Stadium excuses getting boring, spoilt Barca bored with new toy.
At the time, we decided to build a stadium, which cost a lot of money. We decided to go for a policy where we could survive without buying too much. We knew the resources were short and we suffered a little bit’ This is a direct quote from Arsene.
Okay the stadiums built and we’ve been raking it in now for 2 years, not to mention International matches, conferences and concerts.
The stadium is named the Emirates because we got £100 million up front, we have 8 years of shirt sponsorship which we got £50 million up front for and when we sell the old stadium we get a further £250 million from the sale of the flats, 90% of which are sold, so the property market reversal will have no great effect on that.
I have it from an insider (Director) that at the end of the 2009 season, we will not only have paid for the stadium, we will be debt free with cash in the bank.
No other club in football can boast this.
That is all based on published knowledge, this doesn’t include matchday revenues, prize money, Premier league money and other sponsorships such as Nike etc.
We were the only club that had made money from the transfer market last year, the only club, we sold Lassana Diarra in January as well, so how on earth can we still be pleading poverty? ManU don’t and they owe £850 million with annual interest charges of £63 million.
So please boss, stop using the Stadium as the annual excuse, if you add up the money you haven’t spent compared to your peers in your tenure, you could have bought the stadium outright, we are not paupers, enough with that one, it’s getting tired.
We’ll lose Flamini through our own stupidity, I understand the wage structure, but if we can’t compete with other clubs, how can we keep players like Fabregas happy? is he content to earn less?
Barca have now tired with new toy Henry, after relentlessly chasing him for 4 years, all that time unsettling him and then last year they finally get him, now want to discard him, what a bunch of wankers, do you want him Arsenal? OK, we’ll give you Eboue and Senderos for him, good deal, now move on.
Aston Villa won’t get European football next season, so time to move for Barry, maybe Eboue again plus cash? O’Neil hates Liverpool so we’ll not get a better opportunity to get one over on them.
Everton and last day of our home season, get behind the team and hope for a 4 nil to the Arsenal, I hope Flamini stays and we can cheer him, but if he plays and goes on Monday, I will feel humiliated and cheated, so if he’s going Arsene, don’t play him.
I’m at the game today with Pedro, so please any AKB’s out there, I know you won’t be at the game, don’t show yourselves up by coming on in our absence, you’re not welcome, go to Arsenal.com
Have a great last day Grovers, tomorrow the transfer season begins.
May 4, 2008 at 9:14 am
I’ll probably be crucified here but I have to say it anyway.
I don’t think we will see a day of Arsenal totally dominating club football like Man U or Barca a few seasons ago until Wenger retires. First off, please realise that I’m not slagging him off. I love Wenger for what he has done for Arsenal - building teams after teams of championship challengers with a fraction of our rivals’ money, spuds including ;). He is the special one for Arsenal. Arsene is the only manager that could have propelled Arsenal into what we are, where we are today - a breathtaking attacking brand of football in a 60,000 people stadium. But after that, shouldn’t the next logical step be using our new found financial strength to win everything? Not what Wenger thinks. The post-season talks of Wenger this season is really telling. To me, him saying we’re “one match from championship” really tells of the difference between him and Ferguson: while Wenger thrives to build a ridiculously beautiful championship-winning team with minimal money, Ferguson’s aim is to build a world-dominating team, or squad to be more precise, using however much it takes. To me Wenger’s aim would be fully justified if we were still in Highbury, but a bit unambitious for Emirates.
So while we might still win a couple of league titles and please God a CL title, I reckon the most glorious days of Arsenal would be if and when the board finds a good replacement of Wenger to fully utilize the solid foundation Wenger had built us and win EVERYTHING!!
May 4, 2008 at 9:16 am
Good call,
I too am getting sick of Arsene trotting out this line after he has fucked up! Notice that you hear nothing about the finances of the club from Arsene during the season except all this bollocks of ‘I could have brought this star and that star’ so why the f**k didnt you!
Then at the end of the season when he realises that he has squandered our best chance of a Premiership title for years, he starts trotting out all this bollocks about the stadium, wage structures, bad luck, we would have won the title if we had defeated United away (not if we hadnt drawn so many games!!) and the like.
This structure was broken for Titi, Viera, Campbell, Cesc, Freddie and Gallas…he just makes it up as he goes along!
May 4, 2008 at 9:16 am
how come my long ass comment doesn’t appear?
May 4, 2008 at 9:18 am
you’re on now Isaac!
May 4, 2008 at 9:22 am
I couldn’t agree with you more about everything that has been said. I keep on coming onto the blogs saying what is all this talk about no money? This is ridiculous. Fiszman is behind this, and I want bloody answers. We will loose Cesc for sure if we don’t win one of the big two next year. FOR SURE!! Now Barca are putting in a bid for 30 million. We need to find him a great partner. I don’t understand this penny pinching, we are Arsenal, the third wealthiest club in the world. What the hell is going on???
May 4, 2008 at 9:24 am
It is the first time thatan arsenal fan say the truth about the club.
The arsenal board are using the loyalty of the arsenal fans in order to give them-the wrong end of the truth!!!!!!!!!!
Somebode need to look at the books,and find out,WHERE IS ALL THE RAVENEWS!!!!!
I hope that my fellow goonners will look at the above(my idea,but with a much better english)and put the right pressure on the board,to unvails the RIGHT figerse,and start handeling the squad like atop club that we are and not like aclub from the first the vision!!!!!!
You must remember it is OUR club,and it is OUR MONEY(the revanews)!!!!!
Maybe we the arsenal fans should owns the club,with our membership like in barcelona and real!!!!!!!
LONG LIVE THE GOONNERS!!!!!!!!
May 4, 2008 at 9:24 am
Geoff /Pedro enjoy the day guys. I will be leaving in a bit to go there too. Yet another spot on post. If the flamster plays today or he and Hleb do a lap of honour lets give them the cheer they deserve. At this moment in time everything is speculation. They might stay. We have been angry because we got so close. Now we know this season is over. Whats the chances on us scoring 7 like we did a couple of years ago? Although this team will concede 4 if this was to happen
Have fun guys and over the next few weeks we can see just who is going to come to this wonderful club this summer. Theo’s day today i hope. Up the Arse.
May 4, 2008 at 9:25 am
This is not Wengers problem. He is just told what he has to work with and he does it. If we had 70 million to spend I’m pretty sure he would spend it. He just hates confrontation, it’s pretty well documented.
May 4, 2008 at 9:25 am
El Tel, if you get time come to the Small and Beautiful for a pre match, we’re normally around the door!
May 4, 2008 at 9:26 am
Fucks me off something chronic when diehard idiots defend Wenger because he changed that, because he changed this. Errr. One major flaw with that. What has a successful past got to do with a shite present? Brian Clough bought success to Forest then got them relegated. Prime example of making and breaking a team. If Arsenal win nothing much within the next 5-6 years, you’d still get wankers defending Wenger because he changed the dietary methods 20 years ago, and won league titles 15 years ago lol. Remarkable.
I used the same scenario once before. If your married for example of 20 odd years and your wife has bought you so much happiness and changed your life etc etc, and one day you found out she was fucking other guys recently, you gonna defend her and keep ahold of her because of the happy past? Or are you gonna consider the present and cut your losses? Maybe work something out, Wenger has had 3/4 years. Plenty of time to deliver but hasn’t. In football, you judge someone in the recent past and present to be fair. And Arsenal’s last 3/4 seasons have been in general shit and trophyless.
Oh, and maybe stability breeds success, after all, look at the incredible success and trophies Dario Gradi bought to Crewe after so many years of being manager.
People also wonder why on earth Wenger plays Diaby and Eboue etc all the time, and call the man a genius. Answer is, the bloke is an idiot. Why would a genius make the same old simple mistakes eh? Bunch of Wenger asshats. And does a so-called genius go a total since they have been at a club of around 6-7 years without a trophy? And does a genius who has had such wonderful, world-class players at their disposal have such a shit general record in Europe and never won a CL and back-2-back league titles?
Bloke wants to admit defeat, gain respect by fucking off to Japan or France and take the board of directors with him. Prove how “good” he is by building a youth/young team with a small club over there for peanuts. Then if he makes them worldclass, then we can say he is a genius. What a prick.
The joke is. Wenger’s glass is always half full when it should be half empty. The idiot thinks because they were top for long periods, they were just unlucky etc with injuries and whatever. Thinking theres’a conspiracy against Arsenal is typical of being a cunt and decisions etc go against him. But he reckons with this squad, players be back from injuries and be better next season. WRONG! Yes, Arsenal will be better, but it isn’t about that, it is the fact United etc, will be EVEN BETTER next season. They won’t rest on their laurels. Wenger is an idiot and doesn’t realise that. Even if we had a fit first 11 all season, we still aren’t good enough. It amazes me why people continue to defend this man to the death. He is seriously fucking up Arsenal, to a point, if he did leave, no world-class players would want to join Arsenal anyway. You lot must like seeing United/Chelsea etc win the league and stuff and/or be crowned European Champions. Get used to it. Won’t ever change under Wenger. All true and the truth hurts. With a French git who speaks such shit and thinks the World is against Arsenal. That is why I dislike Wenger, not just because of the lack of success recently, it is the refusal to learn from the ultimate, simple alot of the times mistakes, and the constant “bigging” up of his team when they aren’t good enough, and the repetitive shite he continues to spout. Whatever he once achieved at Arsenal is history. He will be remembered as the maker and breaker. Most successful manager, but also the most underachiever. Fact!
Plus, although I am not particularly bothered by the lack of British players in our team/squad, BUT, Wenger goes on about how wonderful our foreign kids/team is, well, what have they actually won eh?
Maybe I was quick to jump the gun by slating Wenger in 2006. But in 2007, and 2008 same old shit. Slating is justified. Nuff said.
Just remembered something… Wenger said in the summer of 2005, when he sold Vieira, he had a “Masterplan”. I guess that plan, was to finish with fuckall 3 seasons on the trot, whilst watching your fiercist rivals sweep the lot between them. How wonderful. The cunt’s ego is writing checks his body can’t cash (lmfao “Top Cunt”
and he is a skinny fucker too. Starved of success. Whilst everyone else involved with The Arsenal (mainly the fans) has to suffer.
Seeing United/Chelsea etc win shit, you’d think would agonize and make Wenger etc more determined to do something about it.
Wenger apologists always point out we were “shit” before Wenger came along and were a “mid-table team”, which in parts is utter shite, because it was only around twice (1993 & ‘95) we were mid-table.
So, where’s the people who are gonna try and shoot me down with facts I have proved about us being a mid-table team prior to Wenger eh? 1993 and 1995 was the only real time in recent years prior to Wenger we were mid-table. Yet, in 1993, we still won a cup double which was a first in those days, so not at all a bad season and was a fantastic triumph when the League Cup meant something back then. So in fact, 1995 and 1996, was only 2 shitty seasons we had until Wenger came along. In fact, Graham only finished outside the top 4 like 3 times in his 9 seasons or so he was at Arsenal. And 1995 would of been different if it wasn’t for a certain cunt named Nayim from the halfway line.. Could of been the first team to win back-2-back Cup Winners Cups.
People are also quick to harp on about how we wouldn’t even be where we are today without Wenger. Damn right about that!! Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Same people, however, aren’t as quick to notice that the past 3/4 seasons, which have been shit are also thanks to Wenger. After 2004, it is sure shit to be an Arsenal fan. But hey, of course, why shan’t I go support the Mancs or Chelsea, or even Liverpool eh?! Maybe as well, we don’t have the funds to get players in because the new stadium etc. Well, if that’s true, sounds like a right hash job and not thought through enough, with crippling debts. Might be good for the future, but by then, probably be a lower division side. Yet again, you can blame Wenger, seeing as he was the one behind the new stadium.
Thing is as well, I wouldn’t want Mourinho at Arsenal, but Arsenal fans speak shit anyway. If we had him or some boring cunt like Koeman, and we won titles every season etc, noone would complain because we were winning things. Then again, some idiots would probably say they didn’t want trophies playing less attractively and would rather win nothing under daddy Wenger. Brilliant times tho eh? After we won the FA Cup (undeserved) in 2005, we have had to watch Liverpool win the CL, FA Cup, Chelsea back-2-back titles, an FA Cup, and Man United back-2-back titles, with quite possibly one of them being crowned Champions of Europe again. And Avram Grant reaching his first CL Final in only a few months, someone who is inexperienced and might not even have the right coaching badges etc. Something Wenger has taken a decade to do, and still not won a Champions League! Wenger also says the English dominance in the CL won’t last forever. Just a sore loser and jealous in which he won’t do shit about. Guess by him saying that, is no dominance writes Arsenal out of winning it lol. Such a cunt that bloke. Speaks so much shit. Moans at Chelsea for having unlimited funds etc, but Man United ended their dominance of 2 successive league titles by spending less. And thanks to their takeover from the Glaziers who all the fans hate. Don;t hear them moaning about them now. And Wenger is against a takeover. So it is his fault for not having funds. Then again, he knows full well he be out on his ear for not winning nothing! Wenger doesn’t even need to break the bank anyway. He even said himself he wouldn’t spend 100 million if he had it!! And if the club is broke. Wenger is the bloke who’s to blame for wanting to move to the new stadium. SACK THE BOARD AND DIRECTORS!!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, to be an Arsenal fan. And some pricks claim “These are the best times!” Well fuck me…
“It is unacceptable for a big club to go 4 years without a league title.” - Arsene Wenger on Real Madrid who have bounced back and won back-2-back titles.
No league title for Wenger for 4 years and trophyless for 3 and counting…………
May 4, 2008 at 9:30 am
Gelbs, that has to be a world record comment, it’s the longest we’ve had thats for sure, some articulate points though.
May 4, 2008 at 9:30 am
AW has been spinning these lies since he arrived. Is he doing this for his purpose or his Employers? The super super players of 3 years ago still haven’t arrived. Has he gone as far as he can? I love AW and what he has done to this club but we need to move on. Got to go or I will be late for work.
May 4, 2008 at 9:33 am
must be something wrong, why do red and white holdings want a piece of the action at arsenal because we making money, so we must have money to make and we making it quickly.
am getting fed up with this wage structure and these feeble unknown signings and well we moved in this stadium because we will make more money and they keep on boasting 45,000 fans still want season tickets.
someone please get in touch with an accountant or someoe who has the paper works of our finance, i am so curious where the money is coming and going
May 4, 2008 at 9:33 am
Thanks Geoff I would love to but I am working there mate. Will probably be in the Drayton after the match. I am in upper tier Yellow section., can’t say any more than that there could be spies from the Management. Take care guys and Thanks.
May 4, 2008 at 9:35 am
excuse my ignorance wat does AKB stand for?
Keep up the good work
May 4, 2008 at 9:35 am
Arsene knows brigade!
May 4, 2008 at 9:36 am
It pissed you off when a team like Man City showing ambitions and i know the owner is fucking up by gettin rid of sven
but £32m for ronaldinho bloody ell
May 4, 2008 at 9:37 am
Read this, i know its paper talk but its believable
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s summer transfer budget has been slashed.
The Mail on Sunday says Wenger’s transfer budget has been cut despite last week’s departure of managing director Keith Edelman, who had clashed with the Arsenal manager over summer spending.
Although Arsenal are poised to sign two players this month, Edelman told Wenger a week ago that transfer spending should be limited to £25million.
That budget includes money set aside to try to retain the likes of Alexander Hleb, who has an offer from Inter Milan, and Mathieu Flamini, who is almost certain to join AC Milan next week.
And despite Edelman’s abrupt departure after falling out with Arsenal director Danny Fiszman, Wenger will still only be able to bring in three or four players during the close season.
May 4, 2008 at 9:37 am
I wouldn’t pay that but last season it would hhave been £50mil!
May 4, 2008 at 9:38 am
another piece
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the transfer market is on the road to changing beyond all recognition.
“It looks like European rules will make transfers disappear,” Wenger declared. “Now, after three years, you can move out. After 28, you can move out after two years.
“Soon someone will say, ‘why not at 27?’ That’s age discrimination - we want to walk out after two years as well. Then somebody will say, ‘if after two years. why not one year?’ And then there will be no transfers.
“Year by year, that’s happening. Then we are in big trouble losing people’s interest.”
Wenger added: “We have a great team which is developing well and we have to keep them together.
“The only situation we don’t master is Flamini, who is free to go if somebody else offers more money than us.
“All the rest, it’s important we show strength and belief in this team because they are really strong.”
May 4, 2008 at 9:38 am
That is one huge bloody piece. That’s got to be a record. I will say something about that, Giggs and Scholes are Man U faithfulls, the rest would have stayed if they were up to snuff, (Becks included). Who wants to stay and commit to Arsenal for that amount of time. The stability is at an all time low..
May 4, 2008 at 9:39 am
One thing I have to point out. Wenger is, imo, absolutely vital to our long term success. Chelsea and Man U, judging from the current shape, are not gonna last forever but Arsenal will. When Man U doesn’t win like they do these 2 years their debt will bite them right in the arse and never mind improving the squad, they might have to sell all their best players just to stay alive, Chelsea doesn’t function very well as well, although they do have a plan to balance their books pretty soon. Better yet if our dear Russian wakes up and decides that he like rugby better tomorrow, they’re fuked. Anyway, a few years from now hopefully we will be the club with the most purchasing power and they can then eat our dust.
May 4, 2008 at 9:39 am
another piece
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended the lack of big spending he’s made in the transfer market.
“At the time, we decided to build a stadium, which cost a lot of money,” Wenger explained. “We decided to go for a policy where we could survive without buying too much. We knew the resources were short and we suffered a little bit.
“But this season we were really, really close. No team has been punished more than we have and we have still only lost three games.
“We tried and we closed the gap.”
Wenger, whose side host Everton tomorrow, added: “Last year we had 68 points and finished far behind. This year, we can make 83 and who knows what that will be good enough for?
“It was down to one game winning or losing, and at the time when it became really tight, we had everything against us.”
May 4, 2008 at 9:39 am
That’s what prompted todays post Gunnershabz, it really hacked me off! I’m off to the game but will make a half way stop to check on the blog, have a great morning Grovers!
May 4, 2008 at 9:40 am
Flamini’s replacemnt
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already contacted the French club regarding the player’s availability, as he seeks to replace the seemingly Milan-bound Mathieu Flamini.
And Le Mans have claimed that Newcastle are also interested in the 23-year-old, following his impressive displays for Benin in the African Cup of Nations earlier in the year.
Sessegnon, who is rated at ₤4 million, has earned a reputation in Ligue 1 as an all-action defensive midfielder who likes to get forward and score goals, having scored an impressive brace against Lyon last season.
May 4, 2008 at 9:42 am
Sky Sport Italia are reporting that Flamini has already signed
May 4, 2008 at 9:42 am
ARSENAL are ready to make their new managing director the highest-paid executive in football. Director Danny Fiszman has ordered headhunters to scour the worlds of football, industry and media to find the “best person” for the job after Keith Edelman was forced out of his £1m-a-year post last week.
Early names in the frame include Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, Birmingham City’s Karren Brady, London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton and former Pepsico chief Michael Glenn, a director of Leicester City. Although Arsenal have begun a tentative search for Edelman’s replacement, it is understood that they are willing to bide their time. Fiszman is looking for a person in the mould of Scudamore or David Gill, who can take some of the weight off the shoulders of manager Arsène Wenger on the football side.
Arsenal, who recorded a turnover of £200.8m in their last set of yearly accounts, are willing to exceed the £1m-plus salaries of Manchester United’s Gill and Chelsea’s Peter Kenyon. “Arsenal have the money. It’s all about finding the right person. That’s what Danny wants and it will be his appointment,” said a source close to the board.
Edelman was told by Fiszman he was no longer required because it was felt Arsenal needed a managing director who would “spend 30% of his time on football rather than 5%”. He is credited with securing the finance for the Emirates stadium and negotiating long-term commercial deals. However, it was felt among board members that the club “almost runs itself” on the business side and that the requirement is for a managing director who can offer greater support to Wenger. It was felt that Edelman, while a skilful business operator, was not enough of a football “obsessive” to take the club forward.
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Concern at the manner in which France international Lassana Diarra was allowed to leave for Portsmouth in January has been compounded by frustrating contract negotiations with Mathieu Flamini, who is close to completing a switch to Internazionale.
Although former vice-chairman David Dein would appear to have many of the qualities required, there is no chance of a return for Wenger’s long-time ally, especially while Swiss-based diamond dealer Fiszman, with whom he fell out so spectacularly many years ago, holds sway at the club.
It is understood that Arsenal have now abandoned their search for a director of football, which they undertook in the wake of Dein’s departure 12 months ago, in favour of a managing director who has similar powers to the more traditional chief executive. Scudamore would appear to fit the bill. He is dynamic, a skilled operator in sports politics and, following the Premier League’s 39th-step fiasco, he may feel it is time to move on.
May 4, 2008 at 9:42 am
arsenal shortlist
RICHARD SCUDAMORE The Premier League chief executive fits the bill. Excellent contacts and a skilful negotiator but his reputation has been harmed by the 39th game fiasco.
KARREN BRADY The Birmingham City managing director knows football politics inside out after 15 years at St Andrews. She is a lifelong Arsenal fan and has a good relationship with the club.
PAUL DEIGHTON The London 2012 chief executive was an investment banker and has a strong business background. Another ‘Gooner’.
MICHAEL GLEN The Leicester City director and former Birds Eye chief has a proven record of brand building.
MICHAEL GRADE The high-profile ITV chairman and Charlton director has a solid business and media reputation.
May 4, 2008 at 9:49 am
To anyone judging Arsene before the window has even opened, why not wait and see what Arsene does? I’m sure that in December we’ll be praising Wenger’s shrewd transfer moves. We’re bringing two bits of quality in, there are tons of fan favourites but hopefullywe’ll get 2 big stars in over the transfer window.
The appointment of ken Friar makes it far easier for the club to deal in the transfer window. Ken can broker, secure and authorise any deal that Arsene wants straight away/ Arsene will get those 2 “real quality” signings, everyone expects two “top quality” ie. ready for the first 11 quality players + the usual signings for the youth team. 2 big siginingsexpected over summer….
May 4, 2008 at 10:01 am
If wenger does go who do you want to replace him?
May 4, 2008 at 10:09 am
gunnershabz
Isn’t Karen brady that porno blokes girlfriend?
May 4, 2008 at 10:10 am
I cant wait for the new season to start, im still excited!
Too many doomsayers and not enough positives!
My aussie rules team has won equal most titles since the games inception in 1897 and they are not too dissimilar to the Arsenal in the fact they are one of the powerbroker teams, however they recently finished last 2 seasons in a row for the first time ever.
Shit happens and now this season we are 3 and 4 after 7 games, so the rebuilding is starting to happen. Am i whinging and complaing -no!
Lets wait for the transfers to happen, get our injured players finally sorted (rosicky, RVP and Edu) and fire the fuck up for the new campaign!
May 4, 2008 at 10:12 am
Yeam I’m with you Evo, we have trophies to win.
May 4, 2008 at 10:15 am
Bring it on Finest and bring on a whopping today!
May 4, 2008 at 10:23 am
Wow! people chill out and take a step back were talking about about a manager who’s teams have played football from another planet since he arrived at the club, he’s built the most beautifll footballing teams I have ever seen at Arsenal.
TBH, I’d rather play beautifull football be in the top three every season, play champions league football watch our fantastic reserve teams and see who the nexr great player coming through will be, use the Carling cup as a proving ground for the kids, the FA cup as a show case for the reserve and shadow first team playersand be loved the world over for our brand of football.
You’ve never had it so good, cherish these days becaue they will never come again, once Arsene is gone it’s all over for beautifull football, that is football played the way it should be.
May 4, 2008 at 10:23 am
No Evo lost me the moment he started compairing Aussie Rules to football.
May 4, 2008 at 10:25 am
We should sign that Diarra from Pompey, he looks good.
May 4, 2008 at 10:26 am
Avendesorax, the reson we play so well is only partly to do with Wenger, but it’s also to do with the quality of player we attract at Arsenal FC. These players want only one thing….TO WIN. Because they are WINNERS! Same will be for Wenger. Short and simple, we have to, have to, have to win a big trophy next season. If we don’t something major will change for sure
May 4, 2008 at 10:27 am
Bloody hell!!! You blokes are passionate about The Arsenal. P.S just remember manure went 4 years without winning anything until last season.
May 4, 2008 at 10:32 am
Evo, Which AFL team? Personally i cant follow afl…
Come on Gunners?
Anyone have a team line up? i probably will be out for the game, but if anyone has decent highlights, id be interested in watching them!
May 4, 2008 at 10:43 am
Good going grovers, it’s getting near time and I’m getting the hairs sticking up on the palm of my hand …kidding, but I am wondering what to do until pre-season!
May 4, 2008 at 10:46 am
Ollie - Carlton Football Club!
any1 see the Nani-Lucas Neil thing, bloody funny! Glad the ref didnt get conned!
May 4, 2008 at 10:55 am
http://www1.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=11426&part=sports
Blog while watching the match on your PC! Seeya at half time.
Tune in 30-60 minutes before kick off to ensure you get a working feed, today’s match will be heavily in demand so tune in before they run out of bandwidth.
Match predition 2-1, an Arsenal win is expected against good opposition who are a bit down on their luck, not a good time to come and visit us for a comeback.
May 4, 2008 at 11:02 am
predicting a presen to the fans today…flamsta will sign and be announced at the game today.
i thought he was going…but if he was then imo he wud have by now
May 4, 2008 at 11:08 am
DeeOz we can only hope you’re right, im doubting thou!
May 4, 2008 at 11:23 am
evo
whilst i have lived in australia i cant bring myself to even think of comparing AFC to a bollocks AFL team .. the way AFL is ran you might as well be back to the horse and cart days .. . we are here to discuss the greatest game in the world , from the greatest league in the world ! sorry but dont make comparisons like that .. you might as well compare the wealth of a homeless bum too bill gates .. thats
how far AFL and the EPL are ..
Gelbs
well done mate .. drank my whole coffee and was still reading !
finest
yes wenger will probably make a signing or 2 .. but dont you think losing hleb flamini diarra , having trash talk about cesc surfacing already , is all too much to bear ?
And whilst your thinking about wengers signings , why don’t you think about how much stronger Man U and chevski will be next season ??? its all relative ..
Geoff well done mate !
you vented all my points clear and concisely
it was a work of art and it should have a name ! a new name should be invented for the description you gave of arsenals finances and the repercussion . Or given a reference number .. so we can simply say refer back to ‘chapter 3.18.2 the geoffs prayer’ ..
I didnt know arsene recently commented on the stadium ..
it must be a weird ESP from my ramblings last blog ..
but it makes sense that arsene comments on the issues .
Typical excuse time .. blame it on the stadium
the masses will be atoned !
I said 3 years ago this stadium will kill us ..
fuck me i didnt know id be that right about it !!
One thing , we have this great new stadium , with a huge earning capacity , surely now we can get a structured overdraft out that
will enhance the club’s players further without BECOMING LEEDS
as the AKB brigade like to remind us of ?!
SURELY ? !
Its funny when you think of all the AKB statements , im sure youve heard that one before , we dont want to be like leeds ..
BUT HELLO FUCKERS ? YOUR MATE ARSENE WILL BUY THE PLAYERS!
you saying he will screw the pooch ? arsene maybe many things but it isnt too often he loses cash on ANY PLAYER !!!(Usually its a gain !)
Think about that AKB before you use your leeds example with me .
May 4, 2008 at 11:28 am
From my prospective, I believe it was almost impossible to compete with chelski when their benefactors money finally came to fruition. Apparently £500m plus has been spent since that time. Not even manure could compete with the type of financial clout, but over the last 2 seasons they have come to terms with it. As far as the Arsenal are concerned in that time we have built a new stadium, and still managed to stay in contention. All this talk about wining nothing over the last 4 seasons needs to be viewed in this context. Prior to that injection of cash, it was only Arsenal and manure who were in contention for the PL title, apart from b,burn when they actually won it back in 1995. I really believe our business model is sound and will stand the club in good stead for the future, hence as much as I too am very frustrated with our lack of success, the future looks very promising
May 4, 2008 at 11:30 am
I also believe arsenal won’t win anything again until Wenger goes. But too many fans seem happy with his philosophy on the beautiful game and excuses. A trophy is the real beau. I thought Chelsea played wonderful against manu and lpool. So stop your excuses Wenger. Its getting ridiculous.
May 4, 2008 at 11:30 am
It would be nice to see flamini staying but i am geting fed up of all the shit!
May 4, 2008 at 11:30 am
Ethan you totally missed the point mate, anyway its all free speech, so no harm done!
May 4, 2008 at 11:39 am
Ethan, we already have a winning team, we just need to make it better. We can win DESPITE what they spend, we’re on our way to winning trophies.
May 4, 2008 at 11:43 am
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has the green light to splash £15m on Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins. (News of the World)
I bet there were a few of you calling for Martins, would you fancy him if Arsene managed to get him?
May 4, 2008 at 11:54 am
Finest - ive seen him score some good goals, a couple this season!
Im still not sure on him though?
May 4, 2008 at 11:56 am
well finest he is expeirenced and collectivly we all must be sick of seeing the bright talent going directly to man u and chelsea and lesser degree liverpool, so why not, seems a little rich though for my liking
May 4, 2008 at 11:58 am
I didn’t think he was good enough back then, I certainly don’t think he is now either, he’s a mid-table player and he’s in the right place at Newcastle. Not a player for Arsenal.
May 4, 2008 at 11:59 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0HULbZ67Xg
May 4, 2008 at 12:04 pm
The comments about the transfer policy hacked me off too
Funny those comments were not made last summer when Red and White Holdings and Kroenke were sniffing about. In fact I seem to remember someone on the board coming out and saying that they had never turned down funds for Arsene and that he had a fair whack to spend on players.
Either the board were trying to keep the fans onside or it Sounds like a bit of spin doctoring to me, maybe we do have a fair chunk but Arsene knows (Sorry I hate putting those two words together, I hope it does not get filtered) that if go around flashing the wad of cash then prospective targets go up in price by 10m
May 4, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Martins is injury prone and not the finisher we need, personally i think we’re fairly well stocked when it comes to forwards and any moves we made in that area would probably have to coincide with us selling one of the players we have now.
I think a front line or RVP, Adebayor and Eduardo supported by Theo and Bendtener who’ve both made big strides this year to becoming real quality players doesn’t leave room to bring in anyone else unless someone was sold. If RVP wasnt so injury prone and Eduardo was’nt currently broken no one would mention the forwards, i think we should only look at picking someone up if we can get a superstar like Villa on the cheap (i read he’s been quoted at 16,000,000 which is cheaper than Darren Bent).
Personally as far as squad strengthening we’ve got far more pressing issues in the middle, if Flamini goes then i think we should make a play at Barry as a like for like replacement. I’d love to see us pick up another proven premiership player like Kranjcar to cut out the inevitable waiting time it takes for overseas imports to adjust to the EPL.
And a someone remove Sendeross’s emotional chip.
May 4, 2008 at 12:15 pm
what’re AKB’s by the way?
May 4, 2008 at 12:19 pm
akb are the arsene knows brigade, meaning “thou shualt not question anything because arsene is god etc etc”
May 4, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Jesus Ethan are you having a bad day
I dont think the stadium will kill us at all, in fact it will be the making of the club in so many ways. And if we had not moved then that would have killed us off from being a top 4 side. It honestly would not surprise me to see us increase the capacity of the Emirates in the next 10-15 years. Apparently that could be done by altering the layout and replacing the nice seats at either end.
if Geoff is correct and we will have paid off the debt in 2009 then we could potentially turn into the biggest club in the world. I just feel that hey why not push it back to 2010 and invest in the squad.
I guess the point here is why did they not just state that we would be in limbo for a few years instead of the annual belief statements. Hey I would swap 5 barren seasons for the promise of being a real global big player from 2009 onwards any day of the week, especially given that we are still somehow mounting a challenge.
I dont go for the Arsene Knows rubbish, but we are not far off, and I even though we did not win it, they at least put me into the mindset that I thought we could have won it, and even yesterday, when West Ham were 3-1 down, I was still mindlessly hoping they could claw back a draw to give us a chance.
This Summer and next season are very important though, and if Hleb and Flamini go then they need replacing, I will not be happy if we simply go for Diaby or the incoming Vela as replacements, We are already short in those positions.
May 4, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Finestcuts
Ethan, we already have a winning team
how do you figure that?? based on us winning nothing since its conception 3/4 years ago!?. pure lunacy .. if we won even a C.C i might …MIGHT agree !
This team isnt full of winners .. if the truth must be known all we do is lose at every point where a team of champions would WIN !.. 3rd 4th spot being the only accolade for several seasons ..
All i can say is your terminology of winning and mine are worlds apart .
Evo
no offense mean’t but i hate AFL .. shite game a true red herring of a sport that has the populous brainwashed ! The rules are crap ,
everything about the sport is about as fucked up as grid iron.
(another rare sport that doesn’t have an international following)
it only proves people will watch anything if you give them no other options .
May 4, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Martins would thrive at arsenal. 20 goals in his first season. He would certainly clean up after ade. Have more strength and fitness than RVP. But then again Wenger would prob play him as a winger.
May 4, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Looks like we have learned in one way though
Sagna is quite rightly being given a new improved contract already
May 4, 2008 at 12:32 pm
No thanks for Martins
I think we already have enough injury prone players in RVP and Rosicky
I still think we should nick Henry, he wont rip us off in wages, will still score loads, can fill in till Eduardo gets fit, and can act as a guiding light for Theo. We could keep him for a few seasons and then he could jet off to the States for a big final payday
May 4, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Oh that makes sense.
In other news, according to the ever truthful newsnow newswire and tribalfootball (who’ve always been extremely judicious in their fact checking before publishing a story) apparently we’re ‘tracking’ Le Mans and Benin international Stephane Sessegnon.
I know nothing about him except that he’s quite short, plays predominantly on the left of midfield and averages about a goal every ten games in the French league.
May 4, 2008 at 12:41 pm
pat
im just pissed off with all the talk of cutting our transfer budget
down to a crate of beer and a few bags of peanuts to get supposed world class players in .. after your mate flamoney leaves .
and hleb buys out his contract .. and then you have barca up to there
bullshit tricks and messages to try and unsettle our players for 3 years on the trot !, come too us cesc for 15 mil ! + plus TH14 .. cheap ass mothers ..
So many things at the club are happening and so many things are
being kept in house , with so many rumors not being squashed , its all too unsettling .. ades mr 20% wants more money or he will be a WANTED MAN ! … injury woes of players missing forever yet will be available for the EURO’s ! sure life is sweet being an arsenal fan .
Then you have a certain element on here saying we are a winning team ! .. well thats if theres any left by august 2008 !
they say that fully forgetting the other 19 teams will be doing the same thing too ! BUT WITH MONEY !!!
how much money do we need to spend to compete with chevski and man U ! REALLY ?! how much money will they spend this season too ?
yes it is all relative alright .
May 4, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Ethan - im sending you a couple of chill pills down the line. If you hated your time in OZ, no need to take it out on someone else’s sport that you know nothing about?
If i get on here saying the English cricket team is shite and they have no idea how to play the game, etc. then its all out war, but i dont!
Maybe the whole poplulos behing brainwashed is making you jealous your missing out?
May 4, 2008 at 12:44 pm
pat
wenger probably had more inquiries about him than any other player !
he is the only shining light this season for me !SAGNA totally brilliant player.
So its not supprising he is being paid wel l to keep him
May 4, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Ethan we were 5 points clear at one stage in the season. We can get back to how we were. You don’t have to believe it, I hope you keep criticizing and that Arsenal prove you wrong, and that we’ll win trophies.
May 4, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Oh my fucking god…how ignorant are you? The Emirates deals were done as we got most of the cash up front yes, but a lot of that was to ease cash flow worries. We had problems securing a massive 360m loan which we negotiated at a fairly good rate which will take at least 25 years to pay off. Your insider obviously knows little about bonds and long term loans.
We had a problem on 2 fronts - we were building the stadium whilst still playing at Highbury which was obviously a huge drain on resources and once we moved we developed Highbury into flats, another huge drain on resources. With the house market in a precarious situation, we cannot go spending money willy nilly. We are 360m in debt, we have no sugar daddy nor do we want one and we will continue to build the team slowly.
You say you are tired of Wenger’s transfer policy…well our best players this season and who got into the PFA team of the year were all unknowns and improved under Arsene’s guidance. Not a single Chelsea STAR made it to that team. 14m for Malouda, 15m for Anelka, 9m for Ivanovic…I could go on but thats nearly 40m worth of players who have contributed absolutely fuck all in Chelsea’s charge on two fronts. I dont understand this desire to see money spent.
May 4, 2008 at 12:54 pm
What a post by Gelbs- makin up for lost time or what!
I’m not calling for Wenger’s head, even though he only has himself to blame for some simple and fundamental mistakes that have been made. It’s still right however to commend him for a lot of the team displays this season and for some improvement at least (not doubting it could’ve been even better)
What he really needs is someone who is stronger above him to help rule out some the flaws that’ll keep him on track so the fans can enjoy the good stuff he brings whilst ensuring he concentrates solely on managing, instead of the other aspects of the business that are nothing to do with him.
Had that’d been the case since DD’s departure, we wouldn’t have seen the debacle of Flam playin with a yr on his contract, with us then selling Diarra- how F’in stupid was that???! Until Arsene gets someone to manage him, we’re still likely to be prone to errors of judgement by his not focussing 100% on the job at hand.
May 4, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Ethan mate, you live in Pattaya, how can you be this down hearted, I am sure there are places there that can put a smile on your face.
Sagna the only shining light. come on, what about Clichy who is quickly becoming the best LB in the world, Eduardo showed us what he will be, Fabregas has been immense and is growing into what will one day be the best midfielder in his mould in the world. I know you dont like him but Ade’s goals have been a blessing and he has certainly turned this gooners impression of him. And finally although he may leave, Flamini has been a revelation and if he had played as he had in previous seasons, we probably would not be that bothered if he left.
Like the way you put him down as my mate by the way. Hey I just like to see the good in people and know that he wants to stay at Arsenal, and given the ridiculous 144k offer it is quite rightly making his decision a really hard one.
Personally on that issue, I feel the 50/55k offer to Flamini is a reasonable one given that he has only had one great season. I remember Seth Johnson having one great season once.
May 4, 2008 at 1:02 pm
With Flam gone and budgets supposedly being limited, Arsene could do well to put Toure back in midfield for workrate and get a bigger defender…..although I’m not sure Toure has that warrior attitude like Viera; Petit or Grimandi!
May 4, 2008 at 1:09 pm
5AM, exactly my thinking. I suggested that on here a few days ago, i’d also give us the chance to bring in a big strong defender to do the body work whilst Gallas cleans up with his pace.
May 4, 2008 at 1:11 pm
cesc is out today
Changes are in midfield
Eboue, Denilson, Gilberto, Theo
Ade and Bendtner up front
Gibbs on the bench which is good to see but no Flamini anywhere so read into that how you like
Also we have 3 defenders on the bench Djorou, Senderos and Traore. How does that make any sense, how negative is that, why not put Barazite or Wilshire in for Djorou or Senderos
May 4, 2008 at 1:17 pm
cesc out, denilson & bert in mf…we’re gona get done today lads
toffees playing 451 with 2 defensive mf’s…out midfield is too weak today and i rekon we’re up for a first home defeat of the season!!
look at the bench…djourou,phil,traore,gibbs…tell me whos gona come on and change things when things go pear-shaped???…
May 4, 2008 at 1:17 pm
where’d u get that info pat?
May 4, 2008 at 1:24 pm
if you mean teamnews Evo
Watching it on sky sports in the UK
May 4, 2008 at 1:26 pm
finest
if arsene opens the cheque book i dont have a problem .
if we make 3 or 4 sagna style signings , i dont have a problem
will it happen? DOUBTFUL .. a bigger leap is needed to close the gap on man U and chevski ! not sure how we can close the gap .
and thats my point ..
Evo
i go for the aussies in the cricket .. a fast bowler named Bruce Reid is one of my best friends .. i played cricket in australia ..
like i said i didnt want to hurt your feelings .. its just my opinion.
pat .
he is your mate .. you went in to bat for him in November , saying he loves arsenal , he will re-sign .. No doubt in your mind .. im being presumptuous etc.. Yes pat down hearted because it seems there are internal problems at the arsenal and people are jumping ship !
we dont win enough and this is the end product ..
anyway enjoy the game lads .. im going to get pissed
May 4, 2008 at 1:28 pm
game on!
May 4, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Ethan
never said no doubt in my mind, never said he will definately re-sign
ACTUALLY Said I THINK and I HOPE he will re-sign and that these things take time
Big difference
May 4, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Pictures of you and Bruce Ried for truth Ethan!
I’m completely over team news like ‘Fabregas out with a slight calf injury’. Just say you’re giving him a rest and be done with it. It’s the second last game of the season and we’ve locked in third, forget the mind games.
May 4, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Enough with the one touch flicks Adebayor, at least pretend the game is worth something.
May 4, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I fully agree with what issac has written.It’s time to move on. The problem is Arsenal are scared MU/Pool will get their hands on AW if they dare to sack him. Personally I believe nobody is bigger than the club.The problem is AW too caught up with his fancy and passing game.He is placing entertianing soccer over winning soccer.
I doubt Arsenal will win honours with him unless he changes tack.
May 4, 2008 at 1:56 pm
bloody boring so far!
Bendtner and eboue bog’s up to date!
May 4, 2008 at 1:59 pm
u guys just see the footage of Kleb, Cesc and Flamini all sitting together?
May 4, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Yes, they all looked very chummy.
I dont want to read too much into it because it’s quite a well known fact that Flamini and Hleb are Fabregas’s best friends at the club, but personally if i was at a club and a guy was walking out on said club i dont know how comfortable i’d be hanging out with him. Who knows though.
Happy birthday Fabregas by the way.
May 4, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Wenger’s comments are probably a little mis-interpretted. I dont think he wants to spend big money. He never really has in the past, and his track record on big money signings isnt outstanding. Maybe he feels that putting a big transfer fee on one player amongst a team of medium-sized signings (Hleb, Ade, Rosicky, Sagna, Theo, etc) and cheap signings (Cesc, Flam, RVP, Kolo, Gael) is the wrong thing to do.
Although we fell short this year, we only just fell short, and there really isnt much between us and the juggernauts in positions 1 and 2.
If we tried to sign David Villa (who i would love to have, who wouldnt?) what does he tell Ade, Eddie, RVP, Nic and Theo? Sorry lads, thanks for all your efforts, but ive just spent £20m on a 28 year-old and Im paying him more than double what you’re getting and he’s never kicked a ball for us…. Its just not his style.
Its always been the young prospects and the medium sized signings that have done us the best. Im thinking Bobby, Freddie, Lauren, Vieira, Sagna… The big splurge on Gio, Jeffers, R.Wright… the Wiltord and Reyes signings… Wenger’s been burnt on the big money signings before… I dont see him ever going for it again.
Lets also remember, last year he spent reasonably big money on Eddie and Sagna (i know we got it back through the Henry sale, but that was a masterstroke , £16m for a busted flush!). I would be happy with 1 more midfield player and 1 more Centre Back of the same calibre as Eddie and Bak.
May 4, 2008 at 2:18 pm
lets sign tim cahill…
May 4, 2008 at 2:22 pm
We have to get someone better than Eboue, one good chance, so many fluff ups…..no more Eboue!
May 4, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Well that was forgettable
even the Sky Sports Commentators are getting on Eboue’s back, it was deserved though, I counted at least 3 times in that 1st half that he just switched off when an attack fell to nothing. Great cross at the end though
expecting a better 2nd half, think the lads need to remember that this is the last home game of the season and they need to give the fans some optimism to take away, especially as we could still get 2nd.
Thought Song looked good. I never liked Song and did not even think he was good enough for our reserves, might have been wrong, he is now good enough to be a squad player.
Come On Arsenal
May 4, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Song needs better judgment to not let Johnson push him under the ball when it’s in the air, or better strength to not let it happen. I think he’s looked quite serviceable so far.
Fabianski apart from staying back that one time when Johnson was through and Denilson clearing off the line (doubt make keepers would have got there though) hasnt really had much to do. On the plus side there has been a few balls into his feet that he hasnt gone all Jens on.
Denilson and Gilberto is always going to be a recipe for boredom, they’re both holding players and offer nix in the build up to attacks. So many times during that half you could see them both sitting on our defensive side whilst attacks screaming out for a central presence/outlet pass fell flat.
Eboue i cannot stand, he gets in really good positions time and time again and is such a spazz that he cant make anything of them. I dont know what to make of it because the logical side of my brain is thinking “what a nuff” but then you see him do something kinda alright and think “oh yeah, with a bit of finished product he could be ok”.
Bendtner was quite good, shame he’s being forced to drop deep to recieve the ball because our central mids like to chill by the pool down back. Adebayor is obviously in holiday mode, having said that even at the 1/3rd pace he’s moving he’s had a couple of good chances.
I think Walcott switching flanks or shaking the Hibbert blanked that’s been thrown on his is our likeliest source to goal. But personally i want Adebayor to light up because i forgot to change Ronaldo back to my fantasy captain.
Oh well, roll on second half. Please something interesting happen.
May 4, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Finestcuts
if you think that we are close to world beaters (or as you said a winning team )with that half .. your kidding yourself .. we didnt come close to scoring.. never even tested the keeper . and you think we are close to winning a title ! fuckkk!
take a good look at that midfield… next season that will be it if you sub bert for cesc …. maybe…… if barca don’t have the last word !
we don’t even have the fire power to test 5th placed Everton at home !and you all have your 1st call srtiker in , everyones savior ! ade ,he might as well put on a red nose and run around with clown shoes on !
Like i said we will miss flamini hleb , and the team will have to rebuild with huge question marks hanging over the club all summer long ~! … or am i the only one who can see it ?????
can you see why im heart broken pat
May 4, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Ethan is obviously a pessimist, not an optimist…
May 4, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Fabianski’s save on johnson was nice, but he’s a bit flat footed for speed off 1-2 steps…
May 4, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Why on earth is anyone even discussing Fabregas leaving? He’s signed on for the next 100 years or something and there is no way we’d even consider selling him unless Barcelona/Real met whatever ridiculous fee we put on his head, which would be at least 40-50 million.
May 4, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Good conviction in the tackle there from Song on Hibbert.
May 4, 2008 at 2:57 pm
this game is doing my head in….
May 4, 2008 at 3:01 pm
bloody hell, mad jens is on, maybe he’ll score?
May 4, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Nice touch from Wenger to get Jens have the last 20.
May 4, 2008 at 3:06 pm
boooorrrriiiiiinnngggggg
cant beleive we’re allowing everton more posession at our ground!
May 4, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Finally, i knew Bendtner would score!
May 4, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Jeez, out of nothing. Nice cross from Traore.
May 4, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Geoff and Pedro and the lads will be rat arsed after this game, the boredom will have driven them to large drinks!
May 4, 2008 at 3:11 pm
big nik!!cmon!
nice cross from traore…no one celebrated with nik again!
May 4, 2008 at 3:18 pm
whats the bet that the winger we’re all craving came on for toure!
May 4, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Traore has been the difference since he came on, ive havent been a big fan of him, but he’s been very lively!
May 4, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Yeah it’s amazing what having a left footed left winger playing on the left wing can do.
May 4, 2008 at 3:20 pm
gota say traore is lookin impresive!
May 4, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Song has been the ducks nuts as well!
May 4, 2008 at 3:22 pm
We have 10 players out. 10 players who would play ahead of the players in the team today. Our entire first choice midfield. Some would say (i wouldnt) our best 2 centre forwards. The best right back in country. We have a team of very young players with a couple of experienced old lags.
Everton have Cahill and Arteta missing, Yak rested on bench. And they aren’t doing a thing against us. There is no other team in this country who could have the same number of key players missing, put together a coherent performance with some very nice bits (a great goal), and see off a top 5 side who still have something to play for.
Woe is Wenger.
May 4, 2008 at 3:28 pm
i think Gilberto and Denilson were on the booze, they didnt have any effect on the game whatsover. i like them both, but they were boring!
May 4, 2008 at 3:28 pm
1-0, a good result a tough game and we won ugly.
Bendtner is coming along well, that’s his ninth for the season he’s coming along well. Denilson and Theo are still short of what’s needed but a good result today,we got the win and it’s time for another win at Sunderland.
May 4, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Traore celebrated with Bendtner by the way!
May 4, 2008 at 3:32 pm
oh come now, Everton needed to take one point in their last two games, they’ve got a bodge record against Arsenal and have a much easier game next week. You watched the game, it wasnt hard to tell that neither team was really having a red hot go and took until a kid who actually has something to prove came on and put in a bit of effort for something to happen.
Personally im surprised we scored, Everton came here for a draw and when Arsenals primary creative forces are Eboue, Denilson and Gilberto it’s not a good day.
May 4, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I believe i saw Eboue give Bendtner a hug, notice that Eboue is always around when there is celebrating to be had (Adebayor last week anyone) but never around when the setting up of the celebrating is going on.
Says a fair bit about him as a player really.
May 4, 2008 at 3:35 pm
judging by the lap of the ground, imo…
1. jens is def levin
2. flam is stayin
3. nik has no friends
May 4, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Good win all things considered. We didnt play very well but someones winning when you dont play well is way, cough cough chelski
May 4, 2008 at 3:37 pm
i missed the lap of honour,,,
May 4, 2008 at 3:38 pm
pretty ppor game traore looked good which i have been expecting for a while now, nikki said he is confident flamini will stay,
May 4, 2008 at 3:41 pm
i am still saying he’s going so when he stays ill be elated, kind of looks like he could stay….
May 4, 2008 at 3:42 pm
yep nik seemed pretty certin flam wud stay…
damn we shuda been celebratin the prem at the emirates today…shithouse…
May 4, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Traore looked ok in a few of the lead up league and FA cup games earlier this season but im pretty sure the last we saw of him in the first team was in either or both of those trouncings we had in the cups by Manchester United and Tottenham.
he most definitely did not look good in either of those games and was at best a liability down back.
looks to have good attacking instincts though so maybe the wing is where he should be situated. also, what on earth, he’s practically a Clichy doppleganger.
May 4, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Not exactly the best advert for the Premiership but a wins a win
Bendtner got MOTM but for me it was Song (can’t believe I just typed that)
Anyone see Bendtners interview, he said he was confident that Hleb and Flamini were staying, a strange comment to make given that apparently Flamini has already signed for Milan and he has already told his team mates………maybe Nic was in the toilet.
Sorry Ethan I really dont know why you feel so down hearted with Arsenal. Pre-season I thought we would be 4th at a struggle and it turns out we will probably only finish 4 points off the top. End of the day we contested the premiership but fell short, we do need more depth and it has been frustrating that Wenger did not see it but hopefully that will come in the Summer. Honestly I do wonder if we won the Quadruple, won every game, Ade scored 50 and we only conceded 1 goal all season you would still find something to moan about
May 4, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Well Bendtner can consider to have his head up his ass if they go…but its good to hear from him, i hope its true!
Took me a few minutes to work out that Traore was playing left wing when he came on!
good stuff!
May 4, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Ha! if he leaves we’ll get the same spin we always get when a quote is ‘incorrect’.
“Did you mean staying at Arsenal? oh i was confused i thought you meant staying at my house. Im having a big sleep over tonight” or something like that. Overwhelmed after scoring, heat of the moment, didn’t understand the question etc etc etcetera.
May 4, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Can’t make everyone happy … just a few days ago alot of people were saying they’d perfer “1-0 to the Arsenal” instead of beautiful football with no result.
Today it was an ugly WIN against 5th place Everton, with 8 starters injured …. RVP, Eduardo, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Rosicky, Sagna, Almunia.
No complaints from me about the win
May 4, 2008 at 4:09 pm
good win song was outstanding at the back seems to improve every game
May 4, 2008 at 4:11 pm
bed time for me lads catch u all later on
May 4, 2008 at 4:15 pm
What a yawnfest, fair play to the largely 2nd string squad though; we could quite easily have lost that. A Gilberto-Denilson midfield is just so uninspiring, it beggars belief. Funny that Platt called our goal a ‘typical Arsenal goal’ when a season ago we were the most vulnerable team in the air and couldn’t, wouldn’t score from headers or corners
Supposedly our summer transfer budget is being cut because of fears about a property crash. That would be a huge mistake - there’s no reason to expect anything more than a -5/-10% fall in prices over the next year (and prices continuing to rise after that), so on a ~£25m budget (if that’s all we’re getting to replace some major players) then that’s a £2.5m cut AT MOST.
Long term, property prices are going to rise and rise, so why not NOT cut the budget, not sell the property developments during the 1 year blip (rent them instead), and do it later?
What a load of chumps.
May 4, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Tippical end of season game but win is a win, can’t complain!
Now what we really want to know is, Who is comming, who is going and can we win a big trophy next year??
May 4, 2008 at 4:19 pm
So next season it’s West Brom and Stoke with one of Hull, Bristol City, Crystal Palace and Watford joining them after the play offs.
May 4, 2008 at 4:23 pm
see how much a left winger difference makes,
i know troare is no winger, but he made the difference and i think we do need a geniune winger next season
May 4, 2008 at 4:32 pm
pat..in the meantime, we are far short of a quadruple .. we got a double humiliation and a double dose of disappoinment in the other two comps
let me tell you.. the league was ours this year..5 points clear with a run of games aginst 3rd tier clubs .. look what happened .. this team needs to win something fast before the entire world starts taking the piss
at least let people vent their frustrations..thats more than what we deserve as fans
May 4, 2008 at 4:33 pm
gunnershabz just made the most sense on the either blog, a left winger this sesson? o la la
May 4, 2008 at 5:10 pm
BB
I have no problems in people venting frustrations, I have done it and that is the beauty of blogs and freedom of speech, it was a just a light hearted dig at Ethan who I have a friendly running battle with on certain Arsenal matters
Come on though, this season has seen an immense improvement on previous seasons. Only one team can win the Premiership and given that we are up against Chelsea who have a bottomless pit of money, Man Ure who spend regardless of debt and Liverpool who again have invested heavily, I think 4 points behind is an excellent achievement.
You are right though we did lose it in that run of games, we ran out of players and maybe a bit of leadership. It was dissapointing to lose it in that manner but lets see what happens in the Summer, who goes, who stays, who gets captaincy and who the competition buys. Big Season next year.
May 4, 2008 at 5:21 pm
This looks ominous though
Wenger on Flamini
“The only situation we don’t master is Mathieu, who is free to sign with whoever he wants,” Wenger continued. “I think his situation will be sorted out in the next 24 hours. I have no gut feeling [on his future].”
Milan moved into a Champions League place today too.
May 4, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I wish Wenger would just cut the crap and tell us whether he is going or not. On friday he was having a chat in the afternoon, then it was saturday, then sunday, now monday.
I just want to put one on him sometimes with his cautioness with everything!
May 4, 2008 at 5:34 pm
pat..did you not notice the banter going on all afternoon btw Hleb/Cesc and Flam.. Cesc looked quite unhappy at times .. sort of sad and nostalgic.. I didnt bother going to the game, but you could clearly see it on tv as sky zoomed in on them all the time
they also stayed 2gether at the end when they ere going round
and the way it looked to me was that Hleb looked also a very very potential leaver
which then makes you wonder what team we are building .. if any
you seem to enjoy our progress .. but with some of our most important contributors to this so called progress on their exit route, surely we must look in anger and fear at what lies next for this club
clearly the players on the pitch today aint gonna win nothing for us..so reinforcements are a must ..and no young dikkheads bar Pjanic from Metz who is really outstanding
the times was quoting Hleb’ agent saying that his protege wants a move to Barca
May 4, 2008 at 5:38 pm
It wasn’t a good game today but I don’t really care. I just didn’t want us to lose at home especially against Everton who got a draw at our ground last season.
The worse a teams record is at the Emirates the less likely they’ll want to come there & that gives us as instant advantage. Man Utd already have that over teams at OT & Chelski certainly have it at SB after the long undefeated run. As Gareth Southgate said last season there was no fear factor for them because they had never played or lost there before, but now for the majority of teams thats no longer true.
May 4, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Flamini’s situation is getting beyond a joke ……… pathetic!!!!!!
May 4, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Just seen Wenger’s comments that Cesc is injured & won’t play for us again this season but that he’ll be ok for the euro’s. Why the f**k do we as fans bother!!! Wenger ensuring players are fit for the euro’s ahead of Arsenal is completely out of order!!
Reading between the lines I think Flamini also refused to play today, which says it all. Wenger says he wanted to put him on the bench but that Flamini had a little reoccurence of his injury, b******s he did. Just like when he was asked to play left back, he has refused it. No doubt Wenger wanted to give him a few minutes to say goodbye to the fans as he done with lehmann & possible even Senderos!!
May 4, 2008 at 5:57 pm
GMR .. reason why I refused to go
60 quid to watch the reserves and the disinterested ones.. not by me
lets see how the summer soap opera will unfold
I have a feeling that this might be Wenger’s last throw of the dice
hope our club wont go under because of ongoing mismanagement at the highest level
May 4, 2008 at 6:02 pm
undefeated at home all season. A tremendous achievement. Only Chelsea can say the same. Only 2 real disappointments, boro and birmingham… Villa played well, deserved their point, Utd and Pool didnt deserve any more than a point.
Not bad for a small squad full of nippers and no-names. When you think that most of the league are intent on spending all of their money on big name signings with no long term planning, or are serving up utter dross, then there really isnt much to complain about….
….other than the feeling that this team chucked it away themselves. If they chuck it away again then it might be right to question the direction of the club. But for a couple of results, a couple of goals even, Wenger would’ve put together a league winning squad from chump-change, and done it without breaking legs, boring the arse off the viewers, and playing dull, unadventurous football. In fact, these young lads play the best football BAR NONE of anyone in Europe, including Utd (who shat themselves against us at Old Trafford, we had them chasing our ass) or Barca or Real or anyone.
Our season is a shame, but its not a crime…
May 4, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Gidster,
The difference between the teams though is that all that money spent by Utd & Chelski means that when it matters they win. Arsenal didn’t win the big game