Ok tongue in cheek but I’m just happy the pre-season is underway and the new Premier League season is just around the corner. The only downside to this time in the year is for us British folk, the summer will be over before we know it and it won’t be long until the snoods and gloves will be out!
Anyway, a few warm weeks to go yet I hope…
Back to yesterday and our first friendly of the season – here are the players involved case anyone missed it.
Wojciech Szczesny
Carl Jenkinson
Laurent Koscielny
Thomas Vermaelen (c)
Kieran Gibbs
Alex Song
Jack Wilshere
Aaron Ramsey
Ryo Miyaichi
Theo Walcott
Marouane Chamakh
SUBSTITUTES
Vito Mannone
Bacary Sagna
Sebastien Squillaci
Johan Djourou
Armand Traore
Samir Nasri
Tomas Rosicky
Denilson
Emmanuel Frimpong
Robin van Persie
Carlos Vela
Andrey Arshavin
Traore and Mannone return after last season’s loan spells, Frimpong seems to have returned to full fitness, as has Vermaelen and Ramsey who we saw briefly at the end of the last campaign and Ryo is with us for the summer.
Yes, that will be like having six new signings all announced at one time. 😉
Last time we went this way in the world was back in 1999 when Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka secured us a 2-0 victory.
As suspected, the players were not out in the heat and humidity for too long as Wenger rotated his players but regardless of all of that we still cruised to 4-0 victory but let’s not get carried away, well not just yet….
Five minutes into the game Aaron Ramsey fired home from the penalty spot, eight minutes before the break Theo Walcott made it 2-0 and Carlos Vela made it 3-0 soon after half-time. Tomas Rosicky made it 4-0 just before the final whistle.
Malaysia XI looked lively in the first half, especially Subramaniam on the left-wing and they tested us at the back a few times but as the game carried on it looked more like we were the home side rather than the opposition. They seemed to tire and their game faded with it but I bet they all enjoyed every single second out there.
The place was buzzing before the players came out and it got even louder when arrived on the pitch to warm up – but just when you thought it was safe to turn the volume on the laptop up a bit, out the boys came through the tunnel and the whole of the Bukit Jalil Stadium erupted – good job there wasn’t a roof 😉
The Arsenal players responded to the many fans, thankfully a bit better than they do to their home fans on the odd occasion….
Ok, we came out as winners but I’m not bothering to dissect the game, there is no point.
The game itself wasn’t the best we will all see but I don’t think that really mattered to either side or the fans. This was more about being where they were, letting the Asian fans see The Arsenal they all love and follow, just as we all do. The fact that the fans yesterday live thousands of miles from The Emirates means nothing, they all love Arsenal Football Club…
That is all that matters, not who we are, what we are, where we come from or even how long Arsenal have been in our hearts. What matters is, they are in our hearts and that’s why we care so much about the future…..
Now then Arsene, are you sorting out young Ryo’s visa yet 😉
Good to see Wenger fighting back about Barca and the comments made recently by Xavi as reported in The Sun
Cesc told me he was suffering because he wants to come here. It’s what he wants most and he’s done all he can to come, he wants Arsenal to let him leave. He made it clear everything depends on the selling club.
Wenger has responded with:
If it is true it’s very disrespectful and it’s not the first time Xavi has been very disrespectful towards Arsenal. What is important is that Cesc Fabregas is contracted at Arsenal Football Club. That is a fact and Arsenal want to keep him.
Darn right Arsene, well said for once!
Talking of our Le Prof, I caught a comment made by him on Sky Sports this morning. He talked about how we were close to winning something last year etc but he also said:
Will I spend money to make us stronger? CERTAINLY!
So there you go, we are going to see a signing or maybe more in the next few weeks, in the meantime we can all carry on guessing who that player(s) will be..
It appears that our Champions League qualifier will be against either Panathinaikos or OB Odense, so a trip to Athens or Denmark await us. I think we all hope we don’t go to Greece!!
Finally, Big Sol is back in training with the reserve players, he’s getting/keeping himself fit as he searches for a new club. Surely, at 36 years old Wenger wouldn’t give him another season at the top….
Would he??
Of course not but what a guy to have around the club, funny how he always comes back to us and not down the lane, I guess he learned where he was loved the most…..
Have a good day everyone, Footie and Arsenal are back!
😛
I won’t be convinced until he buys a couple of good players
Nor will I alan but at least he’s said he is going to buy – now its a case of who…
Won’t be Downing, he’s signed for the dippers 🙂
Morning all
Quiet old morning….
Will I spend money to make us stronger? CERTAINLY!
Are you going to spend money on top players this summer would have been a better question.
I have something for Merlin who thinks the Eithad deal is a fair deal.
With a deal to name the Mets’ new stadium in New York, Citigroup (nyse: C – news – people ) follows the lead of fellow banking giants Bank of America (nyse: BAC – news – people ), JPMorgan Chase (nyse: JPM – news – people ) and Wachovia (nyse: WB – news – people ), who have all splashed their names on stadiums across the country. But Citi’s deal with the Mets leaves these others in the dust when it comes to its cost. The 20-year deal is the most lucrative in the history of pro sports, worth an average of $20 million a year. Here’s a look at the ten biggest naming deals in Anerican sports.
Stadium: Reliant Stadium
Total value: $300 million
Length of deal: 30 years
Average annual value: $10 million
Pro sports tenants: Houston Texans
Stadium: FedEx Field
Total value: $207 million
Length of deal: 27 years
Average annual value: $7.7 million
Pro sports tenants: Washington Redskins
Stadium: American Airlines Center
Total value: $195 million
Length of deal: 30 years
Average annual value: $6.5 million
Pro sports tenants: Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars
Stadium: Philips Arena
Total value: $181.9 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $9.1 million
Pro sports tenants: Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers
Stadium: University of Phoenix Stadium
Total value: $154 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $7.7 million
Pro sports tenants: Arizona Cardinals
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
Total value: $140 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $7 million
Pro sports tenants: Carolina Panthers
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
Total value: $139.6 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $7 million
Pro sports tenants: Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
Total value: $121.5 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $6.1 million
Pro sports tenants: Indianapolis Colts
Stadium: Invesco Field at Mile High
Total value: $120 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $6 million
Pro sports tenants: Denver Broncos
tadium: Staples Center
Total value: $116 million
Length of deal: 20 years
Average annual value: $5.8 million
Pro sports tenants: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings
Now remember, the American’s are the kings of capitalism and also remember, those figures are in dollars so you can take away a third of those prices. ALSO, are you telling me that Man City are better known around the world than the LA Lakers?
Now, just two recent European GIANTS of football and their deals.
Recent high profile stadium naming rights deals in Europe include Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena at USD$8 million (£4 million) a year, and a total sponsorship package at Arsenal’s Emirate’s Stadium, which includes both the stadium naming rights over fifteen years and the shirt sponsorship for eight years, worth USD$200 million (£100 million)
I look forward to your views on how the state run arm of the Abu Dhiabi royal family £40m a year deal is fair market value Merlin.
He won’t buy and will say its because there was nothing available at the right price to make us stronger…..
Haven’t u guys figured it out yet? Its sylvain distin! Look guys he fits the description of the CB we are currently crying out for….he’s tall, good in the air,premier league proven and hey he’s gonna come cheap……typical wenger signing anyone….morning all.
Im so glad Arsene did not buy Downing at that price, but Benzema and Dann would keep me happy for a while! Just hope that AW spends the money he gets from the sales of Bentner, Denilson,Almunia and Cesc immediately. The two above plus Nzogbia, and Oxlade -Chamberlain would keep me happy all season.
We need beautiful football blended with scores that culminates into trophies
Top top post Rico, and Good Morning.
Interesting bit about Champions Lge, and yes we don’t need a long journey to Greece.
Barcelona can kiss my arsenal…..
Morning Gooners.
Hi Will,
he wasn’t asked that question, he asked that of himself and answered it himself…
And he answered in incorrrectly in my view.
There is a HUGE conflict with Eithad and also, we get £8M a season and Munich get £4M and Man City(who?) get £40M a season?
I really don’t care who we buy to be honest, as long as they make us better.
Morning to those just joining HH this morning..
Sam, he has said he will, that gives us some hope …
morning kev, a very kind person let me know about the CL 😉
no greek trip please….
morning stan,
would you be happy with distin?
did this website used to be le grove????
Will/Rico, notice how Wal-Mart or KSE don’t figure in that list of Will’s.!
I really cannot see Silent putting his hand in his pocket.
You could well be proved 100% right on your feelings about Stan and his investment Rico. As the only change we’ve seen is a change to bring in finance, re; The Far East Tour, rather than an investment in the team…
The shape of things to come?
i hope mr.wenger will sign verthongten, mertesacker& juan mata
Hi stu, no….
I think I read that Stan has no intention of using his own money to buy players kev, not 100% on that though…
Stan isn’t that wealthy, not compared to the big russian etc
Hi lotta, Mata is not for sale sadly….
Kev, I am cool with that. Money is money and honestly, I don’t want to be Chelsea or Man City. Buying success is no success at all.
Lets hop he signs a CB to rotate TV5, JD, Kozza & atleast one DM, but very doubtful he is gonna sign one, if Cahill goes to Chelviski he should go for samba.
Morning to you all gunners out there from Malawian gooner.
morning maxi, good to see you here on HH
Surely wenger would have made an offer on either of those two if they were on his list of targets, sadly it seems they are not though.. I wish we’d get both and TV at LB…
We won’t be signing oxcart chamberpot…..why do u guys think wenger is trying to get a work permit…and I heard the chavs are after cahill. Yet again we lose a player due to wenger’s indecision. Thanks again arsene
Got to laugh, accordiing to SSN Liverpool are buying Downing beating off Arsenal and making a “coup” with a £20M signing.
£20M is now seen as a coup for a run of the mill blind alley winger. Football has gone mad.
All we need is Samba or Cahill to sort out the defense and bring in Scotty Parker on loan to do something about our clearly wimpy team mentality. Surely even we can afford that? I would love to see us buy Shay Given, Leighton Baines and Benzema but that’s just pipe dreams I’m afraid.
I rarely question the lord Wenger but I still have no idea what the hell he was thinking taking Denilson to the far east.
Why no Oxo stan? Cant see Ryo getting a visa this summer sadly, would have been good to see him on loan here…
We have to hope Cahill doesn’t want to join them, he’d be 3rd choice wouldn’t he but with us, 1st or 2nd
rico – its the exact same layout!!
good read thou – not too sure if we will spend – well not until cesc has left!!
Unless Wenger buys 2 top physical centrebacks, a DM better than Song (Frimpong is nowhere near being ready yet) and a top quality striker ( to replace RVP when he gets his usual 2/3 month injury) then can only see another frustrating season ahead of us. I think Wenger knows he will lose the £20 million plus that he would get for Nastri now at the end of next season when he leaves on a free so that is his excuse to the board for not spending anymore money. He will keep Fabregas for another year as well and I bet that he will have those mysterious injury niggles most of the time and will be even more disinterested in playing for Arsenal than he was last year!
Hi Allan
Denilson’s strop off after being subbed could see him leave, i’d rather we had taken Lansbury out there, see what he’s ready for…
Stu,
WordPress give limited options on how you can layout a blog, some of which are pretty awful, I just chose the simplest for me to use, it’s not something i am too good at,
simple works for me 😉
M90, i think we all pretty agree on who we need to bring in but, i don’t think we will see a DM and will probably only get one CH..
Re Nasri, i still believe that wenger thinks he’ll sign a new contract…
I really don’t want Given, very dodgy on crosses and let’s be honest, that is where we are weak.
Morning all.good read rico.
Will, that is the best thing to do about the Downing comment, laugh!
Any news on Fabianski?? I don’t want to see Mannone as our back up kepper this season, he is not good enough….
I think we were the only team not to concede a goal in the friendly matches yesterday…
Hey Rico, according to stu, you are Pedro in disguise….. 😀
Thanks Kt, morning to you….
From what i’ve seen of Ryo i think Arsene will mould him into an all action attacking player.i don’t think he’ll be a winger in the long term.once he gains more confidence and improves his decision making i can see him being played in the middle in a free role like messi/henry if everything goes on as planned.thoughts? an all action attacking player.i don’t think he’ll be a winger in the long term.once he gains more confidence and improves his decision making i can see him being played in the middle in a free role like messi/henry if everything goes on as planned.thoughts?
kev – i take that as a huge compliment 🙂
Fabianski is fine rico.he remained at the colney to facilitate proper rehab much like cesc.also i agree with will about given.he stays rooted to his goal line during setpieces too much for my liking.its a definite NO for me.ll about given.he stays rooted to his goal line during setpieces too much for my liking.its a definite NO for me.
Kt, i have no idea what wenger will do but i hope though that he leaves him be and let him play his natural game, he is a massive talent – he doesn’t need changing imho, wenger tries to do that with too many players – AA, Nik, JD, Theo, the list goes on – and then what happens?
We all moan about those players as it’s not bring the best out of them….
Good comments there KT.
You know Rico, i’ve a feeling that AFC might just get that work permit this year…
Maybe i’m a bit out on my own here, but i think we’re gonna have a good season, and i felt that before yesterdays game…
7th time lucky for 2011-12.
I am very interested to know how you know we will be playing the winners of Panathinaikos v OB Odense in the play-off Champions League qualifier?
The 3rd round draw (at which stage both Panathinaikos & OB Odense enter the draw) is this coming Friday at 12.00 CET at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.
If you do know who will be drawn against each other in this Friday’s draw you must either work for Uefa, in the ball-warming department, or you have incredible powers in the foresight department. If the latter, please feel free to email me next Saturday’s Lotto numbers!
This site has very mature comments!!!!
Rico its not about changing his natural game.for someone who left high school 6 months ago he sure is brilliant.imagine how quick he’ll develop after spending a whole day with Arsene throughout the year?i believe if all goes well he’ll follow the henry/messi/rvp/ronaldo path of starting out as a winger but ending up into some sort of striker/false nine.Rico its not about changing his natural game.for someone who left high school 6 months ago he sure is brilliant.imagine how quick he’ll develop after spending a whole day with Arsene throughout the year?i believe if all goes well he’ll follow the henry/messi/rvp/ronaldo path of starting out as a winger but ending up into some sort of striker/false nine.
I hope he does kev and if he does, i think wenger will keep him and play him, maybe from the bench but he’ll be in there i’m sure…
also, even if we get just get 2 ch’s and a striker, i see a good season too – if we can learn not to fade after christmas….
ARSENE,DON’T YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF,FROM
A SUPPORTERS POINT OF VIEW,TO START WRITING CHEQUES
FOR NEW PLAYERS, INSTEAD OF WRITING BOOKS,I’M SURE
WHEN YOU RETIRE,AND I HOPE THAT WONT BE TO LONG
BEFORE YOU DO,YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WRITE ALL DAY. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD ARSENE,DON’T GET TOO CARRIED
AWAY WITH YOUR RESULT YESTERDAY,IT WAS A GOOD START,
BUT YOUR DEFENCE IS STILL CRAP,YOU HAVE LESS THAN A MONTH TO PUT THAT RIGHT,SO DO YOUR BEST.
“UP THE GUNNERS”.
We’ll just have to see what happens with him Kt, to be fair i don’t think we have seen enough of him yet to see what he is really made of – but like you say, he has loads of talent….
No need to shout steve 😉
morning!!!
Can someone tell me,if this is the year of ANC??
Morning Folks,
sry I didn’t get on earlier Rico… Born to blog, forced to work. 😆
As for Denilson…
Don’t forget we used 23 players yesterday, that’s according to my count, and we have another match Saturday; all about rotation.
Also, I think this pre-season will tell us a number of things about a number of players, in terms of attitude and willingness to contribute. And by that I mean the players we aren’t 100% happy with, and can’t sell for love nor money.
Denilson just confirmed all Wenger probably suspected… he always was something of a liability, but a reasonable squad player in a crisis… now he’s just dead wood.
Morning Mr Is, it is, Jan/Feb 2012 🙁
Morning Mike
It was always going to be about rotation, the weather and humidity being the way it is.
Denilson obvioulsy had a problem realising, but if that see’s him leave, then good…
Hey gooneral, try;
http://kassiesa.home.xs4all.nl/bert/uefa/seedcl2011.html
Sorry, i don’t do the Lotto
So if thats the case,ive heard strong rumours that scott parker would love to join us,and with west ham wanting to loan him out,wouldn’t it make sense to bring him in for the year???
Will Song get picked for cameroon after that pending case going on,still would be great cover and a great addition to the sqaud.
That also means our new signing,wont be there the whole year either.
You know what they say about exceptional talents rico,you don’t need to watch them for long to see you’ve hit the jackpot.lets hope ryo is one.atch them for long to see you’ve hit the jackpot.lets hope ryo is one.
Thanks for that kev 😉
Lawrence this is a great site for sure.
You sound a massive Wenger fan steve.
Keep up the support buddy… 🙂
Denilson was and has never been good enough for us,
Average player on big wages.
Anything to help boss, i really don’t know how you do it every day, but i’m sure glad you do… 😉
Scott Parker would be a good one and just been hearing that WH are desperate to get his wages off their books – i thought he would have been snapped up by now but i wouldn’t be surprised to see Arry get him…..
We need a DM in any case and I’d forgotten that pending investigation of Song, if there is to be one…
Let’s give the lad a chance tho, he’s very young and we need to let him walk before he runs 😉 I am glad Wenger seems to have this one spot on though Kt, he does indeed look a very special talent…
If we all keep writing that, will he get his ‘special talent’ visa 😉 😉
Interesting point on Denilson and our scummy Press friends.
The scummers were trying to suggest that Denilson was being booed and stormed off down the tunnel.
Well i wasn’t there. But thanks to the InterNet i read the comments of AFC fans who were there.
They said nobody booed Denilson either yesterday or when the team was training the day before.
And as i understand it, Denilson picked up a knock, that’s why he came off.
No doubt he was pissed off because of the injury, hench he went down the tunnel with the hump.
Newspapers and media are just a hatefull bunch of shit-stirrers
Rant Over.. 😀
If we took baptista on loan,then we sure could do with taking scotty on loan.
The spuds havent made any moves yet at all??
The twitcher must have no money and waiting for sales??
I’m not sure if song will be picked again or not??
Thanks Kev 😳
About time Wenger had a rant about Barca’s actions.
They players have been getting on my wick,with all there little stunts over the last couple of summers.
Has Xavi got any brains??
I know what you mean Mr.Is, but that just isn’t his style.
Doesn’t mean although, that someone else at the club cannot give them a verbal thrashing and threaten to report them to UEFA…
In that case I take back my comments about Denilson stropping off and if the brazilian is reading HH:
‘Please accept my appolgies for referring to an untrue incident’
‘Oh, but you are still Mr Average’ 😉 😉
As for brains, i think Xavi knows exactly what he is doing..!
Arry’s lot could be in a pickle if the reports are right, Modric is about to put in a transfer request and if he goes, Bale and dawson could follow….
But, we all know how the garbage press get it very wrong…
When asked if the story was true, Modric replied ‘No Comment’
Xavi is a *&^%$$%^^&*(()))) !!!
Rico, if the price is right, the Spuds will sell, just as they always do.
Whilst on the Spuds, the cheek of that mob, in trying to get taxpayers money to help pay for their new stadium, whenever it arrives.
Yeah Joe Lewis, that well-known tax-exile and Spud owner is so short of a few bob that he wants US TO PAY FOR IT…
I don’t know how they can do that kev, surely that’s as bad as Citeh’s renaming, in fact worse as like you say, the taxpayers would be paying for that….
If Modic leaves them though, it makes the chavs stronger but they’ll get him in the end.. actually, he is that good?? 😉
I cant find any other news anywhere on wenger saying that he will ‘certainly’ buy players. Surely if this was said there would be more than one source milking this comment for a story and hits on a website. Sorry, not too sure if I believe it. Also, are you psychic? The champions league draw is TOMORROW! Direct quote from uefa.com reads: “SL Benfica and Panathinaikos FC are among 13 teams discovering their first opponents when the third qualifying round draw is streamed live on UEFA.com at 12.00CET on Friday.” How on earth you got that info is beyond me
Wenger should have kept Gilberto and sold Denilson ages ago! Period.
AK,
Interesting news on Denilson. Thanks.
I watched ATVO yesterday (after they sorted themselves out) and Robson didn’t mention it, but as Mandy Rice-Davies once so famously said… “Well ‘e wouldn’t, would ‘e?” 😆
In that case I owe Denilson an apology, but the early comment on the incident didn’t come from the Wapping gutter-press; it came from one of our own blogs… well, that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it. 😉
On a related point… the pitch yesterday cut up too easily… pitches like that are just accidents waiting to happen.
I hope that doesn’t prove sadly prophetic.
But Barca have shown there true class as a club….How could they print something like that on there official site?
If they are as desperate as they seem,why don’t they just shut up and pay up?
Forbes have announced the mancs as the most valuable sports team in the world,madrid are 5th,we are 7th and the chavs 46th. re 5th,we are 7th and the chavs 46th.
Cy gooner, check his i/v on the arsenal player, or watch sky sports news, in his i/v after the game he said that, i watched it and i heard it!
Gunnering, i aslo wish we’d have kept Gilberto – i guess wenger thought Flamini was staying when he was allowed to leave for Panathinakos….
Oh… before you all have a go for me misquoting the aforementioned Mandy… Well ‘e would wouldn’t he??” didn’t fit the point… poetic license :LOL:
Back in a bit, dog walk time…..
Your welcome Mike, as i said, i don’t know myself, i was just commenting on what i read from bloggers who were out there.
It also gave me an opportunity to slag-off the Press, a past-time i relish.. 😀
Don’t we all, AK, don’t we all 😆
KT, where are Cittie?
They’re not in the top 50 AK.We are 3rd among all footy clubs in the world.
cy_gooner, try:
http://kassiesa.home.xs4all.nl/bert/uefa/seedcl2011.html
Hope it explains it all about the draw…
Having seen the reaction in Malaysia KT, it kinda makes me think that AFC have missed a bit of a trick not doing this kinda thing earlier, especially as they’ve been so strapped for dough in recent years…
Ak you got your lycra on chomping at the bit……… 😉
Nice post Rico, shame you cant sort the lottery numbers out, i’d of liked last tuesdays actually…!.
When Gervinho signs that will be the buy 😀
The red tops saying Whammers wanna loan Parker to the Chavs….!?!?!?!
Hi all, we signed anyone 😉
Hi WATH, thank you…
Ha ha re the lotto, i’d keep them, trust me 😉
Gervinho has signed, keep up 😛
Not surprised re the chavs, they had their chance with him and didn’t play him…
kev, i think so too but wenger diddn’t want to go this time, distance, weather, humidity – all a bit too much for our pampered ones 😉
This squad Arsene Wenger is masquerading with today cannot win even a plastic mug. Curiously, he has been busy, “signing” players to strengthen until serious clubs have nabbed them – refer to Ricardo Alvarez and Stewart Downing. Right now, Arsene Wenger is “signing” Gary Cahill, Chris Samba, Neven Subbotic, Shay Given etc, until these footballers end-up at Tottenham, Chelsea etc. Meanwhile, neat season is looming with cracking opening games – Man Utd, Liverpool and Spurs in the mix. I can visualise a grumpy “Professor Wenger” hurling and kicking water bottles by the touchline as early as September 2011. And when Arsenal finish seventh in May 2012, he will flee the club. Did i hear that league 1 outfit, PSG are seeking his services?
Moses – i understand your frustration but the links to players is more often than not just newspapers making it up..
There is nothing definate linking us to any….
Take the Downing story, Sky made the news all dramatic about how we had contavted Aston Villa – Villa then said it was rubbish and we hadn’t contacted them at all..
I hope he is speaking the truth now when he says he will buy…
I’m one of the first to slate afc.com but credit where its due, they are covering this asia tour really well….
Latest rumour is……
Stoke have rejected a £12 Million offer for Ryan Shawcross….
But, they expect us to come back with a better offer…
Gulp……
You have got to be kidding me……….?
Is that from that rumour site you lower yourself to frequent once in a while..? 😉
Yep it is WATH,
The comment reads:
‘A friend of mine is staying in the same hotel in Austria as the Stoke squad. One of their officials told him Stoke have just rejected a £12m bid from Arsenal for Shawcross but they expect Arsenal to come back with a higher bid or cash plus a player.’
morning all. a win and a clean sheet in our opening friendly – not much to read into, as it is the first real match action of this upcoming season, but it is always good to get started on a winning note…
mixed feelings about sulzeer…on one hand, it think it is nice that we are always willing to help out former players – read sulzeer circa 2010 and aliadiere – but after the decided to go to newcastle that summer, i think i would prefer that he not use our facilities to get fit and put himself in the shop window. one can make an argument that he will pass on experience and knowledge to the players currently at colney, but…i don’t know…it’s almost like i feel he used us last time out…i doubt he or the club see it that way, and i probably shouldn’t, but…
will’s post on stadium rights and citi field caught my eye…being the huge mets homer i am (even cesc, pictured in a cesc/4 mets jersey when he and robin visited citi in may), the mets do have a great stadium detail – and great stadium, period – but their current financial situation, as one of two teams in the u.s. biggest sports market, provides a salutary warning for other clubs. if anyone is interested, just google the words “wilpon” “madoff” and “picard” to see the problems the organization is facing right now…
Hey Wath, how ya doing…? I’ve sent some lycra in the post for ya to try, i know your a closet lycra-lover 😀
Rico, just finished a piece for ya, it’s awaiting your approval 😉
good post…….
4-0 win is great bt still think that the way we lost our way in the end…always will have a dampning effect till we really win when it matters….
bang on there rico….
certainly our asian tour is being very well covered by the club….
Hey Moses, you’ve really cheered me up, thanx mate 😆
Bottom line is this – Wenger is willing to risk Nasri leaving for free next season – Why? Simple – This is Wneger’s final season awaiting us. End of season 2012, no more Wenger. Thats my honest opinion.
Where does that leave us? Well, to be honest – in BIG trouble. We have had 6 very dry years, but believe me, when Wenger leaves, its going o be worse. Many have predicted us in no 6 or 7, and Wenger has managed to prevail every time. I dont see another manager, with the way this club is run, doing the same.
Ryan Shawcross……nooooo, never, AW would never bid for him. Don’t believe it, it’s bollards…
Hi oliver,
I can’t see Big Sol playing for a PL club so him being with us keeping fit shouldn’t be a problem, I’m kind of hoping he stays, not to play but to pass on a few tips to the younger players…
Thanks Kev, looking forward to it… I don’t believe the Shawcross rumour but jj would like it 🙂
yeah, i think you are right rico…just don’t stay too long, ok sol?
hahahahaha…shawcross….never in a million years, not with us…too much history, too much bad blood there.
Hi Marco,
What makes you think this his will be his last season, i think he has two more left on his contract and he never breaks a contract. Me personally, I can only see him going if he is sacked but I can’t see that happening either as the board love him….
But what if he stayed on for his coaching badges and worked with the defence oliver??
thank for young gunners who win yesterday against malaysia All star, my comment goes to fabregas if he wanna leave let him go, we don,t care about you fabregas, we love the player who love team,
I hope you sent it too the address I gave you AK, your bound to get a reply
69, Homosrus Ave
Surebet
Bendlotts
Allforshire
that’s a different thing altogether. but from what i read, his intent is to get himself fit and put himself in the shop window with a view to latching on with another club…
if what i understand is inaccurate, and he actually wants to coach, earn his qualifications and work with our players, then i am all for it – they can certainly learn from him. that scenario has benefits for both sol the coach and arsenal fc…but my understanding is that this is not the case, that he is using our facilities to get himself fit in order to earcn a contract somewhere else…
i am likely in the minority here, but that makes me feel like he is using us again…
just give the names of sme players who want to play for arsenal, well there are nt too many. at least from the big ones. they are all moving away from arsenal to uther nonfrustrating team
The coaching bit is my wish, you are right, he wants to stay fit and find a club – i was just kind of going off in a different direction 😉
plz wenger i know u re not good coach why? because you like money than player, if your really coach buy an experience player in order to help arsenal in get trophies plz ur badly
No I am with you on the Sol thing Oliver, it’s all well and good being nice to out ex players but where does it get us, ones that showed loyalty no problem but he chose to go to newcastle well why not stay there and train to keep fit….! doesnt he have a local gym near his house like most ppl have to use…?
thanks wath. rico, 2010 it was sulzeer…last season it was aliadiere…this summer it’s sulzeer again. i have no problem with our club being friendly to former players, that is honourable. but i am uncomfortable with them showing up club-less and using our facilities to get themselves fit and ready for a move to another club. he is doing this for himself, not arsenal, so let him use his own time and private facilities.
personally, i would have closed this particular door to sulzeer the moment he signed for newcastle last summer. his choice, his right, but as i remember, we tendered him a contract offer and then had to wait on his decision…at this moment, i would tell him you cannot train here.
would i would be willing to do for sol is put in a word with, say colin, about seeing if sol can perhaps train with them…and if colin likes what he sees, perhaps they can do a deal…but not at our facilities.
If Nasri was sold now for say, 25 million, that would buy Gary Cahill outright, with 8 million over. That way we’d be getting a player who WANTS to play for us, and getting rid of one who DOESN’T.
Though that’s too logical for Wenger, who’s responsible for this farcical situation by allowing Nasri’s contract to run down in the first place !
” In Arsene we rust.”
I pretty much agree with that Spectrum although I think the whole thing is wenger trying to play devils advocate with the cesc situation and not wanting to lose them both in the space of 6 weeks but as you say why has it come to Nasri only having 12months left to be able to put the club in this situation anyway..?
Yeah Wath, that’s the one….. Right next to Shirtlifters Inc. 🙂
W.A.T.H. – Also makes you wonder what the assistant manager gets paid to do. How come Pat Rice didn’t check the contract length, and inform Wenger ?
” In Arsene we rust.”
Surely contracts, and the length of them, and when they expire, is the remit of Ivan Gazidis….wtf does he do…?
Can’t be blaming Rice for that one Spectrum he assistant coach he aint there for contracts or he shouldnt be thats for sure but i’d def be pointing fingers at Gazidis and the vast number of administration people and contracts people he have employed over the last few yrs…!
I see where you are coming from oliver…
Exactly Ak……….. did you send 1 to shirtlifters Inc as well, oh you will be popular 😀
I mean, and correct me if i’m wrong, but in 12 months time we’re gonna be in a similar situation with Walcott and RVP.
So what’s Gazidis doing about it now. Or are they gonna wait until next summer?
allezkev – Well whoever was responsible, it smacks of incompetence to me.
” In Arsene we rust.”
Yeah Wath, that’s right, they want to have a meet with us down Old Compton St. So when your ready, i’ll set it up…
JJ is coming along as well… 😆
Total incompetence Spectrum from people earning a vast salary as well….! Ridiculous…!
AK, prop now is are Theo and RVP think hang ten I ain’t signing nothing until I am happy the team is going places, both have said we need proper players thats gotta be a hint they not happy with things as they are so they both need to see intent as well…!
Make sure it isn’t JJ who’s setting you up 😉
nice post rico – good wrap up of the latest goings ons. busy day for me today. probably wont be on until you all go to bed.
I would take Sol over Squil
Hi Spectrum and Doc,
Doc, thanks, i would too if i’m honest, at least he was once quality…
Totally agree re the contracts, this summer we should be sorting Theo and RvP, we cannot afford to be in this same position with them next summer…
You guys seen the rumour about Denilson and Bolton???
Cahill player and money deal????
cy_gooner, try:
http://kassiesa.home.xs4all.nl/bert/uefa/seedcl2011.html
Hope it explains it all about the draw…
That is a list of who is expected in the draw in ranking order not what the draw is
Rico be quiet don’t put the mockers on it IF it’s at all do-able…. so that brings Cahills price down to 16mil cash then……!?!?!
Do me a favour Rico 🙂
Shawcross, Denilson for Cahill, you’re getting us at it today Rico… 😆
I’m serious guys, it’s from the Bolton blogs 🙂
No way Wath, 16.5 million 😉
W.A.T.H
pushes it up to 20 million we will have to pay half his wages to get him there
Imagine both Cahill and Shawcross though, that would toughen us up a bit 😉
And, at least Shawcross won’t be reaking our players legs 😉
Yeah, just saw it Rico.
£5million for Denilson, brings Cahill down to £12million…
But even if it had any legs, would Bolton pay him the wages Arsenal pay him?
At £50,000 pw, he’d probably be their highest paid player!
Don’t joke Bergy that may not be far from the truth….! If we got 5mil for denilcrap i’d sell him in a flash if cahill was in the deal or not….! 5mil for him makes Cahill a 27mil player…!
Bergy 😆
I didn’t read the blog posts kev did you? Do they want him??
I need to know so i can go give him a hand with his packing 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMwLwQ7-27c
And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1YdClWlA_I&feature=player_embedded#at=586
Just read this
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-my-team-is-not-defensively-weak?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+%28News+Feed%29
how do i get a refund on my season ticket
Like I have said so many times, i have become boring – Aaron Ramsey is the one reason that when Cesc goes, I won’t be too worried……
Great great clip that Will, had a lump in my throat…..
Jack and Aaron are really going to have a great season…
I’m starting to feel positive, thanks Will…
This is what Bergy linked us too….
Arsène Wenger insists Arsenal are not defensively weak but admits his side do need to tighten up on set-pieces this season.
A number of defenders have been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium this summer but Carl Jenkinson is the only addition to Wenger’s squad so far.
The Frenchman believes the players he has at his disposal have enough quality but he appreciates that improvements need to be made.
“I don’t think we are weak defensively but we are an offensive team,” said Wenger. “Sometimes that exposes our defenders a bit more than other teams.
“I believe we have quality defenders. One is Thomas Vermaelen and he did not play last year.
“In open play, we were one of the better defences [last season] but we conceded too many goals on set-pieces and that is where we want to improve this season.”
Rico re: packing :lol;
😆
Well if you cant defend set pieces or corners then i’m afraid you are defensively weak……. What happened to his we need stronger defenders at the end of the season and bigger players… man speaks with forked tongue. Seems he’s not buying a defender then obviously from that comment….! Unbelievable…!
To a degree though Wenger is right, we do concede too many on set-peices and we do need to tighten up…
what he has missed out is the fact that he is now going to make sure that gets tightened up with the signing of Cahill and Samba 😆
Now all we need to do kev is get him a train ticket or cab out of here 😉
Will, that’s a great Ramsey Video, also saw somes goals from Eduardo in it, a terrible loss to us!
I’m up for it Rico, no charge… 😀
Isn’t he just kev, our little poacher crozillian 🙁
Thought you might kev, i’ll come with you, just in case he changes his mind and needs shoving onto the train 😉
And we can celebrate at that curry house on the way back with all out HH buddies who can get there 🙂
Rico, funny how alike Paddy and Rambo are.
We just need one defender who is willing to take charge and tell people where to go and what to do, we have to many arm wavers and finger pointers.
You think they are Will? I think Ramsey has a lot more skill and vision than Vieira, but only my own thought….
I think we’ll get the defender, just doubt it will be the one most of us hope for…
It is teh way they can(could) break up an attack and within a few strides, be hitting the killer ball to the forwards.
In defense of Denilson…
I actually feel bad for the kid. He is a kid after all. Barely more than a child. I don’t feel bad enough to want to keep him around, but i think its worth remembering that all these players are so young. They don’t all make it and they don’t all cope very well.
denilson is getting on a bit now doc, he’s got to be 24/25??
Fair point Will…
off topic slightly but…
To the tune of the lazy song by Bruno mars,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUf1Ax9x6cM (52secs onwards)
Today I dnt feel like selling fabregas,
I think its best that he stays a red,
Dnt feel like picking up the fone
Xavi leave a message after the tone
Cos today I swear im not selling fabregas…. Nasri stays too!
Ooooo oooo, ooooo oooo, nasri stays too!!!
thoughts?
Rico, I was not clear, what I meant is they are very similar in their directness.
Well I guess that shows my age. I still consider him to be a kid. 😉
I’m wrong Doc, he’s 23 years old….
Ah, now i see where you are coming from, tell you what though Will, i wouldn’t bet against Ramsey being much better in the long run 🙂
Hijeff, i’m off to check that link, don’t know it 🙁
I agree with you Rico, I think Vieira’s physical presence gave him a huge advantage.
Yep, and Aaron is near the ground, like Jack – i think both will become the best money can buy…..
And they are ours……. 🙂
Just imagine those two with a really big, commanding DM between them….
Dream i guess….
i see arsene’s comments on our defence…nothing new there…first of all, i assume these comments were made during his initial press conference with the chinese media. i cannot remember the last time he spoke directly to an assembly of chinese media, so its logical they are going to ask him about subjects that uk/european media have covered ad nauseum already.
secondly, he’s not going to throw his defenders under the bus – not now, not ever. he’ll praise their quality and use the relatively low number of open play goals conceded to support his contention. nothing he has not already done back on this side of the globe…
i would read nothing in to this…my personal suspicion is that he will not buy another first-team ready defensive player – if he even buys another first-team ready player – this summer. but there is nothing in the comments to infer what he will do (re purchase) either way…
I think they were before arriving in China oliver – for sure he is not going to batter them in the press – that is not his way…
Yes we are very poor on set peices etc but i take his comment about working on that to mean he’s going to bring a central defender in to help out 😉
Fine folk, I am off for the day, you all have a good one, catch up tomorrow…
Nighty all…..
depends…i think his comments – whenever they were made – were phrased so as not to pin him down to any specific course of action. many have interpreted it to specifically mean he will buy a new defender. others have interpreted it to mean the team will work on correcting these set piece problems on the training ground, working with what we already have.
either way, he can make the point that he never specifically said he was going to choose course a over course b. as stated, i think the defenders we have are the defenders we will start the season with. if that is what he decides, then he will have to live with the consequences, good or bad.
what is difficult to reasonbly deny is that we have a specific defensive problem – arsene himself have acknowledged it on more than one occasion – so it needs to be addressed once and for all.
whether that is purchasing another player(s), designating specific personnel to organize things in specific open play and dead ball situations, having the full backs do more defending and less attacking, i don’t know…i do know, that if arsene and the staff do nothing, we are unlikely to achieve anything significant for yet another season…
your having a laugh mate. mr wenger aint buying anybody. its all a business now. Mr Wenger has the capabilities to win the champions league and prem if he really wanted to because nobody knows footy like he does. but its allll about the money now!!
Get cahill or samba, GET BENZEMA!!! then we have a chance!!
or bring henry bak :)lol
The problem is Manny your probably right… Although I’d rather Cahill and a defensive midfielder to be honest, M’Vila or Sissoko would do me, I like Fellaini but we won’t go for him to expensive..!
Sorry Will, sudden quantum leap in work load, a “mini-crisis” meetings upon meetings.
Love to banter with you over Abu Dhabi City ‘Free market” Policy and hope to reply to you soon…cheers…..
Hi … i was at the Bukit Jalil stadium watching arsenal on last wednesday.
have been supporting arsenal for 13 years and that was the first time watching arsenal played right in front of my eyes.
a very memorable moments!!!!
Back to the main point: Is Arsene going to make a few more signings this Summer? Well we all know how Mr. Wenger approach the market – he makes loads of enquiries and raise expectation, but his aim is to return to the Bargain Bucket for a lucky dip. Is Squallici going any where? His position is safe!
The hope Wenger and Arsenal is planning is another 4th place and Wenger & Pat will step aside???
Interesting the players he wants to buy are players the clubs have no intentions of selling! Plus, he shows interest in players fans are showing interest in, put in a weak bid, raises the player’s expectation and wait for other teams to make what they think is a steal. Well I could be wrong, but I have seen this olde master’ stage performance before.
Rosciky, Denilson and others will be firm Arsenal players next season – Arsenal fans are Duped again, by the start of the new season they will run out of steam!
Morning all
Sorry for the delay in letting you on dakwat, first commenst go into moderation..
Great to hear from you and how about you share the experience of seeing AFC at The Bukit Jalil Stadium??
If you feel like writing about it, please send in in to the email address above…
Hi Bearman
Since arriving in China, Wenger has agian said he will buy players, but this time he has added an IF they can bring something to the team…
Make of that what we can….
Morning.
We need to get off of this anti-Wenger trip.
Hi Will, who is on it, i know i will be if he doesn’t buy a defender…..
But, if fans are angry with Wenger, it is their perogative, they cannot be forced not to feel the way they do……
Not by anyone….
I am sure Wenger is a winner and he hates losing like us, I am also sure he is not losing on purpose but we are in a world where the likes of Stuart Downing go for £20M.
And juve have offered 45M for Tevez….
Villa are going for N’zogbia for 10m, who is better off?
You have missed my point, it is not easy to be a club that does things right in a world where average, run of the mill players like Downing go for £20M.
Not putting the club into a debt it can’t pay or that will even afffect next season, name the players you want at the club using the Downing price as a benchmark.
I didn’t miss your point at all Will, Downing is not worth 20M!
Hence my reply to you about Villa going for N’zogbia who is half the price, Why?? Beacause he is not English….
Anyway, New Post up….
Please do not only talk because it look like Arsene liar . AW should buy the G Cahill and C Samba to close the hole in defense as J Barton or S Parker to complete the middle role in beast and beautiful play not cracker and sweet beautiful play and made the other laugh like it ‘s funniest and see the clown in the circus.