Let’s get todays tit-bits and rumours out the way first!
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is the captain of Montpellier. He’s a 6′, 22-year-old who can play anywhere across the back line or as a defensive midfielder. Suggestion is that both Newcastle and us are keeping an eye on him. He’s valued at ÂŁ7 Million, a price tag we all know Arsene Wenger would like.
People live for football in England, and that is what I want to experience.
Iâll see what offers I get, but English football is incredible. There is more physical contact than in France, but I like that – it suits my style of play.
Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui is reported to be weighing up his options this summer, last year he signed a new five-year contract with Everton but it seems he’s not happy with his current clubs ambitions in the transfer market. Well that rules him out of signing for us then! đ
Had a fairly busy week and have found it difficult to get on-line and chat with you fine Gooners, sorry about that.. đ
Anyway, whilst driving home the other night I was listening to Talk Shite sport.
They were saying that Cesc Fabregas had given an interview in which he said that moving from Arsenal to Barcelona had made him a better player, he’d learned a lot about tactics and had began to rely on his team-mates as he has complete faith in their ability and feels very privileged to be playing alongside them.
He went on to say that at Arsenal he was given a licence to just run up and down the field, doing most of the work going forward and getting back to defend.
The two on Talksport decided to draw their own conclusion from the Fabregas interview and suggested that what Fabregas was really saying was that Arsene Wenger is a bad coach and that’s all because Cesc suggested he had learned more since his move.
They also implied that Fabregas was slagging his old Arsenal team mates, suggesting that were not of the same calibre as his new-found Barcelona chums.
I’m not daft, but listening to that tripe made me want to tell those two idiots exactly what I thought of them but sense prevailed and I kept my opinions to myself.
However, had I made that call, I would have told them all about Cesc Fabregas.
He was a great talent and an amazing player when he arrived at Arsenal as a 16-year-old kid, but he came from Barcelona’s academy and had never kicked a ball for the Catalan club. He was a raw kid that nobody had ever heard of, but Arsene Wenger saw something in him to make him want to nurture him and finally mould him into the fine player he is today.
The pundits on Talksport would have you believe that he came to us as a Barcelona fully trained professional footballer, all ready and able to step straight into the Arsenal first team, but the reality is that Wenger persevered with this kid and he brought him through the Arsenal way.
Fabregas is now world-class and he plays for a team that many believe to be the best in the world.
Cesc may have learned a lot since he joined Barca but a good player never stops learning.
Let’s not forget that Barcelona didn’t make to many waves when Wenger prized him away and to me it just proves that Barcelona are just like Manchester City and Chelsea, they see a player who has been well-trained and offer silly money.
Lets face it, football clubs are businesses these days, some one offers fortunes for players and when that happens, that player is gone.
Barcelona always said they would welcome him home but it never bothered them years ago, when they were happy to let him leave his so-called home in the first place.
I’m a huge fan of Fabregas, so much so I just had to watch Barcelona take on Chelsea two nights ago and after the game I sat and thought….
If Cesc Fabregas has learned so much since joining Barcelona, I certainly didn’t witness it during that game….
Have a good day all…
COYG’s
Morning peeps!
So are we happy to agree that its make or brake for us come saturday?
A draw will do, but I want us to get all 3…..
Morning all, Fellaini would make a certain HH regular very happy đ
Hi Matty, I think so – if we can win and Qpr get something form the Totts, it will be looking good đ
Hi Lee, talk is that De-Matteo is to rotate a few….
Lee im dreading it, Arteta has defo been are anchorman man in the middle, dunno who can step up for sat apart for the ox but 90 mins is prob too much to ask from him.
Good post Steve, what do Ts**** know about footie, crazy comments about Fabregas…
Hey Rico you good? yea i hope mate! The one thing that would make this season great if we come third and the Flid dont make champ league đ
Diaby đ
Mattyboy, yeah I’m not as confident as i was last week….yeah Rico, they rotate and it’s essien torres sturridge & kalou….we rotate and it’s squil, the waiter, chamug & park!! Fucking joke!
Morning, not sure of the HH regular regarding Fellaini but having watched him last week against the dippers he was poor for me…! Wondered actually if he was just having an off day but in a semi-final come on….??? He was the one supposed to be marking the pony-tail for the 2nd goal and failed dismally and really didn’t drive Everton on like i thought he should of done…! As said maybe just one of those games not helped by those around him but did have doubts about him in an Arsenal shirt must admit.
http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php
All good thanks Matty, you? i can see newcastle finishing in the top four, we just have to make sure it’s not at our expense…
M’Vila M’Vila M’Vila!!!!
đ lee – i so hope wenger changes all that real soon..
Hi Wath, i thought he was cack too, made very little impact against an average dipper side….
Here Here đ
Newcastle have a lot of injuries, they are doing well considering…
You guys see the story about how Fergie is close to signing Modric??
ARSENAL forward Gervinho says Spurs can forget about taking third spot from them. The Gunners face Chelsea tomorrow five points clear of their rivals with four games remaining.
Gervinho said: âWe are determined to fight until the end to maintain third place.â
Best you pull your socks up then Gervinho!!
Lee M’Vila is my purchase you go find your own player to buy… đ
Rubbish, he’s mine…..
Everytime talksport slag Arsenal off and dangle the bait,it makes me cringe when our fan’s bite.
At the place of doom once more (work) haha!! ill give Gervinho one more season if he doesnt fix up give with the boot along with JD, Diaby (if he keeps getting injuried) Benthead, Chamakh, park
think overseas players always need a season to settle, not many make an instant impact…
Morning All
I agree with Steve Palmer re Cesc. would he have made it if he stayed at Barca? Who knows but I can’t remember him having many bad games like he had on Wednesday. He certainly never missed two straightforward chances in the same match in his Gooner days.
I think if Yanga-Mbiwa likes the physicality of the English game then he might just be what this team needs.
Yours Rico………….. behave your still pining for Torres along with AGAG…!
Morning Billboy
I don’t think Barca were ever going to give him his chance, otherwise he wouldn’t have felt the need to move from his ‘home’ at such a young age. He is where he is right now because of one club, and that club is not Spanish….
Yanga-Mbiwa has Wenger written all over it, young, french and can play in the defence and midfield, also his price is less than half of what we’d have to pay for M’Vila – i can see this one being a little more than just a rumour….
Torres, you have to be kidding Wath, that ship has long sailed in my mind đ
Vertonghen is the one i want us to sign đ
Evening all.
Fellaini…….top player,I’d have him.
Wouldn’t it be great if Talksport was on the radio and nobody was listening.
I can but dream.
Hi Scott…
đ John
“Letâs not forget that Barcelona didnât make to many waves when Wenger prized him away”
What are you on about? They took us to court and only dropped it when we gave them Giovanni Van Bronkhorst for next to nothing.
Team News: Arteta, Diaby, Coquelin, Koscielny
Wenger
on Mikel Arteta…
It is season over for him but he doesn’t need surgery, which is what we were scared of. So he will be out for six to eight weeks. It is an ankle problem but just a sprain.
on Yossi Benayoun…
He is ineligible. But Koscielny is back from his two-match suspension.
on Abou DiabyâŚ
He is back in the squad. He played one half on Wednesday [in a friendly] and he will be alright now I think. We still have to be a bit cautious with him because we had so many setbacks. If all goes well he will be in the squad.
on Francis CoquelinâŚ
He is back in full training but he has not played a game at all. He has been out for two months, his last game was at Sunderland so it is a bit early for him.
on other injuries…
We have no other worries.
Our defence will be better….no doubt it.
Kozzer,the man,is back.
He and TV5 are just superb together.
I want M’Vila though….you were all Fellaini!!!
Subotic then for me…
Rico,I hope Utd get Modric….waste of money he is.
On Cesc,his comments just aren’t very intelligent.
Our side was built around him…..he was our star,our focal point and main creative player.
In Barca,he’s just a player.
Of course he was used differently and given a free reign……just how Messi is.
The stand out player will always be given freedom.
Scott – agree and i’m hoping that Gibbs is also back….
Lee,I’d take M’Villa,Fellaini or Vertonghen……or any two of the above.
Morning all,
Arteta definitely out till the end of the season its a shame as he has been an inspiration to the team, we need a player who’s work rate is similar to Arteta and i am thinking like a lot of others about the Ox Fitting in there as he has played a midfield role before and came through realy well i would also draw everybodies attention to Jenkinson i know he has usually come on as a stand in for defence but this kids engine and anitiative could be just the thing we need. Ramsey has tried hard in fact he may be trying a little too hard which is forceing him to make too many errors he may need to sit on the bench for a while and get his composeure back. Jenkinson for me although young and quite inexperienced seems to be an allround player i would give him a chance in midfield as i know by what i have seen of him he will work as hard as he needs too i think he has a very big future with Arsenal and i dont think we realy know what we have got with him, he needs to be tried everywhere as this lad is definitely going to make it big. Just my opinion đ
Definitely Rico…
lee, i don’t care who we get, as long as it’s M’vila, Podolski and Vertonghen …. đ
Scott – i don’t rate Modric that much either, I’d rather Ben Arfa…
Hope by your comment you are not suggesting that is the reason Song has been given so much freedom đ đ
I just cannot understand why anyone would listen to Talk Sport, except for a masochist. It is the lowest form of sport journalism because the presenters are all morons who couldn’t research a story if they tried. They need listeners to sell advertising so, every time you tune in, you contribute to their advertising potential. The way they get people to listen in is not with sensible debate or intelligent questions, it is by winding people up by saying dumb, provocative rubbish. Do not listen. Do not respond. They are the radio equivalent of trolls so do do not feed them. And never, ever use their banal opinions as a topic for discussion. They hate Arsenal. Let them do that thing somewhere else.
Not fussy,hey Rico???
Morning Steve..
Thankfully no break for Arteta, he’ll be back ready for the new season…
Ramsey or Diaby tomorrow??
Ramsey is not the answer, he should come as a sub imo, would play the ox as advanced midfielder and get Rosicky with Song. or Rosicky in his place and Song /Djourou behind dare I say, but knowing Wenger he will stick with Rambo!
Morning all
they’d tick our boxes!!
Song just takes liberties….If his workrate in defence was better,he’d be an out and out superstar.
Don’t forget Jussi Rico…………
Morning all,
SteveyP, Barca went nuts when we signed Fabregas, he was captain of their under 16 side and scoring goals for fun with some bloke called Messi, the same summer he was voted best player for Spain and also picked up the golden boot at the under 16 World Championships.
Barca couldn’t do anything about it as he was wasn’t old enough to sign a professional contract in Spain, we even arranged for his whole family to come over to England, Arsene knew he had pinched a real gem from under there noses, I wouldn’t be too hard on Cesc, there’s probably a lot of truth in what he says.
Spot on Adam!!!
Not really Scott…..
Sagna Kos Vermin and Gibbs in the back line signals a good performance they all know their positions well and interlink with one another as they should, its my belief that we need similar players as back up Mertsacker SQuilly Santos Djourou just do not fit the bill you can pick fault with everyone of these players and should we be in a position where we need to use two of them we end up having problems. Walcott and Gervinho have not been at their best Theo has played 200 times for us now and he still seems frightened to tackle or take his man on he scores the occasional great goal but usually i end up swaring at him and Gervinho the same. Maybe not a lot can be done about that this season but with Myaki hopefully on his way back and Park not being used maybe they can give us a little more zip with Afobe and maybe Campbell returning for next year we may just have the fire power up front to relieve some of the pressure on Robin as he looks shell shocked at the moment. The talk of Vertonghen has lifted my spirits as he sounds like he would fit in well at the back not forgettin Bartley who has been playing in the Scottish league to toughen up he would also fit in nicely with the Coqu Jenkinson Frimps and Jack not forgettin Arteta and Yossi i can only see us suceeding, one prob that i can see is a reserve keeper that mut be a priority lose Czezsney and the shit hits the fan, all in all we are not looking too bad. A new No 2 and were going places. đ
Good morning
Ramsey plays tomorrow.
chelsea has now a very strong midfield. If we loose the midfield battle we lost the match.
chelsea will be playing with a strong midfield and try quickly attacks. We hope Ramires doesn’t play. Drogba too. He usually scores to Arsenal
Good morning Rico, Lee and all. Football journalism and reporting is at an all- time low and Talk Sport are dragging it to the bottom of a foul smelling, rancid pool. What other sport would employ women-beating sick perverts and violent drunkards to give us their opinion? Merson, a great player for Arsenal, tells us that he spent ÂŁ7 million on gambling and shoving stuff up his nose. Recently he got pissed, drove at 80 mph when he didn’t see a lorry coming and hit it. And we are supposed to take his judgement seriously? And don’t get me started on Collymore or Cascarino.
If SuperStars was still around today I can guarantee Song would not be on it.
Morning Rokabox,
I’d prob start with Diaby, it’s the one way of making sure Wenger doesn’t wait until 67 mins to make his changes đ
Wath – oops, i did for a second, those four in and i’d be happy, in fact i bet we all would wouldn’t we đ
Morning Micko, Superstars, now that takes me back, Brian Jacks was the best wasn’t he đ
I liked it when Keegam came off the bike and ruffled his perm.
Morning Adam, I am very proud to admit, i have not listened to TS for years, and I don’t plan on doing so in the near future…. đ
Fair comment Micko, they just get right up my nose thats all.
The problem with the media is that a lot of them open their mouth simply because they can,and say something for the sake of it……..its not necessarily that they believe what they say,but want a reaction,controversy.
The other problem is that a great player doesn’t make a great commentator.
Some of the players ever are as dumb as dog shit……..this goes for all sports…….but they are put up on a pedestal and their word becomes gospel.
Steve, a new 2 keeper plus four and we are going places đ
Hi JM, i have a feeling ramsey will start too….
Will the Chavs risk Drogba ahead of Tuesday??
And….. How did Adrian Chiles get a job as a football presenter????
Rico. I am of the same opinion. I saw Brazil drunk in a bar a few years ago and it was not a pretty sight I can tell you. As for Durham? I would put him in the same place as I would put Ken Livingstone, Phil Dowd, Simon bloody Cowell and a few others.
Adrian Chiles would be better employed as a toilet brush.
J have no problem with Ramsey starting,but if there’s no creativity,then swap him for Ox…….just don’t leave it too late.
Conversely,start Ox,hopefully grab a decent lead,and bring Ramsey on later.
If you were the chav manager, would you field your strongest against us tommorrow or focus on the barca match??
Me, i’d play the strongest, knowing full well the only way the chavs are going to qualify for the CL is via the PL…..
If they do rico, we’ll have to make sure we put down a mattress in the penalty box for him.
Steve, we should have gone in for Messi instead.
Rico, Wenger said he would buy but carefully, your sounding like a talk shite pundit đ
Micko, Pitty we didn’t get the pair of them
Rico,but he risks incurring the wrath of an arrogant,obsessed owner.
The Russian doesn’t want to qualify for CL,he wants to win it.
Could work in our favour.
Is doesn’t matter at all though,we proved we can bet their best 11.
The only variable that matters is which Arsenal will show up!!!!!
Simon Cowell Adam, Simon Cowell đ
For a sleep Micko or to ensure he gets a soft landing….
Rico. Please do not tell me you are a Cowell fan. Benidorm I can accept but Cowell?
Adam, did you see that clip of Alan Brasil taking a breath test at a police station and kicking up a stink about it, a real obnoxious cretin, it’s like he thought he was above the law.
đ Steve, i need a job…..
Micko. Yes I did and my revulsion for him increased exponentially.
I actually think Cowell is a bit of a knob Adam – hope that doesn’t offend anyone…. đ
Only Simons mum,Rico.
đ Scott, but i’m not so sure….
I think your all being harsh… Cowell is a diamond geeza… just like piers morgan…!
Have you ever seen Morgan and Cowell in the same room Wath????
How about AK and Charlie George???
What’s wrong with Piers??
Wath and victor meldrew ?
He upset Frimpong…….that’s a terrible thing to do lol.
Rico. Have you put me in moderation? My posts are not appearing.
I thought they were the same person Micko đ
Ahh. Back again.
I think they were twins separated at birth Scott both top fella’s….!
No Adam…..
Good enough reason not to like him Scott….
Off to bed now.
Night all.
See you soon Scott, sleep well….
night Scotty, piers I thought was an old pal of yours WATH??
Durham is a cnut….THE END!
Durham is a cnutâŚ.THE END!
Never were truer words spoken!
Good day all!
Tell us what you reall mean Lee, stop sitting on the fence đ
Afternoon Uta…
Diaby to stay fit until the end of the seaon??!! Come on, who’s with me??
The bloke should be called “Thrush”…….
My sexy Chinese neighbour told me she was desperate to get a
rodgering. It was only when I had my trousers round my ankles
that I realised she wanted to rent out her spare room…
đ
đ Lee to both…..
Uta, that’s a tricky one……
Where are we all on tomorrows game?? Ramsey or Ox? Gervinho to start? Is Gibbs fit?
Will the Chavs be tired?
Essien, Sturridge, Kalou and the lady boy will knakered after sitting on the bench wed’s night………..
*knackered* even!
Chelsea star Didier Drogba has been ruled out of the Bluesâ trip to Arsenal tomorrow with a knee injury.
The Ivory Coast international sustained the knock in their 1-0 victory in the Champions League semi final first leg against Barcelona.
âDidier Drogba will be out tomorrow,â interim head coach Roberto Di Matteo confirmed. âHe has got a knee injury from the week.
âWe have to assess him tomorrow and Sunday and see how we recovers.
âHe got pushed and kicked around. Itâs difficult with the percentage chance.â
David Luiz remains out with a knee injury.
đ
Pushed and kicked around….. what a load of bollox he fucked his knee up on the pitch from diving around like prized ballerina on ice with plimsoles…!
How to injure yourself diving from 6 ft up in the air as if hit by a sniper…. Prime Example Drogba…!
that’s what i was laughing at………poor ol Drog, got a right old going over!!!
Uta – Diaby đ
Yep it’s such a shame Lee… he’s a right lump to be falling from such a height…!
we gonna win on sat??
Good news on Drog, lets hope Sturridge and co have splinters….
yes….
I think we need to pick a team thats gonna get stuck into em and IF wenger does that we’ll win… if we play tippy tappy anything can happen but when we play high tempo we’re at our best…!
Also need to play with width all that crap through the middle also never works they pack the middle and we clueless..!
Diaby đ
I hate Ramsey….but if wenger start him tommorow…….let chant…’there is only one aaron ramsey”…it will do lots of magic to him….
Ches
Sagna Kos TV Gibbs
Song
Ox Diaby Rosicky/Santos
Theo RvP
We will spank those cnuts…..we are not barcnut….we are ARSENAL
I wouldn’t start him kc…
Rico……that is a pretty nice formation….but i will start diaby in the 90 minutes so that he can last the extra 5 mins….he is a crock
i’d take that chance tommorrow kc, he got through 45 on weds, and if he gets crocked again, then surely he needs to go in the summer…..
his pace is just what we need đ
Ramsey needs a break, I can’t keep watching him run straight into trouble then give the ball away, he must be suffering Stress fatigue i know it must be catching i think i’m getting it, do ourselves a favour and give Jenks a run out
But Jenks is a defender Steve….
He’ll play anywhere rico the lads a natural
Afternoon all! Finally made it on today! Great post Steve. I make a point of never listening to that shithouse of a station, but for some unknown reason last week (waiting for her in the car while she was in Sainsbury’s) I tuned in. I never thought that I could hate anyone as much as Piers Morgan (Lee, your email the other day clearly summed him up perfectly) but someone has joined him on the rank of “Complete and utter C**t”… Step forward Adrian Durham. What a dipshit. Everything he said showed pure hatred towards any thing Arsenal. Darren Gough was doing his best to reason with him and was saying what most Arsenal fans think, but that c**t was having none of it. It seems like that station’s remit is to slag us off, hate everything Arsenal and say how shallow we all are. I know it’s childish, but I was straight onto Facebook to join gteh “Adrian Durham is a Wanker” page in protest!
Rico, You don’t take chances on inportant games against stiff opposition you take those chances when you play the lesser teams Diaby is a liability we would be lucky if he last’s the first tackle feed him back slowly but only as a sub whats the point of wasting a sub in the first half, history tells us that he will not last and its time to take notice of that fact when he lasts longer we can afford to start him but i don’t think that will ever happen his rooted to the sick bay
There ia always a chance that Diaby can knock JT out again with a perfectly executed kick to the face though Steve…. Surely worth risking him for that alone…..?!
I understand what you are saying Steve, but he’s never played in midfield before has he?? dodgy against the chavs?
Afternoon rocky, i’m following you to FB đ
Cheers Rocky, i’m the same as you mate only tune in now and again but it seems that everytime i do the morons are slating us off. I don’t believe the so called Gooners that call in are Arsenal supporters they must be spuds in disguise
I must admit i understand why you gooners have patience with Diaby on the very rare occasions that he lasts for half an hour or so he doesn’t look to bad but he’s been with us for ever and his apearances are shite he is taking up the place of 90 minute men and that cannot be right.
Tell me about it Steve.
There was one Arsenal fan that phoned in who was basically shouting down the phone at Durham saying how wrong he was (Durham was saying that we’d rather be like Liverpool and spend over ÂŁ100m and win the Carling Cup and have no Champione League football… again, than be like us and possibly finish 3rd and be in the Champs League, pay off our stadium and build (which was Goughie’s arguement against him, saying when we are cash-rich with little or no overheads, we’ll be the team to watch out for). The guy was ranting about how Goughie was right… So Durham cut him off, and simple said “that’s a typical Arsenal fan there for you” and went to an ad break.. No explanation or counter arguement. Like he was God, and had spoken, and was the final a highermost authority on the subject. I’d love to batter him. Him and wife-beater Collymore are reason enough for me to never return to that shower of shit station.
Steve, my comment about Diaby wasn’t an actual reflection of my view of him. I don’t think he has a future with us at all. Get rid ASAP.
I’m gonna do a Matt Bianco stylee phone in….but i’ll scream “Durham you cnut!!”
Rico, Players are labled defenders midfielders strikers wingers but with players like Jenks at the age he is he has played LB RB RW LW He is a footballer and if the need arose he would happily go in goal he needs to be used and how Diaby and squillaki Djourou get picked before him totally baffles me. If you have bad players in the team out them so they cannot be used that is the reason that were not safe yet because we have fielded the likes of Chmuck squil DJ Santos Diaby and who knows we may have Denilson and bendy back o my bleeding heart
That would be the only thing I’d ever tune in to hear Lee!
I can’t believe the way Durham condusts himself, thank goodness i never tune in…..
Go on Lee I dare ya……………. đ
Rather just stalk him one night and batter him while wearing a yid shirt đ
If that happens Steve, then he has to go, he’s already got one toe out the door i’m sure, regardless of what AW says….
Make sure you let us know just before you make that call Lee, i’d tune in for that….
I think they have a thing called the daily Arsenal….basically having a pop at us!! they can go a poke their heads up a dead bear’s arris!
I’d definately start Jenks ahead of JD and Squilli, no contest, in fact don’t know why AW doesn’t…. Maybe next season….
Wath, give me a shout when the battering is about to commence. I’ll gladly jump up and down on his head!! Not sure I could don a Spud shirt though mate…..
another lovely fella on there was that manc prick terry christian…
Bit harsh on that poor old bear…. đ
What was he doing on there?!! That guy peaked with The Word….
When you look at the facts and realise that spud supporters probably never ever listen to the radio probably can’t figure out how to tune it in and the Chav’s have only a couple of fans anyway you start to understand that the show is probably a gooner show but singing our praises wouldn’t get us phoneing in. even so i dislike all concerned and tune into capital gold instead đ
Rocky, Get an old crappy yid shirt batter him put it on u-tube and then he won’t ever slag Arsenal off again…! đ Simple…!
Fergie has had a word’ with Ashley Young about his diving, wonder if Dirty Arry is going to have one with Bale…..
Capital gold? ain’t that a bit funky for you SP đ
Catch you laters
Rocky. Just listening to that knuckle scraping oxygen thief Durham gives him the publicity that he should be denied. He has no opinions of his own, no understanding of anything other than the fact that he is a small ginger-haired, insignificant excuse for a human being who gets his kicks by being stupid, confrontational and irritating. People who can’t get by with their own personalities often adopt this way of life purely to be noticed. I bet Collymore drools over his windscreen every night. I apologise if that last image is too graphic for those with a vivid imagination. Please close your eyes Rico.
Cheers mate
Interesting spin on it Steve!!
Cant teach old dogs new tricks Wath đ
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yuk Adam…………… that’s gross…………!
I got you onto GG didn’t I…?????? đ
http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/fourfourtwoview/archive/2012/04/20/beef-and-rice-arsene-s-never-changing-menu.aspx
Blooming cheek, they copied HH, albeit its a bit more fancy đ
WATH. I know it was. Remind me re GG.?
Don’t want to crow yet but the yids will be in free fall if they miss out on a top four position….manager gone, bale to barca (alledgedly) and modric to manure (alledgedly) barndoor will leave too…..
Steve, HeartFM is better, plays all the oldies đ Catch you later….
Adam, eyes firmly closed đ
They could yet pip us though Lee, i’m not getting too excited just yet đ
Haha!! I wish you hadn’t put that image of Collymore in my head Adam! Trawling car parks, hand-sized hole in his trouser pocket….. Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking about that so much!
As for Durham, you’re right. It was the first thing I’d heard him do. I knew I hated him before I had heard him after looking at his smug, shit-eating grin on the website. My hatred was compounded when I actually listened to him last week. Seems to only live for saying something just to spark outrage. He is to radio what Frankie Boyle is to Comedy – A shit, confrontational, unfunny ginger c***.
Looking at the pic on that article Rico, of AW sitting on the park bench, it’s clear the man has never actually found a jacket that fits him
Rocky. Don’t sit on the fence mate. Let us know. Do you like him or not.
So I take it you guys really dont care too much for Durham …. đ
with a punchable voice….
I can take him or leave him…… Well, preferably leave him. In a ditch. covered in his own filth. That’ll do me!
I like him wide on the left Rico. Just by that puddle of water and that dodgy high current cable.
no Rico, that was a really well written article…
He looks so young too rocky, and Rice looks like a spring chicken đ
Rice didn’t have those awful glasses on that he wears either! All my mates think Rice looks really….. how can I put this…. unsafe around kids. I think that’s very unfair of them!
đ Adam….
I take it you mean the beef and rice lee đ
It’s the crossing of the legs that makes me cringe đ
Adam… GG is Grey Goose Vodka… mothers milk…! SP is now a convert…!
His little sparrow legs! Seeing AW in shorts makes me want to cry as well!! No man should have legs like that!!
i really fancy getting involved with copius amounts of strong European lager tonight…..but unfortunately the F.P.O has different ideas! Oh to be back in the late eighties……..
I’ve seen more meat on a chicken nugget than on AW’s legs….
*copious*
more meat on a butcher’s pencil..
That’s an insult to a decent chicken nugget Rocky đ
Does GG taste different to other vodkas? I am not really a spirit drinker but, while away on a business trip recently I was given a Vodka and Tonic which I rather liked. But, being an extremely masculine, muscular hunk of a man myself, just like Adrian Durham, I didn’t know if the drink had any camp connotations, so I pretended it was pure lighter fuel.
Umbrella, glace cherry and a sparkler would of been a slurper’s faux pas…..
Funnily enough Lee I just read that is Durham’s fave tipple.
Depends what glass it came in Adam! If it was in a little round wine goblet like G&T’s in the 80’s came in, then yes…. Gay as a lord. Otherwise you’re golden!
Rocky. It came with a twist of lemon and some ice in a rather nice tumbler with pictures of Collymore licking car windscreens around the edge.
I’d like to mix durham a cocktail……
Lee. I have the ingredients. We could do it together.
I hope you used a straw then mate…. Wouldn’t wanna put your mouth anywhere Collymore!
Wenger satisfied with third place
Arsene Wenger believes that although his side would prefer to be challenging for the title, they will be very happy if they can secure third place after this campaign.
The North London outfit endured a torrid start to the season, but have come back strong since the turn of the year to move above their capital rivals Tottenham and Chelsea into third place.
Drawing upon the example of Champions League challengers Chelsea, who lie in a lowly sixth place in the Premier League, Wenger believes his side can be proud if they secure third in the coming weeks.
Wenger said: “We want more, but where we are at the moment we will be happy with third place because there are great teams who would be very happy if they got there. You always want more, but you see that the competition in England is difficult – Chelsea are now in the Champions League [semi-final] against Barcelona, but they are sixth at the moment, that means it is not easy.
“We want to win our next game and that is the only way we can secure our [Champions League] qualification. We have done remarkably well in the last two months and we want to take advantage of that run we have created and show that tomorrow.”
With Arsenal going strong in the league, following a run of nine wins in 11 games, Wenger believes that his side will be able to take confidence and momentum from their end to the season into next year’s Premier League campaign.
“We feel that as a team we have improved during the season and it is important now to finish in a strong way. That gives us confidence to do well at the start of next season. We played the first seven games and lost four. It is difficult after to win the championship,” he said.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Chelsea, Wenger did not want to be drawn on whether his rivals would be prioritising the encounter, but the Arsenal manager was clear that it would be a big mistake to expect Chelsea not to turn-up after their big Champions League victory this week.
“We want to focus on our performance, let’s not expect any lack of focus from Chelsea,” he said. “They are on a high so it is always natural to be up for the next game.
He added: “Chelsea were very good at what they did, they decided to defend and only to defend. When you choose the tactics they have chosen you have a 30% chance to win the game.
“They took their chances so you have to give them credit for the discipline they showed, for the consistency of their focus on what they wanted to do, and the fact that they could use the weakness of Barcelona on the counter-attack and set-pieces. The tie is a 50/50 now. If you don’t concede at home and you win, in Europe that is always a good result because of the weight of the away goal.”
I’m over the moon that Arsene is satisfied with third….that is if we get it!! Fucking joke!!!!
My mate Durham was saying that it’s a disgrace that we are happy to get top 4 each year. To an extent, I agree…. But he then went on to say that Wenger tells his team (Not sure if you knew, but Durham is obviously present at every team/board meeting at Arsenal…….) that we only need to concentrate on 4th. Nothing else. Cock. To be fair to Arsene, after the shocking season we’ve had, I think it’s a pretty good achievement to finish in the top 3. I wish we were challenging for the title, but that’s not a possibility. 3rd will do me. Next season though, we better aim higher, or sparrow legs is going to get hurt!
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7687738/
oh dear!
Is there such a thing Wath đ
did you know that 1 out of 10 people don’t agree with gang rape…?
i’m off gang, 4.44 to colchester……
That’s not good rocky, but if he’s guilty, he’s in the right place….
Good job you are offski Lee đ
Safe journey home….
Have a good one mate. I’ll still be here in a couple of hours!! Don’t care… It’s Friday, and I’m buying a load more Panini stickers on the way home! Live that dream!!
What else can Wenger say though right now?
4 games left, out of all competitions, can’t catch top spot….
What he should have added is that he will make summer signings to ensure next season will be very different….
Cheers Lee safe trip home….. No beers…!
Afternoon Gooners.
Rico. In-box post haste… đ
Afternoon AK. You in the big smoke?
I note that Usmanov is the richest man in Russia, or is that the richest Russian, with a worth of around ÂŁ19 billion. Does anyone think he will make a move for the club this summer?
Hi Rocky, no mate, had to come home for a couple of days.
Back up saturday night.
Then another couple of weeks, as a proper Charlie, if WordPress will allow… đ
hi all
another African frog. Oh that’s just peachy
Adam, I’s rather see Usmanov in a Russian prison if he’s a crook
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With Arteta out, AW says Diaby will be back in Arsenal squad v #CFC. Koscielny returns from suspension. Benayoun ineligible.
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Arsenal’s pre-season plans continue to take shape: A mixed first-team and Reserves XI will play at Boreham Wood on July 21st.
Afternoon AK, trying to load your email but it’s not happy đ
Kev, chance for Chamakh to get a start if he’s still about, hope not.
BoringWood, they don’t come much bigger than that, bit of an Arsenal strong hold if truth be known.
Adam – I think he will make a move, whether it will be this summer or next, i don’t know – but i’m sure he’s going to try …..
Hi alan, he’s french, no acon’s for him….
Micko, he better not be here then…..
alan this is not the BNP forum you know! there is no need for that.
Off for an hour, laters…..
Borehamwood is only 25 mins from me, so may actually pop along to that one! never been to a pre-season game!
Sorry Rokabox, i missed that …
alan…. let’s keep it PC please….
I was thinking that Rokabox! I was going to say I’m sure it wasn’t as black and white as that, but thought better of it…..!
A few dodgey estates down that way rocky, take a weapon with ya.
I know Micko. Know that a little bit. My mate used to work on the high street down the road from the studios so went down there a few times. Not the nicest of places.
I used to have a few beers in the Rhythm Rooms on the High street a good few years back, its changed names now, came out one night and was confronted by a fella swinging around an imaginary knife, crazy days.
Haha!! They are so scummy thay can’t even afford an actual knife! You should have started swinging round an imaginary chainsaw just to see what would happen!
Rico, stop that “diaby” crap. Grrrr he’s one of my favorite arsenal players. Evening rocky,how are ya buddy?
Alright mate! How have you been? Been a while!
(but Diaby IS crap…..)!
Wow kinda quiet around here.
No he’s not rocky! He’s class! Wait for it.
In-box Rico….
I know everybody is entitled to his/her openion, I am sure it would be just as black and white fierce if the conviction was the otherway round.
i just hate the generalization and stereotype of things , staying in footballs matters and foreign players is the example, some die hard Englsh fans blame all troubles of the national team on the influx of them foreigners, yet delibrately denying the other side of the coin
ie massive global interest that brings financial as well as technical gains that actually improve the team and the league.
.
what I am trying to say alan, that one of the African frogs has a statue outside the Emirate, and the other was the captin of the invensibles. the otherside of the coin is the Nasri’s and the Diaby’s.
in fact the whole success of your idol red nose manure team started with the great frog Kantonaaaa and that is a confession from the sir himself when asked about the best player hes coached.
I know you love English players in theEPL, and you live outside England, there are other millions followers all around the globe.
it’s Arsenal they love, not England/fFrance/Spain or Africa
your second comment came too soon after your first one, thats my problem.
peace man!
Diaby, will save our season Rocky… đ
Ah, Stan the Man….
Hope you are behaving yourself…
Rokabox, if i may add to your point.
I believe that the success of the EPL and it’s popularity around the world is partly due to the fact that it is seen as a truely International League…
There is a chance for a non-English fan of English football to see one of his or her countryman participating in a competition that is probably more popular than any other outside of the Champions League and World Cup.
For that, i believe we in these Islands, should be proud…
There is plenty of talent in this country, of that i am sure.
What we badly lack, as Devil has stated many times, is quality coaches and a lot more of them…
Haha!! You keep believing that Stan! He’ll never finish 90 minutes of football while at Arsenal!
Good point Rokabox and AK.
OK, as it seems that everyone has gone to the pub, i am sodding off as i have a chicken Jalfrizi with my name on it.
COYG….
You’re right Rokabox… People are entitled to their opinion. And as you said earlier, that place isn’t this forum. To be fair, I’m not 100% sure what he was getting at with the second comment….. but what was written didn’t look good!!
Sorry, I meant AK…. Diaby will never save us!!
Enjoy the ruby AK. Just finishing up at work then I’m doing one for the evening. Catch you all on Sunday!
Evening guys and gals looks like i may have left it to late but reading some of your last comments about how The English Premier league is now a truly international league leaves me in a bit of despare English football is a joke and thats because of foreign talent that has taken over, the whole country has been taken over by foreigners English people can’t find jobs because of it and English footballers are the same I am not against foreign players but it should be made to favour English players because it is in england, after all why call it the English Premier league why not just call it the intrnational team and have it run by a foreign body after all they couldn’t do worse than the FA could they
Thats why the comment was deleted guys….. i’m sure alan will understand, moreso, i hope alan understands…
enjoy the curry AK….
Nice early one rocky, about time too, have a good one….
Steve –
money has changed football, the rules have changed football and for many years overseas players have been given the right to play football in england….
We have had more than our fair share and for the majority, i am glad….
Also, imho, i’m glad that the PL isn’t restricted to english players as far far too many players are coached by managers like Big Sam, if we weren’t graced with the likes of who we are, we’d be watching very boring football each week….
And as i always say, i’d hate to know that i could have been deprived of watching Dennis Bergkamp at Highbury …..
Not sure about teh English jobs bit Steve….. There are plenty of what some people think are menial, below them jobs out there which English people turn their noses up at that migrants snap up. Are you not sad when you see in the papers about people happy to live of the benefits system rather than get a job? It angers me. Laziness is far too rife amongst large, scummy, sections of this country. I agree, there are other jobs higher up the ladder that may be taken by foreigners, but as with football, if you’re good enough, I honestly believe you’ll rise up. Some people in this country could do a lot worse than to look at the work ethic of the foreigners that now live here.
But anyway, on that bombshell, I’m going to have to love you and leave you. Catch you soon.
Hi Rico. Just sent you a mail.
Good point there rocky, no offence Steve, but rocky is right – where i live, the english think its far above them to turn up at tesco at 3am to drive the floor cleaning machine around…
Nighty rocky, i won’t be far behind you, and i don’t mean in the next train đ
Thanks Adam đ
I’m done too, Friday night and Fido needs my attention and affections đ
Until tomorrow guys and gals…
Nighty night all……
Rocky dont get me wrong mate i’m not against great talent where ever they come from, but England is England and it was built into an empire by the english and i truly believe it should benefit the English more. I have traveled all over the world but thats for a holiday i have never taken a job in those countries as i don’t believe that would be fair i have always done as the Romans do and stood by their rules and laws and i expect to be treated like a foriener and have to wait for them to searve their own people first, i am not religeous but i always respect their customs and i would never try to build a church of England church in their countries why should they want to do that here.
night rico rocky Adam and whoever else may be out there OH and be carefull out there, đ
I know what you mean Steve, but as you said, you went on holiday. Most the migrants came here for a better life, not just to see Big Ben! And if it means they have to clean out toilets at 2am in order to do that, and they are prepared to do just tgat, than you can’t help admire them. Having said that, I am in total agreement about respecting the country and it’s customs. That’s imperative, but unfortunately some people don’t do that. You mention the Empire though…. We didn’t exactly endear ourselves to the world there!! Went to foreign countries, invaded and told them they were now ours!! Not much respecting their country, cultures or traditions going on there!! And in doing all of that, over the decades, people who came here from the “colonies” were a much more accepting and tolerant of things, meaning more cultural diversity could flourish, making people free to do as they please… i.e bringing their religions with them and being free to practice it. I’m glad we are far more tolerant than Iraq for example!
But that’s far too deep for a Friday night…. And I do get the gist of the point you were making.
Like the fact you do as Romans do….do you also feel Christians to lions?! Sorry, couldn’t resist!!
Night mate, have a good weekend.
And by feel, I obviously meant FEED!!
Only just read Micko’s 11:45!!! inspired comment!! Still chuckling away to myself!!
Is anybody here?
Morning all.
Off to brekkie,two and a half hour drive,and its game time.
Too many countries,educated,politically correct countries,care to much about the minority,altering rules and laws to suit the thousands,whilst ignoring the millions.
In Oz,if you land here,five minutes later,you have exactly the same rights as those born here,who’ve worked all their lives,paying taxes,raising families…….
If you don’t like our rules,stay on the plane and piss off home.
I’m not racise,and I’ve been accused of it before.
I’m patriotic.
People emigrate here because of our life style,yet refuse to integrate,bringing thie baggage with them.
Anzac day is all about rememberig those giving their lives to allow us to have such a lifestyle,yet talk is of toning down celebrations so as not to offend the minorities……fuck them….don’t like it,go away.
Hi Oz. Are you in Australia?
Just don’t ask Scott if he’s a Kiwi….
I seem to have a post missing
Hi Alan MP
On a sad note, Man U scored in their last home game meaning that they now hold the record for the most consecutive home games scoring, with 47. The previous holders were⌠Arsenal.
From Untold Arsenal…
1. Arsenal v Chelsea (Saturday- 12:45)
Chelsea will be on a high after beating Barcelona without conceding and having booked a Cup final on Sunday (here, the efforts put in by Atkinson deserves a special praise). But Chelsea must be tired after the game against Barca. And this is what is going to be our key for beating them and Dean. Itâs vital not to concede early as then Chelsea will just simply park the bus. If we score early then we will force Chelsea to attack and we might be able to create more chances.
Arsenal has won the last 2 meetings between the two and each has won 2 of the last 5 meetings at the Emirates. Chelsea has been in good form since RDM took charge, mostly due to the efforts they put in the defence. With Totts in bad form and Newcastle having difficult games, Chelsea may have a very good case for the 4th spot.
If Chelsea decides to attack us, I am sure that we will be able to beat them but if they decide to allow Arsenal to come and attack them, itâs going to be a difficult game for us. As I pointed out before, the tiredness of Chelsea might have a huge role to play and so I think that we will be able to nick this one.
We have scored in our last 16 consecutive home fixtures, and were the first team to score five against Chelsea at their ground in 18 years.
From Untold Arsenal
Arsène Wenger keen to tie Robin van Persie to Arsenal before Euro 2012
⢠Arsenal manager wants to avoid repeat of last summer’s chaos
⢠Van Persie’s contract expires in summer of 2013
Share
David Hytner
guardian.co.uk, Friday 20 April 2012 23.03 BST
Article history
Robin van Persie is due to report for Holland’s pre-tournament preparations four days after the Premier League season ends. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Arsène Wenger wants to resolve Robin van Persie’s Arsenal future before the Euro 2012 finals. Van Persie, whose contract expires in the summer of 2013, is scheduled to report for Holland’s pre-tournament preparations on 17 May, four days after the Premier League season finishes.
The issue of his longer-term future has been moot since he announced last September that he did not wish to discuss fresh terms until the end of the season. Van Persie’s focus on his game is so intense that it was supposed he would prefer to concentrate on the European Championship finals, which begin on 8 June, before he considered the new deal on offer at the Emirates Stadium.
But Wenger, perhaps mindful of the unsettling nature of last summer when he lost Cesc FĂĄbregas and Samir Nasri in August and was pressed into a frantic transfer market swoop, wants clarity at the outset this time. “That will be sorted at the end of the season,” he said, on the subject of Van Persie’s future. “Yes, it will be before the Euros.”
Van Persie would be tempted to push for a move to Barcelona, if the Spanish club were to make an offer, while Real Madrid might also appeal. It is unclear whether he would be receptive to a transfer to Manchester City, who number among his other admirers. Arsenal reserve the right to hold him to the final 12 months of his contract and they have made it clear that it is a course they are considering. Van Persie has been able to blot out the side-show to produce the finest season of his career, scoring 27 Premier League goals, 34 in all competitions for the club and four more for Holland. He is the favourite to be named as the PFA Player of the Year on Sunday after he plays his 50th game of the season, including internationals, against Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday.”It’s beyond expectation [to play 50 matches] and for a striker, it’s massive,” Wenger said. “It will be very important for him to get a breather before the European Championships. When you play 50 games at that level, you suffer a little bit. But he is not in the red zone, he is physically good. He has a very healthy life ⌠very focused on football, he takes care of everything. He is like Thierry Henry in that respect.”
Wenger watched Chelsea beat Barcelona 1-0 in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg with a mixture of admiration and irritation. When questioned about Didier Drogba’s antics, he replied, with a mischievous smile, that Chelsea’s striker had been “good in everything he did, he did even more than expected”.
The differing styles and ideologies of Arsenal and Chelsea have been highlighted in their Champions League ties against Barcelona. Arsenal took them on at their own expansive game last season, as they went out 4-3 on aggregate in the last 16, while Chelsea sought to park the proverbial bus. Wenger suggested that Chelsea had ridden their luck, as his team had done in winning the 2005 FA Cup final against Manchester United, but he predicted a more open game on Saturday. “Even for Chelsea, that’s a one-day situation,” Wenger said of their defensive approach against Barcelona.
The imperative for Arsenal is to recover from Monday’s shock home defeat to Wigan Athletic. If they were to suffer another slip-up, they would surrender control of their destiny, in terms of Champions League qualification. “We will not be allowed two [mistakes] and we know that,” Wenger said.
Hi Allezkev, Man U springs up everywhere. We can learn from them. It’s a good effort
Joaquim,I’m a proud Aussie.
Best mates are Italian and Croatian.
My comments and ideas have nothing to race or colour.
I’m just sick of minorities having their way in spite of the majority,and the effects it has on them.
Why must rules be changed to suit 2 or 3 percent of the population…….that’s all I’m asking.
Honestly,if you are white male in this country,you are the most discriminated against person.
There are women only fitness places….heaven forbid if someone opened a men only place.
If you employ somebody whose English is poor,allowances must be made.
You CAN,however,advertise for someone nominating that they MUST speak Vietnamese due to the high quantity of Vietnamese speaking people Living in that area.
It’s illegal to advertise for a white person,yet you can adverise for someone of aboriginal descent?????
Yep,its tough being green,brindle,blue,black,Asian,African…….
I do not blame the people In question at all,but the governments seem to be too worried about being seen as politically correct.
I want a fair go,that’s all.
It just doesn’t happen.
I agree with Scott for reasons he has stated and more. Am I racist? Not yet!
A very early good morning from this Friday night crawling drunk!!!!
My previous prediction:
Arsenal 0 Abu Dhabi City 6
Arsenal 1 Wigan 2
Arsenal 0 Chelski 2
De Matteo had won here with WBA and so tactically, he got a better bunch in CHelski than WBA to carry out his instructions. De Matteo is no slough, a superb man-manager and motivator plus he has a tactical football brain as well.
He knew the vulnerabilities of his team, his mentally and physically fatigued pallayers, especially those 30+ senior players. Resting Grogba is correct with half an eye to next Tuesday game.
Therefore, tactically, he will park the Santini Bus, his players conserving energies and will not fall into the trap of chasing the balls, but pack their last third, with Torres upfront alone, compact the middle and like Arsenal Crab Football trying to thread a camel through a needle.
And hit Arsenal at their weakest point – pacy counter-attacking football down the flanks with Arsenal FB caught out of position and struggling to track back.
That will be what De MAtteo going to do:
PAtient catenaccio and hit Arsenal on quick counter-atack with a fired-up Torres bullying out Back-4 pulled out of shape when attacking high-up on the pitch.
Worse, Van Persie is hitting a blip, playing his 50th games this year (including internaitonals) and like Cesc before him, playing too many games will take a toil and he is certianly fatigued and lost half-a-yard in reaction time and sharpness,,hence his goal-scoring blip in April.
WIth an inconsistent Walcott, off-form gervinho, an indisicplined Song and no Arteta, a mediocre Ramsey still learnign his trade and really has yet to develop an understanding with hsi team-mates and final balls invariably goen astray, lose hsi confidence in front of goal….and no one else in the locker…..Wenger is certainly in trouble with this team:
…………………..Szczesny
…Sagna…….Koscielny….Vermaelen…..Gibbs
…………….Song………….Ramsey
…………………..Rosicky
…Walcott…………Van Persie…….Gervinho
OX is still learning his trade and hsi best role is as a supersub, coming in at 70th minute to attack a fast-tiring CHelski defence.
Pray that I am wrong as I am wrong in predicting an Abu DHabi City win at Emirates.
But I hold much hope as CHelski is a battle-hardened team, all rejuvenated by their victory over barca’ especially with Lady Luck now sitting in their corner.
goodnight or morning, off to bed for moi now……
Robin van Persie should stay at Arsenal, says Tony Woodcock
By Marc Higginson
BBC Sport Robin van Persie should reject a lucrative summer transfer to stay at Arsenal and win trophies, says former Gunners striker Tony Woodcock.
Van Persie, 28, is yet to agree a contract extension beyond June 2013, with Manchester City known admirers.
“With somebody like Robin, it cannot be a financial thing at this stage in his career,” Woodcock told BBC Sport.
“Players want to win things and he is not far from winning things [at Arsenal]. He has to balance that up.”
Arsenal’s last success came when they won the FA Cup in 2005, Van Persie’s only trophy in eight years at the club.
Tony Woodcock Factfile
â˘Born 6 December, 1955
â˘Played for Lincoln (loan), Doncaster (loan), Nottingham Forest, Cologne, Arsenal
â˘Won First Division title, League Cup and European Cup with Nottingham Forest
â˘Won 42 caps for England, scoring 16 times
However, Woodcock, who made more than 150 appearances for the club in a four-year spell in the 1980s, is confident the good times are just around the corner for the Gunners.
And he hopes Van Persie, who has scored 34 goals this season, can help end the trophy drought.
“A few years ago, Robin had quite a few injuries and the club stuck by the player,” said Woodcock, who scored 68 goals in his Arsenal career.
“Now he has had an excellent season, there is all this speculation about whether he is staying or going.
“I imagine he is financially secure and he will be earning quite a lot of money if he stays with Arsenal. So, for the sake of earning a little bit more money somewhere else, that cannot be the motivation. The grass is not always greener somewhere else.
“Anybody who signs for Arsenal during this period is in a fantastic place. If Lukas Podolski comes, I have said to the German press that, for a 26-year-old coming to play for Arsenal and live in London, and all the things that go with it, it is a fantastic opportunity.
“I would think Robin will add all of those things together too.”
Arsenal are likely to qualify for the Champions League this season, despite a poor start to the season which included them losing 8-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
They have rediscovered their form well and have lost just two of their last 12 Premier League matches.
“I don’t like it when people add up how many years it is since Arsenal won a trophy, because they are close and not too far off it,” said Woodcock.
“This season, after a terrible start, they are in third place. If you had said in the early months, Arsenal would qualify for the Champions League, people might not have believed it.
“If they do get into the Champions League, that would be a success, but Arsenal fans do want to win something at some point.”
Didier Drogba will miss Chelsea’s Premier League game at Arsenal.
The striker picked up a knee injury in Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Barcelona and will be reassessed ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.
David Luiz is out with a hamstring injury, while Branislav Ivanovic serves the second instalment of his domestic three-game ban.
James Olley
20 April 2012
Robin Van Persie is about to be honoured for the finest season of his career and Arsenal need him to mark the occasion with another match-winning display against Chelsea tomorrow.
The Dutchman is a short-odds favourite to be named PFA Player of the Year on Sunday evening and also expected to be the Football Writersâ Footballer of the Year next month.
Despite the Gunners imploding following their 2011 Carling Cup Final defeat, Van Persie finished last term on an upward curve by scoring 18 goals in 19 appearances from January 1 until the end of the season.
The maelstrom at Arsenal carried over into this campaign and yet Van Persieâs consistency remained unwavering. The consequence of his first injury-free season has been 27 goals from 34 Premier League appearances from a newly-appointed captain leading by staggering example.
By his lofty standards, the last six games have been something of a slump. Van Persie has struck only once in that time â a penalty at Wolves oozing class and confidence â but where his team-mates have picked up the slack for the most part, Mondayâs chastening defeat by Wigan was a reminder of his importance.
Although the Latics took an early two-goal lead, Arsenal had seen it all before. Tottenham did the same in February and we all know how that ended up â Van Persie helped trigger the comeback with a stunning left-foot finish out of nothing.
But there was no repeat this time and the defeat will have reinvigorated Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle to believe that fourth place and entry into the Champions League play-off next term does not have to be the limit of their aspirations.
The Bluesâ remarkable 1-0 victory over Barcelona has sent confidence soaring at the Bridge but the effort exerted must have taken its toll. Roberto di Matteo has already hinted Chelsea will make changes but whatever ensemble arrives in north London, they are more formidable than they were in the wake of Andre Villas-Boasâs sacking.
Arsenal need Van Persie to fire. Chelsea need no reminder of his talents after a devastating hat-trick at Stamford Bridge in October secured a remarkable 5-3 win. Despite setbacks against Wigan and Queens Park Rangers, the Gunners have won nine of their last 11 League games and Van Persie remains unconcerned about individual or team form. âAs long as Iâm taking my opportunities with confidence and 100 per cent sharpness, I accept that it wonât always come off because that is part of football,â he said.
âEveryone has his qualities and they are all coming together to create a big threat. Itâs a good sign that a lot of these weapons are coming alive now and you are seeing a number of players prove decisive for us.
âA great team effort between ourselves and the supporters has got us in this position over the past couple of months. I looked up at the crowd after Mikel [Arteta] scored against Manchester City and saw them doing the âPoznanâ dance â it made me laugh.
âIt was good humour and summed up exactly how Emirates has been over the last couple of months. The atmosphere has been so lively, everyone singing and backing us, and I can honestly say it has been the best Iâve experienced in eight years at Arsenal.
âThe players speak about it and everyone appreciates the fans are making our games extra special every time we step onto the pitch. It is making a big difference.â
Van Persie is not the only Arsenal player shortlisted for recognition. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is among the candidates for PFA Young Player of the Year after an encouraging first season following his ÂŁ15million transfer from Southampton.
Manager Arsene Wenger has been sufficiently impressed by the 18-year-old to hand him 14 starts and 10 substitute appearances and he represents an intriguing option in central midfield after Arteta was ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage.
Although Aaron Ramsey is the most likely candidate to replace Arteta, the Welshman has looked jaded in recent outings while Oxlade-Chamberlain is well rested and impressed in that role against AC Milan in March.
âIâve been really happy with how it has gone,â he said. âWe had a bit of a rocky start so to pick it back up and come on strongly at the end as we have is really pleasing. For myself, Iâm really happy with how it has gone.
âI didnât think I would be as big a part of it this season as I have been â perhaps I expected more appearances in the reserves and things like that but as a first season playing for a club like Arsenal, I couldnât ask for more.â
Arsenal slap ÂŁ1m price-tag on goalkeeper Mannone 20/04/12 19:49
Arsenal want ÂŁ1million for goalkeeper Vito Mannone who is on loan at Hull.
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