The naysayers of UK football often criticise lower league teams for not playing in the spirit of the game. Today was a fine demonstration of why the tactic of playing ‘football’ against better teams is a flawed policy.
Blackpool were embarrassing. Without meaning to be derogatory, they looked like a group of Sunday league players and they played in a similar fashion. A bump back to reality after a dream start against Wigan.
There were too many goals to talk about so instead, I’ll just give you my overall opinion of the game.
Our football was fluid and there were some special performances.
Theo looked like a man possessed. He clearly wanted to prove to me that he had fire in his belly and boy did he deliver. His decision making in the final third was a touch dodgy but his finishing was excellent as was his power and desire. I was hugely impressed by his hunger.
Chamakh also impressed. He was given far more service today which allowed him to run at people and bring others into the game. He’s Adebayor with a touch and raw hard work. He missed some sitters but he tested the keeper and never let his head drop. His headed goal from a piss poor Robin corner was more than deserved and I honestly believe we have signed a gem.
Jack deserved his place in the starting line up. One mistake against Liverpool didn’t merit being benched and without ever taking it to Blackpool, he impressed with his short passing and aggression. He’ll be an asset later in the year and I’m chuffed he’s been included this year.
I told everyone Friday Song would be at the back which I think is a very irritating decision. He’s either a DM or a centre back. If he’s our best DM, don’t play him at the back because he is very error prone. I wasn’t enamoured with his performance today.
Diaby showed some superb skill today and bagged a goal. If he can make the jump this year, he could be a real power house this year.
Cesc came on to rapturous applause but looked very mute about it. Maybe that’s him… he didn’t look pleased to be there.
Talking of being there, the attendance was shocking for an opener. Massive gaps in club level, massive gaps in the normal seats and gaps so big in the boxes, my chum told me Arsenal should force people in corporate to sit in their seats!
Anyway, a great game, super result… lets build on that and smash Blackburn in their own back yard!
Ratings
Almunia: Looks like a man on death row. Dealt with everything adequately today, made one howler with a drop kick which was met with crowd derision. 6
Sagna: Made a great assist and generally harranged the Blackpool full back all game. 7
Vermaelen: Not much to do, dealt with everything with passion and drive. He’d be a great captain. 7
Song: His imaginary friend is back and I felt Arsene let him down today by putting him in a foreign position. He’s a DM or a centre back… not both. 5
Clichy: Had good game today, hope he can have a blinder this year. 6
Diaby: I thought he played really well. His passing was good, he was great taking the ball around players and he bagged a goal. 7
Wilshere: Kept it simple and nearly popped up with a goal. He’s gonna be a great player, glad he was given a second chance today. 7
Rosicky: Couldn’t remember him playing really. He brings people into the game, but he needs to offer a bit more product for me. 6.5
Arshavin: I think he is very lazy but I still love him. Wish he’d pull his socks up and track back occasionally. 5
Chamakh: Great work rate, dodgy finishing at time… but will be a good signing for us. 7
Walcott: All over the place, looked like a £60k a week player today. Excellent hatrick! 9
united always seem to have things going in their favour. its nothing new really
The ref tried to give the match to the Mancs
manure 2-2..haha
MAncs get so many OGS dey have named it
OWNGOALINHO!!
I think dats wat creativity their midfield brings.We should play high intensity 4-5-1 against them
you could say we’ve had alot in our favour first 2 games as well.
2 sendings off, an own goal and a pen that was outside the area…
U can win wid kids but not anything with berbatov said one manure fan!!
Funny how we haven’t been linked to Hangeland much this summer, he’s quality with Premiership experience.
Sketelenberg is cup tied? i thought there is always a provision for one cup tied player? i heard from a good source that schwarzer failed his medical yesternight…..already he will have another one within the week…i can remember, arshavin also failed his first medical wen he was about to be signed. fingers crossed wenger is really working on new players although he is too secretive to my liking
Yeah those rumours of a failed medical are all over Twitter and Ian Darke apparently said on a foreign commentary stream he had failed it, Old knee injury is the rumour Hope they’ve got a second choice otherwise we are up shit creek without a paddle, Saying that it’s not alot of money and there is no re sale value anyway so they may chance it, Cracking game this arvo!
i wonder how a player could fail the first medical but pass the second, strange
Thansk SuperGunner, I found it a bit strange that a player wanted by so many top clubs would go to Fulham
Pat says:
August 22, 2010 at 18:26
Thansk SuperGunner, I found it a bit strange that a player wanted by so many top clubs would go to Fulham
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He does have a good left foot, he physically caned Gibbs last season.
Belgium should be a real force in coming years.
Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Kompany, Fellaini, Witsel, Defour, Hazard, Dembele.
Thats the basis of a great team.
I’m pretty sure it was Mangala who injured Gibbs.
Guys that guy Vidic is motherfucking cheat. In the world cup did u see howhe caught the ball against Ghana. The mediab always big him up but he is a dirty cheat. The fucker always grabs handful of jersies and get away with it.
If the refs actually called Manure games fairly they would lose a lot points. Manure get 10+ points every seasom from bad calls and another 6 or so from own goals recently.
They are in truth a 70 point team. I fuckng hate them. I can’t wait to see them fall and go thru a very long drought.
Marko says:
August 22, 2010 at 18:35
I’m pretty sure it was Mangala who injured Gibbs.
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Yep
If your unfit at the medical END OF. Bollocks for a second one . Get pat fucking jennings ,bob fucking wilson or Big Dave fucking seaman in for fuck sake this is a joke . Wenger knows what we know .what he has is proper shit or young . Give me the gloves il play for five grand a week. BRING BACK LEHMAN. Hands up.. I used to slate him but fuck me, he beats all WE GOT hands down.
Blackburn away will be a very, very hard game. They dominated Birmingham at their place and we know how good Blackburn are at home, especially against the top 4.
Will be tougher than the LPool game because they will pressure a lot more
just seen hansons comments
what a cunt, fair play to lineker tho.
I think Hanson ot it pretty much spot on.
Its up to Theo to prove him wrong.
SAF ignored BBC interview again. Curious to see how he’ll be punished
nani dosent look like that skinny shit player anymore …they did it with ronaldo also ..why our coaching staff cant do it …
What do people think of a cheaky bid for Robinho for £20m, I know wage will be difficult, but what say you?
that is some shit,bollocks,cunt,not getting m.s now because he failed a medical,we are fucked with the clowns we have got in goal,,,,major trouble for us.
SAF doesn’t deal with the BBC he hasn’t for years. on what Hanson said he’s right to a degree, look we all know how inconsistent Walcott can be and he’s got his critics especially on this blog but it must be remembered as well that he’s still only 21 and he’s not the finished article by any stretch. He’s gonna get better and better. Some want it now but it doesn’t happen overnight.
I am not shocked by Charmark’s finishing on the floor but other part of his good enough. With coaching his finishing on the floor will improve.
Hey Santino we didn’t do it with Song or Fab no? Or can you not see players improvements. On Robinho fuck no the guy doesn’t give a shit about nothing. When 20 million could get us Adler, Inler or Hazard I say fuck Robinho.
even with a bad back,neck,knee schwarzer is still 10 times better then the clowns we have got.
I’d still have Hangeland…he would cost money though and we won’t pay.
He didn’t have the best of games, let Vidic get in twice almost on corners but there is a calmness about him we lack. Everyone argues about pace but he is surely faster then ol’Sol and no one saw that as a huge weakness in the right matchups. Besides he has a good enough pass on him for fulfilling Wengers obsession with ball playing CBs.
Oh and the calm walk up to set the wrong right on the corner himself was terrific stuff.
Who is going to take points off Chelsea this year? If we can stop Drogba we can do some damage but that’s a huge IF.
Relax I’m sure he’s on the way. And if he failed another then we’ll probably go for Given on loan.
Marko
He hasnt got better between 16 & 21, i think thats the worry.
I used to defend him more than anyone, but the “hes only 17″ became “hes only 18″ and “hes only 19″ and “hes only 20″ and now its “hes only 21″.
Jesus Chelsea beat a piss poor Wigan and a dire West Brom and people can’t see them dropping points. Let’s just throw in the towel
Horrible idea about Robiniho. He is still living off his name in your mind it seems. A petulant inconsistent player who only plays for himself.
Robinho is absolutely world class….when he wants to be.
Not sure we need him, but id love to have him.
Hey I get frustrated with him too Gambon and like I said before lets give him this season to prove not only his ability but whether he can stay injury free and if there’s no improvement then lets bring in Hazard and try to get 10 mill for him. In fairness his progress has been hampered by his constant injuries like his shoulder which he got from his father.
Walcott has had two very inconsistent years of development. That’s not an excuse.
Nothing about throwing in the towel, besides you may need it later wanker.
A bit touchy no. You don’t think anybody can beat Chelsea? Just asking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLHDzqTKajM&feature=player_embedded
Last I checked only we’ve been invincible…
Like I said, if we can get a hold of Drogba we can take em. Plus the season is so long and unpredictable who knows who does damage. My hopes are City takes points off Chelsea and Utd. Maybe the Magpies can hit em for a sixer at home too.
skysports transfer clockwatch reckons chelsea are putting in a bid for sergio ramos worth about 40 million euros. couldnt see mourinho letting him go
That’s just Roman getting some back for Jose looking at Cashley, taking Carvalho and unsettling Drogba.
haha that video is hilarious
If Liverpool get some form going and keep Torres fit then I see them taking points from Chelsea and United.
WOW, Villa took a pounding! 6-0. Shocking!
chozzer
Heh!
4 surgeons are taking a tea break:
1st surgeon says “Accountants are the best to operate on because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.”
2nd surgeon says “Nope, librarians are the best. Everything inside them is in alphabetical order.”
3rd surgeon says “Well you should try electricians. Everything inside them is colour coded.”
4th surgeon says “I prefer Tottenham fans. They’re heartless, spineless, gutless and their heads and a**es are interchangeable.”
Not sure if any one has mentioned this, but these player ratings are very harsh
Was Rosicky even playing?!!
squillaci medical 2moro… its on seville official website
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.sevillafc.es/&ei=KXNxTOvyLpOe4QaHwpyFCw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsevilla%2Bfc%2Bofficial%2Bwebsite%26hl%3Den
Yep certainly is,
Fee must be agreed, medical tomorrow.
Ah well, no Ciani unfortunately, but Squillaci is better thn Silvestre ever was, even if he did play in Italia90.
do you rate him gambon?
Kingsley
Not hugely, but as far as back up Cbs go hes good. I wouldve preferred a first choice to come in and Koscielny to be a backup while he gets used to the prem.
Well he isnt really replacing Silvestre but yeah, he is a good signing if he passes his medical.
Odd that they would tell the world about Squillacis medical with us because if he fails it he will be “stuck” at Sevilla after trying to leave…just like Schwarzer.
I think its pretty easy to pass a medical eh?
Gambon
make a cheeky chant for Squillaci
Just say that M.Berg scored twice for PSV. Is that the swedish Berg that was at Hamburg or is it just a coincidence that they have the same initials?
Stu
Theyre just being open with their fans, something our regime could learn from.
Has la liga started btw?
Not easy for Schwarzer apparently Choy.
I also seem to remember Viera failing a medical a few years ago before signing for Villareal. Our medicals must be tougher than others.
So Squillaci it is. Certainly not a bad signing. Will compete with kos for that #1 spot.
Anyone else watching PSG-GdB?
Its pretty easy at Arsneal choy.
Rosicky & Van Persie did it!! Or got doubles to do it for them!
I like the Villareal keeper Lopez.
If we do sign Squillaci which “nickname” will Jag choose? Squillashit or Shitaci? WHat do ye think?
Ciani just got a yellow. Don’t know for what though
Anyone else notice Cesc walk off on his own at the end of the match and wave (goodbye?) to the crowd.
squillashit definitely – has a certain ring to it!
I think Jaguar is Irish. Might explain his hate towards the French
Stu
Anyone know why Juve are playing Milan in a friendly?
perhaps he waved (thanks) to the crowd for such a wonderful reception after the summer we’ve had.
He was off to the shower.
Stu
hahaha. The latter.
At least we didn’t wait until end of the transfer window to make a decent signing, and i think deep down when we saw how much money Wenger paid for Kozzer we all knew he would be first choice.
He must bulk up certainly though.
At least we have 3 competent defenders now, with semi-crock Djourou as some form of back up or something with Song to fit it. Lest get Given and give this team a real chance of trophies.
Not much Prem experience in our CB’s now if Squillaci passes his medical, could be tough season if they don’t adapt quickly or we suffer from injuries in that area.
LAzer @19:01, there is absolutely no chance that Hangeland is faster than Sol, even at Sols current age. Sos is a beast and despite his size was as fast as most forwards. Hangeland is definitely slower than average imo.
Hangelaand plays in a deep line, which makes all the difference in the world. He’d get slaughtered if he came to Arsenal, especially when we play a team from Spain in the CL. High line + fast, technical players = showing Hangelaand as a very, very limited defender.
A man arrives at the gates of heaven, where St Peter greets him and says, “Before I can let you enter I must ask you what you have done in your life that was particularly good.”
The man racks his brains for a few minutes and then admits to St Peter that he hasn’t done anything particularly good in his life.
“Well,” says St Peter, “have you done anything particularly brave in your life?”
“Yes, I have,” replies the man proudly.
St Peter asks the man to give an account of his bravery.
So the man explains, “I was refereeing this important match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield. The score was nil-nil and there was only one more minute of play to go in the second half when I awarded a penalty against Liverpool at the Cop end.”
“Yes,” responded St Peter, “I agree that was a real act of bravery. Can you perhaps tell me when this took place?”
“Certainly,” the man replied, “about three minutes ago.
Stu says:
August 22, 2010 at 20:23
LAzer @19:01, there is absolutely no chance that Hangeland is faster than Sol, even at Sols current age. Sos is a beast and despite his size was as fast as most forwards. Hangeland is definitely slower than average imo.
–
Spot on, Sol has incredible gene, remember him out-sprinting G.Bale. Only problem for him is turning quickly which has worse because of his up & down weight gain/loss.
im happy enough with the frenchman. i think we need to get rid of djourou now though and get sombody who wont get injured every second game. maybe promote nordveit?
I agree kev but there is so much change already happening in defence. Even if JD is a crock and unlikely to play much it still might be a bad idea to let him go and promote from within.
If we could replace him with Ciani then that would be idea….but never gonna happen.
Ugh!!! WHy it italian football so boring! The players are technically good and such so why are they so dull?
http://www.sevillafc.es/_www/actualidad.php?op=not&id=18304
Squilacci Fee agreed. Medical Tomorrow
oh yeah i know there probably wont be any more changes – just wishful thinking! i really want to see a decent keeper now then ill be fairly happy. i enjoyed watching nordveit in the EC was really hoping to see him in the middle at some stage. maybe hell get a starting spot in the centre in the carling cup
Kushagra
Haahahahaahha.
so the squilla is coming
seems like a good signing.
keeper and a cheeky surprise now please arsene.
Has that senile cunt Jaguar been on today?
a keeper would be a cheeky surprise
Ciani just cut out a certain goal.
This is England,
Jaguar on today?
What just after a 6-0 stroll in the park with half the Stadium singing “there’s only one Arsene Wenger”? Doubtful. Very doubtful.
Peter Walton….how do you sleep at night?
I have a feeling the cheeky supprise might be a DM.
p sp
Pat
Have you ever thought our high line may not be the best way to play.
In theory its all good, but we dont have the midfield or attack to play it.
I bet Fergie stopped laughing with the assistant ref when Nani Missed that Penalty.
What a disgrace!
so were wasting 5 million on an injury prone player
Micky i must admit i didnt join in with that singing,we need a bit more proof yet,however i did have a little smile to myself thinking how some on here would react to it.
Wasn’t it Ciani or Sebastien?
Now that Sevilla has given in, I doubt we will be getting Ciani, now its time for a keeper and then in January we evaluate again.
This is England,
Exactly how I reacted!
For me, there is a week of the window to go!
you need more proof TIE? I googled it and I only found One Arsene Wenger
I think we lack a threat down the left. Not happy with the Clichy/Arshavin axis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utUyha0wjSE&feature=player_embedded
Great piece of skill by Flamini. Made Chiellini look like a proper twat!
six you lost me there
Whatever the oppositon, it was a damn good day out.
Thats about the 10th time someone has posted that typical convo with an arsenal fan video. Its shit! WHy does everyone post it?
*with a spud fan. Same difference.
Quick question.
I want to get the new Arsenal kit, but what if I wanted to customize it? I want to buy it from the Arsenal USA store online. (Would love the Fab4 one, but whats the point if he may not stick around)
Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin has called for calm from his team-mates and fans following the 6-0 win over Blackpool.
Arshavin scored in the victory and was instrumental in the team’s attacking fluency throughout, but believes a team of Arsenal’s calibre should be able to win big against the smaller teams of the league.
The Russian pointed also to Chelsea’s 6-0 wins against West Brom and Wigan in the first two games of their season.
He said: “It’s just a victory. It’s just three points. In order to fight for the championship, we should beat such teams. By the way, Chelsea also scored six against Wigan.
“We have a very important game against Blackburn. We should win in order to leave without any worries for a break caused by the participation of the players in the national teams.”
Arshavin is also determined for the team to beat Blackburn, having suffered a disappointing defeat at Ewood Park at the end of last season.
The forward admits that defeat is still fresh in the mind, saying: “This will give confidence to the team. In addition, we haven’t forgotten about the defeat against Blackburn at the end of the last season.”
The 29-year-old added that he was pleased to get on the scoresheet at the Emirates, but admits he was surprised to see himself as the first choice penalty taker.
He explained: “Before the match Arsène wrote a list of our penalty kick takers. My name was the first one.
“Frankly, I do not remember the last time I took a penalty. I guess it was five or six years ago.
“I am glad that I managed to score a goal – my first official goal this season.”
TIE
there is no one else named Arsene Wenger. Hence only one Arsene Wenger
Fuck me i must be tired six
wtf…. so wenger just put arshavin as pen taker for the hell of it?
Stu thats the first time i have watched it, hilarious.
dear geoff/pedro
arsenal will sign sebastien squillaci from sevilla for £5.4 million pounds subject to medical.
source (translated below form sevillas website)
http://www.sevillafc.es/_www/actualidad.php?op=not&id=18304
please can you publish this tomorrow in your post and don’t froget my name (ismaeel/ish)
(you herd it here first)
ismael
Did you hear that Elvis died?
You heard it here first.
Out of interest TIE, whats funny about it?
ismaeel
We heard hours ago.
Gambon when the bloody hell did Elvis die? please tell me its not true.
Why doesnt Fergie speak to motd? The specific reason, not just “because he’s a miserable twat”
ismael..
sorry to burst your bubble..but pedro tweeted tht news some time back..and it is not as exclusive as u think…
TIE
I know, i know…im all shook up aswell.
Stu
I think they did a story on his son’s dodgy dealings so he boycotts them
Actual Ismeal some guy called Isaac was on earlier and told us.
…and so it began.
Pft! WHat a fucking bitch he is then Bill. He should be forced to do the interviews like the other managers.
Hahahaha. Amazing. ‘Elvis has left the building’………………..
and Isaac begat G Star
QoS LOL!
On the 3rd day god made footballrumours.co.uk – closely followed by G STAR.
Not a bad signing at all. Add in Schwarzer and hopefully someone else before the window closes and it’ll of been a good transfer window. There were some rumours the other day about Montolivo and then in the news papers this morning so maybe hopefully there’s some truth in that.
just remembered my Man U supporting footy coach when i was about 7… he actually refused to train us when we beat man u because i was taking the piss out of him… wow mancs are pathetic
So the king is dead,oh well i’m just left with Jade Goody then.
Wait for him to pass the medical and sign first Marko, then you can say he’s a good signing and move onto the next one.
TIE
Ot’s a good job Lord Lucan’s still here for you to depend on
So has anyone seen this Squilaci fella then?
I’m assuming it’s not the old codger who scored past Ireland in Italy?
Bill dont talk to him anymore.Gave him a lift to the seaside once,never heard from him after that ungratefull cunt.
TIE.
Oh really? I’d go ask Jimmy Hoffa where he is if I were you
Bill here’s some pics of squiddly
http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ACPW_enGB359GB359&q=squiddly%20diddly&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1345&bih=527
how funny. Ismael. HERD it here first
TIE.
I think he’d make a great shot stopper
Looks like he can head a ball
useful attribute in his position
Medicals psft he’ll pass it. So the Montolivo rumours yeah or neah?
who is montilivo??
doubt it Marko.
Big Jack’s emergence. i think, will convince Wenger that another midfielder is unnecessay
Montolivio is a bit slight aint he. And we already have too many AMFs as it is.
MOTD announce that Squillaci is due to have a medical. Ismaeel must be their only informant.
Another attacking midfielder Bill. We could still do with adding a defensive one..
Well I’d like him, prefer Asamoah or Inler.
I agree Stu, just can’t see us getting one
So thats the CB covered, I don’t suppose we’re getting in another defender.
A GK and we’re done?
I think Wenger hinted a few more last minute signings?
We will sign Squillaci & Schwartzer.
Hopefully a CM late in the window, a ‘marquee signing’.