Morning all.
Last day of the Easter holiday so make the most of it and it’s going to be hot!
Goals – Arsene say’s he can smell them a mile off:
You smell that we can score goals. If you look at the number of goals we’ve scored now (62 from 31 league games), that’s quite good with seven games to go.
We have a good mentality and good cohesion in the team. There is something happening. That shows you that they are ready to fight for each other. You can see that – you can’t cheat on that.
That is a good basis, and defensively we are getting better. I think you also have to give credit to players who get less, such as Coquelin. In the first half he broke up many attacks in a convincing way.
Seldom does Francis Coquelin get the praise he deserves, well, not from the pundits who are reporting on the game yet he has done a sterling job since returning to the club. The pundits seem to always go for the attacking players, just as Owen did on Saturday when choosing Alexis Sanchez as his man of the match. Yet as many of us agreed here on HH, it was Francis Coquelin who stopped Liverpool from getting a hold of the game and as Arsene Wenger highlighted, he stopped an awful lot going through the midfield. I think his fitness is key to where we finish the season.
I agree with the manager, recently we have looked like a side who could score at any moment but to be honest, we should be scoring more with the amount of chances we have.
During the first half of the season and certainly before Coquelin made the midfield position his own, as much as we looked like we could score a goal, we always looked like a side who could concede a goal at the drop of a hat and that was letting us down big time. Coquelin, the signing of Gabriel and the form of Monreal and Bellerin has changed that. As has the introduction of David Ospina. Out has gone calamity Szczesny and in his place is a calmer, confident, more mature Columbian and I think he’s settled the minds of the players in front of him.
I’m not sure what to make of the rib injury Szczesny has suffered which is supposed to be the reason for his absence and call me an old cynic all you like, I think there’s more to it. After all, he was fit enough to sit on Poland’s bench during the international break…
I may of course be totally wrong and he is injured but regardless, Arsene Wenger has a big decision to make in just twelve days time.
Does he stick with his FA Cup goalkeeper (if fit) against Reading in the semi-final as he did last season or does he continue to play David Ospina.
And what if Szczesny isn’t fit? With Martinez out on loan, surely the occasion would be far too big for Matt Macey….
Ospina it is then….
Gossip:
Nacho Monreal is on the verge of signing a new four year deal according to reports in Spain which have been recycled by The Metro. Good news if true….
And apparently, we have agreed a £4.5 million deal to sign ‘the next Messi’ – Maxi Romero who plays for Velez Sarsfield. He’s just 16 years old so will be staying where he is for another two years….
That’s it for today, have a great day all…
Busy day for me so catch up on and off…
Enjoy the sunshine… 😛
Morning Rico and All,
Your post rico is as near to what I was thinking,
all yesterday.
The only bit is Kosser and BFG,
Kosser without a doubt is ball watching,
and BFG turnes like a bottle of milk.
What has stood out to me,is we have given up
the ball now,position and balance of the team has changed,
The Coq is what this team has needed for over 8 years now,
everyone on this planet could see that.
Why has it taken so long.
Still not convinced wenger knows what his doing,
Thank god Ospina got through the game in one piece.
Lets hope if Macy is used,he can catch more than a cold.
oh its calamity Szczesny, not Golden Glove winner Szczesny, why do Arsenal fans have to have a scapegoat to target, so very immature.
Morning All
Morning Rico. Good post…
It looks a fantastic day out there…
COYEagles
Morning all..
Talking about pundits and commentators….
here is a classic one…. lol..
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=820577414645822&set=vb.516588825044684&type=2&theater
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Good post Rico.
I have a crazy idea……….why not write to Hodgson and tell him to use Coquelin for the English national team??? He has been in England since 2008. Has never played for the senior national team and is obviously better than any DM England has.
That is ……if Francis himself wants to do so. And suddenly England have another Englishman in their ranks. While the surname itself sounds more English than French. 😛 He can change it by deed poll to Cocklyn
What do you all think????
Morning Fred, Kev and all again, thanks re the post..
Fred, you make a good point re Kos and Merts but they’ve looked a bit better since Gabriel has been able to give them a bit of a break here and there..
Kos looks like he’s out for a while, rumour is a broken toe so just hope Merts/Gabriel stay fit…
Can’t see AW risking Macey for such a big game…
Eduardo – you have been sailing close to the wind of late. You may not agree with my view but no need to call me immature..
Any more and you’ll be shown the door!
Rico. Sorry, just got back. No, I haven’t read KP’s book.
Morning Judge – that’s hilarious
Morning Devil, thanks. Keep Coquelin away from England.. 😉
Adam, if you can get hold of a copy, it’s worth reading…
Good read Rico…
Dev- I am with you on Le Coq playing for England; not sure he is better than Carrick though… 😉
I still maintain Le Coq is still work in progress. Most will disagree but at his age he should be maintaining his fitness and putting in a shift for 90 minutes and not just 45 minutes or 60 minutes at best.
Our recent resurgence in my view has more to do with Ozil and Sc19 putting in the required shift in midfield. Also in his first few games he played with TR07 who helped Le Coq tactically a lot imho.
If Le Coq was playing next to JW as an example we would be calling for AW’s head for not buying another midfielder instead of calling back a loanee from Charlton.
We need a kramer or Morgan S. to bolster the ranks as well!
It’s kind of funny listening to piers Morgan; he changes his tune like a jailbird. Nonetheless, I agree on his views on Owen though
Was he not the same man who last October was calling for Ozil to be binned and also blasting AW for not playing Ozil behind AS17 so that Ozil can make the same assists as Cesc?
September from Mirror paper:
“Wenger is not playing him in the right position.
“When did Ozil become a winger? We payed £42million to play our best player out of position.”
February:
” A world class player like Ozil can play in any position”
” Some Arsenal fans will never appreciate the artistry of Ozil”
Talking about changing his tune…. lmfao
Fred- Rick will testify Macey is a keeper with top potential; he is the old school type goalie you would appreciate- big and lumpy… shame he is not a DM. lol
Rico. I shall peruse the books in the charity shops. 🙂
Chambers and Debuchy will be good covers in Kosers absence.
Imo- Debuchy will struggle to get infront of Hector based on form at least…
Loved the Facebook Scouse commentator…
Nice one Judge.
Is that Micko or Bt? lol
https://vine.co/v/OlXghFjaEFF
Agag for oyur eyes only. lol
https://vine.co/v/Oudertij2Vw
Thanks Ts..
6′ 6″ too isn’t he?
Adam – you might change your view on KP 😉
Kane captaining the Spurds . Won’t be surprised if they do a bus parade when he wins the Top scorers award in the league this season…
Do the spurds get UCL for finishing 6th…
Coquelin may not be better than Carrick who is over 30 atm, but he is much better than Delph or Rodwell for that position. He is even better than JW for that position. He does the grafting and lets the others get on with the game.
Do you remember when we got jensen from Denmark and then we had to wait for two years to see him score???? with shirts…..I was there when Jensen scored.
well…..I think we should soon have to print those shirts with……I was there when Le Coq scored.
how long will we have to wait??? lol
He is Rico… our Joe Hart in 2 seasons maybe if Martinez or Scez decide to leave…
As sad as i am I checked him out on sunday morning football when he was on loan with League 2 side Accrington Stanley… 😉
😀 Dev
Dev- I like Delph but against Azzuri B-team he struggled big time.
Carrick is underrated by most England fans and management but he came on and transformed our team in the 2nd half.
If England had convinced arteta in 2010 to play for England it might have been a different story in south Africa.
Rico. That’s true. I might. 🙂
Good read Rico…….. I like Delph Dev is he a dm? thought Sanchez was their dm
Sanchez is the defensive one.. delph is more crerative me think.
Against Azzurri, Phil jones started in the DM position with Delph in CAM role or box to box;
Carrick came on when Cahill came off injured..
True.. … I have never seen him play as the dm think it was Westwood who used to play there right?
yep. westwood is still injured I assume?
Is Gonalon fit? he did not play in the last game?
Will AW do the unthinkable and bring Gourchuff to the Emiates? lol
Kev; a \Quote from Hector…
Bellerin (Arsenal): “Leaving Barça was difficult, but my dream is to be a footballer, not to play at Barça. There’s life after Barça.”
Barc have started their instigation… 🙁
barcastuff @barcastuff · Apr 5
Bellerin (Arsenal): “Returning to Barça? I’m fine at Arsenal, but you never know what will happen. Not thinking about future now.” [rte2016]
I m very surprised with this..
Simeone has extended his contract with Atleti to stay at Calderón until 2020.
Afternoon, Is Hector Bellerin, Arsenal,s next hidden gem. I,m starting to think so. I think Wenger let Jenkinson go on loan, and will probably sell him to West Ham, knowing he had efficient back up to Debuchy. I was reading an article by Gary Neville, That had said Hector Bellerin had improved in every area of his game and that he is well on his way to becoming one of the best right backs around for his age. And has gave much praise in saying, “ Bellerin has improved both in his attacking and defending, a large amount of this is due to his vastly altered sense of positioning and when to close down or step off,. A new 65,000 a week contract awaits him and a recent Interview, Shows a player who knows what he wants.
“It was difficult [to leave Barca] because I left my family, my friends, but my dream has always been to be a footballer, not to play at Barca. My dream is to be a footballer, playing, winning titles, being selected and I saw that going to Arsenal was best for me. “Sometimes the train passes and you take it or don’t. Many people called me crazy when I left, but I’m showing that I was right. Life does not end at Barca. Arsenal are giving me everything and I am with amazing players. I have to thank Arsene Wenger. He has been the coach to give me a great opportunity and at my age I know that it’s hard. I appreciate it. I try to pay him back by playing well. “ I Don,t know about you. But I am Excited by him.”
I am with you on Bellerin’s talent; CJ25 still has a bit to offer though and he is British and a gooner.
https://vine.co/v/OlDpFwETKAY
Hope ricks view on Macy holds up Ts
if we need him.
It just amazes me wenger takes these gambles.
Ye, I just think it was great analysis put forward by G.Neville on the development of Hector, for those who didn,t read it. I think the way Bellerin is talking, he has no plans on going anywhere.
Morning all.
Another quick dash in, dash out appearance.
All things are well In Thailand.
Liverpool and Yanited are the most supported clubs here, closely followed by us, then Chelsea.
Football kits would easily be the most favoured shirt of choice with males and females donning them daily.
They’re mad for the game and honestly, clubs heading to Asia is well worth the effort as the passion here is incredible.
Later guys……
Fred, the gamble on Coquelin seems to be working….just saying.
Ts gonalos is injured same as yoann…
I was listening earlier to the Arseblog Arsecast, and they mentioned that quote from Bellerin, Ginge…
It sounded a very thoughtful and intelligent comment and having listened to him speak on MotD, I can only conclude that young Señor Bellerin is a very impressive young man, as well as a very impressive footballer…
There seems to be a very upbeat vibe going around the club ‘at this moment in time’ – as Glenn Hoddle would continuously say – no doubt brought about by the present winning run.
Success breeds success. We proved last May that Arsenal are winners. So there’s every reason to believe that we can repeat that trick…
Hector is certainly buying into that…
On a slightly different tack, I wonder if the current strength of the squad is a testament to the influence of Shad Forsyth…?
Kev I think alot of people have eluded to that… . … you can see ozil look stronger now… Priority next season imo should be keeping our players fit for the rest of the season
Shad Forsyth is definitely having an influence…
I know Snap, Shad’s arrival is one of many different influences on the team, Le Coq of course, which was pure good fortune for Wenger and a lot of hard work from Francis.
Then Alexis and his willingness to work for the team and how that has rubbed off on others, like Santi who is playing out of his skin.
The form of Bellerin but also of Monreal, they’ve become, imo, the 1st choice full-backs.
The improvement in Giroud has been quite amazing, no doubt aided by competition for places. Even Adam has spoken of getting an Arsenal shirt with Giroud on the back.
Ozil, as you said, is twice the player he was, Oxlade-Chamberlain had stepped up this season as well.
Ospina has brought a calmness to our defence, that was lacking with Smoking Woj in between the sticks.
It’s all so positive…
Even Lee is happy…
Hi Rico,
I thought that was a perfectly sensible Post, and I agree with the gist of what you said.
Actually, you are one of the most reasonable and mature Post writers and as the blogsite headline says ‘Where it is OK to disagree’ but perhaps it should also say ‘while respecting other views!’ 🙂
Yer Scott wenger planned it that way..did’nt he..Just saying
AK,
I like your positive take on Shad Forsyth’s influence — elsewhere I have seen it said that it’s ‘all his fault’.
Who wouldn’t kev…… I’m very happy with our efforts this season as it is very clear that wenger and the players are trying to get the best out of themselves.. We as a team have started playing as collectives instead of individually as we always do sometimes and I think it has help the young ones integrate seamlessly imo
Really, Henry???
Who on earth could blame Forsyth when he’s been at the club less than a year!!!
Chuba Akpom substituted on 41 mins, with an injury… 🙁
Afternoon all, what a beautiful day it’s been…..
Thanks Henry – I try my best.. 😉
Adam, I think you would re KP.. 😉
Shad – well who in their right frame of mind could knock his input since his arrival…
I turn up and you all go….. 😉
lol Rico
I haven’t taken it to heart Ts 😉
Yep, AK.
It was a heated ‘debate’ a while ago.
Shad only became Arsenal fitness coach (fitness development) last summer. We has some injuries and the WC stars were given an extended holiday because of tiredness, and we also had a poor run of results at the beginning of the season. Someone had to be blamed …. as well as AW……..
I only mentioned it as it stuck in my mind as being absurd at the time,
I could tell you which blogsite — but what is the point. There are bloggers and then there are ………. 🙂
Well, I must go too — see you tomorrow, Rico. 🙂
I dont believe yo, Rico. 😉
Have a fab evening Henry…
Big shoulders Ts… 🙂
later HB
I hope its not literally. 😛
🙂 Ts, no… Linda Gray I am not…. Lol
Grow up rico !
I remember those shoulder pads , they looked like they were wearing corn flake boxes.
Looks like chezzer is suffering the same fate as the unfortunate Almunia, phantom injuries, tennis elbow, bruised shoulder, gout of the big toe, sore ribs etc etc, whats next up swollen testicles if we’re to believe Le Boss.
Got a feeling Arsene’s telling porkies.
Evening Rico and the House
Do’nt let the buggers get you down Rico I’m on your side.
Number of reasons the last 2days have not been very good but
having watched sat game again I am still smiling.
At the moment England are beating France 2-0 in the Montaigue Final.
Reiss Nelson scored the first goal.
Evening Rico and all.
England have won 3-1 with Reiss Nelson very impressive.
Micko did you see my link earlier showing you and the pirlo like penalty?
🙂 Micko, I like that….
Hi Rick… what is your assessment of Macey
lol Rico.
Micko, show some respect! almunia kept 70 clean sheets in 175 appearances in England. 😉
Was a great era Potter.. Dallas and Dynasty, right up my street….
Evening Rick & Adam
Thanks Rick, it take it a pinch of salt but all a bit unnessary imo….
Micko, I think Szczesny will follow Dudeks advice….
I know your not gonna wanna know but I’m gonna tell you anyway, I last sufferd from swollen testicles back in 2002 and before that in 1998 but it was a pride thing just to make sure the Yids knew who ruled North London, they were bouncing off the pavement, I believe wath suffered from the same problem back in 1971 ! You’ll be glad to know everythings back to normal now.
tsgh, that was definately not me so that only leaves Bt and he’s not here to defend himself !
Ginge this is just as I see him.
He seems to be a very confident young goalkeeper who has improved a lot
since joining us. His size makes it looks like he fills the goal (like Seaman did)
and for someone that big he looks athletic. I would say he needs more eexperiance and I’m hoping he will be playing for the U21’s tomorrow.
By the way Ginge have you seen Reiss Nelson This lad really excites me.
If it wasn’t for Diaby, Shad would have received an OBE by now, we all got our crosses to bare, roll on 2016.
🙂 Micko re your nut….
I’m off guys, got an early start….. lol
Night all…
Not much of Nelson.- Rick
Night rico
Are you watching the palace Ginge . Can they keep them out??
Rick, that’s great news re: youths winning 3-1…
Do you have the line-up?
I see that Akpom got injured playing for Forest…
C’mon Custard Palace.
Palace 2-0 up… 🙂 🙂
Gone now
😀 Micko
Rick, I wasn’t watching Palace game but watching now…
Not making excuses for Citeh but I’ve heard on here Palace’s pitch is pretty iffy lol, we woz lucky to come away with a win.
The Manchester derby is gonna make interesting viewing…
ManUre have to go to Palace 9th May….
Here comes Yaya Sanogo…
Having Ospina and Scz as our goalkeepers how is this Wenger gambling
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
The sun is shining and I cannot stop smiling.
its becoming outrageous now. Shitty lost yesterday. Now for it to unravel we need to see the chavs to loose two games on the trot and voila, suddenly the under tall one will start blaming all and sundry, even his dick except himself.
Joe…..i like Ospina. His positional sense and game awareness are top notch. However two more inches would have been a bonus for him.
Still, Almunia was 6ft 3 inches and we all know he was not up to our level. Nothing against Manuel, he was, is and still will be one of the finest gentleman to wear the colours of AFC. He is also one of the most humble. Not his fault he was put between the sticks. and yes, he kept a lot of clean sheets for us.
The Manchester derby has taken a different meaning now. Let us all hope for a draw.
Morning Devil and all…
Lovely morning it is too….
Morning Lady
any morning after a game in which the chavs, manure, shitty, dippers and spuddies loose is always a lovely one.
Only if we have won our fixture Devil….
Rico I think we were right to support Palace yesterday lol… ….. good morning Dev and all
Morning Snap.
Funnily enough it seems that ex-Gunners who jumped ship suddenly want us to win DA TING, or something. First of all Toure on Saturday gave us a very big helping hand, while yesterday Sagna, Clichy and Nasri all combined to help us keep above shitty with a two point lead now.
Hmmmm. I think AW sold them on purpose so that they will help Arsenal in the same way the club helped them find their feet.
Now what was that….Mourinho wanting the togolump for the attack???
Lol Dev you might have a point… .. Man city bought all our players now they are fourth maybe that was the plan after all?
Morning Snap, we sure were… lol
Morning Rico and all. Just read a link on NN that took me to The Stoke Sentinel and a review of the book by World Player Of The Year Danny Higginbotham.
Personally I found it beyond irritating.
ha ha ha Dev… have you been smoking one of your octopus legs… all the conspiracy stuff. 😛
Morning all btw;
its lovely being a gooner! No March blues this year and we start April with win at midday. Absolutely WoW!
Klopp messing up BVB maters not to me as things are going…
Pelle’ s’ P45 is probably being drafted as we speak… if he goes it will be as guessed.
matters*
Morning all, Dev men have been having problems with a couple of inches for years not just Ospina. 😉
Ts did u watch the psg om Marseille match? matuidi was exceptional
Morning Adam.. Why do you put yourself through it… 😉
🙂 Joe..
Not all of it buddy. Matuidi is becoming a proper player; with Motta next to him he can do all the heckling without worrying about exposing Psg defensively.
Morning All…
Don’t wanna rain on our parade, but ManUre are still up our arse and still winning, despite playing crap.
I’d hate to see those Tosser’s finish above us. So for me, I’d like to see City win the derby. We gotta go to Old Karsey again and unless Oliver is the referee I suspect that an ambush will be awaiting us in that one.
I had never seen Matuidi score with his right foot.
Psg still in all 4 competitions. Remember there are my tip for the UCL. Pastore is looking good too…
I agree Kev- we need to up our goal difference because it could be the difference by the time we play them in May.
AW has only beaten VG only 1s’
Rico. I found myself feeling groggy and reading it before I realised its provenance. 🙂
🙂 Joe. have you been comparing notes with Micko? 😉
Morning Ginge.
what does WoW mean??? does it mean Wins of Wenger?? Or Wank of Wanks??? 😛
haha
Remember Kev……Manure still have to play shitty and the Chavs.
yes we do have to play the chavs and Manure……but I feel we will be out of sight before we play Manure come next month.
Pray for draws mates. Pray for draws. And for us to win all the remaining games.
Tsgh what do you mean of course I have I run everything by Micko before I post. 😉
Me too Kev re the Manc derby, if there has to be a winner, I hope it’s City……
🙂 Adam..
🙂 Joe. Dev.
I will go with Wisdow of Wenger. 😉
wisdom*
I’m not sure they can win the cl their midfield is as good as any but most of the times playing with ibra is like playing with a man down as he barely moves without the ball…… Is puncheo English?
ahhhh that’s better now. Wisdom of Wenger.
I like
just been out with the little one. got two radio controlled off road cars and away we go. brilliant stuff this car racing. their speed is incredible. makes handling my 1800cc escort look a tad easy. handling those little monsters is quite tough and difficult.
How’s the weather like your way Dev?
Snap- Punchoen is English… why do you rate him?
New post up now…
weather is ok Ginge. not too sunny (I hate the sun) and not windy (I hate wind as well). I like the weather when its a bit rainy and the sun is hidden by the clouds, whether they are white or grey.