Let’s start by saying that Marcos Senna was right to say we can dominate Europe for years to come, astute, very astute for a middle aged footballer with a hamstring problem.
He really did say that though, he said we weren’t quite there yet as we lack experience, but next season we will be better and the season after better still, well providing we don’t lose key players as we have done every year for the past five, starting with Patrick Vieira, he could well be right.
Forget who and what we need to do that and let’s just think about this week, we need a scoreless draw or a win against Villarreal and I believe if we attack them from the off we can do that, sit back and contain and we could easily concede early doors like we did last week in the Madrigal.
If Wenger has learned anything from our run it should be that 5 in midfield allows teams to get in our face, and when that happens, we panic a bit. Like we did against Wigan, the minute we went 4-4-2 the game changed and there was only ever going to be one winner.
You see 4-5-1 is like putting defenders on and taking attackers off when we are 4-2 up against spurs with 5 minutes to go, it serves no purpose other than letting them attack us, do that and up goes their confidence, it took us 61 minutes to have a shot on target against Wigan for Christ’s sake!
So we should go at them from the off and do the same to the chavs on Saturday, Arsenal always play better in the second half because we re-arrange, so if we started from the off with an attacking formation we can get comfortable early on.
Alex Song, often the butt of my unhappiness always starts badly, but then plays better in the second half, is that because Wenger tells him to? No! It’s because even he has more options when we play attacking free flowing football, he even scored against Wigan so that shows what freedom can do.
I would consider giving him the centre back role against Villarreal and if that works do the same against the chavs, I know he’s not a first choice centre back but then nor is Silvestre, at least Song knows the team, but I would only do that if we play with 4 at the back.
The second option would be to play a midfield of Nasri Cesc Song and Walcott, if possible sneak Arshavin on, but then we may get into trouble, so maybe not!
I may even opt for this as a starting line up, different and even radical but what say you? This is my preferred formation and the subject of todays post.
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo Gibbs
Robin Cesc Nasri Theo
Bendtner Ade Eduardo
Yes I know with 3-4-3 we can’t afford mistakes in defence so why not play with what we know is solid and attack from the middle, Real would be to frightened to attack us, and if they did we would skin them alive.
Years ago teams played 3 -5-2 with the five all being midfield players or wingers, the old way was to only play one centre back and look how many world cups were won deploying those formations, Real Madrid won most of their European cups that way too.
At least the football would be exciting and if we went out, we would go out fighting. I would prefer if Arsenal played to their strengths, than to put a player in somewhere that Villarreal could attack as the weak link, pack the midfield and the attack and then help out the defence by keeping the ball.
All the great Wenger sides have been successful because the opposing teams could never get the ball. Remember Wengerball!
To sum up then, Arsenal, you’re at home, it’s your ball so keep it, and you’ll be in a semi on Wednesday and a final on Saturday, listen to me Arsene, you know I’m right.
Have a great day Grovers, it’s going to be our best ever week, well so far this season anyway!
Le Grove is now smart phone compatible!
Pedro
Geoff
April 14, 2009 at 09:06
1
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
boom!
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
2
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
3
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
8
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
1 day left
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
DAMN THE FRANCHISE
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
ed u blew my hatters
April 14, 2009 at 09:07
top 10?
April 14, 2009 at 09:08
word of advice ed it takes 4x longer to type boom! than 1
April 14, 2009 at 09:08
One of the first?
April 14, 2009 at 09:08
sorry Franchise…..i am sure you will hit a hatter tomorrow when we win 3-0!
April 14, 2009 at 09:11
u dont need to apologise mate its war on here
April 14, 2009 at 09:14
Let me weigh in with my .02
3-4-3 will be successful only if we keep a deep defensive line. It will prevent Sagna and Gibbs from bombing forward and I don’t think either of them has the discipline to not venture into the last third.
Also, we played 4-5-1 in Spain, but the passed us to shreds in the first half despite the 5 man midfield. Don’t think that a five man midfield can protect our defence.
The only hope, as you correctly point out Geoff, is to attack from the start. Hit them with everything we have got from kickoff and dont let them catch their breath.
Please don’t play Song in central defence – now that he is used to scoring goals, he shouldn’t start putting the ball into the closest net he sees.
April 14, 2009 at 09:14
i love the 3-5-2…
but as u said it depends on having a class CB..
if rosicky and arshavin are fit..3/5/2 accomodates them – then our strike force attacking mids of ade/vp/vela/ed/bend/ and mid of arsh/nas/cesc/ros/walcot looks sufficient..no?
April 14, 2009 at 09:15
3-4-3???
Do you want us to lose 8-5? That formation might as well be called 1-4-5 cos I don’t see much defensive ability in that team. Might as well not play Fabianski and have RvP rush goalie!
April 14, 2009 at 09:16
4-4-2 for me, start with Ade and RvP and leave Song on the bench. I trust Silvestre more than Song even though he slept with the devil.
April 14, 2009 at 09:17
5x, Franchise!
April 14, 2009 at 09:18
I like the post Geoff! I have always said that the most effective way of defending is by attacking the other team! If they are defending, they cant be attacking! Simples!
April 14, 2009 at 09:18
why is every1 afraid of 3-5-2 – 3/4/3 lol…
if we score 3-5 goals..we wont be losing to many games …
fyi – Barca trio of mes/eto/henry anyone..? decimated BM 4-0 in a half…
April 14, 2009 at 09:19
Wonder if Geoff will make a prediction tomorrow.
April 14, 2009 at 09:19
playing a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 would be too ambitious and kamikaze IMO. U could hardly play 3 at the back in mordern day football unless u defend as a tight unit. it could work if two of the 5 in the middle are wing backs
——CB—–CB——CB——-
RWB——DM——-DM———LWB
————-CM—————–
———–CF—-CF————-
or
——CB—–CB——CB——-
–RWB——–DM———LWB—-
——–CM———-CM———-
———–CF—-CF————-
there are obviously different flavours of this formation but just wished to share on this two
April 14, 2009 at 09:19
Geoff…very radical selection, but just remeber that our defensive play has not been very bright this year, so why take such a risk that could very easily blow up in our face. In the champions league, you can not afford to take such a gamble, even with a two goal cushion.
April 14, 2009 at 09:20
I predicted a 4-0 for Wigan, got a 4-1. I have predicted a 3-1 for Villareal, hope we get a 3-0.
April 14, 2009 at 09:23
Morning all,
A 3-5-2 would be quite a bold move Geoffers, something that harks back slightly to the “W” “M” formation me and Irish were alluding to last week. Of course the other centre back position is a worry and I really don’t know if we’re better off swapping Song for the obvious replacement Silvestre.
On balance I suppose I would go with Silvestre as he does have the big game experience, if not the talent or ability. Definitely start 4-4-2 though and look to get the early goal. We’ll know pretty early which Arsenal will have turned up as after 5-10 minutes as if we don’t see our slick passing by then we’ll be in for a rough night.
April 14, 2009 at 09:23
Grovers it’s because our defence is suspect I want to play this formation, I think if we play 4 at the back we’ll be weaker, let’s do what we do best.
April 14, 2009 at 09:23
the truth is that through the duration of a game teams switch from one formation to another conciously and sub-conciously. In 2005 or 06 the chelsea team was the considered the most disciplined when it came to keeping its shape. sometimes with our full backs overlapping we end up with only 1 or 2 at the back. the best time to notice a teams shape is when they are defending not attacking.
April 14, 2009 at 09:23
i think the 3-4-3 should be used only if we concede.
Lets play it safe until we need to take risks. Also i would slightly change the team to this.
Fab
Sagna Kolo Silvestre
Theo Cesc Den Nasri
RVP Ade Eduardo
April 14, 2009 at 09:24
The only way 3 centre backs work is with effective wings backs. We have them in Gibbs and Sagna. When I say ‘effective’ I mean fit enough to run up, down, up, down for 90 minutes. That is the key. So I dont think 3-4-3 could work but I am a huge fan of 3-5-2.
Possibly:
Fabianski
Silvestre – Toure – Song
Sagna – Denilson – Fabregas – Nasri – Gibbs
Adebayor – van Persie
Another key element is that Sagna and Gibbs would neet to slot in to the back line when their opposite wing back is attacking. So when Gibbs bombs forward, Sagna holds his run and almost becomes a right back again to oppose and counter attacks. And vice versa obviously. If you get it right it can work very well!
April 14, 2009 at 09:25
* consciously and sub-consciously
April 14, 2009 at 09:26
Interesting take on my formation Tony, but I don’t dislike it, I would play Eduardo though as we may not get too many chances.
April 14, 2009 at 09:26
any formation can work as long as the players know what their duties entail
April 14, 2009 at 09:26
home time then gym catchya all soon.
April 14, 2009 at 09:26
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo Song Silvestre
Theo Denilson Couqelin Nasri
Van Persie
Ade
April 14, 2009 at 09:26
I defnitely see your logic Geoff! What unit is most likely to perform better tomorrow…the defensive unit or the attacking unit? Its a no brainer! So lets put the effort to making sure that our most efficient unit has the best chance of success right! All we need to do is score more than we concede and with our attacking players that is definitely possible!
April 14, 2009 at 09:27
for what its worth, i would also play Song at the back next to Kolo in a 4-4-2, instead of Silvestre.
——Fabianksi——
Sagna-Kolo-Song-Gibbs
RVP–Cesc–Diaby–Theo
——–Nasri——–
———Ade———
April 14, 2009 at 09:27
Geoff – I was presuminhg he wasnt fit but if he is then hell yeah, play Eduardo!!
April 14, 2009 at 09:28
Thats if Diaby is fit of course, Denilson just looks too tired recently, think the amount of games he’s played this year is starting to catch up with him
April 14, 2009 at 09:29
Maybe we do need to be bold and play to our strengths hence the suggestion for 3-5-2 which means if we retain possession and attack the defence won’t be tested. If we fall a goal behind (heaven forfend!) maybe we’ll have to try this formation out of necessity.
April 14, 2009 at 09:30
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo Song Silvestre
Theo Cesc Denilson Van Persi
Nasri
Ade
April 14, 2009 at 09:31
If your playing the 3-5-2 surely there would be a case for the back 3 being Sagna-Kolo-Song (Sagna has played there before, and is someone i trust much more defensively than Silvestre) and then play Eboue and Gibbs wing backs?
April 14, 2009 at 09:32
morning all
come down to earth everyone when dose AW dose take this kind of riscky play when haaa ? he will play five in middle
Fab
Sanga / Kolo / Song / Silvester
Theo / case / den / Nasri
Abudiabi
Ade
this will be his choice for sure but mine will be
same at the back
Theo / case/ diabi/ nasri
Ade / DuDu
April 14, 2009 at 09:32
AW will “see something” before he plays 3-5-2.
Not a chance.
Here’s to hoping it’s 4-4-2 and not the lone striker option.
April 14, 2009 at 09:32
with our away goal i wont risk too much and go all out attacking. i’ll play a 442 with cesc and song in the middle, ade and vp in attack, theo and nasri on the wings and a back 4 of sagna, toure, silvestre and gibbs. goals are flowing at the moment and i dont expect us to struggle to score tomorrow especially since senna is out
April 14, 2009 at 09:33
lot will depend on fabianski’s performance….he should be on top of the game tommorow
April 14, 2009 at 09:33
although all these are great ideas we will end up with 4-5-1
April 14, 2009 at 09:34
Evening all
Missed the game, but managed to see all the goals on 101 greatest goals. How good is arswaxin then
How/when did Johan get injured
April 14, 2009 at 09:34
Morning all.
Haven’t been on in a while due to not having access to a computer, love being back at work if only for Le grove haha.
I would play Silvestre tomorrow because we will need an experienceed head in there next to Gibbs. I like Gibbs but he is found wanting at times and just needs that player next to him that has been there and done it all before etc. Also i think RVP should start up top with Ade and then bring Eduardo or Vela on in the second half.
Fab
Sagna, Kolo, Silvestre, Gibbs
Theo, Cesc, Denilson (song), Nasri
RVP (eduardo)
Ade (bendtner?)
Subs are in the brackets.
April 14, 2009 at 09:35
He seemed to fall and then injure himself, the usual nothing incident Gnarley!
April 14, 2009 at 09:36
G’Day Geoff, cheers.
April 14, 2009 at 09:36
Benno, I don’t understand why you say Sagna has played at the back before –Sagna has ALWAYS played at the back.
April 14, 2009 at 09:37
midfeild – i dont think it will change from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2, we all know it wil be plus
denilson, RVP, nasri, fab and theo…
April 14, 2009 at 09:38
Wenger just said this.
“It was a year when I probably went against the flow of things,” he said. “But I think this could be the year I am the proudest of because everyone doubted this team, everyone criticised it.
“I was strong, I was very supportive, I always had this belief in them and I knew that it was a difficult period to go through. When you want to produce young talents, you have to stick your neck out at some point and take a few knocks as well.
Arsene, you’ve won fuck all yet, and if you had signed the two players we wanted and Arshavin earlier, we may be 10 points clear by now.
April 14, 2009 at 09:38
and mornign all
April 14, 2009 at 09:39
gooner-pak – Yup. Wenger is addicted to 4-5-1 in Europe. Its used to only implemented for away games but it has become a regular feature at the Emirates too now!
April 14, 2009 at 09:40
Pedro
U haven’t updated goal roll from the weekend. Just thought i’d add that.
Is Songs new name the razor. Didn’t he cut through those sleepy defenders, to score.
……& is his name actually Billabong Song. He might aboriginal with a name like Billabong. No its not an Australian smoking device
April 14, 2009 at 09:40
and geoff if we are discussing team and stuff today what will be left for tomorrow
April 14, 2009 at 09:41
he will go with this formation:
Fabianski
sagna–toure–sylvestre–gibbs
Song
eboue—Fabregas—Nasri
V. persie–Adebayor
Song will rovide the defensive cover we need and will break their play down and so will eboue, which is why i think he will go with him over walcott…
not sure about van persie being fit bendtner may start
April 14, 2009 at 09:41
Geoff – Crank that smugometer up to tehe MAX!! Has he lost sight of what he is actually mean to be doing? He is there to win trophies! Not to let average players become slightly better than average and stay in the top 4!
Thats a very woorying comment.
April 14, 2009 at 09:41
Oh shit he’s gone to the press too early
April 14, 2009 at 09:42
and ‘woorying’ is like ‘worrying’…..only worse!
April 14, 2009 at 09:43
what about diabi he is not fit yet ?
April 14, 2009 at 09:44
For me it has to be 4-4-2, the balance was not right on saturday, I just hope we hit Vill form the off and go for it. When is Diaby and Edi back ?
My main concern at present is defence, Sylvster and Gibbs worry me, Drogba will be rubbing his hands playing against them
April 14, 2009 at 09:45
Gooner-pak, tomorrow is the rallying cry!
Tony, I think he’s gone to his own head, he’s said this about twenty times now, the trouble is, no fucker is ever allowed to answer him back.
April 14, 2009 at 09:46
if diaby is fit he will defnely will go with 4-5-1 if not he will go 4-4-2 ade and dudu up front
April 14, 2009 at 09:49
No offense Geoff but 3-5-2 is ridiculous to even think of when our team only really has 2 first choice defenders fit. I also want us 2 attack from the outset but a 3-5-2 would be 2 big a risk, at least with the current squad we have. I personally hope Wenger picks this 4-5-1 because I want Nasri to play in the hole, but this XI which can also morph into a 4-4-2. Here’s my team: Fabianski Sagna-Kolo-Silvestre-Gibbs Song-Cesc Theo-Nasri-RVP Ade. For 4-4-2, just push RVP up next to Ade and Theo and Nasri into midfield orthodox wings
April 14, 2009 at 09:51
chary, oops ment to put center back.
April 14, 2009 at 09:52
I am really looking forward to this return leg. Imagine making it through to the semi’s. Th esky is the limit. I just hope that Le Prof doesn’t give the opo any amo between now & the final
I mean Thursday morning.
April 14, 2009 at 09:52
Same thought I got he should keep mum until we actually win something. it was all doom until we signed a 28year old russian. every1 has been saying mix up youth with a bit of experience 2 or 3 signings and we should win everything. Wenger’s reluctance means we have to beat a Chelsea side and either a Mancs or Everton side and probably a Porto, Mancs or Barca/ Chelsea side to win a trophy or its another empty season trophy wise. All odds are still stacked against us. Should I add that Villareal are not dead and buried yet
April 14, 2009 at 09:54
……but can I say Franchise that Liverwurst are. Chamoneeeeeeeeeeee
April 14, 2009 at 09:54
or i will say play sagna at LB
like
Eboue / kolo / song / sagna
thoe / case/ den / nasri
ade / dudu or rvp
April 14, 2009 at 09:57
Sorry my formations aren’t clear. Im posting from my cellphone. Hope u guys get the idea for the 5 man midfield of Cesc and Song slightly higher in the middle, Theo and Rvp out wide and Nasri in the hole behind Ade. Its like the liverpool formation with Nasri in Gerrard’s position
April 14, 2009 at 09:57
Anyone heard about the rumours that we are linked with Mohamed Diame. A player who plays in second division in spain for rayo Vallecano.
April 14, 2009 at 09:58
LadyGooner on behalf of Geoff a 352 isnt a ridiculous formation. its lost its popularity of recent but several teams have won games they were chasing by taking off a defender for a more attacking player and switch to 3 at the back. 3-5-2 could be an effective formation if u deploy wingbacks in the midfield when defending it would actually be like a 5-3-2 with the wing backs keeping in check of overlapping opposition full backs and wideplayers
April 14, 2009 at 09:58
I am not sure why so many people don’t get 4-5-1.
In the EPL most teams come at us with the same tactic which to to come at us hard and fast and press, press press. In this initial frenzy any formation we use will look fragile but 4-5-1 helps absorb the brunt of the attacks. The opposition cannot keep this up all game and when they start to tire Arsene switches us to 4-4-2. Hence we usually score loads in the last 20 minutes.
Because Villa Real are not a pressing team and need to attack we are almost certainly going to start with 4-4-2.
3-4-3 is plain stupid. It’s away goals that they need and your formation would give them that. It’s a formation that Liverpool may want to consider though.
April 14, 2009 at 10:00
* keeping in check overlapping …….
April 14, 2009 at 10:00
Oh and one more thing guys. What about playing Eboue at RB and Sagna at CB or LB?
April 14, 2009 at 10:01
Time for experimenting is over.
Stick to the tried and tested 4-4-2. Put the best (and fit) players in their respective positions and lets put the sink the submarine in the first half.
I’ll go for:
Fabianski
Sagna – Toure – Silv – Gibbs
Theo – Cesc – Song – Nasri
Ade – RVP
Subs: Ed for RVP, Den for Silv (Move song to CB)
If we’re winning: Ramsey for Cesc or Vela for Nasri
April 14, 2009 at 10:02
Sorry Franchise, Andrey is 27 at the moment – but yes, Wenger should keep his big bazoo shut till we actually win something and not start gloating yet.
April 14, 2009 at 10:02
4-5-1 is a formation we struggle to play because we dont have the right personnel
April 14, 2009 at 10:04
3-5-2 isn’t a bad formation if you have wide players who are prepared to drop in… and a second striker who is prepared to tuck in when needed.
I think we quite often end up with three at the back when we attack anyway… I wouldn’t want to line up with a flat back three though… I don’t think our defenders would have the fitness or the discipline!
I think he’ll start with a 4-4-2… maybe Song and Denilson in the middle… with Cesc out on the right? We saw that last year a couple of times didn’t we? Stick Nasri out on the left…
It’ll be an interesting team anyway!
April 14, 2009 at 10:04
*sink the submarine
If Diaby is fit then he should be used in second half instead of Denilson. Keep Denilson fresh for the Chavs.
April 14, 2009 at 10:04
gibbs,silvestre and fabianski are time bombs itching to explode. here’s hoping that we get our cb, full back and goalie soonest
April 14, 2009 at 10:05
3-4-3 you got to be crazy! To be fair we dont play 4-5-1 we try and play 4-2-2-1, the problem is Fabregas plays the number 10 role when it should be Arshavin. Fabregas is top draw but he is better from deep and he can move things up the pitch and Arshavin is a true link man who picks up the ball from anywhere and is both footed and can (1) score more goals than Fab and (2) has more pace than Fab.
I would do this against Villareal:
Fabianski
Eboue Sagna Toure Silvestre
Walcott Fabregas Song Nasri
RVP Ade
The bottom line is, who is our best defender? Sagna. I think Sagna could be the man to replace gallas until end of season, granted he is not the tallest but he is actually good in the air and the plus side is his pace. I think we could beat chelsea with him at the back as Eboue will not be so exposed with Malouda on that side. Malouda is not great and if Eboue could push him backwards, walcott or Nasri could expose Ashley Cole.
I think Silvestre could be suspect due to his pace. He could do a job against lesser sides, but not the top sides. Further Eboue is confident and remember how good he was at right back.
p.s. Song ahead of Denilson as he breaks up play better and is better in the air.
Come on the Arsenal.
April 14, 2009 at 10:05
Oh right Benno – it’s going to be a gamble whoever figures in the back line due to us losing centre backs willy nilly.
April 14, 2009 at 10:06
lets be honest nasri has been hardly effective on the left all season. would we be better suited to play vela on the left and nasri in the hole if we really need to play 4-5-1 with Ade on top alone???? cesc and song in the middle, walcott on the right??????
the problem is that with gibbs and vela on the left side we might get skinned on that flank. its not like nasri helps clichy when he plays….. clichy is normally fine on his own.
we really do have problems if we want to play 4 at the back against villareal
April 14, 2009 at 10:06
I get what u mean Franchise but does squad really have wingbacks or do we have fast fullbacks who are half decent at attacking? I can see how a 3-5-2 (worked for Brazil with Cafu and Roberto Carlos)could work, more so when were chasing the game. I just dont think our team has the personnel to pull it off effectively
April 14, 2009 at 10:07
chary thanks for correcting me he’s 28 soon i think
April 14, 2009 at 10:07
or should i say chary how dare u correct me? he’s 28 soon anyway
April 14, 2009 at 10:07
I think people are forgetting how shaky the defence was on paper the last time we went on a champions league run…
Eboue – Senderos – Toure – Flamini
I don’t think we need to worry that much!
April 14, 2009 at 10:08
i reckon wenger will do this.
———–Fab1————
Sagna—-Kolo–Song—Silvestre
Theo—-Cesc—Denilson–Nasri
——–Robin——Ade——–
April 14, 2009 at 10:10
LadyG – I haven’t seen Sagna at centre back much but I feel he’d probably be better there than Silvestre – who can go to LB if Gibbs has a bit of a mare tomorrow. So that would be Eboue(RB), Kolo/Sagna(CB) and Gibbs/Silvestre(LB). This is one of those situatios where no obvious(to me) solution jumps out at me.
April 14, 2009 at 10:11
Galvinho u can break it down further as much as u wish but a 4-2-2-1 is the same as a 4-5-1
its a case of how many outfield players do u have in the three distinct parts of the pitch namely defence, midfield and attack
April 14, 2009 at 10:12
Ah Franchise – you know how pedantic I am about things like that !
Our Russian maestro is 28 on the 29 of May.
April 14, 2009 at 10:16
Well said Franchise… well said.
April 14, 2009 at 10:16
Chary, I thought he was already 28… excellent news!
April 14, 2009 at 10:20
On the formation thing… I don’t know for sure, but I’d bet no manager has ever said,
‘Boys, today we’re playing a 4-2-2-1′
It’s like the dumbing down of a formation…
There are only 4 positions on the pitch… keeper, defender, midfielder and striker. Lets keep these formations simple people…
April 14, 2009 at 10:20
Oh, hatrick!
April 14, 2009 at 10:21
Yes Pedro – we have him as a youthful 27 year old for another 6 weeks or so.
April 14, 2009 at 10:21
Hey Le Grove, luv your write ups! They’re the best on arsenalnews. Three at the back is brave, but playing to our strengths does make sense. However, do you think they’ve got the balls to do it? I don’t even know if I’d have the balls to watch it!
April 14, 2009 at 10:23
The whole point of playing 3 at the back is because our defence is suspect, putting makeshift ones in there makes it even more suspect, my formation protects them.
April 14, 2009 at 10:23
Having said that, we could compromise with Song moving in and out of defence….?
April 14, 2009 at 10:24
Dave welcome, it would be better than watching us get pounded for 45 minutes!
April 14, 2009 at 10:24
Dave, I’d imagine that protecting that away goal would be more important than entertaining tomorrow.
I’d expect a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 with Denilson and Song in the middle…
April 14, 2009 at 10:26
The more I think think about it the more i like the sound of Eboue at RB and Sagna at CB, it has the added bonus that Eboue at RB was actually very good going forward and could cross the ball and Sagna is the dog’s bollox defensively but is a bit lacking going forwards with his poor crossing ability. play Nasri RM, like the role Hleb used to play in front of Eboue, LM is the problem tho, Theo/Vela and Gibbs would get destroyed, but i don’t think Silvestre is the answer at left back, which leaves the question who do you play in front of Gibbs? If only Rosicky was fit or Asrhavin wasn’t cup-tied
April 14, 2009 at 10:27
Pedro the truth is Cesc would be wasted on the right. he needs to play in the middle. Pace on the wings would give us outlets and with Cesc in the middle u can be certain he would pick the widemen with inch perfect passes time after time. Either Denilson or Song need to be dropped for this one. On current form i would play Song.
April 14, 2009 at 10:28
*wasted
April 14, 2009 at 10:29
Benno, Sagna is too short to be a centre back in my opinion.
April 14, 2009 at 10:30
Geoff, he’s not bad in the air tho, and Villareal play the ball on the deck anyways
April 14, 2009 at 10:32
They might not if he played in there though!
April 14, 2009 at 10:32
Geoff you crazy!
With a back 3 of Kolo Djourou Gallas perhaps but that is suicide attacking or not!
My line-up would be
———–Fabianski
Eboue—Sagna—Toure—Silvestre
Walcott-Fabregas-Denilson-Nasri
——–vanPersie-Adebayor
Bench: Mannone, Song, Gibbs, Diaby, Ramsay, Bendtner, Eduardo
The back4 is experienced and tight allowing the front 6 to flourish, Denilson to start intead of Song with Billong to come on late or play CB instead of Sagna and Sagna moving to RB?
April 14, 2009 at 10:32
Team will be
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo Silvestre Gibbs
Theo Fab4 Song Nasri
Adebayor RVP
Wenger will play an attcaking game tomorrow given these guys will use long balls since they dont have their midfield Machine Senna
I trust Silvestre at the back and Song just a little bit behind to give them cover.
Ade and RVP upward will give us the early goals to close this game in the first half.
April 14, 2009 at 10:33
morning all..
pedro he changed that in the final didn’t he.. he put that twat cole back on
April 14, 2009 at 10:33
Chary SNAP
April 14, 2009 at 10:34
if song plays in defence on saturday and drogba is in the mood like he always is against us i feel that song would be getting one hell of a rough time i.m.o
April 14, 2009 at 10:34
3-5-2 (5-3-2)
could work with like this.
——Sagna—–Toure——Silvestre——
Eboue(RWB)—————————-Gibbs(LWB)
——————Song(DM)——————
———-Cesc————-Nasri———–
———–Ade————–RVP————
not too sure how a 3-4-3 would work though
the only reason i chose Eboue over Theo is cos of his defensive superiority.
the wingbacks would provide the width
April 14, 2009 at 10:35
i think it would be wiser playing ade back there as he has the height and strength
April 14, 2009 at 10:35
Geoff, that could well benefit us then coz they wouldn’t being playing to their strengths…
April 14, 2009 at 10:36
BBK!!!
April 14, 2009 at 10:36
BBK, that would be worth about 3 own goals by half time!!
April 14, 2009 at 10:36
Toure could act like sweeper in that formation
April 14, 2009 at 10:37
Well guys, we don’t have long to wait eh!
Back in a bit.
April 14, 2009 at 10:39
Benno-I completely agree. Geoff-Sagna cant be that much shorther than Gallas can he? And Villarreal dont exactly have the biggest forwards do they? Here’s my back 4: Eboue(RB), Kolo (CB), Sagna (CB), Gibbs (LB). Not the tallest, but very mobile. I think Wenger should stick with Gibbs which would give him real confidence to do well.
April 14, 2009 at 10:39
I can’t see us being especially attacking as going 1-0 up doesn’t really change that much.
Tomorrow is about stopping them scoring – if we do that we’ll go through.
I’ll take a 0-0 right now.
April 14, 2009 at 10:39
kenya
i reckon u are not far off the mark, but don’t be surprised if Le Prof slots thepass master in there somewhere
April 14, 2009 at 10:40
u are back then queenie
April 14, 2009 at 10:42
Never been away GG?
April 14, 2009 at 10:42
morning QOS.. we have to attack and score early..
I don’t trust our defence!!! we have to play to our strengths.
And our strength is attacking. We look very shaky while defending any which ways.
April 14, 2009 at 10:44
If we score early. It doesn’t really mean that much though choy.
It still leaves us with a situation where if they score – its all to play for.
I think he’ll keep it tight but use Walcott’s pace on the counter.
Reckon we’ll score after about 70 mins but I expect the first half to be a tense affair.
April 14, 2009 at 10:45
so u do know me then. last time u spoke u said who in the hell are you GG, & since I’ve conjoured up visions of Arnie or the Predator
Speaking of conjouring, where is Big Raddy & Odub, GMR, Bud, etc these days ?
April 14, 2009 at 10:46
I’m think he’ll play 4-5-1 with both Song and Denilson in front of the defense.
I can see RVP missing out.
April 14, 2009 at 10:46
Off topic but Gnarley how are the tigers doing
April 14, 2009 at 10:46
I was joking GG!
There’s a lot that don’t post very often anymore isn’t there?
April 14, 2009 at 10:47
G’Day choy. I think this CL situation is taylor made for Silvestre. 4 games, not too long a campaign. It will suit him fine
April 14, 2009 at 10:49
BBK…thats fat Sam’s school of thinking…samba as a striker…ade as a defender…heheheeee…thumbs up man
April 14, 2009 at 10:49
benno
I went yesterday, with my Bulldog mate & stood with the rank & file dogs fans, with my Tigers top. Now that takes guts under the circumstances coz abuse you ain’t heard anything till you’ve heard them in full voice.
April 14, 2009 at 10:51
Toure and Silly Vespa is an experienced pairing isn’t it. can’t see him playing Sagna on the left because that’s another non-first choice player at RB in Eboue.
I suspect we’ll see
Fab
Sagna Toure SillyVespa Gibbs
Walcott Denilson Song Nasri
Fabregas
Adebayor.
April 14, 2009 at 10:51
morning GG9… how you doing?
April 14, 2009 at 10:52
Lol, fair play Gnarley, i daresay i will be doing the same next sunday, 1st game of the season for me, mates a dogs fan and am going with him so i daresay we’ll be with dogs fans.
April 14, 2009 at 10:53
choy I’m well, & looking forward to the Villareal game. No doubt I’ll have to find a link coz everyone in network land here is in love with manure.
April 14, 2009 at 10:54
benno they are rabid.
April 14, 2009 at 10:55
Annoying ain’t in Gnarley, the mancs are always on both fucking channels, don’t they realise have the Arsenal on one channel would get them more viewers?
April 14, 2009 at 10:56
Gnarley, they’ll be tame once we down them at Subi
we might be shit away from home but we’re a decent game for anyone at Subi
April 14, 2009 at 10:57
benno even the bottom of the ladder tigers did u by 12 goals @ subi last year
April 14, 2009 at 11:01
Morning all, has anyone mentioned that Saturday was St.Totterings day?
April 14, 2009 at 11:04
yeh but how crap did we play for lots of last year.
Also and how many injuries did we have, and the youngsters were inconsistent and under pressure following the great premiership winning team of the years previous. Wow, sounds familiar lol
April 14, 2009 at 11:10
Training time. I’m out.
April 14, 2009 at 11:12
Morning all.
Haven’t time to read all comments but agree with gunner8 I think it was that you’d need djourou toure and gallas to try the three at the back, or with available players, toure, song, silvestre is possible. Also, I would have sagna or eboue on the right with that formation making a fluid back 3 or back 4.
my team would be;
Fab
Sagna Toure Song Silvestre (if no clichy)
Walcott Cesc Den Nasri
RvP Ade
April 14, 2009 at 11:15
Morning all – he’ll play a 4-4-2 tomorrow, RvP and Ade up front
April 14, 2009 at 11:19
If think so also Irish. Depends on Djourou’s fitness and whether he wants silvestre on the left for a bit more experience.
April 14, 2009 at 11:20
Gunner8 – great minds think alike/madmen seldom differ; delete as applicable !
April 14, 2009 at 11:21
I don’t think there are a lot that don’t post…
GMR floats in and out… Bud is working too hard to blog… Odub is busy… Raddy is on Holiday…
Bud and Odub make up for the lack of blogging by hooking up before the game…
A few others defected to another site they started up on their own…
Overall though, I’d say we’ve kept a bulk of the regulars here over the last year… and gained a few valued additional members along the way!
April 14, 2009 at 11:23
Suppose we will hear about Djourou in a few hours at the press conference. What a massive, massive boost it would be if by some miracle he was fit.
I’d be nearly tempted to put Song at CB rather than Silvestre.
April 14, 2009 at 11:25
Morning Steve – I mentioned last week that as long as we beat Wigan it would be St Totteringham’s day no matter what the result against the Hammers.
But a belated St Totteringham’s day to everyone, chamone !
April 14, 2009 at 11:27
Again yep! That’s my team posted a few back. I think Song is actually ok at CB and it’s where he plays internationally. Reasonably strong in the air and plays best when he knows exactly where he is supposed to be.
April 14, 2009 at 11:29
Song tends to go for headers which is a plus when you play CB ha ha, Silvestre just doesn’t convince me.
April 14, 2009 at 11:31
Pedro
oh he’s on hols then. I would have thought he would have taken them towards the end of May in the Eternal City
He once said he would walk from Denmark to Rome if the Goons made it to the Big one.
I don’t mean to be a pest but the goal roll pedro
April 14, 2009 at 11:33
Chary, the date varies but the outcome is always the same.
Chamon!!!
April 14, 2009 at 11:34
Anyone going for a beer before the game tomorrow???
April 14, 2009 at 11:34
steve looks like DDM has got to u. You’ve dropped the “e” in chamone.
April 14, 2009 at 11:35
Sorted Gnarley.
April 14, 2009 at 11:36
Steve, most certainly.
I’m in Manc land in the morning… then I’ll drive back down… meet Geoff at his office… then roll on over to the S+B.
April 14, 2009 at 11:38
Pedro – I think WHEN we go through tomorrow night the smugometer will go right up judging by AW’s comments on Arsenal.com. He’s already saying “I was right and you were wrong” – if we win the CL he can be the smugest person ever but not now…
April 14, 2009 at 11:40
“It was a year when I probably went against the flow of things,” he said. “But I think this could be the year I am the proudest of because everyone doubted this team, everyone criticised it.
“I was strong, I was very supportive, I always had this belief in them and I knew that it was a difficult period to go through. When you want to produce young talents, you have to stick your neck out at some point and take a few knocks as well.
“One should remember what everyone seems to forget – we play against people who have unlimited funds, they can buy the best players in the world. You produce young talent with your limited funds, but still everyone is asking you to always beat these teams.
Speaking to Tuesday’s L’Equipe, the 59-year-old went on: “I remember winning at Chelsea this year. When I left the stadium, this bloke came to me at the end and said ‘I am an Arsenal fan, good game, but I don’t think we are going to win the league with such a team!’
“I told him: ‘You are not an Arsenal fan. You have just seen some 20-21-year-old kids in midfield beating the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Drogba and Anelka! Haven’t you got anything less negative to say?’
“It is unbelievable that, nowadays, you can’t cheat people on the quality of football but you can manipulate their opinion.
“Despite this, the critics I received did not hurt me. The thing which worried me and which was my greatest worry was the influence these critics had on the team.
“No matter what is said, the environment you are in will always influence you. The players open the newspapers to read ‘Disastrous Arsenal’, ‘Arsenal Useless’.
“Keep in mind that my team was very young and that the atmosphere was very negative. Therefore I asked myself the question: how do I reduce this negative impact on the team?
“You cannot play well if you think you are not good enough. I have had my share of criticism and I know that if we lose tomorrow, the critics are going to start all over again.
“But the most important thing is that the team is now on the right path and it has hope.”
—————————————————–
Smugness!!
April 14, 2009 at 11:40
Great post Geoff.
Sorry, I’m a little bit busy lately. No time to grove.
April 14, 2009 at 11:42
“I remember winning at Chelsea this year. When I left the stadium, this bloke came to me at the end and said ‘I am an Arsenal fan, good game, but I don’t think we are going to win the league with such a team!’
“I told him: ‘You are not an Arsenal fan. You have just seen some 20-21-year-old kids in midfield beating the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Drogba and Anelka! Haven’t you got anything less negative to say?’
——————————————————–
the guy was right about the league no?????
April 14, 2009 at 11:43
irish as long as Le prof doesn’t give the opo amo things should be OK, but he has had a history, more recently, of complaining about something before the kick off which has tended to be followed by a bad result
April 14, 2009 at 11:43
Wish I could be there tomorrow, Steve, for a S + B session but please ensure we make the Grove an intimidating atmosphere tomorrow and we maximise our home advantage.
April 14, 2009 at 11:47
my username is franchise and i’m an alcoholic
April 14, 2009 at 11:48
Yep I think the guy was right, I wonder who he was ha ha he probably got a telling off ha ha
GG9 – No bad result tomorrow night, I hope we get an early goal for my auld nerves, but then if we get an early goal I fear we’ll sit back and try to defend which ain’t good for my nerves either
April 14, 2009 at 11:49
Un real. Cesc has only scored once this campaign. Could be a couple still left in him. Maybe in both Cup campaigns.
April 14, 2009 at 11:49
Irish imagine if we win nothing this season????
April 14, 2009 at 11:52
Moring guys.
I just wanted to kknow whether anybody knows which pubs uin Wembley have been allocated to Arsenal fans?
If anybody knows please leav a reply on here.
April 14, 2009 at 11:55
That’s not too hard a thing to imagine its being happening for three fecking years but I’d expect the smugometer to be some where around -5
April 14, 2009 at 11:56
Cesc wasn’t really on his game though before his injury. He has looked sharper in the last few games since he returned.
April 14, 2009 at 11:58
Irish, I’d take his smugness if we won something.
I don’t really buy into him being right… we’ve not had a great season have we? We should have been contenders from the start…
Still, we’re on the path to righteousness now…
April 14, 2009 at 11:58
irish -just fyi – i think ur articles are good…
April 14, 2009 at 12:00
I would be livid Irish
April 14, 2009 at 12:00
I think Wenger will go with the following tomorrow if Djourou is definitely out;
Fabianski
Sagna / Toure / Song / Silvestre
Walcott / Cesc / Dennilson / Nasri
VP / Ade
After Saturday and Gibbs reckless last man challenge, I think he will be slow to start the young man in what is our biggest game of the year.
Going 4/4/2 is the way to go. Including VP is positive and something I think AW will do.
April 14, 2009 at 12:00
I’d bask in his smugness if we win the Champions League, I put a picture of his smug face on my wall ha ha
Nah he’s not right, its only looking that way cos we haven’t been beaten in a while but if we win the CL and FA Cup he can stick his two fingers up at the meeja and say he was right, I’ll be too busy watching replays of our final victories
April 14, 2009 at 12:00
The smogometer never goes below 5. That’s why the press hate us.
April 14, 2009 at 12:02
Cheers Jay
I write some every few days, I’m saving myself till Thursday to write about what we can expect from Porto in the semi final 
April 14, 2009 at 12:03
Me too Franchise …
April 14, 2009 at 12:03
What is irish’s blog called?
April 14, 2009 at 12:03
awesomnesss Irish, look forward to it almost as much as le groves posts
April 14, 2009 at 12:04
we spent the first 4 months of the campaign trying to work a midfield partnership
cesc got injured and with diaby’s recurring injuries we had no choice but play Denilsong.
we crabbed for a while then Arshavin’s arrival sparked us back into life
the return of cesc of cesc and ade has also been crucial
and for once we were lucky with cup draws all through even in the CC cup
April 14, 2009 at 12:04
PDT – I think the press hate us for a number of reasons, that we’re not the manks, our manager is more intelligent than the hacks, we let the England national side down by not buying useless overpriced English players, we used to be boring, we don’t like being tackled, we’re southern softies, etc. etc…
April 14, 2009 at 12:05
* the return of cesc, ade and theo has been crucial
April 14, 2009 at 12:06
Not a blog PDT just on a general sport site, here’s my homepage
http://bleacherreport.com/users/46946-Maire-Ofeire
April 14, 2009 at 12:06
We have actually had a very good run in the cups this year…
April 14, 2009 at 12:06
the press can EAD
eat a dick
seriously if they potrayed us the way we are supposed to… there would be support for no other teams
April 14, 2009 at 12:07
if u interested in understanding formations
this is a nice read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_(association_football)
April 14, 2009 at 12:09
Anyone see Ian Wrights column in the Sun today thought it was spot on for a change.
April 14, 2009 at 12:09
Charybdis, I think they would relate to him (and us) better if Arsene didn’t have this “I told you so” aura emanating from him.
How did the press treat us through the GG years? How did they terat us through the first couple of the Arsene years? You can see the difference.
Arsene is a very high IQ INTJ and that’s the worst combination. He sees stuff that us normal mmortals cant and he is often, unfortunately, right.
April 14, 2009 at 12:09
Pedro – even to the point we get a lot of games at home. Is Cardiff the only team we played away in the FA Cup?? And WHEN we get through tomorrow night we’ll be away in the semi for the first leg
April 14, 2009 at 12:11
Wenger just isn’t a football manager is he? If you met him in the street you’d expect him to read the financial times, sip wine, listen to mozart, teach geometry, hate football and adore chess. He probably fits the first four.
Ferguson and Allardyce are your stereotypical football managers.
April 14, 2009 at 12:12
irish, you got them all right, except Schumacher. How can you choose anyone, even Fangio, over Senna?
Rhetorical question…
April 14, 2009 at 12:16
PDT – I think we can right off our chances of ever being the darlings of the media. The Press we’re happy to condemn us when George Graham was in charge (e.g. the reaction to the 21 man brawl at Old Cowshed in the 90-91 season) so no matter how Wenger acts with the media he can’t win.
I reckon he should do what Fergie (aka ole 65% proof nose) does, if a hack pisses him off he just refuses to talk to them e.g. his long running refusal on talking to the BBC. Now we all now managers are contractually bound to attend press conferences, but the media/FA let him get away with that as they are besotted with him and all things Mank.
Can you imagine the furore if Wenger(who has never declined a press conference)acted like Fergie does?
Exactly.
April 14, 2009 at 12:16
Even though its a rhetorical question I will answer anyway ha ha
I loved Schumacher, I used to get up at 5 in the morning to the grand prixs in Australia and that. I always tend to go for people I saw and grew up with. Like I’ll never saw Pele is my favourite player. I remember Senna but was even a Schumacher fan back then. I don’t care for F1 anymore, too much messing going on and no real characters in it.
April 14, 2009 at 12:18
Fergie doesn’t talk to Sky either anymore does he??
April 14, 2009 at 12:19
Read the Arshavin and Arsene articles – great reads!
April 14, 2009 at 12:20
The ref tomorrow night is Wolfgang Stark – he’s a nice man
He sent off the Italian Piazzini after five minutes for nothing when Ireland played Italy in Bari a few weeks ago
April 14, 2009 at 12:20
Chary, you are right about fergie. He gets away with blue murder….
April 14, 2009 at 12:21
Thanks PDT
April 14, 2009 at 12:21
How can people say Wenger is some genius and uber-intelligent. He’s very good at manipulating the media and has brainwashed thousands of Arsenal fans into his little Wengerites (AKB’s).
But I put it to the Grovers he’s not that clever otherwise how did he let the invicibles break up so quickly. If he had special wenger powers how did he not convince Flamster to stay. And his x ray player spotter glasses must really be fucked cause Eboue is still an Arsenal player.
Genius My Arse
April 14, 2009 at 12:22
PDT – He is often, unfortunately, right ? Eh ?!
The press love Wenger, because he’ll give an honest answer each time and won’t shirk a reporters question just because it’s difficult, he’ll always give them his viewpoint.
It’s not soo much hate as the lesser journalists exploiting his honesty and prinicples, while Fergie will run off and hide from the camera when things go bad, they know they’ll get an opinion from Wenger pretty much no matter what. We’re too nice on and off the field.
After the Eduardo injury there must have been a small stampede to get his comments after the game.
April 14, 2009 at 12:25
Badly phrased, Keyser! The ‘unfortunately” came out with the flow of the sentence….
April 14, 2009 at 12:25
“How can people say Wenger is some genius and uber-intelligent. He’s very good at manipulating the media and has brainwashed thousands of Arsenal fans into his little Wengerites (AKB’s).” – overboard much??? Most of the Arsenal fans that go by his everyword only probably started supporting the club when he started playing fancy football and put together the unbeatables and I’ve no problem with that, they support the team.
April 14, 2009 at 12:26
Wenger is a master spin doctor
April 14, 2009 at 12:26
Al – Spot on, you’re a true genius, you’ve seen through it all, heh. I was one of the brainwashed few, but that post has really enlightened me to our true plight.
April 14, 2009 at 12:26
Somebody should compile a “cast of characters” for Le Grove.
Maybe I’ll attempt it during the summer break…
April 14, 2009 at 12:27
Al – how exactly has he manipulated the media?? They’ve been laughing at him most the season and calling him deluded, not great at the old manipulation there is he?
April 14, 2009 at 12:27
Al, I think calling someone who manages a football team a genius… is a bit over the top regardless of how successful they are!
Steve Jobs… now there is a genius… Noam Chomsky, Richard Dawkins… Jade Goody… they are the ones who really deserve that accolade…
April 14, 2009 at 12:27
Most of the folks here post to type, only some are unpredictable….
April 14, 2009 at 12:28
The smugness of Wenger is countered and furthered by the smugness present at half-time during the Wigan game and pretty much at any other point where we’ve looked like failing this year.
April 14, 2009 at 12:29
Interesting list, Pedro!
April 14, 2009 at 12:29
Only time I have seen (and probably only time I will EVER see) Chomsky and Dawkins’ names in the same list as Goody…
April 14, 2009 at 12:30
for the good of football Marseille are top of ligue 1
April 14, 2009 at 12:30
He’s a half good spin doctor Franchise, sometimes he says things that are strange and frankly a bit stupid for want of a better word and a good spin can’t be put on it
April 14, 2009 at 12:30
BTW, I am not so sure about Jobs…
April 14, 2009 at 12:31
what are the odds of Liverwurst doing an Istanbul on Chelsea? worth a punt i reckon
April 14, 2009 at 12:31
Technically, anyone with an IQ of more than 150 is a genius, and there are a lot of them out there.
April 14, 2009 at 12:32
irishgunner – Or maybe he’s just being honest, unless being overly positive is needed for the good of the team.
It’s the way he’s always done it, it’s not spin, it’s just how he carries out his job.
April 14, 2009 at 12:33
Franchise, they must take the Chavs to penalties.
April 14, 2009 at 12:34
Franchise – maybe worth a few bob
Keyser – Wenger’s not all that honest, even in his frank interview he wasn’t all that honest
April 14, 2009 at 12:35
PDT – Terry isn’t there to slip tonight if it goes to pennos
April 14, 2009 at 12:35
irishgunner – Depends how you want to interpret it, whats a frank interview ?!
Much like IQ testing, it could all go down to how much credence you give it.
April 14, 2009 at 12:36
the most stupid excuse Wenger gives is that he would kill a young player or more if he signs an experienced one. then we hear teams come out saying that we made rejected bids for their experienced players
April 14, 2009 at 12:37
How long is Terry out? Is he back by the weekend?
All I want is for Terry and the fat freak to be injured.
April 14, 2009 at 12:38
Wenger is hardly honest like most others in the business. Steve Bruce is one who IMO is mostly frank about things
April 14, 2009 at 12:39
Anyone care to comment on Honest Harry?
April 14, 2009 at 12:39
Keyser, you’re not offended by the Smugometer are you?
That was Irish’s idea… and she fancies Wenger…
PDT, Jade was a princess to the people.
April 14, 2009 at 12:39
Or. for that matter, the Armani clad special one?
April 14, 2009 at 12:40
Exactly as Franchise said Keyser but if I want to give credit to Wenger for saying he didn’t buy Alonso so not as to “kill” Denilson it is because we are near the end of the season and there is no point getting at the confidence of players now.
But if he is totally honest and so are you and I we’d all want Alonso in the team in a heartbeat.
April 14, 2009 at 12:41
wats your IQ?
April 14, 2009 at 12:41
Arsene is more truthful and less of a spinmeister than both of those two as well as Fergie….
April 14, 2009 at 12:41
The smugometer is a great idea, don’t fancy him Pedro
boys have cooties
April 14, 2009 at 12:42
Irish, if he didn’t want to kill the career of his youth team players… surely he wouldn’t have purchased the 27 year old Arshavin… who is direct competition for Jack Wilshere… or 21 year old Nasri!
April 14, 2009 at 12:42
2-0 to the guns. yeah!
April 14, 2009 at 12:42
I’m not sure why there are so many people wanting to play RVP on the wing!! He has no pace. We should play to our strengths but still protect our back line. I feel we should play a 4- (sagna, kolo, silvestre, gibbs) – 1 (song) – 4 (cesc, denilson, Walcott, nasri) – 1 (Ade). With Song holding it would allow Nasri, Walcott and Cesc the opportunity to bomb forward to help Ade. With RVP and Eboue on the bench, we could always change our style slightly and inject some change in the second half.
April 14, 2009 at 12:42
Kartman, hope you have finished working for your trig test!
April 14, 2009 at 12:42
Terry is suspended for tonight PDT
April 14, 2009 at 12:43
my IQ is 149 just 1 short of genius
April 14, 2009 at 12:43
Barca blitzed out in the final
April 14, 2009 at 12:43
Hi Irish, are you – like me – hoping for Drogba/Essien and Torres/Gerrard to all tweak hamstrings tonight? that would suit us for the latter 2 of our next 3 games nicely I reckon.
April 14, 2009 at 12:43
Pedro – Not really offended, just don’t think it’s fair when you get people on this site that turn up half way through a game to tell you how right they were about players and so on and then go strangely quiet when we win in the end.
A bit odd that..
April 14, 2009 at 12:43
33 hours to the semis!
April 14, 2009 at 12:44
PDT, just finished surface area and volume. Have to do trig now. Franchise, you are genius man!
April 14, 2009 at 12:44
I was agreeing with Franchise Pedro – his comment doesn’t make sense. My thinking is, buy the experienced player, let the young player learn off them and if he must keep using the Carling Cup to break in the young kids.
I’m agreeing with the common consensus not Wenger.
April 14, 2009 at 12:44
Franchise, you are a genius to us!
April 14, 2009 at 12:45
1 short of genius= story of my life.
April 14, 2009 at 12:45
Keyser, it’s the same as the people who never post… but when we start winning the come on and tell you they always kept the faith…
Both are fence sitters…
I try and keep off here during the game… someone always says something to rile me up…
‘Did anyone see Bendtners snarl towards the home fans… arrogant cunt…’
April 14, 2009 at 12:45
will have to go back and work on trig
April 14, 2009 at 12:45
Good for you, kartman! And remember that Senna was the coolest racer to grace this earth!
April 14, 2009 at 12:46
Irishgunner – If I’m honest ? Why would I want Alonso in the team ?! Never really liked the idea of him or Barry, just seemed like buying for the sake of buying.
They definetly aren’t worth anywhere near what they were valued at.
April 14, 2009 at 12:46
Chary – yep I have it all worked out. Mascherano will tackle Drogba tonight and both will get an injury that rules them out for a two weeks.
Then Gerrard pulls his hamstring again and is out while Essien twists his ankle while celebrating their victory
April 14, 2009 at 12:46
Oh right, sorry Irish.
It’s just logical isn’t it? Kids can’t learn off kids… no matter how good the older kids are.
April 14, 2009 at 12:46
all of us are genius because we support arsenal! An intelligent choice ryte?
April 14, 2009 at 12:47
I like Alonso, think he’s a very good player.
Anyways he was just an example, but being honest if you could have say Essien instead of Denilson all season wouldn’t you?
April 14, 2009 at 12:47
Some Arsene contradictions:
i would sign two experienced players to assure the fans before the start of the euros in 3 weeks. we need a tall commanding CB
no one is leaving
month later: i had to let hleb go cos he could have evoked webster’s clause
i am here with my cheque book
next interview: players are too pricy
Ade isnt going any where???
9 months later: Ade’s indecision destabilised the team
April 14, 2009 at 12:47
Franchise – I really wouldn’t put much faith in the IQ test, you’re probably more likely to get a different and often higher result if you ever decided to take it again.
April 14, 2009 at 12:47
Oh and Torres breaks his hand brushing his hair
April 14, 2009 at 12:48
Pedro – heh, how is it illogical ?!
April 14, 2009 at 12:48
Keyser, I struggle to see how you can justify telling everyone that Alonso, European Cup winner, Euro Championship and domestic honours winner and all round stand out performer this year… isn’t worth £15million…
Oh, and he’s 26… in his prime. He’s versatile as well…
How would his purchase have been buying for buying sake?
April 14, 2009 at 12:48
tomorrow’s line up should be:
Fabianski
Sagna – Toure – Silvestre – Gibbs
Walcott – Denilson – Fabregas – Nasri
van Persie – Adebayor
The only potential change that could be made is playing Song at CB and Silvestre at LB but I wouldnt much fancy exploring that possiblity!
A simple 4-4-2, not defensively minded as we are the home team and the better team and should feel more than capable of pegging Villarreal back in their own half.
April 14, 2009 at 12:49
Pedro – its like a toddler teaching another toddler how to use the potty, only gets messy!!
April 14, 2009 at 12:50
Fergie said Ronnie wasnt leaving and boy did he stick to his word.
Word on the street was that Hleb had asked for a move to Barca at the start of 07/08 season others say eas early as January 07/08 season
April 14, 2009 at 12:51
Arsene was interested in Alonso big time but didnt want to pay 16million for him
April 14, 2009 at 12:51
Kids teaching kids Keyser?
It’s illogical because it hasn’t worked for the past however many years…
It took the signing of Arshavin to spark our season and the return to form of our older players to kick start the year.
You’ve only got to read the press cuttings from Cesc and Robin to understand the young players want to play with great players… not kids.
I think you are in an argumentative mood today aren’t you Keyser?
April 14, 2009 at 12:52
Ronaldo will be at Madrid next summer – he doesn’t look like he wants to play anymore for United to be honest
April 14, 2009 at 12:52
Arsene uses the media to syke his team up this means he cant be too frank about everything
April 14, 2009 at 12:53
drogba suspended for life when he slaps lampard by accident(he wanted to kick Reina for blocking his shot). Lampard hits back and a huge brawl breaks out as Torres and Gerrard suffer fractures. Guus appreciates the Arsenal physios who came out of nowhere to save an unconscious Kalou.
April 14, 2009 at 12:53
Irish, that’s why they don’t put 25 year olds in charge of big corporations… experience has to past down… or gained through poor results… and a trophyless number of years.
April 14, 2009 at 12:53
Irish, I think Utd will get Ribery to replace him… lucky bastards.
April 14, 2009 at 12:54
the only way Alonso would have cost under 15million was if he had been plagued by injuries for 2 years ala Rosicky
April 14, 2009 at 12:54
Pedro – how many of our kids came out and said they will or do miss being able to watch and learn from Bergkamp. Nik Bendtner and Theo were definitely 2 of them! Its just logical!
April 14, 2009 at 12:54
Barry not worth it
April 14, 2009 at 12:55
Sometimes though the young corporation managers do exceptionally well – you have Fabregas’ and Messi’s but they aren’t the norm.
April 14, 2009 at 12:55
kartman try get involved in a debate u seem to be crazy and obsessed with blog farts sorry hattricks lol
are u in the UK?
April 14, 2009 at 12:55
Taig, and how many of them raved about playing with Beckham last year?
April 14, 2009 at 12:56
Steven Defour, a young captain of Standard Liege
April 14, 2009 at 12:56
I know Pedro
We should nab Ribery, tell Bayern that AW will be their manager when he leaves Arsenal and give them £15mil, good deal 
April 14, 2009 at 12:56
Pedro – Heh, nice list of honours, so you’re saying 15 million would have been enough, Franchise here thinks 16 million, 18 million was also quoted, he never left Liverpool.
I just don’t think he’d have been right for the team and at 15-18 million we either wait or find someone better.
April 14, 2009 at 12:57
Diaby is back in training! So we can expect him to be fit for maybe the next 2 games and then get injured again! Just fucking sell him! And Rosicky!
April 14, 2009 at 12:57
yep franchise, what abt you?
April 14, 2009 at 12:58
Its not a “big name” thing though, its just players that are ready and have experience playing at a good standard of football over a period of time.
Sagna, Eduardo and even Nasri being good examples.
April 14, 2009 at 12:58
fran, are you from Cameroon?
April 14, 2009 at 12:58
“One should remember what everyone seems to forget – we play against people who have unlimited funds, they can buy the best players
in the world. You produce young talent with your limited funds, but still everyone is asking you to always beat these teams.”
April 14, 2009 at 12:59
Pedro – I f I want to progress in my company, who am I going to watch and learn from…the boss who has turned us into a multi-million dollar company and the largest privately owned company in the UK or the apprentice that just walked through the door? Hmmmmm, let me see……
April 14, 2009 at 13:01
Faceman – who are you quoting? Or are you not?
April 14, 2009 at 13:01
Pedro – It’s not illogical because you’re making out as if it can never work, how much has Cesc already learn’t ? Not all players need someone to learn from to succeed they can learn for themselves by actually going out there and learning through trial and error, which has pretty much been the theme of the whole season.
Yeah you can learn from older more experienced players, but then that doesn’t negate the need for coaches, managers and actually playing high end football for yourself.
Arshavin to spark us ? Come on so suddenly it’s all down to Arshavin ?!
Heh, are you in the mood for everyone to agree with you ?!
April 14, 2009 at 13:03
tonyadamsisgod – Not really the point, but if we go along with it, are you saying that you need your boss to sit there and hold your hand or are you going to have to use your own initiative and learn for yourself at some point ?!
April 14, 2009 at 13:03
bye… i gtg
April 14, 2009 at 13:03
Faceman, we don’t produce young talent… we mostly buy it… and most teams can’t compete with the wages we offer the young kids.
Lets not kick off with the whole, we’re so skint.
As far as I can see, there are only 2 clubs in the league with unlimited funds… Man City… and Chavski.
We can still compete with the rest of Europe and the Prem for players.
April 14, 2009 at 13:04
sorry, tony, that was another quote from the now infamous le boss l’equipe interview of recent days.
i found it very succinct and to the point.
April 14, 2009 at 13:04
yeah im in the uk kartman
April 14, 2009 at 13:05
barca, manure, real have far more funds than us, currently.
but that will all change soon, the debt is being paid off, and we will get more and more free cash for transfers.
April 14, 2009 at 13:05
Keyser – cesc had some of the best players in Europe to learn from! Vieira, Henry, Campbell, Gilberto. I would imagine cesc learnt a fair bit from them.
And I also believe it took the Arshavin signing to rejuvinate us. It just gives you a lift. The players who are in competition raise their game. The players who aren’t are just excited to play along side him. I think most people will tell you that his ability going forward has also had a lot to do with our good defensive displays of late as he has taken so much pressure off of them.
April 14, 2009 at 13:06
Chelsea don’t have unlimited funds anymore, Ambramovich has closed his wallet it seems
April 14, 2009 at 13:06
Faceman – Oh ok, imissed that earlier so was just curious.
April 14, 2009 at 13:07
pedro are u talking about this site?
http://avenell.wordpress.com/
April 14, 2009 at 13:07
Keyser, so Arshavin hasn’t sparked our season? We suddenly moved away from Crab football and it had nothing to do with the little Russian?
Cesc learnt from Paddy and Gilberto… and Henry…
I know you’ve just tries to write off TAIGS point about working for a corporation… but you’re totally wrong.
You can do things for yourself, because everyone has a natural talent at something in business… having the guidance there when things aren’t going your way is where experience kicks in… and is pretty much what we’ve lacked when question have been asked this year.
April 14, 2009 at 13:08
Keyser – of course its the point. The best way to learn is by watching how its done. Who is going to be the better player…..a kid that learns from trial and error alone or the kid that can be tutored by Bergkamp and also through trial and error?
April 14, 2009 at 13:08
Pedro thats where Wenger is a master doc of spin. when questioned about his lack of input into the national team he takes credit for players like bentley, upson etc however, he refuses to give credit to the likes of barca for exceptional young players like cesc. but he tries to take all the glory. cesc learnt most of what he knows now from barca that is why he could fit into our 1st team 1 year after making the switch
April 14, 2009 at 13:10
tonyadamsisgod – Yeah he could’ve, just don’t see how it’s seen as illogical that he won’t learn anything playing football for himself, he’s got coaches, one of the best managers in the World and pretty much everything else he needs, those players don’t have to be in the team for him to learn, he can go out and play against almost every week.
Same with the Arshavin thing, it’s just one factor, Walcott talks of the amazing things Eduardo and
April 14, 2009 at 13:11
Van Persie do in training it’s one factor.
April 14, 2009 at 13:12
I dont beleive Arsenal have a particular problem with inexperience right now. our problems come from a lack of strength in depth in 2 positions – centre defence and centre defensive midfield. everywhere else we are as strong as we can reasonably expect to be given we are not the richest club in the world.
we had issues with lack of experience earlier in the season, but we made mistakes and they learnt. we have come a long way this season. What we dont need is to move back to square one come June as has been happening in recent seasons.
If we only buy 1 player this summer it needs to be an upgrade of Song. a player to come and play that DM role, who can if needed, play at centre back as well. we need to keep hold of virtually every other player.
April 14, 2009 at 13:13
Keyser – I myself, and I think most others, arent saying that experience is the ONLY factor that counts. Its just a huge benefit and a very important one. Obviously, like you say, you have to learn for yourself and try to improve your own game as much as you can. But it would always be nice to have DB10 walk over and give you a nod of approval!
April 14, 2009 at 13:15
Pedro – Who’s being argumentative now, heh, where did I say he’s had nothing to do with it ? You were talking of it being illogical.
..and again I’m not TOTALLY wrong, the players do have people around them to teach them and guide them, just maybe not as much on the field as they could, but if you’ve got the talent you’re obviously going to learn as you go along. So they can learn, how much and how quickly can be just as much down to the player as who he has alongside him.
April 14, 2009 at 13:15
Time for lunch – back soon
April 14, 2009 at 13:16
I think we all agree in a non-agreeing kind of way!
April 14, 2009 at 13:19
I couldn’t understand what wenger was talking about today when he said a fan came up to him and told him this team would not win the league and wenger had a go at him for being so negative.
wenger really is in a bubble of his own. unless it had escaped his attention we will NOT win the league this season – the fan was spot on. every fan expects arsenal to be challenging for the title, and we could not do that this season. wenger has to accept that as fair criticism, especially as we were 4 points from winning the title last year (and that points total would have won the league this season), so all we had to do was repeat last season, but we could not do that.
to be so crap for half the season, to me is unacceptable. Its not right that wenger feels he is right to throw away half a season to develop players. If that happened every season, I would die of frustration. No more gambling wenger please.
April 14, 2009 at 13:21
tonyadamsisgod – I just don’t get how it’s illogical that they could learn for themselves just aswell, I think we’re overstating the importance here, who have these players learn’t off then ? Or are we saying they would have learn’t a lot better sitting on the sidelines watching Alonso play in front of them ?!
Or are we saying like many at half-time on Saturday, that they’re all shit and will never learn anything ?!
April 14, 2009 at 13:23
I dont get that Ade thingy too. its just an empty excuse IMO. Vieira flirted with a move every summer since 2000 until he eventually left yet we never finished below 2nd in the league mostly challenging until the end Why? cos the team was good enough. Deep down inside of me, the pessimist in me believes that we would be caught short at the most critical moment this season for the very reason that we are not yet there squad wise especially cos of our injury concerns. it is almost certain that we would finish at least 4th so we can focus a bit on the cups
April 14, 2009 at 13:25
its not because of Ade’s off and on transfer saga that Denilson was bullied in the middle against the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa, Stoke etc. It is because he isnt physically up to the challenge he faced on those occassions.
April 14, 2009 at 13:27
* wasnt
April 14, 2009 at 13:28
Vieira wasn’t flirting with a move, neither was henry, there were just loads of rumours with both of them because so many clubs wanted them, they never actually caused problems behind closed doors.
does anyone else think the pfa player and young player awards are an absolute joke this year?! absolute piss take it’s like some glory fan utd supporter who doesn’t actually watch the matches has chosen the nominations
April 14, 2009 at 13:28
Keyser – I think it varies from player to player as well so its a tricky one. I think the word ‘experienced’ should maybe swapped with ‘quality’ as that is the real factor that improves the kids. If a kid can watch an Alonso, day in, day out then it will undoubtedly help him improve his own game. And that kid will always have an opportunity as no player stays permanently fit and always on form so I dont agree with Wenger that it would have killed them. I can only see it helping them. Its not ‘illogical’ to say they would learn from themselves but it is largely true that a kid would turn out to be a better player if he has someone ‘qaulity’ to learn from.
Wenger’s refusal to sign experinced qaulity is not improving his youth players but simply lowering the standards that they need to aim for to get into the the first team.
April 14, 2009 at 13:31
Keyser, I didn’t say kids learning was illogical.
I said kids learning off kids.
It hasn’t worked has it? So it doesn’t matter how confused you are about it… it took an older, more mature head to come into the team to make it tick… and to be honest, every time Arsh is out the team, we don’t look that great.
Roma away, Villareal away…
April 14, 2009 at 13:33
A – what a joke! I agree that Vidic, van der Sar and Gerrard should be in there! But Ferdinand?? Vidic has carried him all year long! Ronaldo has flopped even if only by his own standards and Giggs has been a fucking sub all year long! And why is Rafael in the young PFA nominations? He’s only made 10 appearances in the EPL and I bet most of them were from the bench! Agbonlahor only started well and is now struggling! Ireland should bag that one!
April 14, 2009 at 13:33
A… Paddy flirted with a move every year!
Remember the year it looked done and dusted… then he shocked everyone by saying he’d had a change of heart?
I think it was Madrid he turned down?
Remember the interview when he had a right pop about Franny Jeffers etc…
I don’t think the same could be said of Thierry… but definitly in the last 2-3 years of his career.
April 14, 2009 at 13:34
A where were u then? Vieira wasnt flirting with a move? Are u serious?
April 14, 2009 at 13:34
that’s true franchise, denilson can get bullied, as can cesc and others. The fulham game was horrible, but remember that denilson was partnered at centre mid in that game by eboue….
I hadn’t thought about it before, but i’m shocked that denilson isn’t up for young player of the year, he’s certainly been better this season and had to do more than lennon, rafael, and johnny evans! rafael and evans have started 9 and 11 games, and both have shown potential but been very suspect at times, and lennon has started 2/3 of games because he was dropped mis season, it’s only recently he’s found some form!
The fa were so desperate for utd to do what the idiotic media claimed they were going to do, win everything by miles, better than the invincibles etc, and now they’ve been completely found out it’s like they’re just pretending that didn’t happen, and still give awards to all utd’s players
April 14, 2009 at 13:35
On that note… I am hitting the road… Mancland… here I come!
Happy blogging!
April 14, 2009 at 13:36
tonyadamsisgod – It will affect them if all you’re doing is watching them day in day out sitting on the bench and that may be what Wenger is saying, actual experience, learning something for yourself, of anything In my opinion, far outweighs anything you may learn watching someone else.
If you’re going to criticise Wenger I think it’d be fair to criticise the amount of time he thought it would take the players to learn things for themselves, because the standard has improved from the start of the season ?!
April 14, 2009 at 13:38
taig ferdinand has carried vidic in my eyes, or at least made him look better than he is (though he’s still very good)
Ferdinand and vidic are justified imo, along with gerrard, but van de sar has been very very average this season, he’s just been very well protected, he’s had precious few good performances. giggs as well, and ronaldo has been far from great this season! It’s an absolute joke, though not as much as the young player!
April 14, 2009 at 13:38
Gazzap, I agree with you that inexperience is not an issue right now. And to me, it is not the only reason we’re 4th either.
People seem to forget that for most of this season we’ve been playing with sub-par backbone. First our most experienced players Kolo & Gallas could not even play together proving its not all about experience. We leaking a lot of goals as a result.
Cesc & Ade were both off forms before their injuries. You can’t question their experiences.
Before buying Arsh, we had like 4 or 5 0-0 while still creating enough chances to win games (Man Utd have won at least 10 1-0s this season). We still had our most experienced striker RVP on the pitch for most of this games.
Yes, buying Arsh had a positive impact on the team.Just like buying Sagna or Eduardo was. But it shouldn’t be taken as the silver bullet to our problems. Something was not right at Arsenal. Be it Gallas or Ade behavior.
If you take the points we lost at the start of the season due to Gallas-Kolo fiasco, add to those we lost due to blunt strike force, the far outnumber the points due to the inexperience of Denilson/Gibbs/Ramsey/Vela/etc.
TAIG yes experienced players help but they can also kill young players as Arsene says. I’ll give you Henry-Rayes example.
April 14, 2009 at 13:38
Pedro – I think you’re getting youself a bit confused here, are you saying they didn’t learn anything until Arshavin popped up ?! Umm Roma at Home ? Second half Villereal away, I don’t really think thats enough to back up your point, those two are two of the harder games we’ve faced this year and it’s the first time many of the team will have experienced them, but hey have a good day mate.
April 14, 2009 at 13:41
pedro/franchise – he wasn’t doing it in the same way as ade, not from my memory anyways, though maybe i’ve blanked it out! there were doubts about his future but it wasn’t the same as ade I don’t think, he wasn’t desperate to leave, he was just considering offers we received. we never got any decent ade offers or we would’ve taken them!
April 14, 2009 at 13:41
Keyser – every kid does their time on the bench. Cesc did. Wilshere is.
My point right now would be, is Wilshere learning/improving more now that Arshavin has arrived or was he learning/improving more when he wasn’t there?
Considering he was and still is on the bench, the only difference is he now has a quality, experienced player that can teach him one or two things in training. He hasn’t been able to learn for himself because Wenger says he needs to protect him so that only leaves learning from others around him.
April 14, 2009 at 13:44
Denilson – Reyes didn’t fail because of Thierry! He failed because he was a sulky twat that didnt like rain and the cold! Its not ‘killing’ them. All it is doing is lifting the standards and their is nothing wrong with that. We are now saying to Wilshere, ‘right, my son, we want you to be as good as Arshavin’. So thats what Wilshere has to do and it will improve him. If it doesn then we haven’t lost anytyhing.
April 14, 2009 at 13:45
taig cesc didn’t do his time on the bench, and neither is wilshere, at the age of 16/17 if you make the bench you aren’t “doing your time on the bench”, at that age you’ve achieved something special by making the bench, but with kids 19/20 not playing regularly stifles your development.
wilshere was better and seemed to be developing quicker before arshavin arrived, though that isn’t because of not learnning anything or anything to do with arshavin
April 14, 2009 at 13:47
taig i agree about the reyes henry thing, though it was different. Reyes didn’t fail because he didn’t get the starts, reyes failed because he was a young impressionable kid and he stole some of thierry’s thunder, which henry couldn’t take and treated him like shit because of it, destroying his confidence beyond repair.
April 14, 2009 at 13:48
with arshavin and wilshere, wenger wouldn’t have signed arshavin if he was a couple of years younger imo, because then he would have caused problems for the development of wilshere in a couple of years when he’s ready. Arshavin should be at the top for 3 years, by that time wilshere will be starting games as well.
April 14, 2009 at 13:48
Keyser, you get very tetchy when people disagree with you, don’t you?
You change the argument as well… much like my ex girlfriend…
I don’t think I said that the kids only started learning once Arshavin arrived.
However, once the Russian started getting games, our attacking play improved, as did our win ratio. That might be a coincidence though… but I think you’d be on your own if you believed that.
Anyway, I’m really off now… don’t you leave a bitchy last comment when I’m gone Keyser… my ex used to play those games as well
Good day!
April 14, 2009 at 13:48
tonyadamsisgod – Thats it though how do we quanitfy it ? Wilshere’s scored some excellant goals, he’s made defense splitting passes before Arshavin turned up, in pre-season he made a couple of the Real Madrid players look like muppets, he could learn sitting on the bench or working in traning with Arshavin, but until he goes out there and does it for himself it means nothing.
In the overall sense of it, obviously having experienced players to learn off throughout your career will help, but take Denilson and Song this season, I think they’ve learn’t more playing those games against top opposition, then they would’ve watching and learning from Alonso.
Though Denilson will obiously have already sat and watched Gilberto and played pretty well with him in last years Carling Cup games.
April 14, 2009 at 13:51
No TAIG, a lot of players were complaining the way Henry was acting if you don’t do what he expected. Reyes is just the one who suffered the most. And if Henry wasn’t let go we wouldn’t have the RVP and Ade we have today.
As A said, Cesc didn’t do any bench warming. He left Barcelona because of he couldn’t break into the team. If he had he wouldn’t have left.
April 14, 2009 at 13:51
A – “if you make the bench, you arent doing your time on the bench”?? I think you are. Wilshere isn’t 19 0r 20….he has 3 or 4 more years before then at which point he needs to learn as much as he can. What better way than by looking at the qaulity around you.
All of these remarks boil down to one thing. Some people are willing to see the standard of football dropped for the sake of the development of a youth player. I myself would prefer to raise the level and tell the kids that is where they need to be. If they dont make it theh they are not good enough.
April 14, 2009 at 13:51
A my point is that Arsene is over exagerating the effect of the Ade episode. We lost flamini and neither song nor Denilson were ready to replace him. Our midfield didnt function for months and this had an adverse effect on our attacking and defensive play. Add to that that Nasri was new to the premiership. So we had Cesc playing with 3 new faces in midfield. From pre-season a lot could see the writings on the wall cos we didnt actually play well
April 14, 2009 at 13:53
Pedro – Heh, as long as she didn’t look like me I think you’d have been fine. All these things could pretty much be aimed back at you, so the feelings mutual.
I was going to use th word ‘hormonal’ but then you’d probably be back posting a bitchy comment back, heh, have a good day.
I don’t think it’s a co-incidence just don’t think it’s the only factor that matters.
April 14, 2009 at 13:54
Reyes was a gypsy that had never lived outside of his family home in Seville. All of a sudden he moves to England and struggles to adjust. Henry had nuthin to do with his career never kicking off
April 14, 2009 at 13:54
The lineup posted is beyond ridiculous, 2 defenders, 1 centreback and no ball winning midfielders, 4 strikers and a left winger who has been useless everytime hes played on that side of the pitch.
April 14, 2009 at 13:56
Reyes struggled after he got kicked at Old Trafford by the Neville bros. His downer begun there. And after the press Madrid prank call his Arsenal fate was more or less decided then
April 14, 2009 at 13:58
Denilson – So obviously I wouldn’t expect anyone in their right mind to use Theirry’s behaviour as a good example. His skill and quality on a football pitch is a different story entirely. Reyes couldnt cut the mustard because he wasnt good enough….not because Thierry used to moan a lot!
April 14, 2009 at 13:58
tonyadamsisgod – Thats pretty much it, if we reach the same standard anyway it doesn’t matter one way or the other. We’re in the quarter finals of the Champions league and the semi-s of the FA Cup, we’ve been further in the league but we’ve also gone out before any of these stages with supposedly more talented and experienced teams.
I don’t think people are overly happy about it, they just see it as one way of adavancing the club as a whole.
April 14, 2009 at 13:58
PFA player of the year:
Man U -
Rio Ferdinand
Ryan Giggs
Cristiano Ronaldo
Edwin van der Sar
Nemanja Vidic
Liverpool – Steven Gerrard
Young player:
Man U – Jonny Evans and Rafael
Villa – Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young
Manchester City – Stephen Ireland
Tottenham Hotspur – Aaron Lennon
Bit of a joke this season.
Has vidic done that much really? he made a few tackles and headers. I just dont think he has done enough to win it. people love jumping on bandwagons.
And Ronaldo, people talk about him having a bad season. imagine for a moment another random player doing exactly what Ronaldo has done for united – the media would be raving about him. Ronaldo’s trouble is expectations. He has actually been better than most of the other players in that list, though nowhere near what he did last season when he was off the planet.
April 14, 2009 at 13:59
Franchise – I think you’re exaggerating the effect Wenger said it had on the team, he said it was one factor and considering the way the season fell away and the players that left, it didn’t help did it ?!
I also don’t think it helps that the transfer window goes on for soo long and cuts into the season unsettling players and teams.
April 14, 2009 at 14:00
diaby is fit for the villareal game.We should still play 4-4-2
April 14, 2009 at 14:00
franchise i don’t think wenger exagerated it, he just listed it as one of the things that has fucked us this season, not saying it was the reason, he placed more emphasis on hleb and flamini leaving and injuries etc than ade.
i disagree about the midfield as well – flamini left and denilson was ready, and has been just as good individually.
the big thing that completely did for us this season was hleb leaving, as the play had been build round him, and nasri being miles away from ready to replicate what hleb did, and rosicky never returned from injury. That put much more pressure on us defensively, and both the midfield and defence struggled (and largely failed)to cope with it
April 14, 2009 at 14:02
gazzap if a random player had done what ronaldo had done this season they’d be nowhere near the player of the year list! He’s in it because of name alone, even just looking at utd how on earth he’s in ahead of rooney i’ll never know!
April 14, 2009 at 14:02
Don’t hate on players just because they left us.
Experienced players can help certain young players. The likes of Senderous(sp) probably learned a lot from the experienced players and Keown.
Certain young players can help themselves. Who is Messy learning/has learned from? Cesc became a regular starting 11 at 18/19. You can’t say he learned from the experienced players around him. When you are good you are good.
April 14, 2009 at 14:05
gazzap – I would give it to Vidic. I think he has been consistently good all season apart from his slip up against Liverpool recently. He had a massive hand in setting the clean sheet record, maybe more so than van der Sar. Ronaldo has scored 15 goals this year. Nothing too special. Anelka has 15 but there is no sign of him.
April 14, 2009 at 14:05
the reason why we struggled this season was because Wenger took too much risk with his squad. End of Story
We lost 3 of our best key players in the 07/08 campaign and we didnt outsource to replace them adequately
Rosicky – through injury
Flam & Hleb – transfers
the other two of the well oiled 07/08 attacking set up Ade and Cesc struggled cos there was no harmony with the replacements
April 14, 2009 at 14:06
A, Ronaldo is the leagues and the country’s top scorer. he has also had a lot of assists and a lot of his goals have been winners. people say he has had a bad season.
April 14, 2009 at 14:07
A if u think Denilson was ready to replace Flamini then (even now) then i would like to have what u r drinking
April 14, 2009 at 14:07
Denilson – No one is hating a player, especially not because he left us. Reyes was shit! Reyes is shit! Where is he now…….on loan at Benfica because Atl. Madrid think he’s not good enough to play for them in La Liga!
April 14, 2009 at 14:08
Ronaldo – has 5 assists……..half of what RvP has!
April 14, 2009 at 14:09
Man U had a great run because the team was playing well. that means all 11 players were functioning and covering for each other. you cant say its down to VDS or Vidic. in many game both these players had very little to do. the team was attacking so well, the opposition had no chance to attack themselves. Fergie had a well functioning unit that understood each other. lately they have lost that fluency further up the field and suddenly they look very vulnerable at the back. Their back 4 is no better than ours.
April 14, 2009 at 14:09
A – I would have thought Rooney might have pipped him too.
April 14, 2009 at 14:10
How did xabi alonso not get into the list.Ronaldo has had a good season.But its just that there were others who have performed much better than he has
April 14, 2009 at 14:10
Franchise – What’s the point in saying ‘End of Story’ and then going on afterwards, heh.
April 14, 2009 at 14:11
gazzap – I agree, but most people think that Vidic has been the foundation of that efficient unit they have built! Credit where credit is due.
April 14, 2009 at 14:12
Ryan giggs has played well for a 35 yrd old player.That doesn’t mean he can get into that list
April 14, 2009 at 14:12
to be fair no one has actually stood out this year.
April 14, 2009 at 14:13
Excuse my ignorance, did Tony Adams ever win player of the year?
April 14, 2009 at 14:13
We could have definitely done with someone like vidic.I really really hope we move for daniel agger
April 14, 2009 at 14:14
i’m glad u agree keyser
April 14, 2009 at 14:14
Franchise,
In a space of 2 games, Cesc & Ade have combined for 3 goals which had nothing to do with the “replacements”.
The players Arsene banked his trust on (Gallas, Cesc, Ade, Kolo, etc) were simply out of fom at the beginning of the season.
April 14, 2009 at 14:14
*form
April 14, 2009 at 14:15
Look at the fifa awards itself.Complete joke.Kaka hardly featured last season and did not win a trophy but still made it to the top 5 and our very own cesc was left out
April 14, 2009 at 14:15
the only arsenal players to win the award
liam brady
d.bergkamp
t.henry
i think
April 14, 2009 at 14:15
longest unbeaten run since the invinceables. Lets change formation! No!
April 14, 2009 at 14:16
gazzap – No he didn’t but that doesnt mean that Vidic shouldn’t! Adams had to settle for being inducted into the English Football Hall Of Fame for his impact on English football. Im sure he’ll get over it!
Nishanth – Re Giggs…..Exactly!
April 14, 2009 at 14:16
franchise – flamini imo was always pretty average, did a job that we needed doing, but was very overrated and life was very easy for him in the midfield he was in last year, and if he’d still been at the club this season then I reckon he would have been as bad if not worse than denilson and song were earlier in the season.
nisanth i’m guessing they made the list when utd were being hugely overhyped by the press etc, but even then how did alonso not get in?! The nominations for both player and young player are laughable this year, possibly one of the most ridiculous ever!
out of the player award gerrard, vidic, ferdinand are justified out of that list, and young player young and ireland, the rest are verging on silly
April 14, 2009 at 14:17
Denilson that doesnt prove anything. Cesc and Ade have always combined well together. our midfield was arguably the best last season on their day and loosing 3 players from it hurt us real bad. it took us months to get any rhythm and we have just recently started playing ‘decent’ stuff consistently
April 14, 2009 at 14:19
so when arsenal were conceding 17 goals in a whole season and winning the league, our best centre back never got the recognition of player of the year. But vidic does. Vidic is not as good as Adams was, no way.
point is arsenal have never been a fashionable side to give awards to. only when we did something they couldn’t ignore (whole season unbeaten) did arsenal ever get given anything by the media/pundits. they begrudged us that as well. Henry never won as many awards as he should have done either. it was because he was at arsenal.
April 14, 2009 at 14:20
A – Im not so sure you know. I seem to remember Flamini picking up a lot of MOM awards and top ratings. I dont think he had it easy with Cesc, Walcott and Hleb all moving forward leaving him the only one to defend???? And quite simply, no way would he have been as bad as Denilson or Song.
April 14, 2009 at 14:21
KEEP ON DREAMING ASTON VILLA… WE ARE NOT GONNA LOSE ANY GAME!!!
WE CAN NOT BE HAUNTED BY OLD GHOSTS( PAST FAILURE) IN THE SEASON…
Despite slipping further behind the Gunners in the race for fourth spot Carew has not given up all hope of finishing above them.
“We haven’t given up, even though there is a big gap,” he said.
“Arsenal have tough games coming up, hopefully they won’t take many points against Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool, who are all fighting for the league.
“If we are lucky they will take one point from those games and we will win all our matches. We have the potential to win all of the games which are left.”
April 14, 2009 at 14:21
yeah flamini was average thats why milan came in for him and he gate crashed france’s euro squad.
April 14, 2009 at 14:22
Didn’t Bobby win the award in 2001-02 ?
April 14, 2009 at 14:22
Gazzap – trophies talk mate, always have done. People say Thierry didn’t get the big awards like world player of the year because he never actually helped us to a champions league. Pretty stupid. Buts its trophies that count more than who’s ‘fashonable’.
April 14, 2009 at 14:23
I’d have as my nomination –
Player of year
Gerrard
Vidic
Ferdinand
Lampard
Anelka
Freidel
(was struggling for a 6th! van de sar though not being great I guess got the clean sheet record, maybe VP or Ronaldo though neither deserve to be up there, stick in a Kevin Davies for overachieving?)
Young Player
Ireland
Young
Denilson
Nasri
Fellaini
(again struggling for a 6th, I guess lennon or agbonlahor could sneak in there)
April 14, 2009 at 14:23
Flamini had done his year of developing. But he did it mostly at left back with bits and pieces of midfield. so when he got the chance, he was able to take it. Den was really thrown straight in with nothing more than CC and a few other appearances to call upon. Of course Den struggled at first, and arsenal suffered.
Flam would have at least given us a more stable start to this season. I think he was a good player, with tons of energy and a good tackle. that does not make him irreplaceable but still would have been worth something to us this season for sure.
April 14, 2009 at 14:24
Arsenal Kenya – ha ha class! So even though they recently lost to united and got thumped by Liverpool he thinks he has the right to say that WE might slip up! What a plank!
April 14, 2009 at 14:25
A – Nasri! Really? Ireland should win that hands down!
How about Jagielka for Everton? He has been very, very good for them!
April 14, 2009 at 14:25
PFA player of the year:
Man U -
Rio Ferdinand
Ryan Giggs – why???
Cristiano Ronaldo – why??
Edwin van der Sar – why??
Nemanja Vidic
Liverpool – Steven Gerrard
Young player:
Man U – Jonny Evans and Rafael – why??
Villa – Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young – why??
Manchester City – Stephen Ireland – winner
Tottenham Hotspur – Aaron Lennon – why?
April 14, 2009 at 14:28
yeah franchise – he was picked for france and wanted by milan because he had a very good season for us, and then when they saw him individually both realised he wasn’t good enough for either….
Hleb, Cesc, and Rosicky completely dominated possession last season, and made Flamini’s job very easy, though he has also very important to that system because his energy and closing down won the ball higher up the pitch and very quickly after we’d lost it. Flamini had incredible energy, and was very tenacious, but isn’t very intelligent, and doesn’t have great positional sense, as well as being very average on the ball. In the way we played last season, totally dominating possession and with hleb, rosicky, and cesc taking the piss out of teams that was fine, but this season where we had to play deeper, and couldn’t dominate possession in the same way, flamini’s lack of awareness and intelligence would have been found out hugely imo, just as denilson’s physical frailness was earlier in the season.
April 14, 2009 at 14:28
Irish – I agree with everything apart from van der sar’s ‘why’…..I would put that next to ferdinands name.
April 14, 2009 at 14:28
Ashley Young for young player of the year
i’ll give PFA p.o.y to Gerrard or Giggs
April 14, 2009 at 14:30
Franchise – what has Giggs done this year apart from warm the bench a lot? And Young has faded terribly recently. Ireland has been consistently good all year though!
April 14, 2009 at 14:30
yeah i was thinking that taig, then realised jagielka is 26! nasri is young and has been better than any young player playing regularly this season that i could think of to put in the list? He’s not been hleb or pires, but he’s been better than the likes of agbonlahor and lennon! (i refuse to even mention rafael and evans, maybe the nominations were made on april 1?!)
i agree ireland wins it hands down though
April 14, 2009 at 14:31
he was good for us that is what mattered. Denlson doesnt play for brazil U21 yet he has been decent enough for us that is all we care about.
23 serie A games for Milan is not that bad with 16 starts 7 sub appearances.
April 14, 2009 at 14:32
young shouldn’t get it just because he’s the biggest diver in the prem bar none!
ireland has been better than him, though young was very good earlier in the season, ireland was still better imo. If city had been better I would have thought ireland wouldn’t have been far away from the player of the year nominations let alone young player
April 14, 2009 at 14:33
Carew says if arsenal pick up 1 point and we win all ours then we can get 4th. er do the math son. that puts villa on the same points as arsenal. arsenal have a goal difference of 20 better than Villa, so unless villa can win all their games 4-0 then I dont think so!
but what we dont want is for them to beat WHU on sat and then us to lose to Pool on tuesday. That would give them a little lift and put us under a little bit more pressure. we really need at least a draw at Pool. I think that is acheivable.
April 14, 2009 at 14:33
Giggs has defied his old age and has starred in a few key games e.g. Chelse in CM, Scored a stunner away at West Ham. They are top of the league United and many believe he’s performances have been solid
April 14, 2009 at 14:33
A – sorry, I meant Jagielka for the big boys nomination! Nasri did start well, but again, what has he offered of late? Not too much really. He is already miles better than Hleb though. People really seemed to think he was the business. He really wasn’t Yeah he had good feet but he rarely produced an end product in a goal or an assist. His stats for Arsenal are woeful. I know people will say his passing was good but what use it if you dont make anything of it. Denilson’s passing rate is better than Hleb’s was. Scary!
April 14, 2009 at 14:35
franchise 16 starts is far from good, especially when you think about the fact that the player he was bought to eventually replace was injured early in the season for the duration of the campaign, yet after a couple of games they decided flamini wasn’t actually good enough even to play all the time in his absence! Flamini doesn’t have a future at milan, he could well be sold in the summer, he should never have left us.
April 14, 2009 at 14:35
The league table dont lie Young was very crucial in keeping Villa in the top 3 for months.
April 14, 2009 at 14:36
Franchise – I love Giggs as a player and a role model for kids but I think his nomination is based on his whole life’s achievemnts. He deserves a lifetime achievment award more than a 08/09 PFA nomination.
April 14, 2009 at 14:36
TAIG – I think Van Der Saar is way overrated, the defence cover his weakness. When he was going for the clean sheet record thing he dropped an awful clanger. I didn’t put the why?? at Ferdinand because he had a great partnership with Vidic, I think they both feed off each other.
I don’t see why Giggs is nominated. He has largely come off the bench and its a bit nostalgia talking if you ask me.
Personally going on the lists Gerrard and Ireland have to be shoe-ins to win.
April 14, 2009 at 14:37
with regards the league. we really need to secure 4th asap and then put all our focus on the CL games (prob at Porto). I dont think 3rd is really realistic. its an outisde chance but no more.
I would then use players like Ramsey and Vela in league games that we dont have to win towards the end. I actually rate both those players.
April 14, 2009 at 14:38
I think Flamini was great for us because of the EPL. Its a million miles way from Serie A. Serie A is stop, start, stop, start and minimal physical contact allowed. The EPL is all guns blazing, run a round at a million miles an hour and chucking in horror tackles……something that Flamini could do all day long!
April 14, 2009 at 14:39
yeah franchise giggs has done better than people thought he would at his age etc, but the award is for the best player, regardless of age, nationality etc, and giggs hasn’t even been in utd’s top 6 players this season let alone the countries!! it’s a nomination out of compassion rather than being deserved.
If there was an oldie award he’d win it hands down though!
no point getting into the hleb debate taig but i disagree completely. Hleb was imo our best player this season, goals and assists aren’t everything, our team and system simply couldn’t have functioned without hleb, as it didn’t when he was out last season and has been shown this year. He was completely integral to our style of play, even if he didn’t win the individual plaudits.
i agree nasri hasn’t been great recently, but he’s still been miles better over the course of the season than 4 of the 6 nominations!
April 14, 2009 at 14:40
A u r just hating Flamini isnt doing bad at Milan. If he doesnt have a future at Milan it makes one wonder how our star players end up struggling for other clubs yet we are forced to believe that they are all as good as any out there.
April 14, 2009 at 14:40
Irish – I know what you mean but van der sar did make some big contributions in that period. I think it should be down to Gerrard or Vidic. Everyone is going to have their own take on it though I guess! Giggs is defo nostalgia originated!
April 14, 2009 at 14:41
Flamini has started 7 of their last 9 serie A games and the games he wws brought on he was on at 53mins and 79mins respectively. How is he doing bad?
April 14, 2009 at 14:42
A – I will be expecting you to say the same of Denilson when the time comes after that comment!
April 14, 2009 at 14:42
yeah he wass franchise – his diving and then taking of the set pieces did them wonders, but ireland was incredible a the start of the season, and has still been better overall than young imo, even if in a less successful team
going on stats, ireland has got 8 goals 7 assists to youngs 5 goals 6 assists, and ireland has played holding mid at times for them, and his all round play has been outstanding wherever he’s played, defensively as well as going forward
April 14, 2009 at 14:43
* 53 mins and 59mins…….
April 14, 2009 at 14:43
I suppose he was a large part in all that TAIG but I wonder how Lampard didn’t make the cut
April 14, 2009 at 14:46
franchise flamini is not a regular at milan despite them having their player who plays in exactly the same position out for the season. When gattuso returns, flamini won’t even be the first choice sub
he’s started one game more than just half the games, despite gattuso not being available, which shows that milan really don’t rate him that highly
April 14, 2009 at 14:47
Irish – Yeah Lampard has had one of his better season’s. Its a tough job to draw up a final 6 though isnt it! We could be hear all day saying ‘what about so and so’ and ‘why didn’t matey’ get in’…….
April 14, 2009 at 14:49
Its fair to say Milan dont rate Flamini. If they did he would have started more. But like I said above, its down to playing in Serie A that his performaces have suffered. He suits the fast, rough stuff.
April 14, 2009 at 14:50
jd out tomorrow then, i’m thinking the team will be
fabianski
sagna toure silvestre gibbs
denilson song
theo cesc nasri
ade
maybe vp in for someone, possibly one of denilson and song out and cesc dropped back, but i’m not sure about that
reserve squad for tonight is
Wojciech Szczesny
Craig Eastmond
Thomas Cruise
Kyle Bartley
Luke Ayling
Mark Randall
Emmanuel Frimpong
Francis Coquelin
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Gilles Sunu
Sanchez Watt
Luke Freeman
Cedric Evina
Rhema Obed
Benik Afobe
I’d like to see afobe and freeman, they’ve been banging in the goals like nobody’s business for the youths, and england. Doubt either will start though
April 14, 2009 at 14:50
no one has stood out this season per se
United’s clean sheet record probably got their defenders nominated
Gerrard seems to make the list every year. he’s been quite good though but I reckon Alonso has been better maybe cos he doesnt have enough assists and goals to show for it??????
Giggs has been very ok
Cristiano by his standards has not been ok
A. Young has been ok for most of the season
S.Ireland too
i dont get the J.Evans V.d.Sar Rafael nomination
April 14, 2009 at 14:51
TAIG – yep that’s true but it seems like a Manchester United love in. Yes they have been the best team so far but Lampard has done more for Chelsea than Giggs for United. Rafael in the young player must be a joke – surprised Macheda isn’t there if that’s the case.
April 14, 2009 at 14:51
flamin made it at the grove b/c AW gave him million chances bfore last season and he pay him by leaving after his one best season ever . Shit mug
even AW was very suprised he got to leave he said it so
April 14, 2009 at 14:51
i dunno taig, i actually thought he’d be a relative success in italy! gattuso and flamini have very similar styles of play, energetic, pressing and winning the ball back, but gattuso is also a fantastic overall footballer, and i think flamini was found out to an extent in that respect.
April 14, 2009 at 14:52
A – who are the reserves playing tonight?
April 14, 2009 at 14:54
Oh yeah tottenham
April 14, 2009 at 14:56
Wenger still got it…
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/85971708/AFP
April 14, 2009 at 14:57
He added: “Of course we are talking about a very important person to me.
“I respect him a lot, but in football you try to achieve things as an individual.”
When asked whether he or Wenger would be first to leave the club, Fabregas said: “I hope that I will play football for another 10 or 12 years.
“I have no idea of where I will be, but if I continue with Arsenal I hope that Wenger will leave before me.”
April 14, 2009 at 14:57
A u r talking bollox… the guy has started 7 of their last 9 games… only Seedorf as a CM has more appearances than him. The guy is holding his own well. For a free transfer Milan got themself a very useful utility player that Arsenal didnt try hard enough to keep
April 14, 2009 at 14:59
Wenger kicking a football, wow
April 14, 2009 at 15:02
right so diaby is back in the squad… does that mean he is going to play 4-5-1 agin with diaby in behind ade…. i fucking hope not!! JD otu and so is clichy still… but no mention on Arse.com of Eduardo??? do they just forget about him or something??? he apparently just missed out on the squad for the game at the weekend so he shud be fit for tomorrow???
April 14, 2009 at 15:03
I know irish…he was a pretty decent footballer back in france…or so i have heard…
April 14, 2009 at 15:03
Eduardo is in the provisional squad according to Setanta I think it was I saw it.
He has to play 4-4-2
April 14, 2009 at 15:05
Obi – he only played for regional teams but he played one game for Strasbourg in Europe but that’s cos they were well short of players.
April 14, 2009 at 15:17
how did you work out that only seedorf has more appearances as a centre mid franchise?!
what about pirlo, and ambrosini?! So he’s made the 4th most appearances of the centre mids, whilst gattuso is out, so he’s 5th choice centre mid….
he has played a lot more recently, but who knows what’ll happen to him at the end of the season if he’s 5th choice centre mid and they paid him big bucks to come to milan
yeah i agree flamini is a useful utility player, but not the replacement for gattuso they hoped he would be
April 14, 2009 at 15:24
Are u listeneing to me at all?
Only Seedorf has made more appearances in the league than Flamini
Seedorf 25
Flamini 23
Ambrosini 22
Pirlo 19
Emerson 12
Gattuso 11
Ive not read anywhere that Milan are diapoointed in Flamini u r the only one Ive heard that from. The guy is doing very well. The one that is returning to our club on the other hand Senderos has only until recently started featuring regularly
April 14, 2009 at 15:25
* sorry I meant only Seedorf has made more appearnces as a CM than Flamini for AC Milan in the league this year
April 14, 2009 at 15:31
Surely ye are joking about the pfa nominees? That has to be a joke. Rafael has played about 5 games and has done nothing when on…except score against us but everyone gets their first against us.
And why the fack is Giggs there. He doesnt even play much. If he is there then Tugay should too. Total disgrace.
April 14, 2009 at 15:32
Franchise, those stats? Are you sure they are all for just Flamini at CM because he played at right back a bit earlier on..
April 14, 2009 at 15:33
sorry 27 games seedorf
April 14, 2009 at 15:34
http://tinyurl.com/dfov99
April 14, 2009 at 15:35
im not sure Stu but im just pointing to A that Flamini isnt unwanted at Milan. The no of appearances he has made to date in his first year at a big club like Milan doesnt suggest that anyway. Ancelloti believes in his ability
April 14, 2009 at 15:35
oh ok, yeah that’s true franchise, if you include subs, but that’s because everyone else has been injured! flamini has been available pretty much all season, and has started in just over half the games, largely because of injuries to others, and been sub in other games.
Milan’s first choice midfield is pirlo gattuso seedorf ambrosini, but when gattuso got injured for the entire season, flamini wasn’t trusted to play game in game out for them. From where he was last season with us, he’s gone downhill massively
April 14, 2009 at 15:37
diapoointed now thats a classic word
April 14, 2009 at 15:37
Irish, someone must have played a sexy through ball. He just cant help himself..
April 14, 2009 at 15:38
An arm and a leg found in Herfotdshire, a head found in Leicestershire. I’m off for a wander through the woods, there might be some fanny about.
April 14, 2009 at 15:38
franchise my point is that flamini was bought as an eventual replacement for gattuso, but when he got to milan they realised he wasn’t as good as they thought, so even with gattuso out for the season flamini wasn’t trusted to replace him.
Flamini hasn’t started a single big game this season, every match he’s started was against crappy opposition, and that’s with the player who plays in his exact role out for the season, to me that indicates that ancelloti doesn’t rate him
April 14, 2009 at 15:39
I was just hoping he was fixing his shirt myself
April 14, 2009 at 15:41
Are they still finding body parts Steve? Is it all from the one person?
April 14, 2009 at 15:42
I think so Oirish. I’m no detective but I reckon they can rule out suicide.
April 14, 2009 at 15:42
how long would that midfield last for? Ask urself that question.
Flamini has been brought into Milan to fight for his place and eventually replace those oldies
emerson is 33
ambrosini is 32
pirlo is almost 30
seedorf is 33
April 14, 2009 at 15:43
how do u know that they decided he wasnt good enough? or u decided on their behalf
April 14, 2009 at 15:44
A stands for Ancellotti Franchise, didn’t you know that???
April 14, 2009 at 15:45
yeah i know he was franchise, but this season he’s been deemed not good enough to come in for them when injured.
He was very impressive for us last season so milan bought him to ultimately replace gattuso
he started the first two games of the season and did poorly, and after that despite gattuso sustaining a season ending injury he’s only been trusted to start against teams who are in the bottom half of the table, apart from 1 games against 10th place and 1 game against 8th.
April 14, 2009 at 15:45
I think they can Steve
April 14, 2009 at 15:46
decided that because gattuso was out, and they didn’t play flamini…. pretty simple
April 14, 2009 at 15:50
Stop hating A Flamster is a toughie we lost him that doesnt make him less of a player
Steve I missed ya wittyness
April 14, 2009 at 15:51
Merida better be in the first team squad tomorrow, especially in light of recent shenanigans that suggest he’s not in the squad tonight.
April 14, 2009 at 15:53
ill take the flamster over Denilsong any day
April 14, 2009 at 15:53
oh er! Wenger getting a little shirty these days:
Speaking to Tuesday’s L’Equipe, Wenger said: “I remember winning at Chelsea this year. When I left the stadium, this bloke came to me at the end and said ‘I am an Arsenal fan, good game, but I don’t think we are going to win the league with such a team!’
“I told him: ‘You are not an Arsenal fan. You have just seen some 20-21-year-old kids in midfield beating the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Drogba and Anelka! Haven’t you got anything less negative to say?’”
April 14, 2009 at 15:54
what recent shenanigans paulinho?? He isn’t in the squad tonight, i’d guess he’s picked up a knock? Can’t imagine him being in the first team squad for tomorrow, especially with diaby back
April 14, 2009 at 15:56
I’m with you Franchise. Would swap the both of them for Flamini.
Paulinho, I find that response alarming. It indicates to me that Wenger doesn’t expect us to compete with the likes of Chelsea now.
April 14, 2009 at 15:57
Training with the first team A. It’s like having a kick about with the stars renders him unselectable for reserve matches.
They find any old excuse to have Merida in the twilight zone….. I think they think he’s not compatible with the rest of the reserve players and want to keep playing Frimpong and Cocquelin centrally from now on.
April 14, 2009 at 15:59
i disagree steve/franchise, id rather have either of song or den than flamini, i think they’ve got much much more potential
steve i don’t see how that indicated that wenger doesn’t expect us to compete with chelsea!! the whole point of the quote is that we had just won at stamford bridge, yet the fan was being negative when he should have been celebrating a win that would have been a very good result if it had been the invincibles!
April 14, 2009 at 16:00
Steve, every day half an hour Wenger is releasing little jibes back at his doubters who had the temerity to question his management last summer.
It’s like he thinks he has won the champions league and F.A cup double the way he’s going on.
April 14, 2009 at 16:01
A, I’m with you on Flamini. He should be kneeling down and thanking his lucky stars that he got to hitch a ride on the Cesc/Hleb saddle.
April 14, 2009 at 16:02
A i know u would rather have a bowl of brussel sprouts than an nice sunday beef roast with roast potatoes, veg, yorkshire pudding and a peroni
April 14, 2009 at 16:03
A- but the guy was still right, we can’t win the league with this team.
April 14, 2009 at 16:03
ah ok paulinho
i thought he’d been training with them for a while! wilshere too whilst he was still playing for the reserves.
I can understand why he’s not compatable though with the current lot, he’s a level above them but with no movement whatsoever in front of him it must be hard for him. I would’ve liked to see him creating for freeman and afobe but nevermind!
April 14, 2009 at 16:03
“You have just seen some 20-21year old kids in midfield beating the likes of Ballack, Lampard, Drogba and Anelka”. It sounds the sort of comment a manager at the arse end of the table or in a lower division would say.
April 14, 2009 at 16:03
Flamini himself was injured for some part earlier in the season. Autumn months. that wont have helped his appearance stats or his bid to get regular football.
But also when you have legends in front of you who have played for Milan forever, its very hard for the manager to say OK I have just bought this young lad who will come in and take your place all season. At big clubs you have to earn your right to start games and even do your time on the bench etc. Flamini is simply going through that, plus getting used to a new league. I would bet next season he will be considered as a first choice player, but boy do I wish he’d never left.
April 14, 2009 at 16:05
A, the fan could see that the team was lacking regardless of the result and he has been proved right.
What is coming through on these press snippets of Arsene is that he must get every paper in circulation delivered to his front door.
April 14, 2009 at 16:05
Arsenal fans are fond of doing this. Once a player leaves then he is shite. Take off ur rose-tinted glasses FFS!!!
April 14, 2009 at 16:05
arsenal can’t play 3-4-3..the reason for that being if the defence isnt solid it becomes harder to get back the ball once we lose it..if they get goals at the emirates their confidence goes high and they could attack without too many players needing to join the fray..also this approach dilutes our away goal advantage..its 442 for me with song and toure as cb..both can go forward if need be..
April 14, 2009 at 16:07
If he doesn’t believe that we have a midfield capable of challenging the likes of Chelsea and United then he should have strangthened it. That is my point.
I’ve said it a thousand times and it is boring as fuck, but if you aren’t going to buy players with a chance of winning the league lower your prices to match your expectation and ambition.
April 14, 2009 at 16:07
to an extent irish, though if rosicky had returned i think we would’ve certainly been up there, but that isn’t the point.
the whole point is that some fans are so obsessed with being negative that they say something like that even after a fantastic result.
April 14, 2009 at 16:09
He acts like we’ve had a massive injury crisis and these youngsters have been drafted in at the last minute and pulled out a result.
But this was Wenger’s plan, something he’s flaffed about with for five years, so wasn’t victories like kind of the plan by now?
April 14, 2009 at 16:09
A – I don’t the fan was been “negative” or obsessed with it, I just think he was being honest with Wenger. One or two working at the club could do the same. He’s a better manager and we’re a better club to settle for fourth way off the top spot.
April 14, 2009 at 16:09
* victories like that the plan by now
April 14, 2009 at 16:10
Then he should have just told the bloke to enjoy a fantastic result against a team who have lost once at home in 4 years.
April 14, 2009 at 16:10
steve he doesn’t say that though at all
he’s just saying that fans are being negative immediately after a great result, which is ridiculous.
The result would have been deemed a fantastic result if it was henry, bergkamp, vieira, pires etc, but the fact that it was a bunch of kids who beat chelsea on their own patch should be a reason for positivity and optimism, not negativity
April 14, 2009 at 16:10
the fan had every right to comment to wenger. he has probably been an arsenal fan a lot longer than wenger. if he sees the club selling or giving away players and not replacing them, then failing drastically in the league (at that point 5 defeats in 14 matches), then I think he was right to say, This team cannot win the league.
How can wenger then accuse him of not being an Arsenal fan? I think that’s disrespectful.
April 14, 2009 at 16:11
I think to be fair at one point we had a lot of injuries that some were short term HOWEVER we were still short a CB and DM anyway
April 14, 2009 at 16:12
irish this isn’t an independent source telling a story of the meeting.
wenger told that story to make the point about some fans negativity – we beat chelsea and the first thing that a fan said to him was that we aren’t good enough to win the league
April 14, 2009 at 16:12
Correct me if I’m wrong A (i’m sure you will), but didn’t that Chelsea win come a week after the Man City debacle and the shit home defeat to Villa???
April 14, 2009 at 16:13
yes it did Steve
April 14, 2009 at 16:13
It’s hardly as if we dominated Chelsea that day if we’re being honest
April 14, 2009 at 16:14
A – Wenger should have picked a better story IMO
April 14, 2009 at 16:15
In general I don’t have a big problem with the job Wenger is doing. It’s very good overall.
The problem is the smoke and mirrors in regards to finances and Wenger’s inability to cut the crap and tell us the truth in regards to certain issues.
If the fans knew the real story then I would bet that the team would get much more vociferous support.
April 14, 2009 at 16:15
Can’t argue with that Paulinho
April 14, 2009 at 16:16
It was a great result, no doubt. The fact is that by the time we won that game we had already lost 5 league games, so i’m assuming the bloke was a regular away attendee and the “one swallow doesn’t make a summer” situation was his point.
April 14, 2009 at 16:17
Irish, that’s true. We played like a mid-table side in the first half, Chelsea were in complete control, and we almost lulled them into a false sense of security.
I don’t think Chelsea were scared of us that day, at least not to the extent of last season or previous seasons. It was almost like how we treated Hull City, just thought we would stroll it.
April 14, 2009 at 16:17
A – I don’t think anyone is having a pop at Wenger per se but he must realise that fans aren’t happen unless we are putting up a challenge for the league, we were never in it this season.
April 14, 2009 at 16:18
*happy not happen
April 14, 2009 at 16:20
We lost the ability to scare teams somewhere near the end of last season and didn’t have it this season.
That’s why Arshavin is so important IMO – people see him on the teamsheet and think “shit, how can we control him?” compared to “oh its Eboue he’ll pass to us”
April 14, 2009 at 16:20
about the chelsea game..as i see it u can’t go to stamford and dominate..the fact we won means that the team is infact good enough to beat the best..hence it is good enough to win the league..it was pretty clear that we wouldn’t at that point but there’s no reason to say that the team isn’t good enough..and if i was the manager getting a great result after some truly desperate weeks i would be heartbroken if one of the fans was so negative..
April 14, 2009 at 16:20
Deliver us from trophylessness then u can say what u wish gaffer
April 14, 2009 at 16:23
starting the game with 3-4-3 is not going to work because we play with a high back line and only 3 at the back will leave too much space for villareal to exploit. if need be, we could switch to it later in the game when perhaps they are more tired and not moving so well. however, i would like us to see us attack more from the onset and start with a 4-4-2 instead of a 4-5-1. i think that without senna in there, this would be ideal for us allowing cesc and diaby/song/denilson (take your pick – i would like to see song but i think denilson will get the nod should wenger deploys this formation) take the game by its collar and dictate the tempo.
April 14, 2009 at 16:23
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/latest-team-line-ups-in-the-champions-league
new gizmo on Arsenal.com
April 14, 2009 at 16:23
Why do people keep saying that we are good enough to win the league???? If we were good enough to win the league we wouldn’t have lost 5 games by November. It’s fucking churlish to argue otherwise.
April 14, 2009 at 16:24
Looking back, the fan was a bit of sad bastard doing that right after the game. It was probably the timing of it that shocked Arsene as well.
April 14, 2009 at 16:27
Has to be said as well, does anyone trust this side to hold on to a lead of any kind if we get to the F.A Cup final or Champions league final?
The amount of leads we have blown over the years against the top teams is frightening. We collectively fall apart when in sight of silverware it seems, at least with this modern bunc….a bunch shorn of the Graham type players that had bottle in abundance.
April 14, 2009 at 16:29
Im not too confident about winning the CL. the FA cup is tricky too but more realistic IMO
April 14, 2009 at 16:30
exactly my point about the timing..and if we played like we are right now for the whole season we would challenge..its the same team..and the area we have improved is defence and mid..so it cant all be down to arsh
April 14, 2009 at 16:32
Just had a butchers at the Yids reserve team to play us tonight. Must be the most expensive reserve team in the world.
Hutton
Rocha
Gilberto
Bale
Chimbonda
Bentley
Campbell
Bostock
Probably cost those dopey cunts more than our entire first team.
April 14, 2009 at 16:33
If my aunt had bollocks she’d be my uncle Mayank.
April 14, 2009 at 16:34
i personally feel cl is easier..stay with me on this one..its cause we can win the cl without facing any english cloggers..fa we have to beat 2 english sides intent on playing 2 lines of defence..
April 14, 2009 at 16:35
Bentley in the reserves….awwwwwwww
April 14, 2009 at 16:35
Arshavin has been key even Stevie Wonder is aware of this fact
April 14, 2009 at 16:36
When were doing terribly and everybody had a go at Wenger, wasn’t justified?
Now that we’re doing relatively better, what is wrong with Arsene being happy for a change?
He said to judge him at the end of the season and judge him we will. But until then let the man enjoy his 18 games unbeaten run, 1/4 final champions league & 1/2 final FA cup.
April 14, 2009 at 16:36
Hi y’all what a day work is consuming
April 14, 2009 at 16:36
We have currently taken 7 points from the 3 English teams left in the competition. The only points dropped was because the stupid lazy prick got sent off.
April 14, 2009 at 16:37
This looks neat; useful!
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/latest-team-line-ups-in-the-champions-league
April 14, 2009 at 16:37
but if your discovered your aunt always had bollocks..you’d regret calling her aunt in the past..see where im going with this
im not too clear on it myself
April 14, 2009 at 16:39
Steve that sending off what a big harsh, two silly tackles, the little wank Lucas was fouling around him all day and he got a yellow card with a few mins left
April 14, 2009 at 16:39
I am always thinking, God I just wish I could speak to wenger and tell him what I am thinking. at that time (November) I would have let rip on him. there was so much bad stuff, and a lot of it was down to wenger. If I actually got the chance to meet him I would want to say what I actually felt. OK so that fan happened to meet him just after a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, but that fan will never meet wenger again. he had to say his piece albeit it was bad timing through no fault of his own. to be fair, it had an impact, wenger still remembers him.
April 14, 2009 at 16:40
Steve hi,
it’s like a greyhound race with our team.i.e. getting out of the traps.We fail to dominate too often in the early part of games,but more importantly don’t score.As you said having lost 5 out of our first 14 games,blew the title back in November.how often this season have we gone behind(i am no stts man,but i bet it’s a lot more than we would have wanted.)
Anyone would you keep Gibbs at left back tomorrow or bring in silvestre.one has speed one has experience,but has only played once in the last few weeks.Ans what about Diaby,defensive role ? Is he capable as he leans to want to attack all the time.I would start RVP and Eduardo(if fit) don’t let Ade get too complacent,keep him on the bench,make him hungry,if that’s possible on 80K + a week.
April 14, 2009 at 16:41
Arsene should keep his mouth shut it’s not as if he’s won anything already fuck him and his goddamn youth policy the guy is a shadow of his past and so is the team…..
April 14, 2009 at 16:42
afternoon All Gooners
good post Geoff 3-5-2 and run all over that submarine thing that would be excactly what the doctor ordered…if Our Beloved Arsenal just get going we have the talent and ability to sink that sub..no worries….
and if U all dont believe me Churchill told us so long time ago
Champers must be ready Irish
sit back All and lets rock’n roll ….
tom
April 14, 2009 at 16:43
Totally agree gazzap.
Wenger needs to realise that a man in his position isn’t going to be loved by all of the people all of the time. The fact that Wenger said he isn’t an Arsenal fan is a fucking disgrace. It smacks of AKB ism from the man himself.
April 14, 2009 at 16:44
Champers ready Tom
April 14, 2009 at 16:45
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8689_5186643,00.html
Senna doesn’t rate ade
April 14, 2009 at 16:46
Kelsey playing Diaby as a defender is the greatest suicide ever commited
April 14, 2009 at 16:46
Hiya kelsey. I think Silvestre is going to have to play centre half as Djourou is out, but yes, I would have played him instead of Gibbs purely for his experience at this level.
Gibbs will be a top player but cutting your teeth in a game of this magnitude is danger personified.
April 14, 2009 at 16:47
he doesnt lie kelsey. Ade aint Titi the title is misleading and it could all be mind games
April 14, 2009 at 16:48
He could always play Song centre half and Diaby in Song’s midfield berth with Fab. Although, that’d mean dropping Denilson.
April 14, 2009 at 16:48
Bobby died in a fire and his body was burned pretty badly.
The morgue needed someone to identify the body,
so they sent for his two best friends, Cooter and Gomer.
The three men had always done everything together.
Cooter arrived first, and when the mortician pulled back the sheet,
Cooter said, ‘Yup, his face is burned up pretty bad. You better roll him over.’
The mortician rolled him over and Cooter said, ‘Nope, ain’t Bobby’
The mortician thought this was rather strange.
So he brought Gomer in to confirm the identity of the body.
Gomer looked at the body and said, ‘Yup, he’s pretty well burnt up. Roll him over.’
The mortician rolled him over and Gomer said, ‘No, it ain’t Bobby’
The mortician asked, ‘How can you tell?’
Gomer said, ‘Well, Bobby had two assholes. ‘He had two assholes?’ asked the mortician.
‘Yup, we never seen ‘em, but everybody used to say,
April 14, 2009 at 16:49
“Here’s Bobby with those 2 arseholes”
April 14, 2009 at 16:51
Great Irish..
we’re prepared as always then
and i woke up this mornin with a tremendeous feeling and as far as i remember….if youre fan of villareal…dont bather looking at the game tomorrow it will not be nice…a massacre comes to mind…
Irish i put my money on some of youre homies today Newry,Linfield and Glentoran….extra time ..seems like im gettin it
tom.
April 14, 2009 at 16:52
I wouldn’t we’re not that team feared in europe anymore people see us as a CL bonus villareal are even still very hopeful of subdueing us on our own ground it’s a shame and yet our manager thinks he’s up there are you kidding me ha ha ha ha
April 14, 2009 at 16:53
Nice one Tom – they’re in the other Ireland but all the one
April 14, 2009 at 16:54
Gunner mate…
would you expect villareal to say anything else.??? and if Our Beloved AQrsenal is amongst the top 8 teams in Europe u wouldnt think we’re up there…stop smoking youre socks and get real….
April 14, 2009 at 16:54
Being underdogs is a bonus at times. FFS we are in the last 8 of the CL and if we meet Porto or United have every chance of getting through. Give your fucking ego a break.
April 14, 2009 at 16:56
what Irish …hehehe for me theres only one Ireland and that includes the lot of ya all
…nice folks all around ….:)
tom
April 14, 2009 at 16:56
Steve good one!
April 14, 2009 at 16:59
ha ha fair enough Tom
April 14, 2009 at 17:00
According to The Northampton Evening Gazettte,the spittinggate incident has been resolved.
Rosicky was sitting way up in the gods,so that he wouldn’t be recognised, spat some gum out after the final whistle,which landed on Cesc’s head and bounced onto the floor in the vicinity of Phil Brown.
April 14, 2009 at 17:01
Guys don’t get at me i’m only speaking the facts here being in the last 8 of the CL is no big deal and it ain’t better than dropping out at the group stages if you cannot progress to the next round i reckon we were here last season before getting thumped by Liverpool
April 14, 2009 at 17:02
Yaeh Irish politics and religion always makes a mess of things …Arsenal Though makes us all better
yesterday an Ukrainian keeper got killed attacked by a forward,…some injuries seems worse than others…the striker launched for the ball collided with the goalie…what a sick accident …
tom.
April 14, 2009 at 17:04
you’re given up already based on what Villarreal has said. Thank feck there is not 55,000 Gunners like you in the stadium tomorrow night. Senna is the heartbeat of the team and he is out, Carzola is their main creative and he is out so although we have problems at the back we should have enough going forward and yet the best you can come out with is “fuck off Wenger”.
April 14, 2009 at 17:05
We weren’t thumped by Liverpool either!!!!
April 14, 2009 at 17:07
And fact is we’re gonna get thrashed tomorrow i’m placing my life on it
April 14, 2009 at 17:09
When we are playing Porto in the semi will you be watching or too upset we got through??
You sound as if you don’t want us to go through…
April 14, 2009 at 17:13
Gunner
great fan mate….only wish there would be alot more of ya all out there…..;) wise intelligent and with a big heart….give me something actually worth something mate a bet with absolutly nothin in it isnt fair
April 14, 2009 at 17:14
we didnt get thumped by liverpool. we were cheated by the ref in both legs. and yes being the in last 8 in CL is a bit kind of a big deal. financial reasons aside, it is a part of a elite group and teams like real madrid, ac milan etc would love to be we are right now. we may not be the best team out there but we are definitely challenging them for that honour and if we click, we are capable of beating anybody.
also you can not refer to something that hasn’t happened yet as a “fact”. we will not be thrashed tomorrow. it will be a close game but with a little luck and a lot of determination, we will be through. im placing MY life on it.
April 14, 2009 at 17:14
Heh GunnerSmith you didn’t happen to have a conversation with Wenger after the Chelsea game ?!
April 14, 2009 at 17:15
Just being sarcastic Lolll
pessimistic
BBk
ha ha ha ha
April 14, 2009 at 17:16
You wound me up big time you little ……..
April 14, 2009 at 17:16
I think Gunnersmith must be on a wind up.
April 14, 2009 at 17:17
BBK has been quite happy and optimistic lately to the point I’m worried about him ha ha
April 14, 2009 at 17:18
Wenger would hate Le Grove! If he couldn’t take that comment from the fan then after a days blogging on here, he’d have to be admitted to A&E!
April 14, 2009 at 17:18
Anyone think Liverpool will pull it out of the bag tonight?? If they did would it crush Chelsea so much that we will be able to crush them Saturday?
April 14, 2009 at 17:18
Heh irish is on a wind-up now, I’d say he’s got even more depressed as we’ve been getting better.
April 14, 2009 at 17:20
Don’t take it too serious guys sitting down on a fecking arm chair for 6 hrs ain’t a happy larry thing Lolll just having fun finally getting on where people really loves the beautiful world of arsenal
April 14, 2009 at 17:20
off take care All Gooners…and tomorrow champers will be flowing yet again Irish..
after we give the yellow submarine one hell of a beating…never any doubt…villareal one decent player senna out..one transgender person Pires…and the rest well f..k em…hardworking team no talent whatsoever…its gonna be a sound trashing
laters All..
tom
April 14, 2009 at 17:21
Really – he’s been pretty optimistic when I’ve been on, I think
April 14, 2009 at 17:21
Champers Tom, Champers
April 14, 2009 at 17:22
Always Irish, Always
hehehe
April 14, 2009 at 17:23
Irishgunner – I think you’re just acclimatising to the general mood on Le Grove, he’s been on late night after games being pretty miserable.
Can you think of what he said ? How optimistic was it ?!
April 14, 2009 at 17:23
Gunnersmith – my version of fun is watching Spurs, or the meeja loving all things United and the stupid people that follow it or watching the Simpsons, saying Arsenal are going to get thrashed in what’ll be a tight game tomorrow isn’t fun
April 14, 2009 at 17:24
Keyser – I’m not on late at night so maybe that explains. He has been moaning less ha ha
April 14, 2009 at 17:25
I’m really hoping liverpool get beaten tonight i don’t see them beating chav’s too bad the chav’s ain’t milan and its not istanbul its the fucking bridge
April 14, 2009 at 17:28
I was shocked at how easily Chelsea gave up the 3 goals to Bolton though. At times Liverpool just seem so poxy in cup competitions its not beyond the bounds of possibility.
April 14, 2009 at 17:32
Irish did i kill the mood what the fuck have i done :’(
April 14, 2009 at 17:32
People probably going home from work – gets quite right about now.
April 14, 2009 at 17:34
But i don’t see them beating the chav’s though
April 14, 2009 at 17:36
neither do I to be honest but if it were any other team I’s say no chance, but liverpool are so bloody poxy.
Poor Bayern too will have to try and keep it quite at the back. I reckon Barca will put out a slightly weaker team, Henry is out with a fever.
April 14, 2009 at 17:37
Liverpool have to beat Chelsea tonight 3-1, go on to extra-time and then penalties it’s the only way it can end up.
April 14, 2009 at 17:37
I’ve got residential car parking space ear-marked for me on Saturday. BUT shall I offer my Chelsea mate a lift or not? :rubchin:
April 14, 2009 at 17:39
Chelsea get an early goal it could be a rout
April 14, 2009 at 17:39
I really thought the Bolton game was going to end in a draw i wasn’t disapointed though they really gave them a shake
April 14, 2009 at 17:40
ha ha GM
April 14, 2009 at 17:41
It nearly did, Chelsea got really shaky at the back, Cech in particular, he ducked out of catching or at least punching the ball away for the 2/3 goal
April 14, 2009 at 17:42
At the bookies its 20/1 for a Liverpool 3-1 win.
It is possible.
April 14, 2009 at 17:45
Can you double up that bet then for Liverpool to go through on penalties – might be worth a small few bob?
April 14, 2009 at 17:47
Don’t think so; the bets you have dreamnt up while sitting at your keyboard are inter-linked!
April 14, 2009 at 17:48
April 14, 2009 at 17:53
Yep.
My bet of the year is for Porto to win CL with £20 at 160/1. I had forgotten that I did it last August.
April 14, 2009 at 17:57
Imagine the odds you’d get for Bayern and Liverpool to go through tonight
April 14, 2009 at 17:59
It won’t happen; as won’t Porto winning the CL.
I like to think Gerrard will cause some damage to Chelsea though.
April 14, 2009 at 18:01
with paddypower Liverpool are 10/1 and Bayern 33/1 to go through
April 14, 2009 at 18:02
yeah it won’t happen but betting on outsides are a lot more fun and more profitable
April 14, 2009 at 18:03
barca are 1/500 to go through ha ha
April 14, 2009 at 18:10
My favourite bet is correct scores: I do both teams in match £2.50 win on either team to win 3-2. You get odds of 33/1 of 25/1 normally. Sometimes comes up.
April 14, 2009 at 18:13
I normally only bet on major tournaments if I get “feelings” what will happen ha ha
I called Spain to win the Euros and Croatia to get to the final four but the odds weren’t up to much, just as well as Croatia didn’t make it
Then for the last World Cup I’d France to win – so close, so close
I like doing tournaments winners and top scorer doubles
April 14, 2009 at 18:15
If you are Psychic you could be useful person to know!!!!!!1
April 14, 2009 at 18:17
ha ha I’ve been well of at times, well well off.
My predictions from about three months into the season were that Arsenal would win the Champions League and Everton would finish 5th in the League.
Let’s see…
April 14, 2009 at 18:18
I hope you are right; off for my din-dins I’m afraid. see yer.
April 14, 2009 at 18:19
hi guys! its almost 11 here. have a few mins bfore bedtime.
April 14, 2009 at 18:21
Laters Goonerman
April 14, 2009 at 18:22
where in the world are you kartman?
April 14, 2009 at 18:23
take a guess Irish!
April 14, 2009 at 18:25
your about 4 1/2 hrs ahead right?
April 14, 2009 at 18:27
yep…
April 14, 2009 at 18:28
Somewhere in Africa??
April 14, 2009 at 18:28
no. not at all
April 14, 2009 at 18:29
or Asia?
April 14, 2009 at 18:31
yeah. in asia
April 14, 2009 at 18:32
India?
April 14, 2009 at 18:33
yeah Irish! Bang on the money
April 14, 2009 at 18:33
what is your real name Irish?
April 14, 2009 at 18:33
are you really from Ireland?
April 14, 2009 at 18:34
woohoo
Mary – why?
April 14, 2009 at 18:35
just asked dude, no offence at all
April 14, 2009 at 18:35
yep I’m really from Ireland, be bit of a strange nickname otherwise don’t ya think?
April 14, 2009 at 18:38
yeah… how is ireland as a country? Never been to europe! But badly want to watch an Arsenal game.:-(
April 14, 2009 at 18:38
The Sun are twisting Wenger’s words again, such a shower of wankers that run that paper. I really hate tabloids
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article2376870.ece?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
The point Wenger was making is that players should be judged on a season not on six months…
April 14, 2009 at 18:40
Ireland is fine, I like it ha ha nice and quite, I live in the countryside. It rains a lot though. I only started going to matches this season cos I couldn’t afford it last few years with college.
April 14, 2009 at 18:45
thanks irish!
April 14, 2009 at 18:46
for how many years have you been following arsenal?
April 14, 2009 at 18:50
bye I gtg…
April 14, 2009 at 18:55
see ya Kartman
April 14, 2009 at 19:00
any predictions for tonight?
I will go for 2-0 Chelsea anyway
April 14, 2009 at 19:03
I’ll go for 1-0. Not saying to who tho.
April 14, 2009 at 19:04
then that doesn’t count surely, it’s two guesses, a luxury you do not get
April 14, 2009 at 19:08
No, im having my cake and eating it too.
April 14, 2009 at 19:18
and 2-2 Barca and Bayern. you heard it hear first
April 14, 2009 at 19:22
No gerrard for liverpool..benitez has fielded a terrible team..no chance of liverpool going through..i was atleast hoping this match will take a lot out of chelsea
April 14, 2009 at 19:22
Bayern will win tonight. Only tonight tho, obviously they are out.
April 14, 2009 at 19:23
anyone else watching the reserves?? did frimpong just toe punt that free kick?!
April 14, 2009 at 19:23
Not watching it A. WHats the score?
April 14, 2009 at 19:25
its not that weak is it? other than Gerrard, and I think Agger isn’t starting. Its close to their 1st choice. I know they aint the same without Gerrard tho
April 14, 2009 at 19:25
With diaby available i fear that wenger might be tempted to field a 4-5-1 tomorrow.I really hope he goes with a 4-4-2 tomorrow
April 14, 2009 at 19:26
Didnt they beat Madrid away without Gerrard. Fair enough Madrid were useless anyway but they still did it.
April 14, 2009 at 19:28
Ferdinand is fit for united.I don’t think that is going to make a huge impact.He is never comfortable dealing with pace.Increases their chances slightly though
April 14, 2009 at 19:30
What i dont get about Bayern last week was that although they only had Lell from their regular defence yet Otto was the captain. He normally doesnt even play but got the armband when he did come in. Why not V.Bommel or Ze Roberto. Anyway…they have Lahm, Lucio and Demichelles(sp) back so they should do better.
April 14, 2009 at 19:31
Bentley scored for spurs.Atleast he managed to make it into spurs reserve team
April 14, 2009 at 19:32
Ferdinand has lost so much of his pace and his pace was always his strength.
We thrashed Porto at home and although we had a weak team away they still made us look shite. I think United need a small miracle to go through.
April 14, 2009 at 19:34
we were very poor that night in porto though. but they are definitely a different proposition at home alright
April 14, 2009 at 19:41
losing 1-0 stu, been pretty crap game though we’ve played some nice football, but it ends as soon as the ball gets to frimpong or sanchez-watt! They scored a very good goal but they’re pretty much playing their first team
April 14, 2009 at 19:43
there reserve team really is made up of 1st team players, quite a costly array of reserves!
April 14, 2009 at 19:46
*their
April 14, 2009 at 19:48
Rafa should have started Babel. Reira couldnt get past Ivanovic so what makes him think Benayoun could do any better. At least Babel would be faster and more of a direct threat.
April 14, 2009 at 19:52
Isnt Drogba a right fucking cunt. Nothing happened him and he was off the pitch but decided to come back on and waste time.
April 14, 2009 at 20:06
liverpool score.. wot a free kick from aurelio
April 14, 2009 at 20:07
chech looked stupid hehe…
April 14, 2009 at 20:08
Evening all, we could do with a pool win, that would fuck the chavs up for Saturday. One more goal and I think it goes to extra time, but I’m not sure.
April 14, 2009 at 20:10
No Chelsea have 3 away goals…i think they need to score 3.
Anyone else watching the reserve’s game?
April 14, 2009 at 20:12
Fuck me.
April 14, 2009 at 20:14
alonso penalty… pool score again.. chelsea are stupid
April 14, 2009 at 20:14
Penalty?
April 14, 2009 at 20:15
LOL
April 14, 2009 at 20:15
The chavs are rightly fucking this up.
April 14, 2009 at 20:15
We are gonna dismantle chelsea this weekend.
April 14, 2009 at 20:16
Geoff,
3-1 makes it go to extra time,3-0 obviously liverpool win.
April 14, 2009 at 20:17
We have no defenders but thankfully it seems that chelsea have forgotten how to defend too….
April 14, 2009 at 20:18
Well I think its the mind set that Chelsea came in with , they came to get 0-0 stroll.
They are so stupid..did they really expect to defend for the whole game?
Playing for 0-0 draws are just stupid..that should be last resort.
I watched the first 20+ mins Chelsea had no intention of attacking at all.
April 14, 2009 at 20:19
chelsea looks really like a stupid team in this game. i was hoping pool win ever since drogba did his bit in the play acting intially spoling a minute of play.
i hate them both.
April 14, 2009 at 20:20
They seemed to be saving energy for us lol..its coming back to bite them.
April 14, 2009 at 20:20
I hope Arsenal learns a a lesson from the Chelsea game.
April 14, 2009 at 20:21
I tell you what Coquelin looks very good.
April 14, 2009 at 20:21
That is why we should also not try to play out a 0-0 game.. we are at home.. absolutely all out attack!
April 14, 2009 at 20:21
poor hiddink,
its tough for him to manage with laborious players chavs have. they dontlook smooth at all.. thats really so diff from hiddink style
April 14, 2009 at 20:22
how soon can we expect coquelin to play for us guys?
April 14, 2009 at 20:23
Agreed choy, we have to attack like mad men tomorrow.
April 14, 2009 at 20:24
I dont know Ram….he still looks a bit small for the PL
April 14, 2009 at 20:24
David C*nt just scored.
April 14, 2009 at 20:25
Thanks guys, I’ll take a look at the reserves now!
April 14, 2009 at 20:26
Sanchez Watt just scored! 2-1!
I tell you what people…I like the look of Emmanuel Thomas…that is one big fella with pace and an eye for a pass.
April 14, 2009 at 20:26
which game are u talking about david?
April 14, 2009 at 20:26
whats going on at the bridge my fellow grovers come on liverpool
April 14, 2009 at 20:26
JET is brilliant!!!
One question. What on earth is his position going to be?
April 14, 2009 at 20:28
i dont understand why guys say almunia is not a top keeper.
the officially rated top keepr in our league chech is not half as good almunia these days.
April 14, 2009 at 20:28
Oh Mark Randell is so shite…oh so so shite.
April 14, 2009 at 20:30
How humiliating for Bentley, Thomas looks good though, but Randall is just shit, we should out him.
April 14, 2009 at 20:30
chavs survive again… they r defendinng crazily inside the D
April 14, 2009 at 20:30
Chelsea are in dissaray.
April 14, 2009 at 20:30
Chelsea are in dissaray.
April 14, 2009 at 20:31
im watching The reserves game against the spuds Ram..
Id rather watch Arsenal anyday. Even if the ladies are playing.
April 14, 2009 at 20:31
Thomas should be in our first team ahead of Song.
April 14, 2009 at 20:31
guys do u hav a link to text update of arsenal totts game!
April 14, 2009 at 20:31
Where are the ladies David?
April 14, 2009 at 20:32
evening geoff.. you still don’t like song very much!
April 14, 2009 at 20:33
Geoff
Emmanuel Thomas is really good…been terrorizing that spuds defence….I really hope Arsene signs new quality CB over the summer because our defence is just shite.
April 14, 2009 at 20:34
I think they played yesterday…or was that 2 days ago…
April 14, 2009 at 20:38
Hi choy, no mate, I just don’t think he’s good enough, the same way I don’t think Randall is either, but Coquelin and Thomas, look class.
I rated Muamba as well but he was never given a single chance, Song and Denilson have had 100’s but in defence of Denilson I think he can make it, Diaby too if he can shake his injuries.
April 14, 2009 at 20:39
Joe Cole is such a cunt! Thick twat! My mat stood up and called him an extremely nasty thing at Highbury once which we never let him forget and he is quite ashamed, but when you look at his face, he had a point!
April 14, 2009 at 20:40
David he won’t, he’ll say that that will kill Djourou, Ayling, Nordveit and Bartley.
Then he’ll say he still has Senderos to come back, don’t hold your breath mate, he won’t sign any fucker.
If he sold Ade he’d only bring Simpson back.
April 14, 2009 at 20:41
Geoff, I thinkMuamba has found his stage mate, not his or Arsenal’s fault really. I like Frimpong, makes proper nice tackles!
April 14, 2009 at 20:41
Afobe and Freeman on! Quality!
April 14, 2009 at 20:43
Geoff, surely with him as near as ever coming to admitting he made errors, he cannot go another window without buying a quality player, especially a big fuck east European brute!
Hutton, another diving cunt!
April 14, 2009 at 20:45
That confuses me…Then what exactly did Arsene say he made a mistake doing?
Does he really think that without signing Arshavin we would be anywhere near where we are?
We need quality defenders though…i dont mind if they are like 17 or 18? Like those Brazilian twins for united…have them play a couple of reserve games for a few years. Like the Arsene way and watch them go into the team when the likes of JD and Senderos are crocked!
April 14, 2009 at 20:46
its just the reserves.. the PL is a different class altogether..
coquelin will probably play in the CC next season.
April 14, 2009 at 20:47
That was a pen!
April 14, 2009 at 20:49
Randall needs to go…he is a waste of wages.
April 14, 2009 at 20:50
Not a bad result when you consider the players the scum had on the pitch!
April 14, 2009 at 20:51
Goodness me….I dont think ive seen chelsea so shite before. Not even when they were hammered by Untd.
April 14, 2009 at 20:52
Reina just threw the ball in his own net!
April 14, 2009 at 20:53
WoW
That was lucky
April 14, 2009 at 20:58
Alex just thumped a free kick in. Scousers need 2 goals in nex 35 mins!
April 14, 2009 at 20:58
chavs r level.. funny game
April 14, 2009 at 21:09
Muamba under Wenger’s wing may have turned into a great player, especially in this team.
I agree we only started to play when Arshavin arrived, not only is he brilliant, he lifted the team, Wenger says the teams performances are down to beating Roma.
He’s a little deluded in my book.
April 14, 2009 at 21:11
Really Geoff, that surprises me! lol
When do you think he lost the plot as it were and started to make bad decisions or rather not make the right ones?
April 14, 2009 at 21:11
Anyway Grovers, I’m off, 2-2 we know where thats going! Night all.
April 14, 2009 at 21:13
When he signed Arshavin and said what a great signing he was.
If he’d have signed him when we first asked him too, like last April, he would have been cheaper and we might be 10 points clear by now.
I didn’t say he’s lost the plot, read what I said.
April 14, 2009 at 21:14
Now I’m off.
April 14, 2009 at 21:17
3-2 chavs fat fucking wank cuntard!
April 14, 2009 at 21:18
I know you did not say that, but reading your missives on here I would like to know when you link it back to, i.e. before last Summer or not?
April 14, 2009 at 21:18
Well its over now…
April 14, 2009 at 21:20
lol geoff bout muamba
muamba can’t get into a very poor bolton team, he was always very very average, championship standard player, and an actual championship standard player, that’s where he’ll spend most of his career. A level below the likes of sidwell, and worse than james harper too.
April 14, 2009 at 21:22
3-3 this is becoming a joke.
April 14, 2009 at 21:23
3-3
April 14, 2009 at 21:23
fuck me 4-3
April 14, 2009 at 21:23
4-3 to the scousers!
April 14, 2009 at 21:23
Fuck me…..what the hell is going on at Stanford Bridge?
April 14, 2009 at 21:27
The chav fans have gone from singing 2-0 and you fucked it up to now shitting their pants!
April 14, 2009 at 21:29
4-4 FCFL!
April 14, 2009 at 21:31
lol great header off the line by Essien. Cech has had a mare!
April 14, 2009 at 21:35
Drogba really isnt injured is he?
For once be really injured ffs!
April 14, 2009 at 21:41
He is the biggest diving wanker in Europe and is forever rolling around when there is nothing wrong with him!
April 14, 2009 at 21:43
I no i sound pessimistic but i think tomorrows game is going to be similar.
April 14, 2009 at 21:46
master substitution from hiddink did it for chavs….
anelka for kalou
April 14, 2009 at 21:51
Ram, that was a forced substitution, no?
Fucking Drogba will run our CB’s ragged. I hope they rest him.
April 14, 2009 at 21:54
pat! no i dont think it was a forced substitution…
im pretty cautious abt playing chavs. but with our mid feild i will always tip us to beat them
April 14, 2009 at 21:55
I cant wait for saturday, I can see us putting 7 past Chelsea
April 14, 2009 at 21:58
lol.. the arsenal.com report of totts game is really humilating for tint totts.
“While Arsenal name nine FA Youth Cup kids in their starting line-up, Tottenham’s star-studded XI was worth close to £45million; A figure that would even eclipse the Gunners’ team that face Villarreal on Wednesday night.
All £15 million worth of Bentley was stationed on the right of the hosts’ midfield – a big test for Tom Cruise at left-back. However, one testing delivery after 30 seconds aside, the ex-Gunner had a very quiet opening half-hour.”
April 14, 2009 at 21:59
THE STUFF OF MEN!!!!!
One of the most exciting games iv ever seen in my life
Saturday would be tough
April 14, 2009 at 22:02
saturday can’t come quick enough, they will be well up for it and I just know we are going to beat them.
April 14, 2009 at 22:14
chavs results: 4-3 last sat, 4-4, today anyone thinking 3-4 on saturday for the arsenal?
April 14, 2009 at 22:15
Oops, got that wrong shouls have been 5-4 to the arsenal (since they seem to be in a pattern of scoring 4 goals)
April 14, 2009 at 22:18
coadsi the thing u dont realise is that in both games they have gotten the results they desired.
April 14, 2009 at 22:22
I do not know how the full back let Anelka get the cross in for the chavs first goal, that was the turning point!
April 14, 2009 at 22:23
i dont think so franchise, i do agree that the results were favourable to them but no way do i believe they were leading 4-0 and desired the game to end 4-3. i am just hoping that they are on a decline results wise thats all, which would mean we win on the weekend
April 14, 2009 at 22:24
ive always thought he was over rated but frank lampard is a top class midfielder
April 14, 2009 at 22:24
they won on saturday and qualified today. they couldnt ask for more IMO
April 14, 2009 at 22:25
hey guys any news on our Eduardo?
April 14, 2009 at 22:27
GD is important Franchise so i think they would have loved the 4-0 victory. but i take your point.
April 14, 2009 at 22:28
i was very confident about saturday but not so anymore. if we would go through to the finals we would have to be at our best. chelsea are very resilient they showed this over two legs against liverpool one of the best teams in the country at the moment
April 14, 2009 at 22:30
Drogba is becoming much more of a team player. We have to watch out for him.
Against Villareal:
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo Song Gibbs/Silvestre
Theo Cesc Diaby Nasri
RVP Ade
Remember AW saying Cesc might go deeper?
Against Chavs:
Fabianski
Sagna Kolo JD/Silvestre Gibbs
Theo Cesc Song/Diaby Arshavin
RVP Ade
April 14, 2009 at 22:31
if we are able to contain fat frank then i think we will be in with a shout
April 14, 2009 at 22:34
Drogba and Essien worry me much, much more than Frank.
usually, Frank and Cesc cancel eachother out.
April 14, 2009 at 22:39
same Pat but in terms of potent goal threat Fat Frank is no1
April 14, 2009 at 22:40
Song must play and be at his best v the chavs if we are to win. he is the only 1 with the power to combat them going forward and we need to have the rest of their midfield worried about us defensively.
April 14, 2009 at 22:42
chelsea have reached 4 semis in 5 years the only time they missed out was when barca (eventual winners)knocked them out in the 2nd round. this might be their year in da CL
April 14, 2009 at 22:45
Franchise i would prefer the liverfools to win the CL than chavs. the thought of cashly winning it ………….dont even suggest this
April 14, 2009 at 22:47
by the way guys when was the last time Liverfool won silverware?
April 14, 2009 at 22:47
I have to disagree franchise this is our year…we scored 4 goals in 30 minutes and we know how to turn the heat on the game in the last quarter of the hour. When it counts Arsenal will pull through and win it.
April 14, 2009 at 22:48
its not my shot to call mate but i bet the bookies would have taken note of their performance against l’pool and adjusted the odds accordingly. we are not favourites but we still stand a chance
April 14, 2009 at 22:50
there is nothing to disagree david neither of us know the future
April 14, 2009 at 22:53
If Chelsea Defend like that aginst us we will slaughter them.
April 14, 2009 at 22:55
Cech has lost it he’s so dodgy at the moment
April 14, 2009 at 22:56
I live in West London now and I firkin hate that club, who are and always have been a 2 bob bunch of knuckle dragging racist wankers. Their fans are 2 bob too!
That is why I hate them more than manu who I have a grudging respect for, due to their history and their continual success since 91. I hate the scum up the road most, but the chavs come a very close second and with the likes of JT and Lampard there, judas joining them just topped it off for me.
I could swallow a loss in the ECL or FA cup to manure or liverpool, but the other 2 is just too horrible to imagine and when I think about Saturday it actually makes me feel physically sick if we were to lose. I only got through the CC defeat a few years ago because we gave them a good game with the youngsters playing.
April 14, 2009 at 22:58
just to add Xabi Alonso is class
April 14, 2009 at 23:13
The chavs defence was shit and cech is bollocks.
April 14, 2009 at 23:15
Barcelona will piss on the cunts
April 14, 2009 at 23:47
“Barcelona will piss on the cunts”
Not wrong
April 15, 2009 at 00:01
What a score line… arrrgh my chav mate is already starting…bring on saturday!
April 15, 2009 at 00:15
Jay, your chav mate sounds like a right prick. If he gives it, chin him.
April 15, 2009 at 00:17
Sorry for my last post. Ive just been watching Danny Dyers Deadliest men and I’m feeling proper naughty.
April 15, 2009 at 00:20
But I’m only trying to earn a pound note and I’d never rob anyone thats working class. In fact I’d protect them.
And thats a proper naughty hat trick.
April 15, 2009 at 00:23
Nah hes ok, its just a shame he goes for Chelsea. the one thing id take out of Chelsea? Essien!
April 15, 2009 at 00:31
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/adebayor-i-didn-t-want-to-leave-last-summer
i lol’d
April 15, 2009 at 00:33
TT he is comming to the emirates with me LOL and im going to stamford…we have a rivalry but as soon as u take the arsenal and chelsea out of it, we share the same hates and likes haha
April 15, 2009 at 00:39
gday all
April 15, 2009 at 00:43
Jay, you are a good bloke and I like your posts on here, but this chav character is really dragging you down. You have changed a lot lately. Seriously mate you need to get out of this damaging relationship while you can, he is obviously a vicious, twisted bastard with one thing on his mind, bringing him to the emirates will prove that you are willing to accept his sickening abuse. Did we learn nothing from Rihanna?
God speed my friend.
April 15, 2009 at 00:58
Haha thanks TT – but without him id have no1 to boast/laugh at over every now and then except mancunts (australia is filled with followers of Livo and ManC for EPL..)
Rite Evo? the exception being ppl who njoi the beautiful game a lil more … follow a little ol team called The Arsenal..
April 15, 2009 at 01:16
That game earlier was a disgrace to technical football. It was like two punch drunk boxers slugging it out with each other. Good value to the TV and the British public who love this type of non stop kick bollock and bite stuff.
Hiddink out thought Rafa with the anelka substitution and dropping Essien in the sweeper position. I thought Hiddink would have started with Anelka and reeled them in from the start but he went for the innefective Drogshit (1st half).
Anelka stretched the right side and brought Malouda and Drogshit into the game (2nd half).
Drogshit won’t have it so easy on saturday as his plaything Big Phil isn’t playing but I do worry about Essien. We must go for it and attack attack attack.
April 15, 2009 at 01:21
El tel is bang on with that. It was like the end of Rocky 9. Did you hear the commentators as well? I thought they were going to start jerking themselves off, making out it was the game of the century when it was more like two retards fighting, entertaining at the time but makes you feel like shit afterwards.
April 15, 2009 at 01:23
[...] Oi, it’s your ball so keep it Arsenal, they had it last week. Let’s start by saying that Marcos Senna was right to say we can dominate Europe for years to come, astute, very [...] [...]
April 15, 2009 at 01:23
There was a top moment in the game when Fat Fwank scored the fourth goal and he pointed at the sky to his old woman, one of the stewards looked up to see what he was pointing at.
April 15, 2009 at 01:42
I am a big fan of your website…but i’m hating the 3-4-3 formation. For starters, bendtner should never get a start for arsenal until he can walk without falling over. Best IX
—————–Fabianski—————–
–Sagna——Song—–Toure——Eboue—–
-Walcott—–Fabregas—Denilson—Nasri—
—————-v.Persie——————-
———————–Adebayor————
Subs:
-Mannone
-Silvestre
-Gibbs
-Diaby
-Ramsey
-Eduardo
-Vela/Bendtner
April 15, 2009 at 02:43
TT – too true….
that steward cracked me up !!!!!
defensively both teams were rubbish one must admit..? hope for us. Chelsea is a shambles without JT…
April 15, 2009 at 02:56
Hi
i am over in oz. does anyone know where i will be able to watch the game on the internet tonight? need to see it.. plese help!!
April 15, 2009 at 03:10
Jay, they’ve conceded 7 goals in 2 games, we should take him to the cleaners with our little russian maestro
April 15, 2009 at 03:16
wow you guys still up?
April 15, 2009 at 03:17
wert
April 15, 2009 at 03:31
You guys still up wow!!
April 15, 2009 at 03:36
Nah, in Aussieland
April 15, 2009 at 03:49
Haha Syd mate Syd..
yea i wrote that to my mate..7 in 2…hoping he wouldnt write and you have how many defenders left..? lol..
but the good thing is were scoring..
how i wish Arsh wasnt cup tied. and by some miracle if rosicky was ready for the CL final to tkae his place against barca/chavs.
April 15, 2009 at 04:03
Jay, 4-5-1 against Villareal and 4-4-2 against the chavs
Villareal:
——Fabianski——
Eboue-Sagna-Kolo-Gibbs
RVP–Cesc–Song–Theo
——–Nasri——–
———Ade———
Chelsea:
———Fabianski———
Sagna—Song—Kolo—Gibbs
Theo-Cesc-Denilson-Arshavin
——Eduardo–Ade———
If Eduardo ain’t fit play Nasri on the left and Arshavin just off Ade.
April 15, 2009 at 04:09
For me i’d have
——Fabianski——
Sagna-Kolo-Song-Gibbs/Eboue
——Denilson-Diaby——
Theo—-Cesc—-Nasri
——-Adebayor——-
Though it depends on the fitness of cesc and vp, if they were both 100% I’d stick vp in for cesc and drop cesc back alongside denilson
for chelsea i’d go
——Fabianski——
Sagna-Kolo-Silvestre-Gibbs
Theo/nasri-Cesc-Song-Arshavin
——Bendtner-VP/Eduardo——
April 15, 2009 at 04:12
I’d go for 4-5-1. Attack Villareal with a defence of Sagna, Toure and Gibbs? That’s crazy talk. You might as well take out Gibbs as well and play 2-5-3 with Song as the anchoring midfielder. That’ll be nutty enough to work.
April 15, 2009 at 04:14
Why are my comments being moderated, Pedro? Why is Le Grove a policed blog? It’s not right.
April 15, 2009 at 05:13
What up party people. Totally Psyched for the Game tonight.
April 15, 2009 at 05:48
all good formations/teams…
however…for
Villa-
—–fabianski—-
sagna-silvestre-kolo-gibbs
—Song—
—Cesc—
Theo— —Nasri
—VP—-
—Ade—
Bench -Benddy – Dudu – Vela -denilson – Eboue – (do we have any defenders left!!! LOL)
& for Chelsea
——————————————–
—–fabianski—-
sagna-silvestre-kolo-gibbs
—Song—
—Cesc—
Theo/Nasri—
—Arsh
—Ade— —VP—-
Bench – Bendy – dudu – Eboue – Denilson – Nasri
April 15, 2009 at 06:12
Omg that came out so wrong against the chavs.
—fab–
sagna-silve-kolo-gibbs
——song———
———-cesc——-
theo/nas———-arsh
——ade—-VP—–
April 15, 2009 at 06:40
Up & at’em Geoff, We’ve got a yellow submarine to sink. I can’t wait.
April 15, 2009 at 07:10
Sup GG. its eat, gym, sleep for me early. then wake up @ 4:30 to watch hopefully a not so nerve racking game..
April 15, 2009 at 07:15
Evening Jay, we will need a link coz both networks r showing manure v port hole. typical
April 15, 2009 at 07:17
Hahah how sucky… at least u can update me on that GG9. ill do me best to updte u guys..
Ill be enjoying it in High Def!
April 15, 2009 at 07:23
u get it on HD do u
April 15, 2009 at 07:26
morning every one…
was it a good game yesterday at bridge…just saw score lione and some comment from scousers crying over spilt milk……tht chavs are divers adn refd favored them most
April 15, 2009 at 07:29
hopefully i’ll be able to watch it on tv thanks to south african supersports channel….caz tensports is showing loser of SF game
April 15, 2009 at 07:29
The Telly is showing the Invincibles on haha i love where i sit at work, 50 inch plasma with all sports channels (its good my General Manager is sports mad…haha)
April 15, 2009 at 07:40
pak
sounds more like sour milk. Wasn’t it a dive 12 months ago that saw them over us. Either scousers have short memories, or are just plain dumb.
April 15, 2009 at 07:53
Morning all, what a game last night, Cech looks up for letting us score a few at the weekend
April 15, 2009 at 07:54
G’Day rico
April 15, 2009 at 07:57
Hi george, i saw someone was giving you bit of a hard time on the left foot
April 15, 2009 at 08:05
Rico
I went & saw Billy Elliot the stage show over easter, & the thing that stuck out was the paranoia of the miners to “outsiders”. I sort of get that feeling from ACLF. They knew I was from Le Grove, so they must all read it. They don’t have an ounce of time for this site, which is sad really coz we are all Arsenal, & I actually logged on from Blogroll.
April 15, 2009 at 08:11
george – its crazy isnt it, LG has their site promoted here and the author then took the pee out of ‘the grovers’ that day, and all that was going on was arsenal chit chat – their loss in the end, but yes, its very sad.
Billy Elliot – saw the film and loved it, cracking story and great music – would loved to have seen the musical, but sadly never did
Bet you had a great time?
April 15, 2009 at 08:16
Music was great in the film, sort of brought back memories for me coz I was over there @ the time ‘81 ‘83, Was a big fan of The Jam. I have every picture sleave they released. I wonder if they are worth anything. Big Raddy where r u?
April 15, 2009 at 08:17
plus gg9 now they are saying barca will thrash chav out of cl well same was the case if scouser would have qualified i dont expect them beating barca
April 15, 2009 at 08:32
pak, the team is always bigger than the individual, & that IMO is why Arsenal would/will beat barca in the final, if u know what I mean. In saying that I hope Pires doesn’t come out & score the winner in this leg.
April 15, 2009 at 08:34
Morning, morning. There is one massive plus to come out of Chelsea knocking Liverpool out last night……seeing that cock Thompson on Sky Sports slumped in his chair after beeing so cockey towards Jimmy Floyd! Bell end!
April 15, 2009 at 08:36
Raddy is definately the man to know about that george, i think he is on holibobs in Italy still, lucky man
April 15, 2009 at 08:40
Morning all, Rico and Gnarley, the reason that those morons don’t like the Grovers is because most of them are banned from our site, we know they read it though, but you know what? I don’t read their’s.
It’s good to see they come on here for a read, then go back there to comment, that’s the equivalent of sitting in your car spying on your ex’s house to see who visits her!
Sad.
April 15, 2009 at 08:42
We also had 9 new people in moderation so sorry for the delay if you are still reading.
Welcome though, you are now free to blog.
April 15, 2009 at 08:42
gg9 u meant to say team work will be the key not induvidual performance
April 15, 2009 at 08:44
Morning Geoff, you are spot-on, it is sad, especially as we all have such a huge thing in common, and thats the love of our club and the desire for success – and that I pray will start tonight
April 15, 2009 at 08:46
Ok all I’m posting early today as it’s the big one and I’m in and out today.
April 15, 2009 at 08:48
Good morning le grove,
My team for today,
Fab
Eboue Toure Song Sagna
Theo Fab Denilson Nasri
Ade RvP/Dudu
April 15, 2009 at 08:50
Morning Grovers
How are we all…….unfortunately some bloggers lose the spirit of being an Arsenal supporter when faced with a chat-room
April 15, 2009 at 08:51
Mandanda – Thats some very sharp thinking about our full backs! I never thought to switch Sagna to left and play Eboue! I like it! I’d opt for Silvestre ahead of Song though I think as an average CB could be better than an in form DCM when it comes to the crunch.
April 15, 2009 at 08:52
New post!
April 15, 2009 at 08:52
Senna out for sure.. or they pulling our leg..?
April 15, 2009 at 23:17
EPIC WIN!