Daily Bits and Bobs

Fears ahead of Champions League fixture & Jack Wilshere returns to training…..

Posted on by rico

Those fears are not for us I hasten to add….

Having managed just one win since the start of the season and after a recent 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Stade de Reims, Montpellier’s Younès Belhanda is concerned for his club tomorrow night:

If we play like that against Arsenal, we’ll concede eight goals.

That was before witnessing us put six goals passed Southampton.

Coach Rene Girard is similarly concerned/dismayed at the champions’ recent form and echoed his midfielder’s feelings about the upcoming visit of the Gunners.

We did everything to win the game. I am very disappointed. I don’t usually have any reason to reproach my players, but what is happening at the moment is a bit depressing.

We did quite well in the first half…We need to waken up quickly because, if not, we are going to be in for a big fall on Tuesday.

We are conceding silly goals. It is quite worrying. This is the first evening where I have had to ask myself some serious questions. We lost our values.

Conceding sloppy goals, playing well in one half but getting nothing from a game?

Rings bells doesn’t it, that was just like us last season but thankfully, things seem to have started to turn a corner. We are creating chances, converting those chances and getting a bit of lady luck along the way. (with the two own goals)

Just as much as things seem to be getting better, things can an easily change. This time last season, Montpellier were a few games into what would turn out to be a fantastic season for them. They finished the season as Ligue 1 Champions with 82 points, three more than runners-up Paris Saint-Germain.

Olivier Giroud, who finished the season with 21 goals and nine assists for his old club, was the league’s top goal scorer and it seems that they are missing his goals already. I wouldn’t bet against our new man finding the back of the net tomorrow though but sadly for Montpellier, it won’t be for them.

Going back to the ‘conceding silly goals’, well let’s hope we see them concede a few more against us. I don’t care how they go in, as long as they go in but who will be the man between the posts for us, the one to stop us conceding any?

Over to you Arsene:

Wojciech is No 1 unless I change my mind, that is clear. That’s why he came back in goal.

You cannot change a goalkeeper every time he makes a simple mistake, because then you have three bad keepers. The confidence is needed.

It’s a special position where confidence is needed. Maybe he put himself a little bit under pressure because he knows [Vito] Mannone played well at Stoke and at Liverpool. I think he played better in the second half.

Finally, reports suggest that Jack is finally back in full training this week, let’s keep everything crossed and he suffers no setback.

That’s it for another day guys and gals……

Have a good one all….

rico

0 thoughts on “Fears ahead of Champions League fixture & Jack Wilshere returns to training…..”

  2. Bradster says:

    I expect Diaby to play, surely his hip is not still sore. Kos needs game time but I’m not sure if Wenger wants to break up the consistency at the back.
    I’d like to see Santos also get a turn on the left some time in the game.

  3. 247 ARSENAL GUNNER says:

    2 IN LIVERPOOL+6 IN SOTON =8 YOU INDEED ARE GOING TO CONCEDE UP TO EIGHT.
    BEFORE WE GO BACK TO 2 AGAINST CITY THEN FROM THERE RISE ABOVE TROPHILESS SEASONS

  4. JW says:

    Good morning all,

    Isn’t it great to be looking forward to a Champions League fixture without the anxiety of a poor start to the season hanging over the team? We must under no circumstances under-rate Montpellier, they are the reigning French champions after all. That said, the team is buzzing, there is an air of togetherness about the squad, they are playing with smiles on their faces. Long may it continue!

  5. JW says:

    Bradster,

    I think we may well see some squad rotation tomorrow, in fact think we will see quite a bit of it throughout the season as the squad is much stronger than last season.

    With Jack back in training this week, Sagna not far away and Rosicky and Frimpong to come, there is the strength in depth that will allow Le Professeur to rest players before tiredness sets in and causes injuries.

    The futures looking bright!

  7. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning All,

    JW, Frimpong is already back in full training mate…! They say Sagna within the next week and then last one back is TR7…!

    We need a good solid win 2moro night to carry on inti the shitty game on Sunday..!

  8. Terry says:

    who do you think should play tomorrow??
    this is not our first team and i feel this team could win against Montpellier:

    Chamakh Giroud
    Arshavin Coquellen Ramsay Walcott
    Santos Djouru Kozzer Jenko
    Schezny

  9. Scott from Oz says:

    As i said early this morning…my time…a few weeks back,everyone was bagging the crap out of Vito,and now he should be #1?
    We have three young keepers,and all are talented.
    Let us see which one steps forward.
    Right now though,Szczesny is our best.
    Morning all.

  12. W.A.T.H says:

    I’d play nearly the team that played saturday, you don’t mess with a team thats winning, 2/3 changes max, get the goals early get the game sewn up then make 3 substitutions as well and sorted. First group game very important for a win thats for sure and don’t underestimate anyone first up we’ve done that before and come unstuck.

  14. emma says:

    Good morning groovers,
    Scott – Though Yennaris is not in the A-list. He is eligible because he is under 21yrs old based on UEFA rule. Yennaris is eligible with the exception of Eastmond. Reports has it that Wenger will make wholesome changes tomorrow against montpellier. Some key players might be rested, some probably starts from the bench

  15. GO says:

    I still insist we should play a back four of Coquelin Djorou Koscielny and Santos against Montpellier. Lets find out the depth of Steve Bould’s effect on the defence and get a sense that we always have a strong bench in case of any injury or loss of form to any of the current back four. Then lets keep the midfield trio of Arteta Diaby Carzola, they still have a lot of work to do in gelling and in the front Play Theo and the Ox in the flanks with Giroud in Centre Forward (benching him in two games in a role will do a lot of harm to his confidence). Bring in any of Elsfield Gnabry Arshavin Ramsey and Coquelin as the game progresses.

  16. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning Emma, I wasn’t sure how that under 21 thing worked with Uefa and he 25man squad thing…!.

    I hope Wenger doesn’t make to many changes he always stuffs it up when we do that…!

  21. allezkev says:

    Afternoon Gooners.
    Good post Rico.
    Kozzer for Verm would my only change in defence.
    I’d rest Arteta, bring in Ramsey, have MA8 & Diaby on the bench.
    I’d prefer them totally rested for ManCity.
    Up front Theo for Ox, Giroud for Poldi, keep Gerv in the groove.
    That’s my team, for what it’s worth.

  25. TT says:

    Two thoughts on the weekend game.

    1st Cazorla is God, end of and nothing more needs to be said on that issue.

    When I watch Podolsky again on arsenal player it just confirmed my believe that he is not only hardworking but also technically very very good. Once Giraud gets going opposition defenses will be crapping them self’s 😛

    Next weekend game will in someway be decided tomorrow night. If Arsenal have a good win and $hitty loose we will win on Sunday.

  26. allezkev says:

    I don’t underestimate Montpelier, but a good result against City will make everyone take notice and be a massive confidence boost for the Arsenal players and coaching staff.

  27. allezkev says:

    In some respects the game at City, could well set us up for the rest of the season.
    In the words of Merse, it would give us unbelievable belief.
    Got a bus to catch.
    Lata

  29. Bob John says:

    The only change from Saturday should be Giroud in for Ox with Geronimo out to the wing. We can’t afford to mess about like we have done in the past (Braga, etc) & end up losing. The best way to deal with a CL group is to get qualified asap. Don’t forget, City have a pretty tasty little fixture on Tuesday too. If we lose tomorrow that puts us on the backfoot with only 5 games to put it right.If we lose On Sunday at least we have a long season ahead to get it back. And don’t believe the hype about Montpekllier being crap. They will be well up for their first ever CL game.

  32. Bob John says:

    Hi rico,
    Hopefully they will choke but they remind me a bit of Standard Liege a few years back. We were 2 down in no time! The reason i would start Geronimo is I think we need to make the most of his good form while it lasts!

  34. Scott from Oz says:

    Guys,we have been asking for squad depth,and now we have it.
    Lets use it.
    I would rather us throw everything into the League,and,especially in the early ties,test guys out in the CL.
    If we get a step or two further,then bring all the big guns in.
    It’s a long season ahead.
    Thanks for that info,Emma.

  36. W.A.T.H says:

    Agreed Big John, Rest players when the group stage is won…. Until then rotate 2/3 at a time not 5/6…! Not necessary..! Am all good S2S, not good to hear work don’t allow you time to come and chat… sort it out 😉

    Afternoon House Lady…..!

  37. rico says:

    Scott – they train as a squad, they should improve together as a squad so yes, let’s use it. But not too many changes at once imho – try and get a few goals and then use the bench..

    Hi bondex – change your job 😉 😉

    Got to dash again, back in an hour or so…..

  41. TT says:

    I don’t agree rotating this early in the season. This group of players is still getting to know each other and they need to get the time to gel.

    Start rotating half way through the season when the amount of games starts to bite, the players familiar with what looks to be a different system and the replacements coming in for them better up to speed.

    Rico its RM $hitty are playing.

  43. W.A.T.H says:

    Afternoon Lee, I’m still in shock at Ak buying 37 pints for me and the chaps Saturday, he then stormed off moaning about having to work an extra 5mins the next day to make up his “lost” money

  44. allezkev says:

    The players have been traing together for about 11 weeks.
    There should enough of an understanding especially as most have taken some part in our 4 games so far.
    Bouldy/Banfield have them well drilled.

  47. allezkev says:

    Kozzer needs a game to get sharp, in case we need him.
    He won’t be phased by playing a French team.
    Giving him a game in Verm’s place isn’t a risk imho

  48. W.A.T.H says:

    I’d play Koz, and maybe Coq and Ramsey with MA8…. Giroud up front with Theo and Gervinho wide..! thats plenty changes but still a really strong team

  54. stevepalmer1 says:

    Afternoon all, nice one Rico,
    Wenger will rotate, that will be his second mistake this season first being Czezesney. I don’t go along with rotating for the sake of it, nobody should feel tired ,make the changes on the field when we usually have our subs lets get this game won and think about rotating when players have had a few games, make players train hard for a chance in the first team, and players that have been playing and winning will want to get out there especially after Saturday. Keep the momentum going, seen all this 9 changes before and it came back to bite us. No Wenger in charge either so Steve Bould will have to step up to the plate not a good match for 9 changes and a new man in charge keep things simple and win the game

  60. emma says:

    SP1 – Don’t think it will be as much as 9 changes but some players are likely to be rested probably coming from the bench. The balance of the team will still be preserved. I foresee 3/4 changes though

  61. TSGH says:

    Afternoon, fellow gunners.

    The training photos today indicate Santos, Ramsey,Kos, Diaby are starting. It appears OG12, TW14, and Ox are not starting tomorrow.

  62. TalkShiteGingerHater says:

    Surprise starters may be AA23 and MC29. AW has to be careful here, he seems to be underestimating Montpellier.

  65. TalkShiteGingerHater says:

    From the training photos, it seems like Santos, Kos, Ramsey and Diaby are starters including MA8, Gervinho and Poldi.

  72. TalkShiteGingerHater says:

    Rico, you will be surprised to know that there could be up to 6-7 changes. Only MA8, CJ25, BFG, Poldi and Kouassi are starting from saturday.

  80. W.A.T.H says:

    Knowing your tastes Adam I’ll have to go back to work to pay for the meal……….! Maybe can get a sub off Grandad Kev if I ask nicely.

  81. emma says:

    Arsenal name 18-man squad for Montpellier

    Arsène Wenger has made two changes to his squad for Tuesday’s Champions League opener in France.

    Abou Diaby missed Saturday’s win over Southampton but is fit to face Montpellier. He replaces Andrey Arshavin in the 18-man party.

    Wojciech Szczesny has been ruled out with an ankle injury so James Shea has been drafted into the squad.

    Damian Martinez has not been called up because he was not named on Arsenal’s A list squad for the Champions League and was ineligibie for the B list.

    Arsenal squad to face Montpellier:

    James Shea
    Carl Jenkinson
    Kieran Gibbs
    Thomas Vermaelen
    Per Mertesacker
    Laurent Koscielny
    Abou Diaby
    Mikel Arteta
    Santi Cazorla
    Francis Coquelin
    Aaron Ramsey
    Theo Walcott
    Andre Santos
    Olivier Giroud
    Gervinho
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    Lukas Podolski

  82. W.A.T.H says:

    Nothing much wrong with that squad and def won’t be 5/6 changes looking at that…! Lets hope not anyway, thankfully now Schmuk or Squilli as well… result..!

  84. emma says:

    Arsène Wenger revealed the following team news ahead of the Montpellier game.

    on squad changes…
    There are a couple of changes – we have Diaby back in the squad. He is back available.

    on James Shea…
    He was on the list as goalkeeper No 5 at the beginning of the season and now he is No 2! That shows you how quickly football can change. Martinez is ineligible for the B list and Wojciech [Szczesny] and Fabianski are injured. So Mannone will play tomorrow.

    on Szczesny…
    I don’t think [his injury was a factor in Saturday’s performance]. He did it before the game. I am not sure how it affected the goal he conceded. He says not but of course we had a question in our minds before the game: do we change him or not? We decided to leave him on.

  87. Wavy says:

    Injured ankle = my arse!!
    Chesnee dropped theball = goal
    AW finds excuse = Chesnee dropped
    That’ll learn him! – or not.

    After 2 claen sheets I have no problem with Man-on- one or should that read, the new no-one?

  90. rico says:

    Hi Kt, I haven’t done one yet, if you have something in mind, fab – if not and you are busy then I understand… Just let me know either way please before I start scratching my head 😉

  93. Micko says:

    Rico, next your be saying Almunia didn’t have a dodgy elbow or was it an iffy shoulder !
    Why doesn’t Wenger just say he’s been dropped, Ferguson’s been doing it for years, it might be the toe up the hole Chezzer needs.

  94. emma says:

    You could see that wenger/bould were not happy with the way we conceded that goal. Looks like Wenger is a changed man and Arsenal will be the better for it

  96. Devilgunner says:

    Good Afternoon my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.

    hezzer injured??? So soon after he dropped his clanger??? Yes there is an injury……..to his relationship with the players. Player power can have an effect on team selection.

    Or did uncle BOULDY show him how he should have punched the ball and instead poleaxed him by mistake???? 😆

  97. devilgunner says:

    maybe Bouldy went in goal and told Chezzer to do exactly as Jenks did and when he came out by mistake he punched the pole in the ear and kneed him under the chin with his right foot. Bouldy probably asked for forgiveness but we have the feeling that AW was hiding a smug grin under his wizened face.

  98. rico says:

    Thanks Kt..

    Hi Adam, how are you today?

    He didn’t did he Micko? He was just garbage…

    AW protects them too much sometimes, if he has been dropped, which I suspect, especially after his supportive words on afc.com.

    But telling us he’s been dropped would give the media something to make them rub their hands together…

  100. emma says:

    Wenger – Mannone has the mental strength

    Arsène Wenger has reiterated his faith in Vito Mannone as the Italian prepares for his third game of the season on Tuesday.

    The Italian goalkeeper will start against Montpellier after Wojciech Szczesny was not passed fit for Arsenal’s Champions League opener.

    Mannone has kept clean sheets against Stoke and Liverpool and Wenger is confident the 24-year-old has all the attributes to succeed once more.

    “Vito, as I told you last week, is very close,” the Frenchman told Arsenal Player. “He gets another opportunity now. He has belief and he has the mental strength to deal with that.”

    Under-21s goalkeeper James Shea has also travelled after a strong start to the season with Terry Burton’s youngsters.

    “He was on the list as goalkeeper No 5 at the beginning of the season and now he is No 2,” said Wenger. “That shows you how quickly football can change. Martinez is basically banned from the list and Wojciech [Szczesny] and Fabianski are injured. So Mannone will play tomorrow.”

  102. devilgunner says:

    Here is the full squad to face Montpellier as announced on Arsenal.com earlier:

    James Shea
    Carl Jenkinson
    Kieran Gibbs
    Thomas Vermaelen
    Per Mertesacker
    Laurent Koscielny
    Abou Diaby
    Mikel Arteta
    Santi Cazorla
    Francis Coquelin
    Aaron Ramsey
    Theo Walcott
    Andre Santos
    Olivier Giroud
    Gervinho
    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    Lukas Podolski

  104. rico says:

    emma – i am starting to believe that AW see’s Mannone as the eventual number one keeper – not sure I do though 😉

    And what is the Fabianski injury, strange one…

  107. Micko says:

    No way rico, Chezzer is number one.
    Make a rickett and your dropped, no more Mr Nice Guy, sends out a message to the whole squad, I like it.

  108. devilgunner says:

    Micko the question is not if Mannone has been dropped. its why he was dropped for the Southampton game.

    but I got your joke and leg pulling mate. 😉

  111. emma says:

    rico – Ches injury is a strange one. Wenger on Szczesny…
    I don’t think [his injury was a factor in Saturday’s performance]. He did it before the game. I am not sure how it affected the goal he conceded. He says not but of course we had a question in our minds before the game: do we change him or not? We decided to leave him on.

    If he had the injury before the game why play him? I think Wenger is becoming a no-nonsense(tough) coach now which will abode well with the team like fergies hairdryer treatment. Mess up and be dropped

  112. emma says:

    rico – Ches needs to go back to the drawing board. Don’t know what stall his progress. Sometimes I think it’s his ego(Feeling no one can displace him). He was sh*t during the Euros and lost his place even after he came back from suspension. His kicking, ball distribution and lack of concentration may have caused him his place. I hope this will teach him a lesson and improves on his performance.
    For fabianski his injuries are strange. He was an unused sub in the international match and came back injured.

  113. Micko says:

    That’s easy devil, Chezzer started the season as our number one, got a niggling injury, made himself available for Southampton and got the nod, we see it every week in football, not always fair but that’s the nature of the beast, Mannone now has his chance to take the bull by the horns again but will he ?

  115. devilgunner says:

    hopefully he will. I want both him and Chezzer to tough it out for the number 1 spot.two quality keepers and with shea and Martinez also on the fringes we can only benefit. that would mean keeping one and selling the other for a good amount of money.

  117. devilgunner says:

    I like Chezzer a lot. however I LOVE AFC much more. I feel he needs to do as Emma said…..go back to the drawing board. and study himself. all keepers make the odd clanger one day or the other. but only the top ones emerge from them with a better attitude. Chezzer needs to show that.

  121. devilgunner says:

    In essence and between the lines that means AW is telling Mannone that if he plays well in the next game he will keep his place for the game against shitty.

  123. devilgunner says:

    The Palermo chairman has just sacked his 50th manager during his 25years as chairman of three different clubs. makes ABRAMOVITCH look like a saint.

  124. ktr7 says:

    I know lee.I knew that years ago.he was spanish player of the year in 2007 I believe.He turned down madrid at one point to stay at villareal.he now has a platform to reach his full potential.

  125. ktr7 says:

    Also when people describe Poldi’s attributes most fail to mention how technically gifted he is.Some 1-2’s he performed with santi in very tight areas were sublime.His 1st touch is excellent.

  126. hakzah says:

    good evening all

    the schez injured or signs of le prof getting tougher on underperforming players, ? hope its the latter..

    looking forward to watch de only arsenal live tomorrow… COYGs

  130. emma says:

    Thank God squillaci only has this season left. He just can’t be taking a fat salary and doing nothing. Wengerknowsbest

  131. rico says:

    Hi hak..

    Kt, thanks for the email..

    Adam – I agree, we should have signed an oldie in the summer imho….

    I have caught Scott’s bug 🙁

  133. Adam says:

    Rico. I remember you and I both asking for proper goalkeeping back-up in the summer. For a club like Arsenal not to have a great keeper is ridiculous. It is arguably the most important position in the side. Chesney? Possibly in the future, but not automatic No1 now, nor Manone. I also think that Chesney does have an injury and that conspiracy theories are wide of the mark. Goalkeepers make mistakes and Chesney made one on Saturday. I don’t buy the idea that he has been dropped because of it. That would be very dumb.

  134. hakzah says:

    hi Rico…..

    Squillaci lost 10yrs of age !.. maybe he can realise now AW having none of it & hopefully he can decide to go next Jan.with pay cut.

    Julius Cezar was free !!! we missed a trick there i think……
    best goal keeper in italy 2 out of the last 3 saesons…ahead of Buffon !! was a bargain .

    its up to the front three goalies to fight it out and cement their
    number one spot .

    am driving down to see the match ,anyone coming over?

  135. stevepalmer1 says:

    I think its fair to say that none of our present goalkeepers gives the feeling of safeness Czezesney has always struggled with kicking which should be fundimentally the easyest part of goalkeeping Manone has always struggled with crosses and Fabianski has always been persecuted by mistakes, i struggle to see a No 1 goalkeeper out of any of them. Manone could so easily mess up tomorow night lets hope he doesn’t.

  150. allezkev says:

    MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) – Arsenal are approaching their opening Champions League game at struggling Montpellier on Tuesday with confidence but they expect the hosts to be extra motivated on their debut in the competition.

    After a slow Premier League start, the Gunners won their last two games including a 2-0 victory at Liverpool and a 6-1 demolition of Southampton on Saturday.

    “We look like a team who plays together, we are willing to do well. There is a great desire in the team,” Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told a news conference.

    France could be an ideal place to keep on building momentum since Arsenal are unbeaten in eight away matches against French sides and will face a squad with virtually no experience of the competition Arsenal are playing in for the 15th consecutive year.

    “I really know how to hide my worries,” a relaxed and smiling Wenger said.

    “We’ll be on alert tomorrow. Now, we just landed and we are very cool. But we take on this match very seriously because we know how important it is for us,” he added.

    Montpellier, who claimed an unexpected first title last season, have been struggling this season, lying 16th in the Ligue 1 standings with only four points from five games.

    “They kept the same squad, except Giroud, so I don’t see why they would be less strong this year,” Wenger said.

    “They were a little unlucky in some games. The Champions League also occupies their heads a lot since the season starts,” he added.

    “When you’re talking about a club experience, you mean that the club is able to focus on the next objective. When a club like Montpellier play in the Champions League, they tend to forget that the league is the main goal of a club.”

    Wenger said he expected Montpellier to adopt an aggressive approach.

    “We are used to playing away in the Champions League and these games always are real fights. We always expect our opponent to give everything and we are rarely disappointed,” he said.

    “I know (Montpellier coach) Rene Girard very well. I fought some battles here and it always had been very aggressive, very ‘Mediterranean’ and very exciting.”

    (Reporting by Gregory Blachier; Editing by Ed Osmond)

  151. allezkev says:

    Arshavin and Chamakh left in frustration by Wenger

    Andrey Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh have been purposefully omitted from the squad which travels to France to face Montpelier tomorrow.

    The duo were present during Monday’s training session at London Colney and participated in all preparations for the Champions League affair, but their names were excluded when Arsene Wenger revealed his 18-man list of players to make the trip.

    Chamakh is yet to make an appearance this season and contrary to reports that he is currently nursing a health issue, the Moroccan did appear to be fit enough to play during today’s activities. His colleague Arshavin has been limited to the bench so far this year and made his only appearance during a cameo against Sunderland on the opening day of the season.

    The Russian was available as a substitute on Saturday, but he will join Chamakh outside the squad tomorrow after being denied a place in the team. Both players have been linked with a move away from the club ever since their decline in form but neither of them found any suitors to price them away from north London during the summer.

    And so, with an eye still on a possible departure in the January transfer window, Arshavin and Chamakh have been excluded from Arsenal’s Champions League action for the time being in order to avoid being cup-tied – a situation which would harm their resale value in January.

    While Arsenal dealt with the frustrated duo during Monday’s session, a more cheerful pair in Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong were welcomed back to training for the first time since being ruled out by injuries.

    From Red London….

  152. allezkev says:

    Arsene Wenger is confident Vito Mannone has the mental strength to perform well in the absence of Wojciech Szczesny when Arsenal face Montpellier on Tuesday.

    Szczesny suffered an ankle injury in the 6-1 win over Southampton at the weekend, which was his first game back since a rib problem.

    Mannone had kept two clean sheets in the Premier League whilst deputising for the Poland international, and will now get the chance to impress in the UEFA Champions League.

    He has unhappy memories from the European competition, having produced a calamitous display in the defeat at Olympiakos last December, but Wenger has no worries about the Italian.

    Live on Sky Sports
    vs Montpellier v Arsenal
    September 18, 2012 7:00pm

    Remote Record “Vito is very close (to the Arsenal number one jersey), and he gets another opportunity now,” said Wenger.

    “He has belief and he has the mental strength to deal with that.”

  153. Scott from Oz says:

    Just read back the days posts,and it is a pretty common theme for Vito to be number 1.
    I said it yesterday,and i will say it today.
    2-3 weeks ago,he wasn’t good enough to even play at Arsenal,yet now you want him as a starter??
    Please explain how he has become such a great keeper in such a short time.
    Then,tell me how Szczesny has become so bad in the period of 1 game??
    Sorry guys,but that isn’t being fickle,it is being very naive.
    How many here would state hand on heart that Vito would have saved the shot Szczesny did with his foot?
    I don’t think he would have.
    I am a bit confused as to how you guys can jump on and off a bandwagon so quickly.

  154. W.A.T.H says:

    Sorry Scott but can’t see where anyone here saying Chez isn’t number one just seems most think Wenger has dropped him…!?!?!?

    I don’t rate Mannone at all and think he panics big time, for me not a chance in hell is he better than Chez but what most seem to be saying is he seems to maybe thinking he better than he is..? just a thought.

  155. W.A.T.H says:

    I do think he should not of waltzed straight back into the team Sat though… make him at least think he gotta work as No1 to get his place back..!?!? play Mannone Sat and then put Chez in 2moro would of been my way of thinking.

  156. Micko says:

    Hello Scott, think you might be barking up the wrong tree, I don’t think that’s the general consensus.
    We may be seeing a more ruthless Wenger, no-one’s undroppable, I don’t believe Chezzer is injured, Wenger said he hurt his ankle before the Soton game, if that really was the case he wouldn’t have risked him with a big European game coming up tomorrow.
    I bet Mannone can’t believe his luck, probably thought he’d be running out for Hull a few months back.

  158. Scott from Oz says:

    Fair calls guys,and yes,Schwarzer would still be great for the club.
    I do agree woleheartedly with one thing……i would’ve left Szczesny out of the weekend game,and ease him back in v Montpellier.
    He still has a lot of growing up to do,and will be better for the weekend game.Forget the clanger……every keeper in history makes them.
    His distribution is bloody woeful,and that is where the focus should be in training.
    Looking at the positives,isn’t it just great how things have changed-6 months ago,if Szczesny had a broken arm and two broken legs,we would still have wanted him starting!!

  159. Micko says:

    Scott, can’t argue with any of that, he’s definately a very confident young fella, when he returned from his loan spell at the mighty Brentford a few years back he said he if didn’t break into the first team shortly he would think about moving on, the contract extension wasn’t long in coming.
    He’s still only 22, they say keepers don’t come into their own until their 30’s, he could be our number one for the next 15 years if he wants it badly enough.

  160. Scott from Oz says:

    I think he will cement his spot over time.
    You are right….he needs to not only want it,but put in the hard yards to show he wants it.
    Ability is just the start.

  161. allezkev says:

    Commit to us or else, frustrated Wenger warns Arsenal contract rebel Theo

    By Laura Williamson

    PUBLISHED:22:30, 17 September 2012| UPDATED: 22:30, 17 September 2012

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    Arsene Wenger has expressed his irritation at Theo Walcott’s contract stand-off, warning the winger must commit his future to Arsenal as soon as possible.

    The Frenchman has left Walcott out of his starting XI since he turned down a new £75,000-a-week deal at the Emirates and admitted the issue could become more pertinent if it is allowed to fester.

    Walcott received a mixed reception when he was introduced as a substitute before scoring in Arsenal’s 6-1 win against Southampton on Saturday and Wenger conceded the fans’ reaction could also be problematic

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26la7DPgk

  162. allezkev says:

    The 23-year-old is in the Arsenal squad to face Montpellier in their first Champions League Group B game on Tuesday, but Wenger was non-committal on whether Walcott has done enough to earn a starting place.

    Asked whether the uncertainty about the winger’s future has affected his selection decisions, the Arsenal manager said: ‘It can, but at the moment I still hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it doesn’t affect me. Of course at some stage (it will).

    ‘If in April it’s not done (a new contract), you can think now it will be difficult to do.

    ‘Is the fans’ reaction a worry? It is. I think you want your players to be supported no matter what kind of contractual situation they are in.’

    Wenger will select Tuesday’s team and brief his squad at their hotel, but will be forced to watch from the stands as he serves his third UEFA ban in a year.

    The Arsenal boss said it was a ‘nightmare’ to be stopped from doing his job and expressed frustration that he will again be ‘powerless’ to influence proceedings from the technical area.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26laOt7UF

  163. allezkev says:

    After ranting at referee Massimo Busacca following Arsenal’s Champions League exit to Barcelona in March 2011, Wenger had to sit in the stands at the Emirates for his side’s 1-0 win over Udinese last August.

    But he was then banned for another two games after Uefa ruled he had contravened the rules of his initial punishment by relaying messages to the bench through Boro Primorac, his first-team coach.

    Wenger can almost laugh at the absurdity of it all now, but insists Uefa still have not outlined exactly what a manager can and cannot do when he is serving a touchline ban.

    ‘There were talks that you can suspend a manager but not ban him from the dressing room,’ he said. ‘You cannot sit on the bench but at least then at half-time he can do his job.

    ‘Honestly, nobody knows really — even at Uefa — what is allowed and not allowed. When I ask, “But what is it really about?”, nobody can tell me. They said, “We made a mistake. But we punish you anyway”.’

    Wenger’s latest three-match ban comes after he called Slovenia referee Damir Skomina’s performance ‘a disgrace’ after Arsenal were dumped out of last season’s Champions League, despite a 3-0 home victory against AC Milan.

    ‘Honestly, many people in UEFA, including (Michel) Platini, said we should still let people work even if they are suspended,’ he said.

    ‘It’s part of their job, and therefore a restriction of work. But I don’t make a fuss of it. They love to suspend me.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26lakNzuE

  164. allezkev says:

    After Pat Rice’s retirement this summer it will be Steve Bould, the former Arsenal defender and youth-team boss who is now Wenger’s assistant, who will be shouting instructions instead.

    Wenger praised the impact Bould, 49, has had in his new role.

    The Frenchman said: ‘We talk about all the possibilities before the game and go through all the solutions. An element of the unexpected can happen, but Steve has experience.

    ‘I will feel powerless, but sometimes have that feeling on the bench anyway. Steve does a great job. All the players I had of that generation can be managers. I think he has the qualities.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26lb7oz8Y

  165. allezkev says:

    Wojciech Szczesny has missed the trip to France with an ankle injury sustained in the warm-up against Southampton at the weekend, so Vito Mannone will take his place, with James Shea on the bench.

    Wenger smiled at the recollections of Mannone’s last Champions League appearance — a 3-1 defeat by Olympiakos last December in which the goalkeeper gifted the Greek side a second goal after coming on as a substitute.

    But he warned he will not be resting players ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.

    Olivier Giroud looks likely to miss out on a start against his former club, with Wenger wary of selecting a player who could be guilty of trying too hard.

    ‘It is never easy,’ said Wenger. ‘I think no matter what you do, the less time you give the player to think about it, the better it is.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26lbLld6m

  166. allezkev says:

    But the Frenchman is not about to lose patience with his countryman.

    ‘With forwards it is more a matter of cycle,’ he said. ‘Forwards sometimes go through a rough period, but maybe he just needs a goal to get out of this drought.

    ‘Also for forwards it is a little bit different in England. The game is different for two positions, especially for forwards and goalkeepers. It is a real shock for them because there is a lot more contact.’

    Ivory Coast international Gervinho was deployed down the middle against Southampton, netting twice.

    The 25-year-old, signed from Lille in the summer of 2011, hopes he can take his game to another level after settling into the English game.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2204663/Theo-Walcott-commit-Arsenal–Arsene-Wenger.html#ixzz26lbcb5ia

  167. allezkev says:

    Arsenal defence starts to profit from granite presence of Steve Bould

    Arsène Wenger’s new No2 knows what it is like to play in a rock-steady rearguard and he is already having an influence
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    Amy Lawrence

    guardian.co.uk, Friday 14 September 2012 12.00 BST

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    Steve Bould gets used to his new seat alongside Arsène Wenger in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at Stoke City, the club where the new assistant manager began his playing career. Photograph: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar

    One of the smartest things that Arsène Wenger did when he arrived at Arsenal in 1996 to be met with a fair amount of scepticism among the players was to bide his time. He wanted to make sure that he took notice of how they operated before insisting that they take notice of his ideas. It quickly became apparent that of all the jobs on his list, a backline so well drilled they were almost telepathic was best left to its own devices.

    Later on, the famous band of defensive brothers – Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Martin Keown and Nigel Winterburn – would all thank Wenger for the subtle changes that brought such rewards. They learned to look after their bodies, which prolonged their careers, yielded more medals and ensured they were still playing when footballers’ salaries rocketed, so they got a slice of the action before retiring. He also encouraged them to express themselves more on the pitch. But when it came down to the nitty-gritty of coaching defence, it was clear from the off that they could teach him a thing or two, rather than the other way round.

    Sixteen years on, Wenger is leaning on that expertise again. The presence of Bould, who was promoted to the role of assistant manager over the summer, has had a remarkable effect on Arsenal’s approach to defending. That aspect of the game is hardly what they are famed for but Arsenal are the only team in all four divisions with a zero in their goals-against column. That is quite an improvement on this time last year, when Wojciech Szczesny had already fetched the ball from his net 10 times in the Premier League (albeit most of them came in a freak result at Old Trafford).

    For a manager with the longevity of Wenger, it was noted, particularly in times of trouble, that unlike Sir Alex Ferguson he has always been reluctant to shake up his coaching staff. When Pat Rice, who had been his assistant from day one at Arsenal, stood down and Bould was appointed, the most fascinating question concerned the level of responsibility that would be passed on. Would a man who was part of Arsenal’s most legendary rearguard be given the freedom to ring the changes? Wenger is notoriously controlling of the coaching regime and in pre-season Bould was given the green light to get to work with the defence.

    Arsenal’s captain, Thomas Vermaelen, has been impressed with the ideas that are being drummed in. “Steve is really good to work with, especially for defenders, as he has been a defender himself,” he says. “He works a lot on the shape of the team and that is very important. He is very focused on details. To to be honest, I am learning a lot from him. I think having your shape right is one of the most important things in football, whether you have the ball or don’t have the ball. We are working really hard on that and Steve does the job really well.”

    That emphasis on shape has made Arsenal much tighter as a unit so far. Bould’s influence is reflected in increased levels of concentration not just at the back, but also in midfield – the area where players too frequently switched off and Arsenal were punished on the break last season. Kieran Gibbs explains that was high on the agenda. “I think most of the goals we conceded last year came from counterattacking,” the left-back says. “That’s the sort of thing we have been working on. We have been analysing and discussing that since the start of pre-season, and practising in training. Steve makes you want to play for him and everyone is really excited with the work we are doing in training, especially us defenders.”

    Wenger has been particularly pleased that two away games which usually pile pressure on the defence – at Stoke City and Liverpool – were examinations passed with calmness and authority. With Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta operating from deeper positions to provide a steady base to midfield, and Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showing great willingness to track back where necessary, there is a much more solid feel about the team. That is even more impressive as Arsenal have had to play with second-choice players in two defensive areas – the inexperienced Vito Mannone deputising for Szczesny and Carl Jenkinson for Bacary Sagna. Szczesny is fit again for Southampton’s visit on Saturday.

    Bould could also make an interesting difference inside the dressing room, as a counterpoint to Wenger’s preference for some quiet contemplation on match day. Bould was not a granite centre-half for nothing. He will not suffer fools and he will not be shy of a few choice words if necessary.

    But there is much more to him than the stereotype of an old style, no-nonsense centre-half. During his apprenticeship as Arsenal’s academy coach he developed teams with an emphasis on classy passing. It was a role he loved, describing it as “the best job in the world” as he nurtured players such as Szczesny, Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong en route to the current first team. After 11 years helping to educate the club’s kids, the offer to move up was, he says, “massively hard, but when an opportunity opens up like the one that has, I just couldn’t turn it down”.

    On Tuesday night, Bould will undertake even more responsibility as he will be acting manager when Arsenal face Montpellier in the Champions League as Wenger serves the first game of a three-match European suspension.

    In his playing days, when he won three league titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, Bould worked under George Graham, a master at drilling a defence with such relentlessness they felt they could keep a tight line with their eyes closed. If he can instil some of that resolve now, Arsenal should improve considerably on the 49 Premier League goals conceded last season. Wenger is very satisfied with Bould’s input so far. “He has taken over for the defensive job, where he is doing very well. Will we finish with the best defence in the league? I hope so.”

  168. Micko says:

    Kev, couldn’t tell me the circumference of Chamakh’s circle could ya ?
    And I bet Giroud would give his right arm to be starting tomorrow nite, he must be itching to go.
    Arshavin and Chamakh can’t even make up the numbers now, what’s the point.

  169. allezkev says:

    * WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce has turned down the chance to sign free agents Mikael Silvestre, John Mensah and Anthony Vanden Borre.

    The trio joined the Hammers on trial last week, but Allardyce was not impressed and has put a block on any permanent deals.

    Ex-Manchester United and Arsenal defender Silvestre is without a club after leaving Werder Bremen, former Portsmouth midfielder Vanden Borre was last at Belgian club Genk and centre-back Mensah, once of Sunderland, left Lyon in July.

  170. allezkev says:

    Mick, i know where your coming from [Ireland isn’t it? ], but we’re stuck with them mate, we’re paying them, and as useless as they are, or not, depending on your view, we may as well use them.
    So i expect to see the Three Amigos, Arshavin, Squillaci and Chamakh, turning out in the League Cup.
    I’m going, and i’m so excited at the prospect [not]…

  172. Micko says:

    Kev, not for one minute calling you a cheapskate but are the tickets still going for a tenner.
    Last I heard that terd Phil Brown was in line to take over the Sky Blues, no idea how talks went.
    Think it will be another good nite for ya, waths shout by the sound of things, doubles all round….wey hey !

  173. Micko says:

    Laters Kev, Scott, gotta drive up the country to Dublin, setting off shortly, 4 hour journey, can’t say I’m looking forward to it.

    Over and out.

  176. Will XL says:

    Jackie boy back in training? About time. Let’s bring him back slowly. I’m hoping for our form to continue tomorrow. I’ll be at work but I’ll try my best to get a stream going!

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