Nasri can play on either wing and he himself said that, add Vela who likes to dribble around defenders, so maybe with Walcott and Rosicky there as well we have our new wingers. Fast, tricky and played in the right position, could this be why the boss has been quiet on this front?
I know he said he would play Vela up front, but with Bendtner and Robin, Ade not being wanted and Eduardo coming back early, there really isn’t room is there?
Hey I’m beginning to get excited, what we need now is a partner for Cesc, Diaby’s not ready yet so he needs to sign one of Barry, Alonso or Veloso, my money is on Barry using Hoyte as bait which should see him parting with 12 mil, less that O’Neill wants, but the scousers haven’t got it and that way Villa save face.
I would get rid of Ade and bring in one of Villa, Huntelaar, Arshavin or Santa Cruz, I don’t care which one but I don’t want to see Ade anymore, I would sooner go into debt and leave him in the stiffs rather than see the greedy bastard in an Arsenal shirt again, I for one would break my golden rule and boo him.
I have a sneaky feeling he may have earmarked Villa or Arshavin.
So here is my team
Almunia
Sagna Kolo Gallas/Zapata Clichy
Barry/Diaby
Nasri/Walcott Cesc Vela/Rosicky
RVP Bendtner/Villa/Arshavin
I have added Zapata but I know I’m being silly, with that team, we would win the world cup.
Now you can all get excited.
Oh I almost forgot, someone called Flem or Flob left us for Barcelona, so gob, good riddance you wanker, we’ll be a better team without you and may now have the occasional shot, you are even more of a mystery to me than Ade, at least he can score goals.
I remember you making your debut against the chavs in the community cup and I thought oh shit, Wenger bought a dud here, apart from great control, going backwards never did it for me, I spent 3 years thinking your real name was shooooot!
Finally, Pedro has set the first Le Grove Fantasy Football league. So, if you feel you have what it takes and you want to pit your wits against some of the biggest football nuts out there…
Click http://fantasy.premierleague.com:
1. Sign up to it
2. Design your team
3. Join the Fantasy Grove league by entering this pin ( League Pin 183316-43452 ) into the ‘Join league’ bit.
4. Then you are away, the deadline is the 15th of August!
Rumour has it that there is a crate of Peroni in it for the winner, an attractive prize if ever there was one!
Now we’ve sold the pup, we may see some coming in today, that would be good, eh!
July 17, 2008 at 9:01 am
12th !
July 17, 2008 at 9:01 am
boom boom
July 17, 2008 at 9:01 am
1st ?!
July 17, 2008 at 9:01 am
haaaaaaaaaaaa ….. Bud wins !!!!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:06 am
Boo! 5th……..
July 17, 2008 at 9:09 am
Nice of Pleb to thank Arsenal and his former boss and the fans for standing by him for 3 years where he failed to deliver for the first 2 and only scored 10 goals, most of whic against Reading. Hope Barca look forward to seeing his 3 and a third goals a season. Or in other words, £1M per goal. I’m sure the Barca corowd will show Pleb the same patience…
It feels like I’ve lost fiver and found a monkey.
July 17, 2008 at 9:10 am
Morning Grovers - Geoff, your post has bought a big fat smile to my face…..
2/3 players off from being a near perfect squad for the beginning of the season, and I just get the feeling that ‘Arsene Knows’ who he is going to bring in. My bet is that it all gets done this weekend, then the door shuts and pre-season can truely begin…..
Did I tell anyone that I might be getting a AFC shirt signed by ALL the current squad… Well that ‘Might Be’ is getting more like a ‘Probably’ - Cant wait to find out, which should hopefully be today
Anyone jealous……
July 17, 2008 at 9:11 am
Oh - and I am not going to waste my energy on the Numpty who has suddenly found his love in life - What a Wanker!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:11 am
Geoff
Wenger reportedly chasing Alonso is a masterstroke in my opinion. It leaves us in a win-win situation if we want to sign a central midfielder.
1) Liverpool desperately need funds to push the Barry deal. Juventus having signed Poulsen, have definitely pulled out of the race. That leaves only one prospective buyer, which means WE are free to dictate terms over the transfer fee.
2) If Liverpool suddenly decide to pull out of the race for Barry, it leaves us as the only prospective buyers. I don’t think Barry would remain at Villa after all the public tantrums against o’neill. That would mean that a cut-price move to the Emirates maybe on the cards [cash + Hoyte possibly]
3) Another factor in this whole thing is that O’neill being a man of principles would rather do business with Arsenal than Liverpool given the acrimony between Rafa and O’Neill over the last few days.
I can see this transfer triangle moving in a very interesting alley over the coming days…
July 17, 2008 at 9:12 am
I think we could get Barry on the cheap.
Liverpool were offering Carson to Villa for 10 mill
They sold him to Stoke for 3.5 mill
I am of the opinion that we need another keeper, and at that price we should be in the running.
Looking forward to the FF
July 17, 2008 at 9:13 am
Very jealous………. how about this though…… I have my ticket from May 8th 2002 at Old Trafford (Pedro, do you remember missing the turning on the way up there and having to treck through the dales to get to the Champions Section…… Hazy days indeed ??!!!!), signed by the whole team and Wenger !!!!!!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:14 am
good post as always geoff,
for every day that i feel fucked off at whats happening recently i get counter days where i actually feel enthusiastic about having a bit of youthful pace and enthusiasm in the team.
still can’t get rid of that nagging feeling that eboue will be playing anyway tho…
July 17, 2008 at 9:16 am
Geoff - Cracking comment on Hleb’s name being shoooooot, pml mate, well done.
July 17, 2008 at 9:19 am
Morning guys… Just a quick one before work….
Watch out for the revelations on the fantasy league
In accordance with a starting 11 for arsenal.. I need more thinking time….. Later on i’ll have summit…
ciao 4 now!
July 17, 2008 at 9:21 am
Looking forward to today, Le Grove commenting and watching Golf. Wonderful.
July 17, 2008 at 9:21 am
ddm, around my way his middle name is “you”.
July 17, 2008 at 9:24 am
stoned …
yes barry would be a great signing in my opinion , im surprised wenger is going for someone that old , knowing too well his age policies . but id be more surprised if barry actually came to AFC !
I think either way arsene has lined his pockets with 11.7 mil so i expect a master stroke signing within the next 72 hours …
lets cross fingers ..
pedro 690 must be the new record ?!?!
July 17, 2008 at 9:24 am
morning mates.Hleb finally left.However i feel we might not be able to compete effectively with the current squad.we need someone who can be relied upon.24/7.however to garnish your breakfast here is smthing for you i came across
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/909210/man_eats_goats_testicles_to_survive/
July 17, 2008 at 9:24 am
Typical Arse.com - they’ve still got Hleb listed in the first team squad, the entry beginning “With two years at the Club under his belt, Alexander’s experience will be a vital asset to Arsenal’s young side this season…”
As we all know the PR department at AFc are a bunch of mugs so this about sums them up.
July 17, 2008 at 9:25 am
Bud - that beats mine hands down, respect to you
July 17, 2008 at 9:28 am
Morning all, could this be the day???
July 17, 2008 at 9:30 am
The day for what Geoff
- we loose another midfielder ? We’ve gone 12 hours without losing one so we’re overdue shipping out another midfielder. Arsene knows,.. does he f***
July 17, 2008 at 9:31 am
Ethan… it certainly is!
We need to be getting a thousand by the end of the year!
That would be amazing considering the comments are all football related and conversational!
Well played Grovers!
July 17, 2008 at 9:32 am
I’ve got a signed DB10 shirt, and i’m VERY happy with that……….
July 17, 2008 at 9:32 am
If we can flip this 12 million into anything we really need (CM or a DM) I will be quite chuffed
July 17, 2008 at 9:32 am
Good riddance…good riddance
Just out of interest, why would we sign Zapata? Wenger has already stated he wont be buying any defenders right?
July 17, 2008 at 9:33 am
I just hope we get the signings in by the end of the week.
I think you may be right on the Wingers, we should be ok there, especially with Ramsey, Wilshire, Lansbury, Randall and Gibbs in the background
CM is a problem though, and I really hope that Arsene uses the money in that area.
Denilson for me is too light and Diaby is too attacking and to prone to giving the ball away.
Some fall into comparing him with Vieira beacuse they are a similar build, well that does not mean they are similar players. Hey I have a physique close to Phil the Power Taylor….Does not mean I am any good at darts.
Arsene Wenger MP is apparently blessed with knowing his replacement before he sells a player. Well Gilberto should be confirmed off today, Diarra and Flamini have already gone, so come on please get that replacement in before we really get into the bones of pre-season.
Oh and Arsene I repeat a comment I pasted on here last night. We are comfortable with you selling Gilberto and Hleb BUT only if you replace them
Oh and Arsene
Definition of Replacement: the act of furnishing an equivalent person or thing in the place of another
Not the act of furnishing a non-equivalent or prepubescent footballer in the place of an experienced one
July 17, 2008 at 9:34 am
parlane
didnt i say something about getting to the sale late ??
read below .. like a said it seems wenger is short on options ..
Wenger is still unconvinced that Gareth Barry is value for money at the £18m asking price at Aston Villa,’ reports The Independent. With his move to Liverpool on hold, perhaps permanently so unless Pool can find a buyer for Xabi Alonso, it is Wenger’s decision to make.
‘The club believe that the England midfielder could be persuaded to come to London,’ claims the newspaper - an assertion that is no doubt correct given that Barry’s bridges are burnt at Villa and Liverpool have apparently turned their attention to alternative transfer targets.
While, Barry aside, ‘Wenger does not feel that the range of options open to him for filling the holding midfield place are up to scratch’, at least he has the consolation of possessing money to spend. Gilberto’s exit will signal a significant reduction from the Gunners’ wage bill and Hleb’s departure will raise around £12m. That, too, could be interpreted as good business.
July 17, 2008 at 9:35 am
joined Fantasy grove
Team name: Gunnerz_rulez
July 17, 2008 at 9:35 am
Morning Guys . I know we are all pissed of with Ade but I don,t think he will go at all . I think the whole thing is crap . He stated his love etc etc etc in a p c then an hour later said something else causing all the speculation . I f his agent is trying to get him a better deal he probably said , what you doing saying that when im trying to get you a better deal etc .then he comes out with the other stuff . make s sense to me .
being not the brightest , will do what the agent says . so maybe as we don,t really know , I won,t be that quick to boo him if he stays .
July 17, 2008 at 9:35 am
No Gunners transfer for Falcao
Thursday 17 Jul 2008
River Plate striker Radamel Falcao has ruled out a move to Arsenal less than a week after claiming he was set to move to the Gunners in an £8million deal.
The 22-year-old Colombia international now insists his future lies in Argentina after finding the net 19 times in 35 starts in all competitions and helping River Plate finish as champions of the Argentine Clausura 08.
July 17, 2008 at 9:37 am
Well played Gooner07!
I am not a huge fan of Barry… his role is to slow things down… we don’t play like that.
I’d prefer someone in the Essien/Gattuso mould… Still, beggars can’t be choosers and I’d take anyone who was half decent because Denilson wont cut it next year.
July 17, 2008 at 9:39 am
Since returning from the African Nations Cup, Kolo’s form dipped significantly and Gallas wasn’t at his imperious best either. Given that neither are particularly big for centre backs I would have thought that paying £15 - £18mil for a big fast centre back (you mentioned Zapata) and perhaps moving Kolo to defensive midfield would be a reasonable alternative to spending the equivalent on Alonso or Barry. Don’t get me wrong either of those two would grace the first eleven, but if Toure and Gallas play like they did in the later half of last season then we are still going to be shipping more goals than a EPL contender should.
July 17, 2008 at 9:40 am
Fickle Andre Arseshaving has changed allegience once again
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3828805,00.html
He now wants Barca again,
At this rate he will be declaring undying love for Leyton Orient by the end of the Month (Sorry Orient Fans)
July 17, 2008 at 9:40 am
just watched the vela interview on arsenal.com, he sounds like a real good kid… great attidtude etc…. ‘i wanna be here for many many years’, ‘ill play wherver mr wenger wants’…. carlos vela… our new CB
July 17, 2008 at 9:42 am
Wenger says of Hleb “We are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward to continuing our preparations for the new season ahead.”
that means, glad he’s gone, now lets purchase a decent replacement!
July 17, 2008 at 9:42 am
ArsenalTom, Vela as acentre back ? I know Wenger likes to play people out of position, but that’s taking the pi** !
July 17, 2008 at 9:42 am
i feel that we are weaker than last season.
July 17, 2008 at 9:43 am
Yeah fuck off Arse-shavin, Chary, the day we sign some players!
July 17, 2008 at 9:44 am
We are at the moment Kenyan but wait a minute, it’s up for grabs!
July 17, 2008 at 9:45 am
Have none of you realised yet that Wenger’s plan is to win the league without spending money. He isn’t going to sign anyone else unless Ade leaves (sorry I’ll correct that, Bischoff will join but he’s on a free). Forget Villa, Huntelaar, Barry, Arshavin, Zapata etc, he won’t entertain going into the season having made a loss in the transfer market.
We lost Flamini on a free so we’ll sign Bischoff on a free. We sold Hleb for 11.9 million & we bought Nasri for the same price!! Gilberto will go & the million we get for him will cover the cost of that 15 year old dutch/turkish kid we signed.
Arsenal have money but Wenger is determined not to spend any each year. He will from now until the day he leaves only spend what he can make in sales & I’m totally convinced that he won’t change that strategy through fear of being labelled a failure. How the likes of Mourinho would laugh at him should he spend money & win the league after slating them for doing that exact same thing. His ego wouldn’t allow him to spend.
Take your pick guys, the club either continue with Arsene & we follow this route until the day he leaves regardless of success, or they get rid & get a manager who wants to compete in the transfer market. The money is available he just won’t spend it!!
Don’t take my word for it, just go look at the facts. He was happy to spend before Abramovich arrived, but since he has said on numerous occasions about clubs spending money. How many summers is it in a row that we’ve either made a profit or broken even?? Four or five would be my guess!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:45 am
Yeah I kinda knew that Geoff - I was only using it as an excuse for a mini-rant. Following the shenanigans around the Arse lately has made me apt to rant and rave more than usual.
July 17, 2008 at 9:47 am
Jeez GMR, way to piss on our parade…
I think he will spend, but just in a frugal manner!
We’ve been out spent by Bolton this summer!
July 17, 2008 at 9:47 am
this should be the last season for wenger if he fails to deliver us a trophy.he must or else follow Grant.
July 17, 2008 at 9:51 am
Arsenal Tom
that is what ade said before end of last season….
I am holding no hopes on anyone staying here for life… just that a good team is out there with tha same level of commitments with one less mistake and we will be champs.
Arshavin is clearly a barca fan and better not bring him here with that attitude. Next thing you know UCL quaters against barca… rosicky “does it again” and arshavin is forced to play against his favorite team.
I hope we get zapata…. absolutely in underground that fella is.. no news of him since ages. Also I feel Alonso isnt the best man for the CDM job … he is not a tough tackler… yes barry slows game down but thts wat he is suppossed to do when opp has the ball!!!! we have enough creativity… dont need it in that position… flamini was creative?? no he wasn’t
July 17, 2008 at 9:52 am
I have a sneeky feeling that Wenger would go for Abd Rabo, who is a superb defensive midfielder, and better than Barry in defensive as well as offensive qualities.
July 17, 2008 at 9:52 am
Morning Grovers! Well today Im looking at things more positively! After seeing the squad for Saturdays game with Barnet I was really impressed. Such a young selection of players but at the same time the quality there is top notch – gona look forward to watching it on arsenal tv…..
Also I have just spoken to a few colleagues (southern Scousers) that watched the liverpool friendly lastnight. They say they played awful (Vorinin upfront!) & a lot of the youngsters that were given a chance were not up to scratch. Ok yes they had a lot of first team players missing but when I compare that to what youth we have, our future looks much more fruitational!
I have a feeling we will only sign one more player now in the more defensive midfielder mold. Someone with a Vieira esque presence hmmm
July 17, 2008 at 9:53 am
Pedro, yeah I’m sure I’ll get stick for being negative but then if I want to do all this positive crap & ignore tha facts I’ll go to ACLF & Arsenalanalysis etc.
We’ve been outspent by nearly every premier league club each year. We’re just extremely lucky that the best players don’t want to go to places like Birmingham & Sunderland & that the managers of those clubs just aren’t good enough. I’d really fear for us if David Moyes had money to spend!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:54 am
DDM…. me 2 mate… my dad sold his wife some fitted wardrobes a year or 2 ago and she offered to get a shirt signed by the great man!!
‘to tom all the best’ with the great mans sig and number… frammed and on the wall right next big tone’s signed goal celebration i got as my avatar!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:54 am
33 in the fantasy league!
Stevie, do you have the link to the squad… or can you paste it up for all to view!
July 17, 2008 at 9:58 am
Rico……. Put my ticket and your shirt together and it will seem as that mercenary cnut Pleb did not even exsist……… nice thought !!!!!!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 9:59 am
Hleb = case closed, I am meeting my friend on Saturday who can help me to translate the article, but should I bother? I wouldn’t be doing this just for myself, I’d also be doing it for the benefit of those who are interested in what the Russsian article said, so if you are interested, please state so, otherwise I’ll abandon the project.
We need closure on the Adebayor issue, the sooner the better.
Ronaldo looks set to stay, if he does he won’t be in my team. Manchester United have probably hinted to Ronaldo that if he causes them a problem, that they’re also capable of causing him problems, I still think he’ll play well but if in his mind he is trapped his heart won’t be in it anymore so his performance will dip, by how much it’s hard to tell.
Manyoo can’t rely on FIFA’s assistance in the matter since Blatter wants to be seen as bigger than Manyoo.
Our prodigal son Adebayor is exocected to stay, but how long for, he burnt his bridge before he got to the other side, we all await the resolution to his persistent acts of insubordination, perhaps some repentance and a show of respect towards the initial agreement he made with the club could earn him some support and forgiveness.
Can you imagine negotiating a price for a journey in a cab and then half way into the journey the driver demands more to finish the job off, and gives you various reasons to try to justify his demands?
July 17, 2008 at 9:59 am
Written out of our history by a bit of paper and polyester……… thats all that tosser was worth anyway !!!!!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 10:00 am
Is Geoff’s team Ca Va Bouger?
July 17, 2008 at 10:03 am
I think arsenal should renegotiate Ade’s contract downwards!! Tell him we think we’re paying the cnut too much money & tell him no decent club wants him, the ungrateful moron!!
July 17, 2008 at 10:04 am
ca va bouger is me
July 17, 2008 at 10:05 am
I have no idea whose team that is Finest!
We’re stuck with Ade.
If no one wants him, we can’t do anything… I hope he is really embarrassed by this whole situation.
I am cringing at the thought of seeing him in an Arsenal shirt again.
July 17, 2008 at 10:08 am
Agree, Ade aint going anywhere…….what are the odds he stays, scores first goal of the season, or a goal in a big game and then goes running up to the fans kissing the shirt.
Do you think with the number of coins thrown at him we’d have the money for Barry.
July 17, 2008 at 10:08 am
There’s no way we’ll sign Alsonso or Barry so I don’t know why you’re suggesting it.
Who knows f Diaby is ready? I’ll bet noone thought Flamini was ready last season (myself included).
Zapata would be awesome but expect Wenger to wait so as to force his price down.
Ane Ade won’t go becasue a.) Wenger really rates him and b.) Noone wants him.
Santa Cruz is NOT good enough to play for Arsenal and always gets injured so no. Huntelaar is a great finisher but has no pace and is quite similair to Eduardo really so no.
Villa would be great but would cost a fortune so forget it.
Arsharvin looks the most likely with Barca signing Hleb but not unless Zenit drop their price. Which they’ll have to unless Chelsea sign him (I bet they will). He’s not a replacement for Ade though.
July 17, 2008 at 10:10 am
the league is filling up. only one lady that i can see,
July 17, 2008 at 10:11 am
So which team is Geoff’s, or does he wish to remain anonymous?
July 17, 2008 at 10:12 am
haha ade the cunt… seems the other clubs see what we see as well… hahah!!!
July 17, 2008 at 10:13 am
finest id say geoff is not on yet,
July 17, 2008 at 10:13 am
didn’t barca bid £24m for him and we turned them down? I thought at the time if it was true it was a mistake. Still, theres always hope Barca come back in for him now they binned off goofy!
July 17, 2008 at 10:14 am
I think Diaby is going to show us his stuff next season, give him a run in the team. The boys a skillfull player.
July 17, 2008 at 10:15 am
He is not on… I am going to sort his team out at the weekend.
I think he is worried he might get addicted to it… Golf, Beer, Blogging, Arsenal… fantasy football might push Mrs Geoff over the edge!
July 17, 2008 at 10:16 am
Pierre;
Its been confirmed that only Milan made an enquiry, don’t think Barca have ever made an official bid yet.
July 17, 2008 at 10:17 am
bugger! so that means the £15m + Eto’o isn’t true eather?
July 17, 2008 at 10:18 am
MBA, i am with you on the diaby call, next season is going to be make or break perhaps, but i do think he has the potential
July 17, 2008 at 10:18 am
Hi.
Have been reading this blog and the comments for a while, but never posted until now.
Always good blogs and interesting discusions.
I realy hope we buy a DM as I can’t see the ones we have are good enough. Diaby and Denilson also spent most of last season injured and may be injured again… Song and Djourou could probably fill inn, but we can’t win the league or CL with them. We proably get Bischoff(?) or some french dude.
Hoping wenger changes his mind and sign a defender now that Song is going to the Olympics…
July 17, 2008 at 10:19 am
The 15mil + Eto story originated in the daily star….don’t think that was ever a goer.
July 17, 2008 at 10:20 am
we really are going to get lumbered with the mug, and Wenger will play him cos he rates him highly, he’ in for an interesting reception come the west brom game….
July 17, 2008 at 10:20 am
peirre… there was no official bid not even from milan… they just asked about him… poor old ade
July 17, 2008 at 10:22 am
Good to hear that Pedro, we can’t have a fantasy Le Grove league without Geoff.
Fantasy football only requires attention once or twice a week Mrs. Geoff can rest assured!
July 17, 2008 at 10:23 am
Can’t wait to hear the reception Ade gets….if he scores do you think we’ll hear any cheers??? Seems wrong not to applaud one of our boys….but Ade burnt the wrong bridge this summer. Think he over estimated his “greatness”
July 17, 2008 at 10:23 am
MBa, for me I think Diaby is not up to it, he usually looses posession, overruns the ball or fades in the final 220 minutes of the game. Add to that his poor disciplinary record and being prone to injury (is he a Rosicky in the making?) even taking inot account the horror tackle from the Mackem mug.
I’d love to be proved wrong on this, but I think I won’t be and our midfiled will look dangerously thin this season.
July 17, 2008 at 10:24 am
*final 20 minutes of a game*
July 17, 2008 at 10:25 am
I’ll get him on it!
He’ll be excited… he’ll have more money than Wenger to spend!
We’re up to about 35 now!
It’s going to be quite competitive this year I think!
Is there a limit on subs?
July 17, 2008 at 10:25 am
What a wanker….
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/galeries/futbol/temporada08-09/07/fitxatges_i_sortides/presentacio_hleb/galeria.html
July 17, 2008 at 10:25 am
hi skaajon i have seen your name before here,
July 17, 2008 at 10:25 am
Look at the cunt kiss his badge in the above link
July 17, 2008 at 10:26 am
Chary;
I can see that point, but i just cant remember a time where he has had a continued run out in his natural position. I’m ready to give him a crack, also think he can get us a couple of goals. Are e going to win the league with a Diaby/Cesc partership?mmmmm not so sure…..think Barry/Cesc sounds class.
July 17, 2008 at 10:28 am
I reckon Plab thinks he’s the replacement for Ronaldinho!
July 17, 2008 at 10:29 am
*Pleb
July 17, 2008 at 10:29 am
Bud - at least that cnuts name will not be on either….
Only one lady on the Fantasy league, surely there should be a different league for the ladies Pedro, but I dont want Peroni if I win please, took me ages to get over last Saturday - what a Wuss I am…… Best stick to Skol!!!;)
CB, CM - needed, If Ade stays we will be fine up front as long as he doesnt sulk!!
Still like to see him replaced though
July 17, 2008 at 10:31 am
Sorry guys fantasy football is way too complicated for me, if I picked a team it would be all Arsenal players, it’s hard enough picking a team for Wenger!
July 17, 2008 at 10:31 am
I think Diaby could come good, but as I said before I don’t think he can stay injury free for a season. Denilson I see more as a replacement for fabregas when he needs a rest.
Now that Hleb is finaly gone I would like to se Rosicky in the Hleb role behind the striker when we play 4-5-1.
July 17, 2008 at 10:32 am
New pic in the funnies…
July 17, 2008 at 10:32 am
I went on ACLF last night to patronise about their whinging of Le-Grove and the shoddy treatment of fans by Arsenal, citing Arsenal “Poop” TV as an example and below was the response I got………….
“Never complain about that which nothing but your own free will implores you to do.”
What the fuck???………… I think I was spot on when I talked about Sect and Preachers last night…….. what fucking planet are their bloggers on……. wierdo’s !!!!!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 10:33 am
No way……..I can’t believe you of all people won’t compete Geoff!
July 17, 2008 at 10:34 am
does anyone know how the Catalans feel about this signing…can’t imagine them getting over excited about a shaggy look a like. Did they turn up at Camp Nou in their thousands to welcome him? (They may well have, but i can’t see it). Hleb got away with missing shot after shot with us, because he mixed it up with some tricky wing play and lets face it….we seem to be better at accepting league faliure than these Barca fans do….he doesn’t bang a few goals in the Catalans will be all over him.
If he thought Highgate was too chaotic, i can’t wait to see how he finds spain when he has 120,000 Catalans sceaming for his head because they’ve been used to likes of Eto, Ronnie, Messi, and the rest.
July 17, 2008 at 10:34 am
Geoff, the people demand!
I’ll show you at the weekend… It’s easy and will only take 10 minutes to set up!
July 17, 2008 at 10:36 am
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/287994516?-11203
have a laugh all, just like henry is having a cheeky one
July 17, 2008 at 10:45 am
I want to watch the open on my computer?
Does anyone know where the BBC are playing it… I thought it was online this year?
July 17, 2008 at 10:48 am
OK Finest and Pedro, you’ve shamed me I’ll do it, but only if I can win.
I saw the clip niraj, what a picture! didn’t Henry leave Arsenal to get away from Hleb? It seems like Barca are trying to build a new Arsenal from all our past it players.
Van Bronckhorst, Overmars, Petit, Silvinhio, Henry and now the worst of the lot Hleb? how many more for a team?
I reckon that has to be a record of one team buying from another, don’t you? OK so West Ham come second!
July 17, 2008 at 10:48 am
Try http://www.pgaeuropeantour.com Pedro, it may be on that.
July 17, 2008 at 10:49 am
I’m off for a while, catch you all later.
July 17, 2008 at 10:50 am
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/7510134.stm
YOU BEAUT! WOOO HOOO!
July 17, 2008 at 10:51 am
Ok, I will donate towards the prize fund…….as well as a crate of Peroni there is an Arsenal Cap on offer, the winner can choose the colour, that’s got to be worth having a go for!
July 17, 2008 at 10:51 am
Nice one Finest!
July 17, 2008 at 10:52 am
The stakes have been raised Geoff, it’s worth your while! Good to see you on board!
July 17, 2008 at 10:52 am
NO WAY….Bif Tone no.3 all time greatest…..that’ll be DB at no1. then, which I’ve no complaints with, love Db…..but i think Tony shouldv’e had it, he’s arsenal through and through.
July 17, 2008 at 10:52 am
A week after whining to the media about how he disagree’d with the Arsene and was forced to play out of position at Arsenal in his first media conference at Barcelona he comes out with gems like ‘im willing to play in any position the coach wants me to play’.
Thanks for nothing you ingrate.
July 17, 2008 at 10:53 am
that Big Tone by the way
July 17, 2008 at 10:53 am
Well MBA, I certainly agree that Barry/Cesc gives a glimmer of hope - Diaby/Cesc -NO !
July 17, 2008 at 10:56 am
someone on here had an intersting thought yesterday on here….Kolo in CM????? just think about it, may not be as ridiculous as it sounds. The way AW plays players out of position surprised he aint tried it.
July 17, 2008 at 11:03 am
finest… u wanna save a load of hassle and ill e-mail u my address???
July 17, 2008 at 11:08 am
My guess is that we’ve ALREADY signed Zapata in principle.
But then he got his faced caved in playing for Columbia, and we need to ensure his fitness before finalising.
Would fit in with the timing of Wenger’s “I am NO LONGER looking for a defender” quote.
July 17, 2008 at 11:09 am
Arsenal Tom, management organised the competition, management will distribute the prize, I’ll either wire the funds for the cap over or meet them at the Stadium to give them the cap, so there won’t be any hassle Arsenal Tom. How management choose to pass the prize on is a decision for them to make, i suggest either at the Emirates or by post.
July 17, 2008 at 11:10 am
hope so MJC… we did apparentely have a bid rejected as well (around 10 mil i think)
so whos gonna replace hleb?? dont say nasri
July 17, 2008 at 11:11 am
Arsenal Tom… we don’t have a prize for last place?
July 17, 2008 at 11:11 am
MBA, in Toure’s case it would be where Wenger returns a player to his original position as you probably know Kolo was bought as a midfielder.
July 17, 2008 at 11:11 am
Well I am going to win and I will require a Juniors cap please!!!
July 17, 2008 at 11:13 am
Right - I’m gonna take this competition to the next level now…..
The winner will also recieve the now world famous ORIGINAL “I love Le-Grove” poster, held by none other than the great Ray Parlour and hopefully many more on Saturday at Barnet !!!!!
July 17, 2008 at 11:13 am
very formal mr finest!!!! how many people in the league now?
July 17, 2008 at 11:14 am
I wouldn’t be overly surprised if Arsene uses Djourou in the holding midfield role. Diaby has the ability to become a fantastic footballer but i question his attitude. At times last season and in one match in partcular he looked like he didn’t give a toss.
We wont by Asharvin becuase he is over priced and we do not ned him. He’s 27, so where has he been for he last 5 years? It’s only becuase of the UEFA Cup run and the Euro’s that he has come to everyones attention. Surely if he was so good he would be plying his trade at a better club already?
Rosicky (if ever fit) could be used in a roaming role like he has for The Czechs. Our squad, although young, is strong and we have players who WANT to play. I’d rather have a 17/18/19/20/21 year old chomping at the bit than a 25/26/27 year old who doesn’t want to be at the clu becuase he’s got too big for his boots.
Our back 4 is strong. Clichy, Toure, Gallas, Sagna is as good as anything. Toure and Gallas mae a good partnership but Toure came back from the African Nations and seemed to have forgot who he was. Clichy and Sagnanare the best full backs in the Prem.
Barry would be a good addition to our squad. Being left-footed he compliments Cesc just as Petit did with Vieira. Good on the ball and excellent range of passing he is a efinate Arsene type of player. The price tag is hefty but 27 is not old for a player of Barrys type. Not blessed with blistering pace he could play thatmidfield role for the next 6 years without a problem. I doubt he’ll sign but who knows? Arsene Knows.
I’m excited about the season and if RvP11 can stay fit then we’ll be there or thereabouts. I have no doubts that had we had him or EDS9 in the final months of the season we would have been Champions.
Ade can go. I know he had a good season but we create so many chances that i’m confident we can find another 20-25 goals a season striker . If Ade thinks he’s worth £120,000 a week then he can go to Barca (no dream move to AC anymore Ade!) where he’ll find out.
In Arsene we trust. To continue to do what he has done and keep us competitive while 75% of the Prem spend more is incredible. We have some money but we have constraints and Arsene wants hungry footballers (i’m not talking about Lampard) and i believe we have a squad that want to prove something.
Exciting times
July 17, 2008 at 11:14 am
guess it don’t matter anyway, its not going to happen. Seems like ages ago when Kolo joined….i didn’t think much of him his first couple of seasons, but he’s shown how a player can come on leaps and bounds……..so anythings possible with likes of Diaby, Vela and the rest. If we buy a CD and CM and scott Carson I’ll be feeling great about coming season!
July 17, 2008 at 11:16 am
According to MARCA, the Adebayor dialogue betwen Barcelona and AFc appear “broken” and Catalna are turning their attention to the Spudz Berbatov. now that’s going to make me smile.
July 17, 2008 at 11:18 am
Merse;
still not as sure about our defence mate, Toure/Gallas does not inspire confidence in me….and a defence needs to be more than just 4 players….what happens if these guys get injured?
July 17, 2008 at 11:18 am
Barry,Alonso would both cost £16m plus.We should have done more to keep the Flamster.
July 17, 2008 at 11:19 am
Chary… that is some fine news!
July 17, 2008 at 11:19 am
its pissing it down at Birkdale! good for us brits?
July 17, 2008 at 11:21 am
Nice to see some high scoring Pierre!
July 17, 2008 at 11:21 am
IS hleb any different than flamini…. even threatening to invoke webster after season end….. no different… ade, flamini hleb should all be deemed as apostates.
In comparision cesc is a legend.
Lansbury i hear is rated very highly by everyone . Hope he and randall do well so that we have a good mix of english and foreign talents in the team.
July 17, 2008 at 11:24 am
bbc iplayer might have what you are looking for pedro
July 17, 2008 at 11:25 am
“I’d rather have a 17/18/19/20/21 year old chomping at the bit than a 25/26/27 year old who doesn’t want to be at the clu becuase he’s got too big for his boots.”
we’ve got both mate!!! arsene knows does he??? your brave pal!!
July 17, 2008 at 11:25 am
Someting about Eto’o on the Valencia home page. I don’t speak spanish so can’t say what it’s about. But I gather they are interesting in him. Maybe thats because Villa are heading to us…
July 17, 2008 at 11:25 am
i got it on
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/pop.stm
easy to tuck it under my e-mail in box if somebody walks into my office
July 17, 2008 at 11:27 am
where did my message go….
I got it on
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/pop.stm
easy to tuck it under my email inbox if somebody walks into my office!
Are tou prepared to post that crate up to sheffield or do i have to come down there and collect it ?
; )
July 17, 2008 at 11:27 am
Heard yesterday that they were bidding for Eto’ and that was part of the hold up with the Villa sale because Valencia want a replacement ready before letting him go and Villa was happy with that as he loves the club and does not want to leave them in the lurch !
July 17, 2008 at 11:28 am
?
July 17, 2008 at 11:28 am
my posts wern’t appearing then?
July 17, 2008 at 11:28 am
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/pop.stm
July 17, 2008 at 11:29 am
ah, its when i include a link, am i going into moderation?
July 17, 2008 at 11:29 am
Any takers for the translation of the Hleb Russian interview?
If yes please post:
ex-Arsenal Hleb 13
on it’s own or as part of your post. Based on responses (or lack of them) by 0900 tomorrow I’ll decide whether or not to go ahead with it.
July 17, 2008 at 11:29 am
GMR Says:
July 17, 2008 at 9:53 am
Pedro, yeah I’m sure I’ll get stick for being negative but then if I want to do all this positive crap & ignore tha facts I’ll go to ACLF & Arsenalanalysis etc.
Well done son ! i agree , put on your floral pants and go hug a fuckin tree whilst your there !!
All hippies ! Its far better to deal with the facts .. you know what pissing into the wind
gets you ??
WET !
The facts are we lost diarra -bert-jens-flamini-hleb-(ade?) and needed 2 or 3 at the seasons end .. vela nasri -ramsays kitchen joined us ! so theres your 2 or 3 needed ..
NOW we need 5 EXPERIENCED PLAYERS to replace the EXPERIENCED ones gone this season !
ive go more chance sawing off my own nuts with a rusty hack saw than getting 5 /6 experienced players join AFC in the next 6 weeks !
Dont start believing we will do great things when our oldest player will be alumina
who spent 9/10ths of his life on the bench ! and no defensive coach !
We are light on ! and the 1 or 2 signings wenger will make this transfer window (mark my words) wont even break us close too even !
I agree with you GMR , i dont think we will be in for anything this season other than a good hiding !
Think with your heads and not with your hearts ! because screaming blue murder now might get us heard ! We have rolled over for too many seasons now !!
now is the time to fight for our club ! to rattle the cage !!!
It seems our players are leaving faster than we can replace them ..
and wot do we do ??? replace them with potential ,a potential that might not materialize
FACTS based on previous seasons , dont talk about hope !
its a 4 year old story that has had the same ending for every year ive heard it !
July 17, 2008 at 11:30 am
other valencia reports say they want to attract eto’o to show villa/silva their ambitions but eto’e wants champions league football
July 17, 2008 at 11:31 am
finest i am curious but hleb is dead to me now, but that is just my thoughts
July 17, 2008 at 11:36 am
Apparently Eto’o is going to play for some Uzbek team in the Asian champions league. They’re going to pay him some super mega deal to play there for six months or something. Probably a joke, but they’re running it on the front page of Goal.com.
July 17, 2008 at 11:40 am
I agree with you GMR , i dont think we will be in for anything this season
i agree with u 2 fella’s talk of us winning the league is rediculous at the moment
July 17, 2008 at 11:40 am
Hi, Barca’s vice pres has made it clear that a decision to buy another CF depends on Eto’o. He has made it clear that they wouldn’t start with 4 CFs (henry, bojan, Eto’o, ‘X’). So it all depends on Eto’o departure. I’d take him over Ade anyday.
July 17, 2008 at 11:41 am
Fucking Hell
Arsenal.com have gone Hleb Crazy
Anyone would think we had bought him not sold him
July 17, 2008 at 11:42 am
Btw, nice to see Arsenal.com posting sarcastic articles on Hleb, like facts n figures. hehe.
July 17, 2008 at 11:43 am
barcelona are linked with a bid for webster(robinho)
July 17, 2008 at 11:44 am
patthegooner,
They’ve always done that for our ex-players. But I think they should reserve it only for the great players, not the ones who haven’t achieved much for the club than mediocrity. for eg, fcbarcelona.cat HAD to thank Ronaldinho, because he was some player for their club.
July 17, 2008 at 11:47 am
Agreed Gooner07
They better do it for Gilberto
July 17, 2008 at 11:48 am
THE UZBEKS CLINCH ETO SIGNING.
he transfer is reported to make Eto’o one of the highest earning players in the world if he accepts and his arrival in Uzbekistan has pushed the deal even closer.
“He is is Tashkent and will sign a contract tomorrow,” the Kuruchi official said. “He will sign for three or six month, we will have to see about that.
“It is a big signing in the world of football and, of course, for all people in Uzbekistan. He will play in the Asian Champions League and then we will see.
July 17, 2008 at 11:50 am
49 people in the Fantasy league! That is way more than I expected!
Give me Eto’o for Ade any day of the week.
A hungry Eto’o would be brilliant. He will want to make Barca look fools for laying him off.
I have a feeling that wont happen though… surely barca can see Sammys quality?
Someone mentioned a replacement for Hleb earlier?
How about Gibbs? They play a similar style… or Lansbury? If he plays like Cesc and Cesc can play out wide… why the hell not!
July 17, 2008 at 11:51 am
Arrgghh, DB10 is number 2 in all time AFC players according to Arse.com.
I said this would be the case yesterday, with TH14 number 1.
For the record it should be the other way round IMO, but when you mainly get 12 year olds voting that’s the result you get.
July 17, 2008 at 11:52 am
bergkamp nr 2 on arsenal.com
July 17, 2008 at 11:56 am
yes, I’d place him over henry. But we have to give to Titi, because he deserves to be placed that high for his importance. Let’s not forget how he kept scoring, and giving assits for season after season. ICeman had been more inconsistent, and if Henry couldn’t impress in some of the big game, Dennis is a bigger disappointment. Although the fear of flying has been a big disadvantage, so much more magic wasted in his years at our club.
July 17, 2008 at 11:56 am
Agreed Chary… Bergkamp kicked off the revolution… we owe him a lot.
July 17, 2008 at 11:56 am
thats a shame dennis should be no.1, tone 2 and henry 3
July 17, 2008 at 11:57 am
pedro
why the hell not ?
because lansbury and gibbs both lack the necessary experience … id rather see ramsay do it .. or play theo-cesc-denilson-rosicky/nasri ..
vela even !!!
let the season begin’ EPL 101′ .. class is in session and our school kids are ready ..
fuckin doomed !!!
July 17, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Wouldn’t it be funny if Tommy Caton won it!
July 17, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Hi there.
On the Diaby subject could someone help me to find the line-up, reports or/and ratings of the Carling cup Final 2006.
Was Diaby playing in the center with Cesc?
As far as I remember, the game started to slip away from us after Diaby was taken off for his ankle injury (after Terry’s smashing)
thanks
July 17, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I meant 2007
thanks
July 17, 2008 at 12:06 pm
“As far as I remember, the game started to slip away from us after Diaby was taken off for his ankle injury (after Terry’s smashing)”
Yep, he was outstanding in that game. He played CM and NOT LM.
July 17, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Squad for Barnet as requested!
Manuel ALMUNIA (GK)
Nacer BARAZITE
Nicklas BENDTNER
Gael CLICHY
DENILSON
James DUNNE
Rui FONTE
Gavin HOYTE
Justin HOYTE
Henri LANSBURY
Vito MANNONE (GK)
Havard NORDTVEIT
Abu OGOGO
Aaron RAMSEY
Mark RANDALL
Paul RODGERS
Bacary SAGNA
Jay SIMPSON
Rene STEER
Wojciech SZCZESNY (GK)
Armand TRAORE
Carlos VELA
Theo WALCOTT
Jack WILSHERE
July 17, 2008 at 12:09 pm
A new champ just got into the fantasy grove.be prepared for a thrashing mates.
July 17, 2008 at 12:09 pm
arsenal.com have done a fucking tribute vid to hleb and put up a load of pics… WHY? he fucked us over!!!
July 17, 2008 at 12:14 pm
http://www.arsenal.com/matchreport.asp?thisNav=fixtures&fxid=301169
SPIKE!
July 17, 2008 at 12:15 pm
SSN’s - Dont they make you sick, are they owned by a SPUD, all they keep repeating is ‘The Demise of the Invincibles’ Why dont they get a life - and realise just how lucky they were to witness such an achievement, rather than take the piss out of it now…
KNOBS!!!
July 17, 2008 at 12:21 pm
IMO the whole top 50 player thing was just made up to cover up for the lack of real stories over the summer on arsenal.com
I cannot for the life of me believe anyone would vote for either Cashly Cole or Anelka.
P.S I think DB10 and TH14 tied for number 1
July 17, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I read today in the sun that Kolo is the last remaining member of the invincibles team! What upset me even more was how many of those squad players were allowed to leave on a free! :o(
July 17, 2008 at 12:23 pm
IMO lauren should have been in for a shout if kanu was in there,
July 17, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Thanks.
On wikipedia, they put Cesc with Denilson in the middle and Diaby on the left.
I still think he deserve a go with Cesc. If Wenger tells him not to go fwd to much…
I mean he’s not a robot he can change his game slightly.
July 17, 2008 at 12:26 pm
SSN are reporting that Gilberto will join Panathanakos on a 3 year dee for a fee believed to be in the region of 7.9 Million
I did not realise we were getting that much for him
July 17, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Turan Arda - poss off to Newcastle or ……. Yep you guessed right SPUDS…..
Why doesnt Ramos think of someone other than who we are linked with!!?
If Arda comes to EPL, we will regret not nabbing him - especially if Thomas has a Sick Note for the most of the season…..
July 17, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Are you sure thats not what he’s being paid in wages?
July 17, 2008 at 12:28 pm
pat - i think that is what he is getting, not us sadly, i think we are gett 1-3M
July 17, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Eto when goes from Madrid to Barca he was like a lion in the goal he has a habbit of making old bosses crazy so Pedro your spot on on that
Afternoon everyone Thank God we let that Junck go
July 17, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Thats what I thought rico, but on their scroll bar it says
fee believed to be in the region of
I guess it must be a typo