Daily Bits and Bobs

Walcott optimism, Nasri after a return & is there a better time to face City?

Posted on by rico

Morning all,

City have a few out for the match tomorrow, Kolo and Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero are banned, injured or away with the ACON’s. Of course they leave behind many more very good players but I’d rather we were playing against them without those I have listed.

They’ll be up for the game though, they need to string a long run of victories together if they want to catch Utd and I hope they do after this weekend. Out of the two, I want City to win the PL. For obvious reasons of course. My preference is for all of the teams above us to go on a dreadful run and we sneak a few places up the table…

Talking of City, Samir Nasri has dedicated his Premier League medal to his old boss:

If I’m here today it’s because of him. I’ll never forget what he did for me. I owe him a lot. He gave me confidence not just as a player but as a man as well. That is why I really respect him and really like him because he cared about the men, not just about the players.

For some managers they want you to be on the pitch and that is it. For him he wants to talk to you, to know a little more about you to give you the confidence, it was like a second love for me.

I played fantastic football for three years and I learned how to play at a high level with a lot of Champions League and I was always in the race for the title. And I played with great players, a great manager and it was a great experience.

Rumours were that Nasri could be on his way out from City, is he itching for a return, would we want him back if he was?
I’m not so sure….

Staying with Arsene Wenger, hasn’t he had a fine hair-cut! It’s amazing how much brighter he looks without his curling grey locks, add the smile to his face yesterday during his press conference and he looked a lot better than he has done of late. He did hint that Theo Walcott could sign a new contract soon, maybe that is the weight which has been laying so heavy on his shoulders of late?

Discussions progress smoothly but slowly. We are on a good road but in this situation, as long as nothing is signed, you are cautious.

But I am optimistic we will get to a happy conclusion. I was optimistic last week, but I am a bit more optimistic this week.

Until he’s signed, like Wenger, I’m going to remain cautious. RvP led us to believe his contract renewal was all going to be relaxed and easy to resolve over a nice cup of coffee.

Well that coffee must have been bitter because the outcome sure was!

Talking of Robin, Wenger says that he knew selling the Dutchman to Manchester United would give them the advantage over City in the race to win the Premier League.

Wonder if he thought he could have given us that edge had we kept him, and added one or two more than he did in the summer?

Bitter, I’m off to make a coffee….

Have a good day all…..

rico

0 thoughts on “Walcott optimism, Nasri after a return & is there a better time to face City?”

  1. potter says:

    “”Talking of Robin, Wenger says that he knew selling the Dutchman to Manchester United would give them the advantage over City in the race to win the Premier League.””

    So we can conclude that he felt that we were out of it then. Is this really what we want ? Would you follow him over the trench wall ? Has this attitude spread throughout the players ?
    It’s all questions. But I think I know the answers.

  4. TT says:

    Its the players, board and owner that are the most important to Wenger, winning and pleasing the paying fans matters fuck all to him.

  6. Kamalluddeen Sajo says:

    Yeah, i will also like Nasri back, Wenger n Gazidis out, n Guardiola n Usmanov in. Dat‘s de only way Arsenal can go back to where dey belong.

  7. Lewis says:

    Morning Rico and all.

    Definitely a good time to face city, but they still have quality in abundance. If the whole team are at it and work their arses off for 94 minutes then we have a chance, time for this team to start actually showing some of that “mental strength” and “quality” that Arsene reckons he see’s.

    Nasri can go f**k himself.

    If you think selling your best player to one of your ‘rivals’ (i use this term loosely as we no longer rival them in much) will basically win them the title, why do it? I’ll say it again, he would have been worth more to us keeping him and letting his contract run down. His goals and presence may have had us challenging. Like you Rico, still bitter. Ha.

  9. rico says:

    He did say he feels sorry for the fans re the ticket prices TT, but then said that is what pays the players…

    Wouldn’t be so bad if we had 4 great players added to this current squad..

  11. Adam says:

    Morning all. It seems like I am in the minority these days but I think everything is really great at the club and I don’t believe that season tickets are expensive enough. Oh, and a tenner for fish and chips is a steal. I would be prepared to pay double that.

  12. TT says:

    Rico it makes NO difference if he adds 4 world class players. he is past it with outdated methods and approach to the game. Anyone that can not fix a simple defensive problem that has been present for over 5 years has no right to be our manager.

    Signings at this stage are meaningless and should be reserved for the incoming manager so he can build the team the way he wants it. Surly when we languish in mid table come ST renewal time he will see the light and fuck off in May or maybe the board and Stan will grow some balls and sack him.

  17. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Nasri back?! Not a chance. He’d never be accepted by the fans after openly taunting us and slagging us off. Why would anyone want him back?!

    Morning all

  19. tsGH says:

    morning all…

    Did anyone read the latest poll from the black scarf’s….

    Is it not interesting to note that a club such as ours has its ‘Director of football’ in the form of Dick Law still residing full time in Dallas, U.S of fecking A?

    So why is the person responsible for fixing of transfer deals and the re-negotiation of contracts spotted in Dallas last week when Theo has less than 6 months to go on his contract?

    Apologies for maybe coming across as someone who sees nothing wrong with our great club but it is things like this that makes me wonder…

  23. Adam says:

    TS. Our great owner lives, concealed beneath a syrup, in the US too. I am not surprised about Laws. Still, that’s why Gazidis gets the big bucks. He facilitates the stream of world-class players that arrive.

  27. rico says:

    TT – I know honest re Wenger but I still think a DM and a couple more players in key positions would make a difference.

    When AW goes, we don’t want to be mid table do we?

  29. Adam says:

    Rico. I had a dream last night. The Archangel Peter Hill Wood visited me and wiped the mist from my eyes. Then a letter came through the door from a mystical benefactor addressed to AKB Adam Adamant. I am seeing things very differently now. 🙂

  30. tsGH says:

    Excellent post by the way…

    Nastry back????

    Could someone more knowledgeable of the clubs hierachy explain to me why board members paid a minimum of £8000 a month for doing jack all? That is a minimum of £48k a month for board members who on average attend matches less than 10 times a season…

  31. Scott from Oz says:

    Guys, the home game V Everton on March 9th can be moved if we get past Swansea in the FA cup, right?
    If we do get through, when or how is the decision made on where the march 9th FA cup tie will be held??

  32. badaebakrdaemi says:

    Arsenes comments that he knew RvP would give utd the edge is admittance that we do not buy players or plan to compete for the title. We clearly buy to sit in the top 4.

    What we deserve to know as gooners is how long is this our aim. I believe that honesty would benefit the club. Because its obvious we have given up.

  33. Adam says:

    TS. It’s called, in common parlance, taking the piss. Tony Blair perfected the art some time ago. It all comes under Treadstone.

  34. tsGH says:

    😀 Adam you have been attending Findhorn again I can tell…
    You being an expect in Astral projection and all.

    Hi Scott, I still have not forgiven you for ratting on me yesterday. 😉 How are you?

  35. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Scott. I believe the decision should be mine, as for on that day, 35 years prior, I was born. And its been downhill from there!

  36. gonner says:

    I believe the fans will forgive Na$ri, including me because he may acted like a faggot but afterall it’s football, and if he comes back, it will be a great addition to the squad. But i don’t think it will happen affterall

  37. TT says:

    Rico here is the dilemma. I don’t see him doing the decent thing and leaving unless we fail to reach top 4. If we do that we will have another year of the same……..and I don’t want that, do you?

  38. Lee says:

    Everything is fine at Arsenal this is just a terrible nightmare! The alarm is going to go off soon and we will be Invincible again. Here endeth the sermon…..
    SOJO.
    SOGI.

  39. tsGH says:

    On other non-arsenal news “The National Intelligence Council has just released its much anticipated forecasting report, a 140-page document that outlines major trends and technological developments we should expect in the next 20 years. Among their many predictions, the NIC foresees the end of U.S. global dominance, the rising power of individuals against states, a growing middle class that will increasingly challenge governments, and ongoing shortages in water, food and energy. But they also envision a future in which humans have been significantly modified by their technologies — what will herald the dawn of the transhuman era.”

  40. rico says:

    Adam, maybe you shouldn’t sleep 😉

    The FA Cup fixture would take priority over the PL, IF, we beat Swansea…

    Thanks Ts..

    I don’t see him leaving until his contract expires TT, so I just don’t want us to head off down the table. Especially is Kroenke has no plans to sell up as we won’t come back the way he fails to invest…

    My wish is for AU to come in now and shake things up smartish….

  41. Scott from Oz says:

    I didn’t mean it Ginge…truly!!
    I am well mate, though a little tired after cricket in the stinking heat today……hope you are good.
    Rocky, tell me if it will be a home game then…..make the call bud lol
    My brother in law has a wedding to attend in Newcastle on the 16th, and if he goes i will probably come along….not to Newcastle though 🙂
    The trouble is the only home game around that time is the Everton game on the 9th which could well be changed.
    We also have Bayern away in CL on the 13th, and Swansea away on the 16th.
    Priority one is to see them play, but i would love to get to The Emirates if possible.
    Swansea away might be a possibility though.
    Nothing is concrete, but i will know in the next week or so.
    Any info will be appreciated guys.

  43. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, any idea how he venue is decided?
    Thinking about it, i guess it would depend on the sides involved.
    It has been a long day!

  45. TT says:

    Rico AU wont come in while the current board or owner is there and the only way to get SS to sell up is IF he can see his investment becoming a loss. It wont happen while we sell our best players and stay in top 4.
    However if, no when we drop out of top 4, his investment becomes less secure and he is an accomplished business man and selling up with profit and reinvesting in a new venture becomes feasible. Don’t forget he is the 8th largest land owner in the states and all his large enterprises are placed there bar AFC.

  46. tsGH says:

    Scott if a majority of 2300 is a majority… 😉

    46 percent want him gone, but that apparently doesn’t sound as drastic as sensationalizing only 5% want him to stay.

  47. Scott from Oz says:

    Stan is well entrenched unfortunately, but the door was held open for him and should never have been.
    Tinge, statistics and media ends up fiction lol

  49. mike says:

    it wouldnt surprise me to beet man c this week, we are becoming a team that will raise their game against the top teams, we will soon be referred to as a ” bogey team ” there is no ambition that is plain to see ,

  50. tsGH says:

    TT I can understand your views but I would not be surprised if AU and Stan are in bed together to up the value… You read in the FT about alleged rivals deliberately consorting to up their values…

    I doubt finishing out of the top 4 will actually make him sell up. My reason is based on the performances of his other franchises in the US. And why would he sell up when TV/Sky money is going up and that is guaranteed income. As I said 2 nights ago, if QPR can charge £53 pounds minimum for a ‘cat A’ club at home visiting then this is a gravy train for all current EPL team owners. Why do you thing they all want to sign up to limiting player salaries?

    As I have always said we were conned by PHW to sell our souls to ‘the devil’ but then again I also blame DD for bring Adam’s twin brother to the Emirates in the first place….

  52. rico says:

    Whoever gets drawn out the post first…

    Have family here today so best pop off and do a few vegetables, back later this afternoon.

  56. Scott from Oz says:

    Good luck Rocky.
    Sorry for ratting you out 🙂
    One man a
    One holds the destiny of Arsenal in his hands, and he couldn’t give a crap about the club, players or fans, as long as it keeps turning a profit for him.
    A sickening scenario.

  57. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning all.

    Le-Grove got it spot on this morning.

    “He has money for transfers. He has money for wages. He has money for a modern backroom team. He has world class training facilities. He has players who want to join. He has a core of players who could do great things.”

    ??

  60. Lee says:

    Hope everything is ok Rockster.
    So the £24m the club received for RvP has paid Diaby’s wages etc for the last 7yrs….well there or there abouts! You couldn’t make this shit up could you??

  63. potter says:

    There are serious questions to be asked about the pay structures and the general running of the club but the way it has become structured there is no-one to ask them.

  64. martin wengrow says:

    Hi rico. To be fair to RVP , he knew he would be going well before the end of the season. The club requested that he did not comment on his situation until after the Euros so that they could get all our season book renewals in. Re: Nasri he is too inconsistent to ever be a really top player, therefore we don’t want him back.

  67. allezkev says:

    Stan the Syrup has been connected to Arsenal for, what is it, four years now…?

    Can someone please tell me what his inclusion in the clubs hierarchy has benefitted Arsenal???

    I cannot see one area of the club, that has improved, since that shit-bag became a director/major-shareholder?!

    All I can see is the continuation of the gradual decline and slide into mediocrity that we have seen since 2006.

    Wenger is a sympton of the decline. I find it virtually impossible to defend him anymore, based on the statements and contradictions he utters on a regular basis.

    It poses the question about the proffessionalism and competence of the Arsenal Press Office.

    They seem as systematically useless, as many other arms of our failing football franchise.

  68. tsGH says:

    Hi Kev… I totally agree with you on every single point you have made.

    If I may add to your comment too…. the final nail in the coffin for me was when last month IG tried his hardest to defend Mark Gonnella on the statement that ‘Arsenal are not just about winning trophies’. IG’s excuse was that a the head of communication did not think his comments made to the press would be published…. To me that comment made me realise our CEO was more daft than the Head of Communication…

    And as I asked this morning why is Dick Law still in America when the transfer window is opened?

    This is my only reason for backing AW and nothing else… I guess like the saying goes ”better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know”…

  76. allezkev says:

    Ginge, I am not in the least bit suprised by anything that occurs on the management side of Arsenal franchise anymore.

    The fact that those in positions of authority, continually shoot themselves in the foot, which the abject supidity of their words and actions,is proof enough, to me, that collectively they are simply not able enough for the job that they are vastly overpaid to do.

    It is again, down to Stan the Syrup. These are his people, his appointees, and they are a bunch of wankers.
    Overpaid wankers at that.

    Frankly, they can all go and fcuk themselves, as my interest in all things Arsenal, is at an all-time 20 year low….

  77. potter says:

    The shame of it all is that we should not have to be discussing it at all.The boardroom shenanigans have taken over all conversation about the club . They have turned us into a soap opera giving hours of entertainment to everyone but us.

  79. Adam says:

    Another Arsenal piece on BR of such staggering and crass ineptitude that the entire Internet should be shut down for a day in protest and shame.

  80. tsGH says:

    Stan is treating our club like a chinese or indian restaurant in London where any relative coming over from abroad is guaranteed a job in the kitchen even if they can’t cook or have experience in customer services. A big joke bordering on fraud imho… 😡

  83. potter says:

    Fiszman sold to secure his families future and to maintain his position regarding his feud with Dein . At the end he did it because he saw it as the only way to make sure that D.D. couldn’t get back . Their animosity always held the club back apparently voting against each other at every opportunity.

  85. allezkev says:

    Hi,Adam.

    Ginge, I have no strong feelings as to where Syrup sources his staff, to work at his London franchise. We’ve had some fairly abject Brits making a pig’s ear of the job in recent years.

    All I care about is the quality of the people chosen.

    Almost without exception, all of Syrup’s appointees have not been up to the standard set by ManUre, and they are the king’s when it comes to selling their club’s image.

    Would Gazides or Law get a job at OT…?

    Doubtful, imo.

    And to let an employee, choose his own boss, as was the case when AW picked the club’s CEO, is, frankly laughable.

  86. Micko says:

    Hi rico, reading between the lines it looks like the world has fallen out of Kev’s bottom and I thought I had it bad.

  101. goonster says:

    howdy folks, any news? its foggy up in here. can’t see beyond my nose like arsene. cold foggy morning here. SOJI!

  109. rico says:

    Lewis, history would say we can’t…..

    But surely at some stage something has to change…. 2nd place is really up for grabs this season. With a bit change by Wenger, players start rolling up their socks and who knows, we could get it.

    But, if we carry on carrying on then no, no way….

  112. Will XL says:

    Hola gooners.

    I heard an opinion today. A friend of mine thinks that since winning the league is out of the question, and our current squad is capable of finishing 3rd, We should forget about signings in january and use the rest of the season to develop a sustainable plan for future success. He figures that buying is counter productive for the stability that Arsenal is trying to develop. It brought out some interesting discussion points.

  118. goonster says:

    i hate dragao, i hate porto as much as i hate manure. all because of mario jardel. growing up he scored in almost every game against us. grrrrrrr. boavista forever!

  132. goonster says:

    huh? adam prince charming? i ve been usurped! am the prince of HH, am a blonde adonis for crying out loud.

  133. Adam says:

    I doubt that Rico. I am watching Splash. It is awful but somehow compelling. If only Carol Vorderman was a competitor.

  137. Adam says:

    I was actually named after the original Adam Adamant Rico. Look him up on Google. A Victorian gentleman, encased in ice and defrosted in the late 20th century.

  139. Adam says:

    Rubbish Goonie. Look at RVP, Heitinger and all those young Dutch girls I saw cycling around Arnhem and Haaften. All pouty people.

  141. Adam says:

    Rico. After posting that pic the other day and now the LC thing I am beginning to get a rather different picture of the sweet young country girl I always believed you to be. 🙂

  144. Adam says:

    Really Rico. You have me blushing here. Mrs Adam just asked me why I was looking so flushed. She would never believe me if I told her. 🙂

  146. rico says:

    🙂 Adam…

    I too am off for the night, you have a lovely evening Adam, and I wish the same for everyone.

    ‘Til tomorrow all….

    Night Night…

  147. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    A few decent results for us, followed by a win v Citeh and everyone will be loving Wenger again.
    Ok, maybe not, but who cares, as long as we roll those bastards over!

  148. allezkev says:

    Thank God the snow has stayed in Berkshire.

    A sunny day tomorrow forecast…

    Aguero out is the best news for me. He always seems to score against us…

  149. allezkev says:

    Anyone know how Super Benfica are getting on?

    Moutinho would fit perfectly into the Eagle’s midfield…

  151. allezkev says:

    I wonder if the Walcott deal has been agreed, and signed, but the club are sitting on it until the close of the Window, so that Theo signing will trumpeted, so as to deflect attention away from the fact that, again, they signed bugger all…???

  152. Scott from Oz says:

    G’day Kev.
    If everything goes to plan, i may need a ride from Heathrow soon 🙂
    Not getting my hopes up yet though.
    Off to do a quick job but will be back in an hour or so.

  154. Lee says:

    Morning all…. so according to the Daily Hill Wood, Cesc will come back one day “I am convinced he will come back here. Why? “Because he is a real Arsenal man. He still watches every one of our games.” And also we are weighing up a bid for Capoue…..little tip Arsenal, pull your finger as the chavs tend to steal our targets!!!
    Poor old John Walters of stoke….100th game for them yesterday, two own goals and missed a penalty!! God I hate stoke…..
    Three points today boys nothing less, please!!

  155. Scott from Oz says:

    G’day Lee.
    Even better than Cesc heading to Arsenal is me coming over, surely!!
    Well, hopefully.
    Seriously, it could not be the most awkward time for me, but who cares.
    I may miss The Emirates, but from reports, nothing but cranky buggers there.
    May well be better off heading to the Swansea away game!
    I am waffling now out of excitement!!
    Around 95% chance now….up 5% from yesterday!!
    Back to reality……i honestly think Cesc will come back at some stage, and have thought so since Pep quit Barca.
    We will spank Citehs hairy, oil soaked arses tonight!!

  156. Lee says:

    Morning/afternoon Scott, I got a feeling we’re going to win today….everyone around us dropped points so time to capitalise!!!

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