Daily Bits and Bobs

We are favourites to sign 7 top class players! Is Arsene Wenger going all out to protect his legacy?

Posted on by rico

The 2013/14 season beckons, and unlike the several seasons prior, there are several reasons to feel optimistic. The bookies fancy us to splash the cash on quality and let’s be brutally honest, they have never fancied us to do that before. There has to be something in that. Most bookies aren’t mugs.

Current odds:

Gonzalo Higuain 1/8
Ashley Williams 4/9
Maroune Fellani 4/6
Cesc Fabregas 4/7
Luis Suarez 1/1 Evens

Then we have reportedly had a £19M bid turned down for Lars Bender, Bayer Leverkusen’s engine-room and 14-cap German international and we are at 3/1 for Begovic joining us. Begovic is a class act. Been there, seen it and done it.

That’s seven players we are reported to be in for. Now that is optimism. There’s about £160M worth of talent there give or take a few quid and we ARE favourites for the lot.

Personally I’d dump everyone we don’t want and break the bank and go for the lot, but unfortunately this is real life and not some Fantasy Football game. The figures and the players look good though. They look very very good.

We are even odds on at 1/4 to acquire the services of 32-year old Gareth Barry, an experienced England international with 53 caps to his name. Okay, he’s not the future, but Arsene Wenger has been selling the fans the future for the past few years. This is NOW.

I’ve never been this intrigued or excited; not since Malcolm MacDonald and Alan Hudson signed for us, back in the days when we as a football club, were dire and we needed more than some fresh impetus or some old heads.

‘Well we are dire now,’ some would say and ‘No we aren’t’, would really be the correct reply.

We are good, but not great. There’s a difference.

Have you ever asked yourself why Bertie Mee was never rewarded with a bronze statue or a bust at the club?

From the 1967-68 to the 1972-73 season we were up there constantly challenging. One of the top clubs in England and Europe.
We were a good side who played a workmanlike if not economic football with a limited amount of gloss, even though throughout those years we possessed three of the most intelligent players in English football in Jon Sammels, Charlie George and Alan Ball.

Runners-up in two League Cup Finals

UEFA (Fairs) Cup Winners

The League Champions
FA Cup Winners
Runners-Up in the FA Cup
Runners up in the League
Semi-Final of the FA Cup
4th in the League
5th in the League

All good stuff, with the highlight of that period being the historic second Double of the century, won with a 3rd best ever points tally, and beating a team to the title who everyone in that era considered to be the best there was – The Damned United .. and by a single point, and with a massive gap of 12 points in third place behind them came Tottenham…. and back then it was two points for a win.

It was very, very impressive. Especially bearing in mind the bad injuries to key players at the beginning of that season and the fact that the club only used about 15 or 16 players throughout the season.

Bertie Mee was similar to Arsene Wenger. Both men had a limited career as footballers, with neither making it into top-tier football.
Both were aloof yet astute in the physics, diet and fitness involved in the game, and both were isolated if not totalitarian figures giving virtually nothing away to anyone – the press included.

The “highly deflective” Wenger has always talked about the “nearly deals” or the ones that got away such as Mata, Ronaldo, Eto etc…
However, so did Mee, saying that Arsenal bid for Allan Clarke, Tony Brown, Jeff Astle, Peter Shilton etc. with the accompanying deflective ‘one liners ‘ that.. “Fees had been agreed, but the player failed to show… and that happened about three times …”

But whereas Bertie Mee truly bollocksed up his legacy, Arsene Wenger – who has been in constant danger of doing the same, has not. He has kept scraping his way by tooth and nail into the Champions League each year and now it is looking like he can breath a big sigh of relief.

According to our Chief Executive, there is big money now available. We are going to play hard ball with the two Manchester’s and Chelsea. Well that’s what he’s said.

Bertie Mee told football journalist Richard Yallop on his retirement: “Recruitment was getting difficult – The quality players are far and few between and where there are skilful players, they don’t possess the drive to go with it.”

That wasn’t entirely true. Liverpool didn’t have a problem, nor did the less fashionable clubs like QPR or Derby …

Bertie’s two biggest mistakes were not just letting his coach Don Howe leave immediately after winning the Double and pushing Frank McLintock out of the club a couple of seasons later – but by not properly repairing the obvious holes that were forming in his side, and by making ill judgements in regards to who and who not to employ…. and in the following three seasons from 1973 onwards, he undid all the great work he had done, by nearly getting us relegated.

The Hill-Wood’s never forgot that.

However, Wenger has never had that fear, and as much as he broke up the “Invincibles” too early as Mee did with the “Double team”, and procured the services of flocks of overpaid and overplayed lack lustre players with limited brains and/or limited skill, however he has never had the club spiral totally out of control… Not truly out of control.

Last season; well the second part of last season, Arsenal became the form club in the Premier League, and in the end came away with a very creditable second best defensive record. And in a Premier League possessing both Chelsea and Manchester City, both financed and funded by Abramovich’s billions and Abu Dhabi’s billions respectively, and Manchester United, the biggest brand in world football.

Hardly a level playing field. However now it looks as if though it is beginning to level out.

For the first time since 2005 we have the basis and foundations of a good squad.

Wenger has heeded the advice of the blogosphere and goonerdom consensus and opinion, and he’s ridding the club of the deadwood, or at least trying (in Paddy Power Pants’ case – TGSTEL), and has created an English core similar to what he had when he first arrived, and he’s now looking at procuring top, top quality (and I don’t include Sanogo in that).

Last season he bought well. He bought very well. Carzorla, Giroud, Podolski and Monreal were all good solid buys.

This coming season one would hope, is that he carries on in the same vein, and all some of those seven would be more than welcomed additions.

Current odds:

8/1 to win the League Cup
8/1 to win the FA Cup
14/1 to win the Premier League
25/1 to win the Champions League

 

Written by southyorkshiregunner

rico

0 thoughts on “We are favourites to sign 7 top class players! Is Arsene Wenger going all out to protect his legacy?”

  2. rico says:

    Morning all,

    Good post Syg..

    Some like the stats, you like the odds 😉

    Which are looking good…..

  5. rico says:

    I sill believe that one signing, a top signing will see others follow….

    As for Arsene and his legacy, need time to think about that one…

  7. Mayor of the Woolwich says:

    Good morning all… I’ve got this very great optimism that, the ARSENAL ain’t far away from greatness, I’m certain Mr Wenger will do his magic before the summer runs out.
    However, there won’t be surprises if he brings in players different from those on the list.

  10. Nick Fini says:

    Great post shame its fantasy and speculation. Wenger wont buy anything then he will blame everyone same old sane old. Arsenal do not respect their fans. Charge the mist dpebd the least

  11. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning all. Thanks.

    A lot of “comment” re: Suarez and Rooney both last night and this morning.

    I read a couple of Arseblog Twitters – he was promoting his indifference re: Suarez from his cyber-podium. Probably while he was knocking one out whilst watching Hollyoaks or Top Gear….
    He sounded more like social worker working for the London Borough of Greenwich than an actual Arsenal supporter…

    Someone pulled him up on it and stated that as a person Suarez actually comes over as a really nice guy, however in training and on the field he is nothing less than 100% committed.

    Story: A mate of mine through the industry is a Sheff Utd supporter. He told me that is dad was one of the most nicest and mellow guys around – never shouted, swore etc.A total gent.
    Come Brammall Lane on a Saturday and he was the complete opposite. His passion completely took over.
    He was an absolute headcase.

    I see Suarez like that. He’s a win at all costs kind of guy. Nothing wrong with that. He has skill in abundance and we need gamechangers. Players like that make a 0-0 become a 1-0.
    A player loses his edge, he becomes half the player he is.

    I think he needs Wenger as much as Wenger needs him.

    WATH mentioned him and Rooney last night. Wow. That is a combination and a half!

  12. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    SYG – Good article. It’s great when we are reminded of our history. It helps put and keep things in perspective.

    I think we will sign two or three from the list of seven and two or three more Arsene buys (i.e. promising young players like Sanogo and Ginter). Yes,”Most bookies aren’t mugs.” It has been a long time since they have given such great odds for Arsenal on so many players.

  13. Canadian Gooner says:

    SYG – I’m no great fan of Suarez as a person, but his winning attitude would be refreshing change from the artistic poseur mentality of the likes of Arshavin, a complete waste of talent because he lacks motivation and grit.

  16. Da Prof Steve says:

    Good morning to all the Gunner faithfuls,SYG inclusive.This post is revealing and enlightening I must confess.Its that time AW should have a re-think of his hurtful policies and legacies that does’nt augur well for the Unique Football Club – Arsenal!
    GTID!

  17. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – I’m sure Wenger could break him off the diving and amatuer theatrics, but I’m not sure he could do much about Louis’ strange dietary habits.

  20. ibk124 says:

    am Fed of checking Arsenal transfer news evryday without smthing substantial or exciting, we are always favourite to sign everyone before a more ambitious club comes bidding,or we dnt meet d price tag, lets not decieve ourselves Arsenal are not serious about wining trophies, Man u, Mancity, and chelsea all finished above us, and thyve started signing new players,even spurs, we’ve been in d market playing around bidding low for players when we alrdy know their Price tag, If ARSENAL rly wants to sign a player, simply pay the money asked for,and MOVE ON, stop wasting time

  23. tsgh says:

    Morning all,

    An excellent post SYG… I am wondering if you went to the same school as Adam Mg aka Hiram. lol

    Rico, fix the spell checker on the site, I swear there must be Eboue, Yao Gerv or Denilson’s names mentioned in the post… 😉

  25. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Nice one Ginge.
    Showing my age.
    No internet back then – just the Mirror and the Sun …. and the Sun could never get the football reports in on time !!!!

    I remember reading the back of the Daily Mirror while my dad was reading the middle bits at the breakfast table …

    Arsenal 0 Tranmere 1

    Tranmere were in the fourth Division.

    We were really shite back then ….

  26. Damilarey says:

    I think I’m beginning to feel the optimism now that Arsenal will sign at least 2 out of the listed seven players and surpported by the Wenger’s super stars as he used to in the last cuople of seasons (Promising young but eventually not effective)

  29. W.A.T.H says:

    SY, great post mate, like it…. Bertie Mee most definitely broke up the 71 Dbl team far to quickly and as you say made a huge cock up letting Don Howe leave.

    Lets hope that Arsene sorts things out the next few weeks as the basis for a very very good team is in place..!

    Roo and Suarez, stop teasing SY….!

  30. tsgh says:

    It seems even $hitty could not even afford Negredo… so they have ‘settled’ for Jovetic.

    That would mean Hig, Negredo, Yilmaz, Benteke are still available. I doubt we will buy a striker though… Akpom will be given a chance and so will Yaya…

    A CB and 2 midfielders are a must!

  34. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.

    Nice post SYG. Coming to think of it there are many similarities between Mee and Wenger. And as you asked….why not a statue of Mee outside the Ems? tbh I would like to see a statue of all Championship winning manager outside the Ems. Em hang on…that would mean a statue of GG as well. Hmmmmm. we need to ponder that a bit before any decision is made.

    I have another conspiracy theory for you all to digest.

    Is there anyone betting against those players joining the club? The winnings can go for paying the debt on the structure of the stadium. 😉

  35. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners…
    Morning Rico…

    ‘Ere, today’s post, did some Northern Herbert write that???

    Nice post SYG… 😉
    Really enjoyed the Bertie Mee stuff. Bertie made some mistakes, all managers do, but I don’t think the Board supported him as maybe they should have done.
    We’ve been there before….

  39. devilgunner says:

    Hmmmm. Jenas??? where would he fit in? the ladies team is full of players mate. And even the club’s tea team is full of good honest workers.

  41. tsgh says:

    IG and the Head of AFC Communications are keeping things quiet this time round. Last year by this time there were photos available of the boys arriving in the Far East…

    IG and AW are going to avoid any mention of transfers me think…

  44. S2S says:

    Intriguing..

    Tbh, Wenger deserves better. He’s a phenomenal person. Someday, I think they’d have in Oxford dictionary and may also introduce Wengernomics as well.

    I hope he retires this season with his dignity intact and goes to Africa and teaches young lads how to play football.

    But since I am somewhat Socialist by nature, I’d say he’s talent may be better used somewhere in Parliament.

    I has once heard Guillem Balague saying he wished AW will win league someday with his philosophy and with the kind of football he wanted to play and that was his Christmas wish.

    I hope this granddad wins once more @ Arsenal.

  45. Lewis says:

    Good day gooners/HHers.

    Great post SYG, love hearing about the history of arsenal. Lets hope Arsene doesn’t do a Bertie Mee and he addresses the weaknesses in our squad, we can all see them and sadly if he can’t and doesn’t address them then it really is time to say Au Revoir. Last chance in my eyes.

  46. tsgh says:

    If any else fails uncle Harry will re-hire Jenas for a cut of his salary… 😉

    Rico, both Suarez and Wooney?… I want some of what you had before you had that dream 😀

    We are not even able to complete Hig deal …

    On a serious note if AW or the board are not willing to pay the asking price for Hig but are willing to buy ‘hannibal’ what does that say about the believe AW has in Hig…

  49. Bradster says:

    Morning all,

    Good post SYG, I’m a bit too young for Mee reminicing, I grew up in the GG era.

    I just don’t see Wenger changing his spots. It’ll be late transfers probably after the Ems cup and even the playoffs where he sees where the team is.

    I’m hoping for the big spend but still feel he’ll buy over the hill and youngsters.

  50. W.A.T.H says:

    SY, thats them piling west side of the North Bank then…!?!?
    Jenas, don’t he have a think for nokia’s……

    Seems Wenger said in the presser that he is not discussing Suarez…! Make of that what you will..!

  52. devilgunner says:

    Bent I like. but he is a finisher only and not a leader in a central position. I see him only in a 4-4-2 or as a winger on the right in a 4-3-3, but not as the leader of the line up front. He is a far cry from RVP and Higuain. Even Torres would be a better option for our formation

  53. tsgh says:

    Hi Dev, Bents stats are better than Higs… if we are lookingat goals scored. And he has done it against us and most top teams in this league… but you are right… AW prefers strikers to have more to their game than just finishing…

  55. tsgh says:

    Ah… from Goal.com.

    It sounds like his response to kondogbia question a few months ago… very telling at least he did not say No.

    Its difficult to tell without video… normally with AW when he is asked about a linked player, he would ask for the question to be repeated against in a view to composes a sneaky response…

  58. southyorkshiregunner says:

    History Lesson for Bradster: Bad decision by Mee?

    Bertie Mee paid a record £220,000 for Alan Ball in December 1972.
    Ball had already won the World Cup and League and been a losing FA Cup finalist.

    In comparison it was a bit like us buying a younger, more spiky Steven Gerrard now. A midfielder who has been there and done it.

    As Kev or Adam may tell you; Alan Ball was a great player, but the wrong player for Arsenal. Both playing wise and personality wise.
    Personality wise he pissed all the Arsenal team off by telling them what he was earning but football-wise Arsenal played a game of closing down early and long balls from the back, which took Alan Ball out of most build ups. Arsenal’s success was built out of a type of no frills-esque economic football.

    Exception to the rule: Watch the 1969 League Cup Final, and due to the atrocious conditions see Jon Sammels totally dictating play like Glen Hoddle did with Spurs. He was awesome – He was always three moves ahead of the play, unfortunately ARSENAL NEVER had clever enough players to compliment him.

    Ball found that out on his arrival.

    But where as Sammels was a total gent and took what came, Ball was not. He was a spiky character and didn’t take anything lying down. He was too big for Bertie Mee, and with Mclintock down at Loftus Road he more or less “ran” the club.

    Ball stated that he played his best football ever for Arsenal, but when we were a struggling side (73-76); as the play was by then being dictated through Ball. He was even England captain.

    Sometimes a good player with a big ego is the wrong player as sometimes that player is in business for himself.

  59. tsgh says:

    Very interesting SYG… nice one!

    I didn’t realise that about Balls personality…

    So where do you sit when some fans say we are playing the most boring football AFC has ever played?

    Big TA06 said on ESPN recently that even with us finishing 4th it is still better than what AFC have been used to in the past before AW! Barnes agreed with him and said most fans are choosing to forget how Arsenal use to be like due to AW’s brand of football in the past… paraphrased of course

  61. tsgh says:

    They put our boys on a 27 y.o aircraft…

    Airframe Details
    Construction Number (MSN) 23624
    Line Number 144
    Aircraft Type Boeing 767-216(ER)
    First Flight 17-06-1986
    Age 27.1 Years
    Test registration N4528Y
    Airframe Status Active

  63. rico says:

    History lesson for me too Syg, don’t know how you, and others here remember far back. I go to sleep and forget everything 😉

  64. Adam says:

    I have never heard anybody who has been watching Arsenal for a while say this is the most boring football the club has ever played. I can remember some really tedious times but that was the other club called Arsenal. Not this American sports franchise.

  65. tsgh says:

    you were a supporter then too.. you are now a customer 😉

    That aircraft brought the England team from Brazil via mexico in June…

  67. Adam says:

    Sad, but true. Arsenal were woven into the fabric of what it meant to be an Islington boy. They were part of the landscape and heartbeat of the borough.

  69. rico says:

    I have just eaten the biggest bowl of strawberries ever. A very kind friend gave them to me from her garden…

    Delicious……

  71. tsgh says:

    Real Sociedad have confirmed that Arsenal target Asier Illarramendi has joined Real Madrid for a fee of £32m.

    I thought Unreal were broke 😮

  72. Adam says:

    I keep reading that this is the best year for Strawberries since Arsenal were a boring team, but everyone I have bought has been bitter and tasted of dust.
    I shall stick to sausages.

  73. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Our football isn’t boring. It’s frustrating and sometimes predictable, but not boring.

    Chuck a powerhouse of a midfielder in there such as we had with Viera and/or Edu to breakdown player and rampage forward and it throws everything wideopen – it makes us unpredectable.
    As does having a quick, mobile and imaginative front man/men who can play with any foot, can see a pass and hit the target.

  74. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Asier Illarramendi – a lot of money for an uncapped 23-year old, Ginge.

    We are baulking at not much more than that for one of the best strikers in world football

  75. Lewis says:

    Jakartas not too bad. The smaller ones are pretty poor. It’s more the old planes and poor pilots. Pretty sure the have one of the highest incident rates world wide.

  76. rico says:

    These were grown unforced Adam, the real deal with a huge dollop of Greek yoghurt…..

    Quorn ones I hope?? 😉

  77. tsgh says:

    Syg- are you referring to Hig or Suarez? If the former I am yet to be convinced he is one of the best but Suarez is an enigma… that would improve any team on this planet imho

    That fee for Asier makes you think what the heck… I don’t blame Sociedad for extortion though… RM and Barca dupe La liga when it comes to TV money so…

  79. tsgh says:

    All the near east and far east countries have questionable safety records Lewis for their remote and small hub airports.

    Those airports do not have to comply with ICAO, EUROCAE or FAA regulations so… they have two many Antonov’s and unregistered old aircrafts operating on the commuter routes…

  80. tsgh says:

    You would think so Rico… I am assuming its more Euros than £; that fee is an over kill in my eyes.

    As I said watch the space for Alonso possibly coming this way 😉

  83. Bradster says:

    Thanx SYG, I didn’t know that about ball either.

    I prefer Wenger’s direct and couter attack to tikka takka Barca esque. We don’t have the close control players anymore that can penetrate defences with quick one two’s and one touch play.

  84. tsgh says:

    Brad, I think we have an effective midfield… the issue is to do with the wingers and AM’s who do not operate as Bobby and Ljunberg did

  85. NashuaGunners says:

    Good Afternoon Rico,tsgh, Wath, dg, Lewis, Adam, Kev,Bradster,S2S, CG,Mow and Syg.

    @Syg, I say Bravo. You nail it to the Tee. Bertie Mee compare to the greatest manger of all times (AW 1996-2005). Just when you think you know it all, there is more to learn.

    Just as I said yesterday, life is but a dream. We just have to hope and just maybe the dream will come true. When Silence Stan is still the Captain of the ship I will hold my breath. Rooney, Hig, Suarez, Fallaini… and CF4 returning. That’s a far cry.

  86. rico says:

    SS’s say £’s Ts but maybe an error

    Jose has said he won’t rule out making a bid for Rooney. Moyes has got stroppy saying he’s not talking double dutch, the player is not for sale…

  91. Bradster says:

    I personally feel it’s Mert that dropped us deeper so there’s no more high line.
    Otherwise I agree ts, we have walcott who is quick but not skilled like Henry outside the box to do it himself. Pod and Giroud are too slow for a counter attack on their own or to assist Walcott.

    We also haven’t got a game changer like we had in Bergkamp, Henry, Fab and RVP. That’s where I see Suarez as a type player we need.

  92. W.A.T.H says:

    Ts, as you obviously now know the Wengers comments were from the presser when they landed earlier, question was asked by John Cross, sorry had to shoot off hence the very late reply.
    Nash you keep hold of those dreams mate they may only burst on Sep 2nd…!

    Madrid also need lots of cash to offer Ronaldo a new deal OR are they selling him to buy Bale..?

  94. W.A.T.H says:

    Ts, also very much agree we have lacked proper width for 4/5 yeras now it’s why we so predictable playing through the middle and can never get past the proverbial parked bus… Wingers beat that crap all day long…! If Gerv goes get in a proper winger OR is Ryo the answer..?

  96. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Sorry Ginge… Deadline day … I meant Suarez.

    I’d like to see how Ryo does WATH.

  97. W.A.T.H says:

    Citeh been linked with him Rico…..! Also they now linked to Ibrahimovic if/when PSG sign Cavani….!

  98. W.A.T.H says:

    He looks to of filled out a little SY, boy was unlucky with injuries last year but he does love to run the wings and get round the full-back…! Lets see..!

  102. Adam says:

    Hi Wath. Exactly. He’s spent years and years as a serial loser so it will be interesting if, with all that money behind him, he can become a winner.
    I just wonder if the World’s top players are thinking “Mmmm, I have always wanted to play for David Moyes”. I bet the old grey badger must be pinching himself.

  103. ktr7 says:

    suarez feels much more than a smokescreen.Wenger has always wanted a striker that can do much more than score.Suarez fits the bill in so many ways…he has much more to his game than falcao/cavani/higuain.the aforementioned players are goal machines but suarez is much more than that.i believe wenger is very serious about him and may be willing to go that extra mile despite his baggage.

  107. NashuaGunners says:

    @Ktr7, let us hope so. We all been crying out loud for big name players for a while now. Until it happens I wouldn’t hold my breath. Suarez, Rooney/Hig and Fallaini we would be gunning for trophies. This will be the perfect opportunity this season before those new managers get their acts together.

  109. ktr7 says:

    Ornstein says we are after hig/suarez in hope of landing one…and suarez has a £40mil release clause.

    Rico/nashua i rate suarez very highly because he is phenomenal.he is a nuisance to defend against.he is also top notch technically making him able to receive the ball from any angle.last season against newscastle he controlled a long ball with his shoulder before scoring…!it was one of the most ridiculous skill i’ve ever seen.if we were to get him i would go insane since he can completely transform our attack.Hig would be fine too but id take suarez ahead of him.

  110. tsgh says:

    I rate Suarez highlybut I think he is selfishand wasteful.. but at his age I believe AW can polish him up as he has almost every thing to his game.

    At international level comparing him to the likes of Cavani and Forlan; Forlan looks much much better and makes me wonder why Forlan could not score to save his life in this league?

  111. rico says:

    Kt – I’d rather Rooney than Suarez, if there was a choice, and either in addition to Higuain…

  112. ktr7 says:

    we’ll have to disagree on that one rico…i don’t really rate rooney as highly as others.i think he was a better player when he was 19-21 than he is now.

  113. OMGitsJonny says:

    I don’t think we’re going to have the fruitful transfer we all desire, if we were then Arsene would have bought at least 1 high calibre player before the Asia tour.

  114. rico says:

    For sure Kt 😉

    I just think he needs a new challenge which will bring out the best of his game.

  115. southyorkshiregunner says:

    KTR7 I was just going to say the same …. Although he’s a good player, his best days are behind him…. Hope if he comes to us I am wrong ……

    Like Mike Tyson, Naseem Hamed, some sportsmen reach the top too early and complacency can set in.

  116. tsgh says:

    Hi Kt, do you know much about Ivan Radikic of Seville… I rate him highly… he reminds me of Neved

  118. Adam says:

    Surely the point is, would two from three of Higuain, Rooney and Suarez be an improvement on what we have?

  121. ktr7 says:

    ts another reason id take suarez is his versatility to play various positions in attack while hig is only effective as CF.that would help to play various formations as you suggested yesterday 🙂

    rico rooney looked like a beast when he was young since he could do anything and was totally fearless.nowadays he looks washed up…if Ronaldo had not gone to the mancs i believe he would’ve been much better than he is now.playing 2nd fiddle to Ron for so long curtailed his development big time.

  122. tsgh says:

    SYg… Aaron 6th; lil Mozart 11th; Kos 3rd; Mikel 5th

    @yorkshiregunner – WC technique with loads of assists and a fair whack of goals too. Be nice if he stepped up to the plate in the big games though.

    Love that comment… I know that man surely… James?

  125. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Ginge.

    Yorkshire’s a big place lol

    I’m James – South Yorkshire Gunner @natm-mag on twitter

    – He’s Andy Wood – @Yorkshiregunner on twitter

    I live east of Doncaster – He lives in Leeds, but lived in Doncaster.

    I think I’m about 10 years older than him

    Never met him but spoke to him.

    I like spicy Asian food he likes chips

    Totally different people.

  126. tsgh says:

    For you kt…

    34 (0) 8goals 10assist

    Far more than J Navas and they play in the same team..

    J Navas 0 goals 7 assists

  129. rico says:

    Yes Adam, exactly, and some of us prefer Rooney, some Suarez, either or even both would be great…

  133. Adam says:

    Rico. We’ve spent years with blokes like Bendtner, Chamakh and Gervinho. Even Arshavin was played as a striker.

  135. tsgh says:

    Wooney is a big game player…

    Reason Fergie always plays him against us.

    the type who will conjure up something when it matters even if he is playing like a bag of @@@@ and thinking about why he paid for @@@ when all players get it for free… 🙂

    And before he scored against us 10 or 11 years ago… AW said he liked him but could not afford him….

  136. rico says:

    Welcome Omg, I disagree, they will happen at some stage, they have to…

    I know Adam, they all would make Darren Bent a good summer signing…

  142. Adam says:

    Bendtner fully deserves his place in the Hall Of Footballing Morons.
    He is entirely responsible for his own stupidity yet seems to expect everyone else to pay for it. He is one of the object lessons of the folly of Wenger’s silly wage policy and the poster boy for footballing egotism. What a complete clown-and I bet a £ to a penny that he still doesn’t “get it”. It will be everyone’s fault but his own.

  145. southyorkshiregunner says:

    John Cross of te Mirror said that its like Beatlemania ….

    The last time the Beatles were in that neck of the woods they had to leave the Phillipines by the back door …..

  147. rico says:

    Looks like it too Syg, i’m not a huge fan of the club going so far and wide on pre-season tours but then I see the photos of the fans…

    Makes it all worthwhile…

    Wonder if they will do the same thing at The Emirates Cup, maybe open the doors to kids so they can meet the players?

  149. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I’d like to know what the Chief Exec is doing out there? Surely he has more pressing work in the UK

  150. ktr7 says:

    I find it amusing that MUFC fans are furious over the prospect of thiago joining bayern while Bayern fans are not exactly happy over the prospect of thiago joining them… =-O

  151. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Arsenal are set to attempt to buy Brazilian winger Bernard from Atletico Mineiro?
    The fee being reported would be in the region of €25m.

  154. rico says:

    You know Syg, I said similar the other day, hope that IG doesn’t travel…

    I guess it’s ‘over to Laws then’

  157. stevepalmer1 says:

    Afternoon all, Top post SYG, 🙂
    We certainly can’t accuse Wenger for letting money burn a hole in his pocket. I only hope he does get his hand out of his pocket before the window shuts. £70 mill could buy us a brand new team, and he is farting around like a cat on a hot tin roof. Must be getting to the stage where the other clubs have spent all their money. Must be a few cheappies around i know.

  158. ktr7 says:

    Bernard is 5″3 and 63kgs…i think its too big a risk.

    also if suarez has a £40 mil release clause then £30 mil bid wasn’t derisory at all as some quarters suggested.

  161. NashuaGunners says:

    @Rico and Syg. I said it the other day. It’s about time IG meet with the outside press and answer some concerns with what he said behind closed door Board Meeting. He said the money is in the Kitty, and how come we’re not spending it for those so-called big names.

  167. tsgh says:

    Ng, personally I am not bothered about big name signings… 3 MA08-like signings plus any prolific striker will do for me…

    Buying Falcao, Cavani (if they were available) and the likes will not change my mood or all of a sudden make me think we are going to be better than we were last summer.

    £15M for Alexis Sanchez will thrill me than a £25M deal for Hig…

    Ginter, Camacho or Rudy will thrill me than an imaginary beast of DM some people think exist in football…

    MF will do me for two reasons only and they are for his height and experience in this league…

  168. tsgh says:

    SYG, Rico… Santos was a brazillian international and tearing up the the turkish league as a LW or wing back…

    Coentrae will never never make it in this league… he is a defensive liability

  171. arsenal11730 says:

    Nice Job – SYG This may meet mass disapproval.
    I do not approve of Suarezs behaviour with Evra and Ivanovic.
    Simply Appalling..
    Suarez and Tyson are street fighters that have a mentality,Survival of the fittest, win or die.
    In that environment there are no rules,often in the heat of competition they commit these major faux paus.
    There is no place for such acts.
    However his character can be corrected under the right conditions.
    I vote for Suarez because he is a superb all round footballer and great finisher. He is a winner and we need that trait again to grace our club.

  173. NashuaGunners says:

    tsgh, big names that could make a difference. Players that could dig their heels In and make us look like a winning side. The effort and the will to win that what impresses me.

  174. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!! Good one, SYG. I don’t think we are far away from becoming serious contenders. But we need to buy well this summer. No more faffing about!

    I love the photos in Indonesia. 🙂 🙂

  176. rico says:

    Hi agag, the photos are super aren’t they. The guys are enjoying themselves, as are the fans….

  177. tsgh says:

    🙂 yes psg…

    Ceontrae is very good at going forward… Unreal thought he would be able to uproot the main LB from Brazillia, you know the one… but he couldn’t…
    Psg are willing to pay £20M plus for him…that would be 35M profit at least…

  178. tsgh says:

    true, Ng.. I guess that is why I prefer wooney even though he may be past it; i also liked Benteke before his transfer request and I don’t rate Hig…

    Our issue is that we have too many players who score hatricks against Wigan, reading etc and then shoot miles over the bar against Chelsea, $hitty and all the big game players.

    Look at Drogba 2 years ago… he did not touch the ball for 90 minutes against Munich but scored with one touch i.e header.

    How many times did AW say in his post match interviews after a chelsea match that drogba got 2 touches and scored both…

  179. agirlagunner says:

    SYG, not me. Stuck in Manila. 😕 But I’d be the same, I’m sure. Smiling from ear to ear. rico, Giroud has pretty eyes. 😳

    rico, imagine Nagoya welcoming their boy, Ryo back. That would be all sorts of awesome. Japanese fans are just mad!!

  186. rico says:

    Syg, I was talking to a very good friend earlier today, he is a staunch Gooner and reckons the Italian full backs are awesome. Especially this one…

  187. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Agag…..

    LOL . I saw photo earlier ….. I thought it was Andre Santos on tour

  194. Scott from Oz says:

    That 4 Broad just hit had less bat on it than the “not out” decision earlier.
    How could he stand and wait for that decision?
    Disgraceful.
    The only thing that was more disgraceful was the umpires decision.

  195. tsgh says:

    Ah… Agag… I don’t think my Mrs liked the MK bag… gave it to her this morning…
    Sometimes you can’t win… in fact with women… phew… I won’t continue as I am scared of the ladies on here 😛

  196. Scott from Oz says:

    The brain is ticking over, Rico.
    A lady at work, a good friend, was the victim in a murder suicide overnight.
    We new her ex was giving her grief, but none of us suspected he would go this far.
    What if?
    What could we have done?
    Feeling guilty.

  197. tsgh says:

    SYG… I don’t tend to comment on defenders because I consider buying defenders as a night out as a single lad… you lose more than you win… 😉

  198. tsgh says:

    Hey Scott… you zombie… get to bed buddy… we have the first match in 2 days you do not want to miss that… 😛

  199. Scott from Oz says:

    Haha Ginge…..my wife asks why I never buy her flowers….i need only remind her of the first time i did.
    I did it out of the blue.
    She asked what i had done wrong.
    That was it….never again 🙂
    Well, except on Valentines day.

  201. tsgh says:

    😀 I don’t do flowers either…

    There is nothing worse than a sweaty man with a bouquet of flowers bought from a supermarket…

  202. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Life Scott. I’ve said before – if you think about things too hard you’d go mad.

    My missus’ cousin – Elermore Vale, NSW – outgoing kid in his earliy thirties did a Gary Speed …. brought on partly by a toxic relationship, a mate he couldn’t trust and a domineering Father … No one really knows…

  203. tsgh says:

    Yes… maybe…. she married the wrong man then 😉

    Ok.. later guys and ladies… got a table booked so laters…

  204. rico says:

    Don’t be bitter Scott, ‘walking’ in the game went years ago. I never walked in all my days of playing. You have umpires, let them do the job…

    Shame your boys wasted a pointless review before 😉 😉

  205. southyorkshiregunner says:

    most women adore flowers…… it’s a nice gesture …..
    most women also adore good old fashioned hard cash too

  211. Scott from Oz says:

    It is real, Rico.
    When i heard the news on the radio, i had a strange, sinking feeling, as my wife has two friends going through break ups that live in that particular suburb.
    I had left the office and was out quoting when a fellow rep phoned and told me.
    I was, and still am, completely stunned.
    Thanks Agag.
    Syg, i agree, but it is still pretty raw mate.
    It is one thing after another atm, but this certainly topped the lot.
    Still, we move on.

  213. allezkev says:

    Quote, “Even when he misses a ‘sitter’, you just cannot help but be becalmed by those big blue eyes.
    Giroud can do no wrong”… Adam, unquote…

  214. Adam says:

    Kevin. Giroud has me mesmerised by those blue eyes in much the same way as Lee did when I first met him.
    Stunning really.

  220. allezkev says:

    Like a pair of lazers, boring thru your skull…

    Yes Adam, they are both hypnotic.

    But allied to Lee’s colourful language, they make an irresistable combination.

  223. Adam says:

    Hi Agag. They are in the air I would say. Nothing decided but looking like the US at the moment. As soon as that Nigerian Prince sends me that £36 million he promised and after I have given Kev £5 million for a mansion that he wants I will see what’s left.

  224. agirlagunner says:

    Teasing you again, rico. 😀

    THat’s nice, Adam. All those wineries and great shopping. You have to give me 1 million for shoes. Thanks in advance 😉

  225. Adam says:

    As soon as I get the money Agag, I intend to treat all my friends to a massive blow out weekend of food, shoes and wine. A kind of all-you-can-eat-drink-and-wear party.
    You are, of course, invited, along with Rico, Kev, Lee, Rocky and anyone on here who hasn’t ridiculed my red trousers or insulted me recently.

  231. Adam says:

    You have a pass Rico. I know you can’t help poking fun at me.
    Agag. Should I also wear my silk cravat and brothel creeper shoes?

  237. agirlagunner says:

    Only if the cravat is in animal print, Adam. 🙂 And the shoes should be ponyhair with contrasting trim. 😀 Eeeek.

  238. rico says:

    I am also off for the day, it’s been another good one, thanks all..

    You all stay safe, ’til tomorrow..

    Night…..

  240. agirlagunner says:

    Good night, guys.

    rico, sweetest dreams (runner beans, celery and tomatoes, etc. etc. ) 😀

  242. Scott from Oz says:

    Back up and off to work……aaaaggghhhhh, i love Saturdays 🙂
    Night all.
    Sleep well.

  243. allezkev says:

    Couldn’t make the game, as I had to work, but an Arsenal XI beat Sutton United 4-3.

    15 year old Dan Crowley was the star of the 1st half, Arsenal led 3-0 thanks to goal from Jeffrey, Jebb and Hayden. Sutton made it 1-3, before Jebb’s 2nd goal gave the young Gunnefs a 1-4 half-time lead.

    Nine Arsenal changes must have disrupted things as Sutton pulled two goals back in the 2nd half.
    Wellington Silva played the 2nd 45, work permit in the pipeline perhaps?

    Next game is at Borehamwood next weekend.

    Ginge, your boy Jebb did good…

    Hayden also had a good game.

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