Decision made and it’s done! Arsenal fans can always rely on Arsene Wenger…… To let us down!

Morning all.

So here we are, the new season finally kicks off for our boys. Goodness only knows where the last couple of months have gone as it only seems like yesterday we thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 on the final day of the last campaign.

Arsene Wenger has finally made up his mind about who will be captain and it’s Merts. What an odd appointment considering he’s out for so long and in any case, even if fit, his playing time maybe limited, IF of course Arsenal do manage to sign another defender or two before the transfer window shuts.

Whatever happened to having a proper captain, like Adams and Vieira, players who lead by example and aren’t afraid to tell it as it is, both on and off the pitch. Players who get stuck in and wouldn’t dream of turning their back on a shot, let alone actually doing it? Wenger so often says this Arsenal team is full of leaders, but let’s be honest, it’s not. Who in this team pick the boys up when the going gets tough? No-one, even when we concede a goal all we see is heads down and players just accepting things instead of changing things. It’s simply not good enough but so typical of the attitude running through the club, from the top to the bottom.

So, here we are, a 4pm kick off against the much rated Jurgen Klopp and his team. I say his team because now he’s had the chance to build his own squad. To get rid of those he thinks are not good enough and bring in those he thinks will turn his side into Premier League Champions.

I doubt they will though, neither will we….

Wenger still hasn’t signed a striker or a defender which leaves us very short at the back and without Giroud, our attacking options are quite limited. I know we have Campbell, Akpom and even Walcott who can play up front, but really, is this how a club with £250m, or thereabouts sitting in the bank, should be behaving as the new campaign kicks off? No, of course it’s not and it’s not like Wenger didn’t know this was coming. He’s had around two and a half months to sign the players we need, yet here we are, with the same old deficiencies in the squad.

His recent comments about the players he does have and how new signings don’t stay new for long, beggar belief. The man really is living in a different world to the rest in football.

‘Our finishing last year was of a worse quality than the year before and we had the same players. That means its a bit cyclical’ he says.

Well that rings alarm bells on it’s own surely, as if our finishing was worse last season, whose to say it’s not going to even worse this season, after all, we do only have the same players apart from Akpom. If Wenger wants better finishing, which he should, it’s simple, sign a top quality striker and don’t rely on others to improve. After all, taking Campbell and Akpom out of the equation, they aren’t young players starting their careers, the are seasoned players who should be at the top of their game but they’re not, and that’s because they are simply not good enough. Walcott as a striker? Give me strength Arsene, he’s been there, tried that, and it didn’t really work did it, certainly not when playing just one up front. Perhaps Alexis and Akpom will form a good partnership, I sure hope so.

Of course spending money doesn’t guarantee success but there’s a big difference between blowing £100 million on one player and spending £100 million on signing 2/3 top players who would finally make our squad a real threat, but no, he and the club never do that.

Yet again, having had so much hope and belief that our squad would be much stronger than last season, the rolls of paper will soon be out to cover the cracks.

Starting today in defence…..

I’ve no idea who will start this afternoon and I’m not going to guess. It’s Arsene’s job to pick a team from the players he clearly believes in and one which can win this game. And it’s his job to make sure they are in the right mindset to do so….

But I won’t be holding my breath, that’s for sure…

264 thoughts on “Decision made and it’s done! Arsenal fans can always rely on Arsene Wenger…… To let us down!

  1. Marshall says:

    Here we go again, heading in to a season knowing we clearly do not have enough firepower to win. The manager himself says our conversion was poor, and what is the solution? Try the exact same players again- that is what Einstein defined as insanity.

  2. allezkev says:

    Morning Fred, yes Theo has a big old season in front of him mate, not sure how Arsene is gonna fit him into things, probably as an impact sub…

    What is an impact sub?
    Aren’t all subs sent on to make an impact?
    Ginge, help me out here…

    The way that Serge Gnabry is going Fred, I guess that he, along with Asano and Akpom, will be like new signings…

    I don’t wanna labour the point, but my expectations are low and I’m gonna focus more on the new boys this season – Xhaka, Holding, Mustafi, and the youngsters….

    We ain’t winning or even competing for the EPL so there’s no point in getting all hung up over it.

    All the same, this could be a memorable season, with the prospects of Arsenal having a different man in the managers chair come next May…

  3. Mabo says:

    Sometimes I’ve been to the brink of insanity trying to figure out Wenger and the Arsenal currently. It both angers me and saddens me at the same time, I’m not even from UK but the passion and love I have for the club brings me near breaking point every time lately.

    I sincerely thought Wenger would buy this transfer window but he isn’t. It’s like he wants to prove a point but for the life of me I can’t see what that point would be. Arsenal is dying a slow painful death and no matter who says what Wenger has lost it and his problem is mental. I’m Arsenal for sure though. #Coyg

  4. Marshall says:

    Hate the fact that this season will be as the last and the previous. Where Giroud will be almost assured of his starting place upfront making us more predictable as usual.

    A player who couldn’t win his country Euros even with the best support playing to ‘his strength’ FTS!

  5. Marshall says:

    But am certain we’ll show alot of mental strength and cohesion and look foward to bounce back next week….every other week.

  6. rico says:

    I have my doubts too Marshall…

    Yep, I await those stupid comments as so often heard before from Wenger and even some of the players…

  7. rico says:

    If he doesn’t sign a striker and defender before the window shuts, any respect that I have left for him will be gone…

    Mind you, that’ll be difficult as I don’t have any…. 😉

  8. Malaga gooner says:

    Morning Rico and the house

    I’m not overly confident today. I think a draw would be a good result.

    Not surprised with the deluded ones latest comments

  9. DB10 says:

    He has not only had a couple of months – more like the past 4 years and he still hasn’t strengthened the squad enough to win the league! If it is true that we do indeed have a £250m surplus, the that just compounds the stubbornness and complete lack of ambition. Roll on 17/18 and a new, young ambitious manager at the helm.

  10. frednerk says:

    Had a look at Asano Kev
    did’nt see much.
    Akpom needs to be given a chance
    early not late in a game,he is our
    top goalscorer..sort of.
    We know what Walnuts about
    and anyway Arsene says he can play
    upfront on the wing or like always
    sit behind me and help Zip me up.

  11. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.

    What a miserable rain soaked grumpy lot you are.

    Be a bit positive for a change.

    Remember when Cantona retired?? And SAF got rid of KAnchelskis, Bruce, Robson and another player I don’t remember his name. Everyone on the papers (internet blogs were inexistent back then) ridiculed him and said that United will struggle. Yes they struggled…..by winning the league again. Because he played with youngsters like Becks, the ugly NEville mugs, sour faced Scholes etc etc.

    This year we have the same squad bar Xhaka.

    yes we are afraid. But at least let’s see how they play against the dippers and Leicester.

    It might be the same old soup…….but it might taste differently when we take a spoon or two. Or six for that matter.

  12. rico says:

    Db, I didn’t want to mention the years gone by. Just thought I’d stick to this summer… But you are spot on of course.. 😉

  13. kelsey says:

    I have been typing away on the last post.I didn’t realise there was a new post.I repeat what I said.
    Well that comment by AW was practically a new post in itself ?

    Our need is greater then ever before in his entire tenure to have a challengin squad,but of course if you finish third or forth some 20 points behind the winners he would say we challenged.

    Whoever he picks today and whatever the score it will be wrong. if this makeshift team of ours actually wins that would be great but the kiss of death to imminent signings and if we draw or lose we will be told we are still actively in the market and so on.

    We do not have a recognised CF or CH starting the game and any other chairman or majority shareholder would have him and the whole crew shot ?

    I often argue that many like myself are not doomers but realists and actually bang on about so much wrong at the club that could be fixed because we CARE whilst others think everything is wonderful and don’t give a shite about our play,enjoyment or results because In Wenger they Trust.

    The armband issue is also a joke.The last number of captains have all received the armband the season they are leaving.Maybe he doeesn’t know anymore what the function of a captain should be.

  14. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Campbell, Akpom and Holding all need to be given their chance in the same way that Iwobi and Bellerin were given theirs.

    Yes I know I run the risk of being called deluded. But I am not an AKB or one of those who think that whatever he does is gold. I am a realist.

    But at the same time I realise that maybe Akpom and Holding might have the mental strength to hold their own and perform. Campbell has already shown that he can give us much more than we think and works hard.

    AW said its cyclical and I sort of agree. Not because I am an AKB as I am not. But having been in the business of producing players for over two decades I kind of agree with him. A player who yesterday was a nobody might turn out to be someone today. Iwobi was going to be released….he was not and we know him now.

    We have around 5 hours till the game. So if you stay grumbling it will mean 5 hours lost from your lives. Grumble after the performance if it turns out to be as expected. But try to stay positive for a change…..ya rain soaked miserable grumpy lot.

    The sun will not shine on you unless you smile a bit.

  15. Bradster says:

    I just wonder who sits out. Ramsey, Cazorla, Ox, Sanchez, Chaka and Coquelin with only 5 spots available

  16. allezkev says:

    It’s strange Fred, how the academy is mirroring the 1st team…

    We have some really good midfield talent coming through but no defenders and precious few strikers…

    Don’t youngsters wanna be defenders anymore, can’t our scouts spot them anymore, are the scouts working to orders from above as in the type of player to look for..?

  17. allezkev says:

    Fred, when was the last time that Arsenal picked up some Essex or Kent youngsters, that area was always a rich source of talent?

    And what about scouting up North Fred, the West Country, Ireland, Wales, all our scouts seem to wanna do is watch kids in the London area, don’t we have a network outside of the M25 or are all our scouts just lazy bastards…

    To much focus on foreign kids as well…

    Orders from above?
    Policy from above?

  18. potter says:

    Kelsey , I suppose the easiest group of AKB’s to quote inhabit Untold. I read it because their reports on FIFA , UEFA corruption PGMOL etc are insightful. One thing I have noticed in their perpetual rants about the press and the way Arsenal are reported is that they never discuss football. There is no comprehension that things could be better and that changes are necessary to keep things fresh. I am sure that they don’t actually understand what they are watching.
    I too care about the club and my arguments with Wenger are mainly pitch related , I don’t care what happens in the boardroom , the bank account et al . I want to see a committed set of players able to compete across the various competitions that we are playing in . His only interest should be on the pitch everything else is someone else’s responsibility and that’s where the club falls down . Nobody in the board room understands football, they have admitted they leave all of that to Wenger and that they don’t interfere . Says it all.

  19. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Kev……We have some really good midfield talent coming through but no defenders

    In the early days of the game…..1850’s onwards the teams played a 1-8-1 formation. With one staying at the back, 1 up front and 8 going up an down. That is before tactics were invented.

    Maybe AW is trying to re-invent the wheel by going back to those old days???

    Rico……Akpom needs to be given a chance. If a striker is bought then it will kill his chance. He does need to be brought on. maybe he will turn out to be like Hernandez….who comes with 30 mins to play and gets a goal or two.

    Maybe yes maybe no. who knows. but if we do not give him a chance we will never know.

    don’t knock him before he is tried out.

  20. rico says:

    For me it’s not about them getting a chance because clearly they will this season. It’s about having two experienced defenders out injured long term and throwing Holding and Chambers in at the deep end. Either one needs an experienced top central defender alongside them.

    I really hope they do well if both play but what if they don’t? That could very well destroy their confidence and their performances may not improve. Should that happen, the fans will turn on them but it’s not their fault, it’s Wenger’s….

    Same up front with Akpom, if he starts missing a few sitters… Which I hope he doesn’t of course.

    But look at what happened to Senderos and even Chambers after being left at right back when he was getting absolutely battered against Swansea (I think)

    It’s really poor management….

  21. scottfromoz says:

    Kev, kids do NOT want to defend, or at least, very few, do.
    I see plenty of kids playing and reckon 95% lose the ball, throw their hands up and just walk back, and it does my head in.
    Those that do have that attitude to work hard are worth the weight in gold, IMO, though everyone loves a goal scorer.

  22. frednerk says:

    Iwoba’s one of ours Campion Hornchurch Kev
    The Arsenal took him about 7years old.
    his mate who was at the same school
    regrets not coming to us.
    Charlton sign all the defenders these days
    can’t sat to much more..sorry

  23. kelsey says:

    Potter

    I have read Untold many times and they can take a positive when we lost 8-2 at United and their favourite slant is that refs are biased against us with endless charts to prove this but never ever do they admit when we play badly.

    Tony runs that blog mainly to sell books and get revenue from advertiing.He has his followers,but then it takes all types which adds spice to the Arsenal blog word.You have to have a certain mentallity to blog on there.Rose tinted glasses comes to mind 🙂

  24. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Scott is right. A high percentage of kids all want to play upfront….never at the back. And 95% of them do not track back when they loose the ball. When I used to begin training with players from under 19 downwards I used to just split them into small groups to play each other during pre season. And for the first two weeks there was no coaching from the side. All I (and my assistants) used to do was to observe them. And during one of the games we observed who tracked back and who did not. We observed who tried hard and who did not give a toss. We saw all their mental traits. And that is when we used to separate and make a choice on whom we should work more and to whom we give chances.

  25. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I did not say you knocked Akpom Rico.

    But overall those who want to buy a CF are taking a subtle dig at Akpom.

    Atm we have Ollie, Theo and Akpom for the CF spot.

    If we get a CF and Ollie stays then Akpom will be 4th in line.

    Its a subtle way of telling me that Akpom is being knocked.

  26. rico says:

    Not necessarily Devil because if he’s good enough and takes his chance, he’ll push his way to the top…

    That’s half the problem at Arsenal, not many players are being challenged for their position… If Ollie is Wenger’s first choice striker, we are fooked from the off.

  27. scottfromoz says:

    Watch a kids game……watch how many parents and even coaches are yelling “shoot” as soon as a kids get the ball.
    Now see how they react when a kid makes a goal saving tackle.
    You’ll see why kids nearly all want to play striker.

  28. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning all and thanks Rico……………………not much I can add really !…….saying our strikers were not that great last season and thinking that something will change this year without quality additions up front is ……………………….well……………..he`s on drugs without a doubt !.
    Saying that I think it will be a tight affair today with us winning by narrow margin of 5 goals !…………..6-1 to the good guys !.
    A thought hit me today !……………………at todays prices, Ozil and Alexis would have been up at £80M and £60M respectively !………………………..and that means we would not have bought them !………………. lucky we bought them when we did !.
    I sais weeks ago it would be interesting to see what opposition players come back quicker from the Euro`s……………so Sagna played !…………….wonder if Emre Can will play today ?…………if so why ?

  29. Adam says:

    All this AKB stuff, or whatever the term to describe the opposite, is totally misleading and very divisive I think. For me, I would like things to make more sense than they do and would dearly love to see some committed direction from the club. We are constantly being told that Wenger is extremely intelligent and of course the term ‘Professor’ reinforces the notion of his searing intellect.
    Are those that criticise him really as deluded as those that still revere him? Is he not just exactly what he seems? A man who has become stuck in a behavorial rut and lost both his power and driving sense of inspiration?

  30. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Scott…..I always get round to dealing with Parents with regards that matter……parents of my players never shout instructions…..simply because I always tell the players that if their parents begin shouting instructions that player will be subbed.

    So parents always think twice after their kids tell them what will happen.

  31. scottfromoz says:

    Lol Devil….well done.
    I had a parent giving his son $5.00 per goal….I notice the kid became a hog, so knew something was up.
    I told the dad to give him $5.00 per assist, and $10.00 per right footed goal-kid was a lefty.
    Worked wonders.
    Adam, you are absolutely right, but anytime we do defend or agree with Arsene, that’s what we are labelled….in, and deluded.
    The man’s an absolute puzzle, that’s all I know for sure 🙂

  32. rico says:

    Morning LC. It’s odd that other French players are back playing yet ours aren’t but, knowing our luck, Kos would pick up an injury and then Wenger would be lambasted for rushing him back…

  33. scottfromoz says:

    I agree 100% with Wenger giving Koz extra time off.
    He’s had a hell of a workload these last few seasons, and has had some niggles, so it makes complete sense, IMO.

  34. Le Coq Monster says:

    One sort of fact that will have the pulse racing is or not………………….if Akpom, Theo and Bellerin play, we will have probably the three fastest players ever !……………..yeah, I know it doesn`t mean much to some, but without them we have no chance of winning 6-1………………………………………Serge and Ox are quick as well aren`t they ?……………………cant beat a bit of hard work and pace, sadly Theo doesn`t do hard work !

  35. S Holder-Ryan says:

    This is the 1st time I have ever left a message on an Arsenal site and it probably won’t be my last. As for leaders in the team I think we have at least 4. Wilshire, Cech, Ramsey and Sanchez. As for Wenger he is the most stubborn people you’ll ever meet. If the press, media I. E. Arsenal websites and all arsenal fans and fans of other clubs say that we need 3 very good players to challenge for the title. Wenger will think no I can do my way and buy 1player, he will always leave the squad short. I respect what he has done for the club. But he has to leave after this season, we’re getting left behind with him in charge. I’d rather take our chances with whoever replaces him.

    Kind regards
    Sudi

  36. kelsey says:

    To be fair Kos has carried or is carrying a hamstring problm so it’s best to rest hi.I feel sorry for him because he has had so many options playing with him last season on many an occasion he is doing two jobs,one his own and one covering for an inexperienced defender or even Pers when he is out run.

    What’s with Joel CampbellBought on a 5 year contract,no work permit,spent four years abroad comes back last season, looks quite promising then dropped.Has he signed a new contract ?

    He and the other youngsters need regular football,not all at the same time,otherwise why keep them.Invariably they go out on loan and occasionally come back and make it as a regular in the first team.Again no real formula by the club/AW but at lest many will earn a living in the lower leagues.

  37. rico says:

    Jamie Vardy’s decision not to join Arsenal over the summer was “daft”, according to Shaun Custis on Sunday Supplement.

    The Leicester striker was targeted by the Gunners before Euro 2016, but opted instead to sign a new contract and stay with the Premier League champions.

    The Sun’s Custis, however, told Sunday Supplement that Vardy should have made the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

    “I just think it was daft,” he said. “I just can’t understand why Jamie Vardy would not go to Arsenal.

    “You’re never going to repeat what happened at Leicester again. Yes, you’re going to go on a bit of a journey with the Champions League and it’s all going to be great fun. But if you aspire to be a top, top player you go to Arsenal.

    “He should have done that and he hasn’t. Maybe he’s regretting it, and if he sees [Riyad] Mahrez go before the end of the window he’ll be thinking ‘I wonder’.”

  38. rico says:

    Welcome Sudi. Fingers crossed this will be his last eh…

    Kelsey, he also picked up an injury at the Euros I think. He and Ollie are both back now and together with Ozil, getting fit to play…

    The way Leicester played yesterday, I suspect AW will be tempted to give the three of them another weeks rest. Especially if the team do well today..

  39. allezkev says:

    Some of the players from the latter stages of the Euros may suffer injuries and burn-out later in this 10 month marathon season.

    I’m with Wenger on resting Giroud, Ozil and Koscielny…

  40. allezkev says:

    Interesting points on the youngsters Coach/Scott, I’ll get back to ya lata…

    Busy today, fortunately ?

  41. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I also think that AW is right in resting Kos, Ozil, Ollie.

    Why???

    Simply because I believe in their replacements. Yes even if Per and Gabi are injured as well. I believe in Chambers and Holding and in Nacho if he is played.

    I believe in Aaron in Ozil’s place.

    And I believe in Akpom as well as Theo and even Alexis if he plays up front.

    And in time the rest will do the others good while those who come in their place will have gained the experience.

    The trick is who to play in midfield……..Xhaka, Coquelin, CAzorla or Aaron.

    Cazorla will start…definite. But where??? In the hole with Coquelin and Xhaka behind him. Or with Xhaka and Aaron behind him?? Or with Xhaka beside him and Aaron in the hole???

    its a bit of a headache as Xhaka and Coquelin will surely offer good protection to the back four but then it will mean one of Cazorla and Aaron will not begin in the hole.

    Or will he play Aaron on the right (a mistake imo)??

    I would go for a midfield of Xhaka (DM) Aaron(b2b) and Cazorla (behind Alexis) with Ox and Campbell on the wings. Yes I know Kev……Coquelin will offer added protection but I feel that Xhaka is enough while Aaron can help.

  42. allezkev says:

    Coach, I was under the impression that Santiago was behind on fitness, or that’s what I’m sure I heard from AW over preseason…

  43. Le Coq Monster says:

    Out pulling up stinging nettles in the sweltering heat ….phew !…………….a great tip on how to pull out thousands of nettles without getting stung !…………………….get some other bastard to do it !

    Hey peoples, not a mention of what a good result the Spuds not winning yesterday was !…….. yes a great result would have been them losing, but they will feel that they have dropped 2 points already and for that I feel aroused already !…..anyone else ?. hahaha

  44. Bradster says:

    I’d like Cazorla and Xhaka as the holding 2 that alternate breaking forward and Ramsey in Ozil’s role. Ox is firing and I feel needs to play to offer pace as well.

  45. Bradster says:

    United play like us. Pass, pass pass around their 10 men and then resort to long ball to the target man.

  46. Bradster says:

    I see Rooney is controlling himself from getting in the ref’s face. I want to see how Terry and his thugs control themselves tomorrow.

  47. Wavy says:

    I notice we have now dropped to 12th in the table!
    It’s all Wenger’s fault if we end lower than that by 6 o’clock tonight!
    Sack the Board, sack the tea lady, sack the boot boy(s)
    Save Wenger though………cos AKB?………for ever and ever ah…..men!

    Afternoon all

  48. Marshall says:

    Devil, I think Akpom is trully appreciated by the fans, and we are keen for his development. But when am asking for a CF now way am taking a dig at him cause imo I’d prefer TW left and Akpom would still be in line for game time. Besides the tournaments will kick in and he’ll get to play and the more we advance the more he plays.

    Hell he can even overtake TW in the pecking order. The last few months of last season AW seemed to trust him more than Theo. It’s obvious we need a top converter for the said thousand of chances created.

  49. Rick says:

    Afternoon Rico and the house
    Team Cesch Bellerin Holding Chambers Monreal Eleny Coq Ramsey Iwobi Theo Sanches

  50. rico says:

    Afternoon Rick. I’m kind of pleased he’s going with Holding and Chambers… Shouldn’t be that way of course, but both are used to playing alongside each other…

  51. Wavy says:

    Xacha has obviously not yet learned the ‘Arsenal’ way. ( He keeps shooting from outside the area!) worry ye not, Wenger will soon coach that side of his game out of him!
    Really hope the small boys at the back have stormer S. You can bet your house that if. They fail miserably then Wenger will have a new CD before the end of next week. Mustafi comes to mind, presently I think the old silver fox is playing a wait and see game.

    Still think it will end up 1-1 just like our noisy neighbours.

  52. Bradster says:

    Probably sold. Will announce when it’s too late for the fans to be upset he sold him without a replacement. Turkey is my guess.

  53. Bradster says:

    I hope you’re right Rico. I’m not confident of that at all. I just don’t want us to defend like we did the last time we played them.

  54. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I like the look of that line up.

    Coquelin and Elneny are a good combo and with Aaron in the hole behind the striker it sort of makes sens. A strong midfield to protect Chambers and Holding.

  55. Rick says:

    Rico we will find out today what the young ones are made of.
    I can see Chuba coming on scoring the winner and shutting up all his doubters

  56. kelsey says:

    33Cech
    24Bellerín
    16Holding
    21Chambers
    18Monreal
    35Elneny
    34Coquelin
    8Ramsey
    17Iwobi
    7Sánchez
    14Walcott

    Substitutes

    3Gibbs
    10Wilshere
    13Ospina
    15Oxlade-Chamberlain
    19Cazorla
    29Xhaka
    32Akpom

    That is the correct line up. Not sure its awe inspiring but who knows 😉

  57. rico says:

    Wenger won’t sell him Brad, he’s English… Lol

    Rick, I’m not sure there are too many doubting Akpom, I really don’t. What frustrates me is Wenger relying on him to be our main striker once Ollie and Alexis get injured….

  58. kelsey says:

    Walcott needs a performance,even if it’s to put himself back in the shop window.

    It’s criminal that we start a season with so many of our first team not available for one reason or another and no one of consequence bought. “You don’t win anything with kids” maybe a bit unjust, but it’s imperative to get a good start and playing at Home could also be a handicap with a very critical crowd if we don’t start well.

    On the positive side lets see what this mish mesh of a team can do 😉

  59. Rick says:

    Rico I still think he will sign a c/f and a c/h.
    Shocker in the test match think we got carried away after winning the last one.

  60. Bradster says:

    Pity there’s no post match tv review. Both Rooney and Mata clearly dive with no tackle near them and nothing will come of it.

  61. Obi says:

    Why the fear factor with L’pool …. Please relax, Holding is legit and Chambers is no chump neither just hasn’t been played right by AW… Is a wonder the kid still has the “mental strength” to be on the team the way he has been yo-yo by AW. We need reinforcements but more so with CF and the addition of Mustafi will be great because he’s WC an cheap. But let’s no sell short the shield of Coq, Xhaka/ Elnery is stronger than any EPL team.

  62. Obi says:

    This is just one game, but with 2/3 players I believe we can win the EPL. Moreover we need bodies because of the injuries and the amount of games we will play on all front. But L’pool is worst than us.

  63. Brainwashed Kev says:

    Not seeing game, but the atmosphere isn’t exactly lifting the roof off according to the radio…

    I’ll take 1-0, although Walcott got out of jail after the pen…

    Wenger must be sweating on a clean sheet.

  64. Obi says:

    Rico @4:44 Lol…. AW left the kid out there. Btw am not surprise JM is after Varane, Eric Bailly is really crap I was shock he bought him…. He’s brute, a walking yellow card. You should see him when he plays for Ivory Coast…will break your leg for fun.

  65. Brainwashed Kev says:

    Obi, Bailly looked and from what you say ‘is’ the classic Mourinho player…

    They seem made for each other…

  66. Marshall says:

    Hahah this will be a hell of a season. Took us an hour.
    All is well though. Wenger is doing just fiiine. Hahah

  67. andrewh1313 says:

    Just what we deserve. Well AW. Unprepared after having two months to sort a strengthened settled team. Let’s have the Wenger blinkered lovers criticising any of us lifelong fans who are sick of it and felt this would happen. Well! Three cheers to you.

  68. andrewh1313 says:

    Proper striker Mane. How long before first banner moaning. And then disgust from AKB brigade caus we were great 12 years ago.

    Well done Ox. But 4 goals let in in our first hour.

  69. andrewh1313 says:

    Yes Rico. We have diminutive Sanchez up front. Little threat, similar to having Walcott play as a 9. Two years been waiting for someone as an alternative to Ground. Then when Welbeck injured again, we do bloody nothing. Hope fans turn on him minute game finishes.

  70. rico says:

    I love Alexis Andrew but he’s no loan striker, he needs to be in a 442 to get the best from him. Imo of course. Same with Walcott…

    Just sign a top draw striker Wenger….

  71. andrewh1313 says:

    I’d do a Van Persie and leave if I was Sanchez. And Ozil. Every promise of strengthening comes to nothing. How many titles are they likely to win here? All let down year after year. Fa cups just masked it.

  72. Bradster says:

    I think the first half made us naive. Expected the same from Liverpool, you’d expect our manager to warn them.

  73. Lee says:

    Thank fuck Wenger’s our squad fully sorted!

    How fucking embarrassing was that?

    Words fail me, that smug French git really gives me the hump, he really does!!

  74. andrewh1313 says:

    One win in last seven opening games. Do you think there might be a flaw in our managers late or non-existant summer strengthening? Every arsenal fan I’ve spoke to felt flat before today’s game. So how must players feel as well. Expected a loss, and that’s the worst thing. Should never be thinking that way for an opening game. I’ve hardly been on forum for a month because didn’t want to sound so negative, but until whole fan base wakes up and prevents three more years of this, we are stuffed.

  75. kelsey says:

    Are you relly surprised.Can’t paper over the cracks,needs a complete rebuild.Must say Mane’s goal was fantastic.

    Wenger didn’t know who to start with and it showedThe new boy Granit is going to be a liability for sure.

  76. Lewis says:

    How many managers who are serious about winning spent their summer being a critic for the euros?!

    The bloke is a piss taker.

  77. Kel says:

    Lol… can’t wait to hear the excuses… if defeat means we get change then I’m fucking glad.

    I feel sorry for the two young lads in defence they ain’t to blame…

    Wenger knows best. Lol ffs give me break..

  78. Marshall says:

    Our mental strength is second to none, the cohesion super adhesive, we will bounce back. We have the most experienced manager in the league all he does is gold. No worries.

  79. Le Coq Monster says:

    The Casette got a hattrick !…………………..he`ll now be too pricey for Wenger !……………………. 😆

  80. Marshall says:

    How Mane rounded our entire defence from the experienced monreal to the two poor fellas shows our defence is sh*t.

    To me it seems like it doesn’t matter who we sign. AW is the problem. Really.

  81. allezkev says:

    Tbh, if we had won today, what would it have meant, other than the obvious 3 pts…

    Win, draw, lose, it’s all the same, we aren’t competing for the Title let alone winning it.

    The CL will be a larf, I’d enjoy it guys as we may not be in it in 12 months time…

    Glad to hear that Holding and Chambers aren’t being blamed, nor should they be…

    Anyway, it’s only a game…

  82. potter says:

    There you go , the expected high scoring game if it hadn’t been The Arsenal it would have been enjoyable. Holding and Chambers well the little things got them , direct play towards them no real problem but once Liverpool started to play in short diagonals Chambers was caught grasping for shirts and Holding allowed people to get across him. Sanchez is not a lone centre forward you are correct Rico ,we missed the guile in the middle to spring him and Theo . Just watched Lallana’s goal again , he runs thirty yards alone . just poor marking from midfield. More comments later when I have watched bits again.

  83. kelsey says:

    All good and great teams are built on a solid defence and ours is non existant.Ramsey was again playing Hollywood football,but appears to have done his hamstring .

    How AW is going to sort this out who knows.liverpoo have improved but also need a better defence.

  84. Lee says:

    How much was Chambers? Waste of money imo…

    If that result is not the rocket up Wenger’s arse I don’t what is? But surely the messiah knew the deficiencies in the squad?

    Maybe it’s all Stan’s fault AGAIN?

  85. rico says:

    Oh well, let the Arsenal transfer window open…. ?

    Ride the storm and pray he doesn’t stay on beyond this season…..

  86. kelsey says:

    Just saw AW interviewed.He’s a broken man and quite honestly to hear the crowd boo it was aimed at him.It’s not a knee jerk reaction but I sincerely think he should resign now,even if this season is then even more disruptive.
    If you were a player thinking of joining Arsenal,would you jump at the chance.

    The game has passed him by and this result will have a huge mental impact on players and fans alike.

  87. andrewh1313 says:

    Kelsey, last time I saw AW talk like that I thought and hoped he was a gonner. But one week later and resilience had returned. Loved what Henry and Souness said, it’s what the sensible ones here say. Difficult to get top class players now, best ones settled or won’t want to come. Prices will be raised knowing we in the shit again and desperate as three months passed by and no one was available that could improve us.

  88. kelsey says:

    The sensble ones on here 🙂 andrew ?

    It was difficult when the window opened.I have said it many times AW isn’t the draw to many many top players and I believe that’s the real reason we don’t sign them, not the mony because the monet is there.

  89. Lee says:

    Wenger over complicates the transfer windows with his meagre personal valuations of players and all round general stubbornness……

    Dein was such a huge factor for Wenger’s previous transfer successes, we need someone like him doing our negotiating NOT our resident Scrooge!!!!

  90. andrewh1313 says:

    Was being diplomatic Kelsey :-). I’m all for freedom of speech and views. But I just can’t take any more unsubstantiated support of how our club is run. Year after year, some still maintain things are fine and it pisses me off.

  91. Lee says:

    Monet and money available!! ?

    4 fucking goals shipped on day one of the PL, it’s going to be another long season and to think it could be so much better!

  92. andrewh1313 says:

    Lee, keeping Dein and losing Wenger. Wonder how that would have panned out? Quite prepared to be outside top four for a while as long as we had a new long term aim.

    Mind you, I’d bet we will be outside top four any case this year. Unless a miracle happens and we get the 25 goal striker and dominant CB in last two weeks of window. But then I’d ask, why now with 7 points dropped instead of in July.

  93. kelsey says:

    Anything from Kroenke ? Did he even know we were playing.?

    Apparently Petr Cech has just driven his car into a concrete piller in the players car park.

  94. Lee says:

    Andrew, surely there was a plan if Steptoe jogged us on and stayed at Leicester? Or is Wenger banking on the cyclical goal drought ending this season?

    Walcott and Sanchez banging them in for fun……

    Our midfield mucking in and helping out with the goals for……

    Or just the old classic “cohesion?”

    Whatever way you want to look at it Wenger is being reactionary yet again and it’s detrimental to Arsenal FC…..

    I used to get so bent out of shape when we lost a proper grumpy arsehole NOW I really don’t give a flying fuck…..

  95. kelsey says:

    Wht did Walcott take the penalty,not that it rally matters.To me it again shows lack of leadership and resonsibility on the pitch.Surely there is a designated penalty taker or does AW say “whoever”.

  96. rico says:

    Neither do I lee, I just hope this season is his last and we get a young, dynamic and ambitious manager through the door…

    In the meantime, I refuse to let Arsenal piss me off…

    Night all….

  97. Malaga gooner says:

    Evening Rico and the house

    He won’t resign, he has to be pushed and that’s not going to happen

  98. Joaquim moreira says:

    I knew the score but i did not watched the game.
    At the pre-matches the team was that?
    And the history again: we lost the 1st game!
    The others started to be ahead and look in a diferents way: power and ambitious teams.
    Make respect and be respected.
    Watched like winners and confident teams.
    Those are one of the reasons we are way for the title for some years. When we wake up it is too late.

  99. Mabo says:

    Well today was a let down loosing is starting to feel normal now. Wenger has destroyed Arsenal. Ramsey is wack, did he even try a ball for the strikers? Wenger reacts and truly it’s pathetic

  100. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good evening Lovelies and hunkies.

    some little points……

    Its not the defence which is the problem. NEither the attack. Neither the midfield. Sorry to disagree guys and lasses. The players out there are not to blame. Please no piss takers saying we miss a proper CF. Today we got three………and in case no one noticed all three were scored by ENGLISHMEN.

    I would not blame Chambers or Holding. They did their job and what was asked from them.

    The problem is the tactics. Its the refusal of a man who thinks only of playing the game in one way which is to blame. For example against Lens everyone blamed Chambers for the goal we conceded…..but it was not his fault. It was Monreal and Per’s fault for staying square with him which was to blame…..these tactics don’t pop up into one’s head….they are taught.

    Today the same happened. Please no one tell me that it was the two CBs which were at fault. Its not. Its the refusal of a man who does not want to park the bus.

    Yes….upon going 1-0 I would have gone for two banks of 4 players each. I would have frustrated the dippers into passing themselves to death. I would have told the players to commit those little niggling fouls in the centre of the pitch…..the fouls which you don’t earn a yellow card but which stop the game. Ugly as it may seem we do need that. Gilberto used to do it…..was it ugly??? we did not even notice him doing it….but we accepted it as part ofgetting players behind the ball.

    One thing I DO tell my players is that every time a ball is lost don’t think about getting it back immediately….think only of getting between the ball and our goal. Delay them and stop them from passing it forward. Do we do that??? Today’s game showed that we still do not….and its not the players…..its all the fault of one man who refuses to play for the result.

  101. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Simeone would be enough imo. He would teach tactics.

    Ancelloti is another.

    AW wants the recreate Barca’s style at AFC. Cruyff himself said so.

    But imo its doomed to fail. Why???

    Because Barca play in Spain.

  102. potter says:

    I agree Devil the two centre backs did their jobs they made mistakes but they will learn. Today however was not a schoolday and for 25 minutes Liverpool went through our midfield at will. Just like we were against United for 15 minutes last season they were unplayable. Unless of course someone thought of the idea of keeping possession until the storm blew over. But no we continued on our merry way passing into midfield and losing it or knocking it long to Sanchez who was cruelly wasted trying to hold the ball on his own with no support around him. As I said earlier the run from Lallana was shameful, at least 25 -30 yards and not picked up at any time. The team have no idea of how to defend a lead, they only know one way. We can expect a lot more of the same this year , high scoring games because we will always be dangerous going forward but tactically going back they have no idea.

  103. Hell Raising Devil says:

    teams which defend….teams which put up two banks of players between the ball and goal….suffer less injuries……and their energy levels do not drop. Compare that to our players…..they were not fit enough for the whole game…..and we suffered two more injuries…..which could have been avoided had the players enough intelligence to defend their lead by parking the bus.

    IOthers do it. Why don’t we??

  104. Le Coq Monster says:

    Be warned !…………..some of the stats from the video may cause shock and horror and offend !. 😆

    http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10536897/more-money-more-problems-for-arsenal

    HRD……………always said Arsene was a great (bank) Manager, but an average coach and tactitian !.

    May I say that I was right about the perrenial injury curse !………Game 1 : Ramsey and Iwobi injured !…………If only Wenger was to look historically at our record to know it`s more than likely that we will get injuries and buy players in preparation for it !.
    I was also right about 7 goals being scored in the game !……………….fair enough, I did say 6-1 to the Arse !.

    At the end of the day, Wenger only has himself to blame !………..how many years have we had the same Goonerhog Transfer Day and not only millions of fans pleading with him to buy, but former players and other teams former players telling him to do it, yet as he`s the one on £8M per year, he knows best !.
    I`m honestly not too upset as like most of you could see this happening a mile off and agree with what Rico and Kev have said in that my expectations are so low and in a self harming way I`m secretly hoping for the worse as it may get rid of a manager who is stuck in 2004 and not moved along with the times !………………..for someone who has a degree in economics he`s not that intelligent with money matters of knowing what he has to pay at todays inflation busting transfer fees !……………treat it like it`s not your own money Arsene as it is not !

  105. ScottfromOz says:

    Devil, you’re 8.15 is accurate-playing on Spain, pretty football works because it’s allowed to.
    In England, it doesn’t.
    Simple.
    Wenger needs to stop worrying about the perfect performance and chase results.
    We have enough talent to suggest the beautiful periods will happen in most games, but he seemingly wants a perfect 90 minutes which just will not happen.
    Most use the term deluded-crap, he’s just an idealist who needs to realise we don’t live in an ideal world.
    I’m glad some of you on here showed my faith was well founded-straight onto the “wonder what the AKB’s are thinking”.
    Cheap and nasty is how is describe some of your petty comments.
    Play the ball….not the man.

  106. Tsgh says:

    Our midfield is shite…
    Even the Russian made I met in lindos earlier thinks our midfielders are tactically clueless.
    And another day vector concedes a goal from long range…
    Aw time to be honest with yourself!

  107. Tsgh says:

    Dev…who teaches the defenders how to defend…
    Not sure what it says about Bould if he is not allowed to have a ‘say’ by controlling AW.

    Today we had 2 so called hard men in midfield and we were sliced open like…
    Then again about open day lose at home…
    One of the worst records in 14 years…

  108. ScottfromOz says:

    Ginge, Wenger aside, we definitely need changes in the coaching staff-that’s a given.
    If Wenger doesn’t see that……..

  109. Obi says:

    Wow was it that bad am really surprised. I dvr the game haven’t watched it yet. L’pool is crap so if they carved us that badly are we that much worse????

  110. Tsgh says:

    I am with you as you would expect Scott…
    Bouldy never seems bothered…from the view from my living room at least

  111. pat_97 says:

    As per usual scott, gets on slating the commentors for being so understandably fed up with the same lethargic fucking bullshit that we,ve to sit through year after, they,ve much the same right to post as any, wether you agree or not. If it doesn,t conform to your Narrative, there called “cheap and nasty comments, less should be said about others comments, and more effort should be be put into not insulting other peoples comments, because they have different views to yours.

  112. potter says:

    Unfortunately Scott it’s the man that dictates the way the ball is played. So my earlier criticism of the game the way it was played , the lack of defensive discipline , the way Lallana was given the freedom of Islington all comes back to the man. I don’t want to see him slagged off but I do want to see him gone. I’ve sat through to many journeys home saying if only ,. Today I had to repair a roof and did not go but it doesn’t lessen the feeling and his post match comments on inexperience and players readiness coupled with two more injuries is just a further insult to the clubs fans. After all what does he think they have been saying for all this time.

  113. Herb's Army says:

    Hi all, apologies for the late arrival.
    Scott, I have to refer back to a comment you made yesterday about progress.
    You said finishing 10pts behind Leicester was progress after finishing 12pts behind Chelsea a year earlier. Could you equate that please.
    Chelsea’s squad is much more expensive than ours, so logic dictates that there should be a significant gap – (after their major blip last year, normal service will resume this season) – but Leicester’s squad was assembled for approximately £24m.
    It’s like Arsenal are an Aston Martin racing against Leicester’s second-hand Nissan.
    Progress would have been winning the title and taking advantage of Mourinho’s melt-down, United relying on a manager past his best – (which other club do we know who do that?) – and City who were in transition because everyone knew Pelligrini was being replaced by Guardiola.
    Tottenham gifted us second place, but we were as far away from the title as we’ve ever been.
    That is some twisted logic to define last season as progress.

  114. frednerk says:

    Not sure who the hard geezers were Ts
    in midfield.
    I like The Coq the other geezer…
    not sure of? …….hard he is not.

    In Hindsight wenger got it wrong
    we lost at home again.

    What did he say at half time
    we came out pulling cart horse’s.

    I don’t like slagging players because
    I know what a change can do to a player.

    Been talking to a couple of gooners
    who to be fair are liberal and go
    home and away and have told me the
    feeling around the ground is
    it’s….not the players.
    Wenger picks the team
    he decided the lads at the back
    he blooded Belerin away to stoke
    and he got bullied..luckily he came good.
    Wenger gambled again.
    I don’t want to keep saying the same
    thing over again..but it’s not the players.
    Maybe wenger has signed his own P45
    When he says I can’t find better players
    and the players we have are leaders
    and better than any available players
    Why are we not seeing this on the pitch.
    Steve Bould is the hardest geezer I
    know at The Arsenal I rank him above
    Frank.
    Wenger will not listen him
    Paul Davis called wenger a racist
    when wenger gave Bouldy the job.
    Bouldy is a top coach and a great
    man manager,ask any recent player
    Wenger is a control freak
    very intelligent a master of men,
    he can control Billionaires with his
    mental arithmatic.
    Bouldy is a normal kind of guy
    who needs this job.

  115. pat_97 says:

    Bould and Gazidas are only yes men,

    Gazidis, Kroenke and Wenger have rigged the game – they all protect each other’s backs then pay each other off, while the ‘Plebeians’ fight amongst themselves on ArsenalFan TV.

    However, one person will be very happy – Stan Kroenke. As Arsenal’s owner, he doesn’t give a monkeys about whether the club challenge for trophies. Sure, he’d prefer it, but he’s not going to go out of his way to get rid of a manager that earns him the sort of Champions League income that enables him to stuff his pockets with cash for “strategic and advisory services” – under any other name, a dividend.

  116. ScottfromOz says:

    Pat, and I’m entitled to my opinion so stick that where the sun does not shine 🙂
    Ilthabks for proving me correct when I suggested plenty play the man and not the ball!!!!
    Herb, finishing second is better than 3rd or 4th, and finishing 10 points from the winner is better than 12, so if you thinks that’s twisted logic, then good for you.
    Still, plenty are happy to distort the facts to suit their argument, so join in at the end of a long line.
    What is it with Wengers right hand men-they alarm seemingly put in their place by Arsene, and stay there.
    Maybe he won’t put up with any other opinions, but that’s to his detriment, obviously, because every one will offer a decent point at some stage, and then it’s up to Wenger to work out how or when to implement it.
    If true, though, why does Bould stay???
    Rice never came out and said he was gagged by Wenger.
    Surely they’d say something, or are they too happy with their lot?
    Aargh, gotta love Gooners after a loss, but I seem to recall 12 months ago, after game 1, we were going to finish midtable.
    Will he spend?
    Will he not he spend?
    Some of you can burst a blood vessel stressing over that, as I’m sure that’ll make a difference.
    Serenity now 🙂 🙂

  117. ScottfromOz says:

    Agreed, Fred.
    No question, that’s what Wenger wants and again, that’s to his detriment, as well as the clubs.
    You know my opinion on Stan etc eyc but on tactics and actual coaching, Wenger leaves a lot to be desired.
    When he was up against mainly English managers, he was fresh and new, but now, he’s very stale and that’s obvious most gams.
    Every now and again, he surprises the hell out of us-City last season-but that is the exception, not the rule.
    Yes, this simply had to be his last season.
    Is he leaving a war chest for the next guy???
    I’d like to think that’s the plan, else the lack of spending is just ridiculous.
    It probably is either way, to be honest.

  118. pat_97 says:

    Entitled to your opinion scott, but so are others on this website, of course
    but why be so degrading of others who take the time to post, you seem to be the only one that I find to have a derogative, self gratifying stance toward certain comments that you find undeserving or inappropriate.

  119. ScottfromOz says:

    Really, Pat???
    Anyone can’t take shots at Wenger and his supporters, but heaven help if anyone defends the man…..

  120. pat_97 says:

    I,m saying no one calls your comments silly, nasty, cheap, nonsensical. etc
    Why judge others, “Be Nice”
    good night, i,ll let ye get the last word in…….

  121. Herb's Army says:

    Why is finishing 2nd better than finishing 3rd or 4th, Scott?
    It means you’re the best loser. And from an Arsenal perspective it means a little bit extra in prize-money for silent Stan.
    But we don’t really need money because we don’t use our vast resources for the greater good of the club, we just use to over-pay inflated ego’s for achieving nothing.
    And Wenger is the biggest culprit.
    If you tuned into the PL last season Scott, you must be aware that Tottenham gift-wrapped 2nd place for us, and as you have witnessed this summer, there is absolutely no hunger or desire to take that on and improve on that this year.
    Wenger is an incredibly intelligent fraud operating out of his depth.

  122. ScottfromOz says:

    Herb, I stated yesterday that no, second is not good enough, and nor should we be merely aiming for top 4, but using any logic you like, 2nd is better than 4th.
    I also regularly criticise Wenger, but again, on the occasion I defend him, I’m labelled an AKB-Rico will attest to the fact I hoped he’d leave after the 2014 Cup win, but plenty here ignore that.
    Just because I won’t jump on the bandwagon of abusing and criticising him at every turn, doesn’t mean I’m an AKB, contrary to popular belief.
    Pat, I love it when people tell others they can have the last word.
    It’s a petty comment on your behalf, as I’ll take the last word if I choose to, and certainly don’t need your permission.

  123. Herb's Army says:

    The more I think about the situation at Arsenal, the more I think the club is run by parisitic crooks, bleeding the club dry for their own personal greed.
    Wenger isn’t an Arsenal supporter, he is an egotistical megalomaniac drunk on his own power.
    ‘What? Arsenal need a proper spine to mount a serious title challenge? I’d love to help, but I’m bulking up my seriously inflated bank-balance by working as a pundit in my home country. Au revoir…’
    If it wasn’t so tragic it would be comedy gold – “Arsenal had no time to prepare players after the Euro’s and lacked experience. Some players who came back late were physically short, we paid for that. It’s a situation where you can only be punished” said the £8m a year man.
    Why are Arsenal paying for someone to state the bleeding obvious when that money is supposed to be paid for someone who makes sure we don’t encounter these problems?
    Didn’t every other top club have players away at the Euro’s, or is this a problem preserved only for Arsenal? And why are journalists too weak to question his pathetic excuses?
    Wenger and Walcott symbolise everything that currently poisons what should be a world giant football club. If I were Sanchez or Ozil, I would feel cheated and disillusioned, and be running for the exit door.
    By the time his contract runs out next year, Wenger will have pocketed £24m for winning two FA Cups, but more significantly surrendering a PL title handed to him on a plate, as well as completely ignoring the club’s quest for history-making by casually allowing Watford to come to our backyard and embarrass us, and kill our hopes of three successive FA Cups. He didn’t need it, so suddenly the FA Cup became redundant again. It was all the rage in 2014 when he used it to mask the shameless surrender of the title, because of course silver-ware justified his new bumper-contract, and such were the draws in 2015, it was virtually impossible not to win it. But three in a row? Wenger gains nothing from that, he’s already created his own personal FA Cup legacy, and his ego far outweighs Arsenal’s needs, so no chance.
    For the sake of my mental health, if Wenger is rewarded with another contract, football will be dead to me.

  124. ScottfromOz says:

    He’s certainly treading water, and little else, Herb.
    Stan-same.
    Ivan-ditto and Bould as well.
    The board are non existent.
    Meanwhile, a club that has the world at their feet is simply rolling along, as well.
    It’s disappointing.
    Stan must leave for us to move forward.
    Arsene, I’d say he also must go but I still think Stan leaving is the bigger necessity, though that’s Open to conjecture.
    Whatever happens, things have to change, and dramatically, else they’ll lose their fan base, and plenty will never come back.

  125. Mabo says:

    Scott what has opened Wenger up to some of the criticism that you have laid against him? How does it work for you when do you criticise him and why? When do you think in the 12 yrs of little progress, if any do we start to criticise Wenger? When do we even stop and why should we stop. The stadium means little if we don’t win games

  126. kelsey says:

    Watford have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign midfielder Mario Lemina from Juventus.

    Italian outlet Calciomercato say the Hornets have offered around 20 million euros for the player, a substantial amount higher than the 16 million euro bid tabled by Arsenal.

    So here’s an example of how low our esteem is as club.as I said yesterday,mainly players don’t want to join us.We really are in a mess.

  127. Herb's Army says:

    Good Morning Kelsey.

    Why would any ambitious footballer want to join Arsenal? Even when Wenger does spend big he neglects the most urgent areas of the team, so we are in a perpetual cycle of going nowhere.
    Unless there is sweeping change of biblical proportions the club are finished as a relevant force.

  128. kelsey says:

    Morning Herb

    I find it hard to disagree with you.

    I have been reading the overnight comments and everyone is entitled to their opinions but one is standing on dangerous water when mixing opinions with facts.

    We were under prepared at the beginning of last season as pointed out by anyone who knows anything about football but this season it’s absolutely alarming and in any other half decent club one would never allow a man whose judgement is nothing like it was 5/10 years ago to have complete control.

    Every time he speaks post match one can actually factually dispute practically everything he says.

  129. Herb's Army says:

    Either he has a serious mental illness, or he is showing early signs of alzheimers, what other explanation is there for being so neglectful of very basic duties.
    I don’t want to hate him, but part of me is beginning to for his arrogance in signing the new contract in 2014.
    A decent man with respect for our traditions would have walked away with his legacy intact, the respect of the fans knowing that he was leaving behind a great legacy and solid foundations for the next manager to build on.
    For accepting that contract, Wenger is no better than a thief.

  130. Herb's Army says:

    But I think we all recognise mis-management and shoddy administration, Scott magnified epically because The Arsenal are a huge name in the global football network.
    Name me another club in Forbes’ or Deloittes list of richest football clubs who operate like Arsenal, or who would tolerate such incompetence from the top down?
    Are any other top club’s supporters forced to tolerate and accept what Arsenal supporters are subjected to? A giant football club scared to compete, with an equally timid manager scared to speculate and spend a few quid to become the club we all know Arsenal have the potential to be?
    The evil triumvate of Kroenke, Gazidis and Wenger are killing the club and the enjoyment of supporting them. The club are in crisis with no light at the end of the tunnel.

  131. ScottfromOz says:

    Kelsey, we are on the Forbes list due to our business practices, though……
    Just goes to show, that’s exactly the model Stan wants.
    The others might be assisting him, but he directs them, or should.

  132. Herb's Army says:

    We’ve always been a big club, Scott, long long before Wenger, Kroenke or Gazidis.
    The Arsenal were so wealthy in the 1930’s they were nicknamed ‘The Bank of England’ club, so please don’t think our status as one of the world’s top clubs is a newly acquired thing.

  133. ScottfromOz says:

    I never suggested that, Herb, but other big clubs owe an absolute fortune, yet we don’t, and large clubs have gone bust, or near enough.

  134. Herb's Army says:

    Which of our rivals have almost gone bust, Scott?
    United? Virtually print money, the size of their operation.
    Chelsea? Unlike our Stan, Abramovich invests his own money to bring success.
    City? The Sheiks have a bottomless pit and aren’t going anywhere soon.
    Liverpool? Not likely. J. W. Henry owns the Fenway Group, and again makes so much money, it’s like a licence to print.
    Tottenham? Owned by Billionaire Joe Lewis and preparing to move to a new 61,000 seat stadium.
    Those are all our main rivals in England, all of whose owners invest their own money into their club’s. Kroenke is the only one who doesn’t.

  135. Lee says:

    Speaking last Sunday after their friendly win over Manchester City in Gothenburg, Wenger said: ‘I feel we could see we played together for a while, physically we look ready.’

    But the Arsenal boss changed his mind after watching his team lose for the third time in four opening-day matches, saying: ‘We are not ready physically. You are in a catch-22 situation with the Euros — whether you give the players a rest who need it.

    ‘They are not ready to play this sort of game and get injured like Ramsey or you give them a rest and not have them for the start.’

    Is Wenger ill? That’s a serious question…..

  136. Lee says:

    “Nothing new. Arsenal been drifting for some time under Wenger. Club lacks leadership. Nobody in club holds Wenger properly to account.” – Henry Winter

  137. Lee says:

    Howdy Herb,

    I really respect all that Wenger has done for Arsenal but things really have moved on and he hasn’t….. his post match interviews just wind me up so I don’t bother watching them anymore. I’d probably end up launching the remote control at the screen!

  138. rico says:

    Morning you all.

    What is there to be said which hasn’t been said for the last few years.

    Henry Winter is spot on. And Arsene is a man full of contradiction in his words. I too question his health, mental health that is….

  139. rico says:

    Morning Herb.

    Haven’t we just. If at the end of the season there’s another contract offered to him and he signs it, I’m done. He and his stupid excuses and continual failings during a transfer window anger me no end…

    Why sign a strong central midfielder and leave him on the bench?

  140. scottfromoz says:

    Then what do we think of Stan for allowing a man who’s so obviously mentally challenged/troubled to continue?
    Ssshhhhhh, we can’t blame Stan 🙂
    Wenger is lost, and I’ll readily admit that.
    He’s looking for answers for that result and I genuinely think he believed we would win,mth St we are already good enough.
    Someone has to tell him we are not, and someone of importance.

  141. rico says:

    Why should he need to be told though Scott?

    He keeps telling us he’s so good at his job, but he can’t even see the bleedin obvious!

  142. Herb's Army says:

    Well when you say big clubs, Scott, it helps if you reference who you’re talking about, because the implication was that it somehow had something to do with Arsenal.
    If you’re referring to Leeds, that’s one club who vastly over-spent on the presumption that they would have CL money, which didn’t materialise because they failed to qualify in 2001. That was Peter Risdale and David O’Leary’s fault. Glasgow Rangers ran into serious financial problems because David Murray borrowed large sums of money from the RBS that he was unable to pay back, which saw them cease and re-emerge as a new company starting life in Scotland’s fourth tier. The two situations bear no relation to the way Arsenal operate, so it’s not a relevant point.
    I can think of clubs who have gone into administration, and who are in debt, but not really any major clubs in England.

  143. kelsey says:

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he pushed Aaron Ramsey back too quickly after the Welsh midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the first Premier League game of the season.

    That’s a good example of bad elementary management.

    Yes Herb.

    I really haven’t got anymore to say except that the booing on the very first home game will have left a huge mental mark on the kids AW threw in for this game.but when you aren’t accountable to anyone and the tickets are all sold, the only people who care about the team with passion are the fans, and their frustation will boil over,wait and see..

  144. Marshall says:

    Arsene is like the first iphone3 device, it was nice, revolutionary back then. But now we have Iphone 6s and he’s just and outdate firmware which has refused to upgrade. He’s obsolete and he got to be binned.

    We are not in 2004 anymore. Go Arsene!

  145. Marshall says:

    We play shitty non practical tactics and that is all his fault, can’t pass the buck to anyone else.

  146. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all. A very, very disappointing day at the Emirates yesterday, to put it very mildly. It have never seen so many people walking out early. I was depressed enough when their 4th goal went in but watching the crowds streaming out, hearing the boos and seeing the arguments raging between supporters was horrible. Wenger simply must go. I can think of no argument to the contrary with a shred of credibility.

  147. Lee says:

    Lacazette scores hat-trick, then gives Gunners boost about signing him…

    Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazettescored a hat-trick for Lyon in their 3-0 win away at Nancy, before giving Arsenal a boost in their pursuit of him.

    Speaking after the game, the forward told Canal+: “If offers come in that one cannot refuse, I don’t want to refuse them. If not, I am happy at Lyon.”

    Basically telling Arsenal: “Look, I’ve just scored a hat-trick – I am the man for you. But, I’ve just scored a hat-trick so my value and wage demands WILL increase. I’m here if you want me, just make a good offer (please).”

  148. Adam says:

    Morning brudder. Shocking mate. Fucking awful.
    This is the price we are paying for the early Wenger successes. It’s a complete and utter shitstorm, but has very little to do with anyone other than Wenger. I could question the team selection, their attitude etc but I don’t fancy dissecting a turd online.

  149. rico says:

    Morning Adam.

    And that’s on the opening day of the season. It’s only going to get worse imo, especially if Ozil and Alexis depart before the end of the transfer window…

  150. allezkev says:

    Morning All…

    Even if Wenger goes out and spends close to £100m this week, say on Mustafi and Lacazette, will anything really change ?

    The whole club has gone stale, it’s like it was in the 1960’s or post Bertie Mee before Graham arrived…

    Things didn’t change until David Dein arrived to shake the club up, who have we got now ?

    It wouldn’t surprise me to see Arsenal beat Leicester and Southampton, but that will just postpone the inevitable melt down as our season unravels as it always does…

    Adam, I know it’s impossible to gauge accurately, but what percentage of fans walked out after the 4th goal, would you say ?

  151. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Morning Loveleis and Hunkies.

    When was the last time we scored three goals by Englishmen???

    You are still cackling about Lacazette………we scored 3 goals.

    Its not about not scoring mates.

    I said it yesterday……………ITS THE FEKKING TACTICS. How to defend.

    Nothing to do with personnel.

    Personally I would still put out the same team and defend it better.

  152. Marshall says:

    We scored additional two goals after the scums had chopped us to bits. Safe to say they had already switched off abit. A team which would shut up shop wouldn’t let us score.

  153. Adam says:

    Morning Kev. Hard to judge really, but quite a few. We scored soon after so perhaps some of those intending to leave, stayed.
    Rico. Many people commented to me how flat it all felt, before the game even started. As acquaintances were renewed it was the same old stuff about being unsure whether to renew or not. What a pathetic bunch we are. Loyal to a club with a manager that is so detached. Within about 10 minutes everyone knew that nothing had changed and that realisation alone was so crushing and dispiriting that everything else just seemed part of some crazy ritual that has to be played out.
    We could (and undoubtedly will) put ourselves through the wringer over the whole situation at the club and even now I feel a strange feeling of something or other when criticising Arsene. Personally, I can’t really see what Stan had to do with yesterday but that’s just me. The really worrying thing is the idea that the rift is this wide, after the first game of the season. The implications are alarming but I feel there is a lot more pain to come.

  154. Lee says:

    It is to do with scoring goals, Ozil created 144 chances last season we didn’t convert enough of them….our goals against last season was 36 only 2 teams did better (manure spuds on 35)

    We need more goals from midfield and a clinical pacey striker, imo.

  155. rico says:

    Morning Kev..

    Adam, sad times isn’t it. I honestly wish he’d just pack his bags and slip out through the back door this morning…

  156. Adam says:

    Rico. I think there are plenty who would agree. Long term planning and the managers that might have been suitable replacements are all set in new jobs now and that adds to the complications that we are now witnessing. It is certainly a sad state of affairs and I think many of us have seen it coming for about 5 years now. The club has become a sleeping giant with enormous potential and who, but the most deluded Wenger supporter, can believe that the future lies with him.

  157. rico says:

    So do I Adam.

    I’d rather Bould took over for this season as the club search for a new manager. Could he do any worse? He might even think about getting Keown to help sort out our shambolic defending and stinking attitude…

  158. scottfromoz says:

    Rico, if he DOES need to be told, he should be.
    Two wrongs hardly make a right, especially under these circumstances.
    Herb, the reason Leeds and Rangers ARE a relevant comparison is because they were NOT run the way Arsenal are….that’s exactly the point I made, so I’m really not sure what your angle is there.
    Adam, Stan has everything to do with yesterday, IMO, as yesterday’s performance was symptomatic of the clubs culture, and surely he simply has to take some ownership of that.
    Arsene should be allowed to finish this season, then hand over to fresh blood.
    Of that, there is no question, but would anyone really be surprised if Stan offers him an extension??
    I wouldn’t.
    Of course, most will blame Arsene if he accepts it.
    Lacazette……suddenly, he’s good enough, or have fans lowered their standards that much?
    Of course, it’s over a year since I raised his name, and was told he wasn’t good enough 🙂
    Honestly, it’s probably a little of both, but isn’t that the art of finding someone….before they hit their peak??
    Scouts……where are you, and what the hell are you doing??
    Devil, tactics failed again, but a striker such as Lacazette would offer us an alternative.

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