Matuidi, Inler and Cana are left. And I worked out where the money has gone.

So after a day when Arsene Wenger is delighted that Aaron Ramsey has signed another long term deal to stay at the Arsenal I found myself wondering what exactly it was he signed last year? Wasn’t that a contract too?

It seems to me the reason we have no money is because we keep paying our youngsters more and more to stay. It explains why Benitez said he couldn’t compete with Arsenal on signing kids from around the world.

Now I’m all for keeping our young talent, but what we seem to do is keep extending their contracts to keep them happy, why? They already had long contracts and those contracts mean nothing anyway, take Ade and Henry, they both had 3 years of their contracts left, long enough you think, but Henry left his to go to Barca and Ade had his wages trebled to keep him, surely we could have just said, sorry boys, you have three years left, a bit like Fergie did last year, if they then don’t give it their all then there must be grounds not to pay them, it seems to me we are being held to ransom by our own daft policy.

Don’t misunderstand me, I really rate Theo and Ramsey, but Ramsey is hardly a regular and Theo is a long way off to be earning £60k a week, didn’t we lose Flamini because we wouldn’t stretch to £60k a week?

Anyway, that wasn’t a rant, more of a question.

However if you add up what we pay a lot of these youngsters that aren’t regulars, and sell them on, then I’m sure we could get 2 or 3 top players that will be ready right now.

We missed out on Melo and Benzema, but Cana is available, we have now turned back to Inler and Matuidi, whom I know nothing about, I hope we do something because we still lack that bite in midfield and I would be very surprised if Denilson and Song stepped up this coming season, great if they do, and I really will applaud that, contrary to what some may think, but what if they don’t? That then means another season with nothing but potential.

Wenger said yesterday he will maintain project youth because he believes in it, but what happens when the youth get older, like RVP, Ade, Rosicky, Kolo and so on, does that mean we ditch them and bring in more 18 years olds, does that mean project youth will go on for ever?

I would go out and bring back some of those that were foolish enough to leave us at a fraction of the price, bring back Flamini, Reyes and maybe even Hleb.

Whatever you think of them leaving, they are all not playing and may come back grateful, I know a lot of you will be saying no thanks, sod off, but think about it, that’s all we’re missing an enforcer and a winger, and then all we need is a big centre back to replace Silvestre, what about this Naldo guy? Or it that just another rumour. Get that lot in and we aren’t that far off.

We have a lot of youngsters in the team that I don’t think will make it, so cut our losses, admit it, move on and win the league, or even try and win the worthless cup, it’s so frustrating seeing the same thing every season, we are so close to it, and then bring in those kids if and when we need them.

Youngsters like Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere and Bendtner for me will make it but some of the others I feel won’t, we can’t live on hope for ever, no one else in the EPL does and I’m fed up with people that support other teams taking the piss.

It’s alright Ade saying that Evra’s comment about men against babies was disrespectful but even the most ardent AKB must admit he had a big point.

It’s no use saying we almost did them at Old Trafford, because the following week they were playing Barca in the final of the European cup and didn’t want to get injuries.

Come on Arsenal, we all renewed our season tickets, you do your bit now.

Incidentally I was watching the Fernebahce game last night and in the commercials they were still advertising Highbury square as 90% sold, not 90% deposits, but 90% sold, so if it’s not true, why do they insist on keeping the lie going, they can’t have it both ways.

Have a great day grovers, maybe it will happen today, time is running out so why not!


945 Responses to “Matuidi, Inler and Cana are left. And I worked out where the money has gone.”

  1. AngeAusArsenal says:

    1st!

  2. John A says:

    Yo

  3. AngeAusArsenal says:

    now back to read it

  4. AngeAusArsenal says:

    That naldo guy looks like a bit of a beast.6 foot 5( or 6 depending on who you believe) but apparently not gifted with speed or much heading ability.Cana please!!

  5. Mark C says:

    Hi Geoff, when you put a deposit down, it is in good faith to exchange, and then complete.

    The issue Arsenal have with Highbury square, is that they dont know the amount of people within the 95% that will exchange and complete.

    I do find it weird that all the top players are now moving to Spain.

  6. SUGA3 says:

    morning all…

    top post – truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ;-)

  7. shootsscores says:

    yeah cana is hu we want

  8. Duke says:

    Morning, I wish this Naldo stories are true.
    AAA, I can’t believe that a 6ft6 would not be good at heading, sure he might not be the fastest, but if we have him Gallas, Toure, Verma and JD, then we can play them to their strength, I am sure it would be nice to play Naldo when Crouch is on the opposing team.

  9. John A says:

    If Wenger really want all new players in before pre season starts, then he’d better get his arse in gear, cos time is running out.

    On a separate note, I heard on Sky this morning that there is an AGM today to discuss Usmanov’s proposal to pump money into the club.

  10. Duke says:

    Mark C, maybe it has something to do with a much much lower tax, hence earning more money, in better weather, and not getting kicked around so much.
    If you have to go to an away game, I am sure it’s nicer to go play Villareal or Celta Vigo, than Boro. :D

  11. SUGA3 says:

    Mark, they are not moving to Spain, but to Real Madrid who are prepared to pay the silly money in transfer fees and wages…

    lower tax rates, meaning less accounting gymnastics must also be some further incentive, IMO…

  12. Duke says:

    John, I heard that also, but again you think if Gazidis says: Hey Arsene, we took some money from Usmanov, go buy who you want. He would? I think he would say: I have a team which can challenge, go pay off your debt.

  13. Geoff says:

    I understand that Mark, so if they don’t complete then Arsenal cop the deposits, happy days.

    However if they aren’t 90% sold, they should advertise the fact that they are, and if they are, why look at getting the loan rescheduled?

    Either way it’s a porky again.

  14. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Evening all,

    Blatter wants to curb PL spending, & Plattini condemns Le Gaffers youth policy, i.e taking young starlets from all over the world. To me there is a definite agenda against England football ;) How do you please these fuckwits running world football. Oh, silly me, bribe them ofcourse :)

  15. Geoff says:

    Usmanov’s money is only available for new players, not anything else, Wenger will say no though.

    He can’t then say he wouldn’t spend a £100mil anymore can he?

  16. John A says:

    Totally agree Duke. He would continue with project youth even if the board gave him £100M to play with.

    That’s probably the main reason he turned down Real Madrid, as he would have been under severe pressure to buy big, and we all know that Wenger would never do that!

  17. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    But on a positive note for The Club, there is no way manure can replace ronaldo overnight, & anyone who reckons they can/will are deluded.

  18. Geoff says:

    I condem his youth policy to Gnarley, if he’s going to do it, then at least get the best, Pato, Messi etc. Not Denilson, Song and Rui Fonte.

  19. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Geoff, has the Uzbeck actually said he will spend? or is that just heresay.

  20. Geoff says:

    He actually said he would fund a rights issue to allow us to compete in the market place.

  21. John A says:

    The problem with project youth is that it’s difficult to tell how a young player will turn out.

    They may be amazing at 15 or 16, but then fade or have a crap attitude – Mr Pennant a prime example.

  22. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Geoff i take your point, as per type of player. My point is that nothing that progesses the English game seems to sit well with the powers that be in FIFA, etc

  23. wardo says:

    Mark…its a tax issue why top players are not coming to the EPL.

    Players are paying 20% tax in Spain compared to the 50% tax over here…….experts think that the EPL will struggle to bring in the best players the world has to offer due to this point altho, I know for a fact that certain Arsenal players are paid to offshore accounts and avoid the 50% tax (that’s why they have foreign number plates on their cars even tho they’ve been in England for a good few years)

  24. Duke says:

    Geoff, Didn’t Usmanov say he is willing to pay some debt off and give money for players also? I am sure Gazidis already had a chat with Wenger about it before the meeting. But if he cares about the club finances, surely he should buy a few players, as then Usmanov will pay off some debt and leave us in a better position…
    John, defiantly, he condemned RM the other day for the way they are conducting their business. Wenger thinks he is bigger than any club, he is his own boss, no pressure, as much as I hate Mourinho, the cunt was totally right.

  25. Geoff says:

    Platini’s French and Blatter is Swiss, so same thing, the French have always hated us because they always lost to us.

  26. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Well Geoff, if thats the case, then if Mr Wenger still refuses to spend, then he needs a rocket up his arse(nal)

  27. Jay says:

    Geoff – Im from Sydney – so surely its dinner! lol…
    still at the desk waiting for my lift..

    Wegner surely can play fantasy manager when he has the backing by the billionare..but wants to prove he can do it without it…

    Good news Gallas to stay…so we have 3 decent CBs to choose from…good…

    Wegner to RM? only manager to spend under 30 million to strengthen squad..

  28. TA6 says:

    I would love to see the return of Flamini, but Reyes and Hleb are you sure?

  29. Geoff says:

    Duke the caveat is Usmanov wants a seat on the board, and they won’t do that.

  30. gambon says:

    I thought exactly the same thing when i read about Ramseys new deal.

    We brought him in on £17000 pw, so what is he earning now? £30k? There is only 1 reason he signed for us ahead of UTD.

    His new contract really sums up the enourmous mis-direction at the club doesnt it, paying unproven kids who have never won a bean big money, while refusing to use that same money to pay competitive wages at the top end. Until that changes the club will always be also rans.

    Theo on £60k a week, Ramsey on god knows what after spending £14m bringing them in? Ridiculous.

  31. james says:

    Ramsey is so overrated

  32. Lou says:

    It does strike me that, when that transfer window arrives, you must act quickly and decisively. Arsenal always drift along and then everything is rush and tension at the end. Surely,if you have your targets identified, you must allocate sufficient funds and go and get them otherwise you are waiting for the crumbs to fall from the big boy’s table. I really cannot believe that the Usmanov proposal is being looked at this late. It should have been decided upon 2 months ago.

  33. Mark C says:

    SUGA3 – Madrid is not in Spain???

    Anyway there are still loads of players we could buy for CM.

    Alonso, Melo, Hitzelsberger etc.

    As we can see with Madrid, if you make a high enough offer, you get your player.

  34. Arsenal Tom says:

    morning all… geoff, can u explain the rights issue deal bit deeper?

  35. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    10/10 on that one Geoff as history says. So they are jealous of the British, especially considering that the game was born on the green fields of Blighty.

    Footnote: Why the fuck did England push cricket on us all those years ago, & not football.

  36. Geoff says:

    We’ll find out Gnarley, TA6 maybe not Hleb, but I’d have Reyes in a heartbeat, I always liked him, TH14 bullied him though and that was the reason for him wanting out.

  37. Geoff says:

    It was too hot Gnarley!

  38. Mark C says:

    Geoff – All house builders see a plot as sold for MARKETING once they receive a deposit.

    No one can buy a plot that has had a deposit, unless both parties agree to part.

    Arsenal need to be more ruthless with their exchange dates, as I believe the build of the project is NEARLY complete.

  39. Geoff says:

    james welcome aboard, you are now free to blog.

  40. LB says:

    It’s quite clear that it’s difficult to buy players because transfer fees are insane. They are now talking 25m for Alonso and 30m plus for Mascherano. Can we really spend that kind of money on a defensive midfielder? It makes no sense. Wenger will try and get one at a reasonable price that is economically justifiable, no more. If he doesn’t find one, then we will have to live with Diaby, Song and Denilson. I can assure you that I’m happy to. Winning at all costs is not my idea of fun.

  41. Duke says:

    Geoff, I get your point, they won’t let him on.
    Wardo, if we do that surely we can attract any players and use the same scheme with them?
    Paying Walcott more that Vidic was getting last season is just fucking stupid. We ruin those kids by paying them those wages, they have to fucking earn them and not get them on merit and potential.

  42. Geoff says:

    End of this year Mark.

  43. Duke says:

    LB, times change, yes prices are inflated, but because everything changed. Wenger still lives in the 90′s. It’s like me wanting to go and buy a house for 200 grand now.

  44. naldo says:

    so madrid have sign benzema, kaka, cr7 and know probably there will be looking to reinforce the wing which they will buy ribery. and i dont think buying these top stars will change anything and it will make no diffrence. the reason why they sign these players is that they can inrease salary caps of players which arsenal cannot do. but if gazids finds a way to that sort of money then we be fine. i dont think madrid will go anywhere with this players even if they aare that good.

  45. Steve says:

    Where’s me pictures Geoff??

    Have you not posted them ‘cos i is black?

  46. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    That’s all it is.it’s one big lie they are feeding us all you people that parted with that stupid amount of ££££££ to win fuck all again,must have more money then sense,anyone who thinks next season will be any different needs a good look at our situation over the past trophyless years,don’t get me wrong if i had the doe i would of renewed but i havent so you know……

  47. Mark C says:

    Geoff – I agree with you, our squad of professional players is too big.

    We had something like 50+ players last season, with over a dozen on loan.

    If we got rid of 10 players, and had a squad of 40 professionals (including some of the youth), we could easily cut the wage bill by 10 mill a season.

    This does not mean, just get rid of 10 youth players, but squad players who wont make it at Arsenal like.

    Silvestre
    Simpson
    Gilbert

    etc

  48. incesc says:

    reyes hated it here, dont think theres any chance of him coming back.

  49. Big Dave says:

    We have just under 2 weeks to sign 2 players, chilax guys it will happen.
    things should start to move next week, more whispers coming out about players coming or leaving

  50. Lou says:

    The game has changes. Yes, we have spent a lot on a new stadium but Arsenal is an enormously profitable organisation and we pay considerably more to watch them than just about any other team in the world. Transfer fees are ridiculous and fuelled at the moment by one club. But it was Chelsea who overheated the market when the Russian arrived and Man Utd haven’t been shy either. If we can’t stand the heat which will be created by Man City’s arrival then we could be in trouble. This is no longer the sport it was even 5 years ago. There is no player loyalty at all. Look at Tevez, Robinho, Eto. They are pure mercenaries and we have our fair share too. I wish it wasn’t like this but the sands are shifting under Arsene’s feet.

  51. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Apparently we’ve picked up a new winger type player from the Czech Republic. Rosicky or something like that.

  52. wardo says:

    Jay…i read that Gallas wants to leave this summer. He’s been saying that he will leave on a free next year if Arsenal do not let him leave this summer…..i’ll get the link if you want.

    could be more media spec tho…..

  53. Dan says:

    the thing is if he did get 100m I wouldn’t expect him to spend it all. Would just help if we could spend like 30-40m on a couple of world class players, not go out and rebuild with 100m

  54. Ayoola says:

    We all should understand that Arsene has said that arsenal will be a selling club for the next 17 yrs…he just keeps playing us all aroun… i wonder what theo does to be earning 60k a week when we could not pay flamini as much… we have a lot of things going wrong because our pple in authority are not idealistic and has anybody wondered, what does the arsenal stand for and what happens if we do not win anything again next season… not being pessimistic but i dont think we stand a chance in any competition next season…

  55. LAzer says:

    Hello Geoff. Someone reflected earlier it is Wenger’s policy now to go with youth and even if he had 100mill he would not spend it. From his recent interviews and Gazidis’ hogwash talk of sound business tripe clearly points to that fact. IMO this is obviously a flawed policy, Madrid have 9 European trophies to show with the opposite end of the spectrum longterm policy of always spending big for players and we have none. Regardless of the trophy comparision though I do not see this policy ending well unless something is done this transfer window or the next, simple as that. I guess I don’t have the answers but definitely questions as to where we are headed.

  56. Geoff says:

    Naldo and Ayoola welcome, you are now free to blog.

  57. Lou says:

    I wonder if he would spend a £100m? A a part of me doesn’t want Usmanov’s money but I do want us to be ultra competitive and believe that money would make us that. The problem is that, when I look at Usmanov, consider his age and imagine the life of rich fatty foods he appears to indulge in, I think Cardio Vascular System and genuinely wonder how long he will be around. From the look of the guy, he could check out at any time. If he was the owner/influentially and financially involved, what happens then?

  58. Pete the First says:

    Reyes? Are you sure???

  59. Geoff says:

    Steve I can’t do it, I don’t know how, Pedro has them and I expect him to do it, he’s way more technical than me.

    And yes, it’s also because of your colour I’m afraid.

  60. Geoff says:

    LAzer, spot on, there’s no argument, why doesn’t Wenger see that???

  61. Teerex says:

    Bring Reyes back? Please NO! Joker had no fight in him and ran off to Real Madrid after openly courting them and disrespecting Arsenal. I’d only have Flamini back because he’s used to the team and we need an enforcer to fit it right away. He only picked up his game in his last season because he was playing for a contract. He had spent several season’s being an utility player agreed, but didn’t put his heart into it until he realised the game was up. Reminds me of Adebayor!

  62. Geoff says:

    Pete welcome you are now free to blog, and yes, I’m sure.

  63. Solve says:

    Ricardo Carvalho anyone?

  64. Geoff says:

    Teerex he was bullied by Henry, he scored some great goals and always found space, that’s our problem now, we can’t and don’t.

  65. Steve says:

    Furry muff Geoff, did you like the framed one from Shite Hart Lane with my ticket and stuff in??

    That’s my favourite. The plaque on it says “we won the league at the shithole”.

    Bit childish really.

  66. Steve says:

    Old Trafford fucked Reyes when the Cunt brothers kicked the shit out of him. He was never the same after that.

  67. LAzer says:

    Agree about the sand comment Lou. Times have changed, Arsene and Arsenal have decided they cannot compete with transfer fees, enormous player wages, and mercenaries so want to “grow” a team together. Problem is, your competition keeps buying established talent from around the world, which results in trophies, then sells on that talent to the Milan’s and Madrid’s of the world for huge profits along with the profits from winning with which to add further talent. Meanwhile we nickel and dime our way with b-grade talent solely on Arsene’s coaching abilities and tout reaching 2 semi-finals and winning fuckall.

  68. Steve says:

    Remember the impact he made against the dirty Russian money laundering wankers at Highbury??

    That’s the kind of excitement injection a new signing can have. He changed the game.

  69. ME says:

    First of all we lost Flamini to 80,000 and his blind desire to leave no matter the circumstances. And the second thing about Benitez and him not being able to compete with arsenal, just look at the Liverpool youth team and then in Arsenals youth team and youll see that they (Liverpool) have way more foreigners than we do so..

  70. Steve says:

    In saying all that, I wouldn’t want Reyes back. I fucking hate pikeys.

  71. Teerex says:

    Reyes is not the same player anymore – he was languishing somewhere in Portugal last I heard! Ever notice how ex-Arsenal players’ careers seem to disappear once they leave? Only exception is King Henry!

  72. Geoff says:

    Steve I have the same one, we were both there, I wasn’t near you though as I was working my way through 21 pints with Bud in the Bill Nicholson suite, they were free.

  73. Steve says:

    I knew there was another cunt in the world as sad as me. I might have guessed that you’d be it.

  74. patthegooner says:

    I would take back Reyes in a hearbeat.

    Agree with you Geoff, Henry bullied him, you could see the looks Henry gave him on TV. It was the same with Hleb.

    And on that big Emirates pitch, Reyes could reignite his career and become a legend. and he is on a free.

    As for Usmanov, he is not going to go away, and to be honest, I fall more and more into his camp as every day goes by. Give him a place on the board because as far as I can see, he is the only that is admitting that our 4th place is at risk without investment and he is the only one that is proposing ways of doing it and if that means a place for him on the board then why not.

  75. LAzer says:

    AND I cant fucking believe we first missed out on Rivery and now on fuckin Benzema too!! Wenger you’ve lost the recruting plot buddy! So probably the two best young current talents from fuckin France are not with Wenger. What happened to the days of Bobby, Paddy, Henry?? The least you can do is fucking recruit from your country like fat Rafa does. At least they have fuckin Torres (who btw imo is the best forward in the world right now)

  76. LAzer says:

    *Ribery

  77. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    exactly if you can’t beat them join them….sign usmanov up

  78. Steve says:

    LAzer, these players all want to go to Madrid at the moment. There isn’t much Wenger can do about that. Benzema’s agent basically admitted it was only ever going to be Real he’d leave Lyon for. The Mancs were after him too and weren’t even considered apparently.

  79. DD.Gunner.Malta says:

    Great Post!
    It would be interesting having Hleb and Reyes back!!
    I would love to see the Flamster back!

  80. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Geoff

    21 pints of beer in a single session is a world class effort. & let me tell you, I have some big beer drinking mates. Well they used to, now they are more oftrn than not family men ;)

  81. LAzer says:

    That’s not the point Steve. The point is lets compare apples to apples, look at our team of old and compare the talent from France to the talent we have now. We do not even have the two best players in the national team. Clearly our recruiting standards have declined when we can only attract youngsters hoping for some playing time, showcasing there talents, raising there wage profile, and moving on.

  82. ME says:

    Reyes will be 26 in September so he must be at his peek. I would have him on a one year contract just to prove his worth. Of course Flamini would be the best choice for many reasons but we cant have him and it is a fact. Hleb has no place in Arsenal anymore cause we have better players in all of his eligible positions (Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky)

  83. Teerex says:

    Calm down, we could never afford Benzema and/or Ribery! They might be good but the amounts of money being thrown into the game is ludicrous. Admittedly, we need to spend but £30 on one player is ridiculous in my opinion.
    Reyes won’t be the same player as he was when he left us. If he was easily bullied by other players and his own team mates then how weak was he?! if he was still any good he won’t be in some back water club playing for a contract. I thought we wanted good players not our own rejects.

  84. Lou says:

    Lazer. I agree. The game has changed and those players who stick around for years and become kind of cult heroes will be fewer and fewer. I sometimes think that we are all living in the past a bit. The club endures, players will come and go with increasing regularity. We may be in a situation where top players come for a year, perhaps 2 and then move on. Although I love the club with a certain old-fashioned passion I am also aware that they are in the Sports Entertainment business and personally, when I look at the high cost of my season ticket, I really, really want to see them win things.

  85. Geoff says:

    Gnarley, all true I promise you, we counted each one, and that didn’t include what we drank before the game, then after at Liverpool street!

  86. Arsenal Tom says:

    how can anyone get annoyed we didnt sign benzema??

    its like getting the hump we wernt in the running for kaka

  87. patthegooner says:

    Take Ribery for example.

    We could have bought him for 18m a few years ago.

    Obviously we would have liked to have kept him, but we could now be selling him for somewhere in the region of 50m which would have easily paid for the initial transfer and his wages over the last few years, and who knows there might be additions to the honours board.

    I know it is difficult to foresee the massive jump in value but I think you could at least see that you would get your money back.

  88. Geoff says:

    Tom that one is easy, we could have sold Ade for £25mil and topped it up, that would have been a great deal.

  89. KM frm WALES says:

    GOOD MORNING BOYS & gIRLS & those who aren’t sure :)

    guys here’s a nice article on NALDO – the brazilian defender we’r linked with. read the comments too as there’s some good debating on Naldo & Serdar Tasci.

    http://goonertalk.com/2009/07/01/8million-naldo-deal-on-the-cards-video/

  90. patthegooner says:

    I agree Arsenal Tom, we cant be annoyed that we did not sign Benzema nor can we be annoyed that we are not spending 50m on Ribery. I dont even think we ever expressed an interest in signing either of them.

    You simply can’t compete with Real at the moment. They are like Man Shitty but have the pulling power of their current stature in the game to boot.

    But I am annoyed that we are not in for players of that quality. Real can’t buy everyone, and depending on the personal qualities of the individual, i think we can beat the likes of Man City to a player. For instance I think Tevez would join us in a heartbeat given the choice and take a lower wage.

  91. Geoff says:

    Pat not that difficult, we sold Anelka for £23mil, Overmars for £25mil and that was 11 years ago, well it was with Anelka the other was 2002.

  92. LAzer says:

    Well the only positives I can see from this whole “project” shenanigans is we have a young team of home grown talent coming through the ranks that if even 2-3 make it through it would be a huge asset in proper old fashioned team building. But that may take another shocking fuckin 5 yrs so who knows where we will be then. Am calm Trex, just having a rant about how we keep fuckin missing out on players every year.

  93. KM frm WALES says:

    well well it seems Madrid keep getting stronger. Benzema is a great signing. NEXT – Ribery & Alonso??
    i think Alonso they can get for a slightly inflated price but Ribery has a crazy price tag on him. if i was Perez i would forget Ribery & keep Robben as he is good enough. Also none of the Dutch contingent has moved yet from Madrid…..?

  94. kelsey says:

    Madrid is on a plateau, in fact the highest capital in altitude in Europe.Do not be misled by the weather.In January and February temperatures are below zero and though little rain,there are numerous snow falls.The Spring is milder than the UK and the highest temperatures in the Summer are unbearable,but of close it is then the close season.

    I repeat the flat rate of tax is 18% and there are exceptions to tat were players pay a minimum amount of tax as an incentive.

    Loyalty means absolutely nothing,contracts aren’t worth the paper they are written on,and the main and only incentive to play for RM is money.Cash is King.

  95. patthegooner says:

    And whilst we were gutted to lose them, we replaced them well Geoff and it was a winning strategy.

    Why change it, instead we pay kids ridiculous amounts of money that gives them complacency too early in their careers. They dont even have to earn their place in a top team, it comes by default.

    The real proof though is that Fabregas aside no one is interested in taking the likes of Denilson, Diaby and Song off our hands. Jesus there is not even real concrete interest for the likes of Clichy, Sagna, Theo, RVP, Bendtner, Eduardo, Vela, Djourou, etc etc and certainly not at figures that make any profit.

  96. SUGA3 says:

    Mark, I did not say Madrid was not in Spain, all I said is that somehow you can’t see players banging on the doors of clubs like Espanyol, do you?

    It is all about the PR effect that a few stellar signing made by RM had – saying that ‘all’ the players go to ‘Spain’ is a little inaccurate, IMO…

  97. LAzer says:

    Pat & Tom-I don’t understand why we CANNOT sign those players? We could have had Ribery for 18, and we could have moved Ade on for 25 last summer, thrown 5-8 mill we would raise from Eboue and Diaby or some other bench player and had Benzema. Until we stop thinking of ourselves as some moralistic little club out to do the “right thing” and blah blah blah Wenger crap talk we won’t be getting anywhere.

  98. KM frm WALES says:

    we need to concentrate on getting another CB and DM & RM. i dnt think we need a striker. i like nxt years kits btw v.nice. also i saw Eduardo was wearing captains armband!!!!!!!! does that mean he will be captain nxt year? i think if its true then fair enough if not it should be arshavin and 1 of the 2 vice captain so fabregas can concentrate on his game.

  99. Arsenal Tom says:

    geoff, but it was never gonna happen mate… its a shame cos he’s the level of players we should be going for but we never do!

  100. KM frm WALES says:

    check out these pics of Arshavin out in London: :)

    http://arsenalspot.net/2009/07/picture-special-arshavin-and-family-enjoy-summer/

  101. Geoff says:

    I still ask the question of Real Madrid, how will they pay for it, Spain is third world, like it or not, if you take away the huge amount they take from us and Germany in the EU they are bankrupt.

    Add to the huge transfers the wages and the wages of those they bought last year and before, I cannot see how they can do it.

    I understand the government underpin them, but that’s wrong as we underpin the Spanish fucking government.

    That’s what Blatter should look at. The British and German taxpayers are funding Real Madrid.

  102. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Thanx for that Kelsey re Real. Just as I suspected, Real madrid have no class, just people around them with loadsamoney.

  103. Steve says:

    Real Madrid are an entity totally unto themselves. They can’t go bust as they are guaranteed by the state. The can afford to be as feckless as they choose and they’ll always be bailed out.

    You can’t use them as a yardstick.

  104. LAzer says:

    Blatter’s a cunt now that you mention him Geoff. That muppet and Platini have sworn to curb the power of the premiership but suck the Milan’s and Madrid’s of the world off.

  105. patthegooner says:

    SUGA3

    I dont think it is inaccurate, the marketing of the PL is based not just on the football being played (And I still think the PL is the most exciting) but it is also on the players in it.

    And all I can see at the moment is that the PL is losing value and the LL is gaining it. What I will say is that Spain is fast becoming the SPL and that only Barca and Real will ever win it for a long time to come. The PL is becoming more of a level playing field in that Chavski and Man Ure are failing to get their targets and losing the best players whilst the teams below are getting closer which is why the PL will be better to watch.

  106. Arsenal Tom says:

    LAzer i agree, but unfortunately thats not the way we do business mate… benzema was probably the last name on wengers list.

    we should have got ribery for 18 though i agree, that was a realistic signing for us

  107. Filip says:

    i think vela is similar to reyes.He just needs more games for us…

  108. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Geoff, too right, add the GDP created from football, Spain would just be a series of fishing villages that watched bull(shit) fighting on a weekend if it wasn’t for the things mentioned. Never ever heard the bugle, instead they start a civil war as an excuse to hide from world conflict.

  109. Jerseygooner says:

    Hello Geoff/grovers – been a while

    Would’nt mind Reyes back i really rated him. I have also heard a rumour that AFC’s wages are paid through Jersey and if that is true i would bet they are not paying anything like 50% tax – can anyone confirm that?
    IMO if we offered a place on the board to Usmanof are we really going to see a £100 million spent on 4-5 ready made players or 12-15 prospects?

  110. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    I think Reyes would star in CL but is not robust enough for PL.

  111. Arsenal Tom says:

    geoff… their president put in 100m of his own cash as well, plus i think they have 2 huge banks loans of about 40m

  112. Jerseygooner says:

    Geoff – totally agree about the taxpayers point (not that i pay tax!!) :-)

  113. Paul says:

    Do people really think Usmanov is going to say here arsenal have £100m to spend opn players, i will not want anything in return. By taking that money Usmanov will become more involved in the club, i would rather not have the money thanks.

  114. LAzer says:

    United after Huntelaar and Fabiano now. We are expecting two “like-new” signings in Rosicky and Eduardo. YAY!

  115. walter says:

    When I read some people who blame AW for not buying a player I really think those people dont knwo what they are talking about.
    They say: AW should buy “Rbiery, Kana, Melo, etc etc etc.
    Just as if AW can go to the supermarket and take them out of the shelf and put them in his trolley, pass the checkout and pays them.
    Well my friends it ain’t that simple.
    The old days of the slavemarkets have gone you know.
    Getting a player to a club is a difficult process and even MU these days have trouble to buy world class players. Ribery, Benzema are staying with there club or going to Madrid.
    I dont want to see Arsenal go bust along the road and do a “Leeds-thing”.
    I really think this season will be a good season for us with uw winning a price. The youngster are a bit older, we have Arshavin the whole season, we have an extra defender, we have Rosicky and Eduardo back.
    Let just wait and see how the seasons develops. I’m confident and not moaning in advance.

  116. Joe_@** says:

    ramsey’s long term contract may implies something on fab’s future. naldo is said to be a surplus of requirement to bremen, so would he be good enough here? at 6’6, he may not be too pacey like cygan. there is risk. rumour had it that we are log in a 17 mil deal to sell ade. with this small sum, i rather we keep him. he is under pressure to perform & as proven, he can really contribute if he tries hard enough. if he haul 30 goals next season with arshavin, fab & rvp providing the ammunition, we can easily get double of the money offered now come end of next season

  117. Geoff says:

    Tom that figure doesn’t even cover the cost of Ronaldo, let alone Kaka, Benzema and all the rest!

    Ronaldo’s package was £160mil

  118. Jerseygooner says:

    Gnarley,

    If Reyes is’nt robust enough what about AA – SWP is taller than him (nearly!)

  119. MickeyGoons says:

    Load of shite… we are well rid of Reyes and Hleb, especially Reyes. He has no club because nobody wants him for good reasons. To bring him back is madness. As for Hleb, well he’s been replaced and there is no room for that meandering clown either. Flamini would strengthen us no doubt but he’s on big money in Milan and not likely to leave.
    The only area we need to strengthen in is midfield (unless we sell someone). The candidates been mooted in the media and on blogs will definitely not be coming to the Arseanl. Cana? Are you having a laugh? Wenger will buy someone we’ve never heard of no doubt and we won’t see it coming. At least I hope that’s what happens because otherwise we’ll start the season as we are

  120. Geoff says:

    Walter we have had this same conversation on Le grove for four consecutive transfer windows! It’s getting same old, same old.

  121. Geoff says:

    And Joe of that’s true, then even more reason to abandon project youth, as soon as one of them gets good enough he goes, so what’s the point?

  122. KM frm WALES says:

    PAT

    agree with u. the EPL nxt year is going to be more of a level playing field i think. the top4 are gonna VERY close, neck and neck, and the likes of Everton & Man city are gonna hot on their heels so it makes for an exciting league. on paper Madrid & Barca are only challengers for the title but who knows what might come out of the hat….

  123. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    As people will gather I don’t have much respect for the spanish, which stems directly from the actions of Real Madrid & our 9 men losing to Barcalonely a couple of years ago.

    In Oz we have all sorts of nationalities, & one of them is Italian. At the end of the day I respect the Italians. The Grosso dive in the last world cup against us was not well received by us, but the way the Italians here addressed the situation( & there are a bloody lot of them here) was nothing short of class. I salute them with all due respect But Real Madrid irritate me.

  124. LAzer says:

    Current RM squad highlights

    Casillas

    Pepe Albiol Marcelo/Metzelder/Salgado Ramos
    Ronaldo Dolphin/Diarra/Gago Kaka Ribery
    Benzema Huntelaar

    AND

    Robben, Sneijder, Van horseface, Raul, VanderVaart, Higuain.

  125. Geoff says:

    Mickeygoons welcome, hold back on the shite bit though as it took me a long time to write that.

    You are now free to blog.

  126. patthegooner says:

    Paul, he owns over a qtr of our football club. He is not going to go away, he is already involved.

    At least he is looking at ways to compete and not just how to make sure we come 4th.

  127. Geoff says:

    I applaud what he’s trying to do, at least he has ambitions, unlike the others who are only in it for the cash, or so it seems.

  128. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Jersey

    My memories of Reyes was seeing a highly skilled player running @ oppo players. In return he received disgraceful tackles that made me feel sorry for him.

  129. PDT says:

    Agree Geoff! No point discussing transfers any more. Only question is – are we happy to be mediocre or do we want to be relegated and become the kings of the Championship?

  130. arsenalised says:

    EVRA IS A TWAT

  131. nishanth says:

    Can’t wait for pre-season to start.I have a feeling that we will sign a player by next friday

  132. Arsenal Tom says:

    geoff, 80m up front is covered and the other 80 is spread over his 6 year deal…they must have had plenty in the bank already plus the gifts from the government, the king, the loans and what perez chucked in.

    funny though… one uefa cunt says you cant spend 200m and the other cunt says you cant try and do it the other way by getting the best youngsters!!

  133. StewDog says:

    GEOFF, I AGREE ITS BORING NOW! WE KNOW ARSENE IS NOT GONNA BUY PLAYERS FOR £30 MIL UNLESS HE IS ABSOLUTELY SURE THEY WILL BE QUALITY! REMEMBER THOUGH WE NEARLY HAD TORRES, HE REJECTED US!!

    ANYWAY U GOONERS NEED 2 STOP LISTENING 2 UNCLUED UP FOOTBALL PUNDITS AND JUMPING ON MEDIABANDWAGONS!

    EVERYTHING IS GOOD AT ARSENAL, WE HAVE A TERRIFIC SQUAD OF YOUNGSTERS WHO WILL IMPROVE, IMPROVE,IMPROVE!!

    SOME YOUNGSTERS MAY PEAK AT 21 LIKE CESC, NASRI OTHERS MAY PEAK AT 24 LIKE BENDTNER, WALCOTT!!

    NO ONE CAN TELL ME BENDTNER IS NOT A BETTER PLAYER THAN ADEBAYOR ANYWAY!!

    I HOPE ARSENE MAKES 3 SIGNINGS, A DM AND A CB AND A STRIKER 2 REPLACE GALLAS, SILVESTRE, ADEBAYOR, EBOUE!

    I THINK WE WILL CHALLENGE STRONGLY NEXT YEAR AS LONG AS WENGER CAN SETTLE ON HIS BEST 11 PRETTY QUICKLY!!

    IF U GO THRU THE SQUAD WE HAVE IT IS AWESOME, I THINK ARSENAL WILL BE DOMINATING AND WINNING EVERYTHING IN THE YEARS 2 COME!!

  134. KM frm WALES says:

    What Madrid are doing is crazy! i wonder how & why the state funds this stupidity? however for the neutral fan it’l be amazing to watch. Madrid will now attract millions of new fans thereby increasing their fanbase = merchandising & wider TV coverage = more revenue ££££££££££.

  135. LAzer says:

    2012 Europa cup for the kids then PDT.

  136. PDT says:

    Real will win nothing of significance next year.

  137. arsenalised says:

    Man city are gonna take a top4 place nxt season!!!! the question is whether that place will be chelsea’s,man utd’s or liverpools.

  138. Arsenal Tom says:

    whats the prefernece then…

    a DM, winger or another CB?

  139. StewDog says:

    WE SHOULD SIGN MOHAMMED DIAME!

    SAW HIM IN SPANISH CUP AND I THOUGHT I WAS WATCHING VIEIRA!

    WHAT AN AWESOME PLAYER AND FOR £3 FUCKING MILLION!

    I SERIOUSLY HOPE WIGAN DONT GET HIM!

    ARSENE PLEASE COUGH UP!

  140. PDT says:

    City will finish 6th or 7th. They are going nowhere with Hughes as manager.

  141. KM frm WALES says:

    Ribery is sticking to his guns. Madrid or else!

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/02/franck-ribery-real-madrid-chelsea-manchester-united

    i’d glad Man utd didnt get Benzema or Ribery :)

  142. Geoff says:

    I find it funny that Gazidas has been here 5 minutes, from the shitty MLS and he’s talking like we should be grateful and he knows more about Arsenal that we do, even though we’ve been going for way over 20 years and seen it all before.

    Muppet.

  143. PDT says:

    A Tom, my preference is for a CB. Assuming none of our current CBs leave….

  144. nishanth says:

    DM definitely

  145. arsenalised says:

    they’ll win most expensive shit team of the year PDT

  146. PDT says:

    I hope Madrid get Ribery. And Villa.

  147. PDT says:

    You said it, ‘lised!

  148. Geoff says:

    I think that Madrid will end up like the Haarlem Globetrotters, no I don’t mean tall and black with Afro’s, I mean Jacks of all trades and masters of none, I still bet Barca finish above them.

  149. KM frm WALES says:

    i wouldnt mind getting Reyes on the free/cheap as chips for the Left side – how old is he?he was pure talent….

    Nishanth i hope ur right. i dnt want the same transfer saga which we had with nasri and arshavin…

  150. nishanth says:

    marin has moved to bremen.excellent player

  151. patthegooner says:

    Man City will challenge for 4th but only if they get Tevez and Etoo.

  152. Geoff says:

    Stewdog welcome, you are now free to blog.

  153. SUGA3 says:

    I just don’t get it: Usmanov wants to reduce short term debt and make us more competitive, how can it be bad?

    he is simply repeating what David Dein said before being ousted by the board – no money, no honey, simple as that…

  154. LAzer says:

    Sparky can’t get in the top 4. No way. Chavs have too much money and a built team, Fergie can piss money if he wants and a better squad still, Rafa has Torres and Gerrard, and Wenger is just a better manager. My prediction, Hughes gets the can, they get in a half-serious manager to take the next step sometime next season.

  155. StewDog says:

    HAHA IM READING SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT RAMSEY AND THEO! UTTERLY RIDICULOUS! WOULD U TALK ABOUT YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SON LIKE THAT!!!

    SOME PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY IDIOTS!! GERRARD MADE HIS DEBUT AT 19 WHEN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WAS SHIT! IT WASNT TILL HE WAS 24 THAT PEOPLE STARTED 2 REALLY NOTICE HOW GOOD HE WAS!

  156. patthegooner says:

    SUGA3

    Exactly, it makes you wonder if the current board will turn it down for personal reasons or because they believe it is the best interests of the club to do so.

    I just dont know anymore.

  157. nishanth says:

    I am pretty sure one more player will come in and if ade leaves wenger might look for a cheap replacement(someone like chamakh).Yes KM really wouldn’t prefer something like that.

  158. wardo says:

    Geoff…been away for a while. Regarding Reyes! you are spot on…Henry did bully him a bit. As I posted before, so did a few others incl Pires. I’m pleased the Bergkamp didn;t tho……I’d have Reyes back in a heart beat!! We’d get him for bout €5-6mil….

    I’d defo have flam back also

  159. nishanth says:

    but Wardo is reyes any good right now?Only player i would take is flamini.Hleb can fuck off

  160. Arsenal Tom says:

    stewdog… i bet gerrard was on 50k (ish) when he was 20 though was he!?!

  161. Rohan says:

    you know under anceloony chelsea may very well slip out of the top 4….i don’t think they are going to get any high profile player??

  162. LAzer says:

    Ronaldo Xabi Kaka Ribery
    Benzema Villa

    I hope that’s what Madrid’s midfield and forwards look like next year and they win FUCKALL! Maybe one CL title for the team and by then Ronaldo will be out of the closet, Kaka will be aged and Villa will be a crock. Just like the last galataco’s all hype, not enough substance. Kaka is the golden child though, I think he will be their most important signing by far in the next few years.

  163. wardo says:

    I’ll give 3-1 on StewDog getting a red card before mid day !!! :D

    Stewdog….no need to shout to get your point across…..sounds valid to me altho, think the point people make on this site is that we want a proven player to fill the gap between Ramsey being 18 and 22 – 24 years old……we can;t wait 4-6 years for him. We get in someone who is 29 years old then by the time he’s 21, Ramsey will be knocking the door down…….

    personally, I think Ramsey is Gooners be a goodun for the future !

  164. patthegooner says:

    Thats Odd StewDog

    are we talking about the same Steven Gerrard that played 50 games in the season when they won the treble…He was 21

    are we talking about the same Steven Gerrard that was made Liverpool Captain when he was 23

    I dont think it is ridiculous at all to wonder about giving players that young big contracts before they have even earnt them.

  165. arsenalised says:

    up the arsenal we gonna win the league

  166. gazzap says:

    Reyes was not good for us and has got worse since he left. He is still going backwards. nowhere near good enough for Arsenal. he should have stayed at Seville for his whole career. His confidence is gone now.

  167. KM frm WALES says:

    i agree with what GAZIDIS said – a salary cap must be put in place but it must be reviewed every few years keeping pace with inflation etc. However for it to be really effective we would need the rest of the European clubs to join in, otherwise the EPL will lose out to the likes of Madrid who are paying crazy sums – £200,000 a week ?!?

    BUT what does Gazidis message convey – that we cant compete with the big boys in salaries? there’s something not right at Arsenal. I believe we should allows Usmanov to pump money in for transfers – but with no strings attached.

  168. Geoff says:

    KM that’s funny, someone else has finally said about Beckham what I have always said, he’s a selfish up himself thick cunt.

    He should never be in the England set up, he’s cap collecting and he doesn’t deserve it.

    Good for Donovan.

    Wardo, that makes two of then!

  169. uncle mike says:

    the reason benitez cant compete with us to sign young wonderkids, is because the club dont have the scouts or the infastructure. if you look recently they bought some scouts and stuff and academy directors from some spanish teams. they are light years behind us.

  170. Geoff says:

    Back later chums!

  171. Geoff says:

    Uncle Mike welcome you are now free to blog, I’m really off now.

  172. patthegooner says:

    i will clarify there. I think both Ramsey and Theo will both become world class players. I am more confident about Ramsey but I think Theo will as well.

    But, our players are thrust into the first team too early and are given large contracts too early. They get no sense of achievement of earning their place (Diaby a great example there, shit all season and still gets picked). Life is made too easy for them and you can see that on the pitch.

  173. nishanth says:

    I think if alonso joins it will be something like

    robben(ronaldo) diarra alonso kaka

    ronaldo(higuain)
    benzema
    That is by no means a bad team.Ronaldo and kaka playing in the midfield might be a problem.But then pellegrini is a good manager.Real are very much capable of winning trophies next season if they act a little more sensibly when it comes to team selection and all

  174. KM frm WALES says:

    wassup WARDO :)

    personally i’d like reyes and flamini back. TOP TOP players.

  175. wardo says:

    nicsanth….worth a risk imo. He was class once…think he could be again.
    Plus, he’d be older than the others and think he could grow into our team and play a major part in the title challenge.

  176. nishanth says:

    Under benitez i can’t think of any youngster that has stepped up

  177. patthegooner says:

    Uncle Mike, quite right and I think they just sacked half of them. We proved in the youth cup that we are light years ahead.

    KM, agree on a salary cap, but it has to be global FIFA led, otherwise if the PL did it alone, we would quickly be swamped by Spain and Italy and probably Germany and France too.

  178. dennisdamenace says:

    Jesus ‘H’ Christ – Real Madrid have agreed a fee for Benzema AND are now reported to be close to a deal for Ribery!!!!

  179. nishanth says:

    Wardo considering how much little money we spend every transfer window i think it would be nice if we avoid risks like these.He is a good player but can’t think of what he will add to this team

  180. wardo says:

    I’m good KM – yourself ??

    Dont we keep saying we need a decent winger? Reyes would be good enough for me.

    As for Flamini…….Think I would take him over Cana, Matuidi, Melo and Diarra. So yes, top top top player. Wish we’d fcuking paid him £70k a week….gonna cost us in long run!!

  181. KM frm WALES says:

    agree 100% with u PAT!

    nishanth i think it will be 4-2-3-1 :

    Benzema

    Ribery Kaka Ronaldo

    Diarra Alonso

    that is much more stable

  182. nishanth says:

    If ribery joins i guess they will end up playing that team KM.Its a real shame indeed that someone like higuain will miss out who is anyday better that benzema.

  183. dennisdamenace says:

    And, my gut feeling is that as AW has stated he wants all his transfer business done before the pre-season starts, he done just that, that is Vermin is it.

    Will the last person out of the Emirates please switch the lights out.

  184. wardo says:

    Seeing Diaby on the wing is a downer imo….seeing Reyes there is uplifting……he is a good winger. Can drive at a defence and has good shot. He would be good addition.

    Guess we’ll have to agree to disagree then mate. No point taking this any further cause it aint gonna happen anyways

  185. nishanth says:

    i don’t think madrid will buy ribery though.They will end up getting alonso

  186. KM frm WALES says:

    DDM – what trasnfer fee is on the cards? i think bayern are going to rob Madrid – who are reallllly stupid. if i was Perez i would’v told Bayern where to go & kept Robben on the left and wait until nxt year because Ribery would’v done an ADE/Ronaldo – performance levels dropped, mind is in Madrid – which would have forced Bayern’s hand.

    Wardo – i’m fine sir! lovely day. what really annoys me is we’r paying theo £60k and he is nowhere near the level of Flamini who was worldclass when he was here and he demanded 70k – it realllllly annoys me.

  187. SharkeySure says:

    Can people please stop calling Reyes a flop.

    He left us to sign for Real Madrid FFS, and won them the title almost single handedly over the last weeks of the season.

    Thats some flop !!!

    Overall he was brilliant for Arsenal. Watch his games again, or looks at his stats, or use your own memory. They’ll all tell you he was a class act.

    In the right team he’ll shine again.

  188. KM frm WALES says:

    true wardo – REYES over Digby anyday :)

    DDM – i hope ur gut feeling is wrong :)

    we need make 1 worldclass signing (RM/DM) so we add some true quality to our team.

  189. SharkeySure says:

    It was never just about money for Flamini.

    Almost every day someone has to restate the details of Flam’s family history, and his personal history of walking out on clubs.

    I’m not gonna bother today.

  190. incesc says:

    reyes didnt almost singlehandedly win them the title lol

    he scored the goal that won them the title but he wasnt great at madrid and they didnt buy him that summer…

  191. wardo says:

    Sharkey….. nah mate he was shite !!! :lol:

    Well said my firnd…could not agree more. I thought Reyes was a very good player.

    KM – yeah I read that and thought the same thing. Doesn;t make sense does it…..our board really screw up seomtimes

  192. Steve says:

    Chill Sharkey, the sun is shining, I have a piss up tonight and then on holiday for 2 weeks. It’s a happy day :)

  193. nishanth says:

    I too would take reyes ahead of diaby playing on the left.But diaby wouldn’t have played had wenger tried playing vela there.

  194. Arsenal Tom says:

    reyes? there more chance of me singing for arsenal than him after the way he fucked us.

    he was a pussy to, fuck him

  195. wardo says:

    incesc…he scored more than 1 that night. They were behind and he got three goals to win the match. Anyway, that was at Real….the point is he was a good player at Arsenal. Has good technical ability and would be a asset to the team

  196. KM frm WALES says:

    REYES nutmegs Neville – twice :)

  197. incesc says:

    if we are gonna go in for a spanish winger surely silva would be a better option. He looks quite lightweight so perct for monsieur wenger

  198. incesc says:

    *perfect

  199. StewDog says:

    PAT MATE ARE U TALKING ABOUT THE ‘PHONEY’ TREBLE LIVERPOOL WON IN 2001??

    IM NOT DENYING GERRARD WASNT QUALITY, COURSE HE WAS IM JUST SAYING HE WASNT REALLY NOTICED UNTIL HE WAS 24, THE SEASON BEFORE THEY WON THE CHAMPS LGE!

    I ALWAYS THOUGHT GERRARD WOULD TRY TO OVER COMPLICATE THINGS WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER AND HIS BALL RETENTION WAS NOT THE GREATEST!

    MY POINT IS THAT PLAYERS PEAK AT DIFFERENT AGES!!

    ARE U GONNA DISAGREE WITH THE FACT THAT LAMPARD WAS SHIT AT 19??

    U CANT RIGHT OFF PLAYERS BEFORE THEY REACH AT LEAST 25!

    THATS Y I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE WHEN PEOPLE RIGHT OFF ADEBAYOR!!LOL

  200. SharkeySure says:

    Incesc. Lol?? Its a fact that over the last month of that season he single handedly scored and created the goals that turned games in RM favour…often coming off the bench to do so.

    The fact that they didn;t sign him is irrelevant when your talking about RM, a club who sack title and CL winning managers.

    If you’ve the time go look at their last 4 or 5 results and the effect they had on their standing in the table, and Reyes input. You might surprise yourself.

  201. KM frm WALES says:

    whats happened to Reyes’ career? the guy has just gone downhill which is quite sad for a player of his talent. Arsenal – R.Madrid – A.Madrid – Benefica – ?

  202. KM frm WALES says:

    STEWDOG – whats up with the CAPS??

  203. wardo says:

    StewDog…STOP SHOUTING.

    TTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ! :D

  204. SharkeySure says:

    Steve. You might just be right

    Most mornings I sit here just reading til something annoys me enough to post.

    My first coupla posts every day are angry ones…grrrr

  205. Steve says:

    KM, it’s a downward spiral. It’ll be Dagenham and Redbridge next.

  206. incesc says:

    ok sharkey i admit my memory is shockingly bad.

    Im pretty sure he didnt score a hatrick but i will take your word for it he almost singlehandedly won them the league

    But its irrelevant really. reyes hated it in england and he aint coming back to arsenal in a million years

  207. Steve says:

    It’s the heat Sharkey. Have a beer and a chillpill.

  208. SharkeySure says:

    Anyway Steve…since when did you become all sweetness and light…??

    I need a holiday…..

  209. StewDog says:

    AND PAT MATE! SURELY U CAN APPRECIATE THAT WAGES HAVE RISEN SINCE 2001!! IM SURE IF GERRARD WAS 20 NOW AND IN THE FIRST TEAM HE WOULD BE ON A SIMILAR WAGE IF NOT HIGHER!!

    COME ON MATE, I KNOW THE ECONOMY IS SHIT BUT THIS IS FOOTBALL!

  210. nishanth says:

    Isn’t this guy supposed to be a DM.We were linked with him once i think

  211. incesc says:

    i wonder if madrid fans ever discuss how good baptista was because he scored 4 goals against liverpool while on loan for us…

  212. Steve says:

    Does that mean we have to give Song another few years before we admit that he is shit Stew??

    Fuck that, i’m not waiting.

  213. nishanth says:

    incesc lol

  214. Ryan L says:

    I guess they have to advertise the flats as sold because they have taken the relevant deposit. But yet the completion dates are further away and there is a degree of uncertainty as to how many of those deposits will go ahead and actually complete. I guess it would be illegal to hedge your bets and advertise them as unsold and effectively risk taking 2 deposits on a single property !!

    I alos wonder if they are selling in phases like some developments do, so are claiming to have sold 90% of the 1st phase, which in reality might only mean 25% of total units.

    Just a thought.

  215. Steve says:

    It may have something to do with not being at work for 2 1/2 weeks sharkey. It does strange things to me.

  216. incesc says:

    internet rumours are hitting new lows on an hourly basis

    http://www.championshipmanager.co.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.999

  217. KM frm WALES says:

    Nishanth

    what position does he play? if he’s a playmaker type he can be easily converted to RightMidfield. he has OUTRAGEOUS skill!!! miles ahead of Theo.

    STEVE

    imo SONG is getting better and better in the DM role. its upto wenger now which position his future lies.

  218. SharkeySure says:

    I’m paid by the day Steve…2.5 week holidays are a killer.

    I usually do ten days away starting Friday night so that I’m back at work having only lost a weeks pay !!

    Even with taking 3 kids away my biggest ‘cost’ is the money I lose…might be different if I took them further away than Southend though ;-)

  219. Arindam@KOL says:

    Reyes is a spent force . Why isnt he even good enough for Benfica anymore ?
    How did he perform last year ?

  220. nishanth says:

    don’t really know Km.I used to think he was a DM.Not after watching that video.Chelsea were also behind him

  221. patthegooner says:

    Stewdog please take your caps lock off buddy.

    Wages have increased but wtf has Ramsey done to get an improved contract?

    He must be thinking jesus it is that easy to get a payrise.

    As for Theo, it was a difficult call, he was in his last year so was in a stronger position but 50-60 has been rumoured and that is ridiculous for what he has given us.

    Think both will make it, but both should get the reward for making it, not prior to making it.

    My argument about Gerrard was in regard to you saying he was not much cop until he was 25 but he was infact held in high regard way before that.

    You did not mention Lampard, but I agree with you there.

  222. SharkeySure says:

    Incesc, Reyes was a kid with a low IQ, who’d hardly left his home town before he came to Arsenal.

    For me he really is ‘the one that got away’

    No way he’s coming back though.

    Beer..??

  223. nishanth says:

    Lively midfielder Stephane Sessegnon has enjoyed a terrific debut season with Paris Saint-Germain, lighting up the Parc des Princes with a number of effervescent performances, largely on the right hand side of a midfield four. Admiration has been drawn from some of Europe’s greatest clubs, with Chelsea closely linked to the 25-year-old Benin international.

    But Sessegnon’s rise to prominence has not come out of nowhere, and the Blues have been hotly linked with his signature for several seasons. The midfielder has spent much of his career lurking in the shadows, ready for his moment to emerge as a fully-developed star, and it appears he could be on the very cusp of this now.

  224. patthegooner says:

    Agree with that Sharkey

    I was gutted when it did not work out with Reyes.

  225. SUGA3 says:

    StewDog, all we say is that paying shit players like Diaby ridiculous money does not make any sense…

    If you think of signing players like Bitchslap and paying them good money + treatment cost just for them to fuck off it really makes your blood boil…

    and stop shouting ;-)

  226. Franchise says:

    fuck stats from that video i can see that sessegnon is twice the player denilson is. It all about attributes

    :D

  227. SharkeySure says:

    Wardo 3-1′s looking like long odds…stick me down for a tenner

  228. Tittle Tattle says:

    I think it will be easier for fans to accept right now that Wenger is not going to sign another Defendive Midfielder, and I would advise you to watch some of our games aver again and focus on Denilson – without bias – and see what he brings to the team.

    Because I am convinced that he will not bring in anyone, and if he does, it will be a 28-32 year old backup, pushing Song into center back cover.

  229. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Stewdog

    You are wrong, the economy is not shit? Oh, :oops: sorry yours is.

  230. SharkeySure says:

    GG9…lol

    Its recovering …slowly

  231. Tittle Tattle says:

    I think it will be easier for fans to accept right now that Wenger is not going to sign another Defendive Midfielder, and I would advise you to watch some of our games aver again and focus on Denilson – without bias – and see what he brings to the team.

    Because I am convinced that he will not bring in anyone, and if he does, it will be a 28-32 year old backup, pushing Song into center back cover.

    I expect Denilson to line up alongside Fabregas nexts eason.

  232. KM frm WALES says:

    nishanth – he could one of the candidates for RM i’d love Wenger to get him. the guy has everything which THEO lacks (yet?) How much would he cost u think?

    hi Arindam \ 0 /

  233. Tittle Tattle says:

    And by the way, it is not about stats for me, I actually see Denilson perform well. If you are going to believe a video over performances, I suggest you have already made up your mind about Denilson.

    But the lad was fantastic last season.

  234. wardo says:

    Sharkey…11:51 :lol:

    I’m a gippo, gone roll on down the road – you’ll never find me to cash in that bet….

    P.s. Want you driveway tarmac’d ???

  235. KM frm WALES says:

    every1 dead?

  236. SharkeySure says:

    Wardo – Funny you should say that I had some gravel my drive about 4yrs ago….looked prety good for about 48hrs !!!

    Now its just popular with every dog within a 3mile radius

  237. Mayank says:

    A few points about the post, project youth does not mean that wenger will only ever field a young team, it means that he will buy raw talent young develop them to play wengerball and see if they’re good enough for the first team. Also why are you insisting on so many purchases? I think the lesser we change the squad the better their understanding and the better they play. Do you want another season in transition, i don’t. As for bringing back the said players i am divided on that issue myself so can’t really comment.

  238. wardo says:

    Sharkey…..they’re fcuking nightmare. They came into my local the other night (which is a quiet pub). They all sat apart so it looked all normal, gained the trust of the bar staff with a few orders then, started to try and buy rounds with fake 20′s and 50′s. The owner spotted them and just managed to grab the money out of the barmaids hands before she gave the change to the gippo……caused a bit of a stir.

    …and you know what, this gipppo had the cheek to speak to me bout my bike then ask where I lived!! I said an area in general, he made out he lived there and asked me which road I lived down……I wanted to tell him to fcuk himself.

  239. SUGA3 says:

    Mayank, it is the bit about seeing if they are good enough that worries me – they are getting paid too much money (Walcott) and given too much time (Diaby)…

  240. KM frm WALES says:

    .

  241. SharkeySure says:

    Mayank – here’s a link for ya.

    Its completely off topic for everyone else mind.

    http://www.rollonfriday.com/Community/MainDiscussion/tabid/79/Id/6750038/currentPage/0/Default.aspx

  242. SharkeySure says:

    KM. Thats a very good point

  243. SharkeySure says:

    Troble with having them do the driveway is that they know where you live, if you complain too much about how shit its turned out

  244. Rohan says:

    if song plays like he did in the second half of the season, those performance levels won’t be too far from someone like melo who might take time adjusting to the premier league.

  245. dennisdamenace says:

    I was gutted when Reyes didn’t make it, i thought he was a tremendous player, quick, skilful and a good attitude, always put in a good shift regardless, always chasing, harassing the opponents, closing the down, a few of our current prima donnas could learn a thing or two from him……

  246. Geoff says:

    The reason Flamini left was Wenger. The reason Reyes left was Wenger.

    Flamini took us to the Champions league final mostly as our left back, during this time Cole was injured but met with Chelsea, he came back from injury in time for the ECL final, Wenger played him at left back.

    Wenger should have said, Ashley, sign this 5 year contract or I’ll play Flamini, that would have been sensible and fair. He didn’t and that spoiled little cunt got to play in the final and then fucked off to Chelsea.

    He then tried to sell Flamini to Steve Bruce, Flamini said no, so after all that he decided to pay back the debt and I don’t blame him, bad, bad management.

    Reyes was a real talent, King Henry didn’t like him because Aragones called him a black bastard and Reyes got the blame, Wenger allowed Henry to treat him like shit and he got homesick, Wenger should have bollocked Henry and told Reyes he was going nowhere, he failed on both counts, again bad management.

    Same with Diarra, I could go on, my point is all this doesn’t make Wenger a poor coach, he’s the best, but for me, he’s not a very good manager.

    Wardo shame on you, I would never talk to a pikey.

  247. Mayank says:

    Nah SUGA3 that’s not how it was supposed to be, this happened due to multiple injuries and hleb and flamini leaving us. Ideally they should be blooded like Vela or Ramsey.

  248. SharkeySure says:

    Rohan. Well fucking said.

    In some of those games Song was not far sghortof brilliant. Watchingh hld Scum U players of the ball whilst picking out a nice pass offf of either foot….

    Thats why I don’t want him to end up as a CB cos he’s got too much to offer in midfield.

    Shame that he’ll be off to ACN in Jan, and Cameroon pretty much always make at least the semis

  249. KM frm WALES says:

    lol SS

  250. Mayank says:

    Sharkey i didn’t know about half these errors.

  251. Mayank says:

    But some of them are down right stupid like you’re instead of your. Doesn’t need to be told.

  252. Geoff says:

    Funny that I watched Song play in the Fernerbahce game last night and in their first attack he fouled a player and got booked through lack of pace and positional awareness and they made it 2-1.

    Yes I know he scored in that game but that was one of 3 in 4 years, if that floats your boat fine, not mine.

    For the record Gilberto got 9 in his last season alone as well as scoring on his debut.

  253. leon says:

    very intersting post,but making a huge assumtion that players like cena,melo ets were ever arsenal targets to begin with,there a re somany good players around the globe these are not the only players availeble maybe its has has nothing to with money maybe its the simple fact that wenger does not think they would fit into the arsenal system,i thionk as arsenal fans we need to be a bit patient,the tranfer market has just openedplayers alot of these players are on holiday from playing internations,i feel the signings will come

  254. Rohan says:

    the arabs up at middle-eastlands must be pretty hacked of with the recent knowledge that history does matter…

  255. Dutchman says:

    I see forward to see rosicky and arshavin on the flanks and eduardo upfront!!! It really scares the defenders:D

  256. Mayank says:

    Geoff, i don’t get it, when i say Anderson has got 0 goals and 0 assists you say that doesn’t mean a thing for a DM. Then you throw the 3 goals in 3 years stat for song.

  257. Geoff says:

    Mayank I don’t think I’ve ever had an opinion on Anderson, can’t say I remember seeing him play, I think you have the wrong man.

    3 goals in 3 years, I agree with you, that is a poor return, what the fuck is that cunt still doing in the team, I’m with you man!

  258. SUGA3 says:

    leon, I am patient and faithful to my club, but I just can’t accept serious lapses of judgment like not playing the best team available for the sake of pampering youngsters and giving them false sense of self belief and accomplishment by doing so…

    ‘tell him he is Pele and send him back on’ – AW is trying to install self confidence, but this is just about 50% of player’s quality: if there is not enough experience and ability, then it will ruin a player more than buying an established one for him to look up to…

    add shocking treatment of players like Gilberto and you end up with a bunch of self overhyped spoilt kids who see that it is not even worth to play for the shirt…

  259. Rohan says:

    i wonder whether we will be able to put in arshavin fabregas nasri rosicky van persie and eduardo in the same team??? that would scare anyone..

  260. SUGA3 says:

    I can tell from my own life experience: reactions to praise and criticism, modesty, sense of professionalism develop with age…

    youngsters with these features fully developed are a rare commodity…

    not to mention lack of strength, being injury prone, etc.

  261. KM frm WALES says:

    dutchman

    do u think arshavin would be able to play RM?

  262. leon says:

    suga3

    thatsthe past over with i think about this summer tranfer market which has only just opened,plyers like wilshire,ramsey,gibbs,vela etc are worth investing in

  263. Mayank says:

    Geoff I remember telling you that ManU play Anderson regularly even though he’s got 0 goals ever and no assists either this year to be told that it’s not his job. I personally am against out an out DMs but Song was used as one this season to protect a fragile back four. Even opinions on Denilson is he too much like Fabregas or a crab passer? These 2 players at different points in the season have irritated the heck out of me but i can’t say that they’re not qualtiy… I mean Denilson with his 3 goals and 6 assists in the PL this season must be better than Anderson who plays for the PL winners.

  264. KM frm WALES says:

    ROHAN how abt :

    RVP Eduardo

    Rosicky Cesc Arshavin

    SONG

    i like :)

  265. Rohan says:

    that would be absolutely fantastic KM
    arshavin can even play in defence…….

  266. Geoff says:

    Mayank, I promise it wasn’t me, I don’t even know what Anderson does for the Mancs, I thought he was a winger.

    I can’t see how Song can protect the back four when he can’t defend himself, he’s slow, talentless, gives the ball away all the time and has no positional sense.

    In fact I think Wenger should explain to the work permit people how on earth he got him a work permit on the basis of exceptional talent, as he has none.

    I don’t rate Denilson either, maybe in a couple of years time though.

  267. SharkeySure says:

    Geoff – “this doesn’t make Wenger a poor coach, he’s the best, but for me, he’s not a very good manager.”

    I’m an AKB and I agree. He dowesnltget teh best outofplayes cos he ‘s way too soft on them.

    Play shit for 90mins,…here’s another 90mins…and another. Get them off at half time, drop them for the next game. Diaby, AdeNuff..both players who really really needed that sort of treatment.

  268. Mayank says:

    Geoff, maybe it was someone else but cuhmon haven’t Denilson and Song impressed you at any point of the season to have reason enough to have hope for him. Esp since you want Flamini back.

  269. SharkeySure says:

    DDM 12.46. Spot on re Reyes. Away to Charlton he chased down their RM by our own corner flag, most would have ben happy to play it oit for a throw….

    Instead, he then ran the full length of the pitch swapping a couple of passes along the way, and very nearly created the goal of the decade !!

    Class act. Whetehr jh ecan reproduc ethat is another story…but he’s still only 26 now.

    Back at the Arse is not gonna happen though is it…

  270. Geoff says:

    100% agree with everything you just said Sharkey, 100%

    I can never understand this change it with 15 to go shit, I would change it after 15 minutes had gone if I could see it wasn’t working.

  271. Mark C says:

    Just saw Liverpool have let Barca speak with Mascerano about a 17 mill deal.

    What is going on?

    Lets get in there, he sounds cheaper than Alonso, who was 25 mill.

    Also has Gordon Brown fucked British football with the 50% tax.

    not only is the GBP v EURO poor, the difference in income tax is silly.

    If a player wants 2 mill net (GBP), they would need to get paid 50K a week in Spain (GBP) or 80k a week in England.

    That is an extra 1.5 mill per man.

    Obviously if a player want 4 mill net, the UK club have to pay an extra 3 mill in tax.

  272. SUGA3 says:

    no leon, that is not the past – given the same opportunity AW will do exactly the same…

    we simply rolled the red carpet for Chavs to win the FA Cup – it is all about teaching them how to win things, giving them the jolly experience of the ride on the top of the doubledecker to install the hunger for more…

    after a few years of winning fuck all, you just stay in the mindframe of being an also-ran…

    but why bother if you get a payrise anyway?

  273. Franchise says:

    Anderson isnt a DM he is a tenacious attacking midfielder. this makes his stats even worse :D

    Fergie has never played Anderson as a holding DM he plays higher up the pitch like Essien used to and occassionally did last season with Mikel and previously with Makalele a.k.a ‘the benchmark’

  274. Dutchman says:

    km, i think arshavin can do the job. And if we play
    4-3-3 than i would see arshavin right of eduardo or left because Rvp plays right.

  275. Geoff says:

    Mayank they have both had there days and one day they may well blossom, Flamini was shit for 3 years then he became the real deal, but this is Arsenal, we should only have players in there we know will do it, like Cesc, Nasri, Vela, Ramsey, Jacky boy and Theo.

    Those two are not good enough to be in the first team as first choice and that is why we are so weak, it all comes through them.

  276. SharkeySure says:

    Mayank. At some point yesterday Geoff surmised that Song could do a Flamster…thats as good as you’ll get from him re Song.

    Good luck banging your head aginstt a brick wall with Geoff on that one.

    No offence Geoff
    Geoff: None taken Sharkey
    Sharkey: Cool

  277. Geoff says:

    There you go Mayank, read what Franchise said, he was probably the one you debated with, afternoon Franchise!

  278. Franchise says:

    If Wenger were a bit firmer with his man management Arsenal would have won 6 PL titles including 2 b2b titles

    the way he manages is good for mature adults not petulant kids. u need to let players like diaby, ade etc know when they are being pitch pricks

  279. Geoff says:

    Geoff – Sharkey I like that!

    Sharkey – Thanks Geoff, you are my hero!

  280. Geoff says:

    Ha, ha, pitch pricks!

  281. KM frm WALES says:

    mark c – mascherano for £17m!!!!! that cant be right unless there’s a player coming as well. any1 agree with me???

    FRANCHISE – yep ur right on Anderson. when he came my brother and his mates man utd fans were saying he’s the long term replacement for Paul Scholes, i just think he’s taken a long time to bed in and the mancs have turned him into a DM…!?!

  282. dennisdamenace says:

    SS – That was Reyes all over, how rare is it to find a highly skilled player who has that attitude in his locker?

    I don’t see him returning either!

  283. SharkeySure says:

    Geoff – Watching Duiaby on th weong for 90min si soul destroying. At least at CM you feel he might just surprise you…..but even then he’d have to do it in the first half, cos I wouldn’t let him back out for the 2nd half if he didn’t

    Its complete bollox waiting til 67.5 mins every fucking game to make a change !!!

  284. Franchise says:

    wenger even allowed the togonator to become too ‘BIG’ for the club

    WTF

    the togonator 8O

    1/6th of the player Henry was

  285. SharkeySure says:

    “Sharkey – Thanks Geoff, you are my hero!”

    Fuck …tears in my eyes !!

  286. Geoff says:

    Sharkey again, what dreadful management and coaching to put a 6’3″ midfielder on the left wing, he may as well have put a right back there as well,, doh! he did, didn’t he, Eboue!

  287. Franchise says:

    KM if u watch United Fergie’s no 1 choice DM is Carrick (was Hargreaves towards the end of 2007/08 season), then u have Fletcher then Gibson. Scholes slots in in desperate times, Anderson???? never seen him play the holding DM role b4 and i watch United quite a bit ;)

  288. dennisdamenace says:

    Mark C – The 50% tax shouldn’t affect non-resident tax payers fella, so any accountant worth his salt can work around this new tax.

  289. Mayank says:

    My thoughts, Ferguson is the best manager and Wenger is the best coach rest are averagely crap made to look good by their players.

  290. Rohan says:

    don’t worry lads..the messiah is on his way…….
    TOMAS ROSICKY……
    i don’t mind puting a few quid on arshavin getting player of the season award now ronaldo’s gone..

  291. SharkeySure says:

    DDM – as rare as fuck, all that talent and willing to work his nuts off.

    Injured Reyes rolling back on the the pitch at the Bernabeu !!

    His goals againstthe Chavs.

    His six goals in six in start of 04-05, not to mentio his assists and passing both long and short.

    Fuck…I get really misty eyed remembering how good he was.

  292. dennisdamenace says:

    He also played Song at Right-Back, wtf?

  293. Pedro says:

    I must say, I don’t remember Reyes with too much fondness… I remember him falling over a lot… being a bit light weight… and I seemed to remember him being unproductive…

    However, then I looked at his stats:

    06: P38 G6 A14
    05: P42 G9 A12
    04: P32 G10 A1

    That is pretty good… if we could get stats like that out of the Theo, I’d be pleased!

    Pisses all over Hleb as well…

  294. gazzap says:

    Song did not play all game every game last season like gilberto did in the season he scored 9, in which he took penalties as well.

    whats more, Song’s second half the season was far better than the first half. I suspect you could easily wheel out 4 or 5 pretty poor matches from song in the first half of the season, but I bet you couldn’t find one from the second half. He improved.

    We all hope he can continue improving but we will have to see. He could start next season like he started last – making mistakes etc. thats why we need a new DM AND song to be taking that position for the season.

    As for Denilson he had good games when Cesc was out ie in Cesc’s position. I never liked Den as the DM. For me he cant tackle or head the ball. when cesc is in the side I dont see a role for Den.

    whats more I think Ramsey is already better than Den despite being younger and having less experience. I would have Rambo and Cesc in the attacking role and new DM and Song defensively. Den to pick up what ever is left and Diaby to leave.

  295. patthegooner says:

    Never mind about the lack of transfers though guys

    Arsenal.com have just announced Almunia Week!!!!!!

    Who needs the excitement of a world class addition to the squad when you can marvel at the very best of Manuel Almunia.

  296. KM frm WALES says:

    franchise

    when Man Utd play 4-3-3 they play 3 CM’s in midfield with Fletcher & Anderson who basically play as DM’s closing space down. Carrick plays that role as well BUT he’s like Alonso/pirlo who spray the ball around and pick out the passes, although he sees the ability to see the danger early and nick the ball rather than go crunching in for a tackle.

    Carrick has played BEHIND scholes but the reality is that Man Utd defend from the front – Rooney goes in for tackles/Tevez running around like a madman. so when u have the whole team defending, u dnt really need a specified DM – a bit like Spain who play Alonso as the CDM, although he was exposed in the Confederations cup against USA.

    there’s always 2 sides to an arguement :)

  297. Franchise says:

    hate to admit it but fergie has got his game on lock

    for a while arsenal had like 5 first teamers from the best team in the world France but it didnt exactly translate to proper domination

    i still cant understand why we still havent successfully defended a title or won the CL

    when we had a better team with not as much competition we were not winning the league frequently enough now we have an averagish team and there is more competition on the horizon.

    only God knows our fate i would sit back and relax……………… moan, curse, argue,rant etc :D

    and ‘enjoy’ the ride

  298. SharkeySure says:

    Diaby on the wing was like a fish in a kennel, cat in a fishbowl, etc etc etc….

    Feel free to add your own…

    Off to get some sunshine…back soon

  299. Pedro says:

    Gazzap, I think he improved… but remember he played a majority of the second half of the season with Denilson… so two of them were effectively doing the same job. Also factor in the relatively easy run we had.

    They’ve improved… but to level we need to win the league? Well… I don’t think so.

  300. Franchise says:

    u r right KM manunited defend from the front (as a team/unit) that is why they can play not so physical players like carrick, scholes as holding DM

    they also have 2 no nonsense CBs

    my point re anderson is he is like a box to box midfielder with poor scoring/assist stats

    he is a poor version of degar davids IMO but i expect him to get better

  301. ethangunner says:

    good post geoff

    you know it also does another thing .. if we keep raising these kids wages and they turn out to be an eboue or ade then they are stuck here as no one else is prepared to offer an average player top class money ..

    thats why we been left with all the senderos’s and diaby’s because they are on a good wicket ..

    play 10 games a year on 40 -50k a week ….

    money for jam , who else is mad enough to pay
    that sort of money for part – timers ..

  302. Franchise says:

    * edgar

    SharkeySure ur Typo flu is spreading fast

  303. Gunners The Stunners says:

    Afternoon all,

    Another day, another average post full of moaning and complaining. During the season, I used to wait every morning for your post as most of the times it would make my morning and change my mood for the rest of the day. Even sometimes, after a bad defeat at the weekend, you always wrote something positive about the team or tactics or just about a promising next game but now, every morning I read the post, it’s about lack of spending in the transfer market or lack of big names or just criticising Arsene Wenger’s youth policy and so on.

    I was really big fan of your daily posts but now I’m probably having second thoughts. You have started to become too negative about the team and the manager and his policies. Where is all your positiveness gone?

    People who comment on Le-grove read your post once in the morning and then start blogging & sharing their thoughts about other stuff with other bloggers. Later in the day, I’m sure none of them even remember what you wrote in the post that morning.

    No offence or disrespect but I feel I should let you know before it starts becoming too average that people won’t even care to read.

  304. Franchise says:

    ethan what time is it at ur ends?

  305. incesc says:

    pedro

    reyes was playing in a pretty good team back then, i think theo would have similar stats if he played with henry, bergkamp vieira and pires

  306. gazzap says:

    I would have no problem with going into the season with a new DM and song sharing that position and saying Arsenal can win the league. but if song was sharing with Den then I would not think we can win the league.

  307. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    gunners the stunners so your happy with the current situation at arsenal then are you??????????????

  308. Franchise says:

    incesc reyes and theo cant be compared IMO

    theo is still miles away IMO from fulfilling his potential. i must admit im not too impressed with his slow development so far

  309. KM frm WALES says:

    franchise

    its true that anderson is box-to-box midfielder but i think fergie played him as a DM in the 4-3-3 formation with Carrick as the deep playmaker behind them. but i think now with ronaldo gone the mancs will revert to a 4-4-2 with Rooney as SS. the beauty of Man Utd’s midfield is they have so many options:

    Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher.

  310. dennisdamenace says:

    Ooops Blog Air Biscuit :oops:

  311. incesc says:

    theo is still very very young

    he has shown flashes of genius tho, ie liverpool, croatia, chelsea in the cup final…

    you cant really expect too much from him at his age but the experience he is getting is invaluable.

  312. Franchise says:

    KM manunited’s midfield is not beautiful at all

    they are too machine like no finesse nothing

    i dont rate their CM

    ManU of the last 2 seasons in particular have won a lot because of their dogged defending and Cristiano Ronaldo

    their midfield is rubbish

    barca proved that

    KM also anderson in a 433 plays like a spoiler in midfield. technical terms are getting both of us confused with each other. i get ur point though. for me because of our normal shape (442) DM for me is the holding midfield player in front of the back 4

  313. Gunners The Stunners says:

    BBK, There is not any crisis or worrying situation at Arsenal. I’m quite confident about our beloved team to outshine other teams next season.

  314. dennisdamenace says:

    Almunia fucking week, fucking priceless!!

    This summer’s already shaping up to be just like the previous two or three, lots of promise, and promises, but no fucking end product, just like the last few seasons too….

  315. Franchise says:

    incesc good young players are consistent after a regular run in the side something theo van not say he hasnt had.

    he has all the attributes to be a good player but even wenger at the end of 07/08 said he wasnt impressed with his development rate

    theo needs to step up big time. IMO at the moment he isnt a good striker and he is an average winger

  316. Franchise says:

    * can

  317. Geoff says:

    Well gunners the stunners if that wasn’t negative I don’t know what is, hoisted by your own Petard I think.

    No offence taken.

  318. Mayank says:

    Spot on franchise i hate the way they play, no imagination at all. Their passing is mundane and there are no good runs being made anywhere. But most still praise them for finding the balance b/w good football and winning football. My ass. With that i’m off.

  319. Dan says:

    they are a little less positive but it’s easy to see why. Anyone happy with the current situation shouldn’t follow the arsenal. Bit there was still things to play for during the season so nothing to get down about

  320. Franchise says:

    Gunners The Stunners u r right that there is no crisis at the club but my arsenal optimism has steadily reduced from one trophyless season to the other.

    there are too many unanswered questions and for once a section of fans are brave enough to question

    its called a blog not a propaganda machine

    the author is making his opinions public

  321. Stu says:

    I blame any drop in performance levels on the lack off proper football to discuss.

  322. incesc says:

    hopefully rosicky will be back to top form quickly (unlikely) 8) and we can use theo as an impact sub where he can be effective.

    I like theo because hes one of the only attacking players we have with enough pace to get behind defenses. Shame he only does it once in a blue moon but at least when hes on the pitch i can dream…

  323. dennisdamenace says:

    You gotta admire sheep like blind faith!

  324. Geoff says:

    You see Gunners The Stunners apart from the fact everyone ignored you, saying your happy with our beloved team etc has no answer, okay your happy, end of conversation.

    If you want agreement that Arsenal are great and all that why read this site, read Arsenal.com

    No offence.

  325. incesc says:

    right im off to see blur

    hmmm beer and sunshine 8) sweet

  326. KM frm WALES says:

    franchise

    i think we are both right :) haha

    yep agree with u on THEO. this season is his real test. for me he shows his talent in little spurts not good enough when ur playing for Arsenal. he needs to be careful as Wilshere is coming up behind him who can play RM & AM and has bags of intelligence, poise & his decision making is very good at youth level but of course its much much tougher when u are in the 1st team.

  327. Geoff says:

    Have a nice day incesc!

  328. Stu says:

    I feel Theo was unlucky to be bought right after Wenger decided to move away from counter attacking football.

    He doesnt really suit Wengerball but he would have been far better with fast counters.

  329. Franchise says:

    see ya incesc

  330. Franchise says:

    Stu we didnt purposely stop playing counter attacking football we just got shitier as a team :D just kidding…… or may be not

    teams try to sit back stop us from playing and hit us on the break. if we learnt how to break such teams down early they would be forced to have a go at us and voila spaces appearing all over the place

  331. dennisdamenace says:

    My hovercraft is full of eels!

    I will not buy this tobaconist, it is scratched!

    Bouncy, bouncy i can’t wait until lunchtime!

    8O

  332. Geoff says:

    Perhaps he took my advice, you know what I don’t ever remember writing a positive blog when we lost, we lost to Fulham and I wrote about the Emperor having no clothes, go check it out.

    Why the fuck would I be positive if we lost.

    Oh we lost 7 nil, but who cares Song passed to Denilson, and found him. Yeah right.

  333. Pedro says:

    Incesc, enjoy… their set was one of the best I’ve seen!

  334. Franchise says:

    great point dan but i choose to disagree

  335. dennisdamenace says:

    Plop! :oops:

  336. Geoff says:

    I know I’ve said this before but it really winds me up when you watch an Arsenal ad on Arsenal TV and the crowd are always standing up and cheering, even though we are threatened with ejection if we dare stand.

  337. GoonerB says:

    Hi All,

    Been a while since I’ve posted, but have managed to read all of Geoff & Pedro’s posts, as well as lots of comments over the last few months.

    Was actually quite excited at the start of the summer. A relativly quick signing and it looked as though more were on the horizon..

    Then.. nothing.

    Same old stuff, rumour after rumour, good players that are seemingly avalable and willing to sign are either ignored or just not on our radar.

    I’m quite glad we didn’t get Melo, just as long as we can go out and get Cana or someone else in a similar mould, although as pre-season aproaches, my faith in Wenger to buy a tough tackling holding midfielder is fast dwindling.

    One player who caught my eye whilst reading various rumours over the last day or so is Michel Bastos. Apparently Villa are interested but are put off by his price tag.
    It’s said he’s avaiable for 8mil, not sure if that Euro’s or Pounds, but from what I can see he looks like our solution on the left of midfield.
    He’s a Brazilian 25 year old, and is said to have the strongest left foot in France.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQR8008ALWA&feature=related

    What you guys think?

  338. GoonerB says:

    Did I use the wrong email? Stuck in moderation lol.

  339. PDT says:

    As a marketing man, I would like to understand if all marketing men liars?

  340. Gunners The Stunners says:

    Geoff,

    I didn’t write to get noticed. It was meant to be for Pedro & you, depends which one of you writes negative stuff, lol. Sorry for starting my comments with ‘afternoon all’.

    If you wanna talk about being negative, people on other blogs are writing about us Gunners on being too negative. Even Sp*ds who haven’t won fuck all apart from that Coffee cup they won last year, they’re talking about us for being negative. Now, please don’t start thinking that I read Sp*ds blogs. One of my colleagues at work is Sp*ds fan and he tells me these stories.

    Everyone is open to write whatever they feel but it seems to me I’m paying the price for being too positive. Anyone apart from a positive person will definitely hate every single comment I made. That’s the way it is, my friend…

  341. GoonerB says:

    Ah! must have – I’ll repost
    ——————————-

    Hi All,

    Been a while since I’ve posted, but have managed to read all of Geoff & Pedro’s posts, as well as lots of comments over the last few months.

    Was actually quite excited at the start of the summer. A relativly quick signing and it looked as though more were on the horizon..

    Then.. nothing.

    Same old stuff, rumour after rumour, good players that are seemingly avalable and willing to sign are either ignored or just not on our radar.

    I’m quite glad we didn’t get Melo, just as long as we can go out and get Cana or someone else in a similar mould, although as pre-season aproaches, my faith in Wenger to buy a tough tackling holding midfielder is fast dwindling.

    One player who caught my eye whilst reading various rumours over the last day or so is Michel Bastos. Apparently Villa are interested but are put off by his price tag.
    It’s said he’s avaiable for 8mil, not sure if that Euro’s or Pounds, but from what I can see he looks like our solution on the left of midfield.
    He’s a Brazilian 25 year old, and is said to have the strongest left foot in France.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQR8008ALWA&feature=related

    What you guys think?

  342. GoonerB says:

    Oops, sorry Geoff, my bad.

  343. Geoff says:

    Gunners do you go every week?

  344. Geoff says:

    GoonerB it was because you had an attachment, it does that sometimes!

  345. KM frm WALES says:

    hmmmmm

  346. GoonerB says:

    Ah ok, I’ll keep that in mind.

  347. Pedro says:

    Gunners, that sweeping statment sounds like a similar one someone made about Ade yesterday… apparently Europeans rate him… well… I can’t see any evidence of that… just like I can’t imagine Spurs bloggers talk about Arsenal fans (and if they do, who cares? They helped get their most successful manager of the last 15 years sacked because he could only finish 5th).

    Being positive for the sake of it is a bit fake in my eyes… if you’re happy with a squad that scrapes 4th… then that shows how low your expectations are.

    Settling for mediocrity isn’t being positive… it just shows you don’t have much ambition.

  348. GoonerB says:

    A better video of him here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEjfFiuJgpU&feature=related

    I’m no buff when it come to french football, so it could be that these clips are the only good things he’s done!
    He is said to have been a late developer, only really coming into the limelight in the last season or two. However he seems to have it all, pace, power, skills, a good head, and he’s got a decent shot too, scoring from corner kicks and all things lol.

  349. Dan says:

    Fran that’s your opinion lol putting . In saves me reloading and scrolling to the bottom again as that takes an age. Hlebs agent says he’s not returning to arsenal, oh good

  350. Pat says:

    Melo still isn’t off the list. A 1 yr. contract extension is just for financial reasons. Viola want more for him. He won’t be playing for them next season. It’ll be us, Juve, or Inter.

  351. Stu says:

    People with ambition are rarely satisfied with anything less than first. I guess we are all negative feckers for wanting to be first. Oh well….

  352. Geoff says:

    Let me explain, Pedro or I write 365 posts a year, we go to all the home games and many away ones, we are on every day.

    You can’t be more of a fan than that, someone like yourself that occasionally comes on and calls us negative for me is being a little quick to judge.

    Gandhi once said ‘walk a mile in my shoes before you judge me’

    We get too many people on here having a great time to be too concerned about the odd one that doesn’t, however you are still welcome.

  353. Stu says:

    I dont want Melo. WHatever about his ability but how many clubs has he played for already at such a relatively young age. He probably wouldnt be with us for more than 2 years and want to “experience” a different league.

  354. Geoff says:

    So my point is send me your address and I’ll send you my fucking shoes, not the hand made ones though.

  355. KM frm WALES says:

    Lille have a good squad…some talented players there…..

  356. PDT says:

    Even if we get Melo/Inler/whoever, I still want another CB. Preferably Hangeland.

  357. A says:

    Pedro – 4th isn’t mediocrity, mid table is mediocrity, 4th is good, we just want better than just good. To say 4th is mediocrity for a club of our size is getting way ahead of ourselves. In a few years when the debt has gone, we’ve won consecutive quadruples and wilshere, cesc, and vela are being named 1,2,3 in world player of the year then 4th would be considered mediocrity, but not for the club in it’s current guise

  358. Stu says:

    Forget about Hangeland PDT. Switch to Juhasz. Younger and better.

  359. kelsey says:

    dennisdamenace Says:
    July 2, 2009 at 14:43

    Plop! :oops:

    are you practicing Shakespeare….seems like a hard part.

  360. Pedro says:

    True Geoff, if we didn’t write the truth… or how we really felt… I don’t think people would be so interested in commenting on here.

    Like you said, if you want propaganda… go to Arsenal.com… after all it is Almunia week (<- Bindipped from Pat)

  361. Pat says:

    And honestly, I’m really tired of Fabregas’s Barca love-in. He keep denying it, but why not sell him now when his value is up? He won’t get any better than he was in 07/08 and we could use the money.

  362. A says:

    Does anyone think there’s any truth in the Naldo rumours? I really couldn’t see another big expensive centre back come in if gallas actually is staying, but i guess you never know

  363. Geoff says:

    Sorry A 4th is big time mediocrity, mid table is fucking disastrous.

    That’s like me telling everyone I finished last at golf, fuck me if I didn’t at least half I would keep my mouth shut.

  364. A says:

    lol Pat, “he won’t get any better than in 07/08″. I forgot that players are past it at the age of 22 nowadays

  365. Pedro says:

    A… sorry, but 4th is mediocrity for a club that aims to challenge for trophies each year.

    4th place for another year will see our major players fly the nest… 4th is bare minimum we should be achieving considering the loans we have to pay back… and I don’t think you would hear any of our players cheer about our league position this year.

    I like the bit about the quadruple though… I hope you can guarantee that.

  366. Geoff says:

    So Owen team are offering him to us and the mancs for pay per game, £40k a time and he says he’ll have a medical first!

  367. Pedro says:

    A, only if Willy G leaves.

  368. Stu says:

    Naldo is tall but a shite headererererer. No aggression….thats why we have Vermaelen now.

  369. Geoff says:

    Catch you all later.

  370. Pat says:

    Forget Hangeland and Juhasz. Go for Zapata

  371. kelsey says:

    headererererer. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  372. Geoff says:

    Stu you plonker, edererererer doesn’t have an ‘he’ in it!

  373. Stu says:

    Zapata is a full back…..Juhasz all the way!!

  374. Dan says:

    I’ll have your shoes geoff :)

  375. Stu says:

    Sorry Geoff…i’ve got no spell check. :oops:

  376. SharkeySure says:

    We get too many people on here having a great time to be too concerned about the odd one that doesn’t, however you are still welcome.

    Good answer…not sure that its a Stalin/Hitler-esque response though, you old softie.

    Geoff: I know Sharkey its the medication that I’m on.
    Sharkey: Oh Ok then, no worries.

  377. Franchise says:

    guys imagine the decline after watching a side that won at least a trophy for four years on the trot btw 2002 and 2005, also going a whole league campaign unbeaten

    4th stinks

  378. ethangunner says:

    Franchise Says:
    July 2, 2009 at 13:59

    ethan what time is it at ur ends?

    + 6 hours to the Le grove clock fran …

  379. Stu says:

    4th after all that is like ebing publically nude and kicked in the balls by a goat.

  380. Pat says:

    Noo, Zapata is a CB. Strong, aggressive, a total beast.

  381. ethangunner says:

    so 9.09 pm here

  382. Stu says:

    ***BREAKING NEWS*** JACK WILSHERE SIGNS LONG-TERM CONTRACT AT ARSENAL.

  383. Dan says:

    I’ll have your shoes and owen on those terms geoff :)

  384. Pat says:

    And he once played 60 minutes with a broken cheekbone.

    Unlike a certain coward Terry who had to b substituted.

  385. Gunners The Stunners says:

    Geoff,
    If you wanna send me your shoes, my size is 7. lol…
    My apologies if I made u feel unconfortable.

    Secondly, I won’t comment on your posts again if a little criticism hurts you.

    So going back to football, one question what if we let Ade go to AC Milan and he scores 35 goals next season and helps them lift Serie A trophy and probably European trophy. What would you comment on this in July 2010???

  386. A says:

    good, now ffs sign yours vp!

  387. dennisdamenace says:

    Kelsey – It was more like Richard III :lol:

  388. Gunners The Stunners says:

    *uncomfortable

  389. SharkeySure says:

    Owen….NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

  390. Pedro says:

    Gunnners, probably the same thing as I’d say if Silvestre went off and did the same for Hull City.

  391. SharkeySure says:

    Fran. My typos are shocking ain’t they!!

  392. KM frm WALES says:

    this is a mad video……

    Corinthians vs Internacional mass brawl :)

    http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2861623/

  393. Stu says:

    If Ade did that then i would be delighted because they wouldnt be looking to buy anyone else off us.

  394. Franchise says:

    they are SS

    have u got some sort form of Typinson’s disease?

    :D

    i’ll take my yellow

  395. ethangunner says:

    So going back to football, one question what if we let Ade go to AC Milan and he scores 35 goals next season and helps them lift Serie A trophy and probably European trophy.
    ———————————————

    If that happens you’ll see Santa Claus fly around the world in 1 night and deliver toys to all the good children !

    or you’ll see the Easter bunny in April give chocolate eggs to children ..

    all 3 are fucking fantasy .. and you have more chance of north Korea dropping a bomb on your head than ade scoring 35 goals in 1 season !

    35 off-sides however … not a problem !!!

  396. A says:

    owen lol

  397. dennisdamenace says:

    More to the point, see how Ade’s second season pans out at the hopeful new club….

  398. Franchise says:

    stu who have u got wrapped under username to day?

  399. Franchise says:

    “i like meelan but barca are like Megan Fox”

  400. Franchise says:

    “a lot of spanish clubs are interest in me Adebayor”

  401. Stu says:

    Cant remember Fran. Give it a click and see whats inside……

  402. Dan says:

    stu are you on the wind up lol

  403. Franchise says:

    who is Marc Janko? uve been watching too many bundesliga highlights eh?

    where is Irish?

    I miss her :(

    she is blog whoring eh? :D

  404. Stu says:

    What makes you say what Dan?

  405. Duke says:

    ethan, 35 off-sides a game mate, a season? The bookies won’t even give you odds for that.

  406. Stu says:

    Franchise, how ignorant of you!!
    Janko plays in austria i’ll have you know, for Red Bull Salzburg!!

  407. dennisdamenace says:

    Anyone got any info on today’s board meeting??

  408. Stu says:

    ….and i dont know where Irish is. pft!

  409. KM frm WALES says:

    has RVP appeared in the promotions for nxt year’s kit?????????has ADE? does this mean anything?

  410. ethangunner says:

    i mean honestly …

    firstly you have to commend me on popping up when ever there is an ade lover about .. but secondly how thick can some Arsenal fans be ! then you wonder why i get up tight !

    These arsenal fans need to take steroid injection .. because im sure most take there mrs birth control pills by mistake :)

    does ade have to do a shit on your door step and ring the door bell before you show any anger for his abysmal play this season !?

    yes sure let him be our plan B on 110 k a week !
    sounds like a fuckin plan to me !!

  411. dennisdamenace says:

    Where is Irish?

    Where the feck is Rico??

    Where the fecking hell is Odub??

  412. Wonderboy says:

    Ade tried to shit on my doorstep.. he missed!

  413. Stu says:

    Fran, there is a new one just for your benefit.

  414. Franchise says:

    stu is he on our radar?

  415. SharkeySure says:

    Fran. Typinsons…lol.

    So true though….oh well

  416. Duke says:

    ethan, this 110k is bullshit, he is on no more than 80k. Just some porky someone told about 110k and everyone quotes it as gospel now.
    80k is still a shitload of money mate, and he doesn’t deserve half of it for his last season performance.

  417. A says:

    Ade has KM, not sure I can remember VP though….

  418. ethangunner says:

    Marc Janko is number 1 rated player on that IM scouting web page .. rated best young player .

    well wenger being wenger and in love with young players and all that ,youd think wengers ears would prick up ! & sounds like he will be the next ronaldo ..

    but he will never buy him … 40 goal a season 6 foot 3 striker !

    value 5 mil euro’s and rising !

    whoever mentioned him is a far better scout than wenger has at his disposal .

    now thats a player …

    blackburn were scouting him last i heard ..

  419. Dan says:

    Wilshere signing a new contract stu. Unless you’re reporting before arsenal.com LOL

  420. Gunners The Stunners says:

    KM, Ade has appeared in the new white kit celebrating with Cesc.

  421. leon says:

    it looks as is wenger main aim is to get contract extions for his top players,so far ramsey, wintshire,it interesting see if he offers toure,risicky,diaby and plyers like that if we can get top midfielder it will be great but its equality important to keep top players

  422. Franchise says:

  423. Duke says:

    WonderBoy :D hahahhaha

  424. Stu says:

    And now there is a new one again. Gotta click to see…….

  425. KM frm WALES says:

    its been dragging on here 2day….

  426. Franchise says:

    stu forlan is currently the best finisher in the world IMO

    how can sm1 be so good with both feet?

  427. Dan says:

  428. Stu says:

    Fran, no porkies…he isnt as good as me with both feet. I am amazing…wenger really missed out on me!

  429. ethangunner says:

    Wonderboy
    Ade tried to shit on my doorstep.. he missed!
    ——————————————

    yes thats a classic ..
    yes more like aimed for the porch and hit the back fence :)

    as for 110 k ade said it from his mouth in an airport ! and there was no other stories from
    any other source to deny it .. so id prefer to believe what came from the horse’s… oh scratch that …..

    DONKEYS mouth …

  430. Stu says:

    Ethan, i believe it was I who mentioned Janko. Compliment accepted…

  431. Franchise says:

    stu it was ur transfer fee and nationality that put arsene off

    he doesnt do Irish and u probably cost more than the ‘forbidden’ £15m mark

  432. A says:

    lol forlan. He isn’t a great finisher, misses alot of chances, though has scored alot of goals in recent years and alot of class goals. He’s very good, not amazing though. Much rather have VP, Eduardo, and Bendy and Vela will be much better than he ever was, though they aren’t yet

  433. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    fucking hell is the signing of wilshere supposed to make us feel better

  434. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    bendy better then forlan lol.bendy misses way more then forlan

  435. KM frm WALES says:

    wow FRAN – forlan scored some cracking goals —- long shots, tight angles, headers. if only we had a ambitious board.

  436. Duke says:

    ethan, did you hear it? Who heard it? What if I say I went to Heathrow to pick up a friend and Ade was there and he told me he is on 60k a week…

  437. Franchise says:

    A u can laugh ur ass off if u want. forlan is the new doctor cool

    A u wld rather finish 4th thats why

    none of our strikers are currently as good as forlan is. as for potential vela might eventually be

    bendtner is shite

  438. nishanth says:

    forlan at the age of 30 would probably cost 30 million.I would rather buy higuain with that money

  439. Franchise says:

    KM the guy is a lethal fucker. the power and accuracy he hits the ball with is unbelievable. out of his 32 goals about 30% were from half chances. hats off to the guy

  440. Dan says:

    Cygans coming back to THOF :/

  441. nishanth says:

    KM we can see more of sessegnon when we play psg

  442. KM frm WALES says:

    its so ANNOYING to see us sit so idle in the transfer market. SHOW ME THE MONEY !!!!

  443. nishanth says:

    None of the english clubs have been that active

  444. Dan says:

    Cunninglingus

  445. patthegooner says:

    Obviously delighted that Wilshire has signed a long term contract, but he only signed one in January!!!!

  446. Franchise says:

    Dan whats that? it sounds like something i would love to do if the circumstances and enviroment are ok :D

  447. Stu says:

    Fran, i thought you of all people would know what that is.

  448. Franchise says:

    stu grab an espresso ;)

  449. Dan says:

    I’m sure you know fran, LOL

  450. Stu says:

    Fran, i dont do coffee. No caffine(sp) for me.

  451. Dan says:

    How has wilshere signed but arsenal.com arnt reporting it?

  452. Franchise says:

    Franchise Says:
    July 2, 2009 at 15:55

    Dan whats that? it sounds like something i would love to do if the circumstances and enviroment are ok :D

    sorry wrong smily

    :P

  453. Franchise says:

    it might be bollox the guy only signed in January

    what are contracts anyway?

    Bollox

  454. Arsenal Tom says:

    wilshire only signed a contract at the start of the season.

  455. Dan says:

    Ores

  456. Honest Bill says:

    Why have i never heard of Sessegnon before? He looks fucking brilliant, let’s sign him immediately and stick him in goal

  457. Stu says:

    Bill, i dont know why you havenyt heard of him but he isnt brilliant. Good yes, brilliant..no.

  458. Stu says:

    Tell you who we should sign. Dario Srna. Great right sided player, free kick specialist and versatile. But i suppose Sagna isnt gonna be overtaken.

  459. Franchise says:

    how can sky be reporting a wilshire extension story b4 the official website?

    ridiculous :?

  460. Stu says:

    Because Arse.com are never ahead of the curve. They always take ages to post news.

  461. Stu says:

    Either that or Sky are thick and are using news from January because they have nothing else.

  462. Duke says:

    Stu, I love Sagna to bits, but he has nothing on Srna.
    On on this note ‘I is out’ with my superior grammar skills. ;)

  463. Stu says:

    Duke, Sagna is probably a better defender but thats about it imo.

  464. ethangunner says:

    Duke Says:
    July 2, 2009 at 15:43

    ethan, did you hear it? Who heard it? What if I say I went to Heathrow to pick up a friend and Ade was there and he told me he is on 60k a week…
    ——————————————-

    i wouldn’t believe you :)

  465. Honest Bill says:

    We don’t really need to be weakening our defence at this juncture

  466. ethangunner says:

    well jack signing a long term deal is just like another signing :)

  467. ooby says:

    sky news really scraping the barrel…

  468. Honest Bill says:

    Agreed, and not selling Eboue, even though we thought we might, will be just like a new signing

  469. ooby says:

    What if Arsene sold Arshavin for £50m and then immediately bought him back for £50m. That would at least make me feel that we’d made a fortune and at the same time acquired a massive new signing for a big disclosed club record fee….

  470. Honest Bill says:

    ooby, yeah but i think he’d grow far too attached to the £50m and then buy a wealth of young talent from Outer Mongolia

  471. Honest Bill says:

    Plus as soon as he left we’d all be talking about how shit and overrated he was, and how his attitude was terrible

  472. patthegooner says:

    Jack Signed his contract in January (Jan 5th)

    http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wilshere-signs-professional-terms-with-club

    Wenger said there would be signing, we just did not realise that they would be current players with new contracts :)

  473. Stu says:

    Tell ye what DM we should get. Hedwiges Maduro. The Valencia and former Ajax star. 6ft 1, versatile and good on the ball. What else does Wenger need?

  474. Geoff says:

    Hey Gunners you can criticise all you like, but criticising me is the same as me criticising Arsenal and the board or do you have a problem with oxymorons.

    Secondly what would you do if we sacked Wenger, brought George Graham back, he made two new signings and we won the European Champions league?

    I know the answer, you would blindly follow Arsene to wherever he went to next, you’d have to because it’s not Arsenal you support, it’s Arsene.

    Finally someone who wears size 7′s should think about criticising anyone that’s male.

  475. Honest Bill says:

    Geoff.. Ok you’re obssessing now. Let it go mate haha

  476. Arsenal Tom says:

    “Finally someone who wears size 7’s should think about criticising anyone that’s male.”

    LOL

  477. Geoff says:

    Bill I’m merely responding to his question.

    Tom thanks, I would think twice if I were him but the internet is a powerful tool for people to hide behind, that’s why I get on people calling us all names, at least Gunners hasn’t done that!

  478. tomstoned says:

    afternoon All….

    and here its desperation city as always ..give us a break…if we had bought quality players like Eduardo..Rosicky this year we would have been overly excited..and well.they are back…:) in my book thats just great…if Gallas/Toure stays..mixed with vermaelen..well.in my book that problem is fixed…cd…
    add Arshavin…in CL…we got one hell of a team and i honestly dont see the need of spending anymore….we’re more than good enough…

    and one more thing..how easy we tend to forget…Flamini.Hleb give me a break..both players had a golden oppertunity to stay..and CHOOSE not too,in my book they are dead and buried…Reyes ?..what a total disaster…

    tom.

  479. tomstoned says:

    and Geoff thx for the post :)

    tom

  480. freduardo says:

    guys, if you could have one of Cana or Veloso, who would you take?

  481. Gunners The Stunners says:

    Geoff, I don’t call people names. I’ve never done that in my whole life.

  482. Davidermo says:

    The rights issue will dilute the current Boards shareholding unless they take up proportionally on the offer, and its a way for Usmanov to take a controlling stake. I think that this will be the reason that the board will reject it.
    I think it is inevitable that the Club will be taken over and currently, the board are only interested in maximising the return on their shareholding when the club is sold. I truly believe that ultimately the board have no passion for the footballing success for the club and have only interest in seeing their personal wealth swell. Wenger is a corporate man and is extreemly risk averse (he earns 6 million pounds per year and doesnt need to take the risk of spending big and losing his job, which is why he didnt take the Real Madrid job) so this suits the boards plans.

    As long as the board and Wenger are at the helm, we will continue to be a selling club that acts as an accadamy for the “big boys”. We’ll just have to accept it and hope that somebody that loves the club and has it’s footballing success at heart will come in and buy the club.

  483. freduardo says:

    i think i would take Veloso…just..

  484. Stu says:

    I would take Cana.

  485. SharkeySure says:

    Fair play Gunners..thats why you’ve not been banned and also why you got some constructive answers back

  486. A says:

    whichever one is better freduardo! can’t imagine many people on here have watched both enough to make a sound judgement! I’ll leave it to our scouts and wenger

  487. Arsenal Tom says:

    dont know much about either, other than veloso doesnt get many games for portugal.

    ill go with cana

  488. choy says:

    are we spending all the money renewing carling cup player’s contracts?

  489. freduardo says:

    come on A get off the fence.. :)

  490. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    this cana guy is getting way over hyped,lets just stick with what we have got we’re bound to win a trophy with denilsong and cesc alongside one another

  491. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    don’t forget about rosicky and eduardo there like world class signings all over again

  492. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    when song leaves for the a.c.o.n im more then happy for denilson to step in with his wold class ability

  493. Stu says:

    Thats the spirit bbk! keep it going…

  494. Honest Bill says:

  495. A says:

    We aren’t choy, we’re spending a tiny bit of money that won’t affect spending with the first team, on the future world players of the year!

  496. Geoff says:

    Gunners, who said you did? I was talking about all the people that do, that never got on here, I was saying at least you didn’t do that.

  497. Honest Bill says:

    Tomas does like a long range shot ….. I suspect that it was a result of this that Wenger smashed repeatedly in the leg with a blunt object.

  498. Stu says:

    Rosicky has been out for so long you’d forget how good he actally is.

  499. Geoff says:

    BBK don’t get carried away with those two, they were part of our barren spell, great I love them, but they won’t change us, what we need is a Vieira and a Campbell all over again.

    Song and Denilson are neither I’m afraid.

  500. Geoff says:

    Ha, ha Bill, that wouldn’t surprise me!

  501. Geoff says:

    Davidermo, thanks for the info, sorry it’s taken so long, you are now free to blog, welcome.

  502. Honest Bill says:

    Come to think of it that’s probably why Reyes was forced out too. Did you see how angry Wenger looked after that cracker against Chelsea?

  503. Geoff says:

    Go and read Davidermo 17.03

  504. nishanth says:

    well rosicky averages 1 goal every 3 matches for us.Reaally hope that he will stay next season

  505. Arsenal Tom says:

    LOL bill

  506. A says:

    that goal against liverpool really was absolutely class from both rosicky and hleb, and the second was quality from rosicky. He really could surprise alot of people this season

  507. nishanth says:

    rosicky can also provide us that much needed experience in the middle.Will also take a lil bit of pressure away from cesc

  508. SharkeySure says:

    Davidermo.

    Would you be afraid of losing your job if every year for the last X no of years you’d been offered twice as much money..??

    Also would you be worried if you knew that getting sacked would get you a pay off equivalent to 18mths to 2yrs full salary..??

    Talk of Arsene being afraid of losing his job is way off the mark…imho

  509. ethangunner says:

    honest bill

    the video is so faded (rosicky) they might have to soon change it to black and white to maintain the integrity of the footage …

    yes my wife wears size 7′s and she’s thai :)

  510. Stu says:

    Some fucker on SSN called Jeff Randall was saying today that us gooners were in favour of smanov because we didnt really care where the money came from. And that we just wanted a chelsea style buy-out.

    He must be as thick as fuck because i dont know many, if any gooners that want usmanov in charge. What a thick cunt!

  511. freduardo says:

    i really hope he can get and stay fit this year. cannot wait to see him get a run out, he will get some cheer

  512. Honest Bill says:

    Rosicky also has great positioning, and like Hleb, he was great at finding the right pass

  513. Stu says:

    Instead of cheering on his return at the emirates everyone should say “who” when the womanly voived man reads out his name. Or somrthing to that affect.

  514. Stu says:

    *voiced.

  515. nishanth says:

    I am pretty sure there is enough money available for us to buy a world class DM.Denilson or might turn out to be great next season which i doubt.It is too big a gamble to take.We must at all cost buy a proper DM.

  516. tomstoned says:

    i somewhat agree with you Geoff,on the other hand i think with both Arshavin and Rosicky we have the experience and i think most importantly the right balance..which truly is what we have lacked..much more soo than one single player…

    so in my eyes we’re going to be fuckin awesome this season..Eduardo..well he’s a better finisher than Messi…and if Ade could settle…well..bang !! we’re there :)

    tom

  517. nishanth says:

    Yeah bill.Also his work rate was top class

  518. Geoff says:

    Randall is a self opinionated prick, I know him. He knows fuck all about fuck all but loves the sound of his own voice.

  519. ethangunner says:

    looking at the sicky footage , what a star …

    the 2nd goal shows ade buzzing around in the 6 yard box begging tomas to pass off to him ..

    tomas im 5 yards out surely even i cant miss this goal …

    or goal 3 hlebs movement to create the goal !!
    fucking brilliant . you only have to look at that play then as to now to see what is missing … EXPERIENCE :)

  520. Honest Bill says:

    Nishanth. Of course.. Thomas Vermaelen is a proven quality centre half. So of course we’ll be ssing him in midfield next season

  521. patthegooner says:

    Stu, I am leaning towards him.

    Not because I dont care where the money is coming from, but more becuase he seems to recognise that we are playing catch up and he is trying to work out a way to give Wenger the funds to buy.

    I think he has put the board in a sticky situation today, they will turn his plan down but they will surely then have to release some kind of statement themselves to explain why.

    And I am losing trust with a board that have kicked out so many people in the last few years with little reasoning behind doing it, and a Board that are increasingly secretive about where funds are going.

  522. Geoff says:

    See guys that’s my point, Rosicky, Eduardo, Hleb, all players ready to go, Song and Denilson are nowhere near and it’s costing us.

    One day of course, but not yet.

  523. Honest Bill says:

    *seeing

  524. Honest Bill says:

    Geoff I agree. You do need players who can perform now and who are spatially intelligent enough to play our brand of football.

    The best way to develop new talent, is to bring them in to an already established side, where there is not as much pressure, and someone to fall back on. You can’t develop them all at once

  525. Davidermo says:

    To SharkeySure

    I think you have missed the point. Wenger is a proud man that doesnt want to lose his job, and by going to Real Madrid at his age, where would he be emotionally if he took the risk and then lost his job?? Any monetary compensation for that failure is absolutely irrelevant. The Arsenal board want him to sign after 2011 whatever he achieves and this puts any money he receives for getting the sack from Real Madrid put deeply into the shade.

  526. ethangunner says:

    stu

    i will own up to being one of them , but unless he reads le grove he didnt get it from me …

    but hey id prefer anyone to the crowd we have in now … they seem beyond stubborn and the only way they will flinch is if we fall out of the top 4 …

    until that day they are happy remaining 4th ..
    plodding along … with no direction or drive in their bellies .. only the sounds of cash registers and turn style’s cranking over ..
    and that is something i cannot put up with …

    so its either krankie or the russian and id go with the one with the biggest bank account !

    so the russian wins ..

  527. tomstoned says:

    Youngster Nordtveit played for LSK yesterday and is making a hell of an impact…he is now playing CD and progressing in every game…yesterday he got a tooth knocked out..shrugged his shoulders and played on…and regarding Our Beloved Arsenal…he was asked did he want to stay and play on in the Norwegian league…just a quick comment from Nordtveit..im an Arsenal player…:)

    im growing to like that young man :)

    tom

  528. patthegooner says:

    And actually, who is putting the money is not really at the top of my list of chosen potential owners…

    As long as we are getting the product on the field that we are paying for and the sucess that we are annually told we are going to compete for.

    Arsenal wont go bust, we have a global presence and will always attract a buyer whatever financial state we find ourselves in.

    how long do you leave the current plan before you accept that it is not going to work? do you think eventually it will work?

    Everyone talks about the nirvana that when we pay off the debt we will be in position to buy who we want, but who is to say that maybe just maybe the likes of Kroenke, Usmanov and the rest of the current board are waiting for that day so they can all make a fast buck and sell it off to someone that is going to throw us in to debt anyway.

  529. nishanth says:

    nordtveit has appeared in every single match for them.

  530. Arsenal Tom says:

    TOM… any vids mate?

    good name you got there

  531. Stu says:

    I can understand wanting the money Usmanov has but he is a thug who got his money in a cuntish way. Plus he would plunge us into more debt.
    I hate the current board aswell but its better than having that cunt in charge imo.

  532. A says:

    Geoff how do you know randall??

  533. Geoff says:

    Davidermo, I agree with you. He also said judge him in May, we did, he didn’t like it, 4th was acceptable, so what next season, he’ll say well we couldn’t compete with Man City’s money.

    Get Usmanov in quick, he’s right as was Dein.

  534. ethangunner says:

    davemo ?

    WTF ??
    and by going to Real Madrid at his age, where would he be emotionally if he took the risk and then lost his job??
    ————————————–
    he’s really fucking rich already and at 61-62 plus a 3 year deal would have him at retirement age anyhow !

    there is no guarenttee that he will get silverware for us over the next 3 seasons either
    and if i was a betting man (which i am ) i bet you RM will get more accolades than we will after that spending spree …

    plus remember RM dont rely on there managers to buy players .. it comes from management above ..

    so you can bet your life wenger knew they would be trying for kaka – ronaldo etc ..

    so all in all wenger is actually more stupid for staying here !

  535. Geoff says:

    Stu I think all our board did mate! None of the fuckers worked for it, that’s for sure.

  536. Stu says:

    I now regret bringing the subject up because i am out of my depth here. I dont know what im even talking about :oops:

  537. tomstoned says:

    Nish yes he has played in every game he could play..still remember ha started out as a right back and has now captured a starting place as full back..that is quite an achievement ..the fellow he took the place from is Riseth who is a very good full back with many caps for Norway..what makes me even more optimistic is the fact that the coach Henning Berg himself a very usefull defender(Manu,Blackburn)is coaching Nordtveit in the right direction…

    Tom im sorry i dont have any vids mate…ill se what i can do..and the name :) well….

    tom

  538. ethangunner says:

    but my final point is either way this in all probability will be wengers last appointment as a manager anyhow ..

    3-4 years at real or 2- 3 years here and im sure he will retire on either count ..

  539. Geoff says:

    Ethan Capello won the league with them and got tin tacked, it’s their way, Wenger’s ego couldn’t take that.

    He has a job for life here, he’s unsackable and that’s why he runs Arsenal like it’s his, you know why? It is!

    He is Arsenal’s very own Chairman Mao, he cannot be criticised, you say that at the Q&A.

  540. SharkeySure says:

    Davidermo.

    Missed the point..?? Que amigo..?? Well ok, if you say so.

    You mentioned his £6m salary and that he “doesn’t need to take the risk of spending big and losing his job”

    I read that as safe guarding his salary. How about he doesn’t take risks cos he’s commiteed to project youth, and beliees he needs to grow players into playing football a certain way.

    Not one for dunping and running off, but I gotta go. I’ll read your response later sometime and respond when I can

  541. patthegooner says:

    I am the same Stu

    I have no real idea how any of Kroenke, Usmanov etc made their money, but as long as they spend it on Arsenal and dont try and ruin us (and why would they, makes no sense) then bring it on.

    Ideally you would like the two of them to work together, as two billionaires are better than one, but I doubt they will even talk to one another, and when you are in that situaton that the two biggest shareholders dont talk, then it is not a great situation to be in.

  542. tomstoned says:

    Geoff mate give the man some credit….or let me know of another more succesfull manager..we have ever had..?? or to spice it up give me the name of one other more successfull manager in the world..??

    tom

    i know one Hiddink…and Scolari if you include the national teams..which really is a different cup of tea..

  543. Honest Bill says:

    How much more profit would a club make from winning the Prem, than a club who came fourth?

  544. A says:

    pat it’s very easy to find out how usmanov made his money, he’s practically a james bond villain in real life, a complete and utter cunt and i’m absolutely disgusted the board have let him get anywhere near the club. If he was brought onto the board it’d be the end of my days as a gooner until he’s gone, which’ll be very depressing for me!

  545. ethangunner says:

    stu

    Don’t worry about it ..
    i think time has brought out the true colors of the board .. and they seem unmotivated to make the football better and would rather develop real estate than concentrate on the very reason they are in business to begin with …

    all thats important to them is numbers at the ground , and spending as little as possible on
    transfers to filter the money into there own private pot ..

    the sooner these pricks go the better ..
    i would rather us take a chance with new management than see this slow slide south that im witnessing .. its sheer madness ..

    and it obvious they dont give a fuck anymore..

  546. A says:

    geoff am i being moderated somehow? my comments artent getting through

  547. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    lets make denilson cap’n and song vice cap’n there so great

  548. A says:

    though obviously that one did

  549. Geoff says:

    Tom I hope you’re kidding? Apart from who, Fergie? George Graham won 5 trophies in 8 years, even Maureen won the European cup.

    He’s won nothing since 2005 and that was the luckiest cup we ever won so rally nothing in 5 years, plus we pay more than anyone in world football.

    I think you need to understand being a nice bloke who earns £6million a year and pays boys who win nothing £60k a year doesn’t jangle my bells, if it does your good luck, you must be easy to live with.

  550. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    how can you still give a manager credit for not winning a single trophy in 4-5 years and calling yourself a top club in the world

  551. SharkeySure says:

    “Wenger is actually more stupid for staying here ”

    Not sure about that.

    Lets see what RM win with their ‘we are fucked without the ball’ approach to playing football.

    Not gonna argue too much about it…we’ll only know in 11mths time.

    My money is on them finishing 3rd, and not making the last 8 of CL.

    Xabi Alonso (if they get him) and Dolphin Head in CM !!!! Scary thought.

  552. ethangunner says:

    yes geoff but arsene is also a yes man ..
    and vomits out to the public anything the boss men desire .. he would fit in …

    plus id say its a safe bet he has a job for life anywhere …..

    all the top managers do …

    he could manage any of the top teams in the world .. you make him sound like a 1 armed drummer :)

  553. Stu says:

    Basically i dont want Usmanov in power because of his criminal past, his face, fat hands, that he tried to buy the mancs a few years ago and that he has no experience of investing or anything to do with sport.
    Kroenke may not be a footballing man but he is involved with sport (but i dont know how successful he is).

    I just want people in charge that are essentially arsenal fans and want the club to be successful without seling out and being in debt or some shit like that.

  554. Geoff says:

    I found 1 A, but I don’t know why, did your comment disagree with me, perhaps god intervened, who knows!

  555. gambon says:

    Stu,

    Why is Usmanov a c*nt? because he’s russian basically?

    No-one says a word about Stan because he’s American.

    Why has Wilshere been given a new contract, what has he done to deserve that apart from being young?

    Ridiculous

  556. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    stu don’t you think abramovic has a criminal past

  557. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    we need that money if we are to win trophys once again

  558. Geoff says:

    Tony Adams has as well!

  559. Stu says:

    Gambon, why do you think Russians are cunts. Thats a little racist. :roll:

    BBK, i know Roman has a criminal past and shit but he has also fucked chelski over. He got loans out for all the money he invested in them. None of his own monies. (or so i heard).

  560. ethangunner says:

    BOY BETTER KNOW Says:
    July 2, 2009 at 17:55

    how can you still give a manager credit for not winning a single trophy in 4-5 years and calling yourself a top club in the world
    ——————————

    YOU CANT plain and simple ! agree 100%
    something needs to change ..

    either the board need to release funds which wont happen ..
    or a change of management ..

    until either box is ticket IMO nothing will change ..

    youll be playing cross your fingers football
    until either of the 2 above change …

    and the chev’s and man U on class cannot be beaten currently .. they have depth – money and personnel …

    and we have …. none of them !

  561. A says:

    I’d never want anyone in power with a past like Usmanov stu. I refuse to accept that Arsenal fans are so selfish that they’d prioritise money coming into the club over having a tiny bit of a moral compass. Some things are bigger than football, it’s like if someone offered to bomb the team coaches of utd, chelsea, and utd, then we’d certainly win the league, but I’d still rather it didn’t happen and always choose for it not to happen!

  562. A says:

    gambon Usmanov is a cunt because he’s a James Bond villain in real life, just google him and read about him, he should be in jail as it is.

  563. Stu says:

    I dummo about a bomb A. Something a little more subtle perhaps.

  564. A says:

    Not that much more subtle stu, and the principle is the same. Some things are bigger than football, people can’t completely disregard everything else for footballing success.

  565. gambon says:

    Stu,

    Russian isnt a race.

    A,

    Im sure stan made his money selling poppys for 5p each and helping old ladies cross the road for a nominal fee.

  566. Geoff says:

    What does that make Dein then, he sold out to him, and Dein’s best buddy is Wenger, so by implication…

  567. Mayank says:

    ‘How are we a top club?’ umm i don’t know maybe by getting into the CL finals and S/F being, fucking close to winning the toughest league itself. Don’t give me the we didn’t win anything crap, football is a game ffs and it inherently has very small margins. You can’t say we haven’t had a good team in the past 5 years, if you think that then maybe that’s being a little too self-derogatory.

  568. Stu says:

    Fine so…not racist….countryist?

  569. Dan says:

    Guys would anyone take hamann or do u think he would be just like silvestre? He’s just been released by man city

  570. A says:

    gambon there’s a difference between making money whilst pushing the boundaries, and being a member of the mafia. I’d guarantee that noone has been murdered or tortured in kroenke’s organisations, whereas there are human rights protests about the fuckhead that is usmanov, and he’s only out of jail because of uzbeki corruption

  571. A says:

    xenophobic stu

  572. Stu says:

    I’d have him Dan. Hamann is a legend! Proper german effeciency! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  573. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    It really pisses me off when you hear eduardo and rosicky are gonna be like new signings,NO THERE NOT they are 2 players coming back from injury that’s all they are….

  574. Geoff says:

    True, Russians are Caucasoid or Mongoloid, two races, I have to say Usmanov looks like he has a bit of Tartar in him which is Mongoloid so if Gambon is a Negroid, it is in fact a racist comment, however if Gambon is half caucasion and half mongoloid then he is not making racist comment, he is making bigoted ones.

    I hope this clears the racist bit up.

  575. Honest Bill says:

    Mayank I agree with you. Everyone is blowing a lack of trophies out of all proportion to make it sound like we were battling for relegation

  576. Stu says:

    xenophobic A? Thats a word i dont understand. Save me the effort of loking it up and explain what its a fear of? Thanks….

  577. A says:

    ha nope dan, i would’ve had the hamann in his prime, but he’ll either move to a promoted club, or more likely return to germany, and maybe just retire. VERY past it

  578. A says:

    it’s the countryist equivalent to racism stu!

  579. Mayank says:

    I see you’re sticking with the 4 race theory Geoff.

  580. Geoff says:

    That’s all there is Mayank and you’re the same race as me!

  581. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    so in your eyes mayank you are happy that we have not won a single thing in 4 years

  582. Stu says:

    Thanks A.

    Gambon you Xenophobic! :razz:

  583. gambon says:

    I am a melting pot.

  584. A says:

    bbk they both played 0 games this season, so next season they are identical to new signings, it isn’t a difficult concept to understand!

  585. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    football is all about winning trophy’s that is what teams go for,do you think man u fans would be happy if they we’re playing good football and not winning nothing the same goes for any of the top clubs in the world.it’s all about that silver

  586. Mayank says:

    Xenophobe actually or xenophobic cunt.

  587. A says:

    for any tennis fans bahrami and leconte are on the red button on bbc, sheer genius

  588. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    a—but there not new signings tho are they

  589. Honest Bill says:

    They could also invigorate the side and inspire confidence in them while adding more depth to the squad.

    So they may be ‘like’ new signings. However they will not be new signings

  590. Honest Bill says:

    BBK. Man Utd fans are not happy anyway

  591. A says:

    technically no, but in footballing terms they’re the equivalent to 2 new signings, 2 additions to the 09/10 squad

  592. Geoff says:

    Ha, ha Gambon, it’s your call then! Catch you all later.

  593. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    exactly that’s the bottom line literally the bottom line is the answer

  594. Dan says:

    Well A last time I see him play for city he was as stu says very efficient. If it was between not getting anyone in and getting hamann on a free I know what I would choose

  595. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    now vermaelen is a new signing ros and ed are not

  596. Dutchman says:

    Wilshere signed a long contract.http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wilshere-signs-new-long-term-contract

    I am happy with this with vela best talent we have.

  597. Honest Bill says:

    But Ros and Ed may have more of an impact on the team and lead us to victory, in which case they would be even better than new signings haha

  598. Mayank says:

    BBK even if we had won a trophy it wouldn’t have lined my cabinet would it have? Its the memories that the fans get, i agree lifting a trophy is one of them but not the only one, so there’s no need to make it sound as if the last 4-5 years have been worthless. The fact is we’ve had good teams during this period and if you can’t see that and want trophies NOW and are so displeased with our current situationthen i suppose you wait for us to get taken over by some billionaire and get mourhino as our manager. Although even that won’t guarantee anything.

  599. Dutchman says:

    Sky sports reported it earlier it’s very good work of them.

  600. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    doubt it h.b even when they we’re both fit we still never won anyhthing

  601. Mayank says:

    back in a bit

  602. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    so what memories are they then mayank,getting smashed by the mancs last season losing to chav cunts in the semi losing the champions league final Hmm great memorys

  603. Davidermo says:

    To Ethangunner

    I know how old he is and is only three years away for retirement age. However, that doesnt mean that he will actually want to retire, look at Sir Alex.

    In terms of the management buying the players at Madrid, if the manager doesnt get them to play the way the management expect, whether you win silverware at Real or not, you still get the sack, ask Capello?

    Wenger is untouchable and unquestionable at our club and has free reign over all footballing decisions. There is no accountability for success and failure and that kills off the ultimate motivation to be a winner. Any sports psychologist will tell you about fear of failure and how crucial that is to be a winner. Wenger need not fear!! Its a big problem and ultimately, untill the business model changes at the Arsenal and the current board are removed, nothing will change. Nobody wants an owner that doesnt have the club at heart, and this next step in the club’s history is in the hands of the board. If they could act on behalf of the club, rather just for their pockets, they will do everything to instill the right kind of invester to the football club. Whatever they may say, the fans pay more than any other club to watch their team and the revenue just from gate receipts supercedes any other club in the premiership.

    In Kroenke, they have a property investor who could easily absorb the Highbury flats development debt on his property portfolio, especially with cost of financing at an all time low, and hold that development until the property market recovers enough for him to make a healthy profit.

    Its an absolute non-brainer and would free the club to be able to invest in the team without having to sell the club and continue to be self sustaining. Plus, any improvement in the teams performance will improve the success of this business model. Job Done!!

  604. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    dutchman calm down it’s not like he’s gonna win baloon door next season is it

  605. Honest Bill says:

    BBK, well we were well on our way though BBK, and then Arshavin or Vermaelen might play a huge part in our success, some of the youngsters could step up. There are many positives to be taken from our currnet situation…. Until half the squad gets injured that is

  606. Honest Bill says:

    *current

  607. patthegooner says:

    Are you sure you could do that A?

    I mean your comment that you would be the end of your days as a Gooner if Usmanov was in charge.

    I dont think I could do that, I think Bin Laden could own Arsenal and I could not stop supporting them.

    No man is bigger than the Club, no matter who owns, manages or plays for Arsenal. At least they should not be.

  608. Dutchman says:

    No BBK, but he is very good, when i was looking that match arsenal-wigan in the CC, I was wondering that he and vela are so good it was the best wigan and they beat them with two men. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

  609. patthegooner says:

    Latest words from Wenger on Gallas and Ade. Why does he give interviews to forgeign media yet we hear fuck all from him in the UK… He did this last summer.

    “Inter have not inquired about Gallas, just like Bordeaux has never asked for [Mikael] Silvestre,” he told the microphones of RMC.

    The Gunners themselves have had a quiet transfer campaign thus far and the French tactician briefly touched on the situation in attack, starting with the potential departure of Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been linked with Manchester City and AC Milan.

    “Adebayor? In my opinion he will remain. [Bordeaux's Marouane] Chamakh? He might be a valid acquisition in case of a departure,” the 59-year-old concluded.

  610. Honest Bill says:

    Patthegooner. I suppose in such a case, one would have to view the ‘club’ and the ‘team’ as entirely seperate entities

  611. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    see that’s what i mean lose ade but sign chamakh who is pony that is why we are not going to win fuck alllllll

  612. Geoff says:

    Davidermo I again agree, no brainer, I have said exactly that many times before.

    Mayank memories count for nothing when you spend £5k a year in season tickets, that’s when trophies mean something.

  613. Dutchman says:

    SO patthegooner, Chamakh will replace adebayor if he leaves??

  614. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    im gone had enough of wengers bollocks visions,he needs to get to speck savers quick time before he completely loses his sight byeeee

  615. Dan says:

  616. Dutchman says:

    ADebayor will be sold for about 20million
    And we will sogn chamakh for 7 million???
    That would be ridiculous. If ade leaves we must buy a class forward or no one but Chamakh????? NO way, and then you can say it’s the boards fault but no, it’s wengers fault if he replace ade with chamakh. I hate that AW at the moment, it really piss me off if I read that.

  617. Pat says:

    Hell no. Chamakh is fucking awful. Ade please stay!

    So, after AW said this, how many of you still want Ade to leave? If you do, I’m sure you’ve never seen Chamakh play. Trust me, you don’t want him.

  618. Pat says:

    Breaking News: Official: Chelsea Sign Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull On Free Transfer

  619. choy says:

    there has been no enquiry about chamakh.. all press bull shite..

  620. Lou says:

    We are all victims of our own petty prejudices. No-one actually knows what Kroenke or Usmanov are thinking or what they intend to do should they get control of the club. In the same way, there are many judgmental statements, some quite harsh, about Arsene and what he does or doesn’t do. We slaughter the media and the biased coverage they give our club but we all select the bits that suit our particular bias and weigh in. But then, it is rather hot today isn’t it?

  621. Arindam@KOL says:

    Love whats happeing to the Manc cunts and the Chavs. No one wants to play for you CUNTS ! Get over it and also get ready for a royal bollocking next season from us.

  622. Coadsi says:

    BBK these days i just read the media reports and have a laugh. if u believe that le boss is a liar they why do you believe what he says here? how do u know when to believe him?

  623. Arindam@KOL says:

    choy , if Ade goes ; Chamakh will be in. Not all ‘stories’ are shite.

  624. ooby says:

    PattheGooner I actually remember reading that Bin Laden was an Arsenal Fan somewhere…

  625. Arindam@KOL says:

    This means Gallas , Silvestre and Ade are all gone .
    From Goal.com

    “The European press had suggested on Wednesday that Inter were considering a bid for Arsenal defender William Gallas, but manager Arsene Wenger has claimed there has been no contact from the Nerazzurri.

    “Inter have not inquired about Gallas, just like Bordeaux has never asked for [Mikael] Silvestre,” he told the microphones of RMC.

    The Gunners themselves have had a quiet transfer campaign thus far and the French tactician briefly touched on the situation in attack, starting with the potential departure of Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been linked with Manchester City and AC Milan.

    “Adebayor? In my opinion he will remain. [Bordeaux's Marouane] Chamakh? He might be a valid acquisition in case of a departure,” the 59-year-old concluded “

  626. choy says:

    I’d rather the russian striker.. whats his name?

  627. Coadsi says:

    Can someone remind me didn’t maure buy 2 players in the January window? if so, what position do they play?
    I think Le Boss just want to give the fans something to consider and ask the question that you did Pat. he did something similar after the Q & A as well when he did not deny the RM rumors.

  628. nishanth says:

    progrebnyak

  629. Stu says:

    POGREBNYAK!!!!!! Yeah Choy!

  630. ethangunner says:

    fuck the moral compass !!!,

    we all cant be mother Teresa ! in fact im sure everyone on this blog at one point or another has done something immoral !

    and that’s living in the UK , now put yourself in Thailand Russia or Ukraine where people are violent MF’s and try to be a saint ..

    besides im not as judgmental as some ..
    forgiveness is a good quality to have ..
    i havent seen the russian beat up PHW …
    (although i would pay to see the video :) )

    and besides it wasn’t the Russian who sacked 3 or 4 of the board members ruthlessly was it now ?!

    or make all the clubs money disappear !

    or say we don’t need that YANKS money then place him on the board ,like 2 faced gits !..

    or have the Russian join us because they were all afraid he would take over ….

    this current board are more cold and calculating than any other club ive seen
    they put nothing back into the back bone of this club and blame wenger for not producing !

  631. Pat says:

    United starting XI:

    VDS
    Brown Rio Vidic Cunt(MK II)
    Valencia Carrick Fletcher Nani
    Berba Rooney

    Not that scary, but Valencia is a really good player.

    Chelsea:
    Cech
    Bosingwa Alex JT Cunt
    Ballack Essien Lampard Malouda
    Anelka Drogba

    Liverpool:
    Reina
    Johnson Carragher Skrtel Arbeloa
    Kuyt Mascherano Xabi Riera
    Gerrard Torres

    If they lose both Xabi and masch, they’re fucked.

    The greatest football team:
    Almunia
    Sagna Verm Gallas Clichy
    Rosicky Cesc Song Arshavin
    RVP Ade

  632. choy says:

    yeah it would make more sense.. monetary as well..

    i surely do hope chamakh is just a stupid figment of imagination…

  633. Jimbo says:

    Chamakh is shite.

  634. Pat says:

    Coadsi, they bought Tosic and Ljajic(Arsenal were close to signing him). Tosic is 21 and he won’t be good, trust me. Ljajic is 17, I think, and he cost United about 12 million pounds!!

    He’s a gem, he really is. People say Serbian kaka, but personally I think he resembles Bobby Pires a lot.

  635. Pat says:

    if we do challenge this year, I think Chelsea are going to be the biggest threat.

  636. Mayank says:

    Are you crazy Pat, our players wouldn’t even make the top 3s bench. Stop being a sheep.
    (i was being sarcastic btw the tone is really hard to put across in a blog)

  637. Jimbo says:

    On which note, how funny would it be if Wenger did go to Real Madrid?

    If he signed the some of shite he lumbers us with half the time, he wouldn’t even make it to pre-season befoer sacking him. Can you imagine? Denilson for Real. Chamakh for Real. Adebayor for Real.

  638. patthegooner says:

    Got to remember Wenger was after Kalou last summer so Chamakh is not so much a surprise.

    Havent seen chamakh play so have no opinion either way on him

  639. Mayank says:

    Jimbo RM make the signings not the manager. His job would be to teach them Wengerball.

  640. Jimbo says:

    Wengerball?

    You mean sideways passing in midfield and getting a nosebleed in the box?

    There’s no such thing as ‘Wengerball’.

  641. Honest Bill says:

    Who the fuck would want to be ‘manager’ of a side where they don’t even get to manage?

  642. Stu says:

    Pat, Ballack is supposed to be gone from the chavs. Arbeloa gone to Madrid but Aurellio is better so….. And the mancs midfield looks shite. MJJ and Valencia out wide is about 10 goals a season at best. And Berba! HA! 30m and Bendtner scored more than him!

  643. nishanth says:

    Well he hasn’t signed chamakh yet.Lets wait and see what happens now.No need to criticise him for something that hasn’t happened yet

  644. choy says:

    there was jimbo.. its just there right now.

  645. Coadsi says:

    Thanx Pat,
    Jimbo i dont think the manager has a say in the players that come to real (not saying they have no say whatsoever in the matter)
    for example Kaka said he have not met the coach as yet at his press conference. at RM the president buy the players and the coach make it work end of.
    Prolly if the current RM coach had a say he would suggest Senna methink

  646. Mayank says:

    Attacking flowing football then pota(y)to potato.

  647. A says:

    Arbeloa is liverpools right back not left back, their full backs this season will be johnson and insua, which is pretty useful actually, i’d have the two of them over our two full backs, certainly going forward, though gibbs will be amazing in a couple of years

  648. Stu says:

    I hope Ade either goes now, or goes on the last day so Wenger cant buy Chamakh and then gets Pogrebnyak on a free in november.

  649. Geoff says:

    Ooby he was, he came to Highbury in the 90′s I believe!

  650. Stu says:

    Aurellio is liverpools left back A. And he is a great attacking full back aswell. Great left foot. But i would always prefer Gibbs over insua.

  651. A says:

    Fergie has actually fucked up massively, he knew he would need a massive overhaul of the squad, but has left it too long and is now having to do it when every top player has been snapped up by Madrid! Utd could stuggle bigtime next season, which would be awesome.

    Liverpool lose Masch and Alonso and they’re pretty buggered as well! AND Chelsea have appointed a manager who’s a champions league specialist, and not done all that well in the league.

  652. Pat says:

    I agree Stu, United’s midfield is the worst of the top 4 on paper. Valencia will be one of their best players, he has it in him. I hope Nani continues being shit.

    Liverpool’s quad of Xabi, Masch, Gerrard, and Torres is very impressive though. I hope at least one of them leaves.

    Arsenal subs:
    Fabianski, Toure, Nasri, Theo, Eduardo, Vela, Gibbs, Nik, Eboue

    Chelsea:
    Ivanovic, J. Cole, Mikel, Kalou, Deco,

    United:
    Hargreaves(would start but always injured), Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Ben Foster, Tosic, Rafael,

    Liverpool:
    Agger, Voronin, Babel, Benayoun, Lucas,

    ALL WE NEED IS A CDM AND EVERYONE TO STAY!! We’re not that bad, you know.

  653. A says:

    Yeah he was stu – but they’ve been bringing insua through and he played most of the games at the end of the season, I think he’ll be their first choice this season, and he could become a top top left back, hell of a left foot and very intelligent.

    Even if Chamakh comes in it would only be as a squad player so I’m not that bothered with regards to him.

  654. Jimbo says:

    Right now, we’re looking at a midfield containing at least one of Song, Denilson or Diaby for an entire season.

    It’s all very well laughing at the Mancs, but our central midfield is a joke, and Wenger’s thumbs are still lodged firmly up his arse.

  655. nishanth says:

    A i wouldn’t agree with that.United will challenge for the title.They still have a good team and there is still 2 months for the transfer window to close.However i do feel that once we get that world class DM there is no stopping us no matter who united buy

  656. A says:

    Pat eduardo will be first choice ahead of ade even if he stays, though they’ll rotate

  657. nishanth says:

    Jimbo that midfield also contains nasri,rosicky and cesc.United’s midfield is not better than ours

  658. Pat says:

    I always get Aurelio and Arbeloa confused, sorry.

  659. Jimbo says:

    Rosicky?

    Sure…

    As for the rest, it ‘contained’ those players last season, and was still comfortably outmatched time after time in the league because they weren’t good enough.

  660. A says:

    i dunno nisanth, it depends who they bring in. They’ve lost ronaldo and tevez, and also need to replace hargreaves, scholes, and giggs. They’ve fucked up and failed to secure top players in ribery, benzema, villa etc to replace ronaldo and tevez, so who knows who they’ll bring in! They’re currently in a fair bit of trouble in my eyes, though their defence is still awesome as is rooney, but other than them they’re really not all that

  661. choy says:

    utd i feel are going to be quite vulnerable, valencia scored 3 goals last season!!

  662. A says:

    Valencia really isn’t that good choy, if he’s the only person they sign to replace ronaldo then if i was a utd fan i’d be absolutely furious.

  663. Pat says:

    No one should be creating more chances than us. Rosicky, Arshavin, Cesc, RVP up there. Thats impressive. Add Nasri and Theo as subs. We’re stacked in that department.

    CDM is the missing link

  664. Jimbo says:

    Funny you say that Pat – most would say that we need a ‘missing link’ to play CDM!

    ;)

  665. nishanth says:

    Jimbo you are 4getting about the fact that ronaldo is not there anymore.He attracts 2 or 3 defenders giving others a lot of space to play with.They need to get a really special player in there.At this point our mid is better

  666. Pat says:

    Valencia is a good buy. He’s more of an actual winger. Cuts inside much less than CR and does more dirty work. Has great crosses and always has an easy game against Clichy or Gibbs. He assists more than CR, has more successful dribbles past oppionents.

    Remember, he played in a defensive team. I rate him. He’s miles better than Theo.

    Jimbo, Rosicky is our best midfielder. 2nd best if you count Arshavin as a MF.

  667. nishanth says:

    A i think fergie will splash big on some player.Thats for sure.Myabe someone like aguero or pato

  668. Jimbo says:

    We played 18 teams last season that weren’t manchester united, and our midfield was made to look stupid by, among other teams, Fulham, Man City, Villa, Hull, Sunderland and Everton.

    Ronaldo didn’t play for any of those teams.

  669. nishanth says:

    I don’t remember us really struggling against those lesser oppositions that much after arshavin came in.

  670. Jimbo says:

    Our best midfielder?

    Bollocks he is – he’s the most overrated player we’ve had since Reyes.

    And he’s also a complete crock.

  671. Pat says:

    Jimbo, thats b/c we didn’t have hardworkers in midfield. A CDM who does that will help a lot. Rosicky does a lot of dirty work as well, for both Arsenal and the Czechs.

  672. nishanth says:

    Beginning of the season our midfield did suck big time.Cesc was tired after euros.Nasri was adapting and denilson kindaa struggled.After arshavin came it changed.Things kindaa started clicking.We still havn’t lost a match in which arshavin started.He is a massive player for us

  673. nishanth says:

    After reading your opinion about rosicky i think its pointless arguing with you

  674. Jimbo says:

    And do you remember what Liverpool did to our midfield when Arshavin was playing against them?

    He’s a quality player, no doubt, but if you think he’ll make all our problems go away on his own, you’re sorely mistaken. We need someone who can do a better job than the inept Denilson – at least 10 teams in the league have better players in his position. His presence in the Arsenal side last year was an absolute joke.

  675. Pat says:

    Most overrated? Simple explantation. Our midfield became shit when he got injured. Coincidence? The Czech Republic, a very decent team, are shit atm. How long have they been shit? Since Rosicky got injured.

    He brings the ball out and is soooo intelligent. Our counter attacks suffered without him. He has a shot and brings players towards him. Why do you think Cesc had the # of goals he had 2 seasons ago? TOmas and Hleb were attracting the central players which allowed Cesc time and space to shoot more often.

    Nasri will never reach Rosicky’s level, I can guarantee that.

  676. Jimbo says:

    What, that he’s a crock?

    Rosicky IS a crock – he always has been, even when playing for Dortmund.

    Anyone who thinks he’s our best midfielder is deluded, but even if he were, he hardly ever plays anyway.

  677. Dutchman says:

    Jim bo byou are very negative, with arshavin we are overclassed every team and fabregas-song isn’t the worst midfield of the big four. Look at our team we can challenge for sure. But if you think fabregas is worst then fletcher you must think that. But you are too negative.

  678. patthegooner says:

    Rosicky cant be classed as our best midfielder.

    I like the guy, but given the length of his lay off, he is effectively a new player and is starting afresh.

    I honestly dont think we will even know if he is going to be the same player till a lot later in the season.

  679. Dutchman says:

    Pat nasri is 21!!!!!

  680. Dutchman says:

    And rosicky can be that good if he stays fit, we should see.

  681. nishanth says:

    That also had to with wenger’s tactical mistake i would say.He played denilson and song in the midfield and cesc upfront.Thats why we struggled.I am not saying that denilson is world class.We need a DM badly.Just saying that our midfield is not as you are suggesting it is

  682. Pat says:

    Nasri disappears too much. Its not an adapting thing. He disappeared too much for L’OM. I was gutted when we missed out on Ben Arfa and opted for Nasri instead.

  683. nishanth says:

    There is no harm in hoping that rosicky will be fit next season

  684. Jimbo says:

    Pat – nonsense – we still had a good midfield without Rosicky when he first got injured. It wasn’t as good as it could have been, but it fell apart this year because of Wenger’s man-love for Denilshit.

    As for Czech’s, again, you’re talking nonsense. NEdved had a far bigger influence on them than Rosicky ever did – and frankly, they were shit for a long while whilst Tom was still playing for them.

    Rosicky wouldn’t get into our team now, even if he was fit.

  685. nishanth says:

    Agree with you pat.He doesn’t really take that extra responsibilty.He never has a bad game but he is capable of offering a lot more.

  686. Pat says:

    Nasri is only 21, but I saw Rosicky when he was 20/21 for BVB. He was the most expensive Bundeliga signing at the time.

  687. Geoff says:

    Song and Denilson are just not good enough period.

    Song is like Eboue, Wenger sees he can’t play in midfield so now he’s a centre back same with Eboue, he’s even tried him on the wing.

    We need to replace our DM because what we have is really inadequate.

  688. Jimbo says:

    Nishanth,

    But that’s just it – without a solid central midfield pairing, we can be as good as we like on the wings but we’ll still win too little ball and be porous down the middle. The whole midfield breaks down if you’re weak in this area (as we saw too many times last season).

    If we don’t fix it, we won’t win jack shit. It really is that simple.

  689. gazzap says:

    AC Milan lawyer said:

    “Adebayor is a name which does not make me enthusiastic. In any case Galliani is the one who deals with these things and you should ask him.”

    Mmn, do you think Ade will still think Milan are like Beyonce?

  690. Pat says:

    Jimbo, you’ve never played competitive football if you think Nasri is better than Tomas.

    And it was all Nedved? In the last World Cup, it was Rosicky doing all the damage.

  691. leon says:

    i feel risisky if he gets back his fitness can be as good as aa,i think he can play in middle or left and will score at least 5-10 goals,is he our best midfielder no i say aa,i think our midfield is quite strong but we have gone through alot of changes in very short space of time,but i think nasri,song and delinson play dm role very well and unless wenger can find someone realy experienced a beast 27 or orlder wenger will stick with what he has

  692. nishanth says:

    Agree there with you.Need to solve that problem.But once we solve that one we have one hell of a team

  693. Stu says:

    Rosicky, if fit, is one of our best players, nevermind midfielders.

    He and Arshavin are arguably our best players. Cesc, RVP just a level below at the moment.

  694. nishanth says:

    Rosicky can provide us goals from midfield that we clearly lack.Whaat impressed the most was his work rate and discipline.That will also add some stability to the side.

  695. Pat says:

    http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2495426/best_match_ever_played_rosicky_comp_highlights/

    Okay, if you’re giving Nedved all the credit for the Czechs good performances, why was it Rosicky that Edgar Davids was man-marking and not Nedved? This was in 2004 so nedved wasn’t that old yet. Why is it that Tomas got MOTM?

  696. Jimbo says:

    Pat – Actually, in my ideal midfield, I’d have Walcott and Arshavin on the flanks. Arshavin’s obviously a lot better than Rosicky, and Walcott is usually more effective because of his pace. I also think Nasri is almost certainly going to become a better player, though he’s not at the level Rosicky was JUST YET.

    As for the last world cup, you’re joking right? Czech were rubbish – Rosicky scored two good goals against the Yanks, and then they got comprehensively beaten by Ghana and Italy.

    What’s that about Rosicky making Czech Rep good again?

  697. Pat says:

    His first touch of the game was that chip to Koller.

  698. nishanth says:

    Jimbo how can u have walcott in your side who has been rubbish most of the time ahead of rosicky?

  699. Dutchman says:

    Rosicky has said that he is pain free. So we trust him. He will be fit next season, and pat, nasri is surely class he has a fantastic dribble and shot. I love him.

  700. Pat says:

    Jimbo, the sad thing is that you see Theo in our starting XI. I wouldn’t mind if he’s sold. He’s shite and usually ineffective against a defender with decent IQ. He has nothing, absolutely nothing other than pace. No final ball, awful finishing, no dribbling.

    No, Vela is ahead of Theo.

  701. nishanth says:

    both rosicky and nedved were vital to that team.They would have done a lot better had rosicky stayed fit and was available for the qualifiers

  702. Jimbo says:

    Actually, Milan Baros got MOTM that day.

  703. Stu says:

    If Rosicky is fit, however doubtful, he should always be a starter regardless of who else if there. Theo is just pace. Rosicky is just sheer class and an amazing all round player.

    And as everyone knows its far easier to mark pace (walcott) than to mark movement (rosicky)

  704. Pat says:

    dutch, he’s not good enough to start if we want to win things, imo. He has always been the disappearing type and thats what worries me. First off, he shouldn’t even be playing on the wing, same as Tomas.

    We need to implement the 4-3-3 for our players’ benefit

  705. nishanth says:

    Walcott can come good but needs a little more time.He doesn’t have a football brain.If you remove the pace factor he would struggle to get into a championship team.He should try to make the best use of it while its there

  706. nishanth says:

    Pat in defense of nasri he does look a much better player when wenger plays him in the middle

  707. Jimbo says:

    It’s amazing that when a player is as injured for as long as Rosicky, people are quite so willing to just make shit up about him.

    Ridiculous. He was good at his best, and pretty damned average a lot of the time, and yet people think that when he was fit he was as good as Arshavin? Pure fantasy.

  708. Jimbo says:

    Like this one:

    “Rosicky provides goals from midfield”.

    You know what his club scoring record is like?

    01/02 – 5
    02/03 – 5
    03/04 – 2
    04/05 – 4
    05/06 – 6
    06/07 – 5
    07/08 – 7

    Excuse me whilst I don’t fall over in amazement.

  709. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    exactly even when both ed and ros we’re fit we ended up with f.a

  710. Rohan says:

    rosicky imo is the only complete all-action midfielder we have.you would be surprised at the amount of defensive work and tracking back he does….
    mind you he isn’t the czech captain for nothing..

  711. Pat says:

    I want to get rid of Theo. He doesn’t even deserve Song’s wages, let alone 60k a week.

  712. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    people who think that 1 or 2 additions to the team and we will clean up need to think again

  713. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    song doesn’t even deserve to play for arsenal

  714. A says:

    Pat regarding nasri disappearing it’s completely an adapting thing, arshavin also disappears alot currently, and both disappear much less than than both hleb and pires did in their first seasons for the club, before they adapted.

    Rosicky when he was fit was one of the best attacking midfielders in europe, but only time will tell what sort of a state he’s in after his injury

  715. Rohan says:

    no one said he’s better than arshavin but imo he is in our top 5 players along with fabregas arsh rvp.

  716. Pat says:

    BBK, then Theo doesn’t either. At the end of the season, it was Song who was the better footballer, not Theo. Theo has stalled for 2 seasons. He is one of the dumbest(football IQ) players. He’s not even capable of making some of the passes that Song makes, which is saying a lot.

  717. choy says:

    rosicky is a great player on his day….

    well the problem is the “day” comes once in a while…

  718. Pat says:

    A, I already said its NOT an adapting thing. He did it constantly for L’OM and I was gutted when our offer for Ben Arfa was rejected. Nasri has never been consistently good.

  719. A says:

    Not all round Pat – in terms of the runs he makes he’s one of the most intelligent footballers, but on the ball granted his decision making is in need of a lot of improvement, but has been improving constantly, and should continue to get better. He’s far from one of the dumbest players around, nowhere near even the same league as the likes of nani, babel, agbonlahor etc

  720. A says:

    Yeah Pat, and I’m saying it IS an adapting thing, and an age thing. He goes missing less than Pires and Hleb did, and they were older, but Wenger worked with them, they adapted to the league, and became central to our game involved in everything. Nasri has every chance of being just as good if not better in terms of that.

    Nasri was consistently good enough to be named french young player of the year ahead of ben arfa and benzema….

  721. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    can’t really judge nasri after one season next season will tell us alot more

  722. A says:

    and ben arfa doesn’t even start regularly for marseille….

    Nasri is very young still, but has had as good if not a better first season than both hleb and pires did before they’d adapted, and is a far far better footballer than both of them were at nasri’s age

  723. A says:

    i agree bbk (did i really just say that?!)

  724. choy says:

    Ben Arfa : Marseille: 48 games >8 goals and 2 assists
    Nasri: Arsenal: 44 games > 7 goals and 5 assists.

  725. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    no it’s just your imagination writing for you lol

  726. Rohan says:

    he is a crock jimbo..probably hasn’t played more than 25 games in a season in his whole life

  727. Rohan says:

    ben arfa played
    1 in a more attacking position on the left in a 4-3-3.
    2 you can’t compare 2 playrs in 2 different leagues especially between the ligue1 and the premiership.
    also an important point is that nasri has scored quite a few important goals for us ( brace against manu, winner against hull )

  728. A says:

    01/02 32/5
    02/03 37/5
    03/04 23/2
    04/05 26/4
    05/06 27/6

    06/07 32/7
    07/08 25/7

    those are rosicky’s stats, before last season he’d only once failed to play 25 games, though has never had an injury free season it would seem. I really hope he does regain full fitness

  729. A says:

    those are games/goals by the way, interesting he scored more for us than in the lesser german league, i guess because he was playing with better players.

  730. Pat says:

    Why do people use stats? Use your eyes and watch the player. According to stats, Ben Arfa and Nasri are both better footballers than Hleb, which isn’t true obviously.

  731. choy says:

    rohan… nasri has better stats in the PL.. nuff said…

  732. choy says:

    he is so great pat.. a world beater… he spent most of his time on the bench

  733. A says:

    It depends what stats pat, i was pointing out appearances to show that rosicky isn’t a complete crock. With regards to goals I’d agree it doesn’t illustrate the better player, but I don’t know anyone who’s watched both who would say ben arfa is the better player.

    Ben Arfa is flashier, more tricky and scores some more spectacular goals but as an all round player he’s a league below nasri. He isn’t even cemented in as a regular in the French league for Marseille! However both are just a shadow of what they’ll become, and they’re both far too young to be judged just yet. Especially with regards to Nasri seeing as on top of being very young, he’s just moved to a new league a year ago that it took Pires and Hleb who were both coming into their primes and two of the top midfielders in Europe, a season or two to adapt to!

  734. Rohan says:

    nasri is a classy player, he just drifts across the field like he is on dry ice..pity eh also drifts out of the game a bit too much..but he’ll defo improve.

    ben arfa is good but i don’t think he’ll ever reach that truly worldclass level.

  735. Pat says:

    oh yea Choy, how many of our midfielders would get decent time playing for Barca? No one.

  736. nishanth says:

    I doubt any of the united midfielders would get into their lineup either.They had pretty much the same players 2007-2008 season too+ronaldinho.But things didn’t really click.

  737. choy says:

    arshavin… cesc would get more games too..

  738. Pat says:

    Choy, cesc wouldn’t get more games at Barca. He’d be replacing Xavi who is rarely injured and rarely rested.

    Arshavin wouldn’t be playing in midfield for Barca.

    nishanth, new manager and new training methods. Work hard of your out. Its simple really. We need some of that.

  739. SUGA3 says:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomas_Rosicky

    maximum of 37 games for us…

  740. Rohan says:

    if we can get even 35 games for rosicky, i’ll be pretty chuffed.

  741. Pat says:

    wow, 6 goals in 18 games in the league? 2 assists. Thats better than I thought

  742. Rohan says:

    make that 40.

  743. Pat says:

    Nobody thought RVP could go a season without injuries…He was pretty much injury-free this season.

  744. Rohan says:

    rosicky gives us a different dimension..a sort of dynamism…

  745. A says:

    It felt like that didn’t it Pat, but he only started 24 league games. Next season though he’ll be fine, this year’s injuries were just because he’s not had to keep playing for so long as he’s always had alot of breaks, they weren’t recurrant like in previous years

  746. Pat says:

    Michael Owen Opens Tentative Discussions With Manchester United – Report

  747. Stu says:

    We still on Rosicky?

    He is a quality player. One of our best and if he can play regularly next season then we will defo challenge for trophies.

    But actually winning something is down to whether we can keep the team fit and together. Avoid injuries, get in a DM and we will win something.

  748. A says:

    Where’s that from Pat? Bloody hilarious if it’s all true

  749. A says:

    I dunno stu – i reckon we’ve finally got the strength in depth to win something even if we don’t get lucky with injuries. Before we had Hleb and Rosicky as the two playmakers, and with them out we had noone to bring in, eboue and diaby played out wide! Now we’ve got probably Arshavin and Rosicky, with Nasri and Theo as back up, Vela and Wilshere also coming through. Up front as well we’ve got so much more depth now that a serious injury or two wouldn’t derail us completely as Eduardo’s did with VP already out.

    If we get that DM we’re in a very very strong position imo

  750. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    if ade does go i reckon we should bid for higuain

  751. Rohan says:

    a midfield comprising attacking flair like cesc rosicky arshavin nasri walcott is surely enogh to frighten any defence.

  752. Pat says:

    Owen would make 40,000 a week if the rumors are true.

  753. A says:

    Pat where are the rumours from??!

  754. Pat says:

    Rohan, true. But flair and Theo don’t go well together. Flair and “english” don’t go well together lol

  755. choy says:

    lol.. utd fans must be pissed :mrgreen:

  756. A says:

    I like higuain pat, but doubt it’d happen. He’ll be one player who Madrid will want to keep

  757. Rohan says:

    i’m still not convinced about our defence..dunno if vermaelen can stand up against the likes of stoke etc. i really want one old fashioned monster of a cb like vidic..don’t mind if it is a sagna type signing.

  758. A says:

    You seen Vermaelen then Rohan? What’s he like?

  759. Stu says:

    Im tellings ye. Juhasz is the perfect signing for defence. Huge, great in the air, at reading the game and a good leader. BINGO!

  760. Stu says:

    I hear Vermaelen is really aggressive in the air. A real fighter. Thats good enough for me. And Dutchman says he is fast so thats another great quality. Mean and fast.

  761. Pat says:

    However, Sky Sports News is reporting that it “understands” that “tentative” talks have begun between Owen’s representatives and United, after bookmakers’ odds on a likely move fell from 20/1 this morning to an astonishing 9/4 on this evening.

    Owen, despite the injuries, still managed 11 goals for Newcastle last season, and, given the right service and a clean bill of health, still possesses a lethal finisher’s instinct in the box.

    Such an ability is priceless, and, with the Red Devils always likely to create plenty of chances, perhaps Ferguson feels that the player is worth taking an unlikely punt on.

  762. Pat says:

    The only thing that worries me now is controlling games. We need that CDM to stabilize the middle.

    We have plenty of attacking options.

  763. A says:

    Cheers for that Pat. Please let them just sign owen

  764. Stu says:

    How about buying someone from eastern europe like Liverpool with Skrtel, united with Vidic and Chelski with Ivanovic? Shakhtar, Dynamo Kiev, Zagreb, Red star etc etc….

  765. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    m.o would definitely suit us prehaps wenger should step in he like to sign crocks

  766. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    higuain would be a better choice then chamakh

  767. A says:

    So would David Villa bbk, doesn’t mean it’s realistic!

  768. Rohan says:

    higuain is good will consistently give you 20-25 goals per season but i don’t think he is at the same level as a torres or an henry woho could give you 35 goals in a season….just doesn’t seem that special.
    he ahrdworking has a good attitude but doesnt seem to ahve that xfactor.
    just my humble opinion.

  769. Pat says:

    The Anderlacht RB has 13 goals in 68 games

  770. Stu says:

    And cost about 3 times as much BBK. You got a spare 20+million lying around?

  771. Stu says:

    Whats his name Pat?

  772. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    well wenger seemed to be keen on benzema by all accounts so he must have a few bob tucked away

  773. Pat says:

    Well, there is an eastern European, Serbian to be exact, who is very impressive. He played for Serbia in the u-21 tournament. His name is Gojko Kacar and its rumored that Manchester United have already offered 12 million euros for him.

    He is a CB, 6 ft.

    7 goals in 42 games for Hertha Berlin
    8 goals in 14 for Serbia u-21, including 5 in a 8-0 demolition of Hungary. I really hope Juhasz wasn’t playing for Hungary u-21 when that happened!lol

  774. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    it’s a better choice then bendtner and chamakh

  775. Pat says:

    Stu, Wasilewski. Anderlacht have a pretty good defence. He looks a lot more like a CB cause he’s huge and dominates in the air. Surprisingly, he’s pretty fast too, considering he looks like a bodybuilder.

  776. Stu says:

    I doubt it Pat. Juhasz plays for the full team.

    This serbian fucker. You sure he is a defender? 8 in 14!?

  777. gooner786 says:

  778. Stu says:

    Pat, this Wasilewski fella is 29. I guess that rules him out.

  779. Rohan says:

    vermaelen is good on the ball, reasonably quick, pretty good at snuffing out counter attacks,good distribution has an eye for a pass, good threat at set pieces(somewhere inbetween toure and gallas)
    hes good in the air, but i wouldn’t call him a monster like vidic..he is like a gallas with better aerial ability, but i am still not convinced he will solve all our problems… keep my ifngers crossed tho because i don’t think we’ll get another CB.

  780. Pat says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7rjRUN8mCI

    Some PL team should snap him up before BVB finalize the deal. He’s 20 and pretty talented. Similar to Berg.

  781. High Power Mutant says:

    Kacar played attacking midfielder against Sweden in the u21:s

  782. Pat says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rutC3mT_fdo&feature=related

    Thats the lad LPool are constantly linked with, but BVB want over 10 million

  783. Rohan says:

    anyone else feel bendtner ahs come on in leaps and bounds this season and will be a pivotal player next season ( 20 goals ) imo he now looks to be an even better prospect than theo.

  784. ManGoonian says:

    Rohan;

    Cross you legs too, theres a right dradft in here now…

  785. A says:

    Ah ok rohan, cheers. Maybe there’s some truth in the naldo talk then as an aerial beast??

  786. ManGoonian says:

    Bendy is quality and will be a top player for us next season…. Unfortunatley every other player is fuckin shite…..

  787. patthegooner says:

    Will there be a lot of movement at Arsenal this summer?

    We’ll start with the same players. We’ve got a “anti-Real” policy. We build on the long term, a bit like Barca. We don’t need a lot of signings, only if there’s players leaving.

    Oh No, that last line about only if players are leaving.

    Seriously, if we are not bringing in a DM then we will have another frustrating season. Wenger infuriates me at times.

  788. ManGoonian says:

    Have we signed Buffon and Maradona yet?

  789. BOY BETTER KNOW says:

    hahahhaha m.g that was funny bendtner is shockingg

  790. Pat says:

    Thats once Serbia was losing. He’s naturally a CB, but he could attack like Gallas or the Toure of old.

  791. ManGoonian says:

    pattg;

    Yeah he does my head in too, the way he slurps his soup at dinner…. twat! :wink:

  792. A says:

    I think he’ll score more than 20 goals next season Rohan, he got 15 this year as it was and went through an absolutely horrible period! Not to mention being very in and out of the team. I disagree about better prospect than Theo though, they’re different players, and both have the potential to be very very useful in coming seasons.

  793. Stu says:

    Bendtner is gonna be amazing next season. Defo a bigger prospect than Theo.

    A, from what i hear, Naldo is anything but a beast in the air. Apparently he is shite for someone of his height. Afraid to get in the way of shots bla bla bla

  794. ManGoonian says:

    BBK;

    Yo my melancholy bruvver! How yee doin?

  795. Rohan says:

    no youth in their right mind would go to pool to develop their careers..i mean look at babel..

  796. A says:

    ptg why would that worry you?! It makes me more optimistic, saying we don’t need lots of signings unless people leave, sounds to me like he’s saying we do need signings if people stay, but if people leave we need lots.

  797. A says:

    Oh ok stu, i was just going on his height, maybe not then!

    Yeah Rohan, although Babel was never gonna be amazing, his lack of intelligence is startling and would always have limited him

  798. patthegooner says:

    Maybe I read into it wrong but a few barren summers and under-investment has worn me down A

    I read into it that players will only come in if some go out.

    Is that down to the fact that he is happy with the squad or is it down to he spunked the lot on Vermaelen and now needs to sell to buy, or is he indeed looking to strengthen still.

  799. Pat says:

    I remember I was saying that this season Nik would be great cause he came good towards the end of 07/08. Then he started 08/09 as shit again. He came good towards the end.

  800. Rohan says:

    i doubt if bendy is going to get as many appearances this season if ade leaves and eddie stays fit……

  801. ManGoonian says:

    pattg;

    Wenger said he aint interested in any French players apart from Benzema, which for me is fair enough, we have enough French players! He also saiod before, he expects to bring in another 2… So, lets see….

    As for the underinvestment, I think thats pretty clear why that was; balancing the books n shit, but i forgot, he is really sitting on a mountain of money and goes to bed on a solid Gold Kingsize…

  802. Rohan says:

    dunno A, i still believe that babel under wenger could have been a force to be reckoned with…and he also seems to be a player who needs confidence to perform well..

  803. patthegooner says:

    I know A, but like I said I am worn out.

    I remember oh too well his promises of last Summer and the one before that never came to fruition, and if he is balancing the books he should not come out with rubbish about super super class player and signings that will reassure the fans.

    And again lets see, I hear this every year, I am almost expecting the comment that there is 8 weeks left of the transfer window and relax. It is groundhog summer and the sooner the window is shut the better in my books.

  804. ManGoonian says:

    Lets hope last season was a humougous fuck up and wont happen this….

    Come on!!! Lets effin hope!

  805. Rohan says:

    i think wenger is waiting for more clubs namely the chavs and liverpool to enter the market…
    don’t know the motive though….

  806. patthegooner says:

    I think I am going to self-impose a transfer deadline on myself

    If Wenger has not signed anyone else by the start of August, it is pretty obvious he is happy with his lot. Infact as soon as I hear his annual “I believe in this team it is a year older blah blah blah” then I am going to hermit myself until the 1st September.

  807. Rohan says:

    i am going to take a positive outlook until the season starts and we lose to wolves..
    THE RETURN OF THE INVINCIBLES……

  808. ManGoonian says:

    That will mean he has missed out on his targets for me, Pattg… Of course he will say he is happy, dont mean he aint tried to sign anyone…

    Hopefully, that shit will not happen again. If it does, then why the feck is gazidis there? For me, he is a sharp cookie…

    Things will be cool….

  809. Rohan says:

    I ahve only 3 wishes for next season..
    1. we win the premier league title
    2. chelsea drop out of the top 4
    3. spuds and hull get relegated

  810. patthegooner says:

    Well lets hope son Mangoonian.

    Personally I cant believe that there is not a DM in World Football that is

    1) Better than what we have got
    2) In our price range
    3) Realistically Available
    4) Would come to Arsenal

    Especially one in two summer transfer windows on the bounce…

  811. ManGoonian says:

    Mamadou Diarra is the one Id like to see, however, thats based on nuffin more than personal preference, I have no idea if he’d fit in, or suit us or even last the pace…

  812. Rohan says:

    he’d be a risk given he’s jsut back from a long layoff

  813. ManGoonian says:

    We like a gamble at Arsenal tho…

  814. Rohan says:

    you maybe right patg..good shout…
    i won’t be too displeased if we start the season with the current squad..

  815. Honest Bill says:

    I still wouldn’t bet against the Verminator playing at DM …. It isn’t his position, so he would be perfect there

  816. patthegooner says:

    I sound all doom, but I honestly would be happy going into the season with just one more signing (a DM)

    I have grave concerns about our midfield if Cesc gets injured again, and it is not just about improving the DM position it is about being able to cope and win games without Cesc.

  817. ManGoonian says:

    HB;

    I was about to post that before the MamaDou post… Yeah, wouldnt be too surprised myself…

  818. ManGoonian says:

    I think the current squad is capable of winning the vast majority of games as it is… But 1 or 2 more and we WILL win something, no doubt a-bleedin-bout it, IMO!

    Adios muchachos!!!

  819. Honest Bill says:

    Hasta la vista hombre

  820. redbearer says:

    Howdy… to me it’s proving difficult for us to sign the cream of the crop players atm because the agents fill their minds with greed and therefore they can demand the highest salaries hence that is why we can not compete with Barce, Madrid and Manc clubs.. oh and least forgetting those unpopular Chavs too!

    In the interim we do not appear to be going in for anyone… maybe the bids are being prepared but there’s nothing going!
    Unfortunately I feel that it will be a summer full of frustration because the players in demand agents will say to their clients to hold out for the best offer and if nothing materialises then there may be a mad frenzy of transfer activity towards the end of the window which I understand closes at the end of August. It happens all the time now… clubs hold out until either a stupid to good to be true offer comes in or they will bide their time and cut their losses just before the window closes!

    Still in saying all this.. I would rather have a player who wanted to play and commit to our club than have him sign later because he didn’t get the wage or interest which his agent had previously hyped him up to believe he would get… so in conclusion either our targets are pricing themselves out of a move to us or we are reluctant to do business with these money pinching buffoons!

    Unfortunately money talks in a world where good principles are quickly starting to become meaningless and unfashionable… find us another Bergkamp!

  821. Pat says:

    I want a harworker. Thats all we need in our system and to suit cesc. We don’t need world class, just a a hardworker. Flamini is not world class for anyone other than us.

  822. Rohan says:

    pity that is the only thing we seem to do on the amrket these days…

  823. Stu says:

    Denisov it is then Pat. :grin:

  824. Stu says:

    Some manc called Gaz emailed SSN and basically said that if Owen signs for united then England will win the WC.

  825. Pat says:

    If Cesc gets injured than either Tomas or nasri shift to the center. I’m leanign towards Rosicky cause he covers a lot more ground and takes more responsibility, which is needed at CM

  826. Rohan says:

    you know if cesc puts in a bit more work defensively we might be able to use someone like nasri to partner him. probably would only work on weaker teams but it is still worth a shot…
    coz lets face it cesc has been disappointing this season

  827. Rohan says:

    i was just thinking how it must feel to be a real madrid fan right now…

  828. Stu says:

    In light of Madrid revealing all their players etc etc i pondered..Why dont we ever do shit like that. Never unveilings like that. All we get is a couple of photos om arse.com.

  829. redbearer says:

    Maybe like all their Christmases had come at once!!

  830. Faceman says:

    Wilshere Coquelin Ramsey Walcott

    Fucking hell that is going to be some midfield within a couple of years

  831. Stu says:

    Christmas is over-rated.

  832. patthegooner says:

    Rohan

    Or how about we dont gamble our season on someone like Nasri playing CM. He can play instead of Cesc, not alongside Cesc, I think Chavski proved that towards the end of the season.

    We must must must must buy a competent ready made quality CM.

  833. Stu says:

    Faceman, what about Merida and Lansbury? Thay are quality too.

  834. Rohan says:

    i bet they still won’t play anything resembling wengerball….

  835. patthegooner says:

    Agree with that Faceman.

    Coquelin looks the nuts from the games I have seen him in. I think Walcott will have moved up top by then though,

  836. Stu says:

    Yeah, they will play Pelligrini-ball. He teams play very nice football

  837. Faceman says:

    yeah defo lansbury… merida could do the job on the right and allow theo to be a super striker with vela and bendy

  838. Faceman says:

    i’m positive about the future, tieing up these lads on 6/7 yera deals like we done with cesc at that age is a very good sign that they will make it to world class level.

  839. Stu says:

    I’d like a midfield 2 of Lansbury and Ramsey. Both are centre midfielders. Neither attacking or defensive so they would both but in a defensive shirt while the other attacks. Proper CM and CM partnership as opposed to a DM and AM.

  840. Rohan says:

    i know patg, but it all ties in with the nasri claiming he could be the DM on arse.com and i really don’t think wenger is going to spring for any other player…

  841. Faceman says:

    Robben Alonso Diarra Ronaldo

    Kaka Benzema

    managed by pellegrini….

    playing

    Messi Xavi Toure Iniesta

    Henry Eto Villa

    in el classico mext season????????????

    like some kind of sick all stars games… the tickets to the 2 games next season will be like gold dust

  842. Stu says:

    Nasri as a DM is a joke! We are asking for a physically dominant midfielder to protect the flair players. Nasri aint ecaxtly the biggest, meanest mo-fo around, now is he. And he is only about 5ft 10 so wouldnt solve any problems there.

  843. Faceman says:

    5ft 10?

    more like 5ft 8

  844. Stu says:

    Faceman, Eto is trying to force his way out tho. So he ether wont be there anymore or will have lost his place to Villa.

  845. A says:

    It’s gonna be nuts Faceman, a front 5 of

    ——–Xavi——–

    ——-Iniesta——-

    Messi———-Henry

    ——–Villa——–

    VS

    Ronaldo-Kaka-Higuain?-Ribery

    ——–Benzema——–

    That’s assuming Alonso if he’s signed is the DM behind him, or one of the Diarras otherwise.

  846. Stu says:

    Nah he is 179cm. Thats 5’10 according to wiki and ESPN.

  847. Rohan says:

    i really like the look of fran merida..classy

  848. Stu says:

    *178.

    A, word out of spain is that they are gone off Ribery because Bayern want too much, They have switched their attention to the cheaper Silva.

  849. Stu says:

    My favourite youths….Merida, Wilshere, Ayling and…probably Murphy because of his clinicalness.

  850. Rohan says:

    atleast the el classico will be something to look forward to……

  851. Stu says:

    Oh and not forgetting Coquelin but not as much as the others.

  852. A says:

    Ah ok Stu – I dunno though – with Ribery saying today he wants to go to Madrid I can see it being forced through, they should snap up Silva as well, although Valencia hate Madrid so would rather sell to someone else

  853. Rohan says:

    stu..lets hope he doesn’t spend too much time in the clinic then…

  854. Stu says:

    Yeah, i heard that Ribery wanted to leave but Bayern want at least 40m and Madrid sont want to soend that kind of money agains. Same reason why Alonso deal is less likely. Liverpool want more than Madrid are offering.

  855. Rohan says:

    oh god not chamakh..it will probably turn out to be wenger’s worst transfer ever,,

  856. Rohan says:

    haha anti-Real policy……..

  857. Stu says:

    Chamakh is sooooo shit. Im not an expert on the french league but on the few occasions i have seen him he has been shite. No way is he good enough. He might flook one good season but not good enough,especially for his age.

    I’d much rather Pogrebynak on a free, or Janko for 6million.

  858. A says:

    I’m very dubious about the translation of those wenger comments, they don’t sound like him at all. I can see it being something like “do you like chamakh”, and wenger saying “he’s a good player but we aren’t interested in a forward player unless someone leave”

    Therefore “WENGER SAYS CHAMAKH WILL BE SIGNED IF ADE LEAVES”

  859. patthegooner says:

    or Owen on a free

    especially as he is not demanding the stupid wages…

    I would love a hungry Owen keen to earn his Arsenal Place to ensure he gets an England place.

    If Owen goes to Man Ure, I will put a tenner on him being top PL goal scorer.

  860. Rohan says:

    i;d get owen instead of chamakh…

  861. Rohan says:

    great minds eh pat

  862. SUGA3 says:

    did someone mention Wasilewski here? fuck me, this guy is shite – fair enough, some pace and presence but a bit thuggish, he gets booked left, right and centre…

  863. patthegooner says:

    I guess so Rohan although I think there will be a lot of Gooners that would say no to Owen.

  864. Rohan says:

    yea we do have eduardo…..

  865. A says:

    pat i’ll take odds of 30-1 if you’ll give me that tenner rather than any bookie!!?

  866. SUGA3 says:

    we don’t need to buy any strikers, we’re stocked up in this department as it is ;-)

    all we need is a CDM, and that should be AW’s focus atm; apart from that we’re good to go…

  867. Coadsi says:

    I must say Valdano seems to be a truthful bugger so far. he spilt the beans on , Kaka, CR and KB even while their respective clubs were saying otherwise. he shoots from the hips and i respect that.

  868. patthegooner says:

    I take it you would say no to Owen then A?

    I think he is worth a gamble if Ade goes. Dont think we need another Ade type if he goes, we already have Nic, and I would rather Owen than Chamakh (who will be off to the ANC)

  869. A says:

    agreed suga3

  870. Rohan says:

    imo vela is better than a crocked owen…

  871. A says:

    Everytime pat, if I was a hull fan I’d be dubious about Owen…. His legs have completely gone, not just straight line speed, but in every way. I’d start Vela or Theo up front every time ahead of Owen, he’s completely done, and I’m praying Utd do sign him as a replacement for Tevez, though I reckon even if they do he won’t play much in the end

  872. A says:

    yeah agreed Rohan, even as Vela currently is, very raw and with alot of developing to do he’s better than Owen, watching Owen play last season was just an embarrassment, he should go to the states now to keep his career going and save himself embarrassment.

  873. SUGA3 says:

    agreed Rohan – I really rate Vela, I was gutted to see useless Diaby on the left wing rather than him…

    there were a few close-ups of him sitting on the bench and he wasn’t a happy bunny…

  874. Stu says:

    Owen does have an eye for a goal tho. Not that i want him, far from it but he does know how to score.

  875. SUGA3 says:

    PTG, we don’t need another crocked midget, we need some presence…

    still, I’d rather have Owen on pay-as-you-play deal rather than Chamakh who is utterly shite…

    if AW signs him, he’s lost it…

  876. A says:

    He won’t suga3, i don’t believe for a second he’s interested in the slightest, he’s either had his words twisted, or he’s just playing about with the media!

  877. choy says:

    even crocks already…

    please no owen

  878. Rohan says:

    owen should just settle down with those racehorses he has

  879. Stu says:

    A, i hope to fuck you are right. I trust the judgement of those on here and someone has said he is amoungst the worst strikers in the french league. Over exaggeration(sp) maybe but he must be shite for them to hate him that much.

  880. A says:

    I dunno about that stu, 8 in 28 last season isn’t that great, i’d rather have martin from newcastle than owen, but wouldn’t want either!

  881. A says:

    Absolutely no way it’ll be true stu. Wenger REALLY rated Bendtner, we currently have ade, vp, eduardo ahead of him, with vela coming through along with theo when he starts playing through the middle. If ade went, the only way Wenger would sign a forward is if he felt we needed or could get someone top top quality who would come in and play game in game out, he wouldn’t sign someone to just make up the numbers. If Benzema was available then maybe, but otherwise someone like Chamakh would never come in

  882. Stu says:

    If at all there is to be a replacement should Ade be sold then my vote goes to Pogrebnyak simply because he is cheap, experienced and proved (internationally)

  883. Stu says:

    Or Janko….

  884. Honest Bill says:

    Also if Wenger said “In my opinion, Adebayor will stay” Then i would be inclined to translate that as “If anyone can offer what i want, i’ll sell him”

    He would have probably gone to Milan but they didn’t wanna pay enough for him

  885. SUGA3 says:

    A,

    I really hope so – IF he was to sign someone who is THAT shite, then it would have to be taxi for Mr Wenger, I’m afraid…

  886. Stu says:

    But wat is enough Bill. I agree with your translation but how much does he want because consiering most fans want him gone and the poor season he just had then surely Wenger cant be asking for 30m again. 20m would be a good price imo.

  887. Honest Bill says:

    But i doubt Milan wanna pay 20 for him, they will no all about the problems the fans have with him, and that coupled with his dip in form last season probably saw Milan’s bid decrease slightly

  888. Honest Bill says:

    *know

  889. Stu says:

    Yeah i suppose, but its not like they dont have enough money. jey are loaded after selling Kaka. And if Leo wants him then the club should just get him.

  890. A says:

    Nah Stu – neither of them are good enough to come straight into the side ahead of vp and eduardo. We need someone who’d immediately be a class above, like Villa or Benzema, or noone.

    With regards to ade i’d take anything 15 mil or above, reckon wenger would try and get everything he could but be willing to sell for around that? Though maybe if noone was offering it’d end up being on deadline day

  891. Honest Bill says:

    I think we’re better off keeping Ade anyway personally

  892. A says:

    Depends how happy he is to play a bit part role Bill

  893. Stu says:

    IMO Ade isnt good enough to start and he is on too much money to be on the bench. So the solution i to sell him.

  894. Stu says:

    A, what is your opinion on Srna? I think he would be great for us but he probably isnt good enough at defending to displace Sagna there. Would you agree or disagree?

  895. Honest Bill says:

    I think Ade will be starting more games than not, if he stays that is

  896. Stu says:

    Ade doesnt deserve to start for a club like ours. It should be Eduardo up front everytime.

  897. Stu says:

    Hour long blog fart Bill. Real stinker!

  898. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    BARCELONA last night risked the wrath of Arsene Wenger by publicly tapping-up Cesc Fabregas.
    Barca president Joan Laporta admitted that he would love to sign the Arsenal skipper and blatantly invited Fabregas to demand a move to the Nou Camp.

    Fabregas is a product of Barca’s famed La Masia youth academy and the Catalan giants were furious when Gunners chief Wenger snatched him back in 2003 BEFORE the midfielder was offered a pro contract.

    Laporta said: “As I’ve said many times, Cesc has Barcelona in his DNA and I think that one day he should play for Barca.

    “We all like him very much — he’s always been in our thoughts.”

    Wenger will be despairing as, once again, a Spanish giant is openly courting his best player — this time it is Barca, more recently it was Real Madrid.

    The European champions are reluctant to pay the £40million Fabregas would cost but it is understood they would love to put one over bitter enemies Real Madrid, who have also targeted the Gunners star.

    Fabregas, 22, gave a controversial interview to Spanish news agency EFE last week in which he blasted Arsenal’s recent “impotence” when it comes to winning titles.

    He was later forced to go on Arsenal’s website and retract after The Sun published his interview in full.

    But the fact he gave the interview in the first place is a clear indication that he is uncomfortable at the club’s inability to challenge for major honours.

    Fabregas openly flirted with both Barcelona and Madrid and even admitted that his Catalan parents would understand if he joined Barca’s hated rivals Real.

    Good news for Wenger, though, is that he has tied up teen whizkid Jack Wilshere on a new long-term contract.

    Wales international Aaron Ramsey, 18, yesterday agreed an extension to his deal and Wenger has been quick to also secure the potential of Herts-born Wilshere, who has been with the club since he was just NINE years old.

    The England youth international signed pro terms when he turned 17 on New Year’s Day and became the youngest player to represent Arsenal in both the league and in European competition when making his first-team breakthrough last season.

    Wenger said: “It is great news that Jack has signed.

    “He made great progress last season and we all witnessed what a great young talent he is.”

  899. Stu says:

    Stekelenburg
    Steinsson Chyhrynskiy Juhasz Srna
    Barnetta Denisov Cana Trochowski
    Janko Pogrebnyak

    IMO Any of those players would improve us. Some more than others obviously and in different ways……but i struggled with some names because my mind is a little blank atm.

  900. [...] Matuidi, Inler and Cana are left. And I worked out where the money has gone. So after a day when Arsene Wenger is delighted that Aaron Ramsey has signed another long term deal to stay at the [...] [...]

  901. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    …… & meanwhile as the Spanish clubs carry on in their merry way trying to secure all of the top players in the world, by handing out over the top fees, Sep Blatter continues to attempt to derail the power of The PL, while turning a blind eye to the disgraceful goings on with barcalonely & Real Classless.

  902. Stu says:

    Im fucking sick of those spanish bastards tapping up our players. Havent they taken enough off us over the years ffs. And whats worse is that fifa or eufa never do or say anything about it.

    I bet if it was someone tapping up a spanish based player then Platini and Blatter would freak out and dish out really harsh punishments on prem clubs.

  903. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Stu

    IMO, we shouldn’t get bitter, we should get better. I hope that Cesc is just taunting Le Gaffer to go & spend. Some people are suspicious about outsiders moving into positions of power in The Club, but even if this happens, The Club will still be The Arsenal of North London. What might change is The Club might start winning more tropheys. Whats wrong with that.

    Don’t get bitter!! Get better!!

  904. ethangunner says:

    GG9

    no surprises there …

    ‘Laporta said: “As I’ve said many times, Cesc has Barcelona in his DNA and I think that one day he should play for Barca. ‘

    I know it , Spain know it , cesc’s feels it ..
    but the arsenal fans deny it …

    so doesn’t it make sense to sell this lad for maximum bucks whilst we still have the opportunity ?..

    (no more fuck ups like ade last season )

    50 mil for wenger to spend at this much needed time ??????? sell ade too and wenger can get 6 or so narsi style buys !

    i call it smart business ..
    1. we will probably never get the best years out of him .. those will be reserved for Spain, cesc will see to that that he moves prior to his prime , (or the start of it )
    2. in the current climate we will go another couple of years winning nothing due to poor recruitment/lack of funds ,and cesc will
    ask to leave and therefore the transfer fee will be halved …
    3. in all honesty since the departure of flamini / hleb cesc has been made to look average a lot of the time .. and he really isnt that greater leader on the pitch …

    He’s still a boy !

    i have this Ethan gutt feeling we need to sell him or our season will be lost .. ..

    this is not about me loving cesc , or hating him … its what i feel is best for the club ..
    and we need experience ..

    fresh faces to turn our 4th spot into title winners …

    like i said a long time ago … if you dont fear the ones above us in the table (which is stupid) then look below … because they are trying to even out the playing field and someone this season will seriously be gunning for 4th spot ..

    and our board dont take this threat seriously

  905. Stu says:

    Fucking love that!

    Don’t get bitter, get better! That shoud be he new logo for something///

  906. Stu says:

    Sorry Ethan, i get yur idea but i just couldnt condone selling Fabregas. Aside from being one of our few quality players there also remains the very possible situation that Wenger wouldnt spend the money we get.

    And if he did spend it then those players probably wouldnt have nearly the same level of class that Cesc has.

    I would be all for selling him for 40-50m if i was 100% sure that Wenger would re-invest it by buying 3 or 4 quality players. But we all know that wouldnt happen.

    However, i am all for selling Ade, whether or not he is directly replaced.

  907. Evo in Oz says:

    who is matuidi? never heard of him!

  908. Stu says:

    French left footed centre midfielder for St.Etienne. And he is about 5’9.

  909. A says:

    sorry stu, disappeared for a while. Dunno about srna, he’s quality but would cost a fair bit, and could be very dodgy defensively in the prem. I’d rather eboue be brought in for games where we needed another attacking dimension, or lansbury/coquelin start their first team careers out there

  910. Stu says:

    Thanks for answering A. I’d much rather Srna over Eboue any day but i suppose Eboue is already here.

    As for the youth back up next season. Coquelin i can understand but not Lansbury. I wouldnt want to see him anywhere but the middle of midfield.

  911. Evo in Oz says:

    ok no idea on matuidi from my side – i just want the next signing to come in ASAP

  912. ethangunner says:

    well thats what im for stu , selling him to get 4-6 quality players (if ade goes also )

    also cesc’s sale would be to public for wenger not to re-invest the money ..

    as much as those fuckin scrooges THE BOARD would love to get there hands on the cash im sure
    that it would be all to public for them to suck the 50 mil into the black hole …

    and i agree it would be no gain to lose your biggest asset and get nothing in return ..

    but im sure that wouldnt be the case !

    wenger could get several players worth 12.5 mil

    if ade wwnt for 20 – cesc – 50

    wenger could get 5-6 players of nasri’s/AA’s quality or above ..

    sure there would be down time , but bringing in ramsey – vela- nik b – theo – jack and delisong
    ISNT ??????

    no matter which way you look at it , Arsenal is still a year or 2+ off getting 11 experienced starting players on the pitch ..

    and as much as i think cesc is talented , im sure the second he becomes irreplaceable , he will want to leave ! it all adds up to years of down time , with only monetary gain at the end of it !!!!

    lets face it, its always been his intention to leave , and its got too the point that i want people who will grow with the team , if this is in fact what arsene is trying to achieve ..

  913. A says:

    Yeah stu i’d rather srna, but that’s why i said eboue, because he’s already here and although we could improve on sagna, it really isn’t a priority!

    Lansbury played right back a couple of times for the first team in last years pre season, I wouldn’t mind him playing there, do what gibbs did on the other side. In the end he’ll most likely be a centre mid, but currently there’s so much competition there he won’t get a look in for a good while yet!

  914. ethangunner says:

    i mean its sheer madness to want to sell cesc
    and not capitalize on enhancing the team ,

    it would be like selling the family car and not replacing it for a new car ..

    i mean naturally if we sell cesc, the board/wenger / fans should all expect that every single cent/pence is put into buying the correct personnel for the club ..

    you can see cesc’s loyalty is splitting , it started last year when hleb/flamini left and now im sure he is only here as he has painted himself into a corner, and we are all watching him under the microscope to see if he falters…

    i commend all your heart felt loyalties but the truth is im a little bit like wenger as far as i would sell your biggest asset to buy 4 long term replacements ..

    once this team has 11 fluid starters then ill start throwing the loyalty card around ,

    the only players id issue hands off warnings to is AA , gallas , jack , gibbs ,sagna …. Maybe theo ..

    all the rest for ”over the odd’s” silly money id listen to all offers !

    i would also sell half a dozen young ones ..
    like randall,eboue,senderos etc , who clearly wont make the grade ..

  915. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    oh by the way ethan, I read back through your post. Most enjoyable, & I must say I have to agree :)

  916. chiku says:

    24 hours late bt i have a sum to ask….. with the way madrid players get fed up with the club within 6-12 months, do u think we have a chance @ signing Benzema next year? he does have a LOT of competetion and least 2 sae living legend Raul who coincidently plays the exact same role he does…

    Are madrid still the same Raul Madrid or they are changing thier ways???

    still tink he will be transfer listed nex summer

  917. ethangunner says:

    if we dont bid on benzema NOW chiku we dont have a hope in hell of ever attaining him …

    if the Spanish big guns dont make any offers , he will then become a Man U or chev player ..

    then he’s as good as gone !

    cheers GG….

  918. ethangunner says:

    GG9 your turn now .. hook up with geoff for a sunday ‘ aussie extra’

  919. ikon says:

    We dont need Benzema, Ribery maybe, but Benzema nopes.

  920. ikon says:

    For all the commitment and love Cesc has shown in AFC I would want him to decide when to leave (or to stay forever) than us to drive him out or force him to stay.
    Every fucking respected club in the world does this. Manu with Scholes, giggs, Sojlskaer..
    Barca with Puyol
    Milan with Nesta, Maldini

    For people like Ade or Ronaldo the club should have just one thing in mind, get the maximum out of the player in his stay and after that.

  921. gooner-pak says:

    laporta di maa nu lun…..punjabi foul language (dick in laporta’s mother)
    Gashti maa da bacha (son of bitch)

  922. ethangunner says:

    oh yes commitment like going to Spain last season and visiting RM – Barca , we wouldn’t be copping this constant barrage of shit about cesc if he was 1000 % committed ..

    our opposition obviously can smell his weakness ,
    they know he wants to return home like a little mummys boy , the sooner we make way and sell him the sooner we will be able to look for a long term replacement ..

    its not like we don’t build the team around him !AND THE SECOND HE DECIDES TO GO HOME WE ARE SCREWED AGAIN !

    we dont barrack for cesc football club ..
    we i sure as shite dont , i look for the long term betterment of our club .. and i dont want our captains head to keep turning every 5 minutes ..

    if our captain is like this what does it do for the rest of the teams morale !
    ????

  923. Geoff says:

    Ethan I think the problem is there will always be players in the team the press will hound.

    They did it non stop with Vieira and Henry, they are doing it with Robin and Cesc, they have already started with Arshavin, they even did it with Jeffers when Rooney exploded onto the scene at Everton.

    I think it’s a fact of life, the trouble is the only player I can think of that was born in Islington is Joe Cole.

  924. patthegooner says:

    I sort of agree with you on this Ethan. I really would like Cesc to stay but,

    If we get a 50+m offer in for Cesc, I think we should accept it. I don’t think that money will ever be on the table again, so I would take it, but only if it is 50+.

    This time next year, Cesc will be the one that will say to Wenger that he wants to go and that puts the bargaining chips firmly in Barca’s hands and knowing Arsenal he will go for about 20 tops regardless of how good a season he has had, and it would not surprise me if there is a gentlemans agreement between Cesc and Arsene to go with that.

    If Cesc offered us a long term commitment (3 years+) then I would continue to build the club around him, but I very much doubt that is the case. I do admire Cesc’s honesty and love him as an Arsenal Player, but we are rebuilding and the Money for Cesc and Wengers shrewd purchasing could make us a very powerful outfit.

    Barca are not stupid though, I dont think that they have any intention of bidding this year, and I think their efforts are on Villa and Mascherano. They know that Arsenal will buckle and they will get Cesc on the cheap this time next year.

  925. ikon says:

    The problem will be ever present if our captain is not english. So you want Gibbs to be made captain NOW? EVER?
    People like Viera, Cesc even Gallas are leaders, and if some englishman comes along with even a 10 percent ability to motivate and lead like Tony Adams, then yes without a shadow of a doubt he will be our man.

    Until then just have faith in the captain we have. Its the club that has shown its faith in Cesc, and if we all so love the club as we profess, we must show a little faith in their faith.

    I myself see Ramsey taking over in the long turn if he stays. I really really like the boy.

  926. Geoff says:

    Pat Cesc has a longer contract than that already, it’s either 2014 or 2016, but it doesn’t matter, when a player wants out Wenger lets them.

    My fear if we ever sold him is the money would stay in the club.

  927. Franchise says:

    Wenger has also confirmed that he was tracking Karim Benzema before big-spending Real Madrid had a €35million (£30m) offer accepted for the Lyon striker.

    When asked which French players he admired, Wenger said: “There is one who interested me but he (Karim Benzema) left for Madrid.

    “I did not make of approach because I would never have thought that Lyon would sell this year.”

    Talk about slow motion 8O

  928. Geoff says:

    Great eh, where have we heard that before! Anyway, new post.

  929. stonroy says:

    Morning all. Geoff I don’t remember it ever being as bad as this for Viera and Henry. I’m not saying that it wasn’t consistent but now it seems like a full on barrage every few days. I believe there is truth to this, and I believe now is the time to get the highest price for him because;
    1) he will go home, he has said so and Viera and Henry never said that.
    2) The money will never be this good again
    3) If we go another year with rebuilding our club will be in major trouble as a global brand.
    We need to build a consistent team and I don’t believe Cesc is a part of that.

  930. Geoff says:

    New post all. New post.

  931. Asmo says:

    Can we flog all the younsters and OMG SIGN MESSY?

  932. chris says:

    ok fair enough cana is a full beast but he would be suspended for half the season, have you seen how reckless his tackles are?yea he has passion but can he pass?is he good technically?just because he’s vicious doesn’t mean he could cut the mustard.and as for naldo apparently he’s no better than senderos.as for bringing back reyes, hleb and flammini, i couldn’t agree more, whether you like it or note they did play well for us.

  933. Damian says:

    Wenger always spent before abromavich & then the stadium u realy think he wants to play Eboue instead of Ribery He wanted SWP to replace Fredie at the timew he was wirth 13+M he offered top dollar 15M to make sure he got him Abromavich payed 25M to make him a sub just to stop us so Wenger goes ok that wont work i have to find another way cause he knew add the stadium & ill have even less cash

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