Doesn’t that feel refreshing? Waking up one day in August without a metaphorical cloud over your Arsenal head?
Last night was a game that I was seriously worried about. I don’t ever dread games. This was a game that I not only dreaded, I almost feared. We’ve been on a horrible run this season (back date the run to February), we’ve been battered by suspensions, player exits, poor form and a lack inbound players. If we’d flunked out last night, that really could have set the tone for an awful season.
The line up was pretty bold from Wenger. He brought Frimpong into the fold, something many Arsenal fans wanted to see, but an inclusion many might have been shy about admitting they wanted in public. He sat just in front of the defence, giving Alex Song a little more freedom in front to make things happen creatively in front (I know, like letting Stephen Hawking paint your front door). A bit of an odd decision you have to say. Up top, our front three looked very scary. Theo for his pace, Gervinho for his trickery and Robin for his experience.
We started very brightly, we had 2 attempts on goal inside the first 2 minutes. Gervinho bounded into the box, cut across goal and the keeper had to intercept, moments later Theo smashed a shot at the goal forcing a parry.
Udinese weren’t going to shrink away into the night, Di Natale showed us he meant business when he cooly finished from an offside position. The play was end to end, it was a real slog fest, proper European football.
Udinese forced a couple of solid saves from Chezzer before hitting the post from a poorly executed downward header.
Frimpong was doing a good job guarding the midfield. He’s fierce in the tackle and he was making some superbly timed interceptions. He’s pretty much everything you want in a modern day footballer. He’s fast, aggressive, has a natural love for playing the game. Alex Song could learn a lot from the young Englishman’s attitude (He’s been selected for the England U21′s).
Our best chance of the half came when Gervinho worked his way into the box, cut back on his full back, slipped Theo in for an 8 yard tap in, he hit the keeper, Robin slammed the rebound into an Udinese defender. Great opportunity missed…
Di Natale was entertaining to watch, he was more stereotypical Italian than a pot of Dolmio wearing a latex puffa jacket. His movement was amazing and the effort he was putting in was commendable.
He showed his worth when he slipped off the shoulder of an unaware JD, Pinzi picked out his run with a floated pass, the Italian guided a looping header back over Chezzer into the top corner. A goal of pure quality. Absolutely stunning. Shocking though, that a player of that height is winning balls in our box…
There was another chance for Vermaelen to fluff a front post clearance, luckily for us, Udinese didn’t have their shooting boots on.
Arsenal were in trouble. We weren’t looking creative and we now had to chase a game. Wenger threw on Tomas Rosicky and sacrificed Frimpong (boooo). What a decision though. The Czech immediately changed the game by moving the ball around with more pace and directness.
We had a freekick that was missed by everyone in the box, JD perfecting the downward jump to evade the ball. Theo tried to place a 32 yard shot which was ambitious. Things were getting tense. Wenger cracked open a fresh bottle of Italian mineral water, you feared for that bottle, you truly did.
He needn’t have worried, Gervinho sauntered into the Udinese box again, he cut back, Rosicky flew over the ball, knowing that Robin was behind him to bang it home. It felt like job done, they’d need 2 more goals to win. Not impossible, but a tough task all the same.
Down the other end, the referee blew up for a very dubious Vermaelen handball in the box. Penalty. This wasn’t what we needed. I had faith though, Di Natale stepped up, he smashed the ball high and right, Chezzer scrambled across, threw a hand up at the very last moment and some how tipped the ball over the bar! A quite incredible save. In fact, the best penalty save I’ve ever seen an Arsenal keeper make, yep, better than Seaman against Sampdoria! Unbelievable.Lady Mental Belief was on our side tonight, there was no way we’d let this slip.
Theo was involved in the action again, he played a one two with Sagna and he was off, he danced into the box and smashed home near post. Game over, job done, we were through to the next round of the Champions League.
Thursdays from now on, are known as Spursdays.
Don’t forget that when you’re enjoying a few after work relaxing drinks tonight and your Spurs supporting mates have to slip off because their team are playing the Cardinal Harriers in Estonia.
Conclusion
Under the circumstance, last night was a fantastic result. We’ve taken a battering this week losing players and picking up injuries. For such an inexperienced team, a response like last night was refreshing. In the end, we created plenty of chances, had plenty of shots and came away with the result. There were positive performances from Frimpong in the first half and Alex Song in the second. I thought Jenkinson did very well for someone so green… Eboue who I found myself asking?
Up top, I was really impressed with Gervinho. He looked much sharper tonight. He’s not afraid to hit the line, he loves taking on players and he’s not shot shy. That sort of play can be contagious. It gives other players the confidence to express themselves. Theo Walcott, despite the goal, didn’t really do it for me. Sure he’s fast, but his final ball and his finishing really can be dreadful at times. Hopefully if we can keep him fit for an extended period he can shake that rustiness out of his games. Robin Van Persie looked good. He takes more of a lead role with the team and for once, it feels like we have a captain who won’t be soft. He’s Dutch… naturally outspoken, naturally fiery.
Midfield for me is still a bit of a problem. Aaron Ramsey is a superb talent but he looked lost at times last night. His natural position isn’t as a creator, that’s why he looks like he’s struggling at times. Rosicky came on and made a real difference, but, like Sol Campbell, you’re going to have to accept he doesn’t have the engine for a full season. He needs to be rested between games now otherwise he’ll have a break down. We desperately need inspiration and it has to come from an external source…
Arsene Wenger looked very down after the game despite the win. All he’d say on players is that Arsenal have worked very hard this summer. It doesn’t sound promising and I’d be very surprised if we managed to bring in more than two players before the window shuts. Regardless of the win last night, that squad is incredibly weak. How could it not be? It was weak last season with two of the best midfielders in the world at its heart. Don’t do what Arsenal fans do every year… take one win as vindication that we’ll be challenging for the title. This squad needs work and everyone at the club would tell you that… let’s hope Wenger sees it the same way.
Manchester United are up next. They’ll offer a far more solid challenge. We’ll take confidence into that game, sadly not three of our stand out performers from last night as they’re suspended. Apparently, Vermaelen is also injured as well. Still, the good news is, we have £100million to spend. There’s no Champions League loss to mourn. We live to fight another season in limelight!
Well played Arsenal, you done us all proud last night!
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I’d prefer Hazard and Martin/Douglas Costa but Kaka wouldn’t be bad he probably needs a run of games and to feel loved to get back his mojo
Kaka was world player of the year before all the injuries kicked in.. Since he’s joined madrid he’s been a crock & jose’s wants no part of him.
Im supprised you of all ppl is supporting this signing…. I think ppl are expecting a bergkamp type mini miracle turn-around.
That Hazard article translates literally as this:
(Gotta love the bit about the pipes..)
Arsenal transmitted in vain an offer of thirty million euros for the attacker inhabitant of Lille Eden Hazard which already agreed with Gunners. A new proposal for a thirty-five million euros is in approach.
As we made it clear it to you previously, Arsenal has just formulated a proposal for a thirty million euros for the international attacker Belgian Eden Hazard (20 years), whose contract expires in June 2015, but without success. A new proposal for a thirty-five million euros is in the pipes.
According to our information, the Red Devil was already put on agreement with Gunners on the conditions of a future lease. Concern is palpable side of the club of president Michel Seydoux.
Kaka. funny how it works.. we want to take a former world player on loan and RM want us to take him permanently! (reportedly!). FFS bite their hand off!
Can you imagine the feeling his presence alone would mean to Frimpong and others lining up along side him?
His wages at RM are about 150K. I think we could offer him something close to that although I’m not sure now the tax differs in Spain.
Do the deal please!
Right, off for the night. Hopefully I wake up and we’ve signed someone. Doubt it though! See you grovers later.
Lambertii@hotmail.com says:
August 25, 2011 at 23:09
If we sign Kaka and Hazard (and a CB…), I will forgive Arsene in an instant and at the same time cream my keks.
It won’t happen though.
———-
me too. we’ll see, I leave the benefit of surprise and doubt to Wenger and the board to surprise us in the next 7 days on the transfer front.
Ricky: Sneijder is pretty much the same as Kaka in that matter…
We need experience. On and off the field. Doesnt matter injury wise, any player we get ends up with an injury.
night 2 Grovers
Is this dude seriously not buying anyone?!!
As for Kaka, intypical Brazilian style he has peaked too soon and that peak didn’t last long.
Ronaldinho, Romario, Rivaldo, Robinho etc etc etc, they are all the same. Plus, Kaka’s main asset was his pace, the ability to go on a mazy run. That asset is now gone.
Can’t believe some of you want him. If Madrid’s doctors cant fix, you expect our notoriously SHIT med staff to do so?
Pffffft.
Unbelievable, how can you not be happy with Kaka??? Arsenal fans are so strange sometimes….
Friday has got to be a signing day,hopefully a centre half.
Dutch
Its not unbelievable. He’s done. Has Mourinho somehow become a moron that sells his most effective players?
kaka and jack in the middle would be top draw and imagine hazard on the left
no chance though
not with our policy
£60m to spend and Wenger’s priority is still a loan signing
Money burning a hole but Arsenal’s first move is temporary deal for 30-year-old Marseilles midfielder
says it all really…
Kaka??
Hazard??
Seriously???
I dont want Kaka if he is not committed
I dont want Hazard if he is coming here to further his career like some in the past
We need players as committed as Frimpong, Wilshere and Rambo.
We are chokers no more. Arshavin, Van Persie, Diaby, Chamakh stand up and be counted.
“now we are in it with absolutely no chance of winning it.”
total troof right up there see it!!!! listen to this guy. We have no chance of winning. Why would someone enter a tournament they know they aren’t going to win???? ARSEnHOLE is a shit3 club and laughable
“i just made a nice sandwich today.”
http://www.tribalfootball.com/brazilian-madrid-kaka-spotted-stansted-airport-ryan-air-flight-arsenal-mega-transfer
Gambon -
U never answered my nasri answer to you…answer it or ill fuck you up
Geoff -
Dont dare ban anyone for free speech u fucking cunt – just reading thru some of your fucking posts – who the fuck do u think u cunting are u cunt – alot of people write far more interesting shit than you do, and most of the time its far more horny and sexual so fuck off with your i’ll ban your “ip” threats coz thats easily resolved …you cunt….youre acting like wenger with that kinda fuckin shit
Im sure Lurch will jump in with a …”nnnngggghhhh”
but most retards need to make noise so i await that with glee.
i love when i write a few posts and read them back to myself, sometimes naked, sometimes not, sometimes laugh, sometimes not, the opposite of cold, is a word called hot, when i drink tequila, i drink it in a shot, i smoke cigars, but i prefer pot, blaaaaaaah…..
I don’t know whether to believe anything anymore, just 5 days left we need signings but panic buys are no good.
We are a big club that should be aiming higher.
hmm..no signings yet as hinted??…haihhhhhhhhhh
A very unscientific formula here based on First Team players on Arsenal.com other than the two listed on loan, and leaving out Campbell, Miyaichi, Chamberlain and Bartley who we need to see in some more first-team games first.
Very Satisfied 3 points, Satisfied 2 points, Ambivalent 1 point, Sell them 0 points
Very Satisfied (9 players): Szczesny, Sagna, Van Persie, Verm, Kos, Wilshere, Gervinho, Frimpong, Song
Satisfied (5 players): Gibbs, Jenkinson, Walcott, Ramsey, Djourou
Ambivalent: (10 players) Diaby, Arshavin, Rosicky, Traore, Bendtner, Fabianski, Mannone, Lansbury, Eastmond, Chamakh
Sell Them: (2 players) Squillaci, Almunia
Total Points 47. Total Players 27. Average Score 1.74
This puts me as closer to satisfied with the squad than ambivalent, but not satisfied yet. If Miyaichi, Chamberlain and Campbell shine and we bring in 2-3 quality recruits along with the departures of Squill, Almunia and Bendtner, then the score would start pushing 2.5 which I think is title contending.
Gambon’s score will probably be between 10-20 based on his comments.
gambon has another couple of categories:
chop off nuts (-1 point)
execute (-3 points)
#TeamCJenks
I think a loan deal for Kaka would make sense, with a buy clause. The last thing we need is another crock on a ridiculous salary.
Off the pitch as well, he would be a tremendous signing: a great role model (despite being a God-botherer0, a winner and a nice guy all round.
tough to tell at the moment , though, if he is finished as a footballer. I hope not.
And I’m not sure who I feel more sorry for: Adebaywhore or the Spuds. Perhaps it is a marriage made in heaven. He should find it easier to shine in the UEFA cup this season, or whatever they call it now.
Fuck it!!! Just freaking buy Kaka………don’t care if he is injury prone or past it. Buy Hazard and a CB and a LB. Signing M’villa is a bonus but not the most needed.Its so fucking boring seeing the same players over and over again
BORING BORING ARSENAL
I don’t think we need M’villa unless of course we got shot of Song cause we got Frimpong. I wouldn’t mind him as he can control the game but a left back,cb and playmaker is much needed.
guys…dont hope for new signings..wenger aint gonna sign anyone..,
haha the same players? we keep selling our best ones every year and bringing in young ones.
Actually, I know what you mean. It IS boring seeing the same crocks turning out and underperforming. And we seriously need an influx of new blood. Someone whose names we all want on the back of our shirts…Schweinsteiger or Kaka would be great.
Though, the issue with Kaka is that he could be finished as a footballer. We haven’t got the money to risk on that.
What we are starting to see, however, is some passion and fight coming from the team. and the fans will respond in turn. Just 3 or 4 key signings and we will all be 100% behind the manager again, I’m sure.
Did we really bid 6 million for Cahill? Is there any truth to this low ball offer?
Moray- Yep buddy thats the thing. I love this new group of players full of heart and passion. But we do need some new players to compete.
I agree with you on Kaka. I think this if happens would be a big gamble but who actually is available?? Thats the problem.
I just don’t get Wenger really. I mean I can’t bring myself to call him names and all that but I could lose it completely if he doesn’t use this transfer window properly. Maybe because I don’t pay to watch Arsenal. There isn’t much time left so he could just sign three much needed players in a playmaker,cb and lb and go for a winger or striker in Jan. Thats a fine plan.
goon, I hear we are balls in for Schweinsteiger. He is just what we need.
Apparently Wenger realises the need to appease the fans. The low turnout and booing is unavoidable now.
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Schweini would be AWESOME but I can’t see this happening. Bayern won’t let him go at this stage and him joining us from Bayern could be a step down. He would be perfect to balance out our midfield. We could switch to a 4-3-3 and Wilshere would get much freedom and Song more defensive help.
6 mil for cahill?
haha
traore is off to QPR
Rosicky to germany
let’s hope Wenger offers for players based on the number of characters in their surname. so:
Oxlade-Chamberlain: 17m
Cahill: 6m
Schweinsteiger: 14m
so Rosicky was playing for a transfer the other night? Makes sense…all of our players seem to play better as they near their contract and plan to fuck off. Jees: makes he want to beat them.
hare’s Wenger discipline for ya…
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/16360m-to-spend-and-wengers-priority-is-still-a-loan-signing-2343952.html
why is he looking at loans?
you know he will mess around all week looking for a cheap deal and not wanting to kill diaby and we will end up with nothing.
Rosicky to Germany???? no shit! Lets just fucking sell the whole team then let the coach go, sell the stadium and finally close the freaking club and get done with it.
will the last one of the club please put the lights out…
IvoryGoonz: “a) not really, he would be more likely to sign players if he couldnt even qualify for CL group stage…”
Wrong. What I meant is that without the lure of CL football it would be harder to attract new players
IvoryGoonz: “c) now that they would be cup-tied? and in the last 6 days of the transfer windows? ok, let’s see…”
I wasn’t referring to the next 6 days but in the future. It would have certainly made a difference to some players. Obviously finishing out of the top 4 at the end of the season would be a bigger difference but it would still have a negative effect.
IvoryGoonz: “d) the fans are not on the back of the players much, more about the board and Wenger, if Wenger and the board stopped pissing around the pot, that would quite show business to the team, and get the fans behind the team while with the way it’s going, they are alienating more fans against them every day and we get more and more injuries every year.”
Agreed that the fans aren’t on the players back compared to Wenger and board but how do you think fans show displeasure ? By booing. A couple of bad results and it will be before the game AND during it. NOT after it as at Liverpool. THAT will obviously have a negative effect on the players
IvoryGoonz: “e) the players would be less positive – ok, until the said strenghtening actually shows it works, people would believe again, and eventually get us the title the year after.”
What strengthening ? It’s going to be harder to attract new players remember ?
I really don’t know how you can argue that things would have been better had we lost. Madness
Oxlade is around £7 + adds on to around £15m apparently but I doubt nobody knows how much anyone truely bids.
I mean £7m not £7.
It was all goin so well until we landed the elephant in the room, Borussia Dortmund pot 4.How can the German champions be seeded last ?
Anway still think we have a decent chance of top 2, BD & Marseille will be tricky & must get a point at Olympaikos away, but they can do it. To go further AW needs to buy 1 CB and 1 creative midfielder by 31 Aug, but will he ?
have we put in a 6 mil bid in for cahil!! We really do take the p1ss!! So much for wenger trying really hard in the transfer window!!
He is trying real hard to rip other clubs off. If they sell Cahill for £6m it will be a complete rip-off. Now that we’ve sold our best player under-priced he’ll be hell bent on doing the same to other clubs.
rob I can’t believe that. He’s taking the p!ss. Means he’s not serious bout it.
I can see the deal being structured as £6m upfront with add ons (even the papers are saying there will be add ons). I think we got AOC for £7m upfront but it is widely understood that the deal is worth £15m in total, so it may be similar in the case of Cahill, we dont know what the full worth is, it may very well also be in the region of £14-15m.
If the £6m bid for Cahill is true then its the most embarassing thing Arsene has done since he lied to the media on Monday this week.
Hes such a cheap cunt.
yeah I hope you’re right but I see Wenger playing the old ‘last year of the contract’ card…& I’m was not prepared to pay ..blablabla on Sept. 1st.
While you wait for the new post sit back for 4 mins and listen to the music! Poor quality vid.. but heart in the right place
I have a feeling in my water’s that today is gonna be a good good day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhGxuZ__3cc
lol
matt law from the express wrote this about wenger having to spend proper money for once:
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/267280/Time-for-Arsene-Wenger-to-shop-around-
and the bolton chairman retweeted it
6 mi up front seems a bit shy to me. They would need a bit more than that to get their own replacement in. For instance Scott Dann would probobly go for 7-8 mil, so you would at least have to give them that! What would be add ons … number of england caps, after so many appearances, position in league, cups won??
but anyway, cahill is a no go.
wenger wont go from 6 to 17 million
he will say he stayed up all night but it didnt work out…
LOL I stayed up all night but didn’t bid properly. I mean WOW
This is splen-diddly-endid….
I had 3 £10 bets with a colleague, him saying we would sign, me saying we wouldnt sign:
- Cahill
- Mata
- Hazard
Im already £10 up, loks like it will be £30 before long.
Tiny: I dont pretend to be able to teach you reverse psychology.
Tiarnan: WTF you’re on?