Wenger in for Dempsey, Ba and Cabaye? New Kit & Totts hand us another chance, one which we must not blow…

It’s Bank Holiday here in England so a day to rest and enjoy the mild Spring day….

Transfer news is as expected gathering a bit of pace and yesterday many rumours were floating around about Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye and how they are top of Arsene Wengers transfer wish list.

We know Demba Ba has a release clause in his contract which is within Wengers price range but Cabaye has been red-hot for Newcastle this season and he would come at a price.

Another transfer rumour which just won’t go away is Clint Dempsey, it’s a flat race between us and Liverpool, if we are to believe the press.

Again though, that’s all they are, rumours….

Lady Luck came our way yesterday and we haven’t been able to say that all too often but she was sitting pretty at Villa Park where Arry’s gang dropped two points against Aston Villa. That leaves us and ‘them’ in exactly the same position as we were before going into the weekend so it’s all to play for on Sunday.

If only we’d held on to that 3-2 scoreline eh, we’d have 3rd in the bag….

We didn’t though but we have one last chance, one which we cannot and must not blow!

Three for the future?

Next seasons kit has now been confirmed, good to see Robin wearing it but I know it doesn’t mean he’s definitely staying.

If you order one online on the official site you could win a car!!!

Going back to the final game of the season, Wenger believes that creating as many chances as we did against Norwich should give our players the belief to beat West Brom:

We have a belief, when you look at the chances we created, it is absolutely unbelievable that we scored only three goals.

Again we are punished because Robin had to score and many times we do not get enough goals from elsewhere. We had so many obvious chances that you would want somebody else to score one. That doesn’t happen enough.

Of course we need to address that because I feel there was enough room to score six or seven goals.

We were not sharp in the first half but is it down to too much preparation, not being switched on or subconsciously thinking we will manage to do it? We were not at the pace of the game in the first half for sure.

It’s not only about scoring goals Arsene, if we didn’t concede so many, we’d have third place wrapped up weeks ago…

Maybe a week of defensive training is in order….

That’s it for today, if you have a day off, enjoy it, if you don’t, tough luck… 😉

0 thoughts on “Wenger in for Dempsey, Ba and Cabaye? New Kit & Totts hand us another chance, one which we must not blow…

  1. devilgunner says:

    Good morning guys and chicks of the Gunners’ Faith.

    Hope you are ok Rico. A day of relax for you ehhh??? good. 🙂

  2. The font says:

    If you go on deduction Dempsey is coming to arsenal we were in for him last summer and he has had his best season cabaye told Eden hazard to join arsenal I wonder why

  3. devilgunner says:

    Seems as if The Font might have hit on something here!!!! 😉

    Who knows why mate. Maybe they will be team mates next season????

  4. rico says:

    Poor old Martinez, whipped out on an emergency loan to Oxford for their play offs, let in three soft goals and now back at Arsenal…

    Hopefully AW will realise he is not the solution to our keeping problem, not for a while yet….

  5. Ronald ikileng says:

    I wish wenger signs earlier 2 avoid last minutes rush de all da 4 are arsenal.

  6. Scott From Oz says:

    Evening all.
    With all the doom and gloom I read on the previous post,I never would have realised Spuds drew,and needed a terribly dodgy penalty to manage that.
    Yes,we’ve been gifted another chance but so what…….we gave Spuds their chance with our woeful start!!!!!
    Again,I never watched the game…..I was out in the bush,so won’t comment but come on Gooners,we are still in the prime position,regardless of how or why,so get behind the boys.

  7. devilgunner says:

    Alan………Rico has the perfect side note…….its not players we are linked to. Its the players which we certainly are not linked to. That is easier.

    TBH I take them with a pinch of salt. Ignore them and your heart will beat more lightly and happily.

  8. devilgunner says:

    Ahhhh Scott. Words of Wisdom.

    Hopefully everyone forgets the bashing and gets behind the boys for the last game.

    Hope the supporters are the 12th man.

    For hell we need to make a ref’s life miserable from the stands. Let him know that if he takes the piss the supporters will take the tool which he uses to do so.

  9. alanbstardmp says:

    devilgunner. You are right. Podolski was a surprise. I can’t see that happening again, certainly not experienced epl players

  10. Scott From Oz says:

    Oh,and I actually like our new shirt.
    Not the best I’ve seen,but not the worst.
    Go you Gunners.
    Ps….had a great weekend…..country people are truly salt of the earth,decent souls.
    Can’t they bloody drink though!!!!!

  11. rico says:

    alan – there will be 10000000’s more no doubt, and don’t we love them 😉

    Scott – the swampies didn’t ko til later in the day, up until then we were looking like ending up 5th, not too much to be happy about…

  12. alanbstardmp says:

    It’s not only about scoring goals Arsene, if we didn’t concede so many, we’d have third place wrapped up weeks ago…

    Maybe a week of defensive training is in order….

    exactly. Never a truer word said

  13. rico says:

    We have to remember, when things go well we all rave about a good result, when things go as seriously wrong as they did on saturday, not many fans will just be able to smile and say wotto, never mind eh, it’s only a game’

    the defence/midfiled were simply shocking and considering what was at stake, it beggars belief..

    how many times do we see the same old defensive mistakes?

    what is going to done about it, that’s what i’d love to know?

  14. rico says:

    I suggested yesterday alan that AW should get Adams and keown in the dressing room & on the training ground all this week, in just seven days they would stop the goals going in i bet…

    Dont know about sack Wenger, it’s about time the club sacked the defensive coaches…

  15. chris says:

    Just saying but all the stuff from Wenger about how we should have scored six or seven – They could have scored six or seven actually.

    The team didn’t play very well and still scored three.
    How many games where the team has played better does it get six or seven?
    And when it does get four or more how often do the other team get more than one?

    i’m not sure i’m making the full desired amount of sense but i’m trying to say that win wasn’t thrown away by not converting chances.

    It was thrown away by playing badly and letting too many in.

  16. devilgunner says:

    Rico….9.56am…….how many times do we see the same old defensive mistakes?

    what is going to done about it, that’s what i’d love to know?

    you certainly will enjoy my next article Rico. I am waiting for the season to end to finish it as the last game needs to go in also. Will send it around 10 more days.

  17. rico says:

    I look forward to it devil, maybe you should send it to Arsene Wenger…

    I’m just sick of watching us gift goals away and its not just recently, its been for a few seasons now but why?

    Wigan, Qpr, Blackburn, Swansea, Norwich, the list goes on, all of those games we should be winning and would have won if we could only bloody defend as a team….

  18. The font says:

    Bit disserpointed yesterday with a few posts went back two
    Weeks on the blogs it seems some who were saying if wenger signs this’ one that one we can challenge on all fronts changed over night to wenger out where going down how fickle we can be sometimes look at the injuries we have had this year to key players sagna t.v merts jack arteta gibbs theo all at key times we havent done bad to be sitting on top of all and sundrie bar the manckies I stick by what I said yesterday it will be. Difficult to win any of the major two targets with our rivals buying up 3 world class players for every position but I am sure wenger will do his best to prove me wrong

  19. devilgunner says:

    We constantly bang about our defence, but Rico, you will certainly be amazed by the statistics you will get to see when you see my article……..especially by this season.

  20. Scott From Oz says:

    These guys should now how to defend,and where their defensive responsibilities lie.
    Wenger has been the focal point of attacks when we perform badly and that’s fine,but when will our entire 11 players(whoever is on the field at any time) put the effort in to track back,to pressure opponents and basically to do what every player should do in defence?
    Defence is an attitude,and before you tell me its Wengers job to get players up for a game,they’re grown men and professional footballers,and they’re responsible for their own effort,or lack thereof.

  21. rico says:

    I am one of those the font but i am certainly not fickle, i’m not a huge fan of Wenger these days but i just don’t feel the need to slate him all the time as it’s boring….

    And yes, if he makes the right changes this summer then we could challenge for trophies but if he doesn’t then i won’t shed any tears if he goes.

    We all have a breaking point, saturday was mine, but it certainly doesn’t mean i am fickle….

  22. rico says:

    not doubt Song is in that article somewhere devil, like i say, i look forward to it, or not as the case may be 😉

  23. The font says:

    Ther is nothing wrong with our defence it’s what goes on in front of it that causes the problems I do not want to single out one player but song had a hand in all three of the norwich goals as good a player as song can be he let’s himself down when he gives possession away

  24. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,I’ve said for the last three or four years that we squander way,way too many easy chances.
    If anyone cares to dissect the 8-2 at Old Trafford,you’d be amazed.
    We could have EASILY scored 4 or 5 by half time,and I do mean EASILY.
    Oh,what could have been.

  25. rico says:

    But when its going wrong it Wengers job to change it, when he finally did change it we offered more up front but why the heck wasn’t he up and shouting form the touchline telling the likes of song and TV to do their job, he can yell at the 4th official and the ref when he wants, how about he channels some of that same energy into the team?

    Or Pat Rice, why can’t he get off his butt and direct the players?

    Yes the players should be able to self motivate but we all need a bit of encouragement sometimes..

    saturday was one of those times….

  26. Scott From Oz says:

    Song is lazy,and I would not be at all disappointed if we could get 15-20 million for him.

  27. devilgunner says:

    The Font……..it is easy to do that. Get rid of the dead wood and buy adequate players who have hunger to succeed. FFS, AW has a WW scouting network…….he can surely spot players who are better than Denilson, Bendy, Sqillaci, Chamack, PArk etc

  28. rico says:

    when i say defence the font, i count in the defensive players in midfield, we attack as a team, we defend as a team…

    or rather, we don’t defend as a team, defending begins from the front imho….

  29. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,the amount of tomes our players HAVEN’T been motivated this season simply can’t be blamed on Wenger.
    A manager can kiss players backsides,can coax them or can scream at them,but again,they’re professionals earning big dollars to perform.

  30. allan sassman says:

    poor poor arsenal,, i cannoy believe that our goalkeeper could yest again make the same two mistakes as last week . thus leeting in the two goals onec again…

    he lost the ball once again and also wsa oonce again out of position for the second goal…goalkeeper goolakeeper too too bame

    wenge yet persiste with this bad keeper at crucial times and matches.. have not had adecent gkeeper for 5 years

    wenger needs he head read

    also we are not good enough to merit and play in champions league

    we need a better manager that is focussed and competitive in the premier league

    not little 18 yr olds … the will take a decade to become great players…

  31. rico says:

    maybe not the font, but i am no different to those you are aiming at, i said all those things you wrote in your comment…

    like i say, we all have a breaking point and saturday was mine, maybe it was others too…

    i’m not one to come on here and start calling wenger names etc, i have to much respect for a fellow human, especially one who has done what AW has done for us in the past, but it is all in the past and right now we are at make or break point.

    make the summer signings needed or we will fade away into a mid table club imho….

  32. rico says:

    Scott – yes it can, he bought them, if they don’t have the ability to self motivate then they don’t have what it takes to be a top sportsman, sell them and buy players who will give more than half of our lot seem to want to…

    Chamberlain, 18 years old gave more in the short time he was on than a few much older and wiser than him….

    They should hang their heads in shame!

  33. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, nice one rico and i forgot to thank you for yesterday 🙂
    I dont see Wenger buying any more strikers, but i’m sure he realises that the back line should be shored up. I would also believe he knows we need a creative player in midfield. Ramsey has not been too impressive and he is still a bit raw i’m sure he will come good for the future but that doesn’t help us now, and buying another player of his age could also give us the same problems, i would suggest an experienced playmaker that will not suffer the pressures of modern football, with Jacks Iminant return and Arteta will also be available Rosiski on a new contract suggests that one extra midfielder will come in. Czezsney will improve but we are absolutly desperate for another keeper this is one of the most important buys we should make. So Podolski a veratile defender a creative midfielder and a second goalkeeper one down 3 to go.

  34. rico says:

    Oh, and maybe stop paying players so much money when they are average, make them bloomin earn it for once, it’s all too easy for them, they have little competition for places which i think is half the problem and they know they will get a game…

    Look at ramsey, he is broken, he shouldn’t even be on the bench let alone starting, he shouldn’t have been for a few weeks now but wenger is doing more harm than good to that kid right now….

  35. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Good Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico. Good post your Highness. 🙂

    Don’t much like the blue in the new kit.

  36. Scott From Oz says:

    There you have it Rico.Ox comes on full of enthusiasm.
    Yossi is ALWAYS full of energy.
    These guys have it,the rest need to look themselves in the mirror.

  37. rico says:

    Hi Steve, my pleasure as always, i was so grateful you had written yesterdays, thank you again….

    i reckon he’ll get another striker IF both Chamakh and Park go, fingers crossed they do eh 😉

    He keeps saying we are too robin reliant (describes us well 😉 )
    but wether or not we would have heard of him is another question …

  38. The font says:

    I also was at breaking point on Saturday and although I defended wenger. Ultimately the buck stops with him if at the end of the season we are not in the champions league he will have to take the blame but the response on the blogs to the Norwich match was beyond belief the players playing the system we have played all season simply failed to turn up it was clear to see second to every ball in a match of this magnitude I expected do or die heroics, not lame bambies there was no commitment or desire This is down to attitude and the players attitude stunk

  39. rico says:

    Thanks Charlie, i don’t like it either, musch rather the white stripe around the neck…

    yes Scott they do, and if they aren’t cut out to put a shift in each week, sell the bloody lot…

  40. Scott From Oz says:

    Not sure he has much choice using Ramsey atm.
    Diaby,Arteta,Jack……we are pretty thin in midfield.

  41. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Injuries again Rico. That’s why we are in the state we are.
    Nobody loses key players, with quite the same abandon, as Arsenal.
    A fit Arteta/Walcott and we would’ve pissed it.

  42. devilgunner says:

    rico says:
    May 7, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Oh, and maybe stop paying players so much money when they are average, make them bloomin earn it for once, it’s all too easy for them, they have little competition for places which i think is half the problem and they know they will get a game…

    No Rico………that is not half the problem. That is the whole problem. Too much money and too little competition.

    Hiya Sir AK. How are you habib???

  43. rico says:

    the font, we could all see it, wenger must have too but what did he do??

    how long did we wait to see our first unforced change, being proactive wins games, not reactive…

  44. rico says:

    Coquelin and Song together in midfield?

    For WBA – this would be my choice

    Ches (no alternative)

    Jenks Kos Tv Gibbs

    Coq Song Rosicky

    Theo RvP Santos

  45. rico says:

    But we should have anyway Charlie, we had too many players thinking they had ‘inho’ on the end of their name, they forgot their defensive duties..

    devil, not all, keeping average players and playing them has a part to play 😉

    Chamakh, what just was the point?

  46. rico says:

    they are shocking Scott, he needs to be more ruthless not wait for the clock to say 63 mins, wait for his alarm to go off and make the changes…

    also, do our players warm up properly before coming on from the bench, don’t seem to see them running and stretching up the line like other sides….

    injuries – no wonder….

  47. The font says:

    Bentdner is not good enough for arsenal i will agree you have to remember how many easy chances he could miss in one match on a. Regular basis then you have to ask yourself how many chances does chamack have in a game thn you have to ask yourself is it better to have chances I do not know where I am going with this but I hope poldy is the answer

  48. Scott From Oz says:

    The only sub I remember who got injured was Diaby,and he could pull a hammy licking stamps!!!!

  49. devilgunner says:

    no Scott…..Diaby could pull a groin by licking stamps not his hammy.

    Rico…..when my dad told me that Chamack came on for Benny the phone nearly dropped from my hands. Benny was one of our best players who was giving all, why him. ???

    Do not get me wrong mates, Chamack is a good player. Its just that he is not used the right way. That is why he appears so crap. For his and our sake it should be better if he is off in the summer.

  50. Scott From Oz says:

    Bendtner is good enough,but his ego gets in his way.
    He’s a CF,not a winger and I’d much rather hom coming off the bench than Chamakh,who has also proven he was good enough ay one stage.
    These guys have suffered for different reasons.
    Chamakh was lost when RVP came back…..his confidence has diminished since that day.
    Bendtner has barely been played solo up front…..look at his record for Denmark,it speaks for itself.
    His attitude sucks though.
    Chamakh…….I get pissed off when he cops it,because those saying he’s not good enough have very short memories….he was very,very good for us. Also,I’ve never,ever heard him whine about anything or pass the buck.

  51. Scott From Oz says:

    Is rather see Ox brought on up front…..he’s a goal scorer,and he’s confident,so why not???

  52. stevepalmer1 says:

    Players wages is not the problem, pay shit wages and you will never attract players. Champions league football is also not much of an incentive either, as you can have only a few games before being eliminated what players want is a decent club with a decent team that will stand a good chance of winning things thats the reason that a lot of ex Arsenal men are at city, they have made a commitment to win things pay good money and have employed the players to win thats why our Arsenal boys went there, we have to show that we are doing the same by buying talent and outing our deadwood.We know our weaknesses and so does Wenger he needs a good No2 to remind him that certain players have had their chances now its time to release them

  53. John says:

    I think Vermalean should be examined before every match to see if he is ok. On a bad day he is just awful. I hope he will be up for it against west brom. We ve had several second chances. It’s high time the players no we wont have one again. Hopefully things go our way next weekend

  54. rico says:

    It’s not so much the wages in general Steve, it’s what we pay to players who don’t deserve it, that’s the problem.

    RvP is worth £150k a week in todays stupid world of wages in football

    But Almunia is being paid £60K a week, why i don’t know, and he’s not the only one…

  55. rico says:

    Chamakhs confidence went after his visit to LV so i heard, he hasn’t been the same since that trip…

    he’s rubbish, so is Nik and they need to both be gone in the summer imho…

  56. Scott From Oz says:

    Our wage structure is almost like communism.
    Scrap it.
    Pay RVP 150-170k a week…he’s worth it.
    Ox shouldn’t be on 45k a week….yet.
    Let him build to that and he will go a lot,lot higher.

  57. stevepalmer1 says:

    Wages is one of the things that we bring up all the time Many are saying we should up Robins pay to keep him, has he asked for more, does he want to leave, is he not happy, he has not shown me any of those things.
    We moan about Wengers 7 million a year wages to be honest getting us in cL for 15 years he deserves it in my eyes and when he doesn’t get us there it should be reduced.

  58. devilgunner says:

    Ideally it should be that there is a wage scale……but then its performance bonus related. If you play well you get a bonus…..say for every goal scored, the defence for every clean sheet, the midfield for every assist and so on. It might be ridiculous but then on what are you going to pay????

  59. Saem Kn says:

    Why Dempsey? I’d prefer Ericksen if Wenger cannot afford Hazard.. We all read what he had to say about Vertonghen and I wonder if we’d be worried about Sagna’s injury if Vertonghen was an arsenal player. I seriously think Arsenal will never win another trophy under Arsene so it’s better he leaves.

  60. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,neither player is played the right way,so how you can say they’re rubbish is beyond me.
    Yes,they both need to go,but not because they’re rubbish,because they both need to be played centrally and alone up front,and it won’t happen.

  61. devilgunner says:

    stevepalmer1 says:
    May 7, 2012 at 11:14 am

    Wages is one of the things that we bring up all the time Many are saying we should up Robins pay to keep him, has he asked for more, does he want to leave, is he not happy, he has not shown me any of those things.
    We moan about Wengers 7 million a year wages to be honest getting us in cL for 15 years he deserves it in my eyes and when he doesn’t get us there it should be reduced.

    THAT IS PERFORMANCE RELATED BONUS MATE. BANG ON THE HEAD. 😉

  62. rico says:

    devil, there has to be an alternative to what the structure is now, we are wasting so much money….

    Scott – easy, every time he gets the ball he wants rid, no confidence, no passion, no heart from his body language..

    Did we have any corners when Chumuck was on? Did he go and attack the ball like he should be… Nah…

    Nik is the same, all ego, mouth and no end product…

    😛

  63. devilgunner says:

    rico says:
    May 7, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Nik is the same, all ego,mouth and no end product…

    ……..except when his trousers fall off ehhhh Rico???? 😉

  64. stevepalmer1 says:

    I believe you lot have got it all wrong Robin has had 7 years at Arsenal he has not been that good this being his best year.You want to give him more money for next year before you know how he is going to play i think he should have been paid more after he scored 10 goals and then more for his next 10 goals and so on why pay some one more when he could be on the treatment table all year pay it while he’s doing the buisness and that may encourage the others to score or at least get their shots on target.

  65. devilgunner says:

    Rico………….the one at 11.16.

    It gets tedious to hear the AW out brigade as much as it gets tedious hearing that AKB

  66. rico says:

    Ah – thats mild today devil 😉

    just let it pass, it’s one persons view and no bashing …

  67. devilgunner says:

    I think that we should sell him Rico………again provided that his money are invested in other players.

    Say for example………..RVP is sold for 25mill. We got Podolski…10. Huntelaar would cost another 10. And 5million on another player like Powell from Crewe, lascelles from Notts forest, or maybe add more money and get in someone who is around the 27 year mark who can add to our midfield. That would make it 1 out 3 in.

  68. devilgunner says:

    IMO the club has to consider this re RVP.

    Yes he is a good player. Yes he has performed well this season. Yes he has been phenominal. Yes for the first time in how many years he has stayed fit.

    But………do we have a guarantee that he will be fit next season. Remember that he would not have had a summer of rest. He would come back from the Euro fatigued, maybe an injury, maybe a dissappointment. Would he guarantee us another season like this year??

    There are so many questions. Personally if someone came with an offer above 25 million then yes. (provided it is re-invested in the team.) The more who want him the better.

  69. rico says:

    If he really wants to go then yes, but as you say, only if the money is re-invested properly, but…..

  70. gambon says:

    Them Wenger quotes are a great insight into his philosophy, and how flawed it is.

    Saying we shouldve scored more than 3? Or maybe we just concede less than 3.

    Our issues will never be resolved unless the manager accepts what they are.

    31
    37
    41
    43
    47

    There are the problems.

    Yes we need more goalscorers, but that pales into insignificance when you look at our atrocious defence.

    Rico, those Ba & Cabaye rumous came from Caught Offside, which is by far the most ridiculous football site on the web. Wenger will never sign Ba, as for Cabaye im sure he wouldve been looking at him when at Lille, but he didnt want to “kill Ramsey” so that boat has sailed. Hes too well known now for Wenger to go for, he’ll go after his 15 year old cousin from Lens.

  71. devilgunner says:

    Arsenal are reportedly ready to make the first move to sign Fulham’s Clint Dempsey, according to The Sun.

    The United States international has had an excellent season for the Cottagers, and has received rave reviews after scoring 23 goals for Martin Jol’s men this season, including a spectacular free-kick against Sunderland at the weekend.

    With Liverpool also admitting an interest in the Craven Cottage star and his contract expiring in the summer of 2013, it is expected that Dempsey will move on to a bigger club when the transfer window reopens.

    The newspaper indicate that Arsene Wenger will make an approach for Dempsey this week, and plans to play the attacker behind striker Robin van Persie and alongside new signing Lukas Podolski.

  72. rico says:

    The Euros are only a couple of weeks though devil, he’ll get a proper rest after, especially if we get 3rd place and no qualification games for the CL…

    Mind you, blow it on sunday and we may not need to worry 😉

    Its a tough decision, thats why AK’s post a while back was so good, the club will be dammed whatever they do, especially if he stays and gets injured again…

  73. Scott From Oz says:

    Just don’t sell him to Citeh.
    Tell those arseholes to make some players!!!!!
    Rico,a player having no confidence,a broken player,doesnt mean he’s rubbish,imo.
    Yes,he absolutely must go,though.
    Huntelaar……that would be nice.

  74. rico says:

    i’m not sure we’ll get much more than £15 – £18Million for him though and that’s being generous, he’ll be 29 years old in august and his injury record and the last year of his contract situation will all be taken into account….

    we only got so much for nasri as citeh were caught out for tapping up…

  75. devilgunner says:

    I have always liked Huntelaar Scott. A proper centreforward. I used to wish AW had paired him with RVP. Would have been a good tandem. Podolski is good also. Both Huntelaar and Podolski are battering Rams with good technical feet. And both can drop deep to start attacks. With RVP they can be deadly. And its better to have them 3 and rotate when the games come thick and fast. But I think that that is impossible. So two of them at the same time is enough

  76. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,we can’t guarantee any player,current or brought in,will perform and not get injured.
    Yes,RVP carries a little more risk,but we’ve finally got our reward for perseverance,so it’d be a shame to let him go now…..unless he shows the slightest inclination to go.
    A want them who want Arsenal.

  77. devilgunner says:

    ico says:
    May 7, 2012 at 11:50 am

    i’m not sure we’ll get much more than £15 – £18Million for him though and that’s being generous, he’ll be 29 years old in august and his injury record and the last year of his contract situation will all be taken into account….

    we only got so much for nasri as citeh were caught out for tapping up…

    ………Rico, there is more than one club in for him. Shitty, Juventus, RM and Inter have all expressed interest. So the more the merrier. The better his price will go up.

  78. gambon says:

    Stevepalmer

    Youre probably not around but I cant agree with what you said.

    RVP has clearly had injury problems, no one can deny that, but his record is very impressive still.

    In the last 6 seasons he has 86 goals and 46 assists in 143 games. During an onn/off injury hit period that is special. There is zero question about his quality, only about if he can stay fit.

    So give him a thorough medical and if he passes give him £200k pw.

    As for paying him on performance, i would absolutely back him to leave if thats the case. Its beyond silly.

    In a world where Man Utd, Man City, Juve, Milan, Barca & Madrid will all pay him £10m pa I would be embarrassed if we payed him in this fashion.

    Ive always said, losing ANY player really isnt a problem as long as you replace with equal or ideally higher quality, when do we ever do that?

    I would rather he ran down his contract that left this summer, the money only lines Wenger and the boards pockets, why do i care about that?

  79. rico says:

    I read them in the metro gambon, not that it makes any difference, i don’t believe them of course…

  80. The font says:

    I am lost now with you guys all the top clubs in the world want Rvp and you lot now want to sell him and we will not be able to attract such a proven world class player in his prime who would want to come to arsenal

  81. devilgunner says:

    Scott that is true. But remember that he is getting older now and the chances of more injuries and his speed getting less are increasing. Remember that RVP is not in the same beast like physical mode as say Drogba who is a beast let loose among sheep. Witness his one man war with the Barca defence. RVP cannot do that. He relies on his skills and awareness. Drogba has raw brute strength which carries him through. That is why I would sell him. RVP is also not like DB10 who had great pitch awareness and vision to carry him throughout games.

  82. rico says:

    i just don’t see clubs paying as much as we are all thinking devil but yes, if it becomes a price war, fine but can’t forget that RvP will be the one to have the final say…

    and if that club doesn’t offer the right money he’ll be staying…

  83. gambon says:

    The font

    Who i would sign is more important than who i would get rid of.

    I would sign a LB, GK and CB.

    The GK and LB would be first choice. The CB could either be a first choice like Hummells or more of a backup player.

    Almunia, Fabianski, Mannone, Djourou, Squillaci, one of the LBs and some kids should leave.

  84. Scott From Oz says:

    Font,im not sure we want to sell him,we are designed to the fact its a distinct possibility,so are discussing the options.
    If he messes us around with the signing,what should we do????
    We don’t want a Nasri/Fabregas situation where its too late to replace like for like.
    I may be totally wrong,but I believe that’s where we are coming from.

  85. devilgunner says:

    The Font………Do not judge on what RVP is now. But what will he be in two years time. Pay him 200kpw? And what happens if Campbell turns out to be a better player with Drogba like strength??? Put RVP on the bench with 200kpw and play JC with a lot less??? That is not the way AW works. He puts on the field mainly those who are on the highest wages even if they are crap.

  86. gambon says:

    the font

    Exactly. It seems Arsenes selling mentality has rubbed off on the fans as well.

    Selling the PLs best player at age 28 is beyond comprehension.

    Ronaldos 27, you think Madrid should look to sell?

    I know a lot of Arsenal fans have only been around for Wengers reigh, but we used to have a striker called Ian Wright, who only signed at age 28, and he scored 185 goals.

    Just imagine if we hadnt…..

  87. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,RVP has played a hell of a lot more minutes this season than Drogba,and has come through with flying colours.
    The Euros do concern me,I admit.
    No break is a worry.

  88. devilgunner says:

    People do not get me wrong……..I like RVP and wish that he would stay and perform. But in the real world finances talk a lot especially in the world of football. If he is replaced like with like and at a cheaper price then yes he has to go. Only two players are irreplaceable in my opinion in the world of football right now….Messi and Ronaldo. The rest can be replaced with players of equal quality.

  89. devilgunner says:

    If RVP stays and he gets a long term injury in October what happens then???? Who will get the blame????

    Likewise if he goes and another striker is bought and this striker gets a long term injury what happens then? Who is to blame???

    Sir AK pointed this out quite well a few days ago.

  90. alanbstardmp says:

    rico says:
    May 7, 2012 at 10:08 am

    alan – i know, but i’m just giving an example of who could help….

    I got the impression from radio that AW did not want Adam’s help. I took that to mean there could be conflict between them. I could be wrong

  91. devilgunner says:

    Just one final comment on this RVP situation………..it is all in AW’s and RVP’s hands.

    Any comment by us is superfluous and irrelevant. We can speculate how much we want…..but we are mere supporters. There is no one here who works in the corridors of power who can have a say.

  92. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,some of these people would have us believe WW2 was Wengers fault,so you know the answer.

  93. devilgunner says:

    alanbstardmp says:
    May 7, 2012 at 12:12 pm………..

    I got the impression from radio that AW did not want Adam’s help. I took that to mean there could be conflict between them. I could be wrong

    Alan I agree with you mate. AW always resented TA’s presence around since TA is Mr Arsenal. And if you look at TA’s body language after he left there were many moments when he refused to go back, always citing work and commitments. But it seems as if there is more than that.

    Whatever it is I have a feeling that it will not be long before the army of TA, SB, MK and DB will be back leading AFC. But until then it will be AW and the current board who will continue to run the club.

  94. gambon says:

    alan

    Adams & Wenger will never work together. TA would threaten Wengers popularity at the club, this club is a one man show.

    Ayes man will be appointed, Banfield or Bould, as they will be totally subservient to wenger.

  95. The font says:

    Scott having a player like Rvp attracts other world class players reading between the lines I think he wants to stay he is happy at arsenal BUT there are conditions (1) we are in c.l (2) we are going to sign 1 maybe 2 world class players wenger would have told him who the targets were and if he can see progress on that front I am sure he will sign on the down side we were after Eden hazard mario goetze yan.m.villa last year and did not manage to get any of them I personally believe m.villa is coming but not sure we will get hazard Ericsson or a player of that standard mainly because I think he has plans for the ox and may use the money elsewhere

  96. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m gobsmacked we don’t get Adams in,I means,he’s been SO successful as a manager thus far.
    Get serious.
    Why get someone with an opinion based on that fact alone?
    Shit,we could get anyone on HH if an opinion is what matters most.

  97. alanbstardmp says:

    gambon says:
    May 7, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    alan

    Adams & Wenger will never work together. TA would threaten Wengers popularity at the club, this club is a one man show.

    Ayes man will be appointed, Banfield or Bould, as they will be totally subservient to wenger.

    Hi Gambon. That was the impression I got too

  98. devilgunner says:

    TA is a good number 2 but not a good manager.

    Alan…………..I am also with you re TA and AW. TA would put his foot down regarding the defence.

  99. Scott From Oz says:

    Font,
    Again I don’t want RVP to go,but I don’t want him to stay unless his heart is in it.

  100. gambon says:

    Good point Scott

    Pat Rices record as a manager?

    Incase you didnt realise Pat Rice ISNT THE MANAGER of Arsene FC.

  101. The font says:

    Devil if you ain’t in you can’t win please god Joel turns out to be better than Rvp ad robin has to sit on the bench how good would we be if that was the case seeing as robin can get into any team in the world at the moment it would be a great option having him coming off the bench

  102. alanbstardmp says:

    devilgunner

    that’s rather sad re AW & Adams. I suppose AW may see 7 million quid salary threatened. It is clear the board backs AW too, so it’s a pity Adams is not given a chance

  103. Scott From Oz says:

    This is where the board needs to tell Wenger what is going to happen.
    We blame Wenger for making certain decisions,yet the board sit back and allow it to happen.
    Yes,Wenger has too much power,but why blame Wenger for that???

  104. Scott From Oz says:

    Gambon,just don’t respond to anything I post,then I don’t need to rake you task for your arrogance.
    We pitiful,mindless fans have a selling mentality……
    Leave mine alone,I will do the same.

  105. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,you’re kidding.
    Wengers mean offered more money elsewhere,so if moneys his motivation,why is he still here???

  106. gambon says:

    People of inferior intelligence often try to shy away from debate with those smarter than them.

    Its OK, i understand.

  107. rico says:

    devil:

    ‘Whatever it is I have a feeling that it will not be long before the army of TA, SB, MK and DB will be back leading AFC’

    I bloomin hope so and the sooner the better….

  108. Micko says:

    Afternoon all,
    Gambon re.12.04, well said, it just sends out all the wrong messages.
    And you just know Wenger would have bought Mark Bright.

  109. devilgunner says:

    Font……….Would Robin on 200kpw stay on the bench??? Would AW play JC and let RVP on 200kpw on the bench??? He would not. AW plays the team on seniority not on form.

    Alan….yes that is sad. Because a manager with a trio of coaches from TA, SB, DB and MK can only be a winner. Sadly AW does not work that way.

    I have 2 assistants with me who I have taught them to contradict me in any situation which they see not working. It has worked for the last three years and both are ex players of mine. Although I pull the strings in the end, both of them are equal to me when we sit on the same table to discuss. Whatever we say remains between us, but suffice to say that this season alone there were more than 10 moments when I did what they suggested since I immediately knew that they had a valid point. Its not what I say….its what we say. But then not everyone works like that and AW surely does not.

  110. Scott From Oz says:

    Gambon,where were you when we had some GOOD,POSITIVE news last week???
    Podolski signed,you were nowhere to be seen.
    Stay that way….please.
    Intelligence has nothing to do with it,I just don’t want to argue with someone who thinks he’s the only smart one.
    Your words…..Arsenes selling mentality has rubbed off on us……apparently,you’re the only intelligent Gooner.

  111. devilgunner says:

    BDW Scott………..I read your email. at the moment I do not have that much time but will answer later on regarding systems of training and exercises. I am getting the scheme of work for next season ready for kids whose age is between 6 and 9 and will send it to you mate. As soon as I can.

    In the meantime I will try to get hold of a cd from our FA of training methods with kids. If I do manage I will send it to you.

  112. The font says:

    Some would say tony Adams left arsenal at the right time but tony was bitter and and entered into a tirade of how arsenal would win nothing without him with the tabloid gutter press tony has had his fair share of problems in his personal life which to his credit he has overcome and turned into positives his venture into management has been less successful than anticipated I can not see what he would have to offer us at this stage where as bould has gone through the arsenal system and will fit in without upheaval

  113. devilgunner says:

    Font………..but TA would offer us motivation, discipline and a winning mentality. He went through a lot but has always won. He might not bring us new technical ideas. But he would certainly instill a disciplined mentality in the back GK,back four and DM. Bould is good but TA is a leader. Even MK is a leader. SB is not in the same mould. TA and MK would run through brick walls for the sake of AFC.

  114. The font says:

    Devil it was you who said if cambell is better than robin he would be on the bench on £200 k a week I pointed out this is a fantasy I would love to be a scenario because how good would we be if we could afford to v.persi on the bench all you seemed concerned with is the £200 k

  115. Scott From Oz says:

    No worries Devil…….appreciate your efforts.
    Font,well said.
    I’m all for getting a strong willed person in,but they need more than that.
    TA would make a good defensive coach,but not AW’s right hand man,imo.

  116. rico says:

    Hi Micko

    You guys seen Micky Hazzard on SS’s – he says we will draw at Wba and the swampies will win at hope to take 3rd….

  117. rico says:

    sadly Scott, we only have to look at the players we have sold to know that AW does like to sell but seldom replace with the same quality….

  118. gambon says:

    Oh dear oh dear Scott.

    April 30th….1.26pm

    “Podolski officially signed

    Fantastic signing. 4 more of those please.”

    Positive news, and i comment on that.

    What else positive is there? We still have an awful manager, we cant defend, same board in place,we arent getting results.

  119. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,that’s not my point at all.
    Gambon labels all Gunners fans as having that mentality.
    You,me, all of us.
    Mindless,the lot of us….except one….our future manager.

  120. devilgunner says:

    I just pointed it out Font. I told you that AW will not allow RVP on 200kpw to sit on the bench. It would be impossible since AW does not work that way. Sorry if I misled you…..I might have communicated it wrongly. What I wanted to show was that such thinking is faulty because if say JC turned out to be better than RVP would AW put RVP on the bench?? he would not. Sorry mate. it may have been my fault and faulty communication. 😉

    And secondly if RVP is club captain he will not be sat on the bench. He will be the first name on the sheet. That is how the majority of clubs across Europe work. When you are captain and Vice captain you are certain of your place. You will not be on the bench

  121. rico says:

    Re Joel Campbell, tbh i can’t see him going straight into the squad if he gets his permit, in any case should Afobe be tested first..?

    JC will i suspect go on loan to a PL club for a few months…

  122. Scott From Oz says:

    Gambon,
    Stop making everything a pissing competition,and do as I ask….leave my posts alone.
    You can reply,but I will now ignore l you totally and I ask you do likewise.
    Stop the little smart arse insults,and get on with actually supporting the club.
    Oh,and if you talk to us and not at us,you might get some respect.

  123. Scott From Oz says:

    I think Campbell has any amount of talent,buy he’s still a fair way off PL standard.

  124. gambon says:

    Scott

    Erm, you said where was I when Podolski signed, i showed i was the first to comment on it positively, you throw your toys out the pram.

  125. Scott From Oz says:

    Just watching the weekends highlights.
    $250 million in strikers,and Toure scores both Citehs goals.

  126. rico says:

    Guys, chill for goodness sake…

    Scott – gambon was positive about the Podolski signing – what more can he say?

  127. alanbstardmp says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 7, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Alan,you’re kidding.
    Wengers mean offered more money elsewhere,so if moneys his motivation,why is he still here???

    because he will be kicked upstairs and get shareholdings

  128. Scott From Oz says:

    Our game…first goal,Szczesneys stuff up.
    Second,bad luck.
    Third,TV5 caught out of position.
    Penalty…..WTF was the ref watching???

  129. rico says:

    That’s not right Scott, gambon hasn’t suggested we are all mindless, he has his opinion, just becuase we don’t all agree it matters not…

    Why be so fiesty??

  130. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,that’s nothing to so with his 7 millon now…..its what I responded to.
    Rico,he made the announcement,nothing more.

  131. rico says:

    Our second was bad defending too as was the third…

    Too many players were gung ho, when they should have been doing their own job, we were 3-2 up, they should have defended like their lives depended on in..

    However, they didn’t and it cost us….

    Anyone see Micah Richards yesterday when he blocked a shot, that’s the kind of defending we need to see more of….

  132. rico says:

    Becuase you had to start the insults Scott which i then have to remove, jeez we are all gooners, we all want us to win, just because all of us don’t agree with how things are going to we have to resort to direspecting eachother….

  133. gambon says:

    I havent made jibes directed at anyone.

    I pointed out that TA6’s management record is somewhat irrelevant as we are looking for an assistant and someone to work with the defence.

    I pointed out that you WRONGLY accused me of not being around when we signed Podolski.

    I work with facts, nothing else, my knowledge is legendary but hey just roll with it and you’ll learn something.

  134. gambon says:

    Rico

    Pedro reckons Bould is confirmed as new assistant manager.

    Could be good, wouldnt be my first choice but ive seen him say a lot of smart things when discussing Bartley, Miguel etc.

  135. rico says:

    gambon. stop winding scott up, or you’ll go in the sin bin…

    ‘I work with facts, nothing else, my knowledge is legendary but hey just roll with it and you’ll learn something’.

    Your opinion, not facts!

  136. W.A.T.H says:

    Afternoon all,

    Gambon and Bendtner one and the same, both legends in their own minds…! 😀

    Bould as the new #2………… Will he be a yes man…?

  137. rico says:

    I read Pedro’s post today and saw that too gambon, dissapointed it’s not Keown tbh, concerned that Bould won’t be strong enough …

    But, if he sorts the defence out, it won’t be all bad…

  138. gambon says:

    Rico

    I have no doubt that Bould, like Adams & Keown would be well aware what the problems are, its whether Wenger will accept what he tells him.

    For example if Bould said we dont have a good enough LB at the club would wenger dismiss it or go and find a better LB?

  139. rico says:

    And Neil Banfield has been moved up into the first team coaching role….

    Who takes over the reserves i wonder??

  140. Micko says:

    Scott, a smart arse is someone who can sit on a block of ice-cream and tell you what flavour it is, what are you suggesting.

    For me it has to be Martin Keown, I’m sure he’d swap his role as a tv pundit on a tuesday/wednesday night for a coaching job at Arsenal, he oozes knowledge, foolish not to want to tap into it.

  141. rico says:

    That will remain to be seen gambon, i bloomin hope Wenger listens..

    Adding Banfield to the coaching staff can’t be all bad either, another defensive man – finally we could see an improvement next season…

  142. W.A.T.H says:

    Wenger likes to highlight the fact he is always open to suggestions and new ideas from his staff what he then fails to add is he listens then dismisses them out of hand as he knows best..!

  143. rico says:

    Hmmm, after a few home results and shocking away ones in the last few weeks it is quite clear he doesn’t either listen or know best….

  144. W.A.T.H says:

    Watching wengers antic the last few years Rico is enough to tell you he is frustrated with what he sees but his petulance and sulks are more to do with the fact his judgment on players isn’t what it used to be, he pampers these players advises the club to pay them huge salaries and then gets let down by them on the pitch his ego will not allow him to hold his hands up though and admit he’s made mistakes and been wrong…!. I still say the board are responsible for not holding him accountable and not keeping him in his place but that as well is a vicious circle…!

  145. Scott From Oz says:

    The Bould “announcement” was made on another site well before Pedro gave us all that scoop.
    Wenger basically tipped last week whit Pats replacement would be when suggesting someone already involved with the club would make for a smoother transition.

  146. alanbstardmp says:

    W.A.T.H says:
    May 7, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Afternoon all,

    Gambon and Bendtner one and the same, both legends in their own minds…! 😀

    Bould as the new #2………… Will he be a yes man…?

    Yes. He will be paid to be a yes man

  147. W.A.T.H says:

    We will have to wait and see on that one Alan…. I’ll be very very surprised if he is…! He earns a decent salary as it is Alan and he turned it down last year so if he thinks he there to make up the numbers don’t be surprised if he turns it down again and if he doesn’t maybe just maybe the worm has turned…!

  148. alanbstardmp says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 7, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Alan,that’s nothing to so with his 7 millon now…..its what I responded to.
    Rico,he made the announcement,nothing more.

    he is looking after his future Scott, like we all do

  149. Scott From Oz says:

    I know Alan,but,again,not what I responded to.
    Not a bad wicket though,7 million.

  150. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott, as a fan of wenger whats your perception of promoting from within as he then knows he won’t face anyone that questions his authority…? Do we not want a clean break and someone with fresh ideas to liven things up..? isn’t that whats needed..?

  151. alanbstardmp says:

    brilliant wage for talking shite 3 times a week. He must be doing other things behind the scenes not football related

    I

  152. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath,I’d rather a Keown or Bergkamp,and I’ve said that before.
    Fresh ideas,fresh views are what we need.

  153. W.A.T.H says:

    Granted Scott but then does that tell us Wenger doesn’t really want change and doesn’t want anyone to rock the boat ? I’m 50/50 on it, can see promoting from within has benefits but certainly not if they gonna sit there as a muppet for the next five years and not have input and be allowed to challenge wengers ideas and methods or is that what scares him and thats exactly why he doesn’t want a big personality as his #2…?

  154. alanbstardmp says:

    Ashburton Grove is a mistake. 60,000 capacity, yet the record for Highbury was 73,000

    All the nice seats take up so much roon, and of course prices are inflated to compensate for lack of punters

    It cost 490 mill quid. How much is the Man City team worth?

  155. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,I reckon he’s paid for being more than a manager.
    He has too much power,too much say,but at the risk of repeating myself,blame the board,not Wenger.
    The fact Is he is doing exactly the job the board want him to,so in that context,he’s the perfect man for the job.
    The boards expectations are totally different to the fans,they’re selfish,and the football suffers.
    I’m not sure how Wenger is to blame though.

  156. Scott From Oz says:

    Alan,don’t compare us to Citeh,I’d hate to see us go down that path.
    Wath,yes,it probably does tell us he’s unwilling to give up,any control.
    If things aren’t quite working,you need change.

  157. alanbstardmp says:

    Scott, I was trying to gauge the worth of a team today against the worth of a new stadium

  158. Scott From Oz says:

    Has there ever been such a finish to a season?
    Two realistic chances to win the league,and four chances to finish 3rd and 4th.
    Incredible.

  159. W.A.T.H says:

    Alan, the stadium didn’t cost 490million mate it was around the 300million mark…! your talking about a record crowd from 1935 hardly relevant in this day and age and when law dictates all seater stadiums then not the clubs fault is it… Also why many fans now trying to push the safe standing areas to get them back into the English grounds like in Germany…!

  160. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 7, 2012 at 2:27 pm (Edit)
    Sides come and go Alan.
    How long will Citehs owners be around?

    Til the oil runs out 😉

  161. gambon says:

    Alan

    Without the move we wouldnt be able to (over) pay our team and Wenger on his £7m pa.

    City owners really have done a fantastic job.

  162. Scott From Oz says:

    And have noone to blame but ourselves Wath.
    I just a saw a more detailed highlight show…….the defending,or lack of it,started as it always does when we play poorly…….from the turnover.
    The last goal was woeful…..TV5 and Kozzer are 15 yards apart,and the goalscorer is In between them…….how???
    They were ball watching.
    That’s nothing a defensive coach should need to teach,its schoolby stuff,and a kick up the backside is needed there.

  163. W.A.T.H says:

    I would piss myself if Qpr got a draw………… Can’t see it but I would enjoy the irony…!

  164. Scott From Oz says:

    If we can’t beat West Brom,we don’t deserve 3rd.
    Just like if we can’t beat Wigan,QPR,Norwich,Fulham…….
    Luckily,the way other clubs have played,nobody deserves 3rd spot.

  165. Scott From Oz says:

    You never know Wath……Citeh havent been on this position for a long time,so who knows what the occasion will do to them.
    Unlikely,but still possible.

  166. W.A.T.H says:

    As i said yesterday, no one is accountable on or off the pitch…! No leaders no one kicking other players up the arse and reminding them of their positions and to concentrate and do your job… gung ho football with no discipline what so ever… TV was not only 10yards from Koz for the 3rd goal he was 5 yards in front of him as well turns round and there a huge gaping hole for the runner…! Easy…! 1st and 2nd goals no cover from the midfield no tracking back noone giving the defence any protection what so ever…! Everyone looking at everyone else to take responsibility…!

  167. W.A.T.H says:

    Listening to the shitteh players after the game yesterday Scott the attitudes were spot on, taking nothing for granted and all said huge game next week, our lot would of been celebrating already you just know they would of….!

  168. Scott From Oz says:

    RVP missed at least 3 that he should have nailed….in general,his first touch isn’t quite what it was 6 weeks ago.
    Yes,defence was terrible,but the blame really has to be shared.

  169. Micko says:

    Wath, we would never live it down, spurs finish above us, we finish 4th, Chelsea win the Champions League and demote us to Europa, these two together would make lasagne-gate pale into insignificance.
    Surely we ain’t gonna go 5 games without a win, when was the last time that happened, don’t bear thinking about.

  170. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m hoping beyond hope probably.
    Id still be a little worried if my 250 million strike squad couldn’t score though.
    They certainly lifted when Nasri was replaced,too.

  171. W.A.T.H says:

    Am dreading it Micko… I could handle 5th under certain circumstances but not with the vermin finishing above us…!

    Fuck me Scott that’s harsh……….. RVP missed a few chances yes our midfield and defence were in general a shambles…! How about a few others scoring so it’s not all on Robins shoulders…! He’s prob carrying niggles and would be nice for others to step up to the plate, he’d already got us back into the game and we can’t rely on the team to shut up shop for ten mins…? Pathetic really..!

  172. gambon says:

    If I was managing the best attack in the PL, who had scored 90 goals, i dont think I would be worried.

  173. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath,I’m just making the point blame is to be shared.
    It’s been a common theme to blame our defence over the last few years,but how often have we scored one when it should have been 4?
    Even a 1-0 loss is often blamed on a defensive error,but the 5 or 6 great chances we blew go untouched.
    I said earlier we should never give up 3 against Norwich at home,but that doesn’t change the fact we should have put another few past them.

  174. W.A.T.H says:

    The shitteh team can’t be far off Alan and IF you incorporate wages then far exceeds a stadium cost….!

  175. W.A.T.H says:

    Far to gung ho Gambon when our midfielders think they messi then actually don’t do the defensive side of their job that they there to do in the first place. We gung ho ye still lack penetration in the final third as we still fail to shoot enough and if Robin don’t score then what..! We’ve been like it for years though and we been saying it for years..! We’re not ruthless waste far to many chances and defend poorly…! Then wenger say we could of scored 7 Sat… so could they Arsene…!

  176. W.A.T.H says:

    You think we’d pay the Drog decent wages Gambon, he’d laugh at us… I said get Drog last season…! that ships sailed I reckon he’s off to China for 250k a week..!

  177. Micko says:

    No-one gave them a chance against barca scott, if we’d won it in 2006 i wouldn’t be bothered but I’d hate to see them be the first London club to do it, that would seriously jar me brain.

  178. gambon says:

    WATH

    City set up best of any team in the PL.

    6 players who are focussed on the defensive side of the game, 4 who are responsible for the other side of the game.

    Look at Yaya yesterday. Very disciplined despite them absolutely needing a win. He wasnt allowed to press forward too much until DeJong was on.

    We are more “attacking” than any team in the PL, yet the Manchester clubs easily outscore us as they have higher quality attackers.

    Wenger needs to adopt the “Primum Non Nocere” mentality.

  179. alanbstardmp says:

    W.A.T.H says:
    May 7, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    The shitteh team can’t be far off Alan and IF you incorporate wages then far exceeds a stadium cost….!

    you know, it’s a fuckin’ disgrace a team could cost anywhere near an entire stadium

  180. W.A.T.H says:

    Night Scott,

    Alan, spot on mate the fact is the powers that be milk the money are more corrupt that the russian mafia and so poeple run clubs as toys and plough in dosh as they feel..! Don’t forget the 490mil quoted on wiki is for the whole building process including Highbury and the flats and ad and NOT just the stadium.

    Gambon, spot on fella, the 98,02 and 04 sides had the battling players and ones who were disciplined enough to know their jobs withing the structure of the side, we had flair bite guts passion and the discipline that has been sorely lacking for years… How can wenger that built such sides not see whats wrong with this lot now or has he actually had enough and just going through the motions..?

  181. W.A.T.H says:

    His 15yr old brother huge potential but has had to delay the medical as he’s got a pulled hamstring and a broken toe and his hand damaged so he can’t sign contracts yet either………….. 😀

  182. rico says:

    If we really have done a deal with Ajax for Vertonghen like so many in the press think, we should hear tomorrow….

    Not that i believe we have despite Stanley saying we’d signed him 😉

  183. W.A.T.H says:

    I think any other signings will only come when players know where we finish on Sunday…!

  184. rico says:

    No more signings then Wath……

    If we don’t get third on Sunday, we may have to wait until after the CL final….

  185. The font says:

    Song 49 /67 passes completed dispossessed 24 times pass completion rate 73% it’s a terrible days work for anyone on the other hand kozzer stats were outstanding yet most people say we have a problem with defence

  186. W.A.T.H says:

    Our defending Sat was shambolic and the defence were all ove the place, no shape no discipline and yes no protection from the midfield but then someone needs to shout and kick em up the arse and tell them to sit and protect and cross the half way line and you die…! Simple…!

  187. rico says:

    the font – we do have a problem with the defence, defending should be done as a unit, that unit is not gelling so yes, we have a problem with the defence and our defending….

    Why the caps on my name – save time, don’t bother 😉

    It came from Holland, the media there said we had pretty much signed him, but if they are as bad as they here then it’s poppycock…

  188. rico says:

    Wath – i said similar earlier, why wasn’t AW or PR off their seat doing just that??

    I hope Bould does, if it’s still an issue….

  189. gambon says:

    So, ive been saying for a few weeks that Vertonghen would be coming in to replace Vermaelen. Maybe thats true given he won POTY.

    He is more highly rated.

  190. Micko says:

    Don’t think I’ll be running out to buy the new top rico, dunno why they tinker around with it so much.
    And the car, does it only drive with the handbrake on ? you didn’t say.

  191. W.A.T.H says:

    gambon, does Vertonghen should and order players around…? Maybe thats exactly what TV needs…? then it’s JV with TV or Koz…! then we need M’Vila sat in front of the back four…!

  192. The font says:

    I understand we have to defend as a unit but first you have to see if you have a hole in the bucket even if you have the best bucket in the world if it’s got a hole all the water will run out take a look at the opta stats and tell me the defenders were not pulled all over the place buy bad distribution from midfield We have potentially the best central defensive partnership in the prem all I am pointing out is the weakness when you have to .you defend from the front the only place we may be week is left back but Gibbs needs a little time we have the best right back in the league as I say we may be shipping goals but it is nothing to do with our defenders ability

  193. rico says:

    gambon – if we sign JV and he pushes TV for a place, TV has the kind of character that will make him step up, he’s no quitter…

    But, if we get JV i see either him of TV being the ‘DM’ we need, either would do a far better job than Song…

    We need a leader…..

  194. Tlailaxu says:

    …hello all,just read that we signed M’vila,still unofficial but let’s hope this 1 is 4 real…=)…

    Oh and verthongen should be announced b4 Wednesday…

  195. rico says:

    Wath – i don’t see us getting M’Vila – if Blackburn get relegated, think wenger will go after Nzonzi and, Hoilett….

  196. rico says:

    Micko – neither will I, i don’t like it…

    😆 re the car, seldom gets out of first gear i suspect ….

  197. gambon says:

    Rico

    Rumours going around that we may have signed M’Vila.

    He is exactly what we need. Although I cant help thinking that no amount of players will change anything if the management & mentality doesnt change.

  198. rico says:

    Feck me gambon, i know he is just what we need, just didn’t think Wenger had it in him….. 🙂

  199. rico says:

    Dan King :

    ARSENE WENGER has already started freshening up his Arsenal squad ready for next season.

    And a year after his takeover, Gunners majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is considering changes in the Emirates boardroom.

    Kroenke and chief executive Ivan Gazidis aside, the remaining four directors are of pensionable age.

    And some fans have believed for a while new blood is needed to drive the club forward.

    Supporters called for chairman Peter Hill-Wood, 76, last year and word is he could be gently retired and offered the position of honorary president.

    Carpetright founder Lord Harris turns 70 in September and banker Sir Chips Keswick is 72.

    Ken Friar is, at 77, the oldest yet also the most active of the four but even ‘Mr Arsenal’ cannot go on for ever.

    In recent years, he has overseen the club’s property dealings, including the Emirates project, but the bulk of that work is now done.

    Someone like London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton, a big Gooner, would bring much-needed dynamism, but he may well want to lie down in a darkened room for a while after the Olympics.

    And it is thought Silent Stan wants to shake things up this summer, perhaps with a big cheese from the US.

  200. rico says:

    Wikki already have M’Vila as an AFC player for next season, who has been tampering i wonder 😉 😉

  201. rico says:

    gambon – if we get M’Vila, JV, Podolski and a couple of others, isn’t that enough to suggest that finally Wengers mentality is changing??

  202. rico says:

    Hi goonster – we have according to a few comments on twitter signed M’Vila but until its on afc.com….

  203. gambon says:

    Rico

    Yes, although a note of caution. A Manc friend of mine is round right now. I said “Get in, weve signed MVila”

    His response: “Podolski & MVila will be 2 of the PLs best signings all summer….but theyre replacing RVP and Song”

    I would love to argue but until Aug 31st theres a big chance hes right.

    A midfield of Arteta, Wilshere & MVila with Arteta & Jack further forward would be top class, by a million miles the best possession holding MF outside of Barca.

  204. rico says:

    Not fussed about Song gambon and tbh, if RvP wants out, we should sell him, we don’t want players who are not commited to the club….

    But, i really hope we keep him because he wants to stay, and i still think he will stay….

    Maybe he is right, or is he just jealous 😉

    Re RvP, i don’t think we’ll be waiting until 31st Aug, it will be sorted long before then, either way….

  205. gambon says:

    “if RvP wants out, we should sell him, we don’t want players who are not commited to the club….”

    Cant agree with this.

    If he goes it is getting beyond a joke how much we lose our best players.

    We have to look at why they are repeatedly leaving.

    We arent going to win anything while in continual transition.

  206. Goonster says:

    Are you for real? Great stuff, now sign jv and a creative mid fielders and we are done. Evening gambon i ll gladly drive that prick to inter or Madrid. Song is and will always be shit! End of.

  207. rico says:

    I understand why you disagree gambon – maybe i should have made it clear i don’t want him to leave, and we shouldn’t sell him and yes, maybe we should let him go for free next summer…

    But – my point is, IF and that is a big IF he goes aged 29 years old and we sign Hazard or some other fantastic player, is it such a huge loss?

    And his fitness is not the best….

    My worry is we sell him and Stan the buffoon pockets the money, under those terms, no way should we sell…

    I still think he’ll stay though 😉

  208. Goonster says:

    Rico, if robin wants to leave lets sell him. No need keeping a “sulking” player around. Cesc did it last year and we paid for it. I ll rather we get players who wants to wear the red and white with pride. No more prima donas.

  209. Goonster says:

    Sorry if my posts are ambiguous….am driving while blogging. Things i do for arsenal.

  210. devilgunner says:

    just read this……………

    Arsenal have reportedly agree to sign Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila. Lots of different sources, lots of different people confirming it.

    M’Vila is a 21 year-old French international, and is the defensive midfielder Arsenal have lacked for a very long time; this is an excellent day for Arsene Wenger, this guy will be a top 5 player in his position in Europe for years to come.

  211. kc says:

    good evening all,

    m’villa news hotting up..pleaseeeee goddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

  212. Goonster says:

    Sorry gambon we still need jv. He ll sort our defense out once and for all. Since petit left we ve really lacked a versatile player. Hey dg, how are ya?

  213. kc says:

    nearly hanged myself after the norwich display………….3 points against west brom…..whoelse want us to sign benayoun..i think he clearly proved many gooners wrong

  214. rico says:

    goonster – i don’t think for one minute RvP would sulk, he loves the club – i’m hoping that AW will make the signings to make him believe that he has not got to leave to win things….

  215. gambon says:

    goonster

    I agree we still need Vertonghen, but IMO we wont get him.

    Wenger hates competition for places. There is no way he would bench 2 of Mertesacker, Kos, Verm & Vert.

    With MVila coming in Vertonghen wouldnt get much time in MF

    I would imagine signing MVila would be a reaction to Vertonghen going elsewhere.

  216. rico says:

    gambon, not so sure, we need a left back and centre back, JV is that man….

    Santos can be pushed forward to replace Arshavin, he is def more a winger than defender….

  217. gambon says:

    Nah Rico

    JV is a CB, hasnt played much LB or DM for a long time.

    I absolutely want us to sign him, but the point im making is Wenger doesnt want him. The only way he would sign him is if he sells Vermaelen, cant see that happening.

    As for Santos replacing Arsh, just no, that would be beyond cheap. If hes not a good enough LB sell him.

    We have an AA replacement, he’s an israeli called Yossi.

  218. rico says:

    Hi Kc…

    gambon, tbh, we are all guessing, and we need more than just Yossi on the left, santos is good going forward, just shite defending….

    If AW is really out to show some intent, he should be getting M’Vila and Vertonghen, will he though, i don’t know but this defence needs some help…

  219. Goonster says:

    Its all over the news right now. Wow i hope its really true can’t contain my excitement. Gambon according to reports here in Netherland we have jv in the bag only waiting for the formal announcement.

  220. Goonster says:

    Then its bye bye to Alex song. Thank fuck, i can’t wait to see the back of that mug.

  221. Goonster says:

    Its from a credible source Adam. Jv ll definitely leave ajax this summer but he won’t be heading down seven sisters road.

  222. devilgunner says:

    so where will he be heading Goonie……the seven dwarfs road??? 😆

    Can you send us a link mate???

  223. Adam says:

    I am well Goonster. Might be back at the John Frost bridge sooner than I thought. I’ll buy you a beer in The Tulip if you promise to behave yourself.

  224. Goonster says:

    Adam i ll be waiting…dg seven dwarfs road? That’s hilarious. The link you say? I ll search for it but you ll translate it yourself pal. Am too tired for that.

  225. devilgunner says:

    Goonie………google translate will be able to do that for me mate. I dont know dutch tbh.

  226. Goonster says:

    Well i am Rico. I believe a fee has been agreed. Even de boer confirmed it to al jazeera back in march. He ll surely leave ajax for England. That i know.

  227. rico says:

    Relaxing, never Adam, it’s not in my nature… 😉

    Right now i don’t believe the M’Vila story or the Vertoghen one – however, I would be absolutely over the moon if they prove to be true….

    Maybe even I would stop ranting about our fine leader then 😉

    Evening devil…

  228. Goonster says:

    I hope west ham don’t get promoted. I hate that ugly ground. Upton park, too many sour memories. How well did he play Rico?

  229. rico says:

    i know goonster but all the papers here suggest he is off to play in with with a cock on his shirt 😉

  230. devilgunner says:

    chicken on the pitch
    ??? Quick Rico….go and check if yours are safely locked. 😉

  231. Adam says:

    Goonster. Are you in fact Dutch? You swear so wonderfully well in English and now West Ham’s ground is well known to you?

  232. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all,
    sorry Rico i missed your question on whether i would sell Robin, Definitly not i would see that as being mercenary the guy has been a rock for us this year, yes it took a bit of waiting for but while his fireing i would work his little socks off.
    Gambon if your still about, when i judge a player its over a full season Robin as you said has produced but a good player in my eyes is some one thats there when you need him and this is the first year he has done that. I didn’t want Fabregas to go or Nasri nore Clichey but they wanted to leave, all Robin has shown me is that he is happy here, but perhaps Wenger is only offering a short contract extension and Robin is happy to see it out what ever happens he is under contract for another season and i hope its with us.

  233. Adam says:

    The Dutch are my favourite Europeans. Every time I go there I am reminded of this special relationship between us. Despite the fact that they sailed up the river Thames many years ago and burned all our ships.

  234. devilgunner says:

    You are still worried about the ships Adam??? Go to the insurance mate. They should pay you back. 😆

  235. Adam says:

    I can just imagine all these stoned Dutch sailors, looking like Dirk Kuyt, burning our ships.

  236. devilgunner says:

    Chickens can fly you dumb ass!!!!!

    Answer the following question mate. Only Goonie is allowed to answer it pls!!!

    A friend of mine has a rooster. this rooster goes everywhere and one day it went on the roof and it laid an egg. However the egg rolled down on one side of the house and went into his neighbour’s garden. To whom does the egg belong Goonie….to the neighbour or to the owner????

  237. devilgunner says:

    I tell you that they can fly. Try and catch one.

    Anyway…answer my question above pls mate!!!!

  238. devilgunner says:

    you sure are a DUMBASS mate………a rooster does not LAY EGGS!!!!!!!!

    😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

  239. rico says:

    Sorry Adam, just popped off to lock the feathered ones up for the day, and thankfully, they are all present and now in bed 🙂

  240. W.A.T.H says:

    If we have signed M’Vila and it’s a very big “IF” then who actually gives a rats if Song is sold and i’d prefer he was to be honest…! He doesn’t give us what we need, other players are there to create we need someone to site destruct and break up attacks and protect the back four, create tempo keep the ball moving keep it simple and thats exactly what Song doesnt give us…!

    M’Vila is what we need, now for 2 more like that…!

  241. rico says:

    Nighty Adam…

    devil – they are safe 😉

    steve – nor would i sell rvp, unless he really really doesn’t want to be with us and i don’t think that would be the case….

  242. devilgunner says:

    Rico….can you kindly explain to Goonie that a rooster does not lay eggs. I am cracking with laughter!!!! 😆

  243. rico says:

    ditto Wath, 2 more like that and a keeper….

    goonster, roosters do not lay eggs, they help produce the babies, just like you will one day 😉 😉

  244. devilgunner says:

    dear oh dear oh dear.

    I am dying with laughter.

    Goonie you will be sending me to bed with a smile mate. Thanks little brother. 😉

    Keep well Goonie. Good night mate. its nice having you around.

    Good night Lady.

    Good night W.A.T.H

    hope you both enjoyed the email of the little girl 😆

  245. Goonster says:

    Bummer….oh well i hold my hands up. Never knew rooster don’t lay eggs. Never been to a farm mate. I just eat the damned things!

  246. W.A.T.H says:

    Dev I did indeed mate, take care and have a good evening…!

    Stanley jaffa….. Seedless lol 😀

  247. Goonster says:

    On that note i bid you fine folks a wonderful night sleep. See ya wath lay off the gg and your words won’t slur. Night mama bear.

  248. Goonster says:

    On that note i bid you fine folks a good night . See ya wath lay off the gg and your words won’t slur. Night mama bear.

  249. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Nighty all
    Rennes loose again. At the end of the match versus Montpelier (today), Mvilla almost said bye bye to the fans (miss two games for finish French League).
    I’m quite sure we will have more news only after next Sunday.

  250. Joaquim Moreira says:

    international sport press:
    Arsenal have lined up five advanced the agenda of potential reinforcements for the case of Robin van Persie out at the end of the season, writes the British media.
    After hiring Lukas Podolski (Cologne), the London club looks to Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Peter Odemwingie (West Bromwich Albion), Matias Suarez (Anderlecht), Demba Ba (Newcastle) and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04, in photo) as possibilities to monitor in front of the German attack, the Dutch international is negotiated

  251. Joaquim Moreira says:

    hello Scott.Fans in Internet said he will be announcing in Arsenal web page, after WBA game.

  252. Scott From Oz says:

    Honestly,any one of those combined with Podolski will still give us a great strike force even if RVP goes-they’re all very,very good players.
    If we could get one and keep RVP,we will be hard to beat against anyone.

  253. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Attention Attention;
    High Jump Chickens on the pitch at Ewood Park.
    Police investigating a chicken break~out in Berkshire.

  254. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Rumours of Steve Bould getting the Asst~Managers job are gaining momentum.
    We could be in for a very interesting summer?!

  255. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Seemed to be a lot of stories relating to M’Vila & AFC.
    Agent inspired possibly?
    Think the French Lge has another week or two of fixtures.

  256. rico says:

    I think M’Vila misses the last two games Charlie, not sure why but i read that this morning…

  257. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Hello Coach.
    Going home today. Then i can put this useless phone away and get out my PC.
    You tajjeb habib?

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