You just have to love The Metro, yesterday the story was about Nasri and a possible return to us, which of course we all laughed and scoffed at, well today it’s about us trying to sign another Russian player.
This one is pretty special and he’s already bagged two goals in the Euros for his country, and against a Czech side which has a top class goalkeeper with the same name. His name is Alan Dzagoev, he’s 21 years old, an attacking midfielder who currently plays for CSKA Moscow. He’s also tipped to be the most natural successor to Arshavin for Russia, maybe that is why the press/media think he could do the same for us.
He’s already featured in more than 100 games for CSKA Moscow and scored five goals in his first eight caps for Russia. His contract expires this time next year so he won’t be too expensive, the down side is that the big Russian at Chelsea is sniffing around him too…
The other bit of gossip which appears to be everywhere thanks to Al Jazeera surrounds Olivier Giroud, suggestion is that we have agreed a fee with Montpellier to sign him. It’s believed to be a deal in which Chamakh will be involved – now all we have to do is sort out the wages and convince him to sign for us.
Giroud is currently with the French squad in Ukraine/Poland.
Talking of which, France v’s England should be an interesting battle later today, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott should both feature at some stage of the game if not from the start but Koscielny looks likely to be on the bench when the whistle goes with Laurent Blanc opting for experience.
We’ve got two big players in central defence and I hope they play very well tomorrow, Koscielny has had a very good season with Arsenal but, as you know, you need experience at centre-back and players that work together in terms of instinct.
Kos shouldn’t be downhearted, one slip up from either of the French central defenders and he’ll soon get his turn in this tournament.
The French have turned things around under Blanc and Sagna believes that going back to basics has been the reason for their 21 games unbeaten run:
We had to go back to our roots and start working even more. We were in a bad way, and couldn’t find the right way to play football. We had the players, but on the pitch we couldn’t play together. When you don’t have that special thing as a team you don’t win games.
Now we have changed many things – training is different, everyone is more focused to come back strong.
Ring any bells?
I hope the French get it all very wrong tonight and England notch up their first three points of the tournament. Something makes me think they won’t but I am sure going to watch them try…
Following them is Ukraine v’s Sweden…
Just how annoyed were you to see Fabregas get a Spanish equaliser?
That’s it for another day, have a good one….
Morning all ye Fine Folk.
Nice post Lady.
Howdy Lee????
So I repeat again……..why the hell doesnt AW give Montpellier Money+Chamack for Giroud, Park+Squilly+money for Mapou???
That would be ideal.
Dzagoev I like, but right now I feel we need a DM not an advanced one.
Of all the teams I have seen at the Euro, I feel that Italy and Germany might make it. Of course its all cagey affairs at the start but I am hoping for an Italy vs Germany final.
I nearly kicked the TV when Mario went for a penalty instead of shooting and lost the ball.
Has anyone actually seen the Al Jazeera Giroud story other that on various non Al Jazeeza websites?
Tried to find a trace but nothing there, is this just rumour reported as fact?
Dzagoev is amazing looked wicked the other day! hope giroud is true too but Al Jazeera?? would rather believe Talk shite then them 😛
Good morning all
I really hope this Giroud story is true, have a sneaky feeling it could be, £12M and Chamkh gone would be a great result.
🙂
why do we need more frogs? They can’t even get together without a public mutiny. How about Cloggies to compliment RvP?
Knew you’d be pleased with the Russian story Matty 😉
devil – that’s pusing it, what have montpellier done do deserve all those duffers 😉
Giruoud to Arsenal and Chamakh off, thats killing twobids in one transaction. Great.
jt – no, the bleacher report was the one i read, but this story has been around a while….
Giroud
M’Vila
Podolski
Then get:
Afellay
GK
CH
Nearly there 😉
wenger should 1st make a move 4 yann m’vila,
Well I got to agree I was really impressed with Italy too. Especially De Rossi, Cassano and Di Natale. De Rossi was a monster. He really held defense together. And Cassano, man for all his indicipline and heart surgery, he has a big heart.
And last night’s match was first where both teams were well organised, knew each other’s tactics and were out there to beat each other’s tactics.
Duffers???? Shame on you!!!!! They are not Duffers.
Chamack…….A great striker who can head the ball and his work rate is second to none. There is no shame in being a back up to RVP who is second only to Messi. He can link up play with the forwards and is an international player.
Park………..his record before he came to us was 11 goals in 11 games. 1 goal per game is the stuff of legends. Ted Drake scored 42 goals in 42 games. It is not Park’s fault that the manager did not play him more. So a 100% record.
Squilly……..An international renownded defender who likes to bring the ball out of the defence and spraying passes to the flanks. It is not his fault that he is kept out of the side by TommyV and Kozzer who are younger and faster.
There you are………they are good players. And we are giving them money as well.
haha rico i am indeed tell you who stuff up the yiddos with pavlyuchenko he is class in my eyes!
I really Hope Giroud deal is done and dusted and for Young Russia guy I don’t think is ideal. Thumb ub to Blog.
Whattt are you nuts lol Dzagoev is a brick house and only 21
Welcome to those just joining and thanks for the thumbs up Bola 🙂
devil, you keep writing that, someone out there will believe you 😉
Good read.i think Giroud story has legs but we’ll have to wait and see.it also seems like m’vila may be a done deal.
Btw, does any one else thinks we’re going to go to playing style of good old days.
RvP as a real #10. Fast paced, highly skilled, goal scoring Poldi on left wing, Olivier Giroud who seems really good striker as a main striker with grit than guile from midfield in the form of Arteta-Song, Jack-Song, Rambo-Song or M’Villa/Le Coq(fingers crossed)?
Tell you what though arshavin looked like a different player his was immense this weekend in the central position! maybe its wenger fault he flopped putting him on the wing.
The Metro spews more shit than a baby’s ass. Anything the Metro says is utter bollocks and has been for over two years. Not a source to quote.
I think Italy vs Spain is the best match so far in terms of tactics and technicality.it was like a chess match watching a 4-6-0 vs 3-5-2.i was very impressed with De rossi,Di Natale,Pirlo and especially Iniesta.Di Natale could teach our forwards a thing or two about intelligent off the ball movement.De Rossi is just brilliant and Pirlo…one of my favourite players of the decade was just sublime.
this is not true
Hope so Kt, would be a big boost, then sort ot Theo and RvP and we start looking like a much strong squad…
We have two Devils here today 😮
If we get Giroud, it could be a sign that we are thinking about change, 6′ 4″ tall goal scorer, can’t see him being bought to sit on the bench..
Morning all, I’m good Devil.You? Paint-balling for my son’s birthday yesterday, had my arse kicked by a load of 8 & 9yr olds…not pleasant! 🙁
Devil…………..you are invading. Only one DEVIL is allowed around here. Can you kindly change your name or we will end up in the soup mix????? Because others will attribute my comments to you or your comments to me.
So begone Satan, lest you corrupt the minds of these Fine Folk who inhabit this venerable blog. 😉
Just pulling your leg of course but I hope you can see the reason why. we will end up getting mixed mate.
Good to see Lee. the paint balling that is not the arse kicking. 😆
Kt, i quite enjoyed the Pain/Italy match – the more in went on I wanted the Italians to win it, how did balotelli not make more of his chance, he’d done all the hard work then just far too casual…
Devil………..this is what might happen if we lock horns (or teeth). 😉
Morning Lee – feeling a tad old eh 😉
I just hope this giroud news is true.
Balotelli was playing for the penalty Lady. He slowed down suddenly expecting to be taken cleanly by a lunging defender. The thing is that those effing spaniards are so skillful that the ball was nicked cleanly with Mario falling flat on his ugly mug.
Mornin all! If chamakh is part of the deal then that is a winner, if not, like rico said, can’t see ground warming the bench so RVP may be off.
Gonna go with the former scenario.
Giroud* not ground, stupid spell check.
The Chavs might come in for Grioud, best we get a move on
Montpellier want Lukakakakakakaku who is reported to be unhappy at chelsea…
Only lorry loads, Rico! We’ll probably play Giroud as a winger it’s not like it’s not been done before!!
@DG…..You should have gone for Sumo wrestlers…lol..
But onto football can RvP10 really do DB10?
And I’d go for Satan now..lol
Until there is an officIal conformation from the club, the Bear won’t even bother to comb up his hair in an Afro.
Gone are the days clubs do business without informing the world online. The whispering trees effect which works in favour of agents n players, but do not benefit a club unless it has wasted capital to flex their muscles.
Giroud, RVP and Podolski are all left-footers. Not one of them will want to sit on the bench. Either we are changing formation next season or RVP is off – obviously hope it’s the former
Sorry but I really feel RVP is on his toes……. 🙁
Devil…..with DG there is a slight problem mate. We have DutchGooner10 who is known as DG already. Shetaan (in arabic) is much better than Satan mate. And it means the same thing as devil.
According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Sebastien Squillaci’s nine minutes of Premier League playing time last season will cost Arsenal €250,000.
The Gunners must pay Sevilla, the Frenchman’s former club, the
aforementioned figure after the Gunners third place finish in the league triggered a clause in the much-maligned centre-back’s contract.
Squillaci made a total of six appearance last term, including one cameo appearance in the league at Sunderland, and is fully expected to quit the Emirates this summer after an unhappy two year spell in London.
German newspaper Bild reported last week, that Bundesliga side Werder Bremen would also benefit from Arsenal’s qualification for Europe’s premiere competition with the deal for Per Mertesacker containing a similar clause.
In other news, Nicklas Bendtner has drafted in an extra representative to help him secure a move this summer.
Until recently, the Dane’s father, Thomas, took care of all his son’s contract negotiations, but his running of Nicklas’ burgeoning jewellery business (we’re not kidding you) is apparently taking up too much time.
As a consequence, Bendtner Jnr has entered into an informal agreement with Tom Brookes of sports management agency ISM – the only company brave enough to take on the challenge of marketing the greatest striker that ever lived.
Tom is due on a NASA flight to Mars later this year where he’ll look to tempt Zarg United of the Major Milkyway Soccer League to sign the Dane. He’s taking a couple of shiny broaches and a charm bracelet from Bendtner’s Autumn/Winter collection in the hope of wooing their alien ways.
devil – sure didn’t work for him, he was off soon after 😉
Hi Lewis..
Guys, RvP isn’t going imho.
He wants signings to make us stronger, for the board to show some intent.
imho – Podolski is going to push Gervinho
Grioud to replace Chamkah and Park
Campbell & Afobe as back up strikers so up front we’d be stronger.
Then if we get M’Vila we solve the midfield problem and then I can’t see us signing another CB, unless JD, Bartley and Miquel all go, I don’t count Squilli..
Afellay would be a bonus but with Jack, Arteta, Diaby, Ramsey, I can’t see us signing anyone there, we should, but i cant see it…
I told you all Fine Folk………..the club DO WANT to sell RVP. I think that many deals are done already…..like M’Vila. So they play that they have not signed anyone for the simple reason that they want RVP to go. If they say that they have signed M’Vila or Capuoe, plus Giroud and maybe a centreback then RVP will back track and say he will stay. So the club wants RVP to go and his money will fund all or part of the above players together with the money from Bendy, Denilson, Arshavin, Vela, Chamack, Squilly and Djourou.
My glass half full is rapidly becoming half empty Lee 😉
Bearman, nor will any of us, but i’m trying my best to have a bit of hope 😉
Lee – one bit of bad news in your last with one bit of good, hope Nik new special agent gets him a move, not sure ayone really wants him though….
I’d love it if we get Giroud
Keep RvP…play him as the 2nd striker with Arteta/wilshere and Song/M’vila behind him, with Oxo/Gervinho on the right.
Time to sell Theo……
Trade in Chamakh, Park and all our rubbish.
I would keep Rosicky for another season…he can be backup AM. Loan/sell Ramsey….he’s pants, way too slow.
What a player Iniesta is.His close control dribbling is a joy to behold.
Speaking of which watching him slalom past blue shirts in very congested areas made me think of how much we miss a player of his sort at the club.In the past we had Hleb/nasri who could play that role against parked buses.
Hleb especially was brilliant at this.His dribbling in such packed areas disoriented defences opening up spaces for the likes of Cesc to run into,no wonder Cesc said he enjoyed playing with Hleb.This past season we had no one who could do that and as a result against parked buses we struggled and we ended up overcommiting men forward leaving us open to counter attacks.
Going into next season we’ll have pace and power of Prinz Poldi,trickery,direct running of Oxo/Gerv and raw pace of Theo but against parked buses we’ll struggle.We need a Hleb sort of player to disorient defenders to allow the aforementioned players to get space to utilize their strengths.Ironically such a player may help us improve defensively too.
Am sure Wenger watched yesterday’s match and i hope he knows we need an Iniesta sort of player.Thats why Wenger is so desperate for Gotze but he isn’t coming.I hope we’ve got a player lined up to set up our attack nicely hopefully with the addition of Giroud.
I’ll bet you a pint Rico that he’s off…..if he wants the club to show intent, he’s at the wrong club! 🙁
We will move on as we always have done!
KT, I took your advice and watched Arg v Bra……Messi’s third, as you said yesterday………simply SUBLIME!!!
I don’t think either that RvP is going. He’s gonna stay. The only ones who’ll leave are once we want to sell other than that every one else will stay.
Btw did De Rossi make move or he’s still available? He just looks like one great buy. And we do need some one in his mold. Aggressive, Organizer and character.
But my favorite player on the field was still Cassano.
devil – i disagree with you on Rvp, i don’t think the club want to sell him….
Deal Lee 🙂
Welcome to those just joining and Satan is/was the ‘other Devil’
Agree Ktr7 on the Spain v Italy match
It was really enjoyable because of the gr8 technique and tactics on display. I thought Spain were amazing on the ball, extremely skillful.
However they need to drop this midfielder nonsense.
They’r front 6 should be:
Mata———Llorente/Negredo——-Navas
——–Iniesta——-Xavi
———–Busquests
Torres was rubbish y’day….if it was Villa he would’v killed it.
Italy were disciplined but at times their defence shit themselves when the Spanish attacked. Imo Iniesta and Xavi were amazing y’day. Don’t know why Del Bosque plays Alonso…way too cautious
I hope you’re right on RVP Rico, I just can’t see Giroud or Podolski accepting a bench role though.
KT, I completely agree with you on Iniesta. That guy is the footballing equivalent of sex!
I hope Rvp sees how different life is outside Arsenal.At the club everything is built around his strengths and to mask his weaknesses.For the Dutch that isn’t the case;he is the scape goat,the Ramsey of the team despite players like Robben being very selfish.Not at many top clubs will he get the life he has at our club.I hope he knows that since the rest of his family do.If we do match his ambitions he should think very carefully about his next move…
Time will tell Rico………..but all the noises coming out of the club seem to indicate this..
Satan……..In February 2012, De Rossi signed a new five-year contract with Roma. He became the highest paid Italian footballer in the Serie A at €10 million (gross) per annum
Still shocked that JD could be on his way for 10m euros……
Can’t drop David Silva, that assist for the goal yesterday was different gravy.
Even I Lee. 10m Euros is difficult to accept. I was hoping for more but the world being as it is with all this recession going around it is difficult to get more. He is a giveaway on that money. We have to accept it and cut our lossess…………!!!!!!! 🙁
If we get Giroud then AFC will surely have to go 4-4-1-1. It will be difficult to see AW playing 4-3-3 with all three being left footed. It will mean that either Podolski will play on the left with RVP lying behind Giroud. The right spot would be filled by Gervinho who is more trickier than Theo and has a better footballing brain.
KM, I’m with you here.
A lot of people thought the Spain-Italy game was boring because it wasn’t riddled with chances but the technique on show was fantastic. It was a hugely engaging game. Very impressed by the Italians, especially the way they pressed. They’ll need some time to recover though because playing Spain is physically and mentally draining.
This may not be the most popular opinion but Balotelli is awesome IMHO. Forget that part where he hesitated infront of goal, his all-round game is awesome. Strong, quick, holds up the ball well, has fantastic link-up play and shoots well off both feet. It’s a shame his temperant could ruin it all though.
Hi Romford – they won’t, it will be Gervinho on the bench 🙂
You think we should be getting more for him Lee 😉
It will devil – sure hope i am right on this one 😉
I like the idea of a 4411 DG. We’ll have an aerial threat but still remain dangerous from outwide, no brainer IMO
I think Gervinho will start on the right Rico, he has more ability than Theo who may be off I think.
Arteta and M’Vila in the centre. Gervinho and Podolski out wide. RVP off Giroud. I like it!
Barca are very lucky to have messi and iniesta in the same team.Those two players can keep you off the ball in a phone booth.No matter how packed the defence is they will slalom through.This opens up space for Xavi to dictate the game, Villa/pedro/Sanchez to make those diagonal runs to score.That way they don’t have to overcommit men forward in search of goals.
At the club I only see Wilshere with the ability to play in such tight areas as we saw when we met Barca.We need a few more of those or else we’ll struggle against parked buses like the Chavs or teams that apply very aggressive pressing strategy like Dortmund/Barca.
Romford Pele (HC) says:
June 11, 2012 at 10:36 am
………………….
This may not be the most popular opinion but Balotelli is awesome IMHO. Forget that part where he hesitated infront of goal, his all-round game is awesome. Strong, quick, holds up the ball well, has fantastic link-up play and shoots well off both feet. It’s a shame his temperant could ruin it all though.
I agree with your description of Mario, however he did not hesitate. He played for the penalty. Its only what goes on between his ears that irritates me. Otherwise he is a great striker. He reminds me of TH14 when he goes for goal with speed.
@Devil That’s pity. We could have really done with someone like him. But still 10million is lots. How are Italians being able to pay this much even after their Economy being in trouble?
@Ktr..They blame RvP. Its a joke. He had set up others quite a few times in first half only to go ahead. But then he’s right now next to Messi and Ronaldo. So this is expected.
I had read some where that Sneijder showed his master class during that game. To be very fair Rambo showed even better class in the beginning of the season but still come end of season he was scapegoat.
In the midst of Cesc being false #9 and begging a goal and all that what media forgot was how well a real #9 would have done. Within minutes of Torress coming on he got one on one twice. In few minutes he was on he made those runs and created chances that were missing almost single time before that.
Romford – but he is so slow…
This might be how AFC will line up next season……..
Chesney
Sagna, Koscielny, TommyV,Gibbs
Gervinho,Song,Arteta,Podolski
RVP
Giroud
Subs……Rico’s Favourite thighs( 😉 ), Santos, Wilshere, Rosicky, Mertesacker, Coquelin, Campbell (if he gets WP)
Romford that Italy vs Spain match was very entetaining.Watching xvi vs pirlo,Iniesta waltz through the tiniest of spaces,last ditch tackles by the Italians,3-5-2 vs 4-6-0,watching Cassano, a player who has just recovered from heart problems not so long ago,play brilliantly…and much more was brilliant.
Goals are sometimes said to be overrated,as such was the case yesterday.I hope they meet again with more at stake.
wat is d latest transfer news hre
In 4-4-1-1 system I believe the RM will be filled by more conservative midfielder. Who would allow some one like Arteta to flood in the box and take his place in the MF while he’s up field. My bet will be when Poldi plays it will be Jack/Rosicky and when Theo/Gervinho plays on the other side it will be Rambo/Rosicky.
I am off now mates. LAter on today in a couple of hours.
Nice chatting with you Fine Folk.
Off to collect the little one from school, then HW then …… wait for it………… PILLOW FIGHTING.
Yipppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeee
Good point about the balance Sat!!!!! Mine is more cavalier style, yours is a bit cautious. But I agree. Better yours than mine.
Offski now.
Dzago is a brillant player dat can play up τ̲̅☺ four position the guy will be a Ğoº°˚°ºϑ buyer gunners fO̶̷̩̥̊͡Я life.
I hope Szczesny was watching Buffon yesterday on how to deal with a 1 v 1 sitiuation.Buffon didn’t lunge in,he stayed oh his feet and judged the sitiuation perfectly.I hope Szczesny improves on that area of his game as he terrifies me in such sitiuations.
Gervinho slow Rico, are you sure?!
Re. Balotelli
He has so much talent. When he’s focused…..he can dribble past 3 players in a penalty box and finish like a natural or score ridiculous goals from outside the box. His problem is the mental side/attitude…he needs the right manager to put an arm around his shoulder and sort him out.
Re. RvP in the Holland side…..
He doesn’t fit in with Sjneider playing the no.10 role. Its obvious that Huntalaar would’v played better than RvP. The only way you’l see the best of RvP in a Holland shirt is if you drop Sjneider and play RvP there….but it seems that Sjneider/Robben/Huntalaar & VDV are the dominant players in the dressing room.
Ktr7….Hleb
I was a huge fan of this guy. His 1 on 1 skills were immense…..it was a pleasure watching him….his move to Barca wrecked his career …like many others who left Arsenal (Overmars/Petit). It’s really hard to find a player like him and then for him to adapt to the EPL. However I think RvP can be that player if he’s allowed to play the no.10 role behind a striker like Giroud(?).
devil – you forgot M’Vila 😛
Rosicky would be best outwide if we’re looking for balance. His ball retention especially in away games would come in handy.
He sure looked slow after the ACON’s Romford, but hoping his second season is better, same with Merts…
I thought bar that one moment Balotelli played very well.He is a very talented player that one with lots of baggage.
What I found more interesting was the movement provided by Cassano/Di Natale.Their movement was excellent and was one of the reasons why the Italians looked threatening throughout.You can certainly see its no fluke how Di Natale terrorised us in the CL qualifiers when we played Udinese.
Am very happy for Cassano by the way.His recovery has been miraculous.
Yes KT, that Spain-Italy game was the best of the tournament by far. The contrast in styles made for a really intriguing encounter. I can see a final between these two sides already. Pirlo is a thing of beauty. Watch the way he moves for the first goal.
Evening all.
kTR…don’t stress to much on Chezza,he’s still a baby.
If we want to have possibly the best keeper in the world n a few years time,we need to put up with sme errors and brain explosions along the way.
The talent is most definitely there,the brains…not so muc,yet.
Giroud,hey??
Let’s hope so.
DG
I like your team. However a fit Santas is miles better than Gibbs. Would also like Wenger to get in a proper no.2, not a clown like Fabianksi/Alumnia……Chesney seems to be too cocky because he has no competition. Buffon & Casillas are an example to any young GK.
Would also like us to bring in Miquel as our 5th CB. Btw watching Mertersacker over the last year with Arsenal & Germany has made me realise how awful he is!!!! If we were ruthless we should ship him out and bring another CB in.
What are we doing with Theo? Hope he has a gr8 Euros….we should get rid of him. I’d love us to get Ben Arfa……versatile and amazing……he’d be amazing as our AM in the middle.
Rico, give Gervinho next season. I’ll be alarmed if he doesn’t improve. This guy is the best dribbler in the squad.
RE Hleb, what a player. We used to retain possession so well back in the day. The way he dribbled in tight spaces was awesome. We need more like Wilshere.
KM, you definitely speak my language. I’m not a Mert fan in the slightest. I prefer when we play a high line and press further up the pitch with Verm and Kos. Everyone is different though.
I don’t like Santos though, he’s too much of a liability for me. While he may be good going forward, he can be very lax positionally and gives the ball away way too much for my liking. Signing M’Vila may liberate him though. I’d still be inclined to persevere with Gibbs.
I agree KM.Rvp may be that player but am not so sure it will happen.Arsene prefers such players to have a low center of gravity making it difficult to knock them off the ball.He also likes them pacy.This disqualifies Rvp for such a role;he is now a goalscorer.
Its such a shame Gotze won’t move as he is ideal for such a role.I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsene has a player in mind;maybe one we’ve never heard of.I think we’ll get one such player before the window closes.
Re. Giroud
There’s a lot of teams who after him
Bayern & Chelsea for definite…..so it’s not 100% that he’l be wearing red and white nxt year
Re. Best game of the tournament
Imo Russia v Czech Rep. was the best in terms of attacking & dynamic football. The fact that Russia were wasteful infront of goal was another story but the most boring was Germany v Poland…. extremely poor for such a hyped match
@Romford Pele
True. But he doesn’t get in those positions as Rambo does. Rambo always finds himself in great position. If he works on his finishing, he’d score more goals than Young from wings.
Idk but i feel we have a huge squad. Here’s hoping they all stay fit for the next season.
Ktr7
I hope we do get a playmaker…however I would love a mobile playmaker who can beat a man with skill/dribbling and speed. Therefore BenArfa would be ideal….or if we’r gonna splash out…
Lucas Moura of Sao Paolo is amazing!
Btw what’s happening with Ryo Miyachi? Is he coming back or going on loan again? If we sell Theo, it’l free up a space on the wings and give him a chance to get some sub appearances on the left
Satan, I agree with you that Rosicky doesn’t score enough goals, it depends what we’re looking for essentially and who the opposition is.
Everyone know I’m a big Rambo fan but for me, he doesn’t have enough facets to his game to play outwide. He does get into good positions but I have my doubts about him playing outwide in a 4411. It’s probably be better than in a 433/4231 mind you.
I can’t see us getting a playmaker, that will set us back a big deal and probably negate Wilshere/Ramsey’s progress.
There are some awesome options out there like Belhanda, Dzagoev, Martin, Honda, Affelay etc. I just don’t see it happening though.
Romford – Didn’t Hleb used to lose the ball a lot though and his passing wasn’t the best…
Santos – great winger imho, shocking left back….
Hi Scott..
“Floppy haired, leading Italian onanist Roberto Mancini had to be calmed by Man City directors last night after seeing several footballers that he demanded be signed immediately. With his face partially obscured by a blue and white scarf, Mancini continually leapt to his feet while watching his beloved Italy play Spain. After one particularly mazy dribble by Iniestre, Mancini began screaming at the top of his voice that he wanted the club to sign the player for £285 million and offer him £1billion a year in wages. Apparently he was calmed by his wife who swung a 300 carat diamond she usually wears in the bath in front of his eyes. Thiago Motta was next to excite Mancini who, it is claimed, fumbled with his gold encrusted phone to put in a bid thought to be around the half billion mark. But when Cesc Fabregas scored Mancini let out a blood-curdling scream and began stamping his feet while hysterically bellowing that he would offer the entire GDP of Tunisia and wages totalling £12 billion a year. When told this was impossible a manic Mancini burst into tears and began sobbing uncontrollably and moaning ” But I want him, I want him”. He then began a violent tirade against Sammy (the snout) Nasri accusing him of not trying. Removing his head from a nearby trough Nasri opined that he could try a lot harder if his wages were doubled”
KM, there were some very good moves put together in the Russia-Czech game, however, the Czechs were so susceptible to the counter, it was ridiculous. It felt like I was watching an Arsenal game. Russia were good but didn’t have to work overly hard to get in front IMO. They capitalised on Czech mistakes rather than opening them up.
The Spanish goal yesterday was a perfect example of fantastic build-up play.
Rambo looked like a star when he joined Arsenal and playing as a sub……but he’s looked off the pace since Fabregas left and the fact that his injury robbed him of a crucial season. He thinks way too slow for an Arsenal player…..don’t know what’s happened – is it pressure?
Rosicky gives us more in the AM role than Rambo does…who frankly did fuck all last season.
😆 Adam, very good….
It’s true Rico. I read it in the paper.
I couldn’t disagree more Rico.
The 2007/8 midfield of Hleb, Flamini, Cesc and Rosicky was the best since we last one a trophy IMO. They moved the ball about well, probed well, attacked and defended as a unit. Hleb is an example of someone with poor stats but you couldn’t deny his importance to the team. The fact he could dribble through 2/3 players helped to open up space for others in the team. We miss that sort of individual.
As for Santos, I just don’t like him. You can find LBs who attack and defend better than him.
Add the fact that Gary speed died last season, it’s easy for me to see why Ramsey hasn’t been at the races. Speed was a big figure in his life, he had just made him Wales captain(prob a tad soon), Rambo needs another season, we should persist. He could be awesome!
It’s true that Rambo hasn’t hit the heights he had pre-injury but he’s a talent to persevere with. I’m not sure what position is best suited for him if we do change formation.
Maybe competition can help him step up his game?
@KTR7 mate, its not shame, its great Gotze won’t move. Atleast someone has integrity and loyalty.
@KM the problem with skilled playmaker for me is they are too much into themselves. They’d want to show tricks and due to that some times they miss simple passes. They tend to c’mon more as selfish. That’s why I like AW’s strategy of buying less skilled and more vision based play makers. But its great when we can have both in one player like we do in Jack.
@Romford The boy is brilliant. The kind of curved through balls he can play is second to none. Still remember the curved through ball for first gall against Chelsea. I think he can play any where if he gets confident. Even as a false #9.
Romford/KM its certainly depends on what style of defending one likes.
Our high offside trap gets so much grief but when we play a settled team it works.We provoked 149 offsides last season,city 42,mancs 34 and spurs 71.It works but what is alarming thogh is how many times it is tested in a match.
One of the reasons we look so vulnerable is that at times we field a broken team.Since Arsene likes having a rotating midfield 3 when we lose the ball the players have to make a decision whether to press high up or drop deep and cover.
Most of the time you’ll see players like Ramsey do neither since he doesn’t have specific instructions on what to do.We end up with some pressing,others covering while the rest are stuck somewhere in the middle thus ending up with a broken team.
Teams like Swansea took advantage of this by passing our non existing midfield to create chances.Our defence got overworked as a result.
In preseason Wenger needs to sort that out.The rotating triumvate of midfielders is a very good idea since its very unpredictable;opposition teams cannot shut out our attack by simply marking out 1 player like they did with cesc.However for defensive stability lots of work needs to be done.Hopefully with addition of M’vila and possible jack/abou comebacks we’ll be much better in this area to reduce pressure on our back 5 and as a result we’ll concede much less.
Km – have to agree a tad re Ramsey, not his best season but Lewis could have a point re Speed, and our movement off the ball hasn’t always been the best for him to find a pass…
He seemed to dilly dally on the ball too, didn’t he get caught out 4 times in just one half of a game last season?
Adam – You won’t convince me 😉
Romford – Hleb wasn’t a fav of mine, i always thought his passing could be shocking sometimes, yes he could dribble for fun, but i don’t have many memories of him having a great end procuct…
Adam
lol….nice one 😉
Imo Wilshere is a CM…..he’s technical but he loves to get stuck in midfield battles….its good that we have Arteta…..who is vastly experienced and could teach Wilshere a lot of things.
Rambo is an AM…but he’s become shit. That;’s a fact. He needs to sort it out, otherwise he’s finished at Arsenal. We need to be ruthless.
Re. Russia v Czech
The Czech’s were poor in defence….but as a display for neutrals its was a treat for those who love attacking football.
On that note…..does anyone know where I can watch the full 90 minutes of Argentina v Brazil online?
Obviously feeling a tad better Adam??? 😆
Satan –
agree there, its good to see that Gotze is staying loyal and not following the money, he could triple his wages at a different club…
shame a few more didn’t follow his example..
Fair enough satan but still a shame for us.
Romford I think jack/Rambo are much more suited to playing deeper.Such a player will play higher up the pitch in and around the penalty area where we struggled so much last season.
I am, thanks Lee.
A lot of papers linking us with Dzagoev….he’s a good player but he’s not that gr8 either imo. Arshavin is miles ahead of him. Our little Russian must go back to his country imo, he’s happier it seems and back on his game. A joy to watch when he’s in the mood. The most talented Arsenal player I’ve seen, but just could not fulfill his potential….he has a much higher ceiling than RvP/Fabregas but just could not do it at Arsenal/in the EPL.
A enigma wrapped in a mystery….
Its such a shame Diaby is always injured since I think he could do well in such a role.he has everything in his locker for it.Maybe Arsene is hoping he fully recovers and has already earmarked him for that role?
Its not shame. We have one Jack, one Rambo. Two awesome kids who in other leagues might have won their teams leagues. Then there will be some one else coming through from academy.
There is no shame. The only shame is Ozyakup leaving..
I think Wilshere could play in a variety of roles since he has so many facets to his game. I used to think the same of Ramsey but his defensive side of the game needs work so maybe he’d be suited to a position further up the pitch. I do agree though that Ramsey has an awesome final ball, just needs to deliver it more often. The one that led to the equaliser against Chelsea was fantastic, as was his lobbed pass for Gervinho against Stoke. It’d be interesting to try him out in a false 9, it’d take some serious work to get that right though.
KTR, I always prefer a higher defensive line. Whilst its risky, it’s suits us wih the personnel we have and with the style of football the manager and the majority of fans wants to see. For that, Mertesacker is not a viable option. Hopefully Bould can play a helping hand in addressing this over the summer.
Rico, you can’t be a bad passer and play for Arsenal and Barca 😉
RE, Czechs-Russia, I agree it was more enjoyable for the neutral but the quality of football in the Spain-Italy game will take some matching.
@Ktr7..
I share the same view on Diaby. I think its his chicken legs that can’t take on weight.
Kt, imho its a shame Diaby is still with us and we pay him…. 😉
Errr, not Diaby.
Romford, I’ll remind you of that one day 😉
I look forward to it Rico! I just think we’ve argued him to death though.
This guy literally splits Arsenal fans in half. I’m on the opposition side. While I can admire the talent the guy has, the following factors put me off him:
Complacency
Workrate
Poor passing
Lack of initiative
Injury record (I know it’s not all his fault though)
I agree that Arshavin is outrageously talented – both him and Wenger are to blame though for not making his time here a success.
@Romford
There’re so many great balls from him till December. After that Idk what happened to him. He was burned out may be, tired, Garry Speed dying. Everything happened at the same time. May be it took a toll on him. And on top of that our own fans started to slag him as soon as Arshavin left on loan. Ain’t that too much to handle? But even after that he performed ok. Not brilliantly but Ok.
If you ask me, give this kid two more years and he’d surpass Cesc.
Euro: The best game was surely Italy-Spain.
@ Rico/Romford:
I am actually a big Diaby supporter. And I stated this once this is the year of Abou. This year he’ll stay injury free and share the load with Arteta in the MF.
Missing this Euro will do him wonders.
Why does that buck-toothed fat arsed twat na$ri get off on slating Arsenal? What a total bell-end!!!
Agree Romford – same with Diaby, he’ll always divide fans opinion too, just as Theo does – but as long as AW keeps them all, we have to put up with them 😉
better players around a few might help though….
I think we have way too many midfielders, if we get M’Vila as well then both Coquelin and Frimpong may both go on loan. Maybe not Le Coq as he can also cover at FB.
I’m just not sure on Diaby, he’s flattered to deceive much of his career. There’s potential there but he’s never looked a world beater to me. I’d be more focused on developing Ramsey who’s a greater talent IMO.
As for Nasri, I’d love to take out his kneecaps. Foolish cretin.
Missing our season would have helped too Satan 😉
I wondered when you’d mention uncle buck Lee …. 😉
Coquelin will no doubt start the season at rb, unless yennaris/jenks cover for sagna
Frimpong – has to go on loan to get his fitness and prove himself..
Diaby – he’ll be injured i suspect or will suffer setbacks during pre-season…
Jack – can’t see him being fit for the start of the new season either 🙁
What timeframe does AW give Diaby??
The 2011/12 season Lee….
Diaby is Wenger’s new favourite after Eboue left. Expect him to pick up a new contract during the season – i’ll be seething if that’s the case though.
Ramsay must play on the left. Ask Rico. I have convinced her.
Rico, assuming we move to a 4411 formation, we’ll still have like 5/6 midfielders battling it out for two CM spots.
I actually also think Jenks will start ahead of Coq at FB.
The idea that all of our team will ever be fit at the same time suggests to me that the more great players we have, the better.
@ Rico haha..I just hope for the sake of him, club and more importantly people who believed in him that he stays injury free and proves himself.
@Romford..Yes two CMs, but both of those will need to be gritty and tough. I expect to see Arteta-Song/M’villa all season.
There is no one better than Arteta for that one CM position so that makes only one position left.
I hope not too Romford…
I also hope Jenks starts at Rb, thats his position or even Yenarris, but we know AW, he’ll go with the nippy coquelin
Adam, you are right, i forgot that 😉
Arteta and M’Vila would be my first choice, presuming we get M’Vila of course. Jack and Song after that.
I actually think Jenks will start ahead of Coq Rico. Coq is no better than Jenks defensively, and Jenks can put in a demon cross for Giroud… Bang, tidy!!
And then I woke up 😀
My view too Adam, there are of course some which really need to move as its clear they won’t get any more chances, but lets keep the squad we had last season and just add 3/4 more to give us the depth we need, then rotation/injury won’t see us collapse…
Barca are reported to be in for M’Vila….. 🙄
It doesn’t surprise me, though with Biscuits and Mascherano, I don’t see why the need him.
What about A 3 man midfield of Arteta, Wilshere and A Brutal DM?
Don’t think they have any money either – aren’t they still paying for Fabregas?
Rather a 4 man midfield…
I think having Arteta and a top level DM in the centre would be fine and free up young Jack to a more “free role” maybe just behind RvP.
I don’t, not in all games…
Breaking news is The Ox is definately starting tonight….
Can’t see wenger changing the formation.
Nor can I Lewis, he’s too stubborn…
I really hope people aren’t expecting too much from Jack when he returns.
He will need at least a full season to get back to his best.
That’s the rason I’ve defended Ramsey to the hilt this season,12-18 months is required.
Someone will be left unhappy if that’s the case. You can’t have all three of those strikers. Best to have two and one youngster.
How nice would it be to know we had jack fit for the start of the season?!
Err, the way RVP is getting pulled from pillar to post is hugely upsetting 🙁
People should be ridiculing that pathetic numpty Robben. Greedy cretin.
Agreed Scott, but let’s hope he hits the ground running.
Robbed has to be the greediest player in the tournament.
Robben*
Depends on how well jack recovers physically, mentally he is very strong, don’t think it will take him long to get back into the swing of things….
He’s a strong guy….
I’d love to see Jack come back even at 90-95% straight off the bat.
Watch Ramsey after a very long and tough season,which he really didn’t have the legs for,followed by a decent off season-he may well be a new player next season.
I hope so,for his sake more than anything else.
Will
‘I think having Arteta and a top level DM in the centre would be fine and free up young Jack to a more “free role” maybe just behind RvP’.
We need a lot more than that Will, imho that is just ‘making do’ with what we have, and that won’t convince RvP to stay either…
I should clarify my last – Jack and Arteta may not be fit for the start of the season, especially not jack…. so we can’t rely on either as it stands right now…
I’m pretty sure Arteta will be fine. His injury wasn’t that bad… Still in limbo with Jack though.
Good Afternoon Fine Folk.
Righto…..HW finished and time for some play right now.
How come Arteta will not be ready for start of the season Rico??
I hope so Romford, but i thought it was quite a bad one? Maybe i got that one wrong, it has been known 😉
I thought his ‘did’ his ankle ligaments devil
Yeh he did. It was a 6-8 week injury but he should already be fine now and ready to join in with pre-season.
16-18 weeks once our medical staff get their hands on him …. 🙁
Ankle ligaments usually take between 8 to 11 weeks. He got injured in April so his return should be pencilled in for early July.
of course as you said……..once our medical staff get their hands on him.
I wonder now.
I might have a torn Eur100 note. I should send it to the AFC medical team……….it might come back as a Eur500 note. 😆
😆 devil, good idea
what was Diaby’s injury, ligaments 😉
no Lady. Diaby’s injury is an overstretched groin. When Smith tackled him, as the former was falling he tried to keep steady and by accident he got hold of Diaby’s tackle. So while AW and Diaby keep on blaming the injuries sustained by his ankle, the reality is that he keeps getting on injured in his groin area. The ligaments there need around 5 to 6 years to get back to normal, and that is without using them or trying to stretch them beyond relaxing mode.
Thats the only tackle Diaby has then devil – so it seems 😉
From Christian Eriksen on Vertonghen
“He is a brilliant signing for Tottenham and a really, really good player. He is too good for the Dutch league now. It’s too easy for him and it’s the right time for him to leave,” said the Danish international.
“He is the best player in Holland and has all the skills that will make him a success in the Premier League. He is good with and without the ball, he is physically strong and he’s a leader for the team.
“From what I see, Tottenham like to play good football so I think he will be a perfect signing for them. I know there was interest from other clubs but he made up his mind. I’m sad to see him leave Ajax but it’s a good transfer for him.”
FORMER Saints winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will start for England in their Euro 2012 opener against France this evening.
The 18-year-old, who left St Mary’s to join Arsenal last summer, is a surprise inclusion in manager Roy Hodgson’s lineup for the game in Donetsk.
England: Hart, Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole, Milner, Parker, Gerrard (C), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Young, Welbeck.
Tsk tsk devil 😉
Where did you read the Vertonghen story, Lady, since I cannot find it anywhere.
The rumour site devil, as it was ‘quoted’ i posted it here…
Fergie has got Powell too…..
I cannot understand how can a REAL MAN go around sporting a cock on his chest!!!! I mean yes you can show off…but sporting it on your chest??? 😆
Those scum players amaze me no doubt……..for the wrong reasons.
Only a little one though devil 😉
BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Donetsk:
“Injuries have already caused England problems before Euro 2012 and now veteran backroom member Ray Clemence has been carried off by two staff after injuring himself in the warm-up. Is no-one safe?”
😆 😆
😆 devil….
Surprised that has never happend to one of our coaches…
Come to think of it…has AW ever pulled a hammy when he shoots these bottles of water????
Come on England 🙂
Sadly not 😉
The little one wants to watch England today. He has seen all the 17.00hrs games up till now, but with the exception of Germany he has not seen the others. He is very enthusiastic this year. So we do all the hw and the revision in time to watch the game. First he went for Poland. Then he went for Germany. Yesterday he went for Italy. Today he is English. I told him that England have a crap team, but he told me “Better than, if they win I can tease all those who think that France are better!!!”
Then again……we might be surprised.
How sweet devil, bless him….
I think we are in for a good game, and I’m off for a while to watch…
Catch up later if you are around, if not, have a lovely evening and hope you and the little one enjoy the footie….
Good game from both teams. France are playing tiki taka, short passing game and keeping possession. England are not as much good at that but are defending as a team.
We are seeing two contrasting styles.
While France are hogging the ball and pinging it around they are also spread out so that they can open up and have more options. However they are more more vulnerable to being opened up in the process.
England are more compact. They do not have the technical individuality of some of the French players. However their direct style and compact two tiers of defense and midfield are stifling the french and making it difficult for them to find spaces.
France have 58% possession to England;s 42%, however, their directness has created two clear cut chances both of which should have been scored (one was scored but the other hit the side netting).
A fair result??? Some might say yes, but England deserve to be 2-1 ahead.
Can an English player smack Na$ri’s face with a ball and knock out his front teeth???? The twerp, Koont, Pig, or whatever adjective he merits?
Former England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live:
“I wonder if England are feeling the heat a little bit. They’re dropping deeper and deeper.”
He should come to the middle of the Mediterrenean to know what heat is.
England were undone by a piece of individuality. Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard were both out to close that Na$ri shot down, but the Frenchman was able to find a gap between them. A brilliant finish. But could have been avoided.
England’s age-old problem of keeping the ball is still an issue. They make heavy weather of keeping it down the right and James Milner almost sells Joe Hart short with a hospital pass – luckily the keeper is on the ball.
Evening all, well that was a good result for both sides, Milner should have scored, useless twurp 🙂
Ox wrongly booked and the Italian referee and his merry men were shocking, maybe they were bribed by the FFA
I’m having another early one all, catch up tomorrow…
Nighty all, stay safe….
🙂
Good result for both teams. But if I were to say who enjoyed it more I think it was England.
hello!
Nasri is magic player!
I’ll write something later
Former France and Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord announced his retirement from football on Monday, according to his current club Nantes.
Wiltord, who was born on the outskirts of Paris, began his career at Breton club Rennes (1993-1997) before spending three fruitful seasons at Bordeaux.
It was with Bordeaux that he won a first French league title, in 1999 when he also finished the league’s top scorer on 22 goals.
That feat helped in a subsequent big-money move to Arsenal, where he would spend four seasons. After his first season in London, Wiltord won a UEFA EURO 2000 winners’ medal with France.
Wiltord helped Arsenal to league titles in 2002 and 2004, but returned home at the end of the 2004 season to sign for French giants Lyon, with whom he won the league title in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
After a three-year spell at Lyon Wiltord returned to Rennes (2007-2009), before heading south for a brief spell with Marseille in 2009.
Another brief spell, this time with eastern club Metz, followed before Wiltord signed with second division Nantes for what would be his final professional season.
Another INVINCIBLE retires. Thanks for all that you have done.
I thought that was a horribly boring game. Too many players of less than true International quality to make it otherwise.
Depends what you wanted to see Adam. To the neutral it was an ugly game devoid of ideas.
But to the players on show both teams contributed to a game similar to seeing paint dry. Very few moments of magic. But lots of crab like passing.
Offski now.
Good night Fine Folk.
A good discipline & compact England performance.
Retaining possession wasn’t great and continues to be a problem, but it was a lot better than i have seen under coaches like Capello.
England aren’t gonna win Euro 2012, but as long as they show some pride and are hard to beat, then i’ll be satisfied.
Wellbeck was very good and Young is developing into a top international player imho.
England aren’t great, but they’re not the worst team in the competition.
I think England will upset a few of the more fancied countries if they progress.
France vs Ukraine could be interesting?!
How that game goes, should put into perspective, how good England’s result was against France?
I don’t usually watch England games, as i find them so depressing.
But i enjoyed todays game.
And feel very positive about Hodgeson’s influence on the team and the tatics used.
I sense a reality check running through the whole cast, of players, fans and especially our awful journalists.
About time too…
Giroud rumours seem to have legs…
Arsenal are moving closer to the signing of Olivier Giroud. While the player is away with France at Euro 2012, the world and his wife are talking about his future once the tournament is over and that looks set to be in north London.
Fresh speculation about Arsene Wenger’s interest in the player was generated by the coach of Giroud’s club Montpellier, Rene Girard, giving an interview to French radio station RMC.
Girard said:
“Giroud loves England as well as Arsenal. We know Wenger wants him in his team. If they make an offer that’s probably where he’ll go.
“It’s likely that Giroud had to go to Arsenal. In this case we’ld like to get Chamack on loan but I don’t know if it is possible.”
Arsene Wenger didn’t speak of the player while co-commentating for French broadcaster TF1. Giroud was an unused substitute in the opening game with England yesterday.
While the comments of the Montpellier coach won’t do anything to kill off the speculation we’re after his star player, it’s interesting that we’ve not made a bid. Giroud has a buy out clause in his contract in the region of 13m euros.
Let’s hope so Lee.
Personally,I’ve never seen him play,but reports seem to be positive on the guy.
Morning all
I have legs Lee 🙂
Good Morning Fine Folk.
Hope you are all feeling better today, especially those who think that a point against the team who many are reckoning to be very skillful to the point that even AW was an inch away from predicting that they would trounce England.
Well they did not, and the French artistes got only a point against the team many consider to be the Stoke of the Euros.
Well they may not be far away from their judgement, however certainly they are not the worst.
The following are my conclusions about the English team.
What stuck me yesterday was the humility that seemed to surround the English team. No big heads and big egos which would have made Bendy as humble as a pie by comparison.
Certainly there were some egos missing yesterday. Players who seem to think that the world revolves around them and that everyone is there to serve them. Yesterday, England were a team. And for a man like Roy to have acquired so much in such a short space of time shows how much his experience has played a part.
Technically, England are still miles behind countries like Germany, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France and dare I say even Belgium. They still rely on individual talent and opportunism to get through games and maybe win them. Desire alone is enough in the qualifiers and maybe the group games, but when push comes to shove and its sudden death the English players do not have the nous to hog the ball and make every pass and shot count.
Tactically England where great when they lost possession. Tactically they were great also when they regrouped to regain possession. However they were found to be wanting when they had the ball and many of the players seemed non plussed what to do with it when they had it. Compare it to France yesterday who seemed to have a man extra on the wings whenever they got possession around the box. It helped that England went ahead. What will happen if England go behind???
The English players seemed to realise that when France got the ball and they formed two tiers behind the ball the French could only go out wide to try and get behind. For all their technicality the French players rarely gave those defence splitting passes and instead passed sideways. So they just filled in the channels with 5 yard triangles and nullified the French from tearing them apart. France are technically sound, but they do not have the players like Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc (and Messi) who can keep possession in a phone booth and make you look like a silly clown.
What stuck me was that while even the French stray passes seemed to find a French player, even the good passes by English players seemed to find a French player. The French were a move ahead of the English players and seemed to know what were the intentions of the English player who had the ball.
Yes, the EPL might seem as if it is the most exciting league in the world, however, until the English coaches try to put a stop to it being so fast it the English National team will continue to suffer. The youth coaches need to put a stop to the win at all costs mentality which still prevails in youth teams and instead focus on producing technically sound players who can think on a technical/tactical level. It is useless coming away with a win in the under 8 level and bragging about it if the aim of the game should not have been to win but to give the young ones enough experience. Do not get me wrong…….it is nice to win even at under 6 level, but if between the age of 8 and 14 the players are not technically sound then all that work comes to nothing since only a work horse is produced.
IMO the English coaches should do no worse then going to work under European coaches for around two or three years and learn about these things. They should be humble enough to accept that even though a British coach has a UEFA ‘A’ licence, it does not mean that they are on the same level as say for example Spanish coaches. Does anyone know that for every English coach with a UEFA ‘A’ licence there are 5 equivalents in Spain??
In Spanish clubs there are coaches with UEFA ‘A’ coaching the under 7, 8, 9 etc. And each coach has no more than 12 players at his disposal. And it is not only at the clubs themselves with the elite players, UEFA ‘A’ coaches are also found with schools affiliated to the club itself.
It is only when English coaches learn the European way regarding technique and tactics and then mix it with true English grit and passion that England will have a team that everyone fears.
Good morning Lady.
Do you really have LEGS????? 😮
Milner was rubbish though devil 😉
England manager Roy Hodgson declared last night that his side would go from strength to strength, after surviving an exacting test in the Donetsk heat to secure a draw with France which left him deeply satisfied…….
………..of course he should be satisfied. He is the manager who when compared to the others is most at a disadvantage since he started only a month ago. Then again he might be the most advantaged since the players are kept on their toes due to not knowing him inside out and thus do not take him for granted.
Depends on the way you see it Lady. Milner had a job to do and he stuck to it. Remember, he was up against technically superior midfielders. And he stuck to what he knows best.
I’m looking at it from the ‘he was rubbish’ angle devil 😉
His goal chance convinced me …
That goal chance was on a plate and the goalnet was begging to be touched by the ball. However the angle was a bit tight. He should have not fluffed his shot and had enough space and time to turn and roll it in. However he rushed it up and fluffed it up. So maybe on that count you are right. But he stuck to the job he had to do in midfield quite well.
I know devil, just being naughty, englands passing was woeful at times, but other than that, they did what they had to dao and in a tournament like this, thats all that counts…
Milner should have taken his chance earlier, the keeper had already started to go down, little chip over the top of him would have been a better idea…
BDW……….I was impressed by Tyton, the polish keeper. I will be watching him carefully against the russians. Let’s see if his form was just pure luck or else pure skill.
I am thinking of playing the pools according to whom my son will support. The teams he went for have not lost so far. Either a draw or a win. 🙂
I am off for some time now. Back later on in about two hours.
See you at the next post Fine Folk.
Ok devil, have a good morning, laters….
The Ox was eloquent when interviewed after the game.
He is something very special isn’t he Lee…
New One up….