Morning all.
With January transfer rumours flying around just about as fast as media outlets can cook them up, we have a nonstop game of fact-or-fiction on our hands. That’s par for the course this time of year, but it appears there’s at least one Arsenal rumour we can basically confirm as true, though the transaction is now highly unlikely.
Reports of our interest in Watford striker Troy Deeney appear to have been based in fact. The 27-year-old captain has earned some attention this year for being part of a 20-goal duo up front, though let’s all recognise that Deeney himself has accounted for only six of those. Not quite the game-changing transfer many of us are always hoping for, but then he’s a steady option that could give us some depth up front.
More interesting among the Watford duo is Odion Ighalo, who’s accounted for 14 of those 20 goals. He too has been in transfer rumours, though in his case it’s Manchester United expected to come calling. You have to see that this is a match made in heaven, with Wayne Rooney floundering and United struggling to score goals. But even better for United, Ighalo has strongly indicated he’d be in favour of the move.
“I don’t think I’ll be moving but I’m not sure I’d say no if United called. They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on TV. They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream.”.
Well—that has to be disheartening if you’re a Watford supporter enjoying a decent campaign! With comments like those one almost has to wonder if Ighalo will be looking to net an own goal on March 2 when his club visits Old Trafford!
But I digress. Unfortunately for Man United and more importantly our own Gunners, the management at Watford evidently isn’t enthused by rumours of top clubs poaching its star players. Specifically, Sanchez Flores has said it will be “completely impossible” for Arsenal and Man United to pry Deeney and Ighalo away.
Flores has also insisted that both strikers are happy at Watford. It sounds as if even if that’s the case, Ighalo wouldn’t prevent a move to Old Trafford. However, in the case of Deeney and the link to Arsenal, the manager has unfortunately been backed up. With the rumour circulating, Deeney has suggested he’d prefer to stay at Watford and continue to help his current club—despite the fact that his own son supports Arsenal….
Do some convincing, mini-Deeney!
At any rate, it looks as if this is one transfer rumour that had some legs, but we can probably go ahead and cross it off the list of legitimate possibilities. And fine by me, frankly. Deeney is a nice player but with Sanchez back soon to help up front, I for one would prefer to see the transfer focus elsewhere.
Funny thing is though, Ighalo has been linked to Arsenal this morning and on the way could be Mikel Arteta! Apparently West Ham are interested in snapping him up this month. That is of course if we are to believe what’s written in the Brentwood Gazette and Grzegorz Krychowiak has said he knows Arsenal want him but he’s leaving all that kind of stuff to his agent so that he can focus on playing for his current club.
Enough of all that, today we face Sunderland in the FA Cup at The Emirates and I think can expect a strong side fielded by Big Sam, despite his rantings about the league schedule. Their young goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford has been recalled from a loan spell at Preston and is expected to make his debut today but apart from him, the big fella is sure to field a strong side.
Arsene Wenger too has stated he’ll field a strong side as he aims to make it three FA Cup trophies on the trot in May.
David Ospina will start, Mesut Ozil could be rested and hopefully he is but who else gets a rest today remains to be seen. Arsene Wenger said yesterday that the squad will basically be the same as it has been over the last few weeks other than the addition of Mikel Arteta who is fit again after injury.
We all love the FA Cup and I’m sure the players and manager do to and I for one would love us to be making history in May but one game at a time. Today let’s hope the boys can put in a great performance, get the win and make sure we are through to the next round…
COYRRG’s….
good morning all!
Would definitely take ighalo think he would be perfect for us
Morning Jm, G14 and all…
I reckon he’ll end up at Utd G14, he’s certainly letting them know he’d go there….
Morning guys.
Quiet old morning….
Awful weather here…
Morning All
Morning Rico…
Good post…
Tbh I don’t see any benefit in letting Arteta leave this January. It’s not as if we have the squad depth to let anyone go…
I think the futures of Arteta, Flamini and Rosicky can wait until the summer.
I’d like to see Chambers start in def/mid, Debuchy at R/B, Walcott up front and maybe give Jeff a start with AOC on the other flank…
SHE WORE SHE WORE!!!!!!!!!
Good morning all……
Great weather for the ducks…
Morning Kev, all depends on whether Kroenke wants to get a few pounds for those who are leaving for free in the summer I guess…
Agree though, would be daft to let anyone go unless replacements are coming in and we know that isn’t likely…
Lucky ducks Bt… lol
All i can say to that is, quack bloody Quack!!!
Morning all. Not raining here yet!
Depending on hot picks Wenger, big jackpot tonight! We may or may not force a replay!
Fat Sam will put out his strongest team, I know they’re not up to much but they’ll make it tough for our reserves to win, even at home! I hope Mr Wenger puts out a blend of first teamers and capable fill ins.
If lucky Arsenal turn up, we should win if we’re still siestaing then a draw but if we have won before the toss then we’ll surely lose?
I’m having an eeyore kind of day!
Should win 2-0………. But will we???.
Hi Rico and everyone else,
Good point Wavy 11.51:
We should win but it all depends on which team turns up. In the league match
Sunderland fancied their chances and went about their job well in the first 15 minutes.
We just have to come out of the traps today, wanting to win and concentrate on our game and performance. Should be 2-0, could be more, could be less….
I agree Rico, keep Arteta, Rosicki etc as the season still has a fair way to go. Rosicki will be like a new signing when he finally returns…..
I passed up on 2 tickets for today’s match. My two sons are going instead.
Looked at reports allegedly saying that Arsenal are looking at the two Watford strikers. Deeney is a good honest pro, but at 27 is not a proven 20 goals a year player in the Prem yet. His strike partner, Ighalo looks the more tasty of the two, but as quoted would fancy a move to the Mancs. Shame, because he would fit in well at Arsenal.
Micko, help me out here… ; I can’t read HH these days with Rico trying to get rid of Arteta… 😛
Afternoon Rico and all
Kev, Chambers should definitely start today in midfield. the more playing time he gets in this position can only benefit him. Sunderland will try to rough up a few players, so its an ideal game for him to be involved in.
Afternoon Marinello and Ts..
I hope the real Arsenal turn up. Can’t be losing at this stage of the season. 20 years ago to the day I think was the last time we went out at this stage. Sheffield Wednesday if my memory serves me right…. 😉
Afternoon Rico and the house.
Todays team Cech Bellerin Gabby Kossy Gibbs The Ox Chambers Iwobi Theo Cambell Giroud
Afternoon Rick.
That’s odd, Wenger said Ospina would start…
Strong side…
Ospina has a groin injury apparently, or he’s off this month… Lol
Debuchy must be off otherwise he’d have surely started…
Ospina injured.
Subs Macey Debucy Arteta Ramsey Monreal Jeff and Willock
No Ozil or BFG
Pleased for Iwobi
Good re Ozil…
Would not mind seeing Jeff and Willock getting some minutes today..
Afternoon all……
Rico Hayden is in the Hull team against Brighton. No Akpom
Niles plays for Ipswich Toral on the bench at Brum No Serge for Wba.
Mixed day for the boys.
Ozil deserves the rest should do him good.
Its been a very bad week down South Rico even the Seagulls and ducks are hibernating.
Lost my ihternet for 3days, came back late last night .
Lot of catching up to do.
Coyrrgs!!!!
Good re Hayden Rick…
Bloody heck! What a soft goal to give away.
Well done Joel Campbell..
Iwobi looks at home in the first team…
Is he playing on the left Rico , I think that is his best position.
Has Ollie lost the use of his legs? Why didn’t he move when Iwobi and Ox were trying to get a pass through?
He’s everywhere Rick… 😉
Walcott static too… What’s wrong with our strikers!
Good result boys…
Night all…
He’s here he’s there he’s every bloody where Joel Campbell, Joel Campbell.
2 good wins today
This morning the U18’s won 5-2 against Swansea..
Play them next friday in the Youth cup
good score.
Campbell is integrating in the team.
Debuchy maybe on loan soon but we need a right back
Marinello, I was glad to see Chambers start as the def/mid, I want to see the lad be a success and as we agreed, he needs games, a lot of games it seems if today was anything to go on. It wasn’t a great team performance and Calum sadly, imo, had quite a disappointing game…
I don’t want to be too harsh, but I gotta say that I can’t remember Chambers making a tackle or any meaningful challenge.
Of course having Iwobi as his partner didn’t help, but I just wanted to see a bit more physicality from Cslum…
Iwobi did ok, in fits and starts. Like all young players he had periods when he drifted out of the game, but I was impressed by his close control and trickery around the edge of the box.
Is he central/mid…?
Not sure tbh, not on today’s display.
But generally he’s a very good footballer.
Rick, re: Hayden, that makes him cup-tied, so he won’t be returning to Arsenal, even if Isaac leaves Hull…
Joel Campbell was outstanding, a top top performance by the lad. Wenger really needs to sort out his contract, I don’t wanna see him leave any time soon…
Oxlade-Chamberlain almost scored, and he needs a bit of luck because his confidence is low. Everything he tried didn’t come off, passes going astray, losing possession, running up blind alleys but Wenger left him on which tells me that AW knows it’s a confidence thing and he’s giving him every chance to turn it around.
Ramsey and Arteta totally changed the game in our favour when they came on…
Ramsey injected energy and an immediate goal threat with his running and link up play around the Sunderland box, he looked fresh and strong. Great to see with visits to Liverpool and Stoke in the offing…
Arteta did everything that Chambers didn’t when he came on. He was strong, combative and a cool head who settled us down and gave our back-four a secure shield. Good to see him back…
The Jeff looked very dangerous, on another day he could have scored twice, but he looks a very skilful player who can play in several attacking roles…
SHE WORE, SHE WORE!!!!!
I’ve just read the Daily Mail report of the game by Neil Ashton…
He made Oxlade-Chamberlain MotM… ?
Well it’s all about opinions, just like the obvious penalty Martin Atkinson turned down, the obvious back pass Atkinson ignored, a series of non-fouls given against Arsenal players, one almost led to a goal for Sunderland.
Neil Ashton ignored all that of course, the tosser…
Hi BT, you on the sauce? ?
I am… ?
Wolves have reportedly accepted a bid from Bournmouth for Benik Afobe…
So Benik might soon get his chance in the EPL..?
Good luck to the lad.
That’s me done, Night All…
Night Kev, havin’ a few , it’s The Cup…..
The penalties that we are not given so far this season are starting to reach absurd numbers.
Just got home .bit wet today. Interesting to see Iwobi thought he did well but needs more playing time. Chambers though had a mare. Gibbs and Bellerin played well but Campbell was my man of the match. He isn’t cultured but his industry creates havoc.
Morning All
Morning Rico
Any signings yet?
Lewandowski is talking about wanting a ‘new challenge’….
And no doubt, a nice pay rise…
A move to England is on the cards…
Morning Kev and all..
I didn’t see much of the game but Campbell from what I did see was a real menace. To see him go this month would be a shame, and a quite a loss too…
I hope Klopp doesn’t sign him Kev.
Morning all.
Campbell is a ripper.
We shouldn’t be surprised though….he showed a few years ago how much ability he has 🙂
Amazing what happens when a kid is given a chance-it’s the same situation as Coquelin.
Morning Rico and all. The 3 goals cover a host of very average minutes in yesterday’s game. Ox was pretty poor but got better as the game went on. His energy levels seem sorted now. Same with Hector. Very ordinary up until the least 30 minutes. Giroud ambled about then came alive for the goal. But Campbell never stops and is always looking to make things happen. His goal was very cool but his desire to work for the team made him my MoM.
Arsene took a risk with that midfield yesterday but when Arteta and Ramsey arrived we looked a different team.
Morning Scott and Adam.
I can’t recall what time of the game it was but there were two separate occasions when both Walcott and Giroud could have scored when all they had to do was move their feet. I think one chance came from an Iwobi shot, the other Campbell. Both just needed a tap in as the ball drifted wide but nothing…
Campbell is out of the same school as Alexis imo. His energy and work-rate is immense. A real team player…
I’m going to have to eat humble pie re him I think… 😉
Few rumours suggesting Nacho Monreal is to sign a new contract…
Morning Adam, Scott…
Great news re: Monreal, Rico…
Now sort Campbell. I think he would like to stay, he seems very happy and a good team player….
Kev, I’m sure he would.
Seems a kid who’s risen to the occasion of wearing the Arsenal kit, as did Coqeulin.
Plenty of kids fail to take that final step while other’s blossom in that situation.
Rico, I always though he could play, but I often doubted he’d make it.
He’s taken his chance and run with it, so hats off to him.
Adam, were you at the game?
Am I right in suggesting he’s becoming a crowd favourite?
It seems that way on TV, and he got a rousing round of applause when replaced.
Agree Kev, on both..
Scott, I doubted Campbell would get his chance because he’s been left out so much. Whether AW didn’t believe in him before now I don’t know or perhaps injuries have presented him with a chance, well I don’t know that either… lol
Rico, I’m the same.
I did believe he was capable, but it seems it took Wengers lack of spending to offer him a chance-a positive came from what we all thought was a negative lol.
Yes Scott. I sat, eating Clementines, next to Kev. The Arsenal crowd love a trier for sure. But Campbell is quite skilful too. His return pass to Hector was inch perfect.
Thanks Adam.
Yes, that pass was perfect, as as Hectors to Giroud.
Good to hear his effort is being appreciated.
We all love to see a worker.
Sorry you had to put up with Kev though 🙂
Scott/Rico, what I did notice, and forgive me if I sound like I’m into some kind of conspiracy thing etc, was the referee and how he tended to award Arsenal decisions, deep inside our own half in non-dangerous positions, but was oh so quick to award Sunderland dubious free-kicks around the edge of our box…
For example, Atkinson ignored a clear hand ball a couple of yards outside of the Sunderland penalty area by a Sunderland player and only moments later gave a free kick for Sunderland when the ball was driven at Iwobi from a few feet with no chance of him getting out of the way…
The free kick to Sunderland, only a couple of yards outside of our box, led to a dangerous situation in our goal area…
Double standards….
The Linsmen were probably under strict instructions from Atkinson, not to flag for anything, unless for throw ins and off side.
Because on both the penalty and the clear back pass to the Sunderland goalkeeper, the Ljnesman had a clear view and did nothing…
The referee was either incompetent or a cheat on both those decisions…
I sincerely hope that we never get Atkinson again as he is clearly untrustworthy and a classic ‘Riley Man’ like that ugly little shit Mikd Dean….
Rant Over…. :-Dn
Sainsburys clementines at that…
But I did forget the kiwi fruit I’d promised Adam 🙁
Thanks Digger…. 😉
Kev, I’ve felt that’s how we are officiated for years.
A 10-10 free kick count looks great, but there are plent we receive that aren’t worth two bob.
Consistency is all any football fan should ask for, but it rarely happens.
Thats why my fa our item referee is Clattenberg.
He isn’t perfect, but he is absolutely honest, of that I am convinced.
I’d go with cheat Kev. I really think he’s useless for us, mind you, so are many others..
I’m off to UA to get it all off my chest… 😉
New post up now.