Arteta out for Sunday? Why did it have to be Wigan? Higuain is ours, if we cough up £22 million….

Morning all.

Update on Arteta’s injury from Arsene Wenger:

He is not alright, he pulled his calf so that could be a problem for Sunday. We don’t know, we have to wait for 24 hours.

Fingers crossed he recovers.

According to John Cross in The Daily Mirror, Gonzalo Higuain can be ours if we are prepared to pay Real Madrid £22 million. City tried to sign the player last summer, I strongly suspect they’ll try again this time around. The Daily Express have jumped on the ‘done deal’ story. I doubt that is true.

Onto Scott’s write up on last’s night’s match..

Firstly, of all the clubs currently in the Premier League, the last I’d have chosen to see  relegated by last night’s result is Wigan, and I believe I’m am not alone in that sentiment.

They are a decent side who carry themselves with pride and class, as does their manager, a manager who I believe has a great future.
I hope to see them back in the Premier League after their first attempt.

Enough of that…..GO YOU MIGHTY GUNNERS!!!

What a result, and for the most part, what a performance?

Arsenal were definitely there to play and were on the front foot from kick off, and I mean every one of our starting 11.

To see Theo working hard in defence was something to warm the cockles of any Gooners heart, as well as adding another dimension to his game which will go a long way to completing him as a footballer.

He was simply superb.

The work of Theo doesn’t just make him look a better player, as the pressure he took off Sagna meant we looked more solid on the right in defence than we have for a long, long time.

You have set the bar, Theo……  Maintain that level of play you can become a great player!

Our back 5 were brilliant, and I would like to know of a better centre back pairing in the League than Mertesacker and Koscielny. They complement each other just beautifully, and are at an age where, if we keep them, can continue to do so for several years to come.

Gibbs will be a better left back than Ashley Cole in time…. I really believe that. He had by far the better of a player who tore Clichy to pieces merely a few days ago…..good business, that sale was.  🙂

Ramsey was scrappy in parts, but worked his backside off with and without the ball. He scored a fantastic goal, a much deserved one in my opinion. He misses too many shots and still makes a few too many errors but he’s getting better. His entire game is improving all the time to the point where, if he CAN start scoring more goals, will soon be considered an elite player (that is an unbiased opinion, of course). His work rate is absolutely incredible, and for the 5th game in a row, led Arsenal players for passes completed.

Santi Cazorla, I have nothing to add to anything people said during and shortly after the game.

A masterclass!

Watch the replay….enjoy.

Podolski went about his work clinically and took his chances well, the second in particular. He can become a top CF for us in time.

I would like to clarify something and defend him.

When Wigan scored from a free kick, Podolski did not duck his head out of the way. He jumped as part of the wall, and was actually attempting to head the ball which was to his left and at shoulder height. So I think a few were harsh, though it didn’t look good at the time, admittedly.

I hope Stan realises exactly how close Arsenal are to being a great side, a regular trophy winning side, as it will not take much to transform us into one.

Apart from our deadwood, and they are obvious to all, there can be no sales of players. Two/three new and top class players will make us Premier League contenders next season, and that is all that’s required. Selling off our deadwood will certainly go a long way to funding these purchases, as we all know that the guys in question are earning damn good wages!!

The entire team played Wigan with passion and fight and if Stan could just embrace some of that passion, then our club will better for it.

Newcastle next up, we have our short term destiny in our own hands and that is the way we should want it.

With those 2-3 new guys, this time next year I suspect we will be fighting for the League.

Go you good things!!!

Written by Scott from Oz

0 thoughts on “Arteta out for Sunday? Why did it have to be Wigan? Higuain is ours, if we cough up £22 million….

  1. ozgunner10 says:

    I agree Scott with your 2/3 players. I think it’s three world class not top class players needed – we have the money, Wenger’s kitty is exposed now get the hell on with it or piss off. No more gambles!

  2. Gonerjoe says:

    Great result last night let’s hope for same on Sunday. I see if results work out we could be facing a playoff for 3rd place how mad would that be.

  3. tsgh says:

    Morning all,

    Nice on Scott… How dare you say Rambo: The Last Blood was scrappy? 😀 did you not see the Rudi Voller like goal he scored by looking the other way and placing it nat the ear post.

    Even after a performance like this we can’t still make people happy. Some of these so called fans sound like they are auditioning for a slot on TalkShite with the ginger hater Durham…

    Judging from some of the post match comments from some of the so called expert pundit sthey truly wanted and expected Wigan to ‘shafted us’ last night. A bunch of undercover spuddies the lot of them.

    I hope Mikel is available for the New Calais Club match on the weekend. Otherwise I think we may struggle against Ben Arfa who seems to be back fit and in form just so he can gain a move away. 😉

  4. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and fellow Gooners.

    Scott – Nice article. It is great to read something with a positive tone. Hopefully the writeup for our game oop north against Nouveau Chateau will be just as positive.

  5. rico says:

    Morning all,

    Thanks Scott, you saved my day 🙂

    Podolski jumped, you sure, don’t think his feet left the ground…

    One thing which was clear from last night, during that game, those group of players cared. You could see it in their celebration.

  6. Scott from Oz says:

    I enjoyed the game Ginge…thoroughly 🙂
    Aaron’s goal was a cracker.
    Pods second was a ripper as well.

  7. ozgunner10 says:

    tsgh – hi mate. Don’t think anyone is unhappy but more wary of some rather less than impressive minutes seen all to often in recent years, on display again last night even in such a do or die game?

  8. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico, i thought the same until this afternoon when watching the highlights…..the angle from behind shows him tilting to try and head the ball.

  9. Scott from Oz says:

    Our last 10-12 games shows we are the form team of the league.
    That is the consistency we have lacked for a few seasons, i’d have thought.
    We still lack a little polish, but we are close.

  10. tsgh says:

    Nouveau Chateau it is Cg… I still think it is too posh a name for Padre Pardew… holier than thou. How times change, I respected Pardew when he was at Charlton until he spilled that Frence team shite…

  11. take 9 says:

    Hey Aaron Ramsey scored a league goal, does it mean someone famous is gonna die in the next few days? Also TV5 replaced Arteta and went straight to play defensive midfielder. I really hope he stays, maybe Wenger should do with central defenders the same he does with Monreal and Gibbs. Great win last night, New Castle next.

  12. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – A well earned win in a well played open game with a good scorline. I’m happy with that. The goals were scored from open play without the need of flukes or dodgy decisions. Lets appreciate that. No need to guild the lily. The ownly dowside to the game was the injury to Arteta. Hopefully he is fit for the final league game.

  13. W.A.T.H says:

    Scott………… Why no mention of Aaron’s hatrick…??????????

    Good write up fella, very enthusiastic pretty much like the way we played last night for large parts of the game. Still a bit ropey at times but it shows when the team is together and i genuinely think they are, we just need the added quality.

  14. devilgunner says:

    we hope that we do not go through instability in the summer. hopefully we get the players required to push us over the finishing line to win something.

  15. devilgunner says:

    seems as if Le Grove read out comments. because today’s post is practically what we said this morning. 😆

  16. Canadian Gooner says:

    tsgh – Just think of the name as you would that of ‘The Special One’. The delusion(s) of a selfinvolved poseur (is that redundant?) or poseurs. Now, all Arsenal have to do is pop the balloon of their delusions and show them they have no clothes.

  17. tsgh says:

    I would never dare imply someone like you Adam is not being a true supporter… I was talking about a few other people who show up the moment a goal goes in against us. It seems like those individuals have a pre-written post ready and all they have to do is it post. Their excuse is we do not play like the invincibles because that is when they started watching Arsenal…

  18. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – I think the hat trick for Ramsey was a prognostication of Scott’s alterego the Sage of NSW.

  19. tsgh says:

    It seems like I do offend a lot of people even when I am trying to lighten the mood.

    SPI, Lee, Kev and SP1 always voice their concerns in a jovial and meaningful way and I would not there say they are not fans. It cost me nearly £100 last night to watch the match and you guys do it all the time… so nothing but respect

    Anyway enjoy your day need to concentrate at work. take care

  20. Lewis says:

    Nice write up Scott. Santi’s ball for the second goal was absolutely fantastic. I won’t lie, I was worried at 1-1, but the lads were brilliant from the 55th minute onwards.

  21. rico says:

    Ts, there was only one last night, the same one who usually pops up just after we concede.

    Agree there Wath, the group seem quite ‘happy’ together, bit more quality, a few new ideas from Wenger and anything could happen..

    4 players for me….

  22. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, good man….got my location right 🙂
    Sage though….isn’t that a herb 🙂 🙂 🙂

  23. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – Yes, Dean was awful, he usually or is that always is when he referees our games. However, his incompetence &/or bias had no material effect on the outcome.

  24. Lewis says:

    Few more performances like that from Santi and Kos and the tag of no world class players at arsenal will no longer apply.

  25. devilgunner says:

    no ginge you do not offend people. you simply say it as you feel. if people get offended then its their problem.

  26. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – Some sages do indulge the use of herb(s) sacred or not. Whether the Sage of NSW uses herbs, a crystal ball, throws bones, reads tea leaves, interprets the entrails of animals, etc.; you will have to let us know perhaps.

  27. devilgunner says:

    no the sage of NSW usually reads the water trickle of the mud hut if you know what I mean. 😛

  28. Scott from Oz says:

    Devil, we just got gutterng put in, so there!!
    CG, i just use my brothers snooker theory.
    Hit the ball hard enough, and it goes around the table often enough, it wll eventually find a pocket.
    One day, Aaron will grab three 🙂

  29. Scott from Oz says:

    Lewis, i think Koz is world class.
    If he is not, then there are very, very, very few world class CB’s around, because few are better.

  30. Canadian Gooner says:

    DG – I think I do funnily enough. The only trouble is I don’t think a mud hut would last long in Scott’s part of the country. Unless he has one hidden under a tarp somewhere safe.

  31. W.A.T.H says:

    Sage apparently comes in a pre-mix drink in Oz CG, don’t tell Scott though he’ll get all excited….

    Sorry Scott, couldn’t resist….!

  32. devilgunner says:

    HArper has conceded 7 goals in the two starts he has made against us. so hopefully the trend will continue.

  33. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – I think you’re seeing what I’m seeing. Our players are starting to gel as a true team. They are starting the develop that symbiosis of thought and are working for each other and the team as a whole, not just for their own glory. I think we have seen that a club full of world class players doesn’t necessarily make a good team. Farcelona, Unreallistic Madrid and Abu Dhabi Citeh have all been embarassed and humbled by by teams with rosters of ‘lesser players’. Now, if we just add some guile, spice and steel to ours this summer and have a healthy and full roster of players for the start of pre-season.

  34. devilgunner says:

    I just read Myles Palmer on ANR.

    But why am I such a complete moron to continue reading his crap???

    utter nonsense as usual.

  35. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – Scott doesn’t need any help from me or sage to get excited. Few, if any of us, on here are more excitable than him.

  36. tsgh says:

    17 games unbeaten as a central defensive pairing Kos and the BFG…. the best in England and 3rd in Europe… kompany…? hahaha

    later folks 😉

  37. ozgunner10 says:

    This lad should now represent the level expected for all future Wenger’ buys – really top level, i really hope it is a real deal, real deal get it hahah i kill me

  38. Canadian Gooner says:

    DG – There is a bit of the masochist in all of us. If not masochism, then maybe a bit of hopeless optimism.

  39. Scott from Oz says:

    CG, i am a positive person whether it be Arsenal or life bud.
    There is enough negative crap going on….just turn on the news…..for me to add to the woes 🙂

  40. Scott from Oz says:

    Oz, our last 4-5 buys have been a massive step up, so no reason it won’t continue in that vein.

  41. devilgunner says:

    Just had an idea for the Emirates cup……..

    What if Arsenal FC invited Arsenal Sarandi, Arsenal Kiev and Arsenal Berekum to the tournament?

    It would be enjoyable no????

  42. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – I can’t criticise that outlook. Compared to the dark cloud of doom & gloom that hung over the House on Monday, today is a pleasant and enjoyable change. We may pull your leg or poke fun at you, but it is all in good fun and you take it well. Keep it up.

  43. ozgunner10 says:

    there were one or two moments you wavered there Scott but must say as for seeing the bright side of life, or Arsenal as it were, you have few rivals mate

  44. chiangmaisteve says:

    @Gonerjoe a Chelsea-Everton draw and a win for the Arsenal by 2 or more goals will see us 3rd on our own!

  45. Scott from Oz says:

    Oz, i can’t smile every second of every day mate lol.
    I do try to though!!
    I love the game, and i love the Arsenal.
    I know everyone here does, and we all have a different way of expressing it, but everybody is different.
    CG, it’s all good mate.
    As long as noody thinks i actually believe Aaron will bag a hat trick, then i am fine.
    Well, not every game, anyway 🙂

  46. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – Aaron’s hat trick may come, time will tell. It may be as early as next season against one of our true rivals each sporting their new, or in Chelski’s case a retread, manager. Then watch the rumours of Aaron Ramsey to (insert ‘big team’ of your choice) start.

  47. Canadian Gooner says:

    Lee & Scott – The article I read had the applicable section of the Premier League rules.

  48. Scott from Oz says:

    Chelski are hard in for Cavani.
    If we do not get Higuain, Jovetic and Messi (lol), would Torres be worth a go, as he’d be going cheap??

  49. BigSanty says:

    Morning to all BLAZING GUNNERS! News reaching me hear in Nigeria was,after the Scums (Tot) victory against Stoke on sunday, Local supermarkets in Tottenham reported record sales of wine beer and nibbles, Presumably to celebrate CL qualification. Now after Arsenals dismantling & defeat of Wigan, More record sales have been reported in Tottenham, This time though, Its tissue’s and hankies to wipe away those tears. HAHAHHAHAHAHAH COYG our boys were just so amazing yester nite. Now the Toon match to complete the round up!

  50. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Good morning all
    TW was the Motm for me.
    I have a doubt: if Chelsea finish 0-0 and we win 1-0, becuase the goal-average is equal, both have the smae victories, Chelsea isn’t the third because in the games between us and them they won 4-2 ?

  51. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Devil: Arsenal Sarandi is strong, Arsenal Kiev is poor and Arsenal Berekum is very poor. We can’t organize a tournament for win in a easy way…

  52. devilgunner says:

    Rammers………I feel that at 10million Torres should be worth a try. I think he will come good with us.

    Skill never leaves a player.

  53. Scott from Oz says:

    Rammers is bloody stuck, isn’t it lol!!
    Thanks Devil haha
    I’d take Torres in a heartbeat, and he would lead the scoring charts first season with us!!

  54. Jay says:

    Was at the game early last night ,and saw that little scumbag Dean grinning as as the fans around me threw some abuse at him as he warmed up. looking at our win rate when he reffes .surely it is obvious he favours decisions to the oppositon in any contentious incident .was it him that did the hop ,skip and jump when Spurs scored at the Emirates recentlly? Hope the little F…… isnt reffing at Newcasle Sunday

  55. Jay says:

    Suprised Wenger has never commented about Deans performances against us,the free kick he gave against Arteta which led to their goal was outrageous ,considering the treatment dished out on Corzola prior to the decision

  56. rico says:

    BigS, it’s not done yet…. Fingers crossed though…

    Jay, last night I thought it was a foul by Arteta, but the replay changed my mind, the one on Santi (not given) was so much worse, had that been given, they wouldn’t have scored….

    Hoping this season is Dean’s last….

  57. rico says:

    I really don’t want to be reading/listening to Wenger talking about 3rd place, all he should be saying to the team is win one more game….

    The rest will take care of itself…

  58. rico says:

    That’s ok then Scott 😉

    I agree with what you said in the post – TW has set the bar now, he needs to be playing like that in most games, not just when he feels like it….

  59. rico says:

    🙂 Lee..

    On SS’s Oz, breaking news. He and two others alleged of rape on a 34 year old woman…

    Don’t know the two others yet, maybe two more from Qpr..

  60. rico says:

    Ferdinand retires from International football.

    What a joke, when he was selected he didn’t want to play.

  61. Canadian Gooner says:

    Jay – Regards Arsene not commenting on Dean’s miscalls. There is no sense in poking the bear when you don’t have to. It wouldn’t change anything and would upse the referees association (forget the proper designation. The refs are a tight lot, like the Masons or any other secret society. An attack on any one of them is an attack on all of them.

  62. Canadian Gooner says:

    Lee – Yes, a repeat of the Judas van Pursestrings saga, with the same unhappy ending for us.

  63. devilgunner says:

    just read on Maltese newspapers……….a road works guy who was expected to write the signs on the road got confused between writing SLOW and STOP. in the end he wrote……. SLOP.

    Does it describe a sloppy worker?? 😆

  64. tsgh says:

    Did anyone notice yesterday that Phil Dowd the 4th ref looked more out of shape than our kit man Vic Akers? lol

    Dowd is a disgrace for our league… he seems to get fatter as the season progresses. How does he ever pass the EPL refs medical assessment?

    He must have stayed behind for the free food our prestiguous hospitality offer… 😉

  65. Canadian Gooner says:

    tsgh – That’s from having his nose in the trough at Old Toilet on a regular basis.

  66. devilgunner says:

    ohhhh yesssss its laughable Ginge.

    but it makes me want to cry seeing that this person and I get one vote each in the elections and decisions.

  67. tsgh says:

    If you put it that way Dev… it makes it very worrying… lol

    Rico, the Loic news is a concern for both parties especially Fernandes and Houdini bank balance 😉 … if it is true he deserves what he gets… if it isn’t but another lass try her luck with a rich footballer then…

  68. Scott from Oz says:

    Ginge, word has it we let Santos go after Arsene saw him beaten by Dowd to a cupcake a kid dropped at The Emirates.

  69. rico says:

    Ts, I’m surprised he has been officiating this season, he needed to re-take a fitness test last summer. I doubt he’ll pass one this time around…

    Can’t believe these players put themselves in such a position in the first place..

  70. devilgunner says:

    I am off now LAdy and Gentlemen.

    Time for the little prince.

    cu later on today hopefully.

  71. ozgunner10 says:

    haha who’d be a ref hey – you go around the forums and every fan base think they are the hardest done by – what a job!

  72. Canadian Gooner says:

    The birds are starting to sing. So, I’m off to bed. Good Morning from me and a Good Afternoon or Evening to you all. Hopefully St. Totteringham’s Day comes Saturday so we can all relax on Sunday. Keep the Faith fellow Gooners!

  73. frednerk says:

    Afternoon All,

    Well done with the post scott,
    what I like about you,
    is you have defended ramsey to the hilt,
    Ramsey has now got his match fitness on par
    pre-injury,his game revolves around,
    getting up and down the pitch,
    his passing will improve I’am sure.

    Someone at the club has to take issue,
    with this Mike Dean situation,
    I can’t think of another club that would allow,
    that little pri-k anywhere near their ground,
    with a record like that.
    He must be Three by Two(spud).

  74. potter says:

    C.G.re your 12.09.
    Remember following our Wembley defeat to Chelsea Wenger took Webb to a F.A tribunal over the mistaken identity sending off of Ade when the perpertrator was Eboue. Actually it might have been Poll however we havent had an even break since.Although he was right politically it was a mistake.

  75. allezkev says:

    Afternoon Gooners
    Afternoon Rico…

    Nice effort Scott, a good positive post.

    Mind you, last night I sitting next to a right grumpy sod, that was until the 3rd & 4th goals went in, then he was Mr Happy…
    I much prefer Mr Happy… 😉

  76. allezkev says:

    Don’t worry Rico, he’ll be Mr Happy this Sunday…
    A couple glasses of red and he’ll be Mr Merry. 😀

    So the game is on SS, yeah Rock & Roll…

  77. allezkev says:

    There is no doubting Ramsey’s work-rate and effort…

    And nobody could question his courage, notwithstanding his atrocious injury, that has taken him longer mentally to recover from rather than the physical aspects of it.

    But he never hides on the pitch, even after a mistake he will continue to ‘front up’ and graft for the cause…

    Adam made comparisons with Ray Parlour, another Gunner who was Marmite to most fans…
    I loved Razor, despite his lack of technique at times.

    Maybe Ramsey fills that niche in the team?

    The bloke we often moan about, but a player who gives his heart and soul for the cause…

    Despite the reservations of many, I like him and hope he can convince those ‘floating voters’ who are not sure yet…

  78. agirlagunner says:

    Boo! Great upbeat post, Scott!! Don’t worry, Rambo’s hattrick is imminent. 😀

    rico, you know I’d take Torres in half a heartbeat. 😳

    Hello, all!!

  79. allezkev says:

    Vermaelen as a holding midfielder?

    I’ve suggested this for awhile now, and I know a few on here has done likewise.

    I’m not sure that he filled that position last night, when he came on, but maybe Wenger has ‘this’ in his mind, with the momentous trip to St James’ Park looming…?

    I cannot see anyone else in the squad, who I think could more suitably fill the role caused by Arteta’s injury…

    Not unless Wenger thinks that Rosicky can fill that role in an emergency…
    Tomas might be slight, but he knows how to get stuck in…

  80. allezkev says:

    I suppose Wilshere, depending on his fitness, is another option for that vital role?

    The rest of the team kinda picks itself…

    He Agag, send some of your sunshine over here, the weather is rubbish…

  81. agirlagunner says:

    The rains have started here. So muggy, you feel like you’re walking through soup. 😉 Are you on your break now? How much did you enjoy last night? And who was the Grumpy Fella beside you? 😛

    I think it would be Rosicky over TV5 for Arteta’s role. He’s a bit less rusty than our captain.

  82. ozgunner10 says:

    ok team off to me bed – see you all tomorrow – hi agag and AK, bye agag and AK 🙂

  83. W.A.T.H says:

    Lee….. 2:39…. Less of the old….! cheeky fucker…

    It’s not a matter of Ramsey will come good it’s Ramsey HAS come good it’s now a question for me of how good does he become…!

  84. tsgh says:

    I am good. just very stressed with work and unrealistic deadlines… 🙂

    I wish I could say just turning up to work was like a trophy in AW’s accent… 😉

    Hi WATH you welsh Rambo lover… you must be Scott in disguise… 😀

    Hope all is well… c u ladies and gents later… a slow drive home from work ahead

  85. W.A.T.H says:

    I was here b4 Scott and liked Aaron before Scott so he’s just jumping on the bandwagon Ts…. bloody fickle Aussie….!
    Lata Ts…!

  86. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, Good post Scotty boy, Your boy finally found the goal, personally i felt it was a miss kick but that’s tongue in cheek.. Speaking the honest truth had we not won i would have been suprised, you are in the position in the league for a reason and although Wigan won the FA cup they are still a championship side, they may come straight back up but i very much doubt it. Arsenals form this season has been uncomfortable, I stand by what i said about our finishing position but i also have to say that some of the others must have been worse than us. English football has dropped in quality in my mind Europe have shown us the way, I know Chelsea play in the final tonight but they were lucky to get a second chance, personally i feel once your out of one competition you shouldn’t go into another, as my view is your a loser and that’s it.. As you state the team we have now are not good enough and no mater how hard Podolski and Giroud work they are not what we need. You talk about Theo and you sound quite impressed with him, last night he played ok, but he is a ducker and diver and he can’t be relied on. Theo likes the limelight a little too much he thinks his the business now but he still has a lot to do before he gets my vote, Theo is earning a high wage and his efforts this season has had me groaning, But i have to say your right about last night he did what he was paid for.

  87. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hiya Ricolicious, I give praise when i think its deserved and last night Theo and the Pod done good, but the back five have been extra good and hardly a mention, Bar Scott’s appraisal 🙂

  88. rico says:

    Fair point there Sp…. I guess it’s more of a talking point when Pod and Theo play very well 😉

    Evening Adam

  89. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Adam, you still got them shoes on, 🙂 Did Mrs Adam enjoy her night out, you spoil her mate. 🙂

  90. Micko says:

    Lee, i’m not in wath’s league, if I ever get that bad slap me !
    Scott, Kozzer world class, just not from 2 yards, still got a bit of work to do but has come on a lot, Merts can take a lot of credit for that this season.
    Kev, a bit late to be experimenting with TV5 don’t ya think.
    50,000 Georgies giving it large on Sunday, it’s gonna be fun….whey aye man.

  91. Adam says:

    Hi Steve. No, I am wearing sensible shoes today. Last night was ok at the ground, but I believe we looked sensational on TV.

  92. rico says:

    Micko – Merts and Kos do seem to bring the best out of each other.

    Another 95 mins to continue that form….

  93. stevepalmer1 says:

    Every time we record a win we look good Adam ,Pity we didn’t record more through the season.

  94. Adam says:

    Steve. Still, this is the close season when everything changes. I am incredibly optimistic for the future.

  95. eastsidepaul says:

    Just saw the best comment I have ever seen on Football 365 regarding the possibility of a playoff between Arsenal and Chelsea –

    “I’ve given this a great deal of thought and I REALLY hope this happens. Be it Wembley or the preferred choice of White Hart Lane, can you IMAGINE the carnival atmosphere; thousands and thousands of blues and reds rolling around laughing at Tottenham together, united in song, no need for segregation…. It’ll be like Christmas day at the battle of the Somme..!!”

  96. Micko says:

    Don’t think anyone saw it coming rico, they were supposed to be battling it out with each other to partner TV5, he gets the captains armband and it became a running joke that he’ll be the next to leave in the summer, who’d bet against it now, funny ole game isn’t it.

  97. rico says:

    That’s funny esp

    I know I didn’t Micko, but TV performances have been woeful, I don’t think playing left back helped his cause either..

    Like others, playing him instead of Arteta would be the most sensible thing against Newcastle, but I fully expect him to be off in the summer….

  98. rico says:

    My dentist is a huge Chelsea fan and he hates the Totts…

    Mind you, his son is an Arsenal fan so that might have something to do with it…

  99. Will XL says:

    Hi all.

    TV5 as DM sounds tempting, but we can’t play him the same way we play Arteta. He’s not comfortable enough on the ball to survive a midfield press and he has no experience collecting a pass with defenders on his back. He might be fine with the ball ahead of him, but when it’s with our defenders we might have a problem. Using him there would require an overhaul of our current system and that’s not wise at this stage. Playing Rosicky deeper might make a little more sense, provided he doesn’t get overly caught up in attack as will be his natural inclination. Plus he does love a tackle. Jack might be a little too fragile right now to be risked there. I wouldn’t be surprised if Le Coq was recalled but we cannot risk using anyone that short of match time from the start. Maybe Ramsey playing the Arteta role and Jack playing the Ramsey role might work.
    But…
    With all of that said, I really hope Arteta makes it back in time.

  100. Scott from Oz says:

    Wath, you didn’t even know Ramsey was Welsh until a few weeks back 🙂 🙂 🙂
    Morn g guys.
    The sun is up again…a lovely day ahead.

  101. Scott from Oz says:

    What about playing Aaron in front if the back 4 with Vermaelen in front of him?
    Start the defensive press higher up the pitch.

  102. W.A.T.H says:

    Oh shut up Scott you wanna be Jock…. I know all about Aaron being Irish, he lives next to Micko who makes his tea n toast for him every morning…!
    TV ain’t got the engine to play in front o Aaron, TV as defensive mid or not at all…! He wins the ball and lays it off simples……..!

  103. Wavy says:

    Aaron is the new number 10! I always knew he was the Cesc replacement. Seriously, not sure about regular hat tricks but he was destined to be a Fabregas replacement, had it not been for the intervention of a poolis thug he would have got there sooner. Ge is now reaching the level he would have been at least one year ago. His career was just on hold.
    Just think, a midfield dominated by JW10 and AR16, awsome.
    As for sunday, if Arteta is unfit Le Coq should be his replacement. Like for like!

  104. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, I’de be inclined to use our utility man Jenks, he has a defensive nature with an attacking flair and the boy has an engine that will run all day, don’t think he has let us down yet and i wouldn’t expect he would Sunday.

  105. devilgunner says:

    Good morning Lady and Gentlemen.

    I would only put one person there if Arteta does not make it.

    And that would be TR07.

    He has enough experience to play there and knows what is needed.

    He would complement Aaron simply because they are the beauty and the beast of football. Aaron is crude. Thomas is poetry in motion.

    Someone up here suggested TV05 playing further up. Dont laugh at his suggestion. I did it once at under19 level. And it worked. I had people quizzing my sanity, eyebrows were raised and mouths were going gaga.

    When the opposition saw that a defensive midfielder (he is the Flamini type) playing in the AM position they sniggered. Yet when the game began he was here there and everywere and before everyone knew it we were 3-0 up in the first 10 minutes. Their keeper rubbed it in by getting sent off for a professional foul which resulted in a penalty for our 3rd.

    They did not know what hit them since our DM was pressurising them further up field than usual. And it was a top of the table decider.

    So putting TV05 in the DM position might not be a bad idea.

    But I would still put TR07 alongside Aaron with Cazorla behind Podolski with OX and Theo on the wings.

  106. rico says:

    Morning Sp and all…

    Well done Chelsea, outplayed but nabbed another trophy…

    What will Rafa get for that?

    A job elsewhere…

    Doesn’t make sense really does it…..

  107. devilgunner says:

    There is only one snag regarding putting Le Coq there. it is rumoured he wants to go. So I feel there is no need to play him. his mind would be elsewhere and not to get injured.

  108. devilgunner says:

    Of course it does not make sense Lady.

    neither the fact that Mancini will get an 8 million pay off for getting the sack.

    And if Mourinho gets dunked off the RM hot seat he will be given 18 million on a plate.

    And if someone gets sacked he will be given two months notice.

    Not fair isnt it Rico?

  109. rico says:

    Morning devil, sorry I didn’t see you there 😉

    Off to fitness this morning, be back a bit later. Post will go up at 9.30…

  110. Bradster says:

    Morning all,

    I agree with you Devil, I reckon Roscky has similarities to Arteta and would be more responsible than any of our other mids.

    I guess this gives Wilshere the opportunity as number 10. I still see him as a box to box rather than a number 10. I’d prefer Pod, Gerv or Ox on the left and Cazorla in a free role/ number 10.

  111. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Devil, so either my idea of pushing Vermaelen has merit, or you and i are dumb lol……
    Might be worth a go, but i agree that Rosicky is more reliable.
    Maybe next season, if he is still here, is the time to try TV5 further up.

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