC. Benayoun caps off superb display with Arsenal’s fifth. Lovely ball from Özyakup, for Yossi to lob ‘keeper.
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FT. #AFC 5-0 #NCFC. Goals from Park, Afobe and Benayoun plus Arshavin brace seal easy Arsenal win at Carrow Road.
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#NCFC very youthful, but #AFC players seem to suit 4-4-2. Park energised and lively, Benayoun majestic, Arshavin clinical.
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Chamakh uninterested even at this level. Not settled in England and replaced with toe injury on 30 min mark. Afobe better.
Tell me about Afobe guys.
Heard plenty,all positive,but havent seen him at all.
Aneke as well please.
Scott, we’ll probably never know how good Park could have been?
Makes you wonder if Wenger really wanted him???
Afobe a big strong, mobile central striker.
I think we might have seen him in the domestic cups this season if he hadn’t got an injury.
Aneke is a big powerfull attacking midfielder.
Reckon both will be in and around the squad next season.
Scott, i had a look on You Tube, but all the vids of Afobe, are a bit crap.
But take it from me, he’s good.
Devil @ 8.26…insane…I’m crying…=DDD
Merlin,
Just had a look at your post, a bit late in the day i know, but very interesting…
Overall i think it shows what a consistantly good job Wenger has done…
Maybe this season is a blip, but he needs to do something in the summer window, and we need to be in the CL.
It’s gonna be a heart stopping finish to the season.
Good night Gooners.
So what,4-4-2 against spurs,Arshavin starting,park on bench…drop rosicky…
Thanks people for reading.
Rico, no problem for sending my original WORDS file to any forummer who wnated them.
Later this evening, I will email my EXCEL worksheets to Rico for any forummers who are interested to browse thru’ ’em.
cheers and goodnight!!!
Yes Kev, it will be like 2005/06 season where the 38th league game will determine who will fill up 3rd and 4th spot.
Bring on the LASAGNE!!!
AK,that supports everything I’ve heard.
It may well be overdue,but hopefully the youth policy really starts paying dividends.
New Post up