Morning All,
Two pieces on yesterdays game:
Chelsea FC welcomed us to Stamford Bridge for our return match in the league, we lost the first one at home and yesterday was built up to be ‘payback’.
Snow had been falling from early morning, temperatures were around Zero and everywhere was covered in snow except the Chelsea pitch. I don’t think there were any moans from either camp as far as the condition of the playing surface and at times like this we have to commend the grounds men for making the pitch playable.
The game kicked off and the fans from both sides were optimistic. Both teams were lively from the off but the first chance fell for us. Walcott played a perfect through ball through to Giroud who placed what looked a dead cert, wide of the post. Giroud’s hands went to his head and couldn’t believe he had missed. That hurt Arsenal badly, all the players looked up to the sky and I’m sure they heard Giroud’s screams of frustrations.
That woke Chelsea up and they started to stroke the ball about well , they pressured our players and closed them down quickly, we were being battered in midfield. Lampard, Mata and Hazard were out playing us and working hard for one another and their opening goal came from this area.
Coquelin was fouled in the middle of the park but the ref just waved play on – our defence were out numbered and despite Sagna fighting to get back in position, Mata slotted passed the helpless Szczesny before he could get there.
Arsene Wenger was beside himself arguing with the fourth official complaining that Coquelin was writhing on the floor in agony after what had certainly looked a very fierce tackle but the official had no doubts that the tackle was fair!
Chelsea kept piling on the pressure – they stroked the ball about so effortlessly while we were all at sea. Finally they made the pressure count through a penalty. Ramirez broke through and sidestepped Szczesny, the latter sprawled his legs out to try and block Ramirez’s path and in doing so, caught the Chelsea player who didn’t hesitate to go over.
The referee quickly awarded the penalty and gave a yellow card to the distraught Szczesny. Lampard stepped up to make it 2-0. Replays suggest that no contact was made, too late though!
Half-time came and went.
The second half kicked off and Arsenal looked a much better side. Wenger’s words at half time must have made some difference.
Arsenal looked as if they could redeem themselves and it wasn’t long before Theo Walcott finally beat the offside trap and found himself one on one with the keeper. He picked the top right hand corner and finished well. Theo was elated and so were the Arsenal fans. His goal was exquisite and hopefully this was a taste of what’s to come.
We kept the pressure on and tried for the equaliser but it wasn’t to be. Chelsea were just trying to maintain their lead they took an age to take throw-ins corners and free kicks while their keeper Peter Cech was almost in slow motion but Referee Martin Atkinson was oblivious to this time-wasting tactic.
Arsenal played much better in the second half but converting our chances into goals just wouldn’t happen.
Arsene Wenger said after the game that he wasn’t happy with either of the Chelsea goals, now that’s a surprise he actually saw them. He also said that the Arsenal team are suffering with psychological problem, in actual fact he wasn’t too complimentary about anything in relation to the game.
I can only stress to Mr Wenger that the transfer window is open there is a fairly big nest egg just waiting to be spent in investment for the future , he shouldn’t have to many problems in bettering the side we have now!
Written by Steve Palmer.
Overall view……
We were abysmal in the first half……
We started off poorly, just like last weekend!
We had the first chance and should have buried it! Who knows what might have happened then.
In the build up to their first, Coquelin seemed to over run the ball and then fouled by Ramirez but nothing given. Sagna was caught out way upfield and out of position. The loose ball was picked up by Chelsea, played over the top to Mata and one nil….
We were in all honesty all over the place…
Chelsea were playing the ball around as if they had 15 men on the park not just the ref and we were making it all to easy for them. We had no movement, no fight and we weren’t getting stuck in. We lacked organisation at the back and the midfield were running round like headless chickens.
Just before the 2nd goal, Diaby lost the ball in midfield and threw his arms up in the air, no more than 30 seconds later, Ramirez robbed Diaby again when an easy ball back to Vermaelen would of done. Instead he got caught in possession and then quick Chelsea break and Ramirez is taken down by Chez and a penalty given.
It looked like Ramirez had slipped but no complaints from any of the players was the tell tale sign. Two nil after 15 mins and for the rest of the half we were pathetic to say the least. A rabble, all over the place and lacking in fight spirit and commitment. Every time Chelsea had the ball they were running rings round us…!
They had extra men all over the park and looked like they could score every time they came forward. Luckily for us half time came and we were only 2 down.
Second half we turned up!!
Forty five minutes too late of course but at least we did decide to make a showing!
Did Arsene tell them they were a disgrace at half time…?
Whatever it was it’s not the first time this season we have decided to play only after getting hammered in the first half is it?
Do we learn, well it seems not…!
We looked sharper, we were winning tackles, we were moving on and off the ball and we were all of a sudden, causing Chelsea problems and Theo scored a very well worked goal on the hour mark after a lovely ball through from Santi.
Chelsea looked nervy but we could never really put them under constant pressure, we made half chances and we prodded and poked but not enough to get an equalizer.
The whole thing stinks, we have a team that cannot get motivated for a full game, why?
We have a team that looks worse than teams over the marshes at times, yet when they feel like it, they get stuck in and look a decent side.
Does a 2nd half positive make up for that disgrace of a first half…?
Not in a million years, we were simply not good enough.
We lack physical presence throughout the team, we lack ideas and movement and we seriously lack genuine width.
It seemed like Arsene was happy going through the motions when we were getting played off the park in the first half and didn’t even try to change things..? Why..?
Moan about a shocking decision for the first goal for sure but we can’t paper over the fact that apart from Girouds effort it could of been 3/4 nil at half time.
How many more times will this team fail to turn up..?
When will someone take responsibility for the the defence being s all over the place?
When will Arsene see that Diaby is not the answer? The poor bloke hasn’t played for nearly 4 months and then has to play 3 games in a week…?
The bench had no one to come on and change the game for us…
We need players, we need a change of ideas from the top but we have known that for a long while.
Sadly it will not happen when we have a board with no ambition and a manager who seems unable to get the best from the players that he does have.
I’m away now all week, so catch you all on Saturday.
Morning Rico – the game was a repeat of the Southampton game – Chelsea quit that one at half time as well, they’ll need improvement on their home records if they are to get close to the other 2 thats for sure
Morning Oz and all…
Gutless first half and clueless…
No motivation and little passion.
If only we could start a game how we sometimes finish…..
Really disappointed in all of them….
Chelski will finish 3rd…they will limp over the line but it is more of an indictment on the other clubs rather than a comment on how good they are.
We are going to need a miracle…actually two or three miracles….as in, new signings, to get to 4th.
Players that do not want to be at the club, that do not want to fight for the shirt, should be pissed off asap.
We had several guys not interested in the first half.
Too many putting too little effort.
Got to dash folks…..
Be good 🙂
Good morning guys.
Afternoon Oz!
It’s quite painful watching Wenger’s management of Arsenal in it’s death throes but they have been happening for quite a while now.
Several players careers are in more jeopardy then Wengers!
A little effort please guys.
hello cobber – they should have been ashamed of that first half, all of them – simply not ready to play. A number of ex players has commented now on Wenger’s casual approach to the game (and training in general) and we are paying big time this year – last year was clouded by the spurs and chelsea debacles. Wenger will need the same again to save his diminishing rep.
Last season Wenger didn’t get anyone in the close season till the OT humiliation forced him to act. I believe the same thing will happen thi s season. He won’t get anyone in the Jan window because has agood squad.Good to him and always losing games.
He has obviously lost the plot.Let him go to PSG if the rumours are true.He will find a different environment where his paymasters will sack him for his incompetence.
Oz. the surprising thing for me is that anyone is surprised. When was the last time you saw an Arsenal team play two good halves of a football match?
agree Adam – the writing has been on the wall for at least 5 seasons if not 6 – I don’t doubt he gets these texts all the time on players but our appeal must be diminishing quickly now with the top flight ones. Zaha will be interesting
Groundhog day, another “big game” another insipid defeat. Great write up though – hit the nail on the head completely.
he sat and watched us being ripped a new asshole in that first half and despite Jack looking over 3 times to the bench he offered nothing – confused, lost and useless.
Morning all,
Read a tactic analysis from a 16 year old. He points out clearly where we failed yesterday. Sad thing is either this guy is a genius for his age and should be an analyst for a career one day or Wenger, with 30 years experience, is so short sighted, he can’t pick it up and counter act it.
I still think we suit 3-5-2 because of how each player plays and blatently ignores his role and half assed to play for his team mate.
Well said…
Wenger keeps making excuses, team clearly not good enough (everyone knew this from week 1) and we are actually lucky (yes lucky) to even be in 6th place. Unless we sign some real quality were going to finish 6th – and we wont sign anyone. I said on day 1 well finish 6th this year and i stand by that. I said in december were not signing any true quality in jan, and i stand by that.
What i would first like to see is an attitude change from wenger in post match comments. A winners attitude. If you lost the game say we didnt play well enough/say we need to do better/say it is unacceptable to lose ANY game – if that attitude exists hen well see improvement. Now its more like, we post but played well there are positives…thats how losers think, justifying why they are losers. I want change!
we always talk too much as fans…and chelsea is always a culprit of all in england.. why, haters will now better. leave chelsea out of your negative comments!! stupid brits!!
Oz, what could he do?
There wasn’t a player on the field doing his job….you can’t replace them all.
Even Jack was very, very average.
We were simply terrible, and nothing could be done until they hit the sheds.
Some need a right royal kick up the arse.
Well said Bradster.
Responsibilty and accountability are two words plenty at Arsenal do not recognise.
it got worse Scott – we were pushing, Chelsea has gone on holiday and what did we have on the bench??? He’s a disgrace what he’s done to this club’s depth with his ego driven bullshit.
Well let us not go over the same argument again…it as been done to death.
What could he have done to change things during the first half is the question.
The only thing that changed in the second half was our guys starting putting in some effort…no brilliant flashes of genius, no major tactical changes, just effort.
I say it week in, week out.
When our guys put in the yards and offer plenty of movement both on and off the ball, we play well.
Forget Plan A, B or C…effort is what changes on a game by game basis.
Should Wenger be motivating them…maybe, but what is wrong with grown men who are professional footballers doing what the hell it is they are paid for?
Pick any player, and i will show you one who put in a ell of a lot more effort in the second half than he did in the first.
Every one of them.
Good point Brad but lets face it, we only have 3 CB’s in the club and one of them has to be used to cover left back – imagine Squillaci having to be used for 6-8 games OMG haha
Erwin. Very erudite and scathingly perceptive.
Arsenal may well have come out in a different frame of mind in the second half but surely people can’t argue so did Chelsea… again
I am with Erwin.
Not sure exactly what he said, but I agree wholeheartedly.
Oz. You’ve gone too far now. The Squillster is misunderstood. 🙂
I have no doubt Wenger’s undoubted arguments/excuses to his players this morning will be “see the one half proves we are the complete team, stuff what the table says”
Agreed Oz.
Chelski are scared to win, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact we played some bloody good football in the second half.
That is possibly/probably more frustrating than playing a crappy entire game.
Oz, it should be “you played half a game, we will pay you half your wages”.
He rolled the dice last year and VP’s fitness was his trump card. But, like all gamblers he missed the bigger picture.
Players receive win bonuses when they win, but when they only play half a game, what a shame they can’t have their wage reduced.
If they were self employed like many of us are, they would know what it means to put in maximum effort. Its not like these guys have to get up Monday morning and go to work on a building site or something.
Mata , Hazard and Ba are 3 players who could /should have been playing for us, does anyone think we’ll have a chance of signing that sort of player next season when spuds take our 4th spot.
We are ONE point away from mid table in January.
Adam miss understood alright but at least he can enjoy a healthy Wenger given paycheque every week 🙂 Sure as hell no one else in the game wants to pay it 🙂
Those average players will be getting 60-70k per wekirrespective of their perfomance. So why should they care.
It is a great shame that the Titanic HAD to hit the iceberg before radios manned 24/7 became mandatory.
Oz. I consider that nothing short of blasphemy. 🙂
Take a hundred lines!
Good point Oz, we have only 1 reliable GK, currently it would appear only 1.5 RB’s, 1 LB, 3 CB’s all of which are suspect to the high ball, we have some talented midfielders but they all appear to be too similar and 1 obvious gaping hole in the middle which should be obvious enough because we sold a player from there and chose not to replace in an even remotely like for like basis. We then have say 5 wingers – 2 of which would probably say they are CF’s, 1 talented youngster who has had a bit of a stop start season, 1 Glenn Helder tribute act and a fat lazy Russian who was wearing trainers when he was warming up yesterday. Then up front we have 1 CF and 1 winger come trainee CF !!
Then we have a ton of dross on loan who no one really wants as they are paid a premium to their true value.
Doesn’t appear that you get much for the size of our wage bill, does it?
This of course is all over seen by the highest paid manager in the league and the highest paid and bonussed CEO, who to date from football appears to deliver at an operating loss !!
Did someone say responsibility and accountability?
Ryan. Downbeat but interestingly near the mark.
Morning All,
It’s becoming pretty dismal discussing the same shit week in week out… month after month but what exactly is there to discuss when thats what our club serves up game after game and the same problems exist now that have been there for seasons…?
Thomas 9:44 well said mate… That’s spot on… The words we hear are from a defeatist attitude it highlights a positive in what is very much a negative instead of correcting the flaw in the first place, aim to win show a winning mentality do not accept defeat and when it happens show it’s not acceptable and not wanted that way just maybe the players will change their attitudes and so will the manager and the staff but I think hand on heart we way past that now.
A double-edged sword.
If we’d have picked up three points, Wenger would have been in “I told you so” mode…
Yesterday, Wenger picked his two pet French poodles to cover the hole that is our midfield – look at Stevie Palmer’s overall analysis …. They are fckng garbage… a pair of poodles …. a pair of fckng pansies
————————–
“Coquelin seemed to OVER RUN the ball and then fouled by Ramirez but nothing given….”
“Just before the 2nd goal, Diaby LOST THE BALL in midfield and threw his ARMS UP IN THE AIR, no more than 30 seconds later, Ramirez ROBBED Diaby again when an easy ball back to Vermaelen would of done. Instead HE GOT CAUGHT in possession and then quick Chelsea break and Ramirez is taken down by Chez and a penalty given.”
—————————-
Second half there was some fight and we took the game to Chelsea. Both his pet poodles were replaced by Ramsey & Arshavin around 70 mins – We camped in their penalty box but too little too late.
I know Wenger never bad mouths his players, but there HAS to be accountability. He HAS to have that accountability too. He is badly mismanaging the side!
Why has Arshavin not started a game? In the hole; the false nine; his real position. The player was one of the world’s best when we signed him.
Diaby & Coquelin? I’ve been saying it all week – Wenger has his own agenda. These two players are MEDIOCRE.
I saw Coquelin in the flesh earlier in the year in the 6-1 drubbing of Southampton. The first thing I noticed that he was on his arse more than he was on his feet. He’s a nothing player – a Seb Larssen, a Fabrice Muamba, a Mark Randall… He’s not even a Vela or a Bentley
Diaby? £250K a game?
Wenger has his own agenda, but hey, Gervais will be back from the pointless competitition that is the ACON and he’ll be like a new signing. He might even mould him into a box to box midfielder or even a right back ….
The first 15 of the squad are okay players, the others need replacing with world class players… Winners
…and Wenger? He’s as bigger cunumdrum as is Diaby.
Good Morning my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.
Very painful yesterday. Infact to be honest I was telling myself….What the FLUSH am I doing here in front of the telly watching this load of crap. It was quite boring. It was as if I had already seen that game, and the sports channel was dishing out a replay.
It is useless blaming the ref. Ok, granted, he did mistakes. But the worst thing one can do is blame the ref, the groundsman, the tea lady, the ball boy, the goal post, the hole in the net (there are many of them for those who have not noticed it) and everyone bar yourself. All the players should look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves whether they must shoulder the blame.
AW needs to do that also. And as Adam rightly put it, WE ARE in the death throes of AW’s tenure!!! I am not going to indulge in putting adjectives on AW’s head. Too many people already do that and I am too lazy to make the effort and become one of them.
Maybe………..its the club who want the money and disregards success? Maybe there is no drive and ambition within the club and its personnel.
Whatever it is……the wind of change needs to blow strongly, hurricane force, to turn it around.
I did Ryan.
The players showed in the second half they can play the game, so my comment was aimed squarely at them because they showed nothing in the first half.
Yes, it can also be used to describe issues at the club from the top down, but if our player really are totally crap, why is it they can come up with second half performances such as Chelski and Citeh…..the latter when down to 10 men.
Yes, we lack squad depth…quality wise….but that is no excuse for these guys simply flicking a switch and deciding when to play.
All those on loan or too poor even to get into this team should have their contracts paid off immediately. We get them out of the club, they get a golden hand-job and they can find a league two club who will play them.
Then we can buy players who will force the ones we have to fight for their places.
I remember when 2 or 3 poor shows and you were dropped until injury allowed your return.
If we dropped all our under performers we couldn’t field a 5 -a – side team for West Ham
Wenger is here just to waste our real gunners. The transfer window z open and do u know what he z waiting 4? he z waiting the Africa cup of nation to end in order 2 get cheap player from Africa
.What a greedy, bastard manager he z giving us rheart attacks while he enjoying his 7m monthly.
Morning Adam – it is reflective of my mood, sadly. But watching the same old issues on repeat will do that for me. Same shit, different opposition.
Not one person has simply singled out the ref as the cause of defeat though Devil.
Every comment have read having a go at the ref has also stated we were shit.
Should we stop sending players out on loan?
If they are good enough, keep them around the club.
If they are not, sell them.
Scott, a question and am only asking you as your the most optimistic on here…..
A simpler yes or no please, think about it and give me an answer as I have asked myself the very same…
With the same team and the same squad do you think those players would play like that and put in a performance like that under Ferguson…?
morning all…
Just a quick point…
The general consensus is that AW can not motivate the team to play well! Personally, I think serious questions has to be asked of steve Bould.
He spends about an 1 hour alone with the players warming them up whilst Aw may be doing interviews etc. When you comapre the type of warm up we do before games it is very outdated. Most teams currently just work with the ball to sort of ‘horn and calibrate’ their passing etc.
This first half slumber has been going on since our first match against Sunderland in August.
Unfortunately Scott that is the mentality of this team and the squad depth means no competition, which means no fear, and the opportunity to put in minimum effort for maximum reward. Our club has a defeatest attitude and the set up to match, all wrapped up in a plethora of excuses.
Ryan L. Morning. The conflict between the sheer obviousness of what we have been witnessing for years and our understandable gratitude for what Arsene has done for Arsenal is uncomfortable isn’t it? But I think the words “has done” are relevant.
It is a sad time we are living through.
Funny how not one player has mentioned Bouldy since like 3 games into the season Ts…. Wonder why that is…??????? Go fathom…! You like a conspiracy theory..!
Adam, has done or has been……………..?
W.A.T.H says:
January 21, 2013 at 10:21 am
Mourinho would get hold of the team immediately and you would see a massive difference. Champions league progress and the FA Cup plus top four if he was brought in now.
SYG, I can’t stand the bloke to be honest but am sitting here thinking that I believe you would be right purely in getting the team more focused and getting the best from each individual to do a proper job for the team. How sad is that.
No.
Wath, it is a loaded question though.
Would Wenger field a side that had that attitude with the backing of a decent owner?
I can not answer the question, can anyone else?
Yes, i defend Wenger, but mainly due to the unknown elements and factors he may or may not be facing.
Until Wenger is handed real money to spend…not just PHW telling us all the money is there….and with it,he still he can’t turn things around, i will not condemn him.
Does anybody here honestly think he wanted to sell RVP??
If anyone says yes, then delusional is a word Wenger should throw at them.
Does anyone truly think he wanted to lose Fabregas??
Be serious, please.
Those above him have the power, but leave him hanging to cop all the abuse, because he is an easy target.
I wish he would quit, i really do.
I am sick of reading people insult the man who had a massive part in building the Arsenal we see today, people who probably know 5% of what is going inside the club.
Sorry Wath, it is not a yes or no question mate.
WATH to ‘butt in’ with an answer for your question at 10:21, I would say Yes.
Now my reason is that Jose has better players at RM and he is in the same situation as AW. We can blame the RM from the outside, the same way we also blame AW from the outside.
IMHO, the issue is in the head. The players like the fans do not go into matches with the believe that they are superior or can get results.
AW was tone of he first to introduce sports psychology in this league and it now appears that no amount of wrapping the players in cotton wool will prevent this rot. The players as Sagna said in September lack that extra 5% that having new recruits around the ground introduces.
Unfortunately, AW it seems based on what he says publicly does not believe in that sentiments.
With regards to the loan situation. I think a loan arrangement should be either for the benefit of experience or regaining match fitness/sharpness after injury. There are several examples where this is indeed the case. But unfortunately there are also several examples where we are simply using it to subsidise wages thate are clearly don’t match the talent they are paid to. Im one sense this is astute in another it is nmasking an initial cock up. So yep those players should definitely be got rid of, but it would appear that finance would suggest this isn’t possible – the Akmunia Syndrome, if you like 🙂
Here’s one for all of you…………
Forget the who to blame scenario firstly…… BUT
Do any of you genuinely believe the club will buy players of the quality that we need in the next ten days….?
I would say No……….!
SYG, the only way Mourinho would come though is if he had cash to spend, as has always been the case.
Morning all, My thanks as allways Rico,
You must have felt my post wasn’t scaveing enough Rico 🙂 I felt they were so bad i just didn’t have the heart to pile up the crap on them.
Good points there Naked, i was thinking the same thing yesterday as the teams came up, all those players linked to us before the Chav’s snapped them up. Makes you laugh really, when a Russian Match seller knows more about football than a man with a life time of experience. Wenger should be ashamed of himself. Hazard and Mata take us apart and our own players who are supposed to be shit hot can only watch in awe. Wilshere from top of the pile to a broken man in a couple of games. In the papers this morning is a story that wenger has been fineing players for rule breaking (wearing going out shoes in the dressing room turning up late for training being late for lunch all get them fined Wenger should also bring in fines for men mascerading as footballers. After all 90, 000 for one goal from Walcott as he never did anything else.
Some of the sites on NN all say that AW points the finger at the ref Scott.
I still think that even though the players played quite well during the second half against the chavs and shitty they are still crap. Because good professional players do their job for 90 minutes + 5 added minutes not for just the second half alone.
Sorry mates……..but the attitude around the team and club stinks. Conspiracy theory or not there is surely something fishy going on around. I have been saying this since last march and will continue to do so. Because none of the players are shouldering the responsibility and by players I do not mean those on the pitch..but all the players involved….meaning those from SK down. And the stakeholders (ie the fans, the paying fans, not ones like me in front of a screen or tv) have a right to know.
Wath, i do not think we will buy top class players, unless, as is the case with Gourcuff, they are crocks.
Ask PHW to tell us all how much Wenger has to spend again 🙂
See the question is loaded if your looking for a bigger picture Scott the Yes / No is based on those players available for yesterday and the way they played…! Those were are his players and would Fergie of got the same performance out of the same players… Your right the answer is No…!
Ts, RM is full of ego’s and players with issues and agenda’s within the club… Maureenya is a master of getting players to play for him but not a whole squad of ego’s like he has at RM and where the Chairman much like the Chavs wants to buy sell and pick the team.
Devil, Wenger did point the finger at the ref, but was also pretty bloody hard on the players.
Equally though, as some are accused of blaming the ref, plenty choose to ignore how important his stuff ups were.
SYG, I disagree, Maurenho has the best squad depth on paper in Europe and is sitting miles behind AtM and Barca…
The question we should be asking is will Fergie be soft enough to along with the crap AW is fed by the board.
As I stated last week, the person in-charge of contracts and signings lives in Dallas! I bet David Gill lives 2 miles around Cheshire.
And if AW had money and refuse to use it why do Stan, IG and PHW all say AW is doing miracles with the money he has to spend?
Read between the lines folks…
And like some wrongly believing that the 8-2 spanking propelled AW to spend in 2011, I would say REALLY! I think we had to qualifier for the CL before he could spend, because as Cesc said AW had £15M to spend that summer and he spent 12M euros on Yao Gerv… He had to then sell one of Cesc or Nastry before he could spend…
Was the money spent on the right players that is another question…
Wath, of course the bigger picture must be taken into account, as the bigger picture is 7 going on 8 seasons without a trophy.
Taking that game as a one off, well, even Fergies guys play like shit sometimes.
Not as often as us, granted lol
ah feel better now, good dinner and ready to argue. Right then who’s first!! hahah
I don’t give a shite whether I like a manager or player – I am a means to an end person. I’ll take 1-0 to the Arsenal every week.
Mourinho is a great motivator of manpower and can handle the big names.
A huge part of the problem at Real Madrid at the moment is Ronaldo. He thinks he is bigger than the club. We’ll see how much of the problem they have when they dump Man Utd out of the Champions League.
Scotty from Oz – Mourinho was manager of Porto when we had the Invincibles. Porto won the Champions League thay year, with Mourinho as manager. There was no big money to spend there.
Ginge, players say things all the time, but plenty simply ignore them.
I honestly don’t understand it.
Adam, yep agree totally, it is very uncomfortable. To me it is about evolvement around progress and innovation. Wenger had all of that in the first half of his career with us, unfortunately there has been a lot of catch up since then. To me its just a sad fact of life – things wane and there aren’t many innovators out there in their mid 60’s and that is when someone has to make a decisive action.
Scott, I do actually buy into and understand your point at 10.29 and who know’s what the exact situation is. But at the sametime does part of you think, regardless of what that situation is, AW is happy to be complicit in it? He takes the huge pay packet which you would think he doesn’t need and no doubt he would have options elsewhere. So if the situation is indeed that difficult for him, why did he sign his most recent extension and why does he stay?
Not trying to be conflictive here, just interested in your opinion, because I do buy into what you have said above and would love to know the real situation at the club, as opposed to the bullshit PR sound bites. But at the sametime, why would he be so accepting of that?
Scott, no way did AW want RVP to leave but look at the reasons why he left… Cesc as well….! Players around them who are/were not good enough. The manager refused to buy the quality needed or was not backed by the board to do so in which case you make sure the fans and the public are made aware your not backed in the transfer market by the board…! It can be done in a subtle way. As the man who is the main face surely you don’t lie to the fans when taking such a huge salary…?
As i’ve said before for me they are all guilty as sin they are all complicit in the clubs downfall and for many different reasons. Do they have the drive the vision and the ambition to pick the club up and take it where it needs to be… As in the transfer question my answer is no. We have a board only interested in money and have no long term football plan and a manager who fits into the ideal.
SYG, Chelski won it last year.
The 6th best side in England…….my point is that the best side doesn’t often win the thing, else Barca would every year.
Still, it is a fair call…….accepted.
i am not even sure its about trophies 100% Scott – its about being there with a real chance, this team Wenger had built has none, not a hope in hell – he is now completely blind, i don’t trust his buys, his tactics, any of his wild ass off the cuff crap and i know what he can’t do is build a team capable of challenging anymore
Wath. Point taken mate.
The Titanic analogy is apposite to me.
Captain Arsene has been steering toward the iceberg for some time. The passengers (fans) have been broadly divided into two groups. Those who spend their time abusing others while putting the deck chairs out and the rest who have been pointing out to the Captain that there was danger ahead. The good Captain politely pointed out to these heretics that, as they had never captained a great ship before, they were in no position to question his judgement. On the face of it, a fair if somewhat arrogant suggestion. Furthermore, he had the best crew and was confident that there was no peril. As time passed more and more of the passengers noticed that this huge obstacle to progress was looming larger and what seemed on the distant horizon only a short while before was now growing seriously close. Quite a few of those previously employed with the deck chairs stopped and began to notice that great danger was approaching. A few passengers, let us call them the Untold, carried on and reassured those staring at the iceberg that everything would be fine. In the meantime the number of passengers pleading with the Captain to turn the bloody wheel was growing with every passing mile. They knew his reputation and didn’t want to humiliate him but their concern was more than genuine.
Meanwhile, the owner of the ship, Mr Bruce “Stan” Ismay was only concerned with the ship achieving the record for the fastest crossing so profits on future voyages could be maximised. He would be the first man into the lifeboats!
good post WATH
very good analogy Adam, are you drinking again? hhee
The biggest indication of the players lacking any sense of accountability is the pass the BFG gave to Diaby before the second goal. Everyone knew 2 chavs were within 2 yards of him but he chose the easy option and passed to Diaby.
At the bridge yesterday, several chav fans were saying surely JW10 does not play like this every match! Being an Arsenal fan I knew that is our ways in almost every first half of every match.
Last October I posted that we had conceded 67% of our goals in the first 20 minutes… what is being done by SB during the warm up to make us lose a match before the first kick.
As in boxing you can lose a fight by the type of work out you do within an hour of a fight. If you hit the pads too hard and long you may lose the stamina before you get to the ring. On the other hand if you just chill and listen to music you would not be focused or pumped up enough to hit the ground running within the first 5 rounds.
Hic…..
You don’t get many lifeboats for your money do you?
Excellent stuff Adam.
hiya tsGH, yes but its people like you (the fans and in particular the home fans) that put our little boys under to much pressure – Wenger told us all – so… its actually your fault!!
Naked goon. Not when you don’t have enough for everyone on board, no. 🙂
Wath, i reckon the Board doesn’t back him, and that is why he can’t spend, but that is just my opinion.
Ryan, it is possible, though most would disagree, that Wenger knows leaving would leave the club in a shit heap.
If he leaves, we get a “never was” manager, or a “wanna be”.
No big name, successful manager will come to Arsenal knowing the circumstances do not allow for a successful club.
Pep,Mourinho….they would want big dollars to spend to rebuild……they have nothing to gain.
Maybe i am delusional..I have been been called that and worse, but maybe i am right.
Just my little theory, but still, who knows?
i actually read that three times Adam, god i am a sad person haha
Oz, your 10.42 suggests a team Wenger has built…….well i reckon it is the team he has been left with mate.
How do you build a team making a 20 million profit each year on transfers??
The ball comes to Diaby Ts he lays it off first time back to Vermaelen… Problem solved as was the way 30 seconds earlier he tried to hold on to the ball turn dribble what ever and got caught in possession…! A player oblivious to the dangers around him…! Play the way you face danger avoided and we retain the ball he didn’t do it..!
we’re well by that argument now Scott – Wenger is public telling everyone he calls the shots. like Berlin, that wall is down. He is the spearhead of everything that is wrong with this club make no mistake.
i’d have a wanna be like Michael Laudrup though
Oz. cheers mate. A little levity often masks a greater tragedy.
I know I am probably nit picking but at Porto, Santos and Machado spent very big and built a super team before Jose took over. The same way Pelliguini built the current RM team for Jose to win.
Lets look at Jose’s signings at RM, Sahin and Modric and the likes have contributed nothing. FACT
As was the case with tinker man. But the point is that the chavs were always finishing in 4th with the Denis Wise of this world so a multi-million pound addition of the likes of Essien and Makele will push the team along.
I agree Jose is able to go over the finish line more often but even I could with the teams he has had.
Adam, not that i expect you to answer this, but how can you seriously suggest those shuffling the deck chairs are the abusive fans?
Look at Le Grove and the like, and tell us all you honestly believe the AKB’s are the abusive ones.
Be serious.
Wenger was a no name big name manager before he signed Scott don’t forget that….!
I’ve siad this before and as much as I blame Arsene for many wrongs at the club and his ego and stubbornness and and and I still think him leaving would not solve the problem… If he leaves and the board stays nothing changes…
If he leaves the Board must also leave…..
No chance…!
@scott from Oz,
I beg to differ on your suggestion that the manager could not have done anything about the 1st half. He can do what I also can do: stand up and shout @ the players. But he sat there as if he did not care.
The summary of his mismanagement of the team is the fact that Arshavin was the only forward player on the bench in a match against Chelsea. What if Theo and Olivier had been injured? Maybe he would have used Frimpong as the top striker. And to think that we have one of the largest wage bill.
I’m sorry to say, I think he really should step down.
These days, after each match, he gropes in the very dark for reasons for failure. He even was petty enough that he claimed to have made tactical changes that changed the 2nd half. And, and, and,,,,,, words have failed me.
So pathetic.
Wath. So, no hope for a change of course? Do we have to strike the ‘berg?
Possibly Adam but maybe we need to hit the iceberg with no lifeboats so “ALL” go down with the sinking shp and we start again…???
Who knows indeed Scott. If you are right, then that is pretty noble.
At the sametime though, it could be argued that we are currently too close for comfort to a shit heep – the season is definitely in the balance and admittedlyt could still go in either way. But again it is disappointing to me so far away from the top end, even if we do rescue 4th.
Additionally, we do have the infrastructure in place, the apparent financial results and the 4th highest wage bill in the league (£1M a week more than Sperz allegedly), along with the new TV deal and supposed commercial improvements. Which does suggest that we are a long way from Shit Street and that a reasonable level of investment is indeed there. So is what we do have, just being grossly mismanaged? Admittedly I can’t decide by who – the Manager or the Board, but given my previous comments I can’t help but think that all parties are complicit in the situation.
But again, who really knows?
Uzochukwu, i dont agree that yelling at players on the pitch gets the right reaction.
When Wenger goes the Russian will step in and the American will sell – the clean out will be swift is my tip bye bye Musketeers.
Wath. Women and children first then? After Stan Ismay of course! Personally I am going to stand next to you, dressed as Carol Vorderman.
Ryan, the unknown is the biggest problem, and causes friction.
tsGH – Mourinho and Guadiorla are not good at buying players but knows how to motivate the team. That is what is lacking at the moment. I expect Steve Bould to be on the touchline shouting on players to get on the chavs faces, be in position but what does he do? He sits there and does f*ck all. Look at mancs the assist does that all the time, its only when fergie feels they are not performing he comes on the touchline. You could see the frustration on wilshere’s when he pushes to make a tackle the 2 defensive midfielders are miles away from him allowing the chavs to run rings around us. We just can’t count on diaby, he’s just back from injury and that was his 4th match in 12 days.
We need reinforcement in this window 1pt in 9 is not good enough.
I wouldn’t mind us playing podolski as the target man. He is clinical when he gets to those goal scoring position. Giroud footwork is bad, he can’t control the ball with his feet. The guy is a work in progress and will take time to get to that level, not this season or next
Morning all. Well that was fucking shit wasn’t it? Was Risicky injured again? Looking at the bench made me angry yesterday. Ramsey? Gash. Arshavin? Gash. Santos? Gash. Who is there to inspire us when all other on-field options are failing?
Emma – Mourinho bought some pretty solid players at Chelsea….
Rocky leave Ramsey alone you bully….. Decent again yesterday when played in his proper position…!
Rocky. Remind me to ask you for a player by player evaluation when we meet. I have a feeling that, difficult though it would be, it might surpass Lee’s memorable critique. 🙂
Scott, don’t disagree on that last point. That situation however is a sad indictment on all of those charged with running our club.
shocking first half…superb second…im not Wengers biggest fan but we shouldnt forget Boulds importance like TsGH said..
still i do think that changes are underway and i would give Wenger the chance to turn things around this summer,we seem to be in a need of this period of shaking up,…the players have the potential..no doubt…and they will come good,that said we need a cover for Diaby asap,.it cant be overlooked…
time for Gooners to step up and show that even if Our team struggles we can show them the way…so stop the rants ,we all know our situation,time to be true Gooners…
c’mon You Gooners…
Haha! Sorry wath. I just loved those passes he lofted through to no-one, and the fact he kept getting caught in position! At least he stayed true to form! He really needs to go out on loan to get his confidence back. I still think he can be really good for us. Just not at the moment.
Hiya Emma. When Henry first came to Arsenal he was a lot worse than Giroud. A lot worse. And Wiltord was as bad. Neither could hit a cow’s arse with a banjo. Henry improved dramatically whilst Wiltord was shipped out to the wing for most of the time – which he did NOT like.
Giroud is a different animal – a team player; part of his job is to hold up play until support arrives. A bit like Alan Smith.
I think he will become a very good player.
Football is a very easy game thats why working class people follow it. Fox hunting Croquet, Le cross is for the upper class they make their own rules up. Football is the team with the best players usually wins, it gets complicated when scullduggery gets involved Bent refs dodgy Football accociations . but at the end of the day players win games by outplaying their opponants. Our team are not good enough our manager is not good enough and our owners don’t care thats why we are shit and others are winning things. Not a hard game at all very simple in fact.
Adam, I’ll give it a go. Although mine and Lee’s evaluations basically amount to the same thing… Mine’s just a slightly more user-friendly word!
SYG – Wilturd was generally average throughout his stay with us. Never a fan of his. I agree that Giroud will get better though. I just hope he gets better quickly, as at the mo, he’s not the main CF we are crying out for.
Oh, and great write-up SP
Oh, and how in the name of Zeus’ butthole did Ramires go the entire game without a booking yesterday??
Football could be so much easier with a couple of changes. If a ball hits the hand at any time its handball. If any player is offside when the ball is kicked he is offside, and of course the most important one of all Fair Officials, Yeh I know never going to happen.
Too many subjective rules you reckon Steve?
Fair call.
syg – I am not saying he is not a good player. He needs to be taking those chances when they present itself. He needs to hit the ground running now, otherwise by mid-february we will be 15pts behind the lads at 7 sisters at the rate we are picking pts. We are already 11pts behind chelsea, 7pts behind the totts and who says it’s a guarantee 3pts on wednesday against the Hams. You just never know which arsenal is going to turn up.
Sagna is already playing like a player who knows that he will leave in the summer.
Maybe, maybe……………has AW told everyone that he will leave in the summer? And the players already know it?
The rules will stay the same how else will they explain their decisions.
Emma,I will personally guarantee you 3 points on wednesday.
Of course, i could be wrong 🙂
I mean……….AW has told the club that he will walk away this summer. So the players are confused. Remember when Fergie did it………United fell apart and kept loosing.
Scott your wrong 😛
SP, Footie would be soooooooooooooooo much easier if I didn’t care….!
Sagna has been woeful this season. His head clearly isn’t right. Nor’s his hair, but that’s another matter.
Devil i say we should let him go now.
Jenks gives 100% every time, and actually appreciates playing for Arsenal.
He seems to be in the minority atm, unfortunately,
I know Wath lol
Scott – 😉
Ramires is public enemy no 1 at Arsenal right now but yet seems the sort of player we need in our midfield.
I’d buy Pape Diop of Levante if i were Wenger. Ramiresmark11. Boundless energy, great skill, good on the ball, tough as hell.
Mr D, you had me o
At “boundless energy”.
It is what we lack too often.
That is my opinion also regarding Sagna……providing we get a replacement like Aurier or Yanga Mbiwa.
However the question about AW has been constantly niggling my brain.
Is AW there to remain till the end of his contract? Or does the club already know that he will walk away in the summer.
I feel that this is the last season of AW at the club.
rocky – I think Sagna heart is not here in arsenal. His head is elsewhere so the shoddy performances. Probably the contract situation is unsettling him. I say bring back Jenks
yeah let Sagna go – Wenger’s already proved he don’t need covering players uumm
Wath, That is the best explaination i have ever heard Brilliant 🙂 🙂
so hope you are right Devil, not that i have anything against the great professor of course 🙂
Probably right Emma. But how can a player play so shit for so many games and honestly expect a raise in wages?! AT least Rosicky played his arse off to get a new deal! Ok, he’s done bollock-all since, but if Sagna did the same I wouldn’t have an issue
We should have Ramires MARK 1 not a photocopy Dux.
We should have had Ronaldo MARK 1 not a combination of the next ronaldo
We should have had ESSIEN MARK 1 not a hotch botch collection of the next essiens.
I was going to say we should have had Vieira Mark ONE not the photocopy that is Diaby. But then I remembered we had him and sold him to play on for 5 more seasons.
True Dev, but lets face it…. he wasn’t very good after he left us….
Never dull being a Gooner,is it?
or else everything is being done on purpose to make SK sell so that AU will come in.
I feel that something is stinking right under our nose and we are not seeing it.
I mean………too many occurrences keep happening for them to be solely occurrences. Now they are done on purpose. Too many mistakes of the same old same old do not remain mistakes. Either its ignorance or else its on purpose.
Arsene Wenger’s interest follows hot on the heels of Barcelona’s, with Tito Vilanova seemingly also keen on the consistent Borussia Dortmund battler.
The 24 year old is into his sixth season at the Westfalenstadion having moved to the club having failed to break into the Bayern Munich first team set-up. Hummels has formed a rock solid partnership with Serbian international Neven Subotic, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side to back to back Bundesliga titles.
The fact that Klopp’s side may struggle to make that a trio of successes, with Bayern Munich running away at the top of the table, could perhaps leave Hummels open to a possible move away from Borussia Dortmund.
Arsene Wenger has come face to face with Hummels in Champions League action this term and will have been impressed with what he has seen.
Though Arsenal have a trio of quality centre-backs in the shape of Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen the North London club have not been all that solid at the back. The decision to loan out Johan Djourou, and with Sebastien Squillaci seemingly without much of a future at the club, could leave Wenger keen on strengthening his back-line.
Devil, the one single thing i would put money on is that Wenger isn’t hanging around just to get 7 million a year.
Careful Dev you and Ts will be off on conspiracy theories soon…..!
Dev, now your talking, making SK sell, lets hope so, what with Dein and Vieira talking AW up this week, hmmm…….
He is maybe staying around as he now feels guilty for taking the 7 million Scott and doing nothing with it due to agreeing to be in bed with the Yank and the board…?
he runs the show Scott is under no pressure and is way over paid to have the team stand still, some would say actually going backwards – why would he want to go somewhere were results would be expected of him and he’d have to face questions on his rather odd footballing philosophies?
We need a new broom that sweep clean………..
with ya WATH
a va va Broom
Oz, you keep saying it, but that alone doesn’t make it so.
Speaking of conspiracies Wath, have you ever seen Ginge and Devil in the same room??
🙂 🙂 🙂
Scott – how many “i make the decisions” do you need mate? How did Pod describe his power, “he’s god at Arsenal” i think was his words! So many confirmed it, including Wenger, how can you question this?
So next time you tell us we can’t believe anything Wenger says, I will remind you of this moment.
Afternoon Gooners…
Are we all looking forward to the Europa League?
No more boring trips to the Camp Nou, etc…
Think of all those exciting new stadiums we can visit…
The champions of Albania, Estonia and Macedonia lay in wait, to tingle our taste buds.
How exciting…
But we can win at those stadiums Kev lol.
Gotta stay positive 🙂
🙂 players i believe mate and there have been loads of them confirming how this club is run and where the buck stops on decisions – were they all wrong?
Wenger attempts to deflect when under pressure e.g. the “i will have to talk to my financial advisor” when pressured on transfers, fool no one. We are firmly locked in the Wenger Fantasy Football World. The evidence is overwhelming
Afternoon Kev. At the moment, the Europa is a pipe dream! At this rate we’ll finish outside those places!
And players are nearly unanimous that Wenger is a great manager, yet you don’t believe them.
You can not pick and choose when to believe Wenger or players and when not to.
I keep saying it Oz….i do not know the truth, but i do not presume to.
The truth will come out one day…it will be enlightening.
rocky , my very thoughts, we are distinctly mid table at present
Agreed Scott, but the players aren’t likely to say that he is shit. It is, however, strange they come out and say he is like God, and that no-one ever crosses him. These statements don’t seem to have been said when pressed for an answer to a question, but more like an off the cuff remark. So in that aspect, I do believe theym when they say he is like a God there, but take them saying he is the right man for the job with a pinch of salt. After all, Van Persie said that…. Then came the moment Ox was subbed for AA23 against Man U, and everyone saw what RvP really thought. And then he rucked
Why use the special one and AW in the same sentence?
*fucked off. You don’t do that if you believe Wenger is the man to turn things around.
its a good point Rocky, why would anyone turn around and say “actually he’s lost it and is sh*t” of course they are not going to but.. when it came to the forward move for their careers, (our better players) Wenger’s idol promises only washed for so long didn’t they? – lets be honest, how many of this lot would earn the sums or even get a game at any of the other top clubs?
No Rocky, I simply cannot agree mate.
We are where we are, that is Europa League level.
Personally I cannot wait to see what group we are drawn in…
Skonto Riga, Levante, Odense, Sarajevo All Stars, doesn’t that kinda group rock your boat.
Imagine the electric atmosphere at the Grove for such games. 30,000 packed out crowds.
We’d do well to qualify out of that group Kev!
your killing me allez Probably because i know its a real possibility the way we are loosing ground
Wenger is the architect of his own misfortune. He listens to no one but himself. No player is good enough, he wants to sign only “exceptional players” but is prepared to pay so much, football has to be played only in a certain way etc.
Did anyone notice how gaunt he looked in the post-match interview?
I can’t believe Sagna is being compared to CJ. This is exactly the reason we are where we are.
Lets face facts. which other full back can play better than Sagna without any defensive cover from the player playing in front of him?
The same people who slate Ramsey are the same one’s praising CJ for being a better FB but are failing to recognise that CJ only looked good because Ramsey was sacrificed to play infront of him in key games like $hitty away where CJ had his best ever game.
Even Cafu will look pants with Ox and Theo playing in front of him.
yesterday there were times when even OG12 was coming back to help Sagna out whilst Theo was walking around.
Le Coq does not have the positional sense to be covering for sagna when he goes forward either as a normal DM should be doing.
Hiya Kev old mate.
You are right and wrong. Yes we are heading for the Europa league, but at the rate we are doing now we will be out of it also.
MAybe that is AW in his grand scheme of things. Get out of the CL…….have lots of games in the Europa lge during which he will get to play the youngsters knowing fully well that they will win the majority of them, Then play the proper players in the league and everyone will get game time and be rested as well.
Unless the players hotch and botch all these plans up by winning finishing eight, be out of the CL places and Europa places, with the scum finishing fourth and then they go and win the CL …..and relegate the scum to Europa lge for the second season in a row.
Now that is another conspiracy theory for you Watty boy!! 😉
WATH – great q, exactly right would the same squad play the same under fergie? My view no- why? Because fergie wouldnt sign/field that team. He signs fighters, and if they dont fight he bench or sells them. Personally cant stand the guy or most of the players in his sht team. But i have to give it to him, he gets the best out of pretty avg players and he only field players that fight. Man on man for skills id take a lot of the arsenal players in terms of desire to win / fighting id only take 1-2 arsenal players. How do change the attitude of our players…has to start from the top – wenger cant accept poor performance – we need a leader that leads by performance and gives underperformance guys sht on the field in short wenger needs to change attitude to a winning one and no acceptance of mistakes and he needs to get a general.
Is that going to save our season, no sadly to late
tsGH well said mate, i can’t understand why everyone is going against Sagna and calling for CJ. CJ should be loaned out, Le Coq should be playing RB over CJ. Fuck that shit about CJ is a gooner.
Ts – Ashley Cole rarely gets cover.
Cafu? VERY over-rated. Just as Maicon is.
The fact of the matter is, Sagna is presently playing like an absolute c**t. The lack of defensive cover has no bearing on the fact his passing and crossing are woeful. At best. He jogged back to cover Mata yesterday. That was unforgivable. His positional play on that opening goal was also VERY suspect. That had nothing to do with cover. His poor performance against Southampton when he was slicing the ball all over the place, often putting us in danger, had nothing to do with cover. There’s only so many times you can try and bring that up as an excuse.
tsGH
I totally disagree.
Sagna is not playing well and has not done so for a while. 2 leg breaks in 2 years might have taken its toll. Sagna’s form has nothing to do with the players in front of him. Defensively he has become a liability as he’s often caught out of position, nothing to do with Theo or the Ox. In attack he’s even more dire. He can’t cross the ball to save his life, never getting past the first defender. Every attack breaks down with Sagna.
Great servant he has been, but its time to go. he may do well in a slower league but I think he’s finished as far as the EPL.
Dna – I don’t give a flying fuck who plays there. As long as they are good. At present, that rules Sagna out
GDA………we only go about CJ not on skill etc, but on the attitude. BS is there with an I do not care less attitude at the moment. CJ may have lesser skill but his attitude is first class….he fights for the club. Something which you cannot say for the rest of some so called AFC players.
Dux – just beat you to it mate! See we’re both singing from the same hymn sheet there though!
Sagna seems disinterested and is not chasing back like he should..
He is making mistakes that the Sagna of two years ao never would.
Oz…Rocky…even Ex players so Wenger is a great manager….they have no reason to lie.
Their grievances are always aimed at the board.
Yesterday a chav player trod on Sagna’s foot. He went down like a sack of potatoes. That single moment explained it all….as Mr Dux said. He has gone downhill after two leg breaks in the same legs. The first thing which goes after the leg breaks is speed mates. Add to that his age and you get why AW and the club do not want to give him more than a year.
rockyrocastle we said the same thing same time.
Did anyone see RvP’s interview after the Arsenal match on Sky? Talking about the fact they are all champions there, and how he is enjoying his football again? It was sad to hear, as it really showed how far we have fallen. but you couldn’t argue with what he said!
Ex players Scott…. From the days where he WAS the man to see the job through! They don’t see him day-to-day anymore.
Scott has a point there at 12.36. Everyone keeps praising AW. And AW himself has said that one day he might write a book which may open a can of worms.
So either the man loves AFC a lot or he is a self inflicted sadist. If the board leave me hung out to dry I would resign.
Or maybe he knows something about the board etc……conspiracy??
devil Sagna is always fighting for the club, why we all can’t see that the fucking problem is AW. Yesterday Jack was looking across the bench for some instruction and look what that mother fucker did, sit playing with his coq. We will not reach anywhere until we realise how this guy is damaging the club/team.
In case anyone missed it: http://www.redmancunian.com/2013/01/21/video-robin-van-persie-interview-with-geoff-shreeves/
Rocky you honestly think Cashley gets no help from Hazard and Oscar? Even Oscar puts in more effect than most of our so called favourite players.
If any of our forwards put in as much effect as Oscar and Hazrd and even Mata do we would not be where we are.
Then again I blame Aw for signing non-fighters. Or the Arsenal fans for calling for AW to curb our indifferent disciplinary record in the early 2000’s…
Why should Jack be looking for instruction from the bench? That is the Captain’s job to give instructions on the field. That would show the ineptitude of Vermaelen as captain if that is the case Dna. And also shows that Jack is not ready to be captain as some people believe. If in fact that is what Jack was doing.
Its easy to turn against RVP, Nasri, Adebayore, etc etc. But what if what they said is true? As RR07 said……It was sad to hear, as it really showed how far we have fallen. but you couldn’t argue with what he said!
Do I give a shit about RVP etc? No, they may go and do what the hell they want. …… if they are replaced with like for like or better players. But they were not replaced so we just take it out on them when we should be taking it out on the board.
Get the whole stadium singing…….THE BOARD MUST GO.
And see if they have the balls to stand it for more than two games. The stewards will not be able to shut up 50k+ voices will they?
Ts – Cole gets little or no help. One of my best mates is a season ticket holder at Chelsea and he says that all the time, about how amazing Cole does with practically no protection.
Every attack breaks down with Sagna… I am missing something?Did Theo not miss the best cross of the game when Sagna crossed the ball. Most of our attcks come from the RHS and that does not include Ox or Theo offering anything.
Can any RB truly cross like Beckham? Lets face facts, opta stats tell me Sagna does 2.5 times more running than Gibbs so I fail to understand why you are claiming he does not give a shite…
i can understand if you say he is not doing well but that is an opinion.
rocky afc has no captain, for me JW is the captain because the guy knows football, he was fustrated because of how far diaby and coq was sitting and he was asking AW to tell them to step up. This aint hard its soccer
Ts – I agree, I don’t believe he doean’t give a shit…. But there is something not right with him at the moment. His performances show that.
I will be interested to know if Sagna also requires Theo’s or Ox’s help to cross the ball
Rocky I go to the bridge at least 8 times a season having a next door neighbour who has supported the chavs for over 50 years and was a hooligan in his youth.
I was at the game yesterday and Hazard offered more defensive cover to Cole than any of our wingers put together.
A player does not have to actually put in a tackle, but just be tactically switched on to help your fullback.
How many times are Gibbs and Sagna left 3 vs 1 every single match
How do you know he said that Dna? Must have missed the microphone picking that up. Maybe the wife was talking at the time so I couldn’t hear. In any case, if you are correct in what you say, why doesn’t he tell them to get back then?! Or tell Verm to tell them? If Jack is the captain, why does he need to ask Wenger? He should bawl at them to stop fucking around.
Well of course you do Ts! Why wouldn’t you go to a rival team 8 times a season?! Is it a scouting mission you are on?
folks………….kindly stop blaming the players who play. With the exception of attitude you cannot fault them. In as much as we could never fault Almunia. Why?? Because they are put there. They do not make the choice of the team. They do do not buy themselves. They do not decide tactics.
Blame who should be blamed. THE BOARD AND AW.
Fullstop.
Dux… again tell me a full back who crosses the ball more than Sagna. I do noty know how many matches you watch but I think Arsenal fans are very unrealistic.
The best attacking fullback believe it or not are Rangel Angel and Shorey of Reading. Even Ivanovic and Cashley do not rank anywhere near Sagna’s attempts.
Sorry, I didn’t real;ise this was “Chelsea season ticket holding friends” top trumps! I bow down to your friends 50 years Chelsea experience. Rico, when you get a sec, can you please remove my outlandish comment that Cole gets no help? I have been proven incorrect.
TS – Did you also go to Milamn num,erous times a season to keep tabs on Cafu, who you quoted earlier? Or was it strictly Berazil home games you went to?
I fucking give up.
Top banter Rocky – nice one Ginge.
Good to raise a smile….
Best attacking fullback is Baines. No discussion.
I am off now mates. Time to pick the little prince.
In the meantime………..be good mates. And remember that at the end of the day we all love AFC.
Syg – shame about my spelling – some dickhead has the window open and my fingers are freezing! I have as much control over tham as Sagna does over his passing…
My dad thought John Gidman was the best attacking full back ….
laters Dev.
rocky – Not sure about jack asking wenger for instruction. jack was pressing the chavs players to get the ball but there were no simultaneous pressure mounted from his DM’s(Diaby and Coq) when he went forward to hassle the ball and he was always moving his hands to show his disgust by his DMs. It happened on 4/5 occasions in the first half
Right, I’m off to the gym. Later, chaps and chapesses.
Turn up 45 minutes late at the airport and you miss your flight.
Afternoon Gooners.
Emma – he should sort it there and then. He’s the driving force in that midfield. He should tell the other 2 EXACTLY what to do.
yeah Rocky …. Piss off back to Ligue 1
This IS Wenger’s team forged from his concepts of football and how it should be played, how a team should be coached, how a club should be run. The whole thing is Wenger’s brain-child. To expect him to change it is asking too much as it would be going against his own principles that seem to me to be rigid to the point of nonsensical. Wath is right of course. It needs a new broom. People moan about the board but do you really believe there is anybody on that board who has the clout to stand up and tell Wenger that he must adapt to today’s football? No, I doubt it. According to that pollock Geoff Shreeves Arsenal have cash reserves aplenty, £150 million he says.
We have seen that the team can be competitive under certain circumstances. These are generally when we are losing in the second half of a game. For me Arsene cannot motivate young millionaires any more and the reason I believe this is the evidence of my own eyes. Seems to me that the man is not going to change simply because he can’t.
It’s tempting to think that the answer to Arsenal’s woes are just about anything that is not at the club at the moment. I think we need a completely new sense of ambition at the club and not just a new DM. The competitive drive must come from the top and there must be accountability. I just don’t see that a syrup’ed billionaire American Sports Magnate who doesn’t come to the games provides the tone we need. Gazidis? Do me a favour. Wenger IS the club at the moment and the responsibility for what is happening must be shared between him and the under-achieving players surely. He just has not adapted to the changing times and Arsenal the club and the team have become boringly predictable. Horrible and depressing? Yes, of course but there is a huge truth that has been developing for years now. It is a classic case of the Emperor’s New Clothes.
tsGH – at the moment Sagna’s form has dipped. It’s not even because of enough cover from Theo/Ox. His positioning is abysmal. It’s being like that for the last couple of weeks and should be rested so that Jenks can come in. We should be taking a look at Toulouse right back, Aguire . He is very good
rocky – He did. He gave them signal he was going to press but both did not respond
Wenger is living in a micro-cosmos and the macro-universe don’t give a shit.
Ahh Kev, can’t wait, it’s what dreams are made of – the season ticket price will remain unchanged, we will get to waste, err I mean use the 7 cup games on the minnows, I mean might of European football. When we get back late from a Thursday night game, we can satisfy ourselves that it’s a Friday that we wake up knackered to instead of a Wednesday or Thursday where we then have atleast 2 or 3 more working days to contend with. Then there is the bonus of all those 3pm kick off’s on a Sunday, so we won’t be able to have as many beers with our mates – imagine the savings to your wallet and waiste line alone !! Ohh and I must not forget the joys of public transport on a Sunday.
No need to pedal any lies of big signings/spending this summer Ivan, I am already in !!
Ryan L. Yes mate, sign me up for that one. That picture you paint is irresistible.
bloody good forum this one – not one person slanging anyone off for differing opinions or thoughts – very glad to be here
Only one captain in an arsenal shirt
Spec-savers anyone
emma, it amazed me at times the mess the defence gets in as a whole – we really do look awful at times – i was really hoping one of the old school would make a serious difference, he really has had no impact at all as he? Wonder why?
Every cloud, hey Adam !! 🙂
I like Wilmer of Toulouse like you but I think he is in his late 20’s if I am not wrong. A difficult time to come to the EPL imho..
For three years I have actually felt that AW is either very stupid or is actively sabotaging the team. I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t figure it out! I also think that there is something physically wrong with Bacary, he’s always been a fighter and may be playing injured.It’s debatable if he would have gotten a second broken leg if he hadn’t been rushed back because AW wouldn’t buy a defender this time last year.
Afternoon all, heard on the radio this morning players get fined up to £500 if they turn up late for training, can picture it now, Walcott asking if anyone can change up 100k for him.
Dutch, on the plus side airports don’t crash.
Ohh and in the Europa League, we might get the chance to play Bradford again 🙂
Revenge would be sooo sweet.
ozgunner – Probably he is a yes sir like Pat rice
tsGH – sorry i got the spelling wrong ‘Aurier’ Serge. He is just 20 but very solid
Not sure we need anymore french men?
unless we can find one with his sleeves rolled up
Afternoon all!
Coquelin on loan to betis?
JM – It will be plain stupid by AW to let coq go on loan without bringing in a reinforcement
You peeps wait……….. when the world of football implodes, cracks and crumbles under its own weight. We will jump the cue.
Wow, hold on to that delicious tasting. We will be in the driver seat, top of the food chain.
Like thirdworld countries have been patiently awaiting a global economic crisis to level the playing fields. Eradicating competition. Domination just around the corner.
Micko
Plus the tax free shopping is much more relaxed. It can’t be all bad. I know.
On the offside rule, how is the attacking player not be offside if he’s not involved in the play but the defender on the far side of the pitch can play him on. Not like that defender would prevent him from scoring.
Just like Iniesta at the world cup is offside but the ball wasn’t initially played to him. He didn’t move but the defence caught up to him and he can legally score.
Here’s a link to the London Colney pics including the level of fines meted out to transgressors! http://colneypictures.imgur.com/all/
On Sagna, I’m sure he’s cheesed off with walcott’s contract, that he’s one of the most senior players on his salary, no cover or support on the right from Ox or Walcott and I think he has not fully recovered from those leg breaks.
I’m sure he’s told he needs to get forward by everyone in front of him and in the ear from the guys at the back. I’m sure there’s huge animosity between the players in the change room.
Wouldn’t it be hilarious if our players where ignored for 45 minutes everywhere they go for an entire month.
Restaurants, wardrobe service at red carpet events, shopping with gold cards that only provide access 45 minutes per day, smartphones on interval duty, cold pizza delivery, car engines on a timer, etcetera……
I hope they only get paid half their wage on Friday, it’s the least the club can do they they only played half a game.
Or got half of what they ordered and/or paid for.
‘Which foot do you prefer sir? Left or right? Here you go, thanks for your business. Don’t worry the limping is hardly noticeable.’
Yanga-Mbiwa is available and he will cost 7mill. I know we are all weary of another french import but this guy is better than what we currently have in RB.
Plus he can play in central defense and holding midfield. Would give Wenger options if all are fit.
It’s this bullshit that pisses me of. Aired my frustrations before about this being allowed by our club. If Frimmy wants to be the next Hilfiger or United Colors of Benetton apply for school again. Don’t waiste our time.
Emmanuel Frimpong to release new clothing line
http://m.sportsmole.co.uk/off-the-pitch/arsenal/news/frimpong-to-launch-new-clothing-line_65292.html
I’d buy him Mr Dux, liked him from what I saw when we played them and he is versatile and gets stuck in…!
Buongiorno tutti
Dux – I’d take him in a heartbeat. Couldn’t care less where they come from, what nationality or colour they are. As long as they improve the team and are fighters and not shirkers, that’s all I ask for.
Dutch – the bit that just made me lose respect for him in that article is “We were hungry for some money, so we made up the T-shirts and they’ve sold really well”. A premier League footballer was “Hungry for money”. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what’s wrong with the world today.
My point Rock. My point as well. Keepin it real gangsta – 7 digit crew and all that – I got five on it hustler.
Haha!! Those were the exact same words I was just about to write mate!
What a wankstain that guy is. I hope he was mis-quotes (although I don’t see how). Seriously, that’s really pissed me off that he actually said those words. So he doesn’t feel he earns enough so not only are the club pulling the fans pants down with ticket prices, Frimpong is ramming it home dry by ripping off those dumb enough to buy his shitty clothes because they love the guy. Nice. Nice crowd.
Greed is good. In Arsenal’s world.
Rocky, does Frimpong strike you like he’s going to make it top flight? The canny lad is possibly just setting himself up for another career.
In his eyes he will Dux. I’m sure of it. I think he can if he applies himself.
But he has obviously learned from the very best on how to screw every last penny out of your fans!
Geoff Shreeves is a Pollock?!!!
A fish???? Ye Gods…
That explains it then….
Cheers Adam, you are a mine ofr information….
I am in awe….
I used to love that song Dutch! Especially the Drum and Bass remix in the late 90’s! Used to go crazy to that when I used to go to Helter Skelter and United Dance raves way back when!
Ah Ryan, i can see that you share my vision…
The excitement, you can almost taste it….
I personally cannot wait Ryan, and i sense that you are in the same camp.
Champions League, pah, who needs it…
And remember, Arsene’s one season in this competition, saw Arsenal reach the final, where we was pipped by those european giants Galatasaray…
U can remember that far back Rocky 😉
Mickey Finn, I think did the remix of that…..
This is funny “Why do you all fail to see the positive that our darling manager see….
Diaby didnt get injured and he is having the chance he deserves because he doesnt drink or smoke LOL
If i am absent from work for half of the year through sickness but i dont smoke or drink, i wont have a job anymore talk less of getting more money.
Guys please behave!!!!!!!! and see the positives LOL
Just about wath!! Vaguely! Lot of teeth-grinding and wall-licking going on in those days!
Hi Kev. You going on Wednesday?
So how does everyone think Mr. Wenger will hide and justify not spending money now?
I’m going with the classic “the quality available to buy, is not as good as what we already have” or some version of it!
Don’t know if he would even have the nerve to tell us all again that the squad is good enough.. Although..
Kev. I meant to say he was a Coelacanth but predictive text got me again.
Hi ESP – Been a while! I think we will not sign this Mbiwa chap (or chatever his name is) as it could well “stunt the progress of Djourou”.
Am i going Wednesday…. 😆 😆 😆
No mate, i am in Kent today, tying some biz up for a few days…
But i will be thinking of you my friend…
sorry, my spelling has been pathetic today. It’s been noted. Must try harder tomorrow.
Bloody hell, you lost me there Adam…
Is that Gaellic..??
Where’s Mick when you need him?
Rocky that is a good angle! Don’t think he has used the “stunting progress” one in a while! That could be a front runner!
I’d like to see him use the moody teenage “I’ll do it later” approach!
I like many other fans, am not greedy, 5 or 6 new faces would please me!
Still love da old skool Rock. Roots Manuva exploring new grounds and such.
The teenage approach would be great! Or he could do the petulant child approach of simply sulking and saying nothing. Oh, wait a minute…. That’s his current stance…
No Adam, i am saving any disposable income i have left after legal fees, for the away games in the Europa League….
Tallinn, Tirana,. Tel Aviv, Vilnius, Minsk, all those hotbeds of Europa League football.
I cannot wait to visit on the away game…
Come on Kev. You must have had Coelacanth and chips down the Old Kent Road.
Did you watch yesterday’s turn out? I am back on the crack today. Ater successfully taking up chain-smoking for New Years it could all prove rather too expensive. I’ll be down the carriage office on the knowledge soon at this rate. Or tapping Lee up for a few quid.
was never a fan of Roots to be honest. I was massively into my Happy Hardcore though (like a lot of you Dutch people at the time!. Actually started to rip my old rave tape packs to mp3 recently. Takes an eternity, but great memories!
The Minsk fixture has always been a favourite of mine Kev. They play some good football over there – or they’re shot.
The only thing vi get down the Old Kent Rd are passengers doing a runner…
But that’s the charm of S.E.London..
Love this quote from AW’s weekly email: I have no concerns at all about the attitude of my players. There is great quality in this squad and I think the team have to believe in themselves more. You can see that we can dominate the best teams for long spells but now we have to show we can do that for 90 minutes
Give it up Arsene.
Ah no, Adam, i really thought a dose of heroin would have weaned you off of the crack….
I know that you are a man of resolution, and would not crack (funny eh?) without a fight…
Pollock and chips might have saved the day….
We couldn’t even dominate Southampton!
Minsk, yeah i know, Dinamo Gulag are a very motivated team in the Belarus SupaLiga
Any chance of seeing the savor of the beautiful game joining for a mere £3m?! (Not adding in outstanding medical bills!)
Kev. Didn’t Solzenitzen used to play centre forward for them? Triffic player that I think ‘Arry tried to sign for Bournemouth.
10 more days to go Adam/Rocky…
The tension, the excitement, the anticipation….
Transfer Window?
No lads…
A Kebab in Stoke Newington….
triffic Adam, just triffic. He would have only tried to sign him if we were in for him first. After all, he was part of the Red Army….
Happy Hardcore – there’s gonna be one last festival I heard recently. Bigger, better and going out with a bang. To say farewell to those that lived a decade for Fridays till Mondays raving non-stop.
I was more into progressive and deep dish house.
You know Kev, I don’t think I will be able to take the excitement without some crystal meth.
Yes Adam, i remember him well.
He was never the same after that visit to the Lubiyanka…
Despite all the hard work of the club physio he just couldn’t recover his turn of pace after being kneecaped…
Tragic story…
Don’t mention Crystal Meth Adam…. Dog the Bounty Hunter will be after you!
Kev, I only realised yesterday our little soiree is on the same day as transfer deadline day!
Should have been an I in savior….
Share it out Adam, share it out….
Crystal meth and chilli sauce on my shish sounds delicious…
Rocky. You may have to hit me with horse tranquilliser on the 31st as midnight approaches if I get too excited with the world class players that will be arriving. You could mix it in with my hummus and I wouldn’t notice it through the 30 cloves of garlic.
Dance raves, coelecanth and chips, gulag football… Wow. This place covers EVERYTHING. 😀 The polar opposite of our defenders who cover NOTHING.
Still depressed about yesterday’s results. 😥
Rocky it will be a memorable evening…
Watching Lee slowly coming to the boil..
Kev and Rocky. Made me laugh out loud. 🙂
Hi Agag. You must be excited as transfer deadline day approaches.
Bring a spare pair of pants Adam…. I reckon you’ll have “kindered your brogues” at least twice with all the excitement by 9pm!
Agag, yeah mate, i mustn’t forget my cedit card on the 31st…
Perfect for cutting a line…
Cheers for reminding me shopping buddy…
You should join us Agag….
Lee is quite a wag… 😉
Hi agag. Well, I like to think of it as an educational forum too!
Rocky. I have asked Kev to bring a stretcher so you can carry me out and past the giant flame pit. Mrs Adam has a tank of oxygen standing by at home if needed.
Rocky, brown brogues, now there’s a picture to dwell on…
Of course it could be a dodgy doner….
Ahhh, I forgot the giant “pit of death” by the door! sod sitting next to that! Don’t worry, we’ll have an ambulance on standby just in case it’s all too much for you when we sign some unknown 12 year old from Tonga.
Agag it would be great if you could come. They do a great flamed Coelacanth in the restaurant we are going to. In fact they incinerate everything over charcoal.
I hear that if you dare slag off the food, they incinerate customers on there too.
Positively on tenterhooks, Adam. I can barely contain my excitement at our non-signings. All those fishies AW will, for certain, allow to get away. 😀
AK, those credit cards will be the death of me. I used to be so much more fiscally healthy. 😉
I understand we are interested in a 7 foot centre back who is currently an enforcer for a Robert Mugabe XI. His machete tackle is considered a work of art.
Yeah Agag, and crystal meth will help you forget about the transfer window…
Adam caters for every eventuality…
As did I agag! I’m now a fiscal shuttle crash.
Rocky I think that, as we left the last time I spotted a man through the giant flames and massive heat haze actually standing by the pit itself.
Pemium Bonds Agag, that’s the answer to all your financial problems.
he was Adam. he was a sweating wreck if I remember rightly. Then again, I’d be amazed if he wasn’t!
Dr Adam, chemist, alchemist and dispenser of Joy and Love. That’s me.
Rocky. But he had a hell of a tan and a nicely singed moustache.
Wow Adam… This guy’s tackle looks like a machete?!
well, you say “tan”…. Looked like he’d been stood in front of a flame thrower.
When you work for a humanitarian like “Bob” Mugabe you need to be endowed with that kind of tackle Rocky.
Rocky. 🙂
rocky, it is, it is!! 🙂 I will certainly try to go to London next year. Can’t wait to try the charred coelecanth, Adam is so keen to advertise. 😀
Dutch, I love your 1:16; there is someone who will be hearing that from me quite soon. 😀
Ahh, didn’t think of that Adam. Thought it may come in handy when he is “chopping into” members of the opposite sex….
did some say sex? morning HH, am getting married. lol.
Goonster.
You’ll have to keep us posted agag! Better hurry up, as I don’t think the coelacanth will be around much longer! (According to Wikipedia!)
Leave it out Stan!
adamant….
leave what out rocky? am serious buddy, am getting married in a week! yikes, scary huh?
All this talk of choppers, and here comes Stan the Nailer….
Hiya Bull
Serious Stan? Congrats mate. Guessing its not your boss’ daughter…..
I want my coelecanth with a side of pygmy possum. 🙂
Goonie, seriously?? The soon-to-be missus should be scared. 😀 😀
What……………………?!!!!!!!!!!!
Stan getting married…. 😯
What will the female population of the USA do…?
It’ll be like when Rudoph Valentino died…
Stan. Are you serious? Who will be the lucky Mrs Van Der Pout?
hahahahahaah mrs van der pout he says, its a fixed marriage guys, am trying to get a US green card. she’s french creole and kinda foxy too, who knew?
I have posted the info on the Old Compton Street bulletin board. There is much wailing and gnashing of teeth down there.
Stan, this is your chance to post the wedding pics on HH.
Ahhh, one of the main reasons anyone should get married!! Stan, get my email from Rico and send the wedding photos over mate!
Will you be having Jambalaya as a wedding breakfast Goonie?
Whose gonna be your Best Man, Stan….
Wath would love to do it….
There’s a lot of disgruntled people in the Admiral Duncan now Stan….
ooooh, a nice bit of gumbo Kev….
goonie, how unromantic. 😕
You forgot “weeping”, Adam. 🙂
sorry, meant Adam!
Agag! How could you?!
Agag. 🙂
When you come over we will take you down the Admiral Duncan in Old Compton Street. It’s on the way to Bond Street anyway. 🙂
Hello Gorgeous,
Feel free to use it as deem fit, no copyright infringements attached. You’re a little ray of sunshine on these fffing frrrreezing days. Funny lines that COVER large parts of the criticism scope. 😉
Afternoon Goonie
Are you on a green card or is this appearing before the altar for real?
At least get her a nice sparkler (vvs will do), goonie. 😛
How could I what, rocky?
Well for fucks sake, i thought i had heard everything Wenger going to buy, were going to compete but Stan the man Marrying Jambaly Jane , fuck off, i just can’t take that in, That game yesturday has spammed you brain mate, give her plenty then show her the door Stan, and promiss yourself that you won’t get hitched till Arsenal win the Champions league, safe bet you will never get married. You Mug Congrats 🙂
Hi Dutch. Thanks for calling me gorgeous. Brightened up my day…..
What’s in Admiral Duncan?
Haha!! “Give her plenty then show her the door”!! Outstanding Steve! Who says romance is dead?!
Stans biggest fans agag….
rocky, I think Dutch was referring to SSP. No offense. I’m sure you’re pretty, too. 😉
Don’t count on it agag!! You’d best reserve judgement til next year!!
Agag. I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. Try to come over and we will show you round London. You’ll love it. Honest. We might even be able to tempt Rico up for the day. 🙂
Never mind just read the answer. French Creole, foxy and all….
Yes Steve. You old romantic you.
rocky, is that like a gay district?? Hahaha. Goonie, you should have had your bachelor’s send-off in London. Champers and coelecanth, courtesy of the Curry Club. 😉
Not sure agag…. It’s not somewhere I frequent!
I believe you, rocky. I believe you. 😀 SSP, your last post is even funnier upon a second reading.
You sure Rocky 🙂
Rock you got to tickle yourself sometimes, I don’t hold it against you stealing a compliment.
Hi Agag, Didn’t relise you were on i apologise for the wording, Just lost for words. 🙂
Haha! I promise, I’ve never been!! and I know the more I say it, the less you are going to believe me! I don’t even own any leather arse-less chaps!
Phil
January 21, 2013 at 4:10 pm
On a positive note, I am reminded of the words of Tom Fox, who whilst reminding us that winning isn’t the only thing, said “When they see that we can attract -even though we haven’t win a trophy for seven years- one of the top global brands in the world for the type of money and financial commitment they’re making, that makes our fans feel proud”
You are right ofcourse Tom. When I cast my gaze skywards and see an Emirates A380 flying overhead, my heart swells with pride, and I almost feel like bursting into song, as I think to myself – There goes the brand that sponsors my Arsenal’s stadium.
Priceless…. Courtesy of ACLF.
Thanks Dutch! Nothing wrong with a self tickle I guess……
Who the fuck is Tom Fox? I’d like to have an audience with Tom Fox if possible….. 5 minutes will be enough. Fucktard.
TMI, rocky, TMI. 🙂 Hah. Hiya, Steve, great write about a truly woeful game. Ick.
Dutch; 5.07;
Hello Gorgeous………………… er, cheers Dutch…
Sorry agag… I forgot your delicate eyes were reading this filth! I blame Steve…
Meetings over then AK 🙂
Rocky, Zip yourself up mate 🙂
Hey Sir Stevo, when’s the fishing season start again?
Rocky could teach Arsene a thing or two about zippers… 😉
Kevin. That is both funny and yet sad because it reminds us of the real core values that exist at our club. The sooner the Syrup and his mates piss off the better if you ask me.
Still, on a happier note, Stan is getting married and has received some useful advice from Steve.
Sorry Steve, I couldn’t resist! Came over all unnecessary!
Agag, you would safe as houses down Old Compton Street.
The folks down there are more interested in blonds with blue eyes and a bit lippy…
Words to live by Adam! If you don’t mind Steve, I may well impart that nugget of wisdom on to any friend I hear is getting married! Still chuckling to myself over that line!
Dutch, plenty on here are fighting about your compliment. 😀 😀
AK, I’d like to give that Tom Fox a kick where it would hurt. Seriously.
Cheers Agag, was going to right a blue post one that Rocky would have liked but couldn’t bring myself to heap more rubbish on an already huge pile. 🙂
Kev if you don’t blow me any duck lip kisses from your palm ………. the compliment is yours.
Adam, Tom Fox is a visionary, we are lucky to have such men leading us to the Promised Land…..
Sir Stevo speaks my language….. My power to your pen sir…
You got it Dutch, you big tease…. 😀
I am off you, lovely, people. 🙂 Good night.
Goonie, wait til WATH has his say. 😀 And I can almost hear rico tut tutting. 🙂
Kev – Quickly glanced at your comment and had to do a double take! Thought you said “my power to your penis”!!
See ya Agag, Old Compton Street awaits you M’lady… 😉
Cheers Adam, Not everybody is as lucky as you and Mrs Adam 🙂
Night agag. Always a pleasure! Please erase the absolute filth you have seen on here today from your memory!
Rocky…. 😆
SpecSavers buddy….. 😉
I got my bins on though mate! Think I need a kip!
Bye Agag, you off to polish your shoe’s
Tom Fox and Gervinho pair of wankers of Biblical proportions. In fact anyone that refers football as soccer can fuck off. Not a dig DNA.
Afternoon Lee. Not at work today?
If this team had anything about them they would of beaten the chavs yesterday,they were there for the taking. That’s the state of this current squad…..
Night Agag. Sweet dreams if your mind ain’t tainted by us shameless bunch.
No mate It’s a U.S holiday (Martin Luther King day)so a day off. The kids were all off to so building snowmen and snowball fights…..
Stan your such a knob……………………….
They will catch you out do you not watch the movies… It’s called green card…!
Jail… they will so like you in jail…. don’t drop the soap home boy…. lol
Kev…. you fancy doing a post for 2moro, I’ll do wednesday or you wanna do wednesday and I do 2moro, Lee siad he will do thursday and Adam doing friday… Week sorted while the Boss is away..!
Night AGAG….
Fishing season is still open AK went last week turned up before light and went as the light went -4 allday never had a bite i’m as bad a fisherman as i an a writer.
Lee, are you kidding me?! Why the fuck do you get a day off for that?! Do you go in on Boxing day?
Are you doing a post Lee?! Have you done one before?
I’ll do one for tonight Wath, no probs mate…
Stevo, your a trooper….. 😆
Wath, me and the mrs have tickets for Wednesday. i went out with my mate a season ticket holder and he tells me you can’t take a hip flask in is that right, can’t go that long in that cold without a snort.
Steve
Tip; drill a hole in the ice first before you throw out a hook.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa: Montpellier defender set for Newcastle medical
Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is scheduled for a medical at Newcastle on Monday ahead of a £6.7m move.
The 23-year-old France international is set to sign a four-year deal at St James’ Park.
He will be Newcastle’s second signing of the transfer window after France right-back Mathieu Debuchy.
If it freezes up this Wednesday I can see the game being called off. The roads around there will be treacherous. I will have to use public transport.
It’s almost an irreversible situation. Even if Arsene decided to spend £30m (which he won’t), who would we sign! It still won’t be enough, too many players with a lack of passion or desire.
The warchest doesn’t exist, it never has. It’s more like a shoebox under Kroenkes bed, full of blue movies. lol
Cheers Dutch, hadn’t thought of that no wonder i can’t catch anything. 🙂
12:30 p.m.: David Villa, Spain’s record goal scorer, has asked to leave Barcelona this month, according to the Independent.
Arsenal was thought to be preparing a £16 million ($25.4 million) for the 31-year-old striker earlier this month. Barcelona was adamant that Villa was staying, but this news could alter the landscape.
Villa broke his leg in late 2011. He recovered after eight months, but his role has been reduced to that of a squad player.
Barcelona wants to keep him until the end of the season and sell him for as little as £12 million ($19 million) in the summer. Arsenal hopes to get him in January for a fee in that region after he made it clear he’s ready for a new challenge.
The Gunners are in danger of missing out on next season’s UEFA Champions League, and manager Arsene Wenger thinks Villa could power them up the standings.
If he’s had a leg break he sounds ideal for us AK, Does he like the cold though.
Hahahaha Steve just picture you eskimo fishing under extreme conditions. Frosty eyebrows, blue lips and tingling fingertips.
Got to say Dutch i had plenty of layers on and never realy felt cold all day, mind you i had a couple of flasks of spiked coffee and my Bacon Sarnies that the mrs made me were still luke warm when i ate them.
Cheers Kev, I am pleased that my excitement for the Europa League really came to life via my typed word.
Minsk in November, ahhh Happy Days and like you said, our last adventure into the competition brought such excitement and a close shave with silverware. Damn those Turkish Giants of the beautiful game. There will always be a special place in my heart for their hospitable fans.
Steve
If the weather predictions suggest penguins will be there to steal my catch, I bail out. Fish sticks galore at Tesco’s…….
Off for dinner. Lata peeps.
Yes Ryan, the Gala fans were true gentlemen……
I well recall the bus ride to the stadium and the desolation in the town square left over from those Gala fans having their traditional ‘Welcome to Hell’ knees-up…
Ryan L
Wesley Snijder to Galatasary for 8 mln, done deal since yesterday.
Off now.
Yeah me to Kev – those Gala boys sure know how to party 🙂
True Ryan true, they love a beer and a sing-song as they carve you up… 😉
Gary Jacob
Last updated at 12:01AM, January 21 2013
Arsène Wenger launched an attempt to hijack Yann M’Vila’s proposed move to Queens Park Rangers last night.
The Arsenal manager has also expressed an interest in trying to sign Yoann Gourcuff on loan from Lyons and is tracking Florian Thauvin, another attacking midfielder, who plays for Bastia.
Arsenal withdrew interest in M’Vila last summer because of Rennes’ valuation of more than £20 million and they may have had reservations about the midfielder’s temperament
Gourcuff, M’Vila and Villa….that would help the cause.
No to Sniejder for me…
WATH is the “C” word still off limits? 😉
Morning all.
Busy i night i see.
You can say crap Lee but can’t have the boss lady coming back and I have unbanned the real “C” word lol
Drop me an email Kev and I’ll put it on a post later or in the morning…! Ta mate…!
SP as for your hip flask question all depends if you get caught… big pockets wrapped up they hardly gonna search you….!
Evening/morning Scott….
Nice Matin has it that Arsenal have bid for Florian Thauvin…
Is Thauvin any good Ginge?
Morning Wath.
evening Scott unfortunately I have seen him only once… so I have no idea. All I know is he is a better Nasri like player. Is that we need? I will let the faithful decide. Some will think that amount of £4m can be used elsewhere.
It will depend on Le Squid moving too
No thanx…………… got enough of those…..!!
Ginge, i have no issue buying a player of that type, as long as we also get what we need 🙂
Anybody know or heard about this player;
Check this out:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/372313/Arsenal-make-4m-bid-for-Florian-Thauvin-
😀 WATH exactly expecially with all the backlash…
especially… even
I do Scott, we know what we need wenger knows what we need so go get a big physical midfielder…!
Mbiwa going to Newcastle looks to be a mistake for me… Versatile and looked to have the right attitude…! But hey WTF do I know
Night All, few things to do and bit of tv to watch… See you all 2moro, take care and stay warm n safe.
Scott, I think AW is making his position very difficult. He needs to address key issues even if he has £10m available. He can pick up a workhorse from the lower leagues to help in the short term imho.
night WATH
Scott we will continue in a few hours time as always. I have tro finish of some report before tomorrow.
Stay safe buddy…
Check your in-box Wath
This one is for Sir Stevo;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21135626
Match-fixing….
Newcastle United £7m target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa fails to appear at club for medical as fans’ fears increase
Newcastle United’s troubles are showing no signs of easing after Montpellier centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa did not arrive for a planned medical and skipper Fabricio Coloccini failed to resolve his future at a meeting with club officials.
Newcastle have had an offer of around £7 million for Yanga-Mbiwa accepted, but should Arsenal also bid for the defender, the St James’ Park club could see one of their targets poached by a Premier League rival for the second time in this window.
Managing Director Derek Llambias is still smarting after QPR made a last-hour move for striker Loic Remy, matching Newcastle’s offer to Marseille, before persuading the France international to move to Loftus Road by paying him double what he would have earned in the North-East.
Telegraph Sport has been told Newcastle still expect Yanga-Mbiwa to arrive on Tyneside, with the club blaming the weather for the delay, but these are anxious times for supporters after what happened with Remy.
Arsenal have been in contact with Montpellier after news of Newcastle’s bid was leaked in France to ask about the size of their offer, but they have not made a formal bid.
Whether Yanga-Mbiwa has decided to wait to see if an offer comes from the north London club remains to be seen, although that might explain the delay in his travel to the north east.
Good! Arsenal need him & a poacher & we are done for the transfer. So go get him AW…
According to the Daily Star, Arsene Wenger has held “crisis talks” with his first team squad in a bid to halt the slide into mid-table mediocrity yesterday. He told them to “man up” and start putting in the performances that they were capable of.
Usually the day after a game the players go in for a warm down session. But according to the Star, a meeting was held in a bid to reinforce the manager’s belief that this squad can make the top four.
And on the displays put in during the second halves of the matches against Chelsea and Manchester City, the manager has every right to believe that his players can turn this situation around. If only they had the inner belief to perform in the first half of matches like they do in the second half.
While it’s clear to everyone we could do with signing several new players in key positions, the most vital thing which needs to be achieved is to get this team playing every game in the manner it does during the second half of games.
It would make little difference if we signed Lionel Messi and played like we did in the first half of games. He wouldn’t be able to make a difference if we gave away the ball as cheaply as we did against Chelsea. It’s almost like the manager has to hammer it home to the players at half time they do have the quality to beat any team in his league, as long as they try.
And Theo Walcott, speaking to the media, has highlighted what he thinks is wrong.
He said:
“I think there’s a lack of belief here.
“We need to start realising just how good we are. We’ve got some very, very good players but some of them don’t believe they are good enough at times.
“We showed some great stuff in the second half at Chelsea and that didn’t surprise me.
“But we can’t be coming out of the blocks as slowly as we have done.
“On Sunday we were too slow, gave them too much space, we were sloppy closing down and we didn’t show enough commitment.
“As soon as we pressurised Chelsea after the break we showed what we can do.
“But we need to play like that for 90 minutes, not just the second half.”
Quite how you rectify a lack of belief is a tricky one. But we need to sort it out fast. Presently we sit seven points behind Spurs with our game in hand. Tomorrow night’s game with West Ham is very important. We’ve managed one league point in January. The team cannot let this slide continue.
Captain Thomas Vermaelen believes we can finish in the top four.
He said:
“It was really frustrating. We know we have the quality to beat Chelsea but it’s all about results.
“We don’t have to look too far ahead. There’s still a long way to go. I’m still confident. You could see it [on Sunday] in the second half. I’m still confident we can get a good [position].”
Hopefully the manager’s meeting will go someway to restoring the player’s faith in their own ability. But we need to see that on the pitch, starting tomorrow night.
I’m sure the manager is still looking to add a player or three to the squad. Whether there is a chance now that we can get David Villa this month remains to be seen. The talk in the newspapers is that he wants to leave Barcelona this month. If the club were able to capture his signature it would surely give us the lift we need to push on towards the top four.
I can no disagree with any of that.
I think we have the quality, but not enough quality players to give us the required depth to compete week in, week out.
Two or three new, classy players, and top 4 is still a reasonable expectation.
Gourcuff as a bit of a luxury signing….at 3 million, he is a pinch.
Villa or Higuain….both of similar quality, but one a lot younger and so twice as expensive.
A true beast of a DM….there are enough linked to us, and any one of them would do.
Morning Lee.
I am just off a for a few beers…catch you later.
Will buying quality mean a change in player/squad mentality though..?
Oh and morning…!
Morning all. I read that Wenger is “pondering” at the moment. I find that somehow reassuring.
You’d like to of thought all his pondering was done in December….but apparently the 16yr old from Burkina Faso passed his medical! 😆
I agree Lee. He isn’t going to discover a top player that he never knew about is he? Our needs are the same. He should have identified them by December and had them installed in the club by now. I suspect it’s all about saving money again. What price are dropped points this month worth? Dumb, dumb, dumb.
I suspect he loves seeing himself as Arsene the gambler though. The man who blinks last.
Pondering or plundering….?
He’ll run JW into the ground, Diaby will get injured, Coq is apparently going to real betis on loan…….until AW admits we need players we are fucked! There lies the problem.
SOJI.
It’s Goetze we are after NOT Cavani in case you were worried?!?! Phew….well according to the rumour mill.You gotta love these transfer windows!
New post is up…..!