Santi to Spain, Reina linked. A Double Blow, or are Arsenal simply moving onwards and upwards…….

Morning all.

Well I guess it came as no great surprise, Arsenal didn’t want him and he’s moved to another part of London.

Do I care? No, not especially. Why? Because I didn’t like the way he left us and maybe, neither did the hierarchy at Arsenal FC.

Or it really could be as simple as the club moving on with players who are together and happy as a unit and they don’t want to go backwards.

And of course, don’t we seriously lack pace, directness, width and speed in the squad? I’d say yes and the Spaniard doesn’t really have any of those qualities in my opinion.

This is ‘reportedly’ from the Barca website:

But despite glowing starts to each campaign, Cesc’s contributions to the cause gradually decreased as each season drew to a close. From being someone who joined in with the attack, supplying and scoring goals, the magic tended to fade later on in each season.

He only scored one, six and one goals in the last 24 games of each season. For some reason, he was never as good in the second half of a season as in the first.

So that’s their reasons for selling him. Possibly, it’s Arsenal’s reasons for not re-signing him too…

The second bit of news yesterday was the confirmation of Bacary Sagna leaving, from the player himself:

To be fair, I don’t even know where to start or even how to say it… but i just wanna thank the whole Arsenal FC… a family to me, a club who taught me so much in 7 years, a club where I had the chance to progress day by day, a club who always gave me his trust whenever I was personally not at my best, a club who change the kid I was to the man I am today, a club where I had the pleasure to give 200 per cent every game.

I wanna thank the whole staff working at the club, the fans for accepting me so fast, making it smoove [sic] for myself and my family, my team mates witch [sic] I consider my true friends today and I had a great pleasure learning with them.

Of course I wanna thank the coach MR WENGER… who believed in me..gave me his trust..and clearly changed my life. Now, it’s time for me to move on and one more time THANK YOU.

Sagna leaving is a great shame but at his age, he no doubt wants a big pay cheque and it looks like he’s going to get it.

Thanks for good times Bacary Sagna, not that there has been many, other than the FA Cup victory a few weeks ago but I doubt there is an Arsenal fan who could question his commitment to Arsenal during his time with the club.

Arsenal FC will go on, the club was standing long before he or any player or manager arrived and it will continue to stand long after he or anyone departs for pastures new.

What is important now is who is going to join us this summer, not who is leaving.

We have the basis of a great squad, we have top players already at the club and we have what appears to be a very happy camp.

Move that squad forward by adding  to it and adding well. Get the speed, width, midfield rock and fire power added and we’ll be ready for new season.

Just get moving Arsenal!!

In the gossip pages:

Atletico Madrid believe they can tempt Santi Cazorla back to Spain with 20 million Euros bid, that’s according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Many reports suggest Arsene Wenger could be interested in Liverpool’s out of favour goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The Carlos Vela story rumbles on with certain sections of the media suggesting we are going to sign him just because we can for cheap and then sell him on for big bucks. Somehow I can’t see that happening.

That’s it for a very warm Friday….

342 thoughts on “Santi to Spain, Reina linked. A Double Blow, or are Arsenal simply moving onwards and upwards…….

  1. tsgh says:

    lol fiest Goonie…

    2nd or 3rd for me then…. lol

    Good post Rico… we can only wish Cesc well on his new endeavours so far as we do beter than Jose and his stars…

    Dev/Potter do you know how the FIFA rule will apply to Vela if he is bought and sold on…

    Currently under the FIFA Transfer Regulations a football player is unable to play for more than three teams in one year. This applies whether the player has been transferred or simply is on loan with that club.

    This also applies regardless of what country that player has plied his trade in, whether that is in Europe, Africa or South America. As long as a player has represented a club in a league under the adjudication of a FIFA Member Association they will only be able to play for three different clubs.

    Also Regulation 5 and para 18 seem to prevent a player moving clubs 2 times within a window according to my interpretation…

  2. vernat1066 says:

    I read that part of the deal for Vela at the buy out price is that he must stay for one year with us before being sold but i cannot remember where I read this. As for Cesc … Meh not what we need.

    Agree totally what we need to add to the squad is strength and pace we have some very very good players and characters at the club we just need to add to that in the right places with the right characters regardless of transfer price. Please for once round pegs in round holes.

  3. goonster says:

    Howdy ginge….how are ya? Am not watching the world cup by the way. Oranje stinks plus my summer just got ruined .

  4. potter says:

    Hope all you people that are hanging your hats on the pace thing will remember it when Cesc starts setting up goals for the players around him. If he doesn’t feel free to remind me. Bringing him back doesn’t mean we don’t need a pacier forward but with him the supply would be much better.
    As for Vela his agent has said that if it doesn’t work out for him we have agreed to sell him on again. 3 clubs a season ? hasn’t played for Sociedad this season so there is room for that.

  5. tsgh says:

    Lmfao Goonie… Oranje will be fine… you have had better teams in the past and under achieved so it can’t be worst.. I rate De Gruzman over De Jong and there is no Huntelaaar vs RVP beef stewing so…

    I think you have a team now since not individuals… teh first time since 1988 imho

  6. tsgh says:

    I think you have a team now not individuals… the first time since 1988 when you won the Euros*imho..

  7. goonster says:

    Don’t patronize me ginge…we ll get to the quarter finals and that’s it. Am not holding my breath on that one. Hey but ghana could suprise us all 😀

  8. tsgh says:

    Thanks Potter… we trying to make 5 out of 2+2… lol

    I guess I fell for AW’s explanation of why we could not bid for Reus when he jwas about to join BVB

  9. tsgh says:

    we=me*

    lol this is the first time in a tournament since the 1988 that I am not supporting Holland.. very strange that; I guess time changes…

    Personally, i don’t want Brazil or Spain to win the WC so..

  10. vernat1066 says:

    I am sure Cesc will set up a lot of goals for Chelsea but he will have motion and runners in front of him, with the exceptions of Ramsey and Rosicky that is something we lack perhaps the OX can provide more of it but that is where in the team we need to progress offensively.

    On the other hand we have to improve defensively especially how we start games and if this area is where we spend the most of our money then good because it is needed losing Sagna I think will be a big blow not just on but also off the pitch.

  11. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning all.
    Fabregas must have pissed Wenger off ‘big style’.
    As much as I like him – and I do – The last couple of seasons with us – he wasn’t that good – and making him captain – like Henry before him – was a stupid idea. Saying that, I thought making Vermaelen captain was a great idea, and look how that one worked out…

    Šime Vrsaljko looked okay last night v Brazil – and he is ambidextrous and can play either flank. Sometimes a player can be the victim of his own versatility, but with Gibbs always injured and the right back slot open, Vrsaljko may be a decent shout.

  12. tsgh says:

    v1066, I am with you…
    i believe we need 2 or 3 hard grafters to take us to the next level not necessarily a luxury player…

    In my view we got thrashed by teams not because we were shite but because we were lazy and non-comittal in those games… especially when we kick off at 12:45…

    If we had played those games any otehr time it would have been closer imho…

  13. rico says:

    I’d love to know what went on before he left Syg, like you I think he really cheesed off the manager and Ivan…

    Bentley retired? Injured or just accepted the fact that he’s not as good as he thought he was….

  14. goonster says:

    Without cesc we got hit 6.0 with cesc….Am even scared to write out the score line. God help us.

  15. vernat1066 says:

    atsuto uchida has been liked to us before will be interesting to see him if he plays for japan in the world cup has been voted best right back in bundesliga or do we just accept that we have to give Jenkinson a chance and accept what comes by making him first choice?

  16. allezkev says:

    It might have been so different, if Croatia had had a decent goalkeeper…

    He could, and probably should, have saved all three of Brazils goals…

    Btw, did anyone notice the almost orgasmic reaction, that Clive Tyldsley gave to Brazils third goal…..
    What a fcuking tosser…

  17. tsgh says:

    IG was particularly honest when asked about Cesc in 2011 after the 8-2 loss at old trafford…

    He was never coming back… imo

    The moment he forced a move and then said AW did not do tactics… or assign him any tactics whilst at Arsenal… the writting was on the wall
    Oddly Del Bosque in 2012 said Cesc can only be influential if he allowed him to play like AW made him play at AFC so lets see…

    If Chelsea lose Ramires and Khedira were to join them have they really improved?

  18. allezkev says:

    I like the football, but the hype and the stupid commentators are getting on my nerves already….

    Just show the games ffs and save us from all those assorted ‘talking heads’….

  19. tsgh says:

    v1066, Uchida was keen but the then S04 manager wanted Poldi as part of the deal allegedly…

    Voted best RB in the Bundesliga 2 times

  20. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Fabregas stated that ‘Wenger’ was like a father.

    It had to be bad, Rico.

    A Premiership proven world class midfielder comes available and Arsenal have first option, and Wenger abstains? And this is when we have an ageing Arteta, Rosicky a mediocre Flamini and a ghost in Diaby……

    It had to have been bad.

  21. allezkev says:

    Luiz Gustavo, that’s the guy you keep on going on about isn’t it Ginge…?

    Tell me, what is so special about him, because I have to say, it passed me by…

    I think we can do better than him.

  22. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Brazil deserved to win Kev, but they are very beatable. The ref was as good as the Croatian goalkeeper was at shot stopping.

  23. allezkev says:

    In fact, unless this is the most bent World Cup ever, I will be amazed if Brazil win it…

    If Argentina, Spain, Germany and Portugal aren’t a better bet, then I’m a Goonster…

  24. tsgh says:

    Kev, I think you have got me mixed up big time with someone else on here…

    Wath, will back me for saying we should never pay 14m for him…

    I was the one who was slated on here last summer for saying Gustavo was no better tha Arteta…

    Sideways passes and all.. he made 2 tackles last night… modric and Rakitic 4 each… but those are just stats…

  25. ktr7 says:

    Good read.I don’t like talking about officials but yesterday’s referee was abysmal.he ruined a good game.Croatia have a right to he pissed off.

  26. allezkev says:

    SYG, not sure I agree with you on that one mate…

    Brazil should have been down to 10 men, so the game would have been a lot different…

    Did you notice how the Brazillians struggled to cope with low hard crosses whipped in behind their centre-backs…
    Better teams than Croatia will notice that weakness mate…
    Defensively I thought that Brazil are very suspect…

  27. tsgh says:

    I remember several people saying Luiz would make us win the title if we signed him last summer as he was playing for BM…

    The player who chickened out on us by signing for Wolfburg as he was concerned he won’t make the squad for the WC…

    Jo is also in the Brazil squad… the Shitty big signing (mark Hughes) who was worse than Jeffers … lol

  28. ktr7 says:

    I agree kev.Brazil are not all that the hype makes them out to be.If the referee is not so biased towards them Spain, Germany, Italy, Argentina are some of the teams that can beat them no doubt.

  29. rico says:

    I think so too Syg.

    I doubt all that hugging a Barca shirt and going off to watch the Grand Prix when ‘his’ team were still playing in the league didn’t help either….

    But I thought Aw recently said Cesc would one day play for Arsenal again, perhaps he was overruled…

    Mere speculation by me though of course….

  30. bondex says:

    … I’m glad we didn’t resign cesc he is so unstable, saying that match his footballing ambitions (financial ambitions).if he really wanted to come to Arsenal, should have proposed a pay cut like he did to go to Barca just to show he really wanted to join us

  31. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Brazil are not too dissimilar to Arsenal, Kev. Nice possession, reliant on Neymar and Oscar.

  32. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Jeffers…..?

    The most prolific England striker ever …..

    Stats for Ginge

    Francis Jeffers 1:050
    Jimmy Greaves 1:1.29
    Gary Lineker 1:1.66
    Bobby Charlton 1:216
    Malcolm MacDonald 1:2.33
    Wayne Rooney 1:2.33

    —-

    Stats NEVER lie !

  33. tsgh says:

    😀 Kev, honest.
    I am consistent in my views… check the August 15, 2013 post ref ‘we have solid squad’; the day Luiz announced he was joining Wolfsburg.if you have time on my views like SYG and Dev on Gustavo… lol

    Scott from Oz says:
    August 15, 2013 at 10:29 am
    Morning all.
    Ginge, my boy…..good positive post 🙂
    Jenks is better off staying with us.
    I would genuinely be upset if he goes out.
    Wolfsburg……seriously?
    People think our club is dumb?
    If Gustavo joins them it will be til the World Cup and thats it….then he will be off.
    He is a snake who does not want to fight for a position.
    We are better off without him.
    I want players who want to play for Arsenal, and not for a club that can help them along their way.

    southyorkshiregunner at 10:20 am

    “He wants playing time” is the mentality of a loser. If “you’re” good enough, “you’ll” get playing time…. Well under any other manager other than Arsene Wenger, anyway….

  34. vernat1066 says:

    Statistics are like miniskirts. What they reveal is tantalizing, but what they hide is crucial

  35. goonster says:

    I ve just lost my ability to cream. Fabregas to chelsea instead makes me wanna retch. So I ll be vomiting through out the season instead of creaming.

  36. bondex says:

    hello rico…. you guys have always done a good job keeping the house together. Never missed a post ,just didnt have the energy to respond….

  37. vernat1066 says:

    Rico from the one and only Navjot Singh Sidhu purveyor of ridiculous quotes and hilarious cricket commentary

  38. Adam says:

    I think that if Wenger waved Oliver Holt away and asked to be left alone he did pretty well. I would have kicked Holt in the bollox and looked upon it as a service to humanity. The greasy little creep.

  39. goonster says:

    Hahahahahahhaha rico you mean you don’t like me creaming??? Well just pray le scrooge don’t buy a world class player to appease us then cause if he does….you bet I ll be creaming from now till Thursday 😀

  40. goonster says:

    Doncaster??? Isn’t that the port where the old sea dog Billy bones set off for treasure island??? Or is that Bristol??? Hmmmm. Mix up some where.

  41. goonster says:

    We re doing alright…Thank you. Cassie can’t stand neymar says he looks like a plucked duck. Whatever that means.

  42. rico says:

    Thanks vernat, would never had thought that came from a cricket commentator. Other than Bumble of course lol

  43. bondex says:

    The world cup is here again and i believe Brazil aren’t as good as we think Croatia was just unlucky . Goonie…. heard from your Nigerian girl friend lately?

  44. rico says:

    What was that Neymar penalty all about, a better keeper would have saved with ease….

    Quite underwhelmed by Brazil….

  45. frednerk says:

    Morning All,
    As an old git that I am,I can say that I have seen it all,
    but the younger genaration of The Arsenal only know 4th place and now the FA Cup,growing up with football,Fab was the number one for them,coming through the youth ranks a ready made superstar to replace the best all round player I have ever seen since Paddy V,
    he was allowed to leave only because of his barcer DNA,
    wenger apparently was in tears,when he left.
    I’m not sure why some arsenal fans think he will better off at the chavs.
    His new girlfriend has nagged the life out of him to join her in london,and we all know who wears the trouses………don’t we
    So is this the reason,or is it wenger knows better than maureen,
    is Fab finished as a player,is maureen a sh#t manager.
    Do me a favour..I’m I missing somethink?

  46. Gunnerdna says:

    Morning all, good post rico.

    “Statistics are like miniskirts. What they reveal is tantalizing, but what they hide is crucial” Very good post.

  47. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Afternoon sunshines and moonrays.

    Have we signed yesterday’s ref for the EPL yet?

    I really enjoyed the banana slip. I watch it over and over again.

    Has Cesc won any trophies with the new philosophy yet???

  48. Sukky says:

    The Pk was rubbish,the refree had a fair game until that Pk incident.Brazil will struggle defensively in this WC.Luiz G is overrated,Luiz D is a world class overrated and Silva is ok but he will struggle agaisnt big man striker like our OG12.Am cheering for Cameroon today and why won’t I?Am an African!Lol but am not cheering for Nigeria.

  49. frednerk says:

    Wonder why we have not made any signings yet,
    we hear that the wheels are motion,
    we hear that the transfer brigade,are working flat out…..to spend

    I’m I missing somethink?

  50. Gunnerdna says:

    1st game of the tournament under a lot of pressure from the home fans, Brazil will definitely improved. The last world cup the champion lost their 1st game 1-0.

  51. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Mark Bisson – who works for World Football Insider – saw Arsene Wenger outside the Sao Paulo stadium before last nights World Cup opener and eased himself in by asking about who the boss thought would win. The reply was short but when asked for his thoughts on Cesc, Arsene became ‘visibly irritated’ and simply said “please leave me alone”.

  52. frednerk says:

    The fact is rico,we tread this path every window the solid players, the ones we know can play are snapped up.
    we come out with the same old excuses,
    One for the future,
    Will need a season to bed in,
    Needs match fitness,
    We will have to look at that injury.

    We all love wenger,he earns a good wage,
    Why is he pouncing about,telling the world how good this one is how good that one is on French TV.
    Its took how many years to change a system where wenger preachers,the importence of bring youth through to the 1st team,
    The great excuse for not spending.
    Ox gets injured with England,could be out for the rest of the world cup,
    2 days later training,doing sprints..somethink wrong here yer?

  53. rico says:

    fred, I’m going to wait and see what this transfer window brings before I start ranting.

    And I’m hoping he’s on French TV because someone else at Arsenal is sorting out transfers….

    Definitely something wrong with our injury recovery time for players but then I guess that’s why this new guy has been signed up so things could change in that department..

  54. vernat1066 says:

    Where AW is should be irrelevant as it is not his job to sign players he should identify them and then the employees paid to sign and negotiate players should do their jobs. If and it looks like it is the case is not what is happening then the issue is with the Board who once again abdicate their responsibility to run the club correctly

  55. allezkev says:

    Some of the ‘talking heads’ are continually banging on about this Thiago Silva….

    Best defender in the world, tney say….

    Is that so?

    I must be missing somethink….

  56. rico says:

    I thought he was quite average Kev..

    fred, but looking at the players who have moved so far, and excluding Cesc and Costa, who would we really have wanted Arsenal to sign?

  57. goonster says:

    Bondex my Nigerian girl friend huh? Well we talk from time to time. Cassie mustn’t find out though.

  58. allezkev says:

    Fred, you’re right, I can also smell the smell of bullshit.
    Just can’t clear it out of my snozzle

  59. tsgh says:

    Odd how Miranda was not selected ahead of David Luiz…

    Felipe is doing his tinkerman things he did at Chelsea…lol

    He selected Jo of all strikers too…

  60. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Afternoon all, Cesc is gone, lets move on. Major signings needed elsewhere, Wenger/board your time has come, put up or f**k up. Your decisions over the next few weeks/month, will dictate what reactions you will face next season. Fixtures out next Wed @ 9am. I must be missing something….

  61. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Ginge, another who is now smart enough to be quoting me.
    Oh how the standards of HH have dropped recently 🙂
    To be fair that post must have been written by Sean, because it makes more sense than I have in 3-4 years combined!

  62. Gunnerdna says:

    Why are other clubs signing players before the official opening of the transfer window 31 Aug 14? lol

  63. Scott From Oz says:

    This is a classic!
    The England team visited an orphanage in Brazil today.
    “It was so sad to see all of those faces filled with sadness but no hope” said Jose! aged 6.

  64. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, I can’t remember writing that…how the hell did you find it?
    I can’t remember what I posted 10 minutes ago lol

  65. tsgh says:

    I never ‘hate’ the player but ‘hate’ the game…
    When a grown Oxbridge educated man earning a 7 figure salary tells the world a club of AFC stature can’t replace AW their 64 y.o manager then either…:-
    1. AW is the coming dajjal
    2. or the chief of Mossad…
    3. or Aw actually owns the club and is paying Stan to front it for him…

    my conspiracy hat is on… 🙂

  66. Scott From Oz says:

    BT, I am dreaming of a win, hoping for a draw, but fully expecting them to give their all and put up a show…..it’s. Tough ask, though.
    They won’t back down, and you will see a much brighter, more attacking style of play from our lads than ever before.
    Ange Postecoglou is our manager, and is a bloody good one.
    He knows the game, and is talented enough to manage in a top League for sure.

  67. tsgh says:

    Scott,lol. I have a decent long term memory, but bad short term memory… something that got me noticed down by the river 😉 maybe that is why i do not sleep very well…
    In a ‘previous working life’ I worked with folks who manufactured disinformation for the masses not only in the uk but in the civilised world …

    What did Murdock, Madame Blavatsky and Disreali say about we the masses living in this era… re. the media

    That is why I am always suspicious of what is in the media unless I verify it…

    What i learnt in was told then was to always read ‘between the lines’, unfortunately with the internet age we are being programme to read what we want to read without asking questions… 😉

  68. Gunnerdna says:

    Rico, Arsenal have the most players in the PL. lol. I’m happy for a Sagna £150k a week for 3yrs, 95% chance of winning trophies and enough money to keep his sexy wife. It’s a ambitious move..

  69. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Half a team of m.city was played in Arsenal last years.
    I’m concern with Cazorla not with Fabregas.
    Yesterday, wasn’t penalty, was a clear goal for Croacia not conceded and I will see in the next games if Neymar should or should not be sent off

  70. Gunnerdna says:

    AFC_Andrew @PR_WhoRu · 59m
    Yesterday, Fabregas.
    Today, Sagna.
    Tomorrow, Park Chu-Young.

    #EndOfAnEra

  71. tomstoned says:

    what a splendid summer…and no reaction we’re just sitting here like sheep…..waiting to get ripped of as usual..love it absolutely love it !!

  72. tomstoned says:

    c’mon big dick law do your job for once so far it has been pretty shitty like every summer havent real throwed ozil at us ..my god what a joke of a club we have become….an americanized business model who seems more like titianic than a football club..

  73. potter says:

    This morning’s Guardian :-
    “What it comes down to is this: if Kim Kallstrom was needed last season I fail to see how Wenger and the board have decided Fábregas wasn’t required this term.”

    I still can’t see the sense in it.

  74. NashuaGunners says:

    It simple real; he was a backup for Ramsey and MA. The sad part of it was ‘we got him and he was already injured’. Someone definitely was sleeping on the steering wheels.

  75. tsgh says:

    AW last night after Neymars’ penalty…
    Wenger: “Neymar did exactly the exact things that I hate in a penalty”

  76. tsgh says:

    Wenger:”I’m very much impressed by Rakitic’s start”
    French pundit: “Strong?” Wenger: “Very strong”

    He should be signing him instead of endorsing his performance…

  77. tsgh says:

    Scott, just for you…

    On this day in 2008 none other than the boy wonder Ramsey signed for us…

    Sky Sports Italia claim Arsène Wenger is prepared to “do anything to bring Mario Balotelli to Arsenal.” Report says Puma also keen on deal.

  78. rogerbij says:

    Morning(?!) sorry Im late, just wanted to shed a tear – still cant believe we passed up Fabregas to who!. A top team cant have too many top players. For me southyorkshiregunner nailed it when he mentioned the aging Arteta, Rosicky, injured Diaby etc… Yes we have other higher priorities but Cesc is top quality. Ill give Wenger real chance in this window but he better deliver more than Vela, because our quality in depth problem is far from solved in several positions.

  79. Nashua gunner says:

    Hi T’ and everyone in the House.

    T’S. I’m fine. And you? I hope you will be watching Cameroon play today.

  80. bondex says:

    My problem with cesc’s transfer to the forbidden part of London is that he didn’t show enough fight to want to join us.. remember when he was going to barca? he did everything to go to his child hood club… it surprises me why he couldn’t do the same for the club he claims he loves… always a gooner indeed.

  81. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!! I simply do not believe that Cesc would not have made AFC a stronger team. When in form, he truly is remarkable. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. But we are the Arsenal, eh? 😉

    Having said that, I’m happy AW gets to say a belated ‘va te faire encule!’ Pardon my French. 😀

    The Spaniards have not exactly thrived in Chelsea; Torres and Mata certainly underwhelmed. I hope the little Chav in Cesc does, too. Bet he hates his dodgy Barca DNA now.

  82. Nashua gunner says:

    To be part of team your teammates have to trust and depend on you. With Cesc and his back and the treatment table every now and then, who need that in there team?

    There are many churches beside St. George’s Cathedral…

  83. tsgh says:

    Of course Ng, I will be watching Cameroun later…

    Agag, I was asking of you earlier to gauge your views on Mr. Barca Dna.

  84. allezkev says:

    Hiya Shopping Buddy, yes hopefully the Portugese midget & Cesc will fall out.

    I notice that only one journo, in Phil Scolari’s post match spinfest, dared to bring up the validity of the penalty.
    Scolari was not impressed and dismissed the question…

    Only two days into the WC and stench of FIFA corruption is stinking the place out…

  85. allezkev says:

    KT just seen your comment from earlier, yes, the Brazillians will dread meeting the Italians.
    Memories of 1982 in Spain, when Socrates and Co thought that they had a God given right to win the thing.
    Italy well mugged them off.
    It was hilarious.

  86. agirlagunner says:

    Hiya, GInge? Howdy? Just saw your comment. 😛 You mean the Arsenal Reject?? 😀 Well, Cesc and his DNA and Papa Fabregas would be awfully happy that his nightmare move to Catalunya has been handed a lifeline. Cesc’s baby momma certainly looks high maintenance; maybe he needs the cash.

    Kev, tbh, even the Brazilian fans didn’t seem sold on the pen. 😀 Couldn’t have the hosts eliminated at the group stages, now? Imagine the discontent; what with the unnecessary billions spent. Tsk.

  87. agirlagunner says:

    Kev, guess what? Just found out that I won a raffle that would allow me to buy stuff at 30% off retail (obviously, the retailer is the actual winner.) But man, so soo tempting. 😀

  88. rico says:

    Potter – I know I’m not a fan who desperately wanted Cesc back, but I am really surprised the club didn’t re-sign him.

    As Syg suggested, maybe something really was bad at the end of his career with us and that’s behind it….

    I’m merely guessing of course…

  89. agirlagunner says:

    rico, been on vacation for ten months now. Lol. Was busy with “stuff”. 🙂 How are you?

  90. agirlagunner says:

    Like you, rico, not too fussed about Cesc. I’d have loved for him to sign, but he is not a priority. It’s clear now that he burned bridges with our board/owner/manager. That’s that. Plus, after van Pursey’s defection, can’t say anything would surprise me. When Ox and Wilshere get over their rash of injuries, I think they will live up to their hype.

  91. rico says:

    I’m hoping this new guy from the US can sort the injuries and the recovery times out agag, would really make a difference.

    Not that he should be an excuse not to sign players of course….

  92. rico says:

    A job has to be right doesn’t it agag, it’ll come and in the meantime, enjoy the break I say… 😉

  93. agirlagunner says:

    I wonder whether AW has any trick up his sleeve. Pulled Ozil out of the hat, and I hope he does it again. 🙂

  94. agirlagunner says:

    rico, I agree. Everyone asks me, aren’t you bored?? And I’m always like, nope. I quite like being on hols.

  95. agirlagunner says:

    At La Masia in Barcelona, players are taught to dive before they kick a ball. Lol. In addition to passing backwards and sideways, Song has now perfected tumbling.

  96. Gonerjoe says:

    Rico
    I am afraid until Arsenal players get some protection from refs we will keep having high levels of injuries.

  97. Wavy says:

    FIFA fix? Sblatter continues to flex his corrupt, spiteful and vengeful play thing, all in the best possible taste. The FIXA Ethics have just suspended Franz Beckenbauer for 90 days for some unspecified indiscretion! Nothing like a lover scorned!
    The only real surprise is that it was not Platini!
    Watch this space…….they’ll get to him sooner rather than later and definitely before the ‘election’ of king sblatter of the fixed FIFA.
    Come on UEFA show ’em whose boss
    .

  98. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Seems as if Song is the next ex-player to go to the chavs. At this rate AFC have supplied a lot of Shitty, Chavs and Manure’s players. with us they won nothing bar Sagna…the FACUP. But with shitty and Manure and even Barca they have won.

    Am I missing something here???

  99. potter says:

    When Ox and Wilshere get over their rash of injuries, I think they will live up to their hype.

    City, Liverpool ,Chelsea and United are clearing the lockers ready for our next fire sale. Just imagine being a player at the Arsenal and realising that we have just passed up on one of the best players of the modern era. It’s a real incentive to stay knowing that the club does not have the same ambition as you do.

  100. rico says:

    Just read that too Devil, I won’t shed a tear there either, I’ll be thinking more about who will take all the free kicks he gives away just outside the penalty area…. lol

  101. rico says:

    Assuming those players all wanted Cesc back Potter.

    And that’s something we really don’t know…….

  102. agirlagunner says:

    Potter, would have liked Cesc on board. But he is a Chav now, and I simply don’t feel too bad about it.

    Hiya, Adam, I have something in mind now. fingers crossed. Howdy?

    Hello, all!

  103. Hell Raising Devil says:

    maybe its now AW who did not want him back.

    maybe its the players who told the club they did not want Cesc back.

    take a peep at Samir Na$ri. Kos, Bac, OG did not want him at the WC.

    so it is preposterous to say that it was only AW who did not want him;.

  104. agirlagunner says:

    Well deserved break, Mexico. Rico, saw a feature last night and the goal line technology alone cost sooooo much money. No complaints though.

  105. tsgh says:

    900k allegedly Agag…

    and every other replay should involve goal lne technology if a goal is scored… lol

  106. agirlagunner says:

    More like USD 3.5 million for the gadgets, ginge plus USD 80K per match for the technology.

  107. rico says:

    Agag, think they need to invest more and bring in video technology myself…

    Finally sort all this diving and cheating out..

  108. tsgh says:

    Lol.. maybe FIFA has a machine that can take Eto back to the future as a 26 y.o prolific striker…

  109. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Seems as if FIFA has found a scapegoat to deflect attention……

    “Franz Beckenbauer was today provisionally banned from taking part in any football-related activity, at any level, for 90 days,” said a statement released by football’s governing body.

    The 68-year-old Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as a player in 1974 and then as a coach in 1990, was on the Fifa executive board in 2010 when the 2022 tournament was awarded to Qatar. He has always refused to say who he voted for.

    Beckenbauer, known as the Kaiser, refused to cooperate with Michael Garcia, the former US federal prosecutor who headed an investigation in the votes for the Qatar vote and another that awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia.

    An international spotlight has fallen on the investigation following allegations reported by the Sunday Times newspaper that a former Qatar football official paid more than $5 million (Dh18.3m) to get support for the Gulf state’s bid.

    The ban against Beckenbauer remains largely symbolic as he no longer has any official role with Fifa or in German football. But because of his playing and coaching record and as a head of the German committee which organised the 2006 World Cup he remains very influential in international football.

    In an interview with Bild newspaper published this week, Beckenbauer said he had nothing to hide, but that Garcia sent his questions in a legalese English that he did not understand.

    “I then politely asked for the interview to take place in German, but I was refused,” he added.

    Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/sport/world-cup-2014/fifa-levy-ban-on-franz-beckenbauer-for-noncooperation-in-qatar-world-cup-investigation?#ixzz34XglTXOY
    Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook

  110. agirlagunner says:

    Expected better from Cameroon, ginge. 😕

    What is for dinner, rico?

    dev, Blatter is just absolutely shameless…

  111. agirlagunner says:

    Nice, ginge. But I read somewhere Leo drinks crappy champagne. Ace of Spades?? Sooo tacky.

  112. tsgh says:

    Cameroun are not the same team..

    The team that beat WC holders Argentina in 1990 on the opening day…

    Roger Milla super striker…

  113. agirlagunner says:

    He is friends with the royalty of tacky rappers, ginge. Lol. I remember reading that he dropped USD 3 million on the stuff for his birthday. All that money, and that’s all you can think to buy? Laughable. Now, I am no oenophile, but even I have better ideas.

  114. Micko says:

    British Mean Bird…..you must be going soft in your old age rico ! Your a real wag stan.
    The day the players have a say in who we sign is the day the club will have gone to the dogs !
    Didn’t know what costa was but didn’t think he was spanish, will arsene strike at the 11th hour, will he heck.

  115. tsgh says:

    so this is what EPL defenders will have to face every weekend from Costa…I hope he turns out to be another Mutu…

  116. tsgh says:

    lol… maybe lucky as he is Judas…

    Interesting how most teams are now playing 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2… hope Aw is taking note; he would need another striker and a DM to play like that next season.

  117. Gunnerdna says:

    Van Gal working wonders with this average dutch team, his stint at Man U is gonna be interesting.

  118. rico says:

    How could Croatia be denied a goal last night for a foul on their keeper, and then Holland score after Spain’s keeper was pushed over?

    This WC stinks!!

    Night all….

  119. tsgh says:

    The first ‘proper’ Dutch team in over 15 years… no egos at all.

    First time there has been no off the field issues reported before a tournament involving the Dutch…

  120. agirlagunner says:

    I am thoroughly enjoying the look of disappointment on the e faces of all these Barca players.

  121. tsgh says:

    Same here Agag.

    I heard Pique will be investigating traces of his Bavarian Dna now… lol

    Barca will have a task replacing XAvi and Iniesta…

  122. agirlagunner says:

    Night, Rico. This is Azpilicueta is a liability. And the panfish center halves are funny beyond belief.

  123. Micko says:

    Told ya Holland would win 5-1, ye of little faith !
    In my defence I didn’t allow for the tropical rain storm !

  124. Micko says:

    agag, I couldn’t tell ya what the inside of a betting shop even looks like, to state the obvious I’m rubbish at predictions.

  125. agirlagunner says:

    All the Spanish defenders have much to explain. Ginge, maybe we would buy Sanchez? I prefer him to Pedro who is overrated, IMHO.

  126. tsgh says:

    So a Psv and an Aston Villa central defensive partnership shut up the full Spanish Armada. The wheels are off maybe; but they lost the first match in Sth Africa and still won so…

  127. agirlagunner says:

    Well, we are hopeful, Ginge. :p I would have thought the slick surface would favor Spain. Instead, it was The Robben Show.

  128. tsgh says:

    The surface painted green? lol

    Gj, its just a bunch of players willing to give 100%; there was only 1 passenger in that team today Sneijder… imho

  129. Gonerjoe says:

    It’s just me going over top with the match tonight but some players with pace would be nice.
    Of course they must have skill and commitment as well.
    What you think of Chelsea’s strike force Torres and Costa

  130. agirlagunner says:

    And yet even as a passenger, Sneijder played his part for the De Vrij goal. 😀 He’s bound to shine; Sneijder tends to play his best for the national team.

    Who do you have in mind, Goonerjoe?

  131. tsgh says:

    You have a point Gj.. was not dismissing your view…

    I strongly believe we have too many passengers in games that count…

    I have never rated Costa but its because I don’t like strikers like him..

    Torres needs a change… he may end up back at Ath in August with Curtois coming this way…

  132. tsgh says:

    Of course Sneijder will always be Sneijder… he is like AA23; classy but lethargic.. Agag

    I meant ‘passenger’ in terms of defending…

  133. Micko says:

    Costa had a stinker tonite Gonerjoe, might be controversial but he probably gets the nod over Joel Campbell for me.
    A marriage made in Aldi’s tsgh.

  134. Gonerjoe says:

    Agag
    To be honest I am not sure
    But Remy has pace and seems dead set on joining Arsenal after that Balotelli. But I think tsgh and Wenger would be better than me at picking players pace.

  135. agirlagunner says:

    I know, Ginge. 😛 I meant it more in the way that even while Sneijder was coasting along, he was able to do something meaningful with the ball when he had the chance. It seems like a settled Dutch camp. If I didn’t hate Pursey and Robben, I might cheer for them. As it is, I have a soft spot for our Frenchies; and of course our Krauts, so they’re my teams.

    Costa might win the Chavs penalties, but he’ still a Chav. And there is no redeeming quality to being one. Lol.

  136. tsgh says:

    lol Micko… I thought it was Aw who shopped from lidl/aldi?

    Gj, if I had Aw’s ear I would have gotten Cabella, Balo’ and Morgan Schnerderlein before now…

  137. Gonerjoe says:

    Micho
    As tsgh said earlier Costa had he’s off match against an Aston villa and PSV central defenders.

  138. tsgh says:

    Gj, and Barkley; I would have sold Sc19 for Gabi from Ath too…

    Mostly unknown players but players who nevr stop running…

    Imagine a midfield of Barkley/Morgan, Gabi or Ramsey…

  139. Gonerjoe says:

    Tsgh
    Something i read early today on another blog and I thick was very good point. That was the new Puma deal does not kick in to the 1st of July. So no pictures or announcement of new players till they can show the player holding up the new Puma shirt.

  140. tsgh says:

    My bad Bruno Indi is from Feyenord not Psv.. but Vlaar was part of Aston Villas worst defensive unit in years…

  141. agirlagunner says:

    Goonerjoe, I’d welcome Balotelli, too. If he can calm down he would be sensational. Or Sanchez because he would suit or style of play(never, Pedro) and… Torres, haha. There’s still a fantastic player in there somewhere; and AW would be just the person to coax that out of him.

  142. Micko says:

    Gonerjoe, he also scored some impressive goals in the champions league last season and fired his team to the top of the league, makes no difference he’s Fulham bound, I know we slag off Chelsea but they put us to shame, while we dilly dally, they go for the kill.

  143. Gonerjoe says:

    Let’s keep our players and buy the new ones can’t say I would like to sell SC 19 no matter who we got to replace him. Not even dickhead Cecs.

  144. tsgh says:

    Alexis at Udinese was a counter attacking gem…

    True Micko, even at u-18 level the chavs go for the kill… but all a bit of banter so.

  145. Gonerjoe says:

    Micko i am not saying he’s not a good striker but would he be your first pick of all the 30m plus strikers that could be bought for that money.

  146. Gonerjoe says:

    I thought Debuchy was between 28-30 years old not the normal age group for a Wenger purchase. May be wrong on he’s age

  147. Micko says:

    Scott, after tonites result it’s gonna come down to goal difference, you’ll probably have to bang in 6 against Chile ! failing that it’s Brazil in the knock outs, fancy a pish up instead !

  148. Gunnerdna says:

    Harry Blake @UhBlakey
    Follow
    So far this window.. #AFC have made £6M from the Cesc Fabregas deal & £9M from Sociedad for buying out the Vela buy-out clause. = £15M..

  149. Gonerjoe says:

    Why would Arsenal not buy Vela for 3.5m with them offering 9m to get rid of the buy back clause or the sell on clause they are valuing him at over 18m.
    It’s nothing personal it’s just good business 🙂

  150. Micko says:

    Gunnerdna, that’s Diaby tied down for the next 5 years.

    Nite tsgh, make sure you sleep with one eye open.

  151. allezkev says:

    Throughly enjoyed watching Spain/Barca getting humiliated.
    Still think they’ll qualify, and if they finish runners-up they should meet Brazil in the first knockout round, lovely. 😀

    Aussies were limited, but showed great spirit and were unlucky to concede 3rd goal imo.

    Vidal wasn’t fit, but I didn’t think much of him.
    As for Sanchez, sorry guys, I cannot see what all the fuss is about. He’s ok, but he’s hardly a worldbeater.

    Liked some of the Dutch players.
    Blind looked good.

  152. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Unfortunately I was at work so missed the game.
    Everything I’ve heard says our Aussie lads did what I predicted…..fought their hearts out, but lacked class and experience.
    When we made the WC, we limped through.
    When we were drawn in this group, I made the call that I hoped we’d take a younger squad over and look to blooding them for next time around.
    We did take that approach, and will be better for it, long term.

  153. tsgh says:

    It was a great effort Scott.I still want Jedinak.Mls is underrated but Cahill looked sharp.
    Morning Rico et al
    Its been raining here in Surrey unexpectedly.

  154. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Morning all, what a night of football that was, if Van Gaal, gets Manure playing like that, things will be very interesting. God, the officiating is pretty,crap. Time for breekie.lol

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