Morning all,
Lukasz Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, Wenger’s major signing’s last summer, have now played almost two-thirds of their debut season for the Gunners.
How do we think they have done so far?
This is my take:
Lukasz Podolski, Arsene’s first signing of last summer, is an experienced German International, so he came with an impeccable reputation…
Podolski, to coin a phrase, is a scorer of great goals rather than a great goal scorer. Some of his goals have been quite spectacular as they have ripped into the net. But, as with his clever finish against Tottenham, he also has an eye for an understated and maybe scappy finish. A useful tool to have in any strikers armoury.
He’s been forced to play wide left or alternate with Giroud in his Arsenal career so far, but at Anfield I witnessed him lead the line with intelligence and subtlety, scoring the opening goal.
27 year old Lukasz has, up to today, scored 8 goals in 25 EPL games, 13 goals in 34 games in total….
I feel that we have a lot more to come from Herr Podolski, over the next 3+ years i can see him becoming a major force in our team.
Olivier Giroud was the next arrival, from Ligue Un 2012 champions Montpelier. A player gradually working his way into the French National team.
Giroud is not a player who is pleasing on the eye, but for a big man he has a sure touch and is very skilful on the deck.
It took him longer to settle into his new surroundings, than the other new arrivals, but he is slowly adapting to the pulsating style that is English football.
Of course, his prowess in the air is where we see his most important asset to the team. Clever flick ons to team mates, deft angled headers beyond diving goalkeepers.
He’s also slid in and bundled the ball home, as he did at Upton Park to equalise West Ham’s opener. So it’s not all about what he does with his barnet that counts.
26 year old Olivier has, up to date scored 9 goals in 27 EPL games, 14 goals in 39 games in total…
Our French centre-forward is the Marmite of the trio, you either like him, or you don’t, but i think that Monsieur Giroud has done well in his debut season, and in time, will become a firm fans favourite and key member of our team.
Santi Cazorla was Wenger’s third, and sadly, final signing of the summer. The regular Spanish International was a steal from cash-strapped Malaga. He was an immediate hit with the fans, who warmed to his sunny demeanour and sunnier skills.
Santi hit the deck running, playing in his link-up position just behind the central striker. But opponents soon cottoned onto his part in the team and stifled his influence. Now he tends to play a wider role, but a player as intelligent as Santi, has license to wander and cause mayhem when the opportunity arises.
Despite the more physical approach in the EPL, Cazorla has adapted to that side of the game quickly, skipping past ogres like Shawcross, as if they don’t exist. For a diminutive midfielder, more known for creating goals, Santi has, in fact, been quite prolific this campaign.
Keys goals against Liverpool, West Ham and Sunderland have earned Arsenal vital wins in this mixed season. The tally so far for the 28 year old is, 11 goals in 27 EPL games, 11 goals in 37 games in total.
Our Spanish midfielder has so much more to show us and I fully expect to see Senor Cazorla continuing to thrill Gooners across the globe with his trickery and impish talent.
I cannot comment on Nacho Monreal yet, as I’ve not seen him play live, but from what I’ve read and heard, our 27 year old Spanish full-back has the talent to be a very big player for Arsenal.
Written by Allezkev
Today’s gossip:
We are planning a double raid on Saint Etienne apparently!
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Stephane Ruffier are the two players that Giles Grimandi is very very impressed with. In fact so impressed, he has ‘ordered’ Steve Rowley to go and see them with his own eyes!!
Exciting stuff eh!
In case you haven’t heard of these two highly rated top players before, goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier has been in outstanding scintillating form so far this season this campaign and has been key to his clubs impressive defensive record, which is only bettered by Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain. He’s 26 years old, 6′ 2″ tall and has played once for France, back in 2010.
Kev – Great post. I agree with your evaluation of the three new comers. Podolski has been largely played out of position, much as he has in the last couple of years for Germany, but he is a natural goalscorer. The big lad up front gets isolated but must be a handful for defenders. Personally I would like to see Walcott playing off him, as a two. Santi is class but I suspect he would benefit from a strong holding midfielder winning the ball for him.
Nice post AK. I think they have all done a decent job in their first seasons, trouble is we needed more from them and probably the whole team. Hopefully next year they will be that much more settled and really kick on!
Trying my best to just ignore all rumours, very hard though as there seems to be 10 new ones every week.
Was good to see the dippers beat the spuds, can we for once capitalise on this piece of good fortune and close the gap?!
Morning all,
Good post. Couldnt agree more.. the 3 have done ok, its the rest that have to up their game. JW and Jenks aside, the others have been substandard and inconsistent.
Id like the formation to go back to 4-4-2. Play JW in the middle with Ros/Arteta/Santi rotating Ox left theo right, our franco german cannons up top
A decent weekend to – we didn’t lose and the Spuds did 🙂
So I guess any hope of a brave new Arsenal world has come to nothing. The same old transfer rumours that come to nothing continue.
Morning all.
Another good one Kev!!
Morning all…
Really good read Ak, spot on re Podolski, he should be scoring more imho..
And why hasn’t Santi managed a goal in any of the Cups I wonder….
good post.I dnt like Walcott nowadays.He never runs into spaces to create chance for others.He now possess “strikers instinct” which i dont think is good when he is deployed wide.Also he doesnt possess ability to outsmart an average defender atleast with 70 percent success rate.I prefer a player with good team play rather than having speedster Walcott.If Ox can develop his crossing skills.He will be my first choice over Walcott.Three players you mentioned herd has better “team” mentality than Theo.Any way Theo was different when he played along RVP.Mainly because at that time he cannot think about playing in the middle when RVP was ruling the striker position.
Scott, agree re your comment on the last post. A draw would be good out there in Germany. Of course we want to win it but I just can’t see Bayern surrendering such a lead.
A good solid performance would do the confidence some good…
Lewis – I always take rumours with a pinch of salt, most of what is written in the press is made up. They have to fill the columns, so the best way is to prospect on who is going to buy who. Harder with Arsenal, because they don’t feed the press regarding players. So unless the press attribute a claim to a ‘named’ person, I treat it as bs, because it usually is.
PS: See Bale dived again, even Jamie Rednapp criticised him for holding his face when Lucas caught his shoulder. The blokes a disgrace.
Going to quickly nip Fido out for a walk, looks like some bad weather is on its way. Snow!!
Theo would be better with a guy like Cesc feeding him.
He needs someone to find a pass to take advantage of his speed, and none better in the world than Cesc.
Scott – Cesc 🙂
What’s this. Is Highbury House trying to sell season tickets on behalf of Stan and the gang ?
I am afraid that it doesn’t matter who we sign – after six months of Wenger’s coaching they will only have a future as car park attendants.
Steve ????
Rico
Rico We have serious snow blizzards here in Essex. Only a Great dabne would be safe!
Hi all,
Nice positive one Kev, you talk rather politely of these 3. I unfortunately feel they unbalance the team due to their 3 different styles of play. Cazorla is too deep for a number 10 and Monreal will be under alot of pressure due to his free role on the flank.
Podolski seems lost upfront as a lone striker and limited as a winger. He helps defend but no pace to break away, beat the full back or be able to skip past or behind defenders. Great finisher but not sure if we can afford to play 10 man football with Pod as a poacher.
Giroud, well his performances speaks for itself. Great header but Arsenal are poor crossers, great target man but no one plays near enough to him for it to matter. Too slow to play striker in Arsenal style of play, not skilled enough to be tricky to make things happen and not the copy of RVP when it comes to finishing.
Steve, HH would not be the site it is if it constantly bagged the club.
Personally, i think it is great that some sites can still find a positive here and there to report.
Hello again all…
Not a chance Steve, I thought you would have recognised my sarcasm in the gossip section….
And the last comment, was trying to be ironic on this cold winters day….
Kj, I think those blizzards are heading my way, snow has just started…
just remembered, rico,scott, we had a little bet at the start of the season, i said podolski/ Giroud wouldnt score over 30 league goals between them?? lol 17 atm, ps a bet i hope i lose 🙂
@kevin 10:56 great Dane? err what NB52 coming back into the squad? hope not? or …is he gonna temp at Highbury and Islington as a Car Parking attendant? lol @Steve
Bradster has a few valid points there…I dont think we are getting the most out of our team..I still feel its down to the formation we are playing. Playing Ramsey at RB when we are chasing a game is not tactical, but suicidal and detrimental to our balance. We should be able to adjust our formations in games when we have been sussed out
🙂 Kel, I forgot that, best I get writing that cheque out, or did I suggest they wouldn’t, I can’t remember…
Georg, Kj said Great Dane, not some Dane with a huge ego, no brains and little footballing skill….
😉
Rico, loool…
I think Gervinho and NB52 should sell popcorn in the stands to bring them back to reality…
Great Dane ….Laudrup for Wenger??
Lol, not to worry Rico only a friendly bet 😉 yeah you were confident they would get over 30 in the league between them! Still possible tho, fingers crossed:)
Rico, only joking ( about HH, not Wenger’s coaching) !
My own view is that Laudrup is the next best up and coming manager and he’d be a good catch for us, but hasn’t he just signed a new contract at Swansea?
Still think a lot depends on where we finish, top four and AW will stay, anything else and I see him walking away….
Kel, mine are firmly crossed 😉
Phew Steve, for minute there… You know my thoughts on Wenger’s coaching and I don’t suppose they are too different from yours…
Morning all,
Another good post AK, Our new men had a lot to do after RVP vacated . Many supporters have looked for comparisons. but a lot of others believe that new players first season is a bedding in year. Always a hard feat for new players to come in and hit the ground running, but when you have just sold a 30 goal a season striker its only natural that you expect a manager who says he will only buy when he can buy better. Players who actually can. Managers who want to win trophies do not buy 3 players and expect them to take a season to bed in. They keep their best players and add top players to make the squad stronger. Many would say that i am not thinking in a positive way. but at the end of the day what have we won this year and what has RVP done. We are a very well known football club, we promote ourselves as successful we tell everybody how much profit we make but we have had no on field success in 8 years..Don’t you think that is wrong doesn’t the club feel that’s wrong, or am i on my own.
What’s the latest on Ryo’s injury, anyone know??
Have to agree Sp. Most thought Podolski would breeze in and take the PL by storm.
Sadly his performances have been what I feared, hit and miss.
Giroud, well imho he’s a squad striker, one to come off the bench and get us a winner from a set piece.
We still lack a clinical goal scorer……. We have done since TH left…
George – Great Dane 🙂 Talk about misrepresentation……!
Kel, it aint over yet 🙂
Ryo and Benik are goners me thinks Rico.
Ryo wont inspire confiende with his injury record and wont qualify for a work permit and Benik’s injury is a career threatener.
Did anyone see H Lansbury’s brace this weekend. We let the wrong ones go always..
I must add, i did not think for a second Podolski would be stuck playing wide every bloody week.
I was hoping we would go two up front but alas, i was, once again, wrong!!
Rico, Podolski is clinical, just stuck wide.
Put him dead centre with the chances Theo, Gervinho and Giroud have and and his tally would be much higher, i reckon.
Scott, I think its the way to Amarillo mate..
4-3-3 isnt delivering
Kevin ….Have you seen NB52 ploughing through Epping forest ?
We lack guys who can get a decent cross over.
We lack that Cesc type player who can thread the eye of the needle.
As much as we have all, at times, gushed over our midfield, they play no small part in our defensive frailties and our lack of creativity.
We tend to lame the back 4 when we defend badly, and our front guys for not scoring.
Our midfielders have had some great moments, but not that many.
Go back to our golden years and look at our midfielders.
Henry had plenty of chances created for him.
Adams had a mean bastard right in front of him.
Yes, i concede we could be better up front and down back, but our midfielders do get let off lightly when the criticism flies.
There are still moments in every game when you could drive a semi trailer down the middle of the park.
Wenger does need a slap with a tactical instruction guide.
Off to bed.
Have a great day guys.
George, not sure we always let the wrong younger ones go, but sure as heck naffed up with Lansbury.
You could be right about Pod Scott, but didn’t/doesn’t he play on the left for Germany and Cologne?
Scott I have always liked two up top, a big fella with an
agile finisher alongside, picking up those knock downs and second balls. Helps you keep the ball, difficult if you isolate a lone forward.
4-4-2 is old style now, most teams play this 4-5-1, which with the ball often becomes a 4-3-3
Problem we have is when a team plays deep and denies Theo the space he needs. The plan B is the frustration for me, when he has Podolski, a natural finsiher being asked to work the line back and forth or get subbed more often than not. I have to be honest, as much as I respect young Ramsey and the fact he suffered that shocking injury wearing our shirt, he isn’t good enough.In many ways our team could easily switch to two up top with conventional wingers but Santi and Arteta means that cannot really happen.
George Armstrong, how I used to love that sort of wing play.
.
George Armstrong could cross a ball..Nice chap who died on the training pitch i think after a row with Jay Bothroyd…
Morning all.Laudrup has signed on a 1 year extension to 2015, With Wenger here up to the end of the 2014 season, could happen.
George Armstrong , lovely guy to speak with and could centre for fun, wouldn’t allow corners and crosses to be cut out at the near post so often.
gg9, i keep meaning to ask you if you are ready for the The Ashes series this summer 😉
We have been saying the same here about a ‘plan b’ since HH started, nearly 3 years ago….
Yet, somehow, this plan b gets overlooked by our coaching staff/manager…
Yet it’s so simple really.
I think Real, Barca, Chelsea or City will get him Potter…
Rico, if those 4 dodge him, we have a chance…more rubles there for BL
Morning Rico and all. If Wenger doesn’t sign a new contract I doubt he will be with us next season.
This Arsenal team we have are reasonable players, i know i have had a go at Wenger but all this team is really lacking is a bit of backbone, we back off,. we hesitate when a challenge is needed We prefer to pass when a shot is on and we have no real tough guys . Other teams know that they know if they rush our players they panic, they hit stray passes they bottle out.. They know that our goalkeeper is not happy to kick a ball they know if they shut him down fast he will endeavour to give the ball away. We have bundles of talent even when players are played out of position they still have talent but they lack the most important thing Balls, Balls to go into the tackle with the intention of winning the ball. Getting up for headers and actually heading it instead of ducking their heads. A team can have multi skills like our team has, but balls will win you games.
George Armstrong – one of the best. Just when I’m feeling despondant and depressed about all things Arsenal, you mention a name and I remember why I have always loved this club.
At least he knows he’ll earn good money with us George 😉
Afternoon Adam. Does Wenger even sign a new contract before entering the last year of his current one?
SP , you are right , we are definately too soft. there is no one throwing their body to block a cross or attack a cross.
If Giroud is our only hope we cant expect much. And for a 6ft 6 lump, Mert does get pushed off the ball all too easily. Michu is no Giant, but wants it more…
The sides of 71 and 79 were great.. Much better than the 89 side I grew up thinking they were the bee knees …The invincables were a good blend, but back then they were 2 teams in 1. Wengers and GG’s
Hi Rico. I remember him saying that a manager in the last year of his contract is powerless and he knows that every interview and press conference will centre around that one question. Which top player would sign knowing this? He will either sign soon or go in my opinion. He won’t put the club in limbo for yet another season.
Can’t disagree again Sp…
Old ground but………i watched bits of the chavs game yesterday and also manure turning up for their humiliating defeat against Real! Enjoyed both but noticed that our old grey badger seemed way off the pace! Do you know what. I think he’s injured and old red nose his managing him through it…..to the team’s cost! He, saf, nearly had a “defining week in football” by being dumped out of 2 cups in the same week! Sound familiar? And the talisman has lost his mojo! What a shame but I do hope I’m right!,
Not seen any comments in the pres though criticising saf’s coaching/managing skills!
Ah yes, I think I remember him saying that Adam, I still think we will see changes in the summer….
Rico, while Silent Stan and IG are about , no mgr will want to come to us…
Ideal situation. Syrup sells to Jabba. Wenger goes and AN Other comes in. I know you like Bergkamp Rico but it would be Mourinho for me.
George. If Wenger goes most managers would want to come, including some good ones.
I reckon you might be right Wavy, he’s sure lost his touch of late. Might be all the work that is demanded of him on the pitch, he’s not used to being told to track back and defend set pieces/corners…
I’m hoping Kroenke sells George…
I do like Bergkamp Adam, and Henry, and of course Keown.
Jose, well for sure he’d be ok, I guess the media would love Arsenal again if he joined us….
If Kroenke stays, I’m not sure he’d have a clue who to appoint, and the thought of a manager who would want funds might be a bit too scarey for him….
But, do footballers really like Jose, do they respect him??
He seems to have upset a few at Real….
Adam , we are most good mgrs 5th choice club, after the 2 spanish ones and the 2 easy money pay off jobs that are City and chavski
Rico & Wavy would be funny if RVP’s form deserted him and Abu Dhabi City won the league again lool
Even funnier would be us somehow like a boot in the head miracle won the CL
Rico. All good reasons why Kroenke should go. A Gooner told me the other day he didn’t want Mourinho because he didn’t like him. An odd reason I thought. I want him because he is a git.
SP – Agree. We are a couple of quality players away in key positions, the spine of the team. Experienced goalkeeper for SZ to learn from. Midfield is far too lightweight, need a strong ball winner in there. The same at CB. I can’t stand the bloke but a John Terry type who knows his craft and has a nasty side. Like against Spurs, those two goals were basic defensive errors. My Sunday defenders know how to defend those balls! These are International players making basic errors and it means they are not good enough. Forget tactics, you need defenders who know how to defend properly. Ours do not.
George. If you want to believe that then please explain why Guardiola went to Bayern, a team that don’t figure in your top 5.
I’d laugh my socks off George, especially if Chelsea or City then knock them out of the FA Cup…
I’m kind of where the other Gooner is, but I see pros and cons with someone like Jose…
Adam i reckon Pep is waiting for Red nose to retire and biding his time at a safe bet club like BM
Wenger is a busted flush. A new player here and there really ain’t gonna do it anymore. The club needs a flush through from top to bottom. Wenger has had his chance and it’s time to move on.
Wavy – Great point. Red Nose the bully will never get criticised in the press because the reporters doing so know they will get banned from press conferences. What about David Moyes, another free of criticism despite being given a good hiding by Wigan at home. And bales latest attempt to cheat by holding his face not reported other than on Sky replay. perhaps it helps that they are British?.
Pep could damage his reputation easily at a club like BM. The Arsenal job is more attractive now that Wenger has cocked-up so badly over the last few years. Pep wanted to come to Arsenal. He likes the club, was always at the ground and knows that they give managers time. All things that he wouldn’t get at Chelsea.
Adam, With the squad BM have, Iain Dowie could do a job, So he’s safer there.
Can’t see Pep damaging his rep there in all honesty.
Kevin & Wavy , being British does help with the press. Cazorla and Suarez dive like Bale , yet no mention..
Its an unsavoury part of the modern game
Adam , furthermore, he liked our club as he raided it every year lol
Rico , Stranger things have happened.. We win the CL and Man city do them for a double while Chelski self destruct lol…
but then again … Id better wake up
George, I do think there is a small chance that manure could be caught, but it’s not very likely. Red nose has probably won his last trophy! 2013 what a year! BUT I believe this may be saf’s swan song. I have no evidence but I have a feling in my water thatncome May he will announce his immediate retirement from frontline football and he will be replaced by either Maureenoh or Moyes. If he doesn’t retire this summer I can see him being carried out in a box before the year is out! Despite everything, I am not wishing him dead but I do think ar his age adrenalin induced rants and rages are just good for the old codger! And will do him permanent harm. And I’m sure he knows it!
As for the manure team, they have been poor all year, with one or two notable matches, they are however, two injuries away from falling apart, imho. (Except I’m not humble!)
As for Wenger’s coming or going, he will not leave this summer no matter what our final position is in the league. He won’t be sacked and he won’t break his contract. End of 2014, maybe he’ll call it a day then – when he’s 65! ( to the tune of the famous Beatles song, only a year later!)
According to Talk Sport one oclock news both Ribery and Robben are out injured add to that Schwienstieger suspended and suddenly there is a glimmer. if only we had Vieira , Cesc , Henry and Pires to take advantage.
Wavy, It would make my day, Fergie to retire as a runner up and dumped out of the cup
Also a flying boot to RVP would make a smashing headline
Adam – Pep? Who knows but he had some great kids and the ability and money to buy whoever he wanted. Imagine messi, Iniesta, Xabi, Villa etc in the Arsenal team!
The Arsenal job is attractive because of what has just been built financially. Arsenal is now officially able to join the big four of Bayern, Barca, Real and Man Utd. That’s why you will now get consortiums and the like circling.
No manager would come to a club that had decided to make money on player transactions and was therefore happy to sell its best players.That is no longer the case.
If Wenger doesnt spend the money on player transfers plus wages, I will join you but I am very opitimistic. If this time next season things have not changed, i will streak around the Emirates, wearing nothing but a Spurs scarf and you can beat the hell out of me.
I want a firm manager this time around, no more wiping tushy, pampering. He must show who’s boss, this is their job, not a paid holiday and no one is there because of their name and international rep.
I agree with KJ, no one does their defensive jobs. No one gets stuck in, it’s either tracking the man or not my role. When do we ever try make tackles higher up the pitch? We just give them space and time and retreat into our half.
I really meant that Pep could cock up, despite Bayern being such a great team already.
Arsenal have always been big news and the manager’s job is one of the biggest in football. I cannot see what the argument for Wenger staying is. He has played fast and loose with the club for years. We are in decline and he has rejected every opportunity to improve the squad.
Signings.
1. Podolski. Hugely disappointing signing. Inconsistent, lazy and obviously not fit enough. He’s nearly 28 years old, and will not change now. Let’s cut our losses (if we can ) and send him packing back to the Bundesliga, hopefully with Mertersacker.
2. Giroud. If we aspire to be a team that fight’s for championship’s,
he is well short. At best should be a fourth choice striker.
3. Cazorla. Has the quality and attitude to play in any top side in Europe.
I agree Adam, players won’t change what is going on above, until changes are made in the right direction things are stuck as they are….
Martin. I agree with those assessments.
Rico. There are, as I have said before, just too many things that don’t make sense. We need a complete change and it ain’t Josh bleedin’ Kroenke.
So the squilster and santos haven’t improved the team Adam?
Is he Josh Kroenke 1st?
Lee. You know that Wenger lost the ability to coach players some time ago. 🙂
Lee. In the Doomsday scenario, that can’t be ruled out yet, Josh is the face of Arsenal.
Or jnr?
R.I.P Tony Gubba…
😆 Potter…
Podolski is a doubt for us too…
As for Wednesday, Jerome Boateng is a
suspended, according to the bbc
Have we got a chance? Half a chance? Or is the only chance we’ve is No chance?
Can we win 3 – 0? Yes we can
Will we win 3 a 0? No we won’t. It’ll be 4!!!!!!
Bradster I agree. Players need to be managed firmly and I do think that is a fair criticsm. These guys should be dying for our shirt. After the Spurs game I would have made those idiots at the back answerable for their actions. basic errors, which only they are answerable for. These are Internationals for heavens sake. Don’t tell me they need teh manager to hold their hands!
If I don’t do my job my boss would let me know. Players seem free from criticism. I guess the real problem is if you drop these players as punishment who do you bring in? One thing anout Red Nose, he does not put up with sloppyness, those guys would not make taht mistake again. I would fine them for lack of effort and not doing what they are being paid to do. Ultimately, if they aren’t good enough or prepared to fight for our Club, get players in that are.
Squil is gone, as for santos, the club can launch a new george foreman sandwich maker called “the Left back”
As for Weng..well, PSG awaits
Podolski has been a doubt for me since he joined. 🙂
Has to be Jose then Brad?
We’d be better off with Jimmy Krankie than Josh Kroenke Adam.!
Hi Lee, RIP Tony Gubba indeed… That’s sad news….
Syrup jnr played basketball for the Missouri Arseholes…so he knows a thing or seven about soccer-ball! Phew, that’ll clinch it……
Sounds like Escape To Victory Lee. 🙂
Think we need a few more of Bayerns players to drop out though 😉
Ha ha Adam…
Wavy – 🙂 Along with Kevs original post, you have made me feel good on a Monday!!
Potter – I would take just Vieira, one of the greatest players I have ever seen. he would have died for the cause.
As for Squill and Santos, they wouldn’t get in my Sunday team.
Rico, Adam & Lee, like Neuer to drop out as well..
Rico. 🙂
Almost as good as Lee’s unforgettable statement that we had more chance of signing Reg Varney than Edison Cavani. Still makes me chuckle.
Sadly I can’t see wenger changing that mindset. It needs to be a fresh start, someone who brings in discipline from day 1. Hopefully his own staff from Cleaner to Coach as from what I’ve heard Bould has a bad track record with the youngsters and were pourous defensively but maybe he was a puppet then already.
I wouldn’t mind Di Matteo as coach, he had some good ideas with Chelsea.
Do you remember that player Oxlade-Chamberlain? Whatever happened to him?
GERVINHO ‘MIRACLES DO HAPPEN’
By Drewza on 11 March 2013
It was wonderful to see two of my current favourite footballers, Luis Suarez and Scotty Parker, have a go at each other yesterday when Liverpool amazingly beat Spurs. That distinctly vile part of me, which is very Jerry Springer (I’m working on it…), was disappointed though that they didn’t tear at each other’s faces. Scott – what! –did try to kiss and make up as they left the field together. He scurried after Suarez and attempted to shake his hand but the Uruguayan patted him patronisingly, which must have irked the Englishman no end. A sad day, indeed, for football that these two loveable fellows will never be friends… because they deserve to be. And what a statement that would be about multi-culturalism. Certainly a moment missed. Ah well.
The 3-2 result did mean that Liverpool advanced, their fetid breath misting our leather slippers, just 2 away, alongside Everton. And Spurs are stuck. Is this the start of their decline? It’s a nice hiatus and it means, all the more urgently, that we have to take all 3 points at Swansea this Saturday to exploit that game in hand.
A good weekend was had by all.
But for the time being it’s just about Bayern mid-week. 10 days without playing means that we supposedly go to Munich fresh on Wednesday. Per Mertesacker said it as well as anyone.
“We go to Munich and take our chance there.”
It would be one hell of a chance. The official site quotes Gervinho saying, “You just never know, a miracle can happen. If we score an early goal it will put them under pressure.”
We have talked about early goals and putting them under pressure. But for all the early possession this team gets pressure and goals are not part of the package. Early shots on goal would be good. That would be progress.
After a surfeit of hope/ wishful thinking, I choose at this juncture to remain sceptical. I’d love it, of course, but the fact is our First XI would have to radically change the way they start games for us to be able to turn it around at the Allianz Arena. Gervinho, who had a stint away at the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, has once again faltered in the Arsenal strip. So it’s interesting that a player who has so many psychological issues in England –that seem to vanish once he gets on African soil – is talking big about the trip to Germany.
“We just need to keep positive and give everything we have. We all know anything can happen in football.”
“This is a completely new match,” he said. “We are only at half time in this tie, and we must go there with belief. The players will go and give absolutely everything. We have to believe in our talents.
“Personally, I still believe we can make it, I know it will be difficult, but I still believe in us. We are going through a tough period at the moment, but there is still a really good spirit with this group of players. Just because we lost the first match at Emirates Stadium, we will not give up.”
In an interview with The National, UAE, after he’d scored the winner for Ivory Coast in their opening Afcon game against Togo in January, Gervinho spoke about his contrasting fortunes for country and club. He said at the time:
“If I continue to have a good Nations Cup, I’ll set off back to Arsenal with a lot of confidence.”
“I see all Arsenal’s games while I am here. I follow what Arsène Wenger is saying. We are a strong squad with very good players and I want to play a big part in the last three or four months of our season.”
This is his chance. Gervinho doesn’t have a great record at making miracles, especially when he’s self-consciously scrutinized by the home crowd at Emirates. But as he often proves when he’s all relaxed and Ivorian, he can score decisive goals.
There’ll need to be a number of those in Munich.
Personally, I don’t like Maurinho, to full of himself and seems to rub his teams up the wrong way. I don’t know that side of managers, other than Fergie, so I can’t suggest someone to take over. I just see how our players act like spoilt bratts because their “like a father to them” allows them to.
The biggest miracle that has happened to Gervinho is that we pay that wanker to play “football” for us….
The one that played a blinder against AC Milan? Good player he was……
Dutch, our miracle certainly wont come from star treks clingon..
More likely to be an own goal, a scruffy grioud goal and a JW shot from outside the box, alongside 10 missed 1 on 1’s by Gomez & co
lol@Lee…
Lee 🙂 That Gervinho comment is funny…….. unfortunately it is also true.
Bradster – Mourinho would never be an Arsenal Manager. I would not want him too , everyone hates us as it is, could you imagine? Bigger ego that Rio Ferdinand and that is saying something!
You’ve got to laugh otherwise you’d be getting the crack pipe out….sad but true!
Why would Mourinho never be an Arsenal manager?
Exactly George..
Me too Adam, a very funny comment by Lee… 🙂
Only reason I can think of Adam is the lack of funds. Dunno about Porto but he spent big at Chelsea, Inter and Real.
He’s be ‘Wengered’ Adam, bit like turning orange from tango, but this means you have all your footballing skills and ability removed 😉
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1076&bih=557&tbm=isch&tbnid=d-t8Br4TJKeQWM:&imgrefurl=http://www.feintzebra.co.uk/football/captain-gervinho-worf-come-on-you-reds/&docid=mcUWs1LBKxb3oM&imgurl=http://www.feintzebra.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gervinho-as-worf.jpg&w=583&h=449&ei=euU9UaewEO3B7AactYHQCA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:1,s:0,i:83&iact=rc&dur=756&page=1&tbnh=197&tbnw=256&start=0&ndsp=9&tx=126&ty=87
Adam – No way in a million years would Arsenal employ Mourinho or a character like him. It would never happen Adam.
Afternoon Dg.
We stand more of a chance in Munich if Gervinho remains in London!
Lets hope he’s need on the Starship Enterprise Rico
Kj, you mean you believe it wouldn’t happen?
I never thought Arsenal would sell to an American who knows little about football, or has enough money to invest in us, but they did…..
Or gets beamed up somewhere else George….
New Manager in Arsenal’s Dressing room first team talk
Morning Lads My names The Guvner, and i want to tell you what i want of you, I don’t want any discussions until i have finished but then it will be open to discusions.
I will start with you Czezesney You are the size of goalkeeper that i shall be looking for , I want you to be able to catch the ball more than most keepers Parry, I want a keeper that commands his area, I want a keeper that can keep his concentration even if he has nothing to do.I need a keeper who can kick the ball to the edge of the opposing goal if he needs to and above all i need good handling this could be you but after a couple of games if i don’t see that in you i will look elsewhere.
Sagna you are the type of player i like i know you are getting on a bit but that doesn’t bother me if you can keep your fitness. You have the ability that i’m looking for but can you get back to your best, we have younger players waiting in the wings but at the moment i am going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but i will be watching very closely.
Per Mertsacker You have the height that i am looking for you have the kind of look that i like but as you know you are not the fasted man on earth and i would like more pace i am going to put a trainer with you, and we are going to get you the extra pace I want, we’ll see how that goes.
Vermaelen, you may lose your captaincy that’s completely up to you, I want you to concentrate on your positioning and your timing i like the way you have played in the past and i shall want that backI. If you can get back to that kind of form you and me will get on fine.
Gibbs, You have a history of injury, i understand that this is not your fault but i have to tell you i want a settled team and having you missing for long spells throughout the season doe’s not fit in with my plans i Know you know what i am saying (nod)
Carzorla You have talent, i like that. You have skill i like that too, you shoot i like that what i also like is work rate I like annitiative and creativeness i want you to express your self and i need a player that will fight for the ball and back his team mates up, I believe this could be you i will watch you a bit more.
Arteta You have impressed me when i have watched you but you know you are not getting any younger i may have to replace you if your form goes but not until we see how you can perform..
Ramsey you create a bit of a problem to me I like your style but i don’t think you are creative enough, your shooting is way off the mark and passing is way off the mark i think you have great potential so we will see how it goes.
Wilshere you may be the player that i may build my team around i like your enthusiasm and your creativity if you keep improving you may be my choice of captain but of course that depends on form, the captain we have at the moment may make that choice very hard for me. .
Rosiski, You also cause me problems your style is to my liking that penetrating forward runs appeals to me but your age also is against you, your fitness will also need to improve so we will give it a short while and see how things go.
Podolski can you last for 90 minutes as my players need to have athleticism i like what you do and expect a lot from you, don’t let me down.
Giroud you are a bit of a mystery to me, do you class yourself as a centre forward. because i want an out and out goal scorer i don’t really know where you fit into my plans but i do like your determination we will talk again.
Gervinho. You are also a problem to me I don’t think you are giving everything you could have, and i am going to watch you and see if we can squeeze a bit more from you as i wouldn’t want you to go until i know for sure.
Walcott. Now what do i do with you a player with explosive pace who would fit right into my plans on the wing but from what i gather you want to play central i realise that you have just signed a long contract but that will not guarentee you a place in the team unless i see results, as i said to Giroud i want goals and i want commitment whether its either of you, or i might have to look elsewhere. it’s up to you but i need results.
The rest of you i will speak to later. But things will change You are all pro footballers and you know we are in the entertainment business bums on seats pays your wages and its going to be my job to get the best from you. I will not stand for under effort from players and will not hesitate in replacing any player if i feel that i am not getting 100% from you.
I am here to bring glory to the club and i have the boards permission, its up to you all i will give you all the chance to show me what you can do but if i have to lose you i will.
Any questions.
George, that photo you just posted was that post his new weave??
🙂 Sp, I think a few words like ‘find yourself another club’ would be branded around too….
Gervinho’s replacement?
KJ. Firstly, I am not talking about the current regime. I am talking about a new board and ownership. A set-up that wants to tear the place up and win something. And what you say is not a reason. Who is the best manager in the world? He’s the one we want.
yep , Walthamstow market Lee..
Rico, Lets hope beam me up scotty zaps him into an Iceland Advert. That way he can make us some money at least , as he doesnt make anything else on the pitch
Afternoon Goonerdom Worshippers,
Kev fair assessment and clean cut observance. Although I missed the chemistry analysis. They hardly sizzle as mixed substrates under equal conditions.
Their together performances are best described as a traffic light, sharing the same switch board. If one beacons radiant green the others simply function as the implications of the remaining colours. Not turned on or stopping distribution death in its tracks. I expected more synergy from capped internationals.
Special tnx to SteveP, yesterday’s post brought back memories. Back-to-the-future like Michael
J. Fox in his souped up DeLorean.
George. Is that Joleon Lescott?
Bradster. I don’t like him either, but he’d whip this lot into shape…
Glad it made you smile Mate 🙂
I don’t know though Adam. If Kroenke wants to get majority fans back on his side overnight, appointing Jose might be the best way to do it….
He’s a winner and we’ve lacked one of them for a while….
Bradstreet. If FFP has any teeth we will have lots of money for a new manager, plus what he can get for the players heading out the door. As was recently pointed out, our £120 million cash reserves were true a year ago so there should be more now. We have some very decent players but they lack direction and that cutting-edge winning mentality. Wenger’s arrogant prudence should ensure ample funds I think. And if you look at the money he spent at Chelsea, a lot turned out to be decent buys didn’t they?
Personally I think he’s a dog but if he was our manager I reckon we’d warm to him. At least the players would feel his presence.
For sure Rico. We are looking down the barrel I think and the club needs serious leadership, not only for the team but the fans so desperately need something to believe in again. I think time is short and Syrup better have a plan
My 2.45. Sorry, I meant Bradster. Bloody iPad.
He’s an insult to a dog Adam.. But yes, he’d have this lot sorted before we travel to Swansea I bet….
Got to pop off for an hour…. laters..
So the Spuds , panicked.
I must say even we played better than them apart from the sloppy goals we let in.
Well we had 10days rest , how come Wenger doesn’t do what QPR and Man utd did for their players , take them to UAE for some proper sun , this will re energize them I am sure.
SD. Ryanair probably wouldn’t give him a big enough discount. Or he’s been working for a French broadcaster, like did last year as the transfer window slipped by.
Dan Air….
Flybe?
Bendtner Bomber Airways
Pass N Forget Air Lines
because the weather has been rubbish for the past few days so I dont think 10days rest will do any good when their muscles would have been half frozen.
Lee / George
You’re both aware 747’s do need runways? I mean tarmac and Bendtner……….
Dutch…v good …:D
SD mertescakcer cant get any slower can he ?
Dutch, the 747’s could use Gervinho’s five head as a runway…..simples!
Dan Dare Air with the Mekon as pilot. Or more likely ……Air France, one way ticket to Strsbourg. Single fare.
EPL experience is the best solution to our problems
Square Pass Atlantic Air
Pilot : Rosicky
Air hostesses : Ramsey & Artheta
Cabin : Mertescaker
Right engine : Sangya
Left Engine: Arshavin
Wheels : Diaby (:( )
Crew : All square passed.
Lee…im in stiches mate…
Lee
Is there any stone on this planet for Gervinho to hide under? Give dolphin head a rerun, touch and go for another landing attempt. He’ll be like a new signing fresh from gateway 5. LOL
Where is the Goonster these days?
Adam
Stan probably on the iron ankle ball, working the chain gang in a pink overall with Bubba. Convicted of staging fake immigrant marriage to obtain the rubber stamped green card.
How’s the IMac? Still watching the beach ball motoring idle?
Hello again all….
So then, someone can enter our homes, steal all our possessions, some of which can never be replaced, either physically or emotionally and they walk away from court with a fine they are allowed to pay on a weekly basis …..
However,
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce have each been jailed for eight months for lying about a speeding offence committed a decade ago.
The law is indeed an Ass!!
I have to say Gervinho makes my team of the worst 11 players ever to wear an Arsenal shirt:
1.Vince Bartram
2. Nelsen Vivas
3. Andre Santos
4. Gus Caesar
5. Willie Young
6. Stewart Robson
7. John Jensen
8. Ian Ure
9. Francis Jeffers
10.Peter Marinello
11.Gervinho
Rico Blimey, I agree with you 100%….!! the law is indeed an ass.
On the front page of my local paper, last week, a burglar with previous convictions got a caution by the custody sergeant. The police said it sounds soft but it isn’t because if he gets caught again, the caution gets added to his sentence. You could not make it up.
http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/Family-stunned-burglar-walks-free-raiding-home/story-18343319-detail/story.html#axzz2NFrfoHXj
Keep that thought Kj, George has written a post on that very subject. 😉
Another one bites the dust. Mcdermott has left Reading…He was a gooner..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21748762
It’s a joke Kj, an absolute bloody joke and makes my blood boil…
The whole prosecution system needs changing…
But hey, best I get off my high horse 😉
My mates wife works for the CPS. She says we would all go mad if we knew about the cases that they throw out every day. Best we don’t then! When you get older you get less tolerant – hold that thought!!
I’m not surprised at that news George, the fans made it clear on Saturday what they thought….
George – Sorry but great minds and all that…!
George, I was talking with my sister ( Reading ST holder) yesterday, and I said that McDermott and Wenger have so much in common in today’s football.
They concentrate on attacking and forget the basics at the back. She said she didn’t know what they could do to for the best.
I said ‘sack him’……
CPS are a group of toothless tigers… lead by bigger toothless tigers 🙄
Perhaps we could charge Wenger with perverting the course of football?
Would it be a custodial or just more community service, to be carried out at The Emirates? That really would be criminal!
Same on this side of the pond, justice has been spoon hollowed by attorneys me thinks. Before they legally represent anyone, years of archaeological dig training went on to undermine societies preferred repercussions. Rather a loophole than a sentence.
Hiya DG. Still running slow but not as bad as before thanks mate.
Rapists, murderers, burglars, nonces, scumbags, Tony Blair and that bloke who cut me up this morning should all be shot. Durham should be shot 3 times, buried, dug up and shot again.
Adam have you preformed the RAM check? It will show you the workload versus your processing power. If you’re in the red zone, extra RAM memory is required and will fix your annoyance instantly.
Wavy, I think Wenger could be charged with Deception 😉
A house near me has a sign which says:
‘Trespassers will be shot, survivors will be shot again’
I like that…
Just going to eat…. Back shortly…
Morning all.
Rico, yes, played left in and for Germany, but playing wide for a side that knows how to defend means you do’t have to spend more time tracking back than you do attacking.
We also tend to build our play too slowly meaning wide men just don’t get the chances they would in a more open style set up.
Horses for courses.
Kevin, Ramsey has had two cracking games this season…..he has played central twice this season.
No coincidence there.
He is being used to plug gaps, rightly or wrongly.
Hey Rico.
Have you heard about the new Vietnamese cookbook? It’s called 101 ways to wok your dog. Lmao.
All done 😛
Hi Dutch. How do I look at the Ram usage?
Evening Rico.
Hi Dg – That is vile, absolutely vile…..
I agree Rico. 🙂
Evening Adam….
It should be a bit easier for Pod Scott, now that we have a proper left back, but seriously, if the team as a whole had it drummed into them how to defend, we too could be using Podolski properly.
It’s coaching Scott, it has to be….
Don’t turn it around Rico…Podolski to Wenger.
Sly bugger 🙂
I reckon we all agree Wenger is a manager, and should leave the coaching to the coaches.
Rico. When will Wenger sign his new deal do you think? Will it be for another 4 years!
McDermott’s available.
You, agreeing with me Adam. Wonders will never cease 😉
Ha ha Scott, but I didn’t see you disagreeing 😉
Very, very unfair indeed Rico. I usually always agree with you because I know you are always right. 🙂
What, Brian, I coach the same way as Arsene, McDermott..
Yep, just the ticket Adam 😉
I am not worthy Rico. Just a toad.
😆 Adam.
Ah, now you are talking. A toad it is then….
But Adam, a kiss from a princess……..
Rico those Vietnamese are some frivolous carnivore bunch, aren’t they? Although in this case it was misinterpreted by the editor, ‘101 ways to walk your dog’.
Adam
Out of RAM
There is no bigger slowdown to encounter than when you run out of available RAM. When you run out of RAM, virtual memory takes over, and virtual memory is slow because it relies on your hard disk to store information needed for apps and OS X to run rather than keeping that information in super-fast RAM.
How to Know: Open “Activity Monitor” from the /Applications/Utilities/ folder, click on the “System Memory” tab at the bottom, and look at the colorful pie chart. If you don’t see any green, you’re running low on “Free” memory, and you can check just how low by looking at the “Free” item. “Inactive” is another potentially valuable resource to look at.
Low Disk Space
Anytime any computer is running very low on disk space, the computer will slow down dramatically, and Macs are no different. The reason is fairly simple; between the operating system and all your apps, a lot of temporary cache files are generated, and things are swapped in and out of memory and to the disk as needed. If your disk is full, those actions take longer because older cache files and swap files must be deleted before new ones can be generated, which creates a stall before any further system process can be taken. This whole thing can be painfully slow especially on traditional hard disk drives, and can leave any Mac feeling as slow as molasses.
How to Know: Checking available hard disk space is a cinch, just go to the desktop and open any folder, then pull down the “View” menu and select “Show Status Bar”. Now look at the bottom of the Finder window you opened, if the number of available space is less than several GB’s, you should take action. If the number is 0, you need to take immediate action!
Evening all, lots of snow in north Essex….
Frog,toad….whatever 🙂
Rico, i have always agreed he wants to play too many guys out of position for starters, and yes, our set up leaves a lot to be desired.
When you have Dennis, Thierry, Patrick etc, etc, etc, you show them where the pitch is, sit back and enjoy.
Sun is shining here Lee 🙂
Scott 🙂
Dg, you are a toad too 😉
I reckon it’s got naff all to do with the computer……try the user!!! 😉
It will hopefully shining in the Indian Ocean from Thursday!!!! 🙂
Evening Scott.
Little prince doing well I read. Loved the JW down syndrome kid doing 2 field laps. Couldn’t stop smiling for an hour. Cheers mate.
It’s been trying here all day Lee, the wind is bitter and cruel…
Fido refused to to go further halfway through her walk today it was so so cold…
I’m sure it will be Lee. I’m not envious though, not one bit 😉
Dutch, it was a good moment.
Little fella is going well mate.
Scott, but this is when AW should be earning his money, getting the best out of what/who he signed.
This is when a great manager proves he is great….
Or not…….. 😉
You be careful young lady. Calling me amphibian…tsk tsk tsk. Kermit will by no means approve you using his descendants in vain.
Yes.
Thats all you are getting out of me lol
Rico, i defend his off field dealings to a certain extent as i truly believe other factors restrict him, but i very rarely defend the on field stuff.
You just like winding me up, but no bites today 🙂
😉 Dg….
All this shows Scott, is that you can’t defend the indefensible 😉
And yes, I do like to kid with you, it took a long time to get there, but we did 😉
Lee
Re naff to do with the Mac. How do you repair a user? I mean I’ve seen some feet wearing fangled footy boots while the equipment wasn’t their issue to begin with.
Still going on to this day I believe.
Rico don’t you wink me, damage has been done, I feel dirty. Need some foetus curled-up time under my rainforest shower now.
Rico, i don’t think i defend him when it is an obvious issue though.
The other stuff that i am not 100% sure on, i will give him the benefit of the doubt.
If it is proven without doubt he has had money to spend and not spent it over the last few seasons, then i will tear him a new one.
I’ll be sending you a very special Lilly Pad DG 😛
I know Scott, you said it yourself. I like to pull your leg….
None of us know for sure how much money AW has been told he can spend but we do know money is there.
Money AW has had, hasn’t always been spent wisely either.
But where it really matters is being able to get the best from what we have, and AW isn’t doing that…….
And that is destroying Arsenal….
Got to be nearly bed time for Rico…………..
Great weather if your an Eskimo……
Yes it is Wath. Was just about to say goodnight to the world of HH…..
Weathers shocking – cold, snowy and with a bitter bitter wind Wath
🙁
Thanks DG. I shall check it out when I sit down to work tomorrow.
Is Lee off to the Indian Ocean then?
Rico be sure the Lilly pad comes with one of those triple layered kingsize pocket-spring hotel beds, so I can preserve my species. LOL
Me too. Night all.
Night Adam. Night Princess, stop by for a kiss. This spell is dragging my reputation down.
🙂 Dg, I will do my best…
He is Adam.
I am now off too, have a good one all…
Nighty Night…..
😉 Dg……….
Rico,
I reckon the lack of performance on the pitch reflects and even magnifies those we have off the pitch.
Either way, we need to improve everywhere.
Night guys.
Evening, Morning, Afternoon Gooners/ Rico.
Thanks for positive and negative comments.
They all mean so much… 😛
Adam/Dutch, you two been drinking too much Budweiser???
No Jack for tomorrow, that’s blown that then……….
Morning all…
Lee, I reckon that is an indication that a Top 4 place is more important than trying to score 3 goals in Germany.
All of course without conceding any 😉
NOT conceding would be a victory in itself, i reckon.
Morning all.
It would indeed Scott..
New post up….