Morning all.
Back in 2001, on this very day, Sol Campbell made his debut for Arsenal having made the switch across North London for free. Goals from Henry, Pires & Bergkamp (2) gave Arsenal a 4-0 win at Middlesbrough.
To nab Big Sol that summer was possibly one of the best, if not the best piece of business Arsene Wenger has ever done and what a message the big man sent to his previous club. He did of course go on to do what Tottenham had failed and still fail to do. Win trophies.
Did he move for money? Maybe, but why put yourself through so much abuse if you didn’t know the move was right for you. Sol knew and he succeeded….
Another factoid. Having come from behind to beat Palace at the weekend we became the only side to ever do that on the opening day of the season three times in Premier League history…
We know how to set records eh….. The Champions League is another I would suspect as every season under Arsene Wenger, we have qualified and the manager has made it very clear he wants that run to continue:
We are desperate to do it because we want to play in the Champions League and we know how big these games are.
We had to give a lot [against Crystal Palace], hopefully we will recover and be ready for Tuesday night.
We are desperate to go through, no matter what it costs we want to go through. We have always a difficult draw, we had Fenerbahce last year, this time we have Besiktas. It’s difficult.
We will assess Koscielny on Monday; if he’s fit and capable to play, we play him. It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton. But in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker.
But we have Bellerin, who was 19 today, who can come in. We are a bit short. I hope Koscielny responds well to today’s game.
And so it begins.
From saying our German trio wouldn’t be back until this weekend, Mertesacker will be thrown in early because of injury. Young Bellerin is another who may need to be called upon because injury has yet again hit us and by the sounds fit, Wenger will risk Koscielny if he can walk and kick a ball. Monreal will clearly deputise for Kieran Gibbs who is expected to be out for a few weeks and that’s the whole idea of having two good players in each position but why haven’t the club signed a centre back to replace Vermaelen?
Arsene Wenger desperately wants to qualify for the Champions League but it may just turn out that it’s his lack of transfer dealings will actually prevent us from doing so.
Yes we have made some cracking signings but only Alexis and Chambers are additions. Debuchy and Ospina have simply replaced Sagna and Fabianski. We still have two key players missing from that list of new arrivals. A CDM and a CB and we need them fast.
Many fans want to see a top class goal scorer.
Talking of which, do you want Sanogo to stay and play, go on loan or go, full stop?
[polldaddy poll=8252042]Just thirteen days left to sort this squad out and turn it into one which could win the Premier League.
After all, that’s what we all want isn’t it…..
Have a good day all…
Morning all, good post Rico. Lol
Just seen the training shots on SS’s.
Kos is fit. No Merts and no Campbell either as far as I could see..
Why the lol Gdna?
If Campbell plays or not could be a guide to his future . If he is to go , they won’t want him cup tied . Hopefully not another that didn’t get the chance.
Morning rico, all…
Nice post.
On Sanogo poll…what did you expect? Has the majority always been right? This certainly won’t be the first or last time they’d go wrong.
Morning Rico. I’m gonna be in full ‘told you so’ mode here as I’ve been banging on about defensive cover all summer. It really does smack of negligence when we are facing potentially the most important game of the season followed by an Everton side who owned us at Goodison last season and will be fired up in their first home game!
It reminds me of 2007/8 when we were already short at the back so Arsene decided to send Djorou on loan to Birmingham. Two games later as injuries kicked in we ended up with Gilberto playing centre-back at White Hart Drain! What’s more, after half a season putting out fires at Birmingham Djorou cam back injured and bereft of confidence. Double whammy!
Potter, I think he’s off on loan, which may just mean another striker could be on his way in..
Yaya should go on loan, IMO.
Morning all.
Morning Tai, thanks.
Morning Bob, you aren’t alone. It was clear TV was on his way a long time ago yet here we are, season open and we are already looking at playing Kos who is clearly not 100% fit and it’s crazy.
However, Miquel is training and the thought of him and Chambers starting tomorrow night is quite frightening. Demba Ba will be smiling from ear to ear if that’s the case…
Need another CB,a DM,and a top Striker, and possiblly a left back option.
Scott, but he’s French.. 😉
Rico, I didn’t vote, that’s why I type lol.
If Campbell is not included, it only means he’s going on loan. I wouldn’t want that but then Wenger’s hands are tied. Presently we have 16 ‘overseas’ players including Campbell. If Manolas happens, we’re closed. To get in another non-homegrown, somebody has to go…and Wenger seems made up it’s Campbell.
And if so, it confirms Khedira isn’t completely dead. Yes, Khedira because Rabiot is only 19 and qualifies as youth(under 21)
Tai, we will get Khedira 🙂
Rico, I know lol
Morning all, good post. I’d rather see yaya go on loan and then give more opportunities to campbell.By the way If yaya goes , a more experience striker can come on loan.
I can’t help that if Sanogo went out on loan at 22, come back at 23 would he really have much more to offer? I like the guy but is he really ever going to make it? I hope someone can say I told you so in future but I do not see it. On Saturday it was like our players didn’t want to pass to him because they think he’s poo
I still think two at least will be signed…
So does Arsene Scott.. lol
Sanogo to me is like Bendtner reincarnated. He has a high opinion of his own ability. I particularly like that little trick he has when the ball is passed to him to take in his stride but it hits his heel as he is running and he leaves it behind! Did it when clean through against Benfica but was flagged offside and did it on Saturday in the second half on the edge of the box.
lol Bob, I love that trait of his. I do that myself, takes years to master
I think i’m losing my battle trying to defend Sanogo… 😉
We have only made one addition to the Squad since last season,Sanchez. Chambers,Debauchy & Ospina replaced Jenkinson,Sagna & Fabinaski.,since then we have lost Vermaelen. IMO,we need 2 C.B. 1 D.M and a world class Striker,other wise it will be the usual story of battling for 4th.
Does anyone else agree with me that Wilshire should be sold off and replaced by Rabiot
As usual we have the poster in panic attack mode, filled with dread and probably would have done a similar poll for Ramsey to be sent out on loan when Arsenal “supporters” were busy giving abuse to him on the ground.
I don’t know anything about Manolas qualities but if he is first choice in a very defensively disciplined side like Greece and is 6’2”, plus AW wants him, I’d welcome him with open arms.
Again, I don’t see any striker coming. Whenever Wenger wants to change his strikers, he always purchased early in the summer, then starts the work of bedding in in pre-season. Sanchez will always be no 1 name on starting list…then Wenger will get another CF to partner Sanchez? Before they get to understand each other we’d be out of top 4.
Again, if Wenger wanted Giroud’s sub, he’d have done so early for pre-season, knowing he’d be playing with Sanchez whenever he came on.
So, who did Wenger try in pre-season with Sanchez? Giroud, Sanogo, Campbell and Akpom. If Wenger gets Khedira and Manolas, then Campbell goes on loan while Akpom stays. If he gets Manolas and Rabiot…Akpom goes on loan, Campbell stays.
I’ve looked critically at it…and I don’t see any striker signing.
Nice post and poll rico. Nothing to defend on Sanogo, its nothing personal. I dont even care if he stays and plays league cup games. Im just dead against him starting as our top striker in any serious game we have to win! Im getting tetchy… where are those signings? Carvalho + Striker please! (Carvalho can also play CB).
Sanogo is nt jst gud enough as of yet…i tink he shld be loaned 2get mre experience
Nickie, our guys couldn’t hit a barn door with a pass at times, n matter who the target.
He’s a kid….not really sure why so many are being is harsh on him.
Is it his fault he is our number 2 option ATM?
If he was 4th choice, everyone would be saying the kid has a future.
Direct frustration at the right target guys.
After RVP left, Wenger brought in Giroud and Podolski…that season we didn’t make top 4 by our efforts…we were handed top 4 by Tottenham’s lack of it. And you think Wenger would risk such unbalancing in attack at one go ever again?
I think any top class striker if signed wouldn’t take to long to adjust. If that player gets fed the ball, I’m sure he’d just do what he’s always done and score..
For top class players, the game is natural and with the likes of Ramsey, Alexis and Ozil in our side, the supply will always be plentiful.
I’m not going to try and guess what AW has planned, all I hope is he does have something planned and that plan gets sorted before the 1st September….
Sanogo is great pontential and I think we all agree on that, TH14 wasn’t that good at the beginning remember and it took a while for him to be the TH14 we all love…
Thanks roger. I’d rather we didn’t sign one player who can play both positions, as if he’s called back into defence, bang goes our DM player and if that scenario took place when playing City, Chelsea etc etc, we’d be in trouble….
We have the money, sign both I say…
Agree with you on that Rico, sign both and make us complete ( at least 80%)
He’s already come out and said he isn’t doing anything until after the CL qualifier so I do’t see the point of why there’s a debate?
Gd morning gunnersphere,
Good win last weekend and hopefully that continues
All the players did very well. It’s all about fitness in the first 3weeks and for us to have won that match bores well for the confidence of the team.
My only qualms is Wenger playing the wrong striker in this kind of match. Giroud suits this kind of opposition that sits back with a block of two(esp mid and low table teams).
Yaya should be started against teams like the russia oil, oil city, YWWA(You Will Walk Alone), our b*tch across the seven sisters, manure(teams that will not come to defend but attack)
Reading thru yesterday comments most of us are going over the top about Yaya’s performance. For the period he spent on the pitch he did brilliantly well. Our midfielders were isolated from him(Sanogo) as Crystal pulis chocked the 18yard box without space.
Thanks, bondex.
Ok, Rico…should be using rico henceforth. I saw the post where you quickly clarified Rico and rico were different. And just as well for I already concluded you were the one … truly wondering why you could blow hot and cold on one subject …until you…
Let’s see September 1 but like I always believed, the fun of this game is guessing almost everything – signings, line-ups, scores, scorers, winners , etc.
Exactly bondex, Ill gladly give Sanogo the time to develop, but I just dont want our hopes resting on him until he well and truely has developed!
Scott,
I have nothing against the guy and feel sorry for him that he gets such criticisms. I like his work ethic, effort and determination in games. It’s just imo his ability isn’t up to Arsenal standard. Like I said, I’d love someone in a couple of years when Sanogo is smashing 20-30 goals a season to say to me “I told you so”.
I’m just in a brutal mood. lol
Do you have a degree in moaning?
Emma, I’m almost positive he played Sanogo to see where the kid stands, but to keep Giroud for Turkey…a must win game.
Nickie, I know mate……most of that wasn’t aimed at you lol.
I like him but think he still a way off ATM.
….But it could be seen as a good tactical plan by wenger to wear the pulis defence down with Yaya running them ragged to soften them and introducing Giroud when they started cramping up. 😉
Ya Bondex and Rico, of course youre dead right that we should sign both a DM and CB, not one to cover both. I favour Carvalho because (aside from him being a beast) I cant see Wenger signing both a DM and CB before the end of the window. One surely, two… not so sure. Naturally if you gave us the checkbook it would be done already 😉
Silentstan, elaborate…
let yaya,go on laon becouse he hav a good talented please we want top class strikr
I can see Sanogo netting in Turkey. I like him but like most, he’s a 4th choice striker. Akpom is at the same level already nad Campbell better than both. WEnger has one eye on everton and like Tai said, he rested Giroud for the Turkey game.
I am expecting alot more effort from Santi. He was below par, as was Ramsey(even though he scored)
Emma, Sanogo doesn’t mind mixing it, does he?
I said it yesterday….I always rate effort, and he brings that.
For me, effort is almost always rewarded…eventually.
bondex, I’m not against Sanogo either, I quite like his energy, pace and enthusiasm and once he starts scoring, he’ll be ok imo.
Hope Kos is ok. On the training pic this morning
https://twitter.com/SkySportsNewsHQ/status/501302355145805825
Who silentstan, me or is your comment directed at us all??
Hey, rico…your poll is faulty … I just voted twice…to check and it accepted!
Scott – I quite agree with you. Sanogo will shut a lot of mouth this season. He’s got to be the striker against our rivals this season ahead of Giroud. Campbell is another one I would love to see, hope Wenger gives him a chance
It was a good win emma, as Lee said yesterday, there was a time when we would have drawn or even lost that match..
🙂 Tai, I think someone did that on purpose, rather childish I think….
Best you keep voting then Tai to even the votes out a bit… 😉
rico, he already started scoring…that’s why we’re debating Sanogo…otherwise you’d be reading ‘Sirnogoal’. He’s top EPL striker of pre-season…lol.
Morning all, nice post Rico or is it rico? I see the Sanogo debate rumbles on, he’s here to stay. Besiktas results, will probably determine our final transfer deals and loans.
We just had a very abusive Liverpool fan trying to get on here, wow what a rude rant he had. Spam for him then….
No, rico…that’s cheating and it’s not in my character. I just wanted to check it out…
Ha ha Tai, e-season doesn’t count…
Thanks Bt, rico is probably best 😉
I hope Yaya grabs a couple of corkers tomorrow night and then we can start moaning about Giroud again… lol
I commented earlier about moving to the ball to make space and someone else said that our midfield were not passing to him because they felt, in his opinion, that he isn’t good enough. I believe that the reason he was not getting the ball was because in fact he was moving away from it in trying to find space by going wide and away from the danger zone. Dann and Hangeland were getting close behind him and giving him no time to control the ball . He will learn to come off the player to get time but in a team trying to win the premier league is not the place to do it. He needs to play against this kind of tight defence week in week out. Arsenal is not where this learning should take place, the physicality of the Championship would serve him well. As a comparison it will be interesting to see how Danny Ings fares in the step up in class.
Tai, the poll is set to accept one vote only, I just checked…
I think Ings will do well potter, I hope he does, not against us of course.
Re the tight defending, we saw last season that ‘better’ players than Sanogo struggled to break through sides who set up in a similar way..
Potter, your earlier point, re: your son, is so true and despite my love of Arsenal I feel, given those circumstances, would have advised my son the same…
West Ham, Charlton, Southampton, Leyton Orient, you get a chance at those clubs as they need to develop players to sell them and pay the bills…
Just checked it myself Tai, when you vote a second time, the poll says ‘we have already counted your vote’ so the second doesn’t register..
slentstan?
Vote rigging, Tai?….lol
Scott, good match report yesterday, mate. A bit late, sorry..
Ok…I’ll check again.
Morning Rico, lovely post again and I love polls but wait it isn’t for stats right?lol I want Sanogo to stay and play but not as a starter but as a sub behind Campbell we know our injury problem and someone will soon be out injured, going on loan is a waste what if they don’t play him also there
Cheers BT…..
Confirmed, rico. Didn’t read the top response the first time. That’s my own error.
Bt, lol.
Rico, should have MSO, about tea time.
Sanogo was going to vote “Stay and play” but he hit the wrong button……. 😉
What are you trying to say Lee , Cows arse and Banjo.??
Afternoon all if we get Baloteli send Sanogo out on lone if not keep him. 😉
What is wrong with these ex looserpool retards?
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/liverpool-legend-steve-nicol-sanchez-was-awful-in-arsenal-win-over-palace/
Rico do we have to get the UN in every time you run a poll. 😀
Potter, after my faux pas yesterday I’m treading carefully! But yes!!
Is there any more thing to say in defense of Sanogo that I truly haven’t? Arsenal is presently structured to play off the strengths of Giroud…and as long as it is providing cover for and starting occasionally in some matches, Sanogo is very ok.
But if it is to get a world class striker to boss both Giroud and Sanogo, who wouldn’t welcome a Ronaldo? But at this time of the season, AW won’t do it and I’m 100% with him.
Morning Luznic, thanks… Cheeky re stats.. 😉
Bt, you are a star, thank you…
12.04 Lee.. 🙂
I hope not Joe..
What do we make of the Khedira ‘agents in London’ headlines. Chavs or us?
Or Qpr? lol
The problem with signings are that it’s not like Football Manager, where you shortlist a bunch of players and make bids on them all and see what happens. For majority of the transfer window Ozil was not available, then bang, last day we get him. That’s an extreme example for sure, but it’s an important one. Wenger could go out and buy the best defender available today. But he might not be the best one for Arsenal; And then in a couple days, the right one that Wenger does want becomes available, but we’ve already spunked the budget on the wrong guy.
Chavs
Brentford….
Poisoned fucktard will get him…
Lee, he wants us though……
Morning Rico and the house.
Good read Rico.
Campbell did train this morning and will be in the squad for tomorrow.
I think you have all got it wrong with him he will be staying.
Still no report of the U18 win on sat.
The scorers were,Willock Hinds Robinson and Mavididi.
esxste – I can see where you are coming from but surely AW would know by now exactly who he thinks would fit in and be right for Arsenal and he’d know if he can get them or not…
I still think Ozil was a fluke and fan pressure made AW agree to sign him…
Good Afternoon Munchkins and Chipmunks.
Good round up Post Rico……and thanks for the Sol reminder.
Besiktas will be a different kettle of fish to Palace or any other EPL side. I am not underestimating them. But they will not look to park the bus, especially in Turkey. So they have to come out. I have a feeling it will be Campbell and not Yaya who will get the nod this time. Sanchez will have different luck than the one he had VS
Palace.
The game will be more open imo. It will not be easy, but Besiktas know that if they let us have the ball and just sit back they might not qualify…….and to qualify they either have to score more than we do (which means they have to attack) or else wait till its penalties. And I doubt they would wait two games with an added 30 mins meaning 210 minutes and hope for pens.
I think Mr Undertall will do all he can get him too, only because he knows we want him.
If Sami is really all about money, then he’ll choose the Chavs, if he really wants to join us and we really want to sign him, then come on down Sami Khedira…
https://twitter.com/footballespana_/status/501325402095501312
Afternoon Rick and thanks.
I didn’t see Campbell in the training session, clearly I need to go to specsavers. lol
AW comment about him made me think he’s off on loan…
https://twitter.com/footballitalia/status/501098484997828608
https://twitter.com/MARCAinENGLISH/status/501088755294679040
Thanks Devil, he was a great signing wasn’t he. Oh to have a defender like him signed up this summer…
Rico, he is best mates with Ozil, and no doubt, he’s copped an earful about our club.
I’m just putting two and two together, and could be totally off the mark.
Sign On, Sign On, With Pen, In Your Hand,
And You’ll Never Get, a Job,
You’ll Never, Get a Job…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1jzkW13ymY
Syg, apparently, Vargas has told his family he’s heading our way… Although I read that’s a spoof…
Scott, you and me both, we can’t both be wrong with our maths… lol
Afternoon Rico, great post, lmao…..,
I thought most of the players at Madrid hated Maureen by the time left is this true.
The Joel Campbell conundrum, shouldn’t be so…
Last season he played a full campaign in Greece, at a similar standard to the Turkish Superliga, where Besiktas play…
Where’s the problem?
Campbell can handle Besiktas just as he handled the WC…
So if he doesn’t play, he must be off….
But he won’t be off to Anfield, you Scouse cnuts can fcuk off…
He left
Afternoon Kev. lol
I like the little song….
Joe, most certainly did lol.
Rico, no way…we can surely get that one right hahaha.
ANR website for TAI
Alexis will shine against Everton, Liverpool & Man C, as they won’t sit back.
Anyone else, and he will struggle, until there is continuity and understanding between him and his teammates – which may take some time.
Chambers MUST play in the midfield – once Per is back – as his ball skills and ability to swiftly convert his thinking from defence to attack – with effect – is extraordinary for someone his age.
Debuchy should rotate with Bellerin – I like Bellerin.
Myles says:
How can Alexis have “contuinuity and understanding” with a donkey like Sanogo?
How can he shine playing with such a clumsy centre forward?
Wenger was saving Giroud for his £37million game in Istanbul.
Arsenal beat Palace 2-1 in stoppage time after Sanogo went off at half-time.
The chasing back by Alexis, his defensive work, was phenomenal.
But he won’t score if he’s playing with that donkey.
Jose would have us all believe otherwise…
🙂 Scott, we can’t…
Kev, is it true that the Dippers tried to get Joel Campbell on loan?
Kev, I take it you’re not a fan of the Mickey mousers……
So if I put 2+2 together why would Khedira what to play for maureen again oh yes money. 😉
Rico, thats my point. Wenger probably does have a shortlist of players he thinks are a good fit. It’s about whether they’re available. In previous seasons, money might have been a major factor, but this season he’s already proven he’ll spend money on talent. It’s a tough decision to make. With Kos and BFG playing together, any signing isn’t going to be guaranteed first team football, so paying over the odds to prise a decent player away from his current club to park him in the bench is quite a call to make.
Sanchez worked his nuts off on Saturday…..
esxste – but if we are going to have to pay over the odds to get who AW wants, why not do that earlier than this?
I doubt clubs will sell top players towards the end of the transfer window, not unless they have already signed a replacement because finding a player that late would be difficult.
Ozil was different, he was sold just to balance the books and he only became available once they got Bale…
still funny….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYiID87Nbwg
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Arteta admitted the lack of a top scorer is an issue but believes the squad has what it takes to deal with that.
“We don’t really have a 30 or 40-goal player at the moment so to have players who can score from the middle of the park is very important,” he said.
‘At the moment’? Is one coming I wonder…..
Rico, go to my twitter page and see how happy Sanchez was with the win….we got a great shot haha
Its in tweets and replies lol
🙂 Nickie, that’s hilarious… Big boy eh….. lol
Eduardo Vagas? Why?
1. Is Vargas truly better than Campbell? If we didn’t already own Campbell, would a choice between him and Vargas, who Benitez considers not good enough at 23 and 24 to send on loan, tip the balance in the favour of the Chilean? At 3 goals in nearly 30 matches last term, is his stats that imposing? Did he make more impact in the last WC than Campbell?
2. Why would AW waste an oversea slot meant for a DM or CB for a player not clearly better than Campbell, only to send Campbell on loan?
3. At 5’9”, what advantage does bringing in Vargas offer in a team with Walcott, Ox, Carzola, Podolski – all flank players, positions Vargas would most certainly play in?
4. Has AW shown any sign of a 4-4-2 in recent times to suggest playing Vargas as a second striker?
Can somebody please educate me on why we should swallow this unnecessary rumour just because one bloke who probably had plenty to drink concluded if Sanchez and Vargas played for Chile that they certainly should play for Arsenal?
Syd,
I still recall all the negative write-ups Myles made about Ramsey … and most times, I don’t usually rely on people’s opinions to build up mine. When I don’t see it, I don’t talk about it. Only Wenger and his assistants stay within the technical area and there’s a reason it’s called technical area! So, if I have to listen to anyone to make my mind up about things Arsenal…Wenger is it.
Same old media mumbo jumbo Tai. Just think back to Juan Quintero it’s allllll rubbish. Vargas is a decent player but not necessary
Exactly Nickie…we’ve suddenly forgotten about that one.
In my little brain, something tells me that Madrid do not wish to deal with Mourinho in any way. Mourinho before selling Lukakau didn’t really have the money to sponsor the rumoured 24 mil Khedira deal.
But now they have and even if he didn’t need him, Mourinho would like to deny Wenger the chance of grabbing Sami. The only way is to tell Sami to hold on at Madrid and walk away free. But Madrid is wiser …they seemingly want to push Sami away now … get some dough and deny Mou.
Now, if Wenger thinks there is still a chance, he’d wait till the end … and I suspect he’s actually waiting.
Please don’t quote me – only making unfounded guesses!
Rico, I’d say there wasn’t any certainty that TV was off. Wenger certainly didn’t want to sell to ManU, and probably wouldn’t have done. TV might have preferred to stay than go to a “lesser” team; if Barcelona hand’t taken him, he might still be with us. With BFG, Kos, TV and Chambers, there wouldn’t have been a need to get anyone else in. As well with the transfers, there is the issue of Champions League football – the best players want to be playing on the biggest stage. We can’t offer any promises on that at the moment.
Just a thought, Kostas Manolas, if he joins, plays for Olympiakos…
Joel Campbell, last season, was on loan at, Olympiakos…
Could a swap deal or another loan be part of any deal?
Tai 380 degree turnaround then Khedira.
fred, turn around? Remind me…
Howdy Lady rico, Adam, Coach, Emma, kev, Lee, Nickie, Scott, Bt, Luznic, Potter, My home boy Tai n Ever reliable Mista stats Ts I’m sorry if I left any1 out but in summary howdy HH’ers
On the topic of sanogo I’d definitely be on the fence, he’s got potential, and still very raw but he could still do a job he just needs time and I do honestly and sincerely hope we fans give him the support he needs to but imo a goal would do him a world of good. Here is an article on Rabiot its a nice read though http://t.co/UevJbwOrjr
you suspect wengers waiting for khadira,
I took your advice and forgot him.make your mind up mate.
Fred we’re doing the Khedira “okey-kokey!”
http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1415/post/under-18/under-18-brighton-0-4-arsenal-report
Wengers trying to halfinch someone, fu#k playing cards with him.
put your injured in, injured leg out…
Afternoon, Lexo…thanks for the link. Very comprehensive on Rabiot. If the writer knows what he’s talking about, and it seems he does, we’re being linked with a player who, though stands at 6’2”, doesn’t offer much in physical play. Strictly one-legged, though Wenger’s preferred left foot. But obviously quite technical. A Pirlo passeses … that’s something! Can’t say I’m excited but at 19, always room for improvement.
fred, when it became clear the press were tossing us around without any clue, I said forget him. But for me, I’ve always maintained the best DM out there we could get is Khedira. Every German is naturally strong on the ball…forget Ozil – he nationalised! Khedira is very technical and works his socks off. He’s a WC winner, at peak age and good mates to fork out instant playing understanding. Tall enough, 6’2”. and all the experiences required. And looks a perfect Wenger DM.
Khedira is not full German though is he? Tunisian parent/ancestors
Remember Tai next time listen to me.
on a positive note, Manolas announcement could be this week
Mourinho is an arrogant git, I hope Burnley stuff his ‘title contenders’ good and proper!
Afternoon all….
Good read rico…
Afternoon all..
Luznic for you…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRU63idhLP8
In my view what he has is top drawer…
esxste – I disagree re TV, AW has been saying all summer that he could leave….
Hi Lexo.
Hi Lexo… long time?
Daley Blind is available and will be perfect… the Ajax finishing school plus his father was a nut case as a player…
£15m max will get him… a proper player who has played LB,CB,DM at WC and UCL levels…
imo Rabiot is a french version of Randall or Conor Henderson…
He is behind Kongodbia too… if we are looking to win the title should we not be aiming abit higher… tried and tested players imo…
Then again AW has a better eye at judging players than me so…
Sami was coming imo…
Thanks Ts…
He looks good in that video, shame about the og… lol
lol… Rico. I thought you would miss that bit.. hawk eyed. 🙂
Kosser and RAmsey have a long track record of og’s too so..
🙂 Ts, my eyesight is far better than my memory…
haha…
Yea long time TS, hope you’ve been good?. Been doing more of reading on here than posting. Rabiot is more of a potential as is sanogo, his addition shouldn’t stop a major signing from happening. Heard any major/marque signings is actually dependent on champions league qualification.
Lady rico great job and thanks for all the beautiful and amazing you keep delivering every single day.
Thank you Lexo…
fred, what really should I listen to you about? Bragging time?
It always is Lexo re UCL qualifications…
Besiktas is a tricky tie but if we set-up well and Diaby or TR07 comes in for JW we will be fine..
Our old boy Oguzhan Ozyakup will cause either Flamster or our capito problems in the hole…Tore has good engine…
Obviously, Ba will start up front and Bilic as their manager who is decent imo…
Rico, Depends on how you read into “could”, I guess. Given the way TV handled his side of things, I don’t think it was a case of TV wanting out at any cost. But again, I see people demanding Wenger buy a defender, but don’t give any suggestions on how he can attract the top class defenders they want him to buy when he can’t promise regular or champions league football to them. (At the moment)
TS any away trip to turkey is always tricky, + they’ve got some insane n vocal fans out there. Quite intimidating too but a win is definitely needed and we’ve got an OK squad to execute that.
Nope Rico we the readers e.g me should be doing the thank you. So THANK YOU
esxste – think it’s best we agree to differ, otherwise we’ll be here all night… 😉
Tai..bragging about my opinion do us a favour mate.
TS I hope he comes good for us because my heart says Wenger already shaked hands with him and a deal is in place but my heart is always for the arsenal what do I know, Tai Khedira is a Tunisian German and Oezil is very strong also not easy to push off the ball………..but can’t we get papasthadopolous I like that name and the man……..khedira or Rabbiot I still feel they threaten Arteta so far Khedira don’t push the skippo out completely I will be glad even though I want him so much but a bird at hand they say
Nickie and Luznic, thanks on spotlight on Khedira African connection.
fred, anything I write here is based on passion and love for my club. I will disagree with anybody once I’m not sold. But taking it home is not my style. I don’t really understand what you have been grumbling about … if it is anything on Khedira, wait until we sign him, then remind me where I crossed your path…I’d happily apologise once we get him signed…and that is if I really spoke out of turn.
Tai – fred bragging?? He’s not that kind of guy…
Good Afternoon Rico and All.
Are we looking to add more bodies into the team?
Is Sami a DM? Is he what we really need? I don’t remember him playing DM for Real Madrid. What I do remember is, he’s always on the bench injured. I hope I’m wrong as always.
Afternoon Ng. I don’t think Sami is a DM, but he’d certainly add flair to our midfield and with Tomas getting older and Ramsey needing a break, he’d be a great addition to the squad imo.
But, we’d still need a CDM imo, a younger and fitter version of Arteta…
Rabiot… 😉
rico, you’re not picking on me again today, are you?
Can’t argue that Rico.we need bodies in with qualities and Sami could be one of them.
Rabiot; never see him play or notice him.
Tai,
What makes me laugh about you mate is you talk like you know it all,then you change track,and start preaching to us how right you are when you were wrong in the first place.
Not at all Tai, but making such accusations against fred, don’t sit well with me, or fred probably….
Ng, a Gooner friend of mine has watched Rabiot and believes he’d be a great signing.
Evening All
Gibbs and Sanago injured did not travel.
BFG stayed at home Kossy and Miqual in squad.
Sanogo injured Rick? That’s strange as he was in training this morning….
Thats what is being reported Rico.
It looks a little strange dos it not.
Ginge thanks for the link to Manolas.
He looks good and remineds me of Koss when he joined us.
Hi rico,
Has fred been bragging again !
Looks like i’m in the 10% club.
Two games in and a paper thin defense tomorrow nite…..deep joy !
Worrying eh Micko…
Seeing Fibreglass in a chav kit makes me feel sick!
Corrie works Bob.. 😉
Chelsea equalised, 1 all
You’ve been super confident all summer another 2 will be coming in rico, hope your right.
Bob john, cashley buggers off and cesc replaces him, I’m sure he’ll get a warm reception at the Emirates !
Fabregas wow. We should have taken him back haha
Sure does Rick…
🙂 Micko, i’m in there with you…
Bob. Me too.
I still am Micko, a bottle of ketchup has convinced me, honest.
Can’t believe Lord Fabregas playing for CFC.
I’m off for the day, night all….
Fibraglass is a typical example why I don’t have sympathy for footballers. They only think of themselves.
Night Rico.
Everytime Cesc gets the ball he puts the opposition in trouble. What a strange decision not to take him back.
One should never forget his back heel pass.
Or the goals he scored for us.
Adam, please don’t do it, I’m having a headache. Lol.
Gdna. I know mate. I really do.
Evening fellow Housers..
ight Rico..
Damn, Cesc is back…
hopefully he goes missing in second half Micko. 😉
Hi Ng.. your boy Costa is looking the same thug he is… lol
Adam, please say some negative stuff. Lol, Fabregas let me down, he should have went to PSG. 2 assist in 30 mins, your boy Costa looks good. Lol
For those goals he was handsomely rewarded for. And he turned his back on us when we really needed him.
Hi Ts. Fibraglass is back. Mr.Treatment Table. And chosen Mourihno of all people. Wanders will never end.
…..and so it begins. God help us.
lol.. Ng. well at least he is only human so he can assist only 1 person at a time… lol
Hopefully, Ozil is watching this and saying he needs to up his game…
Its still only Burnley after all btw…
Goon, don’t start it, my head hurts. Lol
Adam, don’t beat yourself up, those in the know will tell ya he’s over-rated !
Howdy tsgh, my source tells me cesc has the fastest healing bones in the premiership but keep that to yourself.
Gdna. 🙂
I am turning to another channel to watch a film. Night all.
I thought folks including JW said Santi was better than Cesc when Cesc jumped ship? 😉
Gdna it’s happening already. We ve just handed the title to the chavs by allowing thst short cuss sign our golden boy. Last year it was manure this year it’s the chavs….who’s next? Totenham hotsperms? Good grief.
Ts, Matic looks like the best in his position in the league, what you think?
Adam, lol. I ain’t watching anymore of this shit either, fuck off Mourinho, David Moyes is the special 1 not u.
Tottenham hotsperms????? 😆 LMFAO
for once you said something sensible.
but not hotsperms mate.
Shitsperms is better.
Matic is good and was always good even before he left Chelsea-Dna…
tbh with you I haven’t watched enough of him closely since he came back to say he is the best…
Jose’s players work hard and so the pressure is not on only the 2 CB’s and DM to win the balls whilst the 2 FBs and wingers go missing like AW’s tactics in the big games…
Ts. Yes one master at a time but, the man who nurtured you; yet you decide to play for his worse enemy. What happened to ‘he wants to go home’?
😀 micko… well Cesc can be a good samaritan and donor a bit of his bone-marrow to King Abou…
Nasher the master didn’t want him back. What do you expect him to do? Come on now.
Ts, I’m only interested in the Matic reply. I have no right to criticize AW or his players, I leave that to others, lets enjoy the talent god give to these players.
Good Evening mates
I actually don’t hate him. I miss him terribly. So sad seeing him in blue. Rips my heart out.
well, if we are to believe it; it was Aw who snubbed him…
I am too cynical on the other hand to believe Cesc was desperate to join us at all cost considered last summer he flirted with Yanited until he realised he better see how Moyes does first…
£200k a week and all; £9.6m a year salary on top of the £30m transfer fee; well…???
Goonster. There are many churches beside St.Georgge’s Cathedral.
Hey goonie.. do us a favour and do some research on the dutch sites and try to find out why Daley Blind is not moving.. he will be perfect for us..
Goon, miss is an understatement. 1 of the best MF to ever play in the PL, love him like no other.
Ts he wanted to at all cost but as always le scrooge had other ideas. God am so heart broken.
Ts, Daley Blind is another Kevin Strootman scenario, a player who could make a big difference but is being overlook.
@ goonster l hate cesc now with a strong passion. … He didnt really want to come here. Remember he took a pay cut just to make sure he left us. He should have done the same, wear an arsenal jersey and pretend ut was forcwd on him by carzola. Then i would belueve he realky prefered to come to us.
Indeed Goonie;Strootman was instrumental for Gervinho’s Roma last season.. he made De Rossi look young.. lol
I wonder how his injury will affect him this season if/when he comes back…
I honestly thought AW would go for Blind or at least LvG will try to sign Daley since LvG needs a CB but..
Maybe his dad has advised him to stay for awhile.. or the tough Overmars is refusing to sell…
Ng- the way I see it if we had not won a trophy last summer or qualified for UCL, Cesc won’t have even said he wanted to join us again… I might be wrong again of course…
Daley Blind, won dutch player of the year last season, will probably end up with the Northern monkeys.
Ts. Come to think of it, it situation like this why I admired The Verminator.
ha ha Micko there are 2 monkeys now… which 1..
Indeed Ng re TV…
Also jose’ wanted Ozil so much last summer that he refused to sell Demba Ba to us…
Ozil will show his worth this season… he was instrumental in Germany winning the wc as well…
Their stats are almost identical over the last 3 or 4 years too.
night gents
Well I’m not talking Stoke tsgh, catch you tomorrow gooners, nite all.
Good night T.
Night Micko.
Sometimes I wonder whether it AW or Arsenal Mourihno hate so much. If we can get Sami over Chelsea that would be the best thing after sliced bread.
Cesc is a class act , we ( whoever ) turned him down . We will live to regret it.
If you look at the table now I think you are looking at the final order, well maybe not order but the top 4 will be as it is now. I hope that the teM that is third overnight will finish first! However, this it for the season. No Manure, no Everton etc etc…..perm any four and hope the Arse come out on top but it’s all to play for.
Only request…….Arsene, my little bobby dazzler go and complete the squad with the right players, so we are equipped to win the EPL like we are destined to do!!
Right I’m back to my Scottish break. I love foreign holidays!
Scotland is beautiful Wavy…
The only thing that spoils it are the Scots!
Honestly, I a sick of hearing about Cesc.
We haven’t got him.
He’s a Chelksi shit now…..sulky player with a sulky manager….perfect fit.
I hope they have beautiful children together.
Move on.
Fuck Fabregas we’ve got Sanogo (even though he’s injured!)
Costa he’s shit….
Arsene knows…..
Good Morning Munchkins and Chipmunks
Just ask yourself a question………at the end of the day….who would you prefer (technically and tactically)….Cesc or Wilshere?
Honest answers please. leave sentiment and emotions aside.
Would you have preferred this midfield…..
Arteta, Cesc, Ramsey
or this midfield……
Arteta, Jack, Ramsey
Deep down my opinion is that of the former one.
And when Ozil returns…..Cesc, Ramsey, Ozil
Fabregas all day long coach….Arsene knows though!
We all know who is the best of Jack and Cesc, but we don’t have him.
We won nothing with Cesc, RVP and all the other “world class” players we had and sold, yet have won two trophies in a few months…..yep, I reckon Arsene has it right.
A happy squad, or sulky bitches?
I know what we have now.
Morning all.
Come on devil, you coach….a team of champions, or a champion team?
Yeah you’re right Scott BUT we could of had him….Arsene chose not to.
Money left in the bank , Cesc at Chelsea and Arteta and Flamini anchoring our midfield = madness.
Scott the reason we won nothing whilst they were with us and the reason they were sulky was because they did not have the quality of Ozil and Sanchez around them. Wenger has always made do and mended and he is doing it again. Someone at the club felt spited by Cesc and put there own feelings before those of the club.
BTW Charity ( Community ) Shield is a pre season friendly . Doesn’t count as a trophy.
I know Lee, I know.
I’d have taken him, to be honest but so be it.
Potter, they were supposedly top class, even world class players.
Cesc refused to play….why shouldn’t Wenger have been pissed?
I’d have been.
You’d have been.
Again, I’d have taken him but I’m not devastated we didn’t.
Potter, fair enough, but Chelski didn’t even qualify 🙂
Both Fabregas and RvP wanted the squad strengthened but not with cnuts like santos, gerwankstain etc. As you say we haven’t got him, so let’s move on! The window is still open and we have money in the bank….will Arsene do the right thing? Time will tell…..
Lee!,I think he will.
I reckon Khedira will be ours for starters, and a CB.
From there, I’m not sure…….
Your positivity knows no bounds Scott… 😆
Half full Digger!! I hope you’re right matey! We are very close to great things, imho!
Morning all. While I agree that crying over spilt milk is futile, a manager succeeds or fails by the decisions he makes and regarding the whole Cesc situation Wenger either did or didn’t make a mistake. Too late now. I am with Potter on this one myself. For me the plain fact is that we need three quality players in the next couple of weeks. Those that Scott mentioned, yes, but also a striker. A proper, top quality striker.
Adam, a striker would top us right off, that’s for certain.
Lee, I’m consistent, mate lol
What’s our nett spend thus far, guys??
Just rough figures…..
£41.8m
http://www.transferleague.co.uk/premiership-transfers/arsenal-transfers.html
So plenty on the kitty, Lee.
No excuse not to complete the squad then…..
Oh, and thank you, Lee 🙂
Morning all..
Cesc who? lol
I still got a hunch Khedira will happen…..
MOTM last night….
Sanogo injured? Or heading out on loan?
But if that was playing for us, would we not be tempted to say ‘it was only Burnley’?
Loan, Rico…..that was my tip after the weekend 🙂
Said similar Scott, maybe AW wanted to see what he was like against Palace before making a decision. Not suggesting I’m right, but it’s a possibility…
Plus, Arteta’s comment yesterday about not having a 23/30 goal scorer ‘yet’ could be a hint… 😉
What’s it with the Cesc love in remember he forced he’s way out of the team and refusing to play pretending he was injured.
So when the team needed him the most he left us at this moment our mid- field doesn’t need him.
24/30? 25/30?
It’s hardly a love in, It was merely stating that he played well last night.
Morning Rico. If so, there are comparatively few players that would fit Arteta’s description.
Our midfield doesn’t need him……
30/40 😉
I would have thought that we need as many world-class players as we can get.
Morning Adam. I know but he could have been hinting about a striker coming in.
I’m guessing of course…..
Cavani?
What is Pato doing?
Gervinho 🙂
I don’t doubt it Rico. Do you think Wenger is going to sign a 25-30 goal a season world-class striker? 🙂
Sanogo we have Sanogo!
I don’t know Adam…
Adam, I don’t think he will, to be honest.
My question is do we need one?
Comparing our attacking weapons to last season, we are one Sanchez better off.
If Theo can stay fit, Campbell can show something, we are better off.
Where did we lose things last season?
Was it a lack of goals or too many conceded?
And Alexis, Giroud and Campbell… 😉
I should have added we MUST, MUST, MUST add a CB and DM.
Rico. I can’t even think of one at the moment who could be available but, if I could, no doubt he would be big, big money. We could afford him though.
Too many conceded Scott, imo.
DM, CB have to be the priority imo… And Sami…
Falcao, Cavani, Balotelli are all up for grabs Adam…
Kalou?
Bent?
Umbongo?
Scott. I honestly think we do. If he is going to persist with Alexis wide then we really only have Giroud who looks likely to score goals and they will be of a specific variety. For me, we need a goalscorer and a serious one at that. We are, after all, aiming to win the PL.
Rico. I wonder which one he will buy? 🙂
We should press Besiktas hard tonight,
—–Ram–Arteta—-
Alexi————–Ox
—–Camp–Gir—–
Morning all,
big shame Sanogo isn’t fit, he’s ready..
Morning All…
There are many pros and cons concerning Fabregas.
But in the final analysis, you cannot have too many quality players…
Is Cesc better than what we have?
If the answer if yes, then it was stupid not to sign him.
If only to stop him going to Chelsea or ManUre…
It’s only one result and one performance, but Wenger’s decision not to resign him has all the ingredients of becoming a major major blunder…
Kev, would he have upset our squad though…that’s my question.
Adam, fair enough, but I hope Arsene plays Sanchez through the middle.
Cavani Adam….
I don’t think a DM is on Wenger’s shopping list. Arteta captain, Flamini in the wings, Diaby when fit, Ramsey/Jack and play deep in his eyes. He will not leave out Arteta or Jack to supplement a new CM. I’ve conceded defeat in our chase for a DM
He might have Scott, then again, he might not have?
He might have loved being in the same team as Ozil, Sanchez and Ramsey…
But it’s all conjecture Digger.
He’s a Chav now and I suspect that we’ll be debating this point for the rest of this season and beyond, especially if Cesc makes ‘the’ difference for Gazprom…
Off to the Osteo..
Morning All,
So far the transfer kitty is still intact,other than Sanchez(puma money).
Wenger waiting(I hope) to nip in cut price for bodies,surely he can see after the new injuries…why the delay with the bubble and squeek,
3 games this week..Lastminute.com
I don’t think he would of upset the squad BUT as you said earlier Scott, Arsene didn’t want him so move on!
🙂 Adam, none I suspect…
Fred, Arsene’s waiting for us to qualify for the CL then Cavani, Khedira,Carvalho and Hummels are coming…..Adam was told by Ivan! 😉
I’d laugh my socks off if that happened Lee. After having to be brought round by smelling salts of course… 😉
I know lee..my brothers mate at work told us his sisters best mate meet this bloke in primark last week and he told her his brother saw wenger signing the checks for them players you mention…
Lee just passing on the info mate.
Lee. 🙂
The one place our team is well stocked with players is mid-field if we are going to spend 30m the are better places to spend it.
Just a question would anyone take Nasri back for 30m cause in the end he forced he’s way out the same as Cesc.
In my opinion a mistake , you can argue that it was only Burnley but we struggled to break down a manager less Palace and got lucky at the end .
Just a question how do you know Cesc forced his way out?
Midfield well stocked? Is Fabregas better than Arteta, Flamini, Rosicky, Wilshere,Diaby or Santi?
Hope you are wrong Nickie, you have to be….
Neither here nor there as he’s a chav now but saying we don’t need him….really?
I didn’t see the game potter, did Burnley park the bus like Palace?
Just playing devils advocate really, when a few of our ‘not so liked/good’ players do well against the so called lesser sides, ‘we’ are quick to say the opposition was poor…
I guess I’m just asking how good were Burnley, the way SS’s are going on about Chelsea, you’d think they had just beaten Real Madrid 3-1….
Thought the chavs looked up to speed last night after going one down,Fab pulling the strings all over the place.
I hope our players were watching that game,wenger did say we have the same type of player as Fab,,jack/Rambo.?
Nasri is not in the same class as Cesc , when we talk about managing people if you get a situation like we had with Cesc and later RVP, as a manager you have to ask yourself the question WHY ?. What caused it and could I have handled it better.Effectively they both left because of the lack of quality in our squad and they saw that the club was displaying no intention of improving it. We now have improved our squad and the opportunity to resign a player that is better than all but possibly Ozil in our current squad but for supposed personal reasons we chose not to and in my opinion foolishly cutting our nose off to spite our face .
Anyway water under the bridge now , if we are going back to our just buying prospects to fill shirts , we had better hope that Wilshere finds another gear because the one he was in on Saturday wasn’t good enough.
I think he would have upset the squad Lee, only because a bottle of Aldi’s finest ketchup told me… lol
Morning all…. i dont seem to able to get over “PEST FABREGAS” so I’m just gtoing to shut my mouth on anything that concerns me.
****** concerns him
All conjecture Rico…. Arsene will address the team’s deficiencies over the next 2 weeks! I’m half full today……..
Morning Rico, Imo Burnley played a more open game and gave chelsea a lot to think about. Not sure chelsea would have fared as well if they played like palace did. By the way didnt palace beat them last season ?
Potter, did Cesc also leave Barca due to their lack of quality?
No, and I doubt he left us because of that.
I reckon he was homesick, but Barca wasn’t the heavenly experience he thought it’d be and things soured, so they got rid of him.
On Cesc Lee what I remember reading at the time and the fact he was injured for us and played for Barcelona as soon as he signed for them.
Potter. I couldn’t agree more. Excellent points.
Rico. Burnley had a go for sure and you had to admire their commitment, but once Chelsea got going and Cesc started pulling the strings….
Because of our unique association with him I am hardly surprised that people are talking about the bloke this morning.
Bondex, Palace effectively ended Cheslkis league Challenge…..
FALCAO!!
There is no doubting the quality of Cesc on the pitch…he is world class.
Off it, he has a massive question mark, and obviously Wenger thought so.
I’m Cesc’ed out now 🙂
Lee, i think your flying high mate…
It is Lee. My glass is full, has been all summer, although I’m starting to get a bit twitchy…
Morning bondex, thanks. Yes, I think Palace got a very important victory over them last season. It was one which made me very happy.. lol
Adam, that’s my point really, had Palace played such an open game and attacked us, I bet we’d have picked them off with ease and scored a few…
They didn’t though, they came to park the bus and did it very well. We still won though…
Bt, I think I must of over loaded the last one! 😉
Yeah Rico, Sanogo would of given them a right picking off! 😉
Good work, Lee….
Rico, check your mail.
I would of thought the lure of playing with Gerwanko would of kept all our top players…..
Cesc is better than a lot of our mid – field players but my point is the team needs the money that Cesc would have cost spent in other areas.
I think it’s agreed that Arsenal need CDM,striker and one our two center backs.
I am willing to take on all comers that we finish higher than Chelski this season.
I haven’t had any takers yet, even amongst my Chelski mates.
False bravado from them until the pressure is on 🙂
Think Wenger, Think Wenger’s history…..now think is Wenger really going to spend 15-25-35m on a defensive midfielder when we have so many bodies in that area. The answer is 90% no. I’ve come to terms with it and I feel great, please do the same lol
I’ll do that bet with you Scott.
Rico. I agree. We are talking about the first game of the season but our needs haven’t really changed and that is all I am thinking about really.
I’m with mee betting mate Lee, i’ll take a piece of that action, Scott.
I agree with Rico…..had PAlace attacked us we would have scored 3 to 5.
As it is they came to defend and went away with what they deserved. NOTHING
And their goal was a couple of comedies of errors. we gifted it to them not they created it.
Point is lets not allow those poisonous journalist make us feel our win on Saturday was poor. Nothing really happened for chelsea in the second half of that game even after the “OLD ONE ” came on..
Bt, how was your Cobra mate?
You guys have more confidence on Chelksi than their own fans lol.
What’s the wager?
Left me wanting more, Lee….Hold on a minute havn’t had…….lol
Eduardo Vargas’ expectations have taken a nose dive lol Linked with Arsenal, signs on loan with QPR
Scott, we’re on the roll of lifetime, mate….lol
🙂 Lee, I reckon he would have….
Vargas to Qpr!
I’m flexible Scott.
Nickie, that’s good news, imo
Thanks Bt.. 🙂
Adam, agree there, it’s just one game yet the media are already in overdrive. I’m standing y ‘wait until the end of the window’ view.
Then I’ll moan… Or not hopefully…. lol
You’ll get your Cobra’s… One day 😉
Rico, no problem, i have my ear plugs at the ready…
Scott , Cesc is/was a young impressionable kid when he left home to join us and he got caught in a political war as the presidential candidates for Barcelona fought each other. Many things were going on in his life his parents divorced and one candidate in particular wining and dining his father to get him to return.In the spanish team he was pressured every day to go back and he buckled. When he got to Barca the man he idolised all of his life Guardiola left the club and the new man and the new president wanted a new shiny toy to give the fans and eventually they splashed out on Neymar. He was then shunted all round the pitch not because he was playing badly but because there was no room with the other stars and because he was so adaptable he was the one that got hooked everytime. In the meantime a new manager came and the boardroom unrest continued with the neymar deal being exposed as not Kosher , the rumblings on which continue. All in all the homecoming as you named it was not a happy one and the promises made were not kept.
All of this has come from people i know in local supporters clubs in Catalonia. It was also difficult because a certain section of the crowd never accepted him because he went in the first place , just as many of you can’t see past him leaving us.
Interesting, Arsenal on a stats basis looked to have done best against one of the better teams faced
Come up with something 🙂
Rico please can you get my latest comment out of moderation, very encouraging picture 🙂
Potter, great post.
It does put to bed the fact Cesc left due to our lacking quality players though.
It was never going to work there…he was always going to be the odd man out, and Barca bought him for ego and pride only….as usual.
Thanks for that…..
It’s out Nickie..
🙂 Bt…
New Post up..
I would do the same thing Wenger did to Fabregas, I won’t take him back, why should he? he’s good and so fu*c*ing what? he left us and claimed love for barca then barca who he called his home claimed much love for Suarez and pushed him out and then again he’s back, please he looks confused and his story sounds like a glory hunter, I have an Ozil and a Ramsey and cesc will unsettle that team, except for a DMF that midfield still looks better without cesc, we might still argue what if after the season but we are human and Fabregas didn’t deserve the second chance let’s move on
£50