I’ll start with the titbits:
Fellow struggling Chelsea are reported to have put Theo Walcott on their summer shopping list and one newspaper even suggests a deal could involve Daniel Sturridge coming to us. I think right now many would take that swap in a flash.
Ghana defender Daniel Opare who is 21 years old is also linked with us. He currently plays for Standard Liege and his position is either left or right back.
Park finally got a game last night, he featured for the reserves and it took him only six minutes to find the back of the net! Arshavin also nabbed himself a couple of goals with Afobe and Benayoun getting the other two in a 5-0 defeat of Norwich. Carl Jenkinson and Benik Afobe also made their return from injury. Chamakh stayed on the pitch for half an hour, but limped off after being tackled!!
Henri Lansbury featured for West Ham, on 53 minutes he replace goalkeeper Robert Green, yes, in goal and didn’t concede!
On to todays post…
Arsenal’s season seems to be ending earlier and earlier with each passing year under Arsene Wenger.
2011-2012 was effectively wraped up on the 18th February 2012, at The Stadium of Ploughed Field, amid much rancour from an increasingly bitter fan-base.
Another spineless performance and post Wenger-rant and a team devoid at the moment, of spirit, fight and the tactical nous to adapt to opposition tactics.
The players seemingly unable to think on their feet.
Whilst Wenger, unable to motivate his team and unable to come up with a tactical answer to Sunderland’s basic play, waved his arms in frustration at the referee.
Howard Webb was as anti-Arsenal as he always is, that is as unsurprising as O’Neill’s methodically uninventive tactics.
Was O’Shea’s tackle a penalty? Did he get a bit of Van Persie before he got the ball? Did all the Arsenal players go up in unison to try and influence the referee?
Or were the appeals half-hearted?
The team just collectively shrugged its drooping shoulders, meekly accepting their fate?
A lack of spirit maybe, not just a lack of fighting qualities from a squad that, on the surface, has gone soft….
Arsene Wenger doesn’t hide, nor does he inspire any confidence, and the Board’s bullshit concerning a reported £55m available to be spent in the summer just sounds like the usual lies, more lies and damned lies we’ve become accustomed to at this time of the season as it unravel’s.
What has happened to some of our players?
Aaron Ramsey is struggling with his form, but he doesn’t hide like some I could mention. Aaron works bloody hard, but nothing seems to be going for him.
Tomas Rosicky is a pale shadow of the exciting, attacking midfielder Arsenal signed from Borussia Dortmund in May 2006.
Gone are the surging runs, the powerful shooting, as with Arshavin, all that off-the-cuff exuberance has just melted away, or has it been coached out of him?
Maroune Chamakh arrived and gave us that aerial threat we’d all been wanting to see from our attack. Now all he looks to do is pass the ball, or lay it off to a team-mate.
Has his attacking instincts also been coached out of him?
With all the injuries, lack of goals, suspect defending, confidence sapping results, we have the spectre of the noisy neighbours rolling into town, more confident of taking maximum points from their traditional superiors for the first time in some 30 years….
We are looking for some inspiration from above, that’s the Board but all absent Stan is interested in is his real estate ambitions, both in The States and over here.
There is no chance of Kroneke taking a hands-on approach, he’s not even interested in football, he’s a developer, a speculator, a profiteer.
We have the present Board to thank for his involvement.
Of course a top-four finish is still within the grasp of this team. Whether that is still a realistic hope will become clearer after the next four EPL games.
Europa League is not something we really want to consider, but by May 13th we might have to….
Sorry it’s all doom and gloom, but that’s how I feel.
Written by Allezkev
There are things which put our footballing moans and groans into perspective.
Today Lee say’s goodbye to his Mum and I know I speak for all of us here on Highbury House when I say that our thoughts are with Lee and his family, I pray they find strength to get through this difficult day and the months ahead….
Strength be with you all Lee and may Peace be always with your Mum…..
Morning all…
Thinking of you Lee…..
Good morning everyone. I would like to add my support and best wishes to Lee at this difficult time.
No-one strikes the sliced shot into the crowd better then Rosicky I think.
If the players can’t get themselves up for the North London derby on Sunday, then it’s proven that Wenger has coached the ‘Arsenal’ out of these players. Arsenal wasn’t known for a lack of bottle back when we used to win trophies.
Morning everyone. Best wishes Lee.
Moan moan moan AK, that’s all you do, but a cracking moan I must say 😉
Something has to be going on with these players, it’s too much of a coincedence that they start their career with us on a high but their game too ofetn goes downhill…
Playing out of position doesn’t help, and nor does the need to play the ‘score the perfect goal’….
@ Adam, was it last Wednesday In the first 5 mins Rosicky cut in from the left with purpose and skill(much like the Rosicky of old), I remember shouting at the TV, ‘GO ON’, he took aim and unleashed a shot that spun over the goal line near the edge of the 18 yard box. That summed the night up really.
Ganesh – spot on, if they don’t know what this game means and can’t be motivated by that alone, something is very wrong….
Wenger needs to get that message home for Sunday….
Good post AK, what is it with the lackof spirit to even appeal the penalty decision? That shows a very deflated team, pretty much any other team would have been dancing round the ref on that one. Def a pen in my view, but we have to remember who the Ref was and what team the defender used to play for. Was never going to give it.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9092445/Five-points-for-Arsenal-board-to-consider-as-Stan-Kroenke-prepares-to-jet-in-for-talks-with-Arsene-Wenger.html
Cant believe Chelski will sanction such a swap,If they are ,then bite their hands off ,Sturridge could be a massive player for us next season
UTA – i think my comment on HH at the time of the penalty shout was..
Howard Webb is a knob!
And to think he is considered to be one of the best around these days, what a joke…
Good morning all.
My thought with you Lee.
Guess we will all know this weekend on this “Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” Team as to who will turn up and fight.
Don’t sell this team short as all plaudits expectes us to get slaughter at Stamford Bridge and they came back with 3 points.
Similarly, S*CUMS is overwhelming favorite to do the “Double” over us.
If Arsene Wenger is half the manager we expect him to be, and the TEAM is up for a fight and plays with commitment, we will certainly get a result.
jay, i can’t see it either but…. the only prob is that sturridge is fed up of playing on the wing for the chavs, does he not realise that under wenger, that’s where he’d play for us….
shame the chavs got an away goal last night….
Best wishes lee. For the club i wish them best of luck on sunday derby
Hi Merlin
just can’t see us containg their goal scoring threat, have a feeling that jenks maybe involved for the NLD, he play 30 mins last night, just enough to not be exhausted for the yids…. 😉
I agree Merlin, I reckon we could get a result. The Spuds were also poor at the weekend, maybe not as poor as us but still poor. My hope is always the last to die, not one of these ridiculous fans that want us to fail just so the current manager and board can be ousted, anyone who ever wants their team to lose no matter what the circumstances is not a fan in my book.
Welcome Umar, they are going to need it…. Think its going to be all about who can score the most 😉
I think the Rosicky situation is a neat encapsulation of one of Wenger’s greatest flaws. When he was out for over a season he should have been sold as soon as possible. But no. Wenger actually offered him a new contract, presumably at about £60,000 a week. Since that time he has run around a lot, made a thousand disguised passes to the opposition, crashed the ball, with sliced swerve into the crowd, not scored and held the team back. He hasn’t been good enough for Arsenal for years. It is not his fault that he is still there, it is Wenger’s. And for Rosicky you can read Bendtner, Almunia, Denilson, Diaby, Djourou and probably some others like Chamakh, Park et al. Work out what these blokes have cost the club and ask if that money wouldn’t have been better spent on a couple of really good, Arsenal quality, players.
UTA – ditto, and especially not when the game we are talking about is against ‘them’ – but i worry, Lardy, Saha, VdV, Defoe…..
We need to win the midfield battle first and foremost and stop the ball getting to any of those named….
Great post, Alezkeev.
We actually signed TR7 from Borussia Dortmund….not Monchengladbach. As you wrote, I can’t wait to see the back of this season but the future looks gloomy ahead.
My condolences to Lee and his family. I know that his mother is in a better place.
Cheers
Adam, totally agree re us hanging on to players far too long, but you know someone will cite RvP 😉
Rosicky could be one of a few who depart in the summer, according to his agent, he wants regular football now he’s fit….
E106, you win todays prize for spotting the deliberate mistake 🙂
AK,I am too pissed to read your post,but two thumbs up as I’m sure its a beauty.
Oh Adam,what about RVP?
Just for you Rico.
Hi Scott, you been on the sherbert then…
Someone had to and i had an inkling it could be you 😉
Nobody at teh club seems able to grab hold of the situation and shake it up and sort it out. We continue to just drift along accepting below par performances from the players, coaches, medics, marketting and management. I wonder how long it takes to get a cup of tea from the tea lady at the moment- is it worth drinking?It all seems so piss poor.
Sympathies with you Lee.
@rico: lol…….at least I’m gonna get a fat shiny trophy from Highbury House. Unlike my club that has been without one for 7 years in a row 🙁
In other news, Ivan Gazidis says that he won’t sell RVP this summer and the BFG has given us an update on his ankle injury. You can check it here
http://goonerdaily.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/per-mertesackers-injury-update-and-robin-van-persie-going-nowhere/
Cheers
Aaron Ramsey…heres a rather drunk assessment.
2 years ago,a superstar in the making cut down by some piece of shit with no talent who cuts him In half.
Ramsey comes back at 21 (grand old age it is) trying to live up to the new Fabregas tag by all and sundry….and HIMSELF…….and THAT is his problem.
Aaron will be a superstar when he is allowed to,and tries to play his OWN game.
Give the kid time,his passes are an inch off perfection.
His work ethic is as good as anyone in the league.
His heart is in the club.
He TRIES.
Everyone loves Lansbury,including me,for his effort and heart,deservedly so,but bag Ramsey……..seriously,which is the better player right now???
Basically,anyone knocking him has me to answer to.
Watch and see……..two years time,we will either hate the fact we let him go,or rejoice that we kept him.
Hi Billboy, beggars belief doesn’t it, when is Stan due into the club, i’m sure he’ll make a difference – not!
e106, i have just been over to your posh site 🙂
Lee,in all seriousness,remember your mum every single day mate……..You only ever have one.
Make today a celebration of your favourite lady to ever walk the earth.
Rico,I’m soaking my sherbert in alcohol lol.
Thanks Rico. I saw your comment on my blog.
Scott from Oz, I agree with your points on Ramsey but the young lad needs a breather. He has shown us some glimpses of quality like that superb pass to Gervinho against Stoke among others but he needs a break.
The painful thing is that, there’s no one better in that position at the moment and that’s pretty sad.
Arshavin was a star in the hole in his Zenit days…..and he wasn’t half bad in the same position against Bolton in the League Cup. With chances limited for him on the wings isn’t it high time he gets a shot there?
Oh well…..that’s my opinion though.
Enigma,I agree he needs a break.
He’s a kid,and too much is expected of him.
Again,I reiterate,Ramsey expects too much from himself.
Scott – i don’t think anyone is giving ramsey a hard time??
Rico,apologies…..not on here,but I read plenty on the net,and not many are complimentary.
Rico et al, off topic but going back to an earlier post re: share holdings, have you seen this from another site..
http://preview.tinyurl.com/89mc3qc
I tend to agree with what AK says in the post, Ramsey is trying his hardest to make things happen, but, there is so much lack of movement off the ball by others, his attempts end up either going sideways or his pass option is nil…
Its a team thing, not just one man imho….
Good morning guys and chicks of the Gunners’ Faith.
Now what are you moaning and bickering about Sir AK??? We are 4th in the league, we are the third richest club in the world and we have a great fanbase. If we are a club in crisis than what about the rest of the 76 clubs below us…..surely they are worse than us.
Joking and pulling your leg habib. We have every right to feel let down every time we do not finish 1st in everything.
Ramsey does need a break. But there is someone who can play in the hole and that is RVP. So we need a striker who scores.
Morning devil,
that must be Park then, he scored last night 😉
No worries Scott… Fans are looking to blame players, Ramsey and Theo are easy targets…
ohhhh did he score?? With his girl then??? Or with the reserves (I know he got one in the 5-0 romp)
Rico, Theo is an easy target because he makes himself as one. Ramsey on the other hand should not be because he works his balls off. That Is why I say go back to 4-4-1-1 and put Ramsey on the right with the Ox on the left and RVP behind Gervinho with Arteta and Song in the middle.
His perfect passes and quality crosses will see him as the new Ray Parlour, with more skill however.
With the reserves devil 😉
Still don’t think Wenger has Theo in the right place devil, in fact he’d probably be better on the left than right wing…
At least he can then cut in with the ball on his stronger foot…
Rico,fans are looking for ANYONE to blame.
Devil,nice to see us agree lol.
Or play him up front as he wants.
Then we might start playing a low line instead of the high line and teams will start coming into our own half and we let Theo out speed them
Scott….we were agreeing even when we were disagreeing. We were agreeing that we disagree!!!!
One thing for sure devil, he is no right winger and should he leave us, we will soon witness that there is a footballer inside of that body, its just Wenger can’t find it……
Morning all,
Another good one out of the AK stable.
I must admit i share your gloom, but i believe we are looking for some one to blame, We have now started pointing the finger at the share holders, board members, and executives, we are clutching at straws, We have players that have lost heart, they are running about like headless chickens they do not work together and are static most of the time. Defenders who work on their own and not as a unit, and a midfield that struggles to go forward, We have forwards that are starved of the ball, and wingers that can’t cross, a goalkeeper that struggles to kick past the half way line and the managers second in command that struggles to get off his chair. In other words we are a mess. All of those people i have refered too all earn good wages, how these people can take their inflated wages and turn out such a bad product i don’t know. The one person i have not mentioned is our Manager he picks the team and brings in the players, he is the one who asks for money and he brings those players in. He has not brought in the players to make a difference. Yes i said before who is to blame. They all are.
Morning Steve
it starts at the top and has a huge affect on those who wear the red and white… thats my take….
mess, that is what our club is in
Morning rico,
Many have said that Kronke is only here to make a profit and that he will sell up and move on, If Usmanov really wanted to take over the ownership of the club he would only need to give Kronke the amount of money he wants after all he can afford it. My view is they are both quite happy with the way things are, they have brought into a club that makes profit, and untill it starts losing money we will continue as we are. Wenger does not spend and still earns the club money so he is going nowhere till he wants to, or the finances change
If I were AU, i’d want to get access to the accounts first and see exactly where we are and what ‘state’ the club is in, then, if all is not doom and gloom as he see’s it, he may just make Stan an offer he can’t refuse….
If we carry on the way we are, we’ll have a squad full of average players after most leave – a manager on £7 million a year and a club heading for the Championship…..
Big money talks rico. Usmanov to Kronke how much you want, kronke tells him. If its the right amount usmanov could see everything. would you show the deeds of your house to anybody or only to the person that has offered you the price you want
We have a team of average players and an average manager
Lee on behalf of all HH regulars
Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor.
Bare.
But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps.
Cause you find it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now.
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Our thoughts and support are with you mate.
Afternoon to all you Gooners, including those incognito…..
Afternoon Rico. Thanks for a great sub-edit.
Afternoon Enigma. Dortmund, of course, and it’s easier to spell. What a charlie i am….
Afternoon Adam, Coach,SSP, Scott, AP, et al….
And of course all our thoughts are with Lee.
And Afternoon Dutch, how could i forget our correspondant from the Low Lands…. 😉
Rico / Steve,
Read somewhere earlier in the week (cannot remember where though unfortunately), that SK has never sold any sports venture which he was invovled in. With this in mind, I wouldn’t get your hopes up about what you’re discussing above, alhough I’m in total agreemant with you.
Morning all.
but i don’t think any change can happen until after 1st april Steve, that’s when we’ll see who, if anyone has a trick up their sleeve….
not all are average steve, in fact i would say we have a very good first 11/13, or they could be if coached in a different way
Morning DG, AK and Andy…
I read that too Andy, but there’s always a first time for everything 😉 😉
Afternoon AK as well, more on my earlier link below as well.
http://tinyurl.com/7rdp8ok
Afternoon all,
Lee, hope your mum gets a great send-off today, looking out for ya buddy.
Afternoon AK.
Arsenal football club is valued at just over a billion i read that some where, drop in the ocean for some one that really wants it.
Rico our biggest comodity is Robin Van Persie, and if we fail to qualify for CL he will be sold.
Anybody who lumps RVP in with those other players is rather silly. Since he arrived Robin has been class. Yes, he has spent a long time out with injury but it was always easy to see what he brings to the team. I have never known what Rosicky and Chamakh bought except poor quality. Wenger needs to fill the team with class players and Robin is certainly that.
Scott, re your 10.24, from one drunk to another, that’s bang on the money, may all your troubles be bottled ones.
Nice words Dutch, dank u wel.
He’s getting nearer then Andy….
Afernoon Micko….
Steve, IG has said that the club will not be selling RvP and that they are prepared to let him go for free the follwing summer….
Kev, just for the record i have it on good authority that Chelsea fans don’t wanna see Wenger get sacked either !
Graag gedaan AK. (Your welcome)
UTA/Adam. It’s tragic, what has happened to TR7.
When he arrived he looked a perfect fit to replace Pires/Freddie in that marauding, goalscoring midfield role.
He still puts in a shift, but tbh he’s become less effective and has had to change his game to suit the wear and tear on his body.
I think we’ve missed out ‘big-time’ on a player who could have become a big big player for us and a match-winner.
Mick, nice one, and Good afternoon to you….
Ask them who they would rather have in charge at The Bridge between AW and AVB.
I know who i prefer.
Decisions decisions…..
Scott, just in case you’ve not passed out yet, 😉
I have to agree with Devil, i think that Ramsey could do a great job on the right of midfield, a la Razor, especially in those games against opponants where a more pragmatic approach is needed, the problem is, does Wenger do ‘pragmatic’…?
FA Cup Final 2005……?!
Back in a bit guys, chores 🙁
Kev. I agree,but he has been as much use to Arsenal as a chocolate teapot for years now. So few players really fulfill their potential do they and injuries are a sad but real part of that equation. If I remember rightly Rosicky was Germany’s most expensive import but then was hit by a bad injury record so we bought him for a fraction of his original fee because of this. It didn’t work out. Cut your losses and move on I say. The fact that we had persevered flogging these old horses says a lot about our lack of ruthlessness and ambition.
Wenger knew Rosicky was injury prone when he bought him but he thought he was worth a punt, it back fired big time, it was the same with Overmars, no-one wanted to touch him with a barge pole but Wenger took the gamble and the rest is history, you win some, you lose some.
Afternoon Rico and all.
Rico, I am banging on the fact that S*CUMS are poor traveller and will try too hard to unhinge themselves.
If those players intend to stand tall – or even playing for their future employer – then I suspect there is a bit of siege mentality now; and I suspect Walcott is overdued to score a goal…same as Rosicky and Arshavin.
I will not field OX and this is my team:
…………………………………Szczesny
…Sagna…………Koscielny…….Vermaelen……..Gibbs
…………………..Song………………………..Arteta
………………………………….Rosicky
…Walcott………………….Van Persie…………….Arshavin
Arshavin is deployed as our False “no. 10” in support of Van Persie, a free role with SOng – Arteta – Rosicky battling it out in MIDFIELD and with Rosicky an additional task of protecting left flank.
Plus Vermaelen should be able to protect Gibbs at left flank as well.
Let’s hope SUnderland is a “one-off” where the whole TEAM was dreadful, especially Vermaelen and Szczesny as well.
Is Szczesny on a blip as he is increasingly getting more and more erratic and too many shots had gone passed him?
We need Sagna to protect right flank, especailly with Walcott playing there.
OX?
Our supersub then in the 70th minute.
I will not want to burn him out with so high an expectation as this local derby.
Let’s hope Arshavin continues his “scoring spree”.
Rico, 9.36;
Moan moan moan, moi?
Well i’m sick of moaning tbh, and i’m not gonna do it anymore.
Constructive criticsm is the answer…
No more thought’s of Wenger out, he ain’t going anywhere.
The worst case scenario is he has £10m to spend in the summer, so as to launch an attack on the Europa League.
The best case scenario is we make 4th, RVP stays and AW spends £55m in the summer plus flogs off those bleeding the club and reinvests those funds as well.
Simples 😀
Micky. Totally agree, but if you take the punt you need to make a judgement on its success sooner rather than never. Overmars was great though.
Kev. When you put it like that it all makes so much sense. I am with you.
Adam i don’t disagree at all mate.
But as with Diaby, nobody is gonna buy an injured player and as he was always injured, we couldn’t sell him.
He’s been fit most of this season and Wenger’s had to use him due to our appalling injuries.
I wasn’t too happy when i read that talks were ongoing concerning a new contract for TR7.
As you said, cut our losses this summer, go with youngsters like Ozyakup & Aneke, especially if we are in the Europa League…
The club have to move heaven and earth to reduce it wage bill except for exceptional players like RVP, Jack etc. TR7 doesn’t fall into that catagory anymore.
Merlin, great post yesterday.
Arshavin! Really?
Could you be confident that he wouldn’t go missing?!
Gervinho for me mate.
Agree on Ox. He needs to be taken out of the firing line.
Dutch, what’s the latest on Vertonghen over there in tulip land..? 😛
Mick, if i recall there were doubts over Vieira’s fitness when we stole him from Milan.
Didn’t they realise almost immediately that they’d make a big mistake and try to buy him back?
Kanu was another with health issues, heart i think?
Wenger has a history of picking up quality players who’ve been written off prematurely.
Even the German kid we got from Dortmund in the Jan’ Window had just returned from a bad injury.
Mertesaker! There’s another….
Sorry people, I forgot bout our African “Quincy”.. 😆
My team for this weekend:
………………………………..Szczesny
….Sagna……….Koscielny……….Vermaelen……..Gibbs
…..Ramsey…………Song…….Arteta…………..Rosicky
……………………………………………Gervinho
……………….Van Persie…….
Better to play Gervinho as the false “No. 10” as he was purchased as a striker and not as a flank midfielder.
Let’s hope playing attacking 4-4-1-1 will surprise ‘Arry as he will expect a 4-2-3-1 playing Crab FOotball instead of attacking football 4-4-1-1 which wil pressurised S*CUMS continuously from the first whistle.
Merlin, that is the team i would pick for sure.
Is Ramsey fit?
That’s the only fly in the ointment.
AK no wire/pulse coming out on his desires or ambitions. But watch him go Barca as they have a few old heads to replace coming years. A year to climate and adjust will see him transfer this summer imo.
There was talk the Catalans wanted Cahill, surely for his price they would have acted if they weren’t eyeing another option.
Kev, the eternal optimist in moi is hoping Arshavin wil come good…..starting this weekend.
One moment of unpredictability from this Russki Hobbit is worthed 60 minutes of umpteen series of Crab Football with 30+ short passes around the box, sideway, backward and eventually the final pass to an opponent.
My perception of him is not so much showing disinterest or not trying, but he is just out of his depth in this Wenger’s team, clueless as to what his role is, his inability to track back to defence as he lacks stamina and endurance.
It is just that Wenger is too dogmatic adn trying to force Arshavin to play HIS WAY, rather than accepting that tactic needs to vary to suit Arshavin and find the role that maximise his unpredictability and he is comfy with.
In hindsight, Wenger made a blunder in buying Arshavin as he can’t play WengerBall as envisaged by Wenger.
EIther reshape the team to suit Arshavin in a free role behind Van Persie with little defensive duties and expecting minmal tracking back form him to protect left flank…or let him go in the summer.
Arshaivn has simply no understanding with hsi team-mates when he is a flank player.
But get him to play in a free role in support of Van Persie and whose primary function is to snap up loose ball with Van Persie as a decoy or when Van Persie creates openings due to his ability to hold the ball…plus Arshaivn is alos ahrd to knock off the ball when he is in the box…….then you will have two world-class players that will develop an understanding rapidly as both of ’em can hold the ball..and both of ’em can slip a short-pass or a one-two to ghost into the box.
Pity.
Wenger in his obsession with 4-2-3-1 forgot all about why Arshavin was ‘world-class” with Zenit when he was the “main man” and the team revolved around him.
AndyP, just read your link on the Arsenal shares owned by Glasgow Rangers.
That’s an interesting piece of history that i didn’t know.
Dutch, if he went to those conceited tossers, then i would be hugely disappointed.
The only chance AFC have, is if we stay in the CL.
Miss out on that and we’ll miss out on Vert.
Kev, 4 more days to go..and anything can happen.
Hopefully Koscielny’s and Ramsey’s knocks are “minor”.
I have a dreadful feeling that Wenger may not have confidence in Gibbs and pushed TV4 as LB and continue to field his “love child” in Koscielny-Djourou CB pairing.
ANd if we losing and want to get a result, then during 70th minute, Song dropped back and he goes 3-4-3 like:
……………………………….Szczesny
………….Sagna……………..Song…………..Koscielny.
…Ramsey…………Arteta…………Rosicky…………..Vermaelen
………….OX………………Van Persie……………..Gervinho
I suspect why we lose 4-0 to Milan and 2-0 to Sunderland is that we attack with 3-4-3 with no protection down the flanks and centre duirng swift counter-attack when our attack broke down at our opponent box.
Milan spotted this vulnerability…and O’Neill too spotted it with that excellent Sessegnon as that lone attacker, strong and pacy, the perfect pointman to counter-attack Arsenal with all our defenders high up and only a “light weight” Arteta protecting the centre.
Boo! AK, another great post. I have resolved not to moan moan moan anymore either. I will just enjoy watching my team play. Even if they’re rubbishy, spineless, without fire or focus. You won’t hear so much as a peep from me. 😀 :D. Well, I’ll try at least.
Lee, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Boo, rico!
Merlin, some interesting points there.
I blame both Wenger vand Arshavin to a degree.
Both should do more to meet somewhere in the middle.
Where has the Arshavin we saw when he first arrived disappeared to?
He can do more to fit into our system.
At the same, i do accept that it’s stupid to expect him to chase back and make tackles, that is a waste of his energy.
I saw him play a wonderfull game against Bolton in the Carling Cup, in just the position you suggest.
Scoring the equaliser and making a goal for Park.
That the Korean took excellently btw.
Merlin, a super post yesterday! You should write for rico more. 🙂 Hi, Dutch, Adam and Micko. 🙂
AK, was only teasing about you moaning, we are all doing it, i’m one of the worst but the is to club to blame 😉
Merlin, they cetainly didn’t travel well to Stevenage 😉
Boo to you agag….
Hey, hiya Agag, got a couple of snazzy pullovers the other day.
I think you would have been impressed. 😀
Yeah i agree, i’m sick of feeling depressed by my team.
It seems that the finances have been buggered up, so it’s no good dreaming about big signings. It ain’t gonna happen.
The Kids give me encouragement, that’s where my focus is from now on.
Got a nice cardy as well Agag. Very swish and in the sales….. Happy Days. 😛
AK gutted indeed but I think he’s looking for a club where his technical skill and attacking mind will blossom. Being a integral part of buildup and responsible for cutting distribution.
But you are right Rico.
Too much negativity boss…
We just have to accept where we are.
I’m not happy about it, but i’m damned if i’m gonna let it wind me up anymore.
Jenkinson and Afobe are fit. Afobe scored.
Keep on smiling Gooners….. 😛 😛 😛
What’s the betting that Park was only played because he’s been dropped by his country…
I know Kev, i’m getting tired of moaning too, what good will it do?
Who would start Jenks at Lb on Sunday??
AK, a man after my own heart!! 😉 Niiiice! Now, you have to find shoes to match. 😛 😛 I hope you got van Persie type sweaters at bargain basement prices. 🙂
Hi, rico! Chores deserve to be ignored. Bet you liked that bit of Lansbury news. 😉
Merlin, a lack of defensive organiation didn’t help.
How many consecutive games recently, have we had a settled defence, thanks to injuries.
No team can build a solid base if it’s changing 2 or 3 times during a game.
Our best run came when the injury jinx left us alone for a spell, earlier in the season.
Not a coincidence i think?!
Dutch, maybe salery will come into the equasion as well. 😉
Who’d start Lansbury in goal on Sunday 😛 😛
Talking about defence, playing TV at Lb, then central, then Lb again is not helping his game, not one bit…..
Any news on Bartley coming back?
I sure did agag, maybe he’ll push Flappy for his place 😉
Hiya Agag.
AK Vertonghen spend years at Ajax waiting for a fresh team to come to fruition. It didn’t happen. He will be eager to join a club which handles transitions and introduction of new faces seamlessly. Hardly a karma we have acquired over the past seasons.
Rico, i did read that he was still at Rangers and that it isn’t certain that he’ll return.
Rangers paid a fee for him in the summer for his 12month loan, so i’m not sure where that leaves AFC?
Maybe AFC would have to reimburse some of the loan-fee to take him back???
Dutch, tbh, if we were in his position, where would we go?
I could tell you would, rico. 😉 Lansbury seems like a really game character. We need more of those. 🙂
I have high hopes for Rambo; he has a shot on him, a great engine, good positioning. Now to cut those backward flicks… 😉
AK to the Arsenal of course. 😀
Dutch, top man….. 😀
Thanks AK, shame really – the thought of Squilli being on the pitch against that lot worries me….
And he loves animals agag, usually says a lot about a person 🙂
Righto, i’m off for a spell.
You ladies be very gentle with Dutch, ok 😉
Lata
Enjoy your new cardy! I just bet you’re off to find equally snazzy shoes, AK! 😎
Great answer @ 1:49, Dutch. 😉
rico, his dog’s name is “Rocco”. 🙂
Catch you later AK
Rocco, wonder if that has anything to do with Rocastle?
Didn’t occur to me, rico. But you could well be right. 🙂
Afternoon all,
Thinking of you Lee, hope Mum gets a great send off an you all celebrate her life in a grand way.
Bet Lansbury in goal in better than the other 3 clowns we got, flappy, mannone and amonia….!
Rico I hope the name has nothing to do with the reach the dog has on it’s private parts. 😮
Rocco Siffredi 😛
WATH, I see you’re in a good mood. 😛 😉
Dutch, what on earth do you mean???
AGAG, I’m keeping in line with AK….
Just came to say hello, of again, things to do…!
Agag
Rocco Siffredi is an “actor” infamous for his cirque du soleil flexibility to preform fellatio.
You behave, WATH. Easy on our grey feathered favorite! 😉
😯 Dutch I should not have asked.
Me too WATH. Depression is a weather term anyway. 🙂
Lata mate.
Afternoon Wath…
😛 DG
Wouldn’t be surprised agag, he’s a real gooner
Sorry babe. I should’ve been plenty hesitant to even share the information. 😉
condolences Lee Sorry to hear this
Forget about Arsenal, i’m just worried about kev when Val Doonican asks for his cardigan back !!!
Dutch, you’re another one who needs to behave. 🙂
Hello, alan. 🙂 Micko, I hope this Val Doonican isn’t another one of some dubiuos renown like this Rocco fella. 😀
At least Jenkinson will be back . We need fresh ideas.
Micko more like The Dude’s (Jef Bridges) cardigan FromTheBigLebowski.
Hi agag LOL Val Doonican
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lPSBax2QsE
😆 Micko, you are in for it from AK …
Back in a bit….
excellent write up!! dont be sorry for writing doom and gloom because the reality is doom and gloom,,write reality not fantasy,,were shite right now, out of everything AGAIN by paddys day and look really dodgy of finishing in wengers dreamland of 4th,,id rather we finish 6th,keep rvp 1 more season,beef up the squad with real players like,gergano,alou diarra,cavani,get rid of,chamakh,park,rosicky,song,walcott,,all this mess is wengers fault and i hope we dont start next season with him as manager or upstairs(whatever that means)
Haha, Micko and alan. AK says his purchases are snazzy!
Hello, irish. 🙂 I want to finish third, keep Robin,and buy Hazard/Gotze/another fantastic striker. 😉
Hi IG – i hope we start the season without Stan at the helm too…..
Hi alan, didn’t see you sneak in… 😉
Hi Rico, how’s things today?
Cold, rainy and dull where i am 🙁
And i’m dreading sunday, how’s things in the sunshine with you 😉
Just having a read around some of the blogs – bizarre how fans views differ so much….
raining too 😀
Good job you cut the lawn alan 😉 😉
Zenit want AA on loan….
Back later…..
Where’s that Mick………
If Val wants his cardigan back he can just go and do one!
Btw Dutch, that Rocco Siffredi, does he fly Air Lingus?
How old is agag?…=)
Dune…….
You never ask a lady her age my friend….. 😉
north London derby with Tottenham, after the duo picked up knocks in training this week.
Related Tags: Marouane Chamakh Kieran Gibbs London Norwich Andrey Arshavin..
Hurt: Gibbs (Picture: EPA)
Chamakh limped out of the Gunners 5-0 win over Norwich in the reserve league last night, with a recurrence of a toe problem that has troubled him in training in recent days.
The Moroccan lasted just 30 minutes of the clash at Carrow Road, in which goals from Park Chu-Young, Benik Afobe, Yossi Benayoun and a brace from Andrey Arshavin saw an experienced Arsenal line-up cruise to victory.
He is now expected to have a scan on the injury in the next 24 hours, but speaking shortly after the full-time whistle, reserve coach Neil Banfield seemed optimistic that it was not serious.
‘Marouane had a bad toe coming into this one but to be fair to him he wanted to give this game a go. But he could only last for half an hour and he had to come off,’ said Banfield.
Joining Chamakh on the doubtful list ahead of the clash against Spurs is full-back Gibbs, who was due to feature in for the second string, but pulled out after picking up a knock in training.
Arsenal will assess the duo in the next 24 hours, but remain hopeful they can join Laurent Koscielny in passing a fitness test to feature in perhaps the most crucial London derby in recent memory.
.
Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/891042-marouane-chamakh-and-kieran-gibbs-face-fitness-test-ahead-of-spurs-clash#ixzz1n8WNxhRz
I didn’t ask her,it was addressed to general public of HH…=p
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48 hours left of Russian transfer window, and media there says Zenit have asked to loan Arshavin until end of season. Unlikely.
You got outta that very well Dune….. 😀
My congratulations….. 😛
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@BornGooner – Anzhi denied they ever made contact and said they were not even interested. Agreed though, Shava will likely stay.
Mark Chamberlain has revealed his son chose Arsenal over Manchester United because he was so impressed with the way they play football.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left Southampton for the Emirates last summer, for a fee of around £12million, having come through the youth system at St Mary’s.
Chamberlain Snr, himself a former Stoke and Portsmouth midfielder, has admitted the England Under-21 winger had so much admiration when playing against the Gunners’ youth teams that he chose Arsene Wenger’s side over a host of other top clubs, including Manchester United.
“There were a few big clubs in for him [during the summer],” he told talkSPORT. “We spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United.
“But he’d played against Arsenal’s academy for many years and, while Southampton always got beaten, he admired the way they played.
“He’d always say ‘why can’t we play like Arsenal’? When the opportunity came along, Arsenal’s a massive club [so he had to take it].”
“He’d played against Arsenal’s academy for many years and, whilst Southampton always got beaten, he admired the way they played”Mark Chamberlain
Chamberlain Jr is pushing hard for a place in England’s Euro 2012 squad following some impressive performances for Arsene Wenger’s side.
And ex-England winger Chamberlain Snr claims his son’s experience in the Champions League proves he’s ready for the international stage.
“I don’t want to sound presumptuous but I expect the England set-up to have a look at him,” he added.
“He’s played in the Champions League and, if you can do that, that’s the equivalent of playing international football.”
Mike Dean is the referee this weekend…
He might not be Howard Webb, but i’m not sure he’s a lucky appointment for us…
What’s up with this Anzhi club?… Never even bothered to dig any info on them…for me it’s like a club in the middle of nowhere, don’t mean to sound like a dude from states but I think it’s totally not cool to play for them,totally…=D
Mike ‘Jasper Carrot’ Dean – deep joy…
Evening guys and gals….
Gibbs injured already, jeez!!
Carl Jenkinson paid tribute to the Arsenal medical team after making his return to action for the Reserves on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old right back played 45 minutes of the 5-0 win at Norwich after recovering from a back injury that kept him sidelined for three and a half months.
Afterwards Jenkinson spoke of his relief to be playing once again after the most testing period of his career to date.
“It is fantastic to be back,” he told Arsenal Player. “It has been really hard coming in every day and doing my rehab stuff, but I am delighted to be back now.
“The injury felt fine; I had no problems with it at all, which is great news because you never know how you are going to react in a game.
“It is a family club at Arsenal, so there are always people who will put an arm around you and try to help you out.
“The medical team have been fantastic, keeping me motivated and making sure I am doing the right things. I have got a lot to thank them for in terms of getting me back to where I am now, so I am very grateful to them.”
Jenkinson’s last first-team appearance came in the 3-0 victory against West Brom on November 5, and he admits his injury came at the worst possible time.
“I felt like I was starting to come into my own [when it happened] – that was the most frustrating thing,” he said.
“In the last few games I played I was starting to show people what I could do and to then get a setback was hard to take.
“Three and a half months is a long time, so it has been hard work but I think you just have to focus on the future and be positive, so that is what I am going to do.”
dinner calls, back shortly
Dinner rico,good idea…
Breaking transfer news: I’m transferring myself from my room to my kitchen…yepyyyyyyy…=D…no I’m not high…=DDD
AK Air Lingus?? You mean the crash instructions for sure,right….. moahahaha.
😛 Tlailaxu – mines done and dusted …
…me 2…so full…now won’t fall asleep till midnight…=)
Watch the Inter game, that should send you to sleep 😉
We thought we were bad, Inter haven’t scored for 5 games i think the commentator said…
Rico hope you had a fabulicious ritzy dinner.
Hi DG – Nothing too exciting but very enjoyable thank you 🙂
Who is this Antoine Griezmann?what club does he play for?
Tlailaxu so you had a sumptuous meal to celebrate your signature on a pre-printed credit slip at the kitchen table. 😉
Rico if you closed your eyes and tasted Palm Springs finest chefs eating a carot. It was ritzy.
Antoine Griezmann (French pronunciation: [ɑ̃.twan ɡʁezmɑ̃]; born 21 March 1991) is a French footballer who currently plays for Spanish club Real Sociedad in La Liga.
He plays mainly as a left winger, but can also be utilized as a striker. Griezmann is known for his technical skill, quick acceleration, and dribbling and is a French youth international, having represented his country at under-19, under-20, and under-21 level.[1] In 2010, he was part of the team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
😆 DG – i did have carrots actually ….
I’m not surprised it’s a Gooner’s diet these days. 😛
Tlailaxu – why did you ask about Griezmann?
Dg spot on…oh man,it’s so boring tonight…no1 is here,don’t have a tv or ps3 or xbox or even a decent sci fi book to read,nothing,boredom is killing me,not even bothered to worry about Sunday game…I mean it’s such a strange situation…
For the first time since(2005-2006 season) realising I am an Arsenal FC supporter/fan I feel like the season is outrageously messed up and even club inside has hot BIG issues,still I’m calm and have this serenity,the instinctive feeling of going through the storm,I mean guys,we are Arsenal not some Spurs or ManU or Chelsea,we are The Club that is loved by many and hated by even more,but I know we will come out of all this even stronger,even if it means one or two seasons without CL still I know our next two generations of youngsters will bring the club back to it’s glory…and all this Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis and so on,as much as we love/respect/hate them…there is no1 bigger than the club,we will overcome this troubled period…I know we will…=)…
I think he would be good signing,instead of Arshavin…
We won’t come through this for a while Tlail, not inless Stan changes his ways, and Wenger starts spending the money he has available…
Ah, i thought he’d been linked ro us or something…
Tlailaxu we can’t keep our eyes on the road ahead if we’re obsessed by events in our rear mirror. So yeah let’s get this truck on the road and deliver Oprah to next town.Free of charge. 😛
I’m off guys, Masterchef is ready for me to watch and hopefully pick up a few tips 😉
Catch you all tomorrow…
Be safe, Nighty night….
Night Lee….
Nite nite Rico. Enjoy the chopping block drama.;)
Adios…c u in tomorrows blog…=)
Here we go, right on time, as the season falls apart.
The promises of huge player investment. The usual lies in order to fool us into re-newing our season tickets…
By Matt Scott and Luke Edwards
10:00PM GMT 22 Feb 2012
4 Comments
The club’s owner, Stan Kroenke, would be willing to make new funds, described as between “£50 million and £100 million”, available.
The source dismissed doubts Kroenke could afford to hand over the new cash, even at a time when he is said to be bidding for the LA Dodgers baseball franchise.
It is a surprising development since it comes only 10 months after he took over the club, and would be a significant departure from Kroenke’s declared strategy.
Arsenal advised to slash ticket prices should they fail to seal Champions League spot
By Sami Mokbel
Last updated at 10:49 PM on 22nd February 2012
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Arsenal have been encouraged to slash ticket prices if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Arsene Wenger’s side are facing a battle to retain their top-four status and Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) members met club officials to express concerns over the cost of seats at the Emirates.
Arsenal tickets are the most expensive in the country and the AST are demanding prices for European games be substantially lowered if the club drop into the Europa League.
Crushed: Barring a miracle, arsenal’s interest in the Champions League is all but over this season after the 4-0 reverse in the San Siro
Seats for Champions League games this season have cost as much as £100.
The AST are also lobbying Arsenal to freeze ticket prices for domestic fixtures next season after the club infuriated fans last year by implementing a 6.5 per cent hike.
Meanwhile, majority shareholder Stan Kroenke will veto Alisher Usmanov’s attempt to gain a place on the Gunners board today.
Usmanov’s acquisition of the 16 shares crisis club Rangers had held in Arsenal for a century has taken his holding closer to 30 per cent. Achieving that mark would require the Russian billionaire to make a bid for the rest of the shares and allow him to look at the club’s accounts.
Wenger: In a fight for top four spot
Kroenke — who owns 66.82 per cent of Arsenal shares — will reaffirm his opposition to Usmanov at a board meeting today.
Usmanov has vowed to invest heavily in the club should he be allowed on to the board.
AST spokesman Tim Payton said: ‘They should invite Usmanov on to the board. He may have something to offer.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2105117/Arsenal-tickets-rumpus-Gunners-told-slash-prices-fail-make-Champions-League.html#ixzz1nA4I7FtO
I am still unsure as to what the Russian would bring to the club……maybe suspicious of what he will bring is a better phrase.
Promises are what we hear from anyone lobbying for involvement in anything.
Those hoping he and his billions arrive,be careful…….you may well get what you wish for and much more.
I’m amazed at how much sense last nights post made……better posting pissed every time!!!!
Ps….feeling much,much better no hangover,either.
AK….it appears I owe you an apology.
Ozzeeekkkaaaayyyyuuuppp…..(you know the lad)…..IS in fact Turkish…..he has just announced he will represent Turkey in the future.
Of course,he has only done this to make me look silly,having represented Holland from U/15’s onwards.
I don’t need his help to look silly!!!!
New Post up…