That’s my prediction, Gareth Barry will sign today, I had inside information from a Grover last night that Barry’s agent was at the training ground yesterday and that can only mean one thing, he will sign.
Wenger will offer £12 million plus Justin Hoyte and O’Neill will bite his hand off, everyone wins, we get experience, class and the next England captain, Villa save face and get a replacement right back, and there aren’t that many on the market, so it’s win, win.
Barry has premiership experience and we really need that, we have Nasri, Vela and Bitchslap who have none and Ramsey is just a kid, albeit a good one so this could be the experienced player Wenger was talking about, my guess is, it was always going to be Alonso or Barry, I like Alonso a lot, but he does pick up injuries and Barry doesn’t.
The players need a lift, the fans need a lift and today would be a good day to do it, so Arsene, get your cheque book out.
I watched the Vela and Nasri interviews yesterday and apart from the inability to speak English, I really liked what they said and dare I say it, I’m getting rather excited, I know, I know, two young boys, me getting excited, sounds like worry-o’clock, fear not it’s only football excitement!
If we make this signing I will feel confident for the season, Zapata would be great, but maybe one of these kids he’s selected for the Barnet game can step up, who knows…
Finally I think he’ll do a last minute August deadline day thing, like he did with Gallas and Diarra but you know what, I’d have Carson, a great prospect and Premiership (not Croatia) proven, for £3.5 million, a steal.
Another great day in the comment section ladies and gentleman, boy! What happens when the season kicks off? We are turning from a blog site to a chat room, hey that’s unique, a blogsitechatroom and it rhymes!
Have a great day Grovers, here’s to hope and a fantastic end to the week!
P.S. Remember to sign up to the Fantasy Grove league, 75+ have joined the fun already!
Pedro
Geoff
July 18, 2008 at 08:46
12th
July 18, 2008 at 08:46
I will be happy if Barry sign today, we need him now that we have lost 2 players
July 18, 2008 at 08:47
50 millionth !!
July 18, 2008 at 08:48
Good Post!
Signed up for fantasy football the other day… looking forward to th new season!
July 18, 2008 at 08:48
5th?
July 18, 2008 at 08:50
Did i tell you just how pissed off i am at being Second Best???
Oh and 6th too!!
July 18, 2008 at 08:51
whats the code for fantasy football guys?
July 18, 2008 at 08:51
Geoff – Stoke pulled out of Carson transfer yesterday – at 8M, so SSN’s reported.
Ebenezer Wenger wont pay that for a kepper, will he?? Shame though, becuase if he could get his confidence back it could give us the England No 1 Keeper again, one bad game and he is done for… Sad
July 18, 2008 at 08:51
i agree geoff. a solid player like barry in the middle could (hopefully) knit everything together. and for fucks sake, we’re all waiting daily for a signing we can feel excited about. i hope you’re right.
July 18, 2008 at 08:52
Morning Grovers!
Lets hope Barrys agent has said to Gareth:
‘Hey, you know that Arsenal have no decent centre Mids and Liverpool have Mascharano? He is way better than you and a lot younger…’
Gareth is from Brighton as well… he wont like Liverpool!
As for carson… well, he is a good keeper! Just young… young keepers make dumb mistakes!
July 18, 2008 at 08:52
dennis, be strong man, you will get there, its a bit like our club!!
July 18, 2008 at 08:52
Carson would be great but i don’t see him coming. AW does not seem interested??? Agreed, he’s a steel at 3.5mil.
I’m not sure Barry will be coming our way. Is ours for the taking, but nothing seems to be happening?
July 18, 2008 at 08:53
183316-43452
July 18, 2008 at 08:53
Yep, i’m already in the Fantasy Footie, team name “Scratch ‘n’ Sniff”
July 18, 2008 at 08:54
Parlane;
G’day Rosie.
July 18, 2008 at 08:54
Mancs are in for Berbatov
July 18, 2008 at 08:54
Yes 15th or 16th…. my lucky numbers, quite like 17, 18 & 19 as well !!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 08:55
Apparently Berba deal good as done, and Keene next out the door to the Kop. That happens then Barry really is just ours for the taking, nobody else in for him who can offer CL
July 18, 2008 at 08:56
hey mba!
that’d be rosy. i’m not a girl. haha.
i hope everyone raises a glass to bertie tonight. he deserves all of our respect and gratitude. i’ve already toasted him several times…
July 18, 2008 at 08:57
Pedro – We already have Fabianski and Manone, the only older keper we hav is Almunia, we probably should look for an older keeper. Anyway, Fabianski has promise, he is a good keeper, if we forget that game vs spurs…. that still hurts…
July 18, 2008 at 08:57
woow barry to sign today damn im over the moon is it realy true geoff and pedro ?
July 18, 2008 at 08:58
If we do sign Barry today I’m going to drink as many pints as millions we pay for him. Hoyte counts for 4 shots of tequilla.
You wouldn’t know the missus and child were away this weekend, would you?!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:01
I like Veloso! But Barry isn’t bad.
July 18, 2008 at 09:03
here i have somthing for you.
the Mancs get BERBA. and the spuds comen knocking for AdebyWhore..
July 18, 2008 at 09:03
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/liverpool/axe-falls-reds-striker-759860.html
July 18, 2008 at 09:04
I really would like Barry to sign even though my ex work friends son will be part of the deal.
Having said that I no longer have connections with AFC I just found out another work colleague is Ken Friars brother in law !
July 18, 2008 at 09:04
We don’t know… we’d like to think so… one of the grovers said the agent was at the ground last night.
A slightly different spin on the papers… if we wish hard enough, something might happen!
July 18, 2008 at 09:04
As much as i think barry is precisely what we need , the money quoted for him is too bigger hurdle for me to wrap my head around ! and more importantly arsene i bet !!!
Then with denilson only yesterday telling the world he is stepping up !
its like the barry deal fell over and arsene told denilson to speak to the press to put the barry rumors to bed !
the Arsene im not buying anyone counter measures !
tell a young kid to step up !
July 18, 2008 at 09:07
Arse.com was workng late last night (players 1 and 2). Anything in that, people in the know?
July 18, 2008 at 09:07
We certainly need someone. I agree with the if you are good enough it does not matter about your age but come on:
Cesc 21
Diaby 22
Theo 19
Vela 19
Denilson 20
Ramsey 17
Rosicky 27
Djorou 21
Song 20
Nasri 21
Two players over 21 and only one over 25 = serious lack of experience
I like Denilson and Diaby but neither are the 1st team choice answer yet!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:08
who is barry’s agent?
I guess he looks after a range of players. There was also talk barry is injured, so I doubt he would pass a fitness test today.
I would love to see him sign, would be great to happen today, so he can be presented tomorrow and travel to the training camp.
Carson would be a great buy. he is a great keeper. I think he is 24 which a good age for a keeper. There is also talk Green is not happy at West Ham, either one of those for less than 5 mill and we have done well.
July 18, 2008 at 09:08
Ah Ethan, that’s too depressing to think about. Denilson’s too lightweight, injury-prone and ill disciplined to be our DM solution.
For the zillionth time Wenger we need a frightening, commanding CM in the PV04 mold.
July 18, 2008 at 09:09
Maqitlarge, I think it was to make way for the Bitchslap signing – big deal !
July 18, 2008 at 09:09
Didn’t Villa aquote £18 to the Scoucers because Rafa pissed O’Neil off? Would we not get him for less? £10-12M + Hoyte sounds about right, no?
July 18, 2008 at 09:10
Glad to hear that I am not the only one who can’t see what all the fuss is about regarding Denilson… you don’t win the Prem with a weak Centre mid…
July 18, 2008 at 09:10
Is it really too expensive?27 is not over the hill, and he is an english international…if carrick was 18mil, Hargeeves 20 odd mil, is Barry really over priced? He keep them out of the team.
July 18, 2008 at 09:10
rico01, I will beat you to it someday, you beat me to it 2day cos, i was reading the post and want a comment that go with the post. Next time, I wont do that, if only just to beat you to the first
July 18, 2008 at 09:11
Acording to BBC Barry’s agent is Alex Black
July 18, 2008 at 09:12
Cheers rico01
July 18, 2008 at 09:12
we all complain about lack of class, establish purchases…then bulk when we are quoted 18 mil for an England Internation. Bugger it, its not my money so lets just bite the bullet and take a punt!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:14
twin – i just read fast…. dont be a bad loser…
SSNs are reporting a rift at West Ham – Robert Green the player in question, he could be on the move…..
Better than Carson… Me thinks so..
July 18, 2008 at 09:18
Barry is not to old. Bergkamp was 26 when we bought him and we still managed to get 11 great years of service from him.
Experienced players tends to be older than 20…
He might be expensive but if we win the league, well worth every penny.
July 18, 2008 at 09:18
Just priced up our first 11 and squad as it stands
Almunia 2
Sagna 7.5
Toure 0.15
Gallas 0
Clichy 0.25
Nasri 12
Cesc 2.25
Diaby 3.0
Rosicky 6.8
Adebayor 3
RVP 2.75
= 39.7 Million
Our whole squad is 69.9 Million (Less than Ronaldo)
Great work by Arsene Wenger MP, but it is also fucking frustrating that he cant get his cheque book out to buy those last few required players to complete the job
July 18, 2008 at 09:19
well said Skaajon…lets just go for him…stop worrying about age. AW has got you all thinking anything over 24 is too old. Barry is about to hit his prime…thats why 18 mil would be fine with me
July 18, 2008 at 09:20
MBA – I wasn’t baulking at the price. I don’t care how much they spend as long as it doesn’t put the clu in trouble (Leeds). Just being realistic about what Wenger would pay… for a 27 yer old to boot.
You give me that cheque book you’ve got Robinho, Essien, Villa and Boruc for starters!
July 18, 2008 at 09:20
Fabregas was less than 500K
July 18, 2008 at 09:21
I know he is quality but I can’t see Barry at Arsenal. Just not our type.
July 18, 2008 at 09:22
funny, it was rumoured yesterday we were offering £16m + hoyte. dont think he will sign today
July 18, 2008 at 09:22
I have had s sad week.2players out of the club in i week not one signed.I ussually have this positive hopeful feeling at the beggining of each season but not this tym mates.
July 18, 2008 at 09:22
Quite right to win the premiership you need a top tackling tough CM
Chelsea: Lampard, Makelele, Essien, Ballack, Deco, Obi Mikel
Liverpool: Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano
Man Ure: Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves
We just cant compete as it stands
July 18, 2008 at 09:23
parlane – i for one will be raising my glass to a true professional, a true gentleman and one of our invincibles thank you very much Bertie, and all the best from a truely grateful Gooner……….
July 18, 2008 at 09:23
I don’t think age will put Wenger off barry, he’s 27 so can see out a 4 year deal, (yeah right) but I think asking proce might put him off.
July 18, 2008 at 09:24
This article gets my hopes up but I have a feeling its going to be dashed. Thats what I hate about this time of year
July 18, 2008 at 09:24
the price for barry is spot on… hes just hitting his peak and will be able to continue at the same level for a good 4 years
July 18, 2008 at 09:24
Sorry Mark C, I was going off the Wiki prices.
They say Cesc was upto 2.25 in the end.
I thought he was under 0.5 as well. Just makes it an even cheaper squad
July 18, 2008 at 09:24
Barry would be ideal for us. He could even be made Captain if WG starts playing up. Dennilson would be cover for him and still get plenty of games next season and if the CB’s look shaky we could move Barry in there for a bit.
My only problem is that apparently he loves the Spuds but that could be a load of rubbish too.
July 18, 2008 at 09:24
i just dont think 27 is any problem. Also think the club can wear this purchase…was’nt moving too the new stadium all about being able to compete with the top 4. Utd about to pay poss 25mil+ for berba…Liverpool spent 15odd mil on two new full backs with Keene/Barry to follow for another bundle of doh….lets not even talk about Chelsea and their signing of that full back Bosgwana and Deco……time to run with the big boys me thinks.
Im not knocking our efforts, 12 mil on Nasri looks good and 5 mil on the kid ramsey…..but he’s years away from regular first team. Are we a big four club or not?
July 18, 2008 at 09:26
Scholes cant tackle
Fabregas and Rosicky can tackle
July 18, 2008 at 09:27
would love if this was true,, just cant see it myself
July 18, 2008 at 09:28
Good post Geoff – another bit of inside info’: could be good to steady the ship; a leader on the pitch at last if it comes off. If not well he must have someone better! At least we know a DMF is his priority which IS good news.
Now we want a tough tackling, talented midfield dynamo: does De la Red fit the bill?
July 18, 2008 at 09:29
After the match tomorrow someone will ask Wenger if he’s interested in Barry & I gurantee he’ll say, “I like him, but we aren’t on the market for players”.
I know its hard to accept but apart from Bischoff our summer spending is over!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:29
hey rico glad to av u bac, kinda missed u in dt 1st position
July 18, 2008 at 09:30
Good Post!
Fingers crossed!
BBC are stating that “the exodus means Wenger will now look to summer signing Samri Nasri and Abou Diaby to cement their places in midfield with £5m signing Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey a prospect for the future”.
I hate to admit it but it would really be just like AW.
Also just to further dampen any prospective of a signing the tabloids are saying that Carson will go West Brom and Liverpoo are flogging Voronin to further finance the deal of Barry! :0(
July 18, 2008 at 09:30
el tel… i think its more that tottenham tried to sign him a few times, the fact he never went probably shows that he think the same about them that we do!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:30
atleast tomorrow we will know who iz sh*it and who is not against barnet.
July 18, 2008 at 09:30
I don’t see Barry as a long ball merchant so why is he not our style. Pat the tackling midfielders list you made was great till I saw Lumplard and Scholes on it plus Deco. They can’t tackle mate they just foul people.
July 18, 2008 at 09:31
damn straight ddm!
i’ve just loaded up my bert tribute avatar.
he was a true professional, of the kind that there are way too few these days. DB10 was one. i have a feeling eduardo might be one too.
a few more tributes please people!
my favourite moment has to be the psv goal after 20 seconds. i was so excited (and maybe a bit pissed) that night i broke my collar bone walking home…
July 18, 2008 at 09:31
Don’t forget Mandingo, but as he is on a free does taht count?
July 18, 2008 at 09:31
I can’t believe how popular this site has become. I’m a little late to the party and you already have 200 posts. Seriously though, if the mancs get Berbatov then Barceloner will be desperate for Adebayor. Maybe we can get 30M for him after all.
July 18, 2008 at 09:32
MBA – I agree. I watched the Arsenal History of Arsenal TV last night and they finished the program with the new stadium, say it was built to give us the financial clout to move us to the next level.
That brought a wry smile to my face. It doesn’t feel like we have that clout we invested in!
July 18, 2008 at 09:32
neither barry nor alonso is our types…. but barry is better than alonso in the holding role. 18 million is way too high…. 12 million + hoyte u say?? means hoyte is valued 6 millions… an unproven young defender at 6 million… tht would be the funniest coup ever.
July 18, 2008 at 09:33
Geoff – how sure are you about the source? i.e. scale of 1-10 (1 = total bullshit, 10=dead cert)
July 18, 2008 at 09:33
Exactly Patrick7 – whos going to stand up to the bully boy tactics of the northern monkeys such as your Blackburns, your Boltons, your Mancsummers ?
Will Denilson stand up to them ? Or Rosicky ? That was what Falminin could do but I don’t see anyone in the first team doing it – yes Cesc can tackle but if he’s left to fight the middle field batttle how’s he going to dictate the foreward play ?
July 18, 2008 at 09:33
Cheers for that Tom.
July 18, 2008 at 09:33
hadnt noticed.Rico is back and no 1.how do you do it rico?
July 18, 2008 at 09:35
ok, i tried to have a gilberto avatar… maybe this time…
July 18, 2008 at 09:36
Maqitlarge;
it’ll come mate, the cash will build.
Parlane; well said sir, shame berto couldn’t have one last game, just to sign off. Maybe couldv’e made it part of the deal, he gets to play one last game, even coming on for last 10 minutes. He deserved that, guy never complained, did a solid job, and forever one of our invincibles. Just downed a galss of red in his name.
July 18, 2008 at 09:36
Morning all,
Top post again chaps.
Is your source for real guys? I mean how sure are we this is def happening?
July 18, 2008 at 09:38
Lescott has had a hair cut, he looks so different, doesnt look quite so ugly, so AW you now have my permission to sign him!!;)
July 18, 2008 at 09:38
MBA – We’ll probably get Pana and Barca in the group games of the CL so we have a right old goodbye (and fuck off Pleb/Ade) party.
July 18, 2008 at 09:39
Charybdis – You didn’t read my second paragragh then? That’s what I’m looking for if he signs Barry. It needs to be someone zippy and tough!
July 18, 2008 at 09:39
parlane – your picture is BAD!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:39
rico how did u post before the actuall post!!! theres a conspiracy going on here
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
kenyan – by sending the old man back to work!!! pure fluke, honest
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
Arsenal announce the end of their summer transfer activity. A club spokesman said
‘ we are delighted to have all but finally cleared out all players connected with the great Invinsible side – lowereing the wage bill to that of clubs like Birmingham City yet still being able to convince the mugs to pay top ticket prices for watching an exciting group of kids who would normally only dream of playing in an academy side’
Low & betide the club & Arsene if the needed quality doesnt arrive & we fizzle out this season due to lack of experience.
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
Charybdis
I didn’t see Flamini as a tough guy he just worked very hard and covered his position. He wasn’t a great crunching tackler and I don’t think he scared the likes of Nolan and Savage even.
He was just a very good player. I hate to say it but Makalele is a destroyer and that Senna guy. I also liked Engerlander but mainly because he is enormous.
Barry can tackle, he passes well he has played CB/LB too. He would be very like Flamini in his versatility.
I doubt we will get him but it would be a good signing if it happened.
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
Sorry, just read your message again and realised you’re agreeing with me!
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
I don’t know… Geoff reckons someone said his agent was down last night…
I’ve had a few people saying he was at Villa making peace… does that mean he couldn’t get down to London in the evening? I do the trip regularly… it only takes a couple of hours by car… I’d imagine the train is even quicker.
We’ll see I guess!
July 18, 2008 at 09:40
rico if I could have just one signing it would be Lescott, ugly or not. he would do wonders at Arsenal
July 18, 2008 at 09:41
I’ve also read on a few comments that Wenger said he was going to sign big names, but thats not right, he said he was going to sign big talents & he’ll say that Ramsey & Nasri are big talents, so effectively he’s kept his word!!
As for the fans being reassured he’ll say that his signings have reassured the fans that the club has a lot of potential & collective spirit & a lot to look forward to for many years with so many great young players, which would compensate for the loss of any players.
July 18, 2008 at 09:43
Off to do some work now but my parting shot is Any keeper will do, if it has to be back up till Coco makes a mistake then thats fine by me because we won’t have to wait long for a proper Keeper.
July 18, 2008 at 09:45
Bud, Mandingo isn’t on a free, we had to send 50 goats out to his tribe, used the same freight company west ham players are travelling with on their tour!
Rico, re Lescott, lol
July 18, 2008 at 09:46
If there are no more signings…then at no point next season can AW complain about lack of squad depth if we loose a few players to injury. and he can not bemoan lack of experience. He is making his bed and will have to lye in it if we make a good run, then fall away in december/January.
July 18, 2008 at 09:46
If Barry signs for us, what a coup he would be…
English
Experienced
Poss England Captain
Older
English
Experienced….
Oh – and English
Fuck Me Old Boots – that will mean we would have
Theo
Randall
Barry????
Hoyte (one of them)
J Thomas
Wilshere
Ramsey
Rogers
Simpson
All in our squad for next season – all British
WTF is Andy Gray, Martin Tyler, The BBC Bias Bastards and the rest of the Media and Paps going to have to moan about us – its usually the ‘foriegn’ thing,
Guess it will be lack of experience, foreign coach, red/yellow cards….. They will find something!!
All apart from Jamie R of course, he loves us….
July 18, 2008 at 09:47
GMR – Didn’t he also say preferably experienced in the EPL. You can’t call any of those he’s signed currently having that. He said big talents NOT big names I thought.
July 18, 2008 at 09:48
lescott is one of the best, most underated defenders in the league, can play left or CB and scores a few goals too.
July 18, 2008 at 09:49
He wouldn’t be classed as a big name either MBA.
July 18, 2008 at 09:51
haha, rico i have a whole folder full of arsene pics where he’s looking mad, bad or crazy. just started saving them for some reason… still not sure why my bert hasn’t appeared tho…
July 18, 2008 at 09:52
senderos is the best center back
July 18, 2008 at 09:52
Regarding the earlier question as to whether Alex Black (Barry’s agent) might have been in town representing another player, he also represents: Alan Smith, Nigel Reo-Coker, Dean Whitehead & Maik Taylor.
Make of that what you will….
July 18, 2008 at 09:52
wouldn’t sign him because we are looking for a big name, sign him because he wouldn’t cost the earth and hes good!
Parlane; Gilberto not on the all time top 50 greatest players on the afc website (if he is i cant find him)Wiltord, Cashley, Parlour (love you razor)….no room for Berto! And Tony Adamas/Dennis should have ben no.1. Love ya TH14 but not no.1
July 18, 2008 at 09:53
The one thing our midfield lacks right now is a bit of experience,strength and bite. Barry is an experienced player that can do that, he can also take a pretty decent free kick too.
The other thing we need is a decent option for keepers and apart from Carson, Robert Green is making noises over at Upton Park about not being paid enough. A choice of either of them would be good to have as competition for Almunia and wouldn’t cost a fortune.
This leaves the defence. Not that I didn’t rate them as prosepects but Senderos and Djourou haven’t stepped up in the years they’ve been at Arsenal. Gallas is on the wane and was exposed a lot last year as well as during the Euro’s. Toure didn’t have a great season but I’m sure he’ll bounce back.
If we also find a mug, sorry a buyer for Adebayor for £24mil then we should take. Its evident his motivation is money and we’ll end up getting the stroppy git he was at Monacco. There are plenty of good forwards and Bendtner has the potential to provide adequate cover in the aerial department as well holding the ball for oncoming players.
The club still hasn’t spent its transfer budget this summer, in fact we’ve probably balanced the books after buying Nasri and Ramsey with the sales of Hleb & Gilberto. If you include the savings in wages of Lehman & Flamini we must be quids in. So we can afford to make some additions and if we do sell Adebayor there will be even more more to add to the budget despite the reported figure of just £25mil.
July 18, 2008 at 09:55
mba, must be because he was the invisible invincible!
July 18, 2008 at 09:55
Best comment for a long time Rico. Well said. Andy Gray and MUTV (SSN) will find something though. Old Red Nose will see to that. Redknapp is a good un and his dads a Gooner apparently and Tyler is ok by me as he isn’t anywhere as bad as that hairy git Keyes.
July 18, 2008 at 09:55
El Tel, what I was saying was Flamini stood up to the likes of Savage/Nolan/Davies but after his departure we’d need someone who COULD scare the opposition bully boys – a slightly different approach to how Flamini dealt with the mid field battle.
Of course I think Barry could do the job and be a great addition but deep down I suspect Wenger will only add Bitchslap/Sonofabitschoff and say he is “happy with his squad” blah blah blah
July 18, 2008 at 09:56
if manu get berbatov and ronaldo stays…. all others including us can forget about at least the league.
July 18, 2008 at 09:56
Zapata is injured.he broke his cheekbone and will be out for two months at least, would be a serious buy maybe in january
July 18, 2008 at 09:57
Patrick7, you’re not reading properly again. I said big talents not big names.
He said maybe he would try to do both, meaning bringing a player with premier league experience & someone from abroad. He might even argue that Ramsey has played against Boro & Portsmouth so has premier league experience!!
July 18, 2008 at 09:58
El Tel – and he’s cute!!!! No, not ‘Arry, his boy
July 18, 2008 at 09:59
Parlane;
perhaps he shouldv’e bitched more and complained about his wages…might have made the list then. List was shite anyway. shame on anyone who voted Cashley on there! And no Limpar!
July 18, 2008 at 10:01
don’t we think Wenger might have been a bit pissed off at the way we fucked up the league last year, coming so close, he must realise we needed that little bit more quality, and that was before the exodus started. he must realise we need to strengthen to stand a chance of winning anything, and i dont think he’s quite happy to just finish in the top 4. Friday is signing day, and no i dnt just mean bitchcoff!
July 18, 2008 at 10:01
IKON;
I think you summed up the whole of next season in one line. Man Utd potentially unstoppable, thats why we need to flex sum financial muscle…at least make a few more additions to the squad.
July 18, 2008 at 10:02
Jamie Redknapp is a w**ker. How can any gooner try & paint that moron in a good light?? He slags us off weekly, he cheers for Chelski, Spurs & Liverpool to beat us & is constantly looking for negative points about Arsenal!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:06
GMR, JR raved about us last season!
I think he is very pro Arsenal?
July 18, 2008 at 10:06
GMR – am I allowed to disagree
For me (IMHO) he is the most objective football punter, when we are bad, he says it as it is, but when we are on fire – he also tells that as it is -……
Compared to Gray and Keyes he is a Saint
July 18, 2008 at 10:07
Barry Could Be Wenger’s Silva Lining
Fri 18 Jul, 08:09 AM
Arsene Wenger must decide whether to step up his interest in Aston Villa’s unsettled England international Gareth Barry following the departure of long-serving midfielder Gilberto Silva.
The exit of the 31-year-old World Cup winner – a member of the 2003/2004 ‘Invincibles’ side – to Greek side Panathinaikos came a day after unsettled Alexander Hleb finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona.
With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger is facing up to the task of rebuilding the heartbeat of a team which set the early pace in the Barclays Premier League last season before eventually fading out of the title race.
Although Frenchman Abou Diaby would relish the chance of cementing his place alongside Euro 2008 winner Cesc Fabregas after often being utilised out wide, Wenger will, as ever, have a back-up plan in mind.
Barry would seem to fit into the Arsenal jigsaw, a player capable of holding the midfield together while allowing Fabregas the freedom to roam.
However, despite having made tentative enquiries about the availability of the 27-year-old – now back in training following a ban and fine after criticising Villa manager Martin O’Neill – the Gunners are understood to be unwilling to match the £18million price tag which the midlands club have insisted on during their protracted dealings with Liverpool.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18072008/4/barry-wenger-s-silva-lining.html
July 18, 2008 at 10:08
I think if Manure sign Berbatove it will be hilarious…….. they will have a ponce, a thug and a sulker up front………… all 3 have such different personalities (or lack of !) that they will not get on at all !!!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:08
[...] Then fill your boots here. [...]
July 18, 2008 at 10:09
GMR – His whole family are Arsenal.
I know for a fact he used to go and stand in the stands at Arsenal with his Grandad and watch Arsenal………. and his old man is a confessed Arsenal fan and again went to watch Arsenal all throughout his youth with his Dad !!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:10
Parlane – Your memory about breaking your collarbone, reminds me of my worst time ever, it was after we went out of tha FA Cup in the replay against ManUre, coz of that ‘fluke’ goal by Giggs, and after Dennis had missed ‘that’ penalty, man i was suicidal, truly i’ve never felt so down in all my life, and i’ve had a company bankrupty, and a girlfriend miscarry a baby………………my brother had to walk me home coz he feared i’d fall in front of a bus or something…………fuck me!
July 18, 2008 at 10:10
Bud – very funny, and they are all F-IN Ugly….
Has Tevez actually signed for them yet, or is he still on loan…
Rooney will be fat and unfit following married life, and he has been on the fags, he will have to give them up – so he will be more grouchy and spikie!!
What is wrong with me today, i keep mentioning ‘ugly’ how sad!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:12
Correct GMR. Guilty as charged!
July 18, 2008 at 10:12
if Berba does sulk, ponce around….just drop him to play either Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Saha……great thing about having a squad with depth. Or play two up fron with Anderson, Carrick, Hargrives, Scholes etc etc…..again, beauty of having quality depth.
July 18, 2008 at 10:12
I forgot about John Merrick………. wasn’t there rumours of him buggering off as Man U won’t pay the £25m to take him perm?
July 18, 2008 at 10:13
Off the footie for a moment
Anyone else this Dwain Chambers should be allowed to Olympics??
After all, footballers can play again at the highest level – Mutu??
July 18, 2008 at 10:14
Morrow, how can you cal Sahahahahaha as strength in depth – he is more injury prone than Rosicky and shit to boot !
July 18, 2008 at 10:14
Hello ladies and gentlemen. Is this the worst summer in recent years or is it just my idea? I know we had years of Viera/Henry going to madrid etc.. but this summer has done nothing at all to excite, in fact it is depressing.
DO YOU GUYS REALLY THINK AW WILL BUY AN ESTABLISHED PLAYER???? I think not. I really like Diaby/Denislon/Senderos but I think they are one season away from being ready.
We need someone who can come in and just look comfortable in the shirt and Kick ASS. Can someone remind me of the last time AW bought someone like that? (and please dont say Gallas)
July 18, 2008 at 10:14
Anyone see the headline on Arse.com “Wenger – I can spend more due to the Emirates” – spend on what ? Cetainly not players, maybe he means spend on paying the stadiums mortgage off early.
July 18, 2008 at 10:14
I think let him run. He’s served his time. We have fuck all else chance of winning any other meadals in the sprints !!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:15
GMR – Well said fella, Redknapp is a total fucking wanker, everytime he’s on Sky he’s belittling us and bigging up the bindippers, the chavs, and those jokes from N17……biased cunt.
July 18, 2008 at 10:15
rico;
i’ve stayed off the fags for last few weeks and am packing on the pounds…the smokes keep you thin! (so i tell myself). If Rooney is on the fags then god help us all. Not sure about Tevez, i thought they had paid money a month back to sign him.
July 18, 2008 at 10:17
Is Saha not going – sadly thoiugh no- one wants him!!! Wonder why…
Stoke have almost signed Kitson from Reading, they have done well to get him, Stoke for me are the ’stay up’ team from those promoted
Relegated
Spurs
West Brom
West Ham
July 18, 2008 at 10:19
dennis, dont you beat around the bush to spare my feelings will you…. Tell it as you mean it
July 18, 2008 at 10:20
rico, dwain chambers can eff off, he’s a drug cheat, end of!
July 18, 2008 at 10:21
Rico, of course you can disagree.
Pedro, he does praise us when we’re not on, whenever we’re playing though its a completely different matter unless we’re stuffing some team like Derby or Reading that he doesn’t care about!!
Bud, I know Harry’s an Arsenal fan, but the fact is Jamie played for Liverpool who were Arsenal’s rivals at the time & then he played for Spuds who are our North London rivals. He is NOT an Arsenal fan, I’m sure Harry still is but Jamie is far from it!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:21
Forgive my ignorance
who is Bitchslap?
July 18, 2008 at 10:22
MBA – Stopping the cigs, it slows down the metabolism, hence the little gain of pounds. six months and it all settles down. Rumour has it, and a good one at that, if you drink 2-3 litres of water a day, it sppeds up the metabolism, and helps to lose weight –
And that does not mean water mixed with wheat, and fermented… And when drunk about 5% Alc!!!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:22
Pierre, that’s the frustrating thing about Wenger -we assume he MUST see that yet his actions transfer wise – so far – don’t seem to show he’s acting on that.
I know the transfer window is open for another 6-7 weeks but we have a CL qualfier and every first team member needs a decent pre season.
If we stuff up the CL qualifier we are royally screwed.
But as was said yesterday maybe that is the kick in the goebbels that AFC need.
July 18, 2008 at 10:23
brad – Bischoff, on a free
July 18, 2008 at 10:23
Sorry, i may have missed a post……why do we care about anything Jamie Redknapp has to say?????????? Me confused????
July 18, 2008 at 10:25
ahhh just joined the le grove fantasy football, Almost Arsenal! bring it on!
July 18, 2008 at 10:26
So is Paul Merson… can he eff off too?
I’d rather take Friedel or Jaas but both of those keepers are far better than Almunia and should start… which is never going to happen!
July 18, 2008 at 10:27
Rico – I’d love to see Spuds relegated but with the money/players they’ve bought and George Graham’s thoughts of our recent games against them they could be up with us given a better start.
I sincerely hope not but feel some defensive signings have got to be made DMF & CB essential in my book although GK could save the CBs. Our fstrike force has extra prongs this year so I’m pretty happy with that but Ade out Villa in would be better!
July 18, 2008 at 10:27
No Rico – Fuck Chambers, he is a cheat.
We (Gt Britain) should make a stand, and uphold his lifetime ban.
It wouldnt be fair on the other lads who have the chance to go, of Chambers took one of the places.
On another note – No way Barry will sign today – we havent even made a bid for him yet, and we dont even know if we will!
Arsenal transfers never happen that quickly!
July 18, 2008 at 10:28
I just saw that Headline.
Talk about rub our fucking nose in it
Arsene Wenger MP is really start to piss me off with his spin
Time for action spend some fucking money cause I am not getting the pre-season buzz you are on about and you are deluding yourself to even talk about taking over Man Ure and Chavski this year as things stand
July 18, 2008 at 10:28
haven’t heard anything about bitchslap (he can be pischoff when he leaves) for a while and nothing official. is he actually signing? anyone know?
i know no-one cares anyway…
July 18, 2008 at 10:30
sandman, merse took drugs for fun, chambers took em to cheat, big difference there.
July 18, 2008 at 10:33
Can some one please explain the meaning of ‘MP’ in Arsene Wenger MP?
July 18, 2008 at 10:34
rico01 – I put my annual £1 bet on with my local bookies for ManUre to be relegated, he would only give me 200-1 this year, must be the credit crunch, the fecker!
July 18, 2008 at 10:35
insidealbania does MP stand for “Missing Person”
July 18, 2008 at 10:36
money pincher??????????
July 18, 2008 at 10:37
Member of Parliament
As he is spinning more shit than a Politician
July 18, 2008 at 10:38
lol ddm. nice ritual.
i’m sure it’ll payout one day!
July 18, 2008 at 10:38
rico – sorry to piss on your chips babe, but JR will eventually endup looking like his old man, Harry ‘Twitchings me name, Twitchings me game’ Redknapp! I’m just saving you from all the dissapointment and heartache……..
July 18, 2008 at 10:39
Rico – water allows nutrients to get to the cells and MORE importantly allows TOXINS to pass out of the system: extremely important for smokers.
Re. Dwain: should have been banned for life like all drug cheats but as officialdom cocked up I don’t think they can keep him out so can only rectify the rules and sob and bear it this time.
It’s pretty sick competing against doped competitors. I had to do it all the time. Some of my Belgian and French mates did it, fortunately in most cases to no great gains and the Italians had a team doctor who used to inject them just before they were due on the line for their time trial – rubbing their thigh as they skated toward the start.
One Belgian I’d seen off totally the weekend before a Euro Championship and he was only good for distances up to 5Km (if the going wasn’t too tough). He won the 20Km in a really tough race but no drug tests allowed in Belgium bar the undercover police. He did get caught by them we think cos he disappeared for 3 months!
July 18, 2008 at 10:39
well that settles it, not so sure I get ‘missing person’
July 18, 2008 at 10:40
Barry would be great for our midfield and the added experience but I still can’t see Arsene spending £18 mill on him, and does anyone really value Justin Hoyte at £6 mill? Alonso is a quality player, but not defensively. I’ve got a feeling Wenger will give Diaby and Denilson a chance to partner Cesc. I don’t think Carson’s any better than Almunia, although he would be an excellent young back-up, but we’ve got Fabianski for that. Zapata and Barry would really sort out our summer, I’m praying that Wenger’s comments about not wanting a centre-back were a smokescreen.
July 18, 2008 at 10:40
Is he actually taking the piss?
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=494040&cpid=703&title=Two+Years+On:+Wenger+-+I+can+spend+more+due+to+Emirates
July 18, 2008 at 10:43
Hey, it’s Friday chaps and chapesse, but these are really for rico, to cheer her up.
If Tommy Cooper were alive today;
I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing Dancing Queen on it. I thought, ‘That’s Aboriginal.’
———————–
This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins. It was a turtle disaster.
————————
I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley. She said ‘Tenpin?’ I said, ‘No, permanent.’
———————–
I went in to a pet shop. I said, ‘Can I buy a goldfish?’ The guy said, ‘Do you want an aquarium?’ I said, ‘I don’t care what star sign it is.’
—————————-
I bought some Armageddon cheese today, and it said on the packet. ‘Best before End’
—————————
I went to buy a watch, and the man in the shop said ‘Analogue.’ I said ‘No, just a watch.’
——————————
I went into a shop and I said, ‘Can someone sell me a kettle.’ The bloke said ‘Kenwood’ I said, ‘Where is he then?’
————————–
My mate is in love with two schoolbags. He’s bi-satchel.
————————
I went to the doctor. I said to him ‘I’m frightened of lapels.’ He said, ‘You’ve got cholera.’
—————————
I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can’t remember his name, its P something T something R.
—————————-
I was reading this book today, The History of Glue. I couldn’t put it down.
—————————-
I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on.
—————————
The recruitment consultant asked me ‘What do you think of voluntary work? I said ‘I wouldn’t do it if you paid me.’
————————–
I was in the jungle and there was this monkey with a tin opener. I said, ‘You don’t need a tin opener to peel a banana.’ He said, ‘No, this is for the custard.’
———————-
This policeman came up to me with a pencil and a piece of very thin paper. He said, ‘I want you to trace someone for me.’
————————–
I told my mum that I’d opened a theatre. She said, ‘Are you having me on?’ I said, ‘Well I’ll give you an audition, but I’m not promising you anything….’
—————————-
I phoned the local builders today, I said to them ‘Can I have a skip outside my house?’ He said, ‘I’m not stopping you!’
——————————–
This cowboy walks in to a German car showroom and he says ‘Audi!’
————————–
I fancied a game of darts with my mate. He said, ‘Nearest the bull goes first’ He went ‘Baah’ and I went ‘Moo’ He said ‘You’re closest’
——————————
I was driving up the motorway and my boss phoned me and he told me I’d been promoted. I was so shocked I swerved the car. He phoned me again to say I’d been promoted even higher and I swerved again. He then made me managing director and I went right off into a tree. The police came and asked me what had happened. I said ‘I careered off the road’
———————-
I visited the offices of the RSPCA today. It’s tiny: you couldn’t swing a cat in there.
————————-
I was stealing things in the supermarket today while balanced on the shoulders of a couple of vampires. I was charged with shoplifting on two counts.
————————
I bought a train ticket to France and the ticket seller said ‘Eurostar’ I said ‘Well I’ve been on telly but I’m no Dean Martin.
—————————
I phoned the local gym and I asked if they could teach me how to do the splits. He said, ‘How flexible are you?’ I said, ‘I can’t make Tuesdays or Thursdays.’
——————————–
I went to the local video shop and I said, ‘Can I borrow Batman Forever?’ He said, ‘No, you’ll have to bring it back tomorrow’
——————————–
July 18, 2008 at 10:43
maqtilarge, he sure is taking the piss.
Show me the MONEY (buy some players) Mr Wenger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AAAAAHHHH cant take much of this. I think I am cracking
July 18, 2008 at 10:44
Again, why is 18 mil over priced for a starting England midfielder. They have Gerrard, Carrck and Hargreeves….do you not rank Barry along side these guys? Lets cough up the dough and just buy him…..i really think AW has made us all spendthrifts. 18mil seems going rate for me.
July 18, 2008 at 10:44
Maqitlarge, that’s what I said at 10.14 – Wenger must be having us on.
July 18, 2008 at 10:46
I’ve just watched the interview & yet again its another pile of s*** served up by Arsenal.
No probing questions asked, just the usual guff followed by Arsene’s now standard response. eg
Q. What would you define as a successful season this year?
A. Its not for me to judge, I just develop the players & let everyone else judge.
Q. Has the Emirates given you more power to spend.
A. Yes, but if you spend then you kill another young player.
These quotes aren’t word for word but are fairly accurate.
July 18, 2008 at 10:48
Like I said Maqitlarge it is rubbing our noses in it.
Unless he actually delivers on these promises sometimes it it would be better for him to say nothing on the matter
I want to hear about what he has to say about losing Diarra, Flamini, Gilberto, Jens and Hleb in the space of 7 months and what the fuck he going to do about.
July 18, 2008 at 10:48
hopefully he’s not having us on and he’s gonna announce the 80mill of signings later today…
July 18, 2008 at 10:51
parlane – we live in hope my friend, we live in hope.
In fact, it’s particulary so that i can wave the betting slip under the noses of all those so called ManUre ‘fans’ who live in and around London, who don’t even know where Manchester is let alone OT……………tosser!
July 18, 2008 at 10:51
dennisdemennace;
thank you; funniest godamn post in a while…just shared them with a room of pissed up ladies…can’t deliver as well as Coopr, but they are goin down a storm…legend!
July 18, 2008 at 10:52
Considering how AW likes to groom young boys into worldclass players, do you guys think he will find someone to take over his job after he decides to go upstairs? If he does then God help us coz we aint gonna see any 20mil players for decades.
July 18, 2008 at 10:52
dennis, thats the longest posting i’ve ever read! worth it tho, good on ya mate!
July 18, 2008 at 10:52
mrs mba on the wines again then?
July 18, 2008 at 10:54
Whilst commentating on an England match for a foreign tv channel Wenger described Barry as technically excellent but one-paced, a diesel engine compared to a petrol.
Arsenal are a team built on speed, would he consider putting someone he described as a ‘diesel engine’ into the centre of a team built on speed?
July 18, 2008 at 10:55
morrows – cheers fella, i just laugh out loud at the darts one!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:55
dennis – that made me laugh big time
Got to pop out, be back soon – and play nicely, I know its Friday
July 18, 2008 at 10:56
parlane;
mate…..you know what she’s like. She’s the one plying me with booze. I was behaving tonight and came straight home frrom work (get in trouble every now and then for staying out at after work drinks)…come home and shes bought the laddies home for a girls night!!!!! Im blogging as they watch Americas Top Model, followed by the Bachelor and i have to drink wine because we out of beer….i’d go to bed but she’s forcing the wine down me…..why fight it!
July 18, 2008 at 10:57
i set my missus up on the FFL, the only stipulation was all ex arsenal players for a laugh!
amazingly i have money left over!!!
July 18, 2008 at 10:58
charybdis1966 Says:
July 18, 2008 at 9:08 am
Ah Ethan, that’s too depressing to think about. Denilson’s too lightweight, injury-prone and ill disciplined to be our DM solution.
Yes currently i agree , thats what we said about flamini also !
the aging bert and flamini last season ..
All im saying about denilson is either its fuckin uncanny timing that denilson speaks up just as we are concerned about a DM , or its an arsene attempt to tell the public who he has in mind to step up ..
It reminds me of Nordtveit saying he’s ready to step up as a defender and then we dont hear about a defender again !!!!
but of all the youngsters needing to step up diaby and denilson will need to do something soon .. or you can add them to the eboue-johan-hoyte-senderos crew ..
July 18, 2008 at 10:59
parlane;
mrs mba says at least shes not pissed from two hours of drinks with Sales!!!! Hows the hangover?
July 18, 2008 at 11:00
Have we signed anyone yet?
Hope I havent missed a big unveiling or anything.
DDM, 2 more days to rant day!
July 18, 2008 at 11:02
i just dont get it, why is wenger saying he’s got increased spending power when he isnt buying anybody, he must have something up his sleeve!
July 18, 2008 at 11:03
sorry but we can no longer say “give them one more season” when it comes to Diaby/Denilson…its been said for years, its what we say every year about our team…no more.
July 18, 2008 at 11:04
ah odub i now know you real name, at last!!!
July 18, 2008 at 11:07
Odub, how are you fella? Two days, i thought it was July 31st for rant day???
July 18, 2008 at 11:12
Geoff I hope you and your insider are right and that the Barry signing does go through today! It would be the best possible signing the way things stand at the moment. I also agree on the keeper talk but seriously doubt Arsene will make any additions there. In my opinion we DO need either Carson or Green, a powerful defender who will take Gallas’s place, an experienced attacking midfielder who can play behind strikers/on the wings (Arshavin?), and a striker with intelligence, who not only can latch on to the end of a pass and score one-touch goals but also create chances from nothing (are you listening Adebawhore?)
Of course the worst case scenario is that no more signings are made and that by 2012 we become a forgotten, boring team who nobody wants to watch. But I AM sure that IF at least 4 more signings are made this summer, WE WILL, I truly believe, be 2008-2009 Champions! Please Arsenal PLC release the required funds! Please Arsene deepen the squad with experienced and established players! I pay good money to watch the Arsenal without batting an eyelid, so come on you Gunners! Compete financially as PHW & AW would say!
July 18, 2008 at 11:13
Chris – I’ve always told you my name is Orlando Oswaldo Orticochea, I though we were clear on that
DDM, decided to bring it forward beacuse I’m beginning to get the hump with the current situation!! 2 days on the trot now I’ve got home and the main headline on every sports news programme has been an arsenal player leaving and also whether another one (Ade the TT) will soon be leaving!
If I had any hair left I’d be losing it right now!
July 18, 2008 at 11:13
mba, that was just the start of it! today’s another day… with a few gilberto toasts…
anyway, back to football…
personally i would prefer we sign a solid experienced dm but think back to flamini 12 months ago, maybe diaby or denilson will step up and surprise us all. and no doubt fuck off at the end of the season as well…
July 18, 2008 at 11:15
thats triple o then?
July 18, 2008 at 11:19
yeah chris o triple doesnt quite have the same ring as o dub does it?!!!! lol
July 18, 2008 at 11:21
Odub, i suggest you read my earlier post, re Tommy Cooper, it might help you make it through the day fella…………..Chaaaaaamon!
July 18, 2008 at 11:21
barnet game will be here at the weekend as requested yesterday evening
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=14912&part=sports
but i’d recommend buying the month susbscription for 3.95 to ensure good quality directly from arsenal tv
July 18, 2008 at 11:22
triple o sounds like a wrestler
July 18, 2008 at 11:23
Parlane, you forgot to addd ..and Wenger will say, when asked about Diaby/Denilson leaving, “If he wants to go you have to respect that”.
July 18, 2008 at 11:23
Arsenal’s middle men
By John Ley
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/07/18/sfnars118.xml
Why C. Ronaldo played so well last season
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1430519.ece?slideshowPopup=true&articleId=1430519&nSlide=1&ratedString=1,2
July 18, 2008 at 11:24
Thanks for the link Chris! Will probably go down to the pub for better picture quality
July 18, 2008 at 11:25
Might try and get Setanta sorted in time for tomorrow’s game to watch on arse.tv.
What is the point though!!!
July 18, 2008 at 11:26
arsenal tv in a pub?
id take that, not here in scoucer/manure haven that is ireland,
July 18, 2008 at 11:26
i’d go with Otrip!
July 18, 2008 at 11:27
hleb scored on his debut at barnet, tell me seeing nasri/vela or rambo scoring wont bring a a massive smile to your face
July 18, 2008 at 11:27
parlene then I’d Otrip the egotrip!!
July 18, 2008 at 11:28
** then I’d be
July 18, 2008 at 11:28
and naturally we would, right charybdis?
July 18, 2008 at 11:28
Is Nasri in the squad? Sorry been out of the loop…what is the squad?
July 18, 2008 at 11:28
parlane;
thing is Diaby/Denilson HAVE to step up…..if AW does not sign anyone its because he is putting faith in them…which means no ” they’re still young, one more year and they’ll be class players”….buy not buying we are saying we don’t need to…we rate these guys better than 18mil Barry, or anyother top midfield player. No more excuses for them. If they fail us…AW has to hold his hands up and take serious flak for his decision making…….the season could be the year all th AKB’s own up to the fact he doesn’t…or we all bow down to le profs superior footballing mind.
July 18, 2008 at 11:30
The full squad is:
Manuel ALMUNIA (GK)
Bacary SAGNA
Gael CLICHY
Justin HOYTE
Havard NORDTVEIT
DENILSON
Aaron RAMSEY
Theo WALCOTT
Nacer BARAZITE
Nicklas BENDTNER
Carlos VELA
Vito MANNONE (GK
Wojciech SZCZESNY (GK)
James DUNNE
Rui FONTE
Gavin HOYTE
Henri LANSBURY
Abu OGOGO
Mark RANDALL
Paul RODGERS
Jay SIMPSON
Rene STEER
Armand TRAORE
Jack WILSHERE
ok so maybe no nasri then
July 18, 2008 at 11:30
dwain chambers has been fucked off, good!!!
July 18, 2008 at 11:31
ah poor DWAINE DIBLEY!
July 18, 2008 at 11:32
MorrowsBrokenArm Says:
July 18, 2008 at 11:03 am
sorry but we can no longer say “give them one more season” when it comes to Diaby/Denilson…
didnt we say that about flamini ??
and he was older ??
all im saying is the boss isnt selling them so think about what he must have in store for them this season !!! ( losing ?? again ! )
it has to be the last season for .. eboue-senderos -diaby-hoyte-denilson-johan.
but i think denilson has the most class out of any of those names ..
July 18, 2008 at 11:32
chary… he probably means since he signed his big fat new contract he personally can spend more… u know marks and spraks food instead on sainsburys etc…. cos as u said he’s hardly being throwing the readies around!!!
July 18, 2008 at 11:38
Dunno but i thought Barry was probably better than Gerard last season,he’s got an ability to command a game all by himself which is exactly what we need when the youngsters heads start to drop.
also all this talk of too old – bollax we need a slightly older player with Premiership experience – Wenger get your cheque book out !
July 18, 2008 at 11:39
Yes Parlane, I’d be rolling my eyes and groaning at the tohught of that annoying comment from Wenger.
Arsenal.Tom – yes it must mean he has more readies for personal expenditure – Fortnum & Mason instead of Aldi I suppose.
July 18, 2008 at 11:41
Morning everyone!
How are things?
Has the Barry press conference been set up yet… or is the only exciting thing to look forward to this Friday the jokes?
July 18, 2008 at 11:41
‘Fortnum & Mason instead of Aldi I suppose.’ made me laugh. Nice one
July 18, 2008 at 11:41
Welcome aboard WelshGooner!
July 18, 2008 at 11:42
ethangunner;
I hear you mate, but im saying that they don’t have anymor chances…IF….we are not buying anyone else, its because AW is putting out title challenge on their shoulders…maybe that is not so much their fault, but his…..I actually am a big supporter of Diaby, i think he’s looked really promising when given a crack…a run in CM might be just what he needs…..but if it doesn’t happen for them…how long do we continue to wait…do we not buy anyone next summer as well because Diaby/Denislon will finally be almost ready?????or mabes we give them another year. I want to see these boys succeed….but im not willing to sacrifice the PL just to give newbees a bit more “experience”
July 18, 2008 at 11:43
I think the cheque book AW was speaking about was a ‘Pay In’ book rather than the one which needs a Cheque Guarantee Card
July 18, 2008 at 11:43
Flamini, Hleb, Gilberto, Then Adebayor – Get Rid Of Them All!
Courtesy of Goal.com
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=781514
July 18, 2008 at 11:45
pedro;
did you go back to bed and have a lie in mate.
July 18, 2008 at 11:48
We can read the “I’ve got more money to spend because of the move to the E***ates” in one of 2 ways.
1. It’s a hint at an imminent big money signing.
2. It’s a cynical/sarcastic attempt to fool the punters that there’s no problem finance wise despite our championship, and not premier league, type performance in the transfer market.
I know which one I think is true.
July 18, 2008 at 11:49
Was the (not croatia) bi a little dig at eddy? If it was then it is extremely unfair.
July 18, 2008 at 11:50
Does anyone know when this interview with AW was done?
July 18, 2008 at 11:51
Wenger won’t go for Carson. He has faith in Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone. So do I.
Barry would be a great signing, still wish we had Diarra though….
July 18, 2008 at 11:56
There’s no rule book says we could not go back in for Diarra. I think he’d be keen…he has openly said he want to play in one of the big teams, pompey was a stepping stone….i think he’d jump at the chance to resign, plus he’d be on a better salary. AW would never resign though, it would show he fucked up….but why not resign…Diarra would be cheaper than 18mil?????
July 18, 2008 at 12:00
“We were very close, we were in the race and next year we want to show we can win it,”
I will try to achieve my best to develop the players, to fight in every game. I am more motivated than ever to achieve that.
“For the rest, you have to accept that it will never be be good enough. People always want more – that is normal.”
these are statements from AW on the issue of big name signings… looks like its another season of experiment so Grovers pls dont get your hopes high for this season
July 18, 2008 at 12:01
From all indications Liverpool seems the only club Barry would like to join. Barry is not just after champs league football. Otherwise he would make the usual Arshavin kind of statement…my dream is to play for Barca or Arsenal or Chelsea.
He wants to join liverpool because a) Benitez rates him highly and is willing to offer high wages b) chance to link up with his buddy Gerrard c) Barry’s style of play would suit Liverpool’s cautious and defensive style.
Etoo’s agent was at the Emirates two weeks back. That doesnt mean he will join for sure and neither is it a surefire indicator that Barry’s agents visit means that Barry will sign. Barry wouldnt suit our quick short passing game either.
July 18, 2008 at 12:05
it just seems that every year for the last 3 years we have said “next year is our year”…when do we stop saying this.
July 18, 2008 at 12:06
Wenger told Arsenal TV OnLine: “Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money.
“But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned ‘do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?’
That comment really annoys me, We are not a youth team, and he has created this position. What is wrong with bringing in the experience to be actually able to win something and if we have young fringe players, then put them on loan or on the bench.
As it stands a couple of injuries and our bench will be about as strong as a Championship side’s.
I remember this time last year was just the same, we were crying out for some experience especially on the wide areas but nothing happened.
It is like you think we will buy for the euros, then it will be after the euros as the players are busy, then they are on holiday, surely before Pre-season starts, then surely this friday, then its got to be before the Emirates Cup maybe they will want to present them then (nope), then maybe before the season and then aug 31st and its shut and we have bought no one. Really frustrating
People talk of last chances for Diaby and Denilson and I agree, but this is Wengers last chance as well,
July 18, 2008 at 12:09
Barry & Carson would make my day 2 english players who both would fit in well I have a radical idea for AW though see what you think.
Buy Richards,Barry,Carson,
Swap Ade + 5M for – Drenthe,Pepe.De La Red
Everyones Happy
Use Sagna in front of Richards as RM & TW14 up front through the middle with RVP or Eduardo
Cesc for Captain!!!
July 18, 2008 at 12:12
AFC53
Why would you put the best RB in the world into RM and put a CB in a RB position
It would be Eboue all over again
July 18, 2008 at 12:13
so you have more money available to bring in people this summer??
wenger: ‘ yes but do we kill a young player by bringing in a more experienced one’
bit extreme!!! these kids need people to compete with and learn from!!!
July 18, 2008 at 12:13
Pat, are they fresh comments?
July 18, 2008 at 12:13
Fucking Hell Pedro
Have you seen how many team there are now, we could have four Divisions in the real world
July 18, 2008 at 12:14
pathgooner;
thank you, we were all typing that but you got in first.
July 18, 2008 at 12:14
Not Sure Pedro
But it is the headline on Arsenal.com
July 18, 2008 at 12:16
pathgooner;
was refering to th sagna response
July 18, 2008 at 12:20
To add fuel to the fire! This was posted on Footie 365 on the 12th July
A friend of mine works at Arsenal’s training ground – Ian Taylor (Gareth Barry’s agent) was there yesterday and Arsenal are very interested. Although, as usual, the price is probably a bit too high. Personally, if you’re going to pay that kind of money then get someone like Arshavin. Completely different positions i know but proven matchwinner.
Before everyone says Ian Taylor is not Barry’s agent I had a look and he does work for Blacks company.
July 18, 2008 at 12:21
I meant the Arsene quotes…
I can’t believe we are risking another season with kids…
Still, there will come a point where we will have to support the decision and accept that Arsene will continue to do this until he gets it right, or he leaves.
July 18, 2008 at 12:23
98 people Pat!
That is superb, I was only expecting 20!
July 18, 2008 at 12:24
no arshvan…if you have not seen it yet just see the latest comments…he looks desperate..wants to go to Barca..club of his dreams,,,we are nothing to him, he’ll come to us if nobody else comes in…dont want him.
July 18, 2008 at 12:26
Got you Morrows
I think we have the best LB and RB in the World as it goes, I would take Richards but I would not be playing him at RB unless injuries required it.
The annoying thing is we are close to being genuine challengers. Even last season whilst we were top I never thought we would hold on, I just felt we lacked the strength in depth to finish the job off, our bench was getting weaker and weaker, but we were close
I honestly thought we would then push on, Wenger MP admitted we lost it due to experience and lack of attacking options on the width, and then he came out with the Reassurance and 2-3 week comment, and I thought finally we are going to keep the bulk of the squad together buy in the width that we missed and get some experience
So what does he do, he sells Hleb and Gilberto who were our experience and brings in more players 21 or under.
Words cant describe how ludicrous it is, if this was any other Manager at any other top 6 club, they would be calling for his head, in fact it would not get that far, the Board would be asking wtf are you doing?
For me he has 5 weeks to save his Arsenal Career and our chances of winning something, because if he does not sort this situation, we will win fuck all
July 18, 2008 at 12:27
Apologies for this long rant, but does Arsenal have money, or does Arsenal not have money? On occasions you read that as a result of us moving to the Emirates, we could compete with the worlds best teams for the best players available, and on other occasions, you read that Arsenal do not have money to spend due to us building the Emirates.
One thing I need to get cleared up is whether or not we have money, which a trifty Arsene would not spend, or if it is the fact that we do not have money, and Arsene just covers up for the board (so the fans do not clamour for Usmanov, who it has been stated will make 100 million available to spend every season) and pretend we do not need any upgrades when clearly, last seasons experience thought us that the youth players need more time to get up to scratch.
All great managers must win the champions league at least once, and it seems to me that Arsene has lost his drive and ambition in achieving that. I hate Mourhino, but I think he is right when he makes the point that Arsene has no pressure on him to win any trophies. I am sick and tired of under-achievement and mediocrity. It has been 3-4 yrs since we won the premier league, and it seems this trend will only continue, as we wait for the youth players to develop only for them to leave us for bigger clubs after one good season.
Is it not time for the Arsenal fans to start making it known to the board, or better still, take it to the next level by holding some placards during the emirates cup that we will not tolerate another trophy-less season, especially when quality young players like David Villa are willing to come to the club, but Arsene will not move for him because he was not part of the Arsenal youth set up from the age of 16. Even clubs like West Brom and Hull will spend more than Arsenal, and that is a sad reflection on a club of our stature. Just look across the road towards White Hart Lane, no doubt, they will out spend us, and one day take away the 4th champions league berth from us.
Rant over.
July 18, 2008 at 12:36
pathgooner;
im with you all the way..and we do have the best full backs in the world.
edatom; i must confess, ive been so caught up in our ability to challenge for the league didn’t even give thought to the CL. Maybe that says somthing about our current state of affairs….any of you thinking about us as CL contenders? This is why we have to show some balls and build a squad.
July 18, 2008 at 12:37
Ed Atom well said, AW has been assured of a job for life at arsenal, so he probably doesnt mind waiting for these boys to bring him the title in 3 or 5 years time. BUT WE CANT WAIT, and if we loose our top 4 position then we can kiss all our hopes and dreams goodbye
July 18, 2008 at 12:38
Who thinks Arsene is going to play Ramsey a bit more than we first thought this year?
July 18, 2008 at 12:42
pedro;
sorry pal, but i dont think he will. i hope he does, but probs get a game or two near end of season.
July 18, 2008 at 12:43
So who do you think he is going to play centrally with Cesc…?
July 18, 2008 at 12:43
Rambo will play in CC only unless we get some killer injuries
July 18, 2008 at 12:46
he’ll play Diaby, Denilson before Ramsey…but sure, Ramsey has a shot at a game or two…i just don’t want us to be the Ramsey experiement next season. I want to win a league or europe….i think as Arsenal fans thats what we should be aiming for??? or have our standards really dropped that much?
July 18, 2008 at 12:47
a new signing pedro… if nobody comes in then diaby
July 18, 2008 at 12:47
My fear is Diaby, Denilson or Toure in a position change
And if we do go into the season with that as our dream ticket then as far as I am concerned Wenger needs to go
July 18, 2008 at 12:48
245th
July 18, 2008 at 12:51
MBA… at the mo i honestly think we’ve got no chance for the league… 3rd or 4th for us again… europe… last 8/4
maybe he’ll go for the fa cup knowing that nobody else bothers with it then can still claim to have won a big competition
July 18, 2008 at 12:51
Patthegooner I agree, but I cant see the board getting rid of him.
July 18, 2008 at 12:54
I want to back the team and hope some of these boys show us all what they have….but if we go tits up with Diaby/Denislon as our main midfielders than I agree with pathgooner..AW will have to answer..he’ll at lest have to loose his mantle as Mr “Knows best”……he’ll perhaps loose that untouchable tag.
simple fact. If we sign no other playes then AW is saying he thinks this team can win league…..if he then thinks the team is too young but in a year or two can, then he does now have the same desire to win as we all do……I want to see us push for glory. at home and in europe
July 18, 2008 at 12:54
It just sums it up being a Gooner in this day and age, you read something like today’s excellent post, and it gives everyone hope. Then you read the latest words of fucking wisdom from Arsene, and everyone’s on a downer. The reason, plain and simple truth, everyone’s had enough of this youth experiment. The argument for not bringing in a proven player because it will ‘kill’ the devlopment of a young player is fucking flawed when you’ve won nowt for three/four years AND when the manager keeps saying in post match interviews that we lacked maturity etc etc, well Arsene this situation is of your making. When you admit you’ve got money, but you would rather use unproven players, then you deserve all the flack you’re going to get.
Sorry Odub, but that was well overdue……..
July 18, 2008 at 12:55
meant to say “does not”..not does “now”
July 18, 2008 at 12:57
PEDRO – 11am pick up tomorrow OK?
Where?
Email me !
July 18, 2008 at 12:58
AW says:
“There is a lot of talk in the press, but we have always managed at this club by balancing the budget,”
“We should not be criticised for that and should be respected for that.”
Why? is the club more buisness than football now?
AAAAAAAHHHHH makes me so angry when he comes out with shit like this
July 18, 2008 at 12:59
dennisdemennace;
i said a few post back that if we buy nobody else..than AW cannot once this season use the words “the team is still young, but next season they will be ready” or he cannot blame injuries when things start to go wrong if we do get injuries….he has failed to build a squad…a quality squad. inning the league/europe aint about having 11 good players, we need a world class squad.
July 18, 2008 at 13:00
the fact that we dont even know what our starting 11 will be because we havent got good enough players goes to show how far behing teams like man utd and chelsea we are… chelski and man utd are spoilt for choice with lots of options and we’re down to the bare bones!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:05
Ok…the girls have now broken out the sing star!!!!!! you guys are the only people keeping me up right now…keep the posts coming pleasssseeee, you’re all that is keeping me sane …..maybe time to bugger off to bed.
July 18, 2008 at 13:06
Another day without a signing then, or Adewanker leaving (both of equal excitement)……. fed up !!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:06
But we have mental strength aye Tom!
No worries DDM mnate!
I’m glad all can see this team is light we havent got enough on our staff to challenge and b4 any AKB’s start the normnal AW knows crap. have a look at our squad and ask yourselves deep down do we look good enough to win anything but the FA Cup?!
Our survey said…..
Let’s just hope AW thinks the same and will still buy 2/3 more players.
July 18, 2008 at 13:07
Before Gilberto broke his back he was perhaps Arsenals worst player and I remember he was often critised..
Then when he returned to the side he was one of our best players..
Did Gilberto get better or did the players around him get worse?
July 18, 2008 at 13:08
Morning all (afternoon to some)…
Great post as always… I’m not too keen on barry, but it would shut the anti english brigade up and also the lack of experience (age wise) brigade… He might turn out to be a revelation
Like the interviews with vela & nasri.. make’s me go all gooey eyed!!!
Any other news floating about today?
July 18, 2008 at 13:12
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wary of spending the transfer money he has at his disposal.
Wenger has been linked with big-money moves for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry and Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso following the recent departures of Gilberto Silva and Alexander Hleb.
The Frenchman has already brought in Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri, but is cautious over limiting the chances of the current youngsters at the club by recruiting experience.
He told the club’s official website: “Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money.
Wage structure
“But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned ‘do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?’
“It is a very sensitive subject which is not specially linked with money.”
Wenger went on to reject criticism over the club’s unwillingness to disrupt their wage structure, amid rumours that Barcelona target Emmanuel Adebayor has demanded improved contract terms.
“There is a lot of talk in the press, but we have always managed at this club by balancing the budget,” he said.
“We should not be criticised for that and should be respected for that.”
He does n half talk shite sumtimes!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:16
what still gives hope in the Barry saga…is this is no paper talk…this was born out of MO’N sharing that he was called by Pat Rice on the quiet asking about Barrys availability…….this means AW and PR have discussed GB and they clearly like him……..sign him!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:19
Not so sure about that… Why is Rice talking to O’ Neill about Barry? Then it get’s published in the daily rag and O’ Neill say’s Pat Rice said “we’ll be in touch”??? Sorry, story has “Liverpool stump up the cash u misers” written all over it!
July 18, 2008 at 13:21
Seem’s Wenger’s quote’s today confirm he has money at his disposal, just doesn’t want to hinder the progress of the youth players by buying in experience…… I think he really is not going to buy any1 else!
July 18, 2008 at 13:24
ReVELA;
you may well be right, a last ditch attempt to squeze 18 mil out of the kop…..who knows. why let that stop us though…he’s there for the taking…we know for a fact 18 mil will seal the deal so lets bid…lets plump….Utd paid 18mil for carrick, and i think most people thought “who would fecking pay 18mil for Carrick”….but he compliments the team and is a part of their success story…sorry but he is..Hargreeves the same….Barry would not hurt our squad in anyway. And if we are serious about keeping Cesc, RVP and some of the others, they need to see us competing in the transfer market.
July 18, 2008 at 13:26
I have found the perfect replacement for Ade if he goes
Sebastion Perez – Watching him now, he has awesome control and such a powerful shot, and a powerful style of play…..
Right up AW street, he is French !
July 18, 2008 at 13:27
ReVELAtion I think I agree with you, but he does surprise us with last minute buys every now and again
July 18, 2008 at 13:28
Ok Ok, before you shout and tell me his history and age etc,
I am watch the Beach Football Olympics…….
July 18, 2008 at 13:28
AW says “but everytime we have done a great job with a young player……etc etc”
Great job like what? Winning fuck all (again), watching the so-called young players fuck off to greener pastures…………..nice one Arsene, oh actually i think i know what you mean, you mean sell ‘em on for a profit before they actually contribute to a title winning side, in that case really well done Arsene have a job for life son…..
July 18, 2008 at 13:30
That’s a wind up Rico – he’sa 34 year old defender on Wiki.
July 18, 2008 at 13:30
Morrow i agree, but you forget cesc and RVP probably think barry is *****… I don’t have a problem with us signing barry, but i just think Diaby should be given a go if Arsene wants to bang on about not letting the young players come through…. I’m sure he (Arsene) will spend his money on a) a left winger & b) a striker (WHEN Adebayor leaves)
July 18, 2008 at 13:32
infact depending on where he see’s Vela it will only be a striker or left winger… I wonder if it’s actually us that made that bid for aguerro lol
July 18, 2008 at 13:32
Hello All,
Barry looks like the most un wenger like signings .. but I have been wrong before!!!
Wenger says he has the money.. like duh.. of course you do.. and he talks about stunting the growth of youngsters and stuff like that…
well wenger.. young players only gave you only 3rd place… young players only gave you ass whoopings at OT and WHL in the cups.. and your young players only gave you quarter finals in the CL…
you better see the day.. because as patient as you and the board may be… the players are not… cesc will not wait around all his life.. nor will rvp.. clichy.. sagna .. they deserve better…the emirates desrve better… the fans deserve better…
ARSENAL deserve better!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:34
Revelation – We’ve got enough down our left with Rosicky, Vela, Traore and Nasri able to play there. It’s our defence we’ve got to sort out!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:35
this is the season guys..i’ve ben going to Highbury since 1983, and i think AW is our best manager in my lifetime….he’s had free reange since 96 and rightly so….AW has been a great manager, i do trust in the guy……but this is crunch season………..he is choosing not to go out and buy people (like must other teams) and putting extreme faith in youth…if it works then he is the greatest manager ever in the history of the world ever ever….if we play well but fail by christmas then i think we’ve got to the season where we finally have to say AW…you do not know best…….at what point would he’s position become unatainable
July 18, 2008 at 13:38
I disagree P7… We’d need to move on Djorou or senderos to free up space for another centre back.. Then there’s song & Nordviet… Hoyte, Eboue, Traore….??? Defense needs trimming befor anything else is done to it…
Obviously we are going to get a centre midfielder, it would be suicide not to… Not a big Barry fan, but i’m struggling to think who’d be available, over 24 and decent for a reasonable price…. It’s not easy, trust me!
July 18, 2008 at 13:38
Pat – beach soccer, its great fun…
July 18, 2008 at 13:38
While I was training this morning, I was thinking of a comment I made to GMR about me being a glass half-full type of guy. In fact one of my clients said she was a glass always full as she looked at the glass from the bottom up.
I DO like a bit of FROTH on my glass as well, so let’s have some decent proven signings otherwise I don’t see any chance currently. AW, don’t let me and 100K+ down!
July 18, 2008 at 13:39
Morrow it will become untenable if we’re out the cups by february and have no realistic chance of challenging for the title by the same time… Then man has ran out of excuses… It certainly almost is last chance saloon
July 18, 2008 at 13:39
Will wenger really splash out 18million for Barry? I bet he signs Bischoff and that will be it.
July 18, 2008 at 13:41
By the way guys, has anyone heard anything from Ade?? seems very quiet these days. poor fella
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/07/13/no-bids-for-arsenal-star-emmanuel-adebayor-98487-20641214/
July 18, 2008 at 13:42
if he does manage to pull it off. .. .. it will be like the great train robbery!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:44
jesus…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1036296/New-signing-Van-Persie-just-good-Ronaldo-insists-Gunners-defender-Clichy.html
look what we have to talk about!!!
July 18, 2008 at 13:45
insidealbania he is currently perfecting his “undying love for the club & fans speech” throw in a little bit of “i was misquoted, misunderstood” and he’ll think he will have done enough grovelling…
He needs to score winners against the mancs, scousers, chav, yids and barcelona in the CL final before i’ll even remotely consider forgetting about his comments this summer…
He will never be forgiven!
July 18, 2008 at 13:45
MBA -you do mean “untenble” don’t you ?
DDM – I was talking to Ken Friar’s brother in law this morning and he was of the opinion that for another 2or 3 years the spending would be tight then maybe normal transfer activity could start.
He could tell from the way my face fell that I wasn’t happy.
But to be honest I sort of suspected that anyway and Wenger’s only saying he doesn’t want to spend to cover up the fact that he can’t.
Being outspent by Wigan FFS – that’s the state AFC have fallen to.
July 18, 2008 at 13:45
sorry “untenable”
July 18, 2008 at 13:50
Has van persie signed that new deal yet?
July 18, 2008 at 13:52
Aqualani’s contract talks at roma have stalled….. Maaaaaaaaaaybe baby…..
July 18, 2008 at 13:54
chary – if that’s anywhere near the truth then we can seriously kiss Cesc goodbye next season…………
July 18, 2008 at 13:54
Choy, I think Clichy means RvP iwill be just as good as the Greaseball in the next 12 weeks as he’ll be just as injured as Ronaldo will be.
July 18, 2008 at 13:55
Well DDM, we shall see, maybe that’s why AFC are scrimping now – to save up to keep the readies for Cesc’s new deal next season.
July 18, 2008 at 13:56
Aquilani has been heavily linked with a move away from the Eternal City, as talks to renew his current contract, which runs out in 2010, have seemingly hit a brick wall.
The Italy international, who played at Euro 2008, has been asking for around €2.5m in wages per year, but the highest Roma have been willing to offer is €1.6m.
This has led to interest from a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus and Inter, the latter two of whom have promised the player a salary of €3m.
Tuttosport says that Aquilani’s contract problems are no closer to being solved, and as a result the chance of the player leaving the club is definitely possible.
Juventus are now out of the race having signed Christian Poulsen earlier this week, but Inter are very much on the lookout for a top class centre midfielder.
The Nerazzurri’s primary target is Cheslea’s Frank Lampard, but secondary options are Napoli’s Marek Hamsik and Aquilani. Hamsik will be almost impossible to prise away from the Partenopei this summer, but Aquilani, despite his allegiance to his hometown club Roma, may agree to a move.
July 18, 2008 at 14:02
Problem is… Italian’s better players don’t tend to move abroad
July 18, 2008 at 14:06
chary – the trouble with that fella, it’s all well and good offering The Cescmeister a world beating offer, but he could get the same world beating offer elsewhere like Barca, AC Milan etc, but these buggas can also offer him the chance of trophies too!!
July 18, 2008 at 14:09
That’s true, I’m trying to find some sense in what’s going on at AFC and am clutching at straws.
All the chavs/Manscummers/spuds are probably pi***ng themselves laughing at us athe moment – the only ray of light is the spuds front 2 probably buggering off.
July 18, 2008 at 14:16
NEw signing RVP, what a joke
He wont make till Xmas before pulling or braking something
July 18, 2008 at 14:20
DENILSON is a Gunners midfielder happy to buck the outgoing trend by committing his future to the club and winning trophies for Arsenal this season.
The Brazilian admits this is a big year for him, and no wonder. Fresh opportunities are presenting themselves almost daily, with the departures of midfield trio Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan), Alexander Hleb (Barcelona) and Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos).
Denilson, 20, rejected a chance to join the high-profile exits, instead aiming to make a sustained first-team impact in his third season at The Emirates.
“I’m just focused on Arsenal, but I know some other clubs were looking at me,” said Denilson. “Last year I heard Barcelona wanted to buy me, but I really like it at Arsenal.
“For me this is the best team, it’s where I want to be. I want to show what I can do for Arsenal.”
Denilson made 23 appearances last term, but just four Premier League starts. However, after 42 outings since his £3.4million signing from Sao Paulo in August 2006, he feels now is his time.
He said: “This season is very important for me. I want to be involved in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup. I need to play, every player needs to play, and I believe in myself. I know I can do it.” Fully refreshed after a summer family break in Brazil, Denilson is now back in the groove with daily double training sessions.
“I am thinking only about working hard, training hard every day, and getting ready for the season,” he said. “I am thinking about my immediate future, and I know this is a big season for me. I know that Arsenal can win trophies this season for sure.”
Although Arsenal have made some midfield acquisitions in Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff and Samir Nasri from Marseille, Denilson has every chance of forming a new hub of the Gunners engine-room alongside Cesc Fabregas, who with Spain, now has a European Championship winning medal to his name.
Denilson said: “Yes, I watched the Euro 2008 final – it was fantastic. I was very pleased for Cesc. I was proud of him because he played fantastically.”
Although yet to feature for the senior Brazil side, Denilson has played for his country at every age group from Under-15 to Under-20, captaining the Under-17s to the final of the 2005 world championship.
While Denilson, who played alongside Manchester United’s Anderson, was starting out in the Brazil youth teams, the senior side were winning the 2002 World Cup under then manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. And Denilson is looking forward to coming up against Chelsea’s new boss and fellow countryman in club action next season.
Denilson said: “He’s a very experienced coach, one of the best in the world. He’s a big man, and a father figure, similar to Arsene Wenger. He will joke with the players, get on well with them, but is also a tough guy.
“He can be strict but he is well respected. Gilberto has spoken to me about him, about his style, and it will be interesting to see him at Chelsea.”
Football, and midfield play in particular, runs in the Denilson family. His father was a professional in the Brazilian league, playing in central midfield, and two of Denilson’s three brothers are also beginning to make a name back home.
qThis is an extract from the full-length Denilson interview, which features in the August issue of the Official Arsenal Magazine, available now. To subscribe, call our hotline on 0845 88 00 445.
ARSENAL target Andrei Arshavin has blasted his club Zenit St Petersburg for
pricing him out of a move. Arshavin was one of the stars of Russia’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2008. Barcelona had an £11.9m offer for Arshavin turned down and he fears he could be left high and dry following Barca’s signing of Hleb from Arsenal. Arshavin, 27, said: “Zenit are asking for £23.8m, which is a lot. I have made my decision, and Zenit coach Dick Advocaat knows clearly that I want to go. I do not know if it will be to London, but my desire is well known.”
July 18, 2008 at 14:22
arshavin wants to go to barca..
July 18, 2008 at 14:25
i sincerely hope you are wrong about Barry.
In your second paragraph you mention about his ‘class’ and he is the ‘next England captain’. Im sorry but he is just not class and is barely and England fringe player. Besides we all know what playing for England means now days – overhyped, overpaid and generally useless.
July 18, 2008 at 14:29
Hi
Im a fan site virgin!!! but im getting worried! im usually the most positive but Weng’s comments are stressing me out even though hes probally doing it to stop the prices going up. I would like to see Barry but would prefer Alonso, Faulty Tower’s have never got the best out of creative players and we would see the best from Alonso next to King Fab.
My season ticket has gone up by over 200 quid and i can’t watch us not win any silverware again this season. Denilson is not ready i dont think Diably will ever be ready and Senderos must be Wenger’s love child as he is really shite.
As for Henry oh sorry Adebayor ! i just wont be able to applaud him if he is still with us come the start of the season, get rid and get in Klaas Hunterlar.
Anyway thats the end of my first ever online rant
July 18, 2008 at 14:29
Just a thought I’ve been having with the transfer trends……..
Does anyone think that we might be trying a new formation next year, simialr to that of Chelsea. With one main striker and two wingers? It seems to play to our curent squad and recent purchases a lot better and would make a bit of sense as to why we are buying so many attacking players. I have put a team below that could play that tactic pretty easily. What’s your thoughts?
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Toure Clichy
Diaby Denilson/Rosiky
Fabregas
Nasri/Vela Bentner/Adebayor Theo/Van Persi
July 18, 2008 at 14:30
No, Denilson is not the answer. He was better in 2006/07 abd I thought he would build on that and get better in 2007/08, instead he got injured a lot, sent off and suspended and seemed quite lacksadaisical when he actually played. Plus he’s too small to be a decent DM.
I’d love to be proved wrong on this – but I don’t see it, so what does Wenger MP see ?
July 18, 2008 at 14:31
Fuck Arshavin, Hleb Mk.II
Fuck Denilson too, let’s be honest here, he’ll labour away for another year or two, but the moment he has a good season his agent will have him touted around Europe for a more lucrative deal………..
July 18, 2008 at 14:33
Welcome to Le Grove TH14 RIP Long Live CF4, JAY DA RED, Noes.
July 18, 2008 at 14:34
You’re right about Denilson’s agent DDM – Denilson himself points out other clubs we’re after him. Another Hleb in the making.
July 18, 2008 at 14:35
Chary facts are diaby scored against the scousers in the cl 2nd leg.. Denilson wan’t on the bench… It’s goig to be diaby, but denilson will get more than 4 starts
July 18, 2008 at 14:35
DDM- I was thinking the same thing about Denilson. The mere fact he brought up Barcelona’s reported interest in him tells you it all. As soon as he has a great season he will be out the door!!
July 18, 2008 at 14:39
Jay i think you’re almost right
1st game against west brom:
——almunia—-
Bak–Kolo–Willi–Gael
Theo–Cesc–Abou–Nasri
—–RVP—
———-Vela——
Swap ed with vela and rocky with theo and that look’s like our starting 11
bench from:
Fabianski, Eboue, Senderos, Song, Traore, Denilson, Ramsey, Theo/Rocky, Bentdner, Vela/Eduardo
July 18, 2008 at 14:41
Hey, has anyone noticed that last season(2006/07) Randall had a squad number in the first team but now he is back in the reserves, coincidence?
July 18, 2008 at 14:42
Diaby, Denilson, Djourou, Senderos,Fabianski,Ramsey,Traore,Hoyte,Vela, Theo, Bendtner are one of the following
a. Unproven
b. Inexperienced
c. Not good enough or
b. Not going to do enough next season to hold down a starting place.
Now considering the fact that the above list of players makes up a large percentage of our playing staff for next season, I really hope someone within AFC is looking closely and thinking about bringing in reinforcements because we can’t lose Bertie,Flam, Diarra,Hleb,Jens and whoever else leaves, and expect to improve on last season.
It just won happen!!
July 18, 2008 at 14:44
I don’t think that Ade will go now with all the other transfers from AC Milan and Barcelona, so I think we will still have him come the start of the season…… and I think he will start! I’ve never been his greatest fan, but the only other player we have like that currently is Bentner and I still think he needs another season. There is no way RVP can play behind Vela, if you saw any of Vela last season he is more like a Theo type player and likes to pick up the ball and run at people. There is no way he could lead a line, he is far too light weight.
July 18, 2008 at 14:44
I know I’ve got b twice!! Typo!
July 18, 2008 at 14:44
chary he (randall) is going out on loan again imo along with simpson, djourou & merida…
Possibly Merida and Gibbs may go too…
Gilbert already at leicester…. Along with the brazilian left back who’ll join up with salamanca again after/before the austrian training camp.
July 18, 2008 at 14:44
We’re soooo skint we need to keep Adebayor?
We were told we’d never hear the day that the Emirates move would render us incapable of competing in the transfer market.
Arsenal didn’t have to pay any rent at Highbury, and even though the club now has a mortgage, after the cost of yearly repayments, income has gone up, so has prize money, so has has income from broadcasters.
I’m all for youth development, but I’m also for balance and I recognise a bunch of 21 year old lads are adults, but very young adults.
From today’s headline on Arsenal.com we’re led to believe that our summer spending is over.
On the face of it it is a worrying prospect because we were told we’d be in for 1 or 2 experienced players, to me those are players who have had at least five seasons playing for their club’s first team in the top league in their country, a An Arsenal calibre experienced player to me is a player who meets this criteria
and:
Has won at least two titles in his country
Has won a cup trophy, for either club or country in the past five years.
Plays for his national team.
Is indespensible for his club.
Is indispensible for his country.
Very demanding criteria I know, but we’re looking for the best, and we could do with one or two of the players.
Stunting a youth’s development is clearly not acceptbale, but breaking them in too quickly or too early can also have negative consequences.
I can’t rest assured knowing that our spending capacity potentially affects the quality of the team or that we might avoid giving the best players who have earnt the right to play for a club like Arsenal a chance at the expense of giving a Johnny come lately some work experience.
July 18, 2008 at 14:45
Come to think of it, Senderos can be AW love child, they have the same lines on there forehead and senderos does have some problem with his sight as does AW
July 18, 2008 at 14:48
I can already see fab leaving next year at this rate!!
July 18, 2008 at 14:48
You might be suprised th14… And it’s van persie in a 2nd striker like role not a 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1. SStill 1 4-4-2…
Vela is seen as an eduardo type and eduardo is not fit??? Plus adebayor will play up top with van persie instead of Vela if he stay’s… I just don’t want his name on my team sheet…
As for the aformentioned players being a,b,c,d….. Have some faith at least lol…. Wenger will make signings i’m sure… That 11 and bench (and it’s a very good one imo) is based on what we have now.. I’m not putting fantasy players i there who DO NOT yet play for arsenal.
July 18, 2008 at 14:50
when we go to austria will be make or break for ade… if he was going wenger wont take him, hes on holiday after ACN qaulifyers now so we should now either way by monday
July 18, 2008 at 14:51
Well said Odub
The more and more I read it the more his comments annoy me.
Kill a young player
What a load of shit, these kids are supposed to be learning from those experienced players in front of them. And what are loan moves for, why cant we use them to blood our youngsters instead of risking it in the 1st team.
It is a fucking joke and unacceptable
July 18, 2008 at 14:51
1st game against west brom:
——almunia—-
Bak–Kolo–Willi–Gael
Theo–Cesc–Abou–Nasri
—–RVP—
———-Vela——
Swap ed with vela and rocky with theo and that look’s like our starting 11
bench from:
Fabianski, Eboue, Senderos, Song, Hoyte, Traore, Denilson, Ramsey, Theo/Rocky, Bentdner, Vela/Eduardo
That’s what we got at current… Not including yths and reserves who will only most likely play carling cup..
Again… Adebayor is still here, but not in my team…
July 18, 2008 at 14:55
My grammar is awful today.
July 18, 2008 at 14:56
I agree Pat, any of the top Leagues in Europe are high pressure, and they’re often the leagues where we buy our players from in the first place. I can name a whole host of clubs where players would benefit from playing for a season, fighting for the title instead of being mollycoddled at Colney. When they’ve proved their worth on the pitch, then give them a chance, even in the stiffs, we can’t go making wild punts on players who have the training but not the experience.How often are jobs at the highest level in big corporations filled with University graduates? hardly ever, because you need to spend some time in your trade before you’re promoted, you have to earn it.
July 18, 2008 at 14:57
What if Cesc gets injured and only plays 20 games next year ? Has Arsene allowed for that?!
July 18, 2008 at 14:57
That team would beat West Brom but it would struggle against better opposition and the bench is weak, full of unproven players and kids especially whilst Rosicky and Eduardo are out
July 18, 2008 at 15:00
Carson has gone to West Brom that rules out one signing today!
(
July 18, 2008 at 15:00
I would like to see Diaby given a chance – he was starting to look the business when that Sunderland **** Smith took him out. He hasn’t looked the same since, but he hasn’t had a true run. T’is my fear for Eduardo also … if the Togo mercanary buggers off and Wengers moths have sewn tight the purse (ha ha, as opposed to what) anything less than a 100% Eduardo is going to put us in the sud ranks.
Not sure the scousers can afford Barry and Keane – Sporting Life are reporting the Liverpool Echo as stating Keane will sign within 48 hours. If so, Barry ain’t going North.
Get the moth spray out AW – I like the thought of someone on the left who doesn’t have to cut in before crossing.
July 18, 2008 at 15:01
Oops … Sud ranks is of course spud ranks!
July 18, 2008 at 15:02
A little birdie just told me Krancjar was at the emierates earlier *whistles*
July 18, 2008 at 15:03
Pat, maybe wenger’s decided to gamble and give them a shot….
It wouldn’t suprise me in the slightest…
They might suprise US…
July 18, 2008 at 15:04
I hope it was to buy some merchandise from the armoury I dont want the likes of him!
July 18, 2008 at 15:06
Pathe, you forgot to add that RvP and Diaby will probably be out injured too.
July 18, 2008 at 15:07
Does anyone have a link to watch the wenger interview on arsenal tv please
July 18, 2008 at 15:08
krancjar?? is he really good enough for arsenal??
July 18, 2008 at 15:08
Diaby playes approx 20 games last year, he could be ready for 25-30, but players need to earn their games, not just be given a run. Denilson could share the responsibility with Diaby, but only pick the one who deserves it more, not the one who we’re just aiming to develop.
I guess th Barry dream is over, oh well, we’ll have to dig deep, and we’ve still got a good chance of winning this year, although it would have been a smoother ride with a Barry and a Huntelaar to increase our options. Arsene’s youth policy will cost us more points than necessary, hopefully not too many…..we’ve got a long shot at the title.
July 18, 2008 at 15:10
Portsmouth turned down a bid for kranjcar of over 12 million from Monaco. Arsenal won’t spend that sort of money on him.
How lucky are the spuds & what a mug Roy Keane must be bidding 23 million for the combined lot of Kaboul, Chimbonda, Taino & Malbranque. Apparently though Kaboul has said he doesn’t want to go there but I bet the other 3 will. Spuds also have a 22 million pound offer on the table for Berbatov from Man Utd. They are going to have some serious cash to play with!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:13
Like I said ReVELAtion
If we go into the season with Diaby or Denilson as the starting CM then Wenger needs to go
You cant take someone that was 4th choice not 12 months ago behind Flamini, Gilberto and Diarra and now call them the golden child that will help us compete
And sorry but if Wenger rated either Denilson or Diaby that Highly he surely would not have bought Diarra in the 1st place last summer.
It is a cop out and another example of Wenger letting his Ego of having to try and win the Premiership without spending money and his Ego of having to develop rather than buy getting in the way of his responsibility to deliver to the fans that pay more than any other in World Football to watch their team.
July 18, 2008 at 15:13
Alex Ferguson has stated that Ronaldo will definately not be sold & will be a Man Utd player next season. Add to the fact Berbatov will join them & they will have some serious squad to choose from. So all they need is one signing & their squad will look immense.
Then go look at ours & we’re scratching around for freebies & kids!! fucking joke!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:17
did u see what kabouls agent said???
‘he wouldnt join sunderland, even if there was an earthquake’
finest – i admire your optimism mate!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:17
I am pleased about that GMR… I want the best players playing in our league…
I would also like Wenger to give the kids a chance… and I don’t mean by playing them… I be mean by taking the pressure off a bit by giving them some experience to learn and play with.
There is no one to look up to in our starting 11… and I refuse to accept all the kids coming through are all exceptional talents. We have average kids who lack experience…
July 18, 2008 at 15:21
*********************Breaking news on BBC*************************
Greaseball is staying at the Mancs according to Ferguson!
July 18, 2008 at 15:22
no signings today then, we r gonna b screwed this season, Is it official rant day on Monday?
July 18, 2008 at 15:22
Pat…..unless we win a big trophy…….then it can be justified.
Wenger is staying until his contract expires, until then we’ll have to agree to disagree with him, I hope he’s right, it can’t go tits up again this season.
Wenger could be right and we could win the title….we do have match winners on the team such as Fabregas and RVP, the two best right backs on the team, there are a lot of positives….we have a chance…but the chance could have been greater with one or two extra superstars.
July 18, 2008 at 15:23
Two best full backs*
July 18, 2008 at 15:24
so Ade wants to leave, he doesnt and we all call him a cunt, greasebag wants to leave, he doesnt and the mancs all love him!
July 18, 2008 at 15:26
I agree pedro, but let’s base the squad on present players.. It’s not ideal and it looks a mighty big gamble at current, but it isn’t that bad as all the players in the squad i posted earlier all have Pl, Cup & smatterings of CL experience… Ramsey & vela aside the other’s have played a certain amount of games, are roughly the same age (the majority) and been together 2-5 yrs…
I’m not overtly optimistic at this stage, but if we went with that and Wenger worked wonders i’ll be the 1st to hold my hands up…. I’m not freaking out just yet, just remaining sceptical for the forseeable future…
I reserve my judgement on the squad till aug 16th… They day u all see the revelations start as they mean to go on in the league
July 18, 2008 at 15:26
Pierre, Ade was saying it’s all about the money, Ronaldo’s reason is that he wanted to fulfill a childhood dream.
July 18, 2008 at 15:27
that’s THE REVELATIONS!!! ALL MUST BE CRUSHED!!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:28
Here is our Friday signing Grovers
Arsenal confirm Coquelin arrival –
Cricket is dreadful too!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:28
Revelation, it is high risk, but high risk doesn’t always mean you don’t get the goodies.
July 18, 2008 at 15:29
Who should we have if wenger has to go?
July 18, 2008 at 15:30
I don’t even want to think about it Michael, I want us to win.
July 18, 2008 at 15:30
DENNIS THE LEGEND BERKAMP THE NEW MANAGER
July 18, 2008 at 15:31
We will agree to disagree then finest
I personally think that as we are, we have no chance of winning the Premiership or CL. Chelsea and Manure are going to be miles ahead, we wont come even close to being 4 pts behind.
we are 2-3 First Team players from being in that position but those players have to be bloody good and experienced, and one of them has to be a CM player
I can see the positives especially in full backs and have already stated that, but the midfield 4 are so young and in-experienced that we will not cope with the better teams
And as for the bench, well it is not up to the standard required.
July 18, 2008 at 15:32
michael i’m not even touching that 1 at the moment….
finest exactly, high risk indeed… But i’m a bit ‘ow you eeeengleesch say ‘riskee’…
I would be content to go with the squad i posted earlier…. It would be an interesting watch… We’d be under immense pressure from the press, the team & manager from the fans, the fans from rival fans…. The Arsenal might just prove to be, the greatest ever team, the world has ever seen…
2 words….
Wishful thinking
July 18, 2008 at 15:35
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=494064&lid=Homepage+-+Reserves+News&Title=Francis+Coquelin+signs+professional+terms
Great another kid whose growth we will be scared to kill in a couple of years time
July 18, 2008 at 15:36
As an alternative to A Wenger MP, I think someone like Hiddink would be good, not Bilic as he’s a fashionable choice but lacks experience.
July 18, 2008 at 15:36
IM GOB SMACKED ITS THE SAME OLD STORY,GIVE THE KIDS A CHANCE,THATS IN OTHER WORDS WE AINT GOT NO TRANSFER FUNDS AS USUAL ITS GETTING ON MY TITS TO BE HONEST,IF ADE WENT HE WOULD BUY 2 CHEAP KIDS AND THE REST GOES I DONT NO WERE IT GOES BUT IT GOES ,I GET SO FEED UP IN THE TRANSFER MARKET ALL THESE PLAYERS WE R LINKED WITH IS A LOAD OF ****????????/
July 18, 2008 at 15:36
the thought of diabiiiiii and denilsonnn coming up against the likes of mascherano.. gerrard .. ballack.. essien is enough to make me shudder!!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:36
pat wasn’t flamini about 4th before the beginning of the season… We was going to flog him to birmingham… You weren’t calling for wenger to go then… Careful :p
July 18, 2008 at 15:38
choy, diaby did alright against gerrard in the cl 2nd leg and against lampard in the cc carling cup final… It’s not ideal ,but not as bad as your making out…
July 18, 2008 at 15:39
If Wenger goes it’ll be adams, o’ leary (shudder), eriksson, hiddink or mourinho (hahahahaha!)
July 18, 2008 at 15:40
revelation.. i think we lost both those games!!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:41
Finest cuts
Me neither and I think we will win!! but I’m always reading coments from people who say he should go without putting names forward. Personally I can’t think of a better manger especially if there are budget restrictions. I wouldn’t swap him for scolari or Maureen and red nose took 6 (I think) years to win the league he would never have that luxury at say newcastle.
July 18, 2008 at 15:41
I was actually not far off it, People like you were telling me to relax we will be alright and it was the same same old story, we didnt adequately strengthen and we didnt fucking win anything
Flamini was not 4th choice, many of us had been calling for them to give him a chance at CM for a long time. If he had have gone to Brum I would be posting that we needed more strength at CM but he didnt and had a good season. I was happy with having Flamini and Gilberto as our CM options although I will admit at the time I rated Gilberto above Flamini. Now we have neither
I am not calling for his head now Buddy but I will be if we dont strengthen before the season starts. I dont need to be Careful, Wenger does
July 18, 2008 at 15:42
lol yes choy, doesn’t make it his fault though does it… Like i said not ideal, but not as bad as you made it out to be… Could be worse… Could be jenas & huddlestone…
July 18, 2008 at 15:43
Has anyone noticed how all these kids we sign say ‘I joined arsenal because the give a chance to young players’ I am just worried that these guys will flop and if not see Arsenal as a stepping stone. Also it makes us look like a nursery, I mean how many of our players can actually grow a beard????
July 18, 2008 at 15:43
So then ReVELAtion
What happens when Diaby gets injured?
July 18, 2008 at 15:43
NO WAY ADAMS IS A DRUNK
July 18, 2008 at 15:43
spot on choy! played well and lost! Sums us up to a T!
We always have mental strength, but lack experience, maturity and the ability to hold a lead…
Ground hog day begins 16/08/08 SS1!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:44
yes pat he does… I’ve already stated it’s a massive gamble.. He knows it, we know it, everybody knows it… The transfer window isn’t closed and we haven’t kicked a ball competitivly yet.. Let’s not all get so wound up, so early…
July 18, 2008 at 15:45
diaby is injured now pat,
July 18, 2008 at 15:45
I have to admit, amongst what appears gloomy, in the middle of July, half way through the transfer window, I for one am not going to even think about anything other than us winning something next year..
The Chavs, Spuds and Manure can buy who they like, but only eleven players can play at any one time –
Nasri, Ramsey, Vela, RvP, Thomas – didnt play last year, and who knows, they made burst into great form – Theo, he has matured and will be massive for us this coming season – i bet he is champing at the bit, knowing full well this could be his time, especially in his new No 14 shirt..
Dudu, he is going to be back by Christmas – who knows which way his game will go – mentally he may think he has been ‘lucky to play again’ and really excel…
Ade – he might think – shit i need to win back these fans I have so pissed off….. Good Luck TT
Two players is what we REALLY NEED – DM and CB, and I reckon AW will buy in those positions, but it probably be a player we dont know much about – If he does and they do well, we wont find it so bad -
I keep saying Villa is ours – ok, probably not, but it would be a massive bonus if he is…
This season, I just have a sneaky feeling…………….
July 18, 2008 at 15:46
SQUAD IS GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER YOUNGER AND YOUGER??
July 18, 2008 at 15:46
revelation… jenas and huddlestone… 5-1???
July 18, 2008 at 15:46
if diaby get’s injured lol…..
we’ll go 4-5-1….
—-rosicky/Nasri –cesc–/ramseydenilson—–
–Nasri/Theo———————–RVP—-
—————Bentdner/Ed——–
Not ideal is it
… But u did ask 
July 18, 2008 at 15:47
choy that was a one off… they owed us 1 i suppose… Let them have 1 thing to cling onto for the next ten years so they have some hope at least….
July 18, 2008 at 15:48
Michael, I’m full of optimism as well, but to me it’s a bit like walking the tightrope, we can do it but I’m worried about the wind!
July 18, 2008 at 15:50
His replacement will depend a lot on when it happens
I would not want Mourinho and would like to see him win something in Italy, Spain or England with billions to spend
Hiddink would be my current choice, as would a potential Van Basten/Bergkamp partnership in a few years time.
For Me Wenger has been the best Manager in the history of our club but for some reason he has lost his way in recent years and what happens this year will be decisive in whether or not he will go out on a high or a very low. He laid himself a challenge to rebuild the invincibiles and unfortunately at the moment he is getting it wrong.
July 18, 2008 at 15:50
Rico I totally agree with you. I know i’ll get slated as being deluded but the mancs need to strengthen just to keep up with us. They know they were lucky last year
July 18, 2008 at 15:51
i agree with finest and good post rico *thumbs up*
Not ideal, but i’ll remain optimistic, yet sceptical…. Like i said the transfer window is a ways off closing and a ball has not been kicked in anger yet…. Patience is a virtue, very few arsenal fans seem to have in the summers… Me included
July 18, 2008 at 15:51
Well said Rico!
Dwayne got his come uppance – that’s great for British sport and…
Cavendish got a hatrick of wins in the Tour: didn’t he look awesome!
July 18, 2008 at 15:51
Adams & O’Leary – inexperienced at top level, Maureen Yo : would need £2bilion at each transfer window. After that I can only think of O’Neill.
July 18, 2008 at 15:52
Also – I think Wenger likes to ‘play’ with the press, excuse the term, as i have said before though, he forgets our feelings during all this crap talk…
July 18, 2008 at 15:52
Rico you did say however he’d (Villa) sign yesterday… based on your woman’s intuition i’d say i hope you just have some foresight abilities and you actually meant in 1 week and not 1 day…
July 18, 2008 at 15:53
Is Rico short for Frederica like my masseur’s wife over here is Ricqi or something like that?
July 18, 2008 at 15:53
im getting fuckin sick of this, we are not a mid table club, we should be competing for honours! you can see it in 2 – 3 years, we’ll be like fucking blackburn, hoping to get into the UEFA!
July 18, 2008 at 15:54
***oooo saaaaaa**** “rub ur ear lobes pierre”…. *****oooooo saaaa****
July 18, 2008 at 15:55
Bloody hell, hold fire, why are we discussing getting the plank ready?!
July 18, 2008 at 15:56
Pat – I have been watching the World Cup Beach Soccer and Cricket. What is the Tour please??
Chambers – I thought he might win his appeal, because he spilt the beans on drugs, I suppose its the best outcome for the sake of Drug Cheats in Sport, That rule should apply for footballers aswell, especially if you miss a test!!
RIO!!
July 18, 2008 at 15:57
finest – I’m not, I think this season will be awesome……..
July 18, 2008 at 15:57
We get wound up because this has happened for the last three summers and it has been people like you that keep telling us that the transfer window is still open and we havent kicked a ball yet. I was like that the first summer but I am tired of it now
And every summer we have not strengthened adequately and people like you pass it off as a gamble, that might work but it might not
Why are we gambling? we dont need too? we have the money, We are not Hull, Wigan or Stoke.
We have the funds to be able to go and buy 2-3 players that will not only pretty much guarantee our minimum 4th place but also to give us a genuine crack at winning things and competing on at least 3 fronts.
July 18, 2008 at 15:58
Lets all be honest if we had all seen this coming would we have moved stadiums??? its a poor excuse and also a double edged sword to fill the stadium you have to have something to watch, to compete with the teams around you have to spend money simple as.
Look at the likes of Southampton Nice ground sh*t team no do we want to end up like that.
Derby County,Coventry,leicester, all in the same boat as soon as you stop investing in the team its curtains.
July 18, 2008 at 16:00
A depressing reminder of our first team
http://www.4shared.com/file/54777760/8cb2cd10/players_back_in_training.html
July 18, 2008 at 16:01
Rico, I believe the military can do a test for substances via the hair to check if any banned substances have been ingested over the years, I believe they do it for R.A.F pilots to check if they’ve ever taken LSD to prevent the chance of a flashback mid-flight. Has Rio had his hair tested?
As far as drugs in sport are concerned, we need to discriminate between the different types of substances, but if a sportperson is found to be guilty the need to face the consequences and say fair dos, i got caught, and take the penalty.
July 18, 2008 at 16:03
whoa o.k pat, i’m not TELLING you anything, just giving you my opinion.. Whether you agree or not is totally upto you… We do need to strengthen and I believe we will.. With what though remains to be seen… You just never know with Wenger, which is annoying for the fans, because we get no statements relating to targets, targets of ours for other clubs etc… Hence the press and fan hysteria… He’s (Wenger) approaching last chance saloon in accordance with belief in these players and the fans in him… he knows it….. That is all…
July 18, 2008 at 16:03
Since the premier League started only 4 managers have won it. outside the 4 clubs that have won it clubs like toon, the bindippers, the chavs and now city have spent money and changed maagers quite a lot and won nothing apart from the odd cup (in the bindippers case the cl) So I don’t see how Wenger uis neccessarily failing. It’s common Knowledge that he wants to build a team from scratch without the big names. We came 4th twice (once only just) And last year we came close and fell at the end. That wasn’t a fluke. Wenger said we were going to challenge from the beginning even when we were 16/1 after henry left. He’ll buy a couple of players before the end of august and we’ll piss the league. And before you slate me Arsene doesn’t know. I DO!
July 18, 2008 at 16:04
I love Setanta……………..
AFC SECURE THIRD SIGNING!! MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmeeeeeee
They need a fourth, a Nusery Teacher to guide them all through potty training!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:05
finest – no wonder RIO keeps his head shaved!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:06
Cheers for the clip Timmy.
Am I the only one that thought that just looked like a YTS training session? They all looked so flipping young FFS!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:06
revelation.. you seem pretty relaxed.. i’ll have what you are having mate!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:07
The Tour de France.
I thought he might also especially as I think he was only banned for 2 years by the International body. It’s a great result toward the 2012 Olympics and he can talk for the rest of his life about the BIG mistake he made and make money that way. I just wish all countries would act the same way now.
Missing a test is a dubious one. If you do you should be given special attention from then on but many like Lance Armstrong were tested so frequent and never proved positive in all that time. A great book which includes his cancer battle: Not about the Bike. It was recommended to me and I’d definitely pass that on.
July 18, 2008 at 16:08
finest – i think the reason for taking the drugs should also be considered, if it is purely to enchance their performance, fitness etc, then life is life
But if they are caught after wacky backie on a Sat night then thats different, but an athlete shouldnt be doing that anyway i suppose – Bollox, ban the lot
July 18, 2008 at 16:10
i have my erratic days choy trust me….. When i saw the comments about adebayor’s play like henry, when payed like henry story i was like a pre menstral paranoid scitzophrenic… The happy pills (sour skittles) have made me have a less angry outlook on the scheme of things lol
July 18, 2008 at 16:10
choy – hope its not Peroni!!
Coz I am having none of that stuff ever again!
July 18, 2008 at 16:13
michael, are you a comedian?? The mancs have to strengthen just to stay up with us!! Thats the funniest thing I’ve heard for months!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:14
Right work time…
Happy blogging grovers…
Hopefully some better news monday and a good result & performances to talk about over the weekend….
x
July 18, 2008 at 16:15
I am a bit of a comedian sometimes. But when ronaldo or evra or vidic doesn’t play they are shit. They were so lucky last year.
July 18, 2008 at 16:16
As Friday is joke day I’m glad you’re amused
July 18, 2008 at 16:17
michael to win the CL on penalties is luck… getting there is not!!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:18
I think the Mancs would have had something to worry about if we’d kept our team and bought a couple of world class players…
I.E A winger and a centre back.
July 18, 2008 at 16:20
I think Berbatov is the finishing piece in the puzzle for Man Ure, especially as Ronaldo is staying, you watch the goals come there now.
They have kept the same squad and just strengthened, which is exactly what we should be doing
July 18, 2008 at 16:20
Have a good one folks, Vino calls, and seeing as nothing’s happening in the world of arsenal, might as well start the drinking now, and stop when we sign someone…..
This drinking session might take a while!
July 18, 2008 at 16:22
Yeah I agree with the fact that we need to discriminate between substances, Korean Ginseng (completely legal and available in health shops) is completely different to anabolic steroids or blood transfusions, and the circumstances need to be considered as well. In the past athletes have been unwittingly plied with drugs by their coaches.
There are different rules in different countries. For example, in the Dutch League cannabis is not a banned substance, but if a Dutch player participates in a UEFA or Champions League competition, cannabis is banned.
Ebi Smolarek was caught out under this rule, his test result showed a higher number of cannaboid than naturally occur in the body, he completely denied smoking it, and someone could have fed him a space cake with s small amount of cannabis in it, or he may well have chosen to eat it. Under Dutch rules, he was not guilty of a drugs offence, but because he was playing for Feyenoord in a UEFA cup match and was tested after the match, he received a ban.
July 18, 2008 at 16:22
lol.. nite odub…
pat.. imagine they get berbatov.. they will be the team to beat again!!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:23
Man Utd were lucky against us at OT, but they weren’t lucky to win the league or CL. The fact is they outplayed us at the Emirates last season & only got a draw.
July 18, 2008 at 16:25
I hope berbatov disrupts the team like veron did. They can only play 11 at a time.
July 18, 2008 at 16:25
Man Utd will get Berbatov. Ramos going on about Spurs being on the stockmarket & having to make money tells you that Enic have told him that spurs must sell to balance the books!! It looks as if Keane is also up for sale & if they lose both that’ll be some blow to them, albeit it’ll give multi millions to spend in the transfer market.
July 18, 2008 at 16:27
Imagine if Man U had Cesc, they would dominate for 8 years..
July 18, 2008 at 16:30
When I say Utd were lucky I mean with injuries and decisioins. We all debate how they have a bigger/better squad than us but that was never really tested. Fergie rested Ronaldo against bolton and they lost. They had a bad start because rooney was injured and ronaldo was banned. 4 fucking points! a longer injury or 2 bad ref decisions and they would have been 3rd. I watched their last game and it looked like they’d paid the ref!
July 18, 2008 at 16:32
spuds without berba and keane…!! lol..
July 18, 2008 at 16:33
David why would I want to imagine a thing so vile?
July 18, 2008 at 16:35
michael .. in the end they won.. and they have a great squad.. you can only prepare for the coming season and what fergie does is still add to the squad even after a double!!!
saha was like rvp .. now they are replacing him…
and here we have people bigging up rvp like a new signing.. isn’t it the same thing they said of him in january?
July 18, 2008 at 16:38
Dasvid I could give you plnety of things to imagine…
But Berbatov and keane gone? Darren Bent could come off the bench!
Dos Santos and Darren Bent, is anyone worried?
July 18, 2008 at 16:38
Hleb’s buy-out clause at Barcelona has been set at £71m !!!!!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:40
Michael, if you go look at the injuries they suffered through last season you wouldn’t exactly call them lucky, they just had the squad to cope with it. Neville missed the whole season, Scholes missed most of it as did Saha, they were missing Vidic in several games & also Ferdinand, Van der sar was another who suffered.
They did get lucky with decisions & I agree about the last game at Wigan which was a farce, but for all the whining Arsenal have had their own fair share of luck with decisions. The only clubs that can moan on that score are the smaller ones such as Wigan, Reading, Fulham & now the likes of Hull.
July 18, 2008 at 16:40
CHoy I think rvp could be like a new signing. I put £20 on him being the top scorer in the league last year at 14/1. It’s not going to hapen though and I wouldn’t waste my money this year.
July 18, 2008 at 16:41
That’s cushty for Hleb, he’s got a nice contract, isn’t expected to score too many goals,
no one will buy his contract out…..he’s got his peaceful life…
July 18, 2008 at 16:41
FC. if Berbatov & Keane do both go, their strike force will not be Dos Santos & Bent. They’ll go & make a couple of quality signings, they aren’t Arsenal!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:42
i had better take rvp off my fantasy foot ball team so…
July 18, 2008 at 16:42
GMR Do you mean like darren Bent?
July 18, 2008 at 16:44
Guys, who do you think is going to be the Derby of this season??? I personally think there maybe two Derbys : Stoke and Hull.
Also remember last season when the s***s were in the relegation zone for ages…..aaaahh those were the good old days.
July 18, 2008 at 16:45
does robbie keane wanna leave or is he being forced out?
July 18, 2008 at 16:45
When you think of it, its going to be quite a sad state of affairs because Arsene is going to be under pressure from the off this season, & by the off I mean starting tomorrow.
People will look at the squad & will know these players are this new seasons squad players, & will want a convincing win. If we see a laboured display by a bunch of kids who are supposedly trying to force their way into the first team then you’ll start seeing problems ahead!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:46
If Man U sold Ronaldo for £70 million and Fergie waved that money at the Arsenal board to get Cesc, I think they would sell!
July 18, 2008 at 16:46
David… stop…. you’re scaring the Grovers!
July 18, 2008 at 16:46
GMR I agree with you he will be under pressure. I’m just more optimistic I think he’ll pull it off.
July 18, 2008 at 16:47
Michael, Did Ramos sign Bent?? No, but whoever’s decision it was to sign him at least the club backed that decision, more than you can say for Arsenal where Wenger would be told to sell players to sign someone!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:48
Choy, I think Keane was happy until Liverpool tapped him up!! Now he wants to go.
July 18, 2008 at 16:49
GMR-you are correct about spurs-they certainly aren’t arsenal! They spend money on utter shite every year and still finish mid table.
What happened to the barry deal then? I thought it was a dead cert for this afternoon?
July 18, 2008 at 16:50
If the spuds board is so good why are they going to lose their strikers?
July 18, 2008 at 16:50
Spurs are cunts
July 18, 2008 at 16:51
What happened to the Bitchslap signing ?
It’s a sorry state of affairs when we’re asking about a young crock who played 15 minutes in total for a mid tier german side.
We want Bitchslap, we want Bitchslap !!
July 18, 2008 at 16:51
Ok if you class Dos Santos & Modric as shite fair do’s. Dos Santos is rated a much better prospect than Vela so heaven knows what Vela is if Santos is shite!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:51
They’re always spending money and they are always mediocre cunts
July 18, 2008 at 16:53
Michael, spuds board don’t really have a choice!! I don’t see your point.
July 18, 2008 at 16:53
since when is dos santos rated higher than vela? he was average for barca last year as proved by the fact he was let go for 4 mil. he was on a long term contract there so if he was that good firstly why did they sell, secodnly why only for 4 mil, and thirdly why was no one else interested?
as for modric, he “could” turn out to be a great player, but 16.5 mil on an untried croat is a little high don;t you think? especially when you consider spurs problem last year was not attacking, it was defending. yet they still haven’t signed any defenders or holding midfielders
July 18, 2008 at 16:55
They can say fuck you man utd you’re not having berbatov he’s stayin. Like manu supposedly said to madrid.
July 18, 2008 at 16:56
y we discussin spuds? they are c**ts, end of, surely?
July 18, 2008 at 16:56
GMR… i think in mexico.. vela is rated much higher then santos!!
July 18, 2008 at 16:57
well said pierre he started it
July 18, 2008 at 16:58
What was our problem last year then?? Have we rectified it?? No
Dos Santos was fighting with players like Henry, Krkic & Messi to get into that team & if Dos Santos was average (which he was) then what about Vela, he was awful & yet playing every game so whats his excuse??
How many teams are after Vela & he cost less than 4 million??
July 18, 2008 at 16:59
Sorry Pedro.. Cesc will stay forever.
I know the Lasagne thing is funny, but The spuds nearly finshed above us a couple of seasons ago, and probably should have, we were lucky.
July 18, 2008 at 16:59
Man Utd are privately owned, spurs aren’t!! Do you know anything about clubs listed on the stockmarket??
July 18, 2008 at 16:59
If they ever sell a player a Fab Cecs to Man U then I will re-consider supporting the Arsenal. AND I MEAN IT, how money hungry can the senile PHW be?
July 18, 2008 at 17:00
Michael, ‘he started it’ are you 5 or something??
July 18, 2008 at 17:00
I will stick up for GMR here… It is easy to look good playing in a dig shit spanish team.
At least the Spud was playing for Barca and competing with the best.
Vela wasn’t that great was he? Let’s not get too excited about him until we’ve seen him. Let’s also remember Thierry said the spud could be the best player in the world.
Jamal is right though… spurs don’t lack in attack… they lack in defence and they haven’t bought anyone of note (Except the keeper).
July 18, 2008 at 17:00
GMR-what are you talking about? vela was mentioned on more than one occassion as the main reason osasuna stayed up. and to say no one was after him is completely wrong. when we signed him the likes of barca, real and utd all were looking, yet as always the younger players choose us.
yes dos santos was fighting with them but messi aside, they were all awful last season and he still couldn;t get a regualr starting spot.
July 18, 2008 at 17:01
I’ve got an idea, why don’t we buy some spud shares so our views of the club are taken more seriously!
Play Darren Bent every week!
Put Paul Robinson in goal!
July 18, 2008 at 17:01
Jamal… Thierry couldn’t get a start this year! How did you expect the spud to get a chance!
July 18, 2008 at 17:01
Someone mentioned earlier how amateurish the Arse.com set up was; anyone notice how the type face on the article announcing the Coquelin signing is different to everywhere else on Arse.com?
They can’t even get fonts right, no wonder everyone thinks Arse.com is run by a 15 year old YTS trainee.
July 18, 2008 at 17:02
theirry has lost it unfortunately! this new kid if he was that great would’ve played more and would still be there-end of
July 18, 2008 at 17:03
GMR you have a lot of good points but I think you are much harder on your own team than everyone else. Manu are being bullied by Madrid make no mistake whatever they say. Villa are being pissed off by the bindippers who are in turn being told to sell before they buy. Even Chelsea are being disrupted by the ff talk. We are no different except the press hates us and says we’re in crisis every Summer.
July 18, 2008 at 17:03
I think I am having an allergic reaction to SPUDS, please stop mentioning them coz I will throw up and have to by a new keyboard
July 18, 2008 at 17:05
Jamal… you can’t say end of and expect us to cease the debate.
Thierry has not lost it… and he was in a better position to get a start than Dos Santos last year.
It’s like saying Diarra is a shit player because he left us… you think he wont end up back at a major club soon?
Of course he will…
July 18, 2008 at 17:06
And that my friends is why we can never let Manyoo supporting Usmanov control the club!
July 18, 2008 at 17:06
Spurs have signed Woodgate, Hutton and now Rocha to improve there defence..
July 18, 2008 at 17:06
GMR lighten up it was a joke (I’m 50 btw)
July 18, 2008 at 17:07
sorry pedro that was a bit schoolground of me! i understand what you are saying, but thierry will not be the same player again unfrotunately. dos santos did nothing to impress me last year, and barca and other top clubs clearly thought the same. who knows, perhaps he will become a star, but as well know if he does he’ll only move to a CL club anyway so don;t worry!
July 18, 2008 at 17:07
Jamal, try doing some research mate, Osasuna stayed up on the last day of the season & guess what?? For the last few weeks of the season Vela had been dropped, I didn’t hear one mention of him being the reason he stayed up.
Its easy to say all those clubs were after him, supply some links with direct quotes from any of those clubs & maybe I’ll believe you. Dos Santos & Vela are the same age so why didn’t Barca go for Vela instead of Dos Santos??
July 18, 2008 at 17:09
david-rocha was signed 2 years ago mate! as for hutton and woodgate, they hardly stopped the goals leaking in after january did they?
July 18, 2008 at 17:11
vela ripped real madrid a new one.. ask sergio ramos… it was also believed that RM put a bid for vela which we refused!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:13
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Vela
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4368740.stm
first article claims “top europena clubs after him”
2nd article mentions real madrid, valencia and chelsea.
http://arsenalanalysis.blogspot.com/2008/01/carlos-vela-shines-again-for-osasuna.html
this article mentions him shinign again for osasuna
July 18, 2008 at 17:13
Arsenal’s problem last season was direct balls down the middle & Wenger’s solution to date has been to lose Flamini, then sell Gilberto!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:14
i just6 postes a load of links-where did they go pedro??
do i need to find them again>?
July 18, 2008 at 17:14
Choy, Apart from the one moment by the corner flag Ramos wasn’t concerned by Vela at all.
July 18, 2008 at 17:14
come home today get the friday feeling cmon!!
WENGER GOES AND SHOOTS MY MOOD DOWN WITH THAT LOAD OF BALLACKS ABOUT KILL THE KIDS.
MESSAGE TO YOU BOSS YOU WONT FUCKING BE THERE WHEN THESE KIDS GET THERE WINGS , BECAUSE WE WONT STAND FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF NO TROPHIES AND CRAPPY SOUNDBITES,
STOP BLAMING BAD LUCK TRY BAD COACHING ,
yes we were unlucky with injuries but look at
rvp(anderton) and rosicknote, in two years they havent played one full season , Diaby is getting to be like these two in missing long periods of the season , Denilson is to LIGHT WEIGHT to dominate the middle of the Park .
the chuckle brothers at the back KOLO, & ARROGANT BLUE ,cant defend long balls ,
how embarrising is that watching a long hopeful punt upfield end with a goal to the opposition, who then shut up shop and makes as sweat for an equaliser ,
Now apparently he is cautious about spending our money on new recruits ,
stop talking ballacks ,
If THE TEAMS NEEDS ARE NOT ADDRESSED WE WILL HAVE A REPEAT OF THE LAST THREE SEASONS AFTER CHRISTMAS ,
we need quality and expirence to marry the undoubted talent of some of our squad ,
every one can see this ,
SPEND OUR MONEY AND DELIVER US TOP CLASS READY MADE PERFORMERS ,
THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE WILL EVER GET TO DOMINATE THE LEAGUE AGAIN ,
look at man ure they win two cups and are bidding well excess of 22million for a striker,
STOP THIS PISS TAKE OF US ,
we have no money ,blah!!!
the stadium costs blah!!!!
If the current set up cant get us to the promised land next year , lets fuck them off , we were promised that by moving to a new stadium we would be competing with the big boys ,
this is cleary not the case judging by the statements issued by the management ,
aw whilst you have brougt us some success and fanatstic football ,as we fans are always being told football is a
results game
THIS SEASON YOU NEED TO DELIVER!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:15
Guys I think it’s getting a little out of hand with the Arsenal bashing and Spuds praising. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I look over their grubby little patch of grass and ask myself whether they buy better than us? Bottom line? No. Never in a million years. They might move that way but all they do at the moment is random splurges on media hyped players. We have an established spending policy, tried and tested lines of finding and acquiring the hottest talent in the world and turning huge profits on our players we sell on.
Modric could be a big player but they overpaid hugely and he was probably worth about 9m. Dos Santos let’s state right now is a classy player, but he is also somewhat of an enigma – his established position is weird…he isn’t as quick as other players but has great technique. I am not sure his stock is as high as it was two years back. TH14 should always be listened to if he says someone is class but i think he said something similar about Vela.
Right now spuds have money and they are flashing it about but the bottom line is they are not arsenal and they won’t be for a long while. Berbs is their only world-attracting player. Barca and co sniff around almost our entire 1st team and that says a lot considering their age.
Spuds are getting there but we need to ensure we always stay one step ahead.
July 18, 2008 at 17:17
right i just posted them again but it wont appear. if you want to check them out type carlos vela into google and read away. wikipedia claimns top european clubs were after him, the bbc mentions madrid, valencia and chelsea
July 18, 2008 at 17:17
Sorry Jamal, WordPress doesn’t like links!
July 18, 2008 at 17:17
Hutton has been injured, Woodgate was a main reason that spuds won something, and the other defender was Gilberto who seems to be held in high regard (not rocha).
and King is a quality player when fit..
July 18, 2008 at 17:18
http://arsenalanalysis.blogspot.com/2008/01/carlos-vela-shines-again-for-osasuna.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4368740.stm
here he is linked to real madrid, valencia and chelsea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Vela
top european clubs after him mentioned here
July 18, 2008 at 17:18
You say that Barry does not get injured often which is ironic as he picked up a ankle injury in AV training so will not be able to complete a medical so although it would be good to sign him today there is no chance
July 18, 2008 at 17:18
GMR-the fact vela didn;t play was because of injury, and if you did your research you’d know they were clear of trouble until he was out, resulting in them still nearly going down, only to avoid it late on
July 18, 2008 at 17:20
what is going on on this site? people are bigging up spurs and slagging off arsenal! some are even slagging off vela before he’s kicked a ball for us. talk about support!
July 18, 2008 at 17:20
TH!4 sense of arrogance, I don’t praise spuds players, I think thats the job of their fans regardless of how good they may be.
July 18, 2008 at 17:21
Rico I hope Stoke are the stay up team.
The team has 2 Jamaican internationals and soon to be a third.
So I hope they stay up. They will be my number 2 team this year.
July 18, 2008 at 17:22
gmr.. you have to take a look at the highlights then.. the lad was everywhere (with the ball of course)!!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:24
I don’t think we are praising Spurs… but it is fair to say they have made a couple of good signings.
I don’t think they will compete with us, but I wouldn’t have been upset if we’d signed Dos Santos. After all, Kind Thierry reckons he is a brilliant players…
July 18, 2008 at 17:26
‘What we have done well is to say nothing. We’ve kept quiet on this matter and kept it private and what I said to Cristiano remains private. ‘
Maybe we’ve been a bit harsh on Arsene?
July 18, 2008 at 17:27
Jamal, I’ve seen them, but it means nothing. Where are the direct quotes from any of the clubs?? I can post anything on wikipedia, & the BBC just says he was linked with.
If you think back to when Arsenal signed him, you might remember he said about two weeks before joining us that he didn’t really want to play in England & that his first choice was Spain, so if any of the spanish clubs had actually made a move on him he would have joined them!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:28
Choy, I watched the whole game at the time.
July 18, 2008 at 17:32
Jamal, they weren’t clear of trouble at any point, hence why they nearly went down!! If you mean they went on a little winning streak, then yeah they did & it may have moved them up the table but they were never clear of trouble. He got suspended, I don’t remember whether he picked up an injury or not but he WAS dropped. If he was injured they wouldn’t have had him on the bench!! He also got substituted in nearly every game, but if you want to think he’s the best thing since Maradona then you go ahead!!
July 18, 2008 at 17:32
Enough spud fun…..we know what Thierry said because he saw the lad train……but lets not start comparing ourselves man for man with spuds, and I don’t think Vela is a dud….if he’s an “Eduardo type” then I’m sure the lad has great potential and would not at this point say he’s better or worse than Dos Santos, pre-judging before we know the facts can easily lead to the wrong conclusion.
July 18, 2008 at 17:34
Why haven’t they announced Barry, I heard on good authority it was happening, I still think it will, come on Arsene!
July 18, 2008 at 17:34
You can take the Hunter off your lists
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/07/18/Prem-Huntelaar-to-stay-put/
July 18, 2008 at 17:34
Barca after Drogba!
How do you feel Ade?
Nobody wants you!
July 18, 2008 at 17:35
Geoff
You are not saying that based on the rumour on the site last night are you. That rumour of Barry’s agent being at the training ground was from the Daily Star
Please tell me you have heard it from somewhere else as well
July 18, 2008 at 17:38
I tend to agree with Roy Keane and his statements.
He says clubs/managers are not loyal, so players should look out for themselves.
http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=781375
I mean look what we did to Gilberto, Viera and so on.
July 18, 2008 at 17:42
And you can probably take Barry off too, despite us now being rumoured to be interested in him
http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/07/18/barry-still-has-heart-set-on-anfield-switch-65233-21367594/
July 18, 2008 at 17:46
Yes I did, then I saw last nights comment and felt it was a done deal, I still think it will happen.
July 18, 2008 at 17:48
Pedro, so what do we do with Ade? Do you think that Arsene will sit him on the bench. I doubt it. So, who else would he run up-front in stead of the 6′ 4″ Togo striker? I would love to see a fit . . . yes I said it . . . fit RVP. Heck, even an Eduardo (If he is ready) would be a sight to behold.
Geoff, I too am getting quite excited to see the season kick off. I think we are going to see some awesome stuff this coming season, and I hope that it entails some silver ware. If not, I am going to create a cup, have it made, and send it over . . . they need something right?
Cheers.
July 18, 2008 at 17:51
I know the AKB’s are out there, but I noted some time ago that Arsene truly has an eye for talent. He knows how to get these players in, and if history is cyclical (And it is, as I have a degree in the subject . . . along with basket weaving . . . in case I could not find a job with my history degree . . . basket weaving is still in high demand).
I see a field of great players, with depth on the bench, and the opportunity to get some competition for the players that have become . . . well, complacent.
July 18, 2008 at 17:51
What did Arsenal do so bad to Gilberto? They reduced the transfer fee so he could earn top money and get first team football.
Last year he made the decision to play for his country and have a holiday allowing Flamini to take his place in the team. he has to take some responsabilily.
July 18, 2008 at 17:53
Gilberto had a few factors working against him, and the biggest one was age. Arsene will only do one year contracts after you turn the big 30 (unless you are a goalie), and for many of the “senior” players, that is not enough security for them.
Gilberto will be missed, but I have a feeling that this was a good move for him. First team playing, and quite a bit of fanfare with his arrival in Greece. I am happy for him, and wish him all the best.
July 18, 2008 at 18:05
Maryland, the only thing you can… play him and hope he recaptures last years form!
You can’t bench him… because he is a good player for us… and what is the point in making a £24mill striker who is 24 sit on the bench and end the season being worth half?
It’s not like we have anyone who can replace his goals yet.
My hope is that Eduardo will embarrass Ade this year… and RvP will stay fit (hahahahaha).
Berto wasn’t cutting it for much of last season… but he was treated shabbily by the club. Imagine trying to work for someone who completely mugged you for doing nothing wrong…?
I hope Wenger does have another signing up his sleeve… becuase we need it. This is the biggest summer of Wenger’s career in my mind.
If he gets it wrong, he is in trouble.
July 18, 2008 at 18:08
pat
i said that yesterday no chance of signing barry , he wants to move to liverpoo to be with his buddy .. should i say play along side his buddy ..
Not sure what everyone was talking about yesterday .. but the 2 big factors that barry wont come to us , 1stly he doesn’t want too , 2nd is the amount villa want for him ..
can you see arsene paying 18 mil or 15 with hoyte ?
Like i said kids 1st denilson will get his shot ..
do i like the idea ??? NO!
and we will probably get someone else in for some competition for denilson .
and yes its sucks … but thats how crazy wenger is getting ..
dont worry maryland im sure ade will get sold ..
he has shit in his own nest and i cant imagine wenger putting up with it !
July 18, 2008 at 18:10
I would bench him, he’s disloyal, give RVP and Bendtner, or Theo or Vela a shout, anyone can score goals with the service we give them.
I’m not sure Diaby and Denilson are good enough yet though, get Barry.
July 18, 2008 at 18:11
not sure if anyone missed this
but as monty python says HERE COMES ANOTHER ONE !!!
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has completed the signing of youngster Francis Coquelin from French third division side Laval.
17-year-old Coquelin was on trial at the Gunners last season, with the young midfielder impressing Wenger enough to make Coquelin the third arrival at the Emirates Stadium this year.
Arsenal have reportedly paid no fee for Coquelin, with it also believed that the player passed a medical with Arsenal as long ago as May.
well geoff you said you felt a signing coming on today ..
you were right
oh and surprise, surprise guess where he’s from !?
July 18, 2008 at 18:13
hmmm… two 17yr olds and one 21 yr old…
anyone reassured yet?
hahah
July 18, 2008 at 18:16
Geoff, I’m with you, Ade should be benched. We should still get 8-10 million for him next summer, but due to no team now wanting him we’ll be stuck. Hopefully Eduardo will be back soon, its a big ask to hope RVP stays fit but we’ll just have to. Maybe Bendtner can improve another 10% as well which would give us extra goals.
I just couldn’t bring myself to cheer Ade even if he scored, & if he does that pathetic dance I’ll bash my head on every wall I find!!
July 18, 2008 at 18:17
It’s just a fucking joke, I’m really losing faith in him now, so disappointing.
July 18, 2008 at 18:19
I’d like to Bench him, but I think we will play him…
I’d prefer him to get played out of the side and end up our 3rd striker (Karma).
I’d be pleased if he bagged 30 again, but I can’t see it… I can however see Eduardo getting a huge haul of goals!
RvP wont stay fit… he even picked up a knock at a charity game.
July 18, 2008 at 18:24
its on arsenal .com also !
you know the real stupid fucking thing about it is ! HE wont even be around to see him come to fruition a 17 year old with only 2 years left to go on arsene’s contract !
i mean rumor has him going back to his homeland -lyon or whatever .. .. and quite frankly if he keeps this up he might find himself there sooner ! But either way at 17 there is no way wenger will see half of these kids mature !!!! I just cannot fathom the thinking behind it !!
any other top flight manager would come in and sell all these players for NOW players ..
im sure he will be buying 16 year olds till the day he leaves AFC !
its an obsessive compulsive disorder !
July 18, 2008 at 18:24
Geoff, a joke? I hope you’re not talking about the signing of Coquelin there mate. He’s not being signed “instead” of a Barry/Alonso. You always need to make signings to beef up the youth team regardless of first team transfers. Who knows, this kid could become a great first team player in 4 years. Imagine if Wenger hadn’t bothered signing Fabregas/Clichy/Toure all those years ago. You’ve got to invest for the long term as well as the short term.
Losing faith? Relax, there’s buckets of time to go. We’ve already been pretty active so far. Wenger must sign at least one other to replace Gilberto and I’m sure he knows it.
July 18, 2008 at 18:30
Ethan, chill man. Imagine if Wenger did leave in 2 years leaving the youth team in tatters with no-one coming through. Would you be complaining then? I bet you would. The point your making is the lack of activity on the defensive midfielder signing front, which is fair enough. But signing youngsters like Coquelin is important for the future.
What’s the problem with having as good a youth team as you possibly can? I can’t really see one – they will not be on much money compared to first teamers so they won’t be eating into that budget much. The only problem is possibly having too many talents so that you end up jettisoning the ones that we don’t have space for. But at least you get to pick and choose the ones you want to keep.
July 18, 2008 at 18:32
Adam… most of our wage budget is eaten up by highly paid kids.
Our wages are 92mill and the mancs 93mill and manu have about 5 players on £100k plus!
We don’t have any on that money… The reason we get the kids is we pay them chelsea money in comparison to other clubs.
July 18, 2008 at 18:33
Adam, how many youth team players do we need? how many have Chelsea got, if they’re so good, how many youth cups have we won? He is bordering on obsessive now.
He’s been here 12 years, how many have you named? 3.
We need to sign some grown up, otherwise all the good players will leave, next you’ll be telling me to trust Arsene.
July 18, 2008 at 18:36
What about Muamba, Larsson, Ali Adiere, Mendez, Stokes, Mendez, Flamini, Grondin, Thomas, Rickets, I could go on.
July 18, 2008 at 18:37
For all that lot we could have bought a Barry and won the league, we’re saving for a future that won’t happen, it’s tedious.
July 18, 2008 at 18:38
Geoff, they don’t win youth cups because they’re taught that the result isn’t important as long as they perform well. Thats an attitude which clearly runs throughout the club.
I may hate Mourinho but he installed a winning mentality into the chelski players!!
July 18, 2008 at 18:39
Man United won the double and how many children have they invested in? none, they are trying to buy Berbatov though, oh and they won the EPL and the FA Cup the year before and then they bought Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Tevez.
July 18, 2008 at 18:41
Yeah you’re right GMR, all Ferguson wants to do is win FA Cups, EPL’s and Champions league’s what a wanker, he should invest in youth.
July 18, 2008 at 18:41
When you have a player like Steve Bould telling kids that winning isn’t the most important thing then you know Arsene’s regime is extremely strict.
Bould played under GG in a style where playing well wasn’t important, but winning was. Clearly he isn’t allowed to teach the kids that.
July 18, 2008 at 18:42
Winning isn’t important GMR, that’s what we teach kids in school now.
July 18, 2008 at 18:42
Coquelin has been handed the no 59 shirt how many do we go up to?
July 18, 2008 at 18:44
It’s his age David, 5 years 9 months!
July 18, 2008 at 18:44
Geoff, Ferguson probably has better youth than us anyway & its not all foreign. They had that defender at Sunderland that they were desperate to keep, they sold Pique for 6 million to Barca, they have a player at Crystal Palace. They got to the final of the youth cup the season before last knocking us out on the way!! They just bring through the best kids & mix them with world class talent.
Our kids go out on loan at Championship sides & can’t even get in the teams. Why do Chelski’s & Man Utd’s youngsters get played when they’re on loan!!
July 18, 2008 at 18:46
Geoff, I had woman screaming at me on my kids sports day because I told my little girl I wouldn’t buy her a new bike if she didn’t win her race.
All this taking part bollocks really depresses me!!
July 18, 2008 at 18:51
Nice one GMR! I hope she won.
July 18, 2008 at 18:51
Good comments GMR and Geoff, where were you earlier when I was saying similar but being outnumbered by people talking about being relaxed and confident going into the new season
Its crazy talk, we will win nothing as things stand.
And I say again if we go into the season with Diaby and Denilson, Wenger should be sacked, it is recklass and incompetant management.
July 18, 2008 at 18:52
A website that tells the fans what is happening, thats a crazy idea!
http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1346953,00.html
July 18, 2008 at 18:54
I’m with you Pat, enough is enough, how can they charge us what they do and spend nothing on new players, it’s negligent and arrogant.
July 18, 2008 at 18:57
lol gmr.. i really hope she won!!!
July 18, 2008 at 18:58
GMR I hope it wasn’t a bike race!
July 18, 2008 at 18:59
pat, I’ve already had a couple of run ins with people on here today, both of whom completely missed my point or in one of the cases wasn’t intelligent enough to understand it!!
Why do people keep saying relax?? I don’t come here to relax, I come here to voice an opinion about OUR club.
The same people that tell you to relax will be the same ones come mid season when our hopes are over again, that say it’s always easy to criticize with hindsight. How did Wenger know such & such a player would get injured etc!!
July 18, 2008 at 19:02
The same people who probably don’t spend their hard earned on watching us win fuck all, it’s easy if you just spend it on SKY, if we lose it fucks my whole week up, if we don’t win a trophy it fucks my whole year up, relax my arse.
July 18, 2008 at 19:03
Well she was never really going to win & I knew that because her class has 3 different age groups in it (primary school). Out of 25 kids though she came last in 2007, but this year she came 3rd.
It shows what determination can do for you.
She did get her bike as well!!
July 18, 2008 at 19:05
aren’t some of you going to interview wenger tomorrow?
July 18, 2008 at 19:06
spot on GMR winning is what counts period!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 19:18
GMR, very funny!
Mind you, the FA have taken the emphasis of results with under 8’s to encourage technique. What are your thoughts on that?
July 18, 2008 at 19:20
Listen when you’re in the ring, you can’t come second, winning is everything, anything other than winning, is losing, simple.
July 18, 2008 at 19:27
Brilliant words from Galliani regarding why he signed Ronaldinho
“He is a player with great media impact, whereas Adebayor is not”
Take that TT you fucking mug
Ha Ha fucking brilliant, it has cheered my day up
July 18, 2008 at 19:38
Hey fellow gunners, I think based on the personel we have, we may have to switch formation.
I know defense is prob but maybe we should play 3-5-2.
This way you have the CD backed up by a sweeper who could clean things up so to speak if the CDs get it wrong.
So we would have
……………………………………Almunia
………………………..New Aggressive CD/Nordveight………………….
……………………..Toure…………………………..Gallas……………………
Sagna………….Cesc…………….Diaby/Denilson………………….Clichy
……………..Bendter/Nasri/Rosicky………………………………………….
…………………….Ade/Rvp…………………Walcott/Eddy/Vela
This way Sagna and Clichy act as the true wingers that will not predictably cut back in and narrow the play too often.
The Bendtner/Nasri/Rocisky role would link the midfield to the attack.
I put Bendtner there because he seems to have good passing and good ball skills, he does seem like someone who can lead the line even tho he is very big.
Eboue can be back up for Sagna. While Traore or even Vela could maybe deputise for Clichy as he is known to tackle up when it is necessary.
July 18, 2008 at 19:39
TT?
July 18, 2008 at 19:40
Barry Update
Martin O’Neill has confirmed he held talks with Gareth Barry yesterday and the midfielder again made clear his desire to join Barclays Premier League rivals Liverpool.
England international Barry has not joined Villa out here in Denmark for the Intertoto Cup clash with Odense BK after sustaining a foot injury in training on Wednesday.
O’Neill told http://www.avfc.co.uk: “I’ve spoken to him this week and he reiterated a desire to join Liverpool. So the situation remains unchanged, we’re still waiting to hear back from Liverpool.”
July 18, 2008 at 19:40
With regards to barry signing today BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 19:48
Evening Merry Perry Grovers……
Watching Good old AFC on Setanta –
2 interesting things for me
1) French Footie Man – Phillipe O’Claire (forgive any mispelt names) he seems bemused by Coquelin signing, he says he is older than the ‘usual’ Wenger signing for the Acadamy – Phillipe says he is a defensive midfielder and feels that he may be straight into the first team squad…..
2) Interview with Alex Song – Comes accross as a decent guy, has NO INTENTION to move away, he says he is at the best club with the best manager. The boss has told him he will make it if he works hard – I think he will be playing in the first team – he was full of smiles and is so excited for this season……………
What do you reckon Grovers
July 18, 2008 at 19:49
wags – thats harsh
July 18, 2008 at 19:50
i think wenger was never in for barry if at all wenger would have shown the slightest of interest in signing him he would have held talks with the player or the players agent about a possible move and since barry is insisting on a move to liverpool i think it shows that we have not made contact with the player or his agent……what is more interesting is wenger cant be comfortable letting 3 dm players leave in one season and he surely has an experienced candidate lined up which wouldnt take alot of age out of his young players and who might that player be remains to be seen.
July 18, 2008 at 19:51
gareth barry only wants to join liverpool, let him……
i rather have either ruben de la red or miquel velaso
July 18, 2008 at 19:53
God
3 Division French Footballer straight into our first team squad in the Premiership. If true Wenger seriously has lost it.
Song, I do not rate despite a few good performances, too many shit ones are still on my brain. Nice lad though.
July 18, 2008 at 19:55
Pat – AW hasnt said that, it was Phillipe doo da who said that – dont get twitchy!
July 18, 2008 at 19:57
oops sorry… should not shown my e-mail
July 18, 2008 at 19:58
rico..
1st one.. DM at the age of 17.. not happening…
song is going to beijing!!!
July 18, 2008 at 19:58
No I am not Rico, just saying if it is true what that french bloke said
Arsenal have the story listed under Reserves and Youths so hopefully this is not our re-assuring signing.
I have nothing about signing people for the future but would really prefer a bit of action on the 1st team
July 18, 2008 at 19:59
rico01 harsh but a reality non the less Barry will go to liverpool end of, he’s wanted to go all summer and by the end of it he will. He will be wearing red next season but it will be the red of the scouse mouses!!
July 18, 2008 at 20:03
gunner fever are you wolverine from AM?
July 18, 2008 at 20:14
yes choy and gamingindians too.
July 18, 2008 at 20:19
oh.. ok mate.. i’m there on GI as well!!!
nice to see you here!!!
July 18, 2008 at 20:21
i know choy_kwok mate
good to have you here as well
July 18, 2008 at 20:39
u seen spuds have reported scousers and manure for tapping up keane and berbatoss, dock the pair of em 10 points, thats wot i say!!!
July 18, 2008 at 20:46
well man utd always play dirty dont they
July 18, 2008 at 20:57
Me done – sleep tight Grovers…………..
Bring on the Barnet
July 18, 2008 at 20:57
You can see why FIFA don’t take tapping up seriously, Man U report Real Madrid for doing it then they do it to Spurs..
July 18, 2008 at 21:08
Well done to the spuds for doing that, I thought watching this Morning that Red Nose was a little hypocritical for talking about the Berbatov bid and how he expected to sign him.
The Premier League will do fuck all about it though
July 18, 2008 at 21:12
Oh well another week and another without Reassurance
I can only hope now that the Club want to present them to the Fans at the Emirates Cup in two weeks time.
Remember thinking that last summer though!!!
July 18, 2008 at 21:39
Is anyone alive?
July 18, 2008 at 21:43
yup pat…
what do you think .. will the FA take any action against manu and pool?
July 18, 2008 at 21:54
No chance
If it was just Liverpool then maybe but Man Ure are untouchable.
I wonder if Villa will contribute to Liverpools woes as well though
July 18, 2008 at 21:57
Did you see what Rio got for kicking that Chelsea Steward, it is a joke
“The FA also investigated a post-match incident involving Rio Ferdinand and a Chelsea steward. No charge has been issued, on the basis that the incident was an accident and an apology had been made.
“In reaching its decision The FA relied largely on evidence provided by the steward in question. However, Ferdinand has been reminded of his responsibilities.”
If that was an Arsenal Player they would be have locked up
July 18, 2008 at 22:00
lol.. gallas’s tantrum was worse!!!
July 18, 2008 at 22:00
Evening all!
Choy, the FA are pussy’s when it comes to Fergie.
I expect NO action to be taken against them mate.
Fergies got away with it for years and has the cheek to moan about Madrid!
What a wanker!
July 18, 2008 at 22:01
Sorry should have read would have been locked up
July 18, 2008 at 22:03
I take it that Pat and Choy are the only Grovers around at the moment?…
How are you both doing?
I’m supping on a cold Fosters and thinking about Wengers comments earlier.
Bit gutted really. I hope its just a smoke screen and that we are about to sign someone soon!
July 18, 2008 at 22:06
Hey, just so I don’t upset anyone, this will be tomorrows post.
We will sign no one over 13 today.
Wenger is god.
Today we play Barnet.
What do you think? will that get anyone talking Wags?
July 18, 2008 at 22:12
Jezza,
In all honesty I agree that under 8’s should be learning technique, but then in reality they should also do away with games at that age so you don’t have the competitive edge. A while ago I read about the Dutch academies & how the young kids don’t play matches, they purely focus on technique & using the ball, I assume the Spanish & other countries do the same.
My issue is with players around 16-18 should already have the technique & if they haven’t then they’ll never be professional players (barring the odd freak like Ian Wright). At that age they should be fully focused on giving them a winning mentality & thats exactly what Mourinho would work on.
If our academy players are taught its ok just to play well then there is something fundamentaly wrong. If they’ve given 110% & lost there is nothing wrong with that, but going out just to look good doesn’t wash with me. The likes of Bentley have criticised Arsenal for their lack of top flight preperation, he didn’t feel he was anywhere near ready for the physical side of the game when he got thrown in & I think that comes across in quite a few of the Arsenal youngsters. When the going gets tough, our youngsters go missing. Compare that to likes of Lauren, Vieira & even Sagna who weren’t originally brought up under Wenger & they loved that side of the game. Wenger is brilliant at what he does, but his ego lets him down. He won’t accept advice & thats why he won’t have a strong minded number 2.
End of rant!! lol
July 18, 2008 at 22:13
Hi Geoff,
I’m upset now mate.
I can imagine you’ll get a few people talking about it mate, mainly on other blogs i suppose.
But its your views and aint that what a writing a blogs all about mate? Airing your views.
You wont upset me pal
July 18, 2008 at 22:14
wrighty.. am at work.. another hour to go before i head home…
cold fosters? lucky bastard
well wenger talks like my x girlfren… says something .. all the while meaning something else…
how the hell are simple minds like us supposed to figure it out?
“I have money .. i don’t have money.. i have money… i don’t have money…
there i got you”
i just hope its all a smokescreen and he reveals new first team members on monday…
all this optimism in life is giving me a headache.. but still i persist!!!
July 18, 2008 at 22:20
Thanks Wrighty, I don’t always get it right, I got a tip and it didn’t work out! Shit happens, tomorrow will be another opinion, don’t know what until I start writing.
I still think we’ll sign Barry, if we don’t he’s missed out again, don’t forget, we had a chance to sign Mascerano 4 years ago, another gem he didn’t unearth! have a great night Grovers.
July 18, 2008 at 22:22
GMR,
That was not a rant. That is exactly how I feel mate.
We are not taught properly at a young age. Far from it.
Thats why England are behind other nations in terms of technique and winning mentality.
When I was 11-13 I was at Millwall and the training was shit. The matches were all long ball and kick to the big lump of a striker to bull doze through.
I was at Wimbledon from 14-16 and although the training was better the matches were the same. I was in a team with ten massive players and the attitude was just to lump it.
I suppoe at least at Arsenal youngsters are taught to play properly but with such a multiculture at the club I suppose physical football is not top of the agenda.
July 18, 2008 at 22:23
anyone been to the new shop in st albans yet?
July 18, 2008 at 22:26
Laters Geoff, hope you right about Barry mate!
Another hour Choy? I’ll have a Fosters for you pal!
Who do you reckon we’ll sign Choy?
I reckon a centre midfielder and thats it. Hopefully Yaya, Barry or Alonso!
July 18, 2008 at 22:27
What the new Tesco’s AndyB?
July 18, 2008 at 22:29
No Wrighty Morrisons, I was hoping to bump into Alan Hansen!
July 18, 2008 at 22:31
I mentioned the Barry thing yesterday, but it was only something i read in the star so its probably nonsense, although i hope not.
July 18, 2008 at 22:37
GMR the whole world doesn’t make their kids play competitive matches. 2 proffessional football coaches have told me that in this country by the time they’re 12 they’ve had the skill trained out of them. The latins all play football for fun when they are kids and develop their techniques. That’s why most of our players are rubbish. I took my kids to football tournaments when they were young. Seeing mothers screaming get fucking stuck in to their 5 year olds made my sick.
July 18, 2008 at 22:38
Ha ha!
AndyB,
we need a big signing in the middle of the park and Barry would be ideal.
July 18, 2008 at 22:38
Evening all! No Barry signing… no big deal!
I don’t want him anyway… give me Yaya or Veloso!
Happy blogging Grovers!
July 18, 2008 at 22:41
yes I think so too Wrighty. And no the new arsenal shop, Im going tomorrow,
Alright pedro
July 18, 2008 at 22:42
Evening Andy!
July 18, 2008 at 22:42
wrighty7.. any defensive player would be great…
we will always score.. but you can’t say the same thing about defending….
when i watch arsenal.. it is inevitable that we will concede..
so a international defensive player is what i am looking at … DM or CB.. or both would be good enough for me!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 22:46
Do you not think we could do with an Englishman or two Pedro? just incase they ever bring in that home grown rule?
July 18, 2008 at 22:48
On the subject of the blog… people don’t seem to get that we write the blog for discussion… we don’t do it for money… we do it because we love talking about Arsenal!
If people want official news… go to the BBC or Reuters.
If people want a blog that talks about official links, their are plenty of places to go…
If people want to read an opinion and have a chat about Arsenal, then this is the place to come.
Anyway, how are you Wrighty?
July 18, 2008 at 22:49
Andy does the home grown rule mean they have to be English? I always thought cesc and senderos qualified.
July 18, 2008 at 22:50
We have the Brit pack coming through!
Lansbury, Gibbs, Wilshere, Murphy and Randall!
We’ve already prepared for that rule apparently!
Who would you sign who is english if you had and open cheque book… or an arsene saver card?
July 18, 2008 at 22:50
wer gonna win fuk all next season, FUK ALL!!!
WENGER IS CRACKED, HOW DOES BRINGIN 1 EXPERIENCE PLAYA KILL A YOUNGSTER! FUK WATCHIN NX SEASON, UNITED WILL WIN THE TITLE AGAIN!
NO DEPTH IN THE SQUAD AND ALREDY 4 PLAYAS HAVE DEPARTED N WENGER IS THINKIN DIABY N DENILSON WILL SUFFICE ALONG WITH REPLACING THEM LOSSES WITH YOUNGSTERS, FUK IT!
IM SORRY TO SAY BUT ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN CHELSEA N UNITED TOO STRONG N EVEN LIVERPOOL WILL OVA TEK US NEXT SEASON!
July 18, 2008 at 22:51
Choy – Anton Ferdinand, Barry and Eto in, Gallas and Ade out, thats what i think anyway
July 18, 2008 at 22:51
fifa will never agree to the 6+5 rule…
pedro.. in the coming days.. we have like a month to go.. why don’t you do a player profile every day.. and see what’s expected of them.. just a suggestion… instead of joining this transfer hysteria!!!
since wenger will probably not add any more players.. we have to look at what we’ve got!!!
July 18, 2008 at 22:52
Agbonghlahor and Barry,
July 18, 2008 at 22:53
Agbonlahor… top shout!
July 18, 2008 at 22:54
Micheal – I thought English
Pedro – yes but they will all fuck off after 1 season in the first team and AW will buy some even younger stars of the future!
July 18, 2008 at 22:55
I like him he’s quick too! I bet Wenger likes him too can’t he swap him for Hoyte?
July 18, 2008 at 22:55
i would have young instead of gabby….
anyways.. with that am off for the day.. hope to see the game tomorrow.. have a nice weekend grovers…
theo hatrick tomorrow!!!!
nite all….
July 18, 2008 at 22:55
He is English
July 18, 2008 at 22:56
ignore that i was 1 comment behind
July 18, 2008 at 22:56
Yes good shout Michael, he’s class. What about Ashley Young?
July 18, 2008 at 22:56
Well, you get your first match review on sunday… I’ll have a better idea then and maybe I can add something!
The thing is… it is quite hard writing about reserves… because no one really knows much about them…
July 18, 2008 at 22:57
I was going to say young as well. But that would have been 3 villans. It just seemed a bit wrong.
July 18, 2008 at 22:58
richards? onohua (english?)?
July 18, 2008 at 22:58
Evening Pedro mate,
fine thanks matey.
If I had an open cheque book and could sign any English man it be Micah Richards.
I reckon he would be immense for Arsenal and hes a Gooners as well which is an added bonus!
July 18, 2008 at 23:00
Fuck me, I didnt realise it was the 19th already tomorrow. Anyone going to Barnet?
July 18, 2008 at 23:00
Even with the roasting stuff?
Party boy lifestyle player + Wenger = ???
July 18, 2008 at 23:01
ME! Corporate… haha!
July 18, 2008 at 23:02
I cant go I’m working and I’m a plastic. I’m going to Amsterdam though with my boy’s. Can’t wait.
July 18, 2008 at 23:02
Fair play. If we all meet you outside, do you ythink you could blag us all in?
July 18, 2008 at 23:04
That sounds like a lot of fun Michael! Stag weekend?
Corporate a Barnet is probably a ginesters sandwich and a cold beer! haha! Maybe a leather seat!
July 18, 2008 at 23:04
We were going to go,but we are flat out with work at the moment so decided against it.
July 18, 2008 at 23:06
No my son’s are 17 and 14. my 17 year old say’s “dad can we go to a coffee shop? I want to try the strongest they have to see how it compares to what we get here” we’re going to the Ajax game.
July 18, 2008 at 23:07
Yeah mate, i reckon he’d be fine at Arsenal.
He’d have focus with us to do well.
I know I’d change my lifestyle to play for Arsenal!!!!
July 18, 2008 at 23:07
I went a few seasons ago Pedro and I dont remember seeing any corporate boxes, leather seats, beer or ginsters pasties mate. you never know though they might give you a Big Eat Walkers Cheese and onion!
July 18, 2008 at 23:07
Oh right! It’s still a cool place to go… are you really catching a game?
July 18, 2008 at 23:08
After I Booked it my daughter say’s “I want to go to Amsterdam” all the prices were double when I went back to book her tickets
July 18, 2008 at 23:10
I’d change my lifestyle to… I’d buy nice things and live it up a little!
Andy, I figure it is going to be like Colchester Corporate… kind of like the toilets in club level!
I’m just kidding… bud is taking me, so I’m sure it’ll be a crack! He’ll get some pics and quotes I reckon!
July 18, 2008 at 23:10
I should have stayed an extra night and gone to the second game don’t know why I didn’t.. I’ve got them for a week so it’s tha madrid game, members day and Ajax.
July 18, 2008 at 23:12
Pedro- Fantasy grove is doing well pal.
Must say well done on that mate!
July 18, 2008 at 23:13
I haven’t got a season ticket but it seems like you obviously do. Do you think Ade will get booed? I think we’re stuck with him
July 18, 2008 at 23:14
Yes Pedro, a good day out and its countdown to the season from now on in.
Oh and theres loads of pubs in Barnet, one of them’s got to do peroni!
July 18, 2008 at 23:17
How do you fancy your chances now wrighty! I only thought we’d get 20… there is over 100 now!
Michael, I felt most Gooners didn’t really like him that much last year… he is going to really struggle to win the hearts and minds of the gooners this year… he really tried to shit on us.
Did you read Galliani? He said Ade wasn’t very marketable! Amazing turnaround… and barca are after Drogba!
So badly mugged!
July 18, 2008 at 23:18
Would you boo him?
July 18, 2008 at 23:19
I’d fucking smack him
July 18, 2008 at 23:19
And probably run
July 18, 2008 at 23:20
I’d swap him for andy johnson
July 18, 2008 at 23:22
pedro, chris
any update on feeds for tomorrow?
July 18, 2008 at 23:23
i checked up, its not online on any network in states
July 18, 2008 at 23:24
Come on here GMT 1200 and Chris will let you know!
I’d run from Ade as well… he looks brutal!
Right… signing off!
Have a good one Grovers!
July 18, 2008 at 23:25
see you later
July 18, 2008 at 23:25
have a good time Pedro
July 18, 2008 at 23:26
GG… they are sopcast feeds… I don’t know much about them, but you can get the software here:
http://www.sopcast.com/
Then you get the feeds from loads of places…
July 18, 2008 at 23:27
Still reckon i’m odds on fave Pedro!
Have a good day tommorow mate,
I’m off too.
Laters all…………..
Keep it Goonerish……………………………….
July 18, 2008 at 23:27
Looks like a good instruction manual for getting the game tomorrow!
http://www.arsenal-goal.com/?page_id=40
Anyway… good luck and catch you guys tomorrow!
July 18, 2008 at 23:28
You are gonna beat me wrighty… i’m a virgin fantasy man!
How dodgy did that sound!
Laters for definite now!
July 18, 2008 at 23:29
hope Vela and Ramsey get a good run in
my quid is on Vela to bang in one
July 18, 2008 at 23:34
myp2p is good for live feeds. I once watched the bucharest away game with no commentry . The one in the pissing rain you could hear the players calling each other. It was a boring game though. Sopcast is usually the best.
July 18, 2008 at 23:55
I am totally fucked off as Wenger has done exactly what some of you guys predicted and come out with the give youth a chance comment.
If anyone thinks this will be better than last year then they have a shock coming their way.
The midfield will get a royal kicking from the gangsters up north and won’t be able to handle it.
We will not score 3 goals per game and seeing as our keeper lets in at least 1 goal per game it means we will draw many again and probably even lose a few more.
I really want to be wrong but where last year I predicted pre season we would win the league this year i am very nervous.
I don’t think he needs to spend millons i just want to see a few experienced guys a keeper and a big time goalscorer.
David Silva, Villa, Senna, Frings, Barry even Alonso would omly partly help. That cunt Ade looks like he will stay with us now and as much as the Mancscum will be loving keeping their traitor i want ours to just fuck off.
If anyone says which keeper well how about the guy who the Spuds signed, Green, Carson,Freidel (yes Freidel) Cudicini, the kid at Citeh,Kirkland.I would have taken Schwarzer from Boro as back up but he went to Fulham on a free.
Wenger sort it out.
July 18, 2008 at 23:56
u out in the garage el tel?
July 19, 2008 at 00:08
I think he’ll sign 2 more. I really don’t think he’s finished. If I’m wrong then I’ll be a bit worried but not shitting myself.
July 19, 2008 at 00:11
Hi all new to le grove always read it and my uncle BUD! has just set me up an acount so i am looking foward to talking lots of arsenal with you guys snd girls
Uncle BUD! says that you are a good bunch, but i am only fourteen so he says if you swear to much he is going to get blogger jeff or pedro to block you ……………………………. As if !!!!!!
July 19, 2008 at 00:11
theres still a long way to go till the end of the window. so im hopfull he will sign at least 1 more player. maybe 2.
July 19, 2008 at 00:12
I’m off. Catch you later. Enjoy the game tomorrow
July 19, 2008 at 00:21
lads has that bitchslap guy signed?
July 19, 2008 at 00:27
hasnt signed yet …I thing
July 19, 2008 at 00:27
late HI from me
July 19, 2008 at 00:28
654-that s close to the top hits of 679 or smoething
July 19, 2008 at 00:28
Evo, Are you on the Fantasy Grove yet?
July 19, 2008 at 00:29
ffs!!!!! let´s start the season
July 19, 2008 at 00:31
Hey! what the &%$# is going on here.
http://www.bigpond.com/news/breaking/content/20080719/2308359.asp
Obviously its a myth. All the ram rooters were’nt shipped out here as convicts.
July 19, 2008 at 00:41
To all those Grovers off to the Big Barnet game, have a great day. Its always quality time being with your mates watching footy/footie. Likewise, me today with Old Scotch F C. Today we play the Paddies, St Pats F C, & I can tell you it could be on duing the game & in the crowd, but we all have a beer after the game
July 19, 2008 at 01:25
I know defense is prob but maybe we should play 3-5-2.
This way you have the CD backed up by a sweeper who could clean things up so to speak if the CDs get it wrong.
So we would have
……………………………………Almunia
………………………..New Aggressive CD/Nordveight………………….
……………………..Toure…………………………..Gallas……………………
Sagna………….Cesc…………….Diaby/Denilson………………….Clichy
……………..Bendter/Nasri/Rosicky………………………………………….
…………………….Ade/Rvp…………………Walcott/Eddy/Vela
This way Sagna and Clichy act as the true wingers that will not predictably cut back in and narrow the play too often.
The Bendtner/Nasri/Rocisky role would link the midfield to the attack.
I put Bendtner there because he seems to have good passing and good ball skills, he does not seem like someone who can lead the line even tho he is very big.
Eboue can be back up for Sagna. While Traore or even Vela could maybe deputise for Clichy as he is known to tackle up when it is necessary.
July 19, 2008 at 02:10
Barry signing for Arsenal celebration video!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z_4Iw7Bj8PU&feature=related
July 19, 2008 at 02:30
yep signed up this morning for the fantasy grove, you’ll see me on there!
July 19, 2008 at 02:32
Arsenaldo
nar we got 690 2 or 3 days ago ! its heating up ..
I agree Ja ..
i think we need to change the formation to suit who we have as players now ..
July 19, 2008 at 02:33
that song is hilarious finest!
July 19, 2008 at 02:42
so we have a 3rd signing, another young bloke
Arsene Wenger has signed his third player of the summer and his second French midfielder with Francis Coquelin joining from third division side Laval.
July 19, 2008 at 02:45
Pedro/George…there have been agents at Emirates Stadium recently, but it is from our firm. We manage Micah Richards, (amongst others) who is looking for a move.
Thankfully your excellent blog (I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter) is full of intelligent comments, which means agents-firms won’t find this comment. I am too excited to contain myself – I think Micah will be excellent for our club.
Mum’s the word.
July 19, 2008 at 02:55
Just got in from work…
New boy conquelin has replaced vela in the squad for tomorrow’s game…
same thing happened with ed last season… Just signing some autographs then
July 19, 2008 at 02:58
pmsl laughing @ finest’s video
Benny Lava………..
July 19, 2008 at 04:10
oh man, 667: neighbour of the beast again…
July 19, 2008 at 05:15
thanks for the vote of confidence parlane
July 19, 2008 at 05:17
How long is RVP OUT ?
or is a better question will he ever be ready ?
July 19, 2008 at 06:14
he’s not injured already is he???
don’t tell me he pulled a muscle just thinking about playing.
July 19, 2008 at 07:29
Welcome aboard Sam, but gone 12 is way past my bed time and yours, does your dad know you were up that late!
July 19, 2008 at 07:32
Well Scott Carson went to fucking West Brom then, but hey at least he’ll probs be available for even less than £4m when they get relegated next year.
We’ll probably buy no fucker for the rest of the closed season now.
Every yeat its disappointment.
Wenger goes on about how he’s built winning teams out of nothing in the past.
What a fucking load of shit, he hasn’t put together a side that has capably and deservedly won jack shit for years and years. The FA Cup was a fluke so our last actual victory was the invincible season.
This will be another barren year of bollock all except Gallas being a whinging cunt and being beaten by Man U and losing the title by a few points. That or we’ll come apart at the seams and end mid table, then nobody will want to sign because at least at other mid table clubs they pay over the odds in wages. We’ll be left filiding average players and ending in an avergae position. We will be the new spuds Goddamit!
July 19, 2008 at 07:38
Finest, nice video! Saturday night fever on speed, where do you get these from?
If only were were going to sign Richards eh!
July 19, 2008 at 08:15
For those of you who like the sharp posts we write you may be disappointed as today sees the dawn of the factual post, going on soon. I’m fed up with upsetting AKB’s with my speculation and shit tips.
July 19, 2008 at 08:16
So Vela’s been pulled from the squad, he must have picked up an injury. I hope out new physio knows what he’s doing as I have a feeling he’ll be very busy this season!!
July 19, 2008 at 08:17
out = our
July 19, 2008 at 08:27
We sure have a lot to look forward to this year!
July 19, 2008 at 08:30
Geoff, you feel like me then!!
July 19, 2008 at 08:33
I am astounded by his obsession with kids, it’s worrying, how many of them make it for fucks sake and how many trophies are we kissing goodbye to? how we will hold onto to the Cesc’s when all we buy is 17 year olds.
July 19, 2008 at 08:44
I don’t know whether the media are just stirring again but apparently he has done an article in the arsenal magazine suggesting that Ramsey will be Cesc’s partner in midfield this year. If that is true we won’t finish top 4!!
July 19, 2008 at 08:51
Now, now GMR, you’re making the same mistake that I made yesterday, trust Arsene, we were nothing before he came, nothing I tell you.
He said he was tracking Ramsey all year, my arse, I bet he went after him because the press went on and Fergie was in, fuck if he was that ready he would have played from the start of the FA Cup final.
How long did Theo take to establish himself, he still hasn’t and Ramsey will go straight in??? is he having a laugh?
July 19, 2008 at 08:52
Are we the only two up GMR, fucking lightweights, there’s no point in a new and improved post if no bastards up to read it.
July 19, 2008 at 09:04
Good morning all, glad you enjoyed the video. I’m a net veteran Geoff, I’ve been using the net since 1996 :O so you come across allsorts of wierd and wonderful info, there is a whole sea of info out there.
July 19, 2008 at 09:05
NEW POST!
July 19, 2008 at 09:25
Im so pasted jumping on that band wagon , i said last month we either needed to give wenger the flick before pre season or bite the bullet and see .. well it looks like we picked behind door number 2 ..
personally , i’m a bit more ruthless if i was in charge he would of stayed in Switzerland ! i think 3+ years is too long without silverware.. and that expired along with my patience last season !
I know i don’t want to blaspheme and be the anti Christ but i think wenger’s days are numbered , some git got on yesterday and said we need to bring in talent after wengers gone , well that maybe true but the kid that signed yesterday was French and 17 , and not exactly coming from impeccable stock … i think we have enough around the 17- 19 bracket vying for positions !