Morning all,
There’s nothing like a dose of Mourinho garbage to give the squad a lift is there? He reckons that this will be the season we fail to qualify for the Champions League and in our place will be the Totts. Of course he could very well be right but I wouldn’t bet against Everton either, as long as they don’t lose any players this month or suffer injury.
However, if nothing else can lift our crop of players, surely reading that in the newspapers this morning would get through to them wouldn’t it?
Mourinho also reckons Wenger has had it easy over the last few years. Some might agree there I guess….
Talking of our manager, he’s the one who will ultimately decide whether Theo Walcott, or indeed anyone else will stay or go if players are asking for a pay rise. Wenger had revealed that he is the one who sets the wages. Of course he consults with the board but if it comes down to an odd few pounds here and there to get a certain player to stay, then if Wenger wants him, he’ll ask the board to sanction that players demands.
Here’s a few comments from our esteemed leader:
I don’t know how it works at other clubs, but the wages at Arsenal are decided in consultation between me and the board. There is an amount of money that is dedicated to the wages every year. Within that budget, we try to come up with payments that are sensible and defensible.
As long as the economical balance within a club is respected and you pay the people with the resources that make economical sense, then it is fine. If I want to pay a player a little more than the budget, then I ask for the authorisation from the board.
The set-up we have means sometimes you have to let one player go to make space for someone coming as the squad is limited and sometimes you need to knock out some good players to make room for others.
People neglect the reality that Arsenal pays very well and all my life I defend to pay well people who work for us and, If I believe we can afford to do it, we do it, that is the policy. Do we change? No.
What exactly is ‘sensible or defensible’ about the salary which quite a number of our players are currently earning is beyond me and why is Wenger even involved in what gets paid to who? Surely the board alone should be dealing with such things off the pitch and leave Wenger to do what he gets paid for, manage!
He’s not far away if they really can’t make a decision on their own!
One they can’t seem to make relates to Walcott, so I guess it will be down to Wenger now. If he thinks the player is worth what his agents are asking, then he’ll sanction the offer, if not, then it’s goodbye Theo.
Anyway, onto football and the lunchtime FA Cup fixture against Swansea, a team which battered us at The Emirates just weeks ago in the league.
Two goals right at the end of the game undone us on a day Wenger said ‘we were not really sharp physically because we had played in the Champions League the week before’. (I’m saying nothing!!)
One player who was involved in that game won’t feature today and that’s Gervinho, he’s gone off to the ACON’s.
Aside from that, our injury list is the shortest its been in a long while. Lukas Fabianski the only true injured player as both Abou Diaby and Andre Santos just lack match-fitness so will Wenger put them both on the bench? I suspect so….
Emmanuel Frimpong is back from loan but he’s got some kind of sickness bug.
History, previous results, league places etc all go out the window on a day like today.
Today it’s a one off and we need to win it. If Wenger takes his own words about working hard for his money and puts them into practice then we can win and part of that job is getting the players to do the same.
They all want big money, well time to start earning it!!
Have a good day all…..
Morning all…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wenger start Diaby. Swansea are not physical, and would be a good game to give him some playing time before the PL Champions come to visit next weekend….
Morning Rico.
Morning all.
Diaby hey….why the hell not?
He would certainly make an early impact.
Wenger has the power on wages……i personally never disputed it, i have, however, always disputed the fact that a single man can be blamed because a board has a lack of intestinal fortitude, and the word accountability is lost on them.
Swansea is a simple one….we just need to score more goals than them 🙂
Morning All
Anybody know what the problem with walnuts contract is:
Can we pay him the the money or not.
Can we play him where he wants or not
Is it the board
Is it the manager
Because apparently no signings can be made till wenger knows if walnut is staying or going.
Another day in the life of the Wenger World
I see TV has realised why he has played so shit this season, he’s not used to playing prem, cl/cup and internationals. He says he’s exhausted and the prem needs a winter break.
Good work cappie, tell the rest of the team it’s ok to make excuses for playing shit.
‘Nice’ he says 🙄
Wenger has won four FA Cups but still sees the Premier League title – which he has won three times with the Gunners – as his Holy Grail.
He added: “A trophy would be nice. It will give our young players more confidence, of course, an aura that makes them feel stronger. It builds inside the team and you can feel it.
“But for me it is important to win the championship. It is important to win the FA Cup but even if we do that people want you to fight for the championship.
“That is how people and players judge the strength of the club. It helps you bring in other players.
“To most, the Champions League also makes a massive difference for everybody. It helps keep players and recruit players.
“It is the basic requirement.
“It is nice to win the FA Cup and also the Champions League but for me, the Premier League is the most important one for everybody.
“That is always the aim for us at the start of the season.”
Just my opinion guys
I think we are after a player in the french League and a player in the english league..
Not a clue who
Arsenal problem is wengers tactics,formation,selection,team substitution and playin players out of position.All dis is making arsenal perform poorly dis season.for instance AVB started totthams formation wit 4 3 3 or 4 2 3 1,he dropped adebayor and was using defor as d lone striker bt was nt working,now tottham are now using 4 4 2 and they are getting results.why cant wenger play two s rikers in d attack.
Morning Scott, Fred and Brad…
TW contract seems to be all about whether or not Wenger thinks he is worth the money his agents are asking…
Brad – not the best thing for a captain to be saying….
Scott, turn HH into le grove? What the fuck are you on about?All I posted on yesterday’s post an article, where AW was spouting off in the media about football players getting paid more than the PM yet he gets paid £144k pw, considerably more than any Arsenal player.. whether you like it or not a fact!
He needs to engage brain before speaking
Off now for a run…
Forgive me if i do not attempt to dissect every word the man utters.
Be careful Rico, Highbury House may need a name change…how does Wenger Assassins sound 🙂
Lee,he didn’t say there was something wrong with what footballers earned, just showed surprise at how little the PM earns.
It was in plain English.
Err Lee
Made me laugh that bit in the independent
effing hell..Tony Blair ain’t exactly skint is he.
Rico..with respect ..how long will that take
Did anyone else notice the mood on HH lift after a few wins but then nosedive after a draw??
Wenger is linked with every player on earth…………and non yet is signed. Someone needs to wake up
Scott
Transfer window makes me moody mate.
Morning Rico. SOJI.
Fred, it is a weird feeling of anxiety V hope.
Will anyone come in?
He has to buy class.
There is no way in hell not bringing good players in can be justified.
Greetings from Wales….
Smart bet???
I have taken 5-1 about 5 or more goals being scored.
I never punt on sports, but couldn’t pass this up.
Scott, what do you honestly expect?
Things aren’t right and Wenger is very much a part of the ‘thing’…
Good morning all,
Thank you for the post Rico,
I was shocked to read, in this morning’s Sunday Telegraph, that Lukas Podolski is Arsenal’s highest paid player, reportedly on around £107,000 per week. Perhaps that’s why Walcott feels aggrieved at being denied the £100,000 he, or his agent, is demanding.
As it would seem that Theo is now our first choice central striker, surely it makes sense to pay him at least somewhere in the same region as Podolski, who is after all not much more than a bit part player at the moment.
Whats this about LG??
Morning Adam… SOJI indeed….
Transfer window(Arsenal’s)
It’s like a game of poker that has no end.
Did you expect anything different Johns..
Morning Lee, Ak and JW…
Ours often has no beginning fred…
JW – isn’t AA on more than Podolski?
Johns, because scumbag journos suggest we are linked to players doesn’t make it so, though.
Rico, a level and fair minded approach from people would be great.
Wenger is to blame for plenty and i have never suggested otherwise, but too many blame him for everything that goes wrong, and say the same things every night.
I read some idiot ask what’s wrong with Arsenal simce Holtby chose Spuds over us….same with Vertonghen.
This overlooks the fact we never even made the clubs or players in question an offer.
Too many Gooners ignore the facts if it means a chance to moan about something.
I think AA is on 80k a week.
Scott – 10.20 ??
Just a dark joke Rico, to match the mood of late.
I have said many times Scott, you, nor anyone else can make people change they way they feel or what they think of Wenger or the way he operates…
And no-one should try to either….
There was no mention of AA, Rico, perhaps they know something we don’t and our little Russian is on his way out of the club.
Now, apparently we are about to bid £8 million for Wigan’s 22 year old mid-fielder James McCarthy.
The mood reflects the performances…
Thanks JW, there was once a link going around with all the players wages, i’ll have to try and find it again…
Even though it will shock David Cameron if he reads….
There’s another midfielder we are linked to, a Columbian I think..
And of course, the Celtic man, Wanyama
Morning all…
A fine post again Rico…
Today is a must win!
Coming to today’s post, I may be a little dumb but I am struggling to understand where the above statement referred to in the post implies that TW’s contract situation seems to be all about whether or not Wenger thinks he is worth the money his agents are asking…!
Imho, I think if we are to take an unbiased view, the statement is saying that he has an amount X which has to be divided sensibly between Y number of players and club employees. So in effect if a player’s demand is going to make the budget x+n then he has to ask for an addition n amount. If the club those not authorise the n amount then he has to sell to make available the resources to ensure that the budget remains under x amount…
Again most will choose to blame AW but what he is saying is that he has a budget to conform to… So again why are we not angry at the board to have a separate wage budget to recruitment…
In view of the continuing calls for Wenger’s head, there is a question that all Arsenal fans should ask themselves, who at the club would they trust to select and appoint a new manager?
Thanks Ts –
Because he also says that if he wants a certain player to stay and if that means going above HIS wage structure then he will make his case to the board…
Wenger said he sets the wages, so he will decide whether or not TW will be given what he asks…
If the club those not authorise lol… it should be if the club does not authorise…
Rico, isn’t changing peoples thinking the entire reason behind a debate?
Besides, i would not mind if people offered their negative opinions so much if their opinions weren’t exclusively negative.
How can anyone never see the good in anyone or anything?
It is impossible, but plenty ignore the good.
Classic example………how many are blaming Wenger for taking too long to promote Eisfeld, yet 12 months ago nearly everyone got stuck into the man for signing the kid.
People booed Wenger for, on the medical teams advice, subbing Ox v Utd, yet bag him for overplaying another young starlet causing injury….Jack Wilshere.
If anyone can explain that, then i will stand corrected!
Again, this is not about suggesting he doesn’t make plen of mistakes, but why do so many never comment on the good??
That’s a good question JW…..
Give me a few days 😉
Good morning ts, your your supposition ignores the fact that by offloading some of our “surplus to requirements” players their wages become available to make up the “n” amount.
Most importantly about our clubs ambition, fans have to realise that the difference between spending an extra £50M on extra player purchase and salary to finish first in the league will only give the winner about £3M points more than a club finishing 3rd in the league.And that is a fact according to FA.com
So what is the incentive for the club to win?
Scott,
Sometimes you just can’t win, If Wenger plays a youngster he gets slated for playing “kids”, if he doesn’t play the youngster he gets slated for that as well and often by the SAME PEOPLE!
Not being funny Scott – people aren’t on here to please you with their comments. It’s not about what you mind or not and that isn’t me trying to be rude.
Debate can often sway someone’s decision, but a sweeping statement like suggesting one persons comment is changing HH into LG is hardly debating….
Right now it’s very difficult to see what little positive is going on because far too much negative is in front of our eyes.
It will take a lot more that 4 victories and a draw at St Marys to make things appear any different. Especially as we continue to play so poorly and have gaping holes in our squad…
And, Wenger is our manager and that’s it, its about time he got back to doing his job instead of talking to the media about what he thinks is going on in the world…
Hi there Jw, thanks for adding that as well. And that is why he is trying to sell players.
But if he comes out and says players x,y and z are useless it will please the sentimental fans but that does not make the players go away or get bought…
I am sure he knows he has made a mistake on some purchases. In fact in January 2009 before AA23 was bought, AW stated during a press conference that the fans where not going to like AA23’s body language.
Exactly JW.
I’ve got plenty of positives about Arsenal BUT am struggling of late…1992 as I posted the other day was pretty woeful. Still lets hope Swansea have an off day!
It’s really not about the odd £3 million ts, it’s about the kudos of being a winner, it’s about the higher profile it gives the club, it’s about making the keeping of best players easier, it’s about making the club more attractive to the best players when trying to sign them, it’s about making the club more attractive to potential sponsors. Most of all it should be about keeping the loyal fans happy.
‘Doing good’ – some will call it that, others may be tempted to say that’s just him doing his job…..
Not always JW, look at the Bradford game, most of us wanted a strong side fielded and Wenger did just that and I don’t think many moaned about that selection after we lost.
The gripe was not being able to motivate the players to beat the side in front of them, they weren’t hungry enough for the victory.
Then, AW says they were a little fatigued, so then its why select them then if they are tired…
Round and around it goes …..
Rico, Scott but as I have stated at 10:55 if some of the fans understand why things are as it is it would not piss people of like it does! Unless of course some people are content with their tendency to be unhappy… 😉
The results and performances tell all. The overall trend is that Arsenal are declining on the pitch and off it. They are no longer the attraction they used to be for players or, sadly, fans. What happens next? Surely things must change? Things move on. What Wenger has achieved was then. What happens next? Will we win another trophy with him at the head of the club?
Rico, a sweeping statement is one you just made……i never suggested one persons comment was turning HH into LG.
The entire mood of late has darkened.
The same things are being said every night….not enough constructive comments of late.
Is this what we want….not just out of HH but out of Arsenal?
Wenger can’t control whether or not a persons HH or Arsenal experience is a positive one……only each one of us can.
Lee – and Michu wakes up with man flu….
@ JW I totally understand and I agree with your post at 11:02 but that is from a fans point of view.
The board are in it for money period and so far as they finish in the CL spots the end goal is achieved! Its a very stupid and dangerous game but it is what it is….
Rico, the first line of your 11.02 shows the very cynical nature of fans of late.
Lee, we are all struggling to find positives.
That’s why i come and chat on here though.
Here is a positive…Aguero has a torn hammy so misses our game.
There ya go 🙂
So what are you saying Rico? he should have played some younger players against Bradford, was not doing so a mistake? or was he right to play a stronger but slightly weary side?
If he had played the kids, and we were beaten, he would have been crucified, as it is he was crucified for playing the team he did.
The bloke just can’t win at the moment.
Ts, I would a lot happier if I didn’t have to read Wenger quotes which contradict each other so often….
Another million dollar question Adam, I don’t believe the manager or those who play ‘for him’ right now have the fight in them to win a trophy….
I watched Brighton yesterday, 2-0 up with seconds on the clock, they were through to the next round for sure but when a Newcastle player had a shot in the dying moments, a defender threw his body at the ball, stopping it from going anywhere. It truly was great committed defending…
When do we see that? Our players jump out the way…
Hmm, I think it is quite off the mark to think we are unable to attract fans… From the boards point of view (which imo is stupid) the club is the 6th richest club in the world and the 2nd/3rd highest cash rich club in Europe.
Again the billionaires/millionaires who I presume know more about making money than all of us on this great site will see no incentive in sending an extra £50M to get only a maximum of £20M back. Why is AW the most sort after manager by club chairman/owners?
James McCarthy anyone?
He is our latest “rumoured target”.
Scott – I took your comment to be related to the previous one you left. If I am wrong then I apologise…
ts,
If the board are really only in it to make money, then the club must be successful in order to maximise their profits. The idea that only the fans want to see a winning side is very wide of the mark.
Not cynical at all Scott, honest…
JW – What I am saying is don’t make tiredness an excuse after a loss. I wanted a full side out, it was our best chance for a trophy, so I was really happy to see them selected.
But the way the players performed was awful….
The coming of diaby surely make a difference.
Scott,
See my 10.45.
I don’t know much about the player, just seems like another of Wenger’s “prospects” to me.
good day fellow gunners, here’s a link to watch the match live http://adf.ly/GyPIi big win expected today
Rico,
…so perhaps they were tired. 🙂
No one can change anyone’s views on HH or on any other website but the FACT is that we are still better of than 15 other EPL teams and the 100 or so other teams below us who would like to be like Arsenal.
fans do not like how things are and I don’t either but it is a business guys… Even the man city owners are using $hitty as a long term family business and a golden ticket for them to escape the mid east when things do ever go pop inthat region and that is a fact. The reason why so many foreign people are buying properties in Europe and in particular UK!
It hurts but so does the reason why £57Billion is spent annually in the UK on wars and machines whilst people are dying. And why the fecking US of A spends over £711Billions on its military whilst people are homeless in those countries and in other parts of the world…
Rico, i agree not to make tiredness an excuse, but plenty who abuse Wenger for saying it then said we should not get carried away with the Newcastle win because they were tired.
See what i mean?
Fair minded approach is all i ask.
I do not expect people to agree with me….they’d be certified if they did…sorry Ginge :), but people should always play the ball and not the man.
Here’s the other linked to us:
Juan Camilo Zúñiga Mosquera – born 14 December 1985) the Colombian football winger/Wingback who currently plays for Serie A club Napoli and the Colombian national team.
He is well known for his contributing assists when playing as a defender.
Sorry JW….missed that one.
Rico, my comment on HH a few days back was my honest opinion on how good this place is.
Then don’t select them JW and tell us that they weren’t selected because it wasn’t right to do.
Or, have a squad deep enough to be able to trust those needed to be called on..
Earlier in the week Arsene promised us a “maximum effort” today.
Let’s hope the players respond and we progress to the next round.
C’mon The Glorious Gunners!!!!
Thst’s me gone! Enjoy the match HHers.
Possibly JW but only talking from what I have read on Swiss Rumble and Forbes, it is a fact that there is no difference between winning your league continuously and finishing in the CL spot financially!
On the other hand you have to invest heavily in the regions of an extra £40M and over to gain the extra £20M in revenue. So if you were a chairman in a comfortable position of qualifying in the CL what would you do… and dont think like a fan if you can in this scenario… 😉
TS. Au contraire. The fans inside the stadium are not stupid and they are not happy with what they see. If the club carries on the route they seem set on, then tens of thousands of long-term supporters will not renew their season tickets. This has been happening for the past couple of years. For sure those tickets will be taken up. I have noticed that around me you see new faces in many seats for each game. Speaking to these “customers” it appears that a friend got a ticket and sells it on to someone different every week. It is of course up to the board as to which direction the club take. People like me and my family are merely punters. This tone will be set by a man who, it seems, has no real concept of Arsenal and it’s place in either the community or people’s hearts – Stan Kroenke.
Supporters I know and speak to are sad at the direction the club is taking but see it reflected in the changing world we live in and understand that that world and Arsenal are not what they used to be. We have to accept it, but we don’t have to like it. The soul of the club, which is in no small part, it’s supporters who go to every game and especially those, like Kev, who go to the away games is being lost little by little. I see it from my seat at every home game and I find it hard to accept.
Blame the board Ginge, blame the board 🙂
But did Pardew blame tiredness after they lost?
Lets hope so JW, have a good day and enjoy the game….
That is splitting hairs Rico.
My comments on here have been about Arsenal fans NOT being objective in their thinking.
Pardew has nothing to do with this debate.
JW..cheer us home 4-1…
Rico, I talked about Zuniga last week on here. A good player but is he better than Santos? no! At 27/28 will he adapt to this league? Hell no! Another rumour which is not needed or relevant to our clubs progress imho unless AW or a new coach is going to play 4-4-2.
Camilo is not even a guaranteed starter for Napoli…
The best thing Wenger can do for Arsenal is to step down at the end of the season and recommend Pep Gladiola as his replacement.
Until then we would not see much consistency in the squad.
He has had a long innings, he might need help making the correct decision to quit.
I’m not sure he doesn’t Scott, if we are comparing ‘ tired excuses’ after a loss…
Anyway, we will agree to differ…
Should more credence by placed on the opinions of fans going to the game than fans who don’t?
We hear consistently that ticket prices are higher at The Emirates than any other ground in the league……so many old school fans can no longer afford to go, right?
Which fans are the true “soul” of the club?
I totally agree Adam and I am please you seem to understand what I was trying to say but was not able to articulate as well as you have done at 11:25.
Fair enough Rico, but still off on a different tangent.
Your point is taken though.
Good Morning my Esteemed Fellow Hobbits.
Hi Bearman…..who is Gladiola? A flower because in italian that is what it means……a kind of flower!! Joking mate!
About today…..I am afraid but we will loose. As simple as that.
TS. Thank you.
Oops, I didn’t see that Ts…
We don’t want him, that’s for sure. I’d rather Meade..
Any idea on a starting 11 guys?
G’day Devil.
Back in training yet??
Hi BM, I’m not convinced that Pep is the right man…
Hi devil, yo seem very sure…
Back in training? We do not stop here Scott. No winter break. Only from the 23rd till 27th and then its back. Just to spend time with the family. And believe me Scottie mate……..these four days were very welcome this time. I had a tough month last December, and these last four days I spent them lazying and recovering my strength after a mentally and physically and emotionally draining month for all the family. Now we are just relaxing ourselves….till tomorrow.
BDW good post Rico.
Yes I feel we are out this time. The maximum we will get is a replay I feel.
TS. Generally I think that change is a good thing. Inevitable in nature and in man. Perhaps a football club like Arsenal is a difficult thing for a man like Kroenke to “get” and perhaps growing up a half mile from the stadium and coming from a long line of Arsenal supporters distorts my view and makes me more possessive in a strange way. I am convinced that the club is in decline from where it was several years ago but I am old enough to have seen it in far worse shape. I also believe that Arsenal are a sleeping giant with an incredible infrastructure just waiting for the right people to drive it forward. But we always seem to be reacting these days. Either to a bad result or to losing top players. Much though it pains me to agree, I think Van De Saar was right when he said we are a selling club. For me this stems from our lack of success on the pitch, even in an average league. Unless this one thing is addressed and soon, there will be a long way to come back.
crazy man Scott. 😀
I actually think we will win devil…
Onya Rico, that’s the spirit!
Ginge, what can i say lol.
Devil, i am back to work for a few days this week, and i am only just starting to settle into the holidays….bugger!!
Just arrived in Swansea. A bit of a dump.
Adam, I will give the boys a cheer for you.
COYG
Kev. Do that mate. I shall be sitting in front of a telly with a cup of tea. But I will be thinking of you. 🙂
Kev, is it true that Welsh cabbies are the best in the world 🙂
Cheer hard!
Didn’t for one minute say we’d play well though Scott… 😉
Hope the team play at their best for you Ak, long way to travel, lot of money spent and a lot of time from your day…
That’s dedication..
Off out with Fido, back in a bit….
Welsh cabbies are worryingly attracted to sheep, Scott…
Just been listened to John Hartson’s drivel on talkshite…..now there was a shite player! What side is the game on? I got a feeling we’re going give Swansea a 1-0 hiding!
SOJI.
Listening even….
Good day everyone
Good post rico,
Don’t see anything wrong with Arsene making recommendation on what players should earn. That happens in our places of work.
This is me hoping the good guys turn up today especially Podolski. I have observed that if he(podolski) turns up we always give the opponent a spanking
COYG!!!
That Mbiwa is allegedly for sale for £3.5m that’s a no-brainer….
It’s on ESPN Lee.
Those cnuts on ESPN we’re just dragging up the Wrexham game in 1992.
Getting a hard on over the prospects of another upset.
Fcuk the lot of them.
Enjoy your tea Adam.
Yesterday there was an article regarding our flops. Are they really flops or are they victims of mismanagement by AW? I mean Chamack can be a flop that is only one yes. But Arshavin, plus Djourou, plus Squillaci, plus Park, plus Denilson, plus Bendtner?
I mean are all of them flops or are they victims of mismanagement and bad tactics? Or a case of square pegs in round holes?
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/287900624480251904
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/287900862716715009
Good morning all!
Confused team look imbalance. Looks like Ramsey wide left or 4-5-1 formation
Martin Keown covering an arsenal match means a lose…
Kev- well done and enjoy the day. Stay safe
. A true gooner you are and you deserve a good win!
or 4-4-2 formation
Swansea: Vorm, Tiendalli, Chico, Bartley, Davies, Britton, de Guzman, Ki, Routledge, Dyer, Graham
Substitutes: xxx
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud
Substitutes: Martinez, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski
line-up:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Cazorla, Giroud. Subs: Martinez, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski.
Di Natale scored again!
Ramsay on the left? Oh joy!
SOJI.
the same mistake: Ramsey,Cazorla and wilshere at the same time.
Hope i’m wrong but we will see.
which Mbiwa Lee? If its Mapou its no way they would almost double his salary and extend his contract and sell for less than what they could have gotten for him in August imho…
I think it will still be a 4-2-3-1 formation. But it can also be a 4-4-2. However, I still think its a 4-2-3-1 with Ramsey in the hole while Caz the Gazzzzzzzz goes on the right with Theo on the left.
Good bench bar Santos. Why not Meade?
TommyV is rested.
Catch you at half time or at the end
Afternoon Goonerdom worshippers,
LIVE STREAM LINK. ENJOY. COYG!!!!!
http://www.ronaldo7.net/live/sports/watch-sports-live-stream.html
Can somebody roll up the newspaper publishing this Wenger chat and smack him on the head.
Hiya DG10. How’s life among the flower fields?
Hola Coach,
Sweaty hands, buckets of coffee and anxious we could loose our only tin pot chance today.
TS….
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/421056/20130106/arsenal-transfer-news-yanga-mbiwa-montpellier-wenger.htm?
evening all
Back in the nick of time…
Afternoon folks….
Evening Oz.
No ESPN here 🙁
I see its another “our season starts here” game then lol – whats this number 4 now?
Chelsea want Mbiwa too I think Lee…
What has Jenks done wrong I wonder…..
didn’t Mbiwa declare he was a United fan recently? Is that the same one?
Still the huge gap in the centre of midfield…..
Ah, yes Oz, it was Manure, not Chelsea… and AC Milan back in the summer 😉
I can already see that this is more of the same. let’s at least hope they give a little more effort and show some desire.
Evening Oz.
RVP swore black and blue he was a Gooner…that little arsehole inside lied though 🙂
He’ll be a fan of whoever pays his dough…..
I didn’t like to be the first Will…
Lee
Pick the number 9 link. Works crisply.
Seems as if we are playing Real Madrid. Where is Ronaldo??? Rested?
Great save Ches….
Hey champ (Scott) how ya going?
Thanks Dutch.
The drums devil??
We could do with some at The Emirates….
how about some rockets – up a few asses ? hheee
Here here Oz..
Once I went to the Roma vs Lazio derby. And the atmosphere created by the drums was amazing.
At the Ems?? They will be confiscated before the entrance I can assure you.
Having the drums at the Ems will make the Gunner fans a feared lot.
Good to see Theo take the initiative … Telling off from Wenger later 😉
I know devil, absolutely no chance at The Ems…
How was that no worthy of a yellow?
Crap free kick TW, they didn’t jump….
I see arteta joining the attack a bit more. positive.
I am good Oz….survived the new year…barely.
You??
SHOOT!!
Good move Ramsey. nearly got a goal.
theo having a bit of a free run across the front. makes me worried about the defending down the right.
Is Giroud actually playing???
He doesn’t get back much anyway Will 😉
He is devil, honest ….
That would have rubbed it in…….Bartley nearly scored!!!
Webb is being Webb again……
Our lot are so easily brushed off the ball….
Even Giroud can’t stay on his feet….
Sagna is showing lots of energy today.
We need Rosicky. Santi needs a rest
Bartley has got Giroud in his pocket today. Why didnt AW keep him and send Djourou and Squilli off earlier?
He would have been a lot better than those two. And he is English.
That was painful on the eye…..
Sagna is much better.
The “other” Theo was on show on the first half.
Apart from a great run, Ramsey is awful.
Giroud……well, once again we get the ball wide but want to cut back to the middle rather than getting a damn cross over to him.
Arteta has over hit more passes in that half than he has all season.
Saying all that, we are right in it with some minor tweaks.
I said that at the time we sold him devil, he should never have been sold, not in the position we were in at the time….
Does he look more assured than our current central defenders??
I’d say yes on that first half display…
that was disappointing. I actually want to see santi and rosicky in combination…. if not, I just want to see rosicky in the pitch.
Tosh. Utter tosh. Where is the drive and motivation?
This is when it would be refreshing to see early changes. 10 mins after the restart, if its still laboured, then shake it up a bit…
Rico, not sure you can say that…he hasn’t been under any pressure at all.
Let’s hope we test him in the second term.
Why is Theo suddenly taking freekicks of late??
I can’t remember him ever scoring one, though he probably has, yet he seems to be the man.
Dear me to say this, Walcott is making this team unbalance no cover for sagna. I don’t know where he plays anymore. There is something that is missing a ‘Cesc’ who sees the pass. Giroud has being left isolated. We are struggling to create chances
In August the whole EPl thought we could have the best midfield 3 when JW10 was fit but now I would say we have the worst midfield in Europe.
Martin Keown looks fit enough to play still.
John Hartson looks fit for a a horror film!!
Hahaha Coach same set of thoughts occurred in my head regarding Bartley. I was reading his eyes, looks determined not to spare Wenger any blushes.
Ginge, i wouldn’t go that far lol.
With a true DM??
How good did we look early on with Diaby?
Wasn’t good was it Adam…
Vry true Emma. The way thinks stand I would even welcome sick note Gourchuff from Lyon
I had never seen Bartley play when he came back from Rangers, but figured any young defender that could hack it in Scotland must have something going for him.
well that was good – uumm
When we have Santi, arteta and podolski on the pitch, Walcott should be the 4th freekick taker. But he seems to jump to take every freekicks that comes arsenal way. How long will arsene continue to bend for him. Get the contract sorted or show him through the door
Rico. You are the master of understatement. We are awful.
Merts lack of pace is quite evident today….
am I obligated to watch the 2nd half?
Yes a DM will definitely help but if AW is not going to give Frimps a chance in DM then he has to buy. If not AW has to walk…
Ok Adam, awful…..
1-0 to the reds ( maroons ) will do for me.
COYG
Of course you are obliged. You should write the match report Will!!! 😉
Here comes the cabbie now!!! We are bound to score soon then!!
Asene Wenger has to walk hheee you’re so funny ts – like that is going to happen, i mean come on
Many have thought that since the summer Ts, in fact some were saying that even when Song was in the side…
Today is just another game on another day with a similar performance…
That shot was simply shocking!
Give the cameras a wave Kev 😉
the side again so far is like many of Wenger constantly repeated one liners – just plain average
He is sitting down at the moment tsGH. In a moment you will surely see him walk…..esp if something awful happens.
That ball to Walcott from Santi was way too soft…
Swans are very comfortable in possession me thinks. Percentage wise they are less minutes on the ball but create enough threat within that spell to harmonize and draw confidence from the cohesion.
RAmsey gets yellow carded for that same thing Webb you fucking thief!!
oh shit
This is definitely a bit better
If Ramsey knew what he was doing then, he should be ashamed. In fact, I hope he is subbed real soon…
That was never going to be a penalty. Ramsey clipped himself.
There goes his hammy!!!
That was unintentional Rico. It happens. The foot was not dragged. It was clipped.
Michu and Hernandez coming on….. this will test us…..
No Devil.
His ankle copped a clip mate…believe me.
Mid stride, is foot was in there air and copped it.
Not intentional, but it was contact, 100%.
ok its just a cut.
DG. writing this match report woyld be torture. They seem to be up for the 2nd half though. thank heavens.
When Ramsey was carded, he was checking off the other guys heels……both unintentional…what is the difference?
Dutch that’s how misleading stats are for you…..
Scott – no way, it was the oldest trick in the book, he clipped his own leg…
Now that was very very clever management by Laudrup…
Michu coming on lifted the team, the fans and scored..
Rico, i am sorry but you are wrong.
I am watching a live telecast and got about 4 angles.
There was contact.
As i said, it was unintentional.
I didn’t call for the penalty, you will note.
Just can’t see the difference.
…and to think he only cost Eur2million. Who the hell is the Spanish scout for Arsenal????
A simple throw in, one Swansea payer surrounded by three of ours, and nobody marks him.
Schoolboy errors and players just do not take responsibility!!
I disagree there devil, I was taught how to do that to try and get a penalty..
Not that I ever mastered it or tried it of course 😉
Buy a proper out and out goalscorer….see what they can do?
Devil, i think clubs throughout Europe are asking that same question lol.
Michu the key maybe?
Sorry Scott, I too am watching on television and all the replays, no contact from the swansea defender whatsoever imho….
Our Spanish scout spent all summer watching Santi
Well Rico, i would bet ten years salary and win 🙂
Good cup tie now.
It will come to life.
Bring on Rosicky
Then I fancy a draw
Look at Ramseys foot in mid air, contact is made from the defenders knee.
Don’t look for the defenders foot…..check his knee.
Anyway…irrelevant now.
Superb cross Ramsey.
Very poor effort OG – Should of scored,at least on target..
Gee we stuff around on the ball!
how bad a finish was that ffs
You are on Scott, i will await your cheque…
You can be my maid for ten years…..no wages of course lol!
Why is it our strikers seldom get a one on one at goal???
Theo, you should have buried that one…..
I post that and see Theo destroy a chance like that!!
Dream on Scott, your bet is lost…
Scott……..that’s very ungentlemanly to suggest that she will be your maid. The lady of the house??
Theoooooo go and stuff yourself!!
I said its either a loss or a draw!!!!
I will take the ten years salary then Devil lol!
Aint over yet Devil.
Its not over yet devil 😉
That was shocking from Bartley!
I am not convinced Scott. Its a loss for us.
I might be mistaken though. (Hopefully)
Theres my boy!!
What a left foot he has!!
Nice finish Podolski….
Why doesnt Arteta give freekicks anymore???
Podollllllsssssssssskkkkkkkkkkiiiiiiiiiiii
Now defend like their lives depend on it and go and get the winner….
Stunning Gibbs!!!!
Stunning!!
Good hustle to keep the corner alive.
Lovely finish Poldi – Shades of RVP left foot.
If we are clever we will go on to win it.
What a strike.
What a dink……brilliant goal…just brilliant!!
One more Arsenal, one more…..
GIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibbbbbbbbbbbbbbssssssssssss
Laudrup gets credit for his changes bringing on a goal……mmmmmm
Three players offside for that corner which nearly brings about a goal, but brings about a corner which brings about a goal.
oh dear…..
Shocking defending just before the goal and during it.
We are weak mentally.
Just cannot close a game out.
Webb really is an arsehole!!
S**t 2 – 2
Kozzer…..so close.
How did we get away with that….
Good call guys, I can only read sky sports text on my mobile. Let’s hope they can hold on. Sky sports say Wenger has never lost a 3rd round tie.
He hasn’t yet Brad…
Nice corner TW and 2 decent efforts Kos
BFG not at the races today, way off the pace
Thrilling last 20 minutes. Decent cup tie
Michu man of the match…….seriously??
when is the replay???
whats the value and wages of these sides again?
Will find out shortly devil, will be within the next two weeks I would have thought….
Well it certainly wasn’t boring.
Decent quality match.
Oz, of that was to be a deciding factor, Citeh would never lose lol
2001 FA Cup final v Liverpool about to start 🙂
good game. lets hope.we can take that 2nd half form into our next match.
scott i just said the same to my boy, how the hell was Michu man of the match
Will, if we defend like that against City, watch out haha
I was certainly a big improvement Will.
We always look great when we play with movement and energy.
Rosicky brings exactly that….someone suggested we could use him and we could.
Listening to the “commentary” on Radio 5 Live that was a totally crappy game, so I turned it off with fifteen to go, only then, apparently, did the game take off.
Should we have had a penalty? Was Walcott offside? Are we lucky to have got a replay?
5 Live’s coverage is absolute garbage!
Hahahaaa
Bloody joke Oz.
I thought we were poor defending at times and lacked composure in front of goal.
But the second half was better just a shame we were sloppy defending their two goals.
A proper big guy in the centre of midfield would improve us an awful lot, as would ditching zonal marking.
Their second was comical….
JW, i must admit i thought Walcott was penalised for a foul.
Must have another look now.
No re the penalty JW, overall I think we may have deserved to sneak it and would have done had Giroud & Walcott taken clear chances…
Not sure re TW offside, but he should have buried one earlier but then Swansea should have had the winner at the end, but then so should Koscielny
😆 😆
Arteta should have taken one for the team. He shouldn’t have stood off for the second goal. Did AW forgot he still had 2 changes to make.
So some HHers are going to still get on Ramsey’s back but say Theo Walnut deserves whatever he wants?
Arsenal players reflect what the fans think. Again I ask why do the fans sing Santi’s name?
Theo walcott striding along like he is TH14 of all but he has always been a poor excuse and lucky footballer. Trying to take every set piece. AW out and let us all see what the issue at Arsenal is…
Come on draw, bring out Bradford for us/Swansea….
Ramsey has already got whatever it was he wanted Ts….
dunno about that Rico, that simply finish to the near post with the spare man overlapping was a real let off
Ts, you fancy writing your ‘Wenger out’ thoughts in a post?
arh well on the bright side, we could have signed Ba
emma – agree on their second…
Oz, just being positive 😉
Arsenal need a mentality change and ive said it all along. You dont have a divine right to be a top club. Your name means nothing. You must play to your best ability everytime and regardless of the situation.
Brighton away IF we win the replay….
yes Rico. I will
Another stinking performance full of uncommitted silliness. An analysis would be too tedious. Blimey, this is Swansea ffs.
He scored a couple yesterday for his new team didn’t he?
Mert was match rusty. Arteta could have covered for the first goal, instead he just stood as soon as the ball went past Mert. Both goals from Swansea were avoidable goals if arteta had covered and not stood off. That is why we need a DM. Second half was much better.
Arsenal Holdings PLC needs a re-think
Thanks Ts, looking forward to it…
Will, I think that could come from the right couple of players, those who roll up their sleeves rather than jog around looking like they are warming up before a session in the gym….
TS. Your 3.43. They have done or some time now. But you are certainly correct.
Why would Merts be match rusty emma? He only had a cold didn’t he?
He’s slow and sometimes it costs us.
Their first goal – one ball into our defence and we concede-again. It’s not like it’s the first time is it?
I have not really changed my mind about AW’s ability but if a DM is not employed asap or frimps is not brought in (as a trial) to replace SC19 then Arsene has to go end of season.
Wenger will go, time is getting closer, he’s taking us nowhere and when he does, the American and his band will take off with pockets lined with gold and it will be the Russian’s turn – when is the question, not if
We did ok against decent opposition.
It is a result, but we really do need to belt them at home.
Laudrup has been nominated by plenty as a possible Wenger replacement based on how well he has his team playing, and it is a fair call.
In patches, they looked very good, as did we.
Defence was a bit dodgey from both sides though, though that could reflect the quality of the attacking play, which was good.
I enjoyed it…..kept me awake at least lol.
Night all!!
He should have gone two seasons ago.
Have we signed a DM already? Didn’t see Arsene fumbling with his mobile, only staring at the top of his shoes.
Just saw Michael Owen score to equalise…unmarked 8 yards out……surely that only happens to our current side 🙂
It won’t be the last either if the right player isn’t bought in to fill the ever present hole in midfield…
Why can’t Sagna crosses go past the first man?
Henry stuffed 3 chances……
Adams looked like Merts chasing Owen for the second.
Aaaahhhhhh, the memory bank can often be very kind.
Night Scott.
Night Scott… Try not to dream about having to write me that big cheque….
Oz. your 3.48. I wish I could be so sure that will happen. But I ain’t.
back again…
So, like I’ve posted, Cazorla-wilshere-Ramsey don’t produce. It was, maybe the 6th time and only defeats and bad exhibitions. But AW insist…
Swansea first goal was a lack of communication from the bench and the players’ concentration. We were upper the match;Swansea, just ended two replaces; we wer with 10 men (Giroud out). the first thing is clearly: stop the game. Put ball out or a clever fault. we must be with 11 players (Giroud in or a sub) and reorganize the team. Instead, we prefered played in a normal way without organization, one man off and the game turn over. Beginners and a coach who speaks only with the 4th referee rather than intervening with players.
then, after the 1-2, the normal. Many players in the area but no one covers anyone. Twice the same. Again, AW with two mor subs didn’t ddo anything.
when is the second replace game?
Giroud twice and Walcott missed great chances.
Should have won that game.
Shit defending as usual…
Not confident about replay as Swansea are good on the break and Wenger is tactically a dope…
Over and out from Wales.
Off to have a kip… 😉
As I have said many times, one of Wenger’s best ( for him) recent achievements is to lower the fan’s expectations to the point where some actually believe that today’s result and performance was ok by an Arsenal team. Every year he plays the pauper’s card on behalf of himself and the club, usually during January and the close season. If you can’t put together a winning team with our wage bill then let someone younger, more dynamic and hungrier take over. Winning is not guaranteed of course but there is a stale smell coming from Arsenal these days and someone needs to open the windows and let some fresh air in.
Good journey back Kev.
Good points JM, not sure on the replay yet…
Safe journey home Kev, no snoring 😉
about the team:
TW has in is mind he is a central forward. Sagna, hasn’t a player to play with in the right side. Emma asked why Sagna crosses go past he first man? Because he is tired. Sagna never has been a player in a good physical condition but if there aren’t a play for playing with,it will be worst. However, with this line-up we have the same problem in left side, because Ramsey only can play in the central role.
And our football it’s what you have seen…
Its a difficult one Adam, it was better to have drawn than lost, that goes without saying but the manner in which that result unfolded was poor to say the least.
And far from acceptable, but how do we change anything..?
if our game A don’t work we stuffed and have been for years and the team no longer has those extra special players to turn things around hence the huge gap after only half the season
Kev see if you can loan Wenger’s sleeping bag. You might be able to slip in a short list.
Save journey mate.
Night Scott.
The only time we beat Swansea, Brendan blamed Vorm’s error and Frimps doing a marvellous job in the centre of the pitch!
Do you think De Guzman or Britton would be doing what they have done to our 3 midfielders 2 times in 5 weeks?
When we beat them at home they had Allen, Britton and Sinclair.
Watch the 2nd video of that game in the link below and see how Frimps bossed the midfield to give us our first ever win in the 2011/2012 season. So why do fans think Coquelin is a better player?
http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2011/09/10/arsenal-v-swansea-1-0-highlights-2011-video-arshavin-vorm/
one more question… David Villa was a good player, but has 31 years old and didn’t play for a long time and is expensive. Michou is a risk, but hasn’t 31 years, he plays in the League, is not lethal like Di Natalie ( 🙂 ) (for the moment…) but he his much more cheaper and can play in the CL.
In reverse, is Vela. What a player in Real Sociedad. and for the moment, 15 minutes R. Madrid 1 R. sociedad 1
The second round is on the 15 th January
JM I agree with your comments about Sagna partially. What I slightly disagree with is his cardiovascular capacity which is alleged to be one of the highest at Arsenal. The reason why he and TR07 started training together in September but TR07 is not even match fit in January…
Villa is a Wenger PR exercise – never going to happen and he can declare he missed all those quality players waiting for him
Are RS in blue and white JM?? 😉
Wonder why Frimps returned from his loan early….
JM we have the first right to buy Vela in 2014 as part of the deal…
Chelsea are reported to be closing in on Isco…
Vela wouldn’t come back now, why would he want to. He was treated pretty badly by Arsenal imho…
Joaquim
I always liked Vela as I did with Fran Merida. Villa isn’t my preference either force exactly the same reasons. I suspect Barfa are milking us until someone else offers more. There’s a reason Wenger personally contacted Villa. He needs a tantrum from him to force a deal. That’s pretty obvious.
good point DG. I always believe in the modern game respectful tapping up like we did with OG12 and Poldi are the only way to secure players cheaply…
Merida was one I liked too Dg and Barazite (spelling) – none got a chance really did they?
Rico. I don’t think that Wenger can change things. Calling for this or that player is, to me, playing jig-saw puzzles. The blindingly obvious fact is that he cannot motivate modern footballers for more than a half decent (if that) second half performance. To me it looks like we need a whole new culture at Arsenal and that means some players going and some coming in. This is Wenger’s team. How can he change it without compromising his ideals? We all know he lives his professional life by a series of rules as he is always saying that he won’t change. When something is not working and the leading protagonist says he won’t change, then something is not right.
Only Nixon could go to China.
Wenger cannot change the current lethargic ethos at the club and the culture of under achievement. How can anyone not see that? It needs someone new. On occasion the planets align and certain things become possible. The Syrup may be a hindrance to progression but there is certainly the possibility of a new manager who could tell the players that they are starting from Day One and that reputations count for nothing. If they don’t do it, then they will be sold and replaced by others who can. Wenger might paper over the cracks but where is the evidence he can re-invent himself and his team for today’s football which is exactly what that old git at Man Utd does every season. He changes with the times. Wenger can’t.
None of them have done much with their careers post Arsenal apart from Nodveidt (spelling) which has become one of the best DM in the Bundesliga…
the carlos vela situation always baffled me…. but there have been many baffling occurences at Arsenal so that’s not particularly surprising
Isco (Malaga) Chelsea 18 millions euros.
Vela is not adapting to the League but he is ok in La Liga. He is a soft and technical player; Michou was a “blind” player in La Laga but very interesting in the League.
What I need for be an Arsenal scout for Spain and Portugal? 😉
But Wenger is going nowhere Adam unless
a) things get so bad he has no choice but to be sacked/quit
Or
b) The Syrup sells up and things change from the top right through to the bottom…
In the meantime, at least a DM might stop us from leaking so many goals and a striker might start taking the chances we create.
Brazilian midfielder Diego, who works in Wolfsburg His advice to Arda Turan, Atletico Madrid, who wants to leave for a bigger club.
“He should continue at Atletico. Would be wrong to leave the club.’s Playing very well. Footballer’s a very creative, those that are rare to find,” said the former FC Porto to the Spanish newspaper “As”.
The Brazilian played at Atletico Madrid in 2010/2011, on loan from his current club, where he is satisfied.
Which club is he at now Ts?
Rico. You are probably right but that day might be coming.
As for a DM? A nice idea but you are forgetting two things.
A) we have Diaby and B) this is Arsene Wenger. He makes stars, he doesn’t buy them – but he does sell them.
SOJI.
We love crying over spilled milk but Vela was never prepared to fight for the cause. The same fans who claim Vela was maltreated are forgetting he refused to be guided and routinely did not turn up to training on time.
Vela was a luxury player who could not play upfront by himself or was too lazy to play on the LHS or RHS in a front three formation.
He claimed he did not like the cold that is one reason in addition to his agents demands why he refused to go to Bolton on loan.
Look at Shelvey of the scums busting his gut to track back and I hear so called fans saying its not Santi’s job to defend. Hello?
good post Adam
@Rico-Havard Nordtveit is at Borussia Monchengladbach, 17 appearances in the league they are sitting 8th but 17 points of first.
Dortmond’s bubble has burst, they have sold Perisic to Wolves of Bundesliga… the new rich club of Germany
JM, Wenger wouldn’t listen to you anyway 😉
Stars of the future
http://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga-tv/inc/video_flv/interview/0000221463.inc.php
That’s true Adam. Grim.
Ts – it’s evry players job to defend.
Defend from the front and attack from the back, Its a team game and everyone has to put a shift in..
I thought Santi was dire today…
He’s not doing that well then Ts if Borussia Monchengladbach are only 8th 😉
I am off to cheer myself up with a plate of spicy prawn noodles and some sweet and sour mental strength., oops I mean pork.
In the morning it might all seem like a bad dream.
The Rumour Site:
06 Jan 2013 16:06:42
‘We’re in talks to move wenger up to the board of directors to make way for pep guardiola in the summer’
I would never beg on my knees to buy a player from Barfa. Full stop.
Ginge many youngsters are juggled by Wenger in the air, in and out of his hands. Loan an temporary promotions to keep them guessing their chances.
Enjoy Adam… Night to you, have a good evening…
Nor would I Dg….
😀 Rico, but so are M Vila and Capoue and any other DM available including Diame. Maybe we should get Busquet then or Ya ya Toure or beat still Carrick. …
Mansfield should have been given a penalty, clear handball….
They are what Ts?
*an = and
Lata Adam. Happy forking mate. Sounds you like Thai food, may I recommend Emping Blado to break up the flavor in between bites.
Suarez you are nothing but a cheat, an absolute disgrace…..
Why did we sell Vela for a peanut? The guy has being superb so far. We are thinking of spending a fortune to get adrian lopez or villa. Vela is better than lopez. Vela has being superb against real madrid . 2 assist so far in the first half.
Emma prolonged the 4 million sale was to give us the option to buy him back in 2014.
the prolonged..
Emma I believe Vela was fed up living out of his Samsonite. He put in a transfer request before the window opened. Which means by Fifa/Uefa rules the player is obliged to restitute a percentage of his fee to the selling club as a penalty.
Trouble is emma, he wasn’t playing so no-one would have paid much more than £4m…
Was his contract up the following summer too?
Can anyone blame him for wanting to leave though?
We moan about players who are prepared to take their wages for not playing, Vela just wanted to play football and now he is…
Ginge wasn’t it just an first option clause if they intend to sell?
agreed Rico – the lad just wanted to play
well 1.40am and off to bed for me – see you all later
My bad. You are right DG…
Thought you’d be asleep Oz 😉
Spooky, night Oz…
He wanted to play?
A number of Song like disciplinary issues he had…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1264459/Carlos-Vela-dropped-Arsenal-squad-face-Barcelona-losing-passport.html
Night Oz. the Ying or Yang of the Aussie duo… lol
Night Oz.
Never believe the agents Ts 😉
tsGH, rico – He is quality better just one of those that has this south american player mentality. Don’t know why we always get the wrong ones and red manure face gets the good ones
Agents are like PA’s who say their boss is in a meeting whilst in actual fact the boss is laying next to her in a cheap motel…
Ginge if you impose yourself as a father figure its bound to cause detachment to grow manhood.
tsGH, rico – He is quality player but just one of those that has this south american wrong player mentality. Don’t know why we always get the wrong ones and red manure face gets the good ones
He is very good. At 16 he was better than Messi and at the u-17 tournament he was the best player..
Unfortunately, the night life in London is too tempting
emma, I have a feeling the answer is in your comment. I’m not sure the blame always lays with the player….
Back in a bit, off to eat…
Because AW looks at the ‘niceness’ of the player and skills whilst Fergie looks at either the fire and drive within a player before he buys.
Compare Gibbs to Evra and Sagan to the brazillian twins. Even the TV and Poldi of this work have become hi-5 type of players at Arsenal.
Poldi and TV4 and even RVP use to fight at least 2 times a season at the previous clubs but look at them now….
I blame the fans for falling for the media’s agenda and getting us to get AW to get rid of the nastiness we now surely need by talking about the number of red cards AW’s team use to have during the successful period…
Hey Rico, I’ve got a coach load of tired Gooners desperate for a cuppa, almost up to Reading.
Put the kettle on we’ll be with ya in 15 mins 😀
Cesc is playing a blinder at the moment.
Would love to have that guy back!
AK you truly are a travelling Gooner!
Didn’t see the game but listened to snippets of the second half on the radio….seems our defending is regressing!
Kev
Be sure to thank those travelers on behalf of HH for voicing the 12 player right into the dying seconds. Rather enjoyed the war cry echo on my live stream.
Makes you wonder why we – the fans – aren’t viewed as the real heroes in this mad equation of love.
Players should ………… ahhhhggrrr f*ck it, who am I kidding.
Darn it Ak, I had the kettle on, where were you?? 😉
Falcao and arda turan suspended adrian lopez gets his chance to impress AW. Match starts in 25mins Mallorca v A. Madrid
Not more footie emma 😉
rico – 😉
Sorry Rico. 😉
Archway now…
I have just set my planner to tape it overnight emma 🙂
Bet you can’t wait to get home Ak….
About todays match I cant explain how we played,
we were bad… we were good! at times, player to player…
everything depends on form! while the transfer market continues to get exciting we are still to make a certain buy!
while David Villa bid gets intense, the only thing against him is ‘age’ otherwise I think he would be a world-class addition… & thats exactly what we want, he would be mentally tough enough keeping the Bayern Munich match in mind…
But Lopez & M’Villa!!! They both were superb transfer
Rico, what would your one sentence précis be of the game?
transfer targets in summer! Wenger bought poldi, caz & giroud… so one can say that he wanted players who were in form, both m’villa & lopez havent got lot of first team action this season, leading to trmendous loss of form, I can see them goin pretty much the arshavin way! waste of talent at Emirates…
I would rather like to see some players from premier league, as we can see poldi & giroud are still taking time to get setteled and attain form!
My favorites-
Fellaini, Tiote, Andre schrull, Kaka.
At least the board will make a few extra quid from the replay…..
SOJI.
Crikey lee, without swearing? 😉
That’s really tough Lee….
Stan will be happy won’t he… SOJI …
Swearing is a sign of a limited vocabulary Rico, did you know?
SOJI.
Same old same old errors?
Shit first half but really improved in the second half?
Too many under par performances?
Maybe in this case mine is Lee 😉
I am thinking….
Comical and disorganised are two words I would use.
Lack of discipline both in defence and attack.
Woeful in front of goal.
Huge gaps in midfield
Santi, Merts and Ramsey were poor..
Walcott was average and Giroud was equally as bad, if not worse…
We have lost that ability to shut up shop…..1-0 in front and that used to be game set and match, 2-0 up now and I’m shitting myself!
SOJI.
Oh, and to use one of Adam’s favourite words, flaky!
Some of our players really do get brushed off the ball with ease, and they run around like they are warming up for a serious session in the gym..
We always look like we are going to concede, I really don’t understand why things are not better at the back, why isn’t someone at the club able to sort our defending out, starting with the midfield..
I honestly believe that a quality DM would make a huge difference.
And JM is right, this team is awful with Jack, Santi and Ramsey all playing..
And playing Ramsey on the left was an absolute disaster….
I thought Steve Bould would make a difference but I’m not sure what input he is allowed to have.
The comments from the players at the start of the season seem to have put pay to his coaching role, or so it seems….
Welcome PoisonedGunner, sorry for the delay in letting you out of moderation…
PL players would be the ideal solution as we know they will hit the ground running.
But how much would Fellaini alone cost? Kroenke would never sanction that kind of purchase… And I’m not sure Wenger would either which is where we go wrong sometimes….
rico – I guess Mert was a bit rusty not his usual compose self after missing a couple of matches. Cazorla has being found out and it’s unfortunate that AW is not counting on the experience of Rosicky. Ramsey did all the best he could being played out of position. Arteta is not a DM though culpable for both goals. We are missing a midfield enforcer who can break up play. Just waiting until Jan 31st before I blow up on this issue. Cazorla hardly puts in a tackle instead he tries to shield the opponent.
adrian lopez has being sh*t in the first half. Do we still want to sign him?
Has Lopez been playing emma 😉
I have been watching emma, he’s no better than Chamakh the first half…
Agree re most of that at 8.49.
The day Song left, he should have been replaced, I’m convinced we wouldn’t all be quite so down had we done so….
Like usually I’ve the the Tv set switch on and doing things at the same time.
in my opinion, Giroud was not poor (why we not defend or at least make pressure on oppositive field?) ; Santi too (the problem is many players with the same caracteriths on the pitch); I was talking about Sagna; Gibbs only appears when ramsey was replaced;Kos was one of the best players;Mets was intermittent;Artetais the balance of the team: when he plays well Arsenal is over.Otherwise is unbalanced;Ramsey was the worst player (it’s the same when he plays in Wales…);Wilshere it’s a case study. Walcott want to be the star, the center forward and not play enougth for the team;Podorsky fortunately didn’t play on the left wing.
What we need? A really team and well schedule on the pitch
rico – even my dog is not impressed with lopez first half perf. 😉
Giroud just kept falling over and his chances were way off the mark JM, ok, he was better during our period of better play in the second half but didn’t do well enough for me…
Agree re Ramsey though, and Walcott wasn’t much better but not many players were very good. In fits and starts maybe but not very consistent…
I’m agree Ba is similar to Giroud but not equal. Sometimes, probably can play both but when one is out the other can replace him. Chelsea got him not for 12 or 15 millions and is a player not strange for the League.
A. Lopez? I’m not sure. I gave today the example of Vela: good in La Liga but was a normal player and an eternal promise in League
mine slept right the way through emma 😉
Didn’t know you had a woofa, nice 🙂
Chelsea got Ba for £7.5 million JM, that was his release clause and they got a PL ready goal scorer, just like Fergie did with RvP.
That’s what we need too and imho, searching abroad is a big risk, unless it’s someone who really is top class..
But then it comes back to SK and his tight purse strings….
Glad to see Gibbs having his confidence back surging forward. Hope he doesn’t have one of those nigglin injuries b/s when he tends to find form that’s when he does his ‘abu diaby’. He was the MOTM for me. Sagna got no joy from Walcott as TW now sees himself as a super star who doesn’t like to cover for his full back. Jack is putting in a shift in the midfield hope AW doesn’t play him to the ground.
Nighty night everyone.
Night emma….
I’m off too now,
Night all…..
I’m off of day. Next. M. city.
Catch tou tomorrow
Wenger is guilty of raising the expectations of Arsenal fans!!!
To say the opposite is ridiculous and convenientl ignores what he has achieved.
We didn’t play anywhere near as badly as plenty will and do say, but hey, it was only Swansea right?
The same Swansea whose performances thus far have had Gooners suggesting Laudrup would make a decent Arsenal manager.
Why is it fans do this so often?
As i said after the game, plenty refuse to accept tiredness as an excuse for a sub par performance, yet then warn us not to get excited over a big win because the other team were tired!!
Some of you must be kidding, as there is no way any logical person could make such comments with a straight face.
Then again, plenty make these comments and are supported, so maybe it is a case of truly believeing what is said whilst forgetting the hypocricy.
Anything that criticises the team is acceptable or even encouraged by some.
Disappointing but now it is to be expected.
hi Scott,
Jeez 3 hours sleep? You are worse than I am but at least I know I am a sad man. 😀
On the performance today it is not good enough based on our competitors such as Everton, the scums, dippers form. We obviously need a change in midfield and as an AW believer I am trusting him not disappoint the last of a dying breed…
LITTLE SWANS – at the Syrup Royal Theater…………………… Enjoy
Ginge, sadness comes with being a Gooner apparently lol.
Our biggest issue is getting that DM i reckon.
It will ease the pressure on our back 4 as well as taking some of the defensive duties away from the wingers.
Villa would be great for 2-3 seasons, but that DM is the key to us going forward.
I wonder what people would be thinking if it was two leg tie….coming home with 2 away goals.
Then again it is not so it doesn’t matter 🙂
A young Aussie guy i mentioned a little while back is pondering a move to Reading.
Tommy Rogic has size,speed and talent.
Very interesting to see if he goes yet.
Morning all…
Scott, your 9.48pm is so typical of you believing only your view is the right view.
No-one is denying the man has been great for our club but those days have been over for a while.
Can you put your hand on heart and say you are happy with the way we play and with some of the players level of commitment over the last couple of years?
If you are then fine, but please don’t expect everyone else too just because you do.
F.A cup and C.L double……….
Rico, others can bag him and you say nothing.
I offer an opinion different to the norm and cop this.
Please explain….
I do not expect everyone to agree with me, but why is it you have a crack at me when others can say what they like about people who think like me with not a word from you?
Would you like me to email you 1,2 or 20 examples??
Hand in heart i can see through the shit and acknowledge the fact that Wenger operates with his hands tied, so obviously something suffers, and it is on field performance.
The trouble is, i say that and cop your sarcastic comments whilst others can insult the man and anyone who supports him with no response.
That would be something else Lee…
What do you mean by ‘bag him’?
Sorry, Aussie term for insult or criticise.
I never abused anyone, so am not exactly sure what the issue was Rico.
Everyone on here knows my thoughts, as i know the thoughts of most, and we all offer them up on a daily basis.
Sorry, but i can not see the problem with what i posted.
morning all..
The debate still goes on…
It would be boring without it Ginge.
How goes it?
Maybe it’s all just the Aussie way Scott……….
Anyway, a new day, and a New Post is up
Not bad my friend. Not bad at all.. I am working from home today so I can help you piss HH off… 😀
I see that some fans on other blogs are blaming Ramsey for our results yesterday and for not winning a trophy in 7 years…
I do hope you are jesting Ts…..