Morning all.
Ok, I know you won’t like the new ‘pop up’ advert but don’t worry, as soon as you hit the big ‘X’, you won’t see it again until the next day.
It was all fun and frolics in Singapore yesterday as the new Arsenal away kit was launched. Some of the players got involved involved in ‘keepie uppies’ and looked like they were having a real ball. The overseas fans fans loved it too. Puma sure know how to make the most of a kit unveiling don’t they…
Anyway, all good stuff and the new kit doesn’t look too bad I suppose…
The first pre-season match kicks off today at 2.30 and it’s live on Sky Sports 1.
Ollie clearly hasn’t been able to shrug off the critical comments made of him by old boy Thierry Henry:
To be honest, when you are a footballer you don’t have to listen to people commenting about your performance. The main thing is not to have any doubt when you miss a chance or miss a game. It can happen sometimes.
The best thing is to forget about the comments straight away and to keep the head up and not let it affect your qualities. I know Thierry and I knew what he wanted to mean. If I see him we will have a conversation between two men.
I’m not angry against him but it’s true that I didn’t understand at first. I think he reacted about his words and explained them more. But it’s alright. I’m not going to be upset about that. I’m sleeping well and as long as my family is OK that’s the main thing. It doesn’t affect me too much.
There is talk about him getting the number 9 shirt but he doesn’t want it saying a different number won’t make him any better. He’s right, it won’t and I’m sure there’ll be further to add on that… lol
But 19 goals in a season in which Ollie missed three months of isn’t a bad tally is it.
It also looks like we won’t be signing another striker as Chuba Akpom is set to play more and the manager says he’s not overly fussed about adding another player up front:
I don’t close the door. But part of the success is the level of cohesion.
We have to move forward together, which for me is more important than dreaming about finding a miraculous player who wins you everything.
Surely it’s about both? Going forward together, defending together and having the quality at both ends of the pitch to save us and score for us. One end seems to have been addressed by signing Petr Cech, what about the other end? Will it be Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck or Chuba Akpom who will step up and score a bundle of goals to add to Ollie’s tally? Someone has to if we don’t sign another goal scoring attacking player. Alexis 16 goals certainly helped but we need more from others.
And it’s not just going forward that’s a bit of a worry, what about the midfield, we need another body in there to support Francis Coquelin. I think a few of us thought William Carvalho might be the guy but yesterday much hope of that happening was scuppered as he’s broken his leg and will miss the next three months of football.
Knowing Arsene Wenger he’ll be rubbing his hands together thinking he could get him now for less money, hand him over to Shad and come November he’ll be good to go….
Other transfer gossip:
Nacho Monreal is close to joining Athletic Bilbao according to reports.
Arsenal in turn have made an £10 million bid for Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam. That’s according to TalkSport.
Joel Campbell could be leaving Arsenal for good with David Moyes ready to spend £6m to bring the 23-year-old to Real Sociedad.
Finally, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking at Arturo Vidal and Lars Bender as he looks to rebuild his midfield. The Metro…
Enjoy the footie…..
Nacho seems strange one to me after the season he had last year.
Me too Joe..
Rico is the any chance the media are making things up
Every chance Joe, could be that Nacho just wants to head back to Spain.
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Another good one boss. but with the Ollie statement with regards the number 9 there is also another reason…..he said that he does not want to change his number because many fans have bought shirts with the number 12 on it and he knows how much it costs to get a new one. so he had the fans in mind as well.
Joe….Nacho seems strange one to me after the season he had last year…….
imo its yes and no. simply because at his age an offer of around 10million is too good to miss. especially if we get a 24 year old for around the same sum (roughly). Ghoulam will give us the same strength in depth of two players in the LB position.
Personally I would like him to stay as I see the combo of Monreal/ Bellerin is good for the team, while Gibbs/Debuchy combo is also perfect. Gibbs/Bellerin combo is not that beneficial as both are more forward thinking FB. And Monreal is a top professional.
Thanks Devil. Yes, I read that too which is a nice gesture, saves a few fans shelling out on a new shirt…
I’d never heard of Ghoulam, is he any good?
Giroud nice guy, good looking, body to die for and a wife who forgave him for a very public affair I hate the basta*d. 🙂
Oh and he’s the striker for Arsenal
Ghoulam is a steady full back. he has spent last two years in Italy which means he is schooled defensively. he is 6ft 2′ (so he passes your test 😉 ) and likes to go forward. Benitez preferred him during his Napoli tenure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFVQq6r17Nc
Hi all
Goulam is Algerian which means ANC every two years!
Ghoulam looks great in the video, but he’s Algerian which brings the African Cup into play – a bit of a downer when we usually go through a dip.
Could we send Ant-Man round to sort out the Chavs?
Brian
🙂 Joe, that’s funny…
That is why I do not like African players in our team. ANC every two years and we have always suffered when we have them. I have nothing against African players except this fact.
And when the world cup in Qatar comes around we will have the same issue…..WC in Christmas. Which means that all around Europe the leagues will stop for 5 weeks minumum.
Morning Rico and all. It will be a shame if Nacho moves back to Spain as he has been excellent for us and showed what Gibbs is (still) lacking. Ghoulam looks rather ghoulish to me.
Hi Bob, good point and I thought AW had steered away from that problem..
Gimme a Bender
B
E
N
D
ER
Morning Adam. I’d be disappointed if Monreal left too… Seems very odd if true.
🙂 Lee, you reckon we’ll get one of them?
Perhaps he just doesn’t like the UK. Can’t say I do these days.
I concur Brudder….. caught a cracking programme last night, really makes you proud to be English! “Benefits by the sea” it’s all about a shithole of a place called Jaywick (near Clacton on sea) fucking amazing viewing, NOT!
“Disco Dave” tries to cut down on his 33 can per day cider habit!
afternoon rico and all
dont let nacho go
I agree MG
Brudder. I am moving to Jaywick. I bought a lovely little caravan down there. Right by the sea it is, next to the Saveloy Centre.
I watched some of that Lee, what a bleedin mess!
Afternoon Mg…
Are you guys getting a ‘pop up’ advert when you first click on HH today?
You can buy a house/bungalow without wheels for £25k in Jaywick…..
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35389611.html
£13.5k
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-45575749.html
Needs a bit of work but I’m sure you can see the potential Brudder!?!?
The seasons first penalty shootout just about to start boy I love a penalty shootout 🙂
I certainly can. I would call it Dunroamin and host beer-drinking evenings for the locals in there.
Everton awaits in the Asia trophy final.
Martinaz starts in goal
You think we’ll win then Joe? 😉
Monreal starts as well a sign he’s not going any where ?
Dunsmokin…
I always think we are going to win 🙂
But come on 10m on a world class goalkeeper and he doesn’t make the squad I say Wenger out 🙂
Good Afternoon Lovelies and Hunkies.
Nice post boss. much better than the one posted this morning. 😉
Arsenal: Martinez, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Monreal, Flamini, Akpom, Coquelin, Iwobi.
Subs: Szczesny, Bellerin, Zelalem, Crowly, Toral, Willock.
Afternoon,as ever good post Rico, I see Napoli have ruled out selling Higuain, Lets hope Madrid do the same with Benzema, so we can all breathe a sigh of relief.
I think i read somewhere that Nacho has only 11 months left on his contract, and that, as he is Basque, he would be open to a move to Bilboa.
Offside rule changes next season…
Thanks Dublin.. 🙂 re Higuain and Benzema…
Cheeky Devil.. lol
Iwobi looks lively..
watching the game now and I simply don’t know why we’re wasting a squad place with flamini I don’t know what he offers other then fouling and yellow cards. We need rid of him ASAP – nice goal Akpom COYG
AAAAKppooooooommmmmmm 1-0
Rico it won’t change anything Arsenal players will still be given offside even when they are onside.
That will do nice breakaway goal.
Akpom is finding his feet. that goal will do him wonders. and he is leading the line very well. Hopefully he will be given more chances.
Joe you are right. the lino got 3 offside calls wrong for sure. one of them was so laughable that it was difficult to believe. lol
Nice finish.
You starting that old ref stuff early aren’t you Joe? lol
not near a tv
are we playing well
I’m going to Jaywick.
It’s my kinda town.
The people there are a bit rough.
But with a heart of gold.
half time and its 1-0.
good build up for the goal. quick passes and on the counter.
i like Akpom.
but we are playing with 10 men. This year it will be the year of Flamini. that is he will be criticised and rightly so. Kelly is right. he does not offer much to the team.
Iwobe is lively yes Rico. but his decision making is still in its infancy. then again he is still a chick. so we have to give him time.
It’s not my fault Rico it’s all I got 🙂 and BT reminded me in yesterday’s post.
I am using today’s game for my pre-season training Rico that’s what it’s for. 😉
thanks for the report devil
For sure he’s young Devil, just thought he’s lively and keen to be involved.
Lord help us Joe…. lol
Blimey, for a moment i thought I saw Park chu young playing for singapore.
Yes indeed may the Lord help you all..
Try this for size how’s that not a penalty on Ox
JAccckkkkkkkyyyyyyyy
2-0
Not sure the one we just got was one
was it a penalty Joe??? lol
he was not even touched.
but still…..it was given.
Looks like 3 12 year olds are coming on for Arsenal.
Crowley boy on for Jackie Lad
Dev refs ha!
3 very good 12 year olds by the sounds of it
you do the match report boss……or you want one on a plate???
Toral on for Iwobi.
Bellerin on for The-Bushy.
Brilliant move, especially Akpom’s movement and a 100% nailed on penalty.
I thought I heard Disco Dave say he got his supplies from Wath? 😛
I might have imagined that as always… 😉
That’s a nice penalty
Sorry those who want Benz/Hig////////yaaaaawwwwwnnnnn.
But I like Chuba Akpom.
Give him the number 9 Arsene. ASAAAAAPPPPPPPPPP
Chuba’s hat-trickkkkkkKKKKKKKKKKKKK 4-0
That’s any hope of a striker gone. Chub hat-trick…. 🙂
Wow that’s how you get a hat trick
Cech is playing for the opposition as a midfielder. lol
I wouldn’t give him the number 9 shirt, in fact i’d bin that number….
Why is that Rico?
Yeah, why is that Rico?
Rico…….you want match report or you do it yourself???
Interesting game, good performances, but you,d have to wonder, how many of these youngsters will actually see first team football this season, I,d start Akpom in the community shield, see how he fares against a strong team, and make a decision about him then.
Eduardo and Podolski Adam/Kev – darn number brings no luck…
Isn’t it how many wives you’ve had too Brudder?
How many Peronis Kev has per hour when he is on the hit and miss….
Devil, you feel free to write one, I certainly wasn’t planning to… lol
Dublin, I thought all the youngsters looked comfortable but facing a Stoke side away will be a very different kettle of fish… 😉
Think Akpom will get a few more chances this season, maybe even Toral will get to see the bench quite often but the rest I think it’ll be a loan or remain with the under 21’s… imo of course..
Pre season training started complained about the ref not giving a penalty tick.
Complained about offside tick
Complained about the ref making a wrong decision even if it was for us tick.
Call that extra time it’s joke tick.
I think I got a full work out in pre-season training. 🙂
Catch up later, Fido has her legs crossed…
With Podolski, Campbell and Sanogo all leaving, or likely too, I think it`s reasonable to assume that a new striker is evident. But maybe there is a place a place for Akpom too, as unfortunately I feel we have another injury prone player in Welbeck.
Monreal was born in Pamplona (Pays Basque). So, he can signs for Athletic.
Last year, Sanogo and Campbell were brillant during the pre-season. Then, they were go on loan.
Thankfully I don’t think the Ghoulam AFC thing is a huge issue when you have Gibbs as back up. Biggest problem with Song was he was the closest thing we had to a CDM at the time, and even then I use that Term loosely.
That should read ACN not AFC..
Agreed JM
Very pleased for Akpom… hope he is given a chance
Brudder. Don’t exaggerate. It’s only 5. 🙂
Sanogo and Campbell were brilliant yes in pre season.
But they were nowhere near Akpom’s running off the ball and link up play. i can tell you that he has some of Ollie’s attributes plus TH14’s movement.
I feel that Akpom will feature more than Sanogo and Campbell combined.
In this country indeed Brudder but what about when you were living Cyprus and Bamako….. I think you’ll find that adds up to 9! 😉
Yeah, don’t go over the top Riz, 6 or 7 mate.
Yikes. I feel down just got to know that Kev is a hit or miss. I always thought you were a hit Kev. It shocked me to know you miss as well. Time for some vino to calm my nerves.
Hi Coach…
What did you think of Iwobi, Zelalem, Crowley and, did Willock come on?
Considering the opposition, that sounded a very positive run-out…
Now if Akpom can get a goal against the Chavs, if he’s involved, then maybe he might have a role to play in the 1st team squad this season?
I was impressed by Akpom coach. As JM pointed, sanogo and campbell were brilliant last preseason. However in Akpom’s case today was different. His running off the ball and the way he made himself available for the others as a focal point impressed me. I feel he has watched videos of TH14 and noticed how the great man used to attack from all angles. some of his movement was too similiar to TH14. Obviously he watches Ollie during his training and the way he made himself available as a focal point was similiar to OG12. He is still a raw diamond, but he has what it takes to become a complete CF. still early days but the signs are there.
I liked Iwobi as well. He has a good level of skill, drifted past his markers with ease and ran in the right channels, however he is still young and as I pointed out his decision making still is a way off the desired level. he needs regular time and he has to go on loan to acquire it.
with regards zelalem Crowley and Toral I cannot say much as I still have difficulty recognizing them. They are new to me. However the opposition tired out a lot and this allowed our little ones to play at an ok level. They did not set out any houses on fire.
I would still want AW to give Chuba another chance against Everton instead of Ollie. Ollie has the Emirates cup to look forward to.
Crowley and Toral were the two white young subs Devil.. 😉
Evening all…
I thought Toral looked strong physically…
Hoffa, as long as Gibbs is fit at the time. But the biggest question is, why sell Monreal after the season he’s just had…
So its Everton in the final on Saturday, we could see a team like this
Cech
Bellerin Chambers Koscielny Gibbs
Arteta Ramsey
Walcott Ozil Cazorla
Giroud
Has Gabriel not travelled? He should start ahead of Chambers shouldn’t he?
We might even see Chambers in place of Coquelin….
Evening All…
Great post today Rico.
I love Monreal and hate distorting team balance by letting a good first team player leave but believe me, Ghoualam is a better player…younger, more physical, great shots, free-kick specialist and could be comfortable at CB.
Hey, Dev…what was that about African players? I never liked that submission…it sounded more like a hate vibe!
City are preparing a 49m deal for Chuba Akpom !!!. I,d say Akpom could start again saturday, with Giroud to replace him in the final 20 mins, Wenger will want a good look at Chuba before the season starts, imo. I agree re Chambers, Rico, Wenger did say last season that he see,s Calum as a DM.
Thanks Tai…
Interesting to read what your views on Ghoulam, but I do worry after your views on Sanogo…. 😉
Ha ha Dublin, City sure need English players…..
He did re Chambers, could spell the end of our hope for a new midfielder but imo it’s a huge gamble and a wrong one….
Were the closest we,ve been to winning the title in 10 years and wenger will blow it, if he doesn’t bring in cover for Le Coq, on that I think were all agreed.
Couldn’t agree more. If he doesn’t get a midfielder he’s lost it.
Rico…Sanogo is not dead yet…I’m just praying that he shrugs off his incessant injuries…when he does you will see a natural centre forward who will command a permanent place in France’s side in no distant time.
My views on him will never change, whatever HHers think of and enjoy ridiculing him!
Tai , don’t think there was any hatred in Kev’s comments only that the African Nation’s cup is a problem for English clubs . it’s the same with Iwobi choosing Nigeria over England , with Dykes quota system by making that choice he has made progress at our club more difficult for himself.
Tai, I respect your view on Sanogo, but wasn’t he fit last season at Palace?
Just re read Dev 11.16 comment about African players, absolutely no ‘hate vibe’ going on, in fact Devil actually states he like African players, just not for Arsenal because of the ACON’S.
Apologies Kev it was the Devil that said it.
So was Coquelin fit at nationwide league until he came back to Arsenal…today he is the reason why Wenger may not buy a DM.
If Sanogo was shit as most of you here want to portray then Wenger was stupid signing him…and Palace even more stupid coming for him to help them avoid the drop…
Fans are ever too much in a hurry to condemn young players…I’m not one of such quick-trigger fans.
Sanongo is a modern day centre forward…he’ll prove that!
Shame Iwobi has chosen Nigeria, he could be a real loss for England.
Exactly, both Wenger and Pardew were stupid, as are Ajax imo…….
And Coquelin was doing well whilst playing for Charlton…..
Good Evening Lovelies and hunkies.
Inbox Rico. match report done and ready. Just check it before you post it.
my answer to the accusations that i hate African players???? Yaaawwwwwnnnnnnn. I have been through this path before and any comment/answer I give will be superflous now. those who are interested to know my view can kindly go through past posts one by one until the answer to such a question will be found.
sorry, but before anyone points a finger at me should read my comments carefully.
Well, he’d played in five matches… Lol
Thanks Devil, I’ll check in the morning…. Saves me a job… 🙂
July 15, 2015 at 11:16am
*********************
That is why I do not like African players in our team. ANC every two years and we have always suffered when we have them. I have nothing against African players except this fact.
And when the world cup in Qatar comes around we will have the same issue…..WC in Christmas. Which means that all around Europe the leagues will stop for 5 weeks minumum.
*********************
Potter…
The ACN didn’t stop Kanu from becoming an Arsenal legend. And Arsenal won trophies then with him, Toure and Lauren…even went a whole season unbeaten!
Chelsea won the Champions League with Mikel, Drogba and Kalou featuring permanently.
Today, both Sanchez and Ospina are distrupting our pre-season because they participated in Copa America…why is the ACN suddenly a crime?
RM might be after Ospina.
that will have me scratching my head………I would be loathe to see him end up there. He will be a solid keeper for them.
Tai, no offence meant but I think you need to lighten up a bit…. No-one is having a dig at African players…
But just look at how things have changed with the signings that Arsene Wenger has made, he has signed far less African players than he used to and there must be a reason for that….
Imo, that’s because of the ACON.
Cops America is when the season is closed so not such an issue….
in 2004 there was no ACON Tai.
And Toure copped malaria when he went there.
we loose players for 6 weeks. and when they come back they are in all sorts except fit. it has been proven time and again. and it happens in mid season not before or after a season.
i repeat….I have nothing against African players except that they are missing for 6 weeks and the condition they come in after the ACON.
and tbh….much as I like Alexis as a player, housers here can say that personally I have always vouched just for EU players. that is, I do not like players from North/South America, Asia, Australia or Africa. I want just players from the Eu. So that air trips are short ones and not long ones.
Rico, the word shame will not be used in Nigeria for Iwobi…his cousin Jay Jay Okocha is arguably the most skillful player Africa has produced.
If he doesn’t progress in Arsenal because of choosing Nigeria…he can always do somewhere else. After all, Goerge Weah wasn’t developed in Arsenal.
Tai, I’m sure Nigeria are thrilled, I would be had he chosen England.
I meant ‘shame’ as in disappointment…..
Wenger is not signing less African players because of ACN…rather of late Africa has been lacking players of real quality for Arsenal standards…Gervinho wasn’t sold because of ACN…rather because he didn’t quite click at Arsenal…neither was Song sold to Barca because of ACN…
I know Wenger…when the right African quality crops up, he’d happily buy.
And ACN can’t happen in June…it rains everywhere in Africa by that time of the year…and we’re talking of football not waterpolo!
None of know for sure why AW isn’t signing African players – I just expressed my own view…
Tai, are you a friend of AW’s then?
Dev…
In 2004, Jay Jay Okocha led Nigeria to bronze in Tunisia where Tunisia won the AFCON.
However, I understand your concern…I’m equally stressing that Arsenal players shouldn’t be shut out just because of their engagements with their national sides. With important African players in their squads, both Man City and Chelsea were winning the title…
Evening Rico and the House.
Good to have you back Rico.
Was unable to watch the game live however I am going to watch it on the player looking forward to it,
What has pleased me is after the game Arsene has stated that Chuba
will not be going on loan this season and will be part of the first team.
see you latta after the game
Evening Rick, thanks..
You’ll enjoy the game I think, good to see so many young guns playing..
Good news re Chuba.
Evening Rico and all. Has Monreal been sold yet?
I just had a lovely pear tart.
Evening Adam, thankfully no!
yummmyyyyy Adam.
Nacho is going to stay it seems. otherwise why play him.
Rico, I’m no less a friend to Wenger than you, who first suggested he was signing less African players because of the AFCON. And I responded by saying that the Wenger I know wouldn’t toe that line…rather the more obvious reason for that would definitely be lack of proper talents that would interest him.
At a time no English player was starting for Arsenal…I’m very sure it wasn’t because Wenger hated English players…he’s a methodical man who takes his time…he gradually building a core English team…then some of those people berating him for that now want Wilshere sold before Arsenal lines out in a cup final with Wikshere, Gibbs, Walcott, Chamberlain, Chambers, Welbeck and Ramsey as British seal!
And what does Mrs Adam think about that?
Tai, I did say say my view was an opinion, you said you knew Arsene Wenger, there’s a difference….
What’s that Rico? The pear tart or Nacho staying?
Adam! 😉
She too had a pear tart Rico and she is pleased that Nacho is staying. 🙂
When a player go’s off to represent his country in the African Cup of Nations, you basically have to write that player off for near 3 months. He misses January and February due to the tournament himself, they return with an inadequate fitness level unsuitable for the Premier League. It then takes a month for the player to get back up to speed.
Gervinho was starting to find his feet in England, After 4 goals in the 1st half of the season, but he failed to score again, returning from the ACN, he was unfit and out of form.
🙂 Adam… I was being naughty really…..
If only all African players were as good as Eboue we wouldn’t be having this conversation !
Have to agree with Tai, Sanogo will come good just not in my life time.
I know Rico. 🙂
Have to agree Dublin, whereas there’s talk Alexis will only miss one game after the Copa…
Sanogo will be first class one day Micko…. Or maybe second if he’s late into the box….
Phew Adam… Lol
The pics from the Pluto fly-by are amazing.
What everyone expresses here, to me, is an opinion…I don’t need anyone to stress that for me to be aware.
When I say I know Wenger no one here is expected to see that as living with him.
DG…many Walcott injuries happened while representing England, not at AFCON! National team engagements for players all over the world are headaches for clubs…singling out African players, to me, is taking it over board.
I missed those Adam………..
Well, Micko…I wouldn’t be wishing you such a short span in whatever form…Sanogo’s coming good won’t take over three years, provided he stays fit.
Tai, an ‘I know Arsene Wenger’ comment will always be questioned….
Rico. They are astonishing and an incredible scientific achievement. What has always been a grey smudge is now clear and totally weird. The outer regions of our solar system.
Three years for Sanogo? He’ll be long gone from Arsenal before then imo….
We now know more about Pluto than Arsenal’s transfer policy.
Adam, where did you see them?
City definitely suffered from the loss of Yaya Toure and Bony to a lesser extent in this years tournament, you could, argue they lost the league in Jan, and Feb, when their form seemed to drop. Coincidence maybe, but maybe not.
All I know about Pluto is that he looked a very happy and cheeky woofa 🙂
They are on BBC TV News all evening. Along with the Greek vote. Strange times we live in. As a man-made object travels 10 years to meet Pluto and the Greeks vote for their future, Sanogo goes to Ajax on loan and I eat a pear tart. The links are tenuous but very real.
🙂 Adam….
Rico, I already stressed that at Arsenal is not the only place footballers develop…and I equally stressed the French national side in reference to Sanogo coming good…questioning ‘I know Wenger’ will depend on the questioner…It’s a phrase I use everywhere…if you intend to ban it here, just be kind enough to inform me.
Tai, you have read me wrong. I’m just say that when someone, anyone says ‘I know’, it sounds factual… Most of the time it’s not.
So when one uses that term, don’t expect not to be questioned about it….
I’ve not suggested you can’t say anything….
DG…a year earlier same City won the title from Liverpool grasps with Yaya attending the AFCON as well…
However I’ll be fooling myself if I say the AFCON doesn’t disturb players and subsequently their various clubs….but it’s general, not just limited to Africa.
Adam, heard a good one today, the camera sending pictures back from Pluto to planet earth equates to a fly flying from where I am to Tralee……..it was on the local radio today, you couldn’t make it up, it does make you wonder about these flys that sneak on aeroplanes when your off on your holidays, talk about taking liberties !
I think that’s all we are saying – losing players for 2/3 months during the second part of the season has a serious affect on the stability of the team, especially when/if they are key players…
As Micko would say, I need my bunk…
Night all……
All right, Rico…been a nice time here.
Night all.
Micko. It must be further than from you to Tralee surely. 🙂
Tai, the Afcon is every 2 years. the year that City beat Liverpool to the title, they didn,t lose players, but I am definitely not passing judgement on African players,absolutely not, but I don.t and never have agreed with the Timing of the Afcon in the Season, when teams need their best and fittest players the most.
I think that fly came into my living room this evening after a micro morsel of my pear tart. He was a bastard.
That’s what I was thinking Adam, I’m still trying to get my head around it !
Nite rico, nite Tai, good to get things off ya chest eh matey ! Nite Dublin, nite Adam.
Nite all.
Akpom with a hattrick! what a nice way for the lad to start a pre-season!
I don’t think anyone is singling african/AfCON. Am african but it seems abit disruptive especially at a time when a club needs momentum for the second leg of the season.
imo Sanogo will never be superb. King Henry set the bar on how a fox in the box should be. RIP (oops RvP) came close…haven’t seen a glimpse of that artistry on Sanogo.
The age debate of a 24y.o defender coming in for Nacho doesn’t tickle me. Monreal has just come of age and he has 2/3 seasons oh high quality defending so i’d stick with Nacho to the end.
*ps excuse my typos in advance
When Sanogo came on in last years FA Cup, the dynamic of the game changed, so to say he offers nothing or ant good enough is just a joke, IMO.
He’s nowhere near the complete player, and may never fulfil his potential, but the potential is there.
He wouldn’t be the first talent not to reach his best.
Thing is Scott your always wrong……………………… Nuff said 😛
The argument about African players is encapsulated in the following article.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/23/greg-dyke-fa-overseas-player-quotas
The problem faced by Iwobi , Frimpong and other youngsters is their age. As you can see things are being changed in the squad set ups what happened in the past will not happen again. They have to succeed early otherwise they will have to move on. Some of these boys are born in England of African descent once they choose their African roots clubs, not just Arsenal, will naturally consider the money that they are spending to develop the players for other teams benefit.
Wath, you’re a good man, I say, BUT…… 🙂 🙂
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
For the benefit of those who did not see the game or the goals……..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxiybXMEj9s
I have a sneaky feeling that Chuba Akpom will be the AFC answer to Harry Kane.
I have a sneaky feeling that Yaya Sanogo won’t be the AFC answer to Harry Kane. Has he scored a goal for us or Palace for that matter?
Morning Devil, Lee and all…
Yaya scored one for us didn’t he, in the CL?
Hardly prolific….
4 in one game Lee…..you remember that 🙂
Morning guys.
Morning Rico and Lee.
Having watched both Yaya and Chuba for at least a game each I can say that there is a difference between their playing style.
The most obvious is that Chuba is pro-active in the team build up. Sanogo does the right things as well but he is a reactive type of player. This is evident in their runs. Yaya has learned the runs and reacts to where the ball is. but Chuba’s runs are instinctive and he is already a move ahead.
Chuba’s awareness was especially evident. He sold his defender a dummy by lifting his leg over the ball to allow Jack to have a crack and when he saw that the defender fell for it he stopped running thus creating space for himself. (imo Yaya would have continued to run). Jack’s ball was blocked and the ball fell into Chuba’s path again. He smashed it home. He kept it simple and got the rub of the green.
In terms of agility there is a world of difference. Yaya is still awkward and although he is strong his agility is reminiscent of Adebayor. Compare the agility of Chuba…..he has the grace of a panther when running. Take for example the third goal. his smooth run created the situation for Toral. Chuba’s centre of gravity is much lower than Yaya’s.
Chuba is still a work in progress, however I feel that he stands more of a chance in making it than Yaya ever will.
I wonder if Dennis will improve him…. 😉
Hi Scott..
Morning Scott.
Yaya scored 4 against Benfica.
And benfica are a bit more difficult than Singapore. However its easy to compare the opposition. What i am pointing out is the playing style of Yaya and Chuba which is more difficult.
Morning All,
DG..
AFCON was played in 2012 and 2013…just to find a way to satisfy Euro clubs.
Keen followers, yours truly inclusive, continued to complain to CAF that timing of AFCON is affecting engagement of African players by European clubs…in fact, I wrote a strong-worded letter to CAF in this respect.
But CAF was in dilemma…first, AFCON, since inception in 1957 in Egypt, has always been a competition fixed for March…the friendliest weather around the African continent. It was well enjoyed then…when most countries had no Euro-based professionals…In the 90s when most teams, including Nigeria could boast of a team of all based abroad pros, CAF decided to shift the calendar to January-February. This was done, bearing in mind that all Euro leagues take winter break within this period…to curtail their absences, CAF fixed the calendar at that period.
Fair …then EPL didn’t have many African players…but suddenly EPL became the league that harboured most African players in Europe…the only league too that doesn’t embark on winter break…so, back to square one!
CAF again got into problem of conflict of interests…to accommodate EPL teams…June is rainy all through the African continent…but not just that, AFCON holds on even years…to shift it to June means it will not only clash with Euro Championship but also the World Cup…so, the first step to take is shift the AFCON to odd years…which CAF effectively did by holding another competition in 2013 after that of 2012…and significantly, Nigeria won that in South Africa.
But again, AFCON will yet clash with Copa America if it shifts to June…and I believe, CAF is ironing out sponsorship details to accommodate this clash…and before long, by 2017 perhaps, AFCON will get June date…if it will remain June is yet to be stamped, depending on how far the rains disrupted the trial version.
There is a certain level to which a player can improve Rico. So do not expect Yaya to be on the level which is acceptable to AFC at the highest level. at a point in time Yaya’s improvement will stop.
Morning Rico…….. they’re in the post! 😉
Hiya Rico.
Devil, I’ll say there is no question in my mind Akpom will end up the better player.
Saying that, Sanogo cops unfair criticism.
I maintain one thing……Arsenal fans must have at least one scapegoat.
Ramsey.
Jack.
Giroud.
Szczesny.
Montreal.
Ozil…..they’ve all had turns.
ATM, none of those guys are doing anything wrong, so Sanogo pops up.
It’s worldwide…..all over the net…..not just here.
We have to have a player to blame for whatever goes wrong, even when things are going well.
You can’t polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter……….
Sanogo isn’t my scapegoat I just think he’ll never be at the right level for Arsenal.
Scott. I blame you for that fact. 🙂
Scott the scapegoat for this season will be ……….FLAMINI.
At 6’3”, one should expect Sanogo to appear clumsy on the pitch…but with that bulk, he’s a handful…however poor his movement, he’ll give CBs some torrid time. I just pray that injuries will permit this boy to shut many mouths up.
Scott, I’m counting with you…I’m not used to shouting ‘I told you so’ but in Sanogo’s case I’ll punch the buttons until they go burst. I’m not saying he’d turn up a Henry but certainly he wont ever end up as Jeffers!
Adam, I accept full responsibility lol.
Lee, maybe scapegoat isn’t the right word…..we need to have a player to criticise.
Devil, you could well be right there.
Tai, I’m usually wrong, but I do stand by my opinion 🙂
Fab Lee, thanks… 🙂
Tai you said it yourself……I’m not saying he’d turn up a Henry but certainly he wont ever end up as Jeffers.
He is way above Jeffers in all aspects. but he can never be TH14.
tbh we never expect Sanogo to be TH14. and we do not say he is poor. We are being realistic in that there is a certain level to which Sanogo can aspire. and although he will be an acceptable striker he will never be at the level AFC require. imo he will not be anywhere near Ollie either.
Chuba’s movement is different. His body allows him to imitate TH14’s runs and learn from him plus do the things that Ollie does as well.
yes Yaya will give defenders torrid time due to his bulk but that is the most he will achieve. Drogba gave defenders torrid time and was proactive in the Chavs attack. Drogba is the same height as Yaya and I never recalled a moment in which he was awkward.
with regards attitude Yaya is at the top. his attitude is first class. but with regards his agility and vision there is a lot to be desired.
I would love to hear you tell me that you were right and told me so about Yaya. that would mean that Sanogo is the finished article we want.
Yes, there is a level to which a player can develop…but until he turns 27, 28, every player is expected to improve.
Nobody expected Flamini to suddenly keep Gilberto off DM in 2007…nobody expected Coquelin to suddenly turn up the first name on the team sheet from a loan spell at Charlton.
Nobody expected Ramsey to be at his level after Arsenal fans counted him finished first two seasons after his leg break.
Fans are too quick to condemn players…and I’ve seen enough via Wenger’s fatherly patience to understand that the fans, most often than not, usually get it wrong!
Rico can you make a scapegoat o’meter???
to see which player cops most criticism during the season. Then we can present him with a rotten tomatoes trophy.
Tai, they’ll never be one as bad as Jeffers… 😉
I don’t think fans need a scapegoat, they just see certain players under performing, not being good enough or not working hard and express that opinion.
John Fashanu gave defenders a torrid time…
Morning Rico and all. Has Theo signed a new contract or have I become confused in the excitement of the transfer window. There are few players around that would improve us it seems. Are we dawdling a bit or does it just seem that way?
Flamini and/or Arteta will be the scapegoats imo
lmfao Micko you crack me up. 😀
Morning Scott, Rico and all
Kaba Diawara was my personal scapegoat. I believe he might have been the greatest scapegoat of the last 20 years.
Jeffers scored 4 competitive goals in 22 appearances, how many has sanogo got so far?
Jeffers was also a superb scapegoat. I think that every team needs at least one.
Morning Adam. I hope he has.
Dawdling I think until 1st August to save a months wages… 😉
Devil, I don’t think we need to, like Lee, I think Flamini (if he stays), Arteta and maybe even Merts will get flack this season..
Agreed Tai. Monreal was being slammed for not being Arsenal material before January…
Micko- how do you get to go on a luxury holiday with your own fly when we are supposed to be Slaves with Invisible Chains. You must be one of the Banksters laughing all the way to the bank……
So citeh have S.A.S Silva Aguerro Sterling
Liverpool have L.M.F.A.O Lambert Markovic Firmino Allen Origi
Talking about Flamini, Arteta and Per…these are players you can say for certain what they can offer…their better days are far behind them…but no one should categorically say a player in his 20s, good enough to attract Wenger’s interest is finished!
Morning Ts.
Monreal wasn’t getting criticised by many I don’t think, in fact the fans I know wanted him playing over Gibbs any day of the week.
It’s all about opinions Tai…. imo that is!
🙂 Lee.. (re City/Dippers)
Tai, is anyone saying Sanogo is finished though? All I believe is that right now, he’s a long way off being good enough for Arsenal and the best place for him is on loan and that’s just where he’s going…
Then if he doesn’t improve, let him go…
What I find strange though is how patient AW seems to be with Sanogo, yet a young Englishman called Benik Afobe who couldn’t stop scoring last season was cast aside with ease….
Brudder. My third wife made me a scapegoat so I know the pain it can cause.
For Wolves 21 games 13 goals…
Origi is going to be very decent.
Agreed Rico. Afobe and Aneke leaving was the beginning of my epiphany…
Football is dead; same as democracy same as N. Escoba saying Hip hop is dead… 😉
And 10 for MK Dons in 22 games during the first half of the season… 😉
23 goals a season isn’t bad eh…
Dev, out of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Benzema who would you go for and why?
I don’t understand those two leaving either Ts. Wonder how Chuks is doing now…
Lee……….
Classic………So citeh have S.A.S Silva Aguerro Sterling
Liverpool have L.M.F.A.O Lambert Markovic Firmino Allen Origi
That cracked me up.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/591490/Mikel-Arteta-calf-strain-pre-season-training-Arsenal
Personally I would go for Aubemayang. simply because I have not seen Lacazette play that much. And i like the playing style of Aubemayang. then again I have been told that Lacazette is very much quick and sharp.
then again…..I would love to see how Chuba pans out during pre season and up till the end of the transfer window.
Devil, I’ll never say I told ya so on Sanogo, because I didn’t.
I’ve never said he will make it to an Arsenal quality striker.
I just said he has potential.
I’m not sure he will make it.
Ramsey was always going to 🙂 🙂
Oh and I agree with everything you say about Akpom, Devil.
That kid could be something special.
Chuks was doing ok until January… I think he got an injury
New post up now..
My bad; my stats source tells me Chuks played 30+ games for Zulte last season all together. 😉
He started playing deeper as season progressed; only 2 goals though