Morning all.
Fingers crossed the Champions League draw favours us this morning. One of Athletic Bilbao, FC Copenhagen, Lille, Besiktas and Standard Liege await us….
We’ve never won that competition but we have lifted the Community Shield trophy a few times and back in 2004 and on this very day, we battered Manchester United 3-1 with Reyes, Gilberto and Silvestre scoring the goals. Silvestre?? Yes, Ashley Cole’s cross got a deflection and the old cart horse got lucky… lol
I’ve set up a Telegraph Fantasy Football League for anyone interested. It’s just a bit of fun and if you want to join in, the league is called Highbury House and the PIN: 8071009.
Gossip:
The Daily Star report that we are close to securing a deal for PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot. He’s 19 years old, 6′ 2″ tall and French. The poison dwarf wants to sign him too according to the Express.
Edinson Cavani islinked to us too, the players agent, Claudio Annelluci told Uruguay newspaper El Telegrafo:
There was much interest in the player during the past six months. I can confirm that Cavani has heard proposals from Liverpool and Arsenal.
Lastly, the Mirror believe that Juventus have been knocking on the door asking if Jack Wilshere fancies a move to the Italian club.
Talking of Jack Wilshere, here is today’s post:
For lovers of high level intrigues in the espionage world of intelligence and counter-intelligence subterfuge of the Cold War era, The Fourth Protocol is a master class. It comes a close second to the other Forsyth’s bestseller, The Devil’s Alternative as the best novel I’ve read and I’ve read plenty.
When I first watched a full Arsenal match with a bi-spectacled beanpole watching from the technical area, I had same feeling that this man, whose first name, Arsene rings in accord with club name Arsenal, was the man to take the club to the pinnacle of being the best in the world. This happened in 1997.
Seventeen years have gone by and although Arsenal is not yet the best in the world, the signs are quite ominous the North London club is not far off. This assertion is certainly a matter for another write up.
Recently, Arsene Wenger revealed that what he told Aaron Ramsey, transformed him from a pathetic player who struggled all over the pitch, into a world class box-to-box midfielder in less than a year. In simple summary, the gaffer told the Welshman to play it simple to get confidence first, then do every other thing as much as the natural talent permitted. Knowing Wenger as a man who hardly ever made such personal conversations public, I reckoned that was Le Prof breaking his First Protocol.
Now, he has to go further…
In his ranks is another player, blessed with the same ability as Ramsey, one who needs same words in private. This player may even be a greater player than his box-to-box team mate.
Jack Wilshere.
Having gone through all football tutelage in Arsenal right from the kindergarten age of seven, Wilshere is one name well revered by everything Arsenal. His early displays promised a player of highest quality. His progress to the main team was heralded. From some perspectives, including mine, the fearless-ball-carrying lad represented a poor man’s version of Lionel Messi. But that’s not taking anything away from dear Jack. Any version of Messi is still world class.
His mazy runs, close control, swift change in direction, fearless take-ons suggested any coach that attempted to clone the England international into the Argentine demi-god could hit pay dirt. Wilshere works tirelessly on the pitch, he’s always ready to receive the ball, always ready to withstand and fly into a challenge and perhaps, it’s the latter qualities that made Le Prof choose to shift from the Messi proto-mold and create a completely different player – a Jack Wilshere.
What came out of Le Prof’s perfecting machine was still excellent. At just 19, Wilshere had made his name pronounceable by any football fan anywhere in the world. At that age, he had faced the Barcelona midfield comprising the famed Xavi and Iniesta in a two-legged affair and never blinked for once. So dogged were his breathtaking performances in those two games that Pep Guardiola, the man who re-invented Barca’s tiki-taka to near ephemeral domination, singled out Wilshere as the brightest spark in the Arsenal team which had surrendered via 3 -4 aggregate.
While Arsenal fans endured in the agony of those trophyless years, every one of them happily pointed in the direction of Wilshere as a proof dear Gunners would rise again. Of course that barren comatose had been banished to history but sadly, our beloved Jack has fizzled out and his contribution to that landmark transition was largely anonymous.
Trying to go into the reasons for this non-envisaged drawback could draw miles of print as it certainly would the ensuing debate. However, like Le Prof talked to Ramsey, Le Prof has to talk heart-to-heart to Jack.
Of course, one would conclude he already has but then we should imagine he woould have long talked to Ramsey before he claimed he did. From Wilshere’s displays in the pre-season games, he hasn’t shown any sign of departure from the Wilshere of last season and I sincerely believe that if he hasn’t already done so, Le Prof needs to talk to Jack ASAP.
If he already has, then Wilshere didn’t understand him, so Le Prof has to invite him over for a repeat conversation before the actual season kicks off. As many times that are required, Le Prof has to get the message into Wilshere’s skull, for in the English father of two, the world of football has a great footballer. Nobody with his technical abilities was ever destined for less – Jack is world class.
And what should we expect Le Prof to tell Wilshere?
PLAY SIMPLE!
Yes, Wilshere has been derailed by injuries but unlike most injuries, he invites his. In just three preseason games so far, Jack has got himself into no less than three career-threatening tackles! I’ve never watched a player who never shied away from a challenge however dangerous. Not even Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso was as carelessly daring.
I recall one league match with Birmingham City. Wilshere, the smallest man on the pitch, tackled the biggest man on the pitch, Nicola Zigic with both feet off the ground. The 6’7” giant landed on his back and lay still while Wilshere continued as if he didn’t make contact. That was courage and fearlessness to an admirable level but those have been the traits threatening to force Wilshere into the dust bin of has-been’s. Believe me, Jack is one of the strongest lads that has ever played the game or he would have long ended his career.
I believe Jack still possesses the footballing ability to be among the very best of his generation but he must learn to be pitchwise and he must learn fast. When he is clearly losing a ball he should let go, instead of that careless challenge that makes fans’ hearts skip a beat. He should know that even Messi doesn’t dribble into impossible situation, release the ball when you perceive a cul-de-sac and not attempt to ride through it, thereby attracting vicious tackles.
Wenger has to make certain this season doesn’t end another of failed promises for Wilshere…it just can’t because the clocks are ticking. And when the gaffer does, we’ll happily await him to break his Second Protocol, with that knowing grin of course, by end of season.
Written by Tai Emeka Obasi
Morning all. Good post. Although Wilshere joined us from Luton aged 9 I think….
Sad to say it but I don’t really see a future for Wilshere at Arsenal. Hope I’m wrong but I really can’t
Morning Rico and all, again.
Very, very nicely constructed and written Tai. A generous and realistic appraisal of Jack with the whiff of footballing romance in the air too. Well done mate.
Morning Adam. You well?
Morning Rocky and all again…
Wilshere did join us from Luton Rocky. If the Juve story is true, AW has a tough decision to make… And fast.
Good post Tai, although I believe Jack is a way away from being world class.
I think many fans opinion is that he needs to simplify his game and I would imagine the manager has told him that.
Good morning all HHers.
Nice post Tai.
Jw10 needs great improvement this season if he needs to avoid the penant, bentley, JET…. Direction.
Hi Rico
Hi Adam & fatgun.
Thanks, Rico, Rocky, Adam, Fatgun…
Hi Rocky. Bearing up mate. All well at home I hope?
All good here thanks.
Morning again all,
Lovely written piece Tai.
Make or break season with Jack. I’d like to see him put more effort in, as the last couple of seasons he’s looked lacklustre. I guess that’s down to fitness. Wenger has said he’s the fittest he’s seen him for 3 years….so no excuses this season Jacky boy
Draw for CL at 11am so we will know who we are playing at 2pm 🙂
Standard Liege would be nice. Probably get Lille of Besiktas though.
or*
Ok…didn’t research well on Jack’s kindergarten days.
I do believe he is world class though…he has to stay fit one full season to realise that . And he can only stay fit if he plays simple. He is a very strong lad and … he has enough technical ability to make top grade. If he could just grasp tactical tutelage.
To Juventus … a lot of this happen in football world these days but I don’t see Wenger giving up yet on Jack…not after his comments about the player few days ago. Juve have to look elsewhere.
Morning all. Wise words as usual Tai.To us older fans Jack was seen as the second coming of the messiah aka Liam Brady. I think one of his problems is that since his injury the team, until last season, had regressed. When he first came into the side he was surrounded by quality which made his life easier. Opposition were more likely to focus on Cesc, Nasri, RVP etc, and he was able to do his thing unabated. Was the same when Cesc first came into a side that had just gone unbeaten. When Jack came back most of the top players had moved on and he was expected to carry the mantle with little support and trying to avoid injury. Teams have focused on selective fouling of him knowing that he will either get injured or react to a challenge and as usual the refs allow this to happen. I think his first game back was against QPR at home and he was fouled seven or eight times in about fifteen minutes.There is no doubt there is a top player in there. My worry is that for a variety of reasons – mainly injury, we will never get to see it emerge. Fingers crossed though!!!
Just in
David Ornstein
BBC Sport
Football
Posted at 10:57
Arsenal agree a fee of around £15m with Spanish runners-up Barcelona for the sale of club captain Thomas Vermaelen.
The 28-year-old Belgium defender must now agree personal terms and pass a medical.
Vermaelen was a target for Manchester United, but the Old Trafford club ended their interest after refusing Arsenal’s demand to receive a player as part of the deal.
The move is likely to be completed over the weekend.
Over and out!
Ha ha Joe, don’t think this draw goes on as much as the proper draw..
Tai, AW’s comments on Jack mean little imo, he often talks up a player before he’s being sold…
Thanks, Nickie…
Steal hope we do avoid Athletico Bilbao and Lille.
Terrific post.
Jack has all the ability, but I don’t see the footballing brain at the stage.
Yes, simplifying his game will make a massive difference, and it would be a great start.
With Aaron, I believed it was a matter of time.
With Jack, I have my fingers crossed.
Wavy – Hope he doesn’t fail the medical then! Why they want him is beyond me. They should be getting in better players than TV.
Bj – good comment and the officials in the PL are happy to let the consistent fouling take place. Until we get proper, strong referee’s players like Jack will always be a victim..
ooo err reporter from Telegraph seems to think Arteta is nailed on as Cpt….Guess he’ll be playing more games than we’d like. Per vice
Wavy, good, now let’s see who comes in, that’s more important for Arsenal…
Rocky, I don’t understand either, mind you, Barca have always been dodgy at the back.. lol
Thanks BJ…completely with you on reasons for his stall.
Rico…Wenger talked of raising six players for England…he wouldn’t really do that by shifting on already England internationals in his fold, would he?
Just what I feared re Arteta, hope that article is wrong…
Only Wenger knows the answer to that question Tai.
Rico, great call on the refs, but still, Jack goes where he shouldn’t.
He runs into a clump of defenders while failing to look at his options….
Carvalho? 🙂
Thanks, Scott…
I think we’re getting nearer to why Jack has stalled – referees!
15m for an out of form, error prone crock with 1 year on his contract who wants out. Wenger you genius
Another excellently written post.Tai as we have come to expect from you. well done mate…
I think Rocky touched on when JW joined us etc…
Personally, I do not think this has to be JW’s make or break season…
Folks, bashing JW should maybe consider where Pirlo, Alonso, Gattuso to name a few were play at 21, 22 y.o…
Admittedly, (and without trying to put words in Scott’s mouth) I/we bashed JW only to say he was not better than Ramsey even when fans considered JW the Arsenal/England Messiah, but I still believe he is where he is as an English footballer…
Naturally, most of our players remain tactically blind in the exception of a very few like Scholes, Gerrard, Carrick, Lampard.
The very few geniuses like Gazza had their own demons…
TV 15m deal agreed with Barca. well done!
Totally agree with Bj at 10:58…
Agree Scott.
After that come back QPR game, I wrote an article titled –
Why Do English Refs Like Destroying Their Own?
I was apalled on how the centre ref allowed a boy coming back to be so kicked around without appropriate cautions. I summed it up with believing their hatred of Wenger and Arsenal have let them into such open attempt to maim everything Arsenal!
Celtic have drawn Maribor
Arsenal continue search Vermaelen replacement & also in market for DMF, but may sign 1 player who can perform both roles #afc #bbcsportsday— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 8, 2014
Carvalho? 🙂
Besiktas, darn!
Besiktas it is then
Off to turkey
why are they all sitting there with notepads?! Like its that difficult to remember the team you are playing!
Up against Demba Ba then…
Ha ha rocky…
Thanks Ts…
Wilshere, Gibbs remain our only claim we’re better than Chelsea City, who we blame for just buying made players instead of developing some.
If he needs fans support, we should give him more than that. Since I don’t get to the stadium, I just gave mine.
ARSENAL vs BESIKTAS
Demba Ba!
It’s never easy bloody Uefa draws
I’ll settle for the same results as last years trip to Turkey!
Or Sven Bender Nickie?
Why is Besiktas so feared?
Great !now the proper captain for nearly 3 years can be acknowledged and respected…
Arteta helped make Ramsey the tactical player he is now…
I recall watching the long chat between the 2 of them before BM 2 seasons ago in Ramsey’s first appearance in the DM role… the 2 of them continued to have those chats before every game and before every 2nd half for the next 14 or so games… Per and Kosser ended up setting up an European record for 17 months after that…
I suspected then that BM, RM and Barca co would be after him very soon…
AW has to get Ramsey back to play deeper again… all this advanced role assigned to him by AW is not for me; I doubt he will score goals starting higher up to…
Also, AW trying to make CC21 the new DM is a bit premature imo…
I haven’t seen anything tactically advanced in his game as compared to someone like Ginter who is of a similar age imo…
Just what we need a long trip
Hello rico
Who will be our new captain?
Oğuzhan Özyakup plays for Besiktas too…
Two teams I didn’t want – Bilbao and Lille. Besiktas are welcome.
Besicktas is terrible!
Vermaelen out …
We need two defenders not one
Tai… so so typical… 3 days ago bookies in middle east had stopped taking bets on Arsenal vs Besiktas… lol
Nickie- Besiktas were the most successful team in Europe last season… only the magic of Bacca and Rakitic stopped them from doing a quadruple… imo…
We will be falling over our won swords if we consider their performance in the emirates cup as their level.. yes, they might have lost 9 players this window but… they will give us a scare…
5-2 aggregate win for us. 😉
Tai. Re: referees. The culture of refs in this country is the same as most supporters. Its the up and at ’em mentality. Get the ball forward and get stuck in! When teams like Bolton and Stoke were playing their bastardised version of Rugby League that was seen as totally acceptable by English refs and crowds. ‘proper football’ if you like! We were seen as the fancy dan foreigners who would dive at the drop of a hat so the systematic brutality was allowed to go on. However, we so much as breathe on an opponent and out comes the card. How else can the amount of red cards we have had under AW be explained when all we have ever tried to do is play decent football?
Tai. Gibbs joined us at 14 y.o…
Our youth system has been a catastrophe imo…
Ginge, that’s a fair comment and no, not putting words in my mouth 🙂
We’ve said for a while we lose a higher percentage of games when Jack plays, but ironically, some of those games he was nearly our best player, so one question remains…..has Arsene worked out how best to use the kid?
Morning all,
Nickie, don’t under estimate Besiktas, they were quarter finalists back in 1987 !
Celtic get drubbed 6-1 by Warsaw, are re-instated and go through on the away goal, that made my morning !
I’m not interested in Sven Bender lacks the physical intimidating nature of Carvalho which is something we need
We might be shopping from Switzerland again… 😉 Schar maybe…
Hope they slaughter a Goat in our honour.
I am confident we would beat any team out of the qualifiers. Even the seeded ones
Trip to Turkey then we are away to Everton the following Sunday.
Hi kyawmgmgtun,
You ask me that every day, I don’t know! May I suggest you keep an eye on the official website, they will let you know when a decision is made!
Nickie- imho you are completely wrong re Sven vs WC… ‘physical imitimdation’
Sven can play CB and DM and has played at the top level for over 5 years…
Last season when Subotic and Hummels were out Sven covered CB for my BVB very very well with Sokratis.
I can agree if you mean WC is more technical/pleasing on the eye but Sven is the one who makes the likes of Sahin i.e the Turkish JW seem efficient in CM for BVB…
Bit cruel on Demba Ba Adam !
Hi Micko..
Just keeping the Bender brothers alive Nickie.. 😉
Micko. 🙂
Morning rico, any news on our new captain.
Scott- to me JW is a winger/inside right… most of his goals last season came when JW played there…
When JW is 26-ish he might be a deep-lying playmaker but he will need a foreign player/low key signing next to him like Song did for Cesc…
Ramsey ideally should be our DM based on all his figures and engine but with him sitting we will lack goals…
That is why ideally AW should go for another winger i.e Turan/reus if we can’t get Morgan or Sami…
Still I’d nurture Wilshere and Gibbs. Both are not bad players…and are top players once they shed incessant injuries.
lol Micko re 11:24
Ts…
I’d say…Jack is a box-to-box – to utilise his waltz through as well as tackles. He’s not goal shy either. My worry is that Wenger seems interested in developing Ramsey and Wilshere together…so, instead of sharing the BtB roll between them, he’d play one in wrong position(usually Wilshere)
😉
Fair point Ts. It’s just I feel we’ve been missing a big bruiser in the middle. I shouldn’t discredit Sven for the work he does, just because you don’t always notice it. You can guarantee he’s quietly working away efficiently and effectively for the good of the team
Please, who knows what has become of Diaby?
Rico – Who’s our new captain going to be?
Never saw Diaby in Thurs training photos
Probably crocked again Tai
Micko, Rocky.. Ha ha! lol
Tommy V leaves for barca not man utd……….that’s good business considering we are even selling……Morning Rico morning everyone……..I knew that post was from Tai before I got to the bottom of it…….lovely one bro
ideally yes but JW hasn’t got the engine to be a box-to box player imho… nor the tactical awareness…
Comparing JW game to the box to box midfielders who have plyed their trade in this league- Toure, Song, Cabaye, Lampard of 2 or so years back, Gerrard without bringing in the likes of (Pogba, Vidal,) Herrera, D. Fletcher, Morgan, Dembele etc imo JW can’t be a CM or a number 10…
His best goals scoring season was last term and that was him playing as a winger/inside forward as he played during his youth days…
King Dhabi will be back like Arnold S. lol
plied*
Good Morning Chicks and Guns.
Very articulate post Tai. you managed to put into words what the majority of AFC fans think of Jack. I hope Le Prof reads your article and gets a reminder that he needs to have a tete-a-tete with Jack ASAP.
Besiktas it is.
Now why didn’t we get Celtic? I wonder who was the moron who bought on a suspended player with 2minutes to go and 6-1 up.
What a jerk.
Morning all,
Come on Rico, be more in touch with the internal plans of the club. 😉
Should get Malaga Gooner to help you out.
we got 15mill for TV????
wow.
For a suspect and a crock that is good business.
Thanks Dev.
If Diaby is injured again i’m really done with him. I’ve run out of sympathy. Get him off the wage bill and pursue other targets. It’s not like he’d be missed
I respect TV for making the right decision as an AFC fan… he could have forced for a move to Yanited…
He was also an AFc fan when he was at Ajax…
Strange how RVP had a skirmish with TV during the Emirates cup and then he recommended him to AW to sign and then they became best buddies…
I wish TV well.. I think he rescued us on so many occasions in his first 2.5 years with us which helped us stay in the UCL qualification spot…
As AW has continuously said, he couldn’t guarantee him a place but TV was always professional.
He could have joined Barca the season Cesc left and the season RvP left but he stayed maybe because his wife then gf was working for the bbc… still he was a good servant for us… he will do well for Barca imo…
Hi Dev…
Morning Luznic and Devil…
Sorry , rico .
I’d be happy to see Verm recapture some form for Barca and really make a name for himself. I think the physicality will suit him well there too. Good luck TV5
Rico how do you get to know the next captain and we all don’t , I should ask are we signing a CB today? who is the person? Nastasic or Schaar? what time is he having medicals?? Tai JW either buckle and get out…….the only reason I am still behind him is because he is English he is the enemy to himself………simples
This TV sale is not yet a done deal. Hope Barca fans don’t read HH or they’d discover they’re being robbed!
Or*
Oh, thanks Luznic. How do you see our draw with Besiktas?
Welcome arsenal from myanmar(burma).
I hope , u will be champion.
lol Luznic,Tai…
imo we will struggle to find another CB with similar qualities for that price…
Note, TV was the Belgium captain until his injuries which he developed when he joined us.. Arsenal Dna…
I can see him and pique forming a good partnership…
Putting labels on players or judging them purely on their pace might be fun for some but football on the pitch is just not like that.
Ask Kev. He has a great eye for a player.
How the hell will tv 5 pass a medical I thought he was currently injured. 😀
Luznic, I don’t….
Rico. Bell’s dismissal was atrocious wasn’t it?
Morning Bradster, don’t you start… 😉
I missed it Adam, just waiting for a replay… Not another hit, but not hit?
He forgot he had a front foot Rico and made exactly the same mistake the ball before but didn’t get a tickle on it.
BVB vs FC Munchen this weekend too…
I see the world is back in balance Arsenal are selling a player to Barcelona it was nice while it lasted. 😉
lol gj
Besiktas, no problemo, Adana Kebabs all round, 😀
What a twurp Adam, and he’d looked in good form…
we will be making a net profit of £77m if/when TV becomes the 13th player we have sold to them…
Not for me Kev.. 😉 Morning to you…
TV is a great player…he has injuries to blame in one hand and Koscielny for never dropping once he stepped in.
Will always wish TV well, especially now he’s gone abroad. One of the best headers of the ball in the modern game.
Nipping off out with Fido before the storms arrive… 😉
I wish him well too Tai, as Ts said, he could have stamped his feet and demanded a move to the mancs, but then again, I strongly suspect he’d rather move to Barca in any case….
lol Rico.. sunny Barcelona or rainy Manc? not a hard choice I guess…
Poor old TV lost his confidence. He went from very good to very bad remarkably quickly. I used to sit in the stands and marvel at the empty spaces where he should have been only to see his trotting back a la Song from some opportunistic voyage forward. Be a defender first perhaps. His head was gone but I hope he finds it again in the bizarre world of Spanish football.
loved TV, still love TV, will always live TV so far he doesn’t go to Chelsea or manure, Tai my thoughts on Besiktas you ask……piece of cake
Good post tai …. i agreee with your point on Aaron and Jack being the same type of player. I think Wenger plays him (jack) out of position just to improve other areas of his game.Remember he did the same with Aaron and see we what we have now…
TV also shared the same agent as RvP….
Morning all. With TV leaving i hope AW gets a WC CB who is in his prime 25-29 yrs old, not another young player because the view that Per and Kos are guaranteed starters are just wrong. Buying a player and telling him he is 3rd choice is insane plus reducing the quality of the squad just to please certain players doesn’t make any sense. Kos, BFG & CC is not even close to top class, we need another WC defender to compete with BFG & Kos, while allowing CC to develop. Not winning trophies is the reason we can’t even keep a squad player like TV, how long will Ozil & Alexis wait. The season start’s in a couple days and a big club like AFC have 1 CB.
Thanks bondex
TV not to manure, well that’s good, but apparently we asked for one of theirs. I wonder who it could have been? They were not playing though and said no, thus killing the TV to manure scenario.
Could we have asked for…….no, surely not……..Wooney says he’s happy on hie £220,000 pw. So who could it have been?
Any.awy, Barca paid their usual cash advance into our bank account, it’s always £15m these days, Song, TH14 etc. good on ’em I say. Keep the cash coming, especially when we have finished with a player or two!
evening team – have we signed that World Class Striker and Dm yet?
Good Afternoon to The Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Tai – Another interesting and thought provoking article to get some good discussion flowing. However, I disagree that Jack is a world class player. He has the potential to be one if he can adjust his attitude and his mentality. He seems to think he is a one-man team who tries to do it all himself.
I share fatgun’s fears that he may follow the likes of Bentley, Pennant and JET if he can’t adjust his thinking. Neither Arsene nor the coaches at the different national levels have found a true position where he excels. If Jack is in the starting eleven, one or more of his team mates must adjust their best positions to accommodate Jack. Until he finds himself he is no more than a very talented squad player.
A week or so ago I read a recent interview with David Bentley and why, with many years left to play, he chose to leave the game behind. Much of the Bentley’s thoughts and my recollections of him at Arsenal reminded me so much of Jack. This may well be a critical year in Jack’s career if he can’t find himself a position and where he fits into the team.
Bloody WordPress!
Darren
@DarrenArsenal1
To be fair asking for Rooney & £5m for TV5 was going a tad overboard. lol
Hi Oz. What do you think? 🙂
Couple of dangerous squads in that dream team league Rico 😉 lol
Adam – a lot of positivity around and no doubt so good signings but was Sanchez really needed? At 5.7’he’s hardly a target for raiding winger crosses is he? We all agreed neither Flam or Arteta were the answer being and yet we leave the slow Pert exposed again against the faster teams. Dunno maybe i have it all wrong. Don’t think the playboy is good enough, to wasteful and seems we are not going to do much about that. So… have we made the most of our supposed new found riches? Not so sure
Afternoon All
Afternoon Rico
Afternoon Adam.
A good judge of a player, me?
Thanx mate, but I ain’t no better than anyone else on here.
As for Jack, I like him, world class or not, I don’t that really matters.
If he performs for Arsenal and ppl don’t think he’s world class, so what?
Ppl don’t think that BFG is world class. He’s just a world champion and he performs for Arsenal. That will do me…
Ledbury restaurant, if it’s the one in Notting Hill, has had a great reputation for ax long as I can remember…
Delighted to see Vermaelen going to Barca…
He’ll do ok there…
As for ManUre, fcuk off you Northern cnuts, you ain’t getting it all your own way anymore.
Go find a c/h elsewhere…
Psychologically Wenger and Arsenal have given ManUre ‘the finger’….
Well done….
Oz, we’ve just bought one of the best strikers in world football and your complaining cos he’s 5″7 and was he really needed….!?!?!
I must be missing something there…!
Kev, The TV to mancs thing is a shifting of financial muscle mate and mindset although selling them ou 3rd choice centre back for 15mil would of been funny in my opinion hardly like cherry picking our best player from the recent past..!
Wath – never really saw him as a striker but if that is right then all ok
Hi Oz. I am more than happy with Sanchez myself. We clearly needed him. He’s a good player, very direct and with good control. With TV out of the picture we surely need 3 top players now. Obviously a CD and someone to hold the centre and break attacks up before they get dangerous. But another striking option for sure. I won’t hold my breath though.
Kev. I think you are anyway. 🙂
He’s a bit of everything Oz, give the bloke a season and see how you think then…!
Adam – no doubting the lads extreme ability but i just never tagged him as an out and out striker. I can see real damage being done with the ball on the floor making the height issues irrelevant i still have this feeling we’ll see Giroud 80% of the time and that is not really what i had hoped for and if he gets hurt? Sanogo? Campbell?
Hello all, someone not happy with Sanchez, my word, I am… In fact I’m pretty darn pleased with all our signings so far…
Keep ’em coming Ivan… 🙂
He may take a while to settle Wath, we learned that lesson with Ozil. I doubt he will set the league alight early and the lack of winter break will take its toll, together with the world cup exploits. A great player though no doubt
Oz. That’s why we need another option I think mate.
I was singing his praises last transfer window. He brings pace and everything Theo lacks.
i too prefer a better finisher up front but at the start giroud was not bad.
Campbell can do a similar role on the left.
Why is it that what goes on in our club we will always find people who see the glass half empty? Some people would also have grumbled if we had Messi, Ronaldo and Bale in attack.
Let us not hit it on its head before we see it on the pitch. For all we know Giroud may chip in with 20 goals plus, Sanogo may get around 10 while Campbell might chip in with around 7. 37 goals from 3 strikers is not bad imo.
Everyone takes a while to settle OZ but the bloke is sheer class….! He’s totally different to what we have.
Campbell, Sanogo, Theo and Sanchez have one thing in common…..speed.
And that imo is an essential ingredient for any forward line. If they work their ass off in pressing other teams will not find it easy to attack us.
Might try to explain this – at the start of the window i/we expected replacements for those leaving, a world class striker and another top class DM – did we not all agree with this? Now if Sanchez is considered by some/all as being that world class striker then fine but even Wenger described him as someone would could be used up top if the need arose. So hardly everyday competition for a fit Giroud then, or do we see it differently? All we need now then is that DM right? Oh and a new CB now it appears
Good Afternoon WATH.
Wath – never questioned his class mate, agree 100% with you on this and he is the one obvious improvement to the squad so far IMO
Oz. And a 50 goal a season striker :).
It’s a good job, Chambers hasn’t played as a striker.
Afternoon Dev,
Oz, opinion and that’s all it really is presently is that some see him as more of a wide player some see him as a striker… Define striker… For me he plays up front and can be played wide as Barca played him… If you watch his movement it’s always off the shoulder of the last defender and for me that show me he can lead any line when the service is right. He can be a poacher and also creative but with the speed he has and the brain he’s dangerous anywhere across the front and thats what we need and want. Throw in Campbell as well and we way better up front than the last few seasons. We’ve lost Flappy and got a National keeper in his place, has to be an upgrade and if you look at it that we have the French right back now then he could also be classed as an upgrade.
The one hole to still be filled definitely central midfield and now with TV leaving is a centre back as well. We’ll get both.
Oz, perhaps AW see’s Campbell to be that guy? With a little help from Sanogo and Akpom and we still have Podolski.
Bt, heard he playing left wing on Sunday….. 😉
You can say that again, Dev.
In my rating, we’re good in the striking department. Any new body coming in upfront is just a bonus.All we need is THeo’s coming back and staying on his feet till season end. On Sanchez, I’ve seen players flop in EPL …even a striker like Torres flopped in same EPL just because he changed clubs…but a player like Sanchez doesn’t just seem to be such a player. Yeah, he’s short in inches … but a strong, fast-paced, tricky hardworker never fails in any team, any league. Besides, having Ozil and ‘holding’ 9 like Giroud will just suit Alexis fine. I can’t wait for this Sunday, hoping he’s close to full fitness by now.
And thanks, Goonster
Hi Cg, is you in disguise? lol
Wath, Alexis is not a striker. If fans thinks signing Sanchez alone is gonna take us to the PL despite the fact all our rivals also improve, need a reality check. We don’t need another season to know some of these players starting for AFC capabilities. All games are free on the player, fans need to re-watch them.
There’s a headline on NN suggesting Utd offered Jones for TV..
You have a point Oz… that is why most on here are calling for a proper striker…
Cg, the moniker ‘I Am A Yank’ would have suited you better. 😛
Hi Wath… all good?
Gdna… well you think he ain’t a striker and many think he is but then again as I say define striker… do you mean out and out goalscorer or someone who can play anywhere across the front..?
Bt- watch it! CC21 is was a striker in the previous life if you believe in that kind of stuff. 🙂
Answers on a postcard please…
Whats a striker………………!
Wath, out and out goal scorer.
All ok Ts, trust your well…
I think Wenger refuses to live out of his usual pattern of never truly doing what he is expected to do. Even kids in kindergarten know we need a strong DM … but he will always prefer to tell the world that he already has one, only we lack the eyes to regonise so.
And that’s my fear…he may not give us that DM…he’ll prefer to discover one in Chambers!
So who’s an out and out goalscorer then Gdna…?
Suarez…
Messi..
Ronaldo…
They all scored the most for their teams last season would you not call them strikers…?
Imo…..the next two transfers are……NAstasic (15 mill) and Rabiot (8 million).
Both young, cost is low and can be moulded in the AW way. And he can bench them down whenever he wants.
Henry wasn’t an out and out striker when he signed for us..
How many goals did he score?
Just saying..
Ts, your crystal balls, have a lot to answer for, how’s things?
TEO, he won’t really discover one in Chambers as Chambers played as a defensive midfielder a few years back…!
Good post by the way, only thing I would say is Aaron certainly wasn’t pathetic before AW supposedly told him to keep it simple…!
Devil, is Rabiot a DM/B2B?
Why not Tai??? why are you afraid of Chambers in DM??
Petit was a CB before he came to us…..and was put in DM
Chambers will be happy to learn and play at the top.
And I can assure you he will not cost us points.
tsgh – hiya mate – i am truly concerned with all this Campbell and Sanogo hype – what has either of them done long term to show they are capable of this league and more importantly this club – we’ve heard this superstar nonsense from Wenger so many times on so many players over so many years. I just think for a club in our so called position a truly deadly marksman and intimidating DM are vital. again i may be wrong – as we love to say judge him in may i guess
Rico…..Rabiot is a DM and B2B player as well. He has good engine. And a snip for 8 million.
and if AW gets Rabiot and Nastasic he will have ample money left for Reus………maybe he can get a deal done in January for him.
Heskey is a free agent
I prefer Giroud as a target man and outlet. Just feel we need a striker that finishes better. Everytime he had his tongue out was an opportunity where I felt others would put away.
Perhaps Sanchez and Campbell could feed off in behind from Giroud.
Now you’re talking, Nickie..
rico – a long time ago that was
That’s one way to really piss Kev off Nickie… how dare you ignore Darren Bent…!
Don’t believe that NN rumour re: Phil Jones.
Nope, ManUre thought they were gonna just offer us the dough and wd’d roll onto our back and say ‘tickle my tum’…
So good to see Arsenal fcuk them off…
Oyyyyy Kev…….is Bent on a Bosman as well????
I am good thanks for asking Wath…
Wath- Sections of fans choice would be Cavani and Falcao as a ‘proper’ striker- I trust you know my view on those 2….
Considering that their clubs Psg and Monaco are begging teams including ourselves to pay circa of £10m as loan fees and then take on their wages but even the ‘oilers’ are staying clear…
Also, Di Maria’s deal has fallen through… FFP is working in a strange way.. or is it because even the ‘New Monies’ can’t sustain the model of pouring money down a black hole…
Dmitry Ry’lev can afford to hire the best accountants money can buy to manipulate the system but his club draws gates intake of 5000 on average on match days… no expert or dubious sponsorship can help imho…
Watch, of all the players you listed Suarez is the only Striker. imo
Who mentioned my hero Darren?
Hiya Wath, you been busy mate?
I think whoever considered Suarez a striker would appreciate the striking similarities between the Uruguayan and Sanchez. I still believe Suarez will play from the wings to not clash with Messi’s route to goal. Without Messi, Suarez can play his role…playing Suarez top will mean keeping out Xavi or Iniesta.
But Suarez is extremely mobile to cover empty grounds from the wings….just like Sanchez … because of Giroud’s strength aerially and hold-up play, Sanchez will always play from either wing…his mobility and pace will cover pu for Giroud’s clumsy movements…and when playing with Walcott, I pity any defence tasked with stopping the duo, especially at away grounds.
With Sanogo, it’s a different approach – all front three are full of pace and will depend on off ball movements and even interchange of positions. A Campbell from the right or Chamberlain from the left presents another dimension, though narrow but dangerous for any opposition.
One worry – Podolski! Where does he really belong?
Oz. Which May? That’s the question. 🙂
Coach, is that right, Bent is on a freebie?
You can’t have too much of a good thing mate…
Darren Bent, come on down…. 🙂
Tai, that was a vgd post btw…
Tai…….Podolski will fill in according to how much AW rotates his strikers.
AW now should behave like a kid in a candy shop with Eur100 in his pockets.
Lol Oz… yes I know.. even a die hard Akb crusader like myself sometimes wonder what the gentleman has had in his tea/coffee… 🙂
The moment AW tried to convince himself by saying there were no DM on the market but that we would try to cover that crucial area using Diaby’s physique and Arteta’s tactical awareness made me lmfao… he then concluded by saying JW will be used as our DM… now it is CC21…
I am beginning to think Frimpong should have stayed… at least he takes no prisoners…
I would have loved AW to pay £3m loan fee for Balo’ with an option to buy him for £15m next season but Yaya Sir-Now-Goals has skewered the plan I guess…
Headless chicken comes to mind Kev, Don’t worry Rico I ain’t been round and lobbed off one of yours 😉
Ts, wouldn’t touch either of those 2 with a barge pole…!
Gdna, Suarez doesn’t just score goals though does he…? he creates he drops deep he does everything so who’s to say Sanchez won’t do that for us…?
Dev- do you think Rabiot can cope as a DM in this league?
Thanks Devil, I guessed he must be – good price..
I really hope AW doesn’t sign Nastasic he is 21, its either him or CC, not both. A defense with Per, Kos, CC & Nastasic is not even close to top class. We need a CB & DM who are ready made players, not another project player. imo
Exactly Tai, Where does Podolski belong currently?
I guess when injuries take their toll he can do a job in LW but he certainly isn’t a starter anymore.
I’m concerned for the state of our midfielder/left side come next season. Flamini, Arteta, Rosicky. Cazorla, Podolski, Diaby will they have a big part to play next season? Can they physically play a part? Our most strongest depth will need to be refreshed next summer. Will zelalem be ready to step up? Will Wilshere find his form? If not it leaves Ramsey and Ozil unless I’m forgetting someone
Hi Bt
Gdna, it is a long time ago, but the principle is still the same, until we see where and how Sanchez plays, who knows how many goals he might get.
Of course and as Adam said earlier, one injury to him would be very bad news, but he’s a strong guy by the looks of him.
I’d love a world class striker in, but unless Yaya or Campbell go out on loan, I just can’t see it happening..
If AW can get back the Sanchez of Udinese then we have a winner…
My only reservation as goonie also noted is that AS17 holds on to the ball too much…
I didn’t quite understand Pep when he pointed that out 3 or 4 months after he signed him until I watched him in the wc and the Emirates cup…
😀 wath.. come on…. even a tight-ass like myself will take Cavani or Falcao for £5m or £20m plus £5m a year salary .. 😛
Dna just joking. 😛
Dev…I’ve said severally that CC has all qualities to be a great DM…my only worry is his age …too young at 19 to sustain the pressure…play him regularly in that role and we’d have a long layoff before January. It’s happened severally to kids his age.
Thanks, Wath.
Dna, will you take Santana or Howedes of S04?
Frimpong Ts? Steady on…. lol
Phew Wath, my girls are only just settling down…
Wath, Suarez is a freak, top 3 player in world football, Alexis is a very good player, but not at Suarez level. Suarez is in the same category as Ronaldo & Messi so its pointless the two.
Was Suarez at that level 2 yrs ago Gdna…? No is the answer and he’s 2 yrs older than Sanchez so we’ll have to wait and see…!
Devil, I can’t see us getting Nastasic, not after AW’s comments on Lampard, he’s probably cheesed City off…
Gdna, I reckon Alexis will keep you quiet this season…
Ts, is that Carlos Santana?
Rico. With a season as long as ours, options are what’s needed. Chambers is so raw and inexperienced that putting too much on his shoulders seems dodgy to me.
Nickie.. you have a valid question at 2:27…
Akpom in my view is ready to offer us power and pace if AW will use him in his proper place on the wings…
Ox looks like he is ready to step up too but he has to be used only on the wings..
to me I will sell Sc19… I think he is a fine player and has a part to play but apart from his first 6 months before teams worked him out and the last 6 or so weeks of last season, I think his time is almost up in this league… but he either has to be used only when he is fresh or sold… he was never athletic in his early 20’s anyways but now especially in this 4-1-4-1 kamikaze formation that requires our wingers to cover our attacking FB’s I think we are asking too much from him…
Poldi still has the legs to play 20 or so games a season so I will keep or swap for Matip
Thanks Kev.
Our attack…
Giroud, Sanogo, Campbell…top, Sanchez, Chamberlain, Poldoski..left, Walcott, Campbell, Chamberlain…
What’s happening with Gnabry? He seems forgotten…
I still feel we have what we need. Pace to get in behind. Instead of Ramsey, Wilshere, Podolski, Monreal and all the others Wenger used last season on the wing. We don’t need the striker to be fast if we can break on the flanks and have good movements.
During the Ems cup where Sanchez started wide he came to life after half time when moved to CF. We looked much more fluid than we did with him on right and Giroud up front.
lol… Bt. Maria maria… 🙂
Fellipe Santana.
I know Emir Spahic is over 30 but he will be perfect for us… from Leverkusen
Ts, i’m tired of the team falling to pieces after Christmas, the club needs proven WC players.
well i’m off, nice to catch up, take care one and all.
Brad. And if Sanchez gets injured? We are back to the inadequacies of last season plus a bloke who has never played a minute in the PL.
Our CAM – Ozil, Carzola, Rosicky
Bob-to-box – Ramsey Wilshere, Diaby…
DM ??????
Adam, I know, we need a CB once TV has gone and a DM.
Brad, our midfielders don’t make the right moves though apart from 2 I can think of…
Actually why don’t we raid Leicester city for one of their CBs?
Tai- I think Serge will leave on loan if he is fit…
He might have joined Southampton if he was not nursing an injury…
Cheers Oz…!
I’m going to wait and see what squad we have on Sept 1st before worrying and moaning too much.. 🙂
Until then, I’m looking forward to the CS fixture against City…
Rico. At the very minimum I would think.
Go steady Oz…
Ts,
I think Akpom may go on loan…best for him and us.
I’d be quite happy with those two Adam, a winger would be a bonus of course, well Reus..
No striker Rico?
Dna, the team ‘falling to pieces after Christmas’ has nothing to do with quality but squad rotation imo…
saying that if Aw had the quality he trusted he might rotate more…
Last August before Ozil AW said his team is decided upon by mid August… he said he believes a perfect team is made from 18 senior/proven players plus 4 unknowns plus several kids…
I doubt he has changed his view after those comments…
Tai- you are being harsh re DM position… William C, etc are not currently better than Arteta or even Flamini.. only Morgan S may be able to walk into the team imo…
Rico, i have watched Alexis long enough, nothing he does will surprise me, he was 200 times better at Udinese than FCB.
Who knows how much comes to Arsenal from the two-legged UCL playoffs? Rico?
Lol rico… re Frimp someone had to mention him since Micko was not around. 😛
later oz…
Adam, I guess I am being realistic. Whilst AW trusts both Campbell and Yaya, I can’t see him signing one.
We all wanted a guy who can score goals and like Wath, I think Alexis will be that player.
However, nothing would surprise me in this transfer window which is why I am going to wait and see what unfolds over the next few weeks.
£27m last year- tai. Don’t know about this year…
Gdna, I’m not suggesting he will surprise you, I just have a feeling he’ll prove he can score goals and you’ll have more belief in him up front…
Ts,
Arteta and Flamini fall short of what we believe we need or we wouldn’t be worrying…that’s why I’m looking at CC.
So it had to be you Ts… lol
There is a massive internal debate going on about that Rico but one thing is for sure. Wenger will come out with a load of old fanny to support whatever and whoever we end up with. Ivan is much more flexible as he wants to win.
Oh yeah, Akpom as a winger. That excites me, forgot about him Ts. He was always put down as a striker but he equally impresses me on the wing. As much as Santi is a great player and great guy I think we will see him leave within a year for the reasons you said. I’d much rather cash in on Pod and Caz now and buy a Reus and young CAM to replace.
Hehe yes Rico, we’ve got a piece of silverware to win! Prediction?
Of all strikers in the world bar Ronaldo, Messi and Suarez…I’d settle for Sanchez. That he has extra dimension to play from the wings is a bonus instead of liability. I’m certain he’d deliver…
Ts, I mean just what comes from the two matches …like from gate takings and commercials
Ts, AW scared to rotate because most of our players aren’t good enough.
Adam, some things never change.
Arteta does not fall short imo… he just can’t be playing every 3 days… like Sir Whisky face did with scholes and Giggs.. AW needs to bring in someone to learn from both Arteta, TR07 and even Flamster…
Last season when he came back against BM, even Pep said our midfield was stronger in the second leg as compared to the first leg…
With all due respect though, not even AW has seen CC21 play as a CDM.. playing as a CB which does not need you to make certain decisions is completely different to playing CDM imho…
All that talk of AW is another lip service.. 2 years ago it was I can see Ox being our CDM now it is JW and CC21…
Pure hogwash from Aw imo… just because a player has the right technical ability/physique does not make him a DM otherwise JW would have taken Arteta’s role already imo… tactical awareness is crucial…
There must be a reason why CC21 was dropped after February last season too… he is young lets give him time imo…
The negativity about Cazorla has always amazed me.
I couldn’t help it rico. 🙂 then again Denilson has improved since he went back to Brazil… lol
Bendtner is still a free agent… a cheeky pay as you play deal maybe… 😉
BT. That’s the thing really, Ivan has a world view and really wants to push on. He doesn’t buy into footballing musical chairs or us as paupers, having to buy in the low end of the market.
Reus>Sanchez.
We have squad of hopefully’s and not good enoughs.
Gibbs we hope stays fit as we don’t trust Monreal.
Mert and Kos stays fit cos Chambers is too young.
Hope Mert has a stellar season and not similar to his first.
Hopefully Ozil shows his potential in his second season.
Hopefully Ox is fit enough to play this season.
Hopefully wilshere comes right and contributes.
Arteta and Flamini are not good enough.
Giroud is not good enough
Sa-more goal and Campbell not tested or world class.
Rosicky what last the season never mind Diaby.
Who is good enough then in our squad?
Ts, Arteta is Denilson MK2.
I’m just thinking…maybe, just maybe Wenger prefers to come 4th once winning the title is out of it. maybe we make up to 5 mil from the UCL knockout games…enough to pay Sanchez’s one year wages. Just thinking…
As a striker Gdna? or all round player?
The past couple of weeks it feels like you’re sad that we have signed Sanchez.
It’s better him than nobody.
Sanchez is a world class player
brad,
Lol…but even without more signings, we have a better squad this season than last.
I’d happily take a young CDM. Learn the trade from Arteta and rotate with him game in game out. him and Arteta would have a split of 50-60 games.
Arteta is a good DM (as exhibited by Ts’ stats) he just lacks the pace
Nickie, you’re only being modest and understating your 3.07. Sanchez is not a better-him-than-nobody. Having Sanchez in Arsenal, imo, is better than having Cavani, Balotelli, even Falcao in his place.
Nickie, there is no doubt Sanchez is a WC player, when did i say i’m sad AFC sign him?
Adam, me too re Carzola … only Ozil is better than him in CAM role in our squad…now, don’t tell me Rosicky, Ts.
Adam, I think Cazorla would be more appreciated if he was actually played in his actual position CAM. Him spending most his time in left back position trudging up the wing does him no favours. He was at his best in 2012 because he had no Ozil being guaranteed that place. Even in the emirates cup why is he put on the wing. Either player him in his correct position or don’t play him at all. He doesn’t deserve this negativity. It reeks of Ramsey a couple of seasons ago playing RW. He was put in his favourite position and guess what Wenger, he started playing to potential.
Nickie, spot on your 3.14. Surprisingly we’re on same page today… did I repent or you did?
Tai,
I rate Sanchez very highly and he is world class. He was the player along with Reus who I wanted to see the mighty gunners sign most. I just said the better-him-than-nobody because that’s the attitude Wenger gives his fans. In the past if we didn’t get target A that was it, we wouldn’t bother pursuing target B.
Gdna,
No you haven’t. But saying that Sanchez isn’t who he used to be, he’s not great CF. Reus > Sanchez. Cavani > Sanchez just gives me the impression you’re not happy with him. That’s why I asked, no arguement/bad feeling intended.
We haven’t even seen Sanchez play proper competitively for Arsenal yet so how can any of us make the judgement that he’s going to be good or poor yet?
He could be the biggest flop in the premier league. I highly doubt that though 😉
Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed Arsene Wenger’s comments about Frank Lampard ahead of the Community Shield.
In recent days the Gunners boss questioned the motivation behind the six-month loan suggesting it was aimed at circumventing the stringent FFP regulations.
But when quizzed on Wenger’s views the Chilean was quick to point out that their approach was all above board.
Asked on Friday if he was happy that everything to do with the Lampard had been done correctly, Pellegrini said: “I think so.”
Pellegrini added that he was “surprised” by Wenger’s comments, adding: “I think as managers we have enough problems with our own teams to be talking about other teams.
“The only thing I can say is that we have important restrictions about the amount of money we can spend, and Frank Lampard was a free player – we didn’t spend any money in bringing him from New York City to Manchester City.”
Adam, thank goodness someone, high up at Arsenal, has woken up and ‘ smelt the coffee’. One can only hope, he has the support and the energy, to push us on.
I just feel we need to count ourselves lucky we’re managing to grab players like Sanchez/Ozil and be linked with Reus and it not be 100% Bullcrap like it has in the past.
If the last 5 years are anything to go by us gooners would have been salivating at the prospect of a deadline day signing of Kalou.
I hope Ivan wins that battle then Adam.
Me personally would send Sanogo out on loan and sign a striker, but as you said earlier, AW knows his players better than we do so he must see something in Sanogo.
Hopefully we soon will too…
Nickie, Alexis Sanchez who i watched at Udinese & FCB is not. I posted Reus>Sanchez because i think Reus is better player, suited more as a CF than Alexis. imo
*a CF.
Pellegrini is spot on Gdna, why AW needs to comment I don’t know…
I’m with you Adam, it never ceases to amaze me why so many Arsenal fans rubbish the guy.
I am a fan of Santi, as I am a fan of BFG, Flamini, Wilshere, Gibbs and Ozil.
And I will never agree with anyone’s negativity towards those players…
Just saying
Rico, Arsene, just can’t help himself.
Nickie, a good friend of mine tells me that Rabiot would be a very good signing, perhaps he could do what Arteta used to do, just quicker… 😉
The one good feel about Lampard going to Man City is Chelsea fans who are cursing him, calling him a traitor…a player they didn’t want to give extra contract…keep him for his loyalty and great service and retire him into management.
Rico, I’ve heard good things too. Arteta is the perfect professional role model too 🙂
Shame we can’t get a Bale leg plant for Arteta haha. Wouldn’t feel right seeing Arteta running at pace.
Adam. 2.59. Me too, I think he’s a super super player and wouldn’t want him to leave. I could name 2/3 who I wouldn’t shed a tear for, but not him….
Rico, isn’t Rabiot too young?
At 19 and coming from another league, Rabiot can’t be what we need … a player to put both Arteta and Flamini on the bench…that’s who we need, not another Chambers.
🙂 Nickie, have you seen the ‘new’ Bale? He’s really bulked up… Still ugly though.. 😉
Bale, spent the summer on the ‘Monkey Bars’..
What age was Ross Barkley and Rooney when they were unleashed?
Seriously, if he’s good enough, he’s old enough and both of the above prove that. Rabiot would not have to played in every game, just like Chambers won’t have to.
Rest, rotation and opposition will dictate when players play, well they should do….
I have Rico, he’s become quite the beast lol
Are they on you Bt.. 😉 😉
Eight City players to miss CS – Sagna, Zabaleta, Fernandinho, Kompany, Demichelis, Aguero, Negredo, Lampard
If reports are to be believed that Wengers looking at a player that can play both CB and CDM adequately. Why are we not throwing money at Bayern for Martinez. He can play CDM. Chambers back up CB/RB. When things get tough Martinez can drop to CB. 2 birds 1 stone. 15m from verm add 25m to that you get yourself a Martinez
He sure has, there’s a place in Dorset he could sponsor… 😉
Great news Tai, hope we batter them
Rico, that’s a dream. Ramsey/Rabiot vs Toure/ Fernandino/Fernando, Ramires/Matic, Herrera/Fletcher?
Good Tai…
No Gdna, an opinion…
Arsenal should have offered TV and 15 mil to FCB for Busquets.
Nickie, Arteta is ‘Action Man’
Afternoon Rico and the House . Just come online so catching up with todays post and news.
Is JV to Barca official not a bad deal if it is.
In2009 pay £10 mil for a 23year old fit player ,then 5 years later sell injury prone player for £15mil. Well done who ever sold him and good luck TV.
I hope some of you stay around I do have some comments.
Afternoon Rick, it’s not official, but could be soon if we are to believe all the rumours.
Bt, a 70’s version… 😉
Booooo!!
Tai, another good write! I’m one with everyone in the hope that this is the season Jack delivers on his promise. He needs to work on his defending for sure, and his positional awareness. I think he has a tendency to go for flash over the necessary, but I don’t think he is hopeless. He just needs to be sat down and sorted. 😉
Exactly Rico, same piercing eyes/stare, hair the same/never out of place, pull the string, he talks the talk, when it comes to moving fast..you know the rest.
rico, would you know wh is our captain now? 😆
Hello, Bt, howdy?? rico, I drew my salary today, yay! 🙂 I ahd forgotten what paydays felt like. 😛
Hello, Rick, how are you sir? All better I hope. 🙂
Agag, i was saving that one for later, Booo! lol
I do Bt… lol
Hi agag, no.. 🙂
Hi Agag, time to spend, spend, spend….
😛 Bt, did I scare you? Haha.
rico, you chased away our Burnese blogger, it seems. 😀
Yee haaa Agag, have you booked a holiday now? 😉
Bt, don’t you go giving me ides. 😉
Did I agag, who was that then?
Agag, you’ve got to celebrate, it’s only proper..
rico, you know me so well. 😛 😛 Thinking of going to HK since I haven’t been there in a while. I’ll sleep on it. Don’t want to be too spendy like Arsene.
kyawmgmgtun, rico. She/He introduced himself @ 12:06 as coming from Burma. 😉
Bt, shoes are the easiest thing to buy, so I have bought a pair. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Much cheaper than bags. Instant gratification, that’s me.
Besikitas C/L . We have never played them and I am happy with that.
Revised fixtures 13 sep home to Man City .
Its on BT sport 12.45 kick Off
16 /17 away to Besikitas , Better for us if its 16sept(travel )
SatAway to Villa
2Nd leg.
!7 sept home to spuds.
30/1oct.home Besikitas.
4 Oct Chavs away Not certain but I think its on Sky.
but all 3 games in London no travel
Only other game with 12.45 ko on Bt Sport is awy to West Brom
on 29Nov
Manu,Manc and the poops have 3 while the chavs have only 1
I wonder how much that cost the Dwarf?
Agag, that’s a start, have you room for them?
🙂 Agag, or like Ivan, he seems to be the one spending…
He/she only comes on here to ask who the captain will be and that’s about it….
You have given me an idea for tomorrow’s post Rick.. 😉
Nickie, re 3:14 … not sure Sc19 is being wasted on the lhs ?
The only reason why Sc19 my be deemed ineffective playing as a LW is that he does not track back to help defensively…
Last weekends’ bashing/performance of Monreal is one of many examples where SC19 and Nacho playing on the same flank has led to us losing games and making our RB’s look amateurish.
Monreal before he joined us was ahead of Alba but as we did to clichy who has gone on to win trophies, Aw’s tactics mostly fails to provide cover for our RBs…
Back to SC19; As a few who knew him before he joined Arsenal testified was a left winger under Pelle’ at both Villareal and Malaga…
Sc19 was decent as a no.10 from August to January…
AW persisted with him in that role until late February when we were 5 points behind spurs who had a game in hand and then played TR07 as the number 10 and then we finished 3rd, 1 point ahead of spurs leading to Blinky Rednapps dismissal…
Saying all of that it could be that AW should have rotated SC19 or even him a rest around Christmas as SC19 was not used to not having a winter break…
Same as sections of fans claiming Poldi should be played as a striker… Poldi never played up front on his own after he left BM… and the reason why he was dropped at BM was because he was lethargic…
Same as Aa23…
Most teams can afford 1 luxury player in their starting XI but that luxury player has to be exceptional.imo
We tend to have 3 luxury players and then expect our DM to cover all the luxury superstars who are neither Ronaldo or Messi….
rico, to be fair internet access in Burma is almost unheard of. I think 1% of the population uses it. And would you believe one SIM card per family policy? 😉 She/He must like it here. 😉 You’re popular even across continents, you see. 😛
no room, BT. 🙁 But I’ll find a way. 😀
Rick, they are trying to give the Poison Dwarf some advantage; I remember last year Mou kicked up a fuss about the Chavs fixtures several times.
Excellent observation Rick re 4:32
Agag- Jose has friends in higher places as we know… 😉
Ts,
Hmmm…that’s eye-opening.
Thanks Agag … don’t run wild with spending … remember January.
Who can hazard a guess? CS line up tomorrow…
Szczesny – Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Gibbs – Arteta, Ramsey, Carzola – Chamberlain, Sanogo, Sanchez.
I didn’t know that Agag, might explain why he/she doesn’t stay long and I guess he/she just wants to know who will wear the armband…
Sorry on Sunday…
Ginge, strange that. Mou doesn’t strike me as the type to have friends. 😛
I have a really good feeling about Sanchez though. I think he has the makings of a superduperstar. 😉 He’s probably the one Barca player I never slated. Lol.
Agag…did you ever slate Messi? Iniesta? Xavi?
rico, I did notice a blogger asking the same thing again and again. Haha.
Tai, nah. I’m pretty disciplined. I only ever spend on shoes, veterinary care (!) and travel. 😉 The rest, I save for a rainy day.
Diario AS- August 2012
Vicente del Bosque- ” I consider Cazorla a different player to Iniesta. But I think Santiago can be as good as Iniesta that is why I selected him in my squad. I hope under Wenger, he improves his game tactically as Cesc did.I consider him an important player for the national team”
lol.. Agag- imaginary friends… lol
He buys the journo’s free beer so they love him as we know…
Agag its looking a little better now, I feel more positive and I have great hopes for better news sometime next week . Thanks for asking.
Rico pleased to be able to help.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Yes, yes, yes Tai. 🙂 Don’t you know, Barca isn’t popular in this blog? 😀
Good to hear, Rick. 🙂 Best of luck with that. As someone who lives far far far away, and has never even been to the Emirates, it’s good to hear from someone who follows the youth team so keenly.
Rick, how is it that AW seems to have damped his toy from last season Hayden? 🙂
Any news on if he will go on loan… I will be sad if he turns out to be another Boateng…
Hayden was given the chance and sounded out to be our future DM; now all of a sudden Hayden is not being considered/mentioned…
I hope AW has not given up on him…
Ginge, the only friends he has are the “imaginary” ones. 😀
Good evening Rick. You sound great.
Agag, it appears no other team is ever liked here. Even the Three Lions don’t seem to trigger great feelings.
Arsenal have played seven games in Europe against Turkish teams, winning 4 & drawing 3 0-0 (lost one on pens). They have kept 6 clean sheets
There is nothing more I would like to see than the Arsenal captain lifting the Charity shield every August.
Its the trophy I cherish the most.
Good record, Ts…
But we must be careful though. Records get broken one day.
Don’t look forward to it too much Rick… 😉
tsgh says:
August 8, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Diario AS- August 2012
Vicente del Bosque- ” I consider Cazorla a different player to Iniesta. But I think Santiago can be as good as Iniesta that is why I selected him in my squad. I hope under Wenger, he improves his game tactically as Cesc did.I consider him an important player for the national team”
That is a compliment to AW and also a good kick up the balls to us who say that AW does no tactics.
Maybe VDB wanted Cesc to come to AFC again instead of going to the chavs???
😀 Agag.
I may be negative but it appears we are starting the season with 2 senior CB’s… on paper the other CB’s are CC21 who has played 7 times at CB including 2 during the Emirates cup and Miquel who played 10 times as a CB for Leicester and 2 times with us at CB in CoC and friendlies…other times he has featured at RB.
Not sure how we have improved… if the saying Championships are won by the defence is true…
Ginge I have a request for you.
I have seen the debate about what position J/w should play.
Now I first saw him an Underhill playing for Arsenal reserves and that was on more then once.
I have been told that there is a film onyou toube Jack Wilshire at 16.
I have no idea how to find it , you look to be the expert at that so could you see if you can find it and put it on H/H.
I saw Jack play against West Ham and in that match I can remember him setting up Nacer Barazite for a goal and the scored the winner. I feel certain that not many would have seen this and I would like to remind every one just what he can do.
Do you best mate.
Tai, haha, good observation. Lol. But I confess I am the most vocal about my distaste of Barca. It started with that Cesc debacle, and I think I never quite shook that off. I thought that his public courting was really disrespectful to our club. Everyone from Messi to Puyol to Iniesta to Xavi to Shakiro was on the media about it. It didn’t get Cesc anywhere now, did it? Are you a fan?
lol Dev.. AW does tactics but its too romantic for the guerrilla warfare lords he faces in this league… lol
My question at 4:55 should have been has Santi improved under Aw?
AFCPressWatch™
@AFCPressWatch
Koeman: “I spoke to him with our chairman and the situation has not changed – we don’t sell Schneiderlin and he has to accept that.”
How do you accurately determine the value of a footballer?
http://t.co/cUKTQEYZNk
VDB gave Cesc a tough time at the last WC.. Good!!
Hello, Dev and GDNA.
Rick.. I will try to find the video when I get home… I am about to join the long queue on m25 going home…
Rick, for the time being watch this video of his first few games for us some against Juve…He was playing on the lhs…
Like you I found myself under the shed at Underhill on a few times…
Agag, I never forgave Barca for that too. Especially dragging the Mayor of the city into it.
It’s like they wanted to destroy Arsenal…but three years gone, Barca wins no trophy, kicks out the same prodigal son while we broke our spell! That’s exactly how life rolls. Nothing lasts forever.
5.11 Ts. Chambers is good enough imo. Just don’t think he should play each and every week. Let’s wait and see who AW replaces TV with. I bet that player is already waiting to be announced…
Dev, me too…how I’d cherish winning the CS this Sunday…
Hi Agag, you need to change your user name to money. lol
Not only this Sunday Tai…….every year I want to win the Charity shield.
Agag…
I love good football and Barca plays it…and I believe Messi is the third player behind Pele and Maradona that ever played the beautiful game. yeah. I guess I’ll support Barca against any team besides Arsenal.
You, if not Arsenal which other team would you support?
Dev, I’d love that better as long as it’s possible.
I have been saying for the last three years that Barca are an empire in decline. I was saying it even though at that time, they still kept winning. But finally, it is true now, hah. 😀 Oh, and the one thing I’ll never recover from is our “loss” to them at the CL finals in 06. Everyone and their dog knows we won that.
Ginge, you take care now.
After Arsenal I look out for two teams Tai…..Torino FC and SudTirol FC both in the Italian leagues.
Ajax Amsterdam I like as well……..especially their style of play
Tai, there’s only one team to support…
Swansea City chiefs insist Michel Vorm’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur was conducted correctly after the Dutch goalkeeper’s former club Utrecht threatened to report the Premier League team to FIFA.
Utrecht claim they have not received 30 per cent of Vorm’s transfer fee, which they allege was part of a sell-on agreement between them and the Swans when he moved to Wales for STG1.5 million ($A2.74 million) in 2011.
Dutch international Vorm, who was a member of the Netherlands’ squad at the recent World Cup, moved to White Hart Lane last month for what Swansea described as an undisclosed fee.
“The transfer of Michel Vorm was conducted and concluded correctly under Premier League rules,” a Swansea spokesman said.
“While we have been in contact with Utrecht as a matter of courtesy, we will continue to conduct our business in the best interest of our football club and our supporters, and not based on the views of other clubs.
“Unlike some countries abroad, we do not have third party ownership of players in Britain.”
Utrecht general manager Wilco van Schalk claimed on Friday that Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins had told him Vorm had gone to Tottenham “for free”.
Schalk told BBC Wales: “That’s unbelievable and unacceptable.
“Michel is a very reliable goalkeeper in the Premier League. He is 30-years-old, in the prime of his life. He still had a two-year contract and has a good reputation.
“Besides that, he’s a solid member of the Dutch squad. We want to have the 30 per cent as we agreed.”
Agag, we did, but the ref make sure otherwise…
Oi, GDNA!! I take exception to that comment. I’m not Mayweather or a Kardashian. 😀 😀 I was unemployed for a year, remember? I deserve at least a pair of shoes as a reward for all my hardwork in the last month. 😀
Tai, I used to watch a bit of Juve, hahaha. So much for integrity, eh? 😀 I really liked how Atleti played last year. What on paper was a team of limited talent, and no widely accepted superstar won the league and almost won the CL. I think that is the sort of teamwork to strive for.
Hello, Devil. 🙂 Still hot in Malta?
Very good podcast, worth a listen.
http://t.co/XyACYYRX7K
Hi Agag……
no its not hot.
We are FRYING.
Ag, that’s whats up, do ya thing. Remember to hold your pocket book tight. lol
rico, I agree, AFC is the only team worth supporting.
Believe me, I get in trouble with perfect strangers because of that. I do tend to comment/laugh when I see someone wearing a Chav/Madrid/Barca/Citeh/whatever other team kit.
Ginge you know I am a great fan of Hayden and I believe he could become a very good player .I have no idea why he was not given a game in the Emms Cup and it would be a boast for him just to be in the squad sunday. From the moment I first saw him play i thought he was a very good C/b, however against F/G last week they once again played him as amid fielder and I am told he was an insperation to the rest of the team, and he scored 2 very good goals.
As for a loan I have not heard any thing and I do not want him to go on one, I want the lads to be given a chance to win silverware.
I hope that Jonker has done away with Larrimans negativity and replaced them with positve vibes.
Yeah, Dev…I like Ajax too and would support them against most teams.
Agag…in every league, I have a club which rotates every season, depending on how they play. Only Arsenal has been permanent.
Ts, you might like this.
Exactly, GDNA. 😀
Dev, it is at least cool here now since the rains have arrived. Careful you don’t get sunstroke. 🙁
Tai, I see AFC is also the club of your life. 😉 Good on you!
Rick, I really wished I saw more of the young guns. It’s just impossible here.
I always keep an eye on Reading though Agag… 😉
Gdna,
That Vorm transfer…think something is fishy there. If another club owns 30% why make transfer fee undisclosed?
Yeah, Agag …Gunners till eternity!
rico, fair enough. 🙂 Love your own, eh?
I watched Wilshere youtube…I still think box-to-box would suit his style best…but his tactical awareness must improve as well as playing safe and simple.
Yes agag, and I can never forget all the times I stood on the terraces cheering them on. Just Arsenal came along in 1971 and that was me done… 😉
Tai, youtube can be very deceiving……
I hate the sun Agag. I do not go out between 11.00am and 16.00 hrs.
I suffer from the heat. It dehydrates me and saps my strength.
Of course…we’re talking of Wilshere, not a player from nowhere…I don’t need the youtube.
🙂 🙂
MANCHESTER UNITED will look to sign former Arsenal star and Tottenham target Alex Song from Barcelona if they fail to land Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.
The Express…
Come on you miserable lot, sign up for the HH Fantasy league, there’s only 4 of us so far… 🙂
Arsenal was the end of my weekends as I knew it, rico.
As you well know, our matches are shown in the evenings here… there you go, goodbye to night outs; hello to walking out on dinners, etc. Haha. CL is worse, that’s always 2:30 am at the earliest. That means a memo from our HR dept for tardiness. Haha.
Ginge that is the one. He was only 16 then.
Coach after Arsenal I look for 3 teams Arsenal u21
A rsenal U19 and Arsenal Youth team.
Dinner calls back later.
🙂 agag..
Dinner calls me too.. Laters..
From Vidal to Song. How things end on a sour note eh??
I think tomstoned would be interested in the Fantasy League, rico. Wasn’t he asking about it before?
Aga, I think Man U will get Vidal…it’s sounding very very close.
Ginge will die if that happens, Tai. I’d be very, very, very sad. 🙁
I don’t think there’s anything Ts or anybody can do about that. LVG’s seriousness in tackling his friendly games so far has made it clear Man U is only spending this season out of UCL.
Tai… we do not want Yanited to get Vidal… Agag if Vidal joins Yanited I might have to fly to west africa to see a witch doctor to do some juju on Vidal. 😛
Dna- just because I rate Arteta does not mean I wear funny looking AF1’s.. 😛
Tai. on a serious note I am with you on how well LVG has gotten the manure crew playing…
Rico, admittedly I know little of CC21 but from what we all saw in the Emms cup he looks assured…
So far as the media don’t start dubbing him the new John terry he looks like he has the right attitude to make it…
Ramsey always the best.. I am still surprised we won nothing for so long with some of the teams we had…
CC is a real player…he has most of what I want in players…no 1 – Calm…then control…
Rick. I am not happy with Hayden being played as a midfielder.. it reminds me of D. Boateng being played everywhere. 4 years ago Boateng was being touted as the new Gallas.. he even went on loan as a 17 y.o CB but the loans failed him and compounded with the usual Arsenal dna-esque injuries his career seems to be over.
Ts, bollox to the media re Chambers, I doubt for one minute the guy will care. He looks the bees knees, but, AW needs to look after him.
Get a DM and CB and let the guy grow into whichever position he’s set for…
Dev- I didn’t know you followed Fc Torino.. so has BVB gotten themselves a dime with Immobile?
Totally agree Rico… he looks very matured for his age and with Aw liking him if he keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground we could get ourselves a new Koewn or O’Leary…
Boateng and Hayden partnership..
You see, Wenger always fall short of making his fans happy…this DM gamble will cost us again…we then wait for next summer to start talking of it all over again…it’s his way! Next solves all his problems in one go.
Evening Agag. How’s things?
Tai have you sen this? lol
Djibril Cisse dancing…
…Never solves…
TEO 7.20, it’s called composure, you can’t teach it.
Wath, only a madman would let the best striker in the world walk away for free in the summer and not replace him properly.
Mekus, what a brilliant write-up. One of the very few great piece I have read here. Not even the player and manager can disagree with this constructive way of writing about your own player. If this type of positive discourse continues, I will rank HH as good as desigunner, arsenal arsenal and a cultured leftfoot and might be tempted to steal time from my crazy schedule to write.
Now about Jack, his problem, as I see it, is the problem of meeting expectations. Jack at 19 had shot the expectations of both Arsenal and English fans. Here was arguably an English player with the technique and skills of the Spanish. Hopes were raised. The talent-destroying English press hung too much expectations on his tiny shoulders. Arsenal fans fell for it too. Everybody expected him to be consistent performer.
The problem is that we seem to forget that many players that young have failed to satisfy such huge hopes shown at 19. How many players have satisfied expectations from age 19 to their mid 20s? List them.
I think we are expecting too much. That expectation is weighing Jack down, making him to smoke to diffuse the pressure placed upon him to perform like he did at age 19. Injury, also, has not been fair to him.
I have learnt not to expect too much from people and players wearing the Arsenal and my national jersey. When they don’t meet our expectations we become angry and turn the heat on them. We insult them, calling them names. For a lot, the pressure affect their performance. And the worst thing in football is for your own fans not to believe or support you. I had that experience as a football player.
I think Jack needs patience and time. Those of you know him should tell him to just relax because he’s got the talent to excel. He should stop being afraid that the number of talents in his position could confine him to the bench.
Lets keep the expectations low for these players. This has helped me not to be angry with the players because unmet expectations could make me turn on the manager and players. All I know is that these players are talented and capable, but yet are humans like me who do not perform at my peak year in and year out.
As talented as Alexis, Ozil and the new players are, I am not expecting too much from them. I want them to blow the league away. But I don’t want my expectations to negatively affect their performance. I rest my case.
Rejoice, you are like a bad penny…
Ts, I agree, think Chambers will turn out just fine, mighty fine.
Actually Rejoice, if you really think that HH articles don’t suit your agenda, then perhaps this is not for you.
I don’t write each day to suit you, I write what’s in the news and on my mind. Your comment is quite patronising and rude. May I suggest you blog on Le Grove in future…
Good night!
Rejoice. Exactly how will your expectations affect any player’s performance?
lol Rejoice… I am certain you have heard about Pliny the Elder’s famous saying ‘burying one’s heads in the sand like an ostrich’?
Most of us adore AW but no man is beyond criticism not even over paid football idols imo…
I can agree with your views on name calling but to suggest we just gather around the camp fire and sing ‘Kum ba yah’ is a bit patronising imho…
Don’t bother Adam, he’s gone…
Ts, same as above…
What a shame Rico. He had so much to give too, 🙂
Didn’t he just Adam… 😉
Rico. 🙂 I guess we’ll just have to struggle on without him.
Rejoice, I knew Rico would grab at your throat while reading you. She’s a tigress…she takes no prisoners…you may have to use right words to apologise…I really wish you do.
Ts, are u watching the PSG game?
It’ll be tough Adam, but we’ll cope I’m sure…. 😉
Ts…that Cisse stuff…great azonto dance steps.
Yeah, Micko…you got the right word – Composure!
Just a message for Nickie this is gist of what I was trying to post yesterday, anyone in the Norfolk area on holiday or on a boat , it will be well worth the trip.
The Dog Inn, Johnson Street , Ludham.
Just had a call from Chris Bailey, from Mustard TV, our local TV station. They will be at the Dog tomorrow between 1-2pm to film the Dwile Flonking and interview us about it, to be shown during the week!
I have also lined up JD & Co to play outside between 2 and 4.30, and the lovely Dale Bullimore is singing between 4 and 6pm!
Plenty of reasons to spend an afternoon at our pub tomorrow, not least that we will have around 14 Real Ales on sale!
I’m off guys, catch up tomorrow sometime…
Night all, have a good one…
Guillem Balague ✔ @GuillemBalague
Khedira: Arsenal made no offer whatsover to Real. No wage agreement as he is far too expensive. He has no intention (as yet) to reduce wages
Night Rico…
Tai.. slow stream for me…
Rejoice, you seem to have a very high opinion of yourself…
An opinion that not many others seem to share…
Have you noticed that fact?
Tai. results such as this makes me like Ligue 1 this side of christmas…
Dna, you friend Cavani has scored
Anyway nevermind about Rejoice…
What I wanna know is where is Smudge?
I could do with a few music vids at this time of the evening, and nobody quite posted vids like Smudge… 😉
You dont have to be born in Islington to be loyal to the Arsenal..
Apparently Vermaelen rejected £135k a week Man Utd offer to sign £80k a week deal with Barca and said it was an easy choice…
And Romford Pele, whatever happened to him…
He always had something to say…,
Ts,
What result/ Pls spill…
For the minority who wanted us out of UCL spot because 4th was not good enough so we can sack AW…
Cesc, Kroos, Vermaelen etc all rejected Man United this summer…
Tai. the psg game 2-2 now against Reim…
And for cutting and pasting, nobody could quite cut n paste like Merlin…
That boy was in a class of his own…,
lol Kev..
Smething to read from 4-4-2. Good read from Martinez
http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/martinez-praises-moyes-laying-foundations
Ts, your 8.52 real?
Thought it was preseason…Ligue 1 kicked off?
Evening Standard @standardnews · 6h
Burger King customer ‘buys all the apple pies to spite crying child queueing behind him’ http://bit.ly/1lH8C7d
And where for art there is Dutch????
He always had something interesting to say…
Night All
Hmm…I’m behind…Ligue 1 kicked off. Ibra score 2 miss pen…hmmm…
Yep.. at least according to daily Fail..
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2719746/Manchester-United-s-15million-Thomas-Vermaelen-Arsenal-want-Chris-Smalling-swap-deal-Barcelona-set-sign-defender-four-year-deal.html
Night Kev, Rico…
Night kev
tai.
http://livesport4u.com/stream1.html
he’s a smart guy…RVP may have gotten the money and trophy…but he’s now not playing in the UCL for the first time since he arrived England for his sins…
thanks Ts…
Ts, Cavani is WC player.
Evening gentlemen, busy day and just catching up with some fine reading and a glass of wine. Good read Tai, fingers crossed its his breakthough season, and the other fingers crossed that this hope doesnt stop Wenger buying a player like Carvalho! Interesting to read we made an enquiry on Cavani… Im keen for a realistic price
Ts, you can say your 8.54 again and again.
Hi roger..
lol Tai… himdsight is a beautiful thing I guess.
Cesc Fabregas reveals his love for a kebab on Instagram as the Chelsea man continues to prepare for his Premier League return
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2718730/Cesc-Fabregas-reveals-love-kebab-Instagram-Chelsea-man-continues-prepare-Premier-League-return.html#ixzz39pjaFRq5
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Thanks Rbj…hope you had a nice day
Dna.. Cavani is a fine player… too expensive though… lol
lol, can you even imagine Ronaldo doing that to his body?!
Cavani missed from 1 yard with 20 secs to go.. lol
He is human afterall
Ts,
We may not like to hear it but Mourinho just described everything about Cesc’s game in that link.
Evening all, Tai, good post mate. indeed a big season for JW . Ts, is that stream good for EPL?
Hi Bt.. it should be good buddy.
Evening Bt. Thanks.
Ts, i’ll give it a whirl on Sunday.
Been a wonderful day on HH. Night Ts, Bt, roger, all.
Night Tai,
Kev, don’t forget gift of the gab Charlie George, he was a bit of a know it all as well !!! wonder what he’s up to these days.
Kev, I think you’ll find Smudge is still searching for Bootsie and if you look carefully you’ll fin the Romford Pele in the parlour!
Strangely bloggers come and go, they make you happy, sad, mad, flabbergasted, shocked, horrified, angry, sad…….and often bemused and befuddled, but you have to ‘rejoice’ that they turn up at all as they all, sorry we all gain something from the interaction we have with each other.
Granted though, some bloggers attract more attention than others and when they ‘disappear’ we miss them terribly….or not!
tsgh, kum-ba-yah my lord, we used to sing that in school assembly, happy days I might add lol.
Nite all.
Arsenal’s Abou Diaby picks up hip injury, set to miss Community Shield v Man City [L’Equipe] Really !
Saw that as well , Potter.. You couldn’t make it up, or could you?
I have one question for those thinking we are lacking.
Are we, or are we not as stronger squad than this time last season?
We’ve all complained about selling top players and not replacing them, well this time we’ve sold no first 11 guys yet bought real quality.
Never happy, some fans.
I am shocked at that news.
Absolutely Diabyolical!
Shocked and surprised………well not really!
Never laugh in the face of the inevitable!
You couldn’t make it up…you bloody well could where Diaby is concerned the mans quite clearly work shy!
Stick him on the dole!
I thought JW10 is 21
22 Sukky..
Morning all.
Diaby injured? Poor fella, how on earth has he managed that when he hasn’t been playing?
Happy birthday to me happy birthday to me!
Rico as it’s my birthday today….. Rejoice find a dead bear and poke your head up its arse you wanker! Slagging off the previous posts, you really are a prick! Alternatively write a post!?!?
Goodbye Diaby!
Morning Birthday Boy, hope you have a wonderful day full of much alcohol and lovely food… 🙂
You feel better for that, no red card as it’s your birthday…. lol
For †̥ђƺ first time in ♍Ɣ life,am afraid we might lose agaisnt man shity
I don’t think we will…
I think we’ll beat citeh!
Morning all,
Happy birthday Lee, hope it’s a lekker one.
Mine’s tomorrow so best gift will be an Arsenal victory.
Thank goodness Diaby got injured before Wenger even gets the idea of relying on him.
On Wishere, i think Wenger needs to give him the sub-wing lesson again to learn positioning, timing and the need to pass. Let’s hope he has grown up not to sulk this time.
Lee,you think?
They have a lot of players missing.. lol
Morning Bradster, blessing in disguise re Diaby…
Diabolical diaby… Micko get him to sing along to kum-ba-yah my lord… lol
Maybe he needs some of Cesc’s kebab; who said clean living is supreme? 🙂
I had a dream:-
“Arsenal defeat weakened City”
“Arsenal lose to big club once again”
3-2 to the Arsenal
Morning Rico and fellow housers
Morning Ts..
Morning Rico, Lee, Bradster and all. Lee, happy birthday mate, lots of love from Mrs A and me mate. 🙂
Morning Adam…
Diaby is injured again?I bet this man will give up soon.
Cheers brudder!
Yes sukky I do think we’ll win!
With yet another Diaby injury surely Arsene will replace him?!?!
You’d like to think so re Diaby…..
I feel very sorry for Diaby myself.
Firstly I think it will be a rather tepid game with a couple of goals, 1 – 1 or 2 -1 city. Re:- Diaby He should just gracefully retire now and put everyone including himself out of their collective misery and do it to give Arsenal time to replace him.
I’m off out for most of the day so catch up later..
New post will be up at 10am..
Have a fab day all, especially you Lee… 🙂
TTFN
Brudder this is where we are eating tonight, I will give you a review!
http://www.milsomhotels.com/letalbooth/restaurant/
Sky sports 1 now documentary about Bobby P!!!!!!
Morning All…
Happy Birthday, Lee.
Diabbbbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
For the first time in three years, I’m confident we’ll beat City. 2 – 1!
I’m with you, Scott…
We already have a better squad than last season…it’s only we know that adding just two players will get us at per with other big teams. At this moment, we’re just two players short. 30 mil may do the magic of getting us that desired DM and replacing TV with a CB that can push both Kos and Per all the way…just these two and we’ll compete on equal footing with Chelsea, City, Man U. But with what we have, it’s another top 4!
Brudder. I just had a look through the menu with Mrs A and we have made our selections. Looks very nice and we hope you have a great time.
Looking forward to seeing you next week. 🙂
Morning Adam,
What’s your take on match tomorrow? You confident?
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/the-kid-that-had-it-all-278965.html
Something to read and talk about before the next post.
Morning Tai. I believe than Man City are without 8 first team regulars and that neither team will be flat out. It’s hard to gauge the importance of the game but a win would be welcome for general confidence and for the fans. Not sure on the score as I don’t usually go in for predictions on such things. As long as we come through a bit fitter and unscathed really. 🙂
Ok…I feel we’re in better footing to nip it. I have never felt the need to win this Community Shield that I ever have before. Any chance for a trophy MUST be grabbed with tenacity because these days, such chances don’t come daily.
Yes, I agree. A win is always a good thing and confidence should never be underestimated. You can bet that Pulis has a hard game in store for us next Saturday too. Once again, a horrible KO time though.
Kick off time ? You can bet that the powers at BT having seen the reaction to their adverts are well aware of the record we have at early morning kick offs . Expect them to come thick and fast as their advertising campaign is all about shocks.
oyyyy new post is up…….are you still bumbling your way here?????
Can I ask you guys based in London? Don’t fans have write to demonstrate? Can’t Arsenal fans for once carry out a demonstration against all the hard times being meted out to the club by the FA?