Morning all.
What a boring deadline day that was for Arsenal fans, to be fair, it’s been boring full stop. No midfielder signed up which is a huge disappointment but it is what it is and we just have to hope Francis Coquelin doesn’t pick up and injury or suspension and Mikel Arteta makes a speedy return if he does.
Perhaps the stories about Morgan Schneiderlin agreeing to make a move to us in the summer are true and that’s why Arsene Wenger hasn’t brought anyone in right now.
I think that’s one of the few times I didn’t even bother watching the Sky Sports circus and neither did Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who preferred dining out with Carl Jenkinson. I do wonder where our young right-back will end up in the summer, right now he’s enjoying a good season at West Ham but their great start which saw them up around the Champions League places, seems to have dipped as they have slid down the table to 8th place.
Anyway, we have who we have and they are doing pretty well. We are on a good run, aren’t conceding sloppy goals, well not in the league and we are still in the Champions League, FA Cup and looking good for 4th spot, maybe even 3rd if we can continue playing as well as we are. And we have a stronger squad that we had on the 1st of January thanks to the arrival of Gabriel and even Krystian Bielik.
Added to them of course is the form of others. Bellerin, Ospina, Coquelin and even Monreal have come into this side because of one reason or another and they are making a difference, a huge difference. Just as the arrival of Alexis in the summer has. His work ethic and the desire to never give up bug is being caught by other players. Players like Santi who before was all too often reluctant to track back and put a tackle in. Now it’s a huge part of his game and he’s on fire. Goals are being shared too, we all wanted to see more goals from our midfield players, Sunday we got them and a Brucie bonus from Bellerin.
Per Mertesacker believes the turning point in our form was down to a trip to St Marys:
Southampton was a major setback – it was a bad start to the year. After that, we promised ourselves to come out of that comfort zone and be a bit more focused, especially [to know] that what comes first is defensive work and not just for the back four.
That was maybe the main thing for us to focus on, and afterwards we played more convincingly, especially defensively. You can see the benefit when everyone realises that, and I thought everyone realised it very quickly after we lost at Southampton.
One could question why a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge or a 3-2 loss at Stoke or any other hefty defeats away from home over the last few seasons haven’t been a wake up call which inspired the manager and his coaching staff to change the way we approach games.
My own view is that Arsene Wenger has always believed in playing ‘the right way’, whatever that means and it’s cost us dear. Now though, that ‘right way’ has changed to respecting who we face and going into the game with a plan rather than simply trying to outscore the opposition.
Whatever or even whoever is behind the change, let’s just be glad the penny seems to have finally dropped and long may it continue, starting Saturday lunchtime…..
Finally some great news if The Mirror have got their facts right. They report this morning that Chub Akpom has agreed a new four and a half deal at the club and won’t be heading off for free in the summer.
That may just spell the end of Yaya Sanogo’s career with us.
Champagne corks to be popped over that one then…
Have fun in the snow…..
Morning guys.
Nice post, Rico.
first…
We will see…
Morning rico, scott, house. I’d love to see Santi interviewed and asked why he suddenly tracks back all over the pitch, and looks 50% a better player for it. Why now, what’s changed. Why not first four months of season. Why not last season? Still think Sanchez had a word 😉
Morning again Scott, JM and all.. thanks re the post..
I’d love to hear that interview too Andrew… lol
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Rico – Nice post. I was hoping for a nice surprise signing from Arsene on deadline day. I’m disappointed, but not surprised. I just hope the rumours regarding Schneiderlin in the summer are true.
Scott – Feeling better I trust and able to keep your ale down?
Morning Cg, thanks..
I was hoping for that surprise too, maybe the summer….
Guys better late than never. Whoever spoke to Santi and acheived the result of his tracking back has done well. Team approach appeals now and fans are less edgy when the boys are on the pitch
HI all, Santi is playing great because he is in his favoured position in the middle, not on left wing… (its now Ozils turn there). Its easier to stay tight and track back when you are in the middle. When youre on the left side of midfield at one moment you might be on your opponents byeline, and next moment on the counter your expected to be back defending by your own byeline. You are more stretched on the wings when playing good teams. This is tracking is nothing some new Santi attitude in my opinion, hes just playing in his favourite position. Ive always loved the little fella and couldnt understand why some on HH were ok to let him go last summer when Atletico were supposedly sniffing around.
Im happy we didnt buy a DM this window even though Ive wanted one for a while. The big players like Morgan, Kramer etc etc arent available in winter and I dont want second best. I want Morgan in the summer. Le Coq is doing well, and to all the Flamini haters, I say he is still a hard working team man who is more than capable against teams outside the top 8. So he is an ideal squad man who gives his best while hes here. I agree he is not top quality, probably even he knows that, but he cares and gives his best, and useful for all those FA cup and lower league games for rotation.
Scott, my job is mentally exhausting…
It’s just as well that I’m sitting down all day.
Just like Adam… 😀
Yeah Adam, keep me the loop tomorrow, a cuppa sounds great…
In effect it doesn’t matter if Santi or Ozil line up on the left as they can interchange . With Le Coq holding and Ramsey box to box there is balance to let them do that now .I’am not saying that Le Coq is the complete answer but the job he is doing is .
Good news if the Akpom rumour is true , it’s time that we bought through a goalscoring player from our own ranks and if he succeeds , just think how much Wiggy will be smiling not having to splurge a fortune to buy one.
Not sure I wholeheartedly agree there Roger, playing on the left doesn’t stop Alexis tracking back…
Good read rico…
What an anti-climax this window was! The spuds legend lennon was the only other noticeable move…
I think Kev may have a point on the chav figures.. Bild’s reported fee is lower than what the chavs claimed to have received…
Sure, Im not comparing with Alexis though – Im comparing ‘old’ Santi with ‘new’ Santi and Im saying that while Santi is playing amazing now I didnt ever think he put in less effort before. Alexis has energy of the gods.
Ginge, it’s all about FFP and bending the rules…
There is no limit to the lengths that the Oiler clubs will go, in order to cheat their way to success…
🙂 Potter re wiggy…
Thanks Ts.
Kev – It’s great to see you back to your old self.
Thanks CG…
But I’m still chilled…
Rico, good post, but I didn’t find the deadline boring at all, because it made a change, as an Arsenal fan, to able to listen to all that deadline day nonsense, whilst fans of other clubs freaked out…
We’re in a good place atm.
Anyone know when the Dippers play their replay against Bolton?
Wednesday night apparently….The 4th Feb..
Good Afternoon Chicks and Peas.
Good post Boss, but I go with Kev…..not boring at all. Infact I would have been surprised to see AW get someone else in. TBH I wanted Mings as well, but maybe Reus and Schneiderlin in the summer will see us paying around 45 million for two players and none going out. Maybe Sanogo and Jenks being surplus.
According to AW Ches is still the number one keeper at the club. Of course he is. Just look at the team list and you would see No 1…..Wojciech Szcesney. So AW said the truth and nothing but the truth when he said that Ches is still the number 1. Dear old AW knows how to twist and bend words and say only half truths. But he did not say anything which is non existent. So shades of TommyV being still the club captain but sitting on the bench.
Most of our players are fit, fresh and in good form…
The def/mid and centre-back gaps seem to have been filled…
Bellerin is an unexpected bonus.
Akpom is another who could save us millions.
The players seem to have sorted out our defensive problems between themselves.
Good to see them having the where with all to do it.
The 1970-71 team was famous for sorting out tactical issues between themselves.
The goalkeeping situation seems in Safe Hands…
We’re scoring goals, with or without Sanchez…
‘One Man Team’, my arse!
Am I the only Gooner who thinks that Sanogo can make it at the top level? This kid can score goals he does at international U21 for France and a wide range of them at that. I now cheer on Palace every week with the hope that Sanogo proves to those gooners who doubt his ability, that he could potentially be the full package, saving Arsene 50million on a new striker that could still struggle. Sanogo could be built in a Benteke mould with a bit more confidence and composure.
I think Arsene is playing the game with Akpom, provide him with some game time while he stalls on a contract and then next season he will consider a loan to a premiere league team.
At the moment we have a good mix of strikers at different stages in their development and Sanago is a step ahead of Akpom. I don’t think Arsenal need another striker and I hope he keeps them both.
Akpom will be a long term Arsenal player, seemingly 41/2 years, when a signs da ting, and he hasn’t yet! Maybe he’s exploring other offers or his Agent is not happy with the terms on offer, especially his cut! Soon though, so they say.
Little Santi tracked back last year when playing on the left. The difficulty he had and has is that, his little legs don’t cover the ground as quickly as Alexis’, but he gets in position as soon as he can. I do think though, that Sanchez has taught him a lesson on how to defend from the front, and God bless the little microbe he has done his best to cover for ‘missing’team mates.
Good on ‘I’m!
Good post Rico from the ashes of what was largely a non-event! Wenger did spend his allocation of cash though! We were told he had £20m to spend and he did spend it, more or less! So that’s ok then?
Thanks Kev, you know me, always want one more… 😉
Thanks Bt, I’ll be cheering Bolton. Thought it was funny hearing Utd had signed one of their defenders on loan, he was expecting to go to Plymouth….
Thanks Devil, I really thought we’d get Mings. Another for the summer perhaps, but what would his arrival mean for Gibbs or Monreal if such a move does happen…
Or maybe just one more season for Merts after this one and Mings into Cb. Then what about Hayden…
Glad I’m not a manager… 😉
Big D, that’s a good question re Sanogo, One which only time will answer. He reminds me of Diaby a bit, both struggled to get their their brain and feet working together…..
Twitchy is back on the dole.
What a load of BS…
Harry resigns as he is having knee surgery and says that he won’t be able to do his job properly. (was he doing ‘that’ anyway?)
Well, I suppose that Harry could have had his Op in the summer?!
Coach, not sure that we’ll be in for Reus, even with his fee fixed at £20m.
Real Madrid are thought to be favourites for his signature…
Big D , I don’t get where you say that Sanogo is in front of Akpom. He is older and taller but their records in their respective international careers are very similar.From under 17’s on to the under 21’s , Sanogo has played 43 games and scored 21 goals whereas Akpom only up to Under 20 has played 32 games and scored 14 goals. In domestic football Sanogo has more experience in first team football being at Auxerre in a relegation season and ligue 2 . Akpom of course has only just made it into cameo appearances for a top premiership team but has scored consistently for the only age group available to him. I don’t think there is much between them apart from age .As we know Sanogo has had 12 goes at first team football with us and his return is not good , Lets see where Akpom gets when he has more time under his belt. He might just surprise all of us
Difference is that Harry can go straight in and in 8 weeks will be up and about again. I have been waiting for my new hip since last April. The surgeon has told me it will 6 weeks and back to work , I reckon it’s more to do with not getting a shiny new toy in the window and the realisation that he was facing more of the same and probable relegation.
Kev…..whether we will be in for Reus or not will have to wait till summer mate. Yes I would like to see him, however, even a week is a long time in football, as the old saying goes…..let alone 141 days more. So maybe AW will surprise us and buy an unknown like Gabriel out of the blue and he might be better than Reus. Or else a new kid might emerge and surprise us like Bellerin. you know the AFC youths better than me.
The thing is many supporters expect AW to buy, buy, buy but neglect the fact that the TW is a revolving door. One in must be balanced by one out. If AW buys a winger another winger or lateral player has to go out.
The problem is not getting better players than we have atm…(although that is paramount since honestly players like Flamini need to bettered). However a team is built gradually and we must realise that the majority of bad results came from a bad mentality from AW and his players. I have always maintained that another coach like Ancellotti or Mourinho would have had better results with the same players.
Yes I would like Reus to come. 100%. But first the players/manager must take a good look at themselves and arrange their mentality and attitude, which was evident in the last few matches. Arrogant attitudes should be kicked out. Sanchez has seen to that. One of the world’s best players is not afraid to give his all for the cause. Even Coquelin has seen to that since he gives those underperforming a bollocking. Maybe it was the players who wanted AW to drop Ches….they are fed up with arrogant egoes.
Good comments Coach…
Regarding Szczesny, I think only an unfortunate injury to Ospina, will see him back in the team…
Strange how Szczesny Senior hasn’t been gobbing off much lately…
Not sure that Arsenal will retain the FACup with Szczesny in goal…
Birmingham anyone?
Afternoon all..
Wavy, thanks – I always thought the £20m quoted by the journos was poppycock, seems not though eh….
Kev. He can’t. He’s got a foot in his mouth. 🙂
I hope the bench will make him wake up and smell the gravy Kev. Birmingham? Yep, that would be a good club for him….
How is Mrs Adam, Adam?
Rico. Thank you very much for asking. The X-Rays were clear and she is sitting in the armchair watching a shocking afternoon movie at the moment. She has got me running about waiting on her. I know you will approve of that. 🙂
Good to hear Adam, I hope she keeps you very busy….
Thanks Rico. 🙂
She will.
You have to love Harry.. what a Leg-end.
I guess reputations/CV’s have to be upheld… 😀
I must as well wish him well just in case..
Ditto- abobe Dev…
I was listening to a sports consultant argue with Jorge Mendez on one of the European radios over the internet earlier and the consultant argued that January windows should be closed as it hardly helps a team improve but that the window is aimed at lining up folks like Jorge’s pockets…
Glad to hear Adam…. 🙂
All quiet so night all..
Kev, 3.06, in fairness to Twitchy his knee surgeon has been texting him for the last six months, his dog Rosie only read him the message this morning.
I know Rangers supporters ain’t the brightest but even they’re not that gullible to believe that tosh !
Evening all, Sanogo needs to be given time and now he will get it away from Arsenal for the next couple of seasons once Akpom signs he will go out on loan next season.
Cambridge just hit the post dam.
rico, I can understand Arsene not signing Morgan this transfer window as all the best players are cup-tied, we couldn’t have played him in the CL anyway and he wouldn’t necessarily have pushed us on in the league either, I say we get him for free in the summer even if he is tied down to Soton for the next couple of years.
I can take a hint…..nite Gooners.
Interesting comments about Chuba ,
He joined Arsenal at the age of six in 2002 and made his debut for the Under-18s aged 15.
Presently he holds the record as Arsenal’s fastest player over 10 metres and last season scored 15 times in 23 games for Arsenal Reserves.
Is that why they are calling him “” TiTi MK 2.
He has at least one assist, ‘winning’ a penalty last weekend. So apart from appearances and junior stats, he is on his way! Only another 175 goals to go!
Hope he succeeds and eventually replaces Le Boxer Calottes!
Le Boxer Calottes translation please !
Giroud!
My local A League side, the Central Coast Mariners, have formed a partnership with Everton FC.
The Arsenal have missed a trick here, big time.
As I’ve stated previously, this are will be the most productive football nursery in this country, and whichever club jumped on board will reap the benefits down the track.
It’s been coming.
Ok Adam, that’ll be half a grapefruit, two soft boiled eggs, two toast with the crust cut off, a glass of orange juice, a cup of Darjeeling tea, and the morning newspaper, for Mrs Adam…
And when that’s done you can do all the housework, the ironing, the cleaning, the shopping and if you can fit it in, have a bowl of cornflakes for yourself…
No slacking now… 😉
Morning all and Adam , it sounds like someones work is never done apparently.
Morning Potter and all…
New post up now..