Match review

The worst start possible! Missing Song's Vision? Park & Chamakh next to depart….

Posted on by rico

Morning Gooners,

Not the best start yesterday, in fact I’d say it’s the worst start we could have had. Not the draw itself and certainly not the fact that we kept a clean-sheet but we didn’t score. All that has done is fed Fleet Street’s finest this morning and they are loving it. Of course it is inevitable that they would associate our inability to find the back the back of the net to the departure of you know who but that’s all too easy isn’t it?

Sometimes there is more to it that, in fact if you look at team we fielded yesterday, we had enough strike force on the pitch and we should have won but we didn’t and Wenger has admitted he got it wrong:

The formula didn’t work with three strikers up front and we were not well-balanced, we didn’t create enough because they blocked our midfield. After that it was difficult for us. We need to be more creative in the final third.

You have to ask the question, why didn’t the manager change the formation earlier when it wasn’t working?

We need to find a way of breaking down sides who defend so resolutely, which of course brought up the question about why we are selling Alex Song, after all he managed to find the perfect pass to a striker last season, which on a few occasions ended up with a goal.

When asked why, Wenger said:

Because we have Wilshere coming back, I believe in one and a half months. We have Diaby back, we have Rosicky not far away and we might bring another midfielder in as well. You have to be patient a little bit over any new signings.

No Arsene, none of those you mention are defensive players and that is what we need. A player who can defend when needed and not leave us wide open at the same time.

There cannot be a ‘might’ bring in a midfielder, it has to be a must and then the players like Jack, Tomas, Santi etc can work how then will break through a midfield when it’s stifling ours. In fact go back to the days when we had a proper rock in midfield.

How many times would Paddy break up play, win the ball and either head on up the pitch on the attack or, after winning the ball he would take a quick look up and play a very early pass forward?

Before we knew it, we’d scored.

Yann M’Vila or Etienne Capoue could be that similar style of player and we need one of them. Soon!

Alex Song may have nabbed himself half a dozen assists last season but the downside to his game was how many goals conceded was his indirectly responsible for?

It seems that Barcelona will now have that worry, we’ll get £15 Million and that money, together with what we get from Fergie needs to be re-invested sharpish.

That’s if Arsene Wenger really wants to see Arsenal challenge for trophies this season.

Arsene Wenger confirmed that Bendtner is likely to leave before the 31st August although no deal is in place just yet and the absence of both Park and Chamakh yesterday could suggest they could join him….

Busy week Arsene??

I hope so!!

That’s it for another day, have a good one…..

rico

0 thoughts on “The worst start possible! Missing Song's Vision? Park & Chamakh next to depart….”

  2. Long Suffering Gooner says:

    Ooosh…that feeling you get when you know your team is heading for a draw.

    what bothered me a lot was the lack of urgency from the very beginning of the match. At times i felt like I was watching a la liga game

  4. Scott from Oz says:

    Evening All.
    Geez,plenty of have gone from optimistic to pessimistic after one game!!
    Seriously,you have a team parking twelve buses,playing in 40 degree heat,players backing up merely days after ridiculously scheduled internationals,and people wonder why we weren’t full of goals!
    Come on…….our new boys all showed plenty to give us hope,and Cazorla is simply awesome.
    I can’t wait to see him fresh and playing at a more forgiving temperature.
    Podolski had his moments.
    Giroud….well,we know he can score,so forget the wayward shot…look at the space he was able to get into to even make the shot possible,it was class.
    Theo was Theo….sometimes great,but plenty of bad….can someone tell him his biggest asset is pace,so use it and stop trying to beat his opponent with skill,skill he really lacks.
    Arteta and Cazorla need to put him through on goal,and the guy will be great!!
    Diaby looked pretty good.
    We had a few lapses defensively in the first half,but overall,not a bad start.
    Gervinho looked terrific…….when we play a side who actually are attempting to play football,he will have space to work with,and then we will really see what he offers.
    Arteta is boring…if you find class and intelligence boring,that is.
    All in all,an A- in my book.
    Plenty of work to be done,no doubt,but we have plenty to work with,so it’s not all doom and gloom.

  6. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning Rico.
    It was anything but a bad result. Take the positives.from the game. We never conceded and had plenty of chances.
    Wenger just picked the wrong team for the opposition.

    Results : Saturday 19th August 2000
    Charlton Athletic 4-0 Manchester City
    Chelsea 4-2 West Ham United
    Coventry City 1-3 Middlesbrough
    Derby County 2-2 Southampton
    Leeds United 2-0 Everton
    Leicester City 0-0 Aston Villa
    Liverpool 1-0 Bradford City
    Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal
    Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Ipswich Town

    That was the opening day of the 2000/1 season.
    That year we were runners up in the league and FA Cup.
    We didn’t score against Sunderland that day, but we never lost.
    Take the positives.

  7. Long Suffering Gooner says:

    I was impressed with Cazorla.

    He had two or three good efforts on goal and his passing looked neat.

    We have never been good against teams that park the bus, I always felt we are much better playing open games. We need to get used to this though because Sunderland wont be the only ones frustrating us like that this season.

  9. Scott from Oz says:

    LSG,thats why a guy like Cazorla is so important…he can open sides up.
    Also,a guy like Giroud who has size about him will also help.
    SYG,I saw nothing but positives in yesterday’s game,but I’m a positive bloke 🙂

  10. TT says:

    Far to negative post. This is the first game of the season and quite frankly I would rather the team eased it self in than starting with a bang and raising every ones expectations just to run out of steam.

  12. Scott from Oz says:

    Well,we are getting Sahin.
    Two clubs in for him,and one have CL football to offer.
    His agent has hinted he always wanted CL football,and his future will be sorted within two days.
    Hope an option to make the deal permanent is included!!

  13. Andrew says:

    Wenger : “we lacked something – sharpness and also quality and accuracy in the final pass.” by no means did diaby have a bad game but you can see the reason why arsene is in for sahin.. His a deep lying playmaker and has the ability to pass imbetween the line to gervinho walcott and cazorla… Jenkinson impressed defensively! he was very determined which was refreshing to see!

  14. augustine uche obika says:

    u knw wat,wenger….imagine 6 years trophieless.we ar not foolz to be ur fans for this 6 years but we knw the goodies which will be coming our way.
    We seriously need VILLA from barcelona and please do not sell Alex song….thank you Wenger

  15. Scott from Oz says:

    I’m agreeing with you SYG.
    Still,it would’ve been lovely to have Ox and Jack available!!
    Giroud up front from the start would have helped…he created some nice chances in limited time against a very defensive opponent.

  17. OZ Gooner says:

    I agree Scott except for Arteta. Diaby will get better if he stays fit
    and all in all the worst part of it was not having a home win

  18. Lee says:

    I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom at all…get in two players and we’ll be cooking! It’s not like we haven’t got the dough is it?
    Morning all btw….

  19. southyorkshiregunner says:

    On our way to the double in 2001/2

    Saturday 22nd September 2001
    Arsenal 1-1 Bolton Wanderers

    That was a great Arsenal side against a side with 10 men for a good 50 mins. Bolton did the same as Sunderland.

    Be positive. Once we gel, we’ll be electric.

  20. emma says:

    This team will get stronger. GIve them three competitive matches and we will be there. I thought Arteta did very well in the DM role. Breaking up play. Diaby just coming back from his protracted injury needs more game time to be at his best though was a bit slow moving the ball quickly. Podolski had positioning problems but will come good with time as he forges understanding with (CaWaGino). Defence was solid. Mert brings a calmness to the defence.
    One thing I love yesterday was when Vermalaen was galloping forward. You see him giving signal to Arteta to cover up for him which is good. Three more competitive matches together this team will gel and go places. Gibbs and Jenkinson did Ok. I was particular about Jenkinson but he maintained a defence discipline and not foraying forward when he shouldn’t
    COYG

  21. Andrew says:

    the ox and jack in the same team would be class!!!ox jack gibbs and walcott 4 english boys tearin it up

  23. Mohd Isa says:

    This was not the first time team parked the bus. Neither will it be the last. Wenger has to find a way to beat this type of team.Sometime s if you keep charging at the front,you need a bit of stealth to sneak past and score. I know its anathema but that’s what Bryan Robson used to do in his hey day.

  25. Potter says:

    Tactically flawed , individually the players did what they can but.!!!
    We have bought two forwards into the fold and proceeded to give them little or nothing to work with. There was so much unused width to play with which we didn’t use , Walcott had two men on him and Gervinho did his usual, beat men and cut inside and left Cazorla with the job of threading needles through a typically formed O’Neil defence marshalled by Cattermole who seemed to be doing the job for them that we need someone to do for us. On the whole it is not so depressing , once the team gels a litlle and they get to know each others style it should improve . Plus someone needs to tell them that if you have a couple of 6 foot plus forwards in the box they should try crossing the ball early and put defences on the back foot.

  26. Carpe diem... says:

    Morning!
    It all depends on how you view things generally…
    To an optimist…great performance
    To a pessimist…should have won since we had the better players
    To a pragmatist…new players need time to gel
    As for me…wait till after the first 5 games before verdict

  27. Big Ernie says:

    It was a tough game with the heat and the decision form Mr “Arnse and I don’t get on – don’t you know, to be sure” to get everybody behind the ball. They were sooo playing for a draw, if that was boxing or a marital art, they would have given away a penalty for not trying !!! …. the problem we are going to face yet again this year is all the lower half of the table teams are going to do the same (as in the last 3 years) I confess that it concerns me that there still is not plan B, when we know teams are going to play non-football (sort it out Arsne). As for the team Besides a little flurry in the first half I think Shez was able to write his Christmas and Shopping list and finish the book he started reading on holiday, as they never came up our end of the pitch. Same for the defence, although I saw some more fire in the belly of Gibbs, but feel Jenkinson looked a bit Shaky at times. Diaby looked ok and if he stays fit for long enough then we might see his true potential. Cazorla was the best player in the pitch for me …. he’s a gonna be awesome !! Theo – Naaa – same owd same owd. Arteta was the man got on with his work an directed thing, the man is class. Now, here I have a problem, everyone is raving about Gervinho, I don’t see it, I thought he ran his socks off and put a shift it, but numerous times he was in a great position to slide a ball through to the front man and he failed to see it and took the ball to the byline and either overran it, hit it against their defender or put a shit cross in. I think it great he was in those positions in the first place, but he needs to get his forehead up and see what is in front of him, rather than disappearing up his own ass, if he can do that, then I will change my mind. The new boys up from were under a lot of pressure with no space, so I think we will see much more from them when we face a team who want to play football. Overall I was a bit disappointed, but that was because there was still no plan B, but I think that if we ship out more dross and get in more class like Cazorla, now that song has gone (who I liked) then I think we have got a chance !! …. I’m looking forward and feeling positive ….

  29. Will says:

    I think against teams like Boringland we need to think rapier rather than claymore. We should play with Cazorla and Arshavin in the hole with the likes of Walcott and The Ox coming in at pace from the wings but even then, it would be hard to beat a team with NO attacking ambition at all. I think teams that play like Boringland should have points deducted.

  31. Danish Gooner says:

    Simple fact is,Wenger havent got a clue anymore,teams will come to Emirates and emulate Sunderland over and over again.For years now we have struggled to break down resistance and often very low quality of it,the stubborn man is killing this club he is slowly suffocating it to the brink of extinction.Now we are left with a ship sinking faster then the Titanic,i cant wait for 2104 when his deal expires because if ther was ever anything needed for this club it is very different direction.

  34. Thorny says:

    Morning everyone.
    It’l be ok if weger uses the dosh.
    Dempsey.. (I really think he’s worth it to replace chamak, hes a striker who scores and gets himself in really good spots and shoots)
    ben arfa.
    something for defence.
    assuming sahin is coming that is.

  36. Rohan Vijay says:

    I think we had a decent start to the campaign … Its definitely gonna take time for the newbies to gel in and forge an understanding … The good part is we kept it tight at the back … except for one mishap where i think Mclean got behind the defense other than that there was very little for Scz to worry about …. Cazorla was really exciting … if he keeps playing the way he played yday its gonna be finger licking stuff … there was this moment when arteta and cazorla played a one-two … completely bamboozled Cattermole ……. Hardly the worst start I’d say 😀 !!

  37. rico says:

    Syg, totally agree –

    I certainly didn’t mean to be negative this morning..

    The Alex Song bit was irony, we need a DM once Song goes and just need to find a way to break down teams which stifle our midfield..

  43. rico says:

    That’s not what I hoped to hear Syg, I’d heard he was really happy at the club and doesn’t want to leave….

  45. rico says:

    Or better would be nice Lee 😉

    The People reckon Sahin is off to Liverpool, The Fail say he’s joining us.

    Get Chamakh, Nik and Park out and go another striker too…

  49. Andrew says:

    on his way where liverpool chelsea? man city ? is any1 realistically in for him! id be shocked if he left tbh ! he looks so happy with ox and gibbs during pre season!:( mvilla and sahin nd we wuld be a force to be reckoned with

  51. rico says:

    Phew – it’s ANR, pinch of salt just taken…

    We need a few goals going in and quickly, get all this stuff about missing one man finished with, sick of it already…

  52. agirlagunner says:

    rico, why so negative? 😆 Hello, all!! 🙂

    Our defense is looking good. And emma, I must say that Arteta is going from strength to strength. What a buy he has turned out to be! 🙂

    What a cull this transfer window is turning out to be! It wouldn’t do to let Theo go as well. Too many changes can’t be good for any team. We do need some stability.

  53. John B says:

    37 games to go – avoid losses and take 12 + points from games against MC,MU,CH – this is what will decide the season. On that basis a acceptable start. Wenger has decided to totally re-mould the team, he has made serious signings of mature players. They will drop points early on as they learn to play together and become a team. Instead of insisting his youth and exiting team need a little tweaking he has gone for it and made big changes – particularly by his cautious standards. Get behind him as his era is coming to a close one way or another and he seems intent going on a high.

  54. rico says:

    I’ll believe Sahin when he’s here, until then, the Dippers are always in with a chance to get him…

    This is the best time for Theo imho Andrew, if we don’t sign another striker, he could finally get his wish in certain games and play central…

    I really hope he stays and improves…

  56. rico says:

    maybe there is something in Castles report then, mind you, I thought there was truth in the report that we’d signed M’Vila a couple of months ago 😉

  57. agirlagunner says:

    Have we heard of any club expressing a serious interest in Theo? I’d be very very very surprised if he wanted out, too. He seems like a sensible bloke.

    The way the headlines have been written this morning, it’s as if Arsenal might as well throw in the towel now.

    If Sahin wants a taste of CL footie, and don’t all footballers, why would he join the Dippers??

  58. rico says:

    What does tat mean??

    The club was giving out promotional tat to fans with the names of players on each item.

    Obviously,the tat bearing the name ‘him’ was withdrawn.

    Interestingly, the Theo Walcott stuff was also withdrawn.

  60. rico says:

    Just rumour re Theo agag, Liverpool/Chelsea…

    We’ll find out pretty soon I guess, AW has said talks are ongoing…

  61. Andrew says:

    still think his holding out for more money …slimy agent stuff yano! liverpool cant seriously compete for his signature! they’re trying to lower their wage bill not increase it! id imagine his happy at the club but a little worried about song and vp leaving! lets hope 2 new recruitments will come in next week and renew everyones hopes!:) Rico your a fantastic Admin!!

  62. rico says:

    Redkrapp:

    I’ve already said Arsenal will do well to finish in the top four, although I do like Santi Cazorla, one of their new signings from Malaga. I tried to get him.

    Gunners fans are in for a treat watching him — although there might not be much else for them to cheer over the months.

    K**B!!

  63. Dessy4life says:

    It’s so sad how many of the so called Arsenal “FAITHFULS” reason, this is just the first game of the season, a draw at home, new players in the team, returning from international duties etc. And we have started condemning the team and blaming Arsen Wenger, when are we going to learn to be patience, same thing happened last season after losing Na$ri (Cashri) and Fabregas to both Man Shity and Barga, we all want the head of AW after few flops, then later AW seems to be the best coach on planet earth.

    So faithful gunners, stop criticizing our dear team, rather let’s be behind them and give them the needed support, because they need our support now and the new boys are going to deliver believe me, we saw some signs from them yesterday with Cazorla anchoring the midfield creating chances and making space for himself and other in the middle of the park and upfront. Have we forgotten that this is the second time these boys are playing any game together, all the team need is some time to gel together and we’ll have something to celebrate at the end of the season.

    Gunners 4 life….In Arsen we Trust.

  64. agirlagunner says:

    Maybe a decal tattoo?? I would be very disappointed in Theo. Song, I wasn’t so bothered about; I honestly don’t think he’s worth what Barca paid for him… but Theo, I’d feel ill seeing him in a Citeh or Chav shirt. He’s not going to Liverpoop. He must have seen last night’s debacle… 😀

  65. rico says:

    Liverpool are his boyhood club Andrew but as we have said, CL football is where footballers want to be….

    Admin??

  66. Andrew says:

    admin as in you own the site ya? citeh are lokking at offloading johnson so walcott could be an option for them however it looks like sinclair will be heading their way instead! chelsea have a million wingers/am’s and are after moses ….they’ve gone mad this summer so u never know!

  67. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    We’re gonna see more & more teams turning up at the emirates this season and parking the bus, it’s up to us to have a plan to break them down, Sunderland had their game plan and it worked.
    O’Neil himself said his players were magnificent, its like winning a cup final for some of these teams.
    How do we beat them, improvise, adapt and overcome, to pinch an army saying, AW needs to show a bit more savy sometimes, a few small tweaks and it’s game on.

  68. rico says:

    Ah got you… Can see TW going to City….

    Hi Micko – totally agree, just trying something different, there’s nothing to lose…

    I wouldn’t care if we launched a ball over the top every now and then, if you can;t go through them, go over them 😉

  71. GoonerB says:

    Not bothered about the media reaction as it was obvious that this would be how they would go. I think we have a quality attack this year. Yesterday was a hot one and we were up against a park the bus MON side which are always well organised. We have internationals that have been away in the week while Sunderland likely had less. The 2 manchester clubs have extra recovery time for their players (I don’t know how they were fortunate enough for that to happen!!).

    My only criticism is why he didn’t play Giroud and Pod together, like he did in Cologne when we looked so dangerous in the first half. Even stranger still when we were chasing a goal that he subs one for the other rather than doubling them both up. I can’t help but think that AW got it wrong yesterday and maybe cost us the win.

  72. emma says:

    Wenger has a plan. Hopefully we secure the deal of Sahin and wilshere comes back firing. Having two spotters(Sahin/Wilshere) will help in breaking down teams that will come to the emirates and park the bus. Winning the league this season will depend on how we approach our home matches cause we are going to win a lot of our away matches where I believe most teams we come out to play. Playing more creative players(wilshere/sahin) in our home matches will be the key to unlocking defences at home.
    Team might look like this at home matches

    giroud/poldi

    OX Sahin Cazorla

    wilshere

    Arteta

    Gibbs/Santos Vermalean Mert Sagna

    Sczecsny

  74. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Arshavin would have been better deployed v’s Sunderland rather than Diaby and Giroud on from the start instead of Gervais, but we can go on all day re: this and re: that.
    Diaby is a massive improvement on Song and didn’t put a foot wrong as such, and Gervais had a tidy game. However Sunderland needed opening up from the off and those players being part of the starting line-up would have possibly done that.
    Gervais and Walcott are similar “animals” and one or the other should be utilised – not both.
    These are exciting times. Wenger will judge what he saw and we’ll probably come away from “The Potteries” with a 2-0 win.
    Make no mistake, the times ahead will be good.

  75. rico says:

    GB – AW suggested that Podolski is not 100% match fit, hopefully we will see that combination soon…

    emma – still hope M’Vila is in there somewhere too 🙂

  79. Merlin96 says:

    Morning all.

    Like Arsene Wenger, when he will give new players a run of 8 games before he decided to replace them.

    01 – 18 Aug H Sunderland
    02 – 26 Aug A Stoke City
    03 – 02 Sep A Liverpool
    04 – 15 Sep H Southampton
    05 – 18 Sep UEFA Champions League
    06 – 23 Sep A Manchester City
    07 – 26 Sep Capital One Cup Round 3
    08 – 29 Sep H Chelsea
    09 – 2/3 Oct UEFA Champions League
    10 – 06 Oct A West Ham United
    11 – 20 Oct A Norwich
    12 – 23/24 Oct UEFA Champions League
    13 – 27 Oct H QPR
    14 – 31 Oct Capital One Cup 4th Round

    That is, by 31 Oct, we will know when we stand in the title race and remain unbeaten, enough quality to win all 3 CL Cup ties and enough quality in Reserves to win both Tin Cup ties.

    Until November 1, 2012 then…we either scream in joy or in frustration.

    Yesterday match?

    My rating?

    DEFENCE – 6.5 – 0.5 more for keeping clean-sheet
    MIDFIELD – 6.5
    FORWARD – 5

    All in all, early season jittery with team-mates trying to understand each other movement and trying to converse in English under pressure….a German, a Spaniard, an Ivorian, an Englishman..trying to tlak to each other in a split-second????

    Best examples:
    Poldolski ready to shot with Cazorla taking the ball off his toe;

    Ramsey opted to shoot with Giroud in the box;

    Gervinho should run clear thru’ with Poldolski blocking off a defender..only to surprise Poldolski with a pass thru’ hsi legs…

    This team will take months to gell…..

    ANd with Koscielny, oX, Rosicky, WIlshere, plus maybe 1 or 2 more new players coming in…….

    Let’s not get our expectation too high except to see more clean-sheets, score ’em more goals.

    DEFENCE will save our season; with wins by the odd goals as bonus.

    Next match away to Stoke City?
    I see another dreadful 0-0 draw with Pulis parking the Bus and hope to hit us on the break by attacking our flank.
    The best result I can hope for is a lucky 1-0 win…but more likely a 0-0 draw.

    My only concern is that with Cazorla as our only creative spark, all those Northern Monkeys will target him for a good kicking….like those treatments they dished out to Reyes, Hleb and Fabregas.

  80. emma says:

    rico – I hope he signs M’vila/Capoue. But I don’t see it happening. If Sahin comes in then we have a whole lot of midfielders. If we are to sign m’vila/capoue then Ramsey will have to go on loan. I see Sahin coming in and maybe a versatile defender. Capoue was immense yesterday for Tolouse. He scored as well. Arteta did a very good job yesterday in the DM role. Coquelin is an understudy as well …

  81. southyorkshiregunner says:

    It’s a horses for courses scenario Emma.
    v’s the top five or six sides we as a club need more caution, so the likes of Capoue or M’Vila would be utilised.
    Yesterday I found it senseless to start Diaby. I would have gone with a more attack minded side as Sunderland posed little threat. arteta covering the defence was more than adequate.
    But, it is a new team. They WILL gel.

  82. emma says:

    syg – U re right. Diaby but lets not forget he is coming back from his long protracted injury. At the moment we need someone who could make those intelligent passes that can take out 2/3 opposition players from the deep in our own half(Sahin/Wilshere)

  83. Merlin96 says:

    Bluntly, Scott Sinclair would have murdered Jenkinson like they turned over QPR.

    Yes, Gibbs had improved tremendously and can only get better and better with more experience.

    Jenkinson?
    C”mon, let’s not allow his love for Arsenal blinded us to the fact he is still raw, a limited player like Justin Hoyte, a good squad player and I can’t see him improve like Gibbs.

    Every manager will target our vulnerable right flank with Jenkinson with a pacy winger as Jenkinson-Mertesacker pairing is a disaster when attack by the likes of a Scott Sinclair.

    Against team with pacy winger like Scott Sinclair or Gareth Bales or Hazard or even an ageing Tyan Giggs, I will opt for a Koscielny-Vermaelen combination.

    Against a Route 101 Team like Stoke with battling rma of a centre forward in Crouch, I will opt for Mertesacker-Vermaelen pairing.

    CHelski?
    A tough call as I will field Mertesacker-Vermalen pairing against deep-running John Terry, Cahill and Torre who can attack high ball.

    Offensive, Mertesacker is a threat with him heading knock-downs and his bulk generally a nuisance to DEFENCE.

    My take?
    Arsene Wenger wil want a settled side to develop understanding and will most likely to stick to Jenkinson-Per-TV5-Gibbs for the next 4 games, with Koscielny perhaps coming in for CL CUp tie…..and Wenger will need to make a decision away to Abu Dhabi City….

    01 – 18 Aug H Sunderland
    02 – 26 Aug A Stoke City
    03 – 02 Sep A Liverpool
    04 – 15 Sep H Southampton
    05 – 18 Sep UEFA Champions League
    06 – 23 Sep A Manchester City

  84. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We had just bought Dennis Bergkamp for £7.5M and David Platt for £4M.
    Everyone was awaiting the first game of the season with anticipation.

    Sunday 20th August 1995
    Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough

    Nick Barmby opened the scoring with a first half goal. I think Merson equalised. I listened to Alan Green’s anti-Arsenal commentary on 5-live whilst in the office.

    That match was a catalyst for the success that followed.
    It was a massive change of culture.

    What we are seeing now is a massive change of culture.

  85. Merlin96 says:

    Yes, SYG, I was surprised that DIaby was not his usual driving self and more attacking oriented.

    When Ramsey came in, it came us a new attacking impetus.

    Walcott was dreadful, MIA most of the time…or is it his team-mates were not passing to him with Gervinho seeing most of the balls?

    Wenegr should know that O’Neill will come to pack a Santini Bus and wanted to hit us on the break at our vulnerable flanks..which he almost succeed with one or two clear shooting chances.

    Well, the TEAM was unbalanced anyway with new players and perhaps worthed a punt to start with Giroud instead of a dreadful Walcott.

    …………………..Arteta………………………….Diaby
    …………………………………Cazorla

    ……Poldolski……………….Giroud………….Gervinho

    Walcott will make a far better impact as a supersub against a tiring Sunderland.

    Arshavin?
    This game said it all and it will be daft not to sell him this month.
    Santos will be a far more better supersub than a disinterested and non-commital Arshavin.

  86. emma says:

    syg – “What we are seeing now is a massive change of culture”

    It actually looks like it. Wenger looks changed. When he was talking about not enough creativity yesterday and willing to bring a creative player I was impressed. He knows where the problem is and is taking steps to sort it out. If it where the odd wenger he would have said ramsey is there and we wait for rosicky

  87. Micko says:

    Howdy Merlin, Cazorla has an older and wiser head on him, they’ll have to try and get near him first !
    Gotta say well done to Portsmouth yesterday, signed 15 players last week and got a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, there’s hope for us yet.

  88. emma says:

    Merlin – Walcott/Jenkinson combination did not work out. You could see that Jenkinson was too scared venturing forward not to leave space behind. There was this understanding b/w Gibbs/Gervinho. There was this particular time in the match Gervinho had to cover for Gibbs to intercept a goal bound move.

  89. Merlin96 says:

    Yes, Emma.
    The difference is that Gervinho tracked back…Walcott doesn’t as his instinct is as a forward like Poldolski or even Arshavin.

    Let me put it this way.
    Gibbs-Gervinho combinaiton reminded moi of EBoue-Hleb on the right.

    Like Hleb, Gervinho is a frustrating player who can beat players, run into the box and ..refused to shoot.. @#$%@@@

    We are actually short of a right-side forward..and OX is not the answer as he is sitll learning his trade as a CM, which is his natural role.

    Perhaps buying Sahin and putting him on the troublesome right-flank maybe the solution….

    I would ratehr play Walcott as a supersub against a tring 9-0-1 SUnderland-like teams.

    We better learn to play against a team who wil pack tehir box like Sudnerland.
    That is, more technical players who cna hold the ball…with Walcott as a sueprsub to tear ’em a new one at right flank…

    I will rotate Walcott in a more central role like 4-4-1-1 as he is more of a threat breaking in the cnetral area ratehr than a blind alley runner at right flank…and his shooting is deadly and accurate too.

  90. Potter says:

    Usually however at least when Hleb ran out of space he found an Arsenal player, whereas Gervinho is like the disappointing firework that starts off and fizzles out when it matters.

  91. EastSidePaul says:

    Was just thinking yesterday during the game, I would very much like a winger like Helb back, amazing feet and vision. A gem of a player.

  92. allezkev says:

    Afternoon Rico…..
    May i humbly suggest, that the next time you use irony boss, that in brackets underneath, you explain ‘that’ fact…
    It kinda saves all the confusion…..
    I mean, i was totally bamboozled… 😉

  93. Ben Barrett says:

    Afternoon everyone.
    After reading the news this morning, i thought we must have lost 10-0, the media really have it in for Arsenal at the moment!
    In the cold light of day and after the excess of beer subsided I am still positive for the season ahead.

  94. emma says:

    Merlin/Potter – Gervinho is a very good player. But he has a poor finishing decision. I thought RVP gone would make him confident of his ability. I agree with you on Walcott. He should come in as a super sub when the opposition is tiring out.

    What is Arshavin doing in st. petersburg?
    it’s on his official website

  95. Merlin96 says:

    Gods……Rosicky – Flamini – Fabregas – Hleb.

    How we missed this Quartet dynamism in MIDFIELD.

    Dare I say that by 2013, we will see

    ……..Cazorla – OX – Wilshere – Poldolski

  96. emma says:

    Merlin – If only they(Flamini and Hleb) had stayed for one more season. I enjoyed the sublime counter attacking play.

  97. EastSidePaul says:

    That was a great midfield.

    If Liverpool would like to have Walcott, I say Walcott + 15m for suarez would be good business.

  98. bob john says:

    I really hope the Walcott rumours are true. He is one of the players with the most experience but he was his usual self yesterday. Whether we like it or not, he is just not a footballer. He is a fast kid who people have tried to turn into a player. Unfortunately he has none of the instincts of a natural footballer. His brain can’t tell him where he needs to be on the pitch and he ends up moving inside when he should be spreading out wide and vice-versa. Also the reason why he doesn’t track back is ‘cos his brain switches off and he stands watching rather than reading the play. Every so often he will do something good but that’s just the law of averages working. He will never get any better. You can teach him so much but he will never have the instincts to know where to be on the pitch or how and when to use the ball.

  99. allezkev says:

    Ben i haven’t read a newspaper (contradiction in terms) and i have absolutely no intention of reading one tomorrow, or at all this week….
    Why waste your money reading anti-Arsenal cnuts sticking the knife in….

    SYG, Alan Green is a little ugly fat turd, and that they’re only positives i can take from that shithead.

  100. Ben Barrett says:

    On Theo, He has to be tried through the middle, center backs are generally the slowest players on the pitch, so no brainer is’nt it?
    His pace and shooting are his best attributes and so many LB’s have pace and tend to track Theo so he doesn’t get a chance to get in behind very often. Remember a guy called Henry?

  101. allezkev says:

    ESP, i disagree, i cannot think of a single Liverpool player i would take from that mob of fantasists…

  102. allezkev says:

    Bob John, i doubt that it’s simply a financial thing with Theo…
    If Wenger thinks he is worth it and has the potential to develop into the player we’d like him to become, then the club will make him an offer he’ll accept.
    If he leaves, due to the club not offering him the finance he (his agent) thinks he deserves, then i would see that as a damning verdict from Wenger, on Theo’s ability and how much, or not, that Arsene sees in his potential to develop fully…

  103. EastSidePaul says:

    17 goals in the Premier last year Kev, and that was with the awful players liverpool have to offer around him, he is easily a 25+ goal a year striker. Would be well worth it.

  104. allezkev says:

    BobB, i know that i might be going against the majority here, but playing through the middle has more to it that just pace…
    I’m not convinced that Theo ‘can’ play thru the middle…

  106. allezkev says:

    And if he does leave Arsenal, i’m fairly certain that his new club will play him on the wing…
    Don’t get me wrong, i really like Theo, but i wonder if he really suits our style…?

  107. EastSidePaul says:

    DOn’t get me wrong Kev, I hate the guy, think he is a right little prick, but I do think he has a lot of goals in him.

  108. bob john says:

    allezkev:
    As I see it Arsene has invested a lot of time and patience into Theo and it hasn’t paid dividends. He has proved he doesn’t have the skill or knowledge to play out wide. Even a converted average midfielder like Richardson had him in his pocket yesterday and he is nowhere near strong enough or has good enough control to play through the middle. I know its natural for an agent to be angling for a rise but I hope the new hardnosed AW tells him to do one because he sure as hell hasn’t earned it like Kosser for instance. If we can make a profit too then that’s good business, especially with a much better player in Ox waiting in the wings.

  111. allezkev says:

    B.John, i cannot disagree with a word of your last comment….
    Some of these players really don’t live in the real world…

  112. allezkev says:

    Well Emma, for £32 million (think that’s what it was), i think he’s entitled to put in a shift…

  113. Adam says:

    I don’t know if any of you were actually at the game yesterday but, if you were, you would have seen all the hallmarks of recent Wenger sides. Firstly, a vast gulf in the quality of players throughout the Arsenal side. Then a complete lack of real width. A complete set up and tactical formation that was easy to predict and therefore no problem to counteract.

  114. GoonerB says:

    ESP, Suarez is a very good player but I am not sure he is what we need. He looks a very good creative striker who sets up players around him but he does miss a lot of chances. Despite yesterday we may find we have enough in attack and that yesterday was just one of those days. The media were all over it like a rash as you would expect when you just sold last years golden boot and then didn’t score in your first game. Other teams just have one of those days at times and all the teams will have one this year even when fielding top class strikers.

    If we do end up looking a bit short this year I feel it will be more that we need a nippy clinical striker with good movement who can read and get on the end of balls from the likes of Cazorla. I am starting to wonder if we shouldn’t have forced Barca to include David Villa in the Song deal. i am not sure on his status on recovering from his long term injury but I would have thought he may be surplus to requirements at Barca the way they set up the team now but could have been a great addition to our forward options.

  115. Adam says:

    If we really want to compete at the highest level then no way do we have a top quality strike force. At fullback we are extremely limited too.

  119. bob john says:

    To be fair Adam, I think yesterday was a bit too early to draw conclusions. Yesterday’s side had not had much chance to play together for various reasons and as I alluded to in my earlier post, the likes of Walcott as an experienced player should be helping the newcomers out a lot more. Would have preferred Poldi on left and Giroud through middle with Geronimo on the right but that would have left very little to come off the bench, although Walcott would suit that role much more.

  120. Adam says:

    The only conclusions I am drawing are based on years of watching Wenger’s teams and seeing how he has changed his philosophy in some ways and not in others. Yesterday’s game changed nothing except to confirm some things.

  121. allezkev says:

    Everything Arsenal‏@GoonersPage

    Al Jazeera (Middle East TV) Are confirming reports that Arsenal have signed M’Vila+ Sahin on a loan deal. Awaiting confirmation Monday.#AFC

  123. wellingooner says:

    I seem to remember we only managed a 0-0 draw at the beginning of last season too. Nothing to do with RVP being gone, if it was then we would surely have won that opener even if Gervinho did get sent off.

  124. allezkev says:

    Bob.J, yes, that’s the front Three i would have liked to see…
    Adam, give it time mate, give it time…

  127. allezkev says:

    As i commented earlier to Bob.B, i haven’t read a newspaper today, but i’d be very interested to hear from anyone who has read a rag today, and how they judged the reporting on the Arsenal game, and compare it with the reports on the Spuds and Scousers games…?
    Are Arsenal in crisis, whilst Spuds/Scousers are just in the midst of a blip???

  128. Adam says:

    Kev. You know that the newspapers are all lowest common denominator stuff. Van Persie is the biggest news at the moment so that’s what they focus on. He had nothing to do with what went down yesterday. Spurs and Liverpool just ain’t news like Arsenal are. Van Persie and Song going play into their reporting gameplan of “selling club”, “tight wad Wenger” etc, etc.

  129. bob john says:

    I totally understand where you are coming from Adam but lets just hope the change of personnel will bring a change of attitude, which I believe is one of the fundamental problems we have had. More so than the style of play. Our players need to know that it takes hard work and concentration to play the beautiful game. I think the likes of Arteta personify that. An attitude that he brought from Everton.

  131. allezkev says:

    I understand all that Adam…
    What pisses me off are the Arsenal fans who cannot read between the lines.
    Like those poor saps that phone up Talkshite and allow themselves to be manipulated…

  132. allezkev says:

    Gotta say, what i did notice yesterday, was the way the forwards, or some of them, worked back and defended, notably Arshavin & Gervinho…
    From small acorns etc…

  133. bob john says:

    The BBC is doing a more than passable impression of Talkshite these days. Hansen, Shearer, Lineker, Savage, Crooks, Redknapp, McCarthy. Add the likes of Colin Murray and its easy to see why Lee Dixon went to ITV. Even sitting with Keane, Southgate and Chiles was preferable!

  135. allezkev says:

    Did you hear those planks last night Bob.J..?

    Lineker really is a smart arse…

    Typical BBC ‘Jobs for the Boys’….

  136. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! Kev, the press have an unhealthy fixation with wanting to see us fail. We struggled, we were toothless in front of goal, we missed van Persie’s guile blah de blah.

    On the other hand, Liverpool suffered a “shock” defeat. If these journos have been watching Liverpool the past three or four years, they would know there is nothing shocking about that. Liverpool have been dismal for aaaaages.

    Hiya, adam. 🙂 Not your recent sunny self, I see. 😛 Howdy?

    Hello, bob john

  139. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Kev, Adam, young Ben – hope you’re all doing good…..

    Saturday 14th August 1999
    Runners up in League knocked out 4th round of FA Cup
    Sunderland 0-0 Arsenal

    Saturday 19th August 2000
    we lost 0-1 a v’s Sunderland in the opening game. AQuinn scored in the last minutes.
    Runners up in League and FA Cup

    That was with a great Arsenal side

  140. rico says:

    Afternoon guys and gals….

    M’Vila and Sahin, that would be a start…

    Adam – would that be the same ‘no width’ we witnessed last season in majority of the games, apart from when we had Yossi on, I guess that is what you get from a ‘proper’ winger….

  144. allezkev says:

    Some BBC sound man looking for half a dozen idiots booing, then turn up the volume Mick…
    I’ve been to away games, where the Arsenal fans have outsung the home fans, but the sound man just turns us down….

  145. Lee says:

    Afternoon all…. If Walcott wants out we should buy Victor Moses.
    That would be an upgrade imho. What was it like over there yesterday Adam?

  146. rico says:

    The Rumour site 😛 😛

    19 Aug 2012 13:13:23

    Lewandowski, m’vila and sakho all in before next Sunday’s game. The 2 French players are done and ig is in Germany as we speak. Sahin will also come in on season long loan

    Feel free to click disagree I will repost this on Sunday next week just to show off how clever I am

  150. Micko says:

    SYG, wasn’t that the season where we were 2 nil up at half time vs Villa and some fella in a Father Christmas outfit jumped out of a plane and hit the stands, the second half was delayed and we ended up losing 3-2 to a late goal from Dion Dublin goal.
    Lost the league by a point as well.

  154. rico says:

    Me too Lee, I’d dread to think what Stanley would get up too 😉

    Did you see Kevs earlier about Aljazeera reporting we have signed Sahin and M’Vila?

  155. bob john says:

    Hello agag.
    Yes kev. MOTD is like a drug unfortunately and you find yourself watching it almost without realising. Luckily the several pints before and after the game yesterday meant I fell asleep. However, still noticed how the glossed over Pardew pushing the linesman. In fact they made a little joke of it. Now if that had been Arsene……………..

  157. agirlagunner says:

    Hiya, Micko. I did not notice that. The Sunderland keeper was roundly booed though for all that time wasting. 😉

    M’Vila would be a top top buy.

  158. Lee says:

    I know what your saying Bob re MOTD but it’s in the same league as talkshite so I now give them both a wide berth.

  159. NashuaGunners says:

    Rico, with re Kev post, yes saw it; M’villa and Sahin but four in total? I hope you’re right though because Hell will frenzies over..

  160. rico says:

    NG

    Theo
    Moses
    Johnson

    😉

    NG – how many can go though?

    Mannone
    Park
    Bendtner
    Chamakh
    Arshavin
    Song

    And most others want Walcott gone so that’s seven 🙂

  162. Adam says:

    Rico. Ahh, the famous lack of width. Defensive teams just love it when everything comes down the middle. It’s hardly new is it?
    Hi Agag. I am my usual cheery self, just disappointed with yesterday really. Still, Mrs Adam has just made me a cup of coffee and struck me a fearful blow with a meringue to cheer me up.

  164. TT says:

    Arshavin defending?! What the hell where you smoking kev 😛

    I hope the news on M’Vila and Sahin are correct. If so we have the strongest squad since the invincible s,

  166. rico says:

    No it isn’t Adam, but I just don’t get why we can’t change that…

    TT – ditto re the two rumours, that would give us a real buzz…

  168. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Chelsea, for the moment, is much better than us.
    Moses is very interesting.
    Why do you want to sell TW? Two important players a year and over. More one, two or three and the budget is balanced.
    We must keep TW for any problems next season.
    I don’t believe in Llorente. Is a player like Giroud. We need a different player with others characteritics.

  169. Merlin96 says:

    Oh boy, Abramovich must be steaming between his ears when it is the very frist time that I saw Chelski playing with fear..2-0 up and with 15 minutes to go, start to play negaitve football to defend its lead.

    Remember when De MAtteo was at WBA, went on a scintillating start, beat Arsenal at EMirates….and was sacked mid-season.

    I think De MAtteo will be sacked mid-season if he continues to play negative football…and start losing as well.

    I do not see CHelski as a threat when they play witrh fear…we can beat ’em as long as they don’t play 9-0-1 like Sunderland.

  171. emma says:

    David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david

    Arsenal close to completing Sahin deal. Season-long loan with view to permanent. Confirmation likely early next week

    Looks like we’ve got that wrapped. Lets get M’vila/Capoue

  172. allezkev says:

    I have not taken a single alcoholic beverage today i’ll have you know Master Lee…..

    Later on though, hmmm, sounds like a good idea…. 😉

  174. agirlagunner says:

    Celsea were rubbish apart form their two goals. 😀 😀 Gotta hand it to Wigan, they will play.

    Hiya, Lee. But Moses drifts in and out of games. A bit like Walcott. And less zippy.

    Adam, that sounds nice. Ask Mrs Adam to whip up a batch of pistachio meringues. 🙂

  177. allezkev says:

    TT, i do recall our diminutive midfielder tackling back…
    Honest, it really did happen. Only once mind, but happen it did…

  181. rico says:

    Did you see the lights went on at the cricket and then a heavy downpour?

    It’s brewing here now, it’s humid and pretty horrid…

  182. Merlin96 says:

    Adam, it was Crab Football as if Denilson was playing in place of Arteta.

    I think it was the influence of Boulds that solidify the defence but rigidly stay in our half with Arteta-Diaby not being adventurous to defence Back-4, hence Crab FOotball and slow-paced Crab Football executing 10+ passes within our half, 10+ more passes around centre-circle and 10+ more passes around the box before attempting the final pass..invariably to a Sunderland player…

    Nothing changes sicne 7 years of “tiki-taka-” Barca Lite with Fabregas and Ramsey…and now with DIaby.

    The savign grace is Cazorla and let’s hope with teh return of OX and ROsicky in lieu of Walcott and Gervinho, we will be mor eproductive.

    WIlshere?
    No impact this season as he will trying to fidn his footing..plus lots of niggling injuries till hsi muscles are balanced and toned for football fitness. It is inehrent, all thes eniggling injuries due to lengthy layoff…

    We may only see the best of Diaby and WIlshere next season.

    I do hope Wenger will buy another attacking midfielder to complement Cazorla..like Hazard is complementing Juan Mata.

    You ill neve rknow…but Wenger may take a gamble and buy Johann Gourcuff on the cheap!!!

    Perhaps Walcott will be dropped to teh bench and we will see the new boy Tomas Eisfield on the right against Stoke???

  183. Adam says:

    Lee. I have a portable air con unit running in the cave I live in. Cool air does in fact come out the front but it I so noisy that conversation is impossible. A decent trade-off in this weather though.

  184. allezkev says:

    Lee 😀
    Cheese on toast mate, very tasty, i do like a bit of savoury…
    Just don’t tell Stan…..

  185. Lee says:

    We had a mad downpour and now the currant is out but very close….may have to blow the froth off a couple!

  186. rico says:

    Indeed Adam, nearly had a crisis with the sauce though 😉

    Have you by chance been watching their latest series?

  190. rico says:

    Merlin – I have to disagree on Jack, when he’s back, he’ll make a massive impact from the off, AW will not overplay him though, he doesn’t have to. especially if we get Sahin and M’Vila…

  191. Adam says:

    No Rico. They’re OK but the only one I have been watching is Raymond Blanc and possibly old editions of Rick Stein. Jamie Oliver is a pet hate of mine.
    Are the Bikers really any good? Should I watch them?

  194. rico says:

    Think that is heading my way Lee..

    Syg, I want to hear today 🙂

    Good old Lea & Perrin – that was the names of two of my chickens 🙂

  198. Adam says:

    I like it when Jamie Oliver goes to Africa to show the people what you look like when you eat 4 meals a day plus a bit of breakfast.

  199. rico says:

    I love them Adam, this series is about cooking all the good old foods but with a lower calorific value, quite interesting.

    Both of them have lost a lot of weight – they were quite lardy 😉

  200. Adam says:

    Are you going to do a few recipes for the HH Christmas party Rico? I know that Goonster is looking forward to it greatly. 🙂

  201. rico says:

    Yes lee, had four about 3 years ago but made the mistake of getting two and then adding another two. They keep pecking each others feathers out and were going bald.

    They needed a cockerel in with them as he stops that kind of thing going on so we got one. Sadly the Cockerel police left an abusive letter through the door as he was waking up some kids each morning rather early so a friend took him before the EHO did.

    The rest went to another friend who have plenty of land and they settled very well. Soon grew their feathers back too amongst lots more chickens and boys 🙂

  204. Merlin96 says:

    Rico, we have plenty of precedences with players returning after more than 12 months of injury layoff..

    Eduardo – never regained his form

    Rosicky – took one season to get over his injury and only sparkled in Feb 2012.

    Ramsey – still not at his best.

    Diaby? – open verdict, just started playing.

    SImilarly, Wilshere will need time to gradually groove into the TEAM and need 6 months or more to develop an understanding in this new team.

    Sahin?
    I can see the end of DIaby as the new partnership will be Arteta-Sahin with both players have the ability to go forward to make things happen and to provide cover for Back-4.

    cheers, people I am off for a few hours….

  209. emma says:

    Arsenal Trend ‏@ArsenalTrend
    I like to confirm also that M’vila is now very back on and that’s official

    Arsenal Trend ‏@ArsenalTrend
    M’vila expected to leave any day after today, may play last game for Rennes this weekend

    This lad is very reliable as well.
    Who says Wenger is not a changed man?

  217. bob john says:

    Just noticed Howard Webb reffing at Man City. Must mean Mike Riley’s making a comeback tomorrow night then!

  218. southyorkshiregunner says:

    They’ll never get rid of him, Lee.
    He’ll be on loan and providing the assists for Wellington next season

  221. rico says:

    Just read that too Andrew, reckon that has what’s made this drag on a bit. Jose doesn’t want him to go….

  228. emma says:

    Jamie Sanderson ‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Sahin deal will be a season-long loan. Arsenal will have first option to buy if Madrid opt to sell. Club also want a natural DM.

  230. Lee says:

    If Sahin watched the scousers yesterday that probably made his mind up…..and people think we’re in the shit!!!

  237. Andrew says:

    fantastic signing if true a real talent! Lets hope he dosnt shine too much or madrid wil want him back ;)….Aguero fecked up is he? i love him as a footballer!! A joy to watch!:D

  245. Adam says:

    Kev. I can lay no claim to it unfortunately. I would eschew the small fish/ big pond description and substitute guppy and ocean myself.

  248. allezkev says:

    Football Source‏@source_football

    Al Jazeera reporter has claimed that Sahin is now #AFC bound as is M’Vila. Apparently French station has confirmed this too. #AFC

  250. Adam says:

    My favourite blog The Bleacher Report have managed to entice brilliant sports journalist Dan Talintyre onto their talented writing staff. His latest piece asks the provocative and tantalising question as to whether van Persie is the new Cantona. So, when you can attract the best writers you become the beneficiaries of their brilliant insight.

  252. Adam says:

    Rico. I am literally quivering with excitement at this news. Mrs Adam just asked if I had contracted Malaria as I was trembling so much.

  255. rico says:

    They are normally not far wrong Kev..

    Adam, in that case, calm down 😉

    😆 re The BR too…

    Ben, I’m not… not always….

  264. rico says:

    Adam – not watching, is he boring, biased or both??

    Esp, he could be here early this week 😉

    Ben – you want an answer to that? 😉

  265. Ben Barrett says:

    oh Andy i much preferred the dynamic duo of Andy Gray and Richard Keys. They were like mates to me after all years of watching sky!

  271. rico says:

    By the way, we hit another record on the comments yesterday and whisper it but…. We had more than LG ….

  274. rico says:

    Ben – Gray and Keys were Sexist S***s 😉 And yes, I suspect my answer will be the same…

    Hi goonster…

    Will, I think we need both but I’m greedy. The sakho rumour won’t go away….

  276. goonster says:

    yes rico i was gonna incorporate that………blimey blogging really has improved my vocabulary. look out ladies stan’s got the whole package!

  277. rico says:

    It is Lee, just goes to show doesn’t it…. we can disagree without adding abuse…

    We did have a couple of mongs though 😉

  282. goonster says:

    hahahahahaha lee you ninny……well if you must know its kinda related to it. i finally nailed that moslem girl i told you about…..now no more pretending to be a moslem for me…..phewww, took so long though.

  287. rico says:

    Lee – if we get M’Vila and Sahin, we here will be chuffed, but my guess is AW won’t stop there, a DD bargain or two could join too if we offload the 6/7 we could…

    But., I bet there will still be fans shouting ‘Wenger Out’…

    I always said to myself it’s this summer or I’ll join them, well so far he hasn’t disappointed in this transfer window, not one bit…

  288. Will says:

    Rico, as I was saying last night, if we lose one of the strikers, we really are deep into the second string.

  289. rico says:

    Love to Stanley, but my little laptop doesn’t have a tab/button to enlarge pictures…. would be wasted…. 😉

  291. EastSidePaul says:

    Would very much like to see both come in!
    And then a RB to cover Sagna… and a LB.. and Sakho.. and a Class striker, a keeper to challenge WS1… Then just another winger. I’d be happy with that!

    And then a raft of the fat cut..

  295. rico says:

    I saw Will, and, call me optimistic but, if we see Park and Chamakh go, that striker could be signed on DD….

    Otherwise why would AW let Campbell and Afobe go on loan??

  297. rico says:

    And I thought I was greedy Esp…

    Go Saints 🙂

    Lee – good, i love seeing that man suffer, nearly as much as Fergie…

  301. allezkev says:

    You respect your elders young Stanley……

    Wath and Mick are primed to come around your place and sort you out.

    Whilst Lee is creaming at the thought….

  308. Will says:

    rico says:
    August 19, 2012 at 5:28 pm
    I saw Will, and, call me optimistic but, if we see Park and Chamakh go, that striker could be signed on DD….

    Otherwise why would AW let Campbell and Afobe go on loan??

    Exactly Rico. I just think we are light. I know Goonster disagrees but if either Podolski or Giroud get injured for a few months, we are relying on players Wenger didn’t rate last season and, as I explained to Goonster last night, we need a “named” player to scare the hell out of defences.

  310. goonster says:

    i do rico! well thank you maam. mama said i spoke right from inception……God am on fire today. first it was incoporate now inception! christ, am finally coming of age! yeah baby.

  318. Ben Barrett says:

    Ok time for RM v Valencia…beers are starting to kick in now…dunno if i will last the match without a little snooze. 😉

  319. goonster says:

    i dont know lee…….i astoud myself. now am officially freaked. astoud? what does that mean guys? it just popped into my head and i said.

  320. allezkev says:

    I suppose, if you can score goals, you can win games, and it seems that’s what Shittie did today…
    Can they get away with it over the remaining 37 games that’s the Million $ question???

  322. Adam says:

    Gary Neville. The Prince of irrelevance.
    Cook has had a poor series against South Africa who are a very efficient but very boring team.
    So Goonster. Have you been cutting a swathe through the filly’s of South Carolina?

  324. goonster says:

    hey adam, i dont know what swathe means my man but i ve had a pretty good day. we are siging 3 more players, the totts lost, liverpoop got bushwhacked…..can it get any better?

  326. goonster says:

    that’s the second time am hearing that word lee……first kev called me that now you re saying the same. what does lothario mean? and hey rico called me a fibber too!

  328. allezkev says:

    Blonde hair as well,
    Old Compton St Stan, that’s the place for you.
    You’ll be nailing all over the place….

  329. Adam says:

    Yeah. I can see that too Kev. Perhaps Stan’s a bit like the two Dutch policeman played by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse?

  332. rico says:

    😆 Lee, poor old goonie…

    I turned off the cricket Adam, another bore draw looms and Englands no1 status gone…

  334. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, nice one Rico,I felt we controlled the game well yesterday but we were congested in the middle, the only times we looked like we would break them down was from the flanks, Gervinho, although clever i find he often picks the wrong options instead of taking what seems the obvious he complicates things. If Theo persists in staying in the middle i feel we needed to spread their defence out wider,we were dominant but without the killer instinct, i believe we have enough strikers we just need to reform who we have out there together, i feel we need to spread our attack wider and throw a few crosses in

  340. rico says:

    Hi Steve – I think your view is similar to most…

    Goonster – you go call that cop a lothario, you’d be spot on 😛

  344. goonster says:

    adam are you looking forward to rico’s xmas party? i ll bet you ll a tank top. will the missus tag along too?

  346. Will says:

    Steve, not often I disagree with you but I do here.Chamakh is a great 4th striker but I feel we need one more top striker where, if one of the main strikers is taken off, the opposition defence hate who is coming on and know they will be in for a hard time.

  347. allezkev says:

    Adam, that is a picture that’ll be stuck in my head for the rest of the day…..
    Amsterdam Police, really chilled out….

  348. Adam says:

    I am Stan. Mrs Adam has told me to ask for the first dance with Rico. I am wearing my flared jeans and I have borrowed Kev’s Beatle jacket and Cuban heeled boots too. I assume you will be sporting a satin shirt and a silk cravat as befitting a Lothario?

  349. Adam says:

    Rico. As you know, I am a tremendous fan of all soaps and The X Factor but I was so depressed last night that I missed it.

  354. rico says:

    Will, I have to disagree, Chamakh is shocking…..

    And I’ll be wearing my Bay City Rollers cap Adam…

    I’m watch the X now, it really is funny, especially the fact that Mel B as a judge…. How would she know what signing is about, she only ever mimes….

  355. goonster says:

    adam, i ll give you a fiver if you wear a tank top to rico’s xmas party. hey micko, they are all be wrong too my man. we ve been there before remember?

  356. allezkev says:

    Cuban heels Adam, no mate, i tend to go for Italian loafers, they go with my character, of being idle….

  365. emma says:

    Tommy B ‏@Thomas_Bergkamp

    Official news : Jean II Makoun will have his medical tomorrow while M’Vila will leave Rennes this week. Confirmed by Rennes’s chairman!

  367. goonster says:

    yes i see it now kev…cloggs and bare chested right? showing my manly physique and my sparse chest hairs. AGAGG, ll be thrilled.

  370. goonster says:

    looks like we are finally getting a real DM….yaaaaaay, no more “songinho” moments. we might not win the league this year but we stand a huge chance next year with the players we are currently bringing in. let’s just concentrate on the cups and CL position. next season, i think we rip it. COYGS.

  373. allezkev says:

    Stan, Old Compton St is where the big-time nailers meet….
    You will be in your element….
    You cannot fail my friend…

  374. allezkev says:

    Stan, in all seriousness, if we get Sahin and M’Vila then we’ll be challenging this season, believe me….

  376. goonster says:

    kev the guys need sometime to blend. this season is a longshot but next season we ll really be ready. the epl is difficult and it takes a while for even the best players to get a hang of things. a cup and a CL place is what am hoping for this season…..barring any injuries i see us being a huge force in europe.

  377. goonster says:

    micko, am just being realistic here. we change the team every year. of the 2010 team only sagna,walcott and verm are still with us. in that time we ve lost music(song), robin van prick, nashit,DNA boy, gallas, the whore and clishit. if we can keep this team together, in 3 years time we ll be unplayable.

  378. allezkev says:

    Stan, i think we can be up there quicker than you think…
    Remember the summer of 1997, in came Manninger, Upson, Mendez, Overmars, Boa Morte, Petit and Grimandi…
    Nobody gave us a chance…
    We won the Double…

  379. NashuaGunners says:

    Rico and All the Gunners who have indepth football knowledge or the way Arsenal plays, a very serious question.

    Lassana Diarra was unable to cut it in Arsenal squad but, cut it in RM; would Sahin cut it in Arsenal, since he fail to cut it with RM?

    Just an insight!

  380. allezkev says:

    Nasher, how ya doing?

    Diarra, that was a strange one?!
    Think it was more a case of Diarra thinking that he should be in the team in front of Flamini and Gilberto…
    Don’t think Diarra went straight to Real from Arsenal….

  383. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi Kev, but if he cant make it at Arsenal but RM, then come Sahin from RM who didn’t cut it in. just asking…

  385. rico says:

    NG – Diarra wasn’t given a chance, he’d have cut it all, but it was at that ‘Flamoney’ time…

  393. Micko says:

    Will, didn’t Diarra said Arsenal was only ever a stepping stone in his career and his dream was to play for Real.
    Nashua, think wenger flucked up letting him go when he did, think he thought he could persuade Flamini to stay but it didn’t work out like that and left us short in midfield.
    Sahin spent a lot of time out last season, maybe the special one just doesn’t fancy him, he got rave reviews while he was in Germany the previous season, he could be a great signing for us if it comes off.

  397. Andrew says:

    PAUL villa boas said otherwise they have parker sandro and livermore dmf! he needs a striker with the modric money bad ! only defoe and some youngster !!! not saying that that his going to arsenal or anything but spurs would seem an unlikely destination!

  400. Adam says:

    Goonie. They are going to love you down Old Compton Street. Kev’s bang on there. When you come, Kev, Lee and myself will make sure you get down there.

  403. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi Micko, I was just watching him play for RM and wondering how come he didn’t cut it with us.

  421. EastSidePaul says:

    Wikipedia is awful!
    Even when it comes to matters of an educational sort! You have no idea how many times I had to correct simple mistakes that have been made!

    Andrew the only time I ever speak Irish these days is on holidays so I’m sure no one knows what I am taking about!

  424. allezkev says:

    Nasher, if your still there.
    Sahin was brought up through the German system, not sure, but i can’t recall a German coached player, who failed to adapt to English football and be successfull….

  427. allezkev says:

    Have a good kip Boss…

    Don’t forget to set your alarm…

    I’ll be thinking of you, getting up early, as i turn over and go back to sleep… 😀

  428. allezkev says:

    Real Madrid: Sahin aurait choisi Arsenal
    Brèves Sport

    19 Août 2012

    Commentaires

    A en croire la BBC, Arsenal serait sur le point d’obtenir le prêt de Nuri Sahin, le milieu de terrain turc du Real Madrid. L’intéressé, un temps pressenti du côté des Reds de Liverpool, a visiblement favorisé la piste menant chez les Gunners. L’information pourrait être officialisée dès le début de la semaine prochaine.

    Rumour of Canal+ reporting M’Vila to Arsenal, seem premature. This is the only Arsenal related story on Canal+…

  430. Joaquim Moreira says:

    eh bien Allez, qu’est-ce que nous pouvons faire? Attemps, peut être raconter une ou deux histoires…
    Modric in the way to Chelsea?
    Sahin and M’Villa for me, is not enought.
    AA still with us?
    Are there any news about Chamack, Squillacci and Park?

  431. W.A.T.H says:

    The club trying to sell them JM but no one wants to pay the kind of salaries they on so we’ll have to wait and see…!

  434. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Real Madrid
    Arsenal will have Sahin
    The Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin will be paid at the beginning of next season for one year against 2.5 million by Real Madrid to Arsenal.

    Rennes
    M’Vila, starting this week
    Yann M’Vila has probably played his last game in the colors of Rennes Bordeaux Sunday (1-0). According to information from our colleagues from Canal +, the international will leave the Breton club this week. Remains to be seen to what destination.

  442. goonster says:

    hey adam, can you confirm the story. jeez i cant feel my knees. 5 classy players in one window? what’s next howard webb awarding 20 penalties against the spuds. this is a weird but wonderful feeling. we gooners are usually the most glum faced during the TW but man alive we look like we are the busiest. i ll bet our rivals are all quaking in their boots. roll on the season. yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

  443. goonster says:

    good night adam, where’s scott or cowboy when you need them? i need someone to confirm these stories cause am about to lose it. hey bondex, where are ya pal? christ help me. i need a drink.

  446. gunnerdna says:

    Giroud added: ‘Last season was wonderful here for Robin, but before that, he took time to settle.
    ‘I am just asking people to be a little patient with me.
    ‘I am not here to make people forget Robin, because he has made beautiful things here, but I just want to bring something new.
    ‘However, I am under no more pressure than that, because if I think about that when I go onto the field, I will play with the handbrake on.
    ‘I know Arsenal is a great club and needs a striker ready and efficient quickly.
    ‘I need games to get confidence, and it is up to me to succeed.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190752/Olivier-Giroud-asks-Arsenal-fans-patience.html#ixzz242LnLbQJ

  447. allezkev says:

    Me, on the sauce? I’m teetotal on Mondays…

    The rest of the week, ah that’s another matter…

    L’equipe SYG, i hope they’er on the ball…

  451. allezkev says:

    Arsene Wenger sanctioned the £15million sale of Alex Song to Barcelona after becoming infuriated by the midfielder’s lack of commitment in pre-season.

    And it has emerged that the Cameroon midfielder’s exit has been in the offing for months after a breakdown in the relationship between player and club over an improved contract.

    As Sportsmail revealed last Thursday, Song will complete a switch to the Nou Camp on Monday — sealing the departure of a second key Arsenal player in less than a week.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190662/Alex-Song-sold-lack-effort-pre-season.html#ixzz242PsvC97

  452. allezkev says:

    But unlike the £24million sale of Robin van Persie, who was in the final year of his contract, to Manchester United, the Gunners were under no pressure to offload Song, who had three seasons left on his £55,000-per-week deal.

    Club sources claim Song’s levels of professionalism had dropped significantly in recent months and Wenger decided enough was enough earlier this summer. Having established himself as arguably the club’s second-most influential player behind Van Persie, Song felt he was entitled to an improved contract and tried to open talks over a pay rise

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190662/Alex-Song-sold-lack-effort-pre-season.html#ixzz242Q3Fhml

  453. Scott from oz says:

    I’m here,but work does get in the way of posting on occasions….must earn a living to pay for Pay TV,so I can watch the mighty Arsenal!!!

  454. allezkev says:

    He will earn around £70,000 a week at Barcelona.

    It is understood Song’s advisers tried to initiate contact over a new contract in January. However, sources close to Song insist Arsenal delayed attempts by the 24-year-old to negotiate, leaving the player disillusioned. Song is said to have been desperate to commit his long-term future to the club, but felt his salary should have been on a par with other top earners.

    Ultimately, Arsenal felt offering Song fresh terms was not a priority. Also, club sources claim Song regularly arrived late for training, took a half-hearted approach in sessions and did not follow instructions from the management staff.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2190662/Alex-Song-sold-lack-effort-pre-season.html#ixzz242QIbQig

  456. Scott from oz says:

    AK,let them have him,and I truly ope he does ok…not too well,though.
    Chamakh has never whined or complained about the club,and for that alone,he deserves credit and respect.
    Wenger really is not taking any shit from plays,and it’s great to see.
    Arsenal is THE club,the players are a part of it,but no player will ever define the club,nor be bigger than it.
    This is an amazing time to be a Gooner.
    Loving it.

  458. allezkev says:

    Hi Scott, yes i agree mate, i’m still very optimistic about the season ahead.
    Why the hell would i be not, after only one game!

  462. Merlin96 says:

    Last season we have Rosicky who regained his form from Feb 2012; SOng’s 11 assists and Walcott chipped in a few assists from the flank.
    ANd of course, the individual brilliancy of Van Persie who created space and time for himself with hsi deadly shooting. Let’s hope it is an “one-off” season for him and he reverts to hsi dreadful self for teh prvious 7 seasons with us.

    But it is Arsenal now.
    And who will be our 2nd creative playmaker after Cazorla?

    We need Gervinho to calm down, look up and pick his passes with accuracy. This will need time for him to develop an understanding with his new team-mates.

    We need Walcott to improve from his last season showing; to cut in more often from flank to centre to support Giroud and Poldolski.
    We also need Walcott to look up, pick his passes instead of the tradition way of crossing the ball into the box on a wing and a prayer that an Arsenal player is there to connect with hsi cross.
    Anyway, the first priority is to cross accurately into the box and get pass the firts defender.

    What annoyed moi the most is to see journeymen from FUlham, Swansea and Saints shooting more accurate than ur multi-million strikers and midfielders.

    Plus their inter-link plays around the box which guess, they ahd played with each other for many seasons.

    Against Stoke this week, let’s hope we can see more and quicker inter-passes amongst Gervinho, Cazorla, Poldolski and Giroud around and in the box.

    Watch ABu DHabi City attacked with pace from the flanks and from teh centre with Yaya bringing the ball out and driving forward striaght for the throat.

    We only have another “older Denilson” whose first instinct is to pass backward or sideway….and a Diaby dwelling on the ball, taking 2 or 3 passes, then started looking around for 2 or 3 seconds before picking his passes.

    That is not creative playmaking, or driving forward liek Yaya Toure or Vieira.

    Watch the effectiveness of CLichy-Nasri linking on the left flank with Nasri helping out in playmaking and scored a rebounce in the box.Plus CLichy swinging in those accurate crosses into the box and missed a sitter with a clear chance.

    COntrast that to Gibbs-Gervinho.

    Use CLichy-Nasri and Zabeleta-David Silva as a benchmark for Gibbs-Gervinh and Jenkinson-Walcott and you notice how far dwon in quality fo layers we had slipped since the halcyon days of The French Spine.

    We want to win the 2012/13 Title?
    Then, try not be Barca Lite or attempt to paly like Spain Euro2008 and Spain Eruo2012 but look to Greece Euro2004 where a compact defence, a compact midfield and playing as a TEAM to gridn out results to win games.

    That is, back to “Boring boring Arsenal” to keep clean-sheets and grinding out results where 1-0 win is sufficed.

    We simply do not have the quality to be even Barca Lite…but all the ingredients in place ot be a team that is virtually impossible to beat or to get a goal against a superb Defence with a compact MDIFIELD protecting Bakc-4.

    Forget about “2nd creative playmaker” or “more accurate in teh final third”. That will come with time when we have a stable team playing together for a few more seasons.

    The frist priority now is for Steve Boulds to concentrate on DEFENCE with a disicplined MIDFIELD protecting it all the time.
    Goals will come naturally but clean-sheets need plenty of work and discipline.

    Too lazy to post to Rico…….

    Goodnight all…

  463. nigel tufnel says:

    Please be true. We will be the best team in pl with these two, just need to get rid of theo and replace with one more striker/winger. If he stays, let him begin conversion to striker

  464. Scott from oz says:

    Merlin,can you explain your comparison of our fullbacks/wings to our halcyon days with the French spine?
    I’m trying to understand the relevance.

  465. Scott from oz says:

    Stop your obsession with looking for the negatives each time we play,each new player we sign,each existing player in the squad,because it’s tiring.
    Tell us that you can’t find anything positive about the Sunderland game,and you either didn’t watch it,or are ignoring them.
    Every now and again you come up with a cracking post,with constructive criticism,but they’re oh too rare.
    I’m not above criticism at all when it comes to Arsenal,but it must be combined with commendations for the good stuff.
    Come on Merlin,you can do it 🙂

  466. Scott from oz says:

    Oh,for what it’s worth Merlin,I do agree with you,and so does Wenger…our passing wasn’t quick enough.
    That was our problem also for every bad game we played last season.
    Still,Sahin linking with Arteta,linking with Cazorla linking with Jack(??) will help that.
    Song going at least helps us speed up play.

  467. Ryan Westcott says:

    First of all, who cares what the media or anyone else says about our performances or results. Arsenal bashing is the trend right now, so even if we had scored 2 goals they would have said we lack a cutting edge and should have run riot. The start we had was the next best thing to 3 points. A clean sheet to boost the defense’s confidence and a point to get ourselves underway. No team goes the whole season without a draw. Relax. Sunderland having 11 men in their own half for 85% of the match combined with it being the first day and them not wanting to start off losing, made the game extremely difficult.

    And you say we missed Song’s ability to cut the defense with a great pass. Seriously? Yeah he had some insightful passing to RVP, but we suffered defensively because off his walkabouts. Coquelin or Frimpong are far more disciplined at DM despite their youth. And you really feel we didn’t offer enough goal scoring chances? Did you know Cazorla topped the EPL this weekend with the most goal scoring chances created (7)? No, you were too busy moaning.

    Once Wenger gets the rest of the signings we’ll be complete and ready to start a new era. So, far as you being annoyed at Wenger not explicitly saying we must/are gonna sign a mid, do you know him at all? For Wenger to even HINT at looking at a player or making a signing is tantamount to saying we are signing him. He is incredibly tight lipped and any fan, not just Arsenal ones, knows that. Sahin is looking basically a formality and M’Vila is also back on. One game through the season and fans like you think the season is lost.

    Honestly what you’ve written is a very emotionally charged, pessimistic view on what should be seen as our first point into the new era. I’ll never understand many of the fans at so called “big clubs”. They’re over-the-moon in love when they win, but turn into Mr. Hyde when it doesn’t quite pan out. Learn to stick by your club no matter what the situation. It’s fine to be frustrated at a horrible performance or a lack of signings. I was livid when we were 0-2 down to Spurs in the spring, but I stayed optimistic and clam and we ended up winning 5-2. Criticism is fine as long as it’s constructive

  468. rico says:

    Morning all..

    Ryan – please take a look back, the heading and reference to Song is irony, I cannot wait to see him leave.

    Pessimist, I am not sure if you have been reading here for the last few weeks but me along with most are the most excited about our new season as I have been for a while now.

    Seriously, look through the comments, and you’ll realise that your comment is quite wrong…

  469. Scott from oz says:

    Ryan,there’s about 600 comments on this topic,and probably 570 of them show you didn’t read through them all.
    Read,stick around,add some thoughts but don’t ever judge this site on one lead story.
    I made the same mistake,these guys still gave me the time of day,and now,i don’t miss a days posting.
    The best site out there for true Gooners…..find out for yourself,mate.

  471. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico,I can understand why some jump down your throat,but as I said,hopefully they stick around long enough to make a better informed opinion.

  472. Scott from Oz says:

    Overnight everything has been looking very positive on M’Villa and Sahin…very positive indeed.
    Some are even suggesting we are definitely in for Llorente.

  474. Scott from Oz says:

    If people are in an Arsenal aggregator,dozens do sites/blogs appear.
    A headline shows up,which can lead to misundstanding of the true meaning of the article,and once someone’s back is up abiut defending the club,then their mind is set on that course.

  476. rico says:

    I read that too on Llorente Scott… interesting one..

    Morning Adam, wasn’t it awful, think I got about two hours sleep….

    Not even the fan helped….

  479. Lee says:

    Morning gang…worst night’s sleep I’ve had in ages. Had to have a fan on all night and I woke up with a crooked neck!

  485. Lee says:

    I thought that my sash windows would help shift the hot air out and the cooler in.Unfortunately they just let more hot air in! As you say Adam the fan just blew the hot air around the bedroom.
    Is M’Vila coming , do we know?

  486. Scott from Oz says:

    Lee,I reckon M’Villa is ours for certain.
    Same goes with Sahin.
    Just awaiting confirmation.
    What I read was M’Villa has definitely knocked back Spuds…hard to fathom why…..but I heading to the PL,and has played his last game for Rennes.
    This came from their president.

  490. Adam says:

    Lee. I bought one of those industrial floor standing super fans a few weeks ago. It moves air at an incredible rate. The problem is that it sounds like having a helicopter in the same room. Same with my portable air con unit. Efficient – but loud. Sitting in front of the big fan is like being in a G- machine.
    Only M’Vila rumours it seems.

  492. rico says:

    😆 lee, I like that….

    You guys seen Hansons comments on Manure?

    ‘They have signed ‘him’ but they are still soft centred’

  496. Adam says:

    Did you see Hansen’s shirt on MOTD? I flipped through BBC1 as I was watching the whole last series of Benidorm right through Saturday night and Sunday morning. It was so hot here I wore Hawaian shorts too.

  499. Adam says:

    We’ll never know that Scott until we import a host of venomous creatures and funnel web spiders with a few salt water crocs thrown in. 🙂

  501. Scott from Oz says:

    There’s no crocs here Adam…it’s a myth.
    The Great Whites all ate ’em.
    Funnel webs……blah,the Taipans ate those.

  504. Adam says:

    What about the box jellyfish then? I watch National Geographic Scott. Australia’s 10 most venomous creatures and all that. Seriously though, are the spiders and things a concern or do you just get used to it?

  511. Scott from Oz says:

    Adam,I live in the funnel web capital of Australia….the central coast.
    See plenty,but you leave them alone and no probs.
    Or use a big shoe…that helps.
    Pest control does wonders.
    Snakes….if you’re walking anywhere they may be a problem,just stamp your feet,kick bushes and they’ll bolt.
    They only really attack if you startle them.
    Except brown snakes,they are just cranky bastards.
    Taipans are our most venomous,but only have a quick go at you,where a brown will really sink the fangs in deep…just out of spite,so are more dangerous.
    Of course,they all respect a Gunners shirt,so I always walk ten feet behind a Spuds fan……..for safety only,of course!!

  514. Scott from Oz says:

    Funny Lee….my wife was reading it and I reaped the rewards one night in Spain too.
    Yeah,she was so rapt up in it,I ducked out of the hotel and picked up a dirty girl at the bar.
    She didn’t even know I was gone lol.

  520. allezkev says:

    Well i had a good kip last night, one of the advantages of living by the seaside….
    Morning AKB’s
    Morning Rico, i think Ryan may have been commenting on Merlin’s post, no sure, just saying.

  527. allezkev says:

    Scott i live on the South Coast of Kent, in a place called Greatstone, but i have digs in London close to Camberwell, when i’m up there working….
    Not perfect, but needs’ must….

  529. allezkev says:

    Tbh Rico, it was just a bit of a rant, as Scott & you commented, i don’t think he read thru the comments properly….

  531. rico says:

    Rennes confirm Yann M’Vila is likely to join Tottenham and not Arsenal

    Posted by SPORT WITNESS on August 20, 2012 at 8:31 in Sport Witness FootballView Discussions

    The departure of Alex Song to Barcelona had re-opened the possibility of Yann M’Vila moving to Arsenal. His transfer to Arsene Wenger’s side seemed to be nailed on at the beginning of the transfer window and simply waiting confirmation. Almost every major newspaper and websites like Goal said a deal was agreed between the clubs.

    When that didn’t happen, it was assumed Arsenal had got cold feet after he was arrested for allegedly hitting his sister’s 17 year old boyfriend and he spent the night in a police cell. It wasn’t the first time M’Vila had been involved in trouble and Wenger isn’t usually a fan of bad-boys.

    However, it could have been more to do with using transfer funds to bring in Giroud when he learnt Robin van Persie would be leaving. Another striker would have appeared more urgent than a midfielder at the time, but now that Song has left the club a resurgence of interest in Yann M’Vila would make sense to cover that area of the pitch but Arsenal are firmly behind Tottenham in the chase for the Rennes man.

    Italy’s Calciomercato have a knack of picking up the phone and calling agents and club representatives and yesterday did just that with Rennes and were told “Yes, we are dealing with Tottenham, the offer is still a bit low, but we are confident.”

    Rennes want €20m and Tottenham so far have only offered €15m, the Ligue 1 side are keen to sell so Spurs probably won’t need to go much higher if the quotes from Rennes are correct, and not simply meant to push Arsenal into action.

  532. Scott from Oz says:

    Fair enough…that explains it.
    I live north of Sydney,but put up with the commute down for years.
    I took a big paycut and threw away a company car to work closer to home.
    I never looked back,but I was lucky enough to find a great job and one suited to my very few talents!!

  537. rico says:

    Sure is Scott, there will be more today i suspect, the AA one won’t go away either…

    Off to the new one now

  538. allezkev says:

    One road back from the beach….

    Check it on Google Adam…..

    The railway runs past the end of my garden.

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