Morning all.
Football should be fun shouldn’t it and Tomas Rosicky is clearly having a bit of that:
It’s fun to play with players like Ozil and Cazorla. They can pass the ball so quickly and creatively. I think you can see we have fun on the pitch – if you have that it’s great.
You can see they are all having fun in training too when the club photographer publishes his snapshots from the training camp. Happiness in the camp is key, it’s vital for the players to enjoy their day to day job in order to perform at their best when it matters, match day.
Maybe that is what’s behind us sitting top of league…
It must be hard for a manger to keep everyone happy everyday when they know they aren’t going to be on the team-sheet come the next fixture. Of course, true professionals will understand, get their head down, train hard and when they get their chance, make it count. But sometimes there is a player, maybe two who think it’s their right to be playing week in week out regardless. I’m not sure we have many, if any like that, not any more…..
Even Nicklas Bendtner is saying all the right things about his own game and although he’s not everyone’s favourite, at least he’s not in the press with negative comments about his time with us right now.
Of course winning helps keep the fun, being top of the league keeps everyone happy as that is their goal.
More from Tomas from after the Liverpool victory:
We needed this result to react positively after the negative result [against Chelsea]. It was a great game, an intense game from both sides and obviously we are happy to win so it’s very pleasant.
It’s great to be [five points clear], no doubt about it, but for me it’s too soon, the season is very long. Of course we would like to stay there on top of the league, it’s a good feeling to be there but it’s too soon, it doesn’t mean a lot at this time. But it’s not a bad feeling I have to admit and I would like to stay there.
Another place Tomas, his team-mates and of course, Arsene Wenger wants to stay is in the Champions League and getting a victory in Germany tomorrow night would be a very good start to achieve that aim. Not many of our players will have experienced what it’s like to play at Dortmund’s stadium in front of 80,000 fans, most of whom will be cheering on the German side.
Tomas has, he’s been there, done it and has the t-shirt. Between 2001-2006, he made 126 appearances for Borussia Dortmund so tomorrow night will be a big thing for him and he can certainly tell his team-mates just what to expect inside the Westfalenstadion, or the ‘Signal Iduna Park’ as it’s know these days after a local insurance company invested in the club under a sponsorship.
It will definitely be special because I spent five and a half years there and in the 14 years I’ve played professional football, I’ve played for just three teams.
I spent five years there, won the league there and played in the Uefa Cup final there so obviously I have a lot of attachments and it will be a special game for me.
So, regardless of whether Tomas Rosicky starts tomorrow night, which I expect he will, he is key to preparing for this game.
To be fair, he’s been pretty key to this season so far, full-stop.
Transfer and Injury Gossip:
According to The Daily Express, Arsenal are still hopeful of signing Lyon’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder Clement Grenier in January.
There’s also suggestion in The Independent that we are already in talks to sign Juventus striker Fernando Llorente in January and if we can’t get him, then Stephan El Shaarawy is next on Arsene Wenger’s list.
The Daily Mirror report that Theo Walcott has stepped up his training regime and could be back for the game at Old Trafford, at least he should make the bench. Lukas Podolski is also nearing a return which will probably be after the international break. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is likely to remain on the sidelines until Christmas.
That’s your lot for another day……
Morning everyone.
Good to see the lads having fun together. Tomorrow will be a massive task. But if I could choose, I would rather have a win against the mancs, as I truly believe that we have a chance of winning the league this year. Maybe even the FA cup.
No thanks to Llorente. Too similar to Giroud if you ask me.
I would rather have my fellow countryman Edin Dzeko.
At least he’s experienced in the BPL
Good morning fellow HHers.
Good Post Rico. 🙂
It seems that Arsene will not begin talks on a new contract until he is sure that we have qualified for the next round of the CL, so tomorrow night is really important in more ways than one.
A quick word of thanks.
In Oz, we have a various Facebook groups, as well as supporters groups.
Too many of them are filled with kids who know it all, so i started a FB group for those who can carry a conversation or debate with respect…..i know, i know…..a big turnaround 🙂
Anyways, i approached Rico for permission to post the HH topic of the day on the group, and let me just say, it is going down an absolute treat.
Thanks Rico…..i have a few who are keen to return the favour and write a post for HH.
Cheers.
“…what it’s like to play at Dortmund’s stadium in front of £80,000 fans,…”
——————————–
Expensive fans, those Dortmund guys… 🙂
Morning folks and thanks re the post…
Adk, would that be such a bad thing seeing just how much Giroud gives to the side?
My pleasure Scott, glad ‘those down under’ like the HH stuff and look forward to seeing my email full up with posts 🙂
Yeah, i could handle another Giroud in the squad 🙂
Rico, just saying it how it is….they love the posts, truly.
It wouldn’t. But I would rather have a pacy striker like Pato.
Or, as I said, Dzeko. He knows the league. And particulary because he scored 4 goals against the tiny totts a few seasons back 😉
good post Rico, well done Scotty, Agree with Rico on Llorente although having an option when things aren’t going well to change things is also good. I think Llorente would be a solid loan
I’m still laughing at your ‘turn around’ comment Scott 😉
Adk, how about we meet halfway and settle for a player like Giroud but with more pace? 😉
morning rico..praying hart for tomorrows game,I wish the lads luck,they did it in the Alians Arena last season and am confident they will do us proud ..lets have elsharaawy.
Welcome Alex and thanks re the ‘£’ – goodness knows how that popped in there. Funny though 😉
Rico, i compare it to the naughtiest kid in class becoming a teacher 🙂
Oz, do you get on FB much nowadays?
just signed in to see your invitation and “where is it then” is my question!! haha
Thanks Oz.
We certainly need more pace up front, especially when TW is back and pinging in the crosses, need a player who can keep up with him…
🙂
lol Scott, now get back to your seat!
Wow, no wonder Dortmund fans are singing all the time if they are £80,000 fans! Is that per year or per match?
Always been a fan of Thomas Rosicky as he is always looking to pass or run toward goal with a real purpose. I think he makes us more dynamic.
Morning Tim, tbh, most of the strikers/wingers we are linked to would be great additions – Pato, Costa, Lewendowski, El Sharaaway etc etc..
Just hope AW signs one of them…
we need to be mindful of the great on field relationship Pod and Ozil have. At International level they have played many many games and know each other very well. Ozil could be the making of Pod’s Arsenal career IMO. I said earlier if Walcott tunes in to him properly we could be back to the fast break masters
Done, Oz.
Enjoy…they are a handpicked group of true Gooners 🙂
Not up there with HH, but we are trying to follow a great example.
Anyone else on FB?
Welcome Gd, just a slip on the keyboard, all amended now…
But Miss….i need to go to the toilet 🙂
cheers Boss
GunnerD – agree 100% mate as many on here do
Morning Rico, Scott and all.
‘Orrible wet day in London Town today.
I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how Ozil, TW and Pod link up…
HH has a FB account Scott but you are already on there, I need to have a tidy up on there when I get chance, already on the 5000 friends limit so need to a bit of clearing out..
Morning Adam, it’s the same here, just ‘orrid!
I know Rico.
Hi Oz.
I think I will go into the West End and buy something I don’t need. It’s one of those days.
Hi Adam……not such a nice day here today, but it was fantastic….it gave the fire fighters some relief.
Poor buggers have had a terrible time of it.
Rico, i know what you mean…so many friends who never post, never offer an opinion, just count their friends each day!
We have 70 odd members, have ignored 3 times that in requests because they have no real interest in the group.
Hi Adam, how goes it mate? Raining over here as well after two hot days, so welcome relief all the way round Scott over this side of the world
I honestly do not know how the bush fireys have kept going….they have been relentless.
Heroes, each and every one of them.
Scott – agree mate. Courage plus
I know this is off topic slightly but Giroud is really feeling the love with his own beatles song – I haven’t heard any Ozil songs or many other players for that matter (Jack – “he smokes when he wants”, “super Jack”). Can anyone tell me if there is an Ozil song or any others?
D, there are a few, but Girouds is just so catchy, everyone loves singing it.
It gets plenty of runs at our little venue 🙂
They are a pain in the butt Scott…
Gd, you can talk about whatever you like here, within reason 😉
Not sure re an Ozil song, I doubt it will be too long before there’s one though..
Rico, you nark 🙂
Nah, some are pretty bloody ordinary, i must say.
Scott – yeah, love Girouds and sing it at the top of our voices with my kids in the living room every match! Only get to a couple of games at the Emirates and the Norwich game (closest to us) so not really up to speed with other players songs. It really gets Giroud up for it so perhaps we need a movement to send the love for Ozil in particular to get him fired up.
Talking of fired up – I hope you Aussie guys are no where near those bush fires – wish we could send you some rain!
🙂 Scott, surely not….
D, we have had a lovely cool turn in the weather, and some rain, so all is well.
I am in a safe spot, but we had a few Gooners lose their places.
We looked after them 🙂
Depends who sings them, Rico lol
Night all…..
Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Good Night Scott.
Interesting that some articles in the press are linking us with a loan deal for Llorente and not a buy. Is this because he is a temporary back-up for Giroud, if so, who might our longterm target(s) be? Or is a loan deal all Juventus are willing to negotiate at present?
Great to see the team chemistry and spirit continue to mature like a fine wine to accompany our orchestral play onfield.
Night Scott..
Morning Cg, could be a loan to start with and see how a deal fairs for both us and the player. If all works well from Jan to the end of the season, then maybe a deal will be done..
Just my view of course…
Gnabry and Gibbs are training today, both expected to travel later today.
No TW or JW in training..
Dear oh dear….
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/liverpool-loss-arsenal-caused-policeman-2677045?
Llorente is one of 7 forwards on their books and he is not the youngest, probably they would want to get his wages off of their books or else they have future plans for him and want a bit of tutellage to improve him if they can shift one or two of the others for big money. ( Giovinco , Tevez , )
7 forwards Potter – oh to have just two…..
Vucinic , Asamoah, Pepe, Quagliarella, Giovinco, Tevez and of course Llorente. At least three of those will be infront of him.
He’s a real possibility then…
Afternoon All.
Afternoon Rico, good post.
Wenger won’t want to stifle the progress of Chuba Akpom, that kid could be a huge player for us in two years or so. Therefore taking Llorente on loan (as was the plan with Ba) gives us depth in the attack, but does so for a short period without blocking Akpom or Mick’s boy, Sanogo…
We also have Podolski, Walcott and Ozil who can play up front in an emergency…
I know we presently look a bit light up front, but that’s all set to change in the next week…
Rico, Gibbs and Gnabry training is fantastic news…
I know Wenger wouldn’t do it, but I’d be tempted to start with Gnabry and give Dortmund some problems having to defend against pace.
It would stop them pressing the midfield and open up the game more to suit our passing game…
Afternoon Kev, thanks.
Has to be tempting for AW to start Gnabry for all the reasons you suggest. Had hope TW would be back…
Kev – We have certainly missed some pace up front or on the wings, but I doubt Arsene will risk setting a player back by rushing his return to the squad before he is fully fit.
He has learned the folly of that in the past. An extended period of layoff and recovery due to re-injury could set Gnabry’s development back a full year. Although the circumstances are different, look what a bad injury has done to Wilshere’s development.
CG, I don’t think that Wenger will risk including Gnabry in any capacity unless he is 100%…
I can see your point re: Jack.
Major difference I see is in style and position.
Jack loves a tackle and plays in the most combatitive area of the pitch.
Hence more injuries…
Interesting point though.
After HHers,
Good read Rico. And interesting point Potter re number of forwards the ‘Old Lady’ has.
Even though Asamoah, Pepe are wingers by trade this season Conte has preferred playing Quagliarella from the right hand side to support Tevez instead of using Llorente in crucial games. It is also interesting how advanced Lichtsteiner has been played even though he is a RB by trade.
I am not sure if that was to do with Marchisio injury this season but it is obviously not working well as Yao Gervinho and his AS Roma crew are about to break a80 year old record…
I think Juve selling is more to do with finances than the number of forwards imho and so as the post right implies, they will be open to sell…
Hope you are well Cg?
Ginge – I’m hale and hearty, thanks for asking. I’ve been busy with the family and trying to catch up on all those jobs around the house that need to done before winter and should have been done during the summer.
My younger son was over on Saturday to watch our game vs. Liverfool. He brought my newly minted grandaughter (five weeks) with him. She slept throught the whole game with nary a peep except when we whooped and cheered for Santi’s and Aaron’s goals. Her interests are abit limited at present, but when she’s ready we’ll introduce her to the wonders of The Arsenal.
I hope all is well with you.
An interesting article following yesterday’s speculation about Arsenal going back in for Suarez.
Wenger to see where Walcott and Podolski fit back into team before spending big again;
http://1nildown2oneup.net/wenger-to-see-where-walcott-and-podolski-fit-back-into-team-before-spending-big-again/
Afternoon all…
Afternoon Rico
Afternoon Kev, it’s getting chilly out…
Hmm, not too bad in London, Rico….
We got some blue sky and the rain stopped ages ago…
Is it cold out West then?
I see Rico, that Eisfeld was involved in training with the 1st team squad today…
He isn’t registered in the CL squad, a strange decision IMHO.
He could have been useful coming off of the bench, as he has that knack of scoring goals.
Maybe Wenger has him in mind for Old Toilet?
The rain has stooped here too Kev, just a nasty cold wind….
Bench at OT maybe, but I reckon we’ll set up the same as we did against Liverpool, unless Flamini is back then one attacking player to make way for him…
We have to get at least a point up there, if not all three. It’s about time…
Hope the Mancs have a really tough game tonight and a few hard tackle go flying in on them 😉
Early evening all.
Evening Adam. Quiet evening….
Will you be watching the football later?
Think I’ll go and get some dinner….
Possibly Rico. But I fancy relaxing with a movie. I did a lot of marching round the shops today. 🙂
Hope you didn’t part with too many pennies Adam…
Team news: Who is fit to face Dortmund?
Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund:
on Jack Wilshere…
As you know he has not travelled because he has not practised. I will know more on Thursday when he has another test. If that is not a success he will definitely be out for Sunday, if he is out for Sunday he will be out for England as well.
on other team news…
Gnabry has travelled and is in the squad. Walcott is not far, he should be back soon after the break and Flamini has a good chance to be available on Sunday. Gibbs has travelled and should be available. Eisfield, he was with us this morning in training.
All quiet here so time to depart for another day…..
Night all…
hiya pals…..great time to be a gooner huh? men am buzzing. missed you guys. work’s been hectic so no time to blog. cassie sends her love. see ya gooners.
hey rico…..how are ya.
United training for next Saturday then. bet they get all the decisions then as well.
Good morning Rico.
Tally ho! Dortmund here we come.
Morning boys and girls 🙂
Sorry to have missed you goonster, hope all is well?
Morning Scott, Hb and all
Rico…Henry…..game day 🙂
Sure is Scott, sure is….
Bring it on.
Is a win a necessity?
Not for me.
As long as we play good, positive football and have a crack at them i will be happy.
Save it for the Mancs wanks 🙂
Tough one Scott, I don’t want to see us play Sunday and Thursdays…
New post up
We are going to win the CL this year!!!!
Maybe !!!!!! 🙂 🙂
Like Scott said, I want the lads to play well and with confidence and if we win – we win – and if we don’t do it tonight we will kick Napoli’s derriere.
COYG