PSG accept Arsenal bid. Defender Undergoes Medical. Terrible Performance but a Great Result.

Morning all.

Gossip:

The Daily Star report that PSG have accepted our £5.5 million offer for Adrien Rabiot and talks will take place between the player and Arsenal this week. Roma and Juventus still hope to sign him.

Goal.com report that Olympiakos centre-back Kostas Manolas is undergoing a medical at Arsenal ahead of a move to the Gunners.

Looking good...
Emirates looking good…

Here’s Scott’s view on yesterday’s PL opener….

Ok, to give you all something to chat about….here goes nothing.

We were disjointed, lacklustre and just plain average, imo.

The trouble was always going to be Palace defending like their lives depended on it and plenty of credit must go to them, as I dare say there will be plenty of sides unable to break them down this season, let alone twice in a game.

For positives, we need go no further than our back 4 who, in general, were fantastic.

Forget the conceded goal, as Sanchez should never have been marking a 6′ 6″ Hangeland in the first place, and letting him run compounded the problem. I don’t blame Alexis, I blame our entire unit for that one.

Calum Chambers is a kid with one hell of a future. I cannot believe he’s 19, as his presence, awareness and composure is that of a very, very talented and experienced player.

Kozzer….well, he is Kozzer, and we all know what to expect from him. I believe he’s in the top 3-4 CB’s in world football.
Debuchy showed plenty, and one aspect he’s a definite upgrade on Sagna is his delivery of a cross….he did well.

Gibbs was fine until coming off, and Nacho did well.

Midfield…..we lacked spark and creativity, but that could come down, at least in part, to Palace defending so staunchly.

Sanogo offered very, very little, and I wonder if Arsene started him to test the waters, and see whether or not we need to bring in a striker. I believe the kid has plenty, but a loan spell is required right now, as is a new striker.

The work rate of Alexis is what I love to see in any footballer, and though very rusty, he showed glimpses of why we should all be so excited about the future.

Ramsey…..well, I will say it. He was ordinary, but once again found a way to influence the result, and the sign of any good side or player is to perform poorly yet gain the result.

The boys warming up...
The boys warming up…

I was extremely disappointed with Santi and Jack, but we know the quality they possess, so let’s give them time.

All in all, I believe Arsene did just enough to get the result, but left plenty in the tank for our trip to Turkey, so in that regard, we must say the result was a success.

For those stressing already, have a look at the side we put out.

It was stacked with quality, but there was plenty of new players in it and cohesion is exactly what was missing, so we have plenty to look forward to…..

Especially when 3 World Cup winners and a certain favourite of Rico’s comes back 🙂

Onwards, upwards and couple of more signings….

Written by Scott.

 

376 thoughts on “PSG accept Arsenal bid. Defender Undergoes Medical. Terrible Performance but a Great Result.

  1. tsgh says:

    sweet and short…

    To me the look on AW’s face after 15 minutes tells me Aw expected the game to be more easier than it was…

    Does that mean AW did not recall proceedings of our 2 previous encounters…

  2. BrainwashedKev says:

    Hi Fred, I don’t think Chambers will be over-used mate, I just think that Wenger will use him to fill up a myriad of gaps in the squad, as if seems that he can play several different positions and play well in all off them…

    Adam and I were chatting about him earlier and we both rate him very highly.

    I think that Chambers could well turn out to be the best business that Wenger has done this summer…

    Morning All
    Morning Rico.

  3. rico says:

    Morning Kev.

    I don’t think Chambers will be overused either, especially if Rabiot and Manolas get signed up…

  4. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Morning All,

    Great post, Scott. I love analysis based on realities on ground and not full of sentiments of liking one particular player or not.

    Wenger was already screaming World Cup would disrupt top teams because of very short preseason…and here we played a team that had no player in Brazil! Man U couldn’t survive it despite having an excellent preseason.

    Wenger was fully aware of what awaited the Gunners at the emirates…he lined out four creative midfielders all over the pitch in Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Carzola. Still, Palace sat back and soaked up everything. Their goal once again demonstrated the need for height. Besides Szczesny, only Sanogo stood above six feet when we conceded to a 6’6” giant. I wonder if Per was around and tracked Hangerland if that goal would have been conceded.

    Sanogo has taken a lot of flak. Yes, I like him and won’t just stick by him when he plays badly…but yesterday, the boy didn’t do as much wrong as calls I read suggest. He was completely isolated because our midfielders created nothing while Palace defended excellently.

    I think it was Brad that mentioned Sanogo needed to play big teams where he’d find space for his pace and strength and i completely agree. I was expecting Wenger to sub him earlier with Giroud who’s better suited for tighter games. Forget about sending Sanogo on loan…it won’t happen. And I repeat, we’ll all swallow our criticisms of Sanogo before we get to December…all he requires is to stay fit. He’s a young lad and the only way for him to go is up. I’ve seen big strikers come into the EPL and flop. Chevchenko, etc. There’s no guarantee that a Cavani would come in and hit the ground running.

    I may not be watching him live on the pitches but what I’ve seen of Sanogo the much my television could offer has convinced me this is a great striker in the making.

    The strength of this new Arsenal’s attack is the flank players and not really the CF. get Theo back…then rotate well with Sanchez, Ox, Campbell, Podolski and we’ll beat most teams.

    In all, tough game but great three points. At this point, we have to be happy with that…take the points, great performances must surely come as season progresses … by the way, we had 72% ball possession, didn’t we?

  5. BrainwashedKev says:

    Scott, I didn’t see the game mate, so I am at a disadvantage, but I can imagine the frustration of everyone who did see it and I have plenty if past experience of watching the ‘parked bus’ scenario….

    I cannot criticise or credit anyone, but I know already that Chambers and Debuchy are gonna be big players for us this season..,

    Sanogo is a work in progress…
    But would the PetroDollar clubs have him leading their attack?
    And that’s who we’re competing with…

    All the same I agree with Rico’s point about AW having one eye on Besiktas.

  6. Nickie says:

    Morning all,

    Good analysis, although I didn’t think jack was that bad.

    Shared a train journey home opposite a crystal palace fan, he was bald, rough and huge. The eye contact and stare contests were frightening but I held the upper ground because we won lol. Would have been terrified if he’d got off at my stop haha

  7. Adam says:

    Rico. No problem. That is the view from near my seat though the wide angle gives a slightly distorted view of the distance. All the sight lines are pretty good and so much better than that ghastly edifice to greed, Wembley.

  8. Gonerjoe says:

    Morning all boy that was a tough game to watch I can’t remember Santi putting so many passes astray in all of last season as he did yesterday.

  9. BrainwashedKev says:

    Manolas would be a good signing as it would allow Wrnger the option to rest Koscielny and give BFG a break…

    Rabiot sounds interesting, his age isn’t a big deal to me as he played most of last season in the PSG 1st team.
    Gotta get him before the Portugese Prick nicks him…

  10. Sukky says:

    I didn’t see †̥ђƺ match I left Nigeria for Benin republic for a football competition few days ago so I couldn’t contribute much.Great result not so good performance.UCL qualification so important.Wish you guys a nice day.

  11. Gonerjoe says:

    Just a thought why was the no one on the posts for the Crystal Palace goal. Can’t help but think someone on the post they would not have scored.

  12. Lee says:

    On the plus side it wasn’t that long ago when we’d of lost that type of game! Our passing was atrocious and will surely only get better. We need to add to the squad urgently!

  13. El Tel 1 says:

    Here is my take on yesterdays game.

    Chesney. Still has not itroned out his slip ups. He was the start and end of the Palace goal. Running out of the area to kick the ball straight to Chamack who nearly scored. Kosser saving the day. It had calamity all over it. I am hoping Ospina is a good Keeper as I worry about our Pole in Goal.

    Debuchy. Got up and down the line all game, wins tackles and passes/crosses better than Sagna ever did. An upgrade in my opinion.

    Gibbs. Injured again. This Boy would be automatic Choice for England if not for the injuries. Gibbs is a decent player, he needs support on the left.

    Chambers. Plays like a veteran, big Tony and BFG type player. He reads the game well and is quick. In time this Boy will be a big player for us.

    Kosser. What a player this fella is. He is so fast at sweeping up danger and is not scared to block shots either. One of our best players yesterday.

    Arteta. I am fed up with people knocking the skipper, he was our best player yesterday. He was everywhere, he keeps things simple and moves the ball on so effficiently. Only problem is the free kicks he gicpves away due to lack of pace.

    Santi. He had a good game yesterday. Again I read poor reports about him. Hewas twisting and turning away from the brutish giants in the Palace team and as always with Santi he keeps trying and never gives up.

    Jack. Great technique but sooooo slooooow. Jack carries the ball well but usually ends up on the floor or just slowing things down.

    Rambo. He had a ten minute cameo in the game at the level he has set himself but he looked more frustrated than anything else. Santi and Jack are great partners but they both slow things down a bit and neither has the movement of Ozil. TR 7 would have been a better option to play with Rambo yesterday.

    Sanogoal. Sorry but this fella playing for the Arsenal is a mystery to me, he might come good soon but we surely cant be gambling on making a star out of him again. Campbell would have been a better option yetserday. Sanogoal is simply out of his depth. I cant forgive Wenger for playing the lad.

    Sanchez. What a player. He chases everything and never gives defenders a rest. He gave the ball away many times yesterday but never stopped battling away. If we had a great striker to compliment the fella we would have won that game easily yesterday. Cant wait to see him linking up with Ozil and Ramsey in a months time.

    Monreal. He is a decent back up defender, he didnt have much to do yesterday.

    The Ox, looking forward to seeing him up his game this season. He had a wonderful moment yesterday down our right with a beautifyl pass but ither than that was not involved enough.

    Giroud. Changed the game. He is not a great striker but he is hard to play against because he gets into good positions, he is strong and he actually heads the ball. We do need antoher striker but must use Giroud too.

    Over all a good win against a team who came to waste time from the off. I know smaller teams need to play the rough and tumble football to survive but the time wasting was chronic. That fat referee
    Was yet another to stink out out place. He let Palce dictate the tempo with their awful delaying tactics. He also gave them free kicks that he wasnt giving to us. One notable incident was the Ramsey body check in the area that he played on, he then gave Palace a free kick in midfield for exactly the same foul. Why do Refs bottle it at our ground?

  14. mcdenney says:

    Did anyone else notice how much better Ramsey was when The Ox came on! Maybe I am the only one that thinks so but Ramsey and Wilshire never seem to work so well when playing together!

  15. Scott From Oz says:

    GJ, I can’t remember an Arsenal side ever passing straight to an opponent….not just Santi.
    We were lucky enough, or good enough, to get away with it.

  16. potter says:

    Same old mistakes , terrible defending , inept ref that as a boy should have learned not to spray into the wind. A crowd that started full of hope and expectation which by half time had reverted to cynicism. The dawn of realisation that very little has changed and over priced beer and cider. Welcome to another season at the Arsenal.

  17. El Tel 1 says:

    Thats because the Ox is direct. Santi,Willshere and Rambo does not work.

    If TR7 had played you would have seen the same change. With Arteta in mifpdfield too we see things slow down so much that it is easier to defend.

    I like Jack as a player but he isnt dynamic enough and everytime he hots the deck the opposition re group.

  18. mcdenney says:

    But one thing is that it looked like a team with a few new players that when the all click (and they don’t seem far off) will be amazing!!

  19. El Tel 1 says:

    Anyone see the Ref get into the penalty areas during play? He was a joke. Because of his lack of fitness he stayed in midfield all game. I think he let Spiro off of a card because he couldnt be bothered to run 50 yards to do so

  20. potter says:

    about 40 miles , 20 to Norwich and then 20 more on the way to Gt Yarmouth. I am equidistant between Yarmouth and Norwich. Why are you up there sometime for Rugby again ?

  21. potter says:

    How funny the bird shitting in Ashley Young’s mouth yesterday?!?!?

    That’s just so wrong on many accounts Lee.

  22. rogerbij says:

    Thanks for the writeups guys as I missed it with no TV in sight. Saw the first goal highlights and wonder why we dont put a man on each post? The amount of clearances from this position over a season is worth points.

    Im glad everyone is waking up to the fact that Sanogo is not ready to lead the line for a premierleague title winning side. Or a mid table one. He must go on loan, and we must buy. Because last year we gambled with only Giroud and we just about managed, but we need a Giroud mach2 too (ie ++ speed). Whats available? Stuff all. Expensive Cavani and Falcao, Bony or a loan for Remy. I still vote for a Remy loan, and buy Carvahlo for midfield/def. oh and where is Campbell – no faith?

    If Rabiot is a star in the making then sure grab him, because Rosicky cannot play forever. But he will not solve our issues, which are striker/DM/CB. Im not even sure what order of priority that is anymore!

  23. Gonerjoe says:

    Good post Scott I know the whole teams passing was off yesterday maybe not Arteta. It’s just that I have never seen or can’t remember Santi have a game like yesterday.

  24. Josie Boxer says:

    If as captain Arteta is the first name in the team sheet I see big problems ahead…..he was an attacking player and has done well to convert to the DM role but we still need that powerhouse PV4 player….we still need a super sharp striker…..back 4 impressed…..we can only hope Ozil brings the cutting edge back because Jack, Santi and the Ox didn’t have it yesterday….

  25. S2S says:

    Hey all,

    Happy birthday to the king. After being Arsenal and Titi fan over a decade today for the first time I have come to know that I share same birth date as the king himself. If I do half as well in my field as he did, I will be a legend. 😉

  26. Scott From Oz says:

    GJ, none of our guys, apart from the backs, were “on”…Santi was very much below park no doubt.
    Roger, I reckon Arsene saw what he need to and will act accordingly when it comes to Yaya.

  27. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Morning Munchkins and Chipmunks.

    Good match report Scott.

    Our midfield lacked spark yesterday…..obviously due to Palace parking the bus in the penalty area.

    Yesterday was a game screaming for Rosicky. He should have played because he is a master of short passes and triangular movements.

    However they played ok. Diaby in particular did not have a bad game imo.

  28. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ok, Rico. Seen it far back.

    Calum Chambers…there’s no way he should be 19. Lol. He’s like Cahill…though the Chelsea defender is stronger aerially while our boy is more assured on ground and reads games better. Will BFG ever get this boy to the bench on return?

    I have to apologise to Wenger again for saying repeatedly before his coming that signing Chambers didn’t make sense. That was only because I thought CC was coming as Debuchy’s cover. So I wondered why we’d buy a 19-year old and send CJ on loan. But when I saw Bellerin I realised the Spaniard was RB cover while CC just replaced TV. Good thing – CC and Kos play well together … something that never happened with TV and Kos. We have a CB who can partner both Kos and Per. Any other coming CB is 4th choice. Imo, the best signing Wenger made for two seasons now is Chambers. I never knew such ‘unknown’ but assured footballer existed in the EPL.

  29. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil, your post was contrary to the beliefs of HH, therefore it was determined the bets course of action was to delete it, and you.
    Kidding, of course hahahahahaha

  30. Nickie says:

    I can’t see Chambers at DM, he looks like he’s been playing CB for 40 years lol. I knew Chambers was a great addition as he looked head and shoulders above the rest of the England youth team at CB

  31. Scott From Oz says:

    Nickie, he has the composure, size and strength……I reckon he is worth a try, but then I thought Vermaelen was lol

  32. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Chambers looks destined for CDM. He will play there once Per returns, Kos has his achilles heel mended and Manolas signed. His calm composure and ability to read the game and ball distribution make him the ideal candidate.

  33. Nickie says:

    He could be worth a go there Scott but our troubles at CB over the years finally looked to be settling. It would be a shame to move him out of a position where we are arguably looking solid. haven’t felt so comfortable watching Arsenal defend in a long time with the Kos/Mert combo, now it looks as though Chambers gives that depth of quality also. If he signs another CB and doesn’t sign a DM by all means Chambers should be tested there but I’d rather a specialist DM in and Chambers to remain in defence

  34. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Dev, lol.

    Good that he didn’t or Syd would have blamed just him for all the poor midfield play we surprisingly exhibited yesterday. The way Sanogo is taking all the heat for a complete lack of coordination in attack.

  35. Hell Raising Devil says:

    we should get another Chambers in then. One who can play in CB as well as Calum.

    Better still…..imo the team should be……

    Chambers
    Chambers, Chambers, Chambers, Chambers
    Chambers, Chambers, Chambers.
    Chambers, Chambers, Chambers

    Subs

    Chambers, Chambers, Chambers, Chambers, Chambers, Chambers, Chambers

  36. Rick says:

    Good Morning Rico and the House.
    Good report Scott . I thought the entire side were playing in 2nd gear and the passing was way below our normal standed.
    It has been a good start to the season for our u21 and U18.
    u21 beat Reading(a) 1-0 and the U18 beat Brighton(a) 4-0.

    Now what has annoyed me is I was told the U18 result before the start of the Palace game and so far there has been no report anywhere comfirming this. It is being said a report will be out tomorrow 48 hours after the game was played.
    Not very good is it.

  37. Hell Raising Devil says:

    the opposition would all queue for glasses claiming that they are having 11 fold double vision

    lol

  38. rico says:

    Morning Rick, certainly a lot more to come from this team.

    But, considering we have the habit of mucking up the opening day of the season, I’m just glad we got 3 points.

    Now let’s get a convincing result in Turkey, sign a few more quality players get this season going….

  39. Gonerjoe says:

    Nickie
    Hope you enjoyed your day out yesterday have a bit of a hangover who knew a 1 year old’s birthday party could be so much fun.

  40. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil, the kid is bloody impressive, isn’t he?
    But still, no spot for Aaron??
    You are harsh 🙂
    Nickie, plenty depends on our upcoming signings……

  41. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Wilshere, he still doesn’t play safe, does he?

    I think Wilshere’s problem is that AW believes his new Arsenal team must include Ramsy and Wilshere. Otherwise both players shouldn’t be starting games. He should rotate them as they are first and second B2B midfielders in our fold. Playing the two imo is duplicating roles.

    However, Wenger loves left footers and without Ozil, Podolski and Giroud starting, one couldn’t imagine Le Prof starting the game with just Gibbs as his favourite. Let’s see how Wenger decides on how best to use Ramsey and Wilshere when Ozil returns.

  42. Nickie says:

    lol Joe, I felt like I was at a kids party yesterday, managed to get myself a picture with the Gunnersaurus. Also a bit heavy headed myself. I bet your party was more fun than watching some parts of the game yesterday.

    Scott, you’re optimistic signingS lol

  43. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ramsey
    Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,
    Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,
    Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,

    Subs….Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,Ramsey,

    There you go Scott

    Satisfied now???

  44. tsgh says:

    AW should be doing better than Rabiot imho…

    Looking at it objectively Psg overlooked him for Luiz and Cabaye within a year in a relatively weaker league… he has potential but is he our answer having not had any preseason with us…

    He is behind Motta, Matuidi, verrati and Cabaye who folks have claimed are not suitable for us; I guess Aw knows what he is doing…

    The greek defender on the other hand as well as the Yank defender the sperds have signed looked the most impressive young defenders in the wc… imo…

    In the ideal work Aw will buy this late from this country only… one of Leicester’s CB Les Morgan will do me fine… even Dann of Crystal Palace or better yet Hull’s Curtis Davies who should have gone to Brazil imo…

  45. rico says:

    But Psg want him to stay Ts, they perhaps know he’s one for the future. The player isn’t prepared to wait and as a result, Rabiot is to be sold rather than lose him on a freebie…

  46. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    Rabiot is only 19. having seen one 19-year old slotting in and doing better than 28-year old who just left us, I wouldn’t mind another. Besides, apart from Squillacci, has Wenger truly got it wrong signing a French? Especially when he’s no freebie?

    We should all agree Wenger is not after physicality when it comes to DMs…technicality is uppermost in his mind and will field Arteta most of the time, irrespective of who he got…getting a younger player, who’d grow into it at this time is better than nothing.

    If Rabiot ends up anywhere near Chambers, then it’s another masterstroke. Sometimes you take a risk and make players instead of going for already made.

    But if Monalons comes through …then we may see a Rabiot signing .. we may end up with Chambers as DM to rotate with Arteta and Flamini and still slot into CB when required.

  47. tsgh says:

    Rico, I think you are missing my point… I never said he was not good enough… infact having he looked god playing bit part for Toulouse;
    Indded you are right Psg rate him… but as I was saying should we be going for one who is not quite ready with no EPl experience…

    In my view CC21 is different to Rabiot… CC21 is EPL born and bred whilst we have had the likes of Le Coq and Miquel stil getting used to the brutality of the EPL…

  48. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie, Diaby is a crock, not a bad player. Cygan? Wasn’t he a freebie? Sivestre? Did that one ever play for us?

  49. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Diaby is not a bad player. Other bad players have contrived to ruin him.

    But Shitvestre was one such specimen Tai. he was worse than Squillaci.

  50. Nickie says:

    Hi Ts,

    Tai,

    You’re right Diaby isn’t a bad player but it’s a signing Wenger go wrong as he has turned out to be a bad signing. Cygan was 1m, Silvestre played a lot more games than I would have liked lol

  51. tsgh says:

    tsgh says:
    August 17, 2014 at 12:51 pm should read…

    having seen Rabiot on a few occasions play for Toulouse last season he looked good but in my opinion is not ready as he likes to dribble a lot…

  52. Nickie says:

    Aliadere? I remember him not being great lol it’s funny when you do look back at some of the players to have graced us

  53. tsgh says:

    Hi pal- apart from Ramsey scoring 18 goals in his 35 games and og12 making his 100th appearances… I am not sure the ady of the house will appreciate the other stats…. 😉

  54. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Afternoon all. Cygan signed for £2M. Silvestre about £850K

    A win is a win. 3pts on the board – 37 games to go.

    Tai – Sanago is shit

    Hello Ginge. Still in Cyprus, watched match in the New Inn in derynia.

  55. tsgh says:

    Aladiere was another original sick note.. he has been very prolific in ligue 1 over the last 3 seasons though…

    He is now with Umm Salal

  56. tsgh says:

    hello my Sir syg.. have you wrestled with any snakes recently? 🙂

    Is that the same bar the 5.0 came storming in last time around?

    It should read Ar16th 18th goal

  57. Hell Raising Devil says:

    now why did he refuse???

    He should have told them 40,000,001 for Campbell.

    Now I know…..he pulled him aside and told Joel that the dippers were not that much good for him. They are not his level. lol

    Arsenal have rejected an offer from Liverpool to take Joel Campbell on loan until the end of the season according to Goal.com, with manager Arsene Wenger reportedly keen on keeping hold of the striker until January to see if he can push for a first team place at the Emirates.

    Campbell has returned from three years of loan spells to fight for his place in the Gunners’ side, with the Costa Rican striker having a fine World Cup campaign behind him during his country’s surprise march to the quarter-finals in Brazil.

    Mikel Arteta hails young forward Joel Campbell

    Liverpool are still looking for striking reinforcements after seeing star striker Luis Suarez depart for Barcelona, and they have reportedly made an approach to Arsenal over the possibility of taking Campbell to Anfield on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

    But Wenger has dismissed the offer out of hand, with the Frenchman willing to give Campbell his opportunity to impress, with the striker having been in the 18 man squad in the season opener against Crystal Palace.

    Wenger told reporters ahead of the weekend’s fixture, “He (Campbell) has come from a non-competitive world to a world with hyper-competition.

    “He has adapted slowly, but he has adapted very well, he has a very good spirit and a good attitude. He is a member of my squad at the moment. He had a good preparation and he played well against Benfica.

    In training he is very focused and eager to do well. I would like to keep him.”

  58. Gunnerdna says:

    Morning all. Sanogo, JW & MA??? Last season when Arsenal was having below par performance against lesser opposition fans claimed it was signs of champions, because Man U always done it whenever they wins title but I can assure many that’s not the case with this AFC team that plays yesterday. What JW role? He can’t tackle, he can’t score & he looses the ball in dangerous areas. Why is Sanogo not a season ticket holder? I know he is young player but he lacks the basic skill to succeed in the game, is he better than Afobe or Akpom? MA was ok, but we can do better. I have watched Rabiot play before & he is not special, it’s clearly the situation of getting him on the cheap that’s giving AW goose bumps. Schneiderlin is heads & shoulders above him. It’s depressing when we have better finances we are still looking at projects and not trying to move forward.

  59. Xr!s says:

    Why do we look so far away for a DM when we have one just in London there?

    Re-sign Marouane Chamakh for as little as £2m and he will give us the versatility we so much crave for. He bossed our midfielders yesterday. With him,four positions are covered CF,DM,CM,’false DM’

  60. BrainwashedKev says:

    Can you believe the absolute cheek of Liverpool…

    Take Campbell on loan???

    Fcuk off you Scouse cnuts…

    I wouldn’t piss on em if they were on fire…

  61. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Same bar as FA Cup Final 2014, Ginge. The best Arsenal feeling since Man Utd away in the last double year…

  62. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Syd,

    I’ll quote you over and over this season on Sanogo because you’ll turn out wrong!

    I just pray the guy stays fit.

  63. BrainwashedKev says:

    Just listening to a bit of TalkRubbish, my God, Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool…

    They’ve all a big hard-on at TalkRubbish over Liverpool…

    That little turd Ray Houghton going on and on and on and on ad nuseum, about the Entitlement club from Merseyside…

    Pass me the sick bag…

  64. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    hello Ts…

    Dev, Nickie, I think the signing of Silvestre showed how terribly backward our finances were then and never a real choice by Wenger.

  65. tsgh says:

    lol.. stay in the bar then until next May Syg. 50 more wins and then we can get together during the quadruple win..

    Ditto above Dna- make Southampton an offer they can’t refuse re Morgan…

    If you want to win the league buy from this league in key positions like Fergie and chelsea did in the past… CC21 is proving that now…

  66. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We had Chamakh Xris.
    After the initial honeymoon period he turned out to be as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

    We don’t have to look in the skips at the back of the supermarket for the free out of date shite – We can actually go inside them now and spend money.

    Both Sam Allardyce and Harry Redknapp both said there’s generally a reason that players become FREE TRANSFERS and 90% of the time it’s not because they want to run their contracts down for better wages at their next club. It is more to do with the fact that their parent club think that they are shit and not worth having around.

  67. tsgh says:

    Le squid was an experienced CB who had just been voted into the la liga team of the season a few months prior to him signing for us… but as we all know the lack of pre-season messed up his confidence and he never recovered…
    It’s all fair getting bodies in but are we looking to make 4th again or make the EPL trophy?

  68. bob john says:

    Every time I hear that little runt Ray Houghton I want to remind him of Anfield ’89 when he ran off at the end without shaking hands with our players. Arsehole!!

  69. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I won’t be wrong on Sanogo, Tai.

    He’s out of his depth. He’s no better than Akpom and was no way better than Bendtner. It’s a backward move by the club.

    He must let Wenger chase him around his fcukng raspberry patch in his speedo’s or something, because NO other top club would persevere with him.

  70. southyorkshiregunner says:

    He’s obstinate and single-minded, Tai.

    Deluded is another way of describing Wenger.

    Wenger sees what he wants to and ‘most times gets it right’ is not really the case.
    He has brought some right shite to the club trying to recreate his next Henry or his next Viera or his next Pires. Or in Sanogo’s case his next Adebayor …. which I must agree is really something to look forward to as Adebayor is a total whore who racked up the most offsides ever in the Premier league and who’s fellow countrymen wanted to shoot him they loved him so much….

    In 1998 the earth was round and a fairly expansive place – nowadays circa 2014 – I’m sitting in my house in Cyprus talking to some gadgy in central Africa over a blog which emanates from Berkshire about a club from North London.
    The world has gotten smaller and clubs like Lens, Santos or Toulouse don’t want to flog their best players to Wenger for three quid and a broken mirror. Nowadays they tend to know the real worth of their players.

    Sanogo aside – we’ve bought well over the past two years and that’s why we have two trophies.

  71. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Sanogo wasn’t bought. He’s a freebie!

    Still, he’ll come good. Whatever you say, Syd won’t put me off that scent. I’ve seen the potential and will stick with him in Wenger’s shoes.Adebayor is the worst offside player in history. That’s the worst aspect of his game. His football wasn’t the problem…attitude rather is.

    I will forgive Wenger’s signing mistakes during the austere years. But this time, I don’t think he’d buy sh+t. Chambers is an example. No one would ever have imagined Wenger splashing that much on an ‘unknown’ 19-year old defender.

  72. Gunnerdna says:

    Was chambers an unknown? Buying any player from the Saints last season team was any gamble. James Ward Prowse would walk in our 1st team. The reason Cambers was bought is because of his versatility, it wasn’t any master stroke from AW, it was just the case of putting square pegs in round holes 1 of AW biggest assets.

  73. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Gdna……you were not expecting Chambers mate. Everyone was banging about Shaw, Schnederlin etc…..yet Chambers was not mentioned anywhere.

    And now he is ours. And he was bought because he is good. Its not AW’s biggest assets mate. Its the fact that every manager wants these players now. Mourinho went for Azpilicueta…..he could play RB and LB and also on the wings. So does Mourinho put square pegs in round holes????

    SAF…..put Giggs in CM when he was LW. Schweinsteiger was turned into a DM from a winger. Lahm was transformed from a RB, to LB to CDM.

    Chambers is not a player mate. He is a Footballer. And Footballers adapt everywhere. Because they are footballers not players.

    Its in the case of players where you can use square pegs in round holes.

  74. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Gdna,

    I always used ‘unknown’ … and to be sincere, I never actually noticed Chambers play …never knew what he looked like until we got linked to him. There were many like me. Shaw, Scheiderlin, Prowse, lallana, Rodriguez, Wayama were getting all the plaudits. But now, Chambers will be about the most remembered name from Saints. I just love everything about his football.

  75. AndrewH says:

    Spot on with post Scott.

    But on one point everyone on this forum must be wrong!
    All this gushing praise for Chambers? I’ve just read The Suns markings for game in a Supermarket.

    Chambers 5/10. Nervy performance.

    How did we get it so wrong. Blind in our support of Wengers signings 🙂

  76. tsgh says:

    I am still surprised we are not in for Daley Blind! Unless his father has advised him to wait it out in Eredivisie…

  77. tsgh says:

    goonie, get your backside on here and see how Koeman’s team is playing 1-1 against loooserpool. 24 years and counting… 😀

  78. Hell Raising Devil says:

    no mate. not watching the game. browsing the net, helping the missus around the house, teasing the little prince.

    Dont have time for looserpool

  79. Luznic says:

    AndrewH Chambers was voted MOM by arsenal fans on the Arsenal. com, leave those lots alone they are blind ones

  80. Zak says:

    Nice article. Just wanted to add that I thought Jack was our best midfielder yesterday along with Arteta, Rambo and Santi were poor. Sanogo wants WAY too much time on the ball, why not Campbell as the #2?!?

  81. Hell Raising Devil says:

    dont take any notice of blogs and toilet rolls.]

    yesterday the majority of blogs said that Debuchy had a good game and performed to a high level. Two blogs gave him a 5.

    I just trust my own judgement and of those who go to matches like Adam etc.

    blogs may have hidden agendas

  82. Gunnerdna says:

    Dev, where did I say I was expecting the signing of CC? CC played at right back for the Saints and most was against replacing Jenks. Go back to the previous post and check the comments when it was revealed that Arsenal sign CC, I’m not the type of fan who comment on players who I never seen play.

  83. BrainwashedKev says:

    Coach I actually suggested Chambers before we bought him…

    A few months beforehand actually… 😀

    I am an ITK it seems…. 😛

  84. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I did not say that you said you were expecting it.

    Like the majority of us no one expected AW to bid for CC and pay 16million. We were all going for Janmaat, Debuchy, a top line CB. None of us, I repeat…NONE OF US…..you included, expected AW to get us CC. We were all going about Schneiderlin, Rodriguez, Shaw etc. No one, even in the wildest dreams mentioned CC. But saying that CC is like a square peg in round hole, is a bit insulting to the lad mate.

    He is a footballer not a player. And As I said……footballers fit in everywhere. Petit was a footballer….he could play LB, CB and CDM. CC is a carbon copy of Petit.

    Messi is a footballer. Sanchez is a footballer. Giroud is a player. Remy is a player. Ramsey is a footballer.

  85. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Yes I remember Kev…..but you were one of the very few. Not even I mentioned him…..and you know how much I watch youth matches. I must confess that Chambers escaped me.

  86. Gunnerdna says:

    Dev, how is square pegs in round holes disrespecting to CC, did you noticed I used the word versatility?

  87. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Versatility is one thing. Square pegs in round holes is another mate. Bendtner playing on the right wing was a square peg in round hole.

    CC is not a square peg in a round hole. He is versatile.

    Both are totally different to each other.

  88. BrainwashedKev says:

    Square peg in a round hole always kinda meant a misfit to me…

    Maybe the modern meaning has changed?

  89. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! Hello, all. have a super cold beer, GDNA. 😛

    Hello, Dev. 🙂 Why is Giroud only a ‘player’? 🙁 😛

    Kev, brainwashed, allez, reverend, cab man, shopping buddy, ITK. So many personalities, haha. 😀

    Still happy about our win. Shame, Stuwwidge has won it for Liverpoop. 🙁

  90. Hell Raising Devil says:

    exactly Kev…….square peg in a round hole is a misfit. he had to play there because of no other options.

    Hi Agag…….Giroud is a player because he can only play one position and is not complete. Lack of speed and agility contribute to that. His brain is that of a footballer. Physically he is only a player. He cannot adapt elsewhere I am afraid.

  91. jeff says:

    I could see Wenger intention to bring rosicky in.. but then the injury of Gibbs left Wenger out of choice since Giroud was already meant for sanogo..

  92. Micko says:

    Nickie, can’t believe you had to share a carriage with the general public yesterday, what next drunks and tramps !

    Chambers done very well for us, his first competitive game, probably be benched for Everton next week, praise where it’s due, but he’s still learning, a long way to go.

    Liked Debuchy, done well getting up and down the line, was there in the 6 yard box in the dying minutes to force a save from their goalie for ramsey to slot home, got a real good’un there, doesn’t just talk the talk.

    Zonal marking….when are we ever gonna learn, everytime they got a corner I thought they were gonna score !!!

  93. Micko says:

    Did Arsene only know Vermaelen was off the day before the CC or during the world cup, even I know the answer to that one.

  94. Gunnerdna says:

    Dev, it’s your rights to interpret what I said however you want dude. Ag, I’m only a social drinker, it’s not in my culture to just sit home & drink. It’s just 10:45am in the states it’s hot chocolate/green tea time. Lol

  95. rico says:

    Micko, you’d think TV’s departure was a big surprise wouldn’t you. How we’ve not signed a CB yet I don’t know…

    Said the other day, send AW back to Rio and left Ivan get back to work…

  96. agirlagunner says:

    Your assessment of Giroud is damning, Dev. 🙁 And on point, if I’m honest. 😉 But mine is the hope that he get 30 goals for us at least, this season. 😀 Would silence his detractors. 😛 ANd wouldn’t 30 goals make us all happy?

    Kev, haha. Howdy? You on break?

  97. agirlagunner says:

    GDNA, haha. I always tell people who are worked up to have a beer. Don’t really like the stuff myself. 🙂

    Boo, rico. 🙂 What did you prepare for lunch?

  98. rico says:

    Re Chambers, can I just add that it was May, early June when Chambers was linked to us. The Mirror linked him to us very very early.

    I only remember that because I think I said something like, forget Chambers, get Clyne.

    So glad Wenger went for Chambers…..

  99. agooner says:

    what we saw yesterday is we need a striker, we cant win the league with Sanago up front,his not good enough
    surely Wenger will come to senses and buy a top class striker…

  100. rico says:

    Hi agag, roast beef for the guest, i had everything bar the meat. Now I’m full… 😉

    Debuchy was very very good imo…

  101. Luznic says:

    hello Tai been a while,I saw CC play but never thought of him because the fools in the press always rave about Shaw, but he played RB so I just thought he wasn’t that good because Nathan Clyne was their main RB, I guess I missed that one that guy is worth more than Shaw

  102. Micko says:

    Think I read Chambers was U19 England captain as well, very highly rated on the south coast.
    Did you watch the game live agag ?

  103. agirlagunner says:

    On crappy streaming; I have to change cable providers (for the nth time) to get the EPL now, Micko. I am able to get some Ligue1, Eridivisie, Bundesliga, La Liga, CL, Europa League, but who really cares when I only want to watch our boys?

  104. Hell Raising Devil says:

    That is the 2nd time AW would have done it.

    Sell Juday (Captain) for 25 million. With the money buy Cazorla and Podolski.

    Sell TV (Captain) for 15 million. With the money buy Manolas and Rabiot.

    Good piece of business.

  105. agirlagunner says:

    rico, sounds yummy. 🙂 Still no fried chicken, I see. 😛

    I know nothing about Manolas or Rabiot. 😕 I still want Vidl though. Who doesn’t?

  106. rico says:

    It was nice agag, lot’s of vegetables, roast potatoes, and yorkshire puddings with stuffing. Mind you, I can barely move…. lol

    Vidal would be great but not for the silly money quoted imo.

    Gdna, Cabella?

  107. tsgh says:

    As they say disinformation started all the way in Chaldea and Babylon…

    when we conceded the goal zonal marking was quickly brought up but when CP conceded whilst implementing the tried and tested man marking method none such comment was brought to light…

    I wonder if G Neville the beacon of punditry has completed his initiation into taking bollox… yesterday I thought he wasbeginning to sound just like the rest of them…

    4-4-2 mag did an article analysing both methods and the results were shocking to say the least… it goes to show if something is purported enough times…

    still stats are for the deluded like me so… 😉

  108. Gunnerdna says:

    Rico, i thought you was a fan, the winger from Montpellier. I’m sorry i thought it was you who wanted us to sign him.

  109. tsgh says:

    Dna- I like Ward I have mentioned his suitability on here before buhe was not popular so… 😉

    Hi Luznic, Agag

  110. rico says:

    Turan too Ts.

    Kelsey, who pops on here every now and again would confirm that from a few years ago… 😉

  111. potter says:

    Both zonal and man to man work if you have the players to implement them . Yesterday we didn’t. We put Sanogo at the front and once they cleared him the running Hangeland was always going to get over a static Koscielny. We dont have enough height to play it properly as we need to have at least one player that attacks the ball. Again our lack of height makes man to man difficult for us but at least by having players moving there is the chance of a block off or at least free headers not being so prevalent. Wenger has made us an attacking team that can’t defend set pieces. Until we get more height into the team we never will.

  112. rico says:

    Not sure they’d have as much success in the PL though, especially against sides who park the bus.

    And we have players who can get the ball to Giroud, if and when he gets in the right places…

  113. rico says:

    Manolas will bring us more height, just under 6′ 3″.

    Wonder if the medical stories hold much truth….

  114. rico says:

    Similar when many of us thought ‘get Isco’ after Santi signed Ts, they were good together at Madrid weren’t they? But who’s to say the PL would have seen them replicate the same kind of form.

    Vela and Greizmann are another good duo but we all know how Vela struggled in the PL.

  115. rico says:

    Newcastle, well, Pardew is playing into City’s hands. If they had set up like Palace did yesterday, I doubt Silva would have had all that room to score..

    Super finish though…

  116. Gunnerdna says:

    According to reports in Chile, Napoli forward Eduardo Vargas will join Arsenal having told his family of his impending move to London.

  117. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Demicheles started for City…Zabaleta on the bench. Aguero is recovering from injury or he would have started. Schurrle has been playing preseason with Chelsea and will certainly play tomorrow.

    Weren’t these players in same World Cup final with Ozil and Per? What is Podolski really recovering from? Eating burger? Why is our own recovery period for these players longer? Even when we have very tricky five matches in 15 days? Yet, these teams have bigger squads than we do!

  118. rico says:

    He’s been left out of Napoli’s CL squad so perhaps he is on the move… London could mean Totts, Chavs, Qpr or us… 😉

  119. Gonerjoe says:

    Potter
    A comment was made during the match yesterday that Arsenal had the best record for not conceding at set pieces last season in the PL.

  120. rico says:

    Tai, our Germans are reported to be ready to play on Tuesday. Maybe AW believed we had enough to beat Palace and he was right…

    Just!

  121. tsgh says:

    Tai. nothing to it really… Zabeleta went off on holiday a week before our players because of the FA cup final…

    According to FIFA players need at least 5/6 weeks break..

    The players on the continent like Kroos had 4 weeks break afterwards because they will have 1 or 2 weeks winter break we do not have that officially so…

  122. rico says:

    For sure they would Ts, which is why we need a bit more height and grit in our side.

    I love Santi, he’s a super player but we can’t have a side full of tiddlers…

  123. tsgh says:

    Which Vargas? so far as its Eduardo vargas.. 😀 just joking btw..

    Knowing the media it is probably a rehash of a previous links to Juan Manuel Vargas… 😀 who never quite made it after staring off impressively.

  124. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Rico, let’s hope …Wenger is still thinking of ‘risking’ them as he put it.

    Ts, ok..what about Podolski? What about all those weeks Ozil was injured? I can understand it when we’re talking of Per.

  125. rico says:

    Very clever by Collback (spelling) no way was that a booking, or a foul, he ran into Kompany deliberately…

  126. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    They may have 4 CF .. but we have better flank players. They have only Nasri and Navas. We have Sanchez, Walcott, Ox and Podolski…how about that Gdna?

  127. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Gdna, and will ever remain glad that I do. I’ve seen players like Sanogo slated heavily before …and know what? Most ended up class. Not every player starts like Messi or Ronaldo … when you get a player with potential, you don’t ‘kill’ him by not giving him chances. The only way Sanogo can grow is if given chances.

    Against Bayern and Liverpool, he showed everything a great striker can posses… he may not be your Suarez but strikers like Drogba, Adebayor, Diego Costa don’t really need to be great with the ball to operate…at Sanogo’s age, these three I mentioned were nothing to write home about. By getting chances they became monsters.

    Wenger has seen it and has three years to make Sanogo that striker. As long as the lad remains fit, I’ll continue reminding you and most HHers here on Sanogo progress.

  128. potter says:

    Not sure where the comment came from Joe because at the time of the Liverpool 5 – 1 farce last season ESPN wrote.
    1. Arsenal’s embarrassingly big defeats in those two games (today’s against Liverpool and at City) means that 42% of the goals they have conceded in the Premier League this season have come in two matches.

    2. Arsenal have conceded a higher proportion of set-piece goals than any other premier League side this season: 43%.

    Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/281557.html#ymQoy6ByED6wbych.99

  129. Rick says:

    FOR whom the Bell toils. It toils for India beaten by innings and 244 runs,to loose the series 3-1.
    Where are you Warne Petterson and Piers Morgan.
    What do you think of Cookie now.

  130. potter says:

    The problem is that we are in a now situation. For too long Wenger and our board have promised Jam tomorrow. 3 years for Sanogo to make it , then fair enough let him go on loan and learn his trade without costing us points.

  131. Gunnerdna says:

    Tai, i will never understand until you explain Sanogo potential, he is the worst player to ever play for the club.

  132. Gunnerdna says:

    Tai, which other top manager at a decent club would start Sanogo in a competitive game? I’m not a fan of the way AW assemble his playing staff, that’s all you need to know.

  133. rico says:

    Gdna, not sure AW deserves to be labelled a fraud. You may not like his ideas and signings but the reality is, he’s a manager at a top top club and you aren’t…

    If you really knew everything, you would be…. 😉

  134. rico says:

    Rick, I watched that series, it was out of the gutter to world class. Batting, fielding and catches were top top class.

    And yes, Cookie, you are back, hold your head high!

    Ballance and Butler are here to stay….

  135. Luznic says:

    Sanogo has got prospects, for now that is all he has prospects. why did AW not play Campbell right and Sanchez top and they would interchange, we all know he has preference for players but right now Sanogo should come in as a sub not start and Campbell should be 2nd choice……..Eduardo Vargas?? I thought he moved to Valencia already…..TS – do you know that Manolas guy?

  136. rico says:

    Gdna, I honestly believe that this time next year you’ll be eating your words about Sanogo..

    Lee, another player who couldn’t cope with the PL. At least AW saw that and shipped him out rapidly. A few years ago he would have continued to flog a dead horse…

  137. rico says:

    Bt, that’s two Cobras I owe you… 😉

    Seriously, if your nephew can sort word out for me, I will pay for the keycode….

    Thank you, big time….

  138. potter says:

    There are many things that Wenger does that I fully appreciate but one of his strengths is also one of his failings . His loyalty to certain players has been a problem and his stubborness not to admit that things are not panning out is his failing . Denilson probably got 50% too many games before he was finally moved on , Diaby another and now Sanogo , no better than Akpom and probably even behind Bendtner is getting the chance whilst in this case Campbell and Akpom could probably do as well if not better. As has been stated he is a prospect , at the moment no more than that and he needs to be in the development queue not at the head of it.

  139. tsgh says:

    Luznic- Kostas featured against yanited last season and against us 2 seasons ago…

    In the wc he was exceptional;

    He was selected among the 50 best players in the Brazil 2014 World Cup..

  140. rico says:

    potter – I honestly believe that Sanogo was played yesterday because of one reason. Tuesday.

    Most people on here thought it was not about whether we would win yesterday, it was about how many we scored and I think AW believed Sanogo would cope and score goals.

    Perhaps he would have had the service been better. Ok he’s no Messi, but we all know that qualifying for the CL will be on the clubs mind big time.

    When we face sides who don’t park the bus, Sanogo might shock a few.

    AW must see something in training to make him believe…

  141. Luznic says:

    sign Kostas up AW what are you waiting for……..lol…..
    TS I didn’t notice him even at the world cup but I only watched 2 of their games……..I will believe he’s good then per your opinion

  142. potter says:

    Agreed about Tuesday but I think as a match goer to the Emirates I fully expect to see a whole convoy of parked buses all season.

  143. Luznic says:

    potter – that’s what I call hoping for the best but expecting the worst, teams would pack the bus at the Emirates, palace is not the first and they definitely won’t be the last, I expect us to get used to it and even Chelsea will park the bus….why won’t they, they invented it…lol

  144. rico says:

    In which case, AW needs to find a way of getting through that bus.

    I guess I just see yesterday as the first game of the season and hope that things will improve…

    And I think they will.

  145. Adam says:

    Surely one of Wenger’s most unfortunate traits is his ability to concentrate on tomorrow at the expense of today and his desire to do things his way regardless in which direction the wind is blowing. Does it really matter if Sanogo comes good in a year or two’s time? The way the PL is structured, with all the new money swilling around, I am afraid the food chain is established as the smaller clubs, for whom success is survival and good cup runs and winning the odd game here and there against opposition with greater resources, are those that can afford to bring through players like Sanogo. Arsenal being a top club with decent financial clout and an infrastructure that is well established are not in that position as far as I can see. I know that Wenger gets a thrill from rolling the dice with these kids and sometimes they come up trumps after a while. But while we are suffering their shortcomings, the Man. City’s and Chelsea’s are buying established players and winning things. What matters is Tuesday’s game and the one following that. Are we really equipped to win this. PL with players like Sanogo and. Diaby eating up places in a limited squad? How come Coquelin is still at the club and on the bench for a PL game?
    The argument re Sanogo is entirely spurious to me. At this moment he is not good enough. In a year’s time, who knows and as of today, who cares? The game has changed and Wenger really must win the PL this year but he won’t unless he brings some top quality in and puts his ‘projects’ as someone called them to one side.

  146. Gonerjoe says:

    Potter your talking about two games sky’s stats where from the whole season and stats are stats. 🙂

  147. tsgh says:

    The look on AW’s face when we went behind was a sight to behold not!lol

    For some reason he naively thinks teams will set-up in a way that will make it easy for us…

  148. potter says:

    Stats are stats Joe and point two clearly states :-

    2. Arsenal have conceded a higher proportion of set-piece goals than any other premier League side this season: 43%.

    The operative words being ,” this season “.

    Not that it matters because what ever stats you choose to believe , my eyes tell me that we are not good at defending corners and free kicks into our area.

  149. rico says:

    Actually Adam, I do care about Sanogo because I see something there in him. I really do…..

    And I’m not going to berate AW until the transfer window has closed, in fact I won’t then either because if I was that good at judging players and tactics etc, I’d be sat in his chair, not mine….

  150. Adam says:

    Rico. That is exactly what I am saying. It doesn’t matter because he is was not good enough yesterday and he won’t be good enough for a while. Wenger took him because he saw something and he was free. I am not berating Wenger but, in the same way that he conditioned so many supporters to believe that we had to operate in the pauper’s end of the market, we need players now because he wouldn’t buy them in the past. In some ways he is the victim of his own success at being stingy.
    We didn’t have any money. OK, we get that. Now we do but we have some catching up to do. Sanogo is a sideshow and I cite him only as a symptom rather that the cause. He is as good as he can be at this moment. It is just not what we need if we intend to win the PL. If a top 4 place is the intention, then perhaps he is just what we need.
    I know Lee. External influences. 🙂

  151. tsgh says:

    Luznic- if a defender or CDM goes unnoticed then he is doing something very very well imo…

    Lothar Matthias and R. Koeman come to mind.. all legends of the game; truly appreciated by die-harders…

  152. rico says:

    Adam, how do you know Sanogo won’t be good enough tomorrow?

    Did you watch him in the Emirates Cup?

    I’m not trying to be antagonistic but, until the TW is closed, why not wait and see what happens and how our squad looks…

  153. Gonerjoe says:

    Potter I can’t argue with that but I can’t see it being that after 38 games. If it is we have a very tight defense from open play or something has gone badly wrong.
    Also 100% of are goals has come from set plays this to is unlikely to last for the whole season.

  154. tsgh says:

    JC may be part of Kostas’ deal according to rumours…
    he might go on loan and then walk free to Ac afterwards…

  155. rico says:

    Ts, after AW’s comments on Campbell, I’m far from convinced he’s staying put so that rumour could have legs…

  156. Lee says:

    Sure we will have to wait until the TW closes, but that doesn’t stop us debating Sanogo etc now….I’m not even so sure that there is a good player in there, he needs to be loaned out. We need a top drawer striker that’s ready to hit the ground running and have done for a few seasons….. Would any of our fierce rivals have him spearheading their attack?

  157. tsgh says:

    Bt- well Yaya is Diaby MkII; he is probably ear-marked to be the strikers coach afterwards. lol

    I wonder how 6 months ago after the Bayern game Aw said Yaya could be like Anelka… 12 games and 4 goals (that meant jack all) later he is Abe-ba-whore mkII… 😀

    Rico- lets hope its just rumours.. I rather he went on loan to Everton or Swansea to help us by beating our UCL rivals…

  158. rico says:

    Lee, aren’t we debating Sanogo? Some think he’s ok, others think he’s not…

    I’m sure there’s not one Arsenal fan who wouldn’t love to see a world class striker signed up. I know I would.

    I just don’t think he’s that bad, but no way should he be played as a lone striker….

  159. rico says:

    Ts, A PL loan would be far better for him and us.. I’m not convinced AW wants to keep him. Strange really after all that went on when he finally signed.

  160. Micko says:

    Well, all I’ll say is if wenger sends Campbell out on loan again it’s just one big pish take !!!

    rico, I’m sure if you sort Bt62 out with a four pack he’ll tell ya one of them has your name it !

  161. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico, he’s not French, wasn’t spotted by Grimandi/Aw axis, and AW want’s to give France their next great striker.

  162. Lee says:

    The general consensus seems that Sanogo has potential,but we don’t need a striker with potential we need someone that’s going to score goals now. We have this big war chest available why don’t we finish the job off? Making do isn’t good enough!

  163. tsgh says:

    Micko I am sure you know a man in Govan who can prove statically that JC is french… a dodgy passport will do… 😉
    that might do the trick to get a chance… lol

  164. rico says:

    I agree Lee, like I said, I’d love a world class striker signed and maybe it will happen, I don’t know.

    If Campbell goes on loan, who knows who we will sign. There’s a long way to go yet before this TW closes…

  165. Nashua gunner says:

    Good Evening Rico and All.

    I just hope you’re right Rico. If anything to go by, last season comes to mind. But we’ll give him (AW) the benefit of the doubt. We’ll wait till the window closes.

  166. Luznic says:

    if Campbell goes on loan then a striker will come in, I like Sanogo but truth be told he is just a prospect, do we rely on what the future brings when the time is now? ginge I guess what you are saying is just trying to give support to the Greek guy, but I will like to see him play, Koeman was a shield, I hardly watched him then but when I did in USA 94 he was different and you never forget he was on the pitch, AW will never buy a Mangala so I will be OK with Kostas as long as he is a kozzer in the making

  167. Nashua gunner says:

    Hi Ts. The wedding was fine. Came home in the middle of the night to watch the game. Watch first half then went to bed.

  168. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Thanks, Rico…for standing firmly on the Sanogo debate…didn’t see that coming. lol.

    Had to attend to visitors.

    One, strikers cost money and the biggest gamble any manager can make in the EPL is striker purchase. A striker as respected as Chevchenko flopped. Even Edin Dzeko’s first season was woeful.

    Having spent 19 years in the EPL, Wenger learnt to be careful with purchasing one … instead he reveled in converting wingers to strikers … Henry, RVP, attempted Gervinho, etc.

    Though he had two of the best in Henry and RVP, Wenger of late is more interested in providing more goal scoring outlets in the EPL than any other team. A full Arsenal team has Sanchez, Walcott, Ramsey as three main goal scoring threats before counting Giroud. There’s no team in EPL that has such threats all over. Yes, they have better CFs.

    If it was strictly for goal scoring, Wenger would have purchased a CF instead of Sanchez and relegated Giroud to the bench. Le Prof believes in having a strong CF to keep defenders busy while his flank players and midfielders steal the goals.

    Moreover, le Prof seemingly believes getting a marquee striker in is no guarantee. He could traditionally flop in his first season, the same result a Sanogo could give him. So, why risk 50 mil when giving Sanogo chances could prevail?

  169. Micko says:

    Had to check it out Bt62, looks like the stuff flys off the shelf !

    Nash, aren’t you the lucky one, it wasn’t the best but nice to break the habit.

  170. rico says:

    Tai, I stand by Sanogo, but, he’s far from being the world class striker we need and I’ve said that all summer and I think that gets lost in my comments.

    Right now I would love Arsenal to sign a CB, CDM and a striker who will score goals.

    But, I’m not stupid, if Campbell and Sanogo stay, I doubt that will happen and yes, that will piss a lot of fans off…..

  171. Nashua gunner says:

    If Arsenal don’t have the money to spend that’s understandable, but who else would used Sonogo among the top 4 in a championship league in a knockout stage?

  172. Luznic says:

    Tai that’s a very strong defense of Sanogo and AW, did he actually explain that to you? you have a point but what about Akpom? if Sanogo deserves a chance he also deserves the chance also? there is a Campbell we bought in 2011 he deserves a chance too and like Adam and Potter said we can’t experiment it doesn’t fit a club with a stature like ours……we throw in the tested and proven, I still maintain Sanogo should be a sub not starter, why can’t we use a false 9 if he just needs a striker to fend off defenders and give knock downs…….AW has so many short coming that makes you wonder a lot

  173. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Sanogo is no world striker yet … but he could become one. We have enough goal threats in our team to play with him as a second striker…and I believe he’ll come good.

  174. potter says:

    Tai o.k. don’t risk the money but give Campbell and Akpom the same chances . On form Sanogo is no better than either of them.

    The trouble of waiting until the window closes is that 5 games have already gone and at least 3 more take place before a last minute purchase acclimatises or comes in so quick he burns out by Christmas as Ozil did.

  175. NashuaGunners says:

    Night Rico.

    Micko. We all expect AW to make mistakes, if not he is not human. But what does he learned from those mistakes?

    Some clubs come to Ems and parked the bus, we go to their backyards and don’t do likewise? Chelsea ManCity ManU last season.

    Another option besides OG12, we all know that, if last season an example to go by. But Sanogo is not the answer.

  176. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Luznic, thanks. I’m only trying to guess what goes on in the mind of a manager I’ve followed for nearly two decades.

    Sanogo is not our no 1 striker…not yet. Giroud is. And we all agree Giroud is the best in his stock of holding on play, knocking down high balls, assisting in goals…AW is not yet fed up with that style. He already purchased Sanchez and has Walcott to compliment Giroud’s strengths…who is now expecting him to go into the market with 50 mil to purchase a striker that would most certainly make him abandon that style?

    Whoever understands Wenger and his Arsenal philosophy would ever believe after purchasing Sanchez he’s going to spend another huge sum on another striker?

    With Sanchez, Giroud will always be our no 1 striker. Now, we talk of no 2. People wanted Remy … as no 2, would Remy truly offer more that Sanogo? Considering Sanogo’s physique?

    Sanogo is ahead of Akpom and Campbell because, in the absence of Giroud, only Per(when he plays) and Sanogo tower above six feet to defend corners and set pieces.

    When you take time to read Wenger’s mind, you’d know Wenger is not purchasing another striker…instead he may go for a scoring winger, if indeed he sees one that has enough talent to put carzola, Podolski, Ox on the bench and with better goals return. I don’t know of any. Perhaps, Ts can help.

    I’m not expecting more than either or both of Manolass and Rabiot. Definitely, not a striker.

  177. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    I believe the player to go on loan is Akpom. Campbell will be our no 3 striker. He can play from the flanks in certain matches too. He’s ahead of Akpom and will push Sanogo…but I can only see Campbell playing while either Giroud or Sanogo is on the pitch…unless in Capital One cup matches. Every player has his advantages… Sanogo’s are his tall frame, pace and fearlessness. His ball handling and goal scoring are not yet something to write home about but those will certainly come with play time and confidence.

  178. Scott From Oz says:

    Interesting reading guys.
    Tai, stick solid with Yaya, and don’t let others sway you’re thinking,
    DNA,…we all know you hate Wenger.
    You’ve said it daily for a few years now…barring that spell after saying you wish he’d go to sleep and not wake up!
    We get it.
    Why can’t you just move on and offer something other than criticism?
    Very easy to take potshots at people, but it might actually carry some weight if you offered up more than your constant cut and paste from Twitter.
    Give us YOUR opinion…not those of your mates on Twitter…on who we should get and stop simply criticising the thoughts of everyone else.
    Personally,I am very surprised people can’t see the potential in Sanogo, but as I said in the post, he needs to go out on loan for now, and we do need a class replacement.
    Morning all 🙂

  179. Gonerjoe says:

    Micko I checked with my legal advisers if it’s true it’s not slander. 🙂 But I believe it’s a common occurrence for six packs to leave a shop and become a four pack before it gets home or to a party.

  180. Nickie says:

    Sanogo far too inconsistent. Struggles greatly against well organised defences. It troubles me that he is the 2nd striker. Why isn’t Wenger giving JC a run out, he could have offered more in that game up front.

  181. Micko says:

    rico, there’s only one way to settle this, a HH sweep-stake.

    Game, month, year, decade, it can only be a matter of time before Sanogo scores his first league goal for us.

    You know it makes sense, nite gooners.

  182. Scott From Oz says:

    Maybe you will tell me you sort your troubles with a gun again, hey DNA hahahahahaha………just keep tweeting us all the “latest goss” as we do need to know what the world of Twitter is up to….cut and paste…..cut and paste…cut and paste…..
    Joe, all is well here bud…..just a little tired.
    I didn’t put in enough effort during the preseason lol.
    Micko, I like Yaya, but don’t want to wait for his scoring to kick in…..let him find his feet elsewhere, and come back closer to the complete package, I reckon.
    I’m hoping yesterday’s start was a test for the kid, to see if he was up to it yet.
    Hoping…..as always 🙂

  183. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Thanks, Scott.

    Nickie, how many matches has Sanogo played for Arsenal to use the term ‘far too inconsistent’? You’re a footballer and I’m sure you’d agree with me that the most difficult position to play on the pitch is to top strike…that’s where a player needs to be given more time and tutoring to adapt. Top-striking is all hit and miss. Hardly does a top striker come truly good before age 25. When you see one with potential, you give him chance in a big club. that gives him confidence. Wenger didn’t sign his last three years to blow it up in smoke. Wenger won’t keep any player that he doesn’t consider good. Jenkinson is a solid example.

    We may look at our rivals…Man City have Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo, Jovetic…yeah…but they lack our flank quality. Most times they start two strikers in a 4-4-2.

  184. Goonerjon says:

    We know what Jack can do? Do we? He is no better now than when he first played.A good piece but flawed by the pandering over Jack. He really doesn’t deserve to be a first choice midfielder. I really want him to succeed but at what other club in the top six would he get a regular place……

  185. Scott From Oz says:

    Oh, and anyone that has been a regular on here knows I have been one of Jacks biggest critics, so what you call pandering, others may call me giving the kid a break lol.
    This season is it for him though, in my opinion, so he must step up….no excuses.

  186. BrainwashedKev says:

    Dear Rico

    I must say that I was absolutely appalled at the punctuation, or lack of, from Mr Adam, 6,56pm…

    He would have been given a thorough good thrashing if I could have my way…

    It really is not good enough and I have written to my MP to complain…

    I trust that you will not not allow such a an unacceptable travesty to re-occur.

    Yours Sincerly

    Angry of Tunbridge Wells

  187. Scott From Oz says:

    Angry, it’s extremely disappointing that such an esteemed member of the HHCC has dropped to such poor standards.
    I say nothing short of a thrashing is called for.

  188. Mohd says:

    I still think the defence is an issue .The gunners are still playing an intricate passing game like MU. The latter were undone by Sints who went for a more direct style.
    The game with everton will tell whether the gunners can challenge.

  189. Nashua gunner says:

    @Scott. I agreed with you on Sanogo going on loan but, you could also agree with others especially me who loves AW but disappointed with how he treated last season T/W when we needed another striker completely different from OG12, and he failed to addressed the issue and we lose the lead to Liverpool then Mancity. Just hope we don’t gamble this time around.

  190. Scott From Oz says:

    NG, I said at the time he had missed a hell of an opportunity.
    Don’t let the fact I defend the man convince you that I don’t criticise him….I do, just not every time I open my mouth as DNA does.
    Sanogo to go out but on the proviso we bring another striker in……it’s a must, IMO.

  191. Lee says:

    Selection headaches already for Wenger! The fucking season has hardly started…this is what happens if you don’t equip the squad properly…I suppose he hasn’t really had that long to address it has he? It’s a joke!

  192. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Quick Captain. Get the Bosun with the Cat o’nine tails. Ten lashings will do for now. Double it if repeated.

    Good Morning Munchkins and Chipmunks.

    This week will see Manolas, Rabiot and Vargas join.

  193. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Vargas was good before Benitez went to Napoli. It seems that the waiter does not fancy him and he shipped him to Valencia. Vargas has speed and is technically a good level. The only downside??? He is less than 6ft of course. No 6 ft plus towering over other defenders.

  194. rico says:

    Poor old Yaya… 😉

    Kev, your complaint has been noted.. lol

    Morning all…

    Wonder if the CL qualifiers are holding up a couple of big signings.?

  195. Adam says:

    Morning all. Having spent the night staked out over an anthill as punishment for my punctuation disaster yesterday I have begun to see something in Sanogo that I missed before. I really do.

  196. rico says:

    Morning Lee, you are probably right but maybe a couple of top top players are waiting for us to qualify before signing on the dotted line..

    Big win tomorrow would help…

    Perhaps whilst AW is away in Turkey, Ivan could get other deals done.. lol

  197. Delford Magaya says:

    Tai, I real enjoyed reading all your article, you know how to analyse soccer, although some disagree with you, but I have always have confidence with Yaya since I saw him play again Liverpool at FA sami final last year. He has been so good and he is the kind of a player who can improve on every game he played, if you see him next time he will be on the other level. I have always argue that, Sonogo should not be send on loan, and I am happy that you have highlited what Sonogo can do as a young player and how he is going to improve.

  198. Adam says:

    Lee. I think that I detect a comprehensive air of deception about him. As the pass is played to him and he controls it, I had made the mistake of believing that the way the ball spirals into the air was a lack of quality on his part. I now see that it is just him buying time and getting a picture of the game. The way he slices the ball in the general direction of the goal might be thought to be an inaccurate swipe but I now recognise that he is delicately curving the ball into an area where another Arsenal player should really be running. His salmon-like leap into the air with arms flailing may look inelegant but the way it lulls defenders into a false sense of security puts him straight into the Gervinho school of cunning play for me. He is the past, the present and the future all in one. How Wenger ever got him for free is astonishing.

  199. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Morning All,

    Thanks, Delford.

    Adam, we may disagree on Sanogo … but if all it needs for you to pen that beautiful satire is for us to disagree…may we disagree often enough.

    Again on Vargas…I don’t see it happening. At the risk of being wrong again after Chambers, Vargas coming doesn’t make sense.

  200. Lee says:

    So if you had to choose between him and Wlifred Umbongo who would you pick? Can he trap a 25kg bag of cement? This is the acid test, imho

  201. frednerk says:

    Morning All,
    Adam,Cement trap are words your looking for mate.
    Was’it that lazy little ruskey who scored four once,and then rested on that for 3 years.
    Sanogo,he needs games,but can we afford to give him them.
    Maybe you have the answer rico.
    Chicken or the egg.

  202. rico says:

    I have no answer fred, perhaps the player will have the answer once he starts scoring goals…

    Until then, I guess he’ll remain the butt of all jokes….

  203. BrainwashedKev says:

    Ah the bag of cement test…
    A tricky balancing act with Ryan Shawcross attempting to surgically remove your cruciate at the same time…

    Morning All

    Morning Rico.

    Morning Adam, you bounder!

  204. frednerk says:

    Wengers passion has always been to produce and improve young players,most coaches would agree with that.
    Many years ago we had the pleasure of seeing,brady,stapleton and o’leary make debuts in one game.
    But we were near the relegation end of the table then.
    The stakes are much higher now,The club and Wenger need to finish off the good work and get whats needed for a sustained challenge.It’s not rocket science..is it.

  205. Scott From Oz says:

    Fred, a guy I know who watches a lot of the reserve games always says the same thing….we have quality kids who will never get a chance because we can’t afford to blood them…….expectations just won’t allow it.
    Some may get a chance but will they truly get a chance?
    If they don’t swim immediately, they won’t be given time to rise to the challenge.
    We wonder why the youth policy hasn’t been a raging success, we joke about it yet we are to blame….well, us and sponsors, owners etc etc etc

  206. Adam says:

    Fred. I agree but, as Rico wisely says, we must wait another few days to see what Wenger’s overall plan turns out to be. I take the point and also recognise that today’s PL, with all the increased competition, does make for a different game and perhaps a different strategy.

  207. Adam says:

    Scott. Hopefully the cream will rise to the top though. The way that the big money clubs have raised the bar certainly gives managers less scope to indulge in bringing young players through which is why the loan system seems important. I do envy Man City being able to bring a player of the class of Aguero on yesterday to seal the points. That’s the kind of opposition we face. We either use our clout to compete properly or settle for top 4.
    I really think the game has changed for Arsene and Arsenal this season and I think he knows it too.

  208. frednerk says:

    A few years ago coaching a young team a dad asked me if I could give his kid a chance sort of trial so I let him join in,always at the end we have a little 2 touch and then all-in,This kid was banging the ball about,all over the place.
    After the session I said to the dad your lad can knock a ball about a bit..He said the team he trains with the coach blows the ball up so much it fill’s like your kicking a breeze block.
    So some coaches swear by the cement bag kev.

  209. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam, the absolute best will always make it, I agree there.
    Still, it’s a shame kid brough through the system may miss their opportunity, and yeah loan system can be brilliant, but saw we’ve seen with a few of our kids recently, a waste of time……
    Fred, our kids are doing a lot of Futsal…..heavier ball, which teaches them the right way.

  210. frednerk says:

    Scott agree its heartbreaking to tell a young lad sitting with his mum and dad he won’t be making it at 16 years of age,when from the age of 4-5 everyone has been raving about you playing for england one day.

  211. Scott From Oz says:

    Fred, maybe that’s another problem though….we should stop telling these kids how good they are and just let them work hard.

  212. Scott From Oz says:

    Fred, when Sean started playing, the mini football had me very sceptical.
    It went against everything I’d learned.
    Once it started, I was convinced very quickly, as it was all about kids getting more touches, rather than the biggest fastest kid dominating….it gave all kids a chance.
    Next up was Sean starting at training academies…..Futsal?!
    Really?
    Well now, I’m all over it.
    It’s brilliant.
    The heavier ball means it’s on the ground more….under control.
    It’s truly the best way to teach kids.

  213. Nickie says:

    Morning All,

    Can’t agree with striker being the most difficult position to play but that’s just my opinion. In the games he has played Tai, I’m just of the opinion he shouldn’t be back up to Giroud. I can’t fault Sanogo’s effort and dedication, he tries as hard as anyone on the pitch but him being 2nd striker right now, for a title chasing team is not what us fans want.

  214. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Nickie,

    Fine…on your opinion. It doesn’t change mine that CF is the most difficult position on the pitch. While other teammates enjoy as much as 5 to 10 seconds on the ball to make decisions…the CF is always making those decisions in split seconds…most times even deciding before the ball gets to him. One wrong first touch and the chance is gone!

    Again, I’m not sold on ‘us fans want’. Unless you are counting me out as an Arsenal fan, ‘us fans’ is not really correct.

  215. Lee says:

    I would say if you did a straw poll of Arsenal supporters “the majority” would definitely want an upgrade on Sanogo…..imho.

  216. potter says:

    It ‘s all about celebrity now , far too many years ago whilst at school I was taken to QPR for trials and got on their books . My Dad and my uncles all told me to stay at school and get a proper job , there were no agents , no celebrity , no cars just a bus ride to the training ground and an old man in a mac with a dog watching my school games and reporting back . I played 4 games for them and broke my leg, never played for them again. Today a kid gets taken on and he is the next whoever. They are built too quickly and we all know the number that make it..and it’s not just the kids that are disappointed. I won’t get on my hobby horse again but English football is not structured to give young players the chance. If my son had been given the chance of Arsenal , Spurs , Chelsea or Orient I would have advised Orient because at the big clubs once you hit the glass ceiling , you don’t get a game.

  217. Scott From Oz says:

    Potter, a mate over there said to me if his son had the talent, he wouldn’t have him at Arsenal, he’d be at Fulham.
    This is from one of the keenest Gooners I know, so it says a lot.

  218. rico says:

    I have just clicked and read another blog talking about Sanogo. Someone has gone on there using the name ‘Rico’ and slated the player…

    I do hope people don’t think it’s me…. 😉

  219. Nickie says:

    A poll? why not could be interesting 🙂

    Stop lying Rico you’ve been doing the dirty on another forum haven’t you! lol

  220. potter says:

    Look , receive , pass. You should know what you want to do before the ball gets to you and you should be moving towards it to give yourself more time.

  221. bondex says:

    Morning all, thoroughly enjoyed all the post Ive read from you guys. On Sanogo, i believe firmly that he’ll come good for us very soon. I remember Henry didn’t impress me much at the beginning as he was to selfish and didn’t that good but guess what AW stood by him and we all love him now.

  222. goonerdave says:

    Sonogo took the headlines against benfica but it was the work a our new young right back that made the diffirence. Very creative, faster than Walcott and kept the opposition defenders spread wide and busy. I won’t say his name, but look him up and look at his STATS for that game!

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