Wenger in for Afellay? Robin decides to leave, will it really spell the end?

So, the inevitable has happened, after our defeat to Wigan, Captain Fantastic decided to run to the Marriott hotel on Park Lane, which just happens to be the same hotel that Barcelona are staying in ahead of their Champions League fixture with Chelsea.

Oh how the paparazzi loved that didn’t they, The Daily Mail snapped a photo of him, then made up a headline story which no doubt will get repeated more than once, adding little bits along the way.

Before you know it, they’ll be suggesting that Robin and Pep had a little chat and our Captain has agreed to sign for them in the summer!

Hang on a minute though, who plays for Barcelona, of course, Cesc Fabregas and one of his good friends fellow countryman Ibrahim Afellay.

Surely he wouldn’t have thought ‘whilst they are here I’ll pop and say hello’ would he? Of course he wouldn’t according the press as that won’t sell the newspapers will it?

Let’s think like the press, hence today’s heading, maybe Wenger sent Robin to the hotel to have a quick word with Afellay, just to make sure a summer move to Arsenal was all still on the cards and he hadn’t changed his mind…

Afellay is 26 years old, and he’s only featured in seventeen league matches this season, why wouldn’t he think about moving on? Ok, this is his first season at Barcelona but I bet he thought he’d play more often than he has been…

Back to Robin.

Should he decide to move on this summer and Wenger agrees to sell him, would it really be as catastrophic as we all believe?

In August he will be 29 years old.

This could be his only season of staying fit.

He won’t give up International football in order to pre-long his club career.

Ha may not hit the target as often as he had this season.

I know it’s all if’s, buts and speculation but if Wenger does sell him, what would we honestly expect to get, £25 Million?

Is there not a younger and perhaps fitter striker out there somewhere who would cost less than that??

Do we show some intent and ambition in the transfer market which has been so sadly lacking in recent years and buy quality proven experienced players that we are crying out for to replace the deadwood and the mediocre in the squad…?

Do it early, get our transfers signed and show that we mean business and Robin signs a new contract…?

Isn’t that how a big club should get things done..?

Just a thought…..

Finally, congratulations to Ex Gunner Brian McDermott and his Reading side who last night secured promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forrest.

Now go on and win the Championship.

Have a good day all…..

 

0 thoughts on “Wenger in for Afellay? Robin decides to leave, will it really spell the end?

  1. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Guys and Chicks of the Sombre Gunners’ Faith.

    Hope you are ok.

    For the sake of those who missed an advert in the previous post…..

    WARNER BROTHERS AND DISNEY CLASSICS proudly present…..

    …….the unique film of 2012.

    Born in a hatch.
    Raised in a loving and caring home.
    Taught to be wild and think with their own mind.
    Desired by all animal loving people with a taste for sport.

    THE HIGH JUMP CHICKENS.

    Soon in cinemas across the world.

    Rico please try and find me some tickets…….I need three at least..Me, the missus and the little prince.

  2. devilgunner says:

    Regarding Hernanes……..that would be millions spent wisely. He is a very good player who can help out Arteta, Song and Wilshere.

  3. devilgunner says:

    Believe me Rico…….Hernanes is like EMRE the turkish pocket battle ship. He tackles like a tank. He is strong and he has an eye for a good pass and also goals. Affellay I will have him also yes. And he has one thing in our favour…….he has to prove himself after being used sparsely.

  4. rico says:

    Seriously though, The daily fail couldn’t wait to snap up a photo of RvP leaving the barca team hotel, give it another day, when barca have gone back home, all sorts of crap will come out about him agreeing a deal to join in the summer…

  5. James says:

    The daily mail forgot to mention that Andre Santos was at the hotel as well meeting his friend Dani Alves. Doesn’t make as good a story!

  6. rico says:

    And me, we have a good chance to sign him, he’s french, wengers french and m’vila wants to play under a french coach, simple 😉

    Hang on, who is the France manager 😉

  7. rico says:

    😆 James, but santos doesn’t have a contract which is soon to expire, not worth them printing a bit of truth is it

  8. rico says:

    Francis Coquelin (Hamstring)

    Last Updated: 16 April

    Francis will rejoin the squad this week. Speaking on April 13, Arsene Wenger said: “Diaby and Coquelin will come back into the squad next week for full training.”

    Last Game: Sunderland 2-0 Arsenal – February 18, 2012

    Both COULD be fit and ready for the Chavs, now that would be a bonus….

  9. UpTheArse says:

    Morning Peeps. The Dail Heil up to no good, it was only a matter of time before these stories started. No doubt we’ll get the same with Walcott, but will there be the same outrage from the gunners faithful??

  10. devilgunner says:

    Hernanes is 5ft 11ins tall. he is 26 years old and is from Brazil. However they do not used him that much. He has played only 8 times in the last 5 years. He can be used as a playmaker in the centre attacking midfield role. He is notable for his ambidexterity, as well as being neat and tidy in possession, with the ability to spray the ball out wide in order to stretch play.[1] He is also an accurate and powerful striker of the ball

  11. devilgunner says:

    Hold on……Barca are looking to strengthen their defence. So maybe Santos was there to discuss…………….. 😉

    By any chance………..was there the whole ARSENAL FOOTBALL TEAM at the Barca Hotel??? Yikes……even the tea lady may have been there. Probably wanting an autograph on her boobs from Puyol.

  12. rico says:

    Morning Uta,

    But Wenger can prevent all that, he must know already who he plans to sign, go get them as soon as the season has ended, show both players that this is it, we are going forward, not standing still.

    Then no doubt, both would sign their new contracts which i am sure are already prepared and on the table. The paps don’t get their story, and sadly for them, they have to write positive things 😉

  13. devilgunner says:

    M’Vila for me. But if we get Hernanes as well I can tell you that with them, Wilshere, Song (if he stays), Arteta, Ramsey and Rosicky plus Diaby if he manages to walk straight then no one will piss over us in midfield.

  14. rico says:

    devil,

    the question on my mind is why has he been played so little, 8 matches in five years???

    There has to be something hugely wrong?

  15. Lee says:

    Thanks Dev! The daily fail forgetting to mention Santos was at the hotel as well, constructive journalism! Has the summer started…. Wankers!!

  16. devilgunner says:

    I see him play every week with Lazio Rico. He is good. believe me.

    Regarding Brazil national team I do not know…….maybe they prefer Denilson???? 😆

  17. devilgunner says:

    Its ok Rico. Even your question can be asked by anyone including me…….why only 8 times in the last five years for the national team??? I know he is good. If they have better than I would like to see them.

  18. rico says:

    I’m not overly fussed if a player plays for his country or not, that is down to how england have selected over the years. we all know managers have their favourites and others lose out because of it..

    all that matters really is how they play for their club…

    also, if he’s not playing for brazil, he won’t get injured on international duty, unlike so many of ours… 😉

  19. rico says:

    Marseille defender Nicolas N’Koulou has played down speculation linking him with a summer move to Arsenal.

    The Cameroon defender has proved to be an astute signing by Marseille boss Didier Deschamps, who plucked him from relegated Monaco last summer.

    His impressive performances in a Marseille shirt over the past year have attracted the interest of a number of European clubs, with Arsenal a name frequently linked with a move for the 22-year-old.

    However, N’Koulou, who is widely tipped to win the club’s Player of the Year award, has cooled talk of a move to the Premier League.

    “I remain a Marseille player,” he told France Football.

    “A lot of things can still happen before the end of the season but I won’t get concerned with that yet.”

  20. devilgunner says:

    Thanks for the site Rico. I have Bookmarked it. Will keep it there and give it a glance occasionally.

  21. rico says:

    Not sure how factual it is devil, read the other day that we were going to loan out Fabianski next season, well according to that website, he’s off for free this summer….

  22. UpTheArse says:

    Does that mean Almunia and Fabianski are off at the end of the season then? One more year of Squillaci!! 🙁

  23. hightech says:

    good morning all.
    somebody forgot to mention that the whole arsenal supporters went to the barcelona hotel to negotiate their own contracts and fortunately for all of them their heart desires were granted. shame to those blood sucking media demons trying to distabilize my darling ARSENAL. COME ON U GOONERS

  24. rico says:

    I think so Uta hence me keep harping on about Jussi, shouldn’t worry about Squilli, he’ll be gone, given away i suspect…..

  25. Lee says:

    all of these fuckers bleeding the club until their contracts expire….happy to just sit there,whilst getting paid handsomely!

  26. Lee says:

    Eden Hazard has been tipped to turn down a move to Tottenham and join rivals Arsenal, according to talkSPORT.

    The Belgian international has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs in recent months, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Tottenham all reported to be interested in making a summer move (source: ESPN).

    However, his former Lille team mate Yoham Cabaye believes the winger should reject a move to Tottenham and move to their North London rivals Arsenal instead.

    Cabaye moved to England last summer when he joined Newcastle and has been a huge success at St James’ Park. The French midfielder feels a move to the Premier League would also suit Hazard and has claimed joining Arsenal would be the right club for the 21-year-old.

    “Eden and England would go very well together. Tottenham is a good club even if, right now, there are some troubles with the coach. Arsenal, it would be really good.

    “Lille is quite similar to both in terms of game or mind. After, I do not know if he is in touch with Arsenal but I think it would be the right club for him.”

    Cabaye is quoted as saying by talkSPORT

    The future of Eden Hazard has been much-talked about and the player himself has done his best to talk up a move to pretty much every big Premier League club.

    There is little doubt a number of clubs will be making enquiries this summer but even if Cabaye feels a move to Arsenal or Tottenham would be good for Hazard, can the North London due compete with the financial muscle that United, City and Chelsea have at their disposal? It’s doubtful, but one thing’s for sure. The Eden Hazard transfer-saga is only just starting.

  27. rico says:

    Welcome Hightech, glad you saw the iriony in the post….

    But who’s fault is that:

    1) we are stupid not to sell players off when it’s clear they are crap and we are stupid to pay crap players so much money..

    2) it sums up a players lazy attitude, too many are happy not to be playing, if that was any half decent person, they’d ask to move on, to play the game they love – they’d still get paid, but maybe not quiet as much….

  28. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning……….. Why don’t we just write headlines everyday linking us with other teams players that makes even the daily tripe look sensible then maybe people wont take any notice of the drivel written in the media….?

  29. Steve says:

    I’m cool with whatever the Daily Mail writes – i never read it.

    What worries me about RVP leaving is that we suffer another summer of sulking and denial from our muppet manager and we will start next season with the option of Chamakh or Park.

  30. rico says:

    Steve, i think that worries us all – i’m hanging on to hope over the podolski & JV stories and the fact that wenger has said he will not leave it late to sign players….

    I would have more faith, but we have heard all that before, just hope the penny has finally dropped….

  31. upgunners says:

    Great post,would have RVP stay even if we could
    get a better and younger striker on a free,
    it goes a long way to show we can keep great players
    and they are not just waiting to abscond.

  32. rico says:

    Agree re tonight, we need the chavs to believe they have a chance in spain…..

    2-1 would do, nice spanish away goal…. 😉

  33. devilgunner says:

    I am off mates.

    Pray for me……..later on in the afternoon I have a session with the Dippers. And I am not looking forward to it.

  34. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Sign Hazard,M’Villa,Vertonghen,Hernanes,Gotze,Guardiola,Messi…..did I miss any??
    It’s hard to keep up with them all.

  35. rico says:

    I think it’s on the pitch that makes me change my thoughts Lee, recently he seems different and i think thats when i start having doubts…..

    i know his goals have dried up a bit but his all round play isn’t the same, then i start thinking, ‘he’s off’…..

  36. rico says:

    😆 Scott, was playing devils advocate this morning after the crap written in the daily mail….

    if barca are after rvp, why shouldn’t we be after afellay 😉

  37. Lee says:

    The injury to Mikel Arteta that will likely rule the Spanish midfielder out of the rest of the Premier League campaign is a severe blow to the Gunners, according to the London Evening Standard.

  38. GAFFER says:

    affelay would be a great signing however the reason why he aint played as much is that he had a bad knee injury at the start of the season and was out for 3 months

  39. rico says:

    Suspected broken ankle isn’t it 🙁 🙁

    Huge huge blow for us, just hope Diaby & Coq have got through a week of training, mind you, this could turn things around for Ramsey, his confidence is low, but a great game against the chavs could see that all change….

  40. W.A.T.H says:

    Enjoy your afternoon Dev hope its not to torturous…!
    I am in the royal box for the premier mate 😉

    Morning Lee….. Yep a grueling draw or a narrow win or defeat that keeps them in the tie would do me…!

  41. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,i wasn’t having a crack…….its just amazing how much it happens.
    Is it players themselves?
    Their agents?
    Media scum?
    Bloggers?
    All of the above?????
    Here’s the classic example.
    Lionel Messi is DEFINITELY leaving Barcelona for Arsenal next season,ACCORDING to reports.
    Or,….its been REPORTED that Lionel Messi could be leaving Barcelona for Arsenal next season.
    How about…..Lionel Messi is proud of the fact that a club such as Arsenal have shown interest in signing him next season.
    Then there’s…..Lionel Messis agent has announced that Arsenal are definitely negotiating with Barcelona with a view to signing hom for next season.
    The blogger…….Lionel Messi was photographed yesterday in close proximity to a 12 y.o. boy who was wearing an Arsenal shirt. Coincidence…….this blogger says no. I believe,but I have no proof,that the child in question is actually a member of Arsenals scouting group,though its possible I’m wrong,though I doubt it,but I can’t truly be sure,to be honest.
    What was I saying????
    Oh yes,that’s right……Cristiano Ronaldo is DEFINITELY looking for a move to Arsenal,allegedly.

  42. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    So RvP is off, glad that one has been cleared up early then, this shite usually starts in June with our best players, the club bring it on themselves by letting contracts run down, don’t suppose Squillaci was anywhere near the hotel either.

  43. rico says:

    Arsenal close in on M’Vila as Inter switch attention to Song

    By Ashley Gray

    Inter Milan are battling Arsenal to sign France midfielder Yann M’Vila.

    But the Serie A giants are ready to turn their attention to Alex Song if M’Vila opts to join the Gunners from Rennes.

    Inter technical director Marco Branca has identified targets to strengthen several key areas after a tumultuous season at the San Siro.

    M’Vila, 21, is their first choice to add bite to the midfield, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, but Inter fear that Arsenal are winning the race to sign the £20million-rated player.

    Even if M’Vila arrives at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are keen to hold on to Song and are expected to offer him a new long-term contract with a hefty pay rise on his £55,000 a week deal.
    Target: Arsenal’s Alex Song (left)

    Target: Arsenal’s Alex Song (left)

    But that has not stopped Inter making him their second choice, after being knocked back for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

    Further forward, Inter remain keen on Internacional’s Brazil striker Leandro Damiao – a target for Tottenham – and Sao Paulo playmaker Lucas Moura, who has attracted interest from several English clubs.

  44. rico says:

    I didn’t think you were Scott, not for one minute….

    I blame the bloggers, and the arsenal blog authors 😉

  45. rico says:

    Morning Micko,

    Squiili was at Dagenham & Redbridge’s hotel last night, sadly thought, they don’t deem him good enough…..

    And he was only there doing the washing up….

  46. W.A.T.H says:

    Gaffer, wasn’t he injured last Jan when he signed for them…? thought he was over the injuries this season just not been getting a game..?

  47. Micko says:

    Scott, think the ronaldo link is crap but there could be some truth in the blogger rumour, sounds plausible to me.

  48. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,there’s plenty of blogs and forums around glorifying and sensationalising every rumour they can think of.
    Them,when they amazingly don’t happen,its due to another lie by the board and Wenger.
    Some actually believe them,that’s the truly sad part.

  49. Lee says:

    SO if you look at the stats Johan Djourou has started 14 games in the PL this season in which 8 of arsenal’s 10 defeats have occurred. also has been the a starting feature in our loss to Man C in the CC, our loss to Sunderland in the FAC and our 4-0 away loss to AC Milan in the CL.

    That’s the quote I was looking for Rico……I haven’t checked it though!!

  50. Scott From Oz says:

    Squillaci was actually fishing Diabys thumb out of the sink……Diaby was washing up,there a knife……..then there was blood………

  51. rico says:

    Scott, some rumours hold a lot more truth than others but we only find out after the event – i think fans are frustrated over misses like Mata, Allevz (spelling) and M’Vila – the ones that wenger confirmed he ‘tried but failed’

    Others are just so off the wall, anyone who believes them are dreaming…

  52. rico says:

    What a turn around from last season, i think when JD started, with either Squilli or Kos, for a while we didn’t lose a game…

    which quote lee?

    Scott, i think i know just where lee is going with that 😉

  53. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, I remember some bloke trotting out with his name on the back of an Arsenal shirt but I can’t recall ever seeing him play either…!

  54. Scott From Oz says:

    Imagine a million miles away and relying on “reports” …..not much fun.
    If the sign,they sign.
    Until that happens,who cares.
    I may well be wring,but I do believe we will get Podolski,because all the news on that has come out of Germany.
    That gives me great confidence.

  55. Lee says:

    Rico, i thought id’d put on the other post….
    Oh Merlin, where are you? I need a pie chart….santos don’t fyi!

  56. W.A.T.H says:

    Seems Cesc has had a few things to say then……. lets see the media turn those comments upside down….. lol

  57. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, don’t wanna p on your parade re Podolski but what if the kraut media are just as full of shit as the English media….???

  58. rico says:

    Wath, that wouldn’t be difficult, he’s only got to stack the dishwasher – you wouldn’t want Almunia doing that though, he’d drop too much….

  59. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath,Cesc is being nasty to Chelsea,but its a ploy to throw everyone off………he’s signed to play at Stamford Bridge next season!

  60. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath,I can’t see why they’d involve an English club though.
    As I said,I could be totally wrong,but I hope not.
    I reckon he’s outstanding.

  61. W.A.T.H says:

    Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooh you stirrer Scott……………!!! Cesc Chav………… has a certain ring to it eh…!

  62. W.A.T.H says:

    It seems to fit in with comments that he’d like to play in the prem lge Scott so we’ll never know until we actually do or don’t sign him but like you I think he’s a quality player and miles better than what we got apart from RVP…! right age right quality right experience and has a very good all round game. We need 2/3 more like him and we’re sorted.

  63. Scott From Oz says:

    If,and I truly hope it doesn’t happen,RVP leaves,he’s not a bloody bad replacement,but then we need to find another one.
    I wonder if there’s any legs left in the Suarez story……the nice Suarez,that us.

  64. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, for me being sensible and taking my Arsenal hat off, look and the economics and it says Arsenal written all over it for us to sell RVP for 30million and buy Podolski and Suarez for 20/25million…!! Our recent history would suggest this would be something we’d be keen on doing and or as Dev has said before promote Campbell and Afobe and say they the future and have the class etc etc as Arsenal pocket 20million from the RVP deal…!

  65. Lee says:

    On the eve of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final, first leg clash with Chelsea, the 24-year-old said one of the reasons he has evolved as a player since his £30million move to Spain is because he has more confidence in those around him at the Nou Camp than he ever did while at the Emirates.

    He said: ‘Now, my team-mates are more experienced than me and I trust them – they have told me to be calm, to stay in my position.’

    The World Cup winner, who moved to Barca in August, said he has matured as a footballer since swapping north London for his native Catalunia.

    He added: ‘I’ve learned a lot tactically.

    ‘I know my position on the pitch a lot more. Before I was free to do whatever on the pitch at Arsenal, and I wasn’t tactically good.

    ‘I was playing wherever I wanted, up and down. Here I have to work much more for the team, individually, and think about the team tactically.’

    The comments from Fabregas may further anger some Gunners fans, who are still disappointed with the way he left Arsene Wenger’s squad following a protracted two-year war of words between the two clubs

    The midfielder will hope he can put his new-found tactical knowledge to good use when Barca face Chelsea in the first leg of the last-four clash.

    He said: ‘Hopefully we will win all the games and to win the Champions League in my first year at Barcelona would be a dream come true.

    ‘They’ve gone back to the type of Chelsea that was more successful a few years ago with Di Matteo: playing on the counter, trying to hit the target man, sitting back and using that number nine as a reference point.’

  66. W.A.T.H says:

    In all fairness he’s said it in a very polite way that we lacked experience and he had no players to tell him what to do…! He’s 100% correct…. take pressure off the younger players by making sure they can get involved in the 1st team and grow by having older experienced head around them…! That’s why project youth has failed….! groom a few at a time don’t get rid off the experience and just throw the young ones all in at once…!

  67. Lee says:

    Both WATH……. nah, I’m only joking mate. I think it was said in a nice way, let’s hope stubborn bollox reads it! The meglomania will have to subside, if we’re to get back to our best…..

  68. W.A.T.H says:

    It’s a very subtle way of saying to wenger, you need the experienced players to bring the young ones through they cant do it on their own..!

  69. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Afternoon all. Lee, that vid is excellent! I love the way he doesn’t stop at stamping on his back and shouting at him, he finishes in style with a face stamp!

  70. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I love it!! That’s one of my favuorite football thuggery video’s ever! What the hell must he have said / done to him to spark that?! I’m sure if Zidane had seen it, he’s have done something a lot more impressive to Materazzi than a headbutt!

  71. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Just read about that face-stamping… He was banned from all European competitions for 5 years after that! Maybe if he’d have kicked him in the nuts as well the ban would have been reduced due to Matthaus be a complete c***…..

  72. rico says:

    All good thanks rocky, another busy afternoon ahead for you?? 🙁

    Did i watch the right video, the ref was next to a player on the floor in the one i watched…

    I must go and get my hair dyed blonde 😉

  73. Merlin96 says:

    What are our chances of retaining Top-4 spot?

    According to Merlin’s Statistic :mrgreen: extremely good if we win 2 more games, draw one game and lose one game only.

    Maximum points achievable = 43 + 39 = 82 points (after 25 games)
    Maximum points achievable = 64 + 12 = 76 points (after 34 games)
    Realistic Target of 2 wins 1 draws 1 losses = 7 points
    Minimum points for 4th spot = 64 + 7 = 71 points

    From our season since 1997/98, a minimum of 67 or 68 points is sufficed to retain Top-4.

    The exception is 2007/08 season where we got 73 points for 4th place.

    Let’s hope they don’t f**k-up on Saturday as the very least I expect a draw match. Getting a reason at SToke is a bonus.

    But as usual, this f**king inconsistent team will turn complacent, thinking the job done and f**k-up against Norwich and WBA!..@#$%&@@#

  74. rockyrocastle07 says:

    You saw the same one I saw Rico. The doddery old git was running around, yellow card in hand, doing nothing much with it!

    Maybe another late one…. Was home by 10 last night. Dinner then bed… all in 20 minutes. Nice life….!!

  75. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Cash machine pics were great… Although whenever I read something written in cockney, I can’t help but read it in my mind in a Ray Winstone voice!

  76. rico says:

    I did Lee, i saw a player in red take a dive, then two players in white give him a kicking whilst some old grandad in wearing black, was trying to intervene with a yellow card out….

    Is that the one 😉

  77. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Not at all Rico! Hate it!

    Haha! ALRIGHT RAYMONDO? NAH, YOU’RE THE DAFFY! – bore off Ray!! Why don’t you sell out a bit more and believe your own hard-man hype?!

    Afternoon AK!

  78. rockyrocastle07 says:

    If it’s a case of the Diaby’s wath, I fear he’ll actually NEVER get better… there’ll be fresh setbacks every other month……

  79. Lee says:

    I thought he was extremely eloquent in the two part t.v series “Henry VIII”, played a blinding role, me ol’ china!! 😆

  80. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Do you remember him in the tv “Sitcom” get back? It was years ago, but no-one else I speak to ever remembers it! It had Jim Branning off of Eastenders as his old man! Complete guff!

  81. rockyrocastle07 says:

    He really does reming bme of Big Vern in Viz (You can really see the level of my reading material eh?! The Sun and Viz! Living the dream!!)

  82. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I don’t think I’m anywhere near ahead mate!! Never have been!! I’ll quit while I’m languishing mid-way…..

  83. Merlin96 says:

    Let’s compare our performance against the Top-6 team as after 34 no. league games played:

    W … D … L ….. F ….. A … +/-
    7 ….. 2 … 1 … 27 … 16 … 11 … 23 points: Manchester United
    7 ….. 1 … 3 … 24 … 10 … 14 … 22 points: Abu Dhabi City
    6 ….. 0 … 5 … 19 … 20 … -1 …. 18 points: Arsenal
    4 ….. 3 … 4 … 13 … 14 … -1 …. 15 points: Liverpool
    3 ….. 3 … 6 … 15 … 22 … -7 …. 12 points: Tiny Totts
    3 ….. 0 … 8 … 05 … 13 … -8 …. 09 points: Everton
    2 ….. 3 … 5 … 15 … 20 … -5 …. 09 points: Chelski

    You can say we have done relatively well against Top-6 teams; and it is actually our saving grace that made us into 3rd place.

    ManU and ABu DHabi City is in a class of their own. The downfall of Chelski, and to a certain extent, is their failure to defeat their rivals for Top-4 status.

    However, our vulnerability against Bottom-13 teasm that is what casued so much angst and why we are not title contender as shown below.

    A comparison of the Top-6 team against Bottom-13 teams with 34 games played after 16-Apr-12:
    W … D … L ….. F ….. A … +/-
    19 … 2 … 2 … 55 … 11 … 44 … 59 points: Manchester United
    17 … 4 … 2 … 61 … 17 … 44 … 55 points: Abu Dhabi City
    14 … 6 … 3 … 41 … 18 … 23 … 48 points: Chelski
    14 … 5 … 2 … 42 … 16 … 26 … 47 points: Tiny Totts
    14 … 4 … 5 … 48 … 22 … 26 … 46 points: Arsenal
    08 … 7 … 7 … 27 … 22 … 05 … 31 points: Liverpool

    Again ManU and Abu DHabi City is ruthless against Bottom-13 and usually ran up cricket scores with a winner’s killer instinct to stomp weak teams into the ground.

    Arsenal? Drew 2 and lost 5….and if we lost only 2 games like ManU and Abu DHabi City, and drawn only 2 games, we will be challenging for the title now.

    Forget about beating the likes of ManU, ABu DHbai City or Chelski or even Liverpool, it is how many points we will take against Bottom-13 team that will determine our credential as title-contender.

    During 2008/09 season, ManU won the title by taking 70 out of 72 points against Bottom-12 team!

    Or 74 out of 78 points against Bottom-13 teams!

    If we want to be title contender enxt season, then FFS, stop switching off and play crab football when 2-0 up against a 10-man team. Like ManU, ABu DHabi City or CHelski – and even Tiny Totts – we should be hitting 6 or 7 or even 8 against Bottom-12 teams.

  84. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Mid to late 90’s were for me Lee!! Going to United Dance Happy Hardcore raves etc kinda finished me!

  85. Lee says:

    Rocky, I wonder if getting involved with all that rave culture etc. 😉 has frazzled my brain? My short term memory is fucked….

  86. W.A.T.H says:

    Merlin, Scott gonna wake up after having a nightmare of seeing numbers and stats and log on and realise it’s all real and it’s you…!
    😀

  87. W.A.T.H says:

    It’s all the ruby’s u have Lee it’s the chilli’s that have frazzled ya brain….! Not mentioning anything else either………………

  88. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Nowhere to hide merlin….. He’ll see them and catch up with you eventually!!

    Lee… I think so too. memory about insignificant things is amazing…. things I need to know… not so good.

    Campagne lifestyle on ale money!! Like it! Pink Champagne was it….?!

    Merlin… Are you a statistition / mathemetician by trade? Or are stats just a hobby?!

  89. Micko says:

    I’m not gonna argue with Merlins stats, I’ve already had my fingers burnt once, lesson learnt, 6-2 seems reasonable to me.

  90. rockyrocastle07 says:

    The fact you watch Doctors is bad enough Rico! That sullies the good name of “soaps”!

  91. rico says:

    😆 rocky, it just fills 25 mins of my early evening, helps me concentrate on my next days post 😉

  92. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Me too mate. Still get one of my many Helter Skelter/Dreamscape/United Dance rave tape packs out now and then and pretend I’m still young. Before my wife calls me a loser, and I sheepishly turn it off again

  93. W.A.T.H says:

    I’m to young to remember….. I envy you all…!

    Wait til AK gets on here and starts going on about the 30’s n 40’s…!

  94. rico says:

    Chesney confirms Fabianski is S**T

    Wojciech Szczesny has hailed Lukasz Fabianski as “the best No 2 in the country” and admits he faces a major battle to keep his place in the side….

    The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive first full season in the Premier League, earning plaudits for a series of fine performances.

    But Szczesny believes he faces serious competition from within the Club for his place and is taking nothing for granted.

    “I think the quality of goalkeepers at the Club is as good as anywhere in the country,” he told Arsenal Player.

    “I believe Lukasz is the best No 2 in the country. Every time he goes in goal the team is confident he will do a good job, and to have someone like that behind you gives you a lot of motivation to work hard at the training ground.

  95. rico says:

    Exactly…..

    Kusack (spelling) has to be better, as is Jussi, he’s not his clubs first choice anymore….

  96. Lee says:

    During his career, Juanito was a protagonist in several incidents: in 1978, he received a two-year suspension after assaulting linesman Adolf Prokop, in a match against Grasshopper Club Zürich; in a UEFA Cup contest against another Swiss side, Neuchâtel Xamax, he spat on former teammate Stielike; in 1988, he was again banned, now for five years, after deliberately stepping on FC Bayern Munich’s Lothar Matthäus’ back and face.
    class act!!

  97. Wath's Grandad says:

    You bunking off school again Grandson. You’ll get a thick ear when you get in.
    Already had your teacher on the phone.
    And he didn’t believe your sick note about missing school because of a dose of the Diaby’s either.
    Your grounded and no CBeebies when you get in.

  98. W.A.T.H says:

    Are you insinuating I’m telling porkies Lee……….? I’m deeply hurt you feel that way…….!

    😀

  99. W.A.T.H says:

    have you seen that on dot.com about the bust of Ken Friar… why we wasting money on a new bust when we should be saving our pennies for the transfer market… Ain’t he been handsomely paid for his services….! and then some………….

    Lee, what you brought up the other week re GG… he would be my prime suspect with other things I know that have gone on….!

  100. Wath's Grandad says:

    Good piece on Jeorge Berg’s Arsenal Youth.
    Can’t do the link on me phone.

    Wath, your just a very naughty boy…

  101. W.A.T.H says:

    Grandad to old to catch me anyway so sod him….! If he stops my curly wurly allowance I will be pissed off though…!

  102. Merlin96 says:

    Hi Rico, Rocky,
    I think for the past 4 or 5 years, I had been religiously keeping track of the scores, plus I love playing with numbers, manipulating ’em and see where we stand.

    No Rocky, I am not a mathematician but I do love maths and it is my favorite and best subject…

    C’mon, Micko, that is tongue-in-cheek.. 😆

    On the other hand,

    Lose 8-2 at OT, lose 2-1 at Emirates
    Lose 2-1 at EMirates and won 5-3 at WHL.
    Lose 2-0 at EMirates and won 2-1 at ANfield
    Lose at Eithad and won at Emirates
    WIn 4-0 at WIgan and lose 1-2 at EMirates???
    WIn 5-3 at Chelski and lose 1-2 at EMirates???

    Against Top-6 team,
    Arsenal won 6 and lost 5, and basing on symmetry,
    Arsenal won 6 and lost 6???

    Trend and Lady Luck is against us due tot eh follwoing factors:
    1 – Arteta out injured;
    2 – Van Persie on a blip or is it mentally, his mind is no more at EMirates and he is just being “professional’..not really putting in that extra yard? Can’t blame him a she had played too many games without rest…and fatigue is certainly catching up with him…..

    3 – Team began to lose its shape with an indisciplined Song, an ineffectual Ramsey…and Theo reverting to his brainless blind-runner self.

    4 – With Santos, our Back-4 is back to its nervous self and leavign gaps in defence.

    If we want to get a result against Chelski, then Wenegr must gamble with Gibbs and Diaby:

    ………………………………….Szczesny

    …Sagna…………..Koscielny………Vermaelen……..Gibbs

    ……………………………………Song

    …Walcott……….Rosicky……………Diaby…………Gervinho

    …………………………………Van Persie

    I will not risk OX as he is still too raw agaisnt those ahrdened professionals of Chelski..perhaps as a supersub.

    Gervinho is starting to find a bit of form..and he certianly can hold teh ball and give us that unpredictability down the left flank…

    SOng must play that “Libero” sweeping the vacuum between MDIFIELD and BACK-4.

    Sagna-Kos-TV5-Gibbs had devleoped understanding amongst them and give us that defence solidity. Santos simply disrupt our defensive formation a she has yet to devleop an udnerstanding and integrated into Back-4.

    With SOng and Snatos going forward and slow in tracking back, Chelski will love to attack down our left flank….

    Ramsey should be placed in his best posiiton…warming the bench throughout 90 minutes.

    Look at ours quad, we are really running on empty and 1 or 2 more key players out…we will struggle in our next 3 games after CHelski.

    My Prediciton:
    I reiterated, this f**king bunch of losers will usually turn-up agaisnt BIG CLUB and switched off against small clubs like Swansea, BOlton, Blackburn, QPR and WIgan.

    I see a knackered CHelski grinding out a 0-0 draw.
    Chelski will be fatigued and our Back-4 with SOng sittign in front of ’em can contain Chelski, and with RvP off-form, I cna’t see us scoring against CHelski unless a freak shot or a blind referee and linesperson gifted us a goal.

    Lady Luck will gift us a 0-0 draw with perhaps Chelski hitting the post 3 or 4 times.. :mrgreen:

  103. W.A.T.H says:

    Not doing the can-can I hope Shirley………..? perish the though…!

    Be interesting what he says Lee….. If anyone knows he would but then again would he say anything..?

  104. Micko says:

    Lee, I think GG was just unlucky, he got caught and was made the scapegoat, plenty of other managers were taking bungs back then,brown paper bags being passed under the table during transfer deals, can’t see the board being involved myself.

  105. rico says:

    Merlin,

    you do know how to cheer us all up 😉

    i predict one draw and three wins out of the last four….

  106. Wath's Grandad says:

    Cheers boss. 😀

    Any news on Arteta..?
    Is it a break/fracture or a sprain..??
    Hoping it’s the latter.

  107. Lee says:

    I hope so Rico, I bought Arsenal points at 72 at the start of the season….anything above that number i’m in the money!! 🙂

  108. Micko says:

    Lee, wasn’t there talk that Cloughie took a massive back hander when Sheringham moved from Forest to spurs, they were all at it.

  109. Lee says:

    Tip of the iceberg, Micko. They were all at it, just tough luck if u got caught with your hand in the cookie jar!

  110. rico says:

    There is alwasy naughtiness, isn’t one of the Manc transfers being investigated at the moment as money has ‘gone missing’ –

    also, it keeps all these big wigs in a job, the ones who invent new rules that mustn’t be broken 😉

  111. J. R. Hartley says:

    Yes Rico, our lads will learn a lot more, playing against Inter, Barca, Bayern etc, than some long~ball merchants in the FAYouth Cup.
    Btw you heard from KT lately?

  112. Micko says:

    Blue Nun once ruined the back seat of my Ford Cortina GLS, scared me for life, it was never the same again after that.

  113. rico says:

    An old Cortina – how fab, someone has one near me, it’s in mint condition too…..

    😆 Wath, not quite, but not far off….

  114. W.A.T.H says:

    Sorry JR but Bobby had a word with the authorities and word press threw u into moderation with that dodgy name…!

  115. devilgunner says:

    Hiya folks. I am back. And while the training session itself was not that much interesting it did finish on a high for me……I have managed to do what no AFC manager or player has done. And that is…….hold the Champions Cup in my hands.

    Will send you a photo Rico, Sir AK and W.A.T.H.

  116. W.A.T.H says:

    Nice one Dev, hope you taught the dippers a thing or two about proper footie and not HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF ball…!

  117. devilgunner says:

    Its the one they give the club to keep, the first replica Rico. You will see it later on next week when I get the photos from the photographer who took them.

  118. rico says:

    Devil, i am sure you could add a few words to that photo, maybe we could call it a post 😉 😉

    Totally over-rated Micko, is it really a trophy 😉

  119. devilgunner says:

    First Arsenal Manager to lift CL Trophy!!!!!! Now that would be the top mate. Ehhhhhhhhhh. If only.

  120. Joaquim Moreira says:

    hello!
    Any update news from Arteta?
    Like i wrote a few months ago, we must have 70 points for be at the 4th position and 75 points for be at the 3th position. I’m not very confident now.
    Barcelona has making “a football of crosswords” at Stanford Bridge.
    Juanito? well ok, but in that time, Madrid had also vey good players and a fabulous striker: Santillana

  121. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Merlin,according to your statistical analysis,taking into account wind speed and direction,barometric pressure,pitch moisture,grass length,who the ref is and whethers he’s right or left handed,and of course,which denomination is used,and don’t forget Lady Lucks influence,please show us your true worth,give us your most valuable contribution yet……..who will win the coin toss???????
    Morning all.

  122. Scott From Oz says:

    Apologies all.
    STATISTICALLY,and logically,there was no need for me to say “morning all” twice.
    So,I have wasted app. One second of everyone’s life who read the second greeting,as well as app. The two seconds it took me to type it.
    Now,I’ve come up with these timeframes using nothing buy gut feel,so Merlin,if you’d care to to a spreadsheet,and maybe even a formula to come up with precise amounts of time wasted,is truly appreciate it.
    Apologies all..
    Shit,there’s another one for you to do Merlin lol.
    Is RVP sitting alongside Guardiola tonight??????

  123. Scott From Oz says:

    You’re a bloody nark Rico lol.
    Post your spreadsheet girl,you can’t offer up an opinion without showing the,ahem,evidence to support it.

  124. Rokabox says:

    Drogba is back to his own self, falling like he was hit by a thunderbolt!
    What a woss, yet he scores!

  125. devilgunner says:

    Watching the chavs vs the cheats.

    Drogba should have been ours. What would have we given to see Drogba playing with TH14.???

    Drogba is doing nothing worse than the Cheats usually do. Theatrics and playing them at their own game.

    I am enjoying seeing Cahill till now. Better then Djourou isnt he??

    Hope they hold out to win 1-0.

    Or better still 2-0.

    Fabregas is playing well today isnt he. Hope he continues to enthrall the stadium. Go on cheating git. Do your best mate.

  126. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,I use my phone and don’t know how to so smiley faces,hence LOL……
    It was a joke.
    Oooohhhh,the C word…….never,ever,ever to be used in the presence of ladies……

  127. rico says:

    It was the spreadsheet Scott, anyway, it matters not 😉

    Nighty, i’m off up the wooden ones, blame the meds 😉

  128. Lee says:

    No niggling injuries… Gutted! Drogba was embarrassing, throwing himself about all over the gaff…..

  129. W.A.T.H says:

    We won’t know about injuries til lata in the week Lee, bet they rest the Drog though…! Mata looked tired 2nite as well

  130. W.A.T.H says:

    Lets be honest they got battered and won one nil…. Lets hope they think they can win and try mix and match the team on Sat although they still had a strong bench…!

  131. W.A.T.H says:

    I think chavs will get smashed at the nou camp Lee, I like that they won though cos they that big headed they’ll think they can win the tie…! Can’t see Barca being so wasteful in the next leg…!

  132. W.A.T.H says:

    They got a lot of class and quality in reserve for sure but they will also wanna be involved in the 2nd leg and not injured….!

  133. W.A.T.H says:

    They almost looked as if it’s only one nil we’ll take that cos we’ll smash you at home and if we nick and equalizer then great if not we’ll just run you about the pitch all 2nd half..!

  134. W.A.T.H says:

    We’re tippy tappy like them BUT nowhere near as good at it with players not as good as theirs but if we Incorporate a plan B and get some steel we could be as good as them…!

  135. W.A.T.H says:

    Drogba has always been a prized cnut Lee it ruins the fact the piece of shit is such a fuckin good player…!

  136. Merlin96 says:

    Boy oh boy, it never rains but pours isn’t it?

    Arteta has ankle ligament damage and out for the season;
    Diaby is short of match fitness and unlikely to start;

    Perhaps Wenger is ready to grind out a result and will fix our left flank vulnerability as follows:

    ………………………………..Szczesny

    ….Sagna………Koscielny………..Vermaelen………Gibbs

    …………………….Song……………………..Ramsey
    …………………………………Rosicky

    …Walcott…………………..Van Persie……………….Santos

    COin toss?
    50:50 and if Lady Luck is with us, Arsenal will win the coin toss and grind out a 0-0 result.

    Goodnight all.

  137. Scott From Oz says:

    Santos on the wing……interesting.
    He’s bloody brilliant going forward,and can certainly cross better than most.

  138. Julian says:

    IF Arsenal fail to get third place ie fourth and with Chelsea winning the cl,I am absolutely sure Robin will leave.Of course having won the first leg,it doesn’t they can’t get to the final and win it.Btw Messi was unplayable against Arsenal but Chelsea stopped him.How?Tactically Wenger only knows the attack side of the game.Clichy said the gunners did not practise defence drills. IF it’s true it’s criminal.
    Wenger better be careful with his tactics otherwise it could be Wigan2.All Roberto has to do is wait patiently for the gunners attack to break down.It was two against three when Drogba scored.And with Arsenal/Wenger so committed to attack,Chelsea could score first daring the gunners to search for the equaliser.Then when the gunners become desperate,they will be ready to be ripped to pieces.
    So gunner fans ,don’t be surprised this scenario happens. Of course the Barcelona game could have sapped the Blues energy but under rate them at your peril.

  139. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,I’m bringing the whistle over.
    I will yellow card the bastard for warming up the wrong way!!!
    Big rumour over here that RVP is expected to sign with Barca any day now.
    No,I’m not getting worried by it for two reasons.
    One….its another bloody rumour.
    Two….if we get the right price,replace him with Podolski and Suarez AND he wants to leave let it happen.
    If,if,if……..

  140. Lee says:

    Can you spot drogba?
    웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 o-|-< 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃 웃웃 웃

  141. Scott From Oz says:

    Hello my Queen……..hope I didn’t offend you last night Rico……it truly was an attempt at humour.

  142. Lee says:

    morning all…
    I was saying to WATH last night…great player but what an embarrassment last night…..lying there dying then up like Lazarus scoring!!

  143. rico says:

    Morning Lee & Scott

    Love the Drog Lee 🙂

    Scott, i have broad shoulders 😉 Of course you didn’t offend…

  144. rico says:

    Scott, that is all because he went to the Barca hotel, he already knows what he’s going to do i’m sure…

    I actually agree, if he wants out, sell to the higgest bidder and spend the money, we are bigger than one man. Same with Walcott

  145. rico says:

    We got exactly what we hoped for last night, chavs were run ragged but they have hope as they head to Camp Nou – what will de matteo do on saturday??

  146. Scott From Oz says:

    I say it repeatedly…..I dont want anyone wearing our shirt who shows the slightest hint he wants out.

  147. rico says:

    Told you lee, i have now gone blonde – it matches my comments so much better 😉

    Nowt on the afc.com though about Arteta ….

  148. rico says:

    Bugger, mind you, we thought it was going to be a serious one, how did he do it though, didn’t see anything at the time, wonder if wenger will blame the pitch 😉

  149. Lee says:

    Totally agree Scott, also AW wants to put new contracts on the table, with a deadline on them….and if they’re not signed you’re sold!! No more molly coddling these players……..

  150. rico says:

    Spot on Lee, about time players dictated a little less and perorm on the pitch a little more……..

  151. Scott From Oz says:

    Lee,I mentioned it about 6 weeks ago.
    Tell RVP that he signs by August 1st,or he’s for sale to the highest bidder.
    That way,if he goes,we have time to replace him,and the funds to do it.
    I’m very hopeful that Wenger learnt the hard way last year that his loyalty in the player is not always reciprocated.
    Again,I do not want him to go…….I didn’t want to lose Cesc,either though.

  152. Lee says:

    And if AW doesn’t want to be seen to be doing it….i’m sure keown (or a.n other strong asistant) wouldn’t have any qualms implementing it….

  153. rico says:

    I reacll that Scott, but he has to sign before then, 1st July, we have the euros and wenger needs to know – if rvp gets injured at the euros, any buyer will be gone…

    same for theo…
    we need to be ruthless

  154. rico says:

    Isn’t that what Gazidis should be doing Lee, DD wouldn’t have faffed around like that big lump seems too….

  155. Scott From Oz says:

    Yep,why not Rico.
    Players need to know that they come and go.
    The club and fans will always be there…..and loyal!!!!

  156. Lee says:

    Surely AW can’t be so naive again? Get some top drawer players in and hey presto he’ll sign and if doesn’t sell him asap….imho, no one is bigger than the club, apart from AW that is… 😉

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