Gooner Get Ya

New Rules, New Squad?

2010-07-18T10:32:00.001+01:00

Right so they are bringing in this new Rule limiting the number in a squad to 25 (plus as many under 21s as you like).

The squad must have no more than 17 players who are over 21 and not home-grown (someone registered to an English/Welsh club for 3 years before they are 21). By my reconing that means the likes of Cesc and Clichy count as home-grown.

So lets have a look at the list of non home-grown players:

Almunia
Fabianski
Sagna
Koscielsky
Vermaelen
Rosicky
Nasri
Diaby?
Song?
Eboue
Arshavin
Eduardo
van Persie
Chamakh

So that is 14 players and the max is 17

We then have to add the home-grown bankers:

Djourou
Clichy
Fabregas
Denilson
Vela
Walcott
Bendtner

So our squad is 21 players without any of the under 21 players so Arsenal have no problem with the new rulings unless we sign more than 4 foreign players.

Just a quick point, Wenger often says about not signing more than 3 players per season as it affects the balance of the team. In the invincibles season he signed 7 players and in the 2002 double winning season we signed 5.

The 25 man squad rule and how it affects Arsenal

2010-07-17T11:16:00.002+01:00

Bring on the FEAR, not the media spin.

2010-07-08T10:41:00.002+01:00

Right so Koscielny has been signed and has taken the number 6 jersey of Senderos. He has given the usual "its reallly really lovely to be an Arsenal player" pap. I have yet to see this guy play but given his record in terms of cards last season in the league he only got 3 bookings. Don't consider me mental when I say that isn't enough, look at the likes of Martin Keown, Adams, Campbell, Viera, they are what we miss, someone who is willing to stick in a boot if needed. I am not saying Koscielny won't be a great signing but is he the sort of player who makes people think "I don't want to mess with Arsenal or my face will bleed". He even said that he is not physical enough.

It really infuriates me when the club signs someone and they get them to come out with some cheesey comment in broken English like the Arshavin I am Gooner tosh. It is New Labour style pathetic meaningless spin, give me Thatcher style fear any day.

We are quickly beginning to look like a team of tarts, Stoke are trying to wage some sort of pitch battle with us with some pen15 saying that Wenger is poisoning the league and the world(no link because they don't deserve the hits). The truth is we do need protection from referees because we are a small team who can be bullied. If the opposition know they might get halved if they try anything they might not go after some of our weaker players like Walcott. Our home fans are a joke, that has been the case since we moved into the new stadium, its the away boys who do the club proud.

The club is moving away from the traditional roots of not only being English but also not being messed around with. Look at Barca, they are trying to spend the last £35m in the whole of Spain and we are being little bitches.

Business is like a beautiful lady: The Cesc Fabregas story

2010-07-06T15:34:00.003+01:00

Now you don't become the chairman of one of the biggest football clubs in the world by being a total mug. However the way Barca seem to have gone about their negotiations have been moronic and offensive. I thought that I might give them a cheeky little lesson in how to sort things out.

First of all the constant media barrage? Tasteless and tacky. Think of it like when you were at school, trying to pull a young vixen (girl, Gooner Get Ya is anti-beastiality), you don't tell everyone in school that you want to hop on the good foot and do the bad thing. You have to be subtle and sensitive to her needs. Then you have a go and if she knocks you back then you reassess things and have another go.

"Oh we won't pay what he is worth" - Not a direct quote but pretty close. back to the school analogy, you have just managed to woo her and ask her to go out with you and she has said yes! Jackpot. Oh you just told her that you are only willing to take her to Burger King even though she is a Nandos kind of girl? Another fail.

Sending Guardiola to tap him up in the Spain camp? This would be like sending your best mate in to speak to the girl when she is with her friends, just barge in and ask "will you let him pop your cherry?". Embarrassing for her, you and everyone involved!

None of these seem to be working? What to try next? Link yourself to every other similar player and make it look like it doesn't matter. - Tell everyone you have slept with half of the girls in her class.

Soon I think Barca will tell everyone that Cesc has crabs so no one will want him then they will get the desperation penetration they are craving.

Samir Nasri: Boo Him Off the Pitch

2010-07-06T13:33:00.002+01:00

There has been talk and nonsense spoken all through the World Cup, especially in France where it can only be described as a car crash event. Didier Deschamps was rumoured to have told people that Samir Nasri didn't want to join Arsenal but was made to because of the financial situation of Olympique Marseille. This could well become a problem quickly because of some irresponsible reporting.

DesCHUMPs is obviously trying to stir things up, Nasri is probably feeling fairly insecure about things considering he didn't have the best of seasons and missed the WC squad (thank the baby Jesus). But why is there any reason for him to start stirring up trouble? The main reason is his fans are disappointed with Samir being sold so Diddler decided to play the being bullied by big clubs card. What he also didn't mention was that Nasri was saying in the press 6 months before he left that he wanted to join The Arsenal.

So basically Nasri has done nothing wrong and just got his ex-manager speaking crap about things. Maybe if he can upset the Arsenal fans we might have to sell Nasri back to them for £5?

Don't worry Didier, one day you will manage in a real league, The French league is much like the national team...A ****ING DISGRACE, if you will pardon my french!

Arsenal to Break Transfer Record and Nailed on Cheat

2010-07-06T09:37:00.003+01:00

Previously the record for the longest transfer was held by Arsenal for the eventual purchase of Arshavin but it looks like the signing of Laurent Koscielny will top that, Arsenal are doing a deal with Lorient to make the transfer last until September, the trouble is everyone was excited about Arshavin because he is a little Russian genius. Nobody knows a single thing about Koscielny and if we are being brutally honest, no one is particularly excited. He is like the vegetables you have to finish before you get your pudding...

I think the reason it hasn't been confirmed is because Wenger is arsing around in SA getting a bit of extra cash to be able to buy a new Blackberry, or window shop ("The World Cup means that players lose their value"). I have Rangers and Celtic supporters extracting the urine about Arsenal not being able to sign a player quickly and faffing around for weeks. That is how desperate this silly situation has become.

The Injury free season start bubble has burst. Nikki B has still got his groin injury, I have been suffering from one for 4 years and it hurts like hell. Obviously my body isn't under the same strain as his though! Who would like to place a bet for how many players we have missing through injury for the trip to Liverpool? I say 5 especially given that RvP still has 2 games left in the WC!

I saw an article in the Star (so it must be true, even though we let PHW write for them!) That Pep Guardiola has been sniffing around the Spanish squad and speaking to Cesc. If this is true it's just standard behaviour from these classless tossers.

On the other hand if it is true, maybe we should just sack Fabregas off to the reserves? He has behaved terribly and I for one will not be getting Fabregas 4 on the back of my new shirt. Oh and £35m? Barca sold Yaya for £28m which makes Fab worth at least £56 (he is twice the player).

Testimonial in Trouble

2010-07-04T10:57:00.003+01:00

Testimonials were such a big part of football and have all but disappeared, it always used to be a pay day for the player but to be honest it probably makes very little difference to their bulging wallet. Think of the cash that could be generated if you pocketed all of the money from a single match!

The last testimonial was Dennis opening the stadium and it will probably be the last for a long time. The Closest players we have are Clichy, Cesc and RvP and they seem to be linked with any big club. I am holding out for the Jack Wilshere testimonial!

This Clichy swap deal seems a bit far fetched, Clichy has been a bit of a trooper. He may not be able to cross and his defending is dodgy but you can always expect a bit of passion from him, he cannot really be blamed for too much defensively when the 4-3-3 system is a nightmare for fullbacks, Arshavin isn't exactly keen on getting back to defend! Melo would be useful but we need to keep some of the defence to stay or it will be too unsettled next season.

The next thing is who would want to play in Italy, the league is corrupt, lacking quality and full of pricks.

If Clichy does go then that paves the way for Gibbsy, I think he is a cracking young player and hope he can continue to make strides in the first team.

Jay Simpson: The first of many

2010-06-28T17:23:00.002+01:00

There are stories circulating about Jay Simpson being told to find a new club. Although Jay has been in the Carling Cup squad for the last couple of seasons when he hasn't been on loan but there was never any real hope of him becoming an Arsenal first teamer. You can tell by the way they are integrated into the first team.

A direct comparison between he and Bendtner can be made. They were both considered bright hopes, admittedly Bendtner was brought in and Jay was an academy player and they were both sent on loan early to pick up experience, they both played similar numbers of games and yielded similar returns but Bendtner was part of a victorious promotion winning side at Birmingham City and Jay slumped with QPR. I think the winning spirit has really been drummed into Nik, obviously he is not short on confidence and just had a more successful World Cup than Wayne Rooney!

The trouble with our young and talented squad is that it will mean only a couple of academy players even face a chance of being offered a senior contract and even then it will be a life of reserve league and maybe a game if there are lots of injuries. There is a pecking order at Arsenal and it is something like this.

First Teamers (Cesc, Arshavin, RvP)
Benchwarmers (Merida(I know he has left), Vela, Traore)
Carling Cupers (Wilshere, Watt, Gilbert)
Shipped in foreign players (Barazite, Coquelin, Nordtveit)
Academy players (Freeman, Murphy, Hoyte)

However it is a sustainable model and it also helps promote players for the Premiership, if you look at the English talent Arsenal have provided, there are the likes of Bentley, Sidwell and Muamba.

I predict that the only current crop who are likely to make it are Deacon, Afobe and Wilshere, maybe J-E-T. It is the fault of the Premiership, not Wenger or Arsenal.

Rubbish the rumour: Christian Eriksen

2010-06-28T14:05:00.002+01:00

Christian Eriksen, young super Dane, played in the WC and has been making more of an impact in the Dutch league with Ajax. The rumour comes from when it was brought up in the winter, apparently Bergkamp said to Wenger that he should sign the player.

First of all, if you have just got a job coaching a team (as BD10 has with Ajax) you are not going to tell people to sign your hot prospect. Especially if you are as loyal as Bergkamp, if you do you will not be going to the newspapers to do it. I am pretty sure Wenger and Bergkamp will be in each others phone book and not have to converse through the media.

He is a tidy little player and very similar to someone called Jack Wilshere. He is a player I would rate but we don't need him for a start, Ajax don't need to sell him and he wants to stay in Holland a bit longer.

Rumour Rubbished!

Baliotelli and Jumping on the Daily Fail bandwagon, you should be ashamed.

2010-06-28T09:34:00.005+01:00

In the world of football news and reporting, the Daily Mail is about as reliable as the Underground, personally on my many trips to London - I have found this to be a quick and efficient but rather sweaty and cramped mode of travel - but my London friends assure me that it is unreliable and a real pain, just like the Fail. So when they fire in an article about a player from Arsenal who had his leg practically severed being sacked off, everyone takes it for gospel?

For a start why would you sell someone who is in such bad form that they are worth nothing? And just before pre-season? If anything he will be sent on loan this season.

Arsenal have been linked with Mario Baliotelli again. Lets just blow this one out of the water straight away. Jose left Inter, Mario has no reason to go now. The only reason there would be is if he has a bust up with Rafa, if he upsets 2 managers how can we want him!

Le Grove stated that Micah Richards of Man City is a Gooner, he isn't he grew up in Leeds and said that he didn't enjoy watching football but loved Vieira. A line has to be drawn under all of this linking to City players. We are a better team than them and to be linked to signing their cast offs is embarrassing for the club. I can excuse Richards, Ireland, Johnson, Hart and Richards because that was before they tried to copy the Real Madrid business model, but no more please!

Joe Cole is free as a bird after the World Cup Howler, I had to play cricket and so glad I did, came in for tea to see Germany put goals 3 and 4 away. On the bright side I won a quid from a 14 year old, like taking money from a teenager! Joe recently said that he left Chelsea because of the politics, I don't like them but I would lose interest in Cole if he was to really have a go. Him signing could be good or bad depending on what the wages are. If we lose him to Spurs that could be embarrassing.

The imbalance of the Arsenal squad: A brutal analysis. Pt1

2010-06-25T15:40:00.004+01:00

Portugal and Brazil are boring the arse off me so I have decided to focus closer to home.

The Arsenal squad has been worrying me for a while. If you go through the squad by position you can see areas of weakness. The real problem is the squad is deep in numbers but class is a different question. Arsenal have a number of players who are not good enough to be starting for a top four club but too good to rot on the bench (the likes of Denilson, Traore, Vela, et al). It is difficult to know what to do with them, loaning is the best idea but it means they are not trained into the Wenger system.

Goalkeepers
Obvious weaknesses, Almunia and Flapianski are weak and error prone keepers. Realistically They both need to go. Szczesny looks like one for the future but cannot be considered as next seasons starter. Vito looks like he cannot be trusted as the first choice of keeper. Therefore a keeper needs to be signed.

1, -VACANT-
2, Szczesny
3, Vito
4, Almunia*
5, Flapianski*

Leftback
With Gibbs hopefully returning from injury there will be a lot of pressure on Clichy for a first team start. Clichy is error prone but offers a real option between the boxes - provided he doesn't have to cross! Sadly Armand Traore is not close to Premiership standard.

1, Clichy (just)
2, Gibbs
3, Traore*

Rightback
Sagna for me was poor last season, he is not a rock defensively and his forward play is embarrassingly poor, he couldn't hit an army of Bendtners attacking a cross. I think Eboue has done enough to deserve a first team spot because of his high work rate and dedication, coming back from the booing showed real determination. We do need another player to give us adequate cover in this particular area.

1, Eboue
2, Sagna
3, -VACANT-

Centreback
TV5 is the obvious number one DC but that is partly because he is the only real option. We haven't seen Djourou for a year but I think he and TV5 could be a good match because they are both athletic and Djourou offers some real height and power. I hope Campbell signs a new contract because his positioning is perfect and he is an Arsenal legend.
Bartley is not experienced enough and he is 4th choice. We need to sign 2 DCs, Koscielny looks nailed on and then one more.

1, Vermaelen
2, -VACANT-
3, Djourou
4, -VACANT- (Campbell)
5, Bartley

Defensive Mid/Holding Role
Song seems to have made this position his own but he is the only real option for it. Diaby doesn't seem to really fit there and Denilson has been shocking all season. I give him one more season to prove himself as a player. He has captained Brazil in pretty much every age group and I see no reason why he shouldn't be a good player. and Eastmond is a long way down the pecking order.

1, Song
2, -VACANT-
3, Diaby
4, Denilson

The rest will come soon.

An old Aussie, a world of pain, a Dutch reject and Wenger's phone bill.

2010-06-25T08:50:00.003+01:00

Apparently we have chucked in another bid for Mark Mark Schwarzer, at 37, he may represent a decent bit of cover but it seems to go against the Wenger philosophy. The standard chat is that he will be doing a holding job until Wojciech Szczesny is experienced enough to play in the Premiership. Personally I would like to see him have a chance now, I also think Vito is a good keeper and the best of the 3 options last season. Given the ammount of chances Almunia and Flapper had Vito was overlooked. At least if we gave him a good run we could have checked him out for 10 games.

I feel that it is my duty to comment on the England game, I fell asleep for 10 mins of the second half. Funnily enough, its not the first time! The only reason I was awake for the last two was I was eating. The qualifying was a regular snooze fest! The media have jumped back on the bandwagon with all the winning the WC tosh, England beat a nobody country 1-0. Not the stuff of champions. I am going to be playing cricket on Sunday so will miss the match, unless of course we do a rain dance?

Obviously people who believe in rain dances making any real difference are fairly delusional but in comparison to Galatasaray it seems like fairly normal behaviour. If you haven't seen, they made a FOUR MILLION POUND bid for Alex Song, there are some Turkish football board members being surrounded by people in white coats.

Ryan Babel is apparently being looked at by Wenger, I rate him highly even though he has been disappointing for Liverpool. They are supposedly looking for £10-12m for him, considering they have to lose about half of their squad of 400 in order to fit the new squad regulations and cut their costs without CL football, they should take about £3!

The Sun have excelled themselves with some journalism. A FIVE line article saying Chamakh wants Gourcuff to sign for Arsenal. Talk about the twitter revolution!

Koscielny is apparently on the way, it's just taking time. The story is that Wenger hasn't got his Blackberry, do we not pay him enough to be able to cope with the expensive roaming charges? We need to get him in so we can focus on one of the other 2 defensive signings we make.

I have just worked out the Galatasaray logic, they thought that if we sell Fabregas for £40m then £4m for Song was an acceptable offer...Sneaky

A new German in the mix, The Benfica Trio and bye bye Billy

2010-06-23T08:54:00.002+01:00

If I was to write a transfer wishlist it would involve a real raid of Benfica, the 3 players in particular are:-

Oscar Cardozo - A tall and technically gifted striker just coming into his prime.
Angel Di Maria - A classy winger, who at 22 still has a lot to come but will probably go to Real Madrid.
David Luiz - A strong defender who has a good reading of the game and is well experienced for a 23 year old.

Apparently Chelski are trying to get Luiz for £10m, if I was bidding I would chuck in a £15m bid and just accept that you have to pay a bit more if a big club is interested and get it all sorted out.

Sami Khedira has also been linked, if you are German and play in the midfield you can expect to read that Arsenal want to sign you! Stephane Sessegnon has apparently said he wants to leave PSG, sounds like the sort of Gallas replacement we want to avoid.

On that note, its official Billy Gallas will not be staying at Arsenal. I would like to thank him for a few years of service. Obviously there were problems, the tantrums, the autobiography, the fact that the squad dislike him, the loss of the captaincy and worst of all...smoking! The criminal! I'm just glad we managed to get rid of him without the own goal threats he made to Chelsea. The worst thing was we got our pants pulled down by Chelsea for Cole. £5m plus a player they didn't want any more, Cole is probably the best left back in the world and we got an average defender and £5m. Ouch!

Nasri and Walcott are the luckiest people in Western Europe

2010-06-22T16:29:00.003+01:00

I have been diving between the cricket and the football, France are awful! It would be well and truly hilarious if there were not 3 current Arsenal players playing today!

There has been infighting, inbreeding, potential boycotts and all sorts. Samir was lucky to have not been picked. Things are pretty much the same in the England camp so Theo is in the same boat.

Walcott was given too much too early and it is really beginning to show. Through the season he has been unlucky with injuries but because of the selection policy at Arsenal players are not punished for poor performances he is not dropped for poor showings. Being about the only Englishman at the club has given him popularity with the fans. The hat-trick was one of those things that raised expectation and his profile with the England setup, they also gave him several chances before dropping him.

Theo is almost the spoiled child of English football, I am not saying that he is spoiled but he obviously gets preferential treatment. Being dropped from the England squad might just sort him out and teach him that he won't get everything his own way, it might even teach him to put in a bit of effort in the gym to fight for his place.

Nasri is in the same situation, he is one of my favourite players in the squad but he has yet to really stand up and be counted for Arsenal, the two stand out moments are the United match last season where he scored a brace and the way he played against a weak Porto side in this seasons CL round of 16 home win. I think that if Cesc went Samir would be a direct replacement. What can you do to boost a player? say look we paid £12m for you can you please do something to be better!

There are whispers that Clichy is going to leave, first of all he won't because he loves the club but if he was to go we would be able to really hold out for him, we are almost due to give him a testimonial! Same with Fab, why don't we have one every season?

Lloris was a joke dealing with the first SA goal and the second to a degree, he has Arsenal Keeper cross syndrome, symptoms include being a muppet and letting your defence down.

Is it possible to wear an England football shirt without looking like a Sun reading, BNP voting mentalist?

Joe Cole is not an option

2010-06-22T09:16:00.002+01:00

The Joe Cole transfer story has been about as up and down as you would expect. I really struggled to think we had a chance with him. I still do and I think it is the reason we got through the hard times of the stadium move and managed to stay in the CL all the time. Wenger has a very rigid pay structure at the club and the players understand where their position in that is and it works. Even if many people think players are over-paid. Theo would be the highest paid player at Everton for example.

I think Joe Cole is a class player and would do a good job for Arsenal but you have to ask the question about his value to the club. Whoever he signs for will have to pay him a six figure weekly salary. This is not only a risk because it is a huge amount of money but given his injury history he could be like Harry Kewell or Owen, costing us about £1m a game he actually plays. Secondly think of how much it would upset the star players in the squad who are paid less than him.

If players wanted parity with him it could boost the clubs wage bill up by millions annually. This would prove problematic. We have lost Gallas who was on about £80,000 a week, Silvestre and Senderos would have been on about £30,0000 each so effectively it would stay the same in terms of actual cost but not when you factor in all the other costs.

I could see Spurs breaking the bank for him because they are happy pouring money away and United still need to replace Ronaldo, Cole would come close.

Arsenal are still not wealthy enough to be one of the big boys. Look at the way Barca are bullying us. We might have to ride out this storm and accept that we are in it for the long run.

Laurent Koscielny Factfile

2010-06-21T15:57:00.002+01:00

Laurent Koscielny has apparently signed for Arsenal for a deal around £10m. A similar fee to what was spent on TV5.

Koscielny is 6'1" or if Wikipedia is to be believed 7'4", either way he will be decent in the air, this is further backed up by the 3 goals he scored last season.

He spent a couple of years in the French second division which is very much like the second division in rugby, Brutal! It also means that he has had to work hard to progress to a better club. He has been very good in terms of adjusting to Ligue 1 and helped the team gain their highest finish in the league. The majority of Arsenal players have been picked up from clubs at a young age or come through big teams academies. A player who has had to battle up the ranks is something that will help the fighting mentality of Arsenal.

Personally I am a bit sceptical about him because of his lack of experience compared to the likes of Vermaelen who is the same age and captained Ajax and played in the CL by the age of 23. I also follow Ajax to an extent and knew that he was a good option, Ajax have a MEAN defence, signing Jan Vertonghen would be my first Choice. But like I said the other day, we have been linked to the whole squad!

Obviously rejecting a signing that I have never seen play is churlish and he has obviously been well scouted but Arsenal need leaders and hard men. Lets hope if we do sign him (a bid has apparently been accepted) that he and TV5 can form a watertight partnership for the next 10 years, we might not even need to sign a new keeper!

On a Personal note My football hating Spurs supporting (out of spite) father has got World Cup Fever, just as it has bored the arse clean off me! Great song here though!

Barca Admit to Tapping Fabregas and Wilson's Blue Balls

2010-06-21T10:49:00.003+01:00

I Really did think this World Cup would be a hub of footballing excitement but in the end it has been a massive disappointment so far. Watching England and France scrapping for qualification will be the highlight, unless of course England play like the last 2 games, then it will be a further display of unimaginative boring rubbish.

Laporta has reportedly said that he knows Fabregas wants to join Barca, the only way he can know this is if he has spoken to the player, if they have spoken to the player then they have broken the rules. Obviously this is a bit more official than just behaving like scumbags, we all know that anyway!

I also saw that Mr Laporta said that "Arsenal will eventually give in" now the source I found this on is a good reporter for a bad website so the credibility of it is slightly questionable but I believe it was said. If I was a member of the Arsenal negotiating team (which is probably about 30 strong) I would read that comment as "We will keep bidding until you accept the bid, please don't accept one too soon because we are going for record debts".

They are so desperate for Fabregas to sit on their bench that they have literally tried everything except the Mafia sending a horse head in a bag to the stadium. I would rather Arsenal kept him for 5 years and let him go on a free than this (we will make more than £40m in image rights for him anyway). If he doesn't want to play then he can sit in the reserves and waste. This has become a battle of principals. Or £60m

Arsenal dot com have been doing these player season reviews, I have failled to read a single one because they are picking nobodies (youths and players who are leaving). I really do find the site utterly unpleasant, everything is either trying to sell something overpriced or feed some political style spin and its always transparent rubbish. I can use my facebook account to click that I like the stories, well Arsenal dot com, I don't.

Just had a look at the Arsenal USA page. Feel sick! It is so shameless and patronising. Man up Arsenal FC. I love US football even Landon Donovan, who is class sounds as though he knows nothing about soccer, just because of their accent and terminology It's hillarous! Maybe he should read the Arsenal USA Rules. SO funny!

Laurent Koscielny has apparently been bid for again. Which is nice, I might actually have to do some research on him soon!

Apparently Yaya will go to City this week. I hope so because not only will that save about an hour a week of my time reading boring articles linking him to us but it pushes Ireland down the pecking order.

At the moment Theo and Nasri are very lucky not to be involved with their counties, both shambolic infighting! Apparently Clichy, Sagna and Diaby are the only Frenchmen coming out with any respect!

Maybe if Fabregas does something hideous for Spain, like an own goal that puts them out of the WC Barca won't want him! Maybe he could kick Wilson Palacios really hard in the scrotal region?

How to Blow Cesc Money In A Responsible Arsenal Way.

2010-06-18T16:15:00.003+01:00

In some sort of Football Manager type spending spree I have tried to work out what would be done if Fabregas went to Barca.

Firstly no spending spree would be worthwhile if you have no money so where is the money? Well there is apparently between £25m and £50m in the kitty at the moment through player sales and being an efficiently and responsibly run football club. There will also be a £50m windfall from the sale of Fabregas. A penny less and I will be calling for the heads of several members of the backroom staff. Barca bought Ibrahimovic for £40m + Eto so they can't be too worried about wasting money.

Firstly if you sell you must replace. The realistic replacements are:-

Gourcuff - He seems to fit the Wenger requirements. French, "he az a good engine", good passing and movement. I think he is a good player and over 6" which would add a bit of physicality to the side. The downside is cost.

Ozil - similar to Gourcuff but German, he has become hot property after the first German match as the media jumped on the bandwagon. He is the closest option to Cesc in terms of contribution with 15 assists and 9 goals. It would be difficult to get him now and I think we have missed the boat on him.

Ireland/Johnston - Great players but very much comparatively bargain basement, they are out of favour with City and would love first team football.

The most obvious choice would be nobody. move Arshavin to play in the hole behind the Chamakh attack and RvP. If not Nasri is another option. I really rate him and would love him to be able to step up, we spend £15m on him and he needs to if we are being honest.

The other choice is to keep him but it would effectively cost the club £60m (missed transfer fee and wages) and nobody knows what will happen if he does play again, he might get the Ronaldo sulk or the Gallas own goal threat.

Basically I have no idea what to do with Fab, that would be the conclusion so sorry for wasting your time! Actually sell Fab for £60m and its all good.

Next

Sort out our SHAMBOLIC DEFENCE. Clichy and Sagna have been disappointing this season and offer very little going forward because of their AWFUL crossing, however they spend a lot of their time going forward making us vulnerable to attacks. I am not saying to drop them but I am convinced that Gibbs should start ahead of Clichy and maybe Eboue in front of Sagna but where we need a world class player is the Gallas replacement. A Chiellini/Pique/Puyol/Lucio type of player who will really influence things and control the team. Especially if we lose our captain. We need a strong spine to the team and a world class defender will help with that. Gallas had no respect in the team and you could tell. TV5 needs a world class partner, it will make him look better and give him more confidence, centre backs are a team.

I don't think we should spend all of the money but things need to be changed.

Firstly a Goalkeeper needs to be bought, a good one. Robert Green!

Who else? Oh Kaka, Chavi and Messi!

One Hit Wonder Linked To Arsenal But We Won’t Keep The Legend?

2010-06-18T11:22:00.001+01:00

This is getting so silly, Ozil has one good game for Germany in the WC and so he gets linked with almost every top flight club, stories about Chelsea chasing him since he had his mother’s milk still wet on his chin and all of this media rubbish is so very boring. Look at the Gourcuff situation, he had one average game and everything has gone quiet. Premiership teams do not buy players on a whim especially when they are likely to be paying another £10m plus in terms of wages, they do a lot of scouting. Arsenal have been linked to him for almost a year now but the sensationalist morons who write for the plebeian newspapers can’t help themselves, they are like lie junkies willing to sell any principles they once had for one single hit on their page.

I read that the Mirror had to sack 200 people from their staff. I have sympathy for people losing their jobs but its like the Nazi guards being made redundant after WWII, they were doing awful things and now have nothing. I just hope the person who decided to employ Stan the dogger is one of the ones to lose their job because he is an awful awful man. Is that slander? Probably not due to the fact that it is a) a personal opinion and b) true. I hear if you say allegedly you can say whatever you want so let’s stick that in somewhere!

Apparently Silvestre is sniffing about a very lucrative deal to move to a Middle Eastern club, personally I would say he should go and play in Australia or Chile just so he is as far away from the Premiership as possible. He is a liability, A United Liability.

I can’t understand why Campbell has not been offered a new contract. I don’t think he is first choice but not only was he good when he played, arguably our best player in the second half of the season but he is a leader, obviously loves the club and even though he probably couldn’t beat Maradona in a race his positioning is so good and he can read the game so well. Think how useful that would be for the likes of Bartley and even Djourourourou. The team needs players who the fans genuinely love and Sol is one, in the current squad I think he and RvP are the only 2 who really have such popularity. Obviously Cesc’s popularity is waning by the day and Arshavin is too lazy for fans to get behind.

I have had a new idea for Cesc, it is one that is fool proof (so Barca will understand it), they keep flapping their gums about how he will be playing for them, we keep rejecting bids until £60m. We sell him, their finances go sour (this will roughly be about the same time as Spain goes bust since they bankroll Barca), we then buy him back for £15m? How do you like them apples?

Wenger wants to buy a defender before the end of the WC (World Cup not Water Closet) but he also wanted to buy all the players before the world cup, next it will be that he wants to buy players before pre-season training, then pre-season games, then before the season starts, then the window closing, then before February. Nothing is easy with the club. It does sort of make it more satisfying though.

Did you know you can win the WC without scoring a goal in open play?!

England tonight...Excited?

More Cesc News, Fixtures and the Mystery Wallchart

2010-06-17T10:46:00.002+01:00

I have never been one of these conspiracy theorists but the match schedule is rarely kind to us and once again it has proven tricky. At least we play United and Chelsea after CL matches where they will be likely to be moved to Sunday kickoffs. At least we don’t have the 4 match death march like last season.

We will play Liverpool in the first game of the season. A game I hope to go to with the Arsenal Scotland Supporters Club (ASSC). They are a fantastic lot of Gooners. They sent a coach full from Aberdeen to Sunderland which is pretty impressive since they didn’t get home until 2am! I really would advise you join your local supporters club because it is money well spent and a great community. The game I am looking forward to will be Blackpool away for a bit of banter and an overnight stay in what is a traditional and classy place, its in April so I might even get the Speedos out!

Just after I said about Requeme being good for Arsenal he was linked! Don’t know if that’s just because I have a massive brain or because he has a switched on agent trying to get him into the best club in Europe (maybe not statistically but historically and in terms of class).

My Graham (Plumbers merchants) WC Wallchart is wrong so I have no real idea when about 40 Arsenal players fight it out in Mexico V France but I will be a keen spectator. It is such a shame Le Sulk (Nik Anelka(no relative of Le Grove)) left because he had a chance to be a real icon for the club but to be fair he was a pain and we cashed in on him. He would be our highest scorer by now but instead will never really be remembered as a great player by any club except Bolton! It would be a shame for the same thing to happen with Cesc. Arsenal are good with their legends, I bet Fabregas would never be seen embracing the Nou Camp like Tony, Dennis, Ray et al do with the Grove.

Barca have said £40m is the tops for Fab, they said that about £30m. They are spending £70 on Torres apparently...Should clear a bit of Liverpool’s debt!

How do people feel about me kicking off the old twitter account again? I mainly use it for Gooner news but will do it if 3 people tell me to. I always think it’s a bit of an ego trip but my ego grows with every time someone likes my facebook status...rarely.

The Media Twist On Fabregas

2010-06-16T22:31:00.002+01:00

This is just a quick post to signify my rage over an article published on Tribalfootball this evening.

The 23-year old midfielder's relationship with the Frenchman is understood to have become strained after he expressed his desire to move to Barcelona.

That would be when Fabregas said about 10 days ago that he had just had the most amazing conversation with Wenger.

I think the bit where it says understood is as accurate as "a source close to the club" or "a friend of the player", it basically means we want to get some hits or even sell some advertising.

I also heard the interview with the BBC in which Fabregas said what was reported by these mugs. It is known that Wenger rarely focuses on opponents and spends most of his time focusing on his own players and their game. The negative tone in this article is purely the author trying to build things up for a future story.

The fact that the title is "Fabregas has pop at Wenger and Arsenal training regime" tells a story.

As people will have noticed yesterday I said that I like Le Grove, this caused a bit of a problem with people and I would like to justify myself, LG is one of those sites that has a reputation for being hard on Arsenal and there are things I agree with (like Wenger being slow to accept things are not working(see Denilson/Almunia)) and some I don't (some of the treatment of Gazidis). Someone said it was an anti-Arsenal blog, why would 2 people religiously publish a long post every day at 9am?

There seems to be a big void between Arsenal fans and I will touch on this when there is even less news to comment on than today.

I leave you with the question would you rather have something that kisses up to something or something that is a thought out personal criticism?

A Look To The Future Ending Up As Yesterdays News

2010-06-16T22:09:00.001+01:00

I was sad to read the article on Young Guns saying about the players who were not offered new contracts with Arsenal, I always expect the young ones who don't make it to go on and play for Championship clubs but it seems to be a really low standard
Not much happening today as far as I can see, apparently Laurent Koscielny wants to come and is asking for the transfer offer to be accepted. Well, his agent said that, I hate agents, they are like lawyers with no principals! I have seen nothing of him like most Gooners, but my guess would be that given his Polish/French heritage he will be a fighter but quick to surrender. Just realised that French jokes don't really work when we make up most of the French squad!

I was thinking about the Fabregas situation and potential suiters, a player who I have always rated is Juan Roman Riquelme. His passing is electric and free-kicks are pretty good too. He is 31 but on a free for a year could do a good job, he lead Villarreal and then they collapsed without him. A class act. He never really had any pace to lose so that will not be a problem! Cesc has practically no pace and he is still world class.

Michael Johnson would be another player who could fit in but he may well be too broken to be a worthwhile signing, having only made 4 appearences in the last 2 seasons and whether City want him or not, there is also a danger we just turn into a side that signs all of their cast offs, with links to Richards, Hart (who is class) and SWP.

I saw bits of the Portugal match and it tickled me when the ref booked Ronaldo, there was no reason for it other than the ref thought he was an arsehole, well thats what came up on the press association news feed. "Ronaldo booked for being an arsehole"

Just seen that Spain have decided to avoid using Cesc, you get the idea from Barca that the fans pine for him but considering he would be behind Chavi, In a fiesta, Buscuits, Pedro and Villa (attacking midfield), I don't really think the fans really give a toss about him its more the fact that we stole him!

Gutted about Senderos getting injured, I will always like him a bit out of sympathy but because he has a big heart and gave his all for Arsenal.

The WC is excellent for blog writing due to the fact that it really is so so boring. You can write with it on in the background. Final whistle! Spain lose, GOOD! Thats what you get you player poaching turds.

The Moral High Ground

2010-06-15T14:48:00.002+01:00

Right I am sick to death of these Barca folk behaving like animals.

First of all, they are bankrolled by the Spanish Government, so by everyone in Europe since the Spanish income is pretty much totally reliant on subsides due to the 23% unemployment rate, so effectively WE AS ARSENAL FANS are paying for Cesc to move to another team!

Secondly, They still owe several clubs money for players, INCLUDING ARSENAL.

Thirdly, the way they have gone about the deal has been appalling and must be considered to be tapping up. My personal favourite bit was when the first bid was laughed out of the room and they said well Cesc could buy out his contract...classy!

Fourthly,

"The sooner everything is unblocked, the better, but it must be understood that we, as the buying club, want to pay the least (amount) possible, and Arsenal, as the selling club, want to charge the highest possible amount of money."

That is the sort of business understanding that has really gripped me, I wasn't sure how bargaining worked but now I know, that business degree was really worthwhile!

I don't know if I need a fifth thing? if it comes up then I will let you all know.

Arsenal have decided to try and do the right thing by avoiding any real speculation or help sell newspapers. In all honesty the club has come out of it looking really weak, at least when United sold Ronaldo they got a fortune for him and looked like they won. I could see Fab go for under £45m and it will be a disgrace.

Finally I would like to give a shout out to Le-Grove, I read it daily and on a couple of occasions it has really annoyed me (during the early 2010 slump) but overall it is a great blog, reliable and I have dealt with Pedro a couple of times and he has been really helpful and encouraging with this blog. When I am next down for a match I would definately be in for getting a round of Peronis in! I didn't mean for that to sound quite so arse kissy but it really gets my goat when people slag something off for being negative without any real reason, reading Le Grove makes you think. Arsenal have under-achieved since the stadium move and things have to change.

Right time to watch Christiano Ronaldo and work out whether I would have been able to like him if he was a Gooner, the answer...NO!

Wenger Was Right

2010-06-15T09:17:00.002+01:00

I just read that there is apparently going to be a bid for Mesut Ozil, the question is why wasn't it nailed on a week ago? Before prices go up after the World Cup like Wenger said. Buying players from Germany is never cheap, look at Hargreaves and how much they want for Dzeko so I think it is likely that we will be priced out unless Fabregas goes.

ACLF nailed the nail on the head

Arsene has been very impressed by the Dutch qualifying campaign for South Africa is covetously glancing in the direction of the Eredivision. Specifically he is looking at Ajax. More specifically at Stekelenburg, van der Wiel, Suarez and now Vertonghen. That takes care of the defence and attack. Such is his eye for a bargain that he has talked Ivan Gazidis, Kroenke and Usmanov into buying the club rather than separate bids for each of the players.

The article can be read at http://aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/arsene-to-buy-ajax-roy-of-the-rovers-win-a-home-shirt/

but he missed the links to Eriksen, Aissati and Emanuelson! It is getting silly the number of players we are linked to, especially from Ajax!

What needs to be remembered is that we NEED defenders, it's why we lost the league and it is why we are in danger of not progressing. The only thing that can be said is that it is purely a matter of time before defensive players are bought unless Kyle Bartley is going to be making regular appearances.

Just a quick word on the new away shirt, its grim, I don't like the tight bits on the arms, they squeeze my enormous guns and it seems to be a very dirty shade of yellow. If they had just copied the last yellow shirt and given it a V-neck it would have been perfect. I wonder how quickly I could get one sent over from Thailand on eBay? If Nike had spent a bit more time on the design instead of messing around on Photoshop editing pictures that would be great.

The WC is particularly boring, I have lost interest, I found that I was watching too much TV with Big Brother too, it is delightfully awful so I chose to give up boring football unless there is a gooner link. Apparently Adebayor's mobile telephone went off while he was on the BBC, personally this does not surprise me as he is the least professional footballer this side of the Conference, it's a shame Adrian Chiles left for ITV because imagine the hate you could expel with Chiles, Adebayor and Lawrenson on screen at the same time! While talking of awful media sources. The Times has turned into some sort of mental version of Heat magazine. The Sunday verson of the paper featured Darren Fletcher getting married on the front page, sad, really sad, didn't he know that there is a World Cup on? Didn't he get picked? Oh he is Scottish. Sad times for you my friend (by friend I mean I strongly dislike you).

Ivory Coast v Portugal? I will watch it if Eboue promises to stamp on Ronaldo's ball bag.

Its Back! But No News Of Cesc Here!

2010-06-14T14:31:00.003+01:00

After a few weeks of holiday and an ongoing spat with the advertisers, who you may well have noticed have gone Gooner Get Ya is now a free blog, advert free and no whoring myself out for gambling! I also deleted all of the posts from the last year to avoid them getting any free advertising!

The WC has started and having watched almost every match it has yet to really get going. From a Gooner point of view Diaby has been the pick of the pile, he was stunning against the Uruguayans but couldn't make the difference. RvP and Bendtner were both fairly wasteful and nondescript in the lunchtime match today. Ozil was apparently looking pretty special for the Germans but surely his price is rising too quickly.

There has been a change in the Barca hierarchy but that is the last thing that will be said about Cesc and those cheating, thieving turds. What they have done is massively immoral and should be punished by the fair and in no way biased football governing bodies.

Personally if there was a deal done, it might not be the worst thing in the world depending on the situation, anything under £45m is offensive and we should be calling for heads on plates but if we could get £60m+ we could do well with that. Steven Ireland and Gourcuff/Ozil/other young replacement for Cesc. The club definitely rely too much on him and are often left wanting when he is injured, just look at the poor showing at the end of the season and the need when he came back against Villa. Maybe even buy Gerrard to upset Jose!!

We have about 2 central defenders so maybe better think about buying some of those Arsene...

There have been a couple of rumours about Eduardo moving and fans saying that he should go. My question would be why not send him on loan for a season for him to get his confidence back and see what happens?

Just realised that I am missing Cameroon vs Japan, must go and watch Alex Song be wasted on the bench...IDIOTS!

Ade Bench-Warmer

2009-07-19T13:18:00.004+01:00

I would first like to say good bye to Adebayor. I was at T in the Park last week so managed to miss the majority of hype regarding the loss of our *STAR* striker.

I was excited at the prospect of getting £25m for him last season when he was on cracking form and he has been average and we still got that. Whoop Whoop great deals. £25m can buy you about 1 and a half Arshavin's or about 200 Kolo Toures.

The chat was that Adebayor was angry about the way the fans treated him and wanted to be a fans favourite. This would have been the case if he hadn't demanded a massive contract and put ZERO effort into his football, while constantly touting a move to AC Milan.

His true colours have finally shown through now. He has chosen money over football. He will categorically not start for city unless they opt for a 4-1-5 formation or unless there is a terrorist attack on the CoM stadium while he is picking a fight with Togo team mates or trying to kiss Henry's arse.

Even if Wenger is only allowed to spend half of the money we can still get a pretty steady defensive midfielder for £10-15m. Things are looking good.

If we are looking for a striker I am an admirer of Marouane Chamakh but I think Andre-Pierre Gignac is the player we are after. He has a much better goal per game ratio, is younger and seams to work harder.

To be honest out attacking options are an embarrassment of riches at the moment so boost the defensive side of things and we are sorted and might even win a trophy!!

Hero and Villain?

2009-05-19T12:40:00.002+01:00

It has come to that point in the season when there needs to be a decision about who the Arsenal hero and Villain have been this season.

Heroes

Samir Nasri for the 2 goals against Man U.

Carlos Vela for his Carling Cup hatrick, it was what can only be described as poetic.

Andrey Arshavin for the 4 goals against the Scousers.

Alex Song for his improvement over the season.

Manu Eboue for his season turn around, when he got sent off against S**rs something clicked and he has come back to his best.

Kieran Gibbs for stepping up and being solid in defence and making Clichy fight for his place. Oh and making Ronaldo look like an arse!

Stan Kroenke for being the man to counter any other "unwanted" shareholders.

Villains

Adebayor for his lack of commitment to the team throughout the summer, his laziness and wasting of so many chances. Then whinging about getting a hard time from the fans.

Everyone involved in the Arshavin transfer, it was a total pain in the neck, it was endless, filled with lies and TOTALLY WORTH IT!

The booing fans, because freedom of speech isn't welcome in football grounds - unless you are calling Cashley a c**t.

The bastard who keeps injuring Eduardo, we all know that when he has a fair crack at it he is going to score a bucket full.

Usmanov - I am going to be careful what I say here - He is as welcome as a case of seaside snappers.

Xabi Alonso not only did he not become an Arsenal player (rude) but also took Fabregas out for 3 months.

Add your own and there will be a poll when the best have been thought of.

Mourinho next into the Gooner hot seat

2009-05-19T10:41:00.002+01:00

"Arsenal have won that advantage, nobody gave it to them. By playing fantastic football and by winning matches and by winning trophies, they won that respect that the opponent has for them."
-Mourinho

The Current Bun, famous for reporting outright lies and treating readers like ignorant pricks have come out with Wenger being furious with the way he has been treated. Obviously Arsene would rather stick nettles up his backside than speak to one of their reporters so they have found an "insider".

Wenger to be fair probably is pretty pissed off with things. He has been badly treated and I think its poor, you don't need me to tell you what he has done for our club. On the other side of things he has become so obsessed with producing a brilliant youth team and it just hasn't happened.

Every self respecting Arsenal Blogger has expressed the need for a DMC and a powerful CB for at least the last season and it has taken all this time for it to be realised. It is so easy to say I told you so but the boss should have known, it was so clear that the team lacked balance.

With the recent display of Real interest from Arsene it made me think, what if he does go? Are we screwed? Who do we bring in?

ONE MAN...JOSE MOURINHO THE SPECIAL ONE. Everyone would be lying if they said the premiership would not be a more entertaining league with him and I am pretty sure Adebayor and Diaby might not have an automatic place in the team whether they want to play football or walk around with their finger up their bum. Jose promotes disipline.

On the other hand, we could just bring in the new Arsene Wenger, some random manager from the Japanese league or something. Good Times!

4-1? We Barely Deserved 1-1

2009-04-12T10:20:00.002+01:00

From my understanding of the match yesterday which I will have to conceed to be very limited because I was listening to it on ATVO. For the many useful services they offer the match show is not one of them, it has developed from match comentary into 2 blokes having a chat getting free seats at the Arsenal. They speak about very little of interest and just annoy me. Obviously When Romford Pele is involved it is epic and Adrian Clarke seems to talk a decent game even if Wenger shunned him!

The first few minutes were not getting my full attention because of the waffling and I was waiting for something to finish on Ebay. I missed a bargain and so I reached for the nearest consolation. In my quest to the fridge for cold refreshing consolation Wigan scored. In wishing the Arsenal defence was as tight as my wallet control the bad mood continued. I listened for the names of our star players to be read out but all I heard was a continual list of obscure players from our recent past in some stupid competiton type thing they were doing.

This game felt as helpless as the Fulham loss at the beginning of the season until things started to click. now we had taken the lead somehow. Then the fireworks came out and it was 4-1! Alex Song proving that its not just King Kolo who can make electric runs into the box with a stormer that made you wonder where the hell did that come from?!

Don't get me wrong I was livid with our performance for the first 50 minutes and the likes of Fabregas, Bendtner, Arshavin, Walcott and Denilson were totally invisible BUT great teams can play badly and win. This is growth in the squad, again look at the Fulham game.

I feel really sorry for poor Kieran Gibbs. With the loaning of Traore to Pompey we have eliminated any sort of leftback cover from Arsenal FC. Gibbs is left winger, this has never been quite as clear as yesterday. He looked totally lost and should have been sent off. It has left me questioning Wengers policy of playing players out of position when they are so young. He is dangerously close to breaking a young lads sprit. Especially when you have an old dog like Silvestre on the sidelines.

We are all hoping Djourou a quick recovery.

Gallas Played His Last Game As A Gooner? There Is Hope

2009-04-08T17:02:00.006+01:00

After a while of no action due to Dell customer service nightmares things are rolling again!

I managed to catch some of the game the other day. Admittedly I was sat in front of the TV all night but ITV caused me to miss Ade scoring the best goal he will ever score. That was frustrating but not as bad as the first half. In Wengers pre-match chat he said about the last game in Villarreal and the team being so nervous about the outcome that they played within themselves. I think this was the case last night.

There was a twitter about us signing Senna in the summer and with a shot like that it would be nice but to be honest, we don't need him now.

There are some brighter signs for the club at the moment, the most obvious is the return of Rosicky being the end of our season long injury problem.

Gallas didn't look good when he went off and coming back on could have done further damage. There is a real danger that given all the crap before Christmas he could well be off and has played his last ever game for the club. Six months ago this would have been a serious problem but Djourou looked very steady for the remainder of the match.

Almunia is set to be out for a couple of weeks but in reality will only miss a couple of matches. I think this is almost good for things. Obviously I like Almunia and think hes a really nice guy (rare for footballers) but goalkeeping is a funny business and it is important for a shakeup every so often. Fabianski has been pretty tidy in nets and a couple of important games with clean sheets will increase the competition for the 1 shirt.

Villarreal Preview

2009-04-07T09:18:00.002+01:00

Next up..... Villarreal v Arsenal
The Champions League returns and we find ourselves at the scene of our dramatic semi-final triumph three years ago. We will also play against some familiar faces with Robert Pires and Pascal Cygan in the Yellow Submarines (great nickname!) line-up. As ever the all-important away-goal will be vital in this one, and with our return to form we can be confident of a result.
The opposition – Villarreal
Still a relatively small club Villarreal’s rise to the top of the Primera Liga has been as dramatic as any in recent years. They have become regulars in the Champions League and, of course, reached the semi-finals in 2006. They are currently fourth in the Primera Liga, nine points adrift of third-placed Sevilla and just two ahead of Valencia in the race for European places.

Last time out: Arsenal 2 Man City Almeria 3 Villarreal 0
The Gunners coasted to victory at the weekend over a travel sick Man City side. Meanwhile their next opponents crashed to a disappointing defeat away at Almeria with former Gooner Hero Bobby Pires seeing red.

Last meeting Villarreal 0 Arsenal 0 25 April 2006
The Gunners reached their first ever Champions League final with a nervy 0-0 draw in El Madrigal. Kolo Toure's first-leg goal was enough though it could have been different had Jens Lehman not saved Juan Roman Riquelme's penalty two minutes from time.

Team News
Andriy Arshavin is cup-tied and so misses out. Wenger will have to decide on the match-fitness of Fabregas and Adebayor, who all came back successfully from injury on Saturday. Van Persie, Walcott and Nasri will face late fitness tests. Eduardo, Rosicky and Diaby are all definitely out.

Probable XI
Almunia,
Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy,
Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Walcott
Adebayor Van Persie

Key men
Arsenal –Fabregas
It was great to see the Spanish magician back in action on Saturday. Even though he isn’t match fit his class still shows, and he could play a key role in the game.
Villarreal – Robert Pires
A wonderful player for us, it will be interesting to see how he fares against his old team-mates.

Latest match odds

Match odds: Villarreal 2/1 Arsenal 7/4 The draw 9/4

Prediction
Villarreal have never lost a home Champions League game but with players coming back to form and fitness I fancy us to come away with a draw - and a vital away goal. 1-1 is my Champions League prediction.

Villarreal 1-1 Arsenal
Adebayor

Do or die tonight but only for Wenger

2009-03-03T09:27:00.004Z

Arsene and his men need a rocket up them. The attacking standard has been pretty close to pathetic recently. I don't want to hear any excuses from not taking the 3 points. Especially with Everton so close up behind (a team who recently won games with no strikers playing).

If I hear Wenger whinging about a team playing defensively I will jump onto the sack Arsene bandwagon that seems to have picked up momentum rapidly over the last few weeks. The reason I say this is because it is the most cowardly excuse in football and roughly translated it means - "my tactics are not good enough to beat this team who are bottom of the league (who are poor)".

It is odd when men get to a certain age they stop giving a damn about what others think. This may have happened to you with a father or brother or even yourself. I think it has happened to Wenger. He hangs around in press conferences saying things for his own amusement no thought of apologising to the fans or anything like that. He is old enough and successful enough to think he can do anything and we may well have to suffer as his current crop splutter in his final quest for glory.

Now Bendtner maybe poor and Song may not be Viera and Diaby may be invisible despite being huge but all of these players are being subject to a difficult role because of the lack of a backbone in the team at the moment. It is only one persons fault and that manager needs to pull his finger out or he will lose his reputation for being a managing god.

The Second Coming of Eboue + 3 Weeks to Big Gun

2009-02-28T10:23:00.002Z

I have given Eboue a lot of stick over the last 2 years since he slipped from his brilliant season and CL final dive. I think he has deserved it because he has been going the way of Ade, given Theo's weak shoulders Eboue will always have a shot at an extended team run. This has been the case since some crap international has sidelined out England star for months.

Personally I think diving should be a straight red for a professional foul and if I was a manager I would fine players their match fee for cheating. Saying that, one of my all time Arsenal heroes Bobby Pires was never particularly stable on his feet! This leads me on to Eboue's attitude. He may be a cheating, arrogant moron but he is a footballer. His personality is not coming into it, it's like people having a go at Becks for being thick. My question to them is how come hes a dribbling idiot but yet he takes home 4 times more than you earn in a year a week.

Eboue is a joker in the changing room and it is important for moral to have people keeping the spirits up. He has also been played out of position since Sagna (the best rightback in the Prem) was brought in. This must have been a hard knock for Eboue and the introduction of Theo has meant Manu has gone from being a boy wonder to a dunce.

I praise his spirit and I haven't forgiven him for his sending off against Spurs for the soul reason that if he had stayed on he would have won us the game. Against Roma he was pretty steady as well and his link up play with Sagna has always been good. The amount of energy he has put in in Feb has been really positive and he may not be the best passer/finisher but he is a full-back being played out of position.

As Le Grove said about Wenger banging on about players not getting the praise they deserve. I think he is right about Eboue at the moment. He has upset the fans and it will take time for them to forgive his awful performances.

As we bask in 2nd place in the injury table behind those poor Geordies who it is safe to say nothing goes their way. We have 6 players out at the moment:-

Eduardo,
Ade,
Rosicky,
Theo,
Cesc,
Slivestre,

It seems that the end of our injury crippling is in sight. Apparently we should be back to our full complement by April. This is just in time for us to go on an epic 27 match unbeaten march. If that doesn't get us into the CL nothing will!

I decided it would be a good thing to set up some sort of silly twitter thing because apparently its the next big thing. To be honest the next big thing is going to be Ashavin but if you want to listen to my ramblings cut down then here they are

Villa...We GOONER GET YA

Arsenal V Roma Preview

2009-02-24T09:19:00.002Z

Next up..... Roma at home
The Champions league returns and an early chance to put the frustration of Saturday’s draw with Sunderland behind us. It’s going to be tough the competition to win outright, but there are lot tougher draws out there and I think we have a decent chance to progress at least to the quarter finals.

The opposition – Roma
After making a dreadful start to the campaign, Luciano Spalletti's side have gone on a seven-match unbeaten run since Christmas that has lifted them up to sixth in the Serie A table, rekindling hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Last time out: Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0 Roma 1 Siena 0
Another afternoon of frustration at The Emirates as Arsenal, even with new midfield maestro Arshavin, couldn’t break down a stubborn Sunderland defence. Roma meanwhile grabbed a narrow victory over Siena thanks to a goal from Brazilian Rodrigo Taddei.

Last meeting Arsenal 1 Roma 1 March 11 2003
A Patrick Vieira header put Arsenal in front after 12 minutes and Francesco Totti’s red card looked to have put the Gunners in control. But Antonio Cassano stunned Highbury when he rounded David Seaman and slotted home in first-half stoppage time.

Team News
Abou Diaby should be back after recovering from a thigh problem but Arsene Wenger is still without
Captain Cesc Fabregas (knee), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon), Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor (both hamstring). Andrey Arshavin meanwhile is ineligible after playing for Zenit earlier in the competition.

Probable XI
Almunia,
Sagna Gallas Toure Clichy
Eboue Denilson Diaby Nasri
Bendtner Van Persie

Key men

Arsenal –William Gallas
With so much firepower missing the priority has to be keeping a clean sheet at the other end. An away goal could be costly so a big performance is needed from the Frenchman,

Roma – Francesco Totti
One pf the best players of his generation, he has the ability to win the game on his own. He will need to be closely watched.
.

Latest match odds
Match odds: Arsenal 21/20 Roma 7/2 The draw 12/5

Prediction
I can’t see many goals in this one. We will be wary of conceding an away goal and Roma, being the typical Italian side they are, would quite happily play out a 0-0 draw. However I think Arsenal might snatch a goal and take a vital lead over to Italy.

Arsenal 1 Roma 0
Van Persie

football betting tips.

UEFA CUP, An Arsenal Revolution

2009-02-23T09:24:00.005Z

There seems to be a lot of negativity flying around the Arsenal sites since our 3rd Prem double point drop. I must say I was expecting much better from the team playing a pretty average Black Cats side missing star players. On the bright side Villa and Everton both drew, even Liverpool drew but the chances of catching them are pretty limited. I often see the Ebel ads for predicting the earliest goal of the month and have thought one month we won't score, it won't happen.

It is becoming more of a talking point whether Arsenal make it into the Champs League and I am not worrying about it until we have 10 games left this season. As fans bitch and moan about us being financially ruined not qualifying for the CL i begin to think about their thinking method. Our board who have justified building the second biggest club ground in the league will have obviously accounted for a dip in form at some point and us not qualifying for the CL will not ruin us and cause us to drown in a pool of debt.

My next point is a bit odd because I am going to compare us to Spurs, this is something they spend their lives doing with us. We have NEVER lost! If you look at the amount of money they have spent over the last 5 years signing (and resigning) players only to play in the UEFA cups first couple of rounds, they can somehow make the figures work so it won't be a problem for a financially responsible club.

Remember what built Jose's reputation? Winning the UEFA Cup and then the CL with Porto. It could be done by Arsene.

Missing a CL place will mean our whole squad will vanish. Obviously this is an almost direct quote from the mirror or some other fictional news source. I would say that any player who is willing to leave after missing the CL for one season because of their own poor form deserves to go. There are only a couple of players at the moment who deserve their shirt.

Our Back 4 have obviously been sound and Almunia has been rock solid as usual. People ask why we are not scoring goals and I think the base of the problem can be found in midfield. Although Song and Denilson have both been sound they are not exactly the key to unlocking defences. Add to that Clichy has stopped making as many forward runs and Bendtner starting.

Wenger refuses to admit that there is a problem. I think this reflects really badly on him for not taking responsibility. A conversation with Wenger seems like it would go like this :-

"you aren't beating teams Arsene?"
"Oh they are defending too much"
"do they do the same against Man U?"
"Yes"
"do United win?"
"yeah"
"why aren't you then Arsene?"
"dunno"

Some cretin a while ago had a go at me saying "you don't remember the days when we had the likes of Steve Marrow and we were bad" it has eaten away at me ever since and really annoyed me so to him any other fans who lack the ambition to criticise the squad I say to you "you don't remember the 2 doubles, an UNBEATEN SEASON, countless FA Cups and a CL final in the last 10 years. Why aren't we doing that now?"

We have had a fair number of injuries this season but in saying that who has been brought into the first team and actually shown they deserve to be there? Or at least not looked like they were a reserve? I would say Djourourou was the only one.

I just think that Arsenal have lost their soul and have no real fight. Sad times.

Oh and UEFA isn't nailed on the way they have been playing. Bendtner mate, you might want to turn your talk into action because no one likes people who are all chat.

He's Back! Eboue V Bendtner Is it wrong to hate an Arsenal player?

2009-02-16T09:43:00.005Z

I am not speaking about Eduardo, Although I haven't been quite as animated about a Croatian goal for 9 or so months (since Scott Carson upset me) I was delighted to hear that Dudu set up the winner. I am just glad to hear that he is back.

I was actually speaking about my return to blogging. Since this is purely a hobby I will drift in and out of it depending on my interest levels. This has no link to how much I love the club, that is a constant. How much the club upsets me is a different factor!

Since the Arshavin signing and Spurs match I have struggled to write anything that any other Gooner will write.

Eboue is a tool, Fact. However I think it was his best 20 odd minutes of the season. He genuinely played well, looked interested and scored a legitimate goal. I also think he is the only player since the invincibles to actually have a go at our dirty neighbours, he just did it in the wrong way.

I shall give an insight into my journalistic skillz (they are on a par with a West Indian groundsman), I always try and avoid swearing, I would consider myself to be fairly articulate and think I can get around most frustrating Arsenal situations but fuck me Nick Bendtner, what a prick!

I say this because I have reached the end of my tether with his arseholery. At the end of January I started to write an article praising his return to something regarding form. He has scored a couple of important goals. This is as far as I got.

"Having given him a fairly tough time during November and December I think it is only fair that we recognise his commitment and he has obviously worked hard to improve. He has scored a couple of important goals and has bounced back from a spell of seriously poor form.

I think it is important to look at a players growth at his age and baring in mind he is only 21 he will develop a lot over the years."

for some reason or other this article did not get finished, I am glad it didn't for I am ashamed of it.

The Bendtner I saw against Spurs made me feel something close to hate. Adebayor has been terrible in 2009. When he was scoring goals in 2008 he lost the thing Gooners loved about him - his massive work rate. now he ambles about and if he gets a goal then its OK but he wont look for one.

Nick the prick wandered onto the pitch as if he owned it and took up the single striker role and as far as I was concerned Fabianski could have done a better job. If Sky still did their playercam thing the Bendtner cameraman would not have had to move his lens from the centre spot. He is one of those rare players who it would appear everything he touches turns to shit.

Having just read a factually inaccurate article about Bendtner's views on team selection in one of the red tops my feelings of almost hate were pushed over the edge. His disrespect for our new signing and his inflated ego just make me think what a ball bag.

I can remember watching Arsenal V Reading in the 2005/06 Carling cup. I had managed to get amazing seats at Highbury and was exited to see Bendtner and Lupoli, I can remember thinking The Italian was 3 times the player Bendtner was. I would still say that and Lupoli is at Norwich!

The trouble is he can't pass, can't really shoot well enough and relies on things being totally on a plate. Personally I can't see him in a non-relegation battling club.

You should start every game Nic? ahead of van persie, Ade, Arshavin, Eduardo, Walcott, Vela, Sunu? No Nic FUCK OFF

2009-02-07T19:08:00.002Z

Next up.....Spurs Away

After all the transfer madness we can now concentrate on the footie and where better to start then helping Spurs on their way to relegation. Andrey is finally on board and should give our midfield a much needed creative boost – if he is passed fit. While Spurs seem intent on buying back all their previous failures.

The opposition – Spurs

They never learn do they? Just as Ramos cleared out much of the deadwood loveable ‘Arry decides to buy them all back! Whoever is playing for them though they still find themselves in the relegation zone - again! Nothing would bring a smile to my face more than to see them finally pay the price for consistently signing over-priced and over-rated players while believing they have a divine right to challenge for top honours. They can’t even make the new Messi work for them, Giovanni de Santos is a player I would have liked to see at Arsenal but now he is tainted!

Last time out: Arsenal 0 West Ham 0 Bolton 3 Spurs 2

More frustration last time out as we failed to break down a West Ham side determined to play 11 men behind the ball and pray for a point. Our dirty neighbours meanwhile crashed to defeat at fellow strugglers Bolton, complete with some comedy goal-line defending from David Bentley, another Lillywhite who has had his career ruined by a trip down the wrong side of Holloway Road.

Last league meeting at White Hart Lane - Spurs 1 Arsenal 3 September 15 2007

Gareth Bale gave Spurs a 15th minute lead but the Gunners fought back in the second half. Two goals in 15 minutes from Adebayor and Fabregas put the Gunners in front before Adebayor finished things off with a stunning 25 yard volley in injury time.

Team News.
Wenger must decide on the fitness of new-boy Andrey Arshavin who hasn’t played since the Russian league finished in November. Abou Diaby misses out through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season against West Ham. Robin Van Persie is pushing for a recall after being ‘rested’ last weekend.

Probable XI

Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Arshavin/Eboue Denilson Song Nasri
Adebayor Van Persie

Key Battle
Everyone on the pitch – lets get stuck in!

Key men

Arsenal – Robin Van Persie
Scored a stunner last week against Everton and is capable of doing so again on Sunday, if Wenger decides to pick him (which he should).

Spurs – Robbie Keane
After failing miserably at Liverpool Keane is back at Spurs and bizarrely back as captain. It will be interesting to see whether he can turn his season around.

Football Betting tips with Betfair

Match odds: Spurs 11/5 Arsenal 6/4 Draw 12/5

Local derbies are always going to be full bloodied and passionate and Sunday will be no exception. But Arsenal can’t afford to lose anymore games if they want to secure a Champions League spot. Tottenham are in trouble at the wrong end of the table and even though they will no doubt raise their game, I think the Gunners will have enough to win. A 2-1 away win has decent odds of 10-1

Prediction

Spurs 1(Keane) Arsenal 2 (Van Persie 2)

Written by Tom Mallows, sports writer for Betfair. Check them out for the latest Cheltenham betting odds.

Next up.....Everton Away

2009-01-27T18:37:00.004Z

We could have done without a FA Cup replay further clogging up the fixture list but a winnable home home draw in the next round is a small consolation. Back in the league and the Everton game represents a great chance for us to get back into fourth place. You always get a physical game against The Toffees but if we can match them early on we have enough quality to go on and win.

The opposition – Everton

With its cramped wooden seating, small concourses and obstructed views Goodison Park is very much an old school football Ground - The Emirates it aint. But compared with most of the soulless new stadia springing up across the country (obviously excluding The Emirates - The Riverside springs to mind!) the atmosphere is second to none and it will be sadly missed if Everton’s controversial move to a new stadium in Kirkby goes ahead.
As for the team? Well, a difficult side to play at the best of times, Everton have found a new level of resilience in recent weeks following an injury crisis among their strikers. Shorn of Saha (rather predictably) Vaughan and Yakubu David Moyes has called on midfielder Tim Cahill to play on his own up front – and it has proved extremely effective. Eight games unbeaten with just 2 goals conceded means it will be another tough trip for the Gooners.

Last time out: Cardiff 0 Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1 Everton 1

Everton joined Arsenal in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round but like Arsenal will need to win a replay in order to confirm their place.
The Gunners had the better of it against Cardiff in the second half at Ninian Park and perhaps were a little disappointed not to grab the win. But for a side that is often accused of being a soft touch against so called lesser sides away from home, the teams’ resilience and determination against a tough physical Cardiff side bodes well for the rest of the campaign. A home draw against West Brom or Burnley should provide enough motivation for Wenger’s men to get past the Bluebirds in the replay.
Everton meanwhile, still suffering a striker shortage, were also deprived of influential midfielders Mikel Arteta and Maourane Fellaini for the clash with Liverpool at Anfield. But they still claimed a credible 1-1 draw – their second in a week at the home of their bitter rivals. If they can get some of their injured stars back for the replay is should prove another tough night for Rafa’s men.

Last league meeting at Goodison

30/12/2007 Everton 1-4 Arsenal

Despite going into the break a goal down thanks to that man Tim Cahill, the Gunners roared back in the second half. First a quick fire double from Eduardo put the Gunners in front before a Tim Howard mistake allowed Adebayor to nip in. Mikel Arteta saw red for Everton after an elbow on Fabregas before Tomas Rosicky grabbed a fourth in injury time.

Team News.

Gael Clichy returns after a one match ban and looks set to replace youngster Kieran Gibbs at left back. Manuel Almunia looks set for a recall in place of ‘cup keeper’ Fabianski. Wenger also must decide whether to recall William Gallas in place of Johan Djourou. The Frenchman only made it to the bench on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring strain.

Probable XI

Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Denilson Eboue Diaby Nasri
Adebayor Van Persie

Key Battle
Denilson v Arteta – Nearly all of Everton’s attacking play comes through the Spaniard, if he can be contained the Gunners have a great chance of victory.

Key men

Arsenal – Emmanuel Adebayor
The big striker hasn’t reached the heights of last season and has been frustratingly inconsistent. But on his day he can be a world beater and has more than enough quality to breach a solid looking Everton defence.

Everton – Tim Cahill
The Australian is one of those players you love to have in your team but hate to play against. He is always in the defenders faces, isn’t afraid of a tackle, and has an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time to grab crucial goals – just ask Liverpool.

football betting. tips.

Odds: Everton 85/40 Arsenal 8/5 The draw 12/5

This is a game both teams can’t really afford to lose. Arsenal’s grip on a Champions League place is under threat because of the form of both Everton and Villa. The Toffees will look to take full advantage of any slip ups to close the gap. Because of this I think it will be tight and would be tempted to go for a 1-1 draw at decent football odds. tips. of 6-1.

Prediction
Everton 1 (Cahill) Arsenal 1 (Adebayor)

Transfer Stories: Signing today? Mr Diame

2009-01-27T10:32:00.004Z

I would like to appologise for my post yesterday. I was pretty sure it was a joke, obviously I am so subtle it was taken as truth! Personally I couldnt give a toss if he didnt't like my content, its like saying u dont like the news cos the way its delivered, if you don't like i couldnt give a monkeys!

The only way to make the Arshavin transfer any slower is if they delivered notes by pigeon. Apparently the move is down to him and his agent. I think this could be trouble! If he is so worried about the money he isn't wanted!

Micah Richards says he is a City player and I think thats respectable but he is a Gooner and I am sure if a successful bid was made he would like to play in a decent team.

Mohamed Diame from Rayo (£5.5m) A young french strong midfielder from a second division club, sounds like a Wenger recipe! No real proof yet though!

Transfer Gossip: Things are picking up again

2009-01-23T13:55:00.004Z

Today has been a comparitively busy day. There has been the "48 hour" Arshavin news and some other stuff. Apparently Mr Arshavin's troublesome agent (who I am convinced has added about £3m to the deal with his stupid comments) has been cut out of the negociating process and is now spending his time talking up his Russian star on Arsenal blogs. If he can make the fans see how much we need him then we will pay him more. Bored now

Cesc to Man City (no doubt lots of money) - This won't get off the ground because I respect Fabregas and he said it would be footballing suicide to go to Man City, I don't expect him to go back on that after 6 months. It looks like City are begining to worry, they will have to throw their cash around quicky with Chavski and Liverpool looking like they could have the same sort of money they have the advantage of players actually wanting to go to them!

Tresor Mputu - We had him on trial but this has reared its head again. No doubt we could use a bit of muscle but why have we wasted all this time? I don't think its likely if it was it would have happened 3 months ago.

Fabian Delph from Leeds - There is a lot of chat about this boy and its begining to get old already. Nothing has been tabled, Ken Bates said he will be expensive. I Don't like Leeds at all, they are the Spurs of the North but as far as I am aware they are pretty broke having had to sell Elland Road to stay floating. They will take our money if Delph is any good.

Thats all for the moment

We Got Him

2009-01-22T23:39:00.004Z

In the immortal words of George W Bush "we got him" obviously bush was speaking about a human rights violating naughty man, I am hoping Arshavin is going to violate some defenses.

My sources are a bit touchy but apparently it was for £15m (the top of the bracket but not over). I hope the fee is performance related but this is unlikely considering how hard the Zenith boys pushed.

There are questions regarding when he will arrive but given that he is in the UAE it would be unlikely that he will be playing in Cardiff on Sunday. There are then questions over his fitness since he has not been playing matches for a while.

Although I am largely undecided on whether I am happy about this news it is definitely a good thing for Arsenal FC.

To put things into context, Spurs have bought a WIGAN winger for £3 less than we spending on the apparent star of Euro 2008!

What do you all think about the deal?

More Proof of a Lack of Ambition?

2009-01-22T19:22:00.002Z

This hasn't been a great season so far. For Arsenal to call it a success we have to win something, with the league almost out of our grasp it comes down to the Champions league or the FA Cup.

Everyone would love a Champions League win but I think it is unlikely. That means that the FA Cup is our best bet. Arsene and I obviously have contrasting views on the matter. I have said about a lack of ambition in the transfer market but it turns out that there is no need for us to win trophies at all.

Looking on the clubs website I was greeted with a picture of our Polish keeper. I think he is a decent stopper but he is on the bench for a good reason. It has been announced that Fabianski will be first choice keeper in the FA Cup. Almunia is our best goalkeeper without a doubt. This has left me questioning our selection policy.

I feel there are a number of issues to address:

1, Playing players out of position, we have been playing central players on the wing. The lack of width makes us too easy to break down.

2, There is not enough pressure on players to perform, Adebayor, Bendtner, Toure, Eboue, Denilson and to an extent Cesc and Clichy have not performed very well over the course of the season. They have not been dropped, only missed games through injury. This gives a false confidence which is dangerous.

3, The lack of consistency with the youth policy. Denilson has been played on the left wing this season (a bit like playing Bentdner in goal) It just doesn't work. Especially when we have Jack Wilshere. But yet Bendtner is given countless opportunities. While Jack shines the pine.

I think it is vital for us to show our intent in the FA Cup and not field a weakened team unless it is the kids. We will win nothings with a mish-mash of players, ever.

Transfers: Boring Boring Arsenal

2009-01-22T10:21:00.003Z

It appears that things are blowing hot and cold every couple of minutes as Arshavins agent continues to make things as hard for us as possible. I don't think I have ever been so aware of an agent in a transfer deal.

In other news we have no rumors its all quiet, the calm before the storm.

I enjoyed watching the reserves last night and its interesting how Arsene has managed to have such an effect on their playing method. They pass out of trouble and can't defend, its almost poetic. I wonder if the under-12s are trained to be rubbish in the air?

It was good to see our "new signing" (Arsene Wenger 2009) Eduardo get through the whole 90 and look sharp. He could have scored and assisted if it wasn't for fine goal keeping. I have been thinking about things given our possible new signing and it is time for me to throw out the new improved starting lineup

===========Almunia===========
Sagna===Toure====Gallas====Clichy
Arshavin==Denilson==Nasri==v. Persie
=====Adebayor====Eduardo======

When injuries heal, we move Arshavin in for Denilson and Walcott back on his wing. Nasri to the left with RvP knocking out the out of form striker when Cesc is out. Sadly I can't see that the Cezch Dumpling can't find his way into that starting formation.

There are obvious problems:

1, We have about 30 central mid players. With Cesc, Nasri, Rosicky, Denilson and Arshavin all fighting for starting places what happens to Diaby, Song, Ramsey and Bischoff?

2, We still lack a big midfielder to boss things.

3, We still don't have a natural left winger, Nasri is central at heart.

4, A point I haven't seen made before apart from here. WE HAVE 1 LEFT BACK. With Traore at Pompey (the team who really hate spurs at the moment, knuckle dusters at the ready!), Silvestre being totally past it and Gallas hating left back we are stuck with [left back of the season] Clichy. He may make the odd mistake but going forward he electric on his best day. He is however the sort of player who needs cover. I don't think Gibbs is up to it yet as he is more attacking.

5, We need a Central defender with some power.

I would just like to say a special thank you to Jack Wilshere for that first goal last night. It was truly stunning, probably my favourite goal of the season (my favourite last season was his against West Ham, Oh and Ade's against spurs and Cesc's against AC). Keep it up youngun!

Transfer News:Arsenal Are Stuck In A Rut

2009-01-21T11:14:00.003Z

Transfer News: VERY LITTLE

With talk of the Arshavin deal falling apart through what can be described as an inflated view of the Russians value. I have said from the start that £15 is plenty for a player who hasn't really proven himself on the world stage.

I am disappointed about things at the moment, I think the club is stuck in a massive rut at the moment. There are fans who will disagree with what I am saying because they remember the worse times. To be honest I couldn't give a damn about these historic blips. We have a manager who is most likely one of the top 10 in the world. but apart from that things are slipping. If one was to look at the transfer dealings over the last couple of seasons we have lost a number of star players.

Whether Arshavin is a star or not it feels like we have lost out because we do not have the firepower in the transfer market. I don't want money to be wasted but I hate to see us pipped for players. I love the building of a young squad but I think its risky, what if these players turn into superstars then go the way of Henry and Hleb? We can't be a feeder club.

As I spend my time trawling rumour websites I get gradually more depressed. all I see is a Hungarian kid for £250,000. Where is the ambition? We have the stadium, training facilities and coaching staff of the best clubs in the world but we have the ambition of Berwick Rangers. With Spurs shelling out about £30m to try and keep themselves in this league we spend nothing on trying to win it.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

I am proud of our 8 match winning spree, admittedly it hasn't been 7-0 drubbings like when Slavia Prague came to see us but given our match winners being out injured its all good! Just a few months ago I was begging for some 1-nil to the Arsenal and it has come. I like winning but if we could do it in a way that will keep my heart in a safe condition that would be favourable.

RvP what a man, top form keep it up!

Transfer News: Is That The Time?

2009-01-19T15:13:00.003Z

I will apologise for any typos my keyboard is knackered and add that to dyslexia its going to be a nightmare!

Today marks a third of the transfer window left for the Arsenal negotiators to prove their worth. Would David Dein have got us Arshavin for £10m in a day? I am worried about the lack of movement with any other transfers. Wenger says we are looking at other players, I just want some one to get excited about and show our intentions.

With regards to the Hull match I was quietly impressed in places. Diaby put in a couple of strong tackles and seemed more up for it than normal. Clichy was given a lot of stick but I thought attackingly he was pretty strong. There is talk of him being dropped. If you are one of the morons spouting this rubbish I ask you who will fill in for him? Silvestre and Gallas are the only options and they are injured! I still regret Armand Traore going out on loan because he would give us some extra width and backup which we need this season, injuries or not.

With regards to the transfers we have no new stories other than the Hungarian 17 year old Defender Mate Toth. Obviously this boy is going to be the beans if we do sign him but will he push for a first team place? Probably not.

Other than him its all Arshavin and the other usual suspects, the whole of the Fulham squad and goalkeepers. Poor Almunia.

Transfer Roundup: Two for the London Boys?

2009-01-14T12:38:00.002Z

As I have said before I make no apology for not posting for a while. This blog is for useful information only and I'm not going to write a load of crap just to keep busy. I'm as busy as Mark Hughes negotiators! The word on the streets of Manchester is that Kaka is going to be the highest paid Championship player of all time. £500k a week doesn't sound bad to me!

Back to the glorious Arsenal, as we struggled to knock over Bolton it is obvious that we do need to strengthen our attacking options. I really do miss Rosicky, more in a sort of way that we are lacking something without him not so much he is giving us something. Statistically he isn't a world beater but he is a good man to have in the squad. His agent knows he is alive and will be about in March. Good luck to him.

The rumour mill has been grinding to a halt over the last few days with just a few coughs about Arshavin but nothing new. Apparently he is doing a crash course in English and not going on the tour with Zenith.

Hangeland and Bullard from Fulham - Hangeland has been good this season but I don't know if Bullard is good enough for us. £5m for Hangeland apparently, good business
30% for both otherwise 60% and 30%

Inler from Udinese - If we can't get our paws on Arshavin.

Angelo Obinze Ogbonna from Torino - It could be the case that there is another African player unearthed by Wenger. he is 20 and plays for Torino, he is a 6'3" defender and so uncovered that the internet won't tell me much about him! This has all the makings of the new Kolo!
40%

Mobido Diakite from Lazio (£10m) - A £5m bid was laughed away and it all depends on whether Wenger rates him at £10m, given how tight he is at the moment I guess not.
15%

If anyone wants to get involved and write some match reports leave an email address(I will delete them as soon as I see them come up to avoid people stealing your identity). I find them tedious and my over-active involvement while spectating causes me to forget things! It would be great to get a big turnout!

Cheers

Daily Transfer Gossip and Lies

2009-01-07T18:32:00.001Z

It would appear that things are heating up and Arsenal might actually spend some cash. Obviously no one wants Wenger to go out and spend his Christmas money because he has got it but I everyone knows he is fairly conservative in his spending. With that story consuming the inches of the papers it seems to have made all the other stories vanish – but I have found them! I even got up extra early to find them for you, don’t thank me.

Obviously Arshavin from Zenith for £12m – The figure is obviously questionable but The Sun are putting their faultless reputation on the line for this one. I would be happy with £12m no more than £15m. Andrei was shown round the training ground but apparently Bendtner was shown round Ibrox on the last day of the summer window. According to the Daily Mail he hopes Arsenal can agree terms.

Toure is going nowhere until he has been replaced – This makes sense considering our defensive frailty.

Eboue to Inter – Jose Mourinho playing his usual games. It would be amusing but I think Eboue has been pretty good since he got booed off the pitch.

Are there any transfers you want to see? Bendtner to Spurs for £15m would be nice or Gallas to Man City as Captain £20m? Yaya Toure to Arsenal for a 5er?

An objective guide to Arshavin

2009-01-06T23:50:00.006Z

Now I am going to try and avoid any references regarding removal of hair from the rear end.

I have been strongly denying the chance of the Russian coming to Arsenal in some sort of anti-Soviet mindset I have suddenly picked up since our board got a bit shaky. I don't want to say too much on this one because of KGB and being sued.

Andrei is one of the many players I have come across in my footy manager playing days and it would appear the statistics from that are quite accurate. Although it is a computer game I often look at things in that when looking at a player we are linked with because they have an extensive honest scouting network (and its free unlike some of the scouting websites!).

Having heard so many stories about this boy I have become quite nervous about him, he is obviously one hell of a player. BUT there are questions about his temperament, he seems to drift from hero to villan on occassions but I don't know from first hand experience.

I am going to turn this into a pros and cons arguement because I think thats the easiest way of breaking things down.

PROS

Obviously very skillful.

A good finisher.

Seems like the sort of player who will bring out the best in other players because he will suck in defence and create gaps.

Can Play right wing, striker or AMC - we are short of versitility.

CONS

His agent is so full of it, its just annoying.

Apparently hot and cold.

We have a number of central mid players and will mean Denilson/Diaby/Ramsey/Walcott/Song/Rosicky/Nasri will be out of the starting team.

Wenger often says about the fitting in period of half a season - Fab will be back before he has fitted in, rendering him pointless.

He hasn't really proven himself on the world stage or in a good league.

He not a big guy - a lack of physicality?

In the last 4 seasons he has averaged 28 games with 8 goals and 10 assists. I know we could do with an extra 18 goals a season. But would he just be a Russian Fabregas? We have a French one called Samir.

If we do sign this boy (for no more than 15m please!) I could see things being shaken up. I would love to see him take the second striker Hleb sort of role with RvP moving to the left in a Pires sort of role and Nasri moving to the centre. The flaw in this is that we are seriously pre-pubesent in terms of strength but attack is the new form of defence. Just remember Wenger knows!

something happened today? Transfer summary

2009-01-06T17:42:00.000Z

I didn’t post anything yesterday because there wasn’t anything at all worthwhile but today is a case of same crap different day as the Arseshaving et al boring tosh slides from the back page into the depths of the tabloid pages. Newspapers are a bit like the council they try and recycle but it all ends up on the rubbish dump.

Admittedly they have almost tried quite hard with this one. Niko Kranjcar from Pompey, £10m – It was only a matter of time before this one came up. I was convinced it would either be him or MGP from Blackburn. Both are wide players and both are pretty broke it would appear so I wouldn’t be surprised. Wenger just needs some width.

As the Arseshving story rumbles on I have considered shaving my arse just to avoid having to read dross about him learning English/having the loudest agent in the wold/being the Messiah of football. One cannot prove anything apart from the agent.

Wilshere is a true Gooner now and a big boy. There will still be endless side splitters about his age and I will probably blow my funny fuse and never laugh again but I think it might be safe after Mark the BBC knob has made me laugh so hard with gags such as “Iceland are worse than tesco”. What can you expect from someone from Preston. The Sun (who have been full of beans today) Claim he will be an instant Millionaire. By that they mean he will be given a million quid. I think thats a moronic piece of ‘journalism’ (is that the right word?).

Apparently Rosina isn’t going to be a member of our fine club but things like that have been said before.

Toure has apparently cleaned out his locker in true office stereotype gold. I hope this isn’t true but I think it might be the case, apparently the Scott Parker to Man City means Ireland might be coming the Ashburton way.

Wenger teased us with Inler, now he doesn’t want him. At least he realised now and didn’t waste the last few hours of this window failing to buy him.

I really am worried that Wenger is going to waste money that we are giving him through buying shirts, tickets and other revenue boosting merchandise. If we buy an attacking midfielder it really is such a short term venture and not in Arsene’s nature. We need a winger and someone who can defend!

Sunday Stories; Transfers and Other

2009-01-04T14:32:00.001Z

Another fairly tedious day for links and stories regarding our fine team. Having just swept Plymouth aside I await the draw with baited breath. Got a feeling we are going to get Man City. WAIT, no, that won’t happen! I think we will get a Premiership side or someone we can’t really send the kids out against.

Now to the transfer rubbish of the day. I am quite disappointed in the stories given that is Sunday the best day for mental stories.

Stephen Ireland – Signing a Man City player is going to be a mission, especially their best player. If someone told me we had signed him I would say “oh how much” I would consider it to be a waste of money because we have one of those it would be like my 2 telepathic aunts giving me the same CD most Christmas’. I think he is a good player and the sort I would like in the Arsenal side but give me any winger ahead of him. The only way I can see this happening is if Wenger does a Toure swap deal. If that was on the cards I want Micah Richards instead.
30%

Theo is upset about not being offered a new contract. ACTUALLY a “SOURCE CLOSE TO THEO” says so. This is the sort of Sunday paper rubbish that annoys me. It’s quite clearly total crap. I was in the front row for a game and Theo was about 5 yards away from me so I consider myself to have been close to Mr Walcott and I say he would play for free because he loves the club!

RvP is apparently in the same boat. I was sure he had signed a new contract but obviously not. He is also interested in the transfer plans in the next month. So am I, Robbo if you hear anything let me know yeah?

Toure to Man City £8m – Bored of this. I like Kolo but if he is going to continue to have stinkers he is going to have to go. Sorry but that’s football. If he’s not happy then he will be a burden
50%

I listened to yesterday’s match on ATVO and struggle to say anything about how we played from the radio. We are in the next round and it would appear Eboue played quite well but I could be wrong.

Daily Transfer Stories of Arsenal FC

2009-01-02T12:48:00.003Z

Today has been rubbish for stories I'm afraid. Everything was looking rosy with yesterdays load of stories but today it has all died on its arse. This could be linked to Mr Hill-Woods comments regarding our lack of a transfer fund.

Last night I read some fairly strong indications that Arshaving was going to be joining in the next couple of days. I got all built up for accepting him and trawled youtube and got quite excited about him even though we don't need him. Everyone is aware that agents are lying bags of puss but his agent is worse than most. Apparently an £18m deal is going through as we speak. Its good because it will happen the same time spurs win the league (the Premiership).

The other story that has caused me sleepless nights is the one regarding the Newcastle stopper. I genuinely think he is the best goalkeeper in England and the player I would say was second in my list would be Almunia. swapping first for second would be a step up but I would be angry if Almunia was replaced given his consistancy and loyalty. He may want out of Newcastle because its a free-fall there but he won't be coming to Arsenal.

I hate the spuds as much as any other Gooner but just an idea...Giovani dos Santos? I think he is a good little player, if we want an AMC/second striker (which I don't think we do). He would fit the Arsene style and he is apparently going cheap. If we could pick him up for £5m then that would be pretty epic business. He is mates with Vela and the 2 of them combining could be the new Pires/Henry sensual football we all miss.

If you thought signing a Spud was madness you will like this one...

JOEY BARTON
I was one of the many Gooners to boo him when the Geordies came to get beaten about 8 times last season. He may have a bit of a reputation for being violent and I can understand that supporters would be worried about him but look at how good he has been this season and he is just what we need. A strong central mid who would scare opposition. Even if he got banged up again he is more likely to play than Rosicky!

What a bunch of Loaners

2009-01-01T17:29:00.002Z

It seems that the transfer window has been busier than Gooners were expecting. So far we have had a number of fairly silly rumours but also a lot of activity on the loan front.

Havart Nordveit has returned from a dissappointing loan spell in Spain with Salamanca. It is always a risk sending players away and them not getting played by hopefully it will have taught him to be patient. There have been whispers about him in the Plymouth squad. I look forward to seeing him in the reserves at least - When they finally start playing again!

Jay Simpson has not only signed an apparent long-term contract but also gone to WBA on loan for the rest of the season. This is good news in terms of his development, which has been rapid since he went to Millwall last term. Its a bit of a shame to see him going after his under use this season. I think he could have been a good replacement for Theo. His pace and small bit of experience in the position would have not only boosted his confidence but also given us some width.

Nancer Barazite has been playing regularly for the Rams, 18 appearances and development is going well. His loan spell has been extended to the end of the season and he will be playing a higher standard and more regularly so there are no problems there.

Gavin Hoyte will be spending the rest of his season in Watford. I really like him as a player and see that he could well exceed his brother's level of ability and we might even be glad that there is a Hoyte on the team sheet!

Reserve football has always had a bit of a stigma about it but with the ATVO service I have really enjoyed watching some of the games. I have been missing it with some sort of fixture evaporation means that we might as well send our reserve squad on loan.

Good luck to the young guns on loan!

ITS OPEN! And we aren’t talking about the offy

2009-01-01T12:23:00.001Z

It’s my first transfer window opening as a blogger and I must say I am disappointed. I was expecting Wenger to unleash 7 or 8 players into the squad by the time I woke up. As the Wenger critics seem to mount up and questions remain unanswered will this month be the downfall of Arsene Wenger?

2009 is an important year for us and I am sure 2010 will be as well but there are some things that need to be addressed and most importantly the strengthening of the squad. He is what the papers are saying.

Gallas to AC for £4m – Could happen
75%

Toure out – He will stay if Gallas goes and this is just a silly thing at the moment.
20%

Rosina from Torino on loan – Loans with sale clauses could be the future for international transfers. We need a winger and he is a winger I like him as a player. Whats the worst that can happen if we loan him?
40%

Hangeland from Fulham – A regular but according to The Sun he is Wenger’s top target. To be honest Fulham couldn’t keep him if we did want him!
67%

Upson from West Ham – A great player and I think an English defender would go down well with the supporters. West Ham are BROKE as well so I think this could be a winner but we don’t know how things were left when Wenger sold him, they might hate each other!
67%

Transfer Mumbo-Jumbo Summary and Media Lies

2008-12-31T17:08:00.001Z

Having been away for a while in the depths of Sussex with no Internet and mobile reception I had expected to come back and turn over millions of rumours and be snowed under. This has not been the case. Just the usual suspects. With fab out it has come to Wenger’s attention that we need a central mid according to the papers. Personally I would buy a number of wingers.

Arsenal do not have a player signed to play on the wing in the first team squad. I realised this the other day. The closest we have are Theo (signed as a striker) and Rosicky (dead and prefers the middle). If we sign another central player to go with Cesc, Denilson, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Nasri, Diaby, etc. I might just go mad. Nasri is Fabregas’ replacement! Is that not BLINDINGLY OBVIOUS?

Arse-shaving
Once again the chat with him has come up. I shall dispel this one for the final time.
1, He will cost at least £15m and Wenger has said he is broke (not sure if this is true)
2, He is not really proven to be a world class player. He is very inconsistent and has not proven himself to be as good as his agent seems to think. He has played in the UEFA Cup (along with Arsenal by the looks of things) and a couple of Euro 08 games where he was either good or ordinary.
3, Our wage structure would be massacred by his £90,000/week wages.
I think he probably would be a decent player but for under £10m and on less than half of the wages. There are questions about his temperament and I can’t see Arsene splashing out on a risk the size of Reyes (financial size – the boy is built like RvP’s right leg)
20%

Arteta
I haven’t really seen that much of him despite his high reputation – Everton bore me. He is obviously quite tidy in what I have seen of him but I just think another central player will be wasted money. But that seems to be what all the talk is of at the moment.
60%

Inler
He would be my first choice of the 3 because of his defencive nature but not for more than about £8m?
30%

Distin
Doesn’t want to come.
10%

Matuidi
A St Etienne central mid. French-African, 21...We have one called NASRI!
20%

Kitoko
WHO? Apparently he is being watched by our scouts frequently.

Mputu
A goal machine in Africa but that doesn’t mean much in the Prem but maybe the Democratic Republic of Congo is the new thing!
10%

Diakhate
The Kiev defender apparently impressed but I can’t actually remember him from our games against the chap. Man city are also interested according to reports.
30%

Toure – OUT
A friend of a friend of his pet badger said so it’s happening. Did they not think that with Gallas most likely leaving that Toure could stay? MORONS
0.5% unless Man City throw lots of cash and we accept that we are a selling club then its 90%

A good day for Transfer stories.

2008-12-16T11:23:00.005Z

As Eduardo is set to make his first appearance for ages he feels like a new signing and I can't wait to see him. I am afraid that the building up hopes of him will mean that he might not be quite as we expect for a while. He might even get booed! Enough of the rubbish I speak and here are the rumours of today:-

Inler - Available in the Summer, all the superpowers of Italian football want him so I doubt it will happen but Wenger actually made an offer for him.

40%.

Hangeland - AGAIN! He apparently wants to stay at Fulham, can you blame him! I think he is blowing smoke and keeping the fans happy, he couldn't turn down an Arsenal shirt.

60%

Pato - Given the chat about the purse strings in football by Wenger he has more chance of going to Wolves than Arsenal.

2%

Mexes - A french defender, if he was going anywhere it would be Arsenal but he could be pricey.

30%

Upson - Apparently valued at £7m he is definitely affordable but I would guess that he might be a bit weary of coming back. His time at Arsenal was successful when he wasn't broken. I think it would be a good move to sign him and help give us the English backbone to the team that I would consider important

60%

Chiellini - Maybe in some sort of exchange for Gallas. If we managed a straight swap then it would all be good but would it be a step down for the 24 year old defender?

20%

van Bommel - On a free in the Summer? Probably not

10%

Hopeless optimism losing hope...at least I'm not Rio!

2008-12-13T15:35:00.009Z

I have had the misfortune of having to put up with Rio Ferdinand's feeble existence for too long now. I am pretty sure the drug test avoiding (nothing dodgy there!) moron has somehow dodged the bullet with all the abuse Becks got for being thick. As a footballer I think he is pretty good but as soon as he opens his mouth I just want to eat my own ears. Given that footballers are famous for being pretty stupid I think this stereotype is giving the likes of Clichy a bad name. Ferdinand no doubt has advisers (for normal people these are called carers) coming out of his ears but yet still chooses to do the most moronic things possible. A good example of this is his world cup wind up show a year or 2 ago. If you watched it your IQ points would have been drained like mine were, if you enjoyed it you obviously had no IQ points to begin. So please avoid reading anything he says stupidity is contagious!

Like many football fans I enjoy the banter flying around the football world. I loved it because this time last season if you were a Gooner you were untouchable, playing beautiful football and winning.

I write this article pleased with the fact that I turned down a ticket to the Boro match. The prospect of a wet and miserable Teeside, watching passionless side being outplayed by the youngest team in the league, managed by the youngest manager in the league.

Arsenal fans are short of valid excuses for justifying our weak run. I shall give you a list of things that wont work!

We lack experience. It isn't as if we are broke like most of the other underachieving teams in this country, we could bring in experience. Experience is a funny thing. Our youthful side that played today managed to muster up 240 senior international caps. Statistics can be deceptive though, Almunia has none of those and is one of our most experienced players and Clichy only has 2 caps so add those to the experience bank and we are a very experienced side.

We have a lack of width, FACT. I refuse to understand how Arsene Wenger - who can only be considered a managerial master - can so easily choose to play a team that has about as much width as Rio Ferdinand's knowledge of literature. There are some things in life you have to accept and one of those is that Denilson, Song, Diaby, Ramsey and Cesc are all central players and cannot all start. It is a sign of lunacy to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.

We lack depth. We only have ourselves to blame for that one with Wenger refusing to buy I can understand the difficulty of his position, Its like buying a load of stuff that is not worth much at the moment and saying soon they will be antiques and I will be rich. The assets of the squad are still not at their best and we cant just buy new people in for a year or 2 because that would be considered going back on ones self!

Defending corners is harder than it looks. Yes I'm sure it is that's why we could struggle in a set piece against Peter Kay Bolton Dwarfs team.

We are unlucky with injuries. We haven't been top of the injury table for more than a couple of days. The amount of niggling small injuries would suggest a problem with pre-training warm ups or something.

The Answer.....

If you are getting a hard time from pretty much anyone regarding the team you love just say "come back to me in 5 years" Weak but the best I have for you.

Transfer Rumour Summary

2008-12-12T16:08:00.003Z

We still have the typical ones flying around:-

Alonso - great player but too expensive. Mascherano is probably more suited to what we need but I dont want to be associated with him it will be a world of pain!

Gallas - Going to Juve, PSG or AC. He and Senderos could be reunited for a bit!

Bendts - Going somewhere in Europe. Wenger has just said that he could be amazing so I think he might be staying

Hangeland - coming from Fulham - he might be nervous coming to a team with enough supporters and therefore not needing a neutrals stand!

Half of the kids - away on loan somewhere

There have been very few new stories so should we make up some new ones? City to bid £90m for Gallas and we use the money to buy the England rugby team for defensive duties? Borthwick to eat Rooney?

Could Bendtner’s Arsenal Future be in doubt?

2008-12-07T16:15:00.000Z

When Adebayor is fit, van Persie is fit, Eduardo comes back into first team fold and Vela continues to develop into the player I hope he becomes for us; does Bendtner have a first team future with us?

I will be honest here and express the views of the majority of Arsenal fans when it comes to our perceptions of our Danish Centre forward. I think he is a player with potential, a player who can offer the team something different and a player who is a winner. The arrogant Dane is not afraid of putting extremely high expectations on himself with his arrogant claims. This personality trait is not a bad characteristic of his in fact and let’s be honest, to play for a club like Arsenal takes a special kind of player. Look at Thierry Henry, and as much as we love him, we can admit his arrogance is a trait of his that we have become accustomed to, especially in his celebrations. This is something we all wouldn’t like to admit too but all posses in our own thoughts of how we conduct our lives. Arrogance is confidence, and confidence is belief in one’s own ability to perform consistently at a high standard. Bendtner has this in abundance and at times, he hasn’t lived up to the image he portrays of himself!

When we think of him, it is very easy to forget he actually is a very young player of 20 years of age. He has however been given valuable experience in the Championship with Birmingham who he helped gain promotion to the Premiership, and has been given the opportunity to play for Arsenal in first team matches. With impressive performances coming off the bench scoring crucial goals for us, he has been given more and more of a role in the stating 11 especially when Adebayor has been injured. He has given us glimpses of a player which has the vital ingredients to forge a career with us, and on more times than not; he has shown us he is still not ready and needs to be given more time. I am a great believer in giving young players time to progress and develop through carefully integrating and nurturing them over a period of time, but I for one sometimes look at Nic and think this player has not got what it takes to make a career at Arsenal.

Reports have been circulating that Spartak Moscow are interested in filling the void that has been made by the departure of Spurs summer signing of Roman Pavlyuchenko. Rumors suggest that Bendtner is ready to negotiate a move away from the Emirates and begin a loan spell of six months with the Moscow side. The idea is that after the six month, he could sign a contract that will cost the side up to five million. This is yet to be discussed between the two clubs but in my opinion, the option must be considered.

This situation in my opinion needs to be analyzed carefully before the club makes any decisions on the player’s future. Would a loan spell improve his chances of being a first team regular at Arsenal; and will it result in his all round game being improved? Will Bendtner be able to achieve this at Arsenal without a loan spell, and if so, will this benefit Arsenal in him doing so? If a loan spell will not improve him, and staying at Arsenal will not result in his game being improved, is he good enough to stay at Arsenal. If the answer is no to all the above questions, it might be a move that could be considered in the best interests for both Bendtner and Arsenal.
After saying this, I do not think Wenger would have kept him over the summer if he didn’t believe his player had the required quality to play for a team such as Arsenal. I also do not believe he would have been given the chance he has if he had not had the quality in his game. Time will tell if he makes it or not, but the if it gets clearer that he won’t have the cutting edge over other strikers at Arsenal, I want to see someone else be given the chance and for him to move on to another club.

The results of this therefore are clear for his immediate future, and this is that he should be kept at Arsenal. I think the manager believes he needs games to improve his all round game, but with injuries he has had to start him more times this season than I think he would have hoped for at the start of the campaign.

It wasn't that bad was it?

2008-12-07T11:42:00.002Z

Despite my insistence that every Arsenal game should be on TV when I want it to be this one wasn't so I had to resort to my ATVO subscription. I can't make up my mind on this service, on the one hand its good that you can watch reserve games and match highlights but on the other hand most of the content is pretty weak. I sometimes enjoy the commentary but sometimes they just waffle on about things that are totally pointless and you have no idea what is happening and all of a sudden GOAL!

I had been saying to mates that if we don't win by more than 3 goals the kids are better than the first team. Due to my lack of watching the game and the ATVO highlights not showing ANY Wigan attacks I feel that it would be dangerous to comment. All I know is we had another clean sheet with Djourou on the pitch.

Like all the papers are saying I think the booing of Eboue is a total joke. The fans who did it should have thought quite seriously about what they were doing. I have made my feelings felt pretty clearly about the boy but given our current lack of wide players he is our first choice on the right until the Theo is back. Eboue has just come back from fitness and was clearly not ready for match time. Wenger was clearly stretched into playing him. So well done you have broken his confidence and what has that achieved? NOTHING, it may be pantomime season but its for kids.

Now for the result. I have been hoping for Arsenal to be grinding out 1-0's for ages against physical sides like Wigan, I think that although we didn't stuff them we still picked up 3 points. December/January is the hardest time for the team. if we won every game 1-0 would you complain? I thought not. We are the most important thing for AFC and we need to be solid!

Transfer Rumours of The Day

2008-12-02T12:28:00.003Z

A quiet day for stories today, can't find anything new at all. Just the new versions of Martins and Yaya Toure coming to Arsenal and Gallas apparently going to AC again.

It would appear that the Yaya Toure story is one that is going to eat up a lot of inches. Despite only watching Spanish football if its Villarreal I saw 5 minutes of the Barca game at the weekend ( Freddie "the king prawn" Kanoute made me feel sick so I promptly turned to something less revolting like some second rate celebs eat unmentionables). Anyway Yaya was playing and I thought that this story would sink under the table but obviously not, shows what I know!

The not signing him after the trial seems to be an expensive mistake. I think that if we got him for The Sun's reported £6m that is pretty good going. If we signed him I would feel a lot more optimistic about our chances this season. He would be out of the CL but there is less call for a physical presence in the competition. There are questions to be asked about his big brother Kolo this season. I would say he has been weak hence his loss of his place when he hasn't had little injuries and his brother who is "a better footballer than me" might just give him the lift he needs to retain the crown of King Kolo.

Daily Transfer Rumour Summary

2008-12-01T16:25:00.004Z

It has been a quiet one for outrageous rumours today but some have been rekindled.

Martins from Newcastle (£13m get out clause) - This is pretty standard isn't it? I think he is pretty rubbish and so do my Geordie mates. The People (famous for being right about transfers) claim that he is worried given the uncertainty facing the club (and his wage packet) and wants to leave. Its a worrying time when a Nigerian wants to leave because the club is going to be run by Nigerians!

He is a quick striker with a lack of skill. We will not be signing a stiker and that is nailed on!

Diego Capel Trinidad from Sevilla (no price listed) - The skillful left winger looks like a good little player, another lad from the Barca youths.

He says that he would have to think about a move to Arsenal, this story has no future!

No1 to Chavski - Paul Kenyon has said that there is no money in the Chelski kitty (obviously the Russian is worried about going bust!). That will probably mean a one out one in policy.

Felipe Melo from Fiorentina (no price given) - Another hopeless speculation from an agent trying to improve the profile of a player.

He over 22 and therefore no chance. Oh and His team are dead set on him going nowhere!

Eljero Elia (£6m) - Has apparently been hunted down by Peter Clark and apparently Wenger went to watch him play at City last week along with several trips to see the Holland under-21s to watch him. This one is building momentum and looking like the most likely out of today's lot.

Brede Hangeland From Fulham (£6m) - Well he has been good this season for Fulham and we do need a big central defender don't we? The place I found this claimed that Gallas and Toure are going in Jan. I have a question, where is Kolo going? This could happen, but probably not!

Stanford Bridge came crumbling down

2008-12-01T08:36:00.000Z

Arsenal made the short journey across London to battle out the toughest of derbies at a ground we have not won at since 2003- 04 when Vieira and Edu sank the blues. In addition, only Liverpool earlier this campaign has won here since that win, and Chelsea have claimed a record long unbeaten run at home in all competition.

It would be fair to say to defeats on the trot meant Arsenal’s form prior to the match has been poor. In fact the last goal scored by an Arsenal player, in the opponent’s goal was against united when we beat them 2-1 and the run had reached 222 minutes of premiership football. Aston Villa came to the emirates and left with all three point, and Arsenal travelled to the City of Manchester Stadium and left there empty handed. Most importantly, the performances of late have been poor and a trip to Stanford Bridge is always going to be a tough call, and with our form being so dismal, optimism from the fans was low.

The match started with Chelsea pilling on the pressure. The defence had been strengthened by the return of Sagna, who had been a big miss for us. Chelsea however didn’t put together any meaningful attacks and our goal didn’t get threatened too much. After the 10 minutes of Chelsea domination, we managed to go through the gears and started gaining momentum. The passing became crisper and both teams played with the intent to win the match and play good football in doing so.

In the 14th minute of the match Arsenal probably created the clearest opportunity of the game when Adebayor made space for himself on the right and managed to put in a ball with real quality for Fabregas. Fabregas’s effort was saved well by Cech however the ball was so nearly presented to Gallas on the edge on the six yard box. The French international nearly connected with the ball, and had it been slightly more in his path Arsenal would have taken an early lead.
Disaster struck for Arsenal when Djourou netted an own goal. In all fairness the Swiss defender had to make contact with the cross otherwise Chelsea would have been presented with a tap in. The main cause for concern was the how Chelsea gained possession in the first place. Almunia gathered the ball for a Chelsea corner and instead of calming the tempo in our half and allowing are players to get back into position; he instead threw the ball aimlessly, trying to create a quick Arsenal counter. The ball was presented to straight to a Chelsea player.

Character is something Arsenal does not lack, and being 1-0 down at Stanford Bridge with current form stacked against you, it would take a mentally strong team to keep their heads up and continue playing with purpose and maturity. This is exactly what we did, and come of the hour, come of the man. Robin van Persie smashed home to give Arsenal fresh hope that the score could be turned around. Yes he was offside, however luck is something we have not been dealt much recently, and this finally went our way. Memories in football are short, the Dutchman has been on the other side of an offside ruling against Chelsea in 2005-06 when he had a perfectly legitimate goal ruled out. What comes around goes around is a phrase much used in football, and that is exactly what happened today in our favour on this occasion.

The second goal came quickly and no other than van Persie scored again to claim a brace against a side he has not previously scored against. A free kick by Fabregas who was making his 150th premiership appearance, found Adebayor who headed the ball down van Persie and he clinically finished from a slight angle, shooting the ball through the legs of the Chelsea centre back and past a diving Cech.

From the goal Arsenal looked like a team up for the fight and gave the home side very little to cheer about even though they began to dominate possession but Almunia did not have to make any real saves and the general display from Chelsea after they lost the game was poor and lacked any creativity and didn’t look as if they had the key to unlocked the Arsenal defence.
Van Persie was close to claiming a historic hat-trick at Stanford Bridge; Kanu being the last player to do so in a classic match when he completed a 3-2 comeback. The Dutchman had a free kick that didn’t miss by to big a margin.

Denilson was unlucky not to score too which affectively would have killed the match completely. The Brazilian received a good ball from Bendtner who made an impressive contribution from the bench replacing Adebayor. Denilson probably should have shot first time instead of taking a touch which narrowed the angle considerably. In the end Cech made a good save and the threat came to an end.

In all Arsenal had to dig deep to get any kind of result today, nether mind a victory. Going a goal down made the task even harder, so to manage to get three vital points todays must be used as a spring board to kick start our season. Is the title out of our grasps or are we now back in contention? In fairness time can only really tell but if results go our way and we can start getting points on the board, Arsenal may just have a bigger part to play in this seasons title race than many would have thought prior to kick off today.

Daily Transfer Gossip Banter

2008-11-30T11:09:00.003Z

Right its a month until the car boot sale of football starts and I have dedicated myself to some of the insane transfer rumours that we are subjected to in order to get hits or sell bad papers!

Sunday, always a good day for rubbish given that the papers obviously feel that Saturday is a good day for totally making things up.

Podolski to Arsenal (£12m) - I rate him and think he would be a great piece of business if....

Bendtner to Spartak Moskow (£5m) - I think Bendts is worth more than that given his potential

Gallas to Anywhere (£ever falling (by new year I could probably afford him)) - Apparently the board want him out with PSG and AC being the top calls at the moment. Oh and the spuds want him in some sort of Sol Campbell revenge, thing is Sol was an Arsenal legend but Gallas is pretty unpopular. I know Totts what you should do is sign Fab then we will be angry, good luck.

Cesc to Barca - Apparently Arsenal are worried about him signing a contract (his one that expires in 2014 is not good enough)

Fairly dull pickings but If you hear any leave them here and this will develop into the Heat Magazine for Men!

It had to happen!

2008-11-26T14:24:00.002Z

I give Bendtner a real slating then he scores the winner with what can only be described as a couple of good touches then....a good finish! On his current form who could have guessed that he was capable of that! To be fair that was about his only useful contribution after you consider all the blind alley runs and the bad passes.

1-0 was a good result in what would appear to have been a pretty dull match. so I don't want to dwell on it, It is all about the game on Sunday.

There will be a post regarding the new CEO, I have just seen the interview and am yet to really form a view on him but it looks like he might actually be a Gooner...new David Dein?

Really Bad News!

2008-11-25T16:21:00.002Z

I have just seen that Arsenal have not managed to fill their away ticket allocation for the match against Chavski. I struggle to beleive that considering the noise our away fans make. I would kill to go to a games against the top four, It just seems a shame. We really do need to fill every games especially in the new era for the squad.

I don't know why the tickets haven't sold but it puts a lot of pressure on the team knowing they are underperforming to the extent that people will not travel across London to see them. Please fans make some noise for the empty seats, cheer every tackle, ole every pass, boo A cole, ummm don't do that I'm sure hes a lovely bloke who cheats on his boyhood club and wife. I have 40,000 places to wait for my season ticket and am hoping that I will get it soon but not at the cost of being the only person in the stadium!

BUT WAIT....

It says that the tickets are sold out on the Arsenal website? obviously there is some lying somewhere?

Chavs can't be trusted!

Bent out of Shape

2008-11-25T12:37:00.003Z

I am firmly of the opionion that Nick Bendtner has been weak this season. You could go as far as saying that he has been really dredful. Someone recently made a comment saying I was too hard on him.

I have decided to justify this with a list of reasons.

-He has made 7 starts and 3 sub appearances (he has had more than just injury time) this season in the league and only scored 1 goal.

-He looks really uncomfortable on the ball and his passing has been poor at 64% completion rate this is the lowest in the squad (other than Almunia and his goal kicks (not saying they are bad but no one always wins the headers)).

- Despite his size, massive, he has not been good in the air. the number of opportunities he totally misses is too high for a giant.

- There have been too many total fluffs, it would be OK if he was just unlucky but it isn't as if he has rattled the post 25 times, more a case of oh he should have done better.

- He has attempted to make 2 tackles this season, fair enough he is an attacking player but RvP has made 700% more and he is very slight.

He has had 2 assists (not exactly setting the world alight but better than nothing), I always think assists for a lot of stikers come from a lack of confidence unless they are playing the second striker role (RvP, Dennis type of players)> Bendtner is obviously running on empty at the moment. He has been decent in the Carling Cup and I think that he will develop into a decent player but I think a spell against lesser opposition (the reserves) would be good for him to build up his morale.

Dropping the age card is no excuse for poor form, he has played for Denmark 22 times. Age is only a number he is a year younger than our captain!

Lose the pink boots though unless they are for chariety or a bet!
Just to clarify I like the bloke I think he has potential and I hope he does get good but at the moment I would rather have Simpson or Vela up front. I think Vela and Bendtner work well together but that won't happen in the league unless there is an injury to RvP and Ade at the same time.

If I am wrong comment!

If he loves the club...

2008-11-25T09:48:00.002Z

If he loves the club...Piers Moron should just cut all his ties to the club. To be honest I think he is more of a Chelski fan with his lack of morals. Having read a couple of his articals (and accepted that they are dump) I have come to the conclusion that he is looking to be Arsenal's next manager. He said that we have had a season of "awful performances" (obviously didn't see the Bolton, United and Porto games), I can accept that we have been embarrassing in a number of games and I have also been critical of Wenger this season but I have been objective and logical with my critisism unlike this ummm, there isn't even a word for him!

"Its Wengers fault for letting Gilberto, Hleb and Flamini go in the summer" Piers, they didn't want to stay, oh and Hleb and Gilberto were poor last season, Flamini was just stupid! He has also claimed that Cashely is a "real man", I think this is proof that Morgan really is the scum (someone who illegally speaks to a rival club, runs away purely for money and cheats on his wife is the life Moron wants!). If he was still at the Mirror (or what ever crap red top he was at(the more I know about him the more I hate)) I am convinced he would have sold out his love of the club to make up romours about Gallas and the in-fighting.

I think its time Arsenal and Piers parted company (Wenger can stay though!). I have heard the stories about Bin Laden being a fan but I think Moron is even more hated than him. If you have any self respect go and support Spurs.

You RAT.

No more chicken jokes PLEASE!

2008-11-25T00:06:00.002Z

Right we are playing the Ukrainians again and hoping for more than a draw. This is a game that is must win for so many reasons! Most importantly I want us to win the group so I can go on a European jolly for the first leg, the second leg just isn't as much fun!

It is the return of Gallas. This will be interesting to see how the fans respond to him. I think Arsene is going to be right in the end and it might just help him focus. If he does play badly he might get a hard time from both sets of fans against Chavski.

We really need a win for confidence leading to the game against the second scummiest team in London.

I think the lineup will be

Almunia
Hotye
Silvestre
Gallas
Clichy
Diaby (wasted on the right wing)
Denilson
Cesc "SKIPPER and NEW MR ARSENAL" Fabregas
Vela?
RvP
Bendtner (wasted on the pitch)

I am making a plea to get Nick to take his pink boots off, they are obviously dazzling him when he looks down at the ball, that's the best excuse I can come up with for him being filled with woe at the moment!

RED ARMY to win 3-1 but I would equally enjoy a defensive 1-0 masterclass.

A New Start

2008-11-24T17:07:00.000Z

I am not sure about the selection of our Spanish wonderkid as captain. On the one hand he loves the club even though a moronic tabaloid will every so often chuck out a story when Ronaldo stories are short. I think that Cesc will lead the club well but I also think that there are problems with this call. The role of captain is normally given to a senior player and I think it could have a bit of an effect on morale for players like Toure and maybe Almunia.

As Arsene said "there will be leaders all over the pitch". This is simalar to the Clive Woodward approach, where he selected about 4 leaders in the team. It could well be a good idea to adopt an almost military hierachy to give a number of players responsibility for their section of the team. For example having say a defence captain (Kolo) who is in charge of organising the defence as an expert and the defenders come to him with problems. This will take some of the burden of being a captain and help Cesc focus on his game.

Arsenal have a number of legends already from the 00's - Adams and Bergkamp are obviously the real club heroes with a slightly lower rank with players like Henry (he will never be as loved as Bergkamp). I think this is the opportunity for Cesc to prove that although he isn't exactly a North London boy he can still be one of the fans all time favourites.

A new start is going to be greatly appreciated. It is going to be interesting to hear the fans reaction to Gallas tomorrow night. Just remember he is volotile (chavski own-goal threat)! I don't know if Gooners will forgive him?

Good Luck Cesc!

2008-11-24T16:32:00.003Z

Cesc is our LEADER!

2008-11-24T13:41:00.002Z

Arsene agrees with the 37% percent of readers who voted for Cesc as leader - more proof that he reads the blog??

I am delighted for him and it will be interesting to see if he can turn his current form round and lead by example! Arsenals second youngest captain and lets just hope he can be just like the first...TONY ADAMS.

The question is was Cesp picked to keep him at the club?

Almunia - Best Captain?

2008-11-23T20:21:00.004Z

If you told Manu at the beginning of last season by now he would have played almost every game and captained the team for a couple of the games, he would probably slapped you with his massive goal keeping hands. In this time of finger pointing and moaning it is important to take a step back and look at the things that are going right.

Almunia has been on of the top 5 goalkeepers in the last 2 seasons with only one real dodgy period (the spurs game) other than that he has been rock solid. Not only that he also seems to be a nice guy, Theo thinks he is wicked and I think he has taken the father figure role at the club. You know the one Gallas should have done!

Given the situation with him shining the pine for a couple of seasons, I also think he is a good role model to a number of players in the squad showing that there are chances to break into the first team and to be patient and force yourself into the team.

You can still sign the petition for naming the stands at http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html.
Cheers

Sorry Denilson

2008-11-23T15:24:00.003Z

I have been very hard on Denilson recently. I want this to be known that this is through no dislike of the wee Brazilian. Last season I had high hopes for him especially after watching him score a wondergoal against the Geordies in the Carling Cup. In an attempt to improve quality I am considering my abuse in what could be a total U-turn!

The foundation for my abuse was his horific performance against Fulham when he and Eboue played in the centre of the park both looking totally lost against a weak opposition. I also think that his relationship with Fabregas is not good enough due to the lack of size between the 2 of them and this means that neither of them can play their natural game.

Wenger discribed Denilson as a mix between Rosicky and Gilberto, personally I cannot see what elements of Gilberto's game he has. Although Flamini was not a giant he was a scrapper and Denilson just looks too small and not strong enough. He is undoubtedly a great young player, this is obvious when you look at his Brazilian international CV.

I think Denilson is a direct substitute for Fabregas. Having recently looked at the Actim player ratings he comes 6th overall, this was a massive surprise to me. I don't understand why I am watching every game I can and missing all of his good things?

In a genuine plea to help me understand why he is good can people leave comments explaining why he is good?

Constructive Abuse?

2008-11-23T11:05:00.006Z

It has got to the stage where I am beginning to regret abusing Spurs fans (obviously just for their bottom of the league game). Call it what you will, a slump in form, a team who hate each other, a horrific spell for the Gunners. Who really cares what it is called they are just words. I'm afraid there are going to be more words.

GallasGate is obviously a massive excuse for what can only be described as a horrific loss to an under-par (never really understood that because under par is a good thing in golf!) City team. I listened to the game on ATVO so didn't have a chance to see the full 90 mins which I consider to be a good thing. I have just watched the online highlights and have come to the conclusion that there were none. It could have just been the final whistle.

I have been trying to look at things in a positive light and we may have had 9 players out for yesterdays game but 2 of those players we havent had all year, Eboue is rubbish and Toure has been on zero form, you can't use a suspension as an excuse either so that rules Cesc out, so effectively we were missing Ade and Theo from the line-up.

Ade has just been a big greedy goal hanger this season with his work ethic having gone out of the window and RvP's following but on how DREADFUL Bendtner has been this season I would have picked Luke Freeman, Eduardo 2 weeks after the legbreak crutches and cast, Jay Simpson, Carlos Vela, Wilshere out of position and maybe even Fabianski ahead of the dopey Dane. I could give a list like that one regarding players I would pick ahead of Denilson but I just don't have the energy. Even if we did so do Chavski and they aren't losing against poor teams, they might have a Russian billionaire but his chance to expand the team was there and he didn’t take it. There are so many areas that are bare-bones, if Clichy gets injured what happens? in an Arsene magic moment will he decide that Diaby can play at leftback as well? We have no obvious cover for Walcott and look naked without his pace and width that he offers.

I have been bitterly disappointed regarding Arsene Wenger's approach to this awful month. I would expect the Frenchman to respect Arsenal fans enough to keep them in the picture and not stick his head in the sand. I waited to hear his press conference only to hear him duck out of any questions and just the standard, "aaa we showed great spirit" that comes up every week, word in your ear Mr Wenger...we DIDN'T.

Although I think a slip in form is due for every team once in a while I wish it had been last season or next season, just not now! I think it will be good for the younger players in terms of building their experience, ONLY if it is handled well by the manager. There is a need to prove that there is enough competition for places, a complacent bad team would be a nightmare.

I am looking forward to Eduardo getting back. Judging by the picture of him used to advertise the personalised prints on the Arsenal website it looks like he has just smashed Paul Merson and David Platt in a pie eating contest!

Transfer News

2008-11-22T11:48:00.002Z

Wenger has almost categorically said that he will not be bringing anyone in because of the economic situation. obviously I have interpreted this using my "Wenger Euphemism Degree" which I got from the lifetime school of Arsenal Supporting. It looks like a pretty frustrating season of nothingness. Will we turn into spurs?

I have a question

2008-11-21T21:24:00.004Z

I have been trying to keep up with this media frenzy and crisis we are under. However I don't have the ability to read every contradicting artical, there is just not enough time!

Apparently Gallas has been sacked from captain, apparently not who knows...Its a shame the game isn't on TV. I really want Arsene to put the Carling Cup side out against City just to prove to the squad that no one is safe and no one has the shirt guarenteed. I would pick Sagna in that team because he has been quietly going about his business and playing well.

I think the squad have lost their respect for Wenger and that is dangerous. No one thinks they will be dropped. There are going to be stories flying about about everything but the truth is nothing is going to happen. The transfer market will be stagnant and there could be some real bargains for man city picking off our good players!

Silly Willy...for that I won't buy your book!

2008-11-21T14:09:00.004Z

Now as people have probably gathered I have very little time for Gallas, I think he is a bit of a corey. I think aspects of his leadership have been good like taking the under 18s to see 50 Cent (personally I would rather die but I'm not a brap footballer). I also thought he did well going around all the players the other day when there was an injury and I assume motivating them.

I am going to have to move to the negatives now. I shan't bore you with the standard crap about Bham and smoking cos its well, umm boring. I am going to focus on the greed and selfishness of the man. I have looked at the comments he made and I suspect it is purely based on his forthcoming "auto"biography written by someone like my mate Jamie's mum. I know how these books work, she told me. They are a load of rubbish. The way things go with sportsmen now I am surprised Gallas hasn't released 7 copies by now since he is in his 30s. I think it is disgraceful that he would rat out his team mates for a couple of copies. I also think its a joke because all the Arsenal fans just think he is a Chavski boy anyway since he goes out on the lash with them (see the smoking thing but beware its boring!).

I really miss the defensive glory days of Senderos and Toure. I don't know if we will ever see their glory like in the CL final reaching days. but I would pick Song and Djourourourou any day at the moment. They seem to actually want to protect us from conceding which is becoming increasingly important since our strikers refuse to score goals!

Everything is sliding away

2008-11-19T09:34:00.003Z

Things have been getting increasingly hard to swallow this season. I have decided to compile a list of what is upsetting me, just so you know I have started to use the blog to vent spleen.

1, Wengers "we have a big enough and strong enough squad" is WRONG! Not even close.

2, Our fans are fickle and just do the first thing the tabaloids tell them to do. It's madness people, these morons know how to sell papers and you are buying it. "Crisis at Arsenal"? ummm what about spurs being bottom of the league? That was a crisis!

3, Injuries keep occuring and it is deeply troubling me. We need more depth. Oh another thing...we are more suseptable to injuries if Wenger keeps moaning about people being too violent.

4, The selection policy is hopeless, it would seem that form is not something Arsene has heard about. If you have a reputation you are in and you ain't going nowhere! Bendtner has been the best case of this he has done nothing right in the last 3 games, his touch is dredful and he has no composure and it would appear that he isn't exactly popular in the squad, Vela on the other hand has been pretty special and will not play more than 30 mins in a real game.

5, Our youth team give more of a damn than our current team. Worrying signs.

6, RvP has just got a new massive contract for doing what exactly? I hardly think having to pay a lot over £50,000 a week to keep the physio chair warm is good money spent I shall do it for free!

I don't want Arsene to leave like a lot of the idiot but I do want him to buck up his ideas and strengthen the squad and actually help us acheive our potential. Oh and winning something would be nice too!

WHAT THE HELL IS THE POINT?

2008-11-19T00:52:00.002Z

We have to avoid decent football for some micky mouse crap friendly that has about our only performing player injured for at least a month? it MENTAL...I HATE the England national team, the consistant losers are just ruining the game!

Oh and just quietly we are royally screwed. Arsene just play the kids they are the only ones who care

4-5-1 its back with a bang!

2008-11-10T09:16:00.002Z

I remember the days of this dreaded formation last season. It made me think i wanted to stick things in my eyes as the only thing worse than a striker wasting chances is a striker wasting chances on his own. Admittedly we were only playing a 4-5 becase Bendtner didn't show up.

I don't think 4-5-1 is the best formation for us because a lot of our play relies on forward runs diverting defenders (Nasri's second goal). With only one upfront then it is going to be difficult to draw defenders out of the game unless midfielder make the runs. If we are to play the formation then I think it will work best with Eduardo playing as the striker because without a doubt he is the most clinical and it would appear that he reads the game well.

Click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html and be a hero!

What to say?

2008-11-09T11:26:00.002Z

I would just like to draw your attention to my last post where I said "2-1 Arsenal today...I promise". I would just like to say I wouldn't break that promise to you!

I was so nervous after we scored the first goal and the second goal didn't help (after the S**rs game we need a 3 goal cushion). I thought it was a great performance by 7 of our starting team. It is difficult to pick out players for praise but Nasri looked very good and more goals like that will have him being accused of being the new Pires. Clichy was getting into those good attacking areas something he has been somewhat reluctant to do the last couple of games. Fabregas looked sharp for about the first time in the season.

On a different note...I thought Denilson did very little and am begining to think he is a waste of a place in the team. I would rather have Ramsey because at least he is a fighter, I wasn't sure about him until the midweek match but now I say its nice, I like.

I thought Bendtner was hopeless, he did nothing. I have been trying to say that he could be a gem but it turns out what Ade said against Spurs was true! He wasted every chance he should have passed with half of them and I don't think I have seen a display as bad for Arsenal this season since Denilson against Fulham. We are dangerously short of strikers, I think we only have Ade, Bendt and Eduardo (RvP should be left mid).

I have to pick my mother up from the airport and will miss the Wigan match...got to love Sky + and cutting ones self off from all news throughout the evening. I forgot the death threats given to people who know the result!

Click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html and be a hero!

Mathieu you messed up everything pal!

2008-11-08T00:47:00.002Z

1Having had a look at Wikipedia the world source of everything. Its wicked for finding stuff out about players and stats! I have seen that Mr Flamini has blown it bigtime. I feel sorry for the lad. He was made by Wenger then ditched the team. I don't blame him thats football. It was obvious that he needed to be replaced and surely that must happen in Jan. From his point of view he has played a bit of a stinker because he has played 2 games and what he probably hasn't realised that his appearance fees for us would have probably meant that he was going to get paid more in London! Sorry Matt you blew it for everyone you could have been loved but now people just think your a sellout.

2-1 Arsenal today...I promise, sort of!

Click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html and be a hero!

The BBC Can Shove It!

2008-11-07T15:41:00.002Z

I have always been a big fan of the BBC sport website even when they tried to fix it when it wasn't broken...bloody idiots. I have been reading their Arsenal articals and always thought that they were never very positive towards the Gooners. There has been a bomb dropped by the little man who wrote this pointless artical http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7715916.stm.

The line that upset me was "Arsenal used to play at Highbury and moved across north London to the Emirates Stadium". I like most Arsenal supporters have had to totally rethink my journey to see the Gooners since the days of Highbury (RIP). The 200 yards difference has meant choosing which tube stop to get off at has been a nightmare. Recently I have subscribed to Sky Sports and a temporary Setanta Internet subscription but my Internet is dire so I cancelled that and apart from the insufferable comments of Andy Gray (take a bow of my TV screen you moron) I am delighted to be rid of Alan Green and Mark Lawrenson. Although I think Alan Hansen is a good pundit he is definitely not on our side. The only Arsenal pundit is Lee Dixon who is REALLY REALLY BORING.

It is time for the BBC to make up their mind and explain to everyone why they support Man U even though their manager won't speak to you. Oh and why you dislike a club as fine as ours? I pay for your rubbish. Justify it. Oh and take some responsibility for your editing. Why should Ross, Brand and Clarkson take the heat for your lack of censorship.

Back to football - I really can't see the Arsenal pulling a result out of the bag tomorrow more on that later in the mean time click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html and be a hero!

2008-11-05T16:40:00.002Z

Playing an attacking team will be a good test for the defence I just want a good team performance and not some awful hybrid team something good please Arsene. The fans are doubting him which is quick and foolish! he holds the answers he just wants to save them!

4-2 to the Gooners Bendtner and can't predict the others don't know who will play!!

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history - instead of a generic colour!. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register. Cheers!

Whats the best that can happen this week?

2008-11-05T12:20:00.004Z

Last week was a real stinker and we all hope we can get a positive result against the stain on Manchester. This Champs league match is pretty much a free game in order to try and restore some confidence and some defensive normality. I think it is pivotal to the Arsenal team that two partnerships are forged rapidly. The first is that of Song and Djourou at centre back and equally important the partnership of Vela and Bendtner.

I think the RvP and Adebayor partnership is pretty hopeless. The key problem is why RvP is always pushed out onto the right which isn't great since he is one of the most one footed players in the world! I am convinced his best position for Arsenal would be on the left side of midfield - playing a Bobby Pires roll. More importantly I think Vela and Bendtner have real chemistry and work off each other very well and it would be great to see them against some decent opposition.

I think that if we are to make inroads Wenger needs to play players on form not reputation like he does so vermently

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history - instead of a generic colour!. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register. Cheers!

Young Guns Take On Europe?

2008-11-05T00:28:00.002Z

I think the team for today is going to be quite young, I can see starts for Vela, Ramsey and in an ideal world Wilshere! I think a European start for these young players would be good for growth and also rest some of the key underperformers. I would like to see Song and Djourourourourou get a start at CB against an attacking team to see if they can cope. It could be looked at as a game to secure qualification and then Carling Cup it I don't know though, selection has been erratic!

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register. Cheers!

Ade Injury a Good Thing?

2008-11-04T16:41:00.002Z

Just for the record I would not wish an injury on any Arsenal play but I am trying to make the best of a horrific week. Adebayor has been pretty average this season. He has scored a couple of goals but other than that he has been lazy and wasteful, a bargain at what i predict has cost us this season £800,000 already this season.

It would appear that Wenger has some sort of mental block about dropping any of his key players (Eboue, Gallas, Denilson and Ade) who have been SHOCKING as of late. Bendtner has not really had much of a chance yet and I predict that he will have to score 80 goals to keep his place before Ade stroles back into the side.

Nikki B please prove your worth to us this week and put some positive pressure on Arsene!

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register. Cheers!

Whats the point in moaning?

2008-11-04T15:10:00.002Z

Fair enough Stoke were pretty physical but what do you expect? newly promoted sides usually are. It has happened so many times before and will happen a number of time in future probably a lot this season. Physical strength is an Arsenal weakness its obvious but as soon as Wenger starts whinging about it in press conferences and interviews does he really think that will solve the problem? I think it might just build it up a bit more and teams will go in hard when they play us. I also think the injuries to Theo and Ade did not affect the result. Neither were making much of an impact. Arsene is coming under fire from some pretty fickle fans and I do support him but football is all about evolution and the Arsenal team needs to evolve rapidly or we are screwed.

The problem is that at the moment our Carling Cup side is probably better than our senior team. With defensive woes and midfield mediocrity a number of these players need a rocketing. If we don't defend properly against Man U we are going to be ruined.

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register. Cheers!

Arsenal TV A-GAME! and news on Theo!

2008-11-04T14:55:00.004Z

When the team isn't firing and things are looking bleak (well inconsistent) and there is a lot of anger being thrown around it is easy to take for granted the amount of effort Arsenal FC do to keep the fans involved. Sadly one thing that has frustrated me was the long wait to hear about the fitness of Adebayor and more importantly Theo. apparently Walcott should be back for man u, Ade will be longer. It was really quite stressful not knowing about injuries and its something I feel that Arsenal could improve on.

On the positive side...I am really enjoying the live reserve games on Arsenal TV, I have the online package and it is a good service (even with my dodgey internet cutting out every 5 mins). I feel that the games are getting more publicity and it would be interesting to know how many people watch, The highlight of last nights game (other than Bischoffs belter) was the lone fan screaming chants for the whole game...good work!

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register! Cheers!

Something we are not?

2008-11-04T12:42:00.003Z

I think the biggest problem with the Stoke match was that the team were trying to be something that they are not. I was surprised by the formation and not surprised it didn't work. I think the squad is so attack minded that playing a defensive team is just going to cause problems for the players. I am also surprised that the players who were "rotated" were the ones who were good against Spurs. This was lunacy. If we need such a dodgey rotation policy then surely the squad needs strengthening. I am a massive believer in the Arsene Wenger school of thought but it has got to the stage where he has made a rod for his own back with selection and transfers. I also think Denilson has to do something this week he hasn't been of late and it is deeply upsetting me when Diaby/Ramsey/Bischoff/Wilshere/Song could be playing his role significantly better, Denilson is not a defensive midfielder!

KEEP THE HISTORY GOING!
A petition to change the names of the Emirates stands to something meaningful and representative of our rich history. If you haven't already, have a click on http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html it takes under a minute to sign and you won't get pestered with emails or abused by spam, you don't even have to register! Cheers!

Self Preservation

2008-11-04T09:38:00.004Z

Right another go at plugging this. From the names I have so far we have people signing up from all over the world (Australia, Kenya) but some even as far as SCOTLAND! If this is the first time you are reading about this we are trying to get every self respecting Gooner to get the names of the stands changed to something more historic than a generic color, there isn't even a red quadrant! signing up takes about a minute and leave a comment if you want about stand names! We need to keep Gooner history or we will become as cultural as the Chavski!

Cheers

there is the link...

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html

Sign to Save Arsenal's History

2008-11-04T00:53:00.002Z

Hello fine blog readers.

I'm pushing the petition for the naming of the stands again. It has been a disappointing start for what I consider to be a very valid cause. Unless your flatmate is downloading copious amounts of pornography (or videos of Dennis Bergkamp both have the same pleasing effect) it takes under a minute. The plan is to get the petition to the club by Christmas because it will be a long drawn out affair getting it all sorted out so the sooner the ball gets rolling the better. I hope people agree.

Cheers

there is the link!

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html

Maybe I'm Amazed.

2008-11-01T14:43:00.002Z

Lineup

Manuel Almunia
Bacary Sagna
Kolo Toure
Mikael Silvestre
Gael Clichy
Alexandre Song
Denilson
Cesc Fabregas
Abou Diaby
Emmanuel Adebayor
Nicklas Bendtner

Bench

Lukasz Fabianski
Carlos Vela
Aaron Ramsey
Johan Djourou
Theo Walcott
Robin Van Persie
Samir Nasri

Now I am pretty surpised by the lineup, it would appear that all of the players who had stinkers have managed to keep their places. The players who played well have been benched. On current form the sharpest midfielder is Diaby who has played about 90 mins in the last 4 months. I'm afraid Gooners we are not going to be scoring 20 goals. I really hoped Vela and Bendtner would start that is going to be exciting very soon.

Remember people sign the petition http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html you don't have to register or anything its easy it will take 1 minute absolute tops!

Cheers

Name the Emirates Stands!

2008-11-01T12:55:00.002Z

We Need Your Help!

The Emirates Stadium is a spectacular football ground. It is what Arsenal FC deserves for a superb group of supporters and successful team. The trouble with a new stadium especially when moving from a ground such as Highbury is the loss of some of the history. Many Arsenal fans dislike the coloured quadrant system.

There have been questions asked about the atmosphere at the new ground and it could be linked with it not feeling like home yet. It is proposed that the stands/quadrants are named in order to celebrate the clubs glorious history. Where would you rather have your season ticket the Orange Quadrant or the Chapman End? This petition also asks that the fans (who make this great club what it is) have some sort of say in the naming of the stands. This could be done through a members vote from the clubs shortlist.

The fans need to speak up on this one. We can make a difference to the stadium and not be in the Violet Quadrant. It is really impersonal...you never know there might well be a new North Bank! I am going to plug this like mad and probably annoy people but as long as you all vote then it will all be good. Obviously its more for the real game going fans!

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22991.html

Stoke, true fans and C bombs.

2008-10-31T22:54:00.003Z

Time for us to show the fight the Gooners have. It is important for us to show a united front for this game. What happens off the pitch should be left off the pitch. I hope Wenger does shake things up. I dont think it will be as groundbreaking as one hopes.

I think the most important thing is for us to win without conceding a goal - Even one nil is better than the leakiness of the recent games.

Sorry this is so short I am bloody knackered after the last couple of sleepless nights! - The thing is I wont be sleeping tonight because some nasty man called Anonymous (who I suspect is a gary glitter type (he wanted me to take off a school uniform for him, DIRTY!)) has been calling me some very naughty names. I have made an effort to avoid foul language in my blogs just in case it causes offence. However this person has decided that i have been in need of some C bombs, for everyones information I have had this treatment before...It doesnt hurt as much when its not your mother calling you a c**** 33 times in a 5 minute call. Apparently I am not a true fan.

To be honest mate you are probably spot on. I just travel across the country to watch my team as often as I can afford and spend most of my free time thinking about either how Arsenal can be better or what they are doing well. I don't want to appear to be high and mighty but I dont think someone who analyses an artical and comes to the conclusion that I love myself with my hand is going to win any sort of prize (other than maybe an extra star on his McBadge). I am sorry that I have upset this person - WAIT no I'm really not. Everything I say in this blog is my true feeling and there is a reason for the comment section is for grown up discussion, criticism or even a positive comment??! If you want to abuse someone go to White Heart Lane and give Sol some Racist abuse.

Just remember - sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me naa naa na naaaaa na. Man up pal...u just look pathetic.

Rant over!

RED ARMY 3 points tomorrow!

Billy Gallas, You Need to Man the Fudge Up!

2008-10-31T17:51:00.000Z

Now I have been a stern critic of Gallas in the past and am fully aware of the fact that it’s easy to blame him for the problems of the team. Having read that he doesn’t mind being blamed for it then it’s all good! I shall tear into him a bit more...

I am disgusted by the prospect of a fighting fit Gallas having picked up an injury somewhere between being fine while playing against Spurs and being informed that Arsene was partially blaming him for the loss. Wenger is due to make a number of changes for Stoke and I think the CAPTAIN of Arsenal FC ruling himself out is an attempt to dodge the being dropped bullet.

If you look at sport on the whole it is obvious that a player is picked to lead for 2 reasons. The first is because of strong leadership abilities and the second is because the player is consistent. It is rare that a player can meet both of these demands. For example Michael Vaughn captained England because he was a good leader and could read the game very well, he resigned because his form was letting him down and did not think he was worthy of a place in the team. Where as someone like Becks was picked because he was an outstanding player. Martin Johnston was picked because he was both. William Gallas is neither!

I am not saying he should stand down at Arsenal but I am saying the he needs to learn to lead the team or needs to become consistent quickly! The only player to be close to either is Almunia (even though he had a bit of a mare on Weds)

I'm well cleva, I read the sun and beLIEve it!

2008-10-31T10:40:00.005Z

At the risk of alienating readers I'm going to have a go at Britains most popular newspaper (famous for changing sides in order to sell more copies).

Sick of this...the sun have been picking on us which is annoying. As far as I can see the players deserved to be humiliated by Wenger, obviously Clichy did screw up (I cant remember much of it because I repress things!) and according to an "Arsenal source (traitor SCUM)" he was almost in tears which is pretty harsh because he by no means had a rubbish game.

I think the arrogance of the team is to blame and Wenger has probably had to get stroppy more this season than in the last 2 years. I have said before that the Arsenal squad is too divided - there are obvious groups within...The African players, The French players, the Chelski players (with Gallas) etc. This would appear to be dangerous for the squad and I think that Cesc is the only player who seems to get on with everyone. Another reason to make him captain.

I have one major question - Why does Adebayor keep speaking to the press? Does anyone give a toss what he has to say?

I really do hate moaning about Arsenal but I can't help it these things need to be said, even if I do sound like Ade! On a positive note I shall quote my mate Rich (a Newcastle fan) "I love Spurs, no mater how s**t our season is they are always worse!"

Arsenal, the team of contradictions

2008-10-30T18:04:00.002Z

Right here are a couple for you...

1, Our manager seems to see everything that goes against us but never sees anything that should go against us.

2, Our defence are bloody brilliant in the Opositions box (Gallas has scored 4 this season...same as Nikki B) but as soon as we have to defend they turn crap? maybe we should play Ade and RvP at centre back?

3, This time last season Ade was getting a lot of stick from fans who don't go to games for being rubbish but people who saw him play liked him because they saw him hunting down everything. Since about Easter time last season he has become downright lazy, the more we pay him the less hard he works, mental!

These arent really contradictions but they are really quite annoying...

It would seem that Clichy has stopped attacking the way he used to a few games ago. I think he is world class but still cant believe that he let Traore go to pompey, we have NO cover for an injury prone player, i think traore was kicking off about not getting enough pitch time.

We continue to play Denilson a player who I thought had a really bright future but has not made the grade at the moment and cant gel with Fabregas - when we have Diaby who was on fire last week but is now not getting a chance.

Hate Tottenham...Not Bitter

2008-10-30T09:33:00.004Z

Right we got turned over through shear stupidity - I have struggled to recall being quite as angry as I was after the game. It just shows that the big derby games lose their importance to the foreign players. Do you really think the 1998 Gooners team would have thrown away the 2 goal lead in 6 minutes?

As I said previously that has killed our season, not so much from a points position but from a mental one. There is a strong possiblity that we could come from a distant third and catch the leaders but we won't win the league. I also don't think we have a strong enough team to do well in the Champions League and we are likely to meet a big 4 club in the FA cup earlier on. I hate to put the team down but I think they deserve it. I promise I will never complain about a team going into the corner again because you CAN get stung!!

There are some things that have started to annoy me in the post match ratings on other sites. It would appear that reputation plays a major role in what people say about a player - Fabregas always gets 1 or 2 points more than he deserves, last night he was pretty quiet but people were still giving him 7s this also plays out badly for the likes of Gallas, Ade (but he deserves it for being overated and rubbish) and Eboue.

Cesc's quote about the Ladies couldn't get beaten was the Sun twisting it he actually said something along the lines of the Ladies are so good that spurs would struggle to beat them. It was also said a while ago so it wasn't a prematch dig at the scum from the wrong end of North London.

I almost think it would be better for the team if they had shed another goal in the last seconds because drawing a game will not give a big enough kick up the backside. I really do feel that Arsenal need to stuff Stoke at least 4-0. A clean sheet is vital Considering we leaked 4 goals against a team bottom of the table (STILL) who were also playing a 4-5-1...VILLAGE