Forget the maths – let's just forget this season….

Short and sweet today folks, another one from my own view, feel free to tell me your thoughts…

Arsene, forget the maths, forget this season and stop feeling sorry for yourself about this one.

Four games to go so just make sure we are in the Champions League next season! Smash the Mancs at the weekend, beat Stoke, Fulham and Villa and we should come runners-up in any case.

Let’s not let any Manc fan believe that winning at our ground won them the Premier League!

So our season is over as far as silverware is concerned so now we already need to be looking to next season.

All I ask Arsene Wenger is, take action now – don’t wait until the 1st July, get everything sorted out for when the players come back for training.

You are not stupid Arsene, we all know that, just get on and identify the area we need to strengthen in (if you need any help, just pop on the Arsenal blogs, well, some of them) 😉

Then, choose your man to make the difference.

Next step, get on the phone, find out how much that particular player is up for sale for.

Then, for just once, offer them the price and secure your deal.

After that, please repeat this at least four times and Arsenal Football Club will be back, back to winning ways, back to the top of the league and back to filling the shiny new Trophy cabinet that sits at The Emirates.

Do that and the players in our current squad can rest during the summer. Finally they will realise you mean business, they will have new inner belief knowing that when the substitutes board comes up, Denilson, Almunia, Squillaci and Eboue will be nowhere in sight.

Do that Arsene and you too will be able to rest this summer, you may even enjoy a fine glass of red wine, knowing full well that next season you will be sharing one with old red nose with a smile on your face …..

We ask for a great performance each week from OUR players – this summer, all we ask Arsene is for a great performance from you.

Please don’t leave your signings until the last few days of the transfer window, the players don’t deserve it but more importantly, OUR fans don’t either and we are the ones who pay to watch OUR club…..

Do that Arsene and every Arsenal fan will enjoy our summer and who knows, we may just enjoy next season….. 🙂

That’s it for today, have a good one all…..

244 thoughts on “Forget the maths – let's just forget this season….

  1. rico says:

    Merlin’s overnight comment:)

    Merlin says:

    Steve Palmer says:
    April 26, 2011 at 7:32 pm
    sorry rico the Wenger bit must have been on something else i read, i believe it was for the loaned money from the banks for the stadium. the Banks wanted Wengers confirmation not to overspend for quite a considerable time before they would ok the loan

    ______________________________________________

    Yes Steve.
    If I remembered correctly, the terms of the Bond is that all trasnfer requests must be approved by RBS Consortium and the amount of transfer fund available depending very much on the successes of the previous season.

    PHW then reiterated: “Funds are available whenever Wenger needs to buy a player. We never truend down any request from Wenger to buy a player.”

    And of course, they trottered out their talking muppet like a broken record: “Why should I buy? I have worldclass players in Cesc, Diaby, Denilson, Clichy, Song, Bendtner, Theo, et al? If I buy an experienced player, it will inhibit the development of my youngsters…… If I buy Carrick, it will not be fair to him as he will be sitting on the bench when Vieira decided to stay..”

    Before signing Reyes, he said:
    “no, I will not sign any palyer in January….”
    After Reyes signed that contract extension:
    The hypocritical snanke-oil salesman bragged: “I will make him the greatest centre-forward…”

    You must understand Wengerese as Wenger will never criticise hsi employer and players in public. Whatever he said in public is just smoke and mirror and you should discard half of what he said, and mis-trust the other half.

    I am betting that he had enough and will perform mass culling this summer a she is obsessed to leave Arsenal as a winner…and not sacked like at Monaco.

    He will spend…like he did when he first joined Arsenal in 1996, 97 and 98.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all,

    The papers are saying we will sell Cesc this summer, he’s gone as far as he can with the club and £35Million is the price….

  3. john surrey says:

    Well HH. As I have been such a critic of your articles in the past it is only fair that I compliment you on todays. I agree 100% with your comments. Don’t want to sound patronising but good comment.

  4. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners, hi Rico, interesting piece by Merlin, but i’m not sure why fans seem so suprised when Wenger doesn’t show his hand re: transfers. Surely it would be foolish to do so.
    On the Cesc front, i haven’t read the Press today, in fact i don’t read much at all anymore, so please, what are those tossers saying?

  5. rico says:

    john – its always easy to think HH is a wenger/arsenal bashing site, it’s far from it…

    But – it’s not a love in site for wenger either, he gets critised and applauded when deemed fit, the same goes for everything arsenal…

  6. rico says:

    kev – the reports are from an ‘isnside source’ suggesting cecs has gone as far as he can and we are prepared to sell him now for 35 million…

    inside source, probably the litter man/woman at the emirates… 😉

    if he is to be sold, again, get on with it early, none of us need a long drawn out saga…

  7. didee says:

    Morning All, Arsenal cant continue to choke, i heard a protest is being planned any update on the objective and structure?

  8. allezkev says:

    Yeah, i know him Rico, i get my programme from him at home games. Sits in at Board meetings don’t ya know!
    God if i had a pound for every time i heard that garbage i’d be able to live in Wenger’s road.

  9. Will says:

    I can understand why Wenger doesn’t show his hand. He had/has a great track record spotting talent but now we have teams who have unlimited funds, he can not say I like so and so because Chelsea or Man City would offer more in transfer fees and wages.

  10. allezkev says:

    But if he is to leave, then lets hope that there’s a bidding war, Real/Inter/Barca et al.
    I’d take Benzema+ £15million from Real.

  11. richard says:

    I accept that you bloggers have the right to comment on your teams performances. I also get the opinion that you believe you have a clue about football management.
    The reality is that almost all of you don’t, and while it’s great that you provide your audience with an opportunity to release frustration during losses and display their love for their team when they win, it would be nice if we could keep this stuff in some proper perspective. None of you have the slightest understanding of what it takes to manage in the EPL. I’m a Man United fan and I suppose I’m obligated to despise Arsenal but I don’t because I enjoy football and if you truly enjoy football it is almost impossible not to like Arsenal. Lighten up folks, life with Wenger may be tough for some of you but life without him may be almost impossible for you to handle. He is one of the very best in this game and you are very fortunate to have him. Be careful what you ask for, you may just get it.

  12. allezkev says:

    Richard fair point, i hope your view of Man Utd was equally balanced in 1998, 2002 and 2004 when AFC celebrated on your turf. It’s easy to be cool when your top of the EPL & into the final of the Champs Lge.
    See you later.

  13. rico says:

    Hi Will,

    I don’t think anyone expects Wenger to show his hand, otherwise we all know prices get inflated etc etc…
    Just hope he’s working hard behind the scenes now rather than leave it to the ned of the summer.

    If he can get any new players he wants in early, other players will see his intent and so will the fans….

  14. rico says:

    I hope that too kev, but i suspect wenger will ‘let’ him go to Barca when the time comes, for us though we should be ruthless, get the best price for him…

  15. rico says:

    Thanks for your imput richard, all very easy for you to say as you are not an arsenal fan..

    Most level headed Arsenal fans aren’t asking for the world, just asking for the club to move up a notch and start buying players who will get us back to winning ways.

    Some of us actually believe that a few of our players are not good enough, of course there are also some who think life is all very rosy at Arsenal…

    It isn’t…

  16. MikeB says:

    Hi Rico,
    how’s life with you… enjoying the summer weather and counting the seconds to the Royal Wedding, I’ll be bound?

  17. K-TR7 says:

    Wenger needs to get back his ruthless streak.its all good to qualify for the CL for 14 years in a row but to have never won it in that period or not to be considered as strong favourites is almost criminal.

  18. rico says:

    All good thanks Mike, concerned about Wengers health, he looks quite stressed out although some may choose to laugh at my view..

    I shall no doubt be watching but only because I live very near to the Middleton family and its pretty hectic around these areas..

    The one I am looking forward to more though is Mike Tindell and Zara Phillips, shame it won’t be televised….

    Hope all is well with you..

  19. MikeB says:

    Rico,

    I think you could well be right… being the perennial whipping-boy for The Fourth Estate may well be taking its toll, and don’t forget there’s a skeleton in the marital closet that has been conveniently ignored by all for a few months.

    Mind you, if he’s feeling the heat from the press, he should try reading some of the blogging comments… then he really would be stressed.

    But you know me… AW can do very little wrong in my book… much to the chagrin of one or two 😆

    Enjoy the wedding… I’ll be watching something that stimulates me rather more; like seeing how much the grass grows during Friday.

  20. K-TR7 says:

    I miss the days when Wenger would wear his spectacles and fold his arms as we demolished teams.he looked cool,carm and collected at that time as the team knew what they had to do.we are not far just a few signings away.

  21. rico says:

    ‘AW can do very little wrong in my book…’

    Mike, why??

    I’m not interested in his off-field stuff if i’m honest, it’s nothing to do with Arsenal… If of course any of it is true..

  22. rico says:

    Don’t we all Kt, now its moaning about the pitch, moaning about the officials, moaning becuase the grass is too long, moaning about the parked bus, moaning about the oppo’s tactics….

    Yawn Yawn Yawn…..

    Try moaning about the players you bought, our lack of plan b, our lack of fight etc etc….

  23. K-TR7 says:

    Rico you must be excited to witness ‘wedding of the century’…its days like these that we men don’t like.women get ideas to come and impose on us during weddings.id rather watch a spuds game to be honest…

  24. rico says:

    Kt, in all honesty, I am fed up with reading about it and seeing all the reporters etc around the area…

    It’s a wedding at the end of the day, just happens to be a Royal one 😉

    I’d rather watch us thrash the Spuds too 🙂

  25. K-TR7 says:

    Good one rico.not just any spuds game but one in which we thrashed them.the 1-4 CC game comes to mind…

  26. Merlin96 says:

    rico says:
    April 27, 2011 at 9:18 am
    Morning all,

    The papers are saying we will sell Cesc this summer, he’s gone as far as he can with the club and £35Million is the price….
    ___________________________________________________

    Rico,
    I believe that it maybe true as I smelled a rat as it is similar to that Cashley 1-year extension with agreement that he can leave to a club of his choice.

    Similarly, a deal must had been struck last summer that Cesc can leave for a minimum of £35Million…..like Henry was allowed to leave for a piffy £16Million.

    I beleive Wenegr had started planning for next season, and fundamentally, he may have decided to choose Nasri over Cesc in an attempt to persuade NAsri to sign the new contract extension by promising him a ACM Role plus leaking out info that Cesc is leaving this summer.

    Before even Wenger can even start to think about rebuilding, he must resolve that “Nasri and Cesc” Situation as he can’t play 2 no. ACM in the same team with Nasri getting disgruntled being hang out on the flanks.

    I think his final decision is to convince Nasri to sign-on with the promsie that he is rebuilding the TEAM with Nasri-Wilshere-Song as the FULCRUM.

    The 2nd decision is that abysmal failure of an attacking 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 without flair “Pires & Freddy” type of players on the flank.

    Our February Collapse is simply not due to the Defence, but the inability of the TEAM to gell as follows:
    1 – a high line needs protection from MIDFIELD as a shield in front of Back-4 to breakup attacks with Back-4 mopping up.

    2 – clear goal-scoring chances were not created. Always half-chances and no “Valencia, Nani and Rooney” interplay to create clear goal-scoring chances.

    3 – Arshavin’s drastic drop in form and blind-alley running by Theo do nto help in 4-3-3.

    As early as December 2010, the signs are there that hte team is not gelling and progressive got worse and worse with Nasri off-form, Cesc not his previous self and Arshavin just sh*t.

    Get these 3 factors corrected and we can be a ttiel-wining team in 2011/12 as the kernel of a great sdie is there for all to see:
    1 – Sell Fabregas and rebuild Nasri-Wilshere-Song-“New Buy” as the FULCRUM.

    2 – Resolve 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 by buying the players that can fit into this tactical formation…or change formation to suit present squad plus new buys.

    3 – Make the TEAM gells by ensuring you have a group of players, friends on-and-off-the-pitch, palying harmoniously on the pitch. That is, get rid of disgruntled players who can disrupt the dressing room and will not fight for the badge when the chips are down.

    4 – And of course, can we buy a “Leader”?

    No, it is not time for Wenger to move on as we are entering the last pahse of hsi 6-YEar Journey to build Arsenal hsi 3rd and greatets team in the mode of Rinus Michels “Ajax Model of Team Building” by buying 2 or 3 “catalysts” to transform this bunch of bottlers into title-winning team – like what Eric Cantona did with Fergie Fledgings.

    Arsene Wenger is just short of that “Eric Cantona” catalyst now.

    KEEP THE FAITH!

    Even though he is still a hypocritical snake-oil salesman..:D

  27. rico says:

    Hi Merlin,

    I strongly suspect there is a tad of truth in the story, but, for 35 million? I think that is pretty cheap for a player who still has 4/5 years left to run on his contract and is still young..

    If Barca want him, they can have him but for more than that in my book…

  28. MikeB says:

    Rico,

    Why???

    Well, it’s all been said before, but…

    He has changed the way football is viewed in this country. In the good-old-days (you’re probably too young to remember) We all watched Brazil and marvelled at the technical ability. People used to say, ‘you can’t expect Emglish players to play like Brazil; Brazilians are borne with that.

    Well now players like young Jack are being schooled in the same way, and delivering the same breath-taking moments; can you imagine if Jack’s career had been left to the subtle charms of Pulis, or Allardyce, or anyone from the old English Mafia?

    Then there’s the training and approach to technical development; Wenger revolutionised all of that.

    Then there’s the fans; I used to catch a number 19 bus to Highbury and buy my ticket at the ground, and stand among large open spaces on the terraces, because you could do that in those days. Now we have almost twice the capacity, at ten times the ticket price, and there’s a waiting list of nearly as many again. I consider that’s largely down to Wenger.

    Then there are the special moments. I remember Henry arriving, and not thinking that much about him. I also remember some years later, marvelling at that split-second of absolute silence that went all round Highbury, following his swivelling from twenty-odd yards out and hitting the top corner against Manure in that 1-0 win, when we had largely been outplayed for most of the game.

    I’ve had lots of special moments watching Arsenal, but I never experienced a moment of sheer magic like that. and I go all the way back to Joe Baker and George Eastham.

    Wenger has made Arsenal the hottest ticket in town. He has taken us to heights that the Spuds, our previous equals in London, can nowadays only dream of.

    We’ve gone six years without a trophy, and that’s galling, but it’s only galling because he has set our expectations so high.

    When I said to WATH the other day about hysterical nonsense I know it got under the skin, but that’s exactly what it is. Ask anyone who really knows football and they will tell you that Arsenal can dominate Europe with the change/addition of three or four players (quality players mind) and that’s absolutely true. Maybe it’s all down the spine of the team, but spine is what we’ve been lacking.

    We went on a slump because we lost out on a couple of games we were previously walking, and then got beat by a crazy moment against Birmingham. But that’s all about psychology and motivation, not class and ability.

    Class is there in most of the team, Wenger has given it to us; we just need a bit of steel.

    Look at Liverpool when they lost Alonso… and that’s just one solid dm. We get one great DM one great CD and someone to take the heat off RVP and we’re almost there. Add one worldie GK to show Ches the ropes and
    we will be virtually unbeatable.

    You could never have said that with a George Graham team, or, dare I say it, a Don Howe or Bertie Mee team, but you can say it with Wenger’s team.

    Our probelem at the moment is largely psychological, and that’s down to inexperience, leadership, a few disgusting refereeing decisions, and a bit of bad luck.

    Add three additional class players, sit em down and give em a bit of the old hair-dryer, and we’re there.

    And I know it’s been said before, but Wenger has been working under all manner of financial constraints. Just because we’ve said it so many times doesn’t make it illegitimate.

    I liked your sentiment in the article; we’re all pissed off, so lets finish with a flourish and look forward to a new season, and hopefully a new financial model under Stan.

    I could go on, but by now you’ve probably gone boss-eyed 😆

    Have a good one

  29. rico says:

    Mike,

    that is just it, 3 or 4 players are needed as a minimum, but why has it taken wenger so long to realise what we have all seen for a while?

    he may have changed the way football is viewed here in the UK, but for all he has done good for OUR club, he has over the last few seasons undone.

    I view Wenger as one of our best managers ever, well, i did until he started penny pinching and either buying players who are not good enough for OUR club or he persists playing those who let us down so ofetn….

    He took Arsenal ten steps forward in his first few years, right now he has taken us 9 steps backwards..

    I can’t sit here and just admire him for what he did when he arrived, he should have built on what he achieved not sit back and let us slip backwards..

    Oh, and I am old enough to remember the Brazil days…

    As for Liverpool and other clubs, I don’t really care what they do, I don’t support them, It’s Arsenal I care about and winning….

  30. W.A.T.H says:

    A lot of what you say Mike is spot on and i actually don’t give a rats about your hysterical comment what so ever, you have your views if the man can do no wrong your words not mine then your forever going to see things with blinkers on. There are over the top knee jerk reactions out there and thats not right but nor is the blinkered he can do no wrong attitude, the past is exactly that… Past…! It’s what happen in the here and now that counts and for me wenger needs to act. I think 90% of ppl on here make very sensible comments and try to do so in a constructive way but if your of the opinion he can do no wrong then it would seem any kind of criticism of the way he does things is not going to meet with your approval. Oh well such is life and as said we all see things differently. The above post is spot on for me he has to act and do it now, no more time for excuses or blaming others, the buck stops with him he buys he sells he trains and he picks them. We have the money so spend if properly Mr Wenger or the past will count for nothing simple as that.

  31. MikeB says:

    WATH,

    The ‘he can do no wrong’ was a figure of speech… you surely know about that, just as the comment to Rico about being ‘too young to remember Brazil’ was a joke. I shouldn’t havt to litter my comments with smiley’s to tell either of you that!

    You decided to be obtuse and so did Rico, and that’s what disappoints me more than anything.

    Literal interpretations are not necessary among people with the same basic objectives… or they shouldn’t be.

    Now I’m off to do something constructive 😆

    Have a nice day.

    Oh , and I know the comment about hysterical nonsense got under your skin, because you kept on about it later in the day.

    Just as you have just got under mine!

    K-TR7,

    thanks for the comment, but I think you just got the reason I no longer write articles for HH

    Thanks anyway.

  32. W.A.T.H says:

    Assumption is a bitch Mike and yet again your wrong, the hysterical comment was more funny than anything else inso far as if someone doesnt agree with you then we are all hysterical…. he can do no wrong is hardly a figure of speech when backed up by your points. As I said history is in the past. Seems you missed the underlying sentiment in me using the hysterical comemnts latter that day, my dumb wit, maybe it got under your skin that we all don’t agree with you but then again as I say such is life.

  33. Steve Palmer says:

    Morning all.
    MikeB, Muhamed Ali was a legend, he won so much, he earned that respect from all round the world and rightly deserved it. but had he continued fighting and lost five or six of his last fights people would have remembered him as a punch drunk has been. Wenger as you say has been an exceptional manager for us, you are probably right about the restraints on his spending, but if you continue failing people start questioning why, and that has been Wenger’s Achilles heel. With all good managers they should walk away when faced with restraints that stop them doing their jobs right, instead of lieing to the fans who pay his wages.Wenger has insisted funds are available but has said he didn’t need them because what he has are good enough, and we know that to be a lie. He may be forced to buy now as supporters have had enough, but had he brought in the January window as we all asked for, we could be sitting here with a couple of trophies and at a fraction of the cost, sensible Management thats all

  34. W.A.T.H says:

    So what you reckon on Cesc SP…? I think it’s a done deal, I reckon it was done last year and wenger asked Cesc for 1 more yr….!

  35. Steve Palmer says:

    I think it was either you or JJ that said when Wenger lets somebody play when their not 100% it normally means their on the way out, sounds about right to me

  36. W.A.T.H says:

    Now listen to the media go into one….. Loosing our captain the team will fall apart the club will never be the same… blah blah blah…..! I just want a decent bit of dosh for him thats all and then we lest with the concerns of will it get spent..?

  37. W.A.T.H says:

    I think it’s also why he has papered over the comments Cesc made last week…! Cesc has said that to open the door so he’s not “disliked” for jumping ship…!

  38. Steve Palmer says:

    Cesc may be jumping ship and I can’t blame him for that, I personally would like him to stay as i believe that now Arsenal have paid off their property debts and the board have said that any profits made on selling their last dwellings will be reinvested he may be jumping out of the frying pan into an abyss

  39. W.A.T.H says:

    Well, my right hand thinks it will go into Stans bank account and my left hand thinks it will all go into the transfer budget for those quality players we been crying out for….! Maybe he’ll just give new improved contracts to Eboooie, Denilson, Diaby, Bendtner, Almunia and Squillaci………..

  40. W.A.T.H says:

    In all honesty Steve I think Cesc is pretty torn, he is born n bred barca so would love to play for “his” team BUT he’s been loved and nurtured by Arsenal and does love then in another way. IF he can’t stay and be 100% focused on being there then whats the point? we need him to want to be there and if there are doubts then its thanks and bye…. We want and need players that want to be there.

  41. Steve Palmer says:

    I must admit that since it appears that we are entering the market my humour has started returning ha ha

  42. Steve Palmer says:

    Cesc is still quality and as you have said which I agree with, we do only want players that want to be here, I had hoped that Cesc had waited to long to fit into a Barca side, he must see that as well, and with the expectation of new signings, I was hoping he would want to be a part of that. But if not let him go and full fill his dream as he has been a good servant to us and I don’t begrudge him that

  43. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Hi! Someone is asking for this:
    Details of the B.S.M Protest march before the Villa game…
    Here is the link to the website of those behind this protest -http://www.wherehasourarsenalgone.webeden.co.uk/#
    In recent times, many Arsenal supporters (some who have followed the club for
    decades) have been feeling more and more alienated by the club they love.
    Whether they’ve been priced out of going to watch their beloved Arsenal, become
    fed up with the lies fed to them by the Board, or disappointed that the huge sums
    of money they pay in ticket prices are not reinvested into the team, it’s obvious
    that we need to get something back. We need to feel appreciated and respected,
    to feel part of The Arsenal, to have a voice and not just be the club’s lapdog,
    and to feel as if we’re a family once more. Club and supporters together,
    because as the saying goes, together we’re stronger.

    This group has been formed by like-minded Arsenal supporters who feel they’ve had enough of being treated as if they don’t matter. We want the club to realise that we’ve been there through thick and thin, and that we’ll still be there when the bandwagon jumpers, mercenary players, and fickle corporate support has gone.

    We’ve always been Arsenal, will always be Arsenal, and say together that we want OUR Arsenal back.

    On ‎15th May 2011 at 2.30PM (Villa Game) The B.S.M. march will begin from Blackstock Rd in the area of Cannons & Woodbine. Its your chance to voice your opinions. A PEACEFUL protest please. BLACK is the prefered dress code for the day.

    The Link Below is to the Press Release for this and states the aims of the B.S.M, PLEASE READ IT

    http://www.wherehasourarsenalgone.webeden.co.uk/#/news-press-release-2542011/4550867928

  44. rico says:

    Yep, wenger risks the crocks then sells them…

    Afternoon peeps, flying visit, got to walk the mutley and then back for the day – hoorah i hear you all shout 🙂

  45. rico says:

    Losing our captain will improve our team, IF they money is all used sensibly…

    Let Barca pay for a crock, not us but i still won’t believe he has gone until he goes if that makes sense.

    Will be interesting to see if he speaks much about the goings on after he goes….

  46. W.A.T.H says:

    JM, from what I have heard it’s not a protest at all it’s a “Walk” for fans to show their concerns about prices and the way many feels the club has alienated many fans….! It seems people are trying to say it’s an anti-wenger protest which it most certainly is not if ppl can be arsed to read things properly. I think this lot have many good points and agree with what they getting at.

  47. W.A.T.H says:

    Steve, I think if he goes we must just not look at replacing like for like…. I think we can enough quality technical players for midfield, use the money on two good enforcers who can also play a bit…! or one enforcer one winger..? As you say if his hearts not in it then we don’t want or need him. Sad but true.

  48. Steve Palmer says:

    Thank you JM it was me that asked for the link and have just read it.
    Wath, if Wenger gets the money to invest with i am certain he will have a plan, just hope its the right one.

  49. W.A.T.H says:

    I agree with Rico and have been saying the same for weeks, how can a man who bought Petit, Vieira, Campbell, Overmars, Anelka, Henry, Lauren, Pires, Freddie and even Grimandi forget or ignore the kind of players that he knows are needed to be a successful team and players that have a winning mentality and who never give up…!

  50. Steve Palmer says:

    Although i understand how supporters feel, I am not that happy with marches or walks, to me it sends out the wrong signals and lots can go wrong with a peaceful walk, i would rather be inclined more to show our feelings on paper and do our asking behind closed doors first, as i can only see bad publicity coming out of this, Whingeing crowds unhappy with club and so on, I believe we would do ourselves and club a favour by keeping this in house .

  51. W.A.T.H says:

    Thing is though Steve people are all to happy and bitch and whinge online and talk about doing stuff yet when ppl get off their arses to do something all you get is others slagging them off and moaning about what they are trying to do. Most are ignorant as to what their aim is and otheres just brush it off and anti wengerism, I think if something is arranged properly and they have concerns that are central to what a lot of us think and feel then good luck to them I say. At least they are doing something. Letter tend to get put in a bin or deleted. A walk shows discontent and unhappiness at prices and being taken for granted show the powers than the natives are not happy as long as its done right then am sure it will highlist the awareness that might make the club sit up and take note….! It can’t hurt can it.

  52. Steve Palmer says:

    We will soon find out Wath, i agree with what their saying,but have seen peaceful walks before and reporters asking questions to who and sundry and having stand-ins to make us look bad, they don’t need a lot as their against us all the time anyway

  53. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Hi Rico!
    I put that uncertainty, because for 35 million maybe Cesc not have to travel a lot. Chelsea, for example, exchange Torres/ Cesc or easily covers the value, because it will invest heavily in the team next summer; spuds, with the money from the Champions League can come get him. In addition, Modric is still in doubt (MU?); United, also can pick. Nani will come out, want to Schneider (Inter), alternatively Modric, but may reassess the situation. Fabegas is new and has a greater margin of progression. To all this, join legitimately win titles for Cesc.
    Of course there is that Barcelona will have to quickly arrange a replacement for Iniesta. However, the value of 35 million (today in normal trading of players) opens the “appetite” to Juventus, etc and other clubs who want to rejuvenate
    As anticipated since last week, output from Cesc will be a fact.
    About the protest, reflecting the unease among supporters for another year of failure (The season is not over yet and everything is still mathematically possible … There are four games to win to at least hold one of the top 3 positions.) to which it will mix a more recent set of decisions that are not to the liking of the majority. I predict that it will mix things up and inevitably, will be “pouring forth out” the frustration of recent seasons.
    I wonder about some things: a) Is Cesc, now a sort of “rotten apples” within the group? b) It seems to me that this is a confirmed departure, will condition all other inputs and outputs c) With four important games, it was not too early this news?

  54. rico says:

    I was having a think about the march, how else can fans make their feelings felt, it’s clear looking around the blogs that there are thousands of unhappy fans but the club keep burying their heads in the sand saying things like

    its great to be competing in the CL, to be in the FA Cup final stages, to be knocked out by Barca etc etc…

    We should be looking to win those competitions, not just accept being knocked out by x,y, or z…

  55. W.A.T.H says:

    I hear what your saying Steve, it’s far to easy to spin things with what a section of ppl want but if their aims are clear it’s them far more difficult to spin and twist things, we will only know whats happens when it happens yet from what I have read I agree with their sentiments, many fans struggle to pay the prices we are held accountable for finances when thats why we have highly paid commercial staff…! the seating is beyond a joke we know that. As said it seems a lot are already trying to say its about wenger yet thats not the aim at all its nothing to do with him. JM the walk is about many things but not about the team nor the manager. Its the same as many things JM if organised properly then it should be about what they say if not then they need to control what ppl say and do…! never an easy thing.

  56. W.A.T.H says:

    If you look at all the lies since the move and the reasons behind the move Rico its clear the fans have been lied to and yet still the board try and milk us for more money season after season, when is enough enough…? while the club feel they can fill the bowl with tourists and coorporates then prices will continue to increase without a care for the ordinary fans…! its wrong. The flip side is we paying top dollar yet not getting top dollar investment on the pitch…?

  57. Steve Palmer says:

    JM, not in my book is Cesc a rotten apple, OK not his best year with us, but he’s done a lot more in half a season than others have done in two years, it will sadden me if he goes, but if he wants away, good luck to him and I wish him well.

  58. rico says:

    JM,

    Trouble is, Barca cannot afford much more than 35M and I cannot see Wenger selling him to another club. Cesc has said he will never play for a team in England so i can see him going for around that price – Others may try and outbid Barca, but Cesc himself won’t go…

    Surely though, our captain is worth around the 50 million mark? But then Paddy and Henry were worth more than what we sold them for in the end, same can be said of Cashley…

  59. rico says:

    I’m in favour of the march WATH, that is the only way to be heard as long as it’s peaceful, if we get a load of jonny come lately’s joining in, having been in the pub and thinks its all a bit of a laugh and make trouble it will undermine all that is being said.

    Like Steve says too, you wait for media to pounce upon it now the details are out and they’ll pick on the first one that looks drunk and it will all go tits up (excuse the expression)

    But, something has to be done for all the reasons you say and OUR board need to start listening ….

  60. rico says:

    😆 WATH, shes not called that either 😉

    I don’t think Cesc is a bad apple either Steve, I just believe Wenger has spent too much time focusing on what he can do and built the team around one player. Its a team game and we need a team of players, to unite, play for themselves, for eachother and for OUR club.

    I also maintain that him being risked so often when its been clear he is carrying an injury or not entirely fit, the end of his Arsenal career is not far away.

    We only need to look at others who seldom return before they are truly fit and ready.

  61. Steve Palmer says:

    Cesc wasn’t in my plans, but if he goes instead of four we will now need five.
    Neuer on top of that list

  62. Joaquim Moreira says:

    ok, rico, but “the words take the wind …”
    If the Chelsea offer 45 million, says no? If the Bayer offer 40? Benfica offer is 42? Go to Barcelona?
    Is there any contractual provision to that effect?

  63. rico says:

    I’d take the most money JM, but Wenger wouldn’t I don’t think, Cesc is to Wenger what Robin is to Batman 😉

    His golden boy….

  64. W.A.T.H says:

    JM, the club will accept what they think is a decent offer, the fact Cesc is under contract even if someone like Chelsea offered 100million Cesc could very well refuse to talk to them. As a club we cant decide who he joins we can only decide if we accept a certain offer or not…!

  65. Joaquim Moreira says:

    international press:
    Fabregas exit of Gunners
    The Spanish international Cesc Fabregas may be the output of Arsenal.
    The player is unhappy with the failure to win titles at the club since 2005 and would welcome a return to his native country, where Barcelona and Real Madrid would be willing to host it.
    The Sun newspaper announces that the British will be willing to release the midfielder for a fee of around 39.5 million euros.
    The Spanish playmaker was formed in Barcelona and is an adept blaugrana assumed the player was close to returning to your heart’s team last summer and is constantly cited by the supporters and leaders as the Catalans Xavi’s successor

    Bayern says not pay more than 20 millions for Neuer

  66. Steve Palmer says:

    In all honesty, I dont feel that Cesc has that many options, in all the interviews he has had, I can only remember him saying he wants to win trophies. At the time he was talking Arsenal, but with hindsight of how our board have performed, he may consider winning trophies anywhere, after all how long has he got left.

  67. Steve Palmer says:

    Neuer,must be a bargain at that price, he will save us half a dozen games a season, one of the list

  68. rico says:

    I can’t see us getting Neuer, 20Million for a keeper, wenger won’t spend that much i’m sure, sadly…

    Steve, Cesc has said many times he only wants to go to Barca when he leaves us, i think he only stayed this season as he knew he wouldn’t be guaranteed a start for barca every week…

  69. Merlin96 says:

    You wnat to see a message to those greedy gtis?

    Boycott 2011/12 season prodcuts and wear the 2010/11 shirts to all Arsenal match.

    Sadly, it wouldn’t hurt them a bit as if they go to Far East on a summer tour, the “market value” is US$1-million per friendly match (Real going rate with Beckham in their sdie many years ago)

    Plus, Gazidis can potentially increase global merchandise sales and fracnchises to Far East, AMerica and Middle East to about £60Million per annum…..matching ManU annual £100Million “commercial deals” within 5 years.

    That is, no matter which way you look at it, Kronke and Gazidis will “persuade” Wenegr to sign one or two marquee players to boost global merchandise sales, as well as maintaining a high profile by being successful on the pitch a la Real or Barca.

    Benchmark of a marquee player:
    Beckham’s shirt sales alone is sufficient to payoff his annual salary at Real such is his global recognition.

    Marquee players in our rank?
    Jack WIlshere – if only he cut out his nastiness off the pitch and stop going down the destructive path of Gazza and Rooney.

    Theo Walcott – our “Lewis Hamilton” if he blossooms into a worldclass central striker instead of a brainless blind alley runner down right flank.

    Ryo Myaichi – if only he can get a work permit..and certianly a mega-hit in Far East if he is a regular starter.

    Nasri – if only he is consistent…..

    Perhaps Toral-Harper, Aneke and Benik may surprises us all next season…

    But certainly, we still do not have a marquee player in Thierry Henry…to sell shirts like Beckham.

    My point is…

    Kroenke, Gazidis, PHW & Co can afford to ignore homegrown fans as “captive customer” to pay for “bread and butter”..with “ham and bacon”….like that £100Million per annum “global commercail and merchandise sales”.

    And why Glazer Family is simply milking ManU like a cashcow to payoff their debt..akin to a “guest-of-honor” buying the rope for his “hanging party”.

    SO will Kroenke, milking about £35Million per annum from Arsenal FC to payoff his £731Million Arsenal “purchase price”.

    And Kroenke can walk out of Arsenal FC within 5 years by making 100% profit due to capital gain where Arsenal Fc is worthed £1,500Million due to increased annual receipts of about £300Million wihtin 5 years.

    And all this is due to the success of Arsene Wenger’s Youth Policy since 1996 by building from within and paying talented palyers on the cheap before they evolved into mega-stars.

    If Wenegr got it right with all the right pieces in the right places, functioning as an integral whole, you will all see a great team in 2011/12 season.

  70. rico says:

    Merlin

    The way the club keep stinging fans, they won’t be able to afford next seasons kit..

    Re the pre season, i think we already booked in for Japan, I know Wenger said he hoped we would at least play a charity game and that game will only be the minimum if the country have not got back on their feet again and weren’t able to accomodate a tour..

  71. allezkev says:

    Merlin, would Fiszman have sold out to Stan, if he’d thought that Mrs Wal-Mart was gonna syphon money out of the club? Not saying your wrong, just posing the question?

  72. W.A.T.H says:

    Holy shit I’d run a mile if Delia said lets b havin ya anywhere near my direction…………….. 😉

    Lee’s not here !!!

  73. agirlagunner says:

    I can’t begin to imagine what you shall be writing about over the break, rico. 😉 Season’s barely ended, and already transfer talk is driving me mad. And I see Boo’s been popular today.

    Hey, AK. How are you? 🙂 WATH, where’s your list, old man? 😉

  74. allezkev says:

    Well the possible Cesc transfer has be bounced around on here today. OK, what do you all think we’d get if he was sold this summer. I reckon £40million…

  75. W.A.T.H says:

    35 AK barca r skint…. thats the most we can hope for…!

    Ok am doing the list now… Outs first and reasoning and then the ins… All self explanatory…!

  76. agirlagunner says:

    WATH, I think I’ll be an old lady– all grey hair and wrinkles, by the time that list is released. You’ll probably document it in your last will and testament or something, Gramps. 😀

    …Cesc is not getting sold, AK. To me he’s priceless. 😀

  77. rico says:

    You boys and Delia, she was i/v’s again the other night after Norwich won 5-0, like Phil Collins once sang…

    Woops, she was pissed again, I think she’s pissed again…. 😉

    (excuse the language)

    agag, it’s tough, when you going to send a post in 😉

  78. allezkev says:

    SP, just seen the piece about Vermaelen. Playing for Stiffs tomorrow. Wonder if they’ll wheel him out for Villa and Fulham at the end of the season?
    I’m good agag, had a quiet day thanks, getting my head together before up to The Smoke on Thursday.
    How’s things with you?

  79. agirlagunner says:

    (speechless) rico. 😛 I’ll just email you nice photos for the next six months, and I’ll throw in a proper commentary.

  80. agirlagunner says:

    I’m good, AK. I have mapped out my next six months. I’m such a planner. The Smoke?? Whazzat?

  81. allezkev says:

    Be Prepared agag, you should have been in the Scouts.
    The Smoke= London… It’s Cockney me ol’ daarlin.

  82. W.A.T.H says:

    Outs –

    We have far to many fringe players and loanee players that are never going to make the grade. We sell and add in sell on clauses for further income if some of them do well in the future. I’m being on the conservative side with prices as it’s the best way in my view………

    Almunia
    Mannone
    Hoyte
    Randall
    Watt
    Eastmond
    Sunu
    Botelho
    Rosicky

    10 million for the above.

    Arshavin – 8
    Bendtner – 10
    Cesc – 35
    Clichy – 10
    Chamakh – 8
    Denilson – 4
    Diaby – 10
    Traore – 5
    Vela – 5

    Thats another 95million plus the ten from the “give aways gives us 105million plus an in the bank amount of 30million so we have 135million to spend.

    If you consider the outs above taking into account those on loan the sales mean we are only selling 7 players who are currently in the first team squad and “playing”.

    If you look at salaries on the above then your looking at saving at least 550k a week.

    I’d also loan out the following players for season long loans at prem league sides so that we see if they have what it takes. They would get experience and games and thats exactly what we need to bring them back as nearly ready made to step straight into the 1st team squad and push for places. If they are not good enough then they get sold simple as that.

    Bartley
    Miguel
    Afobe
    Aneke
    Freeman
    Henderson
    Jay Emmannuel Thomas
    Tom Cruise
    Ryo Miyaichi

    The in’s to follow………..

  83. W.A.T.H says:

    That should give you all something to chew on…. Sorry AGAG Clichy has to go he’s far to inconsistent and unreliable….. Oh and before you ask there is a simple reason Squillaci is not on that out list…!
    🙂

  84. allezkev says:

    Rico, agag’s got a point, what on earth do you post during the summer. Is it transfers every day? If so, then i can’t wait, lol.

  85. rico says:

    kev, you’ll have to wait and see 😉 And no, not always transfers, as boring as they are to write, they are to read…

    You guys can all help me with your posts 🙂

  86. agirlagunner says:

    Was chewing on it WATH, but my brain stopped processing after Cesc and Clicky. 😀 But I will say, Gibbsy, right now, isn’t the better proposition. And Squilli, over Clichy. Not for all the shoes in the world.

    No one I know wants to go there, AK. 🙁 I’m the only one with an agenda since I have AFC to watch. Ahaha.

  87. W.A.T.H says:

    Before I do the in’s I’ll explain a little,

    Cesc doesnt have his heart in it anymore and simply wants to go “home”….! Clichy is a liability and has one yr left on a contract and is messing around, we get found out with far to many cross field balls and a striker drops onto Clichy and wins headers into the box time after time after time.
    Song as improved as he is isn’t what we need. AA looks lost these days he’s been played wrongly and as much as I like him we’d be better off with a better option. Chamakh isn’t what we need and diaby denilson Rosicky n Alminia don’t need an explanation. Velas n Traore just not good enough although will prob do well elsewhere.

  88. W.A.T.H says:

    Typical impatient woman………. Who says Gibbs is getting left back AGAG…?

    Wait and see the in’s first 😛

  89. allezkev says:

    Botelho, as Rico said, is the only one i certainly wouldn’t sell, especially if Clichy goes, other than that Wath, well thought out mate
    Agag, that’s a bloody shame. You never been to Highbury or The Grove then?

  90. rico says:

    I have a feeling WATH is thinking of the Brazilian who eats too much pizza and wears wellie boots kev 😉

  91. agirlagunner says:

    rico, I’d love to write but can’t. I don’t have it in me. 😉 I’ll send you nicer photos with better captions. 🙂

    Clichy will sign again. (Note that no denial of his faults is being made; he is indefensible, but a favorite, and that’s that.)

    WATH, you selling Songinho, too?

  92. allezkev says:

    Rico, haha… I hope so, as Botelho potentially solves cover for left-back, left-midfield and maybe left-wing… That’s if the reports on him are accurate.

  93. agirlagunner says:

    Never been, AK 😥 I’m off everywhere this year and next, and England is never on anyone’s itinerary. 😀

  94. agirlagunner says:

    I think Vela ought to get another year. He certainly has the talent as he tends to play well for Mexico. I think Rosicky may really be on his last year, and I was never impressed by Traore; so he can go.

  95. allezkev says:

    Sorry to hear that agag. You’ve got to get yourself an Arsenal supporting boss whose always flying to London to do business and needs you as his/her PA.

  96. W.A.T.H says:

    In’s – Will go a little maybe over the top on some of these prices just to make sure we get the players.

    Keeper – Buffon – Friedel – Jaaslelainen – Max – 4mil

    Left Back – Marcel Schmelzer 10mil

    Centre Backs – Cahill – 20mil & Toby Alderverield 10mil

    Central Midfield – Felliani 20mil & Moussa Sissoko 20mil

    Wingers/Strikers – Ashley Young 20mil Matt Jarvis 10mil and Didier Drogba 8mil

    Total Spent – 123million.

    I’d keep Ebooie and Squilli for 2 simple reasons, Ebooie never moans is a clown and seems to be good for the squad, he is decent enough cover for certain games right midfield NOT right back. As for Squili i’d say the say with 4 proper centre backs Kos and JD don’t have so much pressure and can be played with various partners as tey both still learn the trade especialyl JD. Squlli is spot on if we have a run of injuries to come in and play the odd game here and there rather than wasting Bartley or Miguel on the bench or in the reserves the whole season. End of next year both squilli n ebooie r sold.

    We gain bother height and power in the spine of the team and we also gain speed as I’d play Theo up front, AY can play either wing or through the middle Jarvis as well plays wide but also puts in a good shift is a good player. Drogba would give us the killer instinct up front for sure. Ok there you go pick the bones out of that lot…! The keeper situation is bring in an older fella to teach Chex the ropes and be a good back up and to playe certain games.

  97. allezkev says:

    Rosicky’s on his last year, can’t anyone paying much for him. His wages are probably tasty, so selling him could be quite cost-effective, even at a reduced fee?

  98. W.A.T.H says:

    Nope Botelho goes……….. Gets sent off far to much from the reports I seen and although has improved isn’t the answer. Go check out Schmelzer at Dortmund he is very very good.

  99. rico says:

    kev, looks like it’s just you and me that would keep him then 🙁

    Where is Kt when you need him 🙂

  100. agirlagunner says:

    Depending on how much (little) they are paid, it may be worth keeping Squilli and Eboue. I’m keeping Chamakh, too because he did keep us afloat in the earlier part of the season, and I think we’d get a fairer assessment of his stock if we play him more.

    I may need some alcohol for the in’s. Where are the gents? KT, JM, JJ, oliver, lee, wt al., I’m sure would have great inputs.

  101. W.A.T.H says:

    AGAG your to soft you’ll end up keeping half the rubbish cos u feel sorry for them…….

    Allo 4P’s…………. No sentiment allowed I’m afraid not when they earning that kind of money. If they not good enough they shouldn’t be there and the 2 exceptions are for reasons stated. KT he’s another players thats a bit of an all rounder though. I’ve looked at players for specific positions to give us what we lack not players than can do a bit of everything but nothing particular.

  102. 4pigs says:

    Well thanks agirlagunner – don’t have chance to be here as much as i would choose but work.. also i am not very happy with the things our team are doing.

    How is everyone?

  103. agirlagunner says:

    Holds no interest for me, KT. 😀 Minimoons, midimoons, maximoons… now, those are fun to plan. 😛

  104. K-TR7 says:

    At CB i’ve already said i like Subotic and Hummels.Howedes of Schalke (was injured last night) is good too.

  105. 4pigs says:

    I maybe should have added a smile WATH – the way things are I would sell more and the Manager.

    Why keep one player who is fun in the dressing room?

  106. rico says:

    Phew, all fed, watered and full now…

    Hi 4pigs, good to see you back, working too hard?

    I’d sell Eboue too, no tears from me if that clown goes… H epeed me off against the dippers, no way back…

    KT, I was defending Botelho and I know you rate him…

  107. agirlagunner says:

    4p, I had to re-read your 6:00 pm— I thought you said I would choose to work. 😀

    I’m not too soft, WATH. I just got rid of Rosicky, didn’t I?? (sniff) And since I’ve never seen Schmelzer play… I’m keeping Clicky. Better the devil you know… 😉

    KT, I’ve never seen Vargas or Howedes, either.

  108. rico says:

    That’s my problem too agag, i don’t know who half these players are, i don’t watch footie beyond the PL, and i seldom watch much of any others but Arsenal…

    Maybe i need to get a job as wengers scout 😉

  109. 4pigs says:

    agirlagunner – that’s funny!

    I have to go soon, maybe by that time Mr Wenger will have bought some proper players..

  110. rico says:

    No chance 4pigs, he won’t buy any that quick – maybe by the time you come back next time 😉 😉

  111. rico says:

    I have re-posted to save us looking back 😉

    Keeper – Buffon – Friedel – Jaaslelainen – Max – 4mil

    Left Back – Marcel Schmelzer 10mil

    Centre Backs – Cahill – 20mil & Toby Alderverield 10mil

    Central Midfield – Felliani 20mil & Moussa Sissoko 20mil

    Wingers/Strikers – Ashley Young 20mil Matt Jarvis 10mil and Didier Drogba 8mil

    Total Spent – 123million.

  112. agirlagunner says:

    Maybe we’d get cash plus Affelay plus Caceres for Cesc. 🙁 Or has Caceres’ move to Sevilla been made permanent?

  113. Joaquim Moreira says:

    The “flight?” News Cesc was placed in a bad time. For me, losing the championship by one or two points is very different from getting a 10 or 12 points. Staying at No. 2 is different from staying in 4. This information only creates a bad environment, destabilizing, there is loss of concentration for the next four games and allows “daydreams” about transfers.
    it is important to finish in the first 3 places. Why? You start the season later this year and there is no World Cup, Championship of Europe there and lets have a preparation with all the players, scheduled from the beginning and create a team spirit, unity and victory. There would be no fault with players vacation and tired.
    The team has been shaped in recent years to turn around Cesc. When not playing, seemed to some “silly cheap” in the field. Gave the impression that when you do not know what to do is give the ball to Cesc to see if it resolves.
    If confirmed the news and its guaranteed sure have to wonder if the same system will be mounted or if there are differences. Must be the same, you have to find alternative (Schneider?).
    While the main objective is to win the league, have a good presence, or even be a candidate in the CL (if we get there) the team must be traced with a sense of victory. Personally, some of you suggest a set of names at the outset to be a candidate is not assumed. It’s the first mistake. Who wants to be a candidate, you have to assume early on and not expect things to go well, later to be assumed.
    Step over the CL seems to me that this time, Barcelona and Madrid are above all others. For now I have put players, but I predict that this new Cesc, will grow the interest of other clubs for Sagna, Nasri, etc. Let’s wait for the end of the season

  114. W.A.T.H says:

    Yeh Buffon Rico, I don’t care he’s been injured we don’t need him to be 1st choice week in week out thats why i’d get him. Most of the players i’ve gone for KT are in the prem lge as well apart from maybe three, all these other european players that you mention and that I also like would take ages to settle and you’ll never know if they have the bottle to make it thats why I went for a few that might not be on peoples radar as well but would do a job for us and thats what its about getting the job done.

  115. HCAA says:

    I don’t know if any of you saw this, but this is my humble offering. Arsene Wenger’s philosophy is the Dutch ‘Total-Football’ of the 1970’s fused with modern-day Barcelona. But Holland had Cruyff, Barcelona Eto’o and Messi. Of course we had Thierry Henry, but Wenger played 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 back then. He plays players out of position to serve his ideology, but if they’re not good enough in their natural position, they’re not going to cut it playing out of position. Holland and Barcelona play football that is of their culture, Wenger’s footballing philosophy is alien to these shores. Our football for decades belonged to the working-classes, and was built on a bed-rock of grit, determination and hard work. That’s why if you look at the history of our football, the North-West has done well in England and Europe. If you want to play Dutch ‘Total-Football’ you have to employ Dutch, and not just van Persie! The same with Barcelona, to play with that style, you need Catalan coaches. Wenger is trying to imprint a different cultures football onto French Africans and English in an English league without the neccessary quality needed to execute his vision. And if you are unable to acquire the neccessary ingredients it surely makes more sense to concentrate your tactics on your teams strengths rather than persevere in trying to fit players into an ideology that they are incapable of fulfilling.

  116. W.A.T.H says:

    JM your comments about the team revolving around Cesc are spot on and its why a team should never revolve around one players its stupid, use your best player in the best formation maybe to suit him but never run the team or make a formation for one player as what happens when he is not there??? we need to play as a team not ten players playing for one player, we want 11 players playing as a team… Simple.

  117. W.A.T.H says:

    HCAA how many times have we all said square pegs into round holes…………???? It seems obvious to so many yet ignored by the ones that matter.

  118. rico says:

    I thought so WATH, agree too, if we go spend 20M for a keeper who is 25 years old, Ches would leave – and i think he will be world class – he has stuff tolearn and improve on but he’s very young and will get there, Spunky’s word is good enough for me 😉

    Re cesc and the team playing around him, spot on – football is a team game isn’t it?

    If we had a real team attitude we would have won the PL by now….

  119. rico says:

    I’m heading off soon folks, looks like it’s a quiet time in any case, got to go and iron my best frock ready for the wedding on Friday 😉 😉

    Still don’t know whether to wear a hat or a fascinator 🙂

  120. Joaquim Moreira says:

    A story that seems to vary and adapt to Arsenal:
    In 1942, aged 31, two-Independiente Argentine bonds by two South American and the Argentine national team, Sastre went in search of new challenges. He landed in Brazil, contracted by the Sao Paulo Football Club. Contrary to what the fans may think now, the parade seemed indigestible. The tricolor paulista was a young team, with eight years of life, trying unsuccessfully to stay in the game. It was said that before starting the championships, one played a coin into the air. If this guy would be the champion Palmeiras. If it were the crown, the Corinthians would take the cup. If the currency to stop the air would be the Portuguese. The Sao Paulo? Only if the currency fell on foot.
    Note: Until a few years ago, the Brazilian league was undertaken by States and then qualified for the championship final. Since I am from Portugal, never win anything ..
    Sastre, was one of the best Argentine players of their time.

  121. Lee says:

    WATH, I like your Plymouth……so who’d be your starting 11 for next season, after all the departures and arrivals?

  122. Joaquim Moreira says:

    W.A.T.H of course I’m agree with you, but for an external observer, if you compare the team playing with Cesc and without him, are big differences. The quicky answer is: miss Cesc!

  123. W.A.T.H says:

    Lee the starting 11 would depends a lot on who we were playing. With that lot we could easily play 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 with players that would fit both those formations. Also we’d have a quality bench at all times as well and still be able to rest a few as well keeping everyone fresh. What you reckon..?

    Hey Will, it makes me laugh watching real v barca they are both so good at diving around and you just know the game can boil over at any second…! Its like a soap opera…!

  124. W.A.T.H says:

    JM, your right my friend when he is not there they do miss him BUT this is because the team was built for him and noone seems to take responsibility when he isnt there which is also wrong. IF he was not there maybe then we would see others take the responsibility..? we will see.

  125. W.A.T.H says:

    I fuckin hate that alves the cheatin little fucker…! barca manc final and uefa will be wetting their pants…! fergie will go mental getting stitched up by barca a little of his own back me thinks

  126. W.A.T.H says:

    As much as barca cheat and dive n whinge cant take it away from them how good they are which actually makes all their cheating worse…. Messi is just amazing…..!

  127. allezkev says:

    Arsenal remain the only team to have beaten Barca in the Champions League. I just hope they humiliate the Mancs at Wembley

  128. allezkev says:

    I’ll tell ya what Will, i hate them, but i wished our players closed down the opposition, when not in possession, with the same enthusiasm.

  129. W.A.T.H says:

    Agree Will but lets be honest they are usually dynamic against 11 as well, the sending off didnt help 2night but madrid were never at the races…!

  130. Steve Palmer says:

    evening all,
    I see the greatest side in the world against ten men played again tonight and won 0.0 before the sending off I see you commented Wath but we were beating them before we had our man sent off and they outplayed us at home but we still won

  131. allezkev says:

    Wath, that’s why they call Arsenal, Barcelona Lite, you have to do it all, the fancy passing but also the defensive stuff and see how many bodies they get INTO the box, none of this standing on the edge crap.
    Will, that’s right mate, that’s how you win in Europe, ask George Graham, you cheat better than the opposition. UEFA do nothing about it, so you do what the others do, if you run with dogs you have to accept that you’ll get fleas.

  132. Will says:

    In 4 games we have had 2 players sent of, Inter had a man sent off, Real keep getting men sent of. See a pattern?

  133. Steve Palmer says:

    Gorden Stracken hit it on the head when he said they will do anything to win, they play great football but for me they are not a great side with great players they are cheats that dive and are expert actors and that to me is not great

  134. W.A.T.H says:

    Thats the line they cross Steve, they have fantastic players one who is the best we have seen in a long long while and yet for all their workrate and team work and effort you still watch them and think why are you such cheats…??????

  135. K-TR7 says:

    I hope aw was watching.we are the only team to really trouble barca especially at the emirates.we’re so close…

  136. Steve Palmer says:

    No wonder Jose wants to come back and work here although our FA have an agenda I don’t believe its quite so bad here unless your Arsenal

  137. W.A.T.H says:

    I spent days n hours sweating over it and hardly any feedback AK…………. am devastated not even “it’s a shit list Wath your sacked”…. gutted…!

  138. Merlin96 says:

    allezkev says:
    April 27, 2011 at 4:10 pm
    Merlin, would Fiszman have sold out to Stan, if he’d thought that Mrs Wal-Mart was gonna syphon money out of the club? Not saying your wrong, just posing the question?

    ____________________________________________________

    Exactly Kev.

    Kroenke saw an undervalued club, with a solid cashflow for the next 5 years.

    He is not in it to indulge in a contest of “Who got the biggest dong” with Abu Dhabi and Abramovich, but in it to make money, tons of it!

    It is a “win-win” situation for him as by 2014, Gazidis can re-negoitiated all those “shirt deals” and other commercial deals signed to fund Emirates construction.

    Forget all about the “promises” of not using “Arsenal internal resources” as how else can he fund his £731Million purchases without any “returns on investments” every year?

    A rough target for Gazidis will be:
    Annual revenues – > £300Million
    Operating expednitures – £200Million
    Pre-tax Profit – £100Million

    Out of which,
    – £20Million for Emirates Mortgage Bond payment.
    – £60Million to pay off “Mrs Wal-Mart” £731Million loan
    Note that above can be written off against HMRC corporate taxee.

    – taxable £20Million with 50% going to HMRC

    – Nett profit for Arsenal Holdings PLC = £10Million..which USmanov may receive 27% of it as dividends….lol!

    I believe those City guys working for Kroenke can, and will, devise a better scheme than moi on how to drain off that lucrative cashflow generated by Arsenal FC…..with you lots of poor saps paying the “highest Ticket price in the Football World”.

  139. Merlin96 says:

    The key, Kev, is that the late Fizman may know that Kroenke needs to grow Arsenal FC before he can even think of siphoning Arsenal revenues the way the Glazer Family is doing at ManU.

    That with our player annual wage bills exceeding £150Million for FY2011 and growing to maintain our Top-3 status, plus still paying off that 20-Year Emirates Bond, there is no way Kroenke can drain Arsenal FC liek Galzer Fmaily without bankrupting Arsenal within 5 years.

    Like John Henry at Liverpool, Kroenke is a smart businessman and is in it for the long haul to push Arsenal FC to geenrate at least £300Million annual revenues with a pre-tax £100Million profit before he can satrt seeing a return on his investments.

    He needs to grow Arsenal commercial receipts to match that of ManU of £100Million per annum within 5 years.

    And this means that Arsenal FC must ahve successes on the pitch to boost its global brnad name as “everyone love a winner, and ditch the loser”.

    Menaing that behidn the scene, Arsene Wenegr will be udner tremendous rpessure to deliver a titel-winning and silverware-winning team..starting in 2011/12.

    And what Dalghish did in spending big money to buy Suarez and Carroll, you can be sure that Wenger is on to short notice to delvier next season, and to buy as necessary with mass culling of all those bottlers and start his “Fench nepotism” and tunnel-vision French nationalistic practices, else he will be thrown out of the door as early as Janaury 2012 if his TEAM can delivered by Jan 2012!

    Let’s not conned by Arsene Wenger’s Youth Polciy as it is nothing but a lucrative business model to “buy low, sell high” to generate incomes for Arsenal Holdings PLC to fund his Ego trip in an attempt to fulfil his Dream of building his “3rd and greatest Arsenal team” based on Rinus Michels “Ajax Model of Team Building”.

    Well, his ego trip ended with Stan the Man who will demand he delivered by 2011/12 or else…….

    I ahd more confident in this summer that positive action will be taken by Wenger as PHW & Co had sold out to Kroenke who will demand success to protect his Arsenal investment.

    A corporate creature like Wenger will know which side of his bread is butter and will toe the line set by Kroenke.

    And why Arsene Wenger will never leave is simply that there is club in the world like PHW & Co that will tolerate endless failures for the past 6 years without sacking the manager or getting rid of useless players.

    And that is why I called him a hypocritical snake-oil salesman as he ahd been fooling Arsenal fans for the past 6 years and just living on his past glories of “1997-2004”.

    Put it this way, Arsene Wenger got lucky as being “right man, right palce, right time” as France entered its GOlden Era…and the decline of Wenger’s Arsenal mirrors that of the continual decline of French Football.

    A breathe of fresh air then with Kroenke firmly in control by summer 2011.

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