Morning all.
Yet again the William Carvalho rumours notched up a gear last night when a few headlines suggested the players agent has been spotted in London as a deal is hoped to be thrashed out and completed. Whether there is any substance to these headlines remains to be seen but if they are true and the player arrives at Arsenal in the nest few days, we’d be happy right?
Ok he’s young but he’s already earning a very good reputation in Portugal but apparently his price is a bit high and suggestion in the newspapers is that we are trying to pay a chunk of the fee up front and then see how he get’s on before paying any more.
So why would they sell him if he’s that good? Probably for the same reasons we have had to sell our better players over the last few years, they need the money.
Another story doing the rounds relates to Olivier Giroud. He’s supposed to have agreed a new deal which will keep him at the club for a few years yet.
Despite his 22 goals last season, George Graham doesn’t think that he, together with Sanogo and Campbell are enough to really make us champions:
They’ve brought in real class in Sanchez, but are going to need someone else to finish all the wonderful chances they make.
Arsenal will be challenging if they get another two or three players.
However, Alisher Usmanov thinks otherwise:
The club is very well placed to succeed, I think we begin a new era for Arsenal where we win trophies.
That is most important for football. In my opinion, in line with the existing rules, the club has the correct decision-making process in place, including their selection policy, especially now, when they have the means to buy the best players.
Who do you think is right, as it stands are we well equipped to win a few trophies, or is George Graham right, we need two/three players in, including a striker?
I’d love to see another striker signed but I simply can’t see it happening, not after Arsene Wenger’s comments at the weekend about the two younger players, and Akpom who sits right on their tails. Alexis of course, will top the lot.
Wenger also said that one, maybe two more signings will come in before the transfer window opens and my own thought is that those two will be a CDM and a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen.
Then again, the manager could have been playing with the media as he likes to do quite often and Ivan and Dickie are still busy bees….
Gossip:
The Daily Mail report that Athletic Bilbao are interested in both Mikel Arteta and Nacho Monreal.
The Sun report that Thomas Vermaelen is desperate to leave and will force through a move to either Man Utd or Barcelona.
It has to be Barcelona, it just has to be…
There’s an interview with Alisher Usmanov in The Telegraph here if you are interested…
Have a great day all, let’s have a squabble free one eh……
Not again…
I’m with GG….who’s up for a squabble???!
lol Morning Rico and all.
Morning rico, all etc…
Oxcellent post rico, didn’t know arsenal have a nest though.
Khedira or Carvalho?
Usmanov agreeing with the club? Hope the world won’t end tomorrow.
She is not around isn’t she???
ok lets start a hot one. who is up for a couple of punches??
Oyyyyy Kev………you can come out now.
Put em up, put em up!! hehe
Did anyone watch the Manu vs Liv game? Anyone overly impresses, did either team look fearsome?
did anyone overly impress?*
Morning all, Usmanov is right, squabble free day you say Rico was there one yesterday?
coach do you think we still need a striker? and if yes is that not saying Akpom has no chance……I have never watched akpom play in competitive matches btw
I’ll like to see calvarho in arsenal colours next season
We always need better players than the ones we have Luznic. So if you tell me to do away with Giroud, Sanogo, Campbell and Akpom…..and replace them with Aguero, Falcao, Lewandoski and Muller my answer would be YES.
So another striker better than the ones we have will always be needed. However knowing AW and some of the way he thinks its possible that we will remain with what we have
Morning all. Not fussed if we sell Vermaelen to Utd. Don’t think he’s all that.
Good post Rico…
I read on-line that jorge was in paris so unless William has anotehr agent his agent was not in London..
Nickie, Yanited looked very impressive against RM but not as dominate against Liverpool imo..
It could be argued that Yanited are slightly more advanced in preparation due to the EPL starting a week before La liga.
We may dislike the face of LvG but make no mistake he is a big game manager…
Yanited won 3-1 btw…
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Nacho, Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal, Illarramendi, Alonso, Modric, Bale, Isco
Manchester United: De Gea, M Keane, Jones, Evans, Valencia, Herrera, Fletcher, Young, Mata, Rooney, Welbeck
I’ve been impressed with Man u…the same team Moyes had. What a difference a WC manager can make. He has yet to really open the cheque book on players he wants. I’m sure he’ll bring in top class too. Liverpool out of top 4 Man U in?
In LvG’s set-up there is no need for brute in front of the back 4 or 3…. the 3-4-1-2 appears to be working wonders thus far…
Also LvG like Sir Alex before him knows and appreciates the importance of someone like Fletcher ( a runner/work horse) in the squad so has captained the side on a few occasions…
Sir Alex never signed a DM after Keano and Butt or should I say Djemba-Djemba… lol
Fellaini is reputedly available if anyone is interested. lol
Herrera and Fletcher i.e Mikel and Ramsey patrolling in front of the back 3 with Valencia and Luke shaw/A.young as wing backs looks very impressive…
AW needs to take note…
Devil,I think am up for few punches,LOL.I don’t think we need a striker,we have campell,poldi and alexie even sanogo(emeka favourite).I think we don’t wanna stall their development,I think that’s why Remy is not brought.We have a really strong squad just I DM I think.I think Javi Martinez is †̥ђƺ perfect guy,he’s very guy at that position,†̥ђƺ combination of arteta and a beast in one,he’s very strong and he’s tall,even if TV05 leave,he can cover for DM too.
Hi Sukky… if we were to get Javi Martinez loads of folks will be pleased…
there are still options available on the market to provide us with some physical presence… AW just needs to lower his ‘standards’ a bit…
Morning All
Morning Rico
Morning Rock, still waiting on them emails… 😉
Morning Kev. I’ll have another look in a sec and punt anything on
Dev- Esteban Cambiasso is still a free agent… is he too old?
If we are to buy William it will be the first time we own a player who is under TPO…
Potter/Wath if you are about.. are you familiar with the FA rules on that matter?
Morning All…
Another good KISS.
Carvalho’s is fast turning into one of those rumours AW will rubbish at next pre-match conference.
Anybody will ignore Man Utd this season at his/her peril. I watched their games against Real and Liverpool. From preseason games involving EPL teams I’ve seen(I watched Chelsea where both Costa and Fabregas scored), United are in best shape. I watched City vs Liverpool too.
Good morning all HHers,
I think Calum is the replacement for Tv05. Hector was ranked ahead if Jenko so Jenko on loan. Calum is a 4 in one player ala Flamini of 2005/06.
Calum is above there with Kosser
Hi Rico
Coach you got me salivating with that quartet you just mentioned and however its a dream, reality is that we are stuck with Giroud and Sirnogoal and if AW is buying he might buy another average striker knowing fully well he depends on Giroud and won’t let another striker have that spot so I think in the striking department we are done and pls who is this carvalho guy and why is he that expensive?
Cheers Rock
morning gents…..nice read Rico……I’m firmly in the “we need a striker”camp but I more than anything Want us to go into the season better prepared and ready mentally and tactically with or without any additions
ts cambiasso? we already have a very good player in arteta but he is getting on don’t see cambiasso as an improvement age wise we are better off with a younger player IMO
Ginge I am sure Liverpool is dropping out of the top 4 again, man utd will be back in the top 4, winning the EPL will be a big ask for them I suspect an Arsenal Chelsea battle for the title, with only Fernando added and possibly eliaquim mangala and how they struggled winning the league at the last lap I see a city coming 3rd or 4th and Chelsea wants to win it and its time Arsene steps us his tactical nous because he has the quality to challenge after the DM thing is sorted imo
One thing about Usmanov is that he has always been for the club but not appreciative of the way it was run at the top. He has always said that Wenger is the right man to manage but has criticised the ex shareholding directors that made personal fortunes but did not re-invest in the club. With the rumour of a stadium capacity increase being sought maybe he is suggesting a different way of financing the deal than just as usual shoving the prices up.
Potter, have you heard the rumour about capacity increase? I heard it a while ago from a good source, but haven’t had it validated…
Hi snap/luznic…
in the idea world we will get a new striker and stop attacking with 2 fbs but….
re city luznic, Sagna and Lampard will be exception buys for them imo…
On the strikers they have it depends on who turns up. Aguero scored 20 goals last season but the season before he only scored 7 goals from over 30 appearances…
I think fans and pundits are cruel on OG12… he might be slow and cumbersome but he ranks up there with some of the best in Europe imo…
ideal*
exceptional*
Anyone informed/up to speed on the FA’s rules on third party ownership?
I found this info on TPO re wiliam carvalho…
What do the current rules say?
Following the saga involving the two Argentinean players both the Football Association and the FA Premier League introduced rules through the Premier League rules and the FA Third Party Player Ownership Regulations outlawing any form of third party player ownership in English football.
The rules require that a player’s registration and economic rights are not retained by any third party when a player is transferred and registered with a new club. The new club must be the sole owner of the rights.
These regulations do not apply retrospectively, however, meaning that any existing third party player ownership which does not fall foul of the previous rules will be allowed until that player is transferred.
Premier club must own full 100% of players rights for him to play for us. We’d need to hunt down who owns % of him and negotiate with them also. Very messy
Morning good people….whats new? Have we signed Jason Roberts yet? Wenger out. OG is shit. Ozil can’t control the game. Santi is old and dingy. Sanchez was a waste of transfer funds. We should have bought a pl proven striker Darren bent comes to mind. Why spend 16 million on a 19 year old. Wilshire ll never cut it. Rambo holds on to the ball for too long. He’s not arsenal quality. Ship him out or loan him to manure. AOC is injury prone and haven’t improved since 2002. He needs to make wat for Stuart downing.
Don’t even start me up on artekkers. Soji 😀
ts exactly what I want to hear from you about OG12, he scored 22 goals last season not saying he is the best we should have but apart from the fact he looses more chances than he scores and he still got 22 I believe he will get at least 30 this season and the press will start singing something else
Is that capacity increase still rumbling on? Heard about it last year, with the bullshit theory that the seats in certain sections were to be made smaller to fit more in.
nice post
Any squad could always be better, but I think we’ll be competitive with against all team we’ll face this campaign. It’s very easy to highlight a players deficiencies, but who’s available who’ll get you 20+ goals. The grass is not always greener. I just hope Wenger picks the forwards who are doing well in training and not stick with Giroud because he’s ‘the main man’. The energy you get from Sonogo would be a better fit for some of the tough away days than the more laboured Giroud, with his closing down he defends from the front much more effectively in my opinion (which is of no consequence at all) but, (hypothetical question) would Sonogo have been able to play Giroud’s role in Wilshere’s goal against Norwich? Moreover would he, if given Giroud’s opportunities from last season have scored as many goals?
For me the one Arsenal player who’s name we see on the team-sheet far too often is the no8. If Wenger needs someone to almost exclusively alternate passing to the fullbacks and centre-halfs he could call on me. I can also foul players as they go past me and I seem to remember dilly-dallying on the ball was one of my strong areas.
Wenger sign me up
Morning all, just…
Just going to catch up…
Morning Goonie , take another tablet , sit down , have a coffee and come back when you feel better.
ts I like giroud but seriously comparing him to some of the best is just not right he does a job and is very selfless but he is not one of the best in the world imo……did you see kondogbia? he really impressed me
Half a seat, half a fee then rocky..
Howdy potter…how are ya? A coffee you say? Nah I ll rather have a beer thank you.
Of course Rico!! I can really see Stan going for that! I wonder if he has done it at his stadiums in the Land of Gluttony?
Re 3rd party ownership, how did Tevez manage to get in the PL when he did? Wasn’t his ownership shared?
A very good article on our DM issues/concerns…
No AFC player has made more tackles than Mikel too… interesting… stats bashers may disagree 67% tackle success…
Saying that PV04 had a tackle success rate of 81% in 2003/04 he made a colossal 140 tackles that season; only Davides came close in the whole of Europe, Petite 57% whilst Silva had 67% with Parlour 73% the second highest in our squad in the early 2000s .
Roy Keane won a superior 78% with Makelele and Helguera only winning 62%
It all goes to show Aw missed a trick last summer not pushing the boat out for Cabaye instead of going for a free Flamini…
http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4016/main/2014/08/05/5007283/do-arsenal-still-need-another-midfielder
It was Rico,. Kia Jorabchian or whatever his name was owned him and Mad Masch I think. May be wrong…
According to this site… the rules changed after Tevez and Mascherano..
http://www.inbrief.co.uk/football-law/third-party-ownership-football-players.htm
What is the position in England in relation to third party player ownership?
Third party player ownership was relatively non-existent in English football until only a couple of seasons ago when two Argentine players were transferred to a club which would not usually have been able to attract such high class stars.
Both of the players were still owned by a third party, a company run by a football agent, meaning that if the players were sold on by the club then that company would get a large percentage of the transfer fee. The players were brought to the small club as a means of introducing the third party ownership and then making huge sums of money when the players were sold on to bigger clubs – which they both were.
Was this illegal under the Football Association rules?
At the time third party player ownership was not banned outright as the Premier League rules only forbid clubs from entering into contracts with a third party which would allow that third party to materially influence the clubs policies or the performance of its teams.
This did not, however, outlaw all third party player ownership. In the above case, however, this rule was broken as the contract with the third party owners gave them the exclusive right to negotiate any transfer involving that player.
Me too Rocky, that greedy so and so is about making money, not spending it. Well, until this summer and that’s only down to the two sponsorship deals I suspect….
Snap/Luznic… Og12 is like the retired boxer Joe Calzaghe… he threw loads of punches but not all were knockout punches…
Some boxers throw far less and may be deemed efficient. It depends on style
I heard the roof could come off and stadium built higher…
Or we could ditch the platinum seats etc and have the space for “normal” folk
Those seats are about a mile wide each
Exactly that Rico.
Nickie/Devil. Your earlier was funny…
Trouble posting…
Rico 🙂
Ahh well, I’ve tried to post a tweet on here from Tony Leen who seems reliable that Arsenal have tabled a bid for Carvalho.
Never been to a game there Rocky, nor seen the stadiums on television, are they that big?
Sky were reporting on the crowd capacity at the top American football clubs the other day, 70,000 plus at some of the grounds.
Incredible considering the sport isn’t considered to be that popular in the States..
Morning all, good post rico.
Nickie re your 10:43 am, Liverpool dominated the 1st half with Sterling & Contino tormenting Utd 3 at the back (Smalling, Evans & Jones), Sterling won a penalty after a rash tackle from Jones, Liverpool created more chances but failed to capitalize. After half time LVG made some adjustment by bringing on Blackett for Evans and also limiting the space that was allowed to RS & PC, Liverpool become toothless and the quality of Utd attack won them the game. Both teams needs CBs, while Liverpool needs a player who is capable of scoring. Watching Jones, Evans & Smalling play at CB if LVG gamble by not making the right additions they won’t make the top 4. The two best players for the duration of the game was Rooney & Sterling.
Nickie, new site will be up and running soon I hope. All problems should go then. She says with fingers/toes crossed firmly….
Lee, I think the roof might come off if the ticket prices go up again…
I don’t really know much about boxing ts so I’m lost but just so we are clear giroud is a good player a little underappreciated yes but don’t try to overate his ability ………….interesting that article you posted pv04 was so good its unfair to compare anybody with him currently IMO cracking player
Rico – You know how they are…. Bigger and brasher the better.
Ts – Calzaghe never threw punches. he threw clenched-fist bitch slaps.
Hehe nice one 🙂 It was just a tweet that may interest some but I wrote it out anyways
Thanks Gdna. With our attack/midfield shaping nicely and taking our new found defensive stability into next year we should beat these teams especially with a cough..carvalho..cough
Another day of Olivier Giroud?
Hope not. The sight of his name bores me to tears
just pulling your leg Rico.
you see………we stayed quiet and cheerful.
Nice post you wrote today. but if there is a third party I feel that AW will steer clear of it.
Or will he??
Rocky, AFC would be happy having a stadium like the Michigan Stadium (the big house) can host 115,000 fans. lol
I read some where when Arsenal where fitting out the stadium they put in seats that are 2 inchs wider than seats in other English stadiums.
It also stated that if Arsenal had put in normal sized seats the capacity of the stadium would have been 66,000.
Thanks Gdna..
Rocky, and that’s just the Americans.. lol
Nickie, I found your two comments in spam, it was the links that sent them there…
They’d never fill it Joe.. lol
Afternoon all, Rico, nice post, squabbling yesterday you say, tsk, missed that.
Thanks Bt, I think it’s the signings, we aren’t used to them… 😉
Giroud would be a shit boxer…
Devil, I knew, it was funny.. Thanks re the post by the way..
I’ll be honest, I’d forgotten about the problems with Carvalho’s third party ownership. Unless that get’s sorted he’ll no doubt be staying in Portugal..
Giroud looks shit IN boxers.
sorry, I forgot….. He wears tighty whities…
Thing is DNA – Stan would still have the most expensive tickets in the world even if there was a 115k capacity.
Americans have big arses…..fact.
You building a new house rico.
I’m of the view, a new striker is a must and DM, TV, i’m holding the door open, hurry, my boot is itching to bid you farewell.
Rico not sure they would get the increase in capacity past the local NIMBYS and the fans would all have to go on diets. 🙂
So what is the exact size of the Ems?
Welcome back Rico..
True Micko…. True.
BT62 – Agreed. Ship him out – Him and his annoying bandage he is always sporting on his hand / wrist. Nearly as annoying as the one Suarez insists on wearing.
have a look here Fatgun http://www.arsenal.com/the-club/emirates-stadium
Actually, that link is useless. Typical Arsenal…. Says fuck all about the subject matter
maybe AFC are trying to embellish the environment by encouraging supporters to go on a diet to become thinner 😛 😆
Meant capacity…
The Ems stadium environmental management group are trying to squeeze out the obese supporters so that more people would find the crowd sexier on brazilian levels.
A touch over 60,000 I think fatgun
I am Micko, only just laid the foundations though, it’s hard work….. lol
Dev – While all the while continuing to churn out hot dogs etc at half time…
Rocky, if he wants out, get out and quickly, Suarez bandage covers, the results of his self harming..the Suarez way, gnaw,gnaw
or from excessive “alone time”….
Thanks Rocky…
So liverfool are now after Bony…
Seems funny but our club is the most attractive currently…
Players are linking themselves to us even when we r not interested…
Arsene must be smiling at himself
Fatgun-ug……..you a season ticket holder at the Ems???
because if so change your name mate……thingun-ug 😛
joking mate
True Rocky, can’t image anyone, would want to be near ‘chipmunk’ when he gets that excited.
If that’s the case Devil they should improve the food in the stadium
Potter……cant comment on that…….as I always eat healthy food and never touch anything from stadiums, take aways and what have you.
If you have been on Chicken, Turkey, Octopus and real exquisite food you will not relish ham burgers ,frankfurters and processed food.
Dev , the nearest I hv bn to the Arsenal Fc is on here mate.
Am Ugandan, East Africa. Just an ardent arsenal fan who reads a lot about d mighty gunners.
Howdy…
howdy mate…….you should be here more often. we discuss, pull legs, have banter, throw punches, squabble, eat chicken and octopus, drink GG and vino, hurl zimmerframes,
But all in good humour.
Potter,
What seat are you in for your seasons ticket with your lad?
We’ve become red members now so i’ll be in touch. We will mainly be after 3 oclock or early kick off games…no sunday ones lol
One thing I saw at the Emirates were people chose to drift about by the food areas/drinking places while the game was on, they must be mad to not want to spend every second watching the game
Inexpensive way to increase capacity from 60,000 to 75,000…
Safe standing….
Better atmosphere, more shoppers to buy merchandise, food, drinks, programmes…
No brainer to me, but then I was brought up on the terraces (not literally you understand 😉 )
I was bought up in the streets Kev. (not literally you understand 😉 )
Coach 🙂
Habib…..let’s have a squabble while she is not here. quick. She will not notice!!!!! 😉
Just going back to Giroud’s boxing skills, I think he’d make an ace pugilist, he certainly knows how to fall down and often out for the count! Should nickname him, canvas pants!
Safe standing would make a common sense answer but will not get through the Parliamentary hoops that would be set before it. Nickie I am bottom tier block 10 , row 25 I think off the top of my head near the back anyway. It is predominately a standing area and has a good atmosphere although not as good as the old clock / north bank at Highbury .
If standing is reintroduced it could easily make the Emirates a 130k ground
Just checked it from seat view, looks ok there Potter 🙂 nice and in the thick of it with the support
We chose well , we never get wet and get an elevated view so that you can follow the pattern of play. There will be games as i said before get my e-mail from Rico and I will let you know games that we can’t attend.
”he threw clenched-fist bitch slaps” lmfao… 😀 😀 It couldn’t have been summed up any better.
Rocky- Do you have a view on his dancing skills on ‘come dance with me’? 🙂
Wavy – not with that nose… He’d be rubbish!
Yeah Ts – 4 letters… starts with a c and sounds like “runt”.
Standing on the terraces? Not very likely, it will become a Health and Safety issue. So the only chance you’ve got of that happening is no chance! They just won’t have it back at Premier League clubs for fear of the ‘accidents’ that might happen. Our nanny state will ensure the safety for all!
Can you still stand down the Orient, bet you can’t!
But as you say Kev, it is a no brainer if you wanted to increase the numbers without altering the ground in any way. Just won’t happen I’m afraid.
were we only allowed to have a capacity of about 60k? Seems a bit measly for a new stadium when it could have been much bigger. although lets face it… It’s enough of a fucking nightmare getting to Arsenal or Finsbury Park stations after a match as it is!!
Agree Rocky, couldn’t do it every week lol. I was peed off after a 5-1 win let alone a loss with it pouring down haha
I used to hate it Nickie. It really sucked arse on a cold, wet Wednesday night after a match.
Anyhow the Islington cognoscenti would create havoc at the town hall were we to apply . Apart from the fact that Arsenal’s fans keep many pubs , wine bars , fast food restaurants and little shops in business ,they complain about the noise from the stadium ,parking within a 3 mile radius and generally anything that comes with buying a house near a football ground. God help us if they had turned Wraysbury or Colnebrook or even Hounslow into a left wing arty commune we would have had to move Heathrow to somewhere offshore.
lol.. 🙂
Ok I concede Snap. ;)… bad wording trying to defend Og12 earlier..
Considering we converted 17% of our chances created; Liverpool 19%, and City 20%… but only scored 68 goals, chelsea 71, Liverpool 101, and city 102; I still maintain fans are hard on og12…
imo contrary to what fans believe, we do not create enough chances.
Putting it in plain terms based on the above figures gathered from opta, city created over 510 chances in the league whilst we created 400 chances.
It shows we are not far finishers but we could do better…
Just caught wind we’re very very close on a new midfielder.
Nickie, tablets required..
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuR6nTgIQAAuEKn.png
Little break down on Arteta vs Flamini…
Further backs up Ts’ argument from the other day.
lol Bt
BT, how’s the restless fingers?
Hi Bt..
who paid Pirlo to praise Sir-Now-Goals lol
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/andrea-pirlo-joins-no-sanogo-3993222
Rocky regarding your comments on the transport infrastructure . I believe that we made a payment to TFL to upgrade the stations around the ground but in their wisdom they chose to spend the cash elsewhere. Not sure if Bob Crowe’s boys got it , but that’s what I was told.
Lee, gave them a good workout over the weekend…
Good graphics here……worth noting that Podolski and Rosicky did not find a place in the 2 teams…..
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/graphic-arsenals-strength-in-depth-mapped-out-in-two-possible-starting-xis/?
Nor Diaby, Dev.
If true we’ve got the perfect CDM we are looking for
https://twitter.com/JK2_AFC/status/496660398826094595
Jan Aage Fjortoft ✔ @JanAageFjortoft
IF! If Arsenal are going for Khedira, I think it’s a wise move. Can give their midfield better balance.
afternoon all
I think our squad is not depth and strong enought. Miss another Gk. another central back. One or two midfields players must be out. Comparing to the others teams we are at least, in the same normal positions: the 4th.
william Carvalho is good but it’s a second edition of Song ..
Emma. I can’t see that link.
Adam – It says ‘fee agreed for Carvalho’ @JK_2AFC
He is reliable when it comes to transfer
JM – Don’t quite agree with you he is second edition of Song
Ah, thanks Emma. I have to confess that I know little about him though.
Got to be quicker than Song and hopefully doesn’t turn on a dustbin lid.
Emma that would tie in with someone I follow who said we’re very close to a midfielder. He has been 100% bang on with transfers and is very balanced with his views
Nickie- Great 😉 😉
If it happens I can understand why Arsene didn’t go in for Khedira. (Wilshere, Oxlade, youth players coming thru)
Afternoon guys and gals, what’s new, or news….
Bt62…..who is Diaby?? 😉
I did not mention him on purpose. He will be like a new signing every match he begins. lol
oh shit.
she’s back.
ok guys. stop squabbling and fighting.
Time to behave now. 😉
Wenger collects mid-field players like squirrels collect nuts 🙂
I bet AW has more AM than Rico has chicks.
emma, is a little lazy. He is strong, have quality but only plays in his midfield.
Dev I thought Rico had a battery farm for her chickens 😀
JM- Could you explain what you meant by being ‘a little lazy’?
Ts,
I’m a Giroud fan just as I’m an AKB to the core. Being in love doesn’t stop me from detecting my spouse’s weaknesses and pointing them out to her.
I BELIEVE creating chances is not down to the player trying the assist. It has more to do with the player at the end of that pass. That’s why I rate players more based on their movements off the ball than actually what you do with the ball.
Giroud lacks positional sense. Most times you won’t find Giroud at the spot he’s supposed to be when our players run with the ball towards the byline for a cross. When a rb of lb moves towards corner flank under pressure, he is not supposed to find Giroud. He should just aim the opponents 18 and cross. It is the duty of Giroud to know where to expect the ball. Ramsey from midfield does that better.
When people say Sanogo just had simple tap-ins, I laugh. The work wasn’t the tap-in…it’s getting yourself there.
Ozil created three chances against Suderland for Walcott. Unbelievably, Walcott couldn’t finish any. In same match, Giroud finished off just that one chance Ozil created for him. With a player like Ozil, who I rate the best passer of the ball in the final third, all it needs is for his teammates to free themselves. With RVP, Walcott just runs to the byline, pulls out and RVP smacks home. Always there.
That’s my problem with Giroud. he’s used to always backing the goal…I watch Ozil hold and hold onto the ball but instead of Giroud making that movement he just waits for a pass that he’d assist.
But with Sanogo because you’ll see him where you need him, it’s easier to create those chances…finishing is just a matter of composure and experience…positional sense borders with instincts…one can come by coaching the other is natural.
At 28, there’s nothing again Giroud can learn except helping him get the most of what he already has. With Sanogo, there are lots to teach and learn.
Again, having stayed and got used to Giroud, I wouldn’t ask for any striker to come and bench him. I think it will be better to play to his strengths, which we have players all around him to do just that. Then push him with Sanogo and Campbell all the way.
Now, Ts, don’t tell me I’m lecturing. lol. With Sanchez and Walcott fit throughout the season, both will score more goals than Giroud but Giroud will thrive in plenty of assists…that arrangement will be good…when teams get smart to stop us, we send Sanogo in, with a complete change of approach.
emma, slow…lazy…
Tai Emeka Obasi says:
August 5, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Ts,
I’m a Giroud fan just as I’m an AKB to the core. Being in love doesn’t stop me from detecting my spouse’s weaknesses and pointing them out to her.
Tai…….you are the first person I would want with me if ever I am backs to the wall mate.
That is my character as well.
We would squabble and fight…….but we would be on the same wavelength.
What is this, Down on Giroud Day?? 😉 I object!!
He isn’t that bad. In fact, he’s not bad at all. 😀
Tai how that telling your spouse’s her weaknesses workout for you. If you have some spare time I have a list of weaknesses I feel my wife has could you tell her while I hide in New Zealand. 😀
6 Dev, the last time I counted… 😉
lol.. the Korean 14 y.o on trial with Arsenal.
Rick- Any news on the FA’s new u-21 european competition…?
England: Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester City, Man City, Man Utd, Southampton, Sunderland, West Ham.
Europe: Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Borussia Monchengladbach, Schalke, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Villarreal
Joe, battery and chickens just don’t go together, free range are our girls.
The only battery on sight is the one which opens their door each morning and shuts it at night….
Hi Agag, Giroud is not bad, but he’s not that good either…. 😉
Dev, you’re welcome…
I will kick against signing any striker that would bench Giroud but I will say it loud what I believe are his faults.
I watch every Arsenal player closely and make my own mind up on what I believe are his strengths and weaknesses. And I don’t talk on details of any match I did not watch…people have different opinions and I always like to make mine based on the events..
My views could be wrong but the pride is that they are my views..
I had to throw all of the encyclopedias out of my house as my wife knows everything!
Lol Tai, hi Agag
Yes Rico I prefer the taste of of free range. 🙂
Emeka – You are spot on about your assessment of Giroud/Sanogo
That is why we suffered a lot in the big games last season. The other teams (chavs, Lfc, shitty) where able to press higher because we have a slow moving train as an attacker who requires ball to feet and cannot get away from the opposition defender. The opposition defenders could give him 4 yard head start and still caught up with him. This is not saying Giroud is bad for the team but I would rather him be option B than A in the big games/ midtable teams and probably option A than B when we play the lower place teams
joe, lol,
I won’t tell your wife her weaknesses…what you see as weaknesses could be appealing to me. My take is that a wife’s bad habits can only be determined by her husband. Whatever the husband doesn’t find wrong, it’s nobody’s business!
Oi, rico!!! I would say the same thing about Theooo but you might bin me. 😛 😛
Hi, Tai, Lee, ginge. 🙂
Well that’s it then Wenger has more mid-field players than Rico has chickens.
🙂 Lee, I like that one…
Joe, and their quality of life…
Agag, touché, but I have to be honest, Theo is a flash in the pan, one day brilliant, the next 6 weeks, a headless chicken… lol
None that can do the defensive job properly though Joe…
Thanks, Emme.
Lee you shouldn’t have thrown the encyclopedias out. Since she knows everything, you should have thrown away her brain…lol.
JM – Alright I give up. I have watch seven matches related to Sporting lisbon (vs Porto(home/away), Benfica(home/away), Braga, National, Estoril in the last couple of weeks when our interest surface. Not youtube clips but fullmatches.
I never saw ‘a little slow/lazy’. He made more tackles/ interceptions than any other player on the pitch in each of this matches. I guess everyone is entitle to his opinion 🙁
Hi, Agag…
Giroud & Sango. lol
Which team ever wins the PL without a group of top players?
LFC definitely need a striker after what i saw this morning vs manure. Lambert look lost. Sturridge is RVP2 with muscle injuries. Guessing they will spend close to £140m this season and still end up 8th *dodged a bullet*
Rico I am going to post a name then I am off to New Zealand 😀
Diaby lol…..
Buy now 🙂
This season AW must have the nous how to undo his zipper, show us he has balls (yuuuuukkkk) and use Giroud/SAnogo/Campbell according to the matches we are playing. If for ex we are playing the dippers/chavs/Shitty it should be Yaya who should play. But if its Palace, Stoke, WBA, Spuddies etc it game on for Olivier.
again……does AW has the balls to do so?
check the zipper you plonk
Hi Emma did you see William in the WC?
Khedira back in Madrid training. Why is our German contingent coming back next week? Should be in this week
If we had Bale……and AW sold him for 80mill I still feel AW will penny pinch as usual.
Dippers and spuddies…….ahhhhh. Birds of a feather comes to mind. bed mates, soul mates, twin flames.
William in the wc???? was it the ladies or gents Ginge?
Ts,
I just saw WC once at the World Cup but I didn’t take much interest. Instead Belgium’s Wietsel really impressed me.
Emma that’s what I call dedication so do think Carvalho would be a good buy for Arsenal I don’t know much about him.
🙂 Joe, have a great time in New Zealand….
Ts,
If you know enough of WC, just give me some hint…never mind whoever wouldn’t read…pls, I’m interested.
emma, everyone is entitled to an opinion. I’m guessing JM has come to his from watching WC for a long time as he’s in Portugal…
But, just like so many players, we all differ with our views and that’s fine…
Tai, JM is the man for Portuguese footballers, he is Portuguese and watches them a lot…
Perhaps Khedira has gone back early to sort out his future…
So where is Podolski? lol
Rico, to be fair Carvalho have the same problem as Arteta, slow as fcuk. Most fans leaning towards Carvalho because he is young & probably demand a lower wages, when its obvious Khedria is the better choice.
rico – I agree with you on ‘views’. 😉 Lets hope if he is the one we’re signing Wenger deems him fit enough to anchor the DM role.
Gonnerjoe – He is exactly what we need
Gdna, is he really that slow, like emma I haven’t noticed that but to be fair, I’ve seen very little of him play so I won’t try and pretend that I have.
If you and Jm are right, then perhaps he’s not what we need, unless of course he is a great reader of the game and positions himself very well.
Gilberto wasn’t the quickest midfielder, but he was up there with Big Tony for being able to read the game….
imo……….it will be Guilavogui who will be our next DM
Low transfer fee
low wages
a flop
french
AW loves those type of players who tick all boxes
Tai. in my view WC looks good next to Andre Martins and Silva from the 3 or so Lisbon matches I saw…
Martins has the engine like Darren fletcher
I watched more porto because of Fernando; JM is our portugese expert so…
Devil, I can see where you are coming from, but I’m not sure the club are behaving in such a way this summer….
It must be I watched the wrong Carvalho. That’s why I asked define slow earlier and got told he is lazy 😉
Maybe JM has seen more of him emma, that’s all…
After all, ‘some’ think Podolski and Santi only picked up their game when the WC squads were about to be announced, perhaps that’s the same for Carvalho but for different reasons.
rico – 😉
I think its risky having a 21 yr old as our main CDM, we are still at a disadvantage if you compare to City or CFC CDMs. (Fernandinho/ Yaya, or Matic/Ramires). Schneiderlin would be better option than WC. imo
This is a portuguese analyst as well. Like rico said we all differ in our views/opinions 😉
https://twitter.com/PortuBall/status/496304258674089986
Thanks for the info Emma
Perhaps we should see who gets signed before worrying too much…. 😉
Rico I can’t find my passport
Hey Rico!
Need a favour, do you know where I will be able to buy 2 tickets to the Spurs game on the 27th?
Hi Choy, passport??
You coming over then Choy? I’m not the one to ask about tickets I’m afraid, and for a NLD it could be really tough…
Do you still go on LG?
I didn’t say Carvalho is a good player and he has many space for going ahead. For me, he is a bit slower. But he is na intereting player. However, he was played during WC.
going training tonight Coach….bricking it lol
Dinner calls, catch up shortly
Haha I am! I’ll ask around at LG.. Where do you stay Rico?
Just had to hurry a friend off my house and he guessed right. Most of my friends think I’m going nuts about HH. And guess what? They’re probably right.
Yeah, Ts…got you.
Where’s JM…lay it on the plate … what’s all about Carvalho…would he really be what we need? Your opinion, of course.
emma, more insight please…
Sky sources understand, Barcelona make bid for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Evening Rico and the house,
Goodread Rico and I ust say for once I agrea with Usmanov.
Good debate today over Carvalho a player I have nver seen play.
Tonight our U21 are playing away to Forest Green and the team news tells just who he is planing to play on sunday from the young one’s.
Team is Macey, Kamara Ajayi o’conner Ottewill Olsson Hayden Zelalem Toral Maitland Niles Akpom.
Crowley and Willock are subs.
Martinez Miquel and Bellerin are with first team and I think will be in the squad on Sunday .
Ginge I have seen your 4.35 and will repsond later.
Evening Rick,
Left the House early yesterday…I must ask now, how are you getting on? You’ll always overcome.
How ya doing Rick?
Choy, Iive in Berkshire…
Tai, Jm, as I said earlier, lives in Portugal… He watches many matches..
Evening Rick, thanks. How’s things??
Gdna, good re TV, if he’s going, then go to them…
Hi Rick. Hope things are good.
Liverpool have accepted an
offer from Bayern Munich for
Pepe Reina.
Not surprised Kc…
Rico,
As much as I respect the fact that JM’s views shoul be respected on matters bothering on Portuguese League, I don’t believe just because he lives in Portugal, he knows Carvalho more than everybody here. He may watch all matches but his interest may be elsewhere.
Carvalho just came up on Arsenal radar. If he was mentioned before World Cup I would have watched him closely and hence wouldn’t be needing anybody to tell me his potentials.
I’m only interested in as much info about WC as possible…so, anyone that can offer any should be welcome.
Already, that emma’s link offered plenty.
Rumoured that Benitez has thrown Napoli’s name in the mix for Vermaelen.
Potter, I think the first time TV was ever linked to another club was from Napoli…or am I wrong?
Tai,
Not for one minute did I suggest that other people’s views are not to be considered. I was merely saying that JM watches a lot of football in his own country.
Also, he does have Arsenal’s interest’s at heart when talking about WC…
Potter, if TV has to go, as long as he goes abroad, I don’t mind…
Agreed going abroad would be the best result for everyone , except his missus who wants to go shopping with Mrs RVP of course. So if he wants to keep the Mrs Sweet it’s United.
Barcelona is a lovely city for shopping though, I’m sure Mrs V will soon make friends…
Xavi retires from international football One of the games greatest.
I wonder how France are taking Nasri’s retirement? 😀
Has Nasri retired too then?
Barcelona terrific shopping so my wife tells me , must be better than the Trafford Centre.
Nasri from the National team , but did he jump or was he pushed ?
Nasri was pushjumped…
Anywhere is better than the Trafford Centre, just because there are no Mancs….
I didn’t know that Nasri had retired, mind you, this summer’s WC suggested he was out of favour.
Still, there’s always Diaby next time…. lol
Rico
Am surprised,thinks he had given up his playing career,wanna sit his ass on the bench and collect his pay and maybe trophies while some people works so hard day and night in the outside world and gain so so little
Hi , Kev,Adam Teo and Rico Sorry for the delay phone just will not stop ringing. Thank you all for asking , today has been a lot better and tonight I am feeling good. Rico I would like to apologise to you for the way this came last night It was something I wanted to keep to myself but somehow it just slipped out.
And I agree with you,had always think vermalean was overliked due to the fact he always pop with one or two goals..I will sell him to Barca and buy a replacement…ideally Hummels
Kc, you mean Reina or Nasri?
Rick, good to hear your day is better but please, you really do not need to apologise….
Not official according to daily fail… he says an announcement will be made this week.
He said this yesterday..
“Even before the summer, during Euro 2012 I had a lot going on,” he said. “Personally, it doesn’t affect me, but it affects my family. They live in France, they read the press stuff.
“I live in England so I’m fine with everything they say and I’m used to it. But for my parents it’s really hard. I want to make them happy and the national team doesn’t make me happy.”
ha ha ha
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/04/1407150778935_wps_5_EXCLUSIVE_Former_Brazilia.jpg
Rick..I just went through yesterday comments,wishing you all the best Bro
It looks like the U21 team are having a good game tonight .They went 1-0 down on 7Min then made it 1-1 through Maitland-Niles after good work from Akpom .F/G scored a second to lead 2-1 at H/T
Toral has just made it 2-2 a good goal following a brilliant 1-2 with Zelalem who at last seems to be producing. The lads realy do seem on song tonight.
Reina of course,can’t see him getting more than ten games a season..lol ..we have many players in AFC that don’t even average ten games per season..WTF
Who cares eh Kc… lol
I’m off guys, been a long old day.
‘Til tomorrow, night all…
F/G 3-2 up 0n 63.
Crowley on as sub gains possesion 25 yards out and scores with
unstoppable shot into thec orner of the net.(on 65)
Akpom into side netting on 68.
Wish I was there.it sounds like a brilliant game.
Where are you getting the feed Rick ?
Final Score We win 6-4, against a conference league, its looking good. other goals Hayden on 83 and 85.
Ajayi on 90. This time last year we lost at home 6-0. What a difference.
Conference League side,
Potter the feed I use is Arsenal FC@ Arsenal (twitter)
If you try it now you will see what I have been postin. Good luck mate.
match report mates…..from NN
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/hayden-hits-brace-and-crowley-scores-great-goal-as-arsenal-u21s-beat-forest-green-6-4/?
Thanks Rick , I shall rely on you in future as I don’t do twitter.
Evening all,
Great result for the U21’s. How is everyone on this lovely evening?
Coach, wanted to say a personal thank you for making me feel good to go training. Didn’t regret it one bit, had a great time and actually played well. Managed to get some compliments from the first team manager too which is encouraging :). Thanks again for the support.
Well done Nickie, that’ll do your confidence the world of good.
Hi Ginge ref your 4.35
The Premier Leaue U21 Tournament. This how I see it.
Allthough Scudamore states it is not a rival to Dyke’s “B-league”
I think it is the sole reason for him trying to Introduce it. The English teams who have been invited to enter are the team’s who finished in the top half of last seasons u 21 league. We finished in the bottom half and were not invited to enter.
Now the format of this new league is the same as the Next GenerationU19 uefa league and as far as I can see will run at the same time. This is ( I think) one reason why it is possiable that Uefa
will not give it the go ahead
If you look at the teams invited you will see that Man C, The Chaves Benfica and Schalka 04 are in both league’s and with the home compitition’s this will be too many games. This is a work load I would not like our lads to face.
On Friday our first team are in the draw for the qual/round of the champions League. When we win that we are in the draw for the Group stage and this means the U19 are also in the group stage of the U19 league .This takes place on the 28Aug.
The U19 will play the same teams as the first team in the same week. So on the 28 we will know the work load they will face.
Seeing how the lads are playing I want Arsene to keep the lads together and see them win silverware this season.
For this reason I am glad that we have not been invited.
Just my opinion.
Night all may see you tomorrow
Night Rick, sleep well.
Great result by our youngsters…
Delighted to see Hayden get a couple.
Thanks for the report Rick…
I think that you have unwittingly volunteered for the job of Highbury House U21 reporter.
I hope that you enjoy your new role as much as I enjoy reading your bulletins… 😉
Adam, you seen this Bancrofts school story?
Morning Kev, Lee and all….
In the news:
Vidal to Man Utd could be off as he has a knee injury. £47 million, no way….
Barca to sign Thomas Vermaelen for £10 million..
Oh, and we are linked to Daniel Agger… (do do do push pineapple…. ok, I’ll shut up..) lol
Morning from Far far away
Morning Rico and all. No Lee, my mates boy goes there. What’s happening?
Teacher running away with a pupil….
Morning Rico and lovely people of HH
Agger???? lol. We dont need dipper has beens
let him rot there
he will only destabilise the dressing room
Morning Rico, Rick, Adam, Lee, Kev, All,
Read this morning Wenger won’t sign any other DM… to use Chambers there.
I know Chambers is quite capable but sincerely hope it’s not true.
Chambers is too young to take over that very important department as first choice.
Morning Rico and all…
Interesting point of view from Keown on our midfield situation….
”Keown points out, Arsenal do indeed have a number of midfielders, all with potential and quality, but Wenger has no need to bring in another in that department as long as the attack-minded players are willing to do their share of the defensive work.”
Morning Dev.
Kev, is it running away for ransom or for keeps?
Ginge…..imo you dont need superstars…..you only need 10 outfield players who work as a team.
Its irrelevant who comes in as a DM……if the rest of the team are not prepared to attack as a team and defend as a team then its useless. you can have Messi or Maradona or Ronaldo or Bale in the team……if everyone works for himself the team flops. if everyone works for each other you can have 20 Jack of all trades as players and run away with the league. Just ask Greece 2004 and Denmark 1992 in the Euro Cup
Morning Adam, Tai, Devil, Ts..
Morning Ts…
I hope Wenger hasn’t listened to Keown then…
With the money in the bank why would anyone want to walk the same tightrope again? Especially after falling off year after year. Come on Arsene. Get proactive.
Proactivity in the market is not an attribute of AW it seems Adam. Not while he is all the time fiddling with his zipper, especially the trousers’ pocket where the chequebook resides.
I know it was a friendly but the game against Monaco showed what we need to do to push on?!?!
I can’t believe Chambers will be asked to do the job.
Me neither, Adam
Got to nip out this morning.
New post will be up around 10.30, catch up later….
If chambers is deploy as our DM,we will be our 3rd CB?considering TV05 is leaving
Ditto above Dev.
Hi Tai… Keown and AW are always perfectly aligned in their views; at least publicly.
Keown has periodically echoed what Dev, Wath and majority of people say on here… team effort. As rico will say no I’s in team…
We will get a lb and play Nacho as a CB.
AW will go ape without having a left footed CB or DM in his squad. lol
”Just ask Greece 2004 and Denmark 1992 in the Euro Cup” Hansen our MotD expert pundit missed the above point as he keeps reminding viewers that no team has won a major title without having world class players…. 😀
Sukky and Ginge…….why worry about CB???
It will always be a race between Kev and WATH for that spot. 😉
And both are on a Freebie.
Sure, whoever loves football doesn’t believe it’s a team game? But you can’t get average players together and charge them to beat all sides. Another side with world class stars will beat you with same team effort.
So, get excellent individuals first, then charge them to play as a team. Any crime in that? We’ve seen team effort for nine years until a certain Mesut Ozil came. Ozil may not have been electric but you can’t count out his presence in setting the right tunes for breaking our trophy jinx .
We don’t have any player that can play DM in that team and expect to win the title.
Morning everyone.
Can;t believe we didn’t look to Caulker/Medel on the cheap. Possible cheap 3rd choices Ron Vlaar, Curtis Davies
We really mustn’t be drawn into this ‘on the cheap’ mentality. We are Arsenal and we have the financial clout to buy the best players. This is what we must do. The days of shopping in Poundland are gone. Buy proper players to do a job at the highest level.
we all agree with you Adam.
But would AW?
Dev. It’s his future on the line this season too. If he fails to equip the squad properly and plays his Kamikaze brand of football regardless of opponents, then the home crowd will let him know soon enough. He has gone halfway. To stop now would be folly I would think.
Medel will not pass the HH height challenge. lol
Vlaar will push our CBs’ too… I know before world cup I slated him for being part of one of the worst EPL defence in history but he looked the part in a high backline….
Morning all, exactly Adam, no more dicking around. looking for BOGOFs, and make do options.
Adam,
Agreed with on the cheap. What I mean with those signings is that you wouldn’t buy a Mat Hummels to come in and play back up. Caulker and Medel are decent/good players and would definitely come in and do a job. They’ve come from Cardiff football club so would have an inkling it would be more difficult for game time. These players obviously look at Vermaelen. Where’s the security they aren’t going to be treated the same?
Who in your eyes is a suitable back up replacement? that would be happy to come in and spend the majority of the season on the bench that’s not cheap/good defender?
I go with you completely, Adam.
The fact that his right hand man boro is still earning a good wack for doing ‘F’ all to help stem some of the tactical naivety in the big games predicts another theme park experience ahead for us in teh coming season…
we will blow some teams apart like a tomahawk missile and get swamped by the likes of Stoke and Chelsea on occasions too…
I guess AW spent part of his time in Japan learning about the Tokko Tai (spelling) i.e kamikaze approach.
still 24 days to go Rejoice might remind us… lol
If Man U made top 4, they would have long signed up Di Maria and Vidal…and even Kroos.
Arsenal will go through worse ordeal if we ever drop out of it. Liverpool had to endure and eventually cut through with the luck of Suarez…it took them five seasons!
Wenger must not tempt fate!
Nickie. For me you create a meritocracy where the best players play. That way every player knows that, if his game slips, he will lose his place. Today’s game is a squad game and nobody gets guaranteed a place. You cite Hummels. Well, as I see it, he gets his chance just like the other CDs. If he is good enough he stays and if Per or Kos are playing better, then they play. TV is a good case in point. His game slipped, badly and he paid the price. He will be sold. Even when he came in late last season he looked rocky. Pro sport at this level is not a nursery. It’s a bloody competitive place, but you do get the big bucks.
Nickie, Gary the pitbull Medel has joined Inter already to replace Combiasso
Ts, Tokko what?
We’ve still got 3+ weeks of the window…… chillax Gooners!
Bt start rollin’
Adam vape.
Kev peroni.
Rico cava.
Dev octopus.
Completely with you again, Adam 10.31
Lee, sloe vodka..
Cheers Tai. This is ‘the’ time to get rolling for Wenger. Get TV out and get a proper central defender in. Buy the CDM you want and light a rocket under Giroud’s arse or buy another quality striker.
Bt- is that bootleg vodka? lol
Tai- Kamikaze
New post up………….
I think we need another striker, Remy would have been perfect. A proven goal scorer in the Premiership and he wouldn’t necessarily expect to oust Giroud right away, which would mean a settled start to the season. Shame he is a mercenary and apparently a physical risk too.
I would like to see Carvalho instead of Khedira. We need a defensive midfielder and if Khedira comes, he will be like Yaya Toure (only not as good), expecting a free or more advanced role. There is also the wage advantage of taking Carvalho too with some reports saying he is only on £4k a month at the moment. Khedira also has injury issues and we have had enough of them over the last decade. I am keen to see Arteta leave if Carvalho comes in. He isn’t the answer as a shield.
Monreal leaving is a weird one, especially with the possible departure of vermaelen. If these two both leave, Arbeloa and Hummels would suffice lol. Arbeloa and Agger is more realistic though and I would be happy with that too.