Midfielder signs! Two more almost complete & Keown reckons we are nearly there….

Morning Gooners,

Well what a day yesterday, there was a couple of us starting to think that the Cazorla link was going to end up like another Mata, and you know how that went, then out of the blue what we all wanted to hear came real, Santi Cazorla is expected in London for a medical after both Arsenal and Malaga agreed a fee for the Spaniard. Some suggest that medical will be today and the deal is expected to be announced later.

The BBC report that a loan deal for Nuri Sahin is nearly agreed too but AVB is sniffing around too so that one has a way to go in my own opinion and you do have to wonder if we really need him?

Personally I’d rather see us sign a defensive midfielder, not that I’m not complaining about us signing attack minded players but will they prevent us conceding 49 goals this coming season?

Talking of signings – Nicholas Yennaris signed a new long-term contract yesterday which is good news. The 19 year old right back/midfielder has a great future ahead of him. What with him and Serge Gnabry both extending their stay, it looks like the club are sorting out the reserve players contracts, certainly those who really do have a future with us.

For a few months now (well more like seasons) we have all moaned and groaned about how just one of two tweaks here and there would really change the shape of our current squad. We needed another striker – well now we have two. We needed a creative player, well, we could be getting two, certainly one unless he fails a medical and that seems unlikely.

We needed a defensive midfielder – we still do and if Arsene Wenger does sign that kind of player surely we’d all be pretty pleased wouldn’t we?

Ideally we would add another right back, left back and another goal keeper but I strongly suspect Wenger think the same.

My point?

What we have been asking for is starting to become real and come the start of the season we really will be stronger, a lot stronger than we were this time last year, even with the last-minute signings. We saw during the tour to the Far East that 2/3 of the younger players have matured and are on the verge of breaking into the squad and of course we have one or two like Lansbury and Ryo who are coming back from a season long loan.

All we have to do now is make sure we fix the big leak at the back…

Martin Keown thinks we are getting closer to winning something.

To win the title you need a coming together of lots of things.

There has to be a desire and a focus for you to win it and as players you need to be peaking at the right time. It is about your squad and the strength of it. We were always very lucky that we had outstanding players and the people that filled in were more than capable, so that would demonstrate the full strength of your squad and whether or not you could go the full distance.

There has to be belief and that has to be grown over a number of years. And I do think that is growing now. I would like to see the experienced players in the squad like Mikel Arteta – who I thought was a very big loss at the end of last season – together with Jack Wilshere coming back into the fold as soon as they can. He [Arteta] is a truly outstanding player.

It will be difficult for Arsenal to win something but Arsène Wenger is a very competitive man and he will be desperate to do just that. I do think they are getting closer.

It was a poor start to last season, but once they got back on track there was a period after Christmas where they were in outstanding form. So this time we really need to hit the ground running.

Finally, the reserves suffered a defeat last night at the hands of Dartford. Despite having all the possession and plenty of chances, they lost 2-1.

Some things don’t change do they. 😉

That’s it for another day, could be good one…

0 thoughts on “Midfielder signs! Two more almost complete & Keown reckons we are nearly there….

  1. rico says:

    Hola 🙂

    Morning all, is he coming today, hope this awful cold weather doesn’t put Santi off ….

  2. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning Rico.
    things are looking good!

    It is Galatasaray & Arsenal in for Sahin according to AS.

    http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/galatasaray-arsenal-pujan-fuerte-nuri/20120802dasdasftb_7/Tes

    Reading between the lines Mourinho wants shut of Sahin and one thing is for “certain” – Modric won’t be at Tottenham for the start of the season as the bookies aren’t taking bets on him still being there after the deadline. He is 1/6 to join Madrid.

  3. rico says:

    Morning Syg –

    Add the totts to that too, read earlier that AVB wants talks with Jose…

    Wonder why he wants him gone?

  4. ktr7 says:

    Good read rico but Sahin is not an AM,never have i seen him play as one.he is a deep lying CM.he plays where jack/arteta play.

  5. Satan to Saint says:

    Hey Rico and everyone who’d be here soon.

    I wish we do sign DM. But I think AW has lots of faith in Le Coq and in some time we’d have Pong back. Other than that even DJ’s primary position is DM and may be he may even play this season. But I think slowly in our system DM will be as rear as tail that what our ancestors were supposed to have. I mean look at even team GB yesterday. They had MF trio of Rambo, Allen and Cleverly none of them our specialized DM but they know what their task is i.e. defend as a team and they did well against good opposition. I think the DM concept will slowly phase out in some of the football systems.

  6. rico says:

    Morning Kt,

    but he’s still not an out and out DM, not the kind of player we really need, and at 5′ 10” he’s a bit of a midget…

  7. rico says:

    Hi S2S –

    Coq and Frimps are for a year or two time imho and the latter I am not sure will ever ‘get there’ he’s got a long way to go to get fit..

  8. Satan to Saint says:

    Ktr7

    Yes Sahin plays in the ‘Arteta’ role. And he’s supposed to be just as impressive. Can hit the long balls, can keep the ball, draw fouls, assist, shoot, score all. He’s younger than MA and a couple of years ahead in development with respect to Jack. I think we are addressing our probs of not having Arteta in few games. I really hope he does come and have a positive influence on the team as well as we have positive influence on him.

  9. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I think there’s a massive feeling of optimism around the club at the moment. Three major signings = £40M and more to come.
    There would be even more optimism if we could get shut of the deadwood.

  10. Satan to Saint says:

    Rico,

    I think Coq will also have now or never season as well. If he doesn’t perform I think he’ll be sold soon. Remember last season he signed contract extension with us but that was for two years only. So if he doesn’t perform I think its goodbye to him. Same with JD. So I don’t think there is going to be any loan deal for Coq. He’d stay and play for us and he has to perform. And I think by the Christmas we’d know if he can play for us or not and if he doesn’t then I fully expect us to get some one to cover for Song.

  11. ktr7 says:

    Good point STS Re:Sahin.another aspect of our game that will improve next season is ball retention.last season we were quite poor at it especially in away games or when Arteta was missing.i expect us to be much more dominant next season.

  12. Temitope Afolabi says:

    Good one for Arsenal fc, we really need Sahin and Santi Carzola wt one defender, then we can say we are ready.

  13. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Fans can deal with disappointment, what they can’t deal with is ignorance of the glaring issues EVERYONE has been able to pinpoint over the years. Hopefully the atmosphere around the club will be far more positive if we continue the summer in the same vein – that was from Le Grove this morning who have got it spot on…

    Hopefully today will be a great day!

  14. Satan to Saint says:

    Oh btw did any one see Rambo play last night? He’s earned rave reviews. Every one has gone ga ga over him What I heard is that he was best GB player against very good Uruguay side.

  15. Satan to Saint says:

    And Rico,

    Arsenal ladies are doing awesome. Especially Hughton. I think she’s scored in every game. Caught that match?

  16. Byron says:

    Normally we wouldnt need Sahin but with Rosicky, Arteta and Jack all injured in leaves us thin at the start of the season

  17. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Sahin was voted by kicker.de as the best footballer in Germany during the 2010-11 season prompting his move to Real Madrid. He polled nearly half of the votes.

    Ribery, Goetze, Robben, the Chinese guy that Man Utd have bought, Reus, Gomez, Rob Led, Podolski etc all played in the Bundesliga…

    He must be an exceptional player..

  18. rico says:

    S2S – pre-season, coq looks rather heavy and a bit slow 😉

    Spot on re the ladies..

    Good point Byron, forgot about Tomas also being out…

    So Sahin would cover Jack, imho we still need a DM..

  19. rico says:

    S2S – 9.45 – good point, still rather he learned from a player like Capoue/M’Vila than sloppy Song..

  20. ktr7 says:

    Rumour has it Ryo is going to Wigan on loan.also according to spanish media Cazorla travelled to London last night.this may be true since apparently he isn’t training with Malaga today.

  21. rico says:

    Can’t see why he wouldn’t travel today really Kt, one it’s all been agreed, he’ll want to get here and join the squad asap, fingers crossed he passes his medical… if Diaby can, anyone can 😉

    Ryo to Wigan, who is the manager there now?

    Afobe is going to Bolton too..

  22. ktr7 says:

    If you wanted an animal for a DM between Capoue/M’vila Capoue wins it hands down.that guy is a monster though he is abit sloppy at passing unlike Yann who has a fantastic range.M’vila is more of a Gilberto type DM.It depends on preference really.

  23. Satan to Saint says:

    Rico still Martinez. One of the best in my opinion. I like Coyle, but I like Martinez more. For me what I saw Ryo becoming last season didn’t like as much. There were almost no step overs. He played very defensively even when they needed to win. And that made him too predictable. He lost some of his flair, natural talent there. I hope Martinez lets him play freely then Coyle did last season.

  24. bondex says:

    its all looking positive today…something just keeps reminding me about last season (mata) we were all sure we’d get him.

  25. Terry C says:

    This will be the third quality signing for Arsen and all of them very experienced players which makes a change. If RVP goes then we should look at Cazorlas mate Rondon which we could get on the cheap as well.
    All we need now is another fullback + Keeper and if God is a gooner then perhaps a loan deal with Sahin would go through too!
    M’vila would still be a nice addition and although we will be overly filled with midfielders at least they would be quality and lets face it, it’s always been an issue about quality in depth and never our first eleven.

  26. southyorkshiregunner says:

    There’s a bigger picture Byron … I think…
    We are widely reported to want a loan deal with an option to BUY. That option to BUY was never part of the Benayoun deal…
    Therefore it is obvious that Wenger wants him as part of the team, but wants a good look at him first.
    The major thing to note is that Mourinho doesn’t want the deal to be permanent … Mourinho is possibly the best manager in world.

    Song is the “weak link” in our midfield.
    That is not to say he doesn’t do other things, but his mentality, discipline and positional play are poor.
    The 49 goals against were partly due to his ill discipline.
    One example: At a time when the team was hit badly – and I mean badly, by the loss of Nasri and Fabregas, our 1st choice DM stamped on a player for no apparent reason and got himself banned, therefore giving us a makeshift midfield for three games, one of which was the 2-8 thumping versus Man Utd. Take the 8 away from 49.
    Then look at the wandering out of position and getting caught plus the needless free kicks on the edge of the area he gives away that result in goals against.
    He very well may do this and that, but the main angle of HIS game is to protect the back four and tidy up.

    The Sahin-Arteta; the Wilshire-Arteta; or the Sahin-Wilshire pivot/axis may be what Wenger is looking at. I don’t know.
    All I know is that the Song-Diaby pivot/axis is an accident waiting to happen.

    Last season Arteta was the stand out deal.
    Maybe the proposed Sahin deal is more important than the Cazorla deal, and the reason we are supposedly cool on M’Vila. It maybe that this minor transfer move is the best move of the transfer window.

    The season before he was part of the all conquering Dortmund side and he polled nearly half the votes to become voted the BEST footballer in Germany. He didn’t get that by accident.

    Like I said I don’t know how it will pan out, but one thing I do know is that Alex Song or Abou Diaby will never ever be awarded the player of the year.

  27. emma says:

    Gmorning rico,

    Sahin is a CDM with great range of passing(long & short). This guy is the bomb if we can get him on loan. He has the eagle eye for the long range pass just like our Wilshere. I thought we could have bought him last year but madrid quickly move in to hijack the deal. We know Mourinho is not a good developer of talent but knows how to manage a team. This guys talent is being wasted in Madrid

    The issue with Arsenal’s defence is not with the personality but the positioning and discipline. How many times(goals) did Vermalaen, song, gibbs/santos positioning and discipline cost us last season? 49 goals.The team needs to work as a cohesive unit (defence/midfielders working in tandem). Players should know when to go forward and when not to. The entire team should accept responsibility to track back when under pressure. I have no doubt that steve bould will be working on that. Wenger even made a statement after the draw with Kitchee in the pre season:

    on any disappointments…
    I think defensively we looked fragile, especially in the first half. In the second half not so much because we were not challenged. Defensively we have a lot of work to do as a unit to do much better.

    on possible defensive incomings…
    We let everybody play today and some players are not yet at the level of the Premier League. It is a learning process. If you don’t do it in pre-season then you never do it – you give them a chance to see what is requested at the top level. I played all of the defenders during this tour to see who is ready and who is not. We have Sagna, Koscielny and Mertesacker at home – three experienced defenders.

  28. rico says:

    Course he is Kt, silly me, was thinking of West Brom 😉

    Tbh – Capoue or M’Vila and we’d be better off than we are right now..

  29. Mr Arsenal says:

    Arsenal have to get sahin.The player is top class and hasn’t shown anywhere near the talent this lad possesses.I hope We buy him instead of loan him.

  30. ktr7 says:

    SYG I follow the Bundesliga closely and i agree with you.Sahin was the man that season.i remember watching him school Bayern in midfield at Allianz Arena guiding Dortmund to a 3-1 win.he scored an absolute beauty to put them 2-1 up just after Bayern had equalised.he made Schweinsteiger look like Denilson that day.

  31. George says:

    Can’t wait to see Cazorla playing for us 😀 Either getting Sahin or another CDM will make me happy, but I think that with more creativity, Song will sit back more, but I hope he doesnt completely lose his assist making. It will take time to forgive this lad if he does, but anyone else think that RVP will sign a new contract, with Cazorla and potnetially Sahin on the way? Lets not forget the Mvilla rumour to!

  32. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    In addition to my comment about the defence yesterday:

    People need to realise that a better posession-based attack will lead to a better defence. If we keep the ball better, our defence will be better as the opponents won’t be to hurt us.

    The season before last, we had Cesc, Nasri, Wilshere who were all adept in posession. Cast your minds back even further when our midfield four was Flamini, Cesc, Hleb and Rosicky. Last season we went for a more direct approach but it left us more vulnerable.

    The signings of Sahin and Cazorla to me indicate a move back to a posession-based game which i’m all for.

  33. rico says:

    Half full Lee, it’s spilling over the top 😉

    Morning emma – my only worry is his height, we lose a lot of ariel battles in midfield..

    vernat – the fee has been agreed now I’m sure..

  34. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Btw, did anyone see how well Ramsey played last night? He’s definitely getting a better pre-season run out than the rest of the squad. I did say that the criticism was way over the top, the guy was just fatigued at the back end of last season. His touch and passing was a lot more incisive last night. Still needs to cut out silly flicks from time to time though.

  35. ktr7 says:

    Also with Giroud/Poldi/Santi/Sahin(?) i expect us to concede fewer goals.this is because the aforementioned quartet all play in teams that rely alot on pressing and tactical awareness.Poldi for example has less flair than Reus but he still gets picked because he can press for 90 minutes and is also very good tactically.Sahin at Dortmund was part of their relentless pressing midfield;he knows how its done.same applies to Cazorla and Giroud.this will make it harder for teams to even get a sight at goal.Couple that with improved ball retention of Santi/Sahin and that goals conceded column should shrink.

  36. rico says:

    Diaby, Ramsey, Song, Arteta, Coquelin, Arshavin, Ryo, Frimpong, Santi, Sahin and Jack, Rosicky, Lansbury……

    Think we have enough midfielders?? 😉

  37. Olufemi Longe says:

    While am optimistic about carzola n sahin, i must add that a DM is very essential shd song get booked or injured incase of crucial matches

  38. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Cut out Diaby and Arshavin Rico 😆

    And I like Lansbury, but with the signings being made, you can’t help but think his Arsenal career is over before it really started.

  39. Tlailaxu says:

    …morning all,
    Re: Rambo
    I saw last 15mins of the game and was really impressed with him,there was a moment where I thought…not again…the tackle on him was just inches away from another legbreak…seriously had me shocked there…

  40. southyorkshiregunner says:

    a better posession-based attack will lead to a better defence … Nice one Pele.

    Song’s ill discipline cost us 10 goals… remove them and that is 39 against.
    Frimpong got red carded too.

    Arteta’s arrival shored up the gaping holes, but the defensive side of the clubs midfield still leaves a lot to be desired.
    We don’t need an evil Italian clogger in there or a tenacious Cana-type player as they will cost you cards, free kicks and ultimately goals against.

    We need a good positional team-player who can break up the oppositions play, see the pass and play the ball at different angles without having to wander about on the wings looking for Hollywood stardom and leaving a gaping hole in front of the back four.

    Maybe Sahin is THAT man.

  41. rico says:

    Romford – Diaby is first on the team sheet if fit, Aw said it 😉

    With the rumoured additions, it might not be only Lansbury who will think his days at Arsenal are numbered. Still like us to keep Henri though – he be a great squad player who can play in the FA Cup and Capital One cup

  42. rico says:

    Add Songs sloppy passing too, how often does he find a team-mate?

    Ok, a few nice passes to set up RvP last season but for each one, another vast amount go astray…

  43. rico says:

    I thought M’Vila was taller emma, but 2″ make a lot of difference…

    And no I am not being rude 😉

  44. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Of course SYG, hence why i’d still get M’Vila and get shot of Song. Other than that, the changes that need to be made are more tactical rather than a change of personnel.

    Sahin is a deep-lying playmaker who gets forward, very similar to Wilshere in that respect. M’Vila is the sort of guy who can pass from all angles without straying much from his position.

    This is my favourite M’Vila video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_C5IoIKhgQ

  45. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Diaby makes me sick, and with the likes of Arteta, Cazorla and Sahin (possibly), Jack’s return and maybe M’Vila, he really shouldn’t be sniffing the first team at all.

  46. rico says:

    Romford, you might get your wish re Song, IF the contract rumour is true or if Barca really do want him….

  47. ktr7 says:

    Hi Romford.i think we’ll be back to playing like the 07/08 team if we get all our targets.its quite exciting to see actually.im also eagerly waiting to see what role he has in mind for Poldi.i wouldn’t also rule out the possibility of a Sahin-Arteta double pivot.AW will have so many options its unreal.fingers crossed we pull them off.

  48. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Malcolm MacDonald was about 5ft8.
    He scored 193 goals in under 400 appearances.

    He scored 6 goals in 14 appearances for England.

    I don’t know how many club goals he hit with his head, but I do know that every goal he scored for England was with his head.

    Check out the winning goal v’s Wolves in the FA Cup

    Football in the air is also about power, timing and trajectory and not just about the height of the player.

    If I were a manager I’d be concerned more with the stupid haircuts of Sagna, Song and Gervais than their height… A ball wallops those and it could end up anywhere..

  49. emma says:

    Quite difficult to chose b/w sahin/ mvila. But If we could get in both then get rid of one of song/diaby that would make my season

  50. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Yes KT, I loved the way we played in 07/08 with that midfield 4 behind Ade and Eduardo – that team generally deserved the title that season, but we all know what happened after the injury… So many options but I do hope we continue with the double pivot and lone striker. Still, exciting times ahead. Fingers crossed this all comes to fruition.

    Rico and Emma – If it was down to me and SYG, Diaby and Song would both be gone. It’s not just their work with the ball that annoys me, their body language and attitude doesn’t always give off the best vibe IMO.

  51. rico says:

    I’m trying Syg, I’m trying 😉

    M’Vila/Capoue and Sahin and get rid of Diaby and Song, now that would make my summer 🙂

  52. ktr7 says:

    Against teams like Barca in the CL i wouldn’t put it past wenger to play a Midfield trio of Sahin/Santi/Arteta…

  53. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    It would make sense KT, against the likes of Barca, a DM isn’t really paramount. It’s all about condensing the space in and around the midfield third. We done that perfectly when we beat them 2-1 two season ago. Wenger took off Song and went with a midfield three of Wilshere/Fab/ Nasri – worked an absolute treat.

  54. Satan to Saint says:

    Thanks Pele, Tlailxu for update on Rambo. He’s overshadowed Vleverly. Who for me is just average. I hope no more injuries for him.

    So Sahin and Cazrola then. I hope VP eats his words before he leaves.

    Looks like we are stocking up on all departments one additional player so that when we want to go for all we don’t have the problem of being tired.

  55. ktr7 says:

    Romford i agree.i also believe if we would’ve gone past the Scousers we would’ve won the CL.that night at Anfield we played some of the best footy under AW in the first half hour.its such a shame we were knocked out in such cruel circumstances.

  56. Satan to Saint says:

    Pele:

    Very true, I think the DM will phase out for many teams in modern football. As I said in my earlier comment last night GB played trio of Allen, Rambo and Tom none of whom are actual DM but all have sense of responsibility and that works to the advantage.

  57. ktr7 says:

    My point exactly Romford.even Mourinho saw the light last season when playing against Barca he stopped playing Pepe/Diarra in midfield.he stuck with Özil/khedira/Alonso with a proper pressing strategy and they as a result beat Barça at Nou Camp.

  58. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    That season was very emotional for me KT, and I gather most Arsenal fans too. I generally thought we were unlucky that season – also it didn’t help having Senderos who we can now all see is a travesty!

    S2S:

    I believe football goes in cycles. Before Makele left Madrid, nobody even talked about the role of a DM. Before that, most teams used to play with two box-to-box midfielders who could attack and defend. Football is constantly evolving and changng though. I remember when Inter won the CL, I thought we were going into an era of defensive football but then Barca won it again the next season with some sexy stuff.

    I always prefer more pro-active teams who go on the front foot trying to win the game from the offset, however, there is something appealing about great counter-attacking sides. I really did enjoy watching Napoli in the CL last season for example. That front three of Lavezzi, Hamsik and Cavani was sexual!

  59. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    For me guys, a DM who just gets the ball and lays it off simple is a waste of a player. A lot of people can fill that role. I prefer someone who has many facets to his game, which is why Vieira was so good when he played for us.

    I also like the same for my forwards, who can perform multiple roles. And I think we’re moving away from that traditional number 9, as Spain have proven. Saying this though, it’s always good to have a proven goalscorer in your squad.

  60. ktr7 says:

    Romford thats why Madrid are so good to watch especially on the counter.i don’t think there is a team better than them in that aspect.i remember in the CL group stages last season against Ajax at the Bernabeu where they scored a goal on a wicked counter.they took 13 secs and 5/6 passes from conceding a corner to scoring at the other end.it was pulsating stuff…

  61. rico says:

    Romford

    ‘ I prefer someone who has many facets to his game, which is why Vieira was so good when he played for us’

    Diaby 😆

  62. rico says:

    Translated =

    The international midfielder Santi Cazorla has traveled Malaga to London today to finalize his move to Arsenal, as reported to sources negotiation.

    Cazorla, who made the final training session yesterday with all Malaga, departed this morning for the capital London, where he hopes to pass a medical and sign his new contract.

    The Spaniard player, who, to close its signing, there remained only one season in Malaga, had a contract with the club for four seasons malaguista, but economic difficulties have precipitated the entity blanquiazul his possible move to Arsenal.

    To sign Cazorla, who came to Malaga last summer for 19 million euros from Villarreal, Arsenal have put on the table an offer of 15.6 million pounds (20 million) and would have already reached an agreement with the player, said on July 24 the British newspaper “The Guardian”.

    Cazorla, 27, star signing of the Andalusian club last season, has not participated in the recent tour of Malaga in Venezuela and was one of four players who reported in July the club presided by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, by default of their wages, but later withdrew the allegations after agreement is reached.

    The midfielder has already accepted the contract offered by Arsenal, according to British newspaper, and though his buyout clause is 45 million euros, the crisis plaguing the Malaga can force the owner to sell to transfer it to the English club. Cazorla addition, players may soon be transferred as Venezuelan striker Jose Salomon Rondon and midfielders Francisco Alarcon Isco” or” the Frenchman Jeremy Toulalan.

  63. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Yes KT, we used to be so efficient on the counter back in the day. Vieira to Bergkamp to Henry – GOAL!! We used to close teams out within the first 10 minutes of games, definitely need to get back to that!

    Too many ball hogs in this team – Diaby and Song are culprits in that aspect.

    Rico, I wish I could find you something I read earlier on Diaby – highlighted so many of his flaws. Shame the manager can’t see it!

  64. ktr7 says:

    Yaya Toure would’ve been a beast for us.the way he dominates the midfield is excellent.i think he is the best midfielder City have.i think Wenger hopes Diaby can be that player for us.

  65. rico says:

    Romford – I was jesting re Diaby…

    Just going back to AVB and Sahin, what’s the betting he’ll be part of the Modric deal…

  66. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Translate please SYG.

    Yes KT, Yaya Toure is an absolute monstrosity of a player – not a team in the world he woldn’t improve. He’s like three players into one!

  67. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Apparently he’s not interested in Spurs Rico, he wants CL football. My sort of player!

  68. rico says:

    Where’s Lee, for the translating but something like he’s heading to london with his representative i suspect

    🙂

  69. southyorkshiregunner says:

    The signing of Song can be closed in 48 hours
    The Arsenal is reluctant to discard the possibility of African, but not negotiations and insists on asking eur. 20M
    Therefore, neither too many chances to lower that amount, between today, tomorrow and Saturday the club will be positioned for good and if both Tito Vilanova as Andoni Zubizarreta are convinced that the move is Song, then the club would begin an offensive insists that it would be very fast at all.

    Hope that makes sense?????????

  70. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Morning all. Nice post Rico. Glad about Yennaris. He’s done nothing other than impress me whenever I’ve seen him

  71. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    So this Song stuff sounds like it’s picking up. If it means we get M’Vila, i’m all for it!

  72. Terry C says:

    With RVP about to move on, a replacement will be on the cards and perhaps Malaga’s financial situation may lend its self to another cheap buy in the form of Rondon.
    Cazorla sems a done deal and they both have experience of playing together which would help the process.

  73. rico says:

    Morning rocky, thanks. I too am glad about Yennaris but reading some of the other sites, you would think he’s a dreadful player…

    Aneke and Eisfield have impressed too……

  74. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Giroud:

    Olivier Giroud’s new team won’t be favourites to win the league this season – but that hasn’t stopped him from winning the title before.

    Arsenal have designs on the Premier League crown in 2012/13 but are as long as 14/1 to succeed Manchester City as champions. Montpellier were even less fancied to win Ligue 1 last term but, with Giroud to the fore, the south of France club finished three points clear of their far wealthier rivals, Paris St-Germain.

    Giroud was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals and also contributed nine assists in a memorable campaign. He believes that Arsenal have the quality and mentality to emulate Montpellier and upset the Premier League favourites.

    “It’s true that it was an extraordinary season with Montpellier,” Giroud told Arsenal Player. “I won’t ever forget that season because in a footballer’s career, winning the title isn’t forgotten so fast.

    “There was a good mentality in the team, good quality, with some good players, and I look forward to finding that quality and spirit with Arsenal – that’s why I chose Arsenal.

    “With Montpellier, it wasn’t written that we were going to be champions, so that’s what made it more beautiful. With Arsenal, we might not be favourites, like the Manchester clubs, to be champions. We’re outsiders, but I’m convinced that we can do something big. That’s what we did with Montpellier, and I’m proud with what I accomplished there.”

    At 25, Giroud is a relatively late developer in football terms, but he made up for lost time to take the French league by storm.

    “I scored two hat-tricks [last season] so, for the confidence of a striker, that’s important,” he said. “You move up in the top scorers table, and that gives you a lot of confidence.

    “For a striker it is important to score goals and I’ve done that my whole career. It allows you to progress and not to fall into periods of doubt, so I brought some confidence and serenity to the Montpellier team last season.

    “Our goal was not to be champions and we didn’t think we had the team to be champions, so it was great to be able to be win the title with a team like that, and with the team spirit that we had. I’m sure that the club will now be among the best teams in France.”

  75. southyorkshiregunner says:

    it was on AS this morning….

    Premier League or Turkish League ????

    Would Mourinho rather Sahin developed under Wenger or Fatih Terim or play with Cazorla or Eboue?

  76. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Can’t possibly think why they would think that. The fact they are morons is the only explanation I can offer….

  77. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m not sure we’ll go for another striker if RVP leaves. Would rather that go on M’Vila and a GK.

  78. Micko says:

    Afternoon all,
    SYG, listen to you with your hairy eyebrows and Tony Curtis haircut, our players spend alot of money on their bonces !

    Wenger ain’t stupid, if he sold Song to barca we’d get him back 12 months later for half the price.

  79. rico says:

    I like Giroud already Romford..

    Yes Syg, you posted that earlier, but it seems he may prefer to do a Cesc and go home ….

  80. rico says:

    Hi Micko – I reckon we’ll hear later today, he should be nearly in london by now, maybe Kev is going to drive him to LC 😉

  81. southyorkshiregunner says:

    What to Lüdenscheid?
    He’s German.
    He just plays for Turkey through his parents.
    I like Istanbul, but I’d much prefer London.

  82. boomergooner1727 says:

    morning all,

    interesting post about interesting times. at this point i’d take anyone we’re linked with and say so with the full intention of beating the dead horse frimpong killed (probably via twitter).

    just my 2 cents but i think the cazorla deal is all down to money and we’re just being obnoxious about a couple million that could be recouped in cl revenue if we really got our potentially impressive squad together.

    sahin thing is curious though. he would make a sensible backup for arteta but wouldn’t play alongside of him if we wanted steel in that area of the pitch, could he?

  83. southyorkshiregunner says:

    just in
    TOTTENHAM are targeting Roma keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, according to the player’s agent, Rob Jansen.
    And despite Stekelenburg having only spent a season in Italy following a £5million move from Ajax last summer, Spurs are confident they can tempt the Dutch international to north London.
    The 29-year-old’s agent, Rob Jansen, confirmed to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he had been in contact with several clubs.
    And he believes that a transfer could occur in the final weeks of the transfer window.

  84. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Not overly fussed about him SYG. I want an older experienced head like Jussi/Sorensen as has been mentioned a few times before. And i’m not really fussed about Spurs’ business on the hole – if we focus on strengthening ourselves and addressing the areas that need to be addressed, we’ll once again finish above them next season 😀

  85. emma says:

    Malaga is having a press conference later this afternoon. A confirmation of the expected move by Cazorla to arsenal will be confirmed

  86. boomergooner1727 says:

    @ktr7

    i think mou got away with playing those three (and beating barca for that matter) because they are a much weaker side without a point man/villa as an outlet for their possession. when they were as strong as they were the year before, utilizing pepe in the midfield was useful in disrupting their rhythm and (without the red card) could have won them the tie. what i’m saying is i think you DO need the enforcer in midfield to beat a side that is superior in possession. physicality and dominance down the flanks are the 2 keys to beating those cheating catalans, in my opinion.

  87. rico says:

    Maybe he feels more Turkish these days…

    Saw the totts link to the Dutch keeper, agag won’t be pleased…

  88. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Nice one again Emma….

    AMAZING FACTOIDS

    Nuri Sahin gets 1 goal in every 8 matches
    and 1 assist in every 4.5 matches

    Abou Diaby gets 1 goal in every 8.5 matches
    and 1 assist in every 13 matches

    Alex Song gets 1 goal in every 25 matches
    and 1 assist in every 10 matches…

    Our Brazilian-named winger Gervinho gets 1 assist in every 8 matches….

  89. rico says:

    b1727 – fee has been agreed for carzola, he’s in london for a medical today..

    emma, i thought i had scared you off after the offer about a post 😉

  90. goonster says:

    not fair rico, you ve never asked me to write a post. am really hurt. to hell with that i got up this early to laugh and gloat in your faces. hahahahahahaha, we have carzolaaaaaa!!!!!!

  91. emma says:

    I just hope Gervinho will be a different player this season. If only he could replicate the form he had in Lille. Never expected much in his first season as he was trying to bed in with the squad

  92. goonster says:

    where’s lee at? i need my money…..morning guys, hmmmm its been long i said that though. i normally just go “afternoon good people”

  93. boomergooner1727 says:

    good to ‘hear’ rico, however, i won’t believe this cazorla stuff till the cl knockout stages when he’s leading the tournament in assists. but really if this is finally done it will be arsenal’s bday gift to me.

  94. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    South Yorkshire Gunner sounds to me like you have an issue with Arsenals Black players.

    I mean if it was Diaby and Djouru you kept going on about I’d agree because it’s a fact they are both rubbish and as for Diaby can’t see the potential in him Wenger goes on about but to keep trying to attribute goals conceded to Song and other black players without justification and you keep repeating it with Song and predominantly just the black players rather than the truth which is that the entire team didn’t work well as a defensive unit which included Vermalin(best defender in his first season), Mertesacker or even Koscielny (our best defender last season) making grave errors in defence. Don’t even get me started on Squillaci!

    Song was quite easily one of Arsenal’s best performers and without him RVP wouldn’t have scored half the goals he did. If he’s such a bad player how come Barcelona are now after him? It’s people like you that give the game a bad name and make good players want to leave our great team and then moan about them leaving or that new players aren’t good enough or call for the manager to be sacked.

    If you are are true Gooner by all means express your opinion if it’s negative but do it objectively and base it on facts not other things that have no place in modern day sports.

  95. rico says:

    I asked you yonks ago goonster, you just never chose to accept 😉

    Gerv looked a totally different player against the kitchen boys… Have high hopes for him this season.

    2 seasons ago attacking players always looked for Cesc, forgetting their own ability and role.

    Last season they looked for RvP.

    Maybe now they will believe in themselves more and show their own game….

    Gerv & Theo being just two…

  96. rico says:

    emma – hope it’s one you accept one day, it’s great to have another lady in the camp too, keep these boys in check 😉

  97. W.A.T.H says:

    Amazing how Stanley gets all delirious with excitement yet he can’t even spell the blokes name right and this is someone he creams his pants over…..!

  98. rockyrocastle07 says:

    afternoon Stan. . How’s the States? The yanks driving you mad with their whoops of “USA USA” all the bloody time yet?!

  99. rico says:

    WestYorkshireGooner –

    personally I think your comment is way off the mark, you happen to reat Song, many others don’t. Just like you suggesting JD is poor, others don’t agree..

    As for ‘issues with black players’ – that old chestnut just doesn’t wash here….

  100. goonster says:

    hey bondex, how are ya? feeling better? how’s the wife? God i keep asking you guys about your wives but no one ever ask for mine!!!!! what’s that about?

  101. goonster says:

    hey rocky where the heck have you been? i misse ya big guy……..W.AT.H get off my case you numpty…..and that’s how carzola is spelt ask devil.

  102. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    Rico I just didn’t include you in the unjust bashing of Song but I put you and SYG in the same category. Well I rate song you don’t and Barcelona want to buy him tells just how much you know about the game.

  103. southyorkshiregunner says:

    stats are stats Bondex.
    Was talking about axis/pivot earlier today …

    Another. Robert Pires averaged 1 goal in every 3 games and 1 assist in every 4.5 games

  104. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Just seen WYG’s post! Jesus, what is it with these morons? It MUST be the same cockend that posted the other week saying that it was racist to dislike the ACON’s! FUCK OFF!!!

  105. goonster says:

    whoa scratch that…is emma a girl? smack my back and call me chauncy!!!! i think am in love! so long AGAG! THERE IS A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN! whooooohhhoooooo!!!!

  106. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    To clarify I wasn’t always a fan of Song and didn’t like him a few seasons back, but he has improved tremendously especially last season, so for someone to critisise him based on last seasons performances or goals is definitely not objective or factual.

  107. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Tanks Stan, I miss you too!. I try and get on whenever I can, but really busy lately. Not seen many of the people for ages that used to be on…. AGAG and ESP for example.

  108. rico says:

    Utter rubbish though WYG, I don’t have an issue with black players, just average ones and imho Song, Diaby and JD are all average.

    But, where as I respect that you think different, it’s a shame that you can’t respect that others think different to you. instead you pull a race card, one that seriously needs to go back into the pack!

  109. goonster says:

    rocky AGAG’s been giving me grey hairs but am over her right now. i ve got my eyes on someone new……watch this space!(hahahahahahahah i ve always wanted to say that)

  110. W.A.T.H says:

    Amazing how some knob decides Barca want Song just cos he’s seen it on a blog and SYG is racist cos he don’t rate diaby and song… By the same logic he said diaby and djourou… ain’t they both black..?
    Piss funny some people.

  111. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya WYG
    it is an opinion.
    Some peoples caviar is another persons fish eggs.

    white & average
    black & average

    There’s a common denominator here = average

    As for Barcelona wanting Song. Fantastic. But I will believe it when I see it.

  112. goonster says:

    hey rico, dont rain on my parade maam, leave me alone already. why are y’all always on my case? ( christ i sound like them hippies already, i ve got to get back home to arnhem)

  113. rico says:

    Ah, so just because he nabbed a few assists he is Mr Wonderful, shame he neglected the defensive side to his game, and left gaping holes in the middle so often.

    Oh and committed clumsy tackles in dangerous areas so often…

    Something which AW admitted was not good….

  114. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Thing is though wath, too many people are playing the race card to try and end an argument. It’s lazy, pathetic, and unnecassary. Try and have a proper debate, not pull this shit out of the hat as and when.

    Stan…. Leave Emma alone, you animal! You keep your “stabbin'” to that side of the pond!

  115. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    Just seen rockycastles post are you even a season ticket holder? And ur obviously part of a resist mob. I critise players black, white or whatever if they don’t perform but if you also read WYG various comments inferring that most of the goals conceded were due to Song then that’s not justified or correct, he seemed to conveniently forget squillaci, mertsecker or that RVP himself stamped other people’s players last season.

    Be factual or fuck off yourself you illiterate numbskull!

  116. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Micko. Thanks! I’ve been in full tourettic mode today watching the olympics at work! Mostly aimed at our judo-ers (What do you call someone who does judo?!)

  117. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    SYG I agree you are entitled to an opinion but if you are a Gunner these players are our players and play for our team and need our support what ever race.

    I’m just saying keep your views objective especially for players that do have a positive part to play I the team.

    As for Barcelona wanting him, I hope it’s not true because as someone that wants the best for our team and to win things hr may not be world lass but he is the best we have in that position so no I dont want to loose him till we have better replacement just t win or loose and argument.

  118. goonster says:

    guys guy guys………chill out already. wyg dont go calling my buddy an illiterate numbskull. you guys need to watch your language HH is a family blog. scott’s son read of these things we put on here. we need to be careful how we use strong words here. we dont wana end up like legrove do we? and rocky pal apoligize this minute you islington bastard!

  119. rockyrocastle07 says:

    How is that racist then, dipshit?! Just because he said that? And what does being a season ticket holder have to do with anything whatsoever?! Is that a pre-requisite to having an opinion?! For your information, I WAS a season ticked holder until I was priced out of it. SO does that mean since 2008 my opinion is no longer valid? If so, I must say sorry to everyone on here. I’ve been taking up all of your precious time with my posts, when you could be listening to prophetic pieces of pur genius from cock-ends like WYG who think if you don’t rate a black players inabilities to do his job (he IS a DM after all) you must be racist.

  120. goonster says:

    come back emma, we havent even had the chance to know each other better………drats she’s gone.

  121. rockyrocastle07 says:

    See what you’ve done Stan?! 2 posts from you and she’s run off!!

    Afternoon Scott. It’s not looking too shabby is it?!

  122. goonster says:

    scott, dont let your son on yet………..gotta run guys. catch up later. emma, i ve got my eyes on ya. you re not getting away that easy. later guys.

  123. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I know Micko…. No-one’s noticed that I’ve done precious little at work these last few days! Doesn’t bode well does it!

  124. Scott from Oz says:

    Just a quick stop over for me guys…….I’ve had a long day,so am heading off to bed.
    I full expect to wake up in around 7 ours to news of our new signing.
    Have a great day all.

  125. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Scott…. sweet dreams… make that 2 signings… Cazorla in Song out closely followed by M’Vila or Capoue in…!

    Sorted..!

  126. rico says:

    Pack that in Wath 😉

    Night Scott, you’ll never sleep, you’ll have that laptop on by the side of the bed…. 😉

  127. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    Goonster so my language was out of order but the person that said I should f off was fine? Illiterate or numbskull in comparison to saying f off? I know which I’d rather my kid not hearing but it’s the guy being objective that gets a telling off! Obviously you are all pals of some sort not friends in that we support the same team and wish the best for it, i’ll stay off your site in future. More grease to your rusty elbows.

  128. vernat1066 says:

    Alex Song 2011-2012 season

    Games Goals Assists
    46 1 14

    14 assists hardly a few is it? Yes he left spaces in the midfield however how many point do those assists get us 11 in the league in total. In addition the rest of the team need to react if he is playing further up the pitch so to slam song for this is not fair.

    The assumption that new players will come in and play better than Song is also faulty given the performances by players in their first season in the league especially in such a important and congested action packed area which is radically different in its character from any other league never mind the disruption to the team with new players getting used to the team, pattern of play etc….

    It is easy to subscribe to the just change this or buy that and everything will be better but it rarely works that way, so can we for once please just actually support players who play for the club instead of constantly denigrating and putting them down. In conclusion ask your self this question and answer honestly, who knows more about players their qualities etc.. you with no premier league experience, no coaching experience at this level or someone with 32 years of coaching experience a track record of success and finding and improving players.

  129. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m sorry, but as a DM M’Vila is a lot lot better than Song, hence why I hope this deal goes through.

  130. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Thing is though Vernat, by what you just said, you (who I guess have none of the above experience) can’t have an opinion / cast judgement on any players Either? If Song is p[layed as an AM, or even a CM with little of no defensive duties, I wouldn’t mind. But that’s not what he is primarily in the team for (or so I would imagine). We need a strong DM who can break up play, not have lapses in concentration, and help our defensive line. Unfortunately, in that aspect, he fell well short last year. I’m not debating that his assists weren’t important, because they were. Unfortunately, so were the times he switched off and as a resu8lt put us under pressure.

  131. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I want the best players at Arsenal. I always have. I want the machine to work like a machine and produce the best output possible. I want to enjoy the power, speed and grace of that machine.

    David Rocastle was an integral cog in George Graham’s machine as Patrick Viera was in Arsene Wenger’s.
    When Rocastle got shipped out to Leeds for £2M I was absolutely gutted. He was my favourite player. An honest player. An extremely likeable player. When Viera left for Juventus I felt the same. But these were good players and worked as the integral dynamics within the machine that is Arsenal.

    It’s not a case of sticking on a set of shiny alloys and a big bore exhaust and having a radio that blurts out 100w of gangsta rap shite – It doesn’t make the machine work any better – it’s just superficial shite.

    At the moment things are looking brilliant. And this is with our top goalscorer and triple player of the year wanting out… Why is that?

    Because this machine and its dynamics are currently being overhauled.

    Arsenal is reshaping itself in the form of what it once was – a Maserati.

    You don’t stick a pair of Carlos Fandango wheels on something as beautiful as a Maserati, But I don’t mind its colour being black.

  132. rico says:

    That’s my view too, he’s in to be our DM and that is what irks, he forgets his role.

    As much as he may have won us a few points with his assists, he also lost us a few when he left huge gaps in the midfield. Especially in the fixtures after we lost Arteta…

  133. allezkev says:

    Afternoon AKB’s
    Afternoon RICO. Nice post.
    Hiya Rocky, looking forward to our ruby tonight.
    Interesting chat on here today.
    Give us a minute to take my Jack boots off and I’ll join in.
    Btw, I really LIKE Getman players, does that make me a National Socialist???

  134. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I think Scott Parker was more vital for the Spuds last season that Song was for us. Parker was in the team as a DM, and he done that duty by the bucketload. SOng was in the team as a DM… And seemed to be hell-bent on trying for the “Hollywood” pass all the time

  135. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Afternoon AK. Me too. I’m going to the gym in a minute to work it off in advance! I’ll email you and Lee my number in a bit in case something happens after I’ve left work.

  136. rico says:

    syg, I don’t even feel the need to justify my own view on how many good or bad black/white players we have or have had.

    Their skin colour doesn’t even cross my mind.

  137. allezkev says:

    I’ve never been a great fan of Alex Song, the fact that he comes from Cameroon has no bearing on my opinion of him.
    That is just my opinion.
    But are we now being told that we cannot criticise a player unless he is Eurasian???
    Not sure that that makes for a balanced open forum.
    I also don’t like Bendtner.
    But that’s ok…

  138. vernat1066 says:

    Absolutely I have no experience however the law of averages is on my side in that my opinion is that the buy who is coach knows more than I or anyone else here does, an opinion yes but with fairly comprehensive evidence to back it up.

    I do not disagree that we need to concede less goals what I do argue is the assumption that by buying a player who has never played in this league does not know the pattern of play, or the speed and difference in what is allowable will improve our team.

    To pick solely one player and blame him for this problem seems unfair especially as the other side of his game is given no credit or at worst dammed by faint praise. Given the fact that he played 46 games in all competitions and averaged an assist roughly in one in three I would say that his contribution to the team was a positive one and also with the player only being 24 he should improve as well.

    I am not trying to have a go at anyone here or accuse anyone of a bias however I do feel that there is an unfair or less than full portrayal of a single individual and his performances.

    We need to all realise that a single player will not solve our issues there is a need for a greater cohesion and discipline in the team and until that happens we will not solve this issue.

  139. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I’m hearing nothing about Bendtner …. In fact Vela is still on dot com as one of our players…..

  140. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    That was very silly from WYG considering that some of our best players (Henry, Vieira, Wright, Big Sol) were black….

    And considering Arsenal are one of the most open, accomodating clubs around, I never thought this sort of thing would be an issue.

  141. allezkev says:

    See ya later Rocky, look forward to seeing ya buddy.

    Hello Rico, any news on Sahin?
    Btw I have Muslim relatives so i think I’m allowed to ask after him?

  142. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Cohesion and discipline – two attributes which Song does not posess or does not seem to want to posess. M’Vila in.

  143. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    Verbatim well said and don’t waste your time with these guys there mind is set.

    Rockycastle you are entitled to an opinion but opinion should be open and objective. I can see where you are coming from with the defensive midfielder role and responsibility argument. However, while has its merits football has moved on to the phase of the best defence is attack, Italy had that magnificent DM you talk about in the form or Pirlo and they won loads of games thanks to it and even beat Germany but when they played against a purely offensive team like Spain they were torn to bits, if you out score your opponents game over. That’s the game Barcelona play and that’s what Wenger wants to establish at Arsenal, it’s how we beat Chelsea last season.

    Question is do you want to be great defensively and not score goals, like say Stoke? Would you be a Barcelona or a Stoke- don’t get me wrong I’d love Wenger to get a world class Italian defence and Pirlo type DM or for song to be a better DM but I wouldn’t trade them for the assists and the goal winning points his adventurous attacking play gave us and the games we won from them. So all I’m saying is stop sticking it to him and saying his no good, say he could improve as a defensive midfielder but don’t hang all the goals Arsenal conceded on him.

  144. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Vernat. It’s not so much as the player; it’s that players dynamics within that machine.. It’s no good having a piston in the glove compartment as great as it might look. It needs to be in the engine.

  145. rico says:

    vernat – i just recall watching many games where Song was on the attack, far too high up the pitch and lost the ball, we would get hit on the counter attack and sometimes pay a costly price.

    As rocky said earlier, if that was is role then fine, but we all know he is the one expected to be protecting the back 4, not leaving them exposed.

    I could understand a bit more if he had the kind of pace that Paddy (can i say that) used to have, or even Diaby does have, but Song isn’t the quickest and seldom could he get back in time…

  146. rico says:

    Actually that is our problem all over, everyone wants to attack, even the central defenders…

    Bould/Banfield really have a lot of work to be doing, wonder if we will notice much difference when we play Cologne…

  147. allezkev says:

    Rico, you didn’t tell me that the Thought Police would be dropping in today?!

    Don’t think I’ll be able to make the Chesham game after all Rico, so no report from me I’m afraid.
    Shame as I really wanted to see Gnarby and Toral.

  148. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Fair enougfh Vernat, but I don’t really care how his assists per game works out… He’s a DM! Why is he that far forward constantly? It’s not his role to do that. And while he is that far forward, who is backing up our defence? It’s great that he got those assists. Of course it is. But it’s not his job to do that, and should be concentrating on his defensive side.

    And as for questioning Wenger… This is the guy that played Djourou as a right back and shattering a once promising defenders confidence, turning him average. The man that played Bendtner as a winger (I’m pretty sure most of us on here are better equipped for that role that Bendtner) played Ramsey on the left wing and HIS confidence diminished. As good as Wenger is at a lot of things, he does get it wrong a fair bit with his tactics. And not insisting Song fulfils his DM duties is, I’m afraid, one of them.

    As I said above, if Song played as an AM or CM, this wouldn’t be an issue. I actually quite like son when he does the fundamentals of the job. He has shown he can do it, and I agree, as he is young, he can improve. But only if Wenger tells him to STAY as a DM..

  149. rockyrocastle07 says:

    WYG – Why does it have to be one or the other? I don’t see why we can’t be that strong in attack AND defence?

  150. allezkev says:

    Gotta go back to work Rico…
    See ya Rocky, don’t put your back out. 😀

    Come The Revolution!!!

  151. vernat1066 says:

    A team needs to have a understanding of how and what is required, that is self evident however the argument against Alex Song is that he is a Defensive Midfielder and therefore should not allow the spaces which were exploited.

    My argument is this i am not convinced that we actually play a DM at all and that Wenger expects that players will use their intelligence to cover when other players move forward. I would also argue that without the attacking play of Song we would not have signed the players we have or are linked to because we would not have finished third, 11 assists an 1 goal in 38 games is around 1 in 7 of our total goal output not a few assists or a few points gained.

    By all means lets criticise the Team for not defending better and deplore the goals conceded and focus on that but this is a team issue or even an methodology one in that Wenger’s philosophy only works with players who can adapt and adjust but be honest and allow for the positive as well don’t dismiss it because you don’t like it or rate it. I think without him this season we will struggle and I would be very disappointed to see a player who has progressively got better in the shirt and who has never insulted the club or the fans like our hopefully ex captain is sold.

  152. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    RomfordPele it wasn’t silly of me and the fact that some of our greatest players were black is the reason why you shouldn’t be saying Song was solely responsible for the 49 goals conceded.

    The goals were due to defensive frailties throughout the team not down to Song alone. Fact is he could improve in his role as others like Verm, Kosh, Metz etc still can and we should also value his contribution he made 14 assists and probably more of RVP had converted some of those. RVP as good as he is didn’t shine at Euros it’s a team game we win together, we loose together when we do well it’s the team and when we don’t or concede goals it’s the team not just one person o don’t tell me I’m silly just because you aren’t coherent or joined a conversation midway and decided to join your buddies or pick a side that you’d rather be on.

  153. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I know what you’regetting at Vernat, and I agree with you in part. But if we don’t play with a DM, then there are plenty of players out there who are better than Song who can be our 3rd midfielder!!

  154. southyorkshiregunner says:

    And as for questioning Wenger… Rocky you have a valid point.
    I remember Wenger mismanaging and reshuffling the backline due to an injury or substitution and playing Senderos at right back in a FA Cup replay to accommodate Gilberto dropping back as a central defender. Benni McCarthy turned Senderos and scored in the last few minutes.

  155. rico says:

    See you later Kev

    We are fine going forward and we will be better with the additions that we have made and are looking to make.

    Sort the huge leak in the midfield and at the back and we’d be a class side again, isn’t that what we all want?

    My heart can’t cope with ‘we’ll score more than you’ tactics….

  156. rockyrocastle07 says:

    WYG – It’s nothing to do with “Buddies”. I initially had a pop because it seemed you played the race card on an assumption. It wasn’t necessary, and far to omany people do that at the drop of a hat these days and it gets people’s backs up. Can we not just move on from this now? Like you said, we all support the same team. Of course opinions are going to vary. That’s the nature of the beast.

  157. vernat1066 says:

    JD is not a RB that much is obvious however he played there due to the amount of injuries we had in that position he was not a player who Arsene wanted to change into a full back. And with regards to him switching positions of players, Lauren, Petit, Henry, RVP, all worked quite well. And as for his tactics given that we have finished in the top four for 14 years? suggests he gets them right more often than not.

  158. rockyrocastle07 says:

    On another note (and apologies if you’ve discussed this on a post recently)…. Is anyone else starting to get really worried about Wilshere’s future in the game?

  159. WestYorkshireGooner says:

    Rocky how could I be playing the race card I’m not even black, I just said those guys were being wrongly singled out.

    Yes opinions vary I think Diaby and Djouru are crap and actually shit myself every time I see Diaby line up. Song was pivotal last season and has improved a lot as a season so it’s unfair the criticism he is getting without his assists we wouldn’t have got 3rd spot and carzola or any other top plays certainly wouldn’t be joining us.

    Anyway water under the bridge.

  160. rico says:

    vernat – I think Wenger has commented about that, he said our midfielders like to attack too much and that’s not good – his words not mine..

  161. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Is top 4 a roaring success for you Vernat?! It’s not for me.

    Oh, and you forgot to add Ashley Cole to that list….. And I was never a huge fan of Lauren. I know a lot of people on here were though.

  162. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Itr was the way you worded the opening sentence of your first comment. You can still play the race card whetever colour you may be… It’s not race specific! But like I said in my post when I told you to F off (maybe not my finest moment, I admit, but these things wind me up) someone accused a couple of us on here before of being racist because we said that we didn’t rate the African Cup of Nations as a tournament. That’s what I mean by people playing the race card at the drop of a hat, when it is totally unwarranted.

    But like you say, the conversation has moved on since.

  163. W.A.T.H says:

    Just seen this and thought quite funny considering the previous load of comments….!

    So Alex Song is wanted by Barcelona. Let’s have a detailed look at Song’s game and see why they’re so interested….

    1) Dinks. Whenever Alex has the ball, he’ll try and dink through balls over the top of defences. It comes off 4 times out of 7,629.

    2) Tackles. Alex will stop opponents by running into the back of them & tripping them. He’ll hold his hands up & pretend he didn’t mean it.

    3) Hair. He has hair that looks like the contents of a bag of Wotsits.

    Erm, and that’s about it. So, Barca – what’s your opening offer?

  164. rico says:

    WYG – rocky is right, so many pop on, make a snide remark about us being racist and then bugger off – if you stick around you will realise that anything ending in ‘ism’ doesn’t get on here, nor does personal insults etc.

    HH is a friendly place, we agree on somethings but not on others, a good example is I really support Theo, many don’t don’t and that’s fine, but what we don’t do is feel the need to slag each other other when we disagree, there are far to many other sites out there for fans to do all that….

    Moving on…..

  165. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Very true Wath! But they did pay a lot of money for Fabregas – 1) man who has really rubbish hair now and (2) looks like he has had a really bad prosthetic forehead attached recently. Oh, and (3) looks like a chipmunk.

    But I really miss that son of a bitch!

  166. vernat1066 says:

    Rocky is top four roaring success no it’s not however given the situation we have been in with regards to finance i would say minimum target met and realistically that is about what we could hope for, we have the fourth largest wage budget in the league we cant compete with salary or transfer for the other top three clubs over that period so that is life. However in that period we have reduced the debt on the club during a period of recession and now in the last two seasons once we have reduced all the debt we can are starting to spend some more money, so frankly I am hopeful for the coming season and until he is no longer manager of the club I will support him and his decisions because with the exception of SAF i don’t think any other manager grows a club better and the reason people are pissed off with him is due to his success and the transformation of the club he has achieved.

  167. goonster says:

    jeez, back off song W.A.T.H………now that’s just pure hatred. you need to visit my therapist.

  168. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Struggling with traders and back office idiots in various parts of the world Goonie. Just about to hit the gym for a bit of boring cardio. I’d rather be you right now!

  169. rockyrocastle07 says:

    What situation is that Vernat? No-one knows what our financial situation is. That is another major issue

  170. vernat1066 says:

    The 390 million we were in Debt that has been reduced Rocky, that was clear to everyone and so has the reduction in that debt.

  171. rockyrocastle07 says:

    And no-one denies that he made the club what it is today. But lets face it, we’re nowhere neare as good as we were with the invincibles are we?! And where has all the money from the sales of the players gone?

    The manager has to be questioned constantly. Everyone should. Otherwise people get content, and complacent. WHich a lot of people would argue is the case with Wenger now.

  172. W.A.T.H says:

    Your therapist Stanley…………..??? Hmmmmmmm do I need to comment any further…. Me thinks not don’t want you throwing yet another tantrum.

    Nowhere near enough for Cesc Rocky so if we can rip em off I say yes please, we did pretty well out of em for Overmars n Petit though and also I suppose for Hleb…. Honours about even at the moment considering they got Cesc for abt 15mil under what we should of got.

  173. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Cracking comments re: Song’s dinks WATH

    Rico, this is the best Arsenal blog on the web. Never malicious and it’s ‘policed’ right if that’s the right word.

  174. Lee says:

    Stanley, is he on AFC.com with a canon on his chest? And at what juncture did I bet with you? However I will happily buy you a light ale my wooden shoed friend??

  175. Lee says:

    SYG, your absolutely spot on re HH no vitriol,no wanting Arsenal players to break legs, just people that love AFC! Bummer no “C” word but ho hum!! 😉

  176. goonster says:

    hahahahah lee is so knackered cant even remember when we had a bet. anyway you owe me ten big shiny ones. so cough it over man.

  177. Tlailaxu says:

    …=)…hehe,rocky,I think I’m that ‘cockend’ that was as you say ‘pulling the race card’ regarding ACON’s…well here we go,I actually wasn’t,my point there was that as much as u might like euros’ some1 might be equally interested in acorns or say south American championship(can’t remember the title)…never was I intending to call u or whoever a racist…
    I’m following this blog for a long time now and know what to expect from each of you guys…now,this fella WYg is a funny one though,even so as it was mentioned there are numerous players in between the great legends of arsenal who were black and they were cherished and idolised,Henry is one of my favourite players ever,Probably that’s because im 26 and really started supporting the club around 2006 I wasn’t able to ‘fall in love’ with others…
    …even so one thing that does bother me today is the way you put yourself across rocky…RICO says this site is nice and friendly and not racist and I defo agree as like I said been watching this space for long time,but then there is one question in my mind,why are some ‘regulars'(not sure how to name you) are allowed to use foul language and not even seem to be bothered about it…as when I was reading your comments it made me feel like I’m in LeGrove…and I know I’m not there…so please if we are better than those screamers and moaners even if some1 pops in here and has a go,just do like I saw the other day RICO did to…gambon or smth like that,just kick him out but let’s not go down to that low level they are at…

    P.s. If any1 gets upset or smth…then so be it,I do care,I would lie if I said I don’t,but me not being native English,sometimes I just can’t find the right words to express my thoughts…

  178. rico says:

    Thanks Syg, that means a lot…

    Just watched the British lady beat the French World Champion to get to the final in the Judo..

    What a battle, it went to extra time….

    More tears from me 😉

  179. bondex says:

    goonster keep ur excitement in check..don’t change his mind about signing for us just cos he sees you creaminng up…..

  180. W.A.T.H says:

    Alright for some Rico………….. Some of us are slaving away working while others are grizzling at the tv…………… 😛

  181. bondex says:

    hahahahahahaha……..goonster i really dont think so, come to think of it,why do our players keep threatening to leave us….OMG could be they’ve seen you cream up too many times.

  182. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Tlailaxu. It was me who got slated for dissing the ACON
    another kid – thecannon I think told me to “watch my mouth”….

    If you browse through the comment section of LeGrove its a bit malicious, not that it would ever bother me… but it is

    MylesPalmer has a blog, but he doesn’t like criticism so he doesn’t publish comments… just the ones he hand picks … then again he’s a closet man utd fan who looks upon himself as a “beatnik”. That’s a hippie type from the sixties …. a sort of Charles Manson…

  183. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Tlailaxu. It was you you’re right. And it was a ridiculous comment that you made on more than one occasion. And I wasn’t alone in thinking that. I’ve seen you on here a lot and have never had an issue with you before, so that shows that I though your comment was greeted with the condemnation it deserved. And if you have seen me on here before, you’d know that my comments on here are never confrontational. The little spat here with WYG was a first, so I think that’s why I wasn’t met with contempt by people. Repeat offenders, and people who only seem to come on here and start arguements (Gambon for example) are generally asked to tone it down

  184. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Just looking back through the comments…. Arsenal, in debt?! Lol

    I generally laugh when people don’t understand how rich we are. Most of the money has been lining the board’s pockets these years. We’re the fourth most valuable club in football – and in that sense, we have massively underachieved on the footballing sides of things. Hopefully that can be rectified this year.

  185. rockyrocastle07 says:

    And as before, Tlailaxu, I certainly have no problem with you and certainly no problem with WYG. I apologise for calling you a cockend though! Especially as you weren’t on here at the time or even part of the arguement.

  186. goonster says:

    bondex i doubt it….it must be cause AK is a tight…..if fabregas had seen me cream, he ll would signed a life time contract at arsenal!

  187. bondex says:

    Its good to know we are always trying to put ourselves in check..though things could emotional sometimes…now where’s EMMA.

  188. NashuaGunners says:

    @WYG, I read you comment on 1:08 and you’re right on point. I’m a strong support of Song. Without him we wouldn’t be where we are today. In HH, we learn to agree to disagree mate. Me for one I don’t tolerate foul language so I don’t dish them out. Right now, some don’t see the value of the shade until we axe the tree. Enough said.

  189. W.A.T.H says:

    Stanley is a law upon himself Bondex what he gets up to god only knows so lets say anything could be true just don’t remind him of Mata..!

  190. goonster says:

    rico, you work from home? hey sign me up maam. i need a new job. i ll do anything……even eat a few rowdy trouble aking chickens.

  191. NashuaGunners says:

    @WYG, Goonster is one of the most friendly guys in HH. He light the place when he is on. So, don’t mind him, he’s only joking.

  192. goonster says:

    W.A.T.H, so glad we didnt get mata, its been carzolaaaaa all along. he’s class i tell ya. besides dick law goofed up mata could have been ours…..but hey my cup is running over people…………….carzolaaaaa!!!!!! come on. i cant stand this suspense any longer.

  193. NashuaGunners says:

    I’ve so many issues today with HHs and Micko is one of them. His comment at 12:04, we should appear before Rico to solve this issue.

  194. allezkev says:

    Stanley, so I’m a tight-wad am I..? well wait till I meet you young man, I’ll pull your pants over your head, you crazy Dutchman…..

  195. NashuaGunners says:

    @Goonster, no mate on the west. New Hampshire.

    @Rico, Btw, where is that young man Adam? he been missing in Action for 2 days now.

  196. goonster says:

    me tight wad? no way just ask AGAG…………… i bought her all them shoes. how else do you think i got broke! and why am i in america?

  197. allezkev says:

    What’s wrong Nasher, you seem troubled mate?
    We have banter on here, you know that, you are a regular, not someone who comes on making unfounded accusations.
    We have a good karma on here, and that’s how it should remain.

  198. goonster says:

    oh, i ve got friends coming over from augusta maine, is that close to you? really need to visit the east more often.

  199. goonster says:

    oh send me your address maam, are there any young unsuspecting local blondes in your neck of the woods? cause i gotta have some fun you know.

  200. goonster says:

    hahahahahahahahah bondex you crack me up but hey i dont need to work hard to get all creamed up…………it comes naturally. its a gift!

  201. NashuaGunners says:

    @Kev, no mate no trouble at all. I’m just worry that some people been beating one of my best player, Song. That includes Micko.

  202. bondex says:

    If RVP stays,and that’s a big if and we bring in santi,sahin and M’villa,a good keeper,and a left back……..oh stan,help me here please,its your GIFT!!

  203. allezkev says:

    Fair point Nas.
    I’m not a Song fan, but I fully respect your opinion…
    Debate is a wonderfull thing.
    New Hampshire eh? Now I never had you down as a Colonist. 😉

  204. allezkev says:

    Good point Bondex…
    Come on Stan, start creaming, we need Sahin, M’Vila, Sakho.
    Bring it on Stanley

  205. southyorkshiregunner says:

    What, you want shooting Goonster? Lol

    Cazorla’s obviously at Colney or at the club…. He was photographed in Malaga airport … It’s only a 2hour+ flight … he can’t still be up there …….. It’s strange that nobody has photographed him….

    possibly about 5:30pm we’ll get the photo’s in red and white on dot.com

    Hope he gets the no. 9 shirt

  206. bondex says:

    Ak expecially as stan claims @ 3:14 “if fabregas had seen me cream, he ll would signed a life time contract at arsena”..lets hope it happens with these in coming players.

  207. allezkev says:

    Nasher, Micko does a nice line in ironic comments.
    He’s an HH institution…
    Just roll with the punches buddy.
    It’s all good knockabout stuff.

  208. goonster says:

    hahahahahahaahha bondex you re a weird one…..but its true though. had he seen me cream, we would have won the league, cups and CL in one season. that stuff is galvanizing! it makes you wanna die for a cause.

  209. allezkev says:

    Bondex, just don’t repeat that in Agag’s company eh? 🙂
    I notice that Emma has done a runner…
    Stanley……………..

  210. allezkev says:

    ESP, I’m not sure the club want him to stay tbh…
    Would he accept 130k after all that’s been said?
    Not sure he would Paul.
    But the prospect of all these new signings is almost out of character to what we’ve been used to in recent season’s.
    Takes a bit of getting used too. 🙂

  211. agirlagunner says:

    rico, I see it’s been a little feisty in here. 😉 Tut tut. You gents can’t be left to your own devices, can you??

    WYG, this is the best place to blog; if you come back, you’ll realize that soon enough.

    Hello, all. 🙂 goonster, you have scared poor emma away!! AK, how are you? When are you off on a break? Hello, bondex and Nashua.

    rocky, how are you??

  212. goonster says:

    drats i ve got company……….be right back. later bondex. be good. AK, jump off a cliff, lee where is my money? nasher i ll see ya pretty soon. bye rico. AGAG, in dont love you no more, i ve got emma! later guys…..you guys make me look good and love you bastards.

  213. bondex says:

    true kev all the excitement about the new players coming in gives me a little tiny feel of how Man$itieee fans felt last summer

  214. rico says:

    goonie, leave the poor ladies alone 😉

    Hi agag, just a little, too much judging us all before really knowing our beliefs… 🙄

  215. rico says:

    Esp – you and me both, just wish we could get the money for him now so AW can spend it, seems he’s not so afraid to this summer…

  216. agirlagunner says:

    Don’t worry, goonster. I am the furthest thing from devastated. 😀 😀

    AK, things are fab. 🙂 bondex, the ball is now in RvP’s court; he’s been shown ambition. If he doesn’t sign, then he’s shown for the fake that he very possibly is.

  217. agirlagunner says:

    WYG, just come back. You’ll see this is a great bunch of bloggers!!

    rico, I think judo practitioners are called judokas. 🙂

  218. rico says:

    I didn’t know that agag… the GB girl got beat in the final to an american, she got silver though which was more than she or most thought she would…

  219. Micko says:

    Nashua, I wouldn’t take anything I say too seriously, no-one else does ! For what its worth I actually think Song is worth his weight in salt.
    Agag, looks like you dodged a bullet there and saved me a few quid on a new suit.
    Lee, I’d rather be an apple than an orange.

  220. rico says:

    Some good news…

    Aston Villa have confirmed that captain Stiliyan Petrov is in remission in his fight against acute leukaemia.

    The Bulgarian midfielder was diagnosed with the condition four months ago, but is making positive progress in his battle against the illness.

    Villa released a statement to provide an update on Petrov’s condition and he has offered his gratitude to fans for their support during a difficult time.

    “It is with great delight that the club can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan’s acute leukaemia is in remission,” read a club statement.

    “Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago.

    “He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his team-mates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period.

    “He and his family have been moved by the depth of feeling stirred in so many people and he has taken great strength from it, too.

    “Stan’s fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead.

    “But he would like to share with you this tremendous news now and, in time, deliver his own personal message to all of you.

    “On Stan’s behalf, the club would like to thank everybody for continuing to respect Stan’s privacy and his family’s throughout his ongoing battle against acute leukaemia and for those who have raised awareness of the condition.

    “Stan remains very committed to this crusade going forward.”

  221. agirlagunner says:

    I can’t honestly say I’m still a fan of Robin, if I’m honest, rico. 😕 Too bad, she didn’t get the gold; but I imagine she must be thrilled about the silver!!

    bondex, If he stays, fine. If he leaves, it must be under our terms. Who does that crock think he is??

    Micko, 😆

  222. rico says:

    The Rumour Site 🙂 🙂

    02 Aug 2012 13:29:13
    Interesting news has been brought to my attention. Deals are close to being agreed to extend Walcott, Song & most interestingly Van Persie’s deals. These will be announced, if agreed, shortly before the start of the season, the paperwork for Walcott’s deal is with Arsenal’s lawyers. Song & Van Persie have been made very attractive offers. In Van Persie’s case the signings already made & the probable signings of Cazorla & Sahin, in addition to a longer deal on higher wages for a longer term than originally discussed could sway the deal. There is a buzz at the training ground….

  223. rico says:

    Want him out before then Esp and I think he’ll go to, Fiorentina (spelling) are still interested…

  224. frednerk says:

    As I’ve said on this site many times rico…
    I think Rvp will stay and the deal for M’vila is pending,the fee has been agreed now………he wants to play for wenger.
    Wenger will alway’s want his fullbacks to attack..he will never change that point of view………
    he now knows that his d/mid players are not up to it yet.

    Have you noticed…….he never says Song is like another centre-back anymore..

    It maybe Song or Theo may go,the way wenger has unleashed the check book…I’am not to sure,whats next.

  225. rico says:

    Got spaghetti tonight agag with a tomato and basil sauce, with a slight hint of garlic of course 😉

  226. agirlagunner says:

    Niiiice. I had chicken wings for dinner, and remembered you!! 😀

    And I have read about the potential Stekelenburg move… Eeeek.

    Hiya, frednerk!! You really think Robin will stay?

  227. agirlagunner says:

    Nightynight friends!! rico, haha. Our online home will hit 2.75 Million hits today, I think. Pretty impressive work!! 😉

  228. rico says:

    He’s ours 🙂 🙂

    MALAGA (Spain): Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish international Santiago Cazorla from Spanish side Malaga, the player said on his Twitter account Thursday.

    “I can say I am a new Arsenal player,” said the 27-year-old midfielder.

    Cazorla, who has won 47 caps but missed the World Cup triumph in 2010 following a hernia, starred last season as Malaga reached the Champions League while former side Villarreal were relegated.

    He was on the Spain squad which lifted the European championships a month ago and also featured in the 2008 success in the same event.

  229. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi Agag, always missed you when you’re on, we’ll talk next time. enjoy the rest of the day.

  230. rico says:

    Many think M’Vila could be done, others suggest we won’t need him if we get Sahin…

    Me, I’d prefer Sahin and M’Vila or Capoue 😉

  231. jimario says:

    Yeh i would too, but i think if was done why no announcement yet? People saying its due to squad size, if so could there be more in the song/barca story. I remember around may time some were expecting song to leave m’vila as replacement, i think theres room for both

  232. goonster says:

    hahahahahaha i made you fall in love with capoue rico……..after i told you he made the team of the week consecutively for 5 weeks why your boy mvilla didnt. i like him too plus he scores the odd goal.

  233. devilgunner says:

    Good Evening Fine Folk.

    Just got back to see the great news…….even though its still not on AFC.com. But the player himself saying it makes it 95% credible.

    Rico……..Got spaghetti tonight agag with a tomato and basil sauce, with a slight hint of garlic of course. Pasta before you go to sleep Lady???? That translates into carbs and if you sleep on it it becomes fat. Not good not good. 🙁

  234. devilgunner says:

    So now having signed Podolski and Giroud plus Cazorla it seems as if RVP has got his wish…………or what he stated his wish to be: that of AFC signing world class players. Well RVP….here are 3 players who are big game players. Now what. You do a u-turn and sign on the dotted line or still bugger off to another club??

    Well this is what I think of you……..it happens that you are a self conceited prick who value your pocket much more than you value your character. You have inflated your head to astronomical proportions which make Bendy pale by comparison. You are an immature adult and it happens that you overvalue yourself more than a mere idiot. It might be that you have talent which might express itself if you are more secure in the knowledge that your body can withstand all the rigours of the EPL. You have more to learn even though you are blessed with great technique. Instead of thanking AFC for standing by you in your moments of need when you were on your back in a similiar sun bathing position you now turn your back and spit back in the face of the club and supporters which adored you. Remember that at any other club you would not have managed to stay there for more than you take to sign your next contract.

    Your Nemesis

    DevilGunner

  235. rico says:

    No goonie, devil did…

    Evening devil… Those carbs were hours ago, i have been busy since then 🙂

  236. goonster says:

    let him go devil…………he tainted already. we dont need the likes of him. we ve got carzolaaaaaa!!!!!!!! yipeeeeeeeeeee!

  237. devilgunner says:

    AAhhhhhh that is better Rico. The best thing for the evening is a bowl of vegetable soup plus a glass of wine and some dark chocolate. And a glass of water before going to sleep.

    Yes let him go. But it does get me in seeing that those who do not love the club are paid by the club while we who do LOVE the club in an honest way never get the chance to kick a ball for the love of our life.

  238. goonster says:

    that’s what you get from the modern day professional devil………but hey am over him. i just feel let down cause he’s a fellow dutch man.

  239. Scott from Oz says:

    Devil,you first have a crack at Stan,and now Robin,both Dutch…is here a pattern forming lol??
    Kidding mate.
    I must say it was disappointing earlier on with the racism debate.
    I can absolutely and honestly say Im yet to read a remotely racist remark on this forum,and most certainly NOT from any of the regulars,of which SYG is one.
    It’s a different world these days,and it’s almost inviting trouble when a white person criticises a black or Asian person,or vice versa,but you know what…….political correctness can get stuffed!!
    Criticism of anyone is absolutely fine, if it’s justified,and as long as the critic doesn’t obviously single out a particular race or colour as the sole recipient of these comments.
    If you can’t be honest,there is obviously something wrong with the world.
    Funnily enough,several months ago,I was labelled a racist as I made comment on Djourou and Song…on a different forum.
    It was obvious the guys jumping on me were African.
    I went back over a few weeks and posted some of their comments on individual players.
    Every single positive comment theyd made was on a player of African descent,but very negative comment was on a white or Asian guy.
    I posted them,asked for an explanation of which none was forthcoming,told them exactly what I thought of them and never went back.
    It’s very easy to play the racist card when it suits,but just as people should never attack a player because of his race,equally,they should never defend one for the same reason,as that too is racism.
    I’ve said before,this site/forum is simply he best because,though we can all overstep the mark on occasions,at the end of the day we all can accept another’s opinion with respect,even if we don’t agree with it.

  240. goonster says:

    evening scott, that’s our devil for you. always ruffling feathers every where he goes….but hey am immune.

  241. goonster says:

    and you went to peeing right rico? happens to me all the time. the phone rings and i run to the bathroom. thank God someone else is suffering from the same disease!

  242. rico says:

    No goonster, i just picked up the phone….

    It’s getting near my bedtime so nighty to you all…

    Have a good night and here’s to Santi Claus arriving early in the morning…

    Stay safe all ….

  243. allezkev says:

    Morning Lee.
    Morning Rocky.
    Hope you guys have a good day, reading about Cazorla.
    In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll happy to know that I’ll still be in bed asleep as you read this… 😀
    Happy Days chaps 😉

  244. Scott from Oz says:

    I read Fabrice Muambe is visiting a specialist soon to find out if he can return to professional football.
    Let’s hope for good news.
    Meanwhile,Villas Stiliyan Petrovs leukaemia is in remission atm.
    Good news all round.
    The cherry on top will be Cazorla being officially announce as a Gunner today,and it will happen.

  245. rico says:

    Morning all

    Great news there Scott, mind you if i was Fabrice I’d be tempted to call it a day on football…

    11am it will all over afc.com 😉

  246. Adam says:

    Hi Lee. I had to nip over to Amsterdam then to Hilversulm and back. All in a day. London City Airport is great though. Forty minutes to Amsterdam. Where did you eat?

  247. Adam says:

    Aha. Tayyabs. Since you told me about it I have met lots of people who eat there. Was it Kev, Rocky and you?

  248. gunnernet says:

    Morning gunners! Excellent day isn’t it? JS reporting that Mourihno gave his permission for loan move of Sahin to whichever team he wants. Arsenal had contact with him yesterday and he was willing to come. So it seems to be us vs Galata for him!

  249. rico says:

    Too late Adam, the only place i was heading was bed ….

    good news gunnernet, if its CL footie he wants then only one place for Sahin….

  250. gunnernet says:

    I can’t see how he could pick another team. Galatasaray is the team of his heart based on his origin apparently and the fans will adore him, however he is at the age which he continues to develop and AW is the best manager for raising starlets by far! Also he will try his strength at the top level with a top team. How can you say no to that?? All facts point us.

  251. rico says:

    gunnernet – i thought the same but as someone rightly said yesterday, he is german in his heart, just chose to play for turkey because of his parents…

    Morning bondex..

    I’m off to the new post now..

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