As this depressing season ebbs away to draw to whatever conclusion eventually transpires, so Arsenal fans inevitably turn their attention toward the next campaign and in doing so, face a number of imponderables.
Myself and many, many others wrote this season off way before Christmas. I could see that we were Inadequately equipped both mentally and player-wise but I didn’t predict the spineless capitulation in the two domestic cups and I thought that we would be able to raise ourselves for the big games, much better than subsequently turned out to be the case.
One season of failure has just morphed into another for me and apart from the obvious highlights of recent years I think we have just been treading water. The writing was writ large on the wall as we approached the January transfer window and while I knew that most other more driven managers would be looking at a couple of serious buys to try to help turn the fading season around, I was also mindful that this was Arsene Wenger and I have come to expect disappointment for years now. That we bought Monreal was great but this was solely inspired by the injury-prone Gibbs sustaining yet another ergh.. Injury. If that hadn’t happened then there would have been no Monreal.
All we have to look forward to this season is another will we/won’t we scrap for a CL qualifying spot against the Middlesex Hotspurs and to be perfectly honest, I don’t think it really matters whether we do or don’t get it. Not to qualify would at least be a financial consequence of what has been going on and we know how keen our club is on financial matters. Yes, I know there will be less income and I know that this might have a bearing on which mercenaries we can afford to buy at the end of the season.
I am also mindful that the spectre of The Europa Cup hangs like the Sword Of Damocles over us all. Who could possibly want the distraction of that lousy competition with its Sunday and Thursday rituals either at the Emirates or in some freezing Gulag in Russia or Latvia? But I believe that the annual battle for 4th position is a side-show and a distraction, convenient to deflect our eyes away from the bigger picture.
But, even before the season has tediously ground it’s way to the inevitable crowning of Manchester United as possibly the worst team to ever win the PL and by perhaps the biggest margin, there are massive questions to be answered at Arsenal. These are fathomless riddles that will certainly decide the future of the club for the next few seasons. But will they be asked?
These start of course with Wenger himself. I have said many times that I cannot see him going into the last year of his contract with no intention of renewing it, because of the pressure it would bring on himself and the team. If he walks at the end of the season then it is more straightforward perhaps. A new manager with new ideas and all that stuff. Obviously that man would have a lot of money to spend and a lot of deadwood to ship out but a clean sheet and more modest first-season expectations. I would have thought that the resultant upheaval might be too great to ensure that we are competitive in anything other than a domestic cup as MU, Chelsea and Man City aren’t going away. I reckon Kroenke doesn’t fancy this scenario as he would actually have to make decisions rather than just sitting on his ranch occasionally tweaking the club’s udders to extract some pin money.
The rich clubs will spit in the face of FFP I would imagine and will be stronger next year while Gazidis will herald it as our saviour. Yes, there will be honey for tea- just not yet. Now where’s that bonus?
Another scenario is that the club is sold to either Usmanov or the mysterious Middle Eastern cartel who rose to prominence over one weekend, conveniently in time to raise the blood pressure of Arsenal supporters and the arrival of the Sunday papers, never to be heard of again. They may or may not exist. This would put a lot more pressure on Wenger I think. After all, it is absolutely ridiculous that, with all their incredible financial resources, Man City and Chelsea have allowed MU to walk away with the league. This is a team with Carrick and Cleverly at the heart of their midfield for Chrissakes. I can fully understand the managership pressures at both those clubs and it is the reason why Mancini seems to have aged about 50 years in the past season. Money brings its own problems and expectations. Wenger always has the excuse that Arsenal are paupers and are battling the Big Bad Wolf and that is a strategy card he has played many, many times to his own benefit. With serious money behind him he would lose that particular excuse, but would no doubt have another one up his sleeve in such an eventuality.
My own thoughts are that the club needs new blood and new ambition and that none of this should be American. The idea that Kroenke is going to hand the running of Arsenal to his son Josh is as terrifying to me as is the notion that Wenger is going to bring in more bargain basement youths from France or Africa or another succession of flakes like Chamakh and Gervinho. It makes perfect sense for both Kroenke to sell and for Wenger to go but we are talking about two men here who think differently and are stubborn beyond belief. If both things were to happen and a quality manager came in with a message from the owner that the focus of the whole club was aimed at only one thing, then how much enthusiasm would sweep through the supporters? No guarantees obviously, but perhaps preferable to the bland predictability that it replaces.
I have no real issue if Wenger signs a new 2 year deal and then really goes for it but the bitterness of the failures of the last several years have jaded me somewhat and lowered my expectations as to how much nouveau thinking to expect from Arsene.
As for the supporters and especially the Season Ticket holders? Like me I know they are losing or have lost faith in the way the club has been going. To continuously sell your best players to your biggest rivals and then replace them with players who are clearly not good enough has to be someone’s fault. Yes, Arsenal have done this for years and perhaps they have reaped the benefits financially but the cost to the soul of the club is much harder to assess. This is another reason why next season is going to be so extremely crucial. Blow it again and I think that the injury could be almost too great to contemplate. The supporters have been incredibly faithful and loyal. It really is time that the club recognised this and did what is required to climb back to the top.
If Kroenke doesn’t want to make the investment then there is a ready-made buyer who, apparently does.
Written by Adam
Being a naturally positive person, it pains me to say this, but i can not disagree with any of that post Adam….well said!
Of course i, like everyone else, hopes you are wrong on a few points on our future.
Good morning everyone.
Morning all. A nice post Adam and eloquently stated.
On a positive note the 2-0 win versus Munich on their turf is looking even better this morning.
On a negative note, the Daily Express is printing garbage about us re-signing the “Assist King” with the “Killer Pass” from his deck-chair in Barcelona – and I don’t mean Fabregas….
Morning all…
What can be said Adam, a fine post and one that I cannot disagree with, one bit….
Just wish the man you are referring to at the end of your article, would step up and make the American an offer he really can’t refuse…
Then let’s see Wenger spend some money on a few proper footballers…
bloody awesome post – not sure the 2-0 offers anything at all syg, they were off form, had won the tie as far as they were concerned not unlike a certain Milan team not so long ago, got their act together last night again. The Milan thumping certainly didn’t lead to any great revival either did it?
‘but I didn’t predict the spineless capitulation in the two domestic cups and I thought that we would be able to raise ourselves for the big games, much better than subsequently turned out to be the case.’
Neither did I, not one bit, especially to the sides we got knocked out by…
Syg, that Song story has been going around for a while, hopefully this one in the Express is just re-written old garbage….
http://www.espn.co.uk/espn/sport/story/200543.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
Some suggest the next four games will define our season, I’d say the last 30 odd have done that….
Good morning all
I’m agree with the post.
The scores are what they are. if we haven’t a strigth and a normal line, they are only predictions and happy moments.
Great post Adam, really hit the nail on the head. The existence of some of these people at our club actually disgusts me, “cough, IG”
You are right also about what happens next, without a takeover the decision is completely in the hands of Wenger, because with the set up that we currently have in place, there is literally NO ONE there that will sack him
Agree with you Rico, my concern is, if we tweak the top four trophy Wenger will be busy sweeping it all under the carpet again with Stan’s blessings
Completely agree Adam…but i rather want Aw gone by the end of this season than see his contract out/sign a new one. He has lost it and Kroenke to me seems to be the bane of a lot of problems we face today- an owner who is not asking his manager for results, who doesnt seem to be bothered about the going ons in the club and who has no idea of our history. When you dont know where you are , a map doesnt help. We need to get rid of both these people. Hire Klopp. Would be amazing. sell tje deadwood of chamakh,denilson.bendtner,djourou,squillaci,arshavin,park,rosicky,diaby .Invest 70mill+whatever we get from the above sales on quality players 4-5 in defence,def mid, gk,striker and offensive mid/winger. We should be able to do very well with the team we have and a new manager with a philosophy to win….do no renew the season tickets till we see something positive…we have heard the same stories for the last 7 yrs….
There is a part of me that thinks Wenger knows that won’t wash any more Oz, he’s been on the end of a lot of fan stick this season, he can see the empty seats and I hope that seeing/hearing all that hurts him…
And, he finally does all he can to rectify it – could be why he hasn’t made up his mind on a new contract yet..
I’m guessing though of course…
Mightily Fine post Adam… Yet again more questions to be answered. Surely this is the summer when Arsenal is expected to come alive??? Anything less and even my faith will be lost.
Surely Leo Vin with all due respect Wenger out and Klopp in? How is he an improvement on Arsene Wenger? The only aspect he trumps Wenger is in the age category. If Wenger goes we need a manager who is willing and able to bend his tactics to suit the opposition and Klopp does not do that enough for my liking.
http://www.skysports.com/football/league/0,,11880,00.html
Bayen Munich are one of the top four sides in World Football.
To go to Munich and win against a team that “never lose” on their own turf was a fantastic result and was far more credible than the 4-1 spanking of Reading at the weekend.
Munich weren’t off form, they were in no mans land re attack or sit-back. Arsenal played all the players in their right position and gave a professional display and got a professional result, which proves when they all want it – they can get it. By ALL I include Wenger in that.
Arsenal were poorer than poor in the first leg. They made Munich look great. Szcny gifted them all three goals, with an out of position Vermaelen helping his cause along with Wenger dropping a mega-bollock by playing lightweight Walcott centrally. Stupid tactics.
In Munich Wenger played a proper team with proper tactics..
Since then Wenger has had a good run of results but he is still – even now – trying to “slip his boys” back into the first eleven …
Really good post. Pretty much summarises all the ‘negative’ feelings and concerns the fans have expressed over the last two years or so. And well written, too!
As for the future? A small poser for you.
How many American owners of clubs have we got/had?
And, how many of them have run their ‘operations’ cleanly, efficiently and profitably?
And, how many of these owners give a shit about the ‘brand’, soccer?
Commitment to the club they own is everything. I don’t see much involvement in the “interests” of the club, only the revenue they can extract from their ‘investment’.
If there is no tie to the ‘product’ then there is probably little self-identification with the brand = lack of connection = except cash in the coffers!
You can hardly say the same about Chelski or manc oil! Their owners have paid through the nose in their attempts to be the best! A bit of a back handed compliment but at least the have shown some desire to win, to succeed, and are not coy about squandering their cash in order to gain success. We may not approve and maybe our manager threw in the towel when he realised he could mo longer attract the best footballers to his club because he could not afford the wage demands etc. so 4th was his new ambition.
We have about as much in common with the yanks as we do with the moon! Except the moon serves quite a useful universal purpose whereas the yanks don’t.
A bit contentious, but couldn’t we just repatriate them all as of NOW?
Jeff – I am kind of with you there, this is meant to be the summer where all things favour Arsenal, and that has come from Gazidis.
Just can’t see it though….
Great post Adam,
Unfortunately I hav’nt the grammer to write a post like that,
but over the last season,I have expressed
a lot of what you say,
everyone I know have either sold or rented out there season tickets.
We are being taken for a ride,
I have lost the great respect I had Mr Wenger,
He has a duty to the fans to tell the truth.
No happy clappers on yet? Good post Adam.
the noise also bothers me – the over the top praising of players like Ramsey and Gervinho and Giroud that has come from Wenger does not fill me with enthusiasm. None of them should be first 11 players let alone the quality he declares them to be… i have seen way to many untruths, way to many failed promises, way to many excuses to believe in anything that man says any more. I hope this time next year i am eating my words for the sake of us all and my club
We can dream, hey Rico? The trouble is Gazidis is a grossly overpaid, pandering, liar. He really should be a politician.
Oz, i agree on Gervinho, but Giroud should definitely be a starter v some sides, and same with Ramsey.
You can’t suggest Wenger isn’t flexible on tactics and also say these guys don’t suit certain opponents, in my opinion.
Both are very, very effective under certain circumstances i reckon.
I am yet to see a time for Gervinho to shine.
He has been a major disappointment, because contrary to popular belief, he did look fantastic in France, though it was France 🙂
Well said Wavy..
Not yet Lee 😉
fred – me neither, I had to goggle a few of those words 😉
Ryan, i think Gazidis IS a politician, just in a different kind of politics.
Rico, try google instead and you may find an explanation 🙂
Have to agree again Oz, be different if these players performed well all season or at least most of it but a couple of goals and AW is praising Gervinho like he Pele…
I know Ryan, but he has banged the FFP drum for so long and kept fans dangling, well now it’s time..
I don’t believe a word of it personally, but I am always keen to be surprised…
We have bought Podolski, Carzorla, Giroud and Monreal. All internationals of top tier international sides. These were good purchases and all have had a steady first season.
When Robert Pires came to Arsenal he was erratic, but he turned out to be one of the BEST players in World Football.
When we played Liverpool in the FA Cup Final in his first season the match commentator stated that Pires looked like one of the three muskateers with his Hispanic looks and sharply cut sideburns and moustache, and added, “however unlike the muskateers he tends to hide when the blades are flashing”…….
Ginge hit on that exact same point with Carzorla. If Carzorla can be 75% the player Pires turned out to be, I wouldn’t complain.
There are posters that have a dislike for Giroud – slow, cumbersome, French ponce etc …. But minutes played he has a similar goals to games ratio as Thierry Henry did in his first season.
Monreal – there’s been no negative press, but any proper player is a plus compared to what we had
Podolski was the big name buy, who is as erratic as Pires was in his first season. But good players just don’t become bad again minutes played he has a similar goals to games ratio as Thierry Henry did in his first season….
All decent purchases.
Hopefully we will clear more deadwood out this summer and bring better players in – World Class players with a winning mentality!
Morning Rico and everyone. Thank you for those kind words.
I merely outline a single point of view and a number of possibilities.
As my dentist said to me only yesterday,”Adam, you really are a git aren’t you?”
‘Nuff said.
He swallowed a dictionary at a young age!
Pre-toad days, apparently!
😆 Scott – that’s funny….
SYG, well said mate.
Our last 4-5 buys have been a major step forward.
Giroud will improve, imo.
Santi needs a henchman along side him.
Podolski needs to be played more central as he is a lethal finisher.
We may require plenty of work, but there is plenty to work with.
Off to bed.
Have a great day/night all.
Lol Rico…..couldn’t help myself.
Lee. 🙂
Glad you liked my Cundy comment mate.
Morning troopers, Adam an excellent post.
Kroenke and Gazidis are business men and not interested in “Soccer”.
Gazidis is there to oversee an eventual takeover. Im sure Wenger is playing both Kroenke and Usmanov..
The sooner we can the yanks the happier I will be for sure.
I like your dentist Adam, Morning to you… Just.
I like the look of monreal,
but I hope that ball-watching when reading scored,
will be the last we see of that.
When clichy made a mistake,
it nearly always cost us a goal.
I worry a little over Pod and him not being used properly bit like AA revisited here – Caz is solid no doubt, i don’t rate Ramsey at all but only my opinion. Giroud to me is a poor excuse at a top end striker, a typical Wenger budget buy. As long as he’s spends plenty of games on the bench (due to purchased quality) next season i will be happy
Night Scott…
Only Lee would Adam 😉
fred, lack of concentration I think, he’s good imho…
Oz, I don’t think he’s fit 100%, he plays wide for Germany though doesn’t he?
Hi all,
A very good post that summarises all the negative feelings and concerns a lot of fans have expressed over the last few years… you are no doubt right that this ‘ulcer’ can’t be left to eat away at the club…
SYG, Scott-ditto especially on your balanced opinions as ever. All players make mistakes so lets not make a small mistake bring doubts about the quality of our new LB because believe it all not he is better than Barnes…
Morning all.
A very heartfelt post Adam, i believe that what you have written is in all our minds and i felt that i had written that when i read it.
One thing i would say is that although i believe we should buy better, i would also say that the big spenders in the league have only brought their selves up the ladder they haven’t really taken over. While money is a big importance it is not the be and end of. Seeing this over the last few years has convinced me that while money may buy the odd trophy it wont let you take over the mantle. Although Wenger has taken me to the edge of my patience i feel that he’s idea’s of youth is still a good idea, having said that our youngsters have not matured into the superstars that Wenger was waiting for. The idea of schooling proffesional players does seem sound as it could save millions on the transfer market. but in all honesty buying what you need at any given time would probably be more beneficial than trying to produce it. Personally with what i have seen come out of our academy up to now hasn’t convinced me that the system works and many who have not made the grade have more or less been given away.Arsenal FC are not a cheap outfit we have resources but are unwilling to use them. The Board and Wenger seem extremly happy with our top 4 finishes the only ones that’s not is supporters. but they too although frustrated are reluctant to let go of their season tickets. that is not a dig at ST holders if i had waited as long for a tkt i would be the same. No pressure is being put on Wenger The Board or Kroenke as they are all happy and all earning a good living. We spend very little and we keep getting top 4. Money keeps rolling in and they are not too bothered about the players Cesc Persie Cole and the others are proof of that. I have resigned my self to the norm of Wenger saying and Promissing Gazedez coming out and saying we are working our socks off to find Players and money is no object and Hillwood just making himself a fucking idiot.while Kroenke says nothing. Next year will start the same as last year maybe a new faced stranger but the results will be the same and we will still be here next year chewing the same fat (Am i sounding Negative) 🙂
Leo unfortunately we can’t sell the so called deadwood because to sell something you have to have a purchaser. When their contracts expire they will go and until then we are stuck with them either with their feet up, brandy in one hand , Gualoises in the other or on loan. As for hiring a new manager a new board needs to be appointed first as no serious contender would want to join with the constraints that seem to prevail currently..
And people forget Pires suffered cruciate ligament injuries when he joined us…
What about Baines Ts 😉
Just one dictionary Lee? 😉
If Milner can be considered one of the 3 most important players for $hitty in their trophy winning season and Fletcher and Cleverley are considered important players by Rednose then it is very hush in my opinion that no matter how well Ramsey plays he is considered not good enough by some sections of the fan base…
Controversial but some of the fans favourite including Ox and JW10 have had poor games but don’t get the same treatment…
😀 Barnes Baines…
Hi all,
Perhaps that’s why Wenger now buys over 27 year olds. This is their last stop so less likely to want to leave or sold to rivals.
Totally agree ts regarding Ox and JW, I think Ramsey has played really well of late when he hasn’t tried so hard to be fancy.
Adam,I believe You have a problem with Africans. The problem is not about the players but the tactics,formations and instructions of the manager(we all know that). Chamakh and Gervinho were better players than they have so far been so posting on a blog ‘as is the notion that
Wenger is going to bring in more bargain basement youths from France or Africa or
another succession of flakes like Chamakh and
Gervinho.’ is quite not good. France and Africa have been producing good players. Wenger is not setting up the team to play to their strengths in most games. Think of games we play Giroud but no one makes crosses to him when we know he’s an aerial threat and he’s been instructed to drop deep and play like RVP. Aren’t they different players but still same tactics are being used for both. Think about what you posted
Xris. I did.
Don’t You think that line was rude,Adam?
sp1, yes you are sounding negative mate but history is well and truly on your side i am afraid, so good post
Xr!s – are you being serious??
Sp, you negative old cynic you 😉 😉
rico – About what?
I’m agreeing with the post 🙂
What’s your point Xr? I come from Africa and there are only a handful of top quality Africans. France as can be seen from there national team are not as good as they used to be. Germany is clearly in the acendancy and the Spanish are still up there when it comes to talent.
Wenger will never buy the world class handful as we can’t compete with well funded clubs nor does he pay over his acceptable value so that handful of classy players will never be bought.
happy clapper in da house!
gud post, realistic, (unfortunatley!) all is not rose’y in the garden with arsenal, although I live in hope I can still see through the (thin) veil of illusion. Before the season started i predicted to fellow gunners that we would be involved in the race for fourth and not competing for the title,have more faith they said! hmmm. Your post reflects those who’s concerns are of such, you rightly say that Man u will win the league with the worst utd team by a record margin, whilst also accomodating carrick and cleverly, just goes to show how good their manager is does’nt it. With the possibility of mouriihno at chealsea, an improved Utd and another shopping spree for city,more of the same next season for arsenal, another battle for fourth!
I think Chamakh and Gervinho are shit…sell them asap and buy some decent players!
Cheers Oz 🙂
Xrs I agree, the manager is a bad tactician, can only play 1 way!
Suggesting Adam has a problem with African’s Xr!s. I think you’ll find Adam, like many of us have a problem with average players, regardless of where they come from…
Cheap shot you have taken, and one which is way of the mark!
Very insightfull lee!
So do I Lee, and they aren’t the only ones either…
Sp 😆
Didn’t have you down as a happy clapper Keith..
Well said Brad…
Right,Germany are in ascendancy,Spain are there too but I don’t think they have exciting young prospects coming up to keep them at the top. Most French players are Africans,bradster
Wasn’t Mrs Adam number 6 from Africa?
Keith, its called the HH humour…
Afternoon Keith.
I thought we would do a lot better this season, even though we sold Van Persie.
Like for like, our first 11-15 are as good as Man Utd’s … Not City’s or Chelsea’s (as they are littered with world class players) but certainly Man Utd’s. I thought Wengers “sum of all the parts” ethos would prove to be key..
However, I think Wenger is mostly to blame for us not being “in there” or “up there”.
He is a meglomaniac and won’t delegate, he continually placates his pet-players and he continually plays players out of postion, sort of trying to emulate what he did with Henry.
Xr’s – please, it matters not whether they are French, German, English or African, if they are average, we don’t want them signing for Arsenal..
Simples!!
Xr!s if Gervinho could play well all the time we would love him, but he’s a plank and you know it.
Rico – Most players are being blamed for their performances in unfavorable positions,that doesn’t mean they are average. That Shevchenko and Crespo flopped at Chelsea do not mean they ain’t good or average. With that line,he doesn’t want French and African players. Which African players didn’t do well at Arsenal?
Syg, I think many thought similar, but many also ‘assumed’ that Podolski would hit the ground running and be a great addition who would score many goals…
He didn’t and he hasn’t….
You are funny,sp. A plank?
Which African players didn’t do well at Arsenal?
What are we talking about here Xris? African players like Eboue or Song or “African’s” such as Thierry Henry and Theo Walcott?
Xr!s, If most French players are African, and Germany are in the ascendancy, correct me if i’m wrong here but the whole German national squad hardly has any Germans in it lol.
Podolski (Polish) – moved to Germany when as a two-year-old
Klose (Polish-German) – moved to Germany as a seven-year-old
Jérôme Boateng (German-Ghanaian) – born and raised in Germany
Dennis Aogo (German-Nigerian) – born and raised in Germany
Serdar Tasci (Turkish) – born and raised in Germany
Sami Khedira (German-Tunisian) – born and raised in Germany
Marko Marin (Bosnian) – moved to Germany as a two-year-old. His family fled from Bosnia in order to escape the war in the Balkans.
Mesut Özil (Turkish) – born and raised in Germany
Piotr Trochowski (Polish) – moved to Germany as a five-year-old
Mario Gomez (German-Spanish) – born and raised in Germany
Cacau-Brazilian
Like Rico said, give a s$% where the’yre from , provided they are Arsenal standard and I 2nd Lee , Chamakh and Gervinho are not the standard.
Jury is still out on Giroud
Xrs – I am not even going to bother, you made this into an anti- African day, no-one else.
Get over it for goodness sake….
That is a very very good question Syg….
George, – I like that..
I’ve said before Rico. I’m with Adam – I’d have both Robert Mugabe playing the false nine and Idi Amin on the wing if they were GOOD …
I wonder if a replacement for wenger was offered 7mil a year on condition that he asset strips Arsenal would that manager walk away and say, no I want to rather win.
🙂 Syg… I was going to add to those two but thought better of it…
Has anyone thought about Nasri’s media talk? I think he’s said the truth for once
I think he is stirring trouble. Trying to take a swipe at Mancini…
Xris. It was me who originally called for Robert Mugabe to be our next manager. How could I have a problem with Africans? And Rico is correct, my 6th wife was African.
Oh. and I think he wants to move back to France with PSG. They poss pay more than City..
me too – who give a toss where they come from once in an Arsenal shirt we’ll all on the same side
Is that the Samir Nasri the French player who played in the French Ligue 1 who was born in Marseille or the Nasri I don’t know who is really from Somalia…?
SYG not Idi Amin we have no corner shops or garages left But i bet he could do corners 🙂
6th wife,Adam? Are u for real?
i am getting slacker and slacker with my typing looking back at my posts – I shall, as of now, have to make more of an effort – anyone would think English is my second newly acquired language
I think most can confirm that I am completely unreal actually. Rico certainly will. Lee too.
You’re not a secret African, are you Ozzie?
no need 4 dat mun 🙂
Oz. Look mate! I have noted a certain degradation in your spelling and grammar but made allowances as you live in Australia. Added to the fact that you are a quality plumber of course.
Adam – The Oscar Wilde of Highbury House !
Xrs, I think nasri spoke the truth, whilst managing a swipe at mancini, He was sold for profit, and wenger managed him better, he played better for arsenal.
Xr’s – yes, Adam is truthing. He’s on his 8th I think now. Aiming to be king one day….
Adam – i assume my good fellow, you might be referring to my rather exceptional workings with ceramic tiles? 🙂
Lol. What do you like in ladies,Adam?
I must pop off now for a couple of hours, it’s that time of day…..
Back in awhile, play nicely 😉
Could he come back, Keith?
Would he come back?
Would Wenger want him back?
Would the fans want him back?
A poll, maybe?
syg – no, yes, no and no 🙂
No fffing way.
Ide rather have Gervinho’s sister
The Men from Del Monte say “no”…….. lol
stevepalmer1 says:
April 3, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Good god Stevie… you’d need a big fcukng hat
Gervinho’s sis might be pretty just like Balotelli’s sis
yes, subject to wages, yes,subjective! interesting thought, what about kolo as fourth choice? on a free wenger style, was his second favourite arsenal player,never mentioned his first, though henry was still there.
You can bet she has a huge forehead, with a bit of luck she’s bald.
Twitter last night…
https://twitter.com/CharlieWyett/status/319201258592407552
But surely he couldnt take the great sir david bechams position!
https://twitter.com/natm_mag/status/319436040177868801
You liar Adam, you said you’d been married seven times!
Just have to ask , is Adam a journalist ?
Hi everyone
Cashley injured his hamstring and he is off for 2 to 3 weeks… Messi injures his hamstring, has a shower and he ends up missing 7 days max… wonders shall never end.
The PSG oiler last night said it was unfair his team did not pick all 3 points against the Marca’s… he may not uynderstand football (semi finals) but at least his people spend… lol
SYG and Adam my african dictator line up will be something like this…
3-5-2 formation
JJ Rawlings- Ghana,
In defence… Kamuzu Banda (Malawi), Mobutu Sese (Zaire) Congo, Charles Taylor (Liberia)
Defensive midfield: Idi Amin Dada and Paul Biya (Cameroon)
CAM & Wingers: Laurent Kabila ( DR Congo); Sani Abacha ( Nigeria), Sekou Toure (Guinea)
Centre Forwards: Robert Mugabe, Muammar Gaddafi
Managers: Sadam Hussein, SYG
Physio: Adam & Rico
Kit men: Oz & Goonster
Owners: AK & WATH
Me the HH chief pundits:Ginge & Scott
Sorry Lee. I forgot to tell you about No.8.
TS. I like the look of that team. Who is the midfield enforcer?
Hi SD. Why do you ask? 🙂
Oz old bean, I was actually leaning toward your ruthlessness with a tin of grout my dear fellow.
SD he’s a toad according to Rico…..
Yes i confess Adam when they talk about papering over the cracks, i look at my trusty tins and think, ah a job done properly 🙂
Nice one Ginge…. You’re a top lad
Done Deal: Arsenal Agree Fee and Personal Terms Ahead Of Move to Sign Fiorentina Forward Stevan Jovetic
That’s doing the rounds at the moment….
thanks for the job tsgh – uumm what is the pay mate? Is it monthly, weekly or what? Any bonuses? Can i get the wages paid off shore? Is it dramatically over paid like many of the other non playing positions are? just saying… oh you never mentioned holiday pay loading, overtime spent on grass stain removal or superannuation either?
What about Defoe out for three weeks…..sweet!
syg – been seeing that as well mate, along with 30m, at that point i tend to close the page
Lee – love it!
Apparently true….just need that diving primate injured!
Lee. I do believe you may have something against Balus Pithecus.
Yes, where is Rico? I am missing her insults this afternoon. But I am sure Lee will step manfully into the breach. 🙂
I’d like a piece of 4″x2″ against Divus Maximus!
no insults today mate after your super opening thread post
You are too kind Lee. 🙂
You’re like a brother from another mother Adam!
Overwhelming loveliness Lee. Thank you
😆
Afternoon Gooners.
Afternoon Rico.
Began reading todays post, and was struck by it’s content, layout and professionalism.
Only got half-way thru before I had a job, so I’ve still not finished yet.
But I knew it was Adam’s work.
Off to finish it.
http://epltalk.com/2013/04/03/all-of-abou-diabys-35-injuries-for-arsenal-from-2006-2013-infographic/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29
So basically Manure utd have won the league and Man City and Chavskis should be ashamed and Arsenal is over achieving right now.
This season has been rubbish so far in fact every season since 2008 has been rubbish and to think we had the opportunity to win that year hurts the most.
Clichy gave his usual penalty , Eduardo got his leg smashed and Gallas had a mental melt down and the others just generally freaked out and lost a 13 point lead.
Back to the future ” 2005 ” FA Cup was so normal that i didn’t celebrate , I thought well good consolation the we will win it again next year plus the league 😀 ooo how wrong I was, I should have celebrated the FA Cup and enjoyed the win.
Dam it has been 8years
Afternoon folks, have we sold anyone yet?
Gotta say that it’s difficult to disagree with a man who can help himself to 8 wives…
Xris, if you are still about mate, may I ask where you are from?
Hi Lee…
I can feel the love… 😉
(On here btw)
Kev, my guess is Africa 😉
Good points SD, I share your angst…
I’ll be glad when the kids are back to school properly, then commerce in London will return to normality…
8 days to go, before the HHCC reconvene… 🙂
Adam, this was inspired! 🙂 🙂 There is nothing to disagree with. Nothing.
Yeah, I reckon so too Rico…
Chuba Akpom probably has African parents.
As did Manu Frimpong, Benik Afobe, Chuks Aneke, etc etc…
I don’t read any Gooner dissing any of them…
Make of that, what you will…
Hey, put that credit card back in your handbag Buddy…
You know it makes sense (not) 😉
Howdy Kev, you busy buddy?
At least he asked what I looked for in a woman Kev.
Agag. 🙂
Thank you.
They have been “confiscated”, Kev. 😀 Hello, Lee and rico. I hope you guys are well. 35 degrees today here; melt melt melt.
Did you see Syg’s and George’s comments earlier Kev along a similar line?
Boo agag, 35o’s here too today, but ‘minus’ 😉
Hi again,
Top comment at 13:05…
Oz the salary is a ship load of unused Libyan Dirhams… 😀
I forgot about Lee he will take the Gazidis’s post… if he does not spend and resign Gen Abacha’s contract before it is due to expire, he will get vocal abuse from Thein Sein (Burma)…
Adam the midfield generals are your buddy (the elephant) Idi Amin and Biya
Your never-ending winter, rico. Such a stark contrast to my forever summer. (not much fun, either) 😕
Ha ha ha on Nasri. Your millions won’t make you happy, we did say. Tut tut.
You didn’t give me a role, Ginge. 🙁 Never mind, I’ll be in charge of “refreshments”. 😀
It sounds too good to be true re Stevan… is he going to be a Suker or a Ljunberg type of AW signing?…
Capoue is back in form… he looks like he has a bit of weight lifted from his shoulders…. is the weight that has been lifted a promise and agreement from Arsenal and Cassanova that he can join up with us in June?
Hi Agag… I thought you knew what your role was… CFO…you will be doing what Dick Law does much better… go on holiday and then come round to Colney during the summer in late August and open the cheque book… just make sure you don’t recommend that Abu Diaby’s injuries can be mitigated by him wearing Jimmy Choo or Walter Steiger shoes on the pitch…
Talking of Frimps the Fulham fans seem to like him… they seemed excited when he came on last Monday
top lad Ramsey…
http://news.arseblog.com/2013/04/upbeat-ramsey-hails-wenger-influence/?utm_source=feedburner.com%2Farseblognews&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arseblognews+%28Arseblog+News+-+the+Arsenal+news+site%29
Jack Wilshere took a cheeky dig at Wojciech Szczesny for costing Arsenal Carling Cup glory back in 2011. – Metro sports
I like that clarification, Ginge. 🙂 No, wait. I love it. “Purchases” is right up my alley. 🙂 Don’t worry about Abou. I think we have spent far too much on him, and he won’t get a shoe allowance. He has to get through 10 matches unscathed before his shoe rights are restored. In the meantime, he has to make do with his old boots.
Certainly is agag…
Agag I am still waiting on you to get Vpursey injured …. 😉
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he has some concerns over forward Robin van Persie’s fitness levels ahead of their derby game against Manchester City on Monday night.
i am glad you liked your post… 😀
I am trying my level best, to have someone run over his left foot with a tractor. 😛 I’m on it, Ginger. Not to worry.
A tractor? That’ll be Rico then. 🙂
Ramsey is bound to praise Wenger Ts, he plays him 😉
Tractor agag, Adam is right, I’ll be there 😉
Ha ha, adam. rico. Make sure you run do it several times. 😛
I will agag, I promise 😉
i’m African,kev. Rico got it right. And I don’t want to argue about that again
Hi Rico and All
The way Adam toyed with the English language you might think he invented it.
You’re up there with James Hadley Chase.
When Stan walk away we’ll see the old AW.
Nashua,we don’t need the old Wenger. The old Wenger is very much outdated. We need a new one
@Xr!s, what would you say about SAF??? He’s older than AW.
tsgh says:
April 3, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Just got back in and read it ……. Before he was injured he was on fire. Glad he’s now playing in his proper position. Still a young kid with a young kids mentality … He’ll get a lot better …
The bit about Arsene Wenger tells you everything …… “He’s an approachable guy” …..
With some players that’s good, but with others they can and do take the piss..
SAF has been trying out new things but Wenger has been static
Spuds average attendance 30.000
Arsenal…………………………..60.000.
Why are we chasing that lot,are they getting better
or are we getting worse,
Well I think wenger’s not keeping up.
Xr!s – good stuff, nor do any of us.
Popping off for some food, back in a dash…
Sorry spuds 36.000
How can you try new cloths when you do not have the money to buy new ones?
We’re where we’re on the table as compare to those who have over spent us (ManU, Chelsea, Spurs and ManCity) and some are still below us (Liverpool,Everton) to name a few. As tsgh said, we want AW to produce Ferreri out of Tractors.
Change Stan and you’ll see different AW.
Evening all. Has this Jovetic chap signed then?
That’s the Camembert finished 😛
Good laugh this Szczesny & Wilshere having a banter on ‘the chat’
Szczesny: “What will you say to me, when we win a trophy?”
Wilshere: “I’ll probably say ‘you owe me this after Birmingham’.”
Hello Adam. I doubt it.
Hi NG, a balanced point of view as always…
Does AW have no plan B… really? Which manager has a plan B ? Even Roberto Martinez has no plan B…
I am certain that most who know about combat or any form of combat sports like boxing or even the police will agree that 99% of humans have no plan B, or can’t change their habits. The reason why a boxer/ufc fighter will have a style and will not be adviced to go far off his/her style to combat an opponent…
The same reason why the military or intelligence services across the world can say that a certain act has this/that groups finger prints written all over something… the same way investigators can create a profile of a killer to make him a serial killer…
So coming back to football, does Sir RedNose have a plan B? I would say NO. Like Maurenho, what he does better than most is that he manages to get the best out of his players when it matters… how he does that and the factors that help him to acheive such feat is another topic…
Later guys and ladies
Emma,
If Ches is in goal when we win a trophy, Jack will have fainted and wouldn’t have been able to reply 😉
Btw Adam I wanted to say I wish I could right as well as you do…
I guess if I am in awe because my day job requires me to talk in acronyms and write reports filled with abbreviations such as RF, dB, V/m, MHz etc to name a few so its always refreshing to read good plain English 😉
rico – 🙂
TS. Thank you. It is much appreciated.
Ts – sometimes you leave comments which make so much sense…
Jose has a plan ‘b’, in fact his plan ‘b’ saw Manure knocked out of the CL
What was it, two, or three subs after Nani got sent off and they killed the game off…
Ok, the Mancs were down to ten. but I bet there is many a manger who would have left things as they were and look to the one man advantage to win the game….
variety/options of players he has…. 😀
He still played the same formation… just that Modric is a bit of amagician than Alonso in the middle of the park.. 😉
Any way I am off… I have a very cold night ahead. A flight trial somewhere near kevs patch of town…
Night Ts. Get your thermals out 😉
Good morning all.
Firstly, to our resident racist……..no need to make allowances for Oz’s pathetic attempts at the English language….he is English, after all 🙂
Also, the taking of an 8th bride is sad news as when you were up to #7, you promised to show the ceremony on Youtube…..all i can find is you singing your favourite 16 chants on Squillaci!!
Xr!s, not sure where to start mate.
How about this…….you are a just wrong
Adam may be a lot of things, including never being right,a womaniser, Wenger lover, Stan fan etc, etc, etc, but a racist??
Should Gooners only ever criticse players of angl-saxon origin, or would that then too be deemed racism?
Easy…..no criticism of ANY player.
Is everyone with me 🙂
Seriously, the world really is losing its sense of humour.
Rico, Jose’s plan B was a kick to the chest haha.
So, old red nose’s was to throw boots at Beckham? Well that sorted him out! Tactically always his way, if yo canny plei em kick to livin dehlites outa em! Always worked in xthe glory days when we played at old fartford!
Plan B ??? Never heard o f one!
Morning Scott…
No 😉
Wavy – me neither, well, other than ‘shall I have white bread… or maybe wholemeal’, that’s my plan ‘b’….
Nah Scott, that was Nani’s plan, but it failed 😉
Right you lovely people, I am done for another day…..
Can’t believe how quickly that comes around, frightening really…
You all be good and stay safe…
Nighty all….
Lee, I am good mate, but the work is not good…
But there is always tomorrow… 😉
Off home now, thankfully…
Scott. Thanks mate. 🙂
No probs Adam!
Xris, well done for coming back…
Stick around mate.
Where the hell have our Dutchmen got too???
Early morning for me. Hi Lee.
Bloody hell……….morning Adam!
Dunno if I fancy this every morning though.
Morning guys.
Morning Scott.
Morning Girls 🙂
Any new signings 🙂
The constant insults are wearing me down RICO lol
Best I think of some more then Scott 😉
Did you know that Yahoo could of purchased Google for $1m in 1997? It’s worth $200billion today…..
Lee, what is goggle worth?
RICO is interested 🙂
Bet Kroenke wishes he’d bought it Lee…
😆 Scott, two digs is cheating ….
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2303785/Robin-van-Persie-experienced-intensity-like-Arsenal-says-Sir-Alex-Ferguson.html
Just think how enormous my portfolio could be.
😆 Adam…
Rico. I could feed you lines like that all day. 🙂
Good morning.
Off to keep fit now – new post will be up around 9.40…
Catch up later…
Fergie may be suggesting the guy was never fit for more than 4 or 5 games a season!
I suspect you could Adam 😉
Good morning to you…..
I’ve heard of Dutch Skunk but Van Persie has redefined the term.
Now now let’s not start the “Carry on Highbury House” spiel….. 😉
Ooh Matron…..
Has Stan (Dutchman) been about?
Haven’t seen him for ages Lee. Even DG is off the reservation.
Busy nailing….
WOW! U’re doing a good work here,rico. I subscribed to receive follow-up comments to my email and my inbox has not rested till then
Lee. The Goonster is now a married man. I have given him advice about how to deal with women. As you know I am on my 7th wife after the tragedy of my 6th.
I see that awful disease has got hold of Iain Banks. 🙁
That was very, very sad news mate. He was on my mind all yesterday after I heard. Life, as we know, can be very unfair.
Xr!is. Good morning from London.
Xr!s , good to see you back.
Stick around mate…..this is a great crew.
Good Morning from Nigeria,Adam and Scott