Fixtures favour us & Are the Press starting to like Arsenal…..

Morning all,

Quick post from me today as I’m up and out of here for seven days…

Yee Ha you all shout!!

I told you was young.....
I told you I’m young…..

There is a lot more to that photo than you think.

Red or blue, what colour will Wayne Rooney be wearing this coming season……?

Well, we will see – but for now, the rumours about him and Higuain signing are just that. Fingers crossed on both though and throw in Fellaini and a few others that are mentioned and you get we’ll be here all day as usual discussing rumours on players joining us….!

We hear most days that players are linked to signing for us but one who looks to be on the way out is Vito Mannone, reports suggest that Sunderland want him to replace Simon Mignolet who is Liverpool bound. We should be doing a bit of negotiating there, most fans I know would love to see their keeper in goal for us….

There’s another article I read yesterday and yes, it was in the Daily Mail.

Don’t switch off!

For once, they have something sensible to write, some might say that they are starting to ‘like’ us……

The strength in depth of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal squad will be given a stern examination next season after the fixture list threw up five away matches in the Premier League immediately after their midweek Champions League engagements.

We have to play West Bromwich, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Cardiff City and Manchester City on the weekends after a group stage fixture.

That’s a tough ask….

What about the other PL sides?

Well, Manchester United face a tough time too, they have four away trips after their Champions League fixtures, with trips to Manchester City, Sunderland, Tottenham and Aston Villa.

However, Chelsea face just one away trip after their Champions League games and Manchester City have only two.

It’s the second season in a row that Man City and Chelsea have been given a more gentle deal in the fixture calendar and it’s not the first time that we, or Man Utd have been dealt a rough deal.

Last season, United had five away matches after their Champions League matches – Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City away were just a few. But they were, as always, gifted an easy CL group.

Ok, we didn’t have the worst group either and we actually didn’t lose a game after competing in Europe. We dropped points though by drawing three of the six matches we played in. (six points!)

Chelsea though, had just ONE away fixture after their group stages and that was away to Sunderland, but funny enough, they managed only two wins from thir five home matches.

Man City were the spoilt club, they had all home fixtures after their CL games, they won three but lost to their neighbours during one of them. Mind you, just like Chelsea, they were out of the competition after the group stage…

So maybe the moral of he story is that it’s better to be hard done by, at least it seems to see us through to the next round of the Champions League…..

Not such a quick post after all, but that’s it, I’m done, dusted and out of here

Have a great week guys and gals, I’ll miss you all….. 😉

P.S. – Grovel time. If any of you lovely people feel like writing a post over the next few days, please let Wath know on the posts… Thanks..

0 thoughts on “Fixtures favour us & Are the Press starting to like Arsenal…..

  1. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning All,

    Has Rooney signed yet…? AK where is he are you driving around with him in the back in disguise..?

  2. W.A.T.H says:

    Hi JM, hope your well, I think we will only sign players end of next week or early in July, we obviusly looking to let more players leave and also we won’t want to pay wages while players are still on holiday…! I think the transfers will start to happen for many clubs towards end of next week.

    I would love us to get our players done and dusted quicker than that though but can’t see it happening.

  3. Scott from Oz says:

    No sure Wath…may be asleep soon.
    I organised a Highbury Heavy ale to be brewed recently.
    I labelled and bottled them today, but more to the point, sampled several this afternoon, and the 8.2% alcohol level is kicking in.
    It is for member only of Arsenal Australia, a supporters group recognised by Arsenal FC.
    The brew will not make a cent profit Stan, so settle mate 🙂

  4. W.A.T.H says:

    A heavy ale… 8.2% is def on the heavy side, do you drink it or chew it..? Hope you were consulted all through the brewing process…!
    Must admit not very interested in the egg shaped ball in the slightest, you kipping prob a good call.

  5. Gabriel says:

    If wenger signs fellani,huguian, ronney, we have no problem we better sign now or forget anything like trophy next season

  6. W.A.T.H says:

    Plenty time yet Gabriel we just need the deals to be done and agreed to in private as soon as possible…!

  7. Gonerjoe says:

    Thanks W.A.T.H going to watch the Lions hopefully win then going to an air show. Now if we sign one of the great players we have been linked with today. I am not greedy 1-2 players will do.

  8. W.A.T.H says:

    I’d be greedy it’s your birthday Joe, want 3 top players, if you don’t wish you never get mate..!

  9. W.A.T.H says:

    So is it more like a Beer than a lager Scott..? Can’t drink that heavy stuff…! I’d settle for three Joe lol enjoy your day mate..!

  10. Scott from Oz says:

    It is a true ale, Wath.
    Very, very malty.
    I love different beers at different times of year.
    It is winter here, so a big, tasty ale is just the ticket.

  11. W.A.T.H says:

    Ah ok Scott, not my cup of tea mate 2b honest, have in all truth gone right off of lager as well, only one I touch these days is kronenbourg apart from that it’s the wines n spirits for me..!

  12. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    Have a good holiday Rico, don’t forget your bucket and spade.

  13. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – At 8.2% it must be almost as dark as stout? I like a bit of the heavy stuff during the winter, but I’ll stick to the IPA now that Summer has officially begun.

  14. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, she is pretty dark mate hahaha.
    Not quite a black ale, but a very deep brown.
    I love an IPA….actually, i love most styles of beer, but there are plenty of good and bad examples around of each.

  15. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – I’d forgotten about the recent heavy rains and flooding in Europe. We’re just had some heavy rains and flooding here, but fortunately it has missed my part of the country.

  16. W.A.T.H says:

    Grandad shut it….. I’ll feed you your redbull later…!
    I have gone off lager mate, last 4/5 years actually, the odd kronenbourg then it’s only the GG for me..!
    Glad you missed the rains CG, they saying England has another 10 years of wet summers to look forward to, whats news been crap for 100 years let alone ten more to make a difference

  17. Canadian Gooner says:

    Kev – What’s this I hear about you spiriting Vain Wooney away in the back of your taxi? Is he headed to the Emirates?

  18. allezkev says:

    Just dropped Rooney off at Stamford Bridge…

    I think all those Fulham Broadway grannies swung it…

  19. W.A.T.H says:

    Grandad, just had a call from U kno who… He says can you go pick Higuain up…. it’s not that far………..!

  20. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Gentleman and Gentlemen.

    Enjoy your holiday Rico. Dont forget the bucket and spade and trainers.

    GonnerJoe happy birthday.

    WATH………whats news been crap for 100 years let alone ten more to make a difference………..so its what I have suspected all along. You are definitely older than Kev if you remember the last 100 years. 😉

    My birthday has not been that great lately. It is in the middle of May….time when cups are distributed and lifted. So not much to shout about these last 8 years.

    But I am hopeful next year.

  21. Canadian Gooner says:

    We’re nine days away from the official opening of the summer transfer window. I expect we will begin to see more deals being completed and deals already in the bag being officially announced.

    It looks promising that Arsenal will do some, hopefully most, of their player acquisitions early this year. If so, they can have a full pre-season to get to know their teammates and gel before the season kicks off.

    It seems as if there is more to Higuain story than just rumours. Although the Spanish papers aren’t giving it much coverage, there are no strong denials that we would normally get if there weren’t anything to it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll get the good news from our club on July 01.

    As for Fellaini, even the Everton fan sites seem to think we are in for him and that the move is a possibility.

  22. W.A.T.H says:

    Dev, stop being so bloody cheeky…………… I can read you know AND when I read weather records it tells me that the weather has been shit for 100yrs… When I chat to Grandad Kev he tells me exactly what it was like 100yrs ago…! 😉

  23. allezkev says:

    Canuck, I did pick up some fat Scouser with a fag in his gob, who asked where all the Grannie action is in London…

    I took him to Fulham… 😉

    Afternoon Coach, I’m glad you don’t believe all that nonsense Wath comes out with…
    Why doesn’t he just grow old gracefully, like Scott… 😆

  24. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – After a remark like that, you better be wearing your tin hat and flak jacket. The last time Scott and I commented about grandad or his age, he got all huffy about about the bloody colonials ganging up on him.

    By the way Kev, I’m expecting my third grandchild in September.

  25. allezkev says:

    Canuck, once the Chavs offer Shrek £300/£350k per week, he’ll be off down the King’s Road.
    His wife will love London and all the shops…
    Colleen is probably the only women in the world with more shoes than Agag… 😀

    Terminal 4… 😉
    Lata

  26. Canadian Gooner says:

    Kev – That means the mature ladies of Islinton can breathe a sigh of relief as they wont have to suffer the unwanted attentions of Vain’s unnatural appetites.

  27. W.A.T.H says:

    CG I am Grandad Kevs great great Grandson….. you do the maths mate…!

    He’s the oldest cabbie in England let alone London

  28. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – You’re digging yourself a much bigger hole. When you least expect it Grandad’s going to get you for that.

  29. W.A.T.H says:

    That juice of yours will give him a livener Scott… 8.2% is nearly as strong as his redbull…!

    Where does all this utter tosh about Fellaini not accepting our 70k a week offer, are these people really so thick..?
    Firstly Everton have not even accepted any bid so a player cannot be spoken to before a club accepts a bid, are readers really so gullible to read such crap from some blogs..?

  30. Kevin KJ says:

    Afternoon all, happy birthday Joe.

    Kev, apparently the ugly chav scouser heard rumours abot the Chelsea pensioners and that tipped it for him. Also heard he ended up in a cake shop in the Kings Road, after asking someone about tarts. If he had signed, would def have split Asenal fans down the middle.

    Is Fellaini really worth the rumoured £25 million?

  31. Canadian Gooner says:

    If that is the case, then maybe the ladies of Islington will have something &/or someone else to worry about.

  32. W.A.T.H says:

    He’ll be interested Scott believe me lol

    KJ, I think 25million for Fellaini is a steal….! he’s a topt top player still only 25 has all the experience power and class we need and cheaper than many option out there that not even proven in the premier league..! He’s exactly what we been crying out for for years.

  33. Canadian Gooner says:

    KJ – I’m not sure that Fellaini is worth 25 million, but he is a proven commodity in the Premier League. Most, if not all, of the other candidates aren’t and would be a greater gamble and/or would require time to adjust. We know Fellaini could hit hit the ground running from the first kickoff of the season.

  34. Scott from Oz says:

    I reckon Wenger needs to forget about market value and think how much a player like Fellaini is worth to Arsenal.
    The best example of a club doing this is Utd with Van Persie 12 months ago.
    They paid overs, on face value, for a 29 year old crock, but for what he brought to their club, he was a steal.
    We are cashed so there is no excuse to miss any player we target for a million or two.

  35. W.A.T.H says:

    Spot on Scott, no more penny pinching on players that will improve us no end, get the job done get them in..!

  36. Gonerjoe says:

    Thanks Kevin
    Let’s hope I get my presents from Arsenal new players and trophies would be nice.

  37. Kevin KJ says:

    W.A.T.H
    Lots of people questioning the value of the release clause but it is what it is. I agree that he is definitely the type of player we need and have been missing. Interesting point about premier league experience, the only problem you get with an import is the bedding in time to get used to the difference between the leagues.we got lucky with Santi, he hit the ground running.

    I personally would be happy with him and Higuain, plus a keeper. I do not concur that we need Rooney nor do I think it will happen. We do have to address the keeper situation because they win you games. How many points would Schmeical guarantee Man Utd? All seems quiet on that front but once holidays are over and 1st July is on us, things will speed up.

  38. Scott from Oz says:

    I am having a bit each way on Fellaini.
    My thoughts on our defence are when we defend as a team, we defend brilliantly, so the apparent need for Fellaini is not as obvious or stark as 6 months ago….not in my eyes, anyway.
    Having said that, he will strengthen our squad immensely and is a bloody good back up player….Aaron can’t play EVERY game 🙂
    Night guys….catch you tomorrow.

  39. Kevin KJ says:

    By the way, sorry to change the subject, can anyone help me with a tattoo design? Got a voucher for my 50th and always wanted an Arsenal tattoo but I want something different. I want the cannon in some shape or form and the word Arsenal but do not want the crest or the same tattoos everyone has. Never had one before, so I want to get it right. Much appreciated if you can help. For upper arm. Thanks, Kevin

  40. W.A.T.H says:

    I think anyone who questions Fellaini being worth 23mil needs their head tested KJ…. The bedding in time of an import is one thing also the uncertainty of will they action make it as well…? it’s never a 100% given is it..? Fellaini is class no doubt and when you look at what Shitty have spent already on 2 imports who not proven in England makes you laugh that anyone would blink at 23mil for Fellaini. As you well know I’m in the get Rooney camp and I still believe it’s possible even with Higuain.
    I think we will get Cesar as well between the sticks..! For me that would all be money well spent plus getting shot of the deadwood and moving on players who will never cut the mustard in an Arsenal shirt.

  41. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Scott tke it easy fella…. Make you right, we need to add to the spine Fellaini would do that defensively and offensively..!

    KJ, the place I got mine the fella was out Watford way but there are many good places to get a tat, if you go in and chat 2 them they will do you a rough draw to start with before you decide on anything thats always the way to go…!

  42. Canadian Gooner says:

    Fellaini would give us more height in a short team. We know he is capable of getting stuck in and is a robust player. Something we have missed since Vieira and Silva left and to a lesser extent Song. He is good in the tackle and could certainly cut out many of the high balls over the top before they got to our defence. You can argue about value for money, but he is certainly capable of doing the job for our team.

  43. W.A.T.H says:

    CG, the fact he is 25 means if we did a typical Arsenal thing we could even sell Fellaini in 3 years for about what we would pay now…? hopefully that kind of thinking is a thing of the past BUT in case it’s always worth having that in the locker..!

  44. Adam says:

    As someone of Japanese origin I would add that tattoos are the mark of the Yakuza, a notorious gangster organisation in my country.

  45. Kevin KJ says:

    W.A.T.H
    Imports are always a gamble and we have seen many struggle with the pace and intensity. You can’t do what we did last season and spend the first four months trying to gel. Big Problem Man City had is too many quality players/egos and not giving them long enough to bed in, having to rotate.

    The big advantage we have is that for the first time in a long time, we have a fairly settled team and of course decent money to spend. We have been crying out for a goal scorer since TH14 and Higuain is that man. His average is a goal in 1.6 games in his last 5 La Liga seasons and at International level. The goals he scores are just class and hopefully we will no longer see those sitters being missed. Now we need a top class, experienced stopper and I suspect Cesar is the one. Fellaini on top of that would add that strength we need and threat from set pieces like corners. That would do me. Only thing I don’t want to see is Rooney in our shirt. Thats purely because I detest him and his attitude. I was at the OT game when he was an animal and made that awful dive to end the Invincibles run.

  46. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – Good Night.

    Well I’m also of to bed. Have a great day fellow Gooners and Keep the Faith.

    W.A.T.H – Keep an eye on Grandad. Make sure he doesn’t get his hands, or any other part of his anatomy, on that Aussie Gooner Wonder Ale.

  47. Kevin KJ says:

    Adam,
    Thanks for that…. 🙂
    Ps: I think my elderly parents have a similar opinion. Mind you, my mum thought having a vasectomy meant I would no longer be a man!

  48. W.A.T.H says:

    Adam, how many digits you got missing…? 😀
    I was at OT as well for that game KJ, people will always remember that but i’d almost forgive him for banginga hat-trick in against the yids in August and getting the winner at OT…! Tell me that would not put a smile on your face..? Bottom line it would show massive intent and ambition and certainly buck the trend and comments of selling club..!

  49. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers CG have a good one mate chat 2moro…! Will try my best to keep Grandad off the supergrogg…!

  50. Kevin KJ says:

    W.ATH
    Can’ t deny I wouldn’t be smiling at that mate. I just hate him with a passion, just like Stewart Tobson and Adrain Durham…!

    I have some drawings, I think I will take your advice. I will ignore Adam….

  51. W.A.T.H says:

    KJ, Any decent Tattooist will show you drawings and their work and will always do a sketch for you and then the drawing goes onto as well before they even start inking and can still then be changed if you so wish but the drawing is what you basically like and agree too..! take in a rough pic or idea and they will work from there.

    Hear ya on Roo and can’t stand him either I can just see the benefits of him in our team a s a player not looking at him a sa person that’s for sure.

  52. Kevin KJ says:

    Cheers W.A.T.H
    I look forward, to getting it done, hopefully I can get down there this week. If I notice any dodgy looking Japanese guys in there wearing spandex, I will let you know!

    See you later.

  53. W.A.T.H says:

    I can understand that comment seeing as he has left us and your depression has been well documented…!

  54. W.A.T.H says:

    Always mate, am here for you to cry on my shoulder…. It’s what pals are for…! I can feel your loss…!

  55. Wavy says:

    WATH, David Ornstein reporting on ‘Sorts Day, BBC, says:
    AW is not after a keeper and has no interest in Cesar, will only look to buy a defender if he loses one, might be looking for a midfielder and Fellaini is a possibility, and was silent on the purchase of a striker. So I conclude that the deal for Higuain may be on, or did we put in an offer for Vydra? (My idea/gossip)
    Now I don’t believe that D.O.is the font of all things Arsenal but he does seem to get these things right more than he gets them wrong.
    So we will see how the new faces turn out I guess.
    I will believe who we have signed when they have put pen to paper
    Oh, and they admire Vain but at the moment that is all. They find him a very handsome and winsome boy with a lovely shoe loving wife! He is a lovely boy who would make our team better.
    We’ll see!

  56. W.A.T.H says:

    Hi Wavy, David O is one of the better ones but obviously no more well informed than anyone else I just think he doesn’t spread rumours. He did say last week we wanted an attacking mid and a defensive mid and a striker so he also changes his tune one week to the next. I believe none of them if I am honest, media know very little it’s all guess work and when the bloke is on the pitch in a Arsenal shirt then we know they have signed… Whoever that may be of course..!

    Anyone going Barnet to watch the Arsenal legends side tomorrow.? Gus Ceasar is playing lol…!

  57. allezkev says:

    Aye aye, Adam has been overdosing on Sushi again…

    How he gets it into his pipe is quite a feat… 😉

  58. allezkev says:

    Apparently, some trouble has kicked off in a wine bar, somewhere in Devon… 😉

    Where did Rico say she was going Wath??? 😀

    Busy lata

  59. W.A.T.H says:

    I have heard of reports of Cava being spilt and it’s all gone off mate…….. We can only assume…..! Bloody riff raff causing grief on hols.

  60. Bradster says:

    Hi all,

    I still think we can get Torres for a bargain if the reports are correct that they’re in for Rooney. Perhaps even Mata if Maurinho isn’t interested in him.
    Ramires would be an amazing box to box for us if available.
    I think Fellani’s passing is not good enough for playing Arteta’s role and not mobile enough for a box to box mid. I reckon McCarthy would be better priced DM. Unless Fellani’s goals from corners is worth it.

  61. BigSanty says:

    I think Gonzalo Higuain has signed for us on a 4yr contract. Just read it tweeted on Real Madrid twitter page now. Don’t know how genuine the story is, Anybody heard of it too as am not sure on the accuracy of this news till I see it in Arsenal website.

  62. Micko says:

    Santy, until some-one confirms they’ve seen him house hunting in Hampstead I refuse to believe the rumour, that will be the clincher for me.

  63. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, nice one Rico, enjoy your break.
    Another dopey Arsenal player. Mertsacker’s tied the knott.

  64. stevepalmer1 says:

    Like the sound of Scot from Oz Brew, sound like its right up my street.. Gallon of that and a couple of bottles of my famous home made wines could make me believe we have signed Rongkey and the Hig Mop head as well, but then i’de come too knowing a sixteen year old freebie is all we have.

  65. Micko says:

    Scott, 1.00, so true, post of the day, just fcuking do it Arsenal.
    As for real ale, anything under 8.5 % is just for wimps !
    Wath, have a word with your your Grandad, seems he’ll let anyone get in the back of his cab these days, standards have dropped, it’s not like the ole days !

  66. Scott From Oz says:

    Steve/Micko, i had arranged to send a few bottles over to Rico for distribution, but the brewer has told me that they may explode under pressure and must be kept chilled so it just is not feasible.
    What i am doing is sending some labels over instead….not quite he same thing, but there will only ever be app. 150 ever produced, so stick them on a bottle and keep it as a momento 🙂

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