Daily Bits and Bobs

Country Over Club? Welbeck Fit. Bad News Ahead Of Saturday…

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

1988, on this day, Arsenal beat Middlesbrough 3-0. Paul Merson got the first two and David Rocastle finished the game off with a super solo goal.

Remember it? I had to take a peep at Youtube to refresh my memory… Those were the days eh, real men playing football. None of this play acting and falling over at every opportunity…..

The Telegraph reports that Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Radamel Falcao and Michael Carrick should all be fit to face us on Saturday and despite David de Gea dislocating his finger whilst on international duty, he should be fit to start as well. Luke Shaw and Angel Di Maria are doubts though but I strongly expect both will recover from their little injuries suffered last night.

There goes that ‘weak team’ we were reportedly set to face…..

Danny Welbeck should be fine though despite being replaced last night. Thank goodness, the thought of Yaya Sanogo starting… Well, it doesn’t bear thinking about does it!

Mind you, for all the stick Sanogo gets for not not scoring in the league, Welbeck too is suffering a huge dose of ‘no goals’, in fact has he scored since his hat-trick against Galatasary? I honestly don’t know but I can’t recall him doing so.

What you do get from him though is hard work and all over the pitch but he needs goals, that’s his primary role. He’s doing that for England regularly, he needs to start doing it for his club.

Jack Wilshere had another good match for England last night, man of the match according to many of the so called experts, his cross for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to head home was perfect, again, he’s another player who needs to take his level of performance with his country back to his club. Oxlade-Chamberlain had a good game too.

It’s frustrating to see how many of our players, especially the English ones, go away on international duty, perform very well and then when they return, the level of their performance drops.

Is it that they are playing alongside better players?

Better tactics by their international coach?

Are players more proud to play for their country than Arsenal FC and therefore give more?

Or do I dare suggest that just like many Arsenal fans, they too have lost faith in Arsene Wenger?

I don’t know the answer, but I wish I did because there has to be one…..

That’s it for another day, not long now until we play again.

 

rico

116 thoughts on “Country Over Club? Welbeck Fit. Bad News Ahead Of Saturday…”

  1. Elin says:

    A pleasant day to the HH family. Looking forward to the Saturday match, hope AW will pick the right team and it will be a positive day for us. Feeling for Poldi, has been frozen enough and I just love to see that guy on the pitch

  3. rogerbij says:

    I loved that first goal, real Arsenal connection and vision! I still think that if a hypothetical Arsenal played a hypothetical England team that Arsenal would win. And I dont buy into this debate about players not taking form back to clubs – how often has England complained that club players dont perform for their country? Its a different set up, different team and different environment…

    Arsenal to win 2-1 on Saturday. After going behind from some average defending. Obviously 😉

    I couldnt find that Middlesbrough video Rico, but did stumble across Arsenal 3-2 over the neighbours in 1988 (september), so you still led me to that jewel. Theres a nice piece of classic Arsenal defending (read bad) for their first goal in that one too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrHKxdX4Qgo

  10. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hello Rico – Nope.
    The only time I have watched Arsenal ever lose in Cyprus was at home versus WHU 0-1 when we had about thirty-odd chances on goal but were crap. That was years ago….. Kolo Toure played

    Unbeaten while ever I’ve watched them in the New Inn in Dherynia.

    Steve the owner proudly showed be his new BeIn sports channel digibox last night and promised me that the picture is first rate and that it doesn’t stall.

    I’ll tip a 2-2 draw.

  13. AndrewH says:

    Morning rico, house.
    syg, you have boosted my confidence that all will be ok Saturday! Enjoy over there,
    Sanchez as well played very good, in fact he hasnt stopped scoring since I took him out my Dream Team and replaced by Welbeck ….. who hasn’t scored since!

  14. Lee says:

    “I cannot understand all the brouhaha about whether Diaby should have a new contract or not. Especially because some of those opposed to it claim to be Arsenal supporters.
    In the final financial scheme of things, his wages are miniscule on the Club’s balance sheet.
    Arsene must have been told by the medicos that return to full fitness is more than just possible.
    A fit Diaby would be like a new signing and all true Arsenal supporters should welcome that.
    Let us all look on the bright side that he will soon return to play an important part in the rest of Club’s campaigns this season.” hahahahahahahahahahaha! Got to be a piss take!

  15. dublingunner says:

    Morning, Good post Rico, Unfortunately I, feel United will do enough to hold us or beat us, I just feel their tougher and more robust than us, without playing well. We just can,t get up for these games, We,ve only beaten them Once in the last 14 meetings says it all, similiar to Chelsea who we have only beaten twice in the past 14 meetings, Pathetic, really.. it pains me to say, also what you were saying about Welbeck not scoring goals, If It was Sanogo, we would be on his back, all be it,he is working hard. and lastly, on the Arsenal players playing better for their countries, doesn,t that just prove, what we already know, That it,s Wengers tactics that clearly are not up to the standard of todays game, and players dont perform to their full potential under his system, still Wenger Knows Best ?

  16. Bob John says:

    Hi Rico and all
    Remember the Middlesboro’ game really well. Rocky was at his peak then. Just before the days when highlights of all games were available! With regards to Saturday, the thought of Di Maria backed up by Shaw running at Chambers is filling me with dread so it would be some sort of bonus if the pointy faced Argentinian is out!

  17. rogerbij says:

    Thanks for the video Rico, much appreciated and worth the watch!

    Dublin, Im a little bit itchy about Welbeck scoring goals (or looking like he will) regularly too, but he’s no comparison to Sanogo, who is reminds all of bambi on ice. Welbeck at least has a touch and decent link up play. So its fair to give Welbeck a real go, especially with Giroud out.

  19. rico says:

    Untold Lee?

    Pleasure Roger, worth watching eh..

    Hi Bob & Dublin, thanks re the post..

    Bob, that thought scares the life out of me too, hopefully both Shaw and Di Maria will be out…

  20. BT62 Gooner says:

    Rico, nice post, like yourself i took a trip down memory lane last night, to watch the wizard that is Robert Pires, what a finisher..

    Syg, surely you’ve reached ex-pat status by now… thanks for the West Ham memories, i brought my nephew to that one, needless to say i never brought him again..His dad is a Irons fan….

  23. rico says:

    Afternoon Bt – thanks. Sir Bobby, just one of many invinsibles let go far too early…. Great player..

    Fido needs a walk so best I oblige…

  25. dublingunner says:

    Rogerbij, Welbeck definitely is an upgrade on Sanogo, He has the game, if he could just improve on his goal scoring, he would really be an exciting player. I too took a trip down that lane, to when these games truly set the standard for the modern game, There was simply no better rivalry in Football, with 2 teams of truly gifted players, Keane once said before he took to the pitch, he truly hated us, To which we felt equal hatred, thats what gave us mezmorising games, during that era, ” The Good Times “. Rico I don,t think you,ve gave any predictions, Yet , ?

  26. Bob John says:

    Luckily I am going to Twickers on Saturday for the Rugby and as we are meeting in the pub at 2.00 for a 7.00 kick-off I shall be past caring by the time the Manc game starts!

  31. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Le re your 12.29. Just read that on Untold. All those sheep on there saying they agree and that Diaby will hopefully come back “stronger than ever”. Why would he this time when he hasn’t before? Why SHOULD he get a new deal? if he is taking the place of a much needed DM, then he can piss off. That site and all the soapy tit-wanks they give Walter and that other twat that writes for them is embarrassing. Just look at their smug faces on the site. Afternoon all!!

  33. Wavy says:

    Diaby, bless him, has not been the same since they took him off HRT. Having developed brittle bone disorder, he’s found he snaps very easily, and takes every opportunity to ‘break up’! Similarly with his soft muscles syndrome, they tear whenever he stretched them, so he often damaged himself when getting out of bed! Should add, he’s a very clean living chap so, he was always alone! Nobody there to help Mr Bendy when he’s poorly. I’m surprised to hear that he is fit enough to lift a pen in order to sign his new improved contract, without breaking or tearing some part of his arm or hand!

  34. rico says:

    Afternoon folks..

    Dublin, ok, 3-1 🙂

    Bt, it’s still lovely here, long may it remain…

    Rocky, I promise not to follow those sheep… lol

    Diaby? The only deal he should get is ‘No Deal’!!

  37. Joe says:

    What an idiot Özil is imagine putting he’s career in the hands of Arsene Wenger and holding the belief that that the Arsenal manager will make him a better play what the hell is he smoking. 😉

  38. Joe says:

    If you describe the readers as sheep for following the party line held on untold that Diaby is not costing the club a lot of money.
    As the opposing view is held on HH could those on untold not say about the posters on HH.

  39. rico says:

    🙂 Joe re Mesut…

    But re Untold and HH, we discuss Arsenal, we don’t reject those who have support for the manager…

    Some here think AW should go first, others think Kroenke should be the man to leave before him…

    HH welcomes all opinions and bloggers don’t get shot down for those opinions…

  42. BT62 Gooner says:

    Rico, great news, perhaps we’ll get a late delivery from our very own postman on Saturday evening.

    Do postmen deliver at night?…lol

  43. Joe says:

    I think you are be unfair to untold they are a blog that sites on one side of very long spectrum of arsenal blogs.
    They are not opposed to open discussion but because they are often target for large amounts of trolling they can be touchy.
    As for the ref posts they get called a lot of names but let’s imagine how Dean is going to ref the match on Saturday. I’ll start Arsenal will not get a stone wall penalty the will be lots of others decisions that will not go our way.
    Let’s start a list 🙂

  49. rico says:

    I didn’t say that you did, but you suggested I was being harsh on UA – I have my view on the way they think, just as they do me no doubt. To be honest, I think they talk bollox, but they can, its their site….

    One day they’ll take their heads out of the sand though….

  53. potter says:

    Some of the investigative stuff they do is really interesting and worth a read . It’s when they get their hackles up when somebody dares to suggest that there are alternative ways of doing things that I switch off. I have tried to post a comment or two in the past but as I am not in their clique they go ignored even when I say something positive. Still I like their comment section and usually browse through it during my afternoon break.

  54. scottfromoz says:

    Guys, can I ask why the constant battering of Untold of late?
    Plenty are happy to quote Le Grove who are no better, just the polar opposite side of the argument.
    Now if you are going to accuse one of being blind, then play fair as that other group are every bit as bad.

  55. Joe says:

    Scott.
    Sheep following sheep that’s how it was described earlier but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

  57. scottfromoz says:

    That’s all I’m saying, Joe.
    I’m not defending them, but yep…..we can’t attack one because we disagree then defend another we agree with when they are both doing the same thing.

  62. scottfromoz says:

    Very well Adam……how are your 7 ex-wives, or is it 8 now 🙂
    Our very first Arsenal greyhound will be racing Saturday next week, so there are a few Gooners in Oz getting nervous.

  63. scottfromoz says:

    Just heard Welbeck is in doubt, as are half of the Utd players.
    Then the news Khedira is still on, and Hummels! and a few hundred others.

  66. Lee says:

    As for Untold, I’ve tried to post on there and if you say anything slightly anti “Le Boss” you get blocked so they can go and fuck themselves!

  70. scottfromoz says:

    Lee, we should all appreciate the fact we contribute to a Highbury House, the best around where even I get a say lol

  73. Adam says:

    Inevitably different sites will have varying stances on Wenger who has become an extremely divisive figure to Arsenal supporters. Add to this the fact that the Internet has given anyone who can type and spell and many who can’t, a voice and the results are hardly surprising. Those odd men you see at parties, the ones who are either fiddling with themselves or asking in a rather shrill way what “chariot” you drive or the strange men, often in red hats with snouts instead of noses who call their wives “Boss” or SWMBO could also run sites devoted to The Lord Wenger and his great works. At a party you can slide away as they begin to tell you, in detail, about the history of the London omnibus, the moon landing conspiracy or tomato sauce through the ages but, online, they can actually get people to read their stuff.
    It takes all sorts.

  77. tsgh says:

    Morning Rico, and all…

    I see Syg is still making weak predictions? 🙂 Do you know what use to happen to false prophets in the good old days? 😛 😛

    Scott, get some sleep you make too much sense. 😀

  80. tsgh says:

    Rico re. the link I notice JW is changing his tune now after 1 good performance for England.

    Last March was he not saying he preferred to play an attacking role for Arsenal and England? 🙂
    He has played the DM role for Arsenal on numerous occasions to varying effects. AS AW has said he will be a DM in future but not just yet for obvious reasons…

  83. potter says:

    Anyway Scott if you think that Le Grove is anti Wenger try the Forum on the online Gooner.. Both they and Untold are worth a look ,diametrically opposite ,but a laugh a minute.

  84. scottfromoz says:

    Potter, I have up checking anything but HH out quite a while ago 🙂
    Ginge….you’re back??
    I never make sense lol

  85. Adam says:

    I have seen Wilshere play in that position for Arsenal and he gives the ball away in dangerous positions far too often. I saw him do it the other night too but the Scots lacked the pace to exploit it.

  90. Lee says:

    Maybe Santi could get on Jack’s shoulders and we could get a longer shirt for them to wear……problem solved at no extra cost! Simples!

  91. scottfromoz says:

    Adam, the trouble is English fans see him do well and he cops the rave reviews.
    It doesn’t help.
    Rico, well said.

  92. tsgh says:

    ha ha ha ”We have many midfielders who need a proper DM next to them imo, highlights how unbalanced the squad is..” so true.

    Hey Scott- I am always around just recently I can’t post …but I always read the post..

  95. tsgh says:

    Lol… work is work I guess; i have lost the passion I had for football unfortunately…
    Its AW doing mate… I hope he spent the last 10 or so days re-evaluating his competency.

  99. frednerk says:

    Morning All,
    Wenger would be wiser if he took a bit of notice from Woy,
    Jack can see a pass,how many players in our team can knock balls about the pitch,
    as good as Jack.
    The reason wenger thinks Jacks wasted in that position,
    is that every team we play know how we will play,
    with all our players pushing up,most teams,even the chavs,
    drop so deep,Jack would be wasted.
    Wenger only see’s one way of playing,and thats through a team,
    over the top football..Forget it.

  101. rico says:

    Morning Fred.

    Agree re Jack’s passing ability but he does struggle to keep hold of the ball, overplaying and opting for a pass too late.

    That could of course be down to the lack of movement in or side or simply down to him being a ball hogger….

    Thought it was interesting and honest of Alexis when he said he needs to release the ball earlier than he does at times, maybe Jack needs to learn to do the same…

  105. tsgh says:

    lol Scott… I guess you are right.

    Its just I have become very frustrated with AW. Partly to do with him and his doings as well as thinking he is better than the stick he gets from all quarters because of his salary…

  106. scottfromoz says:

    Yeah the salary is just a ridiculous debating point.
    Do we all know or care what each other earn??
    What he is paid is between him and the club, and doesn’t mean a thing as far as how he performs.
    The club is Arsenal.
    Whether he’s on ten quid or 8 million doesn’t matter as we should be better.

  111. BT62 Gooner says:

    Lee, did you see the video of the 3 grandmas smokin’ for the first time?

    Morning all…

    I wouldn’t want to be a cyclist in front of Kev….

  112. Lee says:

    No I haven’t Bt…. I did see a cyclist (courier) with “FUCK” tattooed down his left calf and “TAXIS” down his right! I’m 100% serious!

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