Morning all.
Ciprian Marica, the big Romanian striker no club seems in a hurry to snap up is set to announce his next club. He’s in talks with three different clubs apparently and as we all know, we have been suggested to be one of them. In a press conference yesterday he said:
I hope I will be able to tell you the name of my next team by the end of next week.
I doubt that we’d be the club that signs him, although if it was on a short deal and for a low wage, it would kind of make sense. One injury to Giroud and we really are snookered and would seriously dent our strike force.
Theo Walcott believes we have what it takes to truly challenge for the Premier League this season:
I think we’ll push on and we can definitely challenge this year, for sure.
There is so much belief in this team at the moment and I think it’s showing. We just need to make sure we get that home form going now, the away form is absolutely fantastic.
It’s 10 successive wins away from home, someone told me in the dressing room. It’s a record. I didn’t know that until after the game.
To be part of a team that has done that, in the amount of years that Arsenal have existed, is a great honour and a great achievement for everyone.
I really hope that the goal against Marseille will kick start his season because up until now it’s been very average to say the least. I’m sure that when others come back from injury, Theo’s place in the starting eleven could be under serious threat unless he starts to get more involved in games and either starts supplying more goal scoring opportunities or finds the back of the net himself more often when he gets the chance.
Despite our two victories against Fenerbache, one against our North London rivals, which I have to say was one of our best unified performance in a long while, a very good win away at Sunderland followed by a hard fought, patient and crucial victory in France. Most of the pundits/commentators like to refer back to our defeat on the opening day of the season.
Why?
Are these so called pundits really that shallow?
As the seasons have gone by with Arsenal not particularly doing much in during the transfer windows, those same pundits have berated the manager for not signing quality players. Last summer when we signed Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, it was not enough, signing Mesut Ozil, Mathew Flamini and Yaya Sanogo this summer, is still not enough, in fact to some, signing Ozil has been deemed daft and a waste of £42.5 million as we already have plenty of players in his position.
Poppycock, we have no-one like Mesut Ozil, in fact not many clubs do. Maybe just Real and Barcelona with Messi and Ronaldo, other than that, the closest player to Ozil was on show for Marseille but without the right players around him, all his efforts went by without an end product.
We however are finding the back of the net and at the end of the day, or should I say the game, that’s what counts yet despite our winning ways, no-one will allow us to forget Aston Villa.
But it’s quite clear the fans, the players and the manager have.
Arsenal accepted that loss for what it was, they appear to have learned from it and have grown stronger because of it yet before we kick off and during our matches, the idiot commentating feels the need to continually make reference to our loss at home to Aston Villa. Along the way of course, they choose to turn a blind eye to the man who had the whistle that day….
Still, if we keep on winning and all these idiots are left to harp on about one defeat, who cares…
On a final note, not all who write about Arsenal are as shallow as some of those who get to commentate on our matches. Here’s a very good article by John Cross – it’s well worth a read and its HERE if you are interested.
That’s it for another day, have a good one….
I disagree slightly. I don`t think they should forget the defeat to Villa. It showed that you can not take anything for granted against any opposition. Since that defeat we have been immense. Sometimes you need a set back to galvanise the team. Not saying i want too many but over the last few years it has usually been a bad result that starts a good winning run. Since that game we look to be getting better and better and now look hard to beat. Can only be a good thing. As for the fans moaning, well you will never stop that. Some people don`t know a good thing when they see it and will always look to be negative. Good post. Up the Arsenal!
Welcome Red and thanks re the post.
I totally get what you are saying and that’s what I was trying to say really, the players/manager have learned from it and moved on to play much better.
But, they mustn’t keep that result in their minds because it could affect them mentally. Deal with it, move on and don’t repeat it.
I think they should use it for motivation. That was my point really. Mulling over nagatives are not good but learing from them is important. Thanks
Your analysis is crystal clear but that of John Cross is it. It is prophetic, the truth and a way forward for the English fooball. John Cross’s anslysis is a must read for the English Football follower.
Negatives! Maybe that`s what we should call the fans that just enjoy moaning – The Nagatives ha ha
Why should forget Villa defeat?
I wrote before, we were the best team on the pitch, even wih 10, we could scored, we could with lucky won but for me, the most important, was the lesson that wasn’t necessary make a penalty(?) or risk a tackle for a probably goal and a player sent off (and two games out), specially where we were at beginning of the second half and we leading 1-0 at that time
Mikel Arteta is back in full training today….
Great news..
I think we agree really Red 😉
JM – my point is more about the commentators and pundits who regardless of what we are doing, our performances and results, choose to bleat on about how we lost at home to Villa…
Over the past few ( barren ) seasons we have had a few examples of the Villa match where we have in the words of the prophet ” Not turned up ” Perhaps this time we have either matured as a group or maybe the newcomers ( German :- Mertesacker and Podolski 200 caps between them). Have added the experience that will guide our youngsters through. Slowly we have developed an international squad either through purchase or just waiting for players to get there. Positionally we are still short of a few but mentally I think we are better placed than we have been for a long time.
I think it’s a lot to do with signing mature experienced players, we now have a good mix rather than just a squad full of young inexperienced players.
It’s been a while since we had players who younger players can learn from and I don’t mean just footballing terms but in all aspects of life in the game..
morning all,nice read rico.
Thanks Mg…
rico do you think wenger will give theo his chance down the middle.i think he looks pissed,could never understand his short contract extention.
Not unless injury forces it Mg, He needs to start playing better on the wing and getting more involved in games imho..
dont understand wengers thinking.2 nil up against the french and he still keeps giroud on the pitch,same thing happened with the pod and he gets injured.
That was a weird one – and taking off Flamini for Ryo was bizarre…
Morning Rico, nice post.
The thing with Miyaichi, or how I try to see it from Wenger’s perspective, is when Ramsey got our 2nd goal, Marseilles had to take some risks at chasing the game, therefore it would get stretched and Wenger gambled that with Ryo’s pace, we could catch them on the break and maybe get a 3rd or 4th goal.
As for Giroud, he can have a week off after the Stoke game.
Morning Kev, thanks. I see you are soon to be challenging Mr May on guitar? 😉
His plan failed, we conceded a penalty and they nicked a dubious goal 😉
Who replaces him for the WBA game though?
Akpom?
Sanogo is injured and Bendtner isn’t fit is he?
Morning all.
There’s a reason I reckon you (+ some other bloggers) better than the pundits. Yours is always a clear analysis or, just reporting. Instead of the pundits to move on, as the team has done, they won’t. Something must fit with their narrative. Thanks Rico. Btw, that’s just great re Arteta.
Thanks Ch, I always believe in judging players on their current form, not their past and the same with AW.
At times I have been livid with some and the manager but right now, how can anyone really complain about things on the pitch?
As long as we sign a striker in January, I’ll stay happy 😉
Rico, if their default mode is to complain, they won’t have any choice. For some people, the glass is always empty.
Not sure I agree there Ch..
I still feel we should have done a lot more in the transfer window. Going for Ba late proves AW wanted a striker so why leave it so late?
Also, we are still short at the back and I just hope that doesn’t haunt us later in the season.
But we have who we have so I prefer to get behind them.
And, we can play Ramsey as CF…
The actions of the pundits made me make the statement. That many of them can’t seem to objectively analyse arsenal.
Yes, we could have done more in the transfer window, especially for a striker but, here we are, DM sorted, one of the best playmakers on the planet to make us better at what we do, CH. issues sorted (I prefer Carl at RB at the mo) and, above all, winning matches. Its better I’d say.
Yes Rico, we conceded a dodgy penalty…
Down to the referee, that one!
Akpom or Gnabry to lead the attack vs West Brom.
Vermaelen, Fabianski, Frimpong, Jenkinson, Miyaichi, Monreal will also play, Arteta also maybe?
Ah, I thought you meant fans Ch.
Ramsey at CF, good job I know you are kidding.
The fans complaining are not much at all, Rico. They are even outnumbered by those who came with the Wizard of Öz.
6 goals in 7 matches, isn’t that a very good return? I kid anyways.
Very dodgy Kev…
I’m looking forward to it, do you know if it’s on TV?
Morning Rico and all.
I am not sure that many people actually enjoy moaning but, having witnessed many a debacle first hand myself, it is probably borne from frustration and exasperation.
Kev is the new Robin Trower. 🙂 or even Hendrix. He sang Little Wing to me last night. 🙂
Afternoon Adam.
As much as I would love to stay – Fido needs a walk and so do I..
Later…
Great post Rico.
Morning all.
Wenger keeps proving himself right, yet we keep questioning him.
We will all learn one day 🙂
Rico, Ramsey could play anywhere….even centre half forward.
Oh…..that is an Aussie Rules position…but that is how good he is going 🙂
Hi Adam.
My album is out next week… 😛
Hey Rico, Kev, Scott and all..
I think Kev is right about AW taking chance. On the other hand Flamini being OM boy, he’d want to give him chance to thank both sets of fan and also fans want to give him applause too. In those things AW is a bit emotional kind.
Rico, you shall find the video of Jamie Redknapp, Ballack and Carra after our OM match where Carra said we all are saying Arsenal’s defense is shit, yet they have won 10 away matches in a row. We must not know something that Arsene knows since we’re criticizing them so much. And Ballack laughs and says if they’re playing this good with us criticizing them this much then we shall do it even more.
And that’s how they make your day. Bar Carra’s voice Carra and Neville are best English pundits.
Afternoon all, Blinding read Rico, Do i detect a little bit of doubt from you about TW efforts. 🙂 Theo i hope will see the light, the guy has tremendous talent but he’s a lazy sod. I don’t see that changing but i do hope i’m wrong. Ozil seems the real deal, and i hope he is, but he is going to find it tougher against some of the big boys. Against Marseils he got bogged down and swamped but in all honesty the whole team did as well, they were a very good team and pressed us a bit, When teams play like that our usually flowing team tends to hurry everything and passes go astray. Ozil Jack Aaron and Flamimi were cought out in the first half and in all honesty we were lucky that it stayed even. The second half we regrouped a little, and managed a goal out of the blue (Theo blinder) that seemed to hurt the French confidence but it built ours up. Another blinding run from Aaron out of nothing and a lucky deflection put the seal on that game Another Ref Fcuk up and we finish 2.1 3 points in the bag but certainly not a good performance. We need to learn and learn quick as the following games will be tougher, As for Stoke i feel we may see our new goalkeeper and i look forward to that. Stoke will be a tough game, they are playing football now so that should suit our game, but i feel this could be a game that may cause us problems if all our eleven are not all fireing.
Afternoon all… I feel better for that 🙂
Thanks Sp/Scott..
Sp, I’ve always agreed that TW can be lazy and he can do a lot more than he’s doing. Honest 😉
Dh17, I did hear Carragher say that about our defence, he and Gary Neville are two of the best pundits SS’s have employed imho.
I read a headline about Keys and Gray, they think both will soon lose all their appeal – somehow I don’t think they will….
Smudger is one who narks me a bit, he’s not afraid to leave a narky comment every now and then..
All quiet so off to mow the lawn whilst it’s dry 🙂
I mowed mine earlier Rico.
That didn’t take long…
🙂 Adam…
Did Sooty help you?
Just done mine as well Rico. Good peice on Gibbs just read it. The lad is a workhorse. Strange that Theo has been subbed twice in a row with Monreal but had Ox Santi or Poldi been available i think Theo would have been coming on as the sub. Unusual for Sagna to be seen laying the law down to Theo, but when your his age and your attacking and defending while the guy that should be helping you is strolling round must get up your nose. I noticed Gibbs had the same on his side of the pitch, this will have to be sorted. Jack and Rambo are working hard and the Flam back biting legs has made some think they can take it easy.
AW must manage the team with precision: stoke,WBA.Swansea,Naples,Wba in two weeks it’s very hard and same players show their physical shape isn’t good enought.
I’m not surprise, for instance, if Sagna will be at he bench nexy sunday.
Tut tut Rico.
I liked it too Sp, honest article…
Why Adam?
Sooty?
And Sweep…. 😉
Off to get dinner now…
You’re way too sharp for me Rico. 🙂
Yum, all gone 😉
Ha ha Adam, not really I’m sure….
Yum. Me too. 🙂
Nice…
Not bad Rico. Soy and honey glazed Salmon with spicy noodles tonight.
Nice, fish fingers and baked beans for me 😛
I had fish fingers for breakfast Rico. 🙂
Now I don’t believe that Adam…. 😉
I had porridge.
Rico 🙂
Nice red sky outside Adam, looks like we are in for a nice day tomorrow..
It’s the big Royal Berkshire Show this weekend so they’ll be glad..
Ah, the world of country folk eh? Barbours and wellies then Rico. Sunday games, especially early ones always require a change of the usual routines. Feels good if we win though.
They’ll all be there Adam, not me though, all a bit overpriced..
Really looking forward to Sunday, must be great to know you are going….
Think I’m going to have an early night, off to watch a few things on the television…
Night Adam, have a lovely evening…
Night all…
Even after all these years, decades even, I still get a bit of a buzz getting ready for the game and one when I actually see the pitch. I wish you were coming with us Rico. 🙂
Night Rico. I think I’ll listen to some music…
I wish I was too Adam, I really do…
Nighty, enjoy the music…
Arteta is set to be included in the squad for Sunday’s game vs Stoke RFU.
As a substitute no doubt…
Podolski could be ready to return to the squad next weekend.
Cazorla is still 3 weeks away from fitness…
Bendtner looks certain to lead attack in League Cup vs West Brom.
Rosicky, Sanogo and Oxlade-Chamberlain should be back in about 2 or 3 weeks.
Only real long-term is, Diaby, due to return to training in November.
Wenger seems to trying a concilitory method to attempt to motivate and re-integrate Bendtner back into the fold.
Speaking in terms of Bendtner possibly saving him having to splash out on a new striker!!!
Now that could be bullshitting Bendtner?
Or.
Playing the market, with an eye on January and not being ripped off by selling clubs and/or agents?
Maybe Nicklaus could suprise us all and develop into the world-class striker that at least ‘he’ and his Father think he is?!
Or maybe I should get some kip? 😉
Night All……….
Definitely the kip Kev… 😉
Morning all…
Off to fitness, back in a while…
Stretch those muscles Rico.
Feel the burn….:)
I did Adam…
New Post up now..