Deal done? Wenger wants Ligue 1 midfielder! Big test tonight after our Champions League defeat & Hannover want Bendtner!

So – Hannover want Nikki B, £4 Million is the amount they are going to offer, snap their hands off I say, get his ego and high wage gone!

The link to players continues, this morning it’s ‘the next Bobby Pires’, Younes Belhanda who currently plays for Montpellier in French Ligue 1 – he’s 22 years old and started his career as a defensive midfielder but now he plays an attacking role for both club and country, Morocco!

Wenger likes him:

I love this player, but I do not want to create problems.

Montpellier are the ones who will decide if he leaves, once that happens we might look at him but we respect the work done by Montpellier.

The Daily Mail report that the Podolski deal was finalised over the weekend after a few odd bods from our club flew to Cologne on Friday to meet with chiefs from the Bundesliga club.

Enough about that, let’s get back to the players we do have, they are the ones that matter tonight….

We weren’t defeated last Tuesday however, the aggregate score over the two legs equals a defeat but that game has gone, long gone and forgotten hopefully!

Tonight it’s about full steam ahead, a fight for third place which at the moment is between us, Chelsea, Newcastle and ‘them’.

So often in seasons gone by, we have been knocked out of the Champions League and then gone on an awful run in the league but this season there is a huge difference, we haven’t actually been beaten!

Against Milan we were awesome, right up until the players legs went, they gave their all so much, it hurt. They have had plenty of rest; they don’t really have and wounds to lick as last Tuesday they showed what we all wanted them to and that was pride and passion for the club.

We need that kind of spirit and attitude tonight and until the final game of the season.

Newcastle will be no easy fixture and as already said, they still have a chance to get into the Champions League places and Pardew will want the maximum from this game but we can’t let him get what he wants!

Thankfully, they no longer have that cheating little rascal who got Gervinho sent off in the opening game of the season!

They are a threat up front with Ba and Cisse who just love to score, they also have Krul in goal, a keeper who has made every pundit stand up and take note and in between they have many quality players.

But hey, we have more!!

Seriously, we have quality in abundance within our squad and when they all turn up and decide to perform for themselves, each other and the club, there isn’t a side in the Premier League that can match us, especially at The Emirates.

I’m sure AC Milan would vouch for that!

Tonight isn’t about what has gone by; it’s about what lies ahead and that’s eleven more league fixtures, today is about just one though and that is the one we need to win most.

Let’s just carry on carrying on the way we have been over the last few games, keep playing well and keep getting three points, regardless of how.

Win ugly, who cares? Win with style and slickness, who cares, its points that count, not always the performance, especially at this stage of the season.

We showed against Liverpool we can withstand pressure on our goal and still win, we may need to do that again tonight, we showed against the Yids, we can come back from a 2-0 deficit, who knows, we may have to do that again tonight!

Most of all, over the last few weeks we have shown that as a squad, we are united, we have one aim and that is to keep on winning and finish this season the best we can…

That’s all we can ask for again tonight…..

336 thoughts on “Deal done? Wenger wants Ligue 1 midfielder! Big test tonight after our Champions League defeat & Hannover want Bendtner!

  1. Billboy says:

    Absolutely right Rico. At this time of the season it’s all about results not performances. Of course the right result and a good performance is always nice but not necessary.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all….

    Just look at some results over the weekend Billboy, tells all doesn’t it, posession gets nothing unsless the ball goes in the net 🙂

  3. Lee says:

    Arsenal need to sign four top-class players to persuade Robin van Persie to stay at the club. That is the view of Dutch legend Marco van Basten.

    According to the Daily Mirror, Van Basten has identified the four players as Javier Martinez, Jan Vertonghen , Lukas Podolski and Mario Goetze , who will cost the Gunners around £65million.

    Van Basten, who is still close to Van Persie, and other members of the Arsenal hierarchy says Arsenal need to prove to their talisman that they can continue to compete at the top level.

    He said: “The Arsenal squad must be bigger and stronger. Robin must get the feeling that Arsenal will have a squad this summer which can compete with the best teams in England and Europe.

    “They can not turn around and tell him they are selling their best players like last summer. They have a gem in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but at the top level you need experience as well.”

    Van Persie’s contract runs out in 15 months and he has delayed extension talks until the summer, when Manchester City are expected to make a move for him. Arsene Wenger will do his best to persuade the Dutchman to stay and qualification for the Champions League will certainly help his case.

    So can Arsenal really tempt those four players, and how…

    Javi Martinez
    The Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder has attracted interest from all over Europe for several seasons now. He captained Spain to victory in last summer’s under-21 European Championships and is tipped as a future international star. Standing at 6″3, Martinez loves the physical aspect of the game and is equally adept at centre-back. That doesn’t mean he can’t play though, his awareness and his range of passing with either foot make him a stand-out performer in any team.

    Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the past and he did nothing to dispel that idea with a fantastic performance at Old Trafford on Thursday, as Bilbao beat United 3-2. Arsenal will face stiff competition for his signature, not to mention having to shell out upwards of £16million for the 23-year-old. However, the likes of Cesc Fabregas will talk very highly of Arsenal if he was to ask advice, and Martinez is more than willing to entertain the idea of a move to the Premier League.

    Jan Vertonghen

    Vertonghen is a similar case to Martinez, and I doubt that Arsene Wenger would sign both. Vertonghen is a product of the Ajax youth system and is now their captain. The 24-year-old can play as a centre-back or defensive midfielder, and can even play on the left side as well.

    He is good on the ball and a great reader of the game. The Belgian international has also hinted that he may be ready to move on from Ajax, and was at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to watch Arsenal tear AC Milan apart, despite going out of the Champions League on aggregate.

    He told his friend and international team-mate, Thomas Vermaelen, that he was very impressed with Arsenal that day, and rekindling their defensive partnership at club level would be an attractive proposition for the pair, as well as Wenger. Vertonghen could be available for a lot less that the £20million that Frank de Boer quoted last summer, with his contract ending in 15 months time. There is a lot of interest in him though, with Arsenal’s north London rivals Spurs near the top of the queue.

    Lukas Podolski

    According to a lot or reports, Arsenal have already agreed a deal for Podolski and he will move to London in the summer for around £10million. I think this is a pretty good signing if true. Podolski has been linked with Arsenal for a long time and has an unbelievable international scoring record. He is an intelligent player with a devastating left foot and could provide the perfect back-up to Van Persie.

    Podolski can also play in the wide areas and will offer an interesting option for Arsenal in tight games, should he move in the summer. Arsenal’s current back-up strikers, Park Chu-Young and Marouane Chamakh, has flattered to deceive, and Podolski could create the little extra competition for places which Arsenal really need.

    Mario Goetze

    Perhaps the most sought after youngster in European football, along with Eden Hazard, Goetze is a graceful attacking midfielder whose array of flicks and subtlety of passing make him one of the most exciting youngsters to come out of Germany in recent times. He has been instrumental in Germany’s resurgence, slotting in alongside Mezut Ozil, who graduated from the under-21 team the previous year. Goetze can play in a wide role, or directly behind the front-man, and his skilful dribbling and vision mean he unlock most defences.

    He has been tracked by Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid , Barcelona , as well as Arsenal for a couple of years now and the 19-year-old will command a fee of at least £25million+. Whether Arsenal are willing to part with that for someone so young remains to be seen, but signing Goetze would show Arsenal really mean business and can still compete with Europe’s elite.

  4. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning All,

    If we bought that little lot Lee i’d be happy plus Jussi as an older keeper as back up on a free…

    Sell the dead wood which would bring in 20 odd million plus a lot of savings on wages and we’d easy be able to afford the four mentioned and a net spend of less that 50million… well worth what they’d bring to the club plus show ambition and intent…!

  5. Scott From Oz says:

    Evening all.
    A French guy informed me this Moroccan kid is absolutely smashing them in the French League this season.
    One of the best players in the league.

  6. Lee says:

    Morning WATH, yeah the nett outlay would be reduced by dead wood sales! That little lot would get RVP signing, imho!

  7. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning/evening Scott, Do we risk another Moroccan loosing the plot though…?

    I think RVP would sign in a flash with players of that quality brought in Lee, as said signals intent…!

  8. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath,nobody will ever convince me Chamakhs loss of form didn’t coincide with a loss of playing time.
    You never know for sure if any player,regardless of nationality,will perform in the EPL until they get there.

  9. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, watch the yid home game last season he was crap… he lost form before RVP came back…. Was as if he was swapped with his twin brother from mars and he got 3 left feet….!

    Agreed England is a different kettle of fish to most leagues but players that are grafters normally fit in well, it’s getting a player who can graft but also has skill and attitude that we want and need. Not easy.

  10. Scott From Oz says:

    Yeah,you can never be sure.
    Getting the right player at the right price is tough.
    Getting the right player regardless of price is easy.

  11. W.A.T.H says:

    It’s why I don’t like nor want Hazard….. seems like a big time charlie to me with a shit attitude who’ll jump at the chance to go to who ever pays him the most…. Gotze however comes across as sensible and looking to improve much like Ox….!

    Still a long way to go til we start talking player buys bit we know the media will come up with all sorts of bollox between now and the end of May…!.

    The fact is the higher up the table we finish the more attractive we are to join and also the more attractive we are to new potential sponsors and that is mega important the next year or so with so many big deals coming to an end..!

  12. Scott From Oz says:

    Not sure about Hazard,we all know what the media is like,but Gotze looks a great fit all round.

  13. W.A.T.H says:

    I’d flog him Lee…… for me he’s very limited I think there is better out there….! Again he divides fans big time… I think he does a decent job but we need someone who does a great job…!

  14. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning All,
    I like your fighting talk Rico, our boys are in their own back yard and are having a little winning run plus we owe the Newkies a hiding.
    Lee your choice of players are legendary, but so is Wengers tight pockets. I like you can see the benefits but Wenger parting with £60 mill well i can’t see it, but i keep my fingers crossed 🙂
    Will Robin stay, who knows but stay or go we will carry on, i felt that when Cesc left our chances of winning trophies had taken a major blow Na$ri and clicky left us weak and although we brought at the last minute,i felt that who we lost to who we gained never improved us,but as the season has progressed i was plesently suprised by the emergence of the Ox and Gerve Arteta they have started to shine and at least made us more competetive. Money spending seems to happen when we lose players, or know we have long term injuries. with players returning i would assume the chances of buying 3 or 4 replacements are pretty slim, i can only see like for like signings. Robin leaving for £30 to £40 mill and the Pod in for £25 mill seems like the kind of business Arsenal like.

  15. stevepalmer1 says:

    Sorry Wath, but Wengers Wenger, £60 mill couple of seasons ago we could have brought 2 teams for that.

  16. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    3-1 tonight, pretty straight forward.
    Had to laugh at Arry on saturday evening, he had the right hump, kept throwing the questions back at the interviewer, he’s starting to crack.

  17. Rokabox says:

    good moaning gooners,

    Rosicky signs new contract, hope that wouldn’t signal the end of his impressive form lately.

    I have to agree with sp on signing new players, unless you see it on the AFC website we remain pessimestic.

  18. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Scott………..

    I hear ya SP…… I think maybe just maybe “IF and yes it’s a big “IF” he is getting pressure from the owner or Gazidpratt then he may well be looking at proper players. He also knows he must sell off the shit we have and get rid of all the youngsters who cost us money and are not going to make it…! With sales and wages saved to spend 60odd million isn’t going to break the band to much at all as we would in theory get back at least a third and save plenty on wages as well…!

    Morning Micko….!

  19. Micko says:

    And Rosicky has signed a new contract extension, probably won’t see him for the rest of the season now.

  20. W.A.T.H says:

    Roka, I also agree only when a player is in the shirt on the pitch has he been bought… Nothing wrong with us wishing who we want though nor discussing the fact wenger won’t buy anyone who costs more than a fiver but maybe the time has come that the decision has been taken out of his hands…? we can but hope…!

    Intent and ambition……! Show some….

  21. Micko says:

    Vela, Bendtner, Alumunia, Squillachi, Denilson, Diaby, Arshavin, Chamakh, Park have all got to go this summer, they’re clogging our arteries, that’s nearly a whole team.

  22. allezkev says:

    Afternoon Gooners.
    Afternoon Rico.
    Just sitting outside St Pancras Hotel.
    A couple of Newcastle players have ambled by.
    Don’t know either?!

  23. Micko says:

    Wath, remember the young exciting Uruguayan goal-keeper that turned up a few years back, brought in to replace Mad Jens, he was pictured in the shirt, even played a couple of friendlies I think but no sooner had he turned up he was gone again, Arsenal said he failed his medical, there was something fishy going on there.

  24. stevepalmer1 says:

    One thing about all of those players you have shown Micko, they all at one time had a spark about them sadly that spark has long gone and so should they by now.

  25. Rokabox says:

    thanx WATH, we can only hope we can only hope,
    the last few years have been very painful especially when it comes to signing players, so I guess one develops a protective yet negative attitude to sheild against disappointment.

  26. W.A.T.H says:

    Micko, you can add another ten young ones to that list and some not so young now that are just not going to make it yer are earning a tidy sum from us…. Get rid and save the salary to pay those that warrant it…..!

    Ak your such a celeb spotter….. Groupie 😛

  27. rico says:

    What do you make of this French/Morocco guy then Wath, seems like a possibility, more so that the Goat….

  28. W.A.T.H says:

    Do we need another winger Rico………… simple answer would be no me thinks, we need elsewhere more importantly than another winger in my opinion but WTF do I know…..

  29. rico says:

    I don’t think we do either Wath, we have them in abundance and good ones too, tbh i’d rather M’vila, JV, Podolski and Jussi and be done with it….

  30. rico says:

    “Rumours, rumours, rumours pfff getting tired of them,” she said via her Twitter account. “Please don’t believe anything unless it comes from @Persie_Official him self.”

  31. rico says:

    Oops, sorry Lee 😉

    Sadly though, I don’t see us forking out such a huge amount on one player 🙁

  32. rico says:

    Also, we have so many of his ‘kind’ of player already, as much as we would all love him to sign, who makes way?

  33. allezkev says:

    Gotze is an absolutely fantastic footballer.
    If Arsenal are to get him, then they have a window of opportunity this summer. After the Euros, his value will rocket as i think the Germans will win it.
    Miss out this summer and forget it.
    Mertesaker & Podolski at AFC may make us an attractive option for him.
    But i suspect that he will want to stay in Dortmund for another year or two.

  34. rico says:

    That’s what sad though Lee, he is just the kind of player that would fit in, the kind of player that would show we mean the business next season and the kind of player that would not only help keep RvP, but would over the next years attract other top players….

    He’d be the perfect replacement for Arshavin…..

  35. allezkev says:

    Vertonghen is gettable. No excuses if we miss out on him.
    I’d take him in front of the Spaniard.
    Junior Hoillet is on a free.
    Sign him. Keep him for a year. If it don’t work just sell him.

  36. rico says:

    AK, how can you not believe that England won’t be Euro champs under Dirty Arry 😉

    Totally agree though before Euros, £25M, after – £40M + if he and Germany do well and then Citeh will try for him….

    But, Gotze seems a footballer, not a penny pincher….

  37. Lee says:

    As WATH said earlier with some prudent house-keeping (filing all the shite) the four players metioned wouldn’t bust the bank… and would be a statement of intent!

  38. DutchGooner10 says:

    Aftershave lads and silk leg ladies,

    I’m convinced it’s not the wallet but the intent. Combined on HH we have such institute knowledge on talent you just call the price and we spit an exciting list of potential larger than a Chinese family tree.

    Our perpetual period of transition must end next season. Brand-wise. Commerce-wise. Ambiguous-wise. Back to shock and awe, creative flow and an intuitive intellect within our squad that changes formation/tactics and weaving paterns interpreted by the position of our opponents and distribution of the ball. Breaking our habbit of fluctuations mentally-wise.

  39. rico says:

    JV is a big must, I think we’ll get him too….

    Agree on Hoilett too, get our squad right and make it clear to the likes on Nik, Denilson, AA and a number of others that they have no future, get rid asap….

  40. Lee says:

    Rico, we need footballers not money grabbing whores and as you say Gotze falls into the former category!
    Whereas Hazard might have a touch of the na$ris about him…imho
    Vertonghen, if we want him then that should be a done deal

  41. rico says:

    Exactly Lee, my thought too about Hazard, maybe that’s why Wenger hasn’t bothered with him, let him go to the yids, let him shaft them and not us…..

    German footballers seem very different than most, more loyal etc, can’t think of one who really shafted any side…

    Back in an hour, Fido needs a run…..

  42. allezkev says:

    How about this theory?

    Man Shitties interest in RVP could eventually turn out to be a good thing.
    Arsenal/Wenger are terrified at the fans’ reaction if he leaves, to such an extent that those tight bastards will spend money to ensure that Robin stays.
    Good for Robin.
    Good for us…

  43. DutchGooner10 says:

    GOOD NEWS ON VERTONGHEN.

    Good news on vertonghen, he was a guest on a Dutch football program, where he eventually reluctant admitted there has been made contact with Arsenal on Tuesday when he attended the Milan match. He has instructed his agent to sort out his future for next season and to initiate transfer talks.

    He said and I quote: ” If he (his agent) can finalize a deal with Arsenal I would be very content, until the i’ have been dotted and t’ been crossed there will be no news. Besides I still have a job with Ajax, leading them to the league title which will require my utmost focus.”

    Ohh and he was instrumental in breaking the deadlock in this weekend’s fixture, scoring the opening goal (a tap in from a inswinging corner!!! A feature we fall short). And almost put his squad 2 nil up with a second attempt (header this time, cleared off the line), again from a corner.

  44. Lee says:

    I’m ok AK…meeting dad at some Turkish restaurant (arcola st, stoke newington, I think) ahead of the game!! How’s you? Busy bee??
    Dutch, now that would be a cracking signing!!! I think most ppl on here would be over the moon with his signature!!

  45. allezkev says:

    That’s what i want to hear.
    Stop penny~pinching and get your effin business done before the summer. So that the NEW SQUAD have a pre~season togerher and hit the ground running next August.

  46. allezkev says:

    Lee, just having a nice cuppa and soaking up some sunshine.
    You have a great time tonight.
    It’ll be tough, but we’ll win.
    Then Harry will be a twitching wreck..

  47. DutchGooner10 says:

    Sure is AK. He got quizzed several times before details came from his lips, probably not to upset fans and current employers by going public on his desired destination. But once he did lift a bit of the veil, I was surprised by his candid openness.

  48. allezkev says:

    The atmosphere.
    The spirit of the team.
    The manner in which Arsenal thrashed AC Milan.
    All that will have been noted around Europe.
    And players who thrive in that environment will have thought, “Arsenal look good. I want a piece of that”…
    Thrashing AC could have been the best bit of PR the clubs done all season.

  49. SD-London says:

    Sell Bendtner , Carlos Vela, Arshavin,Djourou and use the money to pay RVP’s asking salary , whatever the amount.

    Man City’s money could be tempting but i am sure RVP hates that club and there is no unity everybody is watching their backs for back stabbers everyday .It cant be fun playing for Man City apart from the player’s bank accounts every week.

    So Wenger, do all you can do to pay keep RVP, sell players to pay for RVP to stay.Then buy Podolski, and a defender and a midfielder.

    Then welcome next season oh my my they should all be scared.Really!!!

  50. allezkev says:

    Dutch, it all points to the club getting it’s arse in gear to do it’s business early.
    It also points to Wenger selling his vision to RVP.
    Robin stays and Arsenal could take off next season…

  51. allezkev says:

    It was Lee. It was the best i’ve experienced for years.
    I didn’t go to the Barcelona game.
    But it was the best time i’ve had in The Grove.

  52. Lee says:

    Kev, as you say get em in early (save us a few quid if they do well in the Euros!!) pre season together all bedded in then rip up PL…

  53. DutchGooner10 says:

    Lee I did a fist pump as I was on my knees, shirt pulled over my head. Okay…..it was less exuberant I crossed my fingers and sacrificed a goat in church. 😛

    He got praises for his professional development this season. His consistency, leadership qualities and defensive coaching.

    Hope you and your dad are being treated to bags of memories tonight. Enjoy.

  54. DutchGooner10 says:

    AK I believe JV’ mind has been made up. It’s just the damage he could do on the transfer fee if he would single out his options down to 1 club. Agents have taken notes on the Cesc situation I believe.

  55. W.A.T.H says:

    Hope you and Pops have a great night 2nite Lee, am sure he could do with a good night out… No getting him 2 pissed 😉

  56. Lee says:

    WATH, funny you calling him “Pops” as that’s what both my sons call him!!
    I can’t get the designated driver pissed can I? 😆

  57. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Javier Martinez is a very good player. Athletic have now a few good players interesting to the most important european clubs: Muniaim, Javier Martinez, Llorente, etc.
    Javier Martínez Aginaga, was born in 1988. Has 1,90m high. Is a midfield player. Strong, tecnical good.

  58. W.A.T.H says:

    You sneaky sod Lee, your supposed to be looking after him not him looking after you lol

    JM, you think Martinez would make it in England… I think being a physical player would help him… he likes a battle…!

  59. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Bilbau players and Bilbau team always have played like an England team (more or less). Maybe because were founded by englishs

  60. rico says:

    Afternoon all

    AK, Arry is already a twitching wreck 🙂

    DG, good news re JV, just hope Wenger is on our wave length….

  61. Lee says:

    Rico, you may have to put something in the side bar….”players were not linked with…” be a lot easier!! 😉

  62. rico says:

    😆 Lee..

    Seems like only yesterday we were heading into last summers transfer window, the same old players get linked year after year….

  63. rico says:

    Good point about hazard not wanting to play on a Thursday night 😉

    Seems as if the old twitcher wants him and Remy….

    Bet Lardybayor doesn’t sign for them, the real him is starting to show again….

  64. rico says:

    Talking of Harry, looks like he is back tracking over the England job, says it would be hard to leave the yiddos….

    In other words, England have someone else lined up 😉

  65. rico says:

    Leeds United have signed young Arsenal goalkeeper Sean McDermott on a youth loan.

    The 18 year old has signed on a youth loan deal for a month and he made his debut in the under-18`s 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Saturday.

    McDermott first signed for Arsenal in 2009 as a 16 year old after impressing Arsenal scouts with his performances for Norwegian side IK Vag as a schoolboy.

    He has been a regular for Arsenal`s under 18 side this season and he has also made two appearances for the reserves.

    Although born in Norway, he is the current Republic of Ireland under 19 goalkeeper. He has played in all three of their qualifying games for the under 19`s championship finals that take place next year.

    So far they have won two and lost one of their three qualifiers and sit second in their group.

    Read more: http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=275895#ixzz1oux51FBU

  66. W.A.T.H says:

    Leg warmers…. I thought as much…………… although think something else would be warmer lol

  67. W.A.T.H says:

    It wasn’t for me AK….. 😉

    Rico, no need to be intrigued its just someone just juggling some balls…..

  68. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico the bell is on the cat re Vertonghen. I assume talks are at an advanced stage. Thing is Ajax have been in the eye of the storm this season. On board level there’s been a public power struggle that would fit a dramatic divorce novel which took it al the way to court. It was infectious throughout the club, coaching staff and performances of the squad were being dragged into the equation. Provoking quotes and setting up ring corners.

    So, they are looking for calmer climates to gather their strengths and finish the season on a high. Albeit the transfer fee on Vertonghen will be affected by wether or not they become league champions.

  69. Adam says:

    Hi Rico. Just go home and had my customary stroll through the Arsenal stuff on the Internet. I don’t think I have ever read so much crap in my life. It amazes me how many people seem to think that RVP has signed for Man City for £250 grand a week or something like that. Another guy asks if it isn’t obvious that he wants to leave and cites two statements he allegedly made a year apart as proof. Yet another keyboard warrior asks if we know the reasons for Theo’s loss of form while insinuating that he does. The list goes on and on and on. Linking Chamakh’s rapid decline with anything other than his Vegas cock- up ( please don’t take that literally, but then again…) is daft too. And the number of times I have read that Robert Pires was the PL’s worse diver alongside Eduardo and Fabregas simply does an injustice to Gerrard and Rooney to say nothing of Bale and Suarez. There are still journalists writing that Suarez and Bale did not dive. This last point merely confirms the feelings that I posted yesterday in that everything that comes out of Arsenal is news and if the imbeciles need to put a spin on it to make it controversial and even confrontational, then they will, happily and without regard for the truth. Lazy, lazy and just dumb. The Internet is turning into a stupid place that appeals to stupid people I am afraid. Thank God for HH.

  70. DutchGooner10 says:

    Hola Amigo,

    Yes JM I guess you have pleasant memories when he was at Barca. 😉 He’s carefully building a coaching career. Nobody knows if his abilities and tranquility as a player will be worth a contract as head chief.

  71. rico says:

    Serious DG, you think a deal could really be on the cards for him to sign for us?

    If so that is great news – the stuff going on at Ajax is sad though, a great club, maybe though that could help us get DB on our coaching staff 😉

  72. Adam says:

    Kev. I never met a cabbie who wasn’t extremely rich. Actually I sit next to one at The Emirates and we have a regular laugh about it. When we are not crying that is.

  73. rico says:

    Hi Adam..

    Spot on, i too read the RvP deal agreed with Citeh and just laughed, what utter load of rubbish and no doubt the final straw for his wife, hence her twitter comments…

    So many ‘outsiders’ like to come onto HH and leave comments which are vile and rude but all we do here is speak from our hearts, give our opinion but never claim to know something when we don’t – some however profess to claim they ‘know’, but it’s all speculatuon and hype just to get to the top of newsnow…

    Thank you re the thank goodness for HH, it works because of you guys and gals out there who can chat away all day about arsenal, what we all believe we would ‘like’ to happen etc etc, and with it, respect everyone else…

    We don’t even try to make things up, whats the point….

  74. rico says:

    Hey JM, we won’t know for a few hours yet, i wouldn’t bet against the same eleven who faced Milan starting, but, maybe Arteta back in for Chamberlain…. (sadly)

  75. Adam says:

    The thing I remember about Cocu, apart from the extraordinary shape of his nose, was the scandalous dive he took when playing for Barcelona against us when we played our CL games at Wembley. He leapt over Tony Adam’s leg with no contact and went down like he had been shot. When I saw the replay I wished had been.

  76. allezkev says:

    Adam i was there that night.
    Bunch of diving cheats, the lot of ’em.
    Hated Barcelona ever since.

  77. Adam says:

    Kev. I just knew that you and I were of a similar disposition in our ability to hold a grudge. That was the night I too fell out of love with the Catalans.

  78. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico Up……Down……..Up………….Down……….Up………..Down………Up we are on the same wavelength.;) DB10 and JV would be a steal.

    WATH Up……Down……..Up………….Down……….Up………..Down………Up stiff your toes and take a bow.

  79. allezkev says:

    Adam, i still want to see us get some revenge on Galatasaray, Valencia and Zaragoza.
    I never forget mate.

  80. Joaquim Moreira says:

    well with Galatasaray and Valencia maybe next year in the CL… if we reach it.
    Zaragoza probably will be relegate to the second division this year.

  81. rico says:

    i don’t know how you guys remember everything, i am hopeless, must be because us ladies have so much more to do and think about during life

    😆 😆 😆

    I’ll get my coat…..

  82. Goonster says:

    Evening fine folks, ready to smash the magpies? You bet i am. Here’s hoping we wipe the floor with them. Those punks owe us some serious whupping. Come on you fucking gunners!

  83. devilgunner says:

    Good evening Guys and Chicks of the Proud Gunners’ Faith.

    Had a long day today. Hopefully I will manage to stay with you for the rest of it till the end of the game.

    Are you and DG doing some sit-ups Rico, the way you keep going up-down etc etc?? 😆

  84. rico says:

    Ah, here comes Goonster – you went into the naughty corner yesterday because of the c word goonster… tut tut! 😉

  85. devilgunner says:

    I agree with you Sir AK. Zaragoza, Galatasaray and Valencia are three clubs I want to take my revenge on before I see them banished into lower tier obliviion.

  86. rico says:

    Lee, you have a fab evening, give your dad a big hug from all of us here on HH, and hope we batter the Geordies… just for you two….

  87. DutchGooner10 says:

    Adam Cocu’s nose would make a hell of a ski slope. 😛 It baffles and amazes me how the jury is still out on diving. Some say it’s professional cunning intertwined with a winning mentality. Others put it where it belongs, killing the grace of the sport and questing the self-worth of calling yourself a footballer.

  88. rico says:

    Afternoon devil, just sit-ups 😉

    JM, i know but i don’t recall the finer horrid details as you guys do 🙁

  89. devilgunner says:

    DG….Adam Cocu’s nose would make a hell of a ski slope.

    That is absolutely crackers mate. 😆

  90. devilgunner says:

    I have been here, there and everywhere mate. There are days when I am practically here and there are days where work and coaching do not allow me to be here. Today was a long day and at the moment it is my day off.

  91. Adam says:

    Off for a bowl of pasta before driving to the Emirates. Hope we all have a lovely evening which means a win of course. Evenin’ all and special thoughts to Lee and his Dad.

  92. Goonster says:

    Hey guys lay off cocu he’s one of my favorite dutch player ever and don’t forget… God bless the dutch!

  93. DutchGooner10 says:

    Lee quickly paint a banner. HIGHBURY HOUSE ROARS HERE!!!!! C ya Lata mate.

    Devil WATH will preform Batman & Robin ballet on stage. Me and Rico are just on the same page.

  94. devilgunner says:

    Andrei Arshavin has claimed he’s still aiming to return to Arsenal at the end of the season, despite strong suggestions he’ll make his current loan return to Zenit St Petersburg a permanent move in the summer.

    Quite whether that return to the Gunners is merely to pick up a couple of pairs of boots which he’s left in his locker at the Emirates, a recipe for banana cake from Barbara the tea-lady or to actually challenge for a place in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up remains to be seen…it may just be to see his kids who he’s left studying in the capital.

    “Of course,” replied Arshavin when asked if he’d return to London. “Yes,” he confirmed when asked if this is something he wanted to do.

    “Every player wants to play and not sit on the bench and sit in the stands watching the action. I always wanted to play and not sit on the sidelines watching everything unfold.

    “I’m used to living in London and while I’m on loan at Zenit my family has stayed there because my children go to school there and everybody feels comfortable there.”

    Zenit St Petersburg are currently top of the Russian Premier League, but have only managed draws in the two games in which Arshavin has started since his return to his hometown.

    ER NO EHHH!!! YOU BLOODY STAY WHERE YOU ARE. COME BACK WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE YOUR PENSION.

  95. W.A.T.H says:

    DG we have Robin so we don’t need Batman and do NOT mention tights…. AK will get all excited…..

    As for you Boss I think your fixated with balls all because you only ever played with little ones…

    Cricket don’t count you know…..!

    Basketball now thats a proper sized ball…!

    Your gone but enjoy Lee and enjoy dinner b4 hand

  96. W.A.T.H says:

    I also remember that cheating fucker Cocu diving at wembley like he’d been hit by a sniper, liked him until that game and also after that game Barca were scum as far as I am concerned, cheating isn’t papered over just because your a great side…! They don’t need to cheat and dive like that but they did and they still do….!

  97. LJB says:

    Rico,i must commend you on the quality of your blog and the sensible people who post here.I read a few Arsenal blogs,don’t comment often tbh,but i have got royally fed up of both the doomers on Le grove ,who just want to talk about how crap they think wenger is,and the worshippers on ACLF, where the slighest criticism is met with cries of “who are you to dare to criticise the great god AW”.A bit of balance is sorely needed;we support our team at all times but have to acknowledge that mistakes have been made.Keep up the good work,i’ll be reading all your views with interest (i’m a lady too BTW, a fan for 36 years,had to give up my ST a few years ago when the old man lost his job,haven’t been since the sunderland home game coz whilst hubby has a new job,i got made redundant at the end of nov,and haven’t found another job yet,so moneys a bit tight atm)

  98. devilgunner says:

    Welcome LJB. Good to have another chick around. Here you will find that your views are welcome and appreciated. Enjoy the fun.

  99. devilgunner says:

    Comment from the Beeb…..One thing’s for sure tonight, that Newcastle defence will have to stay switched on for the full 95+ minutes. Arsenal have scored a stoppage-time goal in three of their last four league matches. Manchester United-esque from Arsene Wenger’s lads at the minute…

    what’s that??? Good one in favour for a change????

  100. rico says:

    That’s it, tum all full and ready to watch the geordies get a pasting 😛

    Or should that read, hope we give them a pasting, why am i feeling worried 🙁

  101. rico says:

    Hoorah, another lady in HH, welcome LJB and thank you for your kind comments 🙂

    Sorry to hear about the job situation, hope it comes good for you both soon….

  102. Micko says:

    Don’t worry rico, the barcodes will be playing for a europa cup place after tonight.
    Haven’t pardew and wenger got a bit of history, could get tasty.

  103. devilgunner says:

    Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Van Persie.

    SUBS: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Ramsey, Benayoun, Gervinho, Chamakh.

  104. allezkev says:

    Great vote of faith in Ox.
    Bit of a slap for Gerv. Or basically telling him to get his finger out!
    Good team.

  105. devilgunner says:

    Dont worry LJB. Money may be tight, but at least your hubby understands and supports you.

    Hiya Sir AK. How you doing mate???

    The job in the garage I was on about nearly finished mate. Last two finishing coats. Dad and I were amazed at the final outcome.

  106. rico says:

    Bloody hope so Micko…

    AK, thank goodness for that…

    You guys see the story about Gerv was all ready to sign for the barcodes, but his texting let him down??

  107. devilgunner says:

    Good.

    I think its not that Gerv needs a kick up the pants. He needs a rest and when guys come from ANC usually they are a bit flat. (Chamack is not included in this equation since he has always been flat for the last 14 months). So AW will introduce him bit by bit. And he is on his first season remember. So lets be a bit kind to him.

  108. devilgunner says:

    Rephrase that a bit Rico. He is not yet a footballer. He is a good player. There is a slight difference. Presently in the attack we have two footballers and a player. As a sub we have two players in the attack.

  109. Scott From Oz says:

    And a fine morning it is down under….
    Morning guys!!!!
    Turn the game on,first words are “and our match official is Howard Webb”.
    Great start lol.

  110. rico says:

    But he is a footballer devil, we paid £10million for him , he should be fit and ready to play each week, that’s what he gets paid for….

    3rd div sides players do that…

    Ok, Gev isn’t ‘great’ yet, but he should be fit and ready to perform 😉

  111. devilgunner says:

    Great eh. I search for a link and I got one…..in fecking chinese. Grrrrrrr

    We are on them from the start. RVP nearly scored.

  112. devilgunner says:

    Good to see RVP score. There was a buxom chick jumping up and down behind the goal. Come on Robin….two more before halftime.

  113. devilgunner says:

    Correct me if I am wrong. But isnt the tackle from behind outlawed and punished with a card???

  114. devilgunner says:

    Seems as if Sagna and Theo are finally clicking into gear. Everything seems to be coming from the right.

  115. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,look at the rule book.
    It states that its dependant on clubs involved,and refs discression..

  116. devilgunner says:

    Arsenal have clocked up 71% of possession in the last 10 minutes – a phenomenal effort. We haven’t seen much from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain yet though. Theo Walcott is stealing his thunder at the minute.

  117. Scott From Oz says:

    Webb is a grub.
    How the hell did he miss that “tackle”
    on Kozzer?
    Blind as a bat,and half as honest.

  118. devilgunner says:

    I would definately swap Theo and the Ox on the wings, Santon is fast. But the OX would skin him alive. The NUFC right back is slow compared to Santon and Theo would have lots of spaces behind him to run to.

  119. devilgunner says:

    I love those corners from the OX.

    Another tackle from behind. This time by Tiote. You can bet your life that if he becomes an AFC player he will be allowed only one tackle from behind and he will be crucified

  120. devilgunner says:

    Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on BBC Radio 5 live:

    “Theo Walcott is a better player when he does things early without thinking about it. He’s at his best when he’s instinctive – he looks first class when he does that. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain there’s an intelligence there – he’s a lot more considered in what he does.”

  121. devilgunner says:

    Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on BBC Radio 5 live:

    “Newcastle are very much in this match and really fancy themselves on the break. It’s a war of attrition in that central midfield area, with Tiote, Cabaye and even Gutierrez digging in. Arsenal need to change their system to unlock Newcastle.”

  122. devilgunner says:

    Against Milan we were more direct and incisive. We were quicker. However, there was the Ox in the middle and that is a big difference. On the wing he is a bit wasted. Put him in the middle and you will see the difference. I would sub Santos for Arteta and put Santos on the wing and the Ox in the middle.

  123. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m pretty confident we have one or two goals in is,where I don’t don’t Newcastle do…..famous last words,I know
    We’ve had by far the better chances,so let’s hope we net some.

  124. allezkev says:

    Need to be patient in attack and disciplined in defence.
    We should be winning.
    But we are not and Pardew is a jinx.
    This is a dangerous game.
    It could quite easily blow up in our face.
    These are the games where our players show how much they have learnt this season.
    No more sloppy goals.
    We must put Newcastle away.

  125. Scott From Oz says:

    Watch the stubble Devil.
    Morning AK.
    I agree its a danger match,but I am confident.
    Ox needs to be more involved via a little tweak from Wenger.

  126. devilgunner says:

    Errrr…..is that the same TR07 we know or we knew the clone and now we have the original????

    What a point blank save from the barcode keeper

  127. allezkev says:

    Newcastle will start to tire if we can keep up this pressure.
    They’ll begin to make mistakes.
    As long as we stay tight at the back, we can nick this.
    Someone other than RVP has to step up with a goal.

  128. Scott From Oz says:

    Ox wasn’t having a massive impact,though id have given him ten minutes on the right.
    You couldn’t take Theo off.

  129. rico says:

    Ox was just getting into the game, but Theo is well in the game so yes, a tough call Scott..

    Tomas maybe??

  130. devilgunner says:

    Gibbs needs to show that he is equal to Clichy in the scoring stakes.

    Arteta got his own back. Well done son

  131. rico says:

    we have gone back to passing to much, lets get more direct and make them pay, before it’s too late……

  132. rico says:

    Guys, i have to log off now and get ready for the wooden ones as soon as the whistle goes, got an early start….

    Hopefully me going will bring good luck….

    Night all, stay safe…..

  133. DutchGooner10 says:

    THOMAS VERMAELEN!!!! THOMAS VERMAELEN!!!! THOMAS VERMAELEN!!!! THOMAS VERMAELEN!!!!

    Kiss the lucky hedgehog. Thanx Scott for being up on this ungodly hour.

  134. Rokabox says:

    Haaaaaaaapy daaaaays goooooners,
    Dutch you have to explain to us what all that double Dutch cross.
    Personal stuff I say, Krul wanker.

  135. W.A.T.H says:

    Makes a nice change to see us getting 5 players in the box in the last minute of a game

    As said never gave up and kept going….! Love it… Now to keep it going….!

  136. W.A.T.H says:

    SP, you been on the “sauce” again………………. lol

    I’ll settle for St Totteringhams day…………. AND they finish 5th just for good measure !!!

  137. Merlin96 says:

    F**king hell….one day my heart is going to stop watching Arsenal..@#$%**#

    On one hand, it proves that Arsenal can win ugly against a physical team who thrives on counter-attacking…

    On the other hand, how long will that fickle wench Lady Luck continues to have that torrid affair with Arsene Wenger?

    We will know in our very next match away to Everton who should be knackered after playing in FA Cup qtr-final..hoping they win, floating on a cloud of euphoria and does not turn up against Arsenal.

    Fingers crosses..as there is a thin edge of uncertainty… and praying for a repeat of 1997/98 where we string together 13 cosnecutive wins till season end…

    You will never know with this “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” team of ours.

    Goodnight all.

  138. allezkev says:

    Sir Stevo…… 2nd, 1st even…! ha ha, love it mate. 🙂

    Up next Everton on Weds 21st.
    Everton have beaten CFC, Shittie and Scum in consecutive games at Goodison. So it’s become a bit of a fortress.
    But Everton will be playing their 3rd game in 8 days when we visit..!!!
    Liverpool [a] tomorrow 13th and Sunderland [h] on Sat 17th.
    By comparison and for a nice change, our boys can put their feet up until the 21st.
    Everton may just have a fatigue & fitness issue when we visit in 8 days time?!
    Here’s hoping…….

  139. allezkev says:

    Morning Lee.
    Arcola St. That’s a blast from me past.
    I’ll definately look into an away game though.
    Could be a right larf.

  140. Scott From Oz says:

    It’s a great day to be a Gooner.
    Yes,I’m a broken record,but we would not have won that game last season.
    The guys we have playing for us are playing for US,the club and the fans.
    I always say that won,lose or draw,if I’ve been entertained and the lads have put in,I am a happy camper.
    This group is giving their all,and never,ever saying die,and you just have love them for it.
    Did you guys see a close up of RVP after he scored???
    He did not like a man who had intentions of leaving.
    Players who six months ago would have been hesitant of joining us would surely now be seeing what a close knit happy group we have,and just may be thinking differently now.
    The camaraderie these guys have comes from adversities we endured recently,and we have come out the other aide better for it.
    This could be the start of a great period for our club.

  141. Scott From Oz says:

    It’s a league record……4 wins in a row coming from behind.
    Devil,I was talking to someone about coaching kids and the methods I use.
    Apparently,I’m a Russian sports coach attempting to make 6 y.o’s into superstars,and all because my kids are going well.
    I lose a few hours work each week,am coordinating training for 4 sides,but am doing it for my own benefit.
    I asked would he like take over,and,amazingly enough,he went silent!!!!!
    The true reason I do it is in enjoy dealing with arseholes the likes of him!!!

  142. Lee says:

    Ker fuckin ching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Get in there!
    Time wasting pricks got their just desserts!
    Tiote = Red card!
    Webb = shit referee!
    MIND THE GAP!!!
    Evening Scott….

  143. devilgunner says:

    Good morning Gurs and Chicks of the Proud Gunners’ Faith.

    OUR WORST season ever is 1 point behind Tottenham’s best season ever. 😆

  144. devilgunner says:

    Imagine as Sir SP is saying…..we finish at least above Shitty in 2nd place. And Barca finish 2nd. I would like to see the look on Clichy and Na$ri’s faces plus the deja vu look on Cesc. They leave us because they cannot see improvement and stay on the same plane and we improve…….better still do better.

  145. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Scott

    Got a bloody size headache today. Slept very little this night. But I will not complain. 😉

  146. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,we lost class but gained spirit when they left.
    Yes it took time,but it was ways going to.
    Picture this….Arsenal in twelve months time,normal Injuries,deadwood gone,three or four new gun players……we will be capable of challenging for everything.

  147. Scott From Oz says:

    I wallowed in highlights a few times,then the replay.
    Had a day off today,so took full advantage!!!

  148. devilgunner says:

    Maybe they were also the weak parts of the jigsaw. Dont get me wrong. They are great players. But sometimes it does not mean that if you have great players you will do well. Take Arteta for example. He is inferior to Cesc regarding vision, but he is vastly superior in his attitude plus work rate for the team.

    Remember that Arsh left also. That makes it 3 moaners in the dressing room who had negative vibes and this may have affected morale.

    Is it a coincidence or what???

  149. Scott From Oz says:

    I hope Wenger has a decent chat with Ox.
    When he was taken off,he didn’t look happy.
    Rightly so I guess,but he needs to know that its to help him get through the early stages of what promises to be a massive career,and not because he was playing badly.
    I think its his love of the game showing up,but a kind word will go a long way,and I suspect Wenger would be on top of it.

  150. devilgunner says:

    No mate. its doing the round here. November and Feb/March are usually the worst of the lot here.

  151. devilgunner says:

    What’s ready Lady??? Tea?? Herbal for me. And some nice scones with it will do nicely. Oh and a boiled egg and some toast.

    Cheers Lady 😆

  152. devilgunner says:

    Joking Rico. Cannot eat anything at the mo. Just potato, bread, carrots and chicken only. Otherwise everything will go up.

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