Morning all.
I’ve given up writing about the poor performances from referees as there’s too many to keep track of, so I’ll stick to the ones which have an impact on our fixtures. Involving both sides of course as I don’t want to come across as biased as that would make me as bad as the men/women in black. I say women but as far as I know there’s only one in the Premier League and that’s Sian Massey-Ellis and she’ll be running the line during our game later this afternoon. It’s a long time now since those idiots Key and Gray publicly ridiculed her ability to make an offside call, one which turned out to be spot on I hasten to add, and during that time not once can I recall any of her decisions made to be called into question. Unlike her many male counterparts I must say. I wonder if she has plans to go one step further and actually officiate a game rather than sticking with her flag? The game could certainly do with her doing so and then perhaps other women would follow suit. Break this stuffy old boys brigade up good and proper.
Mix and match it is today then as far as team selection goes and I kind of understand why. Injuries and fixtures are piling up and that’s not going to change should we manage to get past Notts Forest today. A two legged tie against Chelsea follow with a couple of Premier League fixtures sandwiched in between so something has to give I guess. Good job we have a deep and strong squad eh.
Arsene Wenger has already hinted at big changes today but some of the players who drew 2-2 with Chelsea in our last match will also feature which makes sense as long as one of them isn’t Jack Wilshere. I’d imagine we’ll see Elneny and Coquelin in the centre of midfield today. Merts might come in for one of Holding or Chambers, possibly the latter considering the other two have worked well together before on a few occasions, the stand out being the FA Cup Final last May. Maybe Wenger will shock us all and go for Bielik. Debuchy at right back is probable as is Ospina in goal although as said before, I wish Arsene Wenger would opt for Matt Macey. He’s our future, David Ospina is not.
Theo Walcott should come in from the cold, no pun intended but if he doesn’t start, I’d take that as he’s leaving this month. Southampton are keen but apparently a £25 million price tag is putting them off. Pff! I don’t really see the point of selling him during this transfer window at all. In the summer yes, but now, no. If he plays, he’ll score goals. The rest of his game frustrates I know.
Whoever plays, this should be a good game. Forest will be up for it as should our lot as it’s the time when younger and fringe players have their chance to prove they should be playing more often for the first team. It’s televised too so what better time to show off their talent, to prove a point. Ashley Maitland-Niles has done just that of late. Injuries to both Monreal and Kolasinac have opened the door for him, although out of his favoured position, but he’s walked right through it and shone in style. Even Gary Neville couldn’t get over just how good this young man is and I bet he’s not alone. I wonder how good he could be playing in the heart of midfield. He might do just that today if Wenger opts for Josh Da Silva at left back.
Willock, Jeff, Sheaf, Eddie, Iwobi (please don’t Arsene) and perhaps even the new boy Mavropanos will all be hoping to make an appearance today, although I suspect it’s too soon for our January signing.
But I’m guessing, just picking up the snippets from Arsene Wenger, adding them up and coming up with the wrong conclusion probably but I hope it’s a great game, an entertaining game and one which we can win. Another trip to Wembley in May would be nice, one in February would be most welcome too.
Factoids:
Arsenal have twice eliminated Nottingham Forest from the FA Cup, in 1978-79 and 1992-93 – they went on to win the trophy in both of those seasons.
Forest have kept clean sheets in eight of their past 12 home FA Cup games.
Arsene Wenger has never been eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup – Arsenal’s last failure to progress was in their last third-round tie before Wenger’s appointment, losing to Sheffield United in 1995-96.
Bodes well. Doesn’t it?
Transfer rumours to end with:
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have made a fresh enquiry into signing West Brom defender Jonny Evans.
We are battling with Utd for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazil star Fred according to The Star. Stop laughing please!
Arsenal are monitoring Barcelona forward Jose Arnaiz, according to reports from AS.
Finally, Liverpool aren’t in for Riyad Mahrez having had £145 million drop in their lap after selling Coutino which of course means he’s heading to us.
Actually, if Alexis isn’t planning on staying which clearly he isn’t, why not get him sold and get Mahre? His in good form right now and could really help us into securing a top four place and let’s be honest, that’s the goal for Arsene this season isn’t it?
Enjoy your Sunday guys, see you in the comments…
Morning all. Very white here! No snow though!
The Arsenal should roll Forest over without too many alarms, they are truly dreadful at present, so I’m told.
Transfers? Mahrez to Arsenal, I doubt it. I think he was offered earlier in his career and Wenger said he was not interested. We all know that Wenger suffers from tunnel vision so any bid for Mahrez is a non-starter. Oh, unless Gazidis sticks his oar in!! In fact there’s more chance of Perez returning in the next few weeks than Mahrez linking up with our reserves!
Good post Rico. Hope all okay and that you had a good Christmas.
Armand Traore now plays for Forest, another of Wenger’s one for the future…
As we all know, playing a team from a lower league, we will have to match them for effort, strength, physical challenges and hopefully the technical ability that we posess will be enough for a victory.
Let’s see…..
Morning Marinello, Wavy and all.
Thank Marinello and I did thanks, you?
Wavy, you never know with Wenger though, sometimes it takes him a while and then he signs a player he could have had much cheaper..,
Afternoon Rico, nice post…
I hope that Theo plays today, scores a couple of goals and adds some value to his transfer price, but only if clubs are interested in paying all of his wages and paying a proper transfer fee.
We don’t need to sell him and it wouldn’t bother me if we didn’t as there’s a long way to go in this season, lots of games and probable injuries and need for rotation, so if he stays he’ll be useful.
Fred?
Is he married to Wilma?
Evans and Mahrez aren’t top drawer, but they can do a solid job for us and that’s where we are, looking at the players that ManC, Chelsea and ManU don’t want…
It doesn’t really matter who we sign, things won’t change until there’s a new man at the helm and organising the defence is taken more seriously…
Ah, the City Ground in 1979, Frank Stapletons header ending Forests unbeaten home record and going mental with the mob on the terraces. Those were the days.
The journey back to London was one big sing-song on the coach.
”Wemberlee, Wemberlee, we’re the famous Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberlee”
Afternoon Rico and All
Don’t mean to be a stick-in-the- mud after
the Arsene spin…But
Would it really matter who we sign,on top
of that the farting around with contracts on
world class assets that have now become
give aways,is a complete nonsense,of this
and every window for the last god knows how
many years.
Would’nt be nice if Arsene just concentrated on
transfering himself back to where ever he came from
on a free.
On the Holding/Chambers issue,I would play them both
again and play BFG in the middle with strict instructions
not to keep pushing up to the halfway line, centrebacks
are not known for being sprinters,as far as I know.
Why did I start singing a Mary Hopkins song after I read that.
Bloody cold here ! Rivers are topping their banks , nothing serious yet but if the wind gets up at high tide might have to get our wellies out.
Arsenal: Ospina, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Holding, Nelson, Willock, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Walcott, Welbeck
Subs: Macey, Chambers, Osei-Tutu, DaSilva, Jeff, Akpom, Nketiah
Blimey, certainly a few changes in the team today. We still should have enough to get through. Maybe Theo will pop a couple in today…
Afternoon Kev, Fred and all.
Looks like either Welbeck or Walcott up front then.
Afternoon Rico. The FA Cup seems to have lost some of its old lustre I reckon.
Afternoon Adam.
Seems so, but then I suspect it would be a stronger side if we were up against a stronger club. Just hope it’s not too many changes. I thought the bench might be a bit more experienced in case we needed it..
A very slow back three for us
fingers crossed we stay put.
Speedy wing backs though Fred… lol
Thank you Rico.
I love the FA Cup and think it should be our priority seeing as we are even struggling for top 4 when that should have been a shoe in !
Disappointed Wenger is not playing his strongest team, the youth and fringe players should be for EL and Carabao Cup, not FA Cup, should still be too strong for Maid Marions Mob, but if there is an upset Wenger will deserve both barrells !.
Maybe so rico..But not defenders.
Looks like it’s going to be a long afternoon.
It’s showing too Fred.
Jeeze… you could see that going in before he hit it..
What a casual load of shit
Shambles!
Senior fringe players not good enough. .
The kids have no hope in hell!
Here we go yet again. Terrible nonsense.
Is it naievity or just plain arrogance, have they watched Forest and seen this centre forward , he’s young but he’s got pace and strength and we have still not provided any speed to counter him. We are 2 -1 down it very easily could be 4.
Anyway proof if needed that we have players in our more established group that just are not up to it. Walcott , Wellbeck and Iwobi should be running this lot ragged
Its amazing how over the years the balance
at the back has been filled with right footed
players..I feel sorry for Chambers to be left
out for these three..Thank god its not the Chavs.
Arrogance- just like the league cup final against Birmingham
Potter. Walcott symbolises everything that’s wrong with this team and the club as a whole. Horrible attitude without the ability to justify it.
How embarrassing is this. Holding has had a nightmare..
Think it’s fair to say we’ve created another record under Wenger. First time knocked out at 5his stage under him..
Not over yet rico ..lol
? Kk..
Bunch of prima donnas flouncing around in their fucking gloves. Wouldn’t want their pandies to get cold would we!
Best team winning , time for him to go now
Second ball second best against a youth team.
If we lose this which is highly likely, yes, Wenger should walk away..
No gloves for the Forest boys though Bob. Says a lot eh…
Surprised the snoods are not out Rico. Walcott and Welbeck may as well have their dressing gowns and slippers on.
8passes to cross the halfway line..sums us up
Well well well…
End of an era surely!
Hopefully…!
Go now Arsene. Seriously. This cannot be allowed to plod on to it’s horrible conclusion.
There are several players who must have made the last match in Arsenal!
For the rest, the custom: runs with the ball, 70% possession, without objectivity and without finishing at the goal.
Finally, the defense continues to be horrible: they defend badly and do not know what to do with the ball on their feet.
Adrian Durham has just climaxed 🙂
Afternoon Rico !
The men in black they are at it …..
Debuchy tackle would have adored had it been by the opposition.
When Wingerworth goes SOON I hope he takes Bould with him and this for. c king reserve team with him. They are not good enough for League 1.
They’d look more at home that’s for sure Bob. Shocking from both, it really was..
Hi Alex..
Since when did the League Cup come before the FA Cup.
Rico
the lines woman was excellent must say …how many are there ?
We won’t know about Bould until Wenger gets a stadium ban. He picked the team ,he set the tactics and did the halftime talk he can’t hide it’s all down to Wenger and his non trying players.
The kids look good on the ball but without it they are hopeless. Too often the defence was left with no help. Still that’s 4 penalties in 3 games.
As in the post Alex, just her I believe.
Potter, I agree there. Bould is just a puppet, as was Rice and every other coach under his management.
We need a clean sweep, get a new man and his own team in and if he wants an Arsenal man in there with him, there’s plenty to choose from..
Oh dear !…………………………………….I cant express how disappointed I am with my favourite competition being disrespected by his team selection !……………..seriously are you putting the Carabao Cup ahead of The FA Cup ?…………………………….I could use some words which would make Lee blush and get me binned, so I`ll let you all guess what I am thinking about Mr Wenger now !………………………very sad day which would only be comforted if the egotistical tyrant left asap…………………..I feel sick and numb by it all and past being respectful for the man.
He will deserve every thing he gets after this shambles and dont think I`ve forgotten about the man at the top as he will not feel any hurt from this as long as the club makes money………both are equally to blame in various differant ways and at this moment hope we lose evrything and get relegated as only then will something happen !……………it needs to get a lot worse before it could ever get better.
So upset you wouldn`t believe……..dark day !
🙁
Yes. I imagine that a number straws have broken Camel’s backs today.
Your serious comments can be good Lc..
Yes Adam, but it only needed one ! .
Certainly should have done Adam.
Rico, I feel like I`ve been drained of humour.
The FA Cup is so special to me (as well as to others) and that selection of team and subs was so disrespectful imo and no doubt got Forrest pumped up because of it.
LC. True, but it occurs to me that he must be losing support among the fans at an alarming rate as more and more of his credibility slips away. Surely most people must think that the Arsenal job is much too much for him now.
Alex, 1st one a definite penalty..
2nd one is debatable, though debauchy was a bit rash and it was from behind ..whether he got the ball 1st or not, was always gonna go against us..
However we conceded other 2 goals because of our disorganised defence unit
.
On the other end iowbe, Walcott and welbeck should really be ashamed. .
Elneny was awful and wiliock didn’t impress.
Holding had a night to forget. .
It’s been coming for long time. .we will get knocked out from the carabao and Europa cups eventually, finish outside top 4 and of course will celebrate yet another profitable year.
Lc, exactly what I thought. They turned up just as they did at Wembley a few years ago.. Dreadful from Wenger who should have not only picked a slightly stronger side, certainly the bench and who should have had it drummed into them what this competition means to the club and the fans..
But no, not Wenger eh.
Adam, Surely even the most ardent Wenger supporter must be pulling their hair out !
I dont know or even can think of one possitive they could back him with !…………………Arsenal supporters becoming as deluded as Spud suporters is the nail in the coffin……………..how can anyone think he is the way forward ?
I need cheering up !……………………………..Lee………Herb…………both barrells please !
I would have thought so. Surely a new manager with his own staff would need to have a complete readjustment of the way we do things and undergo a serious overhaul of the playing staff. A reset of the whole ethics of what Arsenal stand for too. It’s going to need a special man to achieve that.
Just realised that Forrest haven`t even got a manager !…………………………….lucky bastards !
First night of Dancing on Ice aswell !……………………………and Wenger Dancing on Thin Ice !
He’s on the verge of falling through, well, he should be…
Anyone in mind Adam?
I still would want Simeone……………….someone to who would sort out the most impportant thing ………our defense !
or the one which is rumoured to be Wenger`s choice and the one I said a few weeks ago and only because he know`s Peps philosophy…………..Arteta !………………………..it would then be interesting to whether if Arteta used Peps coaching manual that he could get our players playing the same system or would it need players brought in to achieve that system, it`s possible that Peps system needs the certain type of player for it to work .
and if that is the case it will more than likely need the sort of money Pep has spent to achieve his current steam rolling juggernaut wipe the floor with everyone type of football …………………..and there`s the first hurdle to get over !………………….we haven`t that kind of money or owner !……………….despite what the rumours are of us having X amount of money in the bank !
Rico.I’ll have a think about it. 🙂
Just read this on a pro-ish Wenger site where some are starting to question their great leader !……………………………….seems like they are changing from being deluded to indesisive, another straw could finally turn them !
“I am not sure I want him to leave but I would be delighted if we had a BoD which had the nuts to sack him.”
? Adam.
He used to be indesisive, but now he`s not so sure……….comes to mind.
They won’t have to wait long Lc.
I`ve gone from being hurt and upset by the shambles of a team and squad selection with a total diregard for the great competition to now being angry about it all !
Please be right Rico !
Wednesday might be another defeat Lc..
Having calmed my anger at the result, so much for being a soft touch! Well done Forrest. As soon as I saw the team sheet it screamed ‘uppset’ but it does,demonstrate Wenger’s complete lack of connection with the modern game and the need to win at all costs. Either that or his,total arrogance as regards his team and his experience which of course cannot be questioned!
If anything positive comes out of today’s shambles it is one day closer to Wenger’s p45. The end of this week would be too late, but I suspect when he’s judged in May the final curtain will drop.
This may be a sad day to be out of the FA cup but every cloud has a silver lining!
Here’s hoping!
Morning Rico and all.
How Wenger is still in his job becomes a greater mystery with each passing day.
Morning Adam and all.
Me too Adam, me too.
New post is up now with my thoughts.