Morning all.
Two good results for the British sides on Thursday. England huffed and puffed their way to a 2-1 victory over Wales thanks to the subs Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge and Northern Ireland notched up an unexpected 2-0 victory over Ukraine.
Credit has to go to Roy Hodgson, who unlike our own manager, didn’t mess around when it came to making the changes. Sterling and Kane were really quite average so at half-time, both were replaced. Ten minutes after the re-start, Vardy made the score level and then in extra-time, Sturridge scored to secure a massive three points for his country. Aaron Ramsey had a good game, which is a positive sign if he brings that kind of performance back to his club next season.
I’d imagine Fraser Forster will be left wondering when his chance will come after Joe Hart made a right pigs ear of Bale’s free kick as I’m sure his 6′ 7″ frame would have tipped that ball around the post!
New boy Granit Xhaka has been talking to the official site about his favourite footballing moment and to no great surprise, it was Basel knocking Man Utd out of the Champions League back in 2011:
I think (the best moment of my career) was a game against Manchester United for Basel. We played in Manchester and drew 3-3, then we played at home and won 2-1 to knock them out and progress to the next round.
It was big. Basel were a smaller club than Manchester United and to beat them 2-1 was a very nice moment.
Let’s hope Arsenal can do something similar this coming season as it’s about time Arsene Wenger beat a side managed by Mourinho in a match more important than the Community Shield and he will if he assembles a stronger squad this summer and finds a new approach to the game.
Kelechi Nwakali, the young Nigerian who has finally become an Arsenal player apparently, has according to reports this morning, been handed the number 25 shirt (his idol Kanu’s old number) and will go straight into the first team squad which comes as a bit of a surprise. People in the world of football compare Nwakali to Yaya Toure, which in itself is quite complimentary and despite being young in years, he looks a strong lad. One to watch this season perhaps.
I watched much of the Sweden v Italy match last night. Ibra was very poor imo but Kim Kallstrom, yes, the man we signed on loan with a bad/broken back, played really well, in fact it’s hard to believe he’ll soon be 34 years old. Same with Tomas Rosicky who was in action yesterday, such a shame injury robbed him of his best years in the game. Ghastly stuff again with flares being thrown onto the pitch by the Croatia ‘fans’ which stopped the match for a while and they could be in trouble. UEFA are investigating the incident and as a result, Croatia could be thrown out of the tournament.
Morata finally popped up with two goals for Spain last night which will have done him the world of good having spurned a few chances in his last game. I know, I know, it was only against Turkey, but he still had to find the net.
Lastly, Leicester City chief Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha is confident Jamie Vardy will turn down Arsenal and stay with the Premier League champions. Talking to Mailsport, he’s quoted as saying:
You will see the news very soon, but I think he will stay.
Onto Plan B then Arsene, which according to The Express is Daniel Sturridge and that’s because the bookies have Arsenal down as favourites to sign him.
Then again, it could be Moussa Dembélé, who according to reports, Arsene Wenger is chasing. He’s 19 years old, French and he’s out of contract this summer – yep, that’s more like it….
Liverpool want him too apparently but surely he’d prefer to work under the great Frenchman rather than Klopp….
Great to see Tim Peake and his chums back on earth safely…
Bet they’re glad to come back after all that peace and tranquility to this sadly mixed up planet.
I bet Potter…
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Not surprised that TR7, Kim Kallstrom and some of the other ‘football geriatrics’ are playing so well, it is probably their last chances in a big tournament.
Morning Cg.
Good point and having hardly played through the season, their legs should be fresh. Unlike Kane who looks absolutely dead on his feet…
Has anyone seen Moussa Dembélé play much?
Rico – It’s not only Kane that looks tired. The long BPL season seems to be effecting a number of the England based players. I just hope and pray that none of them suffer any serious injuries during the Euros. Some of them could already miss the start of the season if their national teams progress to the late stages of the Euros.
As for the Euros, many of the games have been uninspiring, if not an outright snooze fest.
Very true Cg. Probably why so many of the matches have been boring…
I don’t mind if a few of the England players suffer an injury or two though…. 😉
Rico – Regarding your article yesterday; it is good to see that even the ‘icons’ like Ronaldo can have feet of clay sometimes. A great player, but also an odious narcissist.
Rico – No guesses required to know who some of those ‘few’ are; wink, wink, nudge, nudge, eh, eh.
Ha ha Cg, you know me too well… lol
Mr arrogant isn’t he, great player as you say, but he’s all about Ronaldo…
Morning All
Morning Rico, yes the doughnut was revoltingly delicious ?
Morning Kev, can’t say I’d be tempted into trying one. Jam only for me… 😉
Catch up later guys as it’s a quiet one…
Afternoon Rico and the house
Big game for the Irish
They can do it
We used to complain about team Beckham but Ronaldo takes it to a new level .
Vardy- no
Morata – expensive
Benzema?
Benzema= jailbait
Vardy + red bull and scus? Healthy lifestyle? Probably not. Wenger diet? He couldn’t cope = no deal!
Morata not worth the money quoted. Apart from the two gap ovals he scored he didn’t make much impression on the game last night, = a passenger!
Top, top players, strikers are very few and very far between. Can’t see Wenger finding one, well, better than we already have on the books!
TW nearly over, for us!
Rico, how come I’ve turned green? I was a nice royal blue before! I shall have to find my own logo! You’ve been warned! ! ! !
Ah, I’m back to normal! Thank goodness. I lost my sense of identity for a few moments there!
You went green wavy
Maybe you have a bit of Irish in you
Come on Ireland
The ref for Belgium v IRL must be Mike Deans’ nephew. …wow he’s horrible. How can a ref be this bad in an international game. I feel sorry for S Long he’s being abused reminds me of Giroud, and no calls.
I know obi
Goon half boy’s
Keep it up
Outclassed
Where’s micko
Micko is innocent…
Arsenal watch: Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky. Maybe I’m seeing things where there’s nothing to see, but I don’t like the manner in which Cech conceded the first. It was a good strike from Perisic, but I have this nagging feeling Cech could have done better. As for the 2nd, our goalie was also culpable, albeit indirectly, by passing to a full-back under pressure. Petr isn’t being helped by his teammates at all for the 2nd game running, though, it has to be said. It’s looking suspiciously like his countrymen made a bet of how many Cech can save before he finally succumbs and concedes.
Just read this on the Gunners Town blog , just made me think ,did Cech bring his goalkeeper coach or has he fallen under the spell of our usual ones ?
On to Italy
We can still do this
I’ll stand corrected but, the first that Cech conceded to the slightest of flicks off the diving defender. The second, I wholeheartedly agree, it was a ridiculous throw out to the left back who had nowhere to go and no one to pass it to, the outcome was almost inevitable! I believe he did much the same last season for us. Did he throw it to Flamini? Who obviously couldn’t cope as soon as he was put under pressure, was robbed and a goal was scored but, it was all down to a silly throw out. Can’t remember who it was against, sorry.
Other than that I thought Cech played well. He really kept the Czechs’ in the match. God knows what the score would have been without him?
He didn’t Potter. Chelsea kept him…
Afternoon all..
How did ROI not get awarded a penalty for that kick to Long’s (I think) head?
We were just not good enough Rico
James McCarthy was shocking,how he plays in the PL is beyond me
Lukaku, like Morata, found his shooting boots at last…
He’s off back to Chelsea, so his brother hinted…
Perhaps your boys will beat Italy Mg… 😉
You never know Rico. They may put out a weakened team,seeing as they have already qualified
But have they won the group yet Mg?
They have Rico, because they beat Belgium
Charlie Nicholas’s brother Stephen has been found dead in his home…. Just 45 years old… 🙁 🙁
Ok, then you might be right Mg, rest a few which could be good for your boys…
Iceland must be empty…
They’re all in France…
Great atmosphere…
Iceland 1-0
🙂
Micko must be drowning his sorrows, like myself
Come back micko your not a jinx
It would be hiilarious if vardy stayed at Leicester and then Kant’s and mahrez buggered off.
He’ll end up ruing the decision to stay then but next year he’ll be 30 and no top club will be in for him.
Especially if AW signed both Gd10….
Tomas Rosicky injured and will miss the rest of the Euros. Gutted for him….
Night guys, catch up tomorrow…
Night Rico
Ha ha Rico
If that were to happen, I’d love to be a fly on the wall when the news broke to vardy.
Portugal 0-0 Austria, I didn’t see that one coming…
It would be a bit of a shock if Portugal didn’t qualify…
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Great result by Austria. Now Portugal will face Hungary in their final game and I feel they will hammer them. Or will they???
IT seems that now Daley Blind is the favourite of the journalists right now.
Do we all honestly think Hosay will sell to us for the 2nd summer in a row???
No way.
It would be funny though Kev…. 😉
Morning to you, Devil and all…
AW has said he expects Vardy to stay at Leicester….
Another Summer Transfer Window of high expectations and excitement with every Gooner knowing what we need and what we want ………………….then for Arsene to slap us in the face with a healthy bank balance sheet with a photo of a smirk faced aroused Kroenke on his £500m ranch attached !.
Anyonne else feel limp at just a Granit Xhaka purchase ?
Obviously Wenger knows Arsenal need a striker ( amongst other positions ) as he has tried to get Vardy, but if as it seems he wont be coming, will Wenger look elswhere knowing he will have to pay the full asking price ?…………….seems to me that part of Wenger`s pursuit of Vardy was knowing he was at a discount of 33% for CL teams !………that would have been enough to turn Wenger`s budgie smugglers into nuclear submarine smugglers !.
Morning all and happy Fathers Day to those who know whose their`s are ! 😀
Lc, but the transfer window isn’t open yet… 😉
Morning Rico, yeah I’ve just read those Vardy comments from Wenger, and Dembele doesn’t do it for me either and anyway he seems intent on returning to PSG, so where does Arseen go from here….?
Rico, that’s true boss but do any of us think it will make any difference when the window opens, because I don’t…
We’re in for another frustrating summer of rumour and inertia…
But hey, there’s always a silver lining,new might not make anymore significant signings but Arseen is gonna get a new contract…
Hooray…
Goodness only knows Kev, but I sure hope he does…
Yes Kev, I do. I’m quietly confident AW will snap up a couple more yet…
I think so as well Rico. But imo the players will either be young or someone who we have never heard of or AW would have bought them from the flea market stalls.
In all honesty Devil, I don’t care where they come from as long as they are darn good at what they do…. 🙂
You might be right Rico/Coach in as far as new signings are concerned, but I can’t see any signings being made that’ll make us contenders for the EPL or CL…
Meanwhile Chelsea, City and United will all improve and leave us in their wake…
I mean if Arsenal/Wenger cannot get Vardy over the line then we really are up the creek….
But Vardy might not be rejecting Arsenal Kev, just that he prefers to stay up north and be loyal to his club. I actually admire him if that’s his reasons for staying with Leicester, although I think he’s daft at this stage in his career…
But you know what, I still wouldn’t be surprised if AW is telling porkies, just to help Leicester out so they don’t get ripped off in the transfer market.
Rumour is they’ve offered £20+ now for Deeney which has been turned down.
From where do you buy Boufale??? From Primark, Lidl, Flea Market, the corner grocery or from Harrods???
Barcelona, Chavs and Atletico Madrid all want him.
Rico…..do you think that AW and Ranieri have agreed Vardy sale and are keeping it mum until they buy a replacement like Deeney but not pay big money???
So do Arsenal apparently…
I don’t know Devil, but nothing would surprise me…
Morning Rico and all. I think that Wenger won’t make it through another season if he doesn’t get himself and the team together and serve up something new and more versatile. If he is indeed sitting in France debating whether he should go into the season with the same striking line up and with Danny W. out injured for a long time, then how can he complain if it all goes wrong again? Last season was a shock for a lot of fans and he must know that his support is totally dependent on what he does next. Screw up like last year and his position will quickly become untenable and the fanbase will once again be in a bad place.
Having said that, the Euros look like a terrible place to go window shopping as the quality of the football and the strikers in particular, has been woeful.
Afternoon Adam. Spot on and exactly why I think he will.
He’d be a darn fool not to, that’s for sure..
Rico. Wilfred Bramble not arriving is OK by me. 🙂
Didn’t Wenger say that South America is the place for strikers?
I still have a feeling that there is a big shock around the corner in terms of an arrival or a departure.
🙂 Adam..
Perhaps AW is keeping an eye on the COPA…
I hope so Rico. There are a lot of clubs likely to be looking to buy and sell so as soon as the debacle known as the Euros ends I would imagine there will be plenty of money flying around. The worst thing is of course the return of that revolting creep Mourinho and his psychopathy will bring issues all of their own. If he can irritate Wenger and destabilise us in any way, he will, especially if he is spending someone else’s money to do so.
You can bet he’ll poke his nose into any deal Wenger is trying to do if he gets wind of it Adam. The Euros have been a real let down haven’t they? Although I do hope to watch France play the Swiss later…
What do you make of the Blind story?
Hope it’s poppycock myself…
Hi all. Haven’t seen the interview but AW wouldn’t give anything away on Chinese/Japanese TV. I suspect he was being ironic and probably gave his knowing smirk too! My belief is that the deal is done but all parties are keeping it quiet. Otherwise it makes no sense that Vardy hasn’t just said he is stsying which would end the discussion and take the pressure off him. unless of course he is hoping for a good Euro and s move to a mega club!
Hi Bob. I kind of lean towards that too, as you say, if he was staying put, surely he’d just say so and put the whole saga to bed so he can get on with England…
Blind makes sense (from a Wenger POV) left back, centre mid, centre back on emergency.
Wenger loves a jack of all trades master of none type in his squads.
Grimandi, flamini for example
Nelson vivas was another
Good poin Gd, still, there’s always the hope that Mourinho won’t sell to Arsenal. lol
Rico. Blind looks like a good player to me though I am unsure what his best position is.
So was LvG Adam.. 😉
I wouldn’t mind blind if he were to fulfill that exact role tbh.
Not every player in the squad has to be bonafide world class. If blind can come in and drop in where needed for rotation I think it could be a decent signing.
Can’t see it though because, yeah, mourinho.
Rico. But at least LVG had a sense of humour. 🙂
For a person who doesn`t see the blatantly obvious …………………. Wenger to be in for Blind is irony at it`s best !.
I agree that Daley Blind can play in a number of positions. Just not sure he is particularly good in any of them. Moronho would only sell to us if he thinks he would be selling a no mark.
Wenger`s own newspaper………………The Daily Blind !……………….I didn`t see it !
Did he Adam? 😉
I’m with you Bob re Blind..
I think so Rico. When he responded to the fans by bellowing “LVG’s red army” was certainly amusing. 🙂
That was odd Adam… Lol
Ha ha LC..
If, as Arsene says, there will be one or a maximum of two more arrivals, which positions would they be?
Hopefully, a striker and winger. Oh, then a defender and left back if Gibbs goes and a right back once Debuchy leaves… 😉
Rico. 🙂
I forgot a midfielder Adam… Then have a clear out… ??
One or two Rico. 🙂
Just one Adam. Imo anyway… Lol
Don’t. 🙂
Kante would be good…
West Ham: good shopping, good business, good players and good team to next season.
If we are to believe the stories in the media, Raniei already has a player lined up to replace Kante, AW should just do a Mourinho and nip in and sign him…. 😉
Do you think they’ll keep hold of Payet Jm?
Ornstein has spoken !…………………………
“Vardy set to reject Arsenal & stay at Leicester. No final decision yet but favouring #LCFC. #AFC won’t improve offer, pursuing other options”
Who the fcuk are the other options ?
That’s it then LC, the master has spoken… Lol
Lol then vardy truly is stupider than he looks.
True Rico………………………if only Wenger was as consistent as Ornstein !. 🙂
He wants one or two more !………….wanting and actually buying are different matters though !.
http://www.squawka.com/news/arsenal-aim-to-follow-up-granit-xhaka-signing-with-two-more-arrivals-says-arsene-wenger/701761
Two isn’t enough imo, unless that’s on top of who he replaces…
And he still needs to sort his own tictacs out….
I’m off guys, enjoy the footie..
Night all.
So it looks like the postman will return for a 2nd delivery as our striker cover for Welbeck.
How energising …
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Read through the comments……..if Kante is signed by AW (which I doubt) then that only means one thing……that AW will not sign a winger since Aaron can play there instead of B2B. a defensive midfield of Xhaka and Kante rotated with Cazorla and Coquelin. And infront of them Alexis, Aaron and Ozil. It also means that Ollie and Theo (as it stands) will spearhead the attack.
And if reports I read of Blind are true than it means that Gibbs will leave and Blind will deputise at LB and emergency CB after Per and Chambers (who can also deputise at RB) while Jenks will be the reserve RB.
It makes sense of AW considering how AW’s mind works.
Rumours of Wenger being offered a 3yr new deal……
Morning Devil, Lee and all.
That’s worrying Lee, but not a surprise… Good old Kroenke…..
???
What’s that all about Joe?
My comment on a new contract for our manager ?
It’s party time
This Vardy stuff is very strange why the delay in announcement if he’s staying at Leicester
In the …
Joe, did you know there are many ‘pro Arsene Wenger’ websites out there on NN?
Morning Rico and all. I can certainly believe the suggestion of a new contract for Arsene.
More mediocrity and just generally making the numbers up in all the worthwhile competitions, I’m over the moon with that such ambition being shown from the club!
Morning Adam. Me too.
Ridiculous…
” we are looking for 1 or 2 more players but it’s not easy. ” guess who???
I imagine that the club realise that the alternatives are both too few and likely to be more costly. This had to happen though, but I am not sure Wenger will sign a new contract right now. Surely the board should have waited to see how the TW, pre-season and early parts of the PL campaign go first or they could have a very undesirable situation on their hands.
I’ll have to think about who that could be… 😉 😉
There is a dearth of high quality players around as those who can muster the enthusiasm for the Euros must be noticing.
Doesn’t he always wait until the end of his contract before signing a new one?
Perhaps he will again, just after we win the Capital One Cup… 😉
As we said yesterday Adam, Wenger would be better off watching the COPA America for players…
I bet he’s doing that too Rico. Looking for bargains. 🙂
Rico I do but it now seems I haven been asked to to stop making comments on hh so I will.
I bet you are right Adam.. 😉
Joe, I just thought you’d enjoy it more being surrounded by AW lovers….
Morning all,
I think Blind’s range of passing is pretty good as well as his positioning. He could fit nicely in Cazorla’s role if he gets injured. He also seems to be a leader which would help us greatly.
He’s a decent left back but I don’t see him getting forward much.
Unless he’s surplus at United, Mourinho will drag us around the bush and then refuse right at the end.
Morning Brad. Where does Blind play for Holland?
I agree that buying him from a Mourinho-managed team could be troublesome.
I agree Brad, no chance of Mourinho selling to Arsenal, even if the player was rubbish, he’s still do Wenger no favours…
New post up now..
Morning all .
COPA America Rico !………………….from what I`ve seen of the EURO`s, he`d be better taking a look over the Hackney Marshes !. 🙂
Happy Summer Solstice to you all……………..the longest day !……………which basically means this is as bad as it gets in waiting for Arsene to buy a striker !.
I prefer the Winter Solstice or January Transfer Window as us Gooners know it………nice short days of waiting for Arsene to buy a striker !. hahaha
Blind buying the Blind….