Morning all.
I would be lying to say it hasn’t crossed my mind that I need more game time. As a footballer you want to play every game, and I’m not happy when I’m not playing, as is everyone on the bench. There is going to come a time in my career, and I think I’m approaching it, when I do need to get more regular football but my focus is completely and utterly on playing for Arsenal and breaking into the team when I get the opportunity.
I love being at Arsenal. It’s a great club, a great team and I have a lot of faith in the team. I just want to keep focusing on that but there is that in my mind where I want to get more game time. There comes a time in your career sometimes when you have to re-evaluate and think, ‘Is that going to be here or elsewhere?’
I’m not there at the moment, I’m fully focused on this season and playing my part. When you get to the end of the season, just like when managers re-evaluate their team, players re-evaluate their personal situations as well.
I will do that at the end of the season and see what is happening.
Probably not the best thing for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to say in public whilst on Sky’s Goals on Sunday programme but I can understand why he’s frustrated about not playing much football these days. Having arrived from Southampton a few years ago, when many other PL clubs were desperate to grab his signature, much good was expected from this young player. But in all truth, he’s really not done himself many favours. His defensive play has often let him and the team down and when in attack, he’s not always been on the same wavelength as his team-mates. A career path so similar to Theo Walcott, with performances very similar too.
Walcott seems to have woken up this season, but Oxlade-Chamberlain has yet to prove he has and I doubt Arsene Wenger will give him the amount of time he allowed Walcott. Perhaps ten minutes at the end of a game isn’t what Alex wants at this stage of his career but if I were him, I’d keep my head down, work hard in training and prove he should be starting. Not moaning on Sky television, as Wenger won’t like that one bit. We don’t hear Kieran Gibbs moaning after all, and he’s in a similar position.
Arsene has been talking about Mesut Ozil and his contract situation and he believes the German is not all about getting a major pay rise: ‘I don’t think he needs convincing. He wants to stay here. But if you have a good bank, call me.’ Of course he’ll want a bumper deal, he’s 28 years old and considering how key he is to this current squad, Alexis too, it’s crucial that the club bottom out both deals real soon. And didn’t Ivan say not long ago that Arsenal are no longer a selling club? Well selling either of these two players, or any of the others who the Arsenal fans love, would suggest that’s not the case.
Finally, PSG are sniffing around our young defender Kristopher Da Graca who is out of contract at the end of the season. That’s according to The Mirror. The 18 year old is one of very few central defenders in the Academy and having now recovered from injury, his performances have attracted the interest of the French club and Juventus.
Wonder if both clubs would like Yaya Sanogo too…..
Have a good Monday guys, the sun is shining…..
Morning all.
Kev…..1 match ban or three match ban??? I have heard both.
it would be great to have those three back again….they need minutes to see if they have recovered from knee, toe and hamstring problems.
I would go with this line up for Reading…..
Ospina
Jenkinson, Gabriel, Holding, Gibbs (C)
Elneny, Aaron
Reine Adelaide, OX, Perez
Ollie
I don’t think I am far away from the correct line-up.
Off to read the jolly sermon.
It’s a 3 match ban Devil.
Well, at least it’s a relatively decent 3 games to miss, on paper.
Morning all.
The way Boro played yesterday, we should win IF our boys are on form..
Chambers will not play against us. so that is one less to worry about.
Shame… Someone better might play in defence… lol
Dev, as Rico says, it’s a 3 game ban I think, straight red and all…
Arsenal not appealing the decision is telling.
Bit harsh on Chambers that Rico ?
As far as Oxlade-Chamberlain is concerned, you stand or fall by your performances.
When you get a chance in this team, you have to take it. Some players like Walcott have responded positively to the competition for places. Whatever people say about Theo and I’ve certainly moaned about him, he isn’t a whinger, same as Gibbs…
I didn’t see the AOC interview and frankly I ain’t bothered about seeing it, but the answer is in Oxlade-Chanberlains own hands. Make yourself impossible to leave out of the starting XI and you’ll play Alex.
Seems simple to me Rico…
Chamberlain should just stfu.. I think his biggest problem is his attitude.
Instead of keeping his head down and working hard, he’s busy on TV complaining.
Walcott x iwobi ain’t world class to not try to compete with. He’s a pussy.
For example, if he gets a start in the Reading game, play like someone who deserves to take the place of Walcott or Iwobi, because that’s what it comes down to…
🙂 Kev, not far from the truth though…
12.45 Kev, spot on!
Real funny from the OX, considering last week in an interview with 442, Iwobi said the OX is always late for training. To think a dude like him will show up an hour before everyone. At his age, single and no children, his priority should be his craft.
Rico, at 12:24 lol…Chambers was not bad on Sunday. Overall he played well. He was moved to right back when they were chasing the game, which I didn’t like because it’s that type of yo-yoing that lead him to losing confidence ….
http://i1.mirror.co.uk/sport/row-zed/article5117178.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/White-Hart-Lane.jpg
Obi….I don’t agree that having no family and no children means that you should be early for training.
I think EVEN if you have family and kids you still should be early for training and practice more than anything else. Considering the fact that you are paid such vast amounts of money means that you should take it seriously.
I have a family, have a child yet I still go to work earlier and leave when all is done. Same with training sessions….I go there earlier to prepare everything and also to prepare mentally. I am not a professional coach….yet I take it seriously and work hard. Simply because I am a role model. And I want to be the best. I am 48 years old and still take care of my body so that it will take care of me during training.
AOC should shut the fuck up….and work hard.
Imo he has said that simply because AW has told him to take it seriously or else be shown the door. And AOC, to try and get sympathy has simply ttried to turn it around and cry like a mummy’s boy and blame the club.
Hi all. Ox should just stfu. Another spoilt brat who thinks just cause he’s English he atomatically have a starting berth. Doesn’t he know people get called upon on merit?
Xhaka will have rested enough in time for the Spuds. Funny that lot are having their best start ever and are still behind us. Being a spursy is cruel!
In all honesty, who should Ox replace for the starting 11? Your guess is as good as mine…nada!!
Marshall….I think there was a lot of weight behind Iwobi’s comment that the OX is late for training. You might always think they are mates, being in the same club and team. However, nothing could be further from the truth. They all know they are vying with each other for the same place….so will be ready to stick the knife in. They all know more than we do.
I think this is what happened…….AW berates the OX for coming late and says that Iwobi is in the team on merit. Iwobi jokes about it when he is interviewed and suddenly OX realises he is in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. So he claims that he should be playing more and sort of ‘threatens’ to consider his future if he does not get more game time as he knows that the rule of homegrown sort of holds the club to ransom.
HRD, that’s more like it. He must have been (ill)advised to do damage control after it was put out there that he’s always late. ‘Threatening’ the club didn’t help his cause though. He’d borrow a leaf from Theo and Kos, players who received stick and came through vindicating themselves with their actions on the pitch.
Obi, I watched the game too and thought Chambers was quite average…
Afternoon guys.
And Xhaka will be able to play in the two CL fixtures before the Totts so that’ll keep him fit… lol
Although I agree that Ox should stfu, he is still one of my favourite players and a long injury free run in the team would do him the world of good !…………trouble is…. at the moment I dont know who`s place he takes so he will just have to play the bit part ( CL and League Cup should give him chance to prove his undoubted ability ) and wait for the inevitable injuries that will rear their ugly head at some stage, it`s the perrenial Arsenal problem that historically there is no cure for !………
LC, on a good day, he can be great but he’s not consistent… I honestly thought he’d be in a much better place at Arsenal than he is. There’s something about these Saints footballers we sign…. ?
The saints footballers are better than the one Manure sell to us though.
Consistency is what has plaqued Arsenal full stop over the years since a Title, Rico.
Even level on points at the top we dont have many consistent performers if judging by some of the close wins we have had recently……..the last two actually !…..so Ox is not alone !
If I was to try and think of a Mr Consistency recently it would probably be Koz…………..even our greatest two players Ozil and Alexis go of the boil sometimes and think that our recent 6 wins on the trot have been what was expected considering the oppo`……..apart from the Chavs !.
As I said the other day, we should expect to win our next two games ( Middlesborough and Sunderland )……….it`s the two after that ( Spuds, Manshafter ) what we will be judged on………………proper squeaky bum games ! 🙂
That’s not difficult Marshall… lol
Maybe our perrenial injury problem will become a thing of the past ( he says stroking a four leaf clover whilst stuffing a rabbits foot up a black cats arse ) !
http://news.arseblog.com/2016/10/arsenal-install-injury-reducing-pitch-at-london-colney/?utm_source=feedburner.com%2Farseblognews&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arseblognews+%28Arseblog+News+-+the+Arsenal+news+site%29
You’re right re consistency LC, but the others are talking to the media..
Yes, he shouldn`t have did that !…………………………………….anyway, what do we want tonight ?………………….personally I hate both of them……how dare they have more trophies than us !………….and would prefer a draw or a Manshafter win as the bindippers are a bigger threat imo and logically I just have to look at the table !. 🙂
I detest both too. A draw with red cards and injuries would do me… ?
I`ll second that ! 😀
0-0 and a freak lightening strike to carbonise Mourinho.
Lightning. Dear oh dear.
That would be good Adam.
Mind you, does lightening strike that low down?
Guess my iPad made the same bad spelling…. lol
Rico. I believe it could arc down through his entire body. 🙂
?? Adam
The odds of Maureen being hit by a lightning strike are the same as Leicester winning the league last season and of Arsene making a tactical substitution before 55 mins !
Darn LC! Lol
Lightening…..
Outrageous, this blog is going to the dogs.
Devil at 3:33 you are 100% right, I can’t disagree on that and no reasonable person should.
Rico @ 4:34 , for Chambers average with no mistakes is pretty good, considering he was a shell when he left…lol.
It might go to the kennels soon Kev…
Obi, I didn’t say he didn’t make mistakes though…. lol
Night guys, have a good one…
Morning Rico and all. Having read that Sky are 19% down on rootball viewing figures I suppose it was hardly surprising that they hyped last night’s game so wildly and unrealistically.
Problem for them was it stank the place out with it general awfulness and was a Televisual Tribute to the Mourinho style of negativity.
Could anyone really be surprised?
Adam, and to think some Gooners wanted Joe Say.
Incredible.
Morning mate…..where is everyone?
Morning Adam, Scott and all.
I didn’t even bother watching as Mourinho was always going to turn up and play in such a way….
rico
Well, the good news is I have my seat confirmed for The Emirates when I head back to Blighty for the 1st time in 27 years. Never been to the ‘new’ stadium but many times on the former North Bank of Highbury. Also corporate box at Stamford Bridge, if I want. Oh well better wait till the fixture list is out for next season 🙂 I’d love to be there sticking it to the Chavs in their own dung hill. Reckon I’d get kicked out.
Le Frog should sign everyone that’s in the squad till he wins another title. Money no object, just think of the fans not responsible accounting for the 1st time in 12 seasons.
Coma between fans & not
BTW, is Xhaka able to play or does red card apply to CL?
Which match George?
Yes, Xhaka can play in the CL..
Well its not decided rico. All I know is, turn up to London & there will be a ticket for me, which is gr8 for me. I want to be able to tick it off my bucket list to experience the stadium.
Does Charlie George still do the tours?
Not sure re the tours, the official site will no doubt answer that one..
Cheers rico re Xhaka & club website.
Interesting………
http://metro.co.uk/2016/10/17/arsene-wenger-makes-big-change-to-arsenals-training-pitches-6198195/
Let’s hope it works Scott…
Yep.
Seems to have taken a hell of a long time to work the problem out, though.
Just noticed it was posted yesterday……..I blame the time difference 🙂
Wonder if they’ll change the pitch too once the training ground has been done…
Is it the same surface, Rico?
Don’t know Scott…
I think I remember something changing as far as the pitch is concerned during the offseason, Rico.
I’m not sure if was replaced like for like, or replaced with something slightly different but I’m sure something’s as done.
Ah yes, isn’t that why the Emirates Cup was cancelled Scott?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154087887791491&set=gm.1075835069200054&type=3
You have to be 110% dedicated to do the above picture in comments.
Afternoon all.
Dont like the sound of this !……………….get rid of Sanogo and then we can give them what they want !.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/wenger-ozil-sanchez-discussions-difficult_283534.html
That could be good LC, normally when AW says he is confident a player will stay, they don’t….
Sanogo could be off in Jan…
Afternoon Rico and the House.
Busy catching up on the posts and the game I have missed
Good feeling to see you are all getting behind Theo lets hope he keeps it up and
puts big mouth Shearer in his place.
Concerning the pitch at the training ground and the Emiriates. They spent 10 weeks working
at the stadium and cancelled the Ems cup because thy wanted the new pitch to settle down before being played on.(The Clubs words)
Now with hindsight I would hazard a guess and say the surface is the same as the training gound.
Rico re Da Gracia having watched him for the last year I would say he is out of his depth in English football .Headless Chicken springs to mind and I would be surprised to see him given a new contract.
Just my oponion
Afternoon Rick, how are you doing?
Thanks re the update on the pitches etc.
Oh well, if PSG want our young defender, they can have him – we already have a headless chicken in the striker department ?
GGeorge9
The King is still doing the legends tour and in fact is doing one as I type.
He is booked to do 28 before the end of Nov and I know all the dates and times.
When you know when you are coming post dates on H/H and I will post the date and time of the Tours to suit you.
Rico thanx for asking feeling a bit better to day with the sun shining and no wind.
Had some good news this morning so it looks like I have turned the corner.
Both our games tomorrow are on BT, 2 good wins and I will fel even better
You’ll have to mail me your good news Rick… 🙂
So pleased to hear you have turned a corner….
Catch up tomorrow guys- night all….
Cheers Rick, Charlie is my hero, though my wife might say its time for me to grow up 🙂
Tottenham’s progress in the CL is a bit of a catch 22 really. I want them to lose all the time, but if they go out during the group stage, it allows them to be fresh to have a serious tilt @ the PL.
Silver lining, they finish 3rd in the group stage 🙂
They’ve got a full 2hr 30 minute 1971 F A Cup on you tube, in colour. I never realised Tommy Smyth captained Liverpool that day. I’ve watched the 1st 20 minutes which just involves the players coming outa the tunnel. Its a work of art. Now for kick off & ……………………:)
Sanogo to be sold in January, does Stevie Wonder own a football club?
Morning All
Er Lee…So no go back to Mount Pleasent P/Office
more like it.
GG9…Charley George was my hero back then
Hated it when he was injured.
Something about home grown players
that I love..Is the passion you get.
Who can forget the Three Degrees
Rocky,Micky and Paul.
Not forgetting The Shamrocks
Liam,Frank and David.
All them gave a bit extra..if you know what I mean.
Over the years,managers have taken that
away from the game.
So hoping Jack can get his head back on
at the seaside..But..
after watching him a couple of times
strolling around looking a bit lost..
Not….Sure?
He has no passion for Bournmouth.
Future Arsenal/England Captain trotting
around a club..For me looks pointless.
Jack love’s The Arsenal.
The extra yard and fight may
appear this week when the spuds turn up.
But for me with the talent Jack has,
he would have been better in an
Arsenal shirt strolling about with our
young lads.
Morning Lee, Fred and all..
I thought Jack was doing well by the sea, according to Howe anyway…
Rico
I only go by what I see.
I trust your view more Fred. 🙂
Morning all.
The worry I have with Jack is his health !………….I mean we are two thirds though October and every time Jack plays he is subbed and then their are questions is he getting near to playing a full game fitness wise !…………………fcuk me !………how can he not be match fit !………….are they waiting `till may for him to be fit ?……………………trouble with Jack is that he is one of the most skillful and intelligent players players in the league but stuck inside Tyrion Lannister`s body !.
New post up.