Hammered but do we still need players?

Morning Gooners,
At last the Arsenal make us proud, 5.1 to the Arsenal and i was there to see our revival  After walking from Finsbury Park station to the twelve pins Public house, a Gooner pub and a couple of pints we made our way to the stadium. Myself and the Mrs are no spring chickens so we took our time and stopped to get our breath at one of the numerous burger vans before making our way to gate N in the clock end upper tier. We were absolutely knackered by the time we got to our seat but the view was spectacular. The game kicked off, and the talking too from Arsene Wenger looked like it had worked, we looked more interested than i’d seen us look in the past, but to my dismay West ham scored first, Jack Collinson, but what a goal, even i had to say Christ what a blinder Czezesney was well beaten.

We battled on and our heads were up and i felt at any minute we would get our goal, and finaly we did, Poldi recieved the ball and cracked what i can only say was a cannon shot which crashed in the net, we went balmy, we were back, and i could only see us going on to win, I have to be honest we were sitting High up and it was hard to distinguish who was who, but i recognised the body movements of the players which made it slightly easier.

Our passing was very crisp we looked comfortable for the first time in a long time. West Ham looked as if they were being outplayed, we finished the half 1.1

The second half started and we looked as if we were up for business, we looked in control and i knew a goal was coming, Poldi was involved in everything and he made the pass for our next from Oliver Giroud again the crowd went crazy Girouds name was being sung by the fans and what a great feeling it was. Little while later Poldi again set up Santi Cazorla a tricky bit of footwork saw the ball run over the line again the crowd went mad by this time the crowd were expectant the songs aimed at the West Ham supporter down below us was excitement personified, but we were still pushing forward Giroud got our next from a little one two from Theo and Oliver steered it in , I couldn’t see Wenger down the side but i knew he must have a big grin on his face, and that in itself makes a change  our goals for the night finished with a goal from Theo , He took his goal well and is started to earn the huge wage he’s on but i have to say the Arsenal earned their money last night , a clash of heads between Sagna and Daniel Potts resulted with a twelve minute  stoppage while they sorted out a special stretcher for the injured potts after that the guys had had enough both teams were looking for the end and finally the ref blew his whistle and all i could say was were on our way back a cold night but a great result. What a difference when the team plays with purpose and tempo and players are making great runs off the ball, it allows quicker passes and the kind of football that other teams can’t live with.

Let’s hope this is the start of a good run of form and give the players a big lift.

Ramsey had a very solid game in his proper position and lets hope Arsene doesn’t waste him out wide ever again. Giroud had a very good game and really put himself about, he is getting a lot of stick but 8 goals 11 assists is a bloody good return for his first season and lastly Pod probably had his best game for the Arsenal. Lets hope that continues as well.

COYG’s

Written quickly by Steve Palmer

0 thoughts on “Hammered but do we still need players?

  1. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.

    First….to get it off my chest. I am with Hazard on yesterday. Dont get me wrong……….I do not condone what he did. But the boy had it coming. Try to ask me what if it was my son? Well I would have boxed his ears if he had done that sort of thing. That is what is wrong with society today. We focus on the secondary action and pillory Hazard (which may be right also) but we should not forget the primary action. And that is the intentions and execution of the spoilt brat’s actions.

    I would have kicked his face in if he did that to me not his ribs.

    Now I can discuss yesterday’s performance in piece.

  2. devilgunner says:

    Good match report Sir SP.

    Does anyone know why Diame, who has a presence in midfield, was not started? No I am not after a conspiracy, but not playing him means that WH want to sell him before he breaks down.

  3. boomergooner1727 says:

    morning all. great post great win.

    been trying to get conformation on this but was the last time that ramsey and wilshire started the united win a couple seasons ago?

  4. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning Dev, No idea why Diame didn’t start but seems he doesnt really wanna be there, I reckon he could be a last minute short term thing for us “IF” other options do not work out.

    A few very good performances last night, lets hope that gives the players the confidence that Arsene been going on about them lacking.

    It was only West Ham but we did ping the ball around well and at speed and that’s so much our game, hopefully the players will take on board fast incisive football happens when there is great movement off the ball allows great movement of the ball.

  5. Mattyboy says:

    Hi Guys Diame is not getting started because FAT Sam is not impressed that he has not signed a new contracted and committed to the club… And he doesnt want other team scouting his lil gem… So rumours say.

  6. devilgunner says:

    IMO I think that the team played brilliantly. Ok we have to play who is before us and surely it was not Real Madrid or Barca. But didnt we loose against Norwich? Surely they are not at a better level then WHU?

    Secondly I feel that this team is growing. Still a long way to go mind you, but a core of 4 brits plus 2 jerries in the team helps. Ramsey had a wonderful game. As did Jack, while Gibbs and Podolski dominate the left hand side. But I still feel we need a better right hand side. The balance needs to come from both sides. Not Gung ho but intelligent balance.

    Secondly, when we let teams come at us and we break away we are a lot better and devastating. Its when we allow teams time to settle into two solid ranks behind each other that we fail. It shows you what speed of legs and of thought can do.

    I do not know why but the more I see him the more LP09 reminds me of a cross between RVP and DB10.

  7. stephen says:

    Morning first of steve cause we one last night does not change a thing I remember the same thing when we played newcastle after loosing to bradford in the capitial one cup remember!! We do need players in serveral areas I’m not knocking the performance last night but think about it if we one all the game from new years day we would not be in this position fighting for champions leauge spots wengener made a bad busniess mistake letting rvp go to our rivals and no were paying the price. If he does not strengthen then we won’t make top 4

  8. devilgunner says:

    His intelligence and movement is very similiar to DB10. While his shooting and courage is that of RVP. I still think that if we play 4-4-1-1 with LP09 and TW14 in front of him with a solid 4 midfielders we would be much better off.

  9. Ryan L says:

    There has definitely been a collection of great goal scoring performances this season which have been the obvious highlights, though even some of those were flawed with defensive disasters. But fair play to the team last night, they stepped up, did the business and showed the required work ethic both on and off the ball. More of the same please……………………………………..I think they call it consistency!!

    Still definitely think we need some signings as the performances and lack of points in the “big games” suggest we are lacking the requisite quality in certain areas and definitely the depth.

    Dev agree with you on the Hazard incident – Swansea should potentially look at themselves aswell because I wonder if the ball boys were instructed to behave like that?! Timewasting is one of my key bug bears in football, as I find it disprespectful to the fans – we don’t pay the money we pay to watch a ref let a keeper get away with poncing about with a goal kick for 2 minutes, or pay to watch a ref let his ego dish out lectures etc. Fucking get on with it !!

    Cheers all.

  10. Ryan L says:

    When LP09 is on his game and putting in maximum effort levels he actually reminds me of a left sided Romford Pele, but who actually has finishing ability. I love old Romford so that is a high compliment.

  11. W.A.T.H says:

    Stephen, Think what Steve is saying and getting at is lets hope this time we go on and get on a good run of results… We’ve seen the tempo needed and the movement and yes totally agree we still need 2 quality signings but last night was encouraging and the effort was there which was good to see and the goals were just brilliant.

  12. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Morning all. Great post Steve

    Nice to see Rambo finally playing well yesterday. He’s still not the answer but can fill a void if needs be. Amazing what a player can do when played in his correct position (although not a DM, being in the centre of the field helped immensely). He’s still a crab, but last night he impressed.

  13. devilgunner says:

    The problem with the team’s tactics is that AW would like to play like Barca and Ajax. Granted, that is the way to play football. But not when you have the physical aspects and the high tempo of the EPL teams.

    Rambo played the same game as Xavi does for Barca. Like Xavi he is not a DM in the proper sense, but a PIVOTE which means a link man between the defense and advanced midfield. Ramsey can do that but what if he has Kompany and Yaya breathing down his neck?

  14. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    Stephen, I agree, one game doesn’t make a season, of course i’m of the same opinion as you we always need good players, even if we won the league and Champions League i would like to think that we can still be improved, were a ways off from that so i still expect a couple of signings we’ll keep our fingers crossed EH 🙂

  15. ozgunner10 says:

    we have these purple patches for sure, another dazzling 10 or so minutes where it worked out last night – we were however 1-0 down from poor defending again and were 1-1 at the half against an ordinary side – 5-1 however might give us a lift and lets hope we don’t follow on like we did after the spuds hammering – Liverpool will be stern test and after failing against both Chelsea and City, its another must win game as they all are now i guess, considering our shaky position

  16. Sunnypa de gunners says:

    I love what they played yesterday but with that we still need another players.if wenger want to use ramsey he should use his as blocking 4 not winger his very good at blocking 4 than winger.i always said i love podolski and i will always love him.cudors to all the players.wenger should find somethink to diabys situation he talk to him very well that if he want to play in arsenal football club he should up is game because ramsey will take his position.for arteta wenger put all the players back to thier positions and u will now see them play thier game and win trophies for arrsenal football club.wenger pls dont do any mistake again we dont want to lose any game any more.

  17. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Oz, Of course your right but lets just savour the moment, we seem to moan all the time and fans are totaly pissed of with it all. We know we have problems but we had a cracking win last night lets make the most of it.

  18. devilgunner says:

    The thing is that AW needs to get rid of the dead wood and those who are not AFC level. Get rid of those amount of players and then bring in new ones. What is Squilly doing there? Does he contribute? Why is Bendy still on AFC books? We need to see whether players like Eastmond will make it or not. Otherwise release them. What ‘s the use of keeping them on the books? Why did we keep Hoyte on the books for a long time? How many houses did he set on fire after leaving AFC? A coach should know if a player will make it or not.

  19. devilgunner says:

    We enjoyed Scott. But we have to be realistic. One swallow does not make a summer. There are problems….long term ones they will be if not dealt properly with.

  20. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners…

    Morning Wath….

    Sir Stevo of the River Lea, well done mate, you captured the good vibes perfectly, a rare feeling at The Grove this season…

    But it goes to show what this team is capable of, and if Arsene gets his arse in gear and brings in a couple of new faces to freshen things up, then a top-four isn’t totally out of the question…

    One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but i expect us to beat Brighton and Liverpool if the team recapture that form…

    Out all day, so see all you happy campers a bit lata….

  21. James Gunner says:

    The gunners need to gon a long s winning run to convince the cynics.WHU are a lowly team. Beating them doesn’t give the gunners the right to lord it over Liverpool. Beat the red s then maybe the fans will believe the gunners can challenge for fourth.

  22. tsGH says:

    Morning all…

    A top post that reads like the writter had a grin on his face.

    Personally, I was very impressed with the movement of LP09 yesterday from my position at the East stand.

    I would have to say Ramsey was very solid. This is the first time I have seen an Arsenal DM start attacks by dropping in between the 2 CBs and allowing the FBs to push forward. This made WHU have difficulty in closing down our midfielders and attackers. Normally our game is started by the CBs but because our midfield 3 are marked out by opponents we end up going side to side too often.

    I know understand why AW plays him in several position because his footballin brain far exceeds what he produces on the pitch often enough.

    Credit to AW too, for identifying why we struggle to break opponent midfields. Lets enjoy it because WHU put the current best team in the country under huge pressure in the FA very recently.

    And was JW not taken off because he would not be starting against Brighton on Saturday?

  23. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya everyone … OzGunner 11:17am – when we were chasing the second double we played against a very ordinary West Ham side … We beat them 2-0 with goals from Freddie Ljungberg.
    We prodded and poked at them all match with players that we are currently holding up on a pedestal such as Bergkamp, Adams etc but it took us 12 minutes from time to open them up. And then we should have been 0-1 behind as Kanoute had a legitimate goal ruled out as Ashley Cole – a brilliant left back and the best we have had – was adjudged to have cleared it off the line…
    You get games where you struggle against shite opposition…
    That season we were held at home v’s Blackburn 3-3 and Bolton 1-1.. with the latter only having 10 men for 70 minutes…
    I have said all along – I would take a 1-0 to the Arsenal every match … To play well and spank a side is a plus… Dead happy last night.

    Match report link for that WHU match

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2002/apr/25/match.sport

  24. ozgunner10 says:

    southyorkshiregunner – yep we were right in amongst the action in those days for sure – still enjoyed the goals last night and god knows we needed the 3 points, so all good. Lets hope the window fulfils peoples hopes and our needs

  25. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning AK, have a god day mate,

    SP thanks for the rush job mate… Top notch and am pleased you managed to sort the tipple out.. Am sure that helped you recoup after the climb to the seats…!

  26. W.A.T.H says:

    James, the team can only win one game at a time no one getting carried away either but lets hope the win does the players good and gives them confidence to carry on winning and getting stuck in.

  27. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Ginge your so right mate, from ear to ear, Wilshere was superb last night he seems so at ease and that little faint he has as he recieves the ball and then goes forward he has mastered that move and that was almost worth the journey just to see him, Poldi was emense last night we often point the finger at many of the players, but we very seldom sing their prase when they turn it on. Without a doubt we have got skillful players one or two can get up my nose one minute and excite me the next. The ballance last night seemed right the players who went off didn’t look to happy but they did a good stint, Wenger seemed as if he wanted everybody to feel the feelgood factor and that must have helped Confidence,. As others have said we do have problems and one game does not solve them but at least its brought a smile on our face for our next game.

  28. stevepalmer1 says:

    No probs Wath, the ones we win are easy its the ones we don’t win 🙂
    o o o good to be a gooner
    o o o we know wer’e gonna win 🙂

  29. southyorkshiregunner says:

    As has been said – Ramsey being played in his proper position helped. That is the deep lying midfield position that Sahin would have filled along with Arteta and which both Diaby and Coquelin are now vying for ….. and which we all want filling with that Capoue-type signing…

    When Ramsey first signed Wenger said of him that he reminded him of a “Roy Keane type player”. I wouldn’t grumble with a Roy Keane type player …. Roy Keane was indeed a fantastic player, but Ferguson never ever played him as a winger/wide man….

    Ginge @11:32am hit on a valid point that Ramsey is utilised in various positions due to him possessing a footballing brain … I like a lot of what TSGingeH says…

    Me I recommend a Horses for courses scenario… Only play players out of position when it’s a necessity..

  30. ozgunner10 says:

    Could be a tough one Brighton but really think we can teach them a thing or two and show them how far off the real pace they are – nice change of pace from whats been a tough January – 5-0 please 🙂

  31. ozgunner10 says:

    southyorkshiregunner – 100% agree on your last point and on Keane but they seem to have covered him rather well

  32. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Check out this OzzieG

    http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php/news/2948/30/Thunderboots-Podolski-shows-what-he-can-do

    This is from a 65 year old closet Man Utd fan who lives in north London and who made his name out of writing about Wenger and who now makes his name out of continually pissing Arsenal fans off by sleighting the club…. Well 90% of the time…
    “A name-dropping, know-your-place, self-important” type of guy …

    He was actually impressed last night!!!!!

  33. devilgunner says:

    BDW………..with Arteta and possibly TommyV out for Brighton….guess who might be captain?

    Maybe Merte?

    Yep you might have guessed it………..Little Jack. He was captain after TommyV went off.

  34. ozgunner10 says:

    southyorkshiregunner – good read and i agree with him Pod was off the planet last night – you don’t play the number of games he’s played for the tough German team if you can’t play

  35. ozgunner10 says:

    West Ham lad confirms his intention to stay at the Hammers – Good news for me that one, not sure he was of the level required

  36. Adam says:

    SYG. I think you forgot to mention that he is also a diplomat, raconteur, self-important overblown egotistical dinosaur, who is always ” in the know” and part of the inner circle. Add to this his supposed knowledge of music and propensity for self-promotion and belief in his own magnificence, despite mountain’s of evidence to the contrary and you can see why he is held in such complete and utter contempt by all right-thinking individuals. Personally I find him one of the most despicable characters on the Internet with about as much intellectual “weight” as an ant’s cerebral cortex.

  37. southyorkshiregunner says:

    A problem with Wenger has always been the captaincy after Viera left. He gives it to placate his best players or pet players…. Henry, Cesc, RvP, Gallas were all big mistakes….

    The TV5 and Arteta was a good move – unfortunately TV5 is having a garbage season thus far and Arteta is out injured…. I’d never give it a forward player…

    I’d give it Sagna, but he’s playing shite at the moment and no-one knows where his loyalty lies… Merte? Maybe?

    It’ll be interesting. Maybe he’ll give it Diaby?

  38. southyorkshiregunner says:

    A few mins ago

    Market Fiorentina, Arsenal come upon Jovetic
    The ‘Gunners’ probe the market and focus on the attacker strong Montenegrin

    League FIORENTINA JOVETIC ARSENAL / LONDON (England) – Followed by several European teams, the Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic Arsenal could land in these last days of the market. I’m sure in England, where there is talk of an offer of 30 million euro for the talent purple. The Tuscan club, in any case, would not be willing to sell the player in January but might consider carefully whether in view of the summer market.

  39. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Fckng hell Adam – that is a description and a half ..

    “Add to this his supposed knowledge of music and propensity for self-promotion and belief in his own magnificence, despite mountain’s of evidence to the contrary and you can see why he is held in such complete and utter contempt by all right-thinking individuals.”

  40. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Have you checked out Marca, Adam.

    The reason Real Madrid aren’t in the title race???????

    “The two captains of Real Madrid, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, informed president Florentino Pérez last Tuesday that several players would demand to be transferred if José Mourinho continues managing Real Madrid next season.”

  41. southyorkshiregunner says:

    It’s all over the other Spanish press too… As.com are running with it

    …. Maybe Wenger will put a bid in for Ronaldo and play him as a Defensive Midfielder?

  42. southyorkshiregunner says:

    On As.com there’s a piece and tube clip of Jose Antonio Reyes getting a karate kick against him in Sevilla’s 4-0 win in the cup…. Not just Gary Neville who wants to kick him …

  43. Lee says:

    Apparently Roman Abramovich has just signed the Swansea ball boy for £14M….he held onto the ball more than Torres was his reasoning behind it!

  44. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! So happy, I didn’t once snap at my boss today. 😀 😀

    SSP, happy are we? 😉

    Adam, don’t hold back now! Oh, and remind me never to get on your bad side. 😀 😀

    Hiya, SYG, Lee, Ginger. 🙂 🙂

  45. True Gooner says:

    1) Defensive display by entire team was top notch. Great pressing all over the pitch.

    2) Midfield’s passing and movemet was again top notch. We passed ourselves out of very tight situations.

    3) Attacking players linked very well.

    4) Great to see forward passing again, do this and very few teams can stay with us.

    5) Ref’s allow slightly late tackles which means the players playing within the rules pull out of tackles to avoid injury. This needs changing.

    6) I hate the Sun newspaper.

  46. devilgunner says:

    Watty and Rico….can you kindly make the like button for the comments?

    Lee has managed to crack my sides with laughter regarding the ballboy!!!!

  47. Lee says:

    Bloke here went last night for the first time to The Emirates…he had a pint & scampi and chips, a real bargain at £18 imho.

  48. Adam says:

    TG. I too hate The Sun, though to dignify it with the term newspaper is going too far. To enhance circulation they are making it available free to anyone who, when standing upright , can drag their knuckles on the ground and who can actually read English. Though several million can quite easily fulfil the first criteria, the second is proving difficult to achieve for the majority.

  49. devilgunner says:

    On the ballboy+Hazard incident…..outspoken ‘bad boy’ footballer Joey Barton leaped to the player’s defence, tweeting: ‘Hazard’s only crime is he hasn’t kicked him hard enough.’

  50. Adam says:

    Barton went on to say that he would have used a machete himself or perhaps even a hand grenade and the burning end of a cigar.

  51. devilgunner says:

    Oui Adam. He could also have used a katana, a nunchaku, a shurikan or what have you. The ball boy deserved it.

  52. devilgunner says:

    That boy is already a spoilt brat. He brags about himself all the time on twitter. He makes it known that he is the heir of a 42million fortune, and his dad sits on various boards. At eighteen he already has more money then the majority of who write here will see in their lifetime combined.

    Am I jelaous? You can bet on it that you think so.

    But I still would have preferred Hazard to do his face in.

  53. agirlagunner says:

    Hello again all!! I hope Arsha fetches a pretty penny. Shame we weren’t able to capitalize on such natural talent though. 🙁

  54. allezkev says:

    Adam 12.57;
    Typical, always sitting on the fence Adamski…

    Why don’t you say what you really think for a change…

    Tunbridge Wells is a nice place btw…

  55. True Gooner says:

    Adam. The Sun’s tag-line of last nights game was, Arsenal, flat track bullies. I wonder what it would have been if Man City had beaten West Ham 5-1?

  56. slugboy says:

    The difference between last night and the crap games we’ve seen this season are:
    1) Tactics – pressing high up the field and as a team. Not standing off the opposition
    2) Attitude – the team really tried hard

    If we keep the above going for the rest of the season we do not need any new players.

  57. Adam says:

    Ts. To answer your 3.59.

    The Sun.

    City Quality Stuns Resurgent Hammers!
    By Richard Head.

    Manchester City last night reaffirmed their Championship credentials with a stunning display of power and pace to defeat Sam Allardyce’s West Ham. The Hammers, who were extremely unlucky to lose to a cringingely unworthy Arsenal side earlier in the season were shredded by 12 minutes of the greatest football ever witnessed in this Universe. Roberto Mancini wore the same sheepish grin of a satisfied winner last night as his self-effacing band of World-class players. In doing so, Mancini’s sportsmanlike demeanour stood in stark contrast to the scowling and rather needy figure cut by loser Arsene Wenger as the French skinflint struggles with both his zip and the growing realisation that in comparison to the stylish Italian and the iconic and statesmanlike heroism of Sir Alex Ferguson he is something of a footballing dwarf.

    City’s players didn’t even have to touch the ball for the worshipful crowd to realise that Silva, Balotelli, Aguero and the lantern-jawed Milner had descended from Mount Olympus to walk among us. How Arsene Wenger, sulking in his Emirates Hell Hole must have felt when he saw the might and majesty with which City swept all before them. Did he reflect his own ineptitude and feel unworthy to breathe the names of Mancini, Ferguson and even Andre Villas Boas, the Portuguese genius who has usurped Wenger’s ill-fitting North London crown with such contemptuous and disdainful ease?

  58. Lee says:

    @YoungGunsBlog: Toulouse confirm Newcastle have agreed deal to sign Moussa Sissoko. Will move now for fee of £1.8m. 9th Frenchman at #nufc.

  59. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hello again…. Just behind counter over at gym… I got a guy whitewashing everything in sight… Even the machines ….

  60. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Devil,
    My comments early on about the Hazard incident were based on the footage i saw, and hours later, after seeing a totally different angle, i changed my view very quickly and conceded i was wrong!
    Also, i stated that if it was my son i’d have jumped the fence and planted one on Hazard, bit did point out my kid would never do what the little arsehole had done.
    I am guessing you missed these two points.
    I still say Hazard did the wrong thing, and there is no way anyone can suggest otherwise……the perception to non football people is woeful, because the scumbag journos are not going to show the different camera angle i later saw….the one which changed my mind…as they would prefer to give a distorted view of things so as to gain a reaction rather than show Joe Public exactly what happened!
    You only need check out FB to see what most people think, and it does not portray football in a favourable light.
    Players need to use their brains and realise they are on show each and every time they play.
    The media should be held accountable for simply being themselves, but they won’t either.
    Yes, blame the arsehole kid, but Hazard should have more bloody brains!!

  61. devilgunner says:

    Morning Scott. I did see your comments. And I agree with you that Hazard did the wrong thing. However due to the fact that society protects spoilt brats like that ass hole I would still say that the only wrong thing he did was not to bash his face in.

  62. Scott from Oz says:

    Agreed, there is a distinct lack of disclipline these days, but probably because people are afraid to for fear of being branded an abusive parent…….it is a vicious cycle.
    The footage i saw originally, which, as i said, the media showed the world, looked disgraceful.
    It was only later that an English mate sent me the other angle, and it showed what the little bastard had done.
    Was he doing so under orders from Swansea, i wonder?
    Either way, the kid, Hazard and the the media are to blame.
    The media will do anything for a sensational story though, so no surprise that they used the most damning angle 🙂
    A last point….. If my son is cheeky or misbehaves, he gets one warning then a smack.
    I haven’t had to smack him for around 4 years….maybe that means early discipline stays with kids??
    All in all though, a sad day for football.

  63. Scott from Oz says:

    An interesting little side note on discipline.
    Last night, around 7pm, a home up the street is surrounded by police cars.
    Our usually quiet little area was buzzing.
    A new family moved in a few months back, and they are just scum….their daily actions show that.
    Anyway, apparently a member of one of our more infamous bikie gangs has gone through the place with a hammer, smashing everything in sight, but missing his main target…..the father.
    Well, overnight, the house has become vacant…strange that.
    Gotta love the disciplinary actioned meted out by those who do not mess around 🙂

  64. devilgunner says:

    Has anyone here ever tried to control a huge adult bull?? Well no one will be able to do unless the bull is drugged. But hold on. Miracle of miracles a wee man of 5 ft 5 inches will walk in and his smack will control even the most raging bull. The reason??? He bought him up when he was a calf. And bulls will remember the smacks and warnings as a kid and will obey.

    As you said Scott……..early discipline stays with kids.

  65. Scott from Oz says:

    My daughter is 18 and i still only need to look at her and she knows enough is enough.
    Funny thing is, i am the most easy going parent on the planet!!
    The line is drawn early on…that is for sure.

  66. Scott from Oz says:

    Enough wasted effort on the two petulant , spolit brats.
    What a game!
    We were breathtaking for that spell…..some brilliant football played.
    RVP is lucky it wasn’t Podolski kicking the ball at his head!
    Aaron did brilliantly well, but poor old Jack copped a kicking again.
    Will he ever play another game in his career where he doesn’t go down injured?
    Not sure what can be done, but it had better be done soon.

  67. devilgunner says:

    The only way to do that Scott would be to employ Roy Keane with us to play again and put him behind his back. Or Joey Barton as a DM. He will not allow Jack to be kicked. lol

  68. devilgunner says:

    The game was a great one Scott. I really enjoyed it immensely. I have always like Ramsey and you might recall that I never criticised him. But he did surprise me as a PIVOTE and when he dropped between the centrebacks to start attacks he was tremendous. I always though of him as a box to box midfielder albeit a more advanced one. Or a link. But never as a PIVOTE. Hope he stays there against Brighton. If he does stay there I guess that he will orchestrate it all from the back in the forthcoming games. Granted he will not have the same successes every game, but I feel he will grow in it. But will AW give him more chances there???

  69. allezkev says:

    1736:
    TRANSFER LATEST
    French club Toulouse claim on their website that Moussa Sissoko, 23, is set to complete a transfer to Newcastle United.

    “Moussa Sissoko will not finish his contract with TFC,” which was due to expire in June, Toulouse announced in a statement.

    “Agreement has been reached with Newcastle for a permanent transfer which takes effect today.”

  70. allezkev says:

    1755:
    FOOTBALL
    New Newcastle United striker Yoan Gouffran, 26, says he is confident the club can avoid relegation. “I am not worried at all. I know the players who play here at Newcastle already. They are fantastic players,” he said.

  71. allezkev says:

    1806:
    TRANSFER LATEST
    Newcastle United complete the signing of defender Massadio Haidara from Nancy. The 20-year-old told the club website: “It was the desire of the club to sign me up which was the most important factor. I like the club’s ambition to strengthen the whole team.”

  72. allezkev says:

    Pardew: “I am proud of my english players not a team full of frenchmen like Arsenal.” #WeeManager #AFC #NUFC

  73. devilgunner says:

    How are you habib?

    We are all ok. Now over that scare of last month. She is better.

    have we signed anyone yet…….or released a piece of dead wood?

  74. Scott from Oz says:

    I read Sissoko only cost Newcastle 1.8 million….sound right??
    Devil, there were only a few of us defending Ramsey, and though it is only one cracking game, starting in a central role obviously agrees with him.

  75. allezkev says:

    Hiya Habib, yes that was a bit concerning…..
    Hope that everything is ok now….

    Scott, i must confess that i was beginning to have my doubts about Ramsey, but last night put those doubts to bed…
    He performed like the player he was prior to the Shawcross assault…
    Now he needs to follow that performance up with two more against Brighton and Liverpool.
    I hope that Wenger gives him the chance to play centre-mid again in those games…

  76. Scott from Oz says:

    Opinion please….this is not me spruiking my boy, we really do not know what to do here……….
    Sean is nearly 7, and has been invited to join a youth academy.
    The trouble is the scheduling…… he currently has normal training (with some dodgey coach…me) on a wednesday, and a training academy group on a friday, then plays on a saturday.
    With this new academy, it is training tuesday and thursday and playing on a sunday.
    The kid is 7, and i do not want to burn him out.
    I can pull him out of his normal saturday comp, but he is playing with his mates.
    If he stays in his current situation, does he get left behind?
    Thoughts from anyone who may have gone through it will be appreciated!!

  77. Scott from Oz says:

    Hi Kev,
    I have thought Ramsey was really on the rise over the past few weeks, even playing wide.
    He has minimised his errors, and that was all he needed to do to become a very good footballer, imo.
    Maybe the little freshen up over the last few weeks has helped as well.
    It was great to see, and the kid has been to hell and back, and may just be coming through the other side.

  78. devilgunner says:

    He has not done himself any favours whenever he played although he did all that was asked of him to the best of his abilities especially in an unnatural position. However his running of the ball and finding spaces was better than the rest of the team. The problem is that too many supporters (sic) see just to the point of their nose and comment only on the final product not on the dirty work which usually goes unnoticed!!!

  79. Scott from Oz says:

    Devil, that is what some of us have been saying for ages, and been ridiculed for it!!
    I hope he keeps improving now……for Arsenals sake.

  80. allezkev says:

    I hope so Scott, i do hope so….

    I thought that Gibbs had another good game…
    Although a few Gooners have doubts about him, i’ve always liked him…
    As with all young defenders, he is learning his trade and is bound to make a few errors, but overall i can see a continuing improvement in his game…

  81. Scott from Oz says:

    Kev, i agree on Gibbs, he is getting better every week.
    I reckon plenty of us expect a guy in a Gunners shirt should just be good enough to play first team football, but with our spending policy, we have had plenty of these younger guys come through, and they really do need time.
    Lets cross our fingers he stays healthy, because i think he will end up better than Cashley one day.

  82. allezkev says:

    Scott, all thing’s considered, Ashley Cole was, and still is, a top top full-back… If Gibbs gets up to Cole’s level, then we will have one heck of a left-back…

    Jack was impressive again, especially considering Collison’s nasty foul on him…

    Walcott had another very good game, i feel that i am finally warming to him after many season’s of doubt.
    Rico will be delighted…. 😉

  83. devilgunner says:

    Depends the type of training he gets Scott. If its simply technical and skills then its ok.

    However he is 7. More than two to three sessions per week is superfluous. Kids need to practice co-ordination, agility, balance and speed.

    Be careful with him Scott. Maybe you should take him to academy only or leave him to train with you only.

    Too much too soon might have an undesired effect….he might go off the boil and hate soccer.

  84. Scott from Oz says:

    Exactly my worry, Devil.
    I was thinking of keeping him playing with his local side, and do the academy of a friday.
    Maybe when he gets to 11 a side football in a few years will i take him the step further.
    Going sour on the game is obviously the last thing i want to do.
    You have confirmed my thoughts….thank you.

  85. devilgunner says:

    or arrange that he attends only one session with you, one session with the academy and alternate games…..if this is possible.

    My son prefers athletics. So I give him that. I even had to buy a threadmill to train him when its raining (or recently snowing). But its all timed and programmed. And he never does more than 45 minutes daily with a break every fourth day. His body needs to rest.

  86. Scott from Oz says:

    Kev, agreed on Cole, and yes, if Gibbs gets even close to him, he will be a huge asset.
    He seems to be picking his time to push forward a little better of late, and isn’t being caught out of position as often.
    A long way to go to match Cole, but you never know.
    Not too many comments on Girouds goals?
    I thought they were both fantastic and showed great touch for a big guy.
    Santis was just a brilliant move.

  87. devilgunner says:

    The one Giroud scored from the corner was a perfectly executed training ground exercise. Full stop.

    Merte did his bit and Giroud did the rest.

  88. Scott from Oz says:

    Devil, the one thing i did learn from training greyhounds is how NOT to overcook an athlete, and to read the signs of when a break is required.
    My first thought is he is a kid, and deserves time to be a kid.
    Mark Bosnich is THE player who springs to mind when i think on this issue.
    I played against him as a junior,..put one past him as well…….and his dad had him working his arse off from a young age, playing a few years above his age group etc,etc,etc.
    To see him self implode later was no great surprise.
    We are a long time grown up.
    Anyway……..off to work now, have a great day all and thanks again Devil

  89. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening or morning Scott Just read your question Scotty, Persnall i would ask him what he prefers to do, at his tender age he should be enjoying his sport, and it shouldn’t become a chore. If he likes playing with his mates i would be inclined to leave him there for the time being. Many parents see their offspring as proteges of themselves many want to help them acheive what they couldn’t now i am not saying that is the case with you but at his age the important thing is he enjoys it. You train him yourself and that is comendable but sometimes a parent trainer can get a little impatient, if the lad has got the talent it will flow out of him but he must be able to make his own mind up and not feel pressurised. Just my view but i have all girls but thats how i would have gone about it had i of had a boy ,And boy do i envy you.

  90. allezkev says:

    Sorry Adam, just been munching some cheese on toast…

    Yes mate, i did see the game and i gave Lee a running report as he was watching Swansea…

  91. Scott from Oz says:

    I Steve, i agree with your comments, but Sean would play and train 7 days a week….he just loves the game.
    My wife and i have to make the call, and i would prefer to be over cautious rather than over extend him.
    I am under no illusions and realise it is probably 1000/1 or longer that he will make it as a pro player, even here in Oz, but the kid has got a very real talent, loves the game so at least deserves his chance.
    The academy he does on a friday is for anyone keen enough, where the invite he received is for the hand picked kids, so it is a rap in itself to get one.
    I think it is probably two years too soon, personally, so am inclined to leave things as they are.
    I appreciate your input.

  92. allezkev says:

    David Villa would be the dog’s bollox imo Lee.
    I know that he’s 31, but if we can get 3 or 4 good years outta him then that’s money well spent to me…

  93. allezkev says:

    Jovetic and Cavani are just pipe-dreams, those kinda deals will never happen whilst Arsene is in charge…

    It’s not in his DNA…

  94. allezkev says:

    Arsenal Conundrum, hmm could that have anything to do with a lack of investment and interest from the major shareholder?

  95. Adam says:

    It is along those lines Kev. Trying to align expectation with reality is never easy.
    I am watching Malaga and Barca. Interesting game.

  96. True Gooner says:

    I think we need a def mid for the more physical games and an out and out poacher.Also, I think we are a little light in the centre of defence.

  97. Lee says:

    Morning peeps, thank fuck Wenger said he’d be busy in this window. Imagine if he said he was going to be quiet,eh? Six frogs to Newcastle in a week, that dick head pardew will be wearing a stripey top,beret and onions around his neck!

  98. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, the spanish press say we negotiating for Hummels also Cuenca on loan, the french fella saying wengers has called him twice and then add in Villa and Gourcuff & Capoue and it’s all a big miss mash… I would love Jovetic to be honest, proper player add a big strong midfielder and that would do me if we got two like that.

  99. Lee says:

    La Nazione, a paper based in Florence, are today claiming that Arsenal are readying a bid of €24m for Fiorentina’s Jovetic with the Italian website Tuttomercatoweb stating that this amount would not be enough for the club.

    Now, the story contains nothing more than one line about the bid, no sources to back it up and nothing of any substance that should be getting anyone excited about anything. They don’t say how they know the amount Arsenal are considering bidding nor do either of the sites state how they know how much Fiorentina want for the player.

    The Jovetic-to-Arsenal story has been gathering momentum over the last few days and what did start as a small story has now spread across the media and internet and is appearing on Italian websites to name just one country where the story is appearing.

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