Milan the new Barca? Playing for their Arsenal future? Gervinho returns & Diaby soon to follow….

It doesn’t take long does it, just because Milan got one over us in midweek, Ibrahimovic has taken it upon himself to offer our captain some career advice, he thinks it’s time for him to leave us! We had all this from Barca players about Cesc, now it seems we are in for a few more comments about our captain.

Perhaps Milan hope to sign him and Ibrahimovic is the first of a few comments from their players, others to follow?

That’s enough on Milan, that result  has to be gone and forgotten for today, we have another battle on our hands and you can bet your bottom dollar that the test today will be equally as tough.

The opposition may not have players like Ibrahimovic, Pato, Prince etc etc but what they will have is guts, passion and determination to get through into the next round of this competition!

They will also be desperate for revenge after last weekend’s loss to us, so it’s going to be a rough ride in Sunderland later…

Forget about Sunderland as a team right now, nothing we say or do will change how O’Neil lines up his merry men, nor will it change his tactics – but I bet he’s been out on the turf at The Stadium of Light with a fork himself overnight, just to make sure we can’t play ‘our way’! 😉

So be it!!

Wenger knows the pitch will be bumpy, he knows it will be heavy and stodgy – so deal with it and change our tactics to overcome that..

Let’s try something new, hoof the ball up front and bypass the crap pitch, maybe a bobble will see a pass turn into a goal. 😉

Reality is, today we shouldn’t be trying to play fancy football, just play a game that will out fox the opposition and get a win. It doesn’t always have to be pretty, sometimes winning ugly is the only way…

As Henry say’s about his days with us:

It was not always nice and pretty, you have to remember that we had some times where we just wanted to go home at the end of the game. The difference is how this team can react and I think this team can do that.

He also said ….

If you can win at Sunderland, you don’t know how the draw is going to be. You might play at home next, then the semi-finals are around the corner. You never know if Jack is going to come back and Abou Diaby is not far from coming back. You don’t know what could happen. If you are still in the competition then those players coming back will only help you find top form.

Let’s not look so far, let’s just think about today and beat the side we face and go from there.

Henry mentions the return of Jack and Diaby.

Jack is nowhere near a return and Diaby’s return seems to be put back a few days after his return is announced but if the latter could actually stay fit and play well, you just never know..

One who is back today though is Gervinho but as so often, we gain one and lose another and it’s Kos, he’s out for today but he should be back for next weekends little fixture.

If Wenger’s new found tough attitude towards the players has had any kind of effect, we could see a good performance tonight from the team, a team that, if reports are to be believed, is full of players playing for their Arsenal future. This is the kind of game that will prove whether they care about Arsenal or just their salary.

For the sake of all of us and our season, I hope they all show some balls and play with pride and honour for the shirt they are so privileged to be wearing!

Can we win today? Of course we can…

Will we win?

Have a good day all…..

209 thoughts on “Milan the new Barca? Playing for their Arsenal future? Gervinho returns & Diaby soon to follow….

  1. K-TR7 says:

    Morning.good read.ibra should shut it but what he said is true.football is about winning and rvp must be wondering how long until we do.imo rvp is seriously considering leaving but is hoping that something changes as he really loves the club.

  2. rico says:

    Hi Kt, agree football is about winning, and trophies but why does a man who can’t settle at one club feel the need…

    he’ll stay 😉

  3. K-TR7 says:

    Morning rico.i found it interesting to hear Arsene say he will take that defeat to his grave.that defeat must have really hurt him more than we think…

  4. rico says:

    Welcome Geoff, always like to put a mistake in to see who reads, today you get the prize 😉

    Kt, it did hurt, as you have said before, this i sthe cup he wants badly, shame he didn’t get off his butt and change things instead of sulking in the dugout….

  5. K-TR7 says:

    I don’t think there is much he could’ve done rico.i remember last season when madrid were 4 nil down with more than half an hour left Mourinho sat there dumbfounded;he did not even move.there are just some days when everything that could go bad does and the opposition just play you off the park.Wednesday was one such day.

  6. rico says:

    were we played off the park though Kt? I’m not sure we were, i honestly believe we gifted them the result, had we been able to string our passes together they wouldn’t have had so much of the ball…

    how many of their goals were down to our errors?

  7. K-TR7 says:

    I mean milan played us off the park tactically;even Arsene admitted that they were better than us in all areas.also there is not much AW could do from the bench if our players could barely string 2 passes together on the night.although i do agree all 4 goals were down to our errors and they punished us clinically.they had 5 shots on target,4 were goals.

  8. rico says:

    Just think if we hadn’t made those errors, we’d be 0-0 at The Ems 😉

    Just trying to say that AW could have got off his butt and shouted a bit from the side, a bit of encouragement/direction etc…

    Neither he nor Rice are loud enough….

  9. rico says:

    Also, if wenger could see it going wrong tactically, it doesn’t take much to re-organise, i’m sure most decent managers would have tried something…

  10. rico says:

    What team is going to turn up today then, one that will spank Sunderland, or one that will just roll over in self-pity?

  11. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    Nice try Rico in trying to boost supporters Moral, Sadly even with a big win today it wouldnt’t boost to many. We know that Arsenal FC is by Deloiters,or whatever their names are, have stated that we are the 5th wealthiest club in the world. Means very little when you sit through a game like we sat through the other night. we know there is a fortune sitting in our transfer funds after sales of Na$ri Clichey and Fabregas, Roundabout £70 million without counting what was in there before that, take away our spending on one German cripple, an English sick bay lad, one Spainish tryer, and Yossi dont play much, Gervingo and am i wasteing my time AO Chamberlain, a rough estimate of £40 million spent and what have we got, a 4.0 thrashing by mouthy Italions. 8.2 thrashing from the Champions and we are not sure what were going to get on a shit pitch tonight, Yep just can’t wait.

  12. rico says:

    Morning Steve

    Don’t forget Park who has managed just 90 mins of football all season, what a waste of bloomin money….

    I’m actually dreading tonight, the players will either be downhearted or knackered…

  13. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Ricolicious, shouldn’t be knackered they haven’t done any thing for Yonks Sqillys on high allert, am i looking forward to this 🙁

  14. Lee says:

    Morning all, Ibra should keep his fucking great big nose out of team, never liked the grossly overrated gonzo!
    As for tonight, I got a feeling we’re going to have joy at the stadium of shite!!

  15. rico says:

    Morning Lee, how you doing?

    Agree on gonzo 😉

    You reckon we’ll win, brave call, i dread AW resting too many and it all goes tits up….

  16. Scott from Oz says:

    Geez guys,why is it every new topic that comes up ends up with the same old comments within half a dozen replies.
    Don’t even be positive,just be different.
    We all know about the lack of spending,the apparent tactical misgivings of Wenger,the lack of heart in the players,Theos lack of a football brain,plethora of injuries,a board more interested in the bottom line than trophies,Hazard isn’t coming,….did i miss anything?
    Please guys,not trying to upset people,but its a great article which will be forgotten very,very soon……..
    Don’t respond with nasty comments,just give all Gooners a reason to hope.

  17. rico says:

    Hi Scott,

    i understand where you are coming from but it’s hard to forget milan, its hard not to think about what could have been if the club had been more proactive and show intent in the summer…

    It’s hard to forget just how much this current board and manager are ruining our club….

  18. Lee says:

    Yeah ok(ish) taking each day as it comes and keepin as busy as possible. Funeral is on weds, which I’m dreading…..but got to be strong for dad!

  19. Marinello says:

    Morning Rico, Steve.
    What we do know is that O’Neil will have his team puffed up for this one, he will point out the individual errors in the Milan game and tell his boys not to allow Arsenal to settle on the ball and dictate the mood. They will be in our faces and looking at winning every 2nd ball, and we have to match them in all departments. No pussy footing hopeful flicks that sometimes do not come off and give the opposition possession. No, tonight its all about giving a gut busting performance, and if necessary winning ugly. I don’t want to hear Wenger making excuses that the players were exhausted after the Milan game, I want to see him saying that he was proud of the teams never say die approach, and that they matched The Maccams pound for pound and that little bit of extra magic from the Ox or RVP was the difference on the night that enable the Arse to go through.

  20. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Scott, Wenger will spend big Lots of top names coming in the summer. lot of deadwood going, Kronke is being brought out by Usmanov who is going to spend spend spend, we’ll win the FA cup the league and make a miraculous fight back to take the champions league after a titanic finale with Barcelona which ends in a 10. 0 result and Arsenal will go on a run of 10 years unbeaten, season tickets will be free and Arsenals beer prices will come down to a pound a pint, sex will be available at half time in any box you like at no charge and we will have Messi heading our forward line. Ok i may have lied on Messi 🙂

  21. rico says:

    Morning Marinello

    It’s quite intereting to hear a few of the sunderland players say they are wary of us today and fear a backlash.. Not sure i believe them, like you say MON will drum into them that we are there for the taking….

    Whoever wants it more will win tonights fixture and we have to make that is us….

  22. Scott from Oz says:

    I know Rico,but realistically,it seems a shame that new topics get swept under the carpet and we pretty much have the same discussions nightly.
    Ibrahimovich…..tosser.
    What exactly makes him think he has the right to give career advice to a guy who is outperforming him on a weekly basis?
    I guess he’s qualified though….hes played for half the clubs in Europe!!!
    Lee,what you are going through puts things into perspective…….keep your chin up and stay strong mate.

  23. Scott from Oz says:

    Steve,I know whats going on,just a bit sick of going over it.
    Sunderland..that’s what we should be discussing.

  24. Lee says:

    Thanks Scott, Im just about to stand on playing field watching my 7yr old play football catch you all later!! COYGS!!!!!!!!

  25. rico says:

    Every blog is the same Scott, there is an article to start the day but the bloggers take the days debate where they choose – today is all about the sunderland match but that bloody display midweek grates me as it does all and if we play like that again later, we’ll be out of the FA Cup before half time….

    And what really cheeses me off, we have friends for dinner, re-arranged from when we had the snow, so i won’t be about here from h/t onwards and by the time i can get back on, everyone will be gone and i’ll be a bit worse for wear no doubt 🙁

  26. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! What does Ibrahimovic know?? Pfft. He says all these things just to be talked about. Does anybody truly like this guy? Talented, yes, but an absolute arse, too.

    Hello, all. 🙂 🙂 🙂

  27. Scott from Oz says:

    Agag,plenty of players with talent also think they’re intelligent lol.
    Rico,I know what you’re saying……
    H

  28. agirlagunner says:

    Ibrahimovic has an inflated sense of his own importance. He is as likeable as say… hmmm… Evra. Haha. And Evra is loathsome.

    Hi, Scott. Footballers should just play football, eh? rico, how nice to have to be having people over! Drink plenty. 😉 The way our players play these days, you might be needing that happy buzz.

  29. rico says:

    Evra, he’s a good honest man agag, he got Suaraz banned which helped our cause 😉 😉

    Ok, maybe i am not truthing…..

    Wish it had been last night though agag, i want to watch the match, without a Milwall fan viewing…. ( He hates Wenger)

  30. Scott from Oz says:

    Agag,I don’t totally blame the players.
    Scumbag journos know exactly which players will give them something,so stick a microphone in their gob.

  31. Adam says:

    Hi Rico. It’s all doom after the Milan debacle. The question is where do the club go from here and is Arsene the man to take us to where we all feel we should be. Arsenal have such a solid infrastructure to build on with no FFP worries like other teams. But the team isn’t good enough plainly. Problem is that our manager thinks it is.

  32. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico, nice post.
    Morning Lee.
    Boo Agag/Scott/Adam/et al.
    Big big game today. I’d take a draw tbh.
    What’s even more important is my car. Just waiting for the local garage to do it’s MOT…….
    🙂

  33. Billboy says:

    Scott,
    Mate, my way of coping with and eventually getting over the trauma of a performance like Wednesday’s is to share my pain with others of a like mind in places like this. So, while I will read the blog with interest, my mind will still have its own agenda and wander back to what’s eating at me. Consequently I am more likely to harp on about what went wrong or how I think it can be put right than I am to comment constructively on the blog. Besides, at my age, by the time I get to this point I can’t remember what the blog was about.
    OH yeah, I remember. Ibrahimovic, mind your own f*****g business.

  34. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Gonzo should keep his big cake hole shut, he must be the most unpopular footballer on the planet.

    We need to kick some arse today, no excuses, a good day to win ugly.

  35. agirlagunner says:

    Anything other than a win will be disappointing, AK. 😉 😉

    Scott, fair point. Some players are more consistently arsey thought than some others. 😀

    Boo, Micko, Adam, alan, Billboy. 🙂

  36. ArsenalDK says:

    HEllo everyone, according to reports. The spuds had a couple of scouts looking at verthongen the other night against man utd.

  37. rico says:

    Afternoon, just, hello to all i missed saying hello to earlier… 😉

    Adam – unless AW walks or gets sacked we are as we are and until the summer, we can’t change anything – what worries me more is can Wenger get the best out of what we have between now and the end of the season?

    In the meantime, I am hoping April 1st sees Mr Usmanov start to make his move…

  38. ArsenalDK says:

    agag, if they were to join our pesky rivals, it would really show what wenger has done to the club. I have a chance of watching the game here in Denmark, but should I?

    rico, let’s hope he noticed them 😉

  39. rico says:

    It would be an easier night if Milwall lose today agag, at least i’ll have the upper hand, if only for a shot while 😉

    I hope so too Adk, that might make joining us a brighter prospect 😉

  40. agirlagunner says:

    alan, I don’t mind Millwall, honestly. 😉 But like I always tell friends who support other teams and gloat about our poor performance in certain (well, a good number) of matches, “It could be worse. I could be supporting your club. ” 😉 😉

    rico, I fancy us to get a good result today. Time for our players to snap out of their funk.

  41. stevepalmer1 says:

    AlanB your 11.40 made me smile, not had one for a while.
    We can’t have any moans about the pitch, were well used to them bt now a win a loss now probably a draw, maybe not though hav e we had one of them in the cup this year. could be a record 🙂

  42. devilgunner says:

    Hiya guys and chicks of the Gunners’ faith.

    Hope you are all ok.

    Your mum would want you to be strong Lee. Not only for your Dad but also for yourself. And she would be proud that she has raised a fine son.

    Chin up mate. You have an angel now guarding you. And you can see her everytime you look within yourself.

  43. devilgunner says:

    Now for football matters.

    Today should be the day that some players start playing for the club. Not for themselves, but for the club. They should feel angry at themselves at the way they performed. And they should make sure that all 50-50 balls are won by us.

    However I expect AW to include Coquelin, Yennaris, OX and put Song in defence alongside TommyV.

  44. rico says:

    Spot on on both accounts devil, afternoon to you….

    Not a bad idea to put Song in defence and left Coq show him how to play DM 😉

  45. DutchGooner10 says:

    Hiya Red & White bemoaned,

    Scott the Arsenal repeatedly tornados us,dropping fans off at campus studying crisis/identity management rather than educate ourselves on the entertainment end of business. But I partly agree with your stance, things are wearing thin and boring as I find myself repeating. Although I do enjoy the post and comments cuz on HH we do like funny satirical lingo, sharing knowledgeable insights, plotting new visions and shake out a few roughed feathers in the process. 😉

    Lee my sincere condolences, hope you find some relief and strength watching the pride of a granddad play.

  46. Marinello says:

    Hi Agagg, Alan, Micko et al,
    At the end of the day, a football match can be lost in the tunnel, before a ball is kicked. Its about getting the head right. The Arse have to come out of the traps with fire and a hunger in their belly. I honestly do not mind a loss, if each payers gives their all. And any player seen not giving their all should be substituted.
    I honestly fancy a 2-0 win against the Macacms. Let’s see if Wenger has got across the message that they have to put on a display that will make each fan be proud to be a Gooner.

  47. rico says:

    Afternoon DG, maybe a few decent results would stop us moaning, starting today and continuing next weekend…. Lose that one and the poop could really hit the fan….

  48. devilgunner says:

    rephrase that question Rico…….How many games did Paddy loose in the tunnel??

    I guess that would be much easier to guess seeing they are a handful.

  49. rico says:

    That’s still what we miss isn’t it, that player who looks the part, has the attitude and makes the oppo quake in their boots….

    Good point devil 😉

  50. Marinello says:

    Alan, I hear and understand what you say, but if we play with confidence and self belief and keep the back door firmly shut I believe that we will get a win today. O’Neil will send out a team who will give their all, its at home and they have a good chance of getting a result today. But I just think that the majority of the players want to put on a performance today to make us all proud following the Milan debacle.

  51. agirlagunner says:

    Of the young ones, I think Frimpong channels the trash talker in Paddy the best, rico. 😉 I hope he is fine and soon.

  52. devilgunner says:

    Hi AGAG.

    Maybe too many players are polite nowadays.

    They are taught how to be assertive in a polite way. Not many of them are streetwise kids who were bought up to act like gentlemen to everyone bar the opponent.

    I can see the difference since at my place of work I teach the kids how to deal with everyday problems and be assertive. In football I teach them how to dominate the game with their personality and impose themselves on it.

    Maybe the problem with AW is that he wants them to be polite and not be tough!!!! He likes to teach le noble art….which does not always work

  53. DutchGooner10 says:

    I’m not sure if AW’s shock therapy will take any effect, considering the magnitude in which the gaffer thinks he’s free of blame.

    Marinello You’re right it does begin in the tunnel, but what will you do when your opponent smells like Zwitsal products?? I know, pinch their cheek and promise your shirt afterwards. Our current crop don’t know how to paint a war face. 🙁

    Rico poo hit the fan. It certainly has already. We’re waiting on the elephant with diarrhea to catch a breeze. 😀 😀

  54. rico says:

    devil, no, i was just responding to agag’s view on pingpong, he’s a midget too…

    M’vila, now how big is he, tall i mean 😳

  55. agirlagunner says:

    Devil, you could be right. On the one hand, we do not want ill-mannered arses like those that abound in other teams. On the other hand, we don’t want those who will just be mowed down on the pitch! We want monsters out there.

    LJ is a good call, rico. A wee one, but good nonetheless. 🙂

  56. rico says:

    We’ll see in a few hours DG, i hope AW changes his tictacs for todays game, as siad in the post, the pitch will be dire so whats the point in trying to play fancy footie – if AW can out think O’Neil, we have a chance but imho if we carry on with 433, we will struggle..

    😆 re the elephant…

  57. devilgunner says:

    M’vila is 6ft Rico.

    I would still go for monsters though. In my teams I always go for a strong physical spine. I put the midgets beside them since they are always there for the second ball and have a low centre of gravity. Remember Petit and Paddy…….ooopsss Paddy was 6ft 5′ not 4. Petit was a full 5 inches shorter while Gilberto was the same height. Not 5ft 10 like Cesc mind you.

    Tonight should see us either 4-4-1-1 or 4–2-3-1. Other than that means we will struggle.

    I would go like this……

    Chesney
    Sagna, TommyV, Song, Gibbs
    Coquelin, Arteta
    OX,Arshavin,Gervinho
    RVP

    Subs…..Flappy, Ramsey, Yennaris, Rosicky, Djourou,Miguel,Chamack

    I put Song in the defence for the simple reason that if he is put in midfield he might leave the defence unprotected. At the back he has to be more disciplined.

    Knowing AW he will start with Djourou who usually takes the pill known as FUKITOL before every game.

    Now where the hell are Sir AK and Goonie today???

  58. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico a team that needs constant mental management and provoked behavior will predominately fail any formation. Tactics might cover the core issue for one game, enough to go another round but will it be sufficient when you reach the semis or final?? I do hope your post provided the main substance of a win when we discuss aftermaths. Honestly.

    I could use a Ricolicious match report to lift my Gooner spirit. 😉

  59. rico says:

    Petit may have been a bit shorter but he stoood tall, Paddy always looked taller than he is for the same reasons….

    What Gilberto lacked in height he made up for as he could read the game so well, which also helped as he wasn’t the quickest…

    Trouble is, is Wenger picking the side any anything could happen 😉

    AK was here earlier, Goonster is proabably picking up litter somewhere 😉

  60. DutchGooner10 says:

    Agag I’m rolling fine. Have a lot of work to do on my new home. Previous owner left it like a cave.

    Thanks Rico re edit.

  61. rico says:

    That’s true DG, if our lot don’t turn up in the right frame of mind, doesn’t matter what they try and do, we’ll know in the first five minutes whether the FA Cup matters to them….

    I hope it is an easier match report to write than poor AK had in the week 🙁

    No probs re the edit….

  62. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlog

    Close

    Ryo Miyaichi starts for #BWFC v Millwall in the FA Cup this afternoon. Great opportunity with Japanese FA watching on.

  63. devilgunner says:

    The present midfiel incumbents have the following heights…..
    Ramsey……5ft 10′
    Rosicky……5ft 10′
    Song………6ft
    Arteta…….5ft 9
    Wilshere….5ft 7′
    Frimpong…5ft 10
    Coquelin…5ft 10′

    Hardly a team which will make the opposition’s wee willy go wonka like a jelly bean.

    Diaby is the only standout at 6ft 2……and he hardly stands these days so we should say that Diaby is the only lying/sitting (delete as applicable) down.

    Comparing them to Barca’s midfield

    Xavi…..5ft 7′
    Busquets…6ft 2′
    Iniesta…5ft 7′
    Cesc…5ft 19′
    Mascherano…5ft 9′
    Keita……6ft

    one can rightly say that they are more midget than our midfield. Oui I agree. But then they play in Spain not in the premier league and I can also point out that they are artists not players.

  64. agirlagunner says:

    rico, well-said at 2:27. Dutch, a bit of a fixer-upper, eh?? You’ll have a good time furnishing it, I’m sure. 🙂

    Boo, AK. 🙂 You deserve a drink. 😉

  65. allezkev says:

    Ha, Rico….. It was clean as a whistle, but i gave the guy a fiver, just so he remembers me for next year…. 😉

  66. DutchGooner10 says:

    Agag thinking about flipping real estate. So facing a project will definitely put me on a learning curve. Valuable experience that might make a few coins later in life. 😉

  67. Marinello says:

    Rico, Agag, Alan, Mico, DutchGooner,
    Paddy and Petit certainly had a bite in their tackle and would protect the back 4. They could both open up a defence with a pin point pass, and score a few goals themselves.
    Getting back to Petits quote that Wenger needs to freshen up his coaching staff with Maybe Adams or DB. I don’t think either would come whilst Wenger was still at the helm. They are not Yes men. Pat Rice is good for laying out the cones and bibs, but he’s no Steve Clarke, is he?

  68. agirlagunner says:

    Great for Ryo!! I’m having coffee, AK, so I don’t fall asleep watching us later.

    rico, maybe that would mellow out your friend. 🙂 🙂

  69. EastSidePaul says:

    I would have like Wenger to have put in place a midfield of Ox, Frim, Coq, Ryo. And just played them to the end of the season, that could be cracking midfield for the future!

  70. allezkev says:

    You know, i can’t really believe, in all honesty, that Pat Rice is a poor coach or a yes man.
    I think it’s more a case of giving up after being ignored by Wenger for so many years.
    Maybe he’s reached a stage where he thinks “Just fuckin get on with it Arsene, i’m just wasting my breath.”

  71. allezkev says:

    Rico, i know what you mean about cup keeper, but this game is far too important for AW to take any risks.
    Our defence has already lost it’s two main centre-backs, so to play Flappy would only weaken it further.
    Imagine if AW plays Flappy and he fcuks up?
    AW would get crucified.

  72. Marinello says:

    Allezkev: maybe you are right, or maybe Rice just thinks why rock the boat, I think he wanted to retire at the end of last season, but maybe the 2m a year wage enticed him back.
    As a player, he was a hard worker, who never shirked a challenge and kept the seat warm when Rioch went and Wenger was still to arrive, and he is Arsenal through and through. But maybe the time is right for an input of new ideas, other than Arsene’s.

  73. rico says:

    AK, i understand where you are coming from, but we know wenger…. flappy is off in the summer so i’d leave him out but a worse scenerio is an injury to ches and flappy in against the yids 😮

    just replied, i was in the kitchen, playing chef 😉

  74. rico says:

    Rice was apparently begged to saty by Wenger, only because Bould turned down the job…

    How true that is, i don’t know….

  75. Micko says:

    Marinello, anyone that wears shorts in the dugout in the middle of winter must have something about him !

    Cracking stat came my way, don’t see why i should be burdoned with it so here goes, 52 of the 92 football league clubs have won a trophy of some kind since Arsenal last won anything, that includes play-off final wins, if Cardiff win the CC final it will rise to 53………..

  76. Marinello says:

    I think Arsene should put his strongest team out today, the FA cup is the one remaining trophy left that we could win, but I bet he rests a few players. Sunderland will give it a real go, so we have to be ready. I’m surprised “Harry Hill-Wood” hasn’t put a few quotes together re Rangers Fc, you know, the “We run our football club the right way, no over spending here”……

  77. rico says:

    Micko, it’s all about getting the air to his poorly knees, now Vic Akers, he’s a different kettle of fish 😉

  78. rico says:

    He better Marinello, otherwise the FA Cup for season will be history – but sadly, he’s already said changes will take place….

  79. rico says:

    Actually, he has had a change of heart since wednesday…

    “It is more important now,” said Wenger. “It was always important but, because we had a big disappointment in the last game, it becomes more important.

    “The Champions League and FA Cup can collide a bit and, schedule-wise, you see that again this year – you go to Milan, you go to Sunderland. But especially after what happened on Wednesday night it is important to have a great performance.

    “We are in fourth position and we have an opportunity to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It is important that we are up for it and do not feel sorry for ourselves because of that [one] performance.

    “It can still be a positive week and we will see how we deal with the Milan game in the second leg later. What is important now, first of all, is not only the FA Cup but as well the response and the mental attitude of our team. They are at stake as well. That is something that is very important for us.”

  80. Marinello says:

    I heard Pat has the same treatment that “Dixon of Dock Green” star Jack Warner used to have on his knees, bee stings…
    Something in the sting is good for arthritis.
    Peter Storey would keep Pat out of the team at the beginning. Then Storey was moved into the midfield and Rice became a regular.

  81. allezkev says:

    Marinello, yes mate, i think Rice has just run outta steam, apparantly he has a few health issues.
    Gotta feeling that Banfield is being lined up as Rice’s replacement.

  82. rico says:

    Arsenal in full:

    Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Coquelin, Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Van Persie.

    Subs: Rosicky, Szczesny, Walcott, Squillaci, Arshavin, Chamakh, Benayoun.

  83. EastSidePaul says:

    Hello all!
    How is everyone feeling about today?
    I’m just back from digging someones car off the beach, when will people learn..

  84. DutchGooner10 says:

    ESP

    Speaking of beach and lessons to be remembered instead of learned over and over again. We got ourselves another D-day. Seeing AW takes it serious not resting our most potent frontline Ox/Gerv/RvP brings a bit of confidence to my expectations. Though I don’t want to pin it down on any prediction. Just to keep an open mind as things unroll.

  85. agirlagunner says:

    Our midfield is doing nothing to relieve our defenders of pressure… And our defenders are… Playing like amateurs…

  86. EastSidePaul says:

    look, Wenger needs to go, nothing has or ever will change. This is a joke, they’re is no cut about them, one nil down, last attack of the half, and they pass it around in front of the defence, its sickening to watch this team. Same thing, week in, week out. At this point Wenger has done more damage than good.

    Why are SS and JD even in the squad? Didn’t Chelsea pick up Cahill for 7mil? Disgusting..

  87. devilgunner says:

    This is so pathetic.

    It hurts me to say it but I am pissed off watching this team.

    Arsenal are above everyone….Wenger, the board and players included. It should not have come to this. Now its no longer a question of misfortune but ignorance and intransigience.

  88. EastSidePaul says:

    We are indeed shit, and you know what will be done about it? Nothing!!

    Thats right, nothing will be done, so sit tight and enjoy!!

  89. ArsenalDK says:

    ESP, i’m so furious right now! Wenger has transformed us into a midtable team. We won’t win anything 7th year on the trot. We won’t qualify for the CL for the first time in like 15 years, and it’s all Wengers and the boards fault. Good bye VP, welcome Park and Chamakh

  90. agirlagunner says:

    There are no positives to be taken from this game. None. The Board and AW are fully at fault for assembling this poor excuse of a team. Pathetic does not begin to describe the state we’re in.

  91. ArsenalDK says:

    This summer Wenger has to spend like 100 million pounds on new players, to get us back in track. Will he? HELL NO!

  92. EastSidePaul says:

    Well the fans that go to the games seem to be more than happy with how we’re doing.

    The team should be booed onto the field before the spurs match, before spurs stuff us… and they will stuff us!

  93. ArsenalDK says:

    I wish I could go in sleep mode, and wake up when the season is over. Because it cannot be over soon enough…

  94. Steve says:

    Here’s a positive – the match which mattered against Sunderland was last week.To win the FA Cup, or whatever they call it now, would have been nice but it’s not our number one priority.

  95. K-TR7 says:

    Alot,i mean alot of investment is needed.we need like 7 new players at the very least or else we become the Southern Everton 🙁

  96. stevepalmer1 says:

    Another bad loss, what can you say . Only one thing really.
    We can’t blame the players, as they are just not good enough for the premier league and thats the truth of it, we are totally inept they lack bodily strength mental strength, they injure far to easily, they cannot take in instruction, and they dont like to tackle, going forward with a player in front they turn sideways or backwards and pass the ball, they lack what every footballer should have a football brain, one of our bloggers said today that we talk in the negative and should be talking positive, I’m sorry i saw nothing positive with that or wednesday performances.

  97. EastSidePaul says:

    We need more than 7!
    Come on folks lets stop fooling ourselves, Arteta is not good enough to play for Arsenal, Nor is Gervinho. Ramsey and Walcott are not going to make it, we should have sold both a while back. Rosicky was bet a long time ago, can’t understand how he is still at the club, the defence… we call know what has to change, why on earth play your best defender on the left???! Put any one else but him there!

    We need a no.1 Given should have been bought years ago, Szczęsny is a great goalkeeper in the making, but not just yet.

    RVP is a No.10 NOT a striker.

    We have to play 4-4-2

    We need Usmanov.

    We need Dien running the show.

    We need a new coaching staff.

    We need a new medical staff.

    We need a new manager and new number 2…

    We need A LOT!!!

  98. DutchGooner10 says:

    Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. Thanx Stan/AW/Board.

  99. Adam says:

    Watching Arsenal and supporting them at the moment is rather like having root canal work. You know it is going to be painful and very uncomfortable but you hope and pray that, after it’s all over, things will get better. Thanks Arsene, but no thanks. You have made the mother of all fuck ups this season after practicing for the past 4 years. It is obvious to everyone, except you, that this team/squad are not good enough and your famous inspirational powers vanished when you stopped being primarily concerned with winning football matches and became an accountant. You were great once, but no longer so it’s time to move on now. And as for Stan? Take the money and build some more shopping malls mate and let someone with real ambition and financial clout have a go because you ain’t seen nothing yet. And finally a word for all the 4000 plus supporters who made the journey to the Sunderland bog. Well done! We are proud of you and can only imagine the journey back from that shithole.

  100. stevepalmer1 says:

    one positive to take out of this game today is that only four thousand Arsenal faithful wasted their money today.

  101. Scott from Oz says:

    Another debacle,hey.
    The two games I’ve been unable to watch this season,this along with the AC game,and im probably glad I did lol.
    Silent Stan may be a lot of things,but he isnt stupid.
    Let’s hope he chimes in and makes some hard calls,or cashes in and leaves.
    I said it the other day…..big money must be spent as soon as the window opens.
    I don’t care how it happens,whose decision it is,but its needed big time.

  102. Tlailaxu says:

    …I can not see Wenger going,and I can’t for some reason wish for him to go,not now,let’s see where we are at the end of season and then observe what decisions are being made in the boardroom,just wondering if the board will look different,will we still be owned by SK,will IG still be our CEO…
    …as for Francis,the guy was just so unfortunate or so I’m hoping…as ESP said we need a new medical staff,this one is granted,but this is just a part of the picture,I’ve been thinking of this for last 3-4 seasons,how come that our players get injured in very systematic way,it’s like fabregas,if he was to get injured I could tell what it will be before he even got injured,or diary,or jack(trust me he is not back in march and if he is he will get another injury)…now cesc Is in barcarole,how many injuries he had,most importantly,for how long…Robin staying injury free is smth of anomaly in this season(I wonder where we would have been now if he did get injured somewhere in November,would we have new striker?probably yes…Walcott )…

    Oh,and btw,Wednesday and today…it looks like the atmosphere in the team is so messed up,total disinterest,from certain players,frustration for example Ox today,u could see the guy is just fed up,also TV5…

    Honestly…it’s hard to even write a comment now,there are so many thoughts wishes hopes and guesses inside…whatever the outcome of tonights result,hope its for the good of the club…

  103. lee says:

    well there’s always that last trophy to go for….come on the 4th!! we are a fucking joke club, FFS something has to give!!!!!

  104. Gooner Sam says:

    Pressure is mounting, something has to change, we all saw the fans during the man u game. Fans will win back the club I just hope it’s sooner rather than later. Adam had it spot in, Wenger is firmly in last chance Saloon. At leat Ryo scored!

  105. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlog

    Close

    A bright start from Coquelin, but he pulls up nursing hamstring injury. Problem has been troubling him for weeks. Squillaci poised

    If he had a problem, then wtf did Wenger risk him???

  106. Merlin96 says:

    One more trophy left.

    “”Being Top-4 is like winning a trophy”

    What a snake-oil salesman of a manager we got now!

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