Gazidis simply must finance this move! Wenger rules out signing full-back!!

Whenever I read an Arsenal blog and its following comments, the concern over the fitness of one man stands out like a sore cruciate.
The fortune of our great club seems to be very much tied up with the health of our Dutch maestro Robin Van Persie.

As the January Window approaches we are all concerned about the wellbeing of our talisman, whilst hoping that Arsene Wenger brings in a quality striker to help carry some of the load from off of the broad shoulders of our Captain Courageous.

Who though, in truth, could supplant him in the team and do the job that he does?

The Coach of Borussia Dortmund was full of praise at the way that Robin ‘Led the Line’ or did so, by often dropping deep into midfield.

A revival of the ‘Revie Plan’ maybe from the mid-1950’s when Don Revie, as a deep-lying centre-forward, copied those revolutionary tactics first viewed in England at Wembley in 1953? The original tactic was brought to England by the famous Magic Magyars from Hungary, when they visited Wembley and inflicted a record 6-3 hammering on the hosts.

That result reverberated throughout English/British football and brought about changes not seen in British football since the change to the off-side law in the 1920’s.

The fulcrum of that great Hungarian team was it’s centre-forward Nandor Hidegkuti, who would drop deep into midfield, leaving the opposition centre-half [ only one in those days ] marking empty space. Meanwhile inside-forwards [ attacking midfielders ] Ferenc Puskas and Sandor Kocsis ran amok in the space that Hidegkuti had vacated.

Fast-Forward 58 years and we see Robin doing a similar job for Arsenal, dropping deep to link up with the midfield whilst Gervinho & Walcott run into the empty space. Robin then joins the attack, usually unmarked, to wreak havoc.

It takes a player of supreme quality and intelligence to play such a role and we are lucky to have him but it also leaves Arsenal in a right pickle if Robin is unavailable.

So where does Arsene find an apprentice to our captain?

Not an easy task, but something that Wenger has to face and that Gazidis simply must finance this time.

No prevaricating in this Window this time Ivan…!

Finally, Wenger has taken a U-turn on signing a full-back, having suggested he would sign cover in January, he has now said he doesn’t want to be paying a player for four years, especially as we have enough cover to get us through until our injured players return.

Written by Allezkev

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LB
LB
14 years ago

I’m getting the impression that Arsenal have decided not to try and win the league, they just want to wait for the fair-play rules to see if they have an effect. Nothing else for me explains the fact that not only will we not sign A-grade players like Eto’o and Torres (before their slump) or Aguerro or even Alonso when we very much had the chance to, but we also won’t sign B-grade players like Podolski, Alou Diarra, Forlan, etc. I honestly cannot wrap it around my mind what the Arsenal plan is. And I’m one of Arsene’s biggest fans. But this, I don’t get.

Ubong
Ubong
14 years ago

Even Gibbs come back tomoro i cant rely on him base on his injury history.we need to sign a left back and lukas podoski.please wenger we need a striker in this team.

bolly J
bolly J
14 years ago

i really think we need a full back in the january transfer window. Gibbs coming back isn’t a joy for the fans not because of quality but his injury history cast doubt on relying on him. if Arsenal are bent on having a revenge on Man-U in january, we must be firing on all cylinder and a striker (not on loan TH). Podolski is a good buy

Scott
Scott
14 years ago

B grade player,Podolski????
Is that Fred,Jimmy or Terry Podolski you are waffling on about?
Seriously…..

Potter
Potter
14 years ago

Every comment from the club seems to a back pedal on buying for any position . We just have to hope that this is purely a gambling position and that we are keeping things close to our chest. With the current attendances being 4000 or so down ,despite the clubs figures , 11 more confirmed home matches selling out would gross enough to buy Podolski and pay wages for a couple more.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Morning Gooners
Morning Rico… [poor old Pat 😉 ]
All quiet on the transfer front…?

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Don’t be suprised if not only none of the trio you naned actually leave this January Rico, but that nobody leaves.

If i was to have a bet, then the one player who i believe is most likely to leave , is Squillaci…

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

He’s not my mate anymore… 🙁

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

After his flakey performance in Olympiakos, i’d be more likely to sell Mannone at present…
Maybe it was a one off, maybe not!

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Maybe an ‘old head’ as back-up to Chezzer and one of our promising youngsters as the No.3 in goal will suffice next season.
As it stands, i think we’re stuck with the Three Amigos as back-up to Wojiciech for time being.

Yeah, just love those massive earings 😉 😉

EastSidePaul
EastSidePaul
14 years ago

Since Henry has left, how many hattricks have been scored at Arsenal? I can only think of one!

Don
Don
14 years ago

my blame we always go to the board of Arsenal FC why because they left everything for our coach that is why is is gambling with us. we need a LB and striker.we can not wait for those of our players who have injuries. Santos we be back March and Gibbs is not a player we have to depend on. please we need a LB and a striker. for how long should we keep on begging for top 4 why others are working to have the cup it is really so bad the way at which our club have turn to a business center

EastSidePaul
EastSidePaul
14 years ago

Thats the only one I could think of, that says a lot.

Don
Don
14 years ago

sometimes it wonder me alot the ways at which things have been going on with Arsenal … let wait and see if he will bring a LB and a striker

EastSidePaul
EastSidePaul
14 years ago

Ah arshavin, I’d forgotten about him! Baptisia also maybe??

jales
jales
14 years ago

What of adebayor’s 2 hatrick against derby county,Walcott hatrick against blackpool last season,rvp against wigan and chelsea this season

stevepalmer1
stevepalmer1
14 years ago

Morning all
great post Ak, you amaze me with your memory.
Got to say i don’t like the idea of Henry signing a short term contract as out goes a centre forward in the window, Lehman last year Henry this. This can only mean we will persevere with the Meerkat and the wash leather. i have a ticket for the game tomorow and will give my support but i must admit i am far from happy.

stevepalmer1
stevepalmer1
14 years ago

Hi Rico, I think it means no players in this window

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

Bolton agrees to Cahill transfer fee ( BBC )

LB
LB
14 years ago

The issue of who is A or B grade is the least important in my post. Talk about pettiness! The point is why we sign neither the best nor the next best. Who fits in each group is a matter of opinion.

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

Hi all

quote re Henry

“It was my idea. He was happy about it, but it was my idea,” Wenger explains

So, we have someone to play if the idea fails?

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Cheers Steve.
Wikipedia helped out with the Hungarian spelling… 😉

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

I wait for the complaints re Henry’s influence of the players undermining RvP, maybe not intended

As much as I like Henry’s return, I get feelings things may backfire

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

My Dad used to have the autobiography of Puskas,
Captain of Hungary, i believe it was called….
It was his generation, brought up on the superiority of English/British football, that suffered that ‘crisis of confidence’, about our game and where it stood in the World.
Compounded by poor World Cups in 1950 and 1954…

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Rico, is that right, has TH14 become TH12…?

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

I think that Robin is too experienced now to feel undermined by TH12.
I’m sure that Wenger was checking out the reaction of the rest of the squad, to the great man, when he began training with them.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

If there had been any adverse reaction to TH12, then this deal would not be where it is now.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

I reckon he’ll sell a few Rico.

Certainly more than Chamakh, that’s for sure. 😉

Lee
Lee
14 years ago

Just popping on guys & gals…..great post AK (as always!), you angling to be getting down on one knee like SSP? 😆
If we’re not gonna get a LB or RB get a utility man? Vertonghen please!!!
After TH’s 2 months we’re hoping that MC finds his goal scoring boots as we’ll be into the important run in…..
Gotta hop catch you later!

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

we Gunners are in a moral dilemma. We want good players and we want the team to win

The more we win, the less chance of good players, and the more we lose, the better chance we got of getting good players. That is the dilemma

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Hello Lee. Only room for one Knight on here mate.. 🙂
I make you spot-on re: Vertonghen.
And yeah, an MC full of confidence after the ACN would be a good thing….
You must be busy mate. See ya lata….

Rico, i do hope that the return of TH12 isn’t just an exercise in PR and spin.
As happy as i am to see him back, albeit for a short loan, TH alone, simply isn’t good enough.
But as you know, i have absolutely no faith what so ever in Ivan the Terrible!

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Oh no Rico, not him………. 😯

I saw him recently, trolling thru a couple of other sites.

I wish he’d just rust off….

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Result….. 😀

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

AlanMP, there is a third option mate.
The more we lose.
The more chance of losing more quality players from our squad next summer…….

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

Allezkev

true

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

I’m being nagged… 😉
See ya all a bit lata 🙂

EastSidePaul
EastSidePaul
14 years ago

The start of the season really showed how stripped bare of any talent the squad was, the flurry of transfer has patched over the cracks (More like gaping holes). I can’t help but think our bargin bin buys aren’t exactly what is needed for us to challenge for the title. The time has come for us to spend big, flex some muscle or face dropping behind spurs..

Patrick Ssekatawa
Patrick Ssekatawa
14 years ago

I was one of those who were greatly opposed to the prospect of signing Lukas Podolski, not because he doesn’t have the quality, but because he is not the natural striker I would warmly welcome, the likes of Fernando Llorente, or Leandro Damiao. However, as it currently stands, I would gladly welcome him, and I’m praying that Wenger signs him.
With Milan trying to sign Tevez, they would be more dangerous if they got him, and would have an advantrage over us. It is good that Henry will be there against Milan in the San Siro, but, sadly, he will not be available to finish the job at the Emirates, so Podolski, with some Champions League as well as enormous international experience under his belt, would be of great value in both legs against the Italians and the rest of the domestic matches.
Besides, having already bagged 151 goals for club and country, he possesses a much greater goal threat than the likes of Gervinho, and best of all, he loves our club. Surely, signing him will make more sense than having Chamakh and Arshavin who can no longer do anything when they are played! Come on Wenger, go get him!!!

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

Hi!
I want Ksibor and Kubala in Arsenal on January! 🙂
And if we sell Chamack and another player, I want Ferenc Puskas and his strong left foot, too!
Boo….we are almost in 2012 and we have in our squad imortal players like Chamack, Almunia, Squillaci,…players will be in my mind forever.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

JM, Ksibor? Kubala?
Who are they?
Who do they play for?
What positions do they play?
KT isn’t here to help me…..

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago
allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Chavs are ‘struggling’ to agree terms with Cahill.
Hmmmm

alan b'stard M P
alan b'stard M P
14 years ago

Bolton have agreed to a price for Cahill

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Alan, i think a fee in the region of £5m has been agreed between the clubs.
The haggling is over personal terms.
Maybe another reason that Wenger lost interest, because if moneybags Roman can’t or won’t pay Cahill’s wage demands.
Then what chance Arsenal.
Maybe Cahill really want to join us? 😉

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

allez, they played from Hungary and then they must left Hungary and going to the western european part. Kubala was played from Barcelona and was like Di Stefano im Madrid, a Barcelona legend. Ksibor and Coksis also played from Barcelona between 55-65. Puskas, former with Di Stefano, one of the most intesting doubles of the football history. Was a comment for the post :-). We missed them not.
News: Barça – 30 millions for Bale?
Cahill – Chelsea? very close
Henry for 2 months to Arsenal

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

Chelsea – 100 millions – Hulk (Porto) ?

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

hello rico
What is the line up for tomorrow?

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Boo! I see, someone’s on “historian” mode. Another good one, AK. 😉

rico, the Chavs always get the players we want. Tut tut. 🙁 Torres and Mata come to mind. (well, Torres always comes to mind. :D) )

JM, you watch too much football. 🙂 I have absolutely no idea who the players you named are. 😉

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Afternoon Gooners and Goonerettes
Check your in-box Rico.. 😉

JM, larking about again, you crafty old Port you… 😀

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

£100 million for Hulk….. 😆 😆 😆

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Mouthwatering couldabeen, rico. 😉 We’d be winning everything, I think. Imagine Robin and Torres playing together. Oh wow. (No, I don’t mean thighs galore!) They can even take turns getting crocked. 😀

But don’t give up on Cahill yet. 😉 Haha.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Cheers Agag……
How’s thing’s on your side of the globe.
All the bad weather gone?

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Hello, AK. Howdy? Your “mate” is giving rico the blues… 😉

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

And me Agag.
But he hasn’t signed yet.. 😉

What is it with you gals and footballers thighs…. 🙄 8)

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Lata

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Lata, AK. 🙂 Going on muscleman mode now?? Hah!

£100M for The Hulk??? Hasn’t this figure been bandied about since September/October?? Oh wow.

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

The Chavs and the Mancs and Liverpoop, rico. It’s silly money, and not in keeping with sustainable business models (channeling AW now… 😉 )

I bet AK has another article. He’ll be knighted anytime now, like SSP was. 🙂

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

the intenational press said Chelsea wants Hulk on January… talking in 100 million -(is Porto price).
agag, History of fottball, nothing more.
Kubala is a Barcelona legend
rico, probably will be the same suad tomorrow with Walcott and Ramsey but hen on Monday, we must replace something

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

We’ll soon see whether the FFP rules have any teeth, rico. It would be lovely to see TH score a few more for us. 🙂 You’re so lucky to have had a photo with him.

Oh I see, but why not Paulino Alcantara, JM?? 🙂

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

I don’t see it either, rico. 🙁 I see FIFA indefinitely adjusting the date of effectivity of the new rules; to give clubs time to adjust blah blah blah.

I like your theory, rico. 🙂 We need more Arsenal men on board. Silent Stan has been pretty unambitious…

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Evening All…..
What’s going on ‘ere then?
Agag, have you disappeared off to cuddle your pillow case of Torres? :P:

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

Goody for you AK. Good post. And mentioning one of the best football teams the world has ever seen made my day for whenever I can and if possible to find I like watching games from the Hungarian magicians. My favourite from that team was Sandor Kocsis (Golden head). But although Puskas was the leader the man who made the formation tick was as you said Hidegkuti.

And as you pointed out, Gazidis must put his money where his mouth is and walk the walk during this transfer window. I only hope that the signing of TH12 does not mean no one is going to be signed,

BDW, good evening Guys and Chicks of the Gunners’ faith.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Rico… FFP is just a scam.
Nothing will change.
FIFA/UEFA are toothless.
The big clubs pay for FIFA/UEFA to have all their freebies.
There’s no way that the suits at FIFA/UEFA are going to bite the hand of the people that keep them in champagne and 10 star hotels… 😈

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Hello to you DG.
And thanks for those kind words.
We’re all waiting for another example of your wordsmithness.

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Still here, AK. 🙂 I have no such pillowcase. But that is not a half-bad idea. 🙂 I have a battle in my hands with online shopping at the moment; grrrr. I am normally a peaceable creature but not when it comes to messing up my shoe deliveries.

Boo, DG! How are you? Busy bee?

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

At the moment I am very busy as you well know AK. Although I am getting very tired it is also giving me a lot of satisfaction.

Regarding the deep lying centreforward it works so well this seasons simply because Gervinho has the knowledge and tactical nous to run into the space created by RVP. But while Theo has the speed to exploit it does he have the nous to use it?? Imo he does not. And eventually the OX will take over. Maybe that is why AW stresses that Theo’s place is on the wings….simply because he cannot play the deep lying centreforward role. Imo only one man can play it in the most effective way that RVP can and that is Berbatov.

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

Oui Agag. Very busy. But its work which gives me a lot of satisfaction. How are you??

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

Good for you, DG. Not all of us can say that about our work. Haha… As for Theo, I just want to see how he fares at his preferred position. If that doesn’t work… Then by all means, lets bring Oxo in. As for Berbatov, he’s a little to languid for my liking…

What was for dinner, rico?

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

That’s a light one, rico although it sounds quite yummy. I skipped dinner; had a big lunch is why.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

DG, funny you should say Berbatov.
My son Kevin said the same when we was talking Arsenal over the Christmas break.
But then he’s always been a big fan of the Bulgarian.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Rico, FFall, says it all.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Rico, that sounds like leftovers from Christmas. 😉

A bit like Christmas pud on Dec 29th… 😀

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Agag, i’m sure a shopping website can supply you with the required pillow case.
Maybe a duvet cover as well……. :P:

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Coronation St is on in the background……. Help… 😯

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Don’t agree with what Robson says.
But it’s a point of view….

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Good night Rico & thanks.

Poor old Pat…. 🙁

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

I am not a fan of the Bulgarian AK. I speak as a tactician not because I like a player or not. For example I like Chamack a lot, but within the present formation he is crap because he does not drop deep like RVP therefore AW must change his formation to suit the morroccan. However, Berbatov’s languid style makes him ideal to the deep lying centreforward role you spoke about in your article. Theo will never be able to do that, his body language suggests it and his tactical nous confirms it. He is more a Wright type forward. But his tactical nous, although he does have some, is like a blinkered horse….he sees only one or two options when there are more than one and usually he runs into either blind alleys or into crossroads. His speed is the only asset to the present system in that it gives other players the option to use him. But when the other team defends deep the OX should be used. In that case neither Arshavin is the answer since he plays as the second forward. If someone puts Drogba infront of Arshavin he would become a world beater again. But put a slower RVP or limited Theo in front of AA and he fails. Podolski might be the answer, but if not its the OX who should be there and no one else.

Lee
Lee
14 years ago

Evening gooners….am all excited about tomorrow’s game!
We need more than TH12 to overcome the spuds and push on….what must RVP be thinking? Is it true that him an TH14 never really got on?

agirlagunner
agirlagunner
14 years ago

You do love your soaps, rico. 🙂 I have a favorite Taiwanese actor who looks underfed and can’t really act; I have seen all his soaps. Some of them multiple times. It doesn’t take much to entertain me. Haha.

The January trf window has given the footballing world duds after the fashion of Carroll and Torres… Not a particularly encouraging time to buy.

Don’t give me ideas, AK. And I have just given some people a piece of my mind. Grrr. Holiday cheer and all that. 😀

Lee
Lee
14 years ago

It really fucks me off, 2 billionaires involved in AFC and we’re tighter than a camel’s arse in a sandstorm……last season,only we could come fourth when we were in a two horse race!!!

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Rumours Lee, rumours…
There’s always someone with an axe to grind.
It’s a pity that Robson didn’t name any of these players that criticised Henry.
Reyes was a mummy’s boy.
RVP was injured & had a personal problem with false accusations back in Holland, so how did Henry slow his progress.
Who were the other’s?

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Torres on your duvet Agag….. 😉
You would never get up… 😆

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

DG… 4 4 2 mate, 4 4 2, or 4 4 1 1.

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

Nothing of the sort will happen now. TH12 is humble enough to realize that if he starts throwing his weight around his legacy will be tarnished. On the contrary, although he will bow to no one, he will stand back and enjoy his swansong at AFC. He will see that the team is a strong unit now and if he contributes even just one iota his fame stock will rise with the Gunners and his legacy enhanced. As AK said its a win win situation (psychologically).

It is simply THE RETURN OF THE KING of the REAWAKENING OF KING ARTHUR PROPORTIONS.

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

I am always an advocate of the 4-4-1-1 AK as you well know. However, if you have the right pegs for the 4-3-3 why not?? I still feel irked that AW tries to fix square pegs in round holes……Rosicky, Arshavin, Bendtner, Nasri spring to mind. Why not buy a real winger instead of buying a second striker and put him as a winger??? Its obvious that they will not like it and the system and team will suffer as a result.

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago
devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

I can make a prediction for the next ten years……..and in bold letters.

THE ONLY PLAYER WHO CAN BREAK THIERRY HENRY’S ARSENAL RECORD CAN ONLY BE THEIRRY HENRY HIMSELF.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

DG you out tomorrow night, to see the New Year in..?

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43ItX_bPR1o

In the end only winners go home. And the king was one of them.

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

Oui mate. But only here in my town. The prince will get tired easily. He is still 7 years old so we have to be careful.

Righto offski now amigo. Goodnight and as you can see I left you with some memories.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

DG, 8.36.
The problem i think, is that AW is still looking for another pair like Ljungberg and Pires to fill the wide berths.
You simply don’t get them like that very often and most certainly not two at the same time!

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Did you get the DVD’s yet habib?

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

Not yet mate….although I got a letter from the Post office to tell me that they are there so that I can go and pick them up.

Regarding the above comment on Lyungberg/Pires I agree one million percent. But I think we have them both already. Dont laugh but they are the Ox and Santos.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

You are right about Oxlade-Chamberlain.
I’m really looking forward to seeing him again.
But ithink next season is when we’ll see him bloosom.
Anyway, i shall bid you goodnight habib.
And thanks for the memories….. 😉

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Blossom…. bloosom? 😕

devilgunner
devilgunner
14 years ago

cheers amigo. I am off. see you tomorrow.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Lee, you still about?
You going tomorrow???

Joaquim Moreira
Joaquim Moreira
14 years ago

liverpool 3-1 Newcastle.

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 Gillingham…. 😉

They needed that win, big time..

allezkev
allezkev
14 years ago

Good Night Gooners…

Morning Lee…. 🙂

Julian
Julian
14 years ago

By the time the FFPkicks in Arsenal could be in the Europa league.Yeah I know the likes of MU/Chelsea/RM.etc will be in trouble.Is there nay guarantee UEFA will take action agaginst the errant clubs?What will happen if the big name clubs defy UEFA defy and start their own cl?
Arsenal not being in the G 20 can look on.Wenger better note time is not on his side. If the gunners fai to secure the cl berth,chances he could reisgn or fired.You cannot live on past glory.