Carvalho deal on, or will it be Guilavogu? Frailties exposed again…

Morning all.

Well that was back down to earth with a bang wasn’t it.

Saturday was what it was and there were many reasons to be cheerful having seen Sanogo finally break his duck and Campbell scoring a very good goal but sadly, that goal flurry didn’t continue yesterday whilst up against a strong Monaco side.

The frailties we witnessed last season all too often were again on show yesterday but just as our feet should have remained firmly on the ground after beating a very average Benfica side, we shouldn’t let the 1-0 loss to a strong Monaco side fill us with rage either.

Our marking on set-pieces was our downfall. Yes our big German may have stopped Falcao from scoring but in all seriousness, his goal was a result of school boy defending. Oh, and a simply stupid tackle in the first place by Jack which led to the free kick.

But not all was doom and gloom, Chambers again played well, as did Debucy, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and of course, Alexis and a couple of others.

Another problem was in midfield. We have a glut of midfielders in the squad, but not one is defensive enough imo. That’s our weak link and it has been for a long while. Monaco bossed that area all afternoon and they exposed our left side too. I don’t wholeheartedly blame Monreal after all, he wasn’t given a lot of support…

Up front is another problem area, I know it’s pre-season, but Giroud just doesn’t get into the right places quick enough. Will that ever change? I doubt it. Maybe that’s why so many of us were pleased to see Sanogo and Campbell so busy in and around the box on Saturday and of course scoring goals.

And what about Martin Atkinson? What a shocker he had yet again. Poor Akpom, hacked over in the box by their keeper, Atkinson points to the spot immediately and then linesman who was clearly on work experience, convinced him that the incident took place outside the area.

Not that the Bradford born official would have needed much persuading!

It’s quite clear that Arsenal have gone into this summer with a plan, even Arsene Wenger said that it was months ago when he decided he wanted to sign Calum Chambers, well he has. He’s also signed up three other very good players, all of whom are very experienced.

The jigsaw is still missing a few pieces though but as long as those pieces are signed and they fit, the big picture will be complete.

We still have just under four weeks of this transfer window left, two before the season kicks off but as long as they are in before the 2nd of September, I’ll be happy as I’m sure we all will….

Gossip:

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Sporting could be willing to accept Arsenal’s likely £24m bid, despite Carvalho having a £37m release clause in his contract.

The Mirror report that we have made a move for Atletico Madrid’s French international Josuha Guilavogui. The player joined Atletico Madrid from Saint Etienne last summer, but has failed to nail down a place in the side.

That story originates from ‘A Bola’…..

And on that note, have a good day folks….

 

482 thoughts on “Carvalho deal on, or will it be Guilavogu? Frailties exposed again…

  1. Nickie says:

    Nice post,

    Morning all,

    Todays not a good day. I’m genuinely feeling negative about Arsenal for the first time this summer. Crystal Palace are going to be more of a challenge than Monaco if Pulis sets them up right. Where are our Germans, when are they back? Cazorla looks terrible, we have so many CM midfielders but the only 2 who look ready/decent is Rosicky and Ramsey. Rosicky can’t play every game. No one seems ready at the moment apart from Ram, Gibbs, Chambers, Rosicky, Ox, Campbell and Bellerin.

  2. malaysian gunner says:

    SOS Same old story. Lots of possession but no penetration.
    Until this is resolved,Wenger can forget about winning the epl.

  3. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Post Rico. Better than some of the match reports I have read.

    Yesterday’s post got 519 comments…….good for you all. Keep the level up. Summer is usually when we get a slight dip….yet these last 4 weeks have been anything but a dip.

    My money is on Guilavogui joining. At 10 mill or less plus lesser wages than both Khedira and Carvalho poits to him signing.

  4. Adam says:

    Good post Rico.
    Yesterday was a meaningless friendly. To make any judgements based on that is beyond daft.

  5. Gonerjoe says:

    Morning Rico and everyone else.

    I’ve always been in favor of bring in officials from out side England to referee PL matchs.
    But bloody hell they went and got the only idiot who actualy made English officials look good.

  6. Micko says:

    Nice one rico, lovely bank holiday weekend here.

    What about our germans, will it be a case of after the lord mayors show, will they come down to earth with a bump or will they be flying for us, or am I just being a doomer !

    Kev, taking everything into consideration diaby is well ahead of schedule this season lol !

  7. fatgun-ug says:

    Goodmorning Rico and all HHers.
    HH is very welcoming to everybody but can we afford to have other clubs’ fans mocking us here?
    Waiting on the usually informative and nice comments…

  8. dublingunner says:

    Morning, yesterday proved,That when you have a real world class striker in your side, He can decide games. wenger should take heed, and the warning. Giroud for another 50 games, with sanchez filling in the odd game or two. Not enough to win titles. shame.people think a dm, is the solution to all our problems.But without a lethal W,Class, striker to finish off our great build up play,We will be found out in the big games. AGAIN.

  9. kene says:

    Morning all. positives to take home in the game: Chambers, Debuchy, Sanchez are Arsenal standard….and Ramsey is still Ramsey. Giroud may see his butt glued to the bench this season.

  10. Micko says:

    Same goes for the charity shield adam, our record ain’t great in that either, as long as we put in a good showing and smash palace in the opener, I’ll be a happy gooner.

  11. Luznic says:

    C2hills giving the run around again? Morning Rico and all, if you base your believe about Arsenal on yesterdays match then you are just too serious its a friendly match fellas

  12. Nickie says:

    Looking that awful 2 weeks before the league starts with the CS this weekend is a little bit worrying in my eyes

  13. rico says:

    Morning Micko & Luznic.

    Don’t think anyone is taking either game too seriously, as already said, just two 90 min training sessions..

  14. DW Strangeman says:

    Yesterday was a good result, I never like to Arsenal loose but it did highlight the gaping hole in our midfield. Maybe Arsene saw it and will sign both DMs, we need them. Sad to say but Wilshere needs to shape up or ship out, he is not a DM so stop trying to play him like one, Arsene!
    Campbell would solve a problem on the left though, lets hope he gets the chance, Cazorla is not a winger!

  15. emma says:

    Good post rico,
    All of a sudden we are a bit edgy after losing yesterday. Begin to wonder what the Chavs think after losing 3nil to bremen
    I am more worried about referees decision this season rather than losing a friendly match

    Lots of positives to take from the 2 days fiasco.

    koscielny doesn’t look match fit otherwise he could have cut-out the setpiece before Falcao got to it.

    Giroud is 3weeks short on match fitness. Good news is we’ve got Sa-more-goals who looks sharper and fit. He was oozing with confidence after his flurry of goals. Hopefully he carries that form into the season.

    Confirmed now that our best CDM(arteta) has ran out of legs. We definitely need someone who is younger, intelligent in positioning and good on the tackles and interceptions,

    We still got 2 weeks to the start of the season. So hopefully most will be nearing 60-80% match fitness

  16. kene says:

    Rico, that’s it! Campbell, Sanogo and Sanchez upfront will give us a lot of pace in important matches. Giroud and Sanchez are not on the same wavelength!

  17. Luznic says:

    Chelsea lost 3-0 yesterday with a total side doesn’t mean they are doomed, let’s take a chill pill and just believe Arsene knows best…….No that’s not me I am an Arsene out man

  18. rico says:

    Thanks emma.

    I’m not edgy personally, I have great hope that we’ll see a couple more signings in the door yet…

  19. New striker urgently says:

    Giroud only good for fa cup we need top striker.will take wenger 3 years to sort this out.

  20. Woody says:

    I really wouldn’t read too much in to yesterdays game. We’ve had worse results in pre-season and won the league!!

    Also, if you take it that seriously then you should believe we’re going to finish above Chelsea as they lost 3-0!

    Or is it that when it’s Chelsea we all think “it’s only preseason”?

  21. tsgh says:

    Based on last season’s form Benfica are a better team than AS Monaco imo; in short we did well against a team that will allow us to play but struggled against a more compact team… nothing new there and no signs of things about to change..

    The concern for me is why a club like Arsenal should be playing our best player 2 days in a row during pre-season! Its despicable and bordering on negligence imho.. AW I love you but sort it out asap!

    good read rico

  22. Hell Raising Devil says:

    now come on mates.

    Sir-Four-Goals and Campbel and Giroud got a match each in the Ems cup.

    Fair enough. everyone needs to be given a fair crack of the whip.

    Let us see what the Charity shield brings.

    I guess it will be the following line up……..

    Ches
    Debuchy, Chambers, Kos, Gibbs
    Flamini, Ramsey
    Sanchez, TR07, Ox
    S4G

    And I do not think I will be far from actual line up.

  23. tsgh says:

    the chav team that lost to Per/Ozil’s old team Bremen….

    Courtois, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Terry, Luis, Van Ginkel, Matic, Salah, Fabregas, Torres, Costa…

  24. Woody says:

    T’s if you are referring to Ramsey, remember he didn’t have a world cup so has had plenty of rest.

    I don’t disagree that he was over played last year and that probably caused his injury, but we also want him sharp for the opening games

  25. Luznic says:

    accepted TS on the playing of vital players for two days now we will expect press interviews from Arsene saying they are tired

  26. kene says:

    Quality dm is the missing piece. Our attackers have goals in them. I don’t think we will see a new striker. Arteta cannot do the job, neither can Flamini.

  27. c2hills says:

    Calm down rico, tis not the sweepstakes. It was just a pre-season match.

    Morning Luznic. How’s you?

    Ginge!

  28. dublingunner says:

    we have a major centre forward problem. simply not been addressed,we lose to city and that palace game,will be huge. i know they,ll psyched up for it . just hope we are, hopefully were only 2 weeks away from full fitness.

  29. tsgh says:

    Chelsea also shipped in 2 goals against AFC Wimbledon a week or so back…

    The difference is Jose is experimenting with a set-up and new personal whilst we are carrying on from a set-up that came up short on key occasions last season…

    Are we going to go into the season throwing caution to the wind on the flanks again, allowing the daft owen’s of this world to ‘slaughter’ a player like Nacho?
    Yep, Woody.. you have a point but Ramsey runs more than any of our other players during games and has already played more minutes than almost all our players but Nacho who has played 2 games at CB which requires less exertion imo…

  30. tsgh says:

    I am with you dublinG.. but are we really or honestly looking to win the title? I would say No.; we fans do but the club would like to chance it.. at best we are planning for another cup win me think…

  31. c2hills says:

    Ginge, didn’t get to watch the games but from what I gather, it seems the young ones were promising while the DM issue remains. Hope it gets sorted asap.

  32. rico says:

    Ts, based on what we all witnessed over the last two days, Monaco are clearly a much better side than Benfica.

    Thanks re the post..

  33. rico says:

    Chills, I’m calm, it’s you who is being rather silly with your comments, as I said, quit it, or you’ll be binned.

  34. emma says:

    Hell
    Guilavogui? I doubt it
    Good 2 seasons ago but spent 98% of last season on the bench. He only made 7appearance

  35. rico says:

    Of course the club are looking to win the title, both IG and AW have said that’s the aim.

    Why else would they be making the signings they have already?

    And who say’s our transfers are done and this is how our squad will look on the 1st Sept..

    Long time to go yet….

  36. tsgh says:

    we have loads of midfielders particularly CM but only 3 are reliable…
    2 of those 3 are relying more on their experience and brains than their physical ability imo…

    AW ideally should have made Kroos or Vidal or Morgan his must buys!

  37. emma says:

    tsgh- Doubt if we are into tactics at the moment. I remember arsene saying pre-benfica presser it’s all about getting the fitness level of the players at the moment. Probably start doing tactics this week. At least we saw a formation of 4-1-4-1 over the weekend but requires us to have a good CDM which is the missing link at the moment

  38. tsgh says:

    Hi Emma… in my view Josuha’s situation reminds me of PV04 before he joined us…

    JG playing second fiddle to Gabi, Koke, Mendez, Raul Garcia, Tiago is no shame imo…

    Tiago and Gabi in particular are world class players imo…

    Ath play 2 upfront and so with Gabi and Koke as guaranteed starters it will be difficult for a player who did not have pre-season with them to break through imo…

  39. dublingunner says:

    I would break the bank for marco reus, fanastic energy. seen somewhere earlier he,s getting linked to liverpool, although every ones getting linked to them lately.

  40. tsgh says:

    Vidal is worth £50m imho…. if I was a coach I will pay that much for him…

    If Ozil is worth £42m and AS17 is worth £32m…

    .. didn’t know that Emma, thanks for info…

    4-1-4-1 is nothing new though.. we played that last season and lost at Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and drew at Southampton too…

    in my view the issue is not the one who plays in front of our back 4 but the 2 other CM playing in front of the DM…

    Ramsey is bordering on world class; JW in that role does not work and wont work for a while…. imo.

    Ideally against Chelsea it should be TR07, Ramsey and Arteta. those are our best ball playing combinations in the squad…

    What we do need is a Khedira or Diaby to help out 40% of the time…

  41. c2hills says:

    Ginge, you think the relative worth of Vidal is more than each of MO and AS? Don’t forget you’re saying this because we already have them. Lets say we don’t have any, who would you go for with just 50 mil?

  42. Xr!s says:

    Lol.. Thanks Rico.

    I always come around to read your posts but usually busy or late to make comments. HH has always been my favourite blog ever since I found here. I guess many more people have found about the excellent posts on here and always troop in to read and make comments.

    TSGH,have you read the goal.com’s article on Barca’s proposed formation for next season – a 3-2-3-2 formation?

  43. tsgh says:

    Aw according to RUMOURS passed on Kroos because he wants to give JW the chance he deserves…

    AW said JW will play as a DM but is being played as a box to box player…

    AW has tried him everywhere now and but is failing to play him where JW started off..

    At youth level and Bolton he played as a winger/playmaker/inside left.. JW played his best games for us from the wings last season…

  44. emma says:

    ts – We’ve got an intelligent slow moving train(arteta) in those matches(lfc,cfc,efc and saints) which contributed to why we lost heavily or drew(saints) and a premadona(wilshere) who is not intelligent in taking positions to cover for arteta or cannot be bothered. 😉 😉

  45. emma says:

    ts – No chance we were going to get Kroos after madrid stepped in just like we were not going to get lewy when the bavarians stepped in

    Does anyone know when our german contingents are back in training?

  46. tsgh says:

    Xris… I haven’t but saw highlights of their game and saw they play 3 at the back.

    As I have been saying (no coach badge of course) for a while if you have attacking fbs you have to play 3 at the back in a diamond with your ball playing DM very deep…
    This will mitigate the need for LW/RW to track back especially if you have Theo,SC19, Poldi as your senior wingers.

    Dev and I have been talking about 3 at the back for almost 2 years now.. Conte brought it in even though AW has experimented with it when we are winning games in the last 2 games..

    Pep has played 3 at the back with Badstuber, Martinez and rode during pre-season too..

    Klopp has also played 3 at the back in pre-season… not with 3 CB’s but with a very defensive/redrawn playmaker i.e Lothar Matthias style…

  47. tsgh says:

    lol rico…
    true Emma… but I think Ramsey not being fit played more part especially with Ox as the CM I those games.

  48. tsgh says:

    Emma- in those games especially liverpool AW opted for a naïve midfield 3 of Arteta, JW and Ozil with Sc19 and Ox on the wings…

    Against Chelsea he opted for Ox, Ozil and Arteta as JW was injured…

    I do not see how even a Rijkaard or PV04 or even Gilberto in place of Arteta would have made any difference. imho

    The big question is why Flamini can’t displace Arteta when according to general consensus Arteta is that bad…

    Against Southampton, Flamini started and got sent off…

  49. Nickie says:

    Arteta isn’t bad never once said he is a bad player. He’s one of my favourites. You just notice when he needs a rest. That’s when we call for Flamini for freshness. When you go from a dead on his feet Arteta to a fresh, energetic, motivator Flamini of course people are going to want Flamini in.

  50. tsgh says:

    ch… I rate Ozil and consider him one of the best no.10’s but you should know by now that I have considered Vidal and Schweinsteiger the best CM in the world for nearly 3 years now…

    Vidal can and has played every position but LB and no.9 and goalie.. he is that good and works his socks off…

    Conte resigned because Vidal was going to be sold… he wanted Pogba gone as according to reports he thinks Vidal is the most important player in the Juve squad…

    Those who watch Serie A may recall where Juve was on the league table when Vidal was injured.. behind Gervinho’s AS Roma… when he came back they came from 8 points behind to finish 10 points ahead of Roma and 19 points ahead of Rafa’s Naples…

    He is that important… the wc did not sure his true worth due to injury/form imo… and the fact he played as a no.10…

  51. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Do you think its possible that AW will go for both Carvalho and Guilavogui??

    Neither will demand sky high wages…..infact I feel that both wages combined will fetch less than Khedira’s demands.

  52. Rejoice says:

    I think am in the wrong place today. Enjoy yourselves whining about a training match. This loss does not mean anything. If I learnt anything, it is that Arsenal fans suffer from moodswings. The weather is more predictable than Arsenal fans.
    Am off for today. I will try again tomorrow to see if the mood is better. Read you tomorrow Ladies and Gentlemen. Bye.

  53. tsgh says:

    Dev… I doubt it… £24m for William and £9m for Josuha plus £60kp/w and £50kp/w as a guess

    Daley Blind is available and will be ideal for our DM/CB role; he can play LB too…

  54. c2hills says:

    Don’t watch italian league, ginge. Don’t think we’re yet in a position to spend that much for a dm.

  55. Sukky says:

    I love JW10,I really do love him but for †̥ђƺ good of †̥ђƺ team,he shouldn’t be starting important games.He’s tactically naïve and he need to go back to †̥ђƺ basics.If we sign a CB or TV05 stay,am thinking we should try koscielny as a HM/DM,he’s tactically good,he’s strong and his interceptions are very fast and clean.We should take †̥ђƺ risk.

  56. tsgh says:

    We may not have the money but that is when a club shows they want to go forward or just fluke it.

    AW telling people there were no DM when City have bought the octopus for £10m-ish is an insult to most fans intelligence imho…

    AW is just a snob.. if I had to buy Carvalho or Fernando; I wouldn’t even think about it for 1 second…

    As I always say I am AKB when the season starts but it’s had to continue to have to defend AW as a fan after he fails to balance the squad during the window.

    lol Nickie

  57. Gonerjoe says:

    Afternoon everyone I’ve been reading the well thought out and insightful posts on formations and which players would suit us.
    I agree with all of these points if they where implemented they would make Arsenal a better team.
    I have just one problem no matter who we buy or how we play until something is done about officialdom we will find it almost impossible to win the PL.
    Just look at Saturday and Sunday and just remember the FA final 4 stone wall penalties not given it’s been the same for years.

  58. Gunnerdna says:

    Its sad AFC has no Midfield, and the 1 player who seems up to it (Ramsey) seems to be playing further and further forward. Our MF have no composure, no power and people talk about training match/tactics, i’m sorry its the personnel who our manager seems to always attracted to, small tiny guys who after ever jog ensure their hair isn’t messed up. What about two big tall ugly dude?

    This is a red card.

    http://gfycat.com/ImpossibleOfficialIslandwhistler

  59. c2hills says:

    Ginge – Shouldn’t we wait for the season to begin, see who we buy or don’t buy? It seems we’re in for Khedira. Wouldn’t that be a great signing?

  60. Sukky says:

    ♍Ɣ line up
    ——–WS01———
    —–Debuchy—PM04—-TV05—-Gibbs
    ———-Koscielny——–Ramsey————
    —-AS17———Ozil———Walcott
    ————OG12———
    Perfect formation,trust me.

  61. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I am really looking forward to reading Rejoice’s post tomorrow. I’m sure it will worthy of a Booker Prize.

  62. bradster says:

    Afternoon all,

    Seems olsson is dictating that he wants first team games or he’s leaving. Seems he feels he’s too good for U/21 football.

    I guess that means a loan out because he will struggle to get a first team chance.
    I wonder what wenger has planned for the rest like Miguel, Hayden, djourou, coquilin and Akpom, i’m guessing loans for them too.

  63. lee says:

    Yeah, not too bad Rock, work’s slow atm and there’s a run on bellends in blogasphere…………. but ho hum!

  64. rico says:

    brad, if he has, he can go….

    I hope he is if he wants out, no way should we sell him to Man Utd…

  65. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Afternoon, Rico, All,

    Great post, as usual…

    Unfortunately haven’t got time enough in my hands to read all comments now. We’ll surely do later.

    But take this from me, House…for our season, it’s far better we lost yesterday’s match than win it by another 5 – 1, then close our eyes to the glaring deficiencies. When I listened to Wenger’s post match, everything he said aligned with what I observed, apart from being understandably generous to Sanchez…Sanchez was very far from what he’s capable of. He was trying too much to impress and getting most intentions off or short. I read he was MOTM and I asked…of which match?

    Sanchez shouldn’t have played beyond the first 45 mins. His ability is not in doubt…what he needs is to get back to full fitness. Risking him beyond that first half was stretching it. And again, Wenger has started to overload Ramsey…why did he start again yesterday and even finished the match?

    There are still very glaring stubbornness ala Wenger, otherwise we have a better team at this stage than we did last season. Last season, our Ems Cup was terrible but we won the FA Cup. Better lose this and win something coming season than the other way round.

    From what I’ve seen of Chambers, I’m very convinced he’d do better than all our DMs presently in that position. Nobody would believe he’s only 19…I’m not suggesting we forget buying one. But Chambers reading of the game, very calm and assured runs with the ball are unbelievable. However, at 19, Wenger must desist from overstretching him!

    Let’s hope Le Prof will address the glaring problem even non Arsenal fans have shouting for ages – a monster of a DM!

  66. rico says:

    I think so too Gdna

    Afternoon Tai. Thanks.. I was surprised to see Alexis play for as long as he did, especially after AW said he would play for only 45 mins..

    Chambers looks the bees knees, just goes to show if you’ve got it, you’ve got it….

  67. Adam says:

    Get TV out and get someone good in to replace him and do it very soon. Set the agenda Arsene. Same with Giroud. That bloke on Arsenal TV that gdna posted is about right. We have settled for Wenger’s mediocrity for so long now but we have the money and he really must spend it on top players. No more making do. If he doesn’t seize the opportunities handed to him now and continues along this ‘make do’ path then we are not going to win the PL or the CL and that is the aim, right?

  68. tsgh says:

    I can’t blame Olsson Brad.

    To me he is almost ready… just because his father/agent did not sell his soul to AW to get him to sign for us does not mean he needs to be overlooked…

    We had height in Aneke for CM… he was not even considered after impressing in the Far East tour 2 seasons ago…

  69. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, at this rate Ramsey is in problem, he have to be covering for most of the MF, my patience with SC is getting thin, its best for him to step up or rotated with only MO. JW should only be played as a winger, no where else until he improves. If players aren’t prepared to run and give 110 percent they should not play. I’m tired i have re-watched all the games from last season, Saturday was refreshing, but yesterday with the 1st team its was the same thing.

  70. tsgh says:

    can’t disagree with that Dna… but I will like to see how we perform against a squad/midfield of Toure, Fernado and Nasri as Fernandinho won’t be ready/available to decide if we finish 4th or 3rd.. lol

    Note City lost to Olympiacos as well… this weekend.

    A line-up of Hart 5, Clichy 7, Kolarov 6, Boyata 7, Rekik 7, Fernando 7, Navas 7, Toure 7, Nasri 6, Jovetic 8, Dzeko 7. Subs.Richards 5, Silva 7, Milner 7, Garcia 6, Zuculini 5, Guidetti 5.

  71. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    i’m finding it hard, believing Wenger could dump a good player just because he didn’t sign him. The reason I love Wenger isn’t because of his on-the-pitch stunts…no. I adore him because he is a man who would do everything from the moral perception of being right. Well, anything but match substitutions.

  72. Sukky says:

    Ramsey need a donkey beside him for his to reach his peak.Ramsey wll be destroyed by injuries and fatigue if he keep working like that without a good partner and rotation(rate).

  73. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, the lost was secondary, the lack of improvement on our weakness from last season was the problem.

  74. Adam says:

    Afternoon Tai. I agree he is a good man but he has to use the hard earned money to improve the team and push us on now.

  75. tsgh says:

    All speculation I guess Tai… do you know why Oguzhan Ozyakup was allowed to leave according to rumours at least…

    he is 21 y.o btw and it was between him or JW who got through… everyone who watched/observed the youth 4 years before and did not care about the passport/nationality of the player knew Ozyakup was far far superior in all quarters…

  76. rockyrocastle07 says:

    So it appears Lee!! Adam – That last email killed me!! TV05 can go ASAP and get a replacement in. Arteta needs replacing. As good as Flamini was regarding on-field leadership last season, he can’t play a string of games as he is either shattered or suspended. So needs replacing wit h a new model. I want to like Giroud…. But I just can’t. As a player or a human being.

  77. rockyrocastle07 says:

    It’s clear the likes of Aneke, Afobe, Ryo, Miqel, Bellerin, et al are al destined to be binned. none of them will ever be good enough.

  78. tsgh says:

    Indeed sukky… I know the lady will tell me off for exaggerating this but ramsey almost single handedly imo took us past fene’bache last summer and carried the team with Og12 until December… when Ramsey was out, Ozil and Ozil stopped performing…Arteta got found out too… flamini was always flamini all season. Tactically clueless for a 30y.o and his tackle on the 89th minute in a friendly yesterday says it all for me…

    I know I only go to 6 or so games a season but I keep asking the regulars how many times they have seen JW talk to Arteta during games?

    Even Sanchez and Tr07 take orders from Arteta on the field…
    says it all… imho as Arteta has been our captain since he joined the club; even when RvP was with us AW said he and Arteta shared the captaincy…

  79. rico says:

    Not being funny, but right now I don’t really give a toot what has happened to any of the other clubs during this pre-season.

    All I care about is Afc and the players we have, who we sign and how we are going to play against Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season and for the rest of it too….

  80. tsgh says:

    Aneke is gone already…

    bellerin is quality though imho.. not just based on his performance last Saturday…

    those in London should attempt to see the u-21’s in the Emirates on 28th if they can imo…

  81. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I agree with your post Rock….the 1.41pm one. Bar one…..Bellerin. He is the reason Jenks was sent off on loan……so that he will play when the opportunity arises.

    Bellerin is ahead of Jenks imo. Both technically and tactically.

  82. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ginge……….the English players like Wilshere and Ox do not take orders from Arteta.

    imo…..that is AW’s fault. Either listen to the captain or you sit down.

  83. tsgh says:

    Yes! Robin advised him to leave because he was not promoted when he had to and was overlooked ahead of denilson and co. imo…

    AW’s excuse was he was behind Cesc but Fibreglass was being given preferential roles at the expense of other midfielders imo…

    Like Afobe and Aneke could have been at Barca albeit B team at 17 y.o but they showed loyalty and got no love; Aneke in particular… no one says he is Ramsey or Messi but he is better than JW all day long imo…

  84. potter says:

    Wenger has always had favourites and he does favour those he signed over those that came from Hale End.. Denilson and Diaby are just two examples of players that he has bought and supported whilst others that could have done with the same chances went by the wayside.

  85. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, i read somewhere yesterday that Arteta is being kept as the translator, because Santi & Monreal still learning the queens english & Alexis needs help communicating. lol

  86. rockyrocastle07 says:

    To be honest, I’ve not seen Bellerin, so I’ll bow dow to others knowledge on that one…. But look at all the names that have been banded about for years – JET, Afobe, Aneke, Akpom, Bellerin, Ryo, Olsen, Toral, Eisfeld, Frimpong, Miqel, Nordveit, Galindo, Wellington, Lupoli, Wilshere – How many of these apparent hot prospects have actually made it? Ok, some (JET, Frimpong) have extremely questionable attitudes, but none seem to cut it. Are the likes of Jebb, Sheaf going to go the same way?

  87. Adam says:

    Rocky. Bellerin looks like a prospect but you are right about the whole youth set up really. I was talking to Kev the other day about how few players come through. I suppose when Wenger finally does go we might get someone in who will shake the whole thing up but until then I doubt it. As for the first team and yesterday, I was just having a phone chat with a friend who is close to the club and he reckons we are going to get out muscled this year again. He cited several instances yesterday of big fuckers walking over our players. How I wish Wenger would add a physical dimension to our team. Apparently I has been pointed out to him but he copped a deaf ‘un as they say in the lower classes.

  88. tsgh says:

    so so true and agree on JET and frimps attitudes…

    Galindo and Wellington case was just poor management. Wellington was better than coutinho and Neymar 5 or so years ago but I guess it was not a good idea to place a 17 y.o in a foreign land without any support where he does not speak the language..
    coutinho was sold by Inter for £6m because he was a waste in that league too and needed some ‘loving’ and trust from a manager…

    Maybe Wellington would have done better in Portugal as that is his native language instead of in Spain..

    Nordveit is playing at the high level in the Bundesliga as a midfielder/DM albeit he fell behind Kramer last season. He was never going to make it as a CB due to his stature…

    miquel imo is ahead of Hayden and showed this weekend he can be used as a 5th choice…

    he played last season against City’s forward in the CoC and kept them quiet for 1 leg until Leicester were comprehensively beaten in the second leg…

    He is 21y.o and imo and based on history most ‘imported’ defenders struggle in their early twenties… pique is an example…

    toral is barely 19 y.o so needs time and was injured for majority of last season and season before. imo…

  89. BrainwashedKev says:

    We’ve still got about 27 days of this window to go…

    Depending on how well or poorly we play in those first 2 or 3 games, we’ve still got plenty of time to do some more business…

    To me, the Man City game is massive, not from a trophy perspective, but psychologically.

    If we get outplayed and outmuscled then we can pretty much accept that 3rd or 4th is gonna be ‘it’ for Arsenal this season…

    Another cup run will be our only hope…

    I will be seriously pissed off if Arsenal ManUre finish above us, that’s for sure…

  90. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Thing is Adam, I don’t think we were bullied on the pitch all that much last season, certainly compared to recent years. But we do need someone in the middle who’s going to be a beast.

  91. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, young players will always struggle when they have too much responsibility. Most of AW teams have been cheap buys, a mixture of kids playing with players who past their prime/over the hill players who can do so much and no more. Its hard for the kids to progress without guidance from quality players (kids live what they learn), what can a young CF learn from Park or a young defender learn from Squillaci? I’m still trying to figure out how Aneke didn’t make it at AFC considering Diaby is still there.

  92. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Dna – I’m struggling to work out why I am not playing for Arsenal, considering Diaby is still there…..

  93. tsgh says:

    lol dna…. if you have a French passport and can prove your franco-African heritage and can get Zidane to say you are the future of French football or the PV04 to say you are the new PV04… I will be your agent I only take 2%… 😉

  94. BrainwashedKev says:

    Lee would be my ‘Finney on the wing’….

    Adam has to be ‘Charles Charlie Charles’ as he is so decent.

    Rico would be my defensive midfield as she kicks anything that moves.

    And I’d carry the bucket and sponge… 😉

  95. potter says:

    A lot of it comes down to attitude , someone said earlier that the English kids built up beyond belief by their agents and the media ,ignore the advice of players with knowledge and experience such as Arteta . If that’s the case although young they are both Internationals and seemingly feel that they are superior . As my Dad used to say , a clip round the lug or a kick in the nuts might bring them back to earth and if they want to cry give them something to cry about.

  96. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I’ve always been a keeper Kev…. Lukic was one of my heroes growing up! No probs re emails. Got some more to throw your way….

    Dna – You’re right, they could never afford me!

  97. Sukky says:

    I remember you guys wanted us to buy Celtic wayama this time last summer.Will you guys have him now?

  98. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Potter – Agreed. Anyone who thinks they are too good to take advice from a senior player who has been there and done it is clearly a Grade A c***. Bendtner falls into that category perfectly. Would have paid to kick that twat in the chads.

  99. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Admittedly, a lot is not quite right with our youth system…the same thing with our injury management. But I would put it to Wenger’s stubbornness rather than sentiment of origin.

    Ts, in Wenger’s shoes, I’d sacrifice any player for Wilshere. Wilsgere and Gibbs are the only players that presently say other buying clubs weren’t doing the right thing.

  100. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    I forgot to mention Ox … yesterday, Ox showed again why I believe he is the nearest to Hazard in the EPL…playing him at the left wing in a 4 -3 -3 is his best place to get the best out of him.

  101. Adam says:

    Tai. I am hearing good things from within the club about Ox so I agree. Wenger would have loved Hazard. Shame he is wrapped up with that spiteful creep. I bet they fall out this season though.

  102. BrainwashedKev says:

    Coach, I see you running up and down the line, with a red face, looking and pointing at your watch, a la Fergie… 😉

  103. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Adam, you can guarantee that shitstain will make a snide comment to the press about Hazard not pulling his weight. After all… Snide comments about people (but specifically NOT to their face) is what that helmet does best.

  104. Gunnerdna says:

    Why is Podolski given so much time off, he hardly played last season and spend most of the WC taking selfies.

  105. Adam says:

    Kev. The aerial battle for the lentils was hard fought. 🙂
    Rocky. You have a way with words mate. 🙂

  106. Hell Raising Devil says:

    this year AW has got to show his balls and go for the best players in the team…..not his love children or his fancy ballerinas. and that means…..Sir4gls instead of OG12, Ox instead of Cazorla, TR07 instead of JW etc

    yes use those left out by all means…..but against Crystal Palace, Burnley etc. make them work and no one is assured of his place.

  107. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Yeah, Adam…left or right, Ox is a handful in attack but his power, pace, directness is everything Hazard.

  108. BrainwashedKev says:

    Adam, I am most certainly gonna take a back seat when the fight for the garlic naan kicks off….

  109. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Agree with you, Dev, though I wouldn’t keep Wilshere out of the team. I’d share the box-to-box role between him, Ramsey and Diaby in a way that keep all three fit all season. Don’t want us to overwork Ramsey.

  110. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Haha!! So you are keeping the box-to-box between him and Ramsey then Tai. Why you put Diaby in the equation is beyond me!

  111. BrainwashedKev says:

    Tai, you sound eminently sensible…

    Rotation is the secret, and a strong 25 man squad which Wenger utilises to it’s fullest…
    Rather that 18 players a few reserves thrown in to make up the numbers and who Wenger never has the confidence to use…

  112. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    We suddenly have variety up front…if only Wenger can be more adventurous in risk-taking. A team of Sanogo with Sanchez and Ox switching positions either side would give any defence migraine. A front three of Sanchez sandwiched by Theo and Ox may lack height but kill any set of unlucky defenders with pace. Campbell is still there to come in. We’re suddenly forgetting Podolski!

  113. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Poldi’s days at the club are numbered and he knows it. Wouldn’t shock me if he was spending his time off talking with Cologne about another return.

  114. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Lol, Rocky, even if we get just two games off Diaby all season, it might be the difference between another Ramsey long lay off and the Welshman starting and finishing the season in straight condition..

  115. tsgh says:

    True Tai on gibbs. But he joined us at 14 y.o though unlike the others who joined us at 9 y.o…

    My point of argument is not on quality of players but on their sudden/immediate promotion…

    Like in all walks of like if you are not made to work for things you do not value it when you get it..

    Gibbs had to earn his place after his UCL semi’s performances too especially after the semi’s against Yanited.. that is how it should be imo…

    Ox looks like he has made the jump to the right level…

    Last season he was preferred to theo against AV too but got injured during that game…

    Hopefully he can remain injury free and play on the wings instead of trying to play him in CM at this stage of his career…

  116. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Let’s not forget Poldi remains the best finisher in the team. Hottest shots too. He can be rotated tactically with Sanchez and Ox. I want Carzola to be rotated between Ozil and Rosicky.

  117. Sukky says:

    Poldi may leave this summer,he can’t spend this season on †̥ђƺ bench.But I love poldi,he’s a goal threat but he always go missing for 80% of †̥ђƺ match.Poldi is good for our dressing room morale.

  118. tsgh says:

    Liverpool/city did not look pacey in all their matches. They struggled against teams such as Swansea and Crystal palace and certainly against us on 2 occasions…

    Fans forget before Og12 we always had pace upfront and all teams/opposition had to do was sit deep and negate us…

    That was why even with TH14 and DB10 we apparently needed the ‘fox in the box’ to vary our games…

    What we had then was options and variety. This days the only variety might be bringing Ox on the Santi in the 7th minute… lol
    In City’s case, they can take Negredo off and bring on Dzeko or Jovetic. different type of players…

    Hopefully this season we can change things a little bit with different players with different playing style…

  119. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts, look again…we got more variety upfront than most teams. Unless you’re one of those underrating Walcott’s pace…OG 12, AS17, TW14, Sirmanygoals, OX, Campbell, Poldi have enough to juggle any three to devastating effect. Problem is – once Wenger settles on his starting 11, he sticks on till injury!

  120. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Lol, Rico…I haven’t rotated the DM…I’d like SK05(khedira) to be rotated with Arteta and Flamini. Wilshere will pick up really good once he plays simple and stays injury-free.

  121. Adam says:

    Lee. I was in the Wagamama at the Angel the other day. It quite ok.
    Kev. The Fino is on ice old boy. 🙂
    Tai. Will you ever make it to Islington to see Arsenal play do you think?

  122. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Rico…quit dreaming impossible dreams! You can only have one. It’s unladylike to be greedy. lol.

    Islington? Adam?

  123. tsgh says:

    We have options this time round tai. At least on paper.. 🙂 that is why I said this season might be different.
    totally agree on your submission on settled XI or XV

    I like and rate Theo but he is also injury prone so his availability is a bonus for me…
    though he can be clinical, he hardly works defensive when compared to other top wingers in football like ribery, Muller, turan, hazard, Winans etc

    Also I am not convinced AS17 can play upfront on his own nor can Theo…
    Apart from Chile he has hardly played upfront on his own since he left udinese and we know international football can be different..

    He will certainly need time in this league to show his true worth imo…

    Until AW gets some proper CM’s and wingers who dont mind defending we can’t play 2 upfront yet against any of the cynical/pragmatic managers like Hughes/Poo-lis, Pochatino (spelling) not forgetting Jose and LvG who Aw has not beaten in their last 5 meetings yet…

  124. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ok…ok.., Adam. don’t think I’d ever make it this year but I’m not counting out this season…why not? I just might…you reserving tickets? Lol…

  125. rogerbij says:

    Greetings from Uganda this week. You know, I love it when Im in the countryside and we’re overtaking a fat truck with massive Arsenal mudflaps. Brilliant.

    Everyone is excited in one way or the other after the Emirates Trophy – wasnt it great to see Sanogo pop in 4? I thought #1 and particularly #3 were real strikers goals. The others we tap ins, but hey. Campbell looked good too. Sanchez is set to be my hero for the next few years.

    So, Im in the camp that said we need a new striker to fight for the PL. Im going to concede. I now think Wenger wont go in for anyone there, if we are going to mix it up with Alexis as lone striker, or with 2 up front (various combos, but Sanogo/Campbell can even working apparently ;). What I dont want to see is though is Sanogo up front by himself when we are trying to win the PL. He’s not ready for that responsibility, and I dont care how much you love him or his name, he’s not ready for responsibility at his age/level of experience.

    Im also going to concede that its getting less likely we get Schneiderlin, who is my first pick for DM. Khedira, fine, but high cost and wont have resale value. Im preferring Carvalho though, because he is just so strong and intimidating, and his distribution is very good.

    I see the Hummels stories are in the rumour mill again. If he is available he should absolutely be top of the crowd for us to replace TV. Aside from being a World Cup winner, his stats in all competitions have put him at the very, very top in his position for at least the past 3 seasons. At 25 yo or so this would be an excellent investment imo.

    Bring on next week’s first trophy! (all things crossed and wood knocked).

  126. Adam says:

    Lee. I missed that one….:)
    Tai. Tickets are always hard to come by but occasionally they are available, depending on how the team are doing.

  127. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Lee, immediately Rico checked and found out Carvalho was 6’2”, she’s been dreaming. Wants to get him and Khedira in at all costs!

  128. Adam says:

    Rocky. No mate I wouldn’t gone that way as I haven’t had my inoculations. The one at the Angel, Islington I went to.

  129. bradster says:

    I’m looking forward to us been able to have a higher defensive line with Chambers and hopefully another central defender. Shorten the gap between the defence and Arteta, he may even find it easier playing the DM position.

    I think Cazorla would also perform better with a compact midfield where he can exploit his quick feet and movement in small spaces. May even force wilshere to pass as there’s less space to run at teams.

  130. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    I wouldn’t plan of starting Chambers in more than 10 EPL games this season…one long injury lay off and he could derail. I’ve seen it happen a countless number of times to kids coming into it.

    Adam…with HH, I’m sure a ticket or two would always come along once one declared interest. Wrong?

  131. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nothing is wrong with Carzola…he’ll soon pick up…but with Sanchez, Ox, Poldi in the team, I’d want him shifted to CAM all season!

  132. Gunnerdna says:

    AFCPressWatch™
    ‏@AFCPressWatch
    Congratulations: Daniel Crowley has confirmed signing his first professional with the Arsenal.

  133. Hell Raising Devil says:

    The combos as they stand atm is that Cazorla can rotate and rest Ozil. We have enough lateral attackers and wingers to rotate each other. The defence is also equipped with bodies.

    Its the DM position that needs strengthening .

    That is why Ozil and Cazorla should be the AM this season.

  134. tsgh says:

    Brad, imo we will most likely always have the ball majority of the time… 3rd highest in possession after City and Southampton who had the highest possession over last season .

    2nd in terms of pass success; I believe our issue is that teams know once they can pack 2 rows of buses we become toothless…

    Maybe with AS17 and Ox who can dribble we might make teams scared of defending in their 18 yard area…
    Also apart from Ramsey we do not have midfielders breaking into the box when needed…

    saying that referees have to award us penalties when we deserve them and we need to score more from our set-pieces as well…

    Do you believe CC21 should start ahead of Per with the high line?
    2 seasons ago we played deeper and had better goal difference last season we went the usual way and got killed on the counter loads of times because certain players gave the ball away so carelessly in key areas and we do not keep the shape when we are on the offensive…
    it looks good with players interchanging positions when it works but the down side is opening ourselves to the ‘sucker punch’ when we lose the ball…

  135. Nickie says:

    Nothing will be happening for at least a week on the transfer front anyways. Either Carvelho or Khedira would be great. Looking forward to the CS. A huge test to see how we stack up against City. Both teams missing key players

  136. Hell Raising Devil says:

    yes Tai….I think TommyV is going. but unless he goes we will not get another defender in. So will consider a CB only when he goes.

  137. Nickie says:

    If Verm goes we’re in the same position as last year. Chambers will just take Verms place with the option to cover RB and CM if desperate. But Wenger has said he will replace Verm if he leaves so I wouldn’t worry about our defensive options

  138. rico says:

    Afternoon Roger,

    I’d love a striker, although Giroud should be fit by the start of the season and we may just see those legs run a little bit quicker.

    Sanogo and Campbell did really well on Saturday, but think i’m going to wait and see how the PL suits them.

  139. rogerbij says:

    Agree with Tai, Carzola will be great this year, and like a few others hope he is played more often centrally, perhaps the rotation option with Ozil.

    Tsgh, oh yes, Im optimistic! nearly, nearly a wonderful team! Final pieces falling into place. A Ugandan friend I dropped in on thinks there are flashes of potential to recall 2003/04 with this squad. Hope he’s right!

  140. rico says:

    Nickie, me too, should tell us more although it’s not the bee all and end all if we don’t win as long as we play well.

    If we get a pasting though, it’ll be awful….

  141. Nickie says:

    A positive to Mert and Giroud is that with age they can’t really get any slower, they should still be good at what they do the older they get.

    Campbell imo will fair better in the PL to Sanogo. Campbell is naturally strong, he holds the ball so well and can ride a tackle

  142. rogerbij says:

    Indeed Rico, and it goes without saying that if one of Campbell/Sanogo go out on loan I would expect someone else (of unquestionable quality) brought in.

  143. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, “Do you believe CC21 should start ahead of Per with the high line”. We should get a better all round CB than BFG who can do it all if TV leaves, CC is not the answer for a title winning side, why is there a problem transferring asset from the bank to the pitch?

  144. tsgh says:

    Same here Nickie… personally I want to keep TV…
    majority may not agree though…

    I am not sure how and where we expect to find a CB with equal ability and experience this time of the window for a fee less than or equal to how much we get for him…

    CC21 looked good but we may be running ahead of ourselves if we believe a 19 y.o who has played less than 10 times at CB is ready…

    Even Rio had to learn from Stam and co at Yanited and Radebe at Leeds at a similar age.

    Not even AW admits his form dropped off during the end of the last season as one may expect for a youngster in this guerrilla warzone called EPL…

  145. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie, Sanogo’s only problem is his injuries. He’s the most prem-suited striker in our fold. But Campbell is good. Unfortunately, Akpom may be sent on loan.

  146. tsgh says:

    I agree Dna…
    Rico and co are confident we will get the final pieces to the puzzle in this last 4 weeks… lets hope that is the case…

    From what I have heard AW is hoping 1 or 2 players become available.. we are not desperate though…

  147. rico says:

    Nickie, hope you are right as both Giroud and Merts are slow enough… 😉

    Can see a good fight between the two for the place….

  148. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts, ‘versatile’ re campbell.

    Unless TV leaves, I don’t see Wenger getting more than just a DM in.

  149. Hell Raising Devil says:

    mates….Sanogo will start between 10 to 15 games this season. CAmpbell as well. That is enough to rest and rotate OG, Theo and Sanchez. And remember Podolski.

    That is why Cazorla should rotate and rest Ozil.

    Its the fact that AW should have balls and play them at the right moments that worries me. I hope he does not have problems unfastening his zipper when he is trying to find his balls.

  150. tsgh says:

    So if TV leaves in the last week AW has a defender lined-up? lol

    Kim Kalstrom comes to mind… 🙂

    How is a new defender in a specialist position as a CB going to gain understanding with his colleagues without proper pre-season.. another Le Squid I suspect..

    Unless Aw has an EPL based player lined-up…

  151. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, we are not desperate because the TW is still open, if it closes without AW getting a DM & CF and the team faces humiliation like last season, playing at the Ems is gonna be like an away game.

  152. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Come on, if the report that Khedira’s agent is in London, you guys in London here should quickly go check the address. lol.

  153. Nickie says:

    Ts,

    Inside winger, doesn’t suit out and out winger, doesn’t suit out and out striker. Does well when drifting in off the wing and attacking the defender or making late runs into box. I really like Campbell.

    Tai,

    Technically Sanogo isn’t best suited, secondly, I didn’t say Campbell was a striker. I said I believe Campbell to be best suited to the premier league more so than Sanogo.

    Campbell beats Sanogo for technical ability, strength, raw ability, pace, finishing.

    Rico

    I’d love to see them have a 200yard race, I think Giroud would just about pip Mert to gold lol

  154. tsgh says:

    I think we are done in defence…

    I believe from rumours that Aw is looking at Josuha and Asier to be available last minute.. then he is done.

  155. rico says:

    Nickie, my money is on Merts, unless the 200 yards are split in two and Merts has to make a turn…. 😉

  156. rico says:

    Nickie, I reckon Ts sauce is on a post it note which is stuck to one of the springs in his armchair….

  157. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, i hope your source is wrong, i would prefer AW kept the money in bank other than spending it on another project/average player, we already have enough.

  158. rockyrocastle07 says:

    OG12 only runs fast when running away in his pants from his latest conquest if she is holding a camera.

  159. tsgh says:

    Dna, is it Asier who is average or Josuha?

    Sami is obviously a big name but he is not equipped to play DM unless we expect AW to do some more conversion to a player who is approaching 28 y.o who averages 1 tackle a game?

    Fans want a replacement for Arteta or a beast but Khedira is neither imo…

  160. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie, I didn’t say technically. I said, as a striker, he the most real centre forward in our team presently that suits EPL most. And it’ll take ages for me to change that.

  161. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    I’m not always sold on this stat of tackle/game. When you have the physique, you can win your balls by shoving/shielding…while a smaller guy will adopt tackling.

  162. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nigeria’s Mikel Obi in Chelsea hardly tackles but that doesn’t make him inferior DM to Ramires, who tackles all game. Of the two, Mikel is a far better DM.

  163. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, Asier was good at Sociedad but struggle at Real while Josuha was good at SE but failed to impress at AM. Why take the risk with these players in a crucial position where every fan knows there is a weakness (CDM). What about JM from Bayern, with this player we know the position is secure for at least 6 yrs.

  164. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, Sami is not a CDM, but he would add more to our current MF than most at the club. Fans just want a physical presence/power in MF. 70% of the fans that go the Ems on game day don’t really care about stats. If you want to hide something from most human beings put it in writing.

  165. rico says:

    Ts, how do you know Khedira is not equipped for the PL? He’s never played in it…

    Rocky, I’ve no idea who they are on about either…. Must have missed that game… lol

  166. rico says:

    Gdna, I know you and Ts are having some kind of two way discussion, but I agree re Khedira, he’s not a DM but he’d be a bloody good addition. Last season Ramsey was overplayed because AW didn’t have a player he trusted to to him Ramsey a break.

    Come on down Sami Kherida….

  167. Adam says:

    Tai. Always ask a London cabbie for tickets. They have resources undreamed of by us mere mortals. Just ask Lee or Rocky.

  168. Adam says:

    I almost feel compelled to construct a witty riposte but fear I would be sent to have an early bath by Rico. 🙂

  169. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Hello!
    i’ve been abroad for one week and iI only know the scores (and defeats…)
    So, what’s happened?
    Jenkinson? Vermaelen? goalkeeper? DM?

  170. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie, Sanogo is only 21, comning up. Giroud is 28, at his peak. Experience wise, you’d give it to Giroud to lead lines now. But ib overall ability. Giroud is only better in aerial balls and hold-up play up…but why hold play up when you have the strength to drive toward goal?

    Sanogo has more pace, more positional sense and even a more unsettling presence for the opposition. The natural instinct to ba at the right place at the right is Sanogo’s greatest asset.

    Moreover, Giroud’s most annoying aspect of giving up on any ball once first attempt appears lost is not found in Sanogo…the 21-year old chases after every ball until it is truly lost. Last season, the assistant ref presented Giroud with a five-yard offside chance…he had already abandoned play without seeing the flag or hearing the whistle. That’s criminal…in the clandestine world, rule of surviving means shoot first and apologise later! It all boils down to laziness. Giroud is lazy…that’s why he prefers to hold up play instead of giving it a go.

    I’m not saying do away with Giroud…just told you why I think Sanogo is a better striker.

  171. Nickie says:

    I disagree. You can’t compare a guy who scored zero goals to a french national striker. You also can’t compare a guy who barely has a senior season under his belt. What use is that drive to goal when you can’t control the ball at your feet? Giroud is also better at scoring goals. Giroud is better at making assists. You could admire Sanogos chasing down but the wiser head would tell him not to chase every ball as he would get tired. Running about like a headless chicken helps no one. Giroud lazy? He closes down at the correct times, busts a gut to get the ball (even though he’s pace limits him) he defends his penalty area well from set pieces and also defends well when trapped inside our own half.

    I just told you why Giroud is a better striker

  172. Rick says:

    Evening Rico and the House.
    I have not had avery good day ,come on late and have just finished reading todays post and comments. As usual another good post Rico But saying that yours always are.
    Have a few observations to make about the weekend and some of todays comments .About to have dinner see you later.

  173. Wavy says:

    Just seen this in answer to your question Rico:

    Arsenal make £23.9m Carvalho bid
    Football
    Posted at 15:59

    Arsenal submit a £23.9m bid for 22-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, who has also been linked with Manchester City and Manchester United, reports London’s Evening Standard.

    BBC Sportsday

  174. rico says:

    Nickie, the very fact that Giroud scored 22 goals for Arsenal last season proves he is better than either Sanogo or Campbell.

    When either or both achieve the same, then perhaps there will be a reason to suggest one of them are better.

    I’m not a huge fan of Giroud, but he is proven, the other two are not. Not yet.

  175. Gunnerdna says:

    Rico, wasn’t Schurrle the player who provide the assist to Gotze goal for Germany in the WC final? He is back in training at CFC, where is LP?

  176. Gunnerdna says:

    Sunderland appeared to be one step closer to signing Manchester City’s Jack Rodwell after he was pictured at the club’s training ground on Monday.

  177. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie, you’re missing it.

    I started by giving you Sanogo’s age. Sanogo won U-20 with France. Giroud was not good enough to be picked by France at any junior level.

    Giroud is not a better goal scorer than Sanogo. He only has more experience. Sanogo does not run around like a headless chicken, he’s only showing his advantages over Giroud. Yes, Giroud’s biggest asset is his aerial abilities. He helps us defend set pieces. In fact, that’s where I want him to play always…his defending.

    There’s no need for much debate. The season will soon kick off and you start understanding. There’s big qualities in Sanogo … look closer.

  178. Nickie says:

    Tai,

    please stop talking to me as if I know nothing about football and Arsenal. This is an Arsenal blog where everyones opinion is heard. You coming across strongly as if i’m wrong…This is coming from a bloke who thinks Diaby is as good as Toure after the whole 2 games we’ve seen him play. We’re not going on U20s are we? I thought we were discussing capabilities in the premier league. I’m not missing anything Tai. I’m finished with talking about this with you as you’re so rude.

  179. rico says:

    Tai – not when it comes to naming transfer targets….

    Afobe to MK Dons – that’s him gone then, he’d be on loan in the PL if he was good enough.

    Wavy. Thanks, really hope we get him…

  180. Sukky says:

    Giroud is lazy?OMG,I can’t believe someone wrote that,Giroud and Ramsey are †̥ђƺ most hardworking players in our team.This guy even come back to tackle/mark,Maybe you haven’t notice that giroud always come back for our throwing.Wow!Giroud work rate is what made some arsenal fans loved him.Sanago vs Giroud?Don’t compare them now cos OG12 is way ahead.

  181. rico says:

    Tai. Sorry but I am with Nickie on this one. There is no way on this earth that Sanogo is better than Giroud. The guy has been injured for most of the last 2/3 years and he’s yet to score in the PL, despite having chances last season…

    Sanogo is a young kid who has barely played football – the two are gulfs apart…

  182. rico says:

    Agree again, no person on here is up for a lecture, that’s not the way HH runs. Debate yes, but no ramming a baseless view down someone else’s throat please!

  183. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Why is it that people who live in glass houses throw biggest stones then turn around and cry wolf?

    Nickie, you ran this argument deeper than it should have got. You made use of certain words i should have picked on but I didn’t…in arguments I permit certain levels.

    I never remembered whatever we discussed about Diaby. That’s me – I say it for the moment and drop it there. But when you carry a certain grudge from another day and base that as your bases, you’re already biased.

    I’ll never mention your name ever again. And I’ll steer clear of your posts and comments. Just remember to steer clear of mine.

    Tell me the name of your blog and I’d never click on it.

  184. bradster says:

    Giroud started well last season but was over used. Let’s hope he can recapture that initial form.
    Funny how Giroud needed replacing last season this time to been the best we can do this window
    Personally, for a cf with an aerial strength, he’s pretty crap at heading at goal.

  185. rico says:

    Tai. Comments like your last do not help anyone.

    You cannot talk to fellow people on here in such a way…

  186. rico says:

    Hi and a few others bradster, and good point about his heading ability but until one of the other two youngsters prove their worth, he’s still the better of them all imo.

    Maybe in 3/4 months time, things will appear different but right now, he’ll start the season as our main striker I think….

  187. Nickie says:

    I have thrown no stones and I haven’t stepped out of line here. It’s a debating blog Tai if you can’t handle it then it’s not for you. What argument have I run deep? An honest discussion about Giroud Vs Sanogo. It got too much for you because someone disagreed with your views? Why you being so aggressive/hostile lol….I don’t have a blog, that’s why I come here to enjoy the company of my fellow fans.

  188. rico says:

    Gdna, I don’t know but I don’t know why, if fit, he hasn’t played this weekend. Of course my hope is that he’s being kept fit and another club signs him. I really do.

    But a friend of mine suggested something else, and that was maybe Shad has taken over his fitness regime and wants to play it safe…

    For me the safest thing is to sell him.

  189. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Rico

    Are you truly saying you’ve gone through our comments and find me guilty? And nothing really wrong with his last comment?

    And Nickie, point those comments I made out … let me see them…point out those areas you said I was being rude…I really want to see them.

  190. Nickie says:

    It’d be a shame but maybe it’s time to rid ourselves of him like you said Rico. Only problem with that is would Wenger buy a replacement (as if he needed replacing) or would he promote Zelalem to a more full time first team role

  191. rico says:

    Today’s comments, yes Tai. But I will read again….

    Perhaps the best way forward is a cyber handshake?

  192. rico says:

    I’d have sold him a while ago Nickie, trouble is, he’s never been fit so no other club would be interested….

    Gdna, maybe that should have said ‘the best’ thing is to sell him…

  193. Nickie says:

    just told you why I think Sanogo is a better striker. (rude) had the “you just got told” attitude about it.

    Nickie, you’re missing it. (implying i’m blind/don’t have a clue)

    There’s no need for much debate. The season will soon kick off and you start understanding. There’s big qualities in Sanogo … look closer. (no need for debate suggesting my points are irrelevant. Also suggesting I don’t understand football and that i’m blind again which is rude)

    I’ll never mention your name ever again. And I’ll steer clear of your posts and comments. Just remember to steer clear of mine.

    Tell me the name of your blog and I’d never click on it. (no need for this retaliation/reaction)

    Nickie, you ran this argument deeper than it should have got. (upset someone doesn’t agree with you)

    overall I wasn’t being rude or disrespectful. I was simply putting forward my reasons why I believed Giroud to be the better striker. Sorry but this is meant to be a friendly debate and I didn’t like the way I was spoken to. Things can be perceived wrongly through text but based on your last few comments it’s evident you’re not being friendly about it.

  194. Gonerjoe says:

    Tai’s point that at under age level Sanogo has a much better record than Giroud.
    Whether he goes on to have a better senior career in football is up for debate but Wenger has a lot fate in him.

  195. Nickie says:

    lol let shad work his magic then recoup some of them wages! if not i’m sure a vacancy to be the gunnersaraus will open sooner or later

  196. Gunnerdna says:

    The final of the ICC Cup between Man U & Liverpool in Miami tonight is gathering a major excitement between fans in the US, its unbelievable, they all forgetting its a pre-season game. lol

  197. tsgh says:

    Rico, I never said ”Khedira is not equipped for the PL” not sure where that came from? please read my 5:04 again…

    Tai.. Mikel is a good midfielder but he was dropped for Matic and before that for Lampard for a reason… actually he averages just over 2 tackles a game though…

    I am not sure where I said Khedira is not good enough for Arsenal. Infact when I wrote a post on DM a month or so ago I said Khedira is one player I wanted but we will still need someone to sit infront of the back 4..

    My point in response to folks saying Flamini and Arteta need to be dropped has always been that we needed someone in the box to box role to win the ball; it can’t be left to a DM alone to do that job… Als if we are to replace either of above with khedira in the line-up who will play the DM role if you also assert you do not want Ramsey in the DM role?

  198. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    You asked pointedly if I thought Sanogo was a better player than Giroud…and I told you the qualities of Sanogo I’ve seen to make me affirm he’s the most-suited EPL striker in our fold….and I ended by telling you …I didn’t say we should do away with Giroud …just told you why I think Sanogo is better….What was the word ‘think’ doing there if i was forcing it down your throat?.

    You responded with using the phrase running around like a headless chicken…then ended it with

    just told you why Giroud is better than Sanogo.

    Between us, who was trying to force it down another person’s throat. Who was lecturing as Rico put it?

    You’re missing it in the context means you’re not getting why I was driving at … I already told you Giroud would still take no 1 spot because of experience…haven’t I conceded by that that Sanogo is not yet better? But my debate, that Rico called baseless, is that he’d soon take that top from Giroud.

    If anybody lost his cool, you clearly did…and when you started by shouting on me to stop talking to you, were you expecting me to start begging you to rescind your decision…

    Never truly would understand why my open-minded interest to discuss things Arsenal here is being misinterpreted from all corners…

  199. tsgh says:

    I also said inter alia at 11:45 am

    ”What we do need is a Khedira or Diaby to help out 40% of the time…”

    I may talk bollox but I am consistent in my bollox. 🙂

  200. Nickie says:

    I didn’t shout. I calmly said I wasn’t debating with you anymore as I thought you was rude. That is all. It’s in the past now. Let’s forget and move on please.

    Guys red membership help, When do they send your red member card? almost immediately?

  201. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Maybe I make too many comments…maybe there’s really more to it that I can’t yet piece together.

  202. Rick says:

    Dinner over.
    DNA your 4.26 every one involved with the youth setup have been waiting for the lad to sign his pro contract.The fact that it was the day after he turned 17 shows you how high he is rated.
    I have seen a photo of him signing his contract with his proud parents looking on. Jonker is standing behined him with someone else who I do not know
    Jonker was at the game on Friday and was seen taking notes. It has not taken him long to become involved has it?

  203. Gonerjoe says:

    Rico we have different views on what Arsenal should do with Diaby and that’s fine but gdna is right who would buy him.
    RVP proves that an injury prone player can come good and is worth persevering with.
    How about TV5 he’s record of injury is not great either he’s had 12 injuries in the time he’s been at Arsenal.
    I feel that we should sell TV5 and buy in another CB to replace him this may sound two faced but we have very little cover at CB.

  204. Nickie says:

    i’m offering out my soft smooth well manicured virtual hand for a hand shake Tai. I’ll apologise and say i’m sorry if i’ve upset you. I must have mis interpreted what you wrote. You do have some great points and a beautiful writing style but there are times we will not see eye to eye. I guess it just got out of hand this time. Apologise to HH members also if I caused any offence to anyone.

  205. potter says:

    Sanogo has had one good day as has Campbell . Sanogo has had a few games , Campbell has had one. Giroud has scored 27 goals in 70 appearances . Logically Giroud will start as number one , Sanogo and Campbell will have to fight for the 20 minute cameo at the end of matches. What they do on these occasions will denote whether they will eventually get the jersey .

  206. Nickie says:

    apologies*

    Micko,

    For red membership? I bloody hope not just sucked £36 quid out of my account haha…

    Can anyone shed some light on the membership card? When does it come? you’ve got me worried now Micko lol

  207. tsgh says:

    Really Rico… I but a bit surprised you are saying I made a comment at 5;04 i haven’t made… but hey…

    Micko, I know I am due the naughty step… I haven’t been told off in 3 days which is rare.. 🙂

  208. rico says:

    Rick, I reckon Jonker is ready to rule… Well, if AW says he can… lol

    Joe, how long do the club persevere though, especially as Diaby is in his last year of his contract…

  209. tsgh says:

    Crowley and his family.. he looks very proud. All the best to him for the future…

    Daniel crowley @danielcrowley24 · 4h
    Buzzing to have singed my first professional contract,thanks to my family and agent for helping me along the way! pic.twitter.com/jAUtpvaUEH
    Embedded image permalink

  210. tsgh says:

    Rico.. I know I am on your site but where exactly have I stated in black and white that Khedira is not equiped for PL?

    tsgh says:
    August 4, 2014 at 5:04 pm
    Dna, is it Asier who is average or Josuha?

    Sami is obviously a big name but he is not equipped to play DM unless we expect AW to do some more conversion to a player who is approaching 28 y.o who averages 1 tackle a game?

    Fans want a replacement for Arteta or a beast but Khedira is neither imo…

  211. rico says:

    Ts.

    Sami is obviously a big name but he is not equipped to play DM unless we expect AW to do some more conversion to a player who is approaching 28 y.o who averages 1 tackle a game?

    Says it all…..

  212. Micko says:

    Nickie, I wasn’t scaremongering, if they’ve taken your money you’ll definately get them next week.
    tsgh, your always being told off, you just don’t realise it !

  213. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    I din’t see that Nickie before my last comment. It wasn’t really what you said that actually hurt me most…

    But to problem. I didn’t intend to be rude to you or anyone here…but it seems I’d hire an English teacher to be able to express myself freely here. maybe I’d henceforth be posting direct to an editor before posting here to avoid further misunderstanding.

  214. Nickie says:

    stop being silly Tai 🙂 there’s no need for that. You probably write and talk better English than myself. Certainly by your post the other day which blew anything I ever wrote out the water. We both got the wrong end of the stick. Let’s sweep it under the rug and continue our happy blogging 🙂

  215. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    You’re welcome Nickie…you got me hot and now cool…

    Put your money though…we’ll both be celebrating Giroud and Sanogo at end of coming season.

  216. Rick says:

    Brad your 12.59 ref Chriss Olsson, this is how i see it mate,
    For the first time since the introduction of the 25man rule it looks like Arsene will go with a full squad. Now he has stated the downside of this is he cannot give any playing time to the younger players.If you add Ox Chambers Sonago and Bellirine to the squad this brings the total to 29, and I just cannot see the likes of Hayden, Akpom and Olsson getting much playing time.
    Now last season Zelaman (wrongly I think) was chosen before Chriss who was mainly used as a sub. As I see it ,it will be the same this season.
    Now in a recent interview Chris was asked what are your hopes for the season .He stated I am hoping to be given the chance to challenge for the first team as I do not think only playing now and again with the u21 team will further my career. If this is the case I would rather go on loan.
    Brad I should add I am one of his biggest fans as I see him as a clone of T/R and I hope to see hime follow in his footsteps. But sadly there is every chance he will not.
    I hope you dont think I have been long winded but I just do not think he is dictating Its just my opinion mate.

  217. Rick says:

    Hi Ginge.
    Just like you I am not ashamed to admitt I am a akb, i just love the guy. Now I think you know I have been a Gooner for a bloody long time and I only have eyes for one club . I only watch the games that we are invovled with so most of the players every one is hoping we sign I have never seen play,so I will leave the debate to all that have seen them.
    BUT there is one player who I saw playing in the c/l last season that realy impressed and that is Gabi of A/m. Do you know much about him would he be any good to us?

  218. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Evening fine folk,

    AW had this to say…..Oxlade-Chamberlain gave us something we needed – some penetration and some power. regarding the game vs Monaco.

    so he knows. AW actually knows we need pace and power. And he said that Sanchez played better with Ox than he had with Wilshere, Arteta and Cazorla, who do not have much pace and neither do they have physical power.

    So if he knows it why does he not sign those type of players? We need pace and power!!!! Right?????

    I love Arteta and Cazorla and their calming influence and character, but my love for AFC eclipses the love I have for any player.

  219. Gonerjoe says:

    Tsgh
    Your 16.30 post this afternoon you stated if we got the penalties we are due I agree.
    One point which I am sure you know it could be said that Arsenal not winning the PL came down to just 4 penalties. One each in the home games against Chelsea and man city one away not given at WBA and finally the one given against us against stoke.
    Sorry if I sound like a broken record on this issue I just feel it doesn’t get enough coverage.

  220. Rick says:

    Evening Coach. having seen both games I am in full agreement with you. I think all the players who played in the world cup are far from fit and I am hoping for better thins on sunday.
    Like you I love Cazorla but I thought he was poor . Do you think he has other things on his mind?

  221. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Hi Rico.

    Hi Rick. I do not think Cazorla has other things on his mind. at least I do not judge certain things on friendlies. Not all players turn themselves on for friendlies. Its like having cheese cakes…..if you get them once a week you eat them blissfully, but if you eat three or four a day they will no longer entice you.

    AW must start doing like Sir red nose used to do……rest, chop, rotate and change till December and then settle on a squad from January onwards.

    And with the squad we have AW can surely rotate now and rest some of his players. Remember this time last year we had two players who AW did not trust….Bendy and Park. Now we have Sir4gls and Joel. And they impressed him.

    So in effect we have two players more this season than last season.

  222. Gonerjoe says:

    Micko
    In the spirit of today’s Working out of a miss-understanding it seems I miss-understood a comment you made on Friday so I offer you an apology.

  223. rogerbij says:

    Brilliant entertainment tonight on HH! Goodness me 🙂 Indeed Giroud is better than Sanogo atm, no question, as he scored 20 odd goals last season to zero. But indeed Tai, Sanogo has the potential and we all hope all our players suceed in a big way. Then we will be , well, invincible 😉 in reality we judge players on how they actually have performed over many top level games, rather than what we hope they can do. So so looking forward to the season!

  224. Hell Raising Devil says:

    And another thing……if AW really wanted and trusted TommyV why would he have left him out so often and put him in when necessity required it? He should have used him more often to rest Per and Kos.

    Imo…..AW wants TommyV to go. He is using the correct words to fetch as much as he can for the captain. Even the contract offering was a smokescreen…..so that it would seem that the player is refusing it not the club want him to go.

  225. Hell Raising Devil says:

    And yes…….like some on here I do feel that there is a difference between AW buys and Hale end/club buys.

  226. tsgh says:

    Hi Rick hope you are well?..
    Gabi is world class now but is 31 y.o according to wiki so unfortunate he may not be available; he was not the typical Spanish player i.e tippy tappy CM but a tackling DM so was overlooked and only played with lower level clubs until recently. He is appreciated by the ‘thug’ Simeone.. 😉

  227. Rick says:

    Dev If you look at last years squad there 4 players who hardley kicked a ball, this left us with only 18 players over 21. This coming season there will 25 and Arsene cannot have any excuses not to rotate can he?

  228. Rick says:

    Ginge not very good at the moment 2 bad weeks on the trott.
    This morning went to the funeral of one of my neighbours, and had an x-ray this afternoon. Wed going to the funeral of my next door neighbour and I just cant wait for this week to end. Bloody cancer
    why can’t they find a cure for it. A good win Sunday and things will change though.

  229. potter says:

    Quote from Wiki :- Olsson revealed that it was the drive of Arsenal Academy manager, Liam Brady, who persuaded Arsène Wenger to sign him, that persuaded Olsson himself to sign for Arsenal.[5]

    As we said earlier , get signed as a Wenger idea and get the breaks , join any other way and fight for position and leave after a few years.

  230. Rick says:

    Rico ,Potter thanks for your kind words.I have been lucky for the past 18 months and I have no intention of giving up.
    By the way good luck for your op Potter, a friend of mine had a hip replaced 2years and is now far more moble than was ten years ago, and says he feels like a new man.

  231. potter says:

    Perspective I suppose , my first trip to Highbury was a stand on the clock end with my mother in 1956.

  232. Micko says:

    Hip replacement, there’s hope for diaby yet !!!
    Rick, hope everything turns out ok re the x-rays, you know you got all our support on here.

  233. Adam says:

    Just read this evening’s comments. Rick, I am really sorry to hear that news. All the best mate. You’re in our prayers.

  234. BrainwashedKev says:

    Typical, I turn my back for 5 minutes and Adam is on here stirring it up and causing a big barney….

    Oh Great One from E11, we are not worthy.

  235. BrainwashedKev says:

    Whats that Rick, you Tom & Dick mate.

    Take care now, you are always interesting to read so you hurry up and get well.

  236. BrainwashedKev says:

    So Afobe has gone on loan to MK Dons…

    Shame about that kid, I really thought he had ‘it’..,

  237. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Bonjour not Bojour.

    Have we all considered that if AW gets a DM……one of Arteta and Flamini will leave!!!!

    imo it will be Arteta. I will be sorry to see him go. But it seems A Bilbao want him according to NN

    And Monreal too. But if Monreal goes…..AW needs another LB pronto.

  238. Adam says:

    Morning Brudder. Beautiful out there today. To answer your question. I haven’t seen any of them play. Not that this prevents me from having a strong opinion about it though. 🙂

  239. Sukky says:

    If we sign a DM,I hope its flamini that will make way not Arteta.Arteta is still important to †̥ђƺ team.And will anyone on earth compare Giroud with sanogo?That’s actually very funny because he scored 4 goals(mostly tap in).Well,I think I know about us(arsenal fans) is that,we can be funny.

  240. Sukky says:

    I want †̥ђƺ devil to kill Morinho by helping him sell peter cech,this will may them struggle since turtoise is not in cech’s level.Personally,I don’t rate him.I think de gea and turtoise are on †̥ђƺ same page even our WS01 is ahead

  241. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Morning Rico, Lee, Adam and Sukky.

    Much as I agree with you Sukky, I feel that it will be Arteta who makes place. For the simple reason that his age and contract are against him. He is in his last year at the Ems and no new contract has been offered.

    But I have a feeling that Arteta, even if he goes, will return to the club in a coaching role.

    Unless AW has a tete-a-tete with him and he opts to stay to lead the team whenever its possible and be used like Rosicky….sparingly and when needed with the promise of a coaching role.

  242. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Sorry Lee…..but I would rather AW bought only from mainland Europe. I have nothing against Africans, Asians, South Americans, Ozzies and Americans but I feel we have suffered enough from those countries.

  243. Adam says:

    Just me perhaps but I have never seen Hernandez as a 90 minute player. He can come on late in the game and score a goal though.

  244. Hell Raising Devil says:

    same here Adam. players of his ilk, like Solskyaer as well are not 90 minute players. They cannot be tied down to set tactical plans. So they are introduced as plan B when throwing caution to the winds or to rest a forward and change the mentality for the last 30 minutes.

    you are 100% spot on imo

  245. Hell Raising Devil says:

    enjoy Lady.

    Are you leaving your chicks unattended???

    I’ll do anything to be near your coop atm. 😉 😆

  246. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I know it is a bit far fetched my friends….but wouldnt it be hilarious if we got Carvalho and then bought Hummels as well?????

    both were being sought by Yanited of Manure and we snatched them from under their noses.

    and to rub it in TommyV goes to Barca.

    now what would the little boy say?

  247. Hell Raising Devil says:

    but I feel only Carvalho will arrive now.

    and the cheque book will be closed, padlocked and thrown in the deep pits of the underworld.

    its burning a hole in AW’s hand atm

  248. tsgh says:

    BES still want 50% of william carvalho’s fee as they own part of his rights too… I personally believe all rumours are baseless at the moment…

    Morning Rico, Dev, Nickie and all

  249. rogerbij says:

    Devil, I floated that idea too yesterday and totally agree with you. That would be epic. Power! Its not outside the realms of possibility to buy both, but even one of them would be a great buy.

  250. tsgh says:

    Not forgetting AW’s old nemesis Jorge Mendez is his agent… lol

    His clients including José Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Carlos Queiroz, Fat Anderson, Fábio Coentrão, Pepe, Ángel di María, Cristiano Ronaldo, Radamel Falcao García, Ricardo Carvalho, Nani, Ricardo Quaresma, Burak Yılmaz, João Moutinho, James Rodríguez, David de Gea and Víctor Valdés…

    I guess if we cough up load and big enough we will get him…

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