Morning all.
Three points is three points and boy did we need them. The performance was better too, Alexis looked a lot happier with the return of Mesut Ozil and both got on the score-sheet. What a super ball from Alexis and a perfectly timed run by Ozil before he headed home our third. A mention for Walcott too, his cross into the box for Alexis was perfect, if only he could do that more often. Santi Cazorla fired home the penalty spot to get the 3-1 score-line going in what was a very good first half. The second half didn’t quite live up to the first.
Despite the result, Arsene Wenger said there’s still room for improvement, and he’s right. Defending again looked suspect to say the least. Cech was superb, especially the save which spared Laurent Koscielny’s blushes. They’ll certainly be much tougher tests to come for Arsenal that’s for sure and not every team we face will be as open as Watford were, which played into our hands in the opening 45 minutes. Still, it was a much improved performance.
Now it’s the international break. Not many of the Arsenal players will be heading off to represent their country but those who do travel, I hope return unscathed as the fixtures come thick and fast after they return. Southampton at home is the first, followed by a trip to France in the Champions League then a further four matches are to be played before the end of September. A busy month and one which will test the depth and strength of this Arsenal squad.
On paper we have plenty of players but as usual, there’s a few who really need to depart before Wednesday’s deadline day. Sanogo and Debuchy are certainly two. Chambers is heading out on loan so there’s room for another signing yet this summer.
After the match Arsene Wenger confirmed both Mustafi and Perez are soon to be Arsenal players.
I think they should go through, both of them. They had medicals. We have to finish the paperwork and I don’t know exactly when we will announce it but look, I think it could be announced at the beginning of the week.
Perez isn’t in the Spanish squad so he’ll have a couple of weeks to train with his new team-mates, Mustafi though will join up with Mesut Ozil and the rest of the German squad. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott will be hoping for a call up from Big Sam today but I can’t see either being selected, neither is Gibbs likely to be picked. Ollie and Koscielny will head off with the French team and both Chambers and Holding join up with with the England Under 21’s but I think that’s about it for Arsenal. I can’t see any fixtures for Switzerland, (Xhaka) Chile (Alexis) or Egypt (Elneny) and as far as I can work out, none of our Spanish players have been selected for their country.
That’s about it for today and over the next two weeks there won’t be a post every day as there’ll be little to write about. That is unless Arsene Wenger springs a surprise on us and signs a biggie before Wednesday night. Although when asked if there would be any other new arrivals before the transfer window closes, Wenger replied: “I don’t think so”.
I’m not convinced he’s telling the truth…..
Morning rico, House. Vital three points, not sure how we be feeling if we had one point out of nine! Personally hope Debuchy stays, need cover at right back assuming Chambers goes on loan. Also it only needs a Koscielny injury in the next month and we are short of experience again. Lets hope our new guys hit the ground running, as we need win after win now. A 93rd minute goal when we cant break down a team would be nice as well! Bast@rds!
Morning Andrew.
Agree re the defence, we always seem to be an injury away from a crisis at the back, although Holding is improving with each game I think.
What a difference having Ozil on the pitch made, the change in Alexis body language was so clear to see. I thought Walcott had a lively first half too..
Xhaka was darn good too.
‘Xhaka was darn good too’
I just read that Le Coq was too ill an hour before kick-off and Xhaka took his place!
Really? How odd…
If, for once, we can steer clear of major injuries to key players (doubtful I know!), when Gabriel, Ramsey, Welbeck, Merts, Iwobi return, our full subs bench will have a strong look to it.
More importantly, players out of form can and should be replaced. Too often we stick with continuity for weeks when players like Campbell should have had more chances. I guess his face just didn’t fit, I really liked the guy?
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Good match report Rico Lady boss. As much as good as the three points
Yes they were very much needed to kickstart the season. We still have a long way to go. In a way its a blessing in disguise…..hopefully we will continue to pick wins and the team will always have long ways to go.
Watford did not park the bus yes. But was it because they sensed that we were not at our best and were there for the taking??? so in a way not being up to our best does have its blessings as it helps other teams to come out and leave open spaces instead of letting us have the ball, parking the bus and hitting us on the break.
As for Theo’s contribution may I just remind you of the match stats……only 21% of the attacks went through the right hand side. 55% went through the other side. That says it all.
HRD, are you suggesting TW’s team-mates neglect him and pass to the other side? Or that he’s never in such space to receive a ball? Or when he gets it the attack breaks down? Or all three 😉
depends according to the situation Andrew. Yes Theo did a lot of hard work helping Bellerin, but at the end of the day the match stats read that only 21% of the attacks came through his side. The left side (Ox) it was a mammoth 55%…..so much so that Janmaat replaced the right back due to the torrid time he was having. Both Ox and even Alexis were attacking from that side at will….especially in the first half
Gabriel & Merts aren’t great though Andrew…
Harsh on Theo I thought Devil… One of the reasons I hate stats….
yes Rico…I agree. Its harsh and I hate stats as well.
But that is the stark truth. its a stat which cannot be manipulated…to suit my own agenda. its reality which happened in the game
Morning All
Morning Rico…
Coach, just been reading your comments from yesterday’s post, and whilst I’m not a great Walcott fan, I did think he was a threat and on another day could have got two or three goals. Sometimes you need a bit of luck and he ain’t getting it in front of goal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain remains a mystery to me, I really don’t know what he brings to our team?
He doesn’t do anything outstanding and he can’t score goals, he’s a very ordinary, average player in my view…
Morning all,
Mustafi was getting lots of glowing reports yesterday, hopefully he’ll be the mutts nuts.
Good luck to Ollie, 12 minutes match fitness behind him this season and he’s off with France !
We’ll have to agree to differ Devil, I thought he was pretty good yesterday, certainly in the first half..
Morning Kev. Can’t say I’m overwhelmed by OC these days either….
Micko, really don’t get why AW is letting Ollie go, crazy decision..
Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Three points is just what the team needed. With player coming back to preseason training over 3-4 weeks after their Americas and Euro tournament commitments it is to be expected that some of them are still not fully match fit. So, all in all a much better showing, especially in the first half. Cazorla, Ozil and Sanchez seem to be returning to their best and Xhaka seem to be fitting in seamlessly.
Rico – …“I don’t think so”.
I’m not convinced he’s telling the truth…..
That is not a definite yes or no statement. If he says yes and we don’t sign anyone, then that is another ‘missed opportunity’ for the press to turn into another crisis and another player rejecting The Arsenal.
If he says no? Well you want to keep the opposition guessing and leave the door open for a last minute opportunity as other clubs try to balance their books and reduce their wage bill.
Morning CG, I did think of you when I wrote that…. 😉
Its just making a mockery rico.
There is nothing wrong with stats as long as they are accurate and used in the proper manner, However, stats or no stats, it is long past time that Theo started to deliver on a regular and consistent basis. Yet, he still flatters to deceive.
It is long past time that he be replaced with a player who can perform to a standard expected of a first team player.
Rico – Thanks for the good chuckle.
‘Gabriel & Merts aren’t great though Andrew’
I think they are more than adequate as subs who can come on for injuries, and also play in ELC etc. Merts ok with a quick CB beside him, he reads it very well. Gabriel was praised when he first came. I think changing his name from Paulista to Gabiel was his undoing!
Sure does Micko..
Booooo!!
Rico, to be fair to AOC, he did combine well with Alexis to help create the third goal and I did only see highlights, but he doesn’t do enough for me…
Koscielny is still struggling with a back issue, surely he shouldn’t be gallivanting off with France, but resting. All we need is for Koz to be injured playing in some crap international…
Shopping buddy, where have you been?
I just don’t think the stats for our attacking play should be used. Perhaps the team knew Watford’s right-hand side was weaker so exploited that…
Yay!! I finally remembered my pw!! I’ve missed you all terribly! And Arsenal back to winning ways is nice for a change!
Its only the lesser spotted agag !
Boo to you Agag, we’ve all been having a worry about you…
Morning all. Bleak here.
Having some difficulty posting. Let’s see how this goes.. I’ll keep it brief.
21% 55% debate. Could it be that our MFs are predominately right footed and so an easier pass for them is towards the left as apposed to twisting to use said foot and hitting right, or taking a ‘chance’ and hitting the ball with their left foot.
Just a suggestion.
Theo is Theo and yes he did cross the ball for Sanchez’s goal but really he is way off pace,should have scored once in the first half and his chip in the second half was more like an over cooked baked potato.he jst isn’t the quality required against whathe earns and I would like to see him replaced.
In all likelyhood that won’t happenand but IMO it’s a bad business decision to keep such a high overhead on the books.inany other top club he would have been shipped out by now.
As I said three points are welcome and nice to see Ozil actually smile,and the team should kick on but they very rarely do so the international break aybe just at the wrong time.
Remember it was Watford not one of the big clubs and our defence still looks decidedly shaky.Take Kos out of the team and we have problems.He does so much, always paying with a different formation and covering for Pers,Chambers or now Holding. Maybe Granit can et a bit more involved in that department but he had a solid game yesterday.
A long way to go so far too early for redictions.
The most exciting kid I have seen this passed year is undoubtedly Rashford and many belived Mourinho wouldn’t play a kid, well they were wrong and he will be a thorn in many a backside.
agirlagunner, where do I know that name from Rico / (wasn’t pedro’s blog was it)
Hey, Lady rico!!! Howdy? Kev!! Shopping buddy, I’ve missed you! Change in work hours leaves meno time to blog!! Eee. But it will soon be normal again!!
Sister AGAG – Long time no hear. How are things in the Philippines these days?
you are all right regarding Theo and his output, mates.
But answer me one question…….
If Ollie begins the game, Alexis goes on the right and Ox goes on the left do you all honestly think that the stats will remain the same??? That is the left hand side (Ox) gets 55% of the attacks while Alexis gets only 21%???
Granted….Alexis will get the lion’s share of the attacks.
what Theo did with the ball when he had it he looked a threat and also did more than enough to earn good praise. but the fact that only 21% of the attacks came from his side when with him we have also Bellerin (fastest two players in the EPL), does mean something.
Mickoooooo!! How’s Ireland? Im on hols in Boracay now and it’s raining. Pfff.
Kelsey – “,,,an over cooked baked potato…”? Are you sure it wasn’t half baked?
CG!!!!! Rainy here. But the beach is never a bad idea!! Missed you, guys. How are the wee grandkid gunners? Kelsey, I also blogged at rico and JJ’s old site. ?
Kev, agree and he and Theo are in a similar position. Neither play well enough each week..
Agree re Kos too, another crazy decision.
Avenell Road I think Kelsey..
rico, change in work hours was really all there was to it. How’s you?
Glad to see that you are ok Agag, we all did wonder?
Enjoy your holiday buddy…
Coach, Perez and a fit Welbeck will change the dynamics even further.
Maybe competition for places is what Theo and Ox really need.
It’ll be interesting to see if Wilshere adapts with the prospect of being on the subs bench more often than not…
And with that, I’m off to work…
I missed the match last night though. For whatever reason, I’m always able to watch the crappy games. ?
Agag, I’m up for a house swap if you are lol.
I’m good thanks Agag, how’s you? Surprised to hear you are on holiday… again.. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp9KUdz55IA
There are super cheap rentals here, Micko!!
And he smiles ,must have had a wage rise again 😉
JJ’s old site must be Avenell Road, anyway hello again.
Nearly time for a reunion Rico 🙂
Haha, rico!! First in a long time!! Cheeky!!
Off to dinner. Back lata!!
Sister AGAG – The wee Gooners are all doing well and growing like weeds. However, the youngest grandson, who was the size of a one year old at six months, may be destined to be a rugby prop. Never the less all will be instilled with a love of The Arsenal. The twins (four yrs.) will sit, watch and cheer The Arsenal with their father.
I was beginning to wonder if you had disappeared into the jungles of Mindanao.
I was concerned he’d leave Kelsey so to see him back playing with a smile is reassuring – and Alexis…
Do you keep in touch with Avenell or JJ Kelsey?
Cesc has been told to find a new club.
http://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-arsenal-30m-stalwart-brutally-told-he-can-find-a-new-club-report/
Poor Cesc….. 🙂
No Rico.I did speak to Avenell a bit when we were living in Spain but I haven’ spoken to him for at least 8 years.Didn’t he live in Devon or Cornwall. JJjdisappeared (he would fit in here niely) though I occasionally see him doom on ACLF 😉
Could you ever see Wenger doing that except he did it to Laurent practically overnight.
It’ like pep and joe hart I believe it’s more personal than that he can’t kick a ball away propery.With cesc I think he knew when Conte arrived his days were numbered.
Devil – Karma.
I can’t say I’m too broken up over Cesc after his petulant little boy antics to engineer his transfer back to FC Farcelona. I think he is getting what he deserves.
JJ used to post on here every now and again but not for a long while Kelsey.
tbh…..I prefer him to JW10. I would sell JW10 to the highest bidder and try to get Cesc back.
and remember that he is homegrown…..much better than James Rodriguez. plus he can play on the right as well.
yes his petulant little boy antics left a sour taste….but not as much as the togolump and the dutch boy.
but I don’t think AW will get him back……so we wont be seeing him anytime soon in the red/white colours.
Devil – If Cesc hadn’t been such a prat in engineering his return to Barca, I’d agree with you. I don’t ever see Jack the Lad becoming a major player for us.
Up early for our game and it has been a long day. So, I’m off to bed.
Sister AGAG – I trust you had a good dinner and hope to speak to you again soon.
‘Im on hols in Boracay now and it’s raining’
Hi agag, wondered where you were! Now with all the heat and sunshine you get out there, don’t complain it’s raining! 😉 Nice to see you posting again. Best UserName here!
I wouldn’t want Fabregas anywhere near our team….
Of course its best username Andrew. You can switch it to lady GAGA instead of agag. :p
Aye Rico you are right.
But think how many assists will be flowing from Ozil. Cesc and Alexis. Much better than Jack wheelchair or Theo lolcott.
But he could divide what is a happy camp. After all, wasn’t he one of the players who caused problems last season for Chelsea…
Thàt is why you are right Rico. He will disrupt.
So Rico baby, you think Arsene has a little surprise tucked away in his puffa jacket and if he can sort out the zip all will be revealed……………….Griezman !.
It`s a crying shame really that we haven`t bought a proper Suarez/Aguero type goalscorer as our squad if all fit look very strong apart from that minus and that minus of a quality striker is what will always let us down !
Last season not buying one outfield player (striker of course !) lost us the title and all when our main rivals were not at the races !………this season still no striker and Chavs, Manshafter with no CL distraction will mean no title !………………only Arsene could spend near on £100M and make it feel like we`ve been to Poundland.
Great first half yesterday, but do any of us seriously think we should not beat their likes with ease !………….still 5 points of top !.
Not sure how anyone thought Holding was a titch !……………..he towers over the midget Ozil ! 🙂
https://twitter.com/RobHolding95/status/769598474912399360/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
So why would you want him at Arsenal Devil?
Coulld be fun though , we already have the fanbase split anti and pro Wenger , maybe they could then split again pro and anti Cesc. Could be a master stroke from Gazidis to divide and rule.
From a football sense I would take Cesc every day , if you were picking up in the playground he would be in the first pick for most teams but If Wenger didn’t want him when we had the buy back I am sure he won’t want him now.
Shame a waste of a great player who could have / should have done much more. Hope his father feels proud of his actions now, albeit with the money sloshing about , I doubt he cares.
I’m hoping so LC… 😉
Re Holding, he said the other day he was taller than Wikki says, said he’s grown a bit…. lol
He’s a great player, of that there is no doubt but he has too much baggage imo.
Either that or Arsene hides his stash in Rob`s boots !. 🙂
Purely for footballing reasons Rico.
Imagine….
Xhaka, Cazorla
Cesc, Ozil, Alexis
The lone forward would have what, around 15 clearcut chances per game?
Imagine Henry with that lot behind him.
I reckon Jonny Evans should go and ask Pulis for a rise !…..” Boss, you wanted £25M from Arsenal, so I must be worth more than the £5M you paid last August !…………..fcuk off Jonny !……..Arsenal dont want you now, so if anyone comes in now you are a £4M player !, we all know Arsne is so rich he hides money all over the place in the changing room !”
yep LCM…..AW hides the money under the tiles or under the parquet flooring.
We should buy the Emirates changing room and tip tap all over the floor mate. 😉
We get enough tip tap on the pitch without doing it in the dressing room as well.
Thankfully Devil, Wenger probably thinks differently…
Probably why he wasn`t active last summer window, Devil !…………….takes some time hiding over £150K per week in the dressing room !……….he now has it go straight in the bank, but can you imagine the size of envelope needed to have £150K in it !
I suppose Kev` would know how big an envelope that would be fleecing the tourists !. hahaha
Leicester in talks for Slimani….
CG, good to hear about the grandkids! Now don’t let them go astray, ok?
Andrew, rain and the beach don’t mix!!! :p
I know Cesc is not everyone’s cuppa but I think he would be a good buy. And there is something poetic(ish) about the prodigal son returning. ?
The Chicago Nuggets or the Lee Fuk You United will takeCesc at about 200K a eeek.
Hello, Potter and Dev!!
I reckon Italy ,
Hi girly , glad your back.
afternoon all
headlines news:
Chambers on loan to Roma or Hull?
Lacazette again?
Marcelo Brazovic (Inter) ?
Beside the stats Devil pointed out, the one noticeable things also was the width. Since Alexis has been playing CF we have had proper width. I think the reasons are Ramsey is out and Alexis when he’s on the wing plays narrowly. But ironically Ox and Theo were providing the needed width. That’s not measurable.
Micko .. The kingdom are on fire
Afternoon Rico and the house
Lacazette eh..?
I bet his agent is beside himself, with the frustration of seeing his payoff going down the toilet…
City 1-0
Micko.. Unlucky mate, you were the better team
Afternoon all.
Aguero lucky to be on the pitch, nasty elbow into the face of Reid…
Robbie Savage was just talking about that on the radio…
Will the FA review it…
Sounded a nailed on red card offence Rico, 3 match ban….?
Let’s see what occurs…
Looks like Debuchy is gonna have to stay as he is injured…
Wenger could still get shot of Sanogo…
What a difference Pep has made to Sterling….
It was nailed on Kev, FA will have no choice imo…
Rico, is it just me, but I can’t get my head around all these Daniel Sturridge rumours.
Why would Arsrnal pay a stupid amount of money for another Diaby..?
I haven’t seen any Kev, but it’s probably because he’s been moaning about playing wide…
Many empty seats at City, quite surprised.
Sterling/Walcott swap is feasable.Both get injured but one hs more ability than the other.
Malaga, sick as a parrot mate !
Holidays Kelsy… Lol
Night guys, catch up tomorrow…
Slimani (Sporting) – Leicester
Morning all.
Sounds like it was a performance, but a good result.
Shame the touch of momentum is put on hold once again due to some ridiculously timed interlull.
I’ll never understand how anyone can thing it’s a good idea 3 games into a new season to stop, pause and start again.
As we see with Giroud, the club paying his wage rests him due to international duties, he isn’t even back on the pitch for us yet is off to play an international??
What odds he cops an injury due to being half fit?
It’s absolutely ridiculous.
Morning Scott
I like many others have no interest in these Internationals be they friendlies or otherwise.As you rightly say, madness, jst 3 games in when players are finding their feet.
Glad that The Ox and Wilshere didn’t make the cut but god knows how Walcott did shows you the choice we have available.
Interesting to read various eports why Mustafi joined though not official until tomorrow.There is an implication that Wenger has every intention of signing on for two more years unless something dramatic happens and that was part of persuading Mustafi.
Good Morning Lovelies and Hunkies.
Scott and Kel….I find the senior internationals boring….. but watch with interest the U21 internationals and also the youth level ones from U19 downwards. They are more interesting and point to the future as well.
That is how I saw players like Ospina long before anyone else. Its when you watch those games that you get to see a player unfolding his potential. And with the added bonus that the TC always shows wide angles, unlike the senior internationals where close ups are common place. At U21 level there are usually not more than a few cameras and usually its a wide angle of half pitch…..this allows you to take your eyes off the ball and the player with it to see the movement of the other players.
Its interesting that although many players are being mentioned as potential AFC players no one has mentioned Davy Klaasen of Ajax. He can play as a one man spine….CM, AM and CF. At 6ft 2 and technically skilfull he can play with his back to goal and also bring others into play. Currently he is the Ajax captain and is only 23 years old.
Kelsey, I think fans would find Wenger extending a lot more palatable now than they would have a week ago lol.
Whether or not he does is out of our hands, but at least we now move forward with a squad that could be damn competitive-time will tell.
Devil, pure football at the younger level, as well.
They’re yet to be corrupted by agents etc etc
Also, Devil, as you know, I don’t watch much football other than Arsenal, so don’t really know the guy, but the changes in our Pay TV deal here means though I see less of Arsenal, I see a lot more European league games now, so it’s not a total loss.
Morning all, poor Cesc is being deemed surplus at Chelsea, I wish our manager would be as ruthless. I liked the fellow though – he hit SAF with a pizza!
the .com hasn’t confirmed our new signings yet. With arsenal you can never too sure.
“As we see with Giroud, the club paying his wage rests him due to international duties, he isn’t even back on the pitch for us yet is off to play an international??
What odds he cops an injury due to being half fit?”
I’m thinking day after transfer window closes, knowing our luck! He really is our only target man of note, and despite our obsession with passing through to goal, we need crosses and Giroud. Walcott provides a rare good cross against Watford and goal. Fantastic Sanchez cross, Ozil goal. But against better defences, Giroud essential.
Morning you all.
Fabregas has denied the reports which suggest he’s off…
It’s bank holiday so you won’t hear from >com until tomorrow . Afterall there are 600 people that want their days off too you know.
599 Potter. The night Watchman is always on duty!
Wenger likes the role as it gives him time to plan his tactics for the next match!
Lol Potter. I can imagine with 600 employees there is alot to do. Confirming signings isn’t a top top priority.
The interlul is already boring. Ample time for Perez to bed into ‘the Arsenal way’ though.
Oh the fellow at the store quit. I wonder how long it will take to get his replacement. He was of top quality, it will be quite difficult…
Andrew, I hope we’re both wrong lol
Morning all.
New post up now.
Andrew….you are right about the crosses. Last game we played with a small striker (Alexis) and we produced two crosses which translated into goals. We play Ollie and all passes are played on the floor. Mind boggling isn’t it.
On another note…..we buy Perez from a club which needs the money. Now shouldn’t AW make a deal with them to loan them a player or two for the whole season as part of the deal? For example if Bielik is not going to be played or Chambers is in need of playing time why shouldn’t he be loaned to them.
Fringe players who will not be getting playing time should be loaned imo
Juventus frequently do it…..they bought a player from Parma and loaned them two players for two seasons. PArma did not pay any fee and they had to pay their wages.
Well, according the BBC, Mustafi chose to join the Arsenal, because he finds the club ‘horny’.
Was that lost in translation, or does he know something we don’t?