Who’d have thought following a defeat in the Capital One cup in the cold night of 11 Dec 2012 that Arsene Wenger would go on to become the first post-war manager to win the FA cup for a sixth time?
Casting my mind back then, the media were calling for the board not to renew Arsene’s contract for another term as he’d gone 9 seasons without winning a trophy. To them, Arsene was a spent force who could not even zip up his jacket, let alone set-up his team properly in order to prevent Arsenal from a new low after the teams embarrassing defeat at Bradford.
If we are to believe the media, they were right all along. According to them, had Arsene listened to what the ex-pros with less than an iota worth of inside knowledge of the club had been saying since 2006, we would have competed instead of merely finish 3rd or 4th each season. Taking into consideration such views, you wouldn’t believe those same pundits would currently insinuate that their favourite clubs including Man United, Liverpool or Spurs should aim at finishing 4th.
Unsurprisingly, our lacklustre start to the past season further armed the traducers to take pot-shots at Arsene and the fans, whilst ignoring other clubs who were also under performing after a summer where most of our top players were at least involved in the second stage of the world cup hosted in Brazil.
Most fans and commentators alike have their views on what contributed to our change in fortunes after the loss to Spurs on 7th February. Irrespective of what individual views are, Arsene must have had an epiphany of some sort.
During that early period, I wonder if it crossed the managers mind whether he should have resigned on a high after winning the FA cup the summer before. Anyway whatever changes the manager and his back-room staff made back then has paid off to an extent.
Here we are four weeks after winning our 12th FA Cup and we are bombarded with transfer rumours.
Apparently Arsenal have signed 16 year old midfielder Vlad Dragomir from ACS Poli Timisoara. The club have been tracking him for 18 months apparently and this deal sees the first ever Romanian footballer sign for Arsenal. He’s already deemed good enough to captain the Romanian under 16 side…. lol
Petr Cech is an Arsenal player barring a medical as yesterday both clubs thrashed out a deal. Once the medical is done and dusted, the big fella should be officially announced on the official site. Judging by the reaction of this purported move, it is clearly getting most Gooners around the world salivating at the prospect of getting a world-class keeper.
The cynic in me wonders if we are being conned to get into another ‘Gallas’ move, as I suspect Cech is not the same keeper he was three or so years ago but regardless of my thoughts, before the emergence of the Cech rumours did anyone anywhere really believe a new keeper was a priority? My own view is no, but a defensive midfielder yes..
My view is that most wanted a new Vieira and a replacement for Giroud.
I am not getting into any debate about whether the legend Vieira was a holding midfielder as most have strong beliefs which are never going to be swayed either way. However, it does appear that fans still hold the belief that since the departure of Vieira we have become a weaken team who are not capable of winning another trophy without a player like him in the side.
Maybe, Arsene also holds such a belief, as he held onto Diaby for what seemed like donkeys years most probably hoping to unearth the new Vieira.
Although Coquelin did what appears to be a sterling job marshalling the area in front of our back four during the time when the club was in an upward projectile, it appears every ex-pundit and fans firm favourite as top defensive midfielder is the lad plying his trade for Southampton F.C.
Without wanting to appear like a smart-ass, it’s my view that Wenger can do better than Morgan as I think his game has dropped since the beginning of March 2014 when his profile was raised by the media. It’s understandable that the French midfielder would jump at the opportunity to play for established Champions League club but I think his inconsistently, which is most probably due to his mind set and career uncertainty, has caused him to miss games through suspensions and injuries and should be taken into consideration before we get involved in any bidding war.
Although I believe Arsene has the fire back in his belly, he has only 2 more years left on his current contract. Part of me wants him to do a ‘Fergie’ and spend £80m on some short-term top players so that he can retire on a high. The other part of me, that has defended Arsene on here even after a loss against Bradford, suspects Arsene will be Arsene and stay loyal to his script and continue to put the future of the club above his own personal dreams and aspirations.
Saying all of that, I would really love it if Arsene went on to win the Champions League next season on a budget so he can shut up the likes of Platini, the Ginger Numpty on that radio show but most of all, I would love to see Arsene beat the poisonous dwarf in the final in San Siro in Milan on the 28th of May 2016.
Ultimately, I think Arsene deserves to be regarded as one of the best managers in the post-war footballing era but the only way he will be considered amongst the best is by winning the Champions League.
Written by Tsgh.
Morning again all..
Good read Ts.
I wanted a keeper, DM and winger so one down and two to go…
I’m not one who thinks we can’t still win trophies under AW with a new ‘Paddy’ either, especially as we’ve just won the FA Cup twice without such a player.
But I don’t think we’ll ever win the Champions League without a number of player additions and very different tactics, especially at home…
Not sure we are on a budget any more though, unless SK is not giving much money to AW, I’d say we have just as much as any of the other clubs in the league…
Morning Rico and all
Top post ginge
No rumours allowed on here
12 FA Cups AFC have won thought you might known that seeing as its a record.
Thank you Rico, for the fine edit; if only I have not fallen asleep during English classes… 😉
Cheers Malaga, but come on… ; one won’t hurt 🙂
Morning Mg..
Don’t mind rumours as long as source is declared… lol
Well done Marc, you spotted today’s deliberate mistake. Your t-shirt is in the post… 😉
I did too Ts, can’t you tell… lol
lol Rico…
Thanks TSGH, nice read and full of sentiments I agree with
The demon’s in my head tell me Marco reus is a target
I’m hoping he is Mg..
I was happy with Ospina but I’m happier with Petr, plus it will really get up Nosferatu’s nose.
Brian
Nice post tsgh but you as the original Wenger boy should know he could do both spend 80m and extend his contract.
You missed out on a big I told you so 🙂
Thanks Roger…
Mg – PEA or Reus who would you prefer; to be flying on the private jet to the emirates to sign a deal? 😛
Wenger a conundrum inside a cryptic crossword clue! I agree we, as a team, disappeared post 2007, probably for financial constraint reasons. However, there is little doubt that he kept the boat floating. Finishing fourth season after season was no mean feat. For that reason alone the old boy should be applauded and congratulated, I can’t think of many other managers who would have soldiered on in the way he did or for the gratification he deferred in the Arsenal cause. All highly commendable and, despite our complaints and frustrations at the time, especially losing our ‘best’ players, Arsene was able to maintain his level of achievement, but he was not able, quite to turn his fairly ordinary squad into table toppers. A great shame.
Slightly controversially, at the height of his powers and before the bottle damaged his judgement and his teams’ performances, Brian Clough did seem to have the magic to turn sows ears into silk purses! Who would have thought players, journeymen pros like Gary Birtles, Ian Bowyer, fatty Robertson, the thug Kenny Burns etc etc could lift the European Cup, twice!
Whilst Wenger has had his successes, most of the players in the early years were mostly quality performers, even the Romford Pele. Latterly he had a few duds, who gave their all but mostly couldn’t make the difference, the difference from 4th to 1st! Eg Arsharvin, Santos, Denilson et al. Things have changed now, he can buy from the top drawer and compete with all the top clubs throughout Europe if he wishes. The doubt is, will he pay top dollar or is he shopping down Walthamstow High Street, again?
Cech is a sign of both ambition and intent. Did we need another keeper? Not really but he should be marginally better than what we’ve got so he should be an improvement 12-15 points better for us, according to that great footballing guru, John Terry!! Need I say more?
Another DM and perhaps a winger, providing who ever is bought are world class, not di Maria! We’d all be chuffed to little mint balls!
Wenge going for the last hurrah, yes I think so! He hasn’t finished yet!
And here…..endeth the lesson!
Good read T’s just the job for a sunny Wednesday.
Wavy, I don’t think he’ll be finished at the end of this contract…..
Lo Joe… well I told you so. 🙂
Wavy- I think Cech if signed will add leadership to the squad too.
He could be captaining the team when Arteta and the BFG are omitted.
Nothing but positive for me re Cech. Be glad when it’s on afc.com though..
Hi all. Have to say I am not exactly jumping for joy over Cech. Personally don’t think he has been the same since the head injury. Especially on crosses.
Ginge marco reus will arrive on a space shuttle
Morning, I think Wenger feels he needs to win either the title or champions league,to feel he is worthy of a new contract, otherwise he,ll most probably retire in 2 years time.I think he,s at a point in his career, where he knows he has 2 years to prove he can win the title again, I dont think Wenger would,ve entertained signing a 33 year old, for over 10 million, all be it a world class keeper, a few seasons ago, Times have changed at the club, and wenger is quite possibly more hungry today than he,s ever been. to prove himself, also I have always felt we couldn,t win a title or champions league with the keepers we had, Happy days ahead, hopefully.
I am Bob.. 🙂
My friend what do you mean by international midfielder done? What the hell are we gonna do with a sixteen years old? Cech deal is a sweet one though.Now if we can buy a tough midfielder and a world class striker that can give us 25 to 30 goals,then we can win anything or even everything.
33 is a good age for a keeper though Dublin, especially with someone like Martinez coming through..
Chairman, if you read here regularly, you’d know the irony in the midfield story…
Me too, Rico, Cech is not only a great stopper, but will organise our defense, instill confidence at the back and will be a fantastic person to have around the dressing room, once the board new they had a chance, it was a no brainer imo. Lets get in 2 or 3 more now.
Morning all
Top post Ts…
Wenger will extend his contract…
Take a look at Buffoon and see Cech in four years time!
Just thinking back to the Wenger of old, and his downright stubborness to bring in schwarzer, when he was 33 and still one of the top keepers around, and his refusal to pay 3 1/2 million for im, frustrated the hell out of me, compared to now where he knows it,s the right thing to do.
Buffon …who almost stopped mighty Baca from UCL glory at 37!
Morning all.
Nice post Ginge.
Wenger out 🙂
Dublin, agree and getting him is a huge statement of intent imo….
DM, winger/striker and I’d be happy but if any more arrive then all the better. lol
Oh, Im sure Wenger has another surprise or two up his sleeve, to keep us guessing, I,d say Cech will push for a 4 year contract, after that, If we could keep im as our goalkeeping coach, all the better.
Seems Podolski has agreed terms with Galatasary.. According to The Metro.. lol
Morning all
i’m agree with the post
Podolki,s 100,000 a week, will pay Cech ,s 100,000 a week, job done, eh!
Which bit Jm? 😉
Simples Dublin… lol
Good post TSGH, I feel the effect Cech would have on the defence will be a foundation for next season’s title push 10-18 points guaranteed.
Good post Ginge…
Scott out…
Busy day Kev?
Good Afternoon to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Ginge – A very good thought provoking article.
” Part of me wants him to do a ‘Fergie’ and spend £80m on some short-term top players so that he can retire on a high. The other part of me, that has defended Arsene on here even after a loss against Bradford, suspects Arsene will be Arsene and stay loyal to his script and continue to put the future of the club above his own personal dreams and aspirations.” Wenger might have a last hurrah before he retires. However, rest assured, he wont do a ‘Fergie’ by buying a few quick-fix players to squeeze one more productive season out of a team nearing collapse from old age.
Fergie left a poisoned chalice for Moyse and he knew it. That is why he retired when he did. He knew he would not be given enough time and/or money to rebuild his team. Arsene wont do that he will always put the long term good of the team and the club ahead of his personal ambitions.
Thanks all for all the compliments.. rico did all the hard bit btw… 😉
I am in agreement with you Cg; The poisonous chalice that has resulted in the fans of the biggest club in world football/sports aiming for 4th finish.
Afternoon Cg. I agree, Utd were in a mess when Fergie left, we are in a very different situation…
tsgh, just say it like it is……..the most sucessful manager in the history of the FA Cup is Arsene Wenger ! Lets be honest he couldn’t even do a good impression of himself back in 2012.
I’m happy with Cech coming in, not as happy as I would have been had we signed him back in 2004 like we should have, will definately make us stronger, if I was David Ospina today I’d be feeling a little short changed by Arsenal but I’m sure he’ll get over it !
rico, what’s with this International midfielder….very misleading, just not cricket ole gal !
Quite busy Rico, thankfully…
🙂 Micko – but he is…. technically….
Keeps you away from newsnow Kev so that has to be good eh…. 😉
Afternoon Rico and all
Cech won’t be announced until next week, he must be on holiday
Afternoon Mg, apparently Ivan is on holiday too… 🙂
Rico another striker that hasn’t been mentioned is Cavani.
Would we spend 50+million on a player, it would be some statement to sign a player of his talent
Wish Arsene would go on holiday !
He is micko, hes dancing at a hippy commune to the song love shack
Not for me Mg..
Me too Micko, the last time he did we signed a few….
Yeah, but I’m gonna have a look on NewsNow in a minute, so that I can be outraged again Rico… 😉
£50 million for Cavani..?
How old is he?
28/29..?
I think there’s more chance of Lee joining the Mormons…
Rico, great news, the Star, the Express and several other ‘reputable’ sites report that the ‘odds have been slashed’ against Arsenal swooping for Morgan Schneiderlin…
Are you excited? 😐
🙂 Kev…
Wonder if that guy who said we’d agreed a deal for Morgan was truthing…..
£24 million seems a lot though…
Ooh, I luv it when Arsenal swoop.
You can’t beat a good old swoop Adam…
Of course Deal Done takes a lot of beating.
And then there’s that old favourite;
Arsenal ‘Stun’ -Chelsea/ManUtd/Liverpool/ManCity/A N Other, delete as appropriate…
Righto, I’m off to listen to the U21’s…
Night All
Saw a site today that said Arsenal will spend 200m on transfers this season didn’t open it.
Even I don’t believe that but how about you tsgh 🙂
Good night all
His all
Inordered for Wenger to win CL he needs
1. DM
2. CD (Fabian Chahr)
3. Syr (Lacazzede)
Tariq
Morning Rico and all
Clyne is heading to the ‘scouser’ land apparently. Top player if the get him…
Apparently messi wants Rakitic sold in favour of bringing in Di Maria…
Wath- The striker I told you to keep an ear out for, Vieto has joined Ath Madrid and so we will get to see him Tues/Wed nights.
Saints want one of our players.. Chambers or Gnabry maybe
Vietto*
Mg- I keep telling you you are losing your touch… Cavani? 😀
Morning Ts and all…
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Bonjour Rico and Ginge.
Cavani??? lol. a has been. was sent off yesterday for apparently tickling Jara, but honestly….right now I prefer Ollie to him. if AW wants to spend money I prefer PEA. Ginge will agree.
Looks like Brenda is building what could be a strong side…
Morning Devil..
Cavani has personal stuff going on, he should have gone home imo.
Morning Dev. I like PEA too..
Cavani is better than Falcao but stil won’t buy a ford with a jaguar sticker on it… lol
This would make you laugh…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3137620/Grandmother-58-takes-London-streets-test-beauty.html
Oh lord. Ginge…..she might say that she stops traffic…..but she did not say that she could not stop me laughing. two decades younger??? lol.
I do not know if this is true……but imo its right up AW’s street……
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/arsenal-clear-to-sign-argentine-ace-on-a-free-transfer-next-month
MS costs 24mill. Mauri is free. does it need a genius to work out?????
He’s going to AC Milan apparently Devil.
lol.. nothing wrong with an over-inflated self esteem. 😉
Is he that good Rico/Dev.
I didn’t know he was a CDM. We were linked to him last January.. one of the many.
Never heard of him Ts so no idea… lol
The only people I will take from parma are Donadoni their manager; a younger version of him anyway. what a player he was and maybe varela…
Maybe Dev will know.
I read he was good. I watched Parma vs Naple and Roma and he was just a regular player…
His agent probably rates him more than football fans. lol
What did you think of the u-21 performance? Over rated or unlucky?
if you think that the England u21 are unlucky think again Ginge. England’s passing was poor, there was a gap between midfield and attack, too many sideways balls, plus many individual errors both on a tactical and also technical level.
remember that italians are always streetwise.
So how is Johannes Geis a top prospect; a future Thomas Hasler be joining S04 from Mainz for under 10 million Euros whilst the media go on about how much Liverpool should be getting for Sterling…
Jose Mauri is 5ft 7″. That’s it. Rico will not sanction the deal for a midget DM. 😉
Didn’t watch the under 21’s either Ts… lol
Ha ha Devil..
New post up now…
Totally agree dev; was being ironic; English players are over rated… from JW to Kane imho…
How is it that Belotti for example spent the whole season on the bench of Palermo because Dybala was untouchable has played better than kane who is vastly over rated…
wait and see Kane next season Ginge. Martin hayes all over again.
Morning all.