We Gooners having been crying out for a goal scorer for what seems like years now, maybe since Thierry Henry left and certainly since Eduardo was forced out of England by the thugs in football and the media who hanged him out to dry after the Celtic fixture.
We have employed some of the best strikers over the years haven’t we but since Eduardo departed in the summer of 2010, we haven’t really had an out-and-out goal scorer have we?
This season Robin has stepped up and he’s certainly made up for the weeks and months that he’s been out injured – you don’t need me to tell you that but behind him is Chamakh and Park and neither have shown that they are ready or able to step in and step up should our captain suffer injury or fatigue.
Robin is currently firing on all cylinders and we have to count our lucky stars that he is don’t we? He’s scored twenty-six Premier League goals so far this season; the next highest scorer is Theo Walcott with just five and then Thomas Vermaelen with four.
Those stats are exactly the reason we have all been begging for Arsene Wenger to sign a goal scorer, one who can not only compliment Robin in certain games but also one who can stand out when Robin can’t play for whatever reason.
Is that right man Lukas Podolski??
This season, Podolski has performed as below:
League games played = 20
Goals scored = 16
He also played in two Cup fixtures but failed to find the net.
All good so it seems but why did he not succeed with Bayern Munich, one of the best, if not the best side in German football?
His stats for Bayern are far less impressive of as late, his goal return was nothing like it is this season for FC Koln, and the same can be said of when he plays for his country, Germany.
Bayern
In 2009 he played in nine fixtures and scored six goals.
In 2010 he played in fourteen fixtures and scored five goals.
In 2011 he played in twelve fixtures and scored just one goal.
Why could he not push his way through to play more games and be a world class player there?
FC Koln have just won their first fixture of 2012, an ill-tempered game which saw Podolski sent off, the club currently sit 13th in the Bundesliga.
Is Podolski a great striker in an average side, or is he a great striker who could go on to be even better at a club like ours?
He couldn’t do it at Bayern and he doesn’t seem to be able to perform at his best for his country does he?
So how the will he cope in a tough English Premier League?
If Lukas Podolski becomes an Arsenal player at the end of this current season, will it be £11 million well spent?
Other Stuff
The reserves won again last night, so they should though, the side contained half of the first team squad!
Goals from Park, Aneke and Gnabry secured the victory. Santos made his retun from injury and survived just under 70 mins, so all good there.
Chelsea pulled off a fantastic result last night in the CL – after 120 minutes they secured a 4-1 victory over Napolli. That result takes them into the quarter final draw tomorrow.
Let’s hope they get an ‘easy’ draw to keep their run in the competition going. 😉
That’s about it, have a good day all….
Any signing contains an element of risk.
Podolski proved in his first season with Bayern he could be effective,but obviously things went awry afterwards….who knows why.
He’s a goalscorer,and is scoring goals against very strong clubs in a very strong league.
At the price,the risk is very minimal,imo.
I’ve been hoping for this signing since last summer (your time) ,and it seems to be happening,so I’m rapt.
Most importantly,the guy genuinely wants to be a Gunner,and that is the type if player we want.
Morning all..
Agree Scott, especially when they come from a different league, would be interesting to see who he’s been scoring his goals against, if he has been battering them in against bayern, he’s ok i guess 😉
Rico,he whacked three in against England.
Does that carry any weight though lol????
Now,if it was against Australia…..
moaning
ffs
My hope is that players mature at different times and he may have gone to Bayern too young and never established himself. He is now approaching peak age, having scored regulalry in a weak team and has shown for Germany that he can play in big games. All signings are risky by definition, buyt for £10m this looks a great one.
Hoorah, you are on lee….
What this england defence Scott, nah 😉
Dunno what went on there, couldn’t post comments!
devil is suffering the same, i have emailed him the link to set up a wordpress account, could be the best way around it, it’s all free etc and once the account has been opened you can change your user name to whatever you want….
And, upload pictures 🙂
Welcome TW,
Could also be down to an injury he suffered, a bad one from his team-mate, van Bommel – no great surprise there eh…
Van Bommel is a two bit thug.
I second that Scott…
Wish we’d have signed him a few years ago though 😉
43 goals in 95 internationals not good?!
Michael Owen 40 from 89, I suppose he was no good too?
The fact he has over 96 caps at the age of 26 for germany proves he is gud enough for us, moreover players like Henry, overmars and co were all shit for their respective clubs before they came to arsenal.
Remember he was a lot younger then he’s only 26 now
Only 1 in his last 12 though Ashybabes 😉
Jales, just asking fans views, was interested to see what we all think…
His experience with Bayern was not all negative, and to the extent it was there were a number of factors, none of which are relevant today. Not sure where your info comes regarding his record with the German national team, but it’s much better than the impression your article creates. Indeed, it’s more along the lines of his performance this year at Cologne. If he can do the same for Arsenal, I don’t think anybody will complain. IMHO, Podolski is more of a winger than a striker, and this particular purchase (if it comes through) suggests that AOC will be moved to mid-field earlier than planned. Also, because Podolski isn’t a true forward it would not be surprising to see Arsenal purchase someone like Saurez from Anderlecht or Giraud from Montpelier. A purchase like that, together with another gem in the midfield like Goetze, then performances like the one against Milan will be more frequent.
If you was in aw’s place would you sign him rico?
I don’t think Rico is knocking Podolski,just playing devils advocate and opening the topic up for discussion.
Hi jr, his last year, 12 appearances, just 1 goal..
We should go get Mario Gomez too…. 😉
when querying podolski form at munich, you have to question what postion was he played, what was their tactics, what type of players was playing with
dont forget he was young when he moved to munich
at koln he is played as a striker as the main man and his record for germany 30+ goals in 80+ games at LEFT WING is an amazing record – and to get him for £11m is an absolute bargain – he wont allow himself to be bullied by the premierships defence, hes a tough german, direct and not scard to shoot or put a tackle in!!!
get him in our club asap!!!! then break the bank for a creative/direct attacking centre midfielder – hazard, gotze or eriksen to help unlock team that park the bus!!!!
nice 1 chelski last night – more games to occupy their ageing squad!!!!!
Spot on Scott, there is little news, we don’t play until wednesday and we all like a debate, i can’t knock Podolski, he’s not even signed for us yet let alone played…
Players like Chamuck get a knocking 😉
Rick – yes I would, would you?
I’d also sign Gotze, Vertonghen, Juss and M’Vila…..
That’s why the post Gaffer, we all have a view and i wanted to hear everyone elses, so often we hope for this kind of player, that kind of player, well now it seems we are very close to signing a German international striker/winger, are we pleased?
My guess is yes…..
Don’t want hazard though…..
Attitude wise,I’d grab Vitae,but I still would not knock back Hazard.
Picture the bloke having journos constantly asking what he thinks of Spuds,Utd,Real showing interest in him…..if he’d said he wasn’t interested in them,people would accuse him of arrogance,of thinking he’s too good for them.
All I’ve read is him say such and such is a wonderful club,and he’s honoured they’re interested.
I really can’t see anything he’s said as causing a problem.
Should we have a go at Gotze for not declaring his undying loyalty to Arsenal???
Media beat ups guys.
Vitae should read Gotze……stupid bloody phone.
Fair point there Scott –
could all just be media stiring things up, he’s been linked to all the top 5/6 clubs hasn’t he….
he’d be expensive though, i see Hoilett being more of a Wenger winger, that’s of course if we are looking at one…
Not sure we really need another winger though…
Rico,I do agree Gotze would be the first choice,but Hazard has an X factor about him……he will be a top five player in the world two or three years down the track,imo.
Though if Ox is to be our central midfielder,do we need Gotze???
The answer is anyone’s guess.
I have faith in Wenger, I believe if there is definatly something he sees in Poldoski and if he wanted him he can deliever. One should not forget that Wenger usually sees what other can not see in a player. he can bring the guy in and turn him to world class player. All that Wenger needs in player is at least half the potential and he will refine the player like iron smith turns things around.
Got to chuckle at all the ‘Podolski passes medical’ stories this morning…..
oi rico leave podolski alone punk 😛 lol…
haha Na i think he will play well for us and he would know that his game will need to be up to play in the PL.. Im just glad that wenger is actually spending and planning ahead… Vertonghen and m’bia along with holiett and we are good to go 🙂
That’s another good question, and no doubt just why we shouldn’t expect too many signings this summer…
3 maybe 4 should do it, anything more will be a true bonus….
Rico,
The beat thing on the Podolski situation is all the gossip is coming out of Germany,so Arsenal can’t be accused of spreading rumours to placate fans.
Hi MJ 😛
M’bia or M’Vila – or either 😉 Or even Nzonzi??
Add Jussi and i reckon you are not far wrong…
Rico,three or four will do it.
With the kids we have coming through,we just need topping up each season.
Had to laugh when,during the Verifies game,Martin Tyler suggester that Rosicky,in his current form,is like a new signing.
Imagine if Wenger said that !!!!!
i think you have to take his international record in to account. a number of german managers have collectively awarded him 95 caps and he has repaid them with 43 goals and is still only 26. remember bobby charlton and gary lineker have only 48 goals each for england. his signing can only be a positive thing for us next season.
Good morning all
Yippppeeeeeeee. Done it. Had to change my email address and it worked Rico. But my comment is still awaiting moderation. That is understandable.
So for my usual greetings…….
GOOD MORNING GUYS AND CHICKS OF THE PROUD GUNNERS’ FAITH.
During the GEORDIES game.
I really hate the keypad on my HTC…..its the only downside to it,but a pain in the arse.
is this still on???
It is on again.
There was some connection error at word press Rico.
I think so too Scott, like i say, anything more is a bonus 🙂
So…..Good morning guys and chicks of the proud gunners’ faith.
Hope you all are ok today.
Hi devil, i don’t know what happened, you, Lee and AK were having probs, i was fine though 😉
Hmmmmm. My hypothesis is that Scott 😉 managed to hack the word press website and created problems within our accounts. Funny what miracles a copper pole in a mud hut can do. 😆
Welcome Lekan & Noel
Lekan, i once had great faith in our manager but the last few seasons has cast a big doubt, you are right about he can turn a half decent player into great ones, his early signings proved that but what about now?
AA
Chamakh
Nik
Denilson
Squilli
JD
Almunia
the list is long, why is our manager still paying these players a wage? How has he managed to ruin AA?
I still honestly believe that this summer is his last chance to get things back, he needs to get RvP to sign a new contract, get rid of the dead wood and sign the right players to make us much stronger…
Morning all, Nice one Rico, Podolski maybe a new player for next season but who do we leave out. every time we bring a new face in the existing players chances of playing takes a step back, players like Afobe Park Walcott Gervinho and the Ox will start recieving less game time, this would also happen in midfield say we brought a midfielder, would Podolski accept bench time the same as Chamakh and Park as lets face it they have been very quiet, The way i see it the more new players we bring in will cause unrest in the ranks. with a team fighting for a top four finish, us and the media talking about new signings could be detrimental to our form i dont think this is a good time to be discussing new signings
Devils,its how you use your pole lol.
I’m off to bed guys,just as the debate is getting started!!!!
Night all.
Morning Steve,
We can only assume that finally a good few will leave, signing better players will only make us stronger, give us depth on our bench and will allow rotation more often without upsetting the balance.
We don’t need many, just 3/4 including a keeper…
Night Scott, have a good sleep, catch you later no doubt…
Steve, the players don’t read hh, so it’s ok 😉
Wel is down 2 aw.
So Rico. Had a good read to your post and it does raise a few questions. TBH like Scott said, every signing, be it a kid or a senior pro is a bit risky. You do not know how that signing is going to turn out. You do not know his baggage. you do not know whether he will fit in or not. you do not know whether the system you play will be to his strengths.
Maybe that is why AW prefers kids. it is easier to mould kids. maybe its not that AW is afraid of big egos. he had many of them. but with senior pros the problem is that they might find it difficult to change. Arshavin, for example, is a great skillfull player. but he could not fit in the 4-3-3 of AW. mind you great players can fit in anywhere so that is not an excuse, but not all mindsets of each player are the same. Some fit in some dont.
I feel that with 4-3-3 the players who come in should be not overall footballers with a total football mindset, but position specialists. That is a proper winger not a forward/inside forward turned into a winger. It has to be three box to box midfielders not say for example a right sided midfielder turned into a central midfielder. it is easier to mould kids to play anywhere, the OX is an example. likewise Yennaris, Coquelin etc. But with seniors it is very difficult.
Another aspect is that the proper 4-3-3 which is played by the dutch is a totally different animal than the one played by in the EPL. The way that the full backs and the midfielders and the wingers operate in the proper 4-3-3 is totally different to the way that EPL teams operate it. Mourinho gave the 4-3-3 a totally negative aspect in the way it should be played. Arsenal are trying to rectify that.
What I do not agree about is that the majority of EPL teams play 4-5-1 and adapt their tactics, while AW does not. We see the same week in week out, game in game out. At least twitchy goes 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 and adapts to the opposition. Sir AF does the same but AW never does. That is not right and in my opinion is a bit arrogant. For AW to keep AA happy he could have played 4-3-3 with AA on the left in a game, but then against another team play 4-4-1-1 with AA in the hole behind the striker. Then change it to 4-4-2 with AA on the bench and if the need arises switch to 4-4-1-1 during the game to protect the lead and put AA again in the hole. That is tactical awareness which I feel that AW is poor in.
Hopefully Podolski, who can play anywhere along the front line and is equally adept at playing 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1, can fit in easily. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we may well have to wait till next season to see the results.
Off to run Fido, back in an hour or so….
Have a good day all….
Good night mate. pulling your leg about the pole. see you later Scott.
Cracking comment devil, and yes, maybe that is why he likes to sign younger players, but that is him being selfish and maybe an admission that he’s not a great first team coach?
Also, totally agree re our tactics, regardless of who we face we play the same, or certainly look to play the same way, when its not working we don’t change our approach do we?
When sides are stopping our passing game, why not try a long hoof up the pitch to get the goal, that would then open the game up as the oppo looks for an equaliser and we then get back to our game plan…
now i must go 😉
Hmm. That opinion is different than mine Sir SP. We need to stop saying that signing a player might kill another one. That is life in the EPL. Only the strongest survive. We are speaking about top class football not a football nursery.
think I’ve cracked it Devil…..not sure about AK, he had the same issues last night!
This bit of an article I found confirms what I have said earlier…..
“”Reborn Rosicky is back to his brilliant best as the Gunners eye third place. The Little Mozart’ has been making the sweetest music at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield during their sizzling hot streak of late.
Tomas Rosicky’s transformation from injury prone nearly man to the Premier League’s most exciting, motivated midfielder is quite possibly the most extraordinary – and unlikely – story of Arsenal’s increasingly bizarre season.
Orchestrating attack after attack from his central midfield birth – a welcome move after he floundered out wide far too often – Rosicky has married his unquestioned technique with a defensive instinct which is, at times, bordering on the fanatical.
Over the past five games, his box-to-box play has been a joy to behold.””
Rosicky always had to make way for Cesc. Should it have been the other way round?? maybe yes maybe no. but there should have been games when Cesc should have been rested and Thomas allowed in.
“”I am very happy,” said the 31-year-old after the game. “I wanted to continue here and I am enjoying it very much so I am glad that I am staying.
“I am trying my best and enjoying the run of games that I am playing. Sometimes in the past it has been difficult when you play once in two weeks, sometimes it is not easy.
“You can see now that I have the rhythm of the games and that is what I needed. As you can see I think I am contributing well and I want to continue like that.
“My fitness is obviously a big thing too; the first step is obviously to play football. I have got that right now, I had the chance and I took it. Obviously I would like to stay in the team and playing like I am right now.”
But quite why it has taken Rosicky nearly six years to show his true potential remains a mystery. Granted, injuries have seriously curtailed his progress since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2006, but that appears to tell only half the story.
Lacklustre and shorn of confidence, the sight of Rosicky walking away from Wayne Rooney’s free kick, without so much as a backward glance, during that 8-2 humiliation last August epitomised to many fans all that was wrong with the club.
Rosicky, apparently, was just another overpaid foreign mercenary being overindulged by a trusting Wenger.
But just four days previously we had seen a glimpse of the player his manager always
believed was waiting to surface.
His barnstorming second-half performance – after replacing the hot-headed Emmanuel Frimpong – was the springboard for a 2-1 win at Udinese in the Champions League qualifiers.
It showed fans what he was capable of when handed responsibility. But his remarkable form – and influence – since last month has taken everybody by surprise.
Rosicky – who has captained his country for the past six years – has been a tour de force since Emmanuel Adebayor’s penalty put Spurs 2-0 up at Emirates Stadium on February 22.
With complete mastery of the midfield, he took control to haul the Gunners back into the game. Spurs had no answer. Rosicky’s goal – his first in two years – capped a remarkable comeback to put the Gunners 3-2 up, and his form hasn’t dipped since.
Arsenal.com users voted him the man of the match, as he was again in a 3-0 demolition of Serie A leaders AC Milan nine days ago.””
So maybe AW should have played him more in his favourite position. Then, although his injuries hampered him we could have seen more of what he truly is capable of.
“””Terry Neill, the former Arsenal manager, has described him as “the thinking man’s footballer” while Paul Merson has consistently backed the player on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.
“He is a proper footballer – no exaggeration, I could watch him play the game all day long,” Merson said long before Rosicky’s rebirth as Arsenal’s all-action midfield dynamo.
Wenger concurs: “I believe he is an exceptional player, a natural footballer who is technically top-class.
“He plays the style of football we champion here and shares completely our philosophy. He is always ready to work for the sake of the club, always willing to put the team first. I have huge respect for him.”
One ambitious pass which just failed to reach its target on Tuesday night was met with a gasp and a round of sympathetic applause. Three months ago it would have been greeted with boos and derision.
As his energy levels dropped after another whole-hearted display against Newcastle, there was a standing ovation when he was finally withdrawn by Wenger. How times change.
Rosicky, as he said himself, is the musician who has finally found his rhythm.””
The best thing to do is go to wordpress.com.
Then log in.
Re write again the proper email address.
But do not log out.
Instead of logging out type the HH address.
and remain logged in.
Then you can post comments freely.
Hope this guides you will Sir AK
Goody for you Lee.
Cheers Devil!
good morning
Europa League tonight!
Cach you later
Hello?
Yes! It worked! Don’t worry about my emails Rico…. SOlved the whole “Inability to post comments” malarky!
How are we all today? Good post. I thought the same as you re Podolski. I think he’ll be fine though. As long as played in the right position. I think Gervinho could find a new position on the bench if (a) we sign any more midfielders or (b) it’s a long stretch, but Theo continues in this rich vein of form next season. If so, I’d take Ox and Theo on the wings over Slaphead any day. His miss from 5 yards the other day was the final straw for me.
IMO podolski is ready to become a world class player. He may not have score many for Germany recently, but don’t forget his overall record is still 43 goals in 95, and he’s always played as either a left winger or second forward, behind Klose or someone, from what I’ve seen. That’s a great record by anyone’s standards.
I do think that keeping RVP is key to him settling quickly at arsenal (if he does indeed sign) because I think they can form a brilliant partnership as they are both highly intelligent, technical players who can both make and finish chances. Podolski is also good on the wing, and won’t mess up so much when he get’s to the byline as some of our wingers do currently.
It’s understandable that some will question the signing, but I’m far less worried about this one than I was about Arshavin. Podolski just seems to have the mentality that was lacking in Andrei.
Afternoon everyone….
howdy Rocky…i had serious barney with that earlier!!
Afternoon Rico
Seriously Lee, It’s giving me the right prick! I have to sign into WordPress now, instead of just using my email and username below the comments box as I usually do. Is this now the norm? Is that what happened with you Lee?
How are you anyway?
Hi Rocky, glad you found your way 😉
Guys, when you sign into wordpress there is a little ‘remember me’ box, tick that and you’ll be logged on for weeks, then as soon as you click on any blog that runs on wordpress, you won’t need to do anything other than write your comment…
Just tick the box 😛
Eventually Rico! Computer nearly got chucked out of the 6th floor window at one point!
ok mate….yeah normally my email & name at the bottom, then able to comment all i want! Now all this login shite but i think you can just stay logged in??
i cant really see these computers/internet catching on….nothing like a smokey bonfire and a blanket!!
I was think about you the other day…had many mind the gap emails/texts/shouts from the herts yid fraternity?? HAHAHAHAHA!
bit off topic but i just got text this…
My missus said to me last night ” can you be more like Man City during sex ” I said ” what do you mean ?” she said ” stay on top for ages and then come second “
Yeah, I made sure the “tick-box” Rico alluded to was well and truly ticked…. We’ll see what happens from here!
Not heard much from those bums mate, surprisingly! I have heard a few mutterings on the train along the lines of “I knew we’d not finish 3rd anyway” and “Bale/Harry/both are shit / believing their own hype” delete as necessary depending on which group of douchebags are talking! I must admit, I do have a smug grin on my face when I hear them!
rocky, as long as it’s not yours 😉
No Rico, it’s not! May lob both screens and the phone out with it if I get anymore gip!
😆 😆 Lee, that’s a corker
It keeps me logged in for a few weeks Rocky 🙂
Sour old Yid fans then, i thought Bale was world class…. According to them and Dirty Arry was the best manager in the world
😮
Well aparently, he is rubbish in the free role, and Harry needs to sort himself out. Bale needs to stop believing the hype, and they will finish 5th. And they were slagging us off for moaning about our team when we were getting spanked every week! Scummers!
Bale needs to stop diving but Theo is going to be better than Bale in any case, he’s just a late developer 😉
This will shock you, I bet RvP is waiting to see if Theo signs before he does 😉
Lee. That is ONE MIGHTY CORKER. :LOL:
RVP signs
TW signs
Vertonghen signs
Poldoski signed, had medical blah blah 😉
who else?
If that’s the case Rico, then I will be shocked! To be honest, I think Vermaelen signing a few months ago will have already persuaded RvP to stay. I posted a comment on Sky’s Peter Hill Wood article yesterday in reply to some nobend saying we owe RvP and should let him go (I posted at 9.20ish, finally on their site by about 5pm… Nice work guys! Take your time, eh?!) saying that it’s him that owes us after showing him loyalty after season upon season of a handful of appearences and the the rest of the time in the injury room. I think he knows and respects that as well, as I genuinely believe he’s a humble, down to earth bloke who loves the club and it’s fans. Therefore, he’ll stay. Trust me!
You guys seen this…
Barcelona confirm that their French international defender Eric Abidal is to undergo a liver transplant.
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi names Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Sergio Aguero as the Premier League’s best players.
Rico, what did you think of that right sided midfielder chelsea brought on last night, he can also play as an emergency striker if needed, might be worth a punt.
I think Podolski is a safe bet.
Hoilett because he’s free and The Yak lee 🙂
Afternoon DG. How’s things? Good gag Lee. I nearly got a nose-bleed at Liverpool Street this morning… train came in on platform 15 for some reason! Don’t like the alien end at all! Too far to walk for my bus! Plus the WH Smith down that end is garbage!! As for Vertonghen…. I had a look on here late last night to see what was gong on (and found out that AK’s computer faces the other way from his TV… Thanks for that AK!! Good to know!!) and saw a few people slagging off Hazard for touting himself to a few PL clubs. Unless I’m very much mistaken, Vertoonghen has done exactly the same thing. He was popping a woody over Spurs a week or so ago, now they are only 1 point ahead of us, he wants to come to us. I’m with Scott from Oz on Hazard though… I’d have him at Arsenal, no problem.
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/VanPersie.jpg
Rico! You and Hoilett! I really think he’s over-rated.
I too think he’ll stay Rocky, he doesn’t sound like a man itching to leave, all AW needs to do is just tweak the side we already have and get rid of the deadwood to make way for them
I still think we need a gotze type player as well……
RVP stays!!!!!
check the picture out??
In a flash Micko, if he wants to emulate Henry, his hero then he’s got sense 😉
Rocky, only becuase he’s free, he is a typical AW signing….. I wouldn’t sign him if we had to pay for him 🙂
I’d sign The Yak though…..
Great photo Lee, what a guy, he and Jenks have similar taste in decor 😉
How long did it take him to grow into those long legs i wonder….. 😛
That wallpaper has killed me! The bit behind his back!! I’m still laughing now! Poor sod!
A Woman’s Dog is Drowning in the Sea, A passing German Dwarf dives in , pulls out the Dog resuscitates it & saves its life ” Are you a Little Vet ?” Asked the Woman , “A Little Vet ?” said the German Dwarf , ” I’m fcuking soaked”!!
Busy day in the office Lee?!
the wallpaper wouldn’t be out of place in the taste of bengal….
Needs a pic of an elephant on it really….
Lee, how many pairs of trainers does a kid need !
rico, i’d be worried the Yak might transform into Giant Haystacks at some point during the season, he’s definatley a salad dodger.
logtastic today…..really really quiet!! How did you guess??
😛 😛 Lee, now that one is right up my street….
Micko – The Yak and Micah Richards both look too big to be footballers. Neither would look out of place in the ring!
It’s the length of his legs i can’t get over, if you’ll pardon the expression …..
Micko, but he can score goals, and from anywhere 😉
I know Micko….he’s brother’s a centipede maybe??
the yak can room with santos!!
Wish I was less busy Lee! That’s why I’ve not been on for ages!
Yak and Santos in the same room…. Their room service bill would be horrendous
Hello
What a load of bollocks. [From AK]
WordPress. What a bunch of amateurs.
Why have they suddenly told us we have to log in, when we’ve been blogging away for a couple of years and no problem…
Good move by some boring techie with too much time on his hands nodoubt.
😆 so you lot don’t want The yak then….
There is room now though, AA has gone 😉
Rico, don’t leave me in moderation.
It’s me allezkev….
What on earth is the problem boss?
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Arsène Wenger says Abou Diaby likely to play for #AFC Reserves v #LFC next week. Club looking to ease him back this time.
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André Santos impressive for the Reserves v #WBA last night. He’s fully fit and ready to go. Francis Coquelin still two weeks away
Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlogReply
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Per Mertesacker says he’s ‘hopeful’ of playing for #AFC again this season, but Wenger ruled it out today. Surgery a success.
Hi guys, rocky my man how are you doing? Regarding podolski i think he’s class. He’s not known as the German Wayne rooney for nothing. He ll fit right in. I can’t wait to see him star alongside robin. That ll be a fearsome strike force.
Lukas Podolski’s agent has dismissed a report that the Koln forward has already undergone a medical ahead of a rumoured move to Arsenal.
It had been claimed on Wednesday that the 26-year-old attacker had been examined by the Premier League club’s officials in Germany.
However, Goal.com learned that while talks over Podolski’s proposed €12.9 million switch to the Emirates are at an advanced stage, no medical has yet taken place.
This has now been confirmed by the player’s representative, Kon Schramm, who told Sky: “He was at no medical, neither in London nor elsewhere.”
Podolski’s current contract with Koln expires at the end of next season and it has been claimed that his hometown club are willing to offer the Germany international a lucrative new deal.
However, speculation has intensified in recent weeks that the Poland-born striker now intends to move on in the summer.
Podolski is currently in his second spell at Koln, having rejoined the club from Bayern Munich in 2009.
With £55 million swelling the transfer kitty, a transformation in playing fortunes and Lukas Podolski lined up for the summer, the advent of spring has coincided with Arsenal’s garden taking on a rosy hue.
Hi Goonster…
i just look forward to seeing Rvp playing in a 442 with another striker who can find the net 😛
The green shoots of recovery have been evident in the club’s climb to within a point of third-placed Tottenham in the Premier League but further growth is planned over the coming weeks as Arsenal lay the foundations for a significant recruitment drive.
Arsene Wenger and the Gunners’ board of directors have privately vowed not to repeat the mistakes of last summer, when the club’s transfer plans were so badly mismanaged that five players, many of them low down on the original list of targets, were hastily recruited in the final 48 hours of the window.
Key to the forward planning is to line up targets in advance, ascertain their availability and willingness to move to north London, the financial demands of the player and his club, and to clinch a deal – informal or otherwise – as early as possible.
ARSENAL’S DREAM 2012-13 XI?
SUBS: DEMBELE, RAMSEY, SONG, DIABY, GIBBS, WALCOTT, SANTOS
The futures of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott could cast as big a shadow over Arsenal’s summer as those of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri did last year, but the club are confident it will not railroad their plans to the same degree.
An agreement is already in place for Germany international Podolski to join from Cologne for £10.8m in the summer and the north Londoners will now turn their attention to other senior targets.
As Goal.com revealed on Wednesday, Fulham playmaker Moussa Dembele has caught the eye of Wenger and his scouts with a string of polished displays since taking up a deeper role for the west Londoners, who rate him in the £15 million bracket.
Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Mario Gotze, the 19-year-old darling of German football, is another high profile target – although his price tag of between £25-30m could be a hurdle too high for Arsenal, who failed in a bid to sign him last summer.
Eden Hazard, the brilliant young Belgian, has been closely monitored by Wenger and his scouts but Arsenal are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war for the Lille playmaker, who came close to joining Tottenham in January following a series of meetings between chairman Daniel Levy and the Ligue 1 club.
Another attacking player who is considered a more realistic signing for Arsenal is Blackburn Rovers’ contract rebel Junior Hoilett, who is regarded as a natural successor to Andrey Arshavin.
The 21-year-old will be available for a small compensation figure in the summer when his agreement with Rovers ends and Arsenal are confident that they are now in the driving seat to secure the signing of the Canadian ahead of Liverpool, Manchester City, Spurs and Bayern.
It is understood that Wenger believes Hoilett could eventually be converted from a wide player – he plays almost exclusively on the flanks for Blackburn – into a centre-forward much in the same way that Thierry Henry was more than a decade ago.
In addition, Arsenal remain keen on signing Rennes’ coveted defensive midfielder Yann M’Vila, who has emerged as one of the mainstays of the new-look France team.
But M’Vila is a man in demand and, while Rennes have gone public on their expectation that the 21-year-old will not be at the club next season, Real Madrid are also closely pursuing the Frenchman and have the resources and status to secure a player whose fee could rise beyond £25m and out of Arsenal’s reach.
Arsenal will also be in the market for an established left-back in the summer, with serious doubts among the staff about the calibre of both Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos.
There is a less pressing need for a centre-back due to the rapid improvement of Laurent Koscielny, although Thomas Vermaelen’s Belgium and former Ajax colleague Jan Vertonghen will be available for a cut-price £10m in the summer and is being closely monitored by the club.
Nevertheless, there are only so many bricks Arsenal can put in place in early March. The club’s ambitions are hugely dependent upon qualification for the Champions League for a 15th consecutive season. Failure to do so would be a “catastrophe” and a “disaster”, according to Wenger.
Arsenal would miss out on around £40m if they do not clinch a top-four place, although there is no precise figure because of the variables involved. Either way this would have a considerable knock-on effect on the club’s transfer plans, especially as revenues remain flat and there is no immediate end to the club’s weak commercial returns.
Then there is the potentially seismic effect the possible departure of Van Persie could have, not only on the strength of Wenger’s squad but also on the club’s capacity to attract marquee players.
Wenger is being genuine with his belief that the flying Dutchman, scorer of an astonishing 26 league goals this season and 33 in total, will not leave even if he does not extend a contract that expires in just over a year’s time and that Podolski has been signed to complement the captain rather than replace him.
As disclosed by Goal.com last month, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has told Van Persie that he will not be sold “at any price” this summer, with the club willing to forego a fee of around £20m even if it means losing him for nothing next year.
With Walcott’s contract situation also unresolved, it demonstrates that events are not entirely under Arsenal’s control.
Yet the club are confident that the chronic failures of last summer will not be repeated as they pursue a more proactive recruitment policy in a bid to allow the team to flower.
Afternoon Stan. How’s it going? I’m good thanks pal. Busy though! I think he’ll be good for us. I’d like him alongside RvP, with Ox and either Goetze or Hazard on the other side – Failing that, Theo, with Jack and Kozzer/Frimpong in midfield. That’d do me. With defenders and Chezzer as well, obviously….!
Someone mentioned Carlos Vela to me the other day… I forgot the guy existed. Surely he won’t be coming back will he?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2115277/Chelsea-players-party-nightclub-beating-Napoli.html
Is that REALLY a cigar in Drogba’s hand 😛 😛
BTW….. Podolski is a great signing imho.
A no-brainer.
Rico, check your in-box….. 🙂 🙂 🙂 😉
rocky, oops, i’d forgotten him too, he wants out, think he said so a while ago so can’t see him returning…
To this day, i never know why he wasn’t given a proper chance, especially when you think of the players who have been….
See ya lata, the mysterious Mister X, signing off.
Oh JM, what about Diaby? 😉
Drogba’s such a tool! I liked Vela, but you’re right, never had a chance.
anyone else completely unsurprised by this? http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7598950
Drogba’s such a tool.
I liked Velaat first but was never given a chance, you’re right. Then when he was asked to play, there was little or no chance for him to do anything.
Anyone else completely unsurprised by this?
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7598950/
Posted a couple of things that don’t seem to be working Rico….
hopefully they won’t dupe in a minute
Guys i see you were knocking my man diaby yesterday. Well wait for it. He ll shock you all. First it was Robin, now its rosciky. Wait for it. What did y’all use to call tr7? Rosicnote right? You all with eat your words. Am looking at you Rico.
Hey what’s happening to me comments? Wath!!:@
The only way Diaby will shock me is if he plays a game and isn’t injured after
Grrrr, stop eating me comments already.
What’s going on Rico? Why am i on moderation?
I’ve had a few things not post mate. I’m copying everything I write now so I can paste and retry if it fails!
Everything going wrong again 🙁
Mr X has joined us, we all know him as allezkev… Sorry AK, was out sorting my chickens …..
Mister X wouldn’t make a very good secret agent me thinks.
Chick chick chick chick chicken, lay a little egg for me.
Goonster, you know i want diaby to prove me wrong, but i just don’t see it….
Wish the lazy feckers would lay one for me Micko 😉
Shaken not stirred Mick
Mick, the name is Kev…… Allez Kev….
And where is my Pussy Galore?
dinner calls, back shortly
Wonder how Martinez will play tonight?
Is he a £20million man then JM..?
Rocky, re your 5.23, you should have put a full stop after game and left it at that.
Mister X????? 😆 😆
Goonie on moderation again!!!!!!!
What is the world coming to.
Come on Guys and Chicks. Put the grey matter between your ears and get to work.
Mister X, alias Sir AK, alias cabbie, alias whatever you may be…you can work your way around a couple of concrete posts, surely you are strong enough to work your way around a technician who has nothing to do. Go to one of my earlier comments and follow the instructions habib.
Hope you and your lady are ok mate.
Hometime, laters.
Mister X, be careful out there !
Coach, i’ll have a go later on habib….
Not in the mood at the mo….
Going out soon for a ruby.
Stan in moderation again…..
I’m off to watch a bit of the Mancs game Coach.
i’ll see ya a bit lata amigo.
haha! Good point Micko! I can’t see him ever being more than a bit-part player now
Oi Oi Mr X, should you be talking about that Galore thingy 😉
AK, get your name back 😉
Have a good evening, watching Manure go out of the Thursday night showing…..
So Rico…. Did you name your chicks in the end?
yes she did RR07.
Chicka chap, chicka cheep, chicka chiiiiip, chicka chop, chicka chups.
kind of rocky, had four names, but none match them – i think we’ll name them as times goes by – funny really, they are only chickens 😉 😉
devil 😛
Should just call the ‘The Middle of the Road Gang’
🙂
Now that is showing my age….
The Middle of the Road Gang???? what is that about???
They sang ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep, in 1971 devil 🙂
Righty guys and gals, i’m done for the day…
Enjoy the rest of the day/evening/night 😉
Stay safe, nighty night all….
hello, has anyone watch Bilbau?
2-1 at the moment… but it can be 3,4,5…
Javier Martinez it’s there!
Morning all.
Why is it you are all having so many problems logging in and posting?
Some great posts overnight….well done to all.
This is for you Rico…..
Hiya Scott. Have a good morning.
I am off to sleep mate. Here its already 21.00hrs.
cu tomorrow.
Sleep well Devil.
Citeh down one nil…brilliant.
Evening All!
Is it just me who is sick of British media? Especially Metro and co..
For the second day running I had to read the comments from Gutierez that RVP is a bad person, and he shouldn’t have commented on Krul after the goal. To be honest he bloody deserved it. Seriously who on earth starts wasting time in the 15 minute of the game? There is only one person to blame and that is the referee for not doing anything about it. I think Krul should have got a yellow in the first half and than he would have thought twice, or would have been subbed…..
sporting wins 2-0 at Citeh!
Bilbsu, the 6th in La Liga, crash MU
Sporting, the 4th in Portuguese League crash Mcity
Hello
I’ve got myself back again….
What a load of nonsense….
Cheers WordPress. 🙄
Goodnight Gooners
goodnight!
New Post up
devil, what are you doing up at that time of the night 😉