Morning all.
I said it would get worse for transfer rumours…
Today it’s Swiss international Stephan Lichtsteiner who is fondly known as Forrest Gump because he runs, runs and keeps on running. He’s a 30 year old right back who according to a few newspapers is wanted by both Arsene Wenger and the poison dwarf in West London.
Can’t see any truth in this one, not when we have Mathieu Debucy, Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers in the squad, all of whom fill that position.
Talking about full-backs, Kieran Gibbs could be back for the weekend as could Mikel Arteta. Both are reported to have shaken off the injuries suffered against Sunderland. Good news eh..
Not everyone will share my view on this subject but Arsene Wenger has made a decision which has pleased me no end.
Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden and Chuba Akpom have all been promoted to the first team squad. Bellerin is no great surprise as he’s already performed well in both the Champions League and Premier League but for Hayden and Akpom, it’s no doubt something they have been dreaming of for a while now.
With our frail squad, especially when it comes to the defensive side of our game, it may not be too long before Hayden is required and at some stage, Danny Welbeck will need a breather. Yaya Sanogo is forever injured, Joel Campbell and Lukas Podolski seem to be very much out of favour so Chuba Akpom might just be called into action too, even if it is just from the bench. He can’t stop scoring for the Under 21’s, six in six it is for him so far this season.
Of course playing in the Premier League and Champions League is a whole different ball game than playing well for the under 21’s but look around at other clubs, they aren’t afraid to try and test their youngsters and in most cases that I can think of it’s working.
Arsene Wenger used to put a lot of trust in youth and now it seems he’s prepared to give a few more their chance and I’m glad. Perhaps Andries Jonker has been banging on the managers door telling him just how good they are!!
Not every player has to have a huge price tag in order to be good enough. Good honest and old fashioned hard work, the right attitude and raw talent can sometimes reap greater rewards!
Jeorge Bird reports that all three players could continue to play for the under 21’s when needed but may yet go out on loan as the season continues. Perhaps though, if they get their chance and take that chance, they’ll stay put.
South Yorkshire official Craig Pawson is the man tasked with officiating Saturday’s game against Burnley and joining him on the sidelines will be Mr D Bryan, Mr D Eaton and fourth official Mr J Moss.
Deep joy, a northern based manager yet again, they don’t tend to like us too much do they. He’s dished out two red cards this season already and twenty three yellows so best our boys be on their best behaviour especially as all the arm wrestling from the Utd/Chelsea game has been highlighted by all and sundry. Now that the Daily Mail have begun a ‘kick it out’ campaign and made it clear they will name and shame the offenders and the referee who lets such behaviour go unpunished, this weekend will see a few more penalties awarded.
I hope Arsene Wenger has got the message across to our players!
That’s it for Tuesday, have a good one all….
Morning all.
Great to see the kids get a promotion……
The Daily Mail eh, late to the party as usual…
This stuff has been going on for years and all of a sudden the Press decide to highlight it…
What about highlighting all the rotational fouling on Arsenal players???
I had to laugh at the all the criticism that Riley got, in retrospect, regarding the carve-up of Arsenals 50th game at Old Bog 10 years ago…
Somehow I don’t recall the same level of criticism being levelled at that cheating streak of piss, at the time. And now that big-nosed Tosser is running the refs….
Maybe the Daily Mail should look into that???
And the fact that all the PGMOL refs are from Oop Norf….,
I’m glad Scott, gave me something t write about… 😉
Morning Rico, good post…
Morning Scott, Adam, Lee and All
Not sure that it would be very sensible to loan out Hayden, not with the serious lack of alternatives at centre-back…
Morning Kev, they wouldn’t be doing that had it been us on the receiving end at the weekend I bet….
Still reading rumours linking Arsenal to Mats Hummels… 🙄
That is so clearly a diversionary story that Arsene is happy to let run…
We ain’t paying that kind of dough for a centre-back, any time soon…
The fact that Hummels ‘is’ just the type of quality that a club like Arsenal should go for, had nothing to do with it…
We’re talking about Le Billy Beane here!
I think jeorge bird means after Christmas Kev, if Wenger signs a defender, it could see him go on loan. I’d like to see Hayden play in the cdm role and stick Flamini/Arteta on the bench…
No Rico, when Arsenal are on the receiving it, it’s ok….
Well it is for the Press
You never know though Kev, Hummels might not be happy sitting 15th in their league… 😉
I actually wouldn’t be at all surprised if we signed Hummels…
Ah, I see, yeah after January, yep I suppose as long as Wenger does sign a centre-back…
But if Hayden is given a chance?
And he does ok.
Then Wenger may not have to sign another centre-back…
Unlikely, I know, but if the kid doesn’t play, we’ll never know?!
Rico, if we signed Hummels, for the kind of money that I’ve read about, then frankly I’d be stunned… 🙂
But happy… 😀
If Gibbs recovers before expected and a few of our ‘walking wounded’ start to return, then could that be the first indication of the influence of our new fitness coach, Shand What’s It?
Cdm for me Kev, big, strong, doesn’t get shoved over easily…
The other under 21 defender could be another one coming through soon too. Cant remember his name but it’s double barrelled…
One good thing. IF Jonker is seen to be the man to takeover from Wenger in a couple of years time, if he sees players like Hayden perform and believes in them, they shouldn’t get sold on as he’ll put his foot down.
Shad Forsythe Kev. Good point…
Morning all.
Not sure that our players get close enough to anyone at corners or free-kicks to manhandle them!
It is comical the way Terry and Ivanovic the two masters of penalty area cheating (at both ends) are suddenly hard done by! How many penalties should have been given against them over the years or goals disallowed when they have blocked or pulled someone back.
However, I share the concern over another Northern unknown ref being given his chance to make a name for himself by stitching us up!
Charles Charlie Charleston is the defender…
Morning Bob, well said!
Re the ref, it’s about time we let our football give the referee nothing to pull us up or cheat us out of…
11:52 well said Rico, my sentiments exactly! Unfortunately going to be a long time with this bunch of hi-ho’s!
I had to goggle that Lee… lol
Hi All,
Thanks Rico, been a while.
Hummels would be my preferred option as CB but doesn’t he have a naff injury record? My biggest caution would be spending big on someone who’s injured a lot. I guess these thoughts go through Wenger’s mind too….Ozil/Sanchez rarely injured before Arsenal. His cheaper buys seem to have all the risk a la Diaby, Sanogo and co.
I have to say I’d recall Jenks aswell, he’s having a great season and if i’m honest I really prefer him over Chambers at RB. Chambers is a CB…I hate him at right back.
Cdm, who’s available? We know who we will be linked with all Jan…sadly this is the position that we will probably miss out on again.
Nickie, stay close to the Jamesons and ginger……
i’m not drinking until after xmas BT. We don’t agree lol, going from never drinking to a day like the 18th puts me in a world of trouble. Hi btw 🙂
That’s just why I’d like to see Hayden in Lee, he’d show a few up….
Hi Nickie/Bt
I didn’t think it would be long before Jenks was wanted back 😉
never wanted him gone :p hehe
Got to get over Jenks , we can’t get him back without paying compensation and i doubt that he wants to come back anyway. He is having a good time there playing first team football on a regular basis . Why would he come back to sit behind the players that we now have. Another one that will have slipped through the net.
afternoon, Rico i feel hummels definitely wont happen, seriously when does wenger, actually sign a player we,re linked with, It just doesn,t happen. He,ll sign a defender no one even focused on, typical wenger signing, Which leaves me to think that he,ll only bring bellerin or hayden, till Janurary. Although he obviously still doesn,t trust them. Otherwise he wouldn,t be looking to bring in a CB in Jan.
Me neither Nickie. He’ll learn from Sam though…. Whether he wants a return after playing each week remains to be seen….
Afternoon Dublin, we were linked to Alexis lol
But seriously, you have a point, it seldom happens but with Merts getting older, Hummels would be ideal…
Potter, I can’t see him wanting to come back, looks like he’s loving his new life….
Thats true, that sanchez deal was a no brainer, for both clubs. To me its a ,shame when we get knocked out of the capital one cup, cause it,s the only time he truly sees players like hayden play competitively. I dont think i,ve seen him play yet.
I see Gareth Bale is the only british player in the top 24 selected for the Ballon D,or this year. That says a lot in itself, Ronaldo clear favourite, by the looks of it.
Catch 22 really, play a younger side and risk getting knocked out or play a stronger side and we don’t see them…
He’s being linked to a £90 million move to Old Trafford
Bale that is.. Yep, Ronaldo to walk that balloon award again…
Finney on the wing….
Crikey, the Mail have highlighted Agger and Skrtel for their penalty area grapples against us. Shock horror…..
Ye i seen that earlier, Rico, crazy money,If true. See chelsea have 3 players in the top 23, united and city with 1 each. Ourselves zilch, Wenger didn,t even make the top ten coaches, A sign of the times. I guess.
Hi all
Matthews on the other!
Shandy……..? Shandy………?
Bitter Shandy!
That’s it I’m off to the tip to pour some more recyclable wood and leaves in the composting bin.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2810813/Rogues-gallery-dark-arts-shame-penalty-box-cheats.html
Doesn’t really bother me Dublin as its all a bleedin fix….
Hi Wavy, have fun….
Walk time for me….
Back now! The tip was full of superannuated ‘old blokes’ tipping their waste. Lovely warm day to be spent at the Tip!
It’s my kind of life!
As we are no longer in the Milk Cup, perhaps Sir Wenger will have a game of Seniors v Juniors to see who are the better players! Jumpers for goal posts, of course, oh, and ‘Rush goalies’!
Akpom, Bellerin and Hayden may well make their mark, although the first teamers are all due back fairly soon.
How refreshing would it be to see some new boys ‘on the block’?
Wavy, heads?
Tails never fails ooops!
Afternoon Rico and the House.
A very good post today Rico but as I have made my thoughts on the three lads well known for the past year , I think you knew what my respone would be.
I think Jeorge Bird and those who are saying send them on loan in Jan have got it wrong. Thats when we start the defence of the FA cup and they could get some good games under thier belts then. Keep them at the club let them train with the first team and contiue playing with the U21 but do not use them as bench warmers.
Rico I know I have always thought that Haydens best position was c/h but I am warming to your thought of him playing cdm.
I think he is good enough to play there.
The highlights of the U21 3-0 win at stoke are now on the player watch it if you can ,
take a good look at Maitlan-Niles goal it is just brilliant.
If only Santi could shoot just like this he would have scored a hatfull in the last 2 games.
Rick, a good goal indeed…
Good points Rick re: Akpom, Hayden, Bellerin & FACup…
Tbh if the draw is kind, all three could play in the 3rd & 4th Rounds and still go out on loan…
Afternoon Rick and all and thanks re the post.
I love yous and Kevs comments on the younger players. Thankfully this season I have caught a few games on the to and player. We might believe Hayden can play Cdm and clearly we do but old stubborn one will probably not be able to think outside his box, just like he didn’t when Vermaelen warmed the bench yet our midfield could have done with him….
Akpom over Sanogo any day of the week and like you, I wouldn’t send them on loan, not all the time we have the squad we do….
Kev, or they show their worth and take us all the way to the final… 😉
Rico I have heared that they are trying to show the u21 home games against Anderlecht and Dortmund live on the player but it will not be known for certain untill close to the day.
Kev can you access the player. The 3 goals last week were all very good and Iwobi M-Niles Akpom and Gnabry look a real handfull for anyside at U21 level.
I gather the plan is to play Gnabry in the U21 untill he is fully match fit. By the way they made him Capt last week.
Rick, really hope they do. I enjoy the under 21 games, perhaps more than the first team at times…
Having just watched the clips on the Player from the 3-0 victory, what amazes me is that even at under 21 level, both full backs were totally out of position for the Stoke attacks…
Just the same as our first team full backs are so often…..
Why? Because they are half way up the pitch having been involved in our attacking game.
Wingers, use the bleedin wingers and let the defenders defend!
They have always stated that all teams play to the same system so that when they get moved up they can make the same mistakes as their seniors.
🙂 Potter…
Evening Rico and all.
Evening Adam..
All quiet so night all…
Night Rico.
Evening I have not posted much over the last month but I came across an astounding bit of information this evening on Untold Arsenal that felt I should share.
Basically during the ten year period between 2003 – 2013 for every million pounds spent net on players Arsenal has earned 44 points in the PL.
The next best is Newcastle with about 23 points there is a full table if people want to see it.
Now I know this information will make no difference to the people that have made up their minds that Wenger is the reason for all that they perceive is wrong with Arsenal.
But to me it shows what a fantastic job Wenger has done for Arsenal football club in a difficult period money wise for the club.
No Rick, I cannot get Arsenal Player…
There are (or were) a couple of websites that uploaded highlights from all the games, both senior and youths, that I could access when I was using my PC.
But, for the time being, it’s all on my phone…
i would like to see hayden at CDM
Top Of the morning, fellow Gooners.
The sweet smell of optimism is in the air.
Arsenal Australia are this weeks featured Supporters Club, so you will see our lovely mugs on Arsenal.com soon enough.
Morning Scott and all…
Scott, that’s good news.
Do you want to get in before Afc.com and write a post for this morning about Arsenal Australia?
250/300 words will be enough… 🙂
I will get you one in the next few days, Rico……promise 🙂
Fab, thanks Scott.. 🙂
Ric, the juices are flowing and one is on the way…..give me 15 minutes 🙂
Even better Scott, thanks….
Rico, check your inbox.
I have and replied Scott… 😛
No worries.
Morning Rico and all.
Gonerjoe, thanks for the untold story, really really impressive. Im glad you pointed us to it.
Morning Adam…
I often read untold because of their coverage of the pgmol and associated things but I steer clear of their sycophantic paranoia about Wenger. I can’t prove otherwise but they have been accused of ,I won’t say falsifying but boxing their figures to suit their arguments.Why stop when they did ? was it because we bought Ozil and Sanchez during the next period ? after all £75 million on the debit side might have skewed their argument a little . As I said I don’t have time to research it fully but stats of this nature I take with a pinch of salt. When they show me how much we have spent relating to poor marking at corners and pounds to passes ,I might just take an interest.
‘When they show me how much we have spent relating to poor marking at corners and pounds to passes ,I might just take an interest’.
Good point….
New post up now…