What a party that was! I mean, I wasn’t quite there, but in spirit, we all were. Fans from around the world tuned in to bid Arsene Wenger farewell, and to say #MerciArsene.
The man came, he saw, he conquered… he went a bit off the rails for 8 odd years, but overall, I think in time we’ll forgive the banter years, and maybe even embrace them.
Yesterday’s beasting of Burnley was fitting. An exuberant show of football to see out 22 years. 5 excellent goals, beautiful clear skies, a packed house at The Emirates. It was lump-in-your throat time after the game as Wenger did his final lap of honour. What a career that man has had. What an impact he’s had on the clubs brand of football, he took us from boring, boring, Arsenal, to the must-see club in world football. His ability to keep the team afloat during the skint years will be looked back on as legendary. He’ll always have the honour of putting the first three trophies in the new grounds trophy cabinet.
He’s been a monumental part of our history. No doubt about that.
As for the football, well, it was all great fun. It was the testimonial match we’d been hoping for. Some interesting curiosities came out of the game, but before we get into the details, what about Mesut fucking Ozil? He missed training the day before, fretting over a back injury… sure mate, we’ve all been there ducking rugby class in sub-zero temperatures back in the day. You have to get it into your heads people, Mesut doesn’t give a fuck about Arsenal. The rest of the boys all paid their respects, Mesut wimped out. In fact, he’s so prolific at not turning up for games he doesn’t fancy, there’s a song doing the rounds.
The Oziltoligists excused the episode as a non-issue because the game didn’t mean anything. I have to back people up on that, firstly, yes the game did mean something, it was the difference between 7th and 6th, and it was Wenger’s farewell party. Finally, and most importantly, he’s our most handsomely paid player. He has a responsibility to lead by example. The man is a liability, I just can’t believe we gave him that much money to stay on. No way he’s going to get sold this summer. Hopefully, the next manager can whip him into shape. Going missing in tough away games cannot be this thing we deal with, having cheeky breaks away so regularly cannot continue to happen, going missing in big games needs to be a thing of the past.
Those that did show up put on a great performance. Iwobi combined in a lovely one-two with Lacazette, dinking a chip into his path, the Frenchman pirouetted into a shot he dragged across goal, with Auba foxing from a yard out.
Our second goal took 30minutes to arrive. Arsenal fans spent most of that time cooing over Mavrapanos, the Greek very much looking the part, sparking excitement that Diamon Eye is going to be a big deal. Strong in the air, fast on the ground, with a good range of passing. I know we always lose our minds over young players, but he looks a very good prospect.
At the death of the first half, Iwobi started the move for our second goal, he fed a teasing ball into Hector Bellerin on the right, the Spaniard clipped a ball to Lacazette at the front post, allowing him the chance to finish first time on the volley. A great goal, taken perfectly in his stride.
The third goal came from a powerful Jack Wilshere run from deep midfield, his acceleration allowed him to run at a retreating Burnley defence, he switched his pass out to the right, Kolasinac picked up the ball and launched it across goal past the hapless Nick Pope.
The game really did take a turn for the bizarre when Auba turned provider from the right, he cut a ball back to Iwobi in the box, the target shy Nigerian took one touch, made some space and launched his shot into the top corner. Majestical guys, that’s the word I’m making up to describe that goal.
The final goal came from some good work from Ramsey in midfield, Bellerin was found wide right, he found Auba with a teasing cross 8 yards out, with the man from Gabon doing what he does best, finding the net.
There was still plenty of fun to be had when he goals dried up. Wenger waited until the 71st minute to make his subs as usual. He brought on Per Mertesacker, a man we’ve all grown to love over the years. It was fun watching the players make sure he landed plenty of touches. Maybe a little uncomfortable for the German if truth be told, but it was all part of the carnival atmosphere.
The final whistle blew almost exactly on 70minutes, Wenger shook some hands readying himself for his final lap and his speech.
He definitely took in the moment, soaking up the applause and hearing his name being sung. A really beautiful thing to watch. Any upset you may have had over the years melted into nothing but respect.
‘Thank you for having me so long, I know that is not easy. But above all else, I’m like you, I am an Arsenal fan’
‘This is more than just watching football, it’s a way of life. It’s caring about the beautiful game, about the values we cherish, and as well, that something that goes for all our bodies in every cell of our bodies. We care, we worry, we are desperate, but when you come here, the theatre of dreams we realise what it means.’
“I would like to finish in one simple sentence: I will miss you. Thank you all for having such an important part of my life, thank you all, well done, bye bye.”
God damn it Arsene, you got me all teary-eyed over here… I’LL MISS YOU TOO! x
Short and sweet, a man of class until the end.
Now we have to move forward. The Wenger chapter has closed. Our job as fans is to back the next manager with the same force we backed Wenger. It’ll be a rocky season next year, the main difference is it’ll all be in the name of progress.
You saw today that we have a lot of great talent to work with. Aaron Ramsey, Auba, Lacazette, Mavrapanos, Bellerin, Iwobi and even the young kids coming through are going to be given a new lease of life. We’ll hire someone who can coach, instil discipline, come armed with an exciting football philosophy, hopefully, one that involves some form of pressing. Ideally, we’ll bring in a manager who can unite the fanbase, the backroom team and the players.
This summer is going to be fucking crazy. Not only are you losing Wenger, we’ll likely see the back of a number of coaches and people who work behind the scenes. It’s hard to see futures for Boro, Peyton, Colbert, Priestly and a few of the others. Not only do we need to hire a brilliant mind to spearhead the next move, we need to gel that person with some of Europe’s elite coaching staff. It’ll be fun, but new ideas take time to bed in. Pep did fuck all in his first year at City, same can be said of Klopp. It’s all about laying foundations and building for the next three seasons.
I’m excited. If we’re shooting for a young buck like the LA Rams did, let’s hope the club does its due diligence. If we’re talking to one of the tier one managers, let’s hope they’re able to lead the club with care and attention. Whoever we hire, be sure of this, it’ll be a massive improvement and very much needed, and you’ll be jumping out of bed to get to the Arsenal on Saturday mornings.
That’s what football is all about. Shared joy. I can’t wait to write about it, and I’m excited to go on the ride with you all.
On that night, I shall tap out.
Thank you Arsene, you’re one of a kind, and we’ll miss you too. x
Have a great day everyone and stop crying at your desk.
Steve, you are definitely representative of a vocal minority but most of us don’t agree with your vindictiveness. You’ll probably spin it that your the true supporter, ‘not standing for any shit’ type bravado.
Good luck mate, your mentality is your own, run with it – the majority isn’t always right but I’m sure in this case they are!
so the evening standard claims we’re targeting Evan, Allison and Doucoure and that will somehow make us compete with Man City. I would take Evans if complemented with a top CB or a top young prospect if we sell Chambers in addition to Mustafi. Allison would be nice, doubt it though. I’ve been for Doucoure for months so no problem there, but we need more. Can’t believe we’re not looking at wingers, it’s all good improving our defense and it’s about time but if we can’t break down tight defenses it’s going to be a lot of 0-0 in our… Read more »
A special mention should also go to Vic Akers.
A guy who is Arsenal through and through.
A guy who formed Arsenal ladies and won 32
Trophy’s ,
Well done Vic and a great retirement.
Sky sports
They saying Juve won’t stand in Allegris way
Freddie Ljungberg
“We need someone that can be decisive in the big matches, like Neymar is…”
we’ve got two quality goalscorers, and two quality playmakers, the guys who can do both, and who also always turn up for the big games, are pretty rare and pretty expensive.
“We need someone that can be decisive in the big matches, like Neymar is…”
Somewhere across the pond, Bamford’s head is exploding!
If Allegri joins I want to see what he does with our midfield.
That guy is a wizard. Gave Pirlo new life there, Pogbas best performances have come from under him…
Point being I am eager to see if it is our players that are crap our is it the manager who made them like that.
I think many expect the Wenger worshippers to be the least patient and tell us all how stupid we were for wanting Wenger to leave if the new manager proves not to be an instant super-hero.
Exactly. Bar an obviously poor appointment whoever the new manager is will be giving time. Time to fix the problems that he was left with we’ll be patient…not 10 years without a trophy or 14 years without a title challenge patient but patient. If the new guy at least appears to be trying that’ll be enough for a lot of people
Fekir, Bailey, Malcom are all probably available this summer.
They’re not going to be cheap, just saying we need players like that to complete our attack. Or we can play all our best attackers at the same time and hope they are always available and always in form and we never have to throw on a sub to change a game.
Wouldn’t mind Guedes or Draxler either even if they don’t score as much, at least they can beat a man.
Ishola 70
No-one knows precisely what was discussed between Wenger and the CEO, but my guess is that Wenger was given an ultimatum to resign i.e. fall on his sword or be sacked.
So my guess is that Wenger did just that and resigned. Call it semantics, but it
was ultimately his own decision.
a great wide man has to come third place in the list of priorities to a dominant CB and CM. I’d love one, but we have more urgent issues elsewhere.
Coach 15
Actually most of the season ticket holders around me did not stop going as a
protest to force Wenger to resign.
We stopped going, because the football was awful and it was no longer pleasurable to watch.
The two games against Man City followed by loss to Newcastle were the final straw, which broke the camel’s back.
Stroller
By any stretch of the imagination wenger has stolen a living on obscene man mounts of money for 5he last few years,,,
As for the new board if they sanctioned ozil on 300:000 a week then the future ain’t bright
Ozil. Must go
Like Cech to coach
Kolansic
Konchelsky
Wilshere
Welbeck
Carzola
Mustafi
That would free up a bit of spunking money
Wallace
GK + CB are the main priorities followed by a disciplined and mobile CMF. As
I wrote earlier today Maitland-Niles might be the solution in midfield and that
would save us money.
Buying a winger is as several have posted is an unnecessary and expensive luxury. We have players like Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan who need to be
accommodated in starting lineup and I suspect Nelson will be promoted next
season to the first team squad who will need also game time.
Agreed, but Wenger is not in charge of transfers anymore, we can make more than 2-3 signings. If we sell well and are smart in our dealings we can do most of the work needed in one summer. Doubt we will though, but at least there’s hope now.
Unnecessary luxury? Nelson? It’s absolutely essential if we want to compete for the title again anytime soon. Laca and Auba are CFs, they can rotate and sometimes play together, plenty of opportunity for both to play. Mikhi on one wing, and on the other? Iwobi, Welbeck? Not nearly good enough. Nelson is not ready for anything more han a bit part role next season. Him and Iwobi can be backups on each wing, nothing more. Like I said, if we play our cards right we can strengthen most of our problem positions this summer. Even if our net budget is… Read more »
Freddie Ljungberg Sales will depend on incoming manager and my gut feeling is that there will be no sudden decisions made. Somehow I don’t see Bellerin being sold this summer unless we receive an obscene offer from an overseas club. He is the only right back on our books. I am fairly sure that Arsenal will not sell Xhaka in the summer. Wilshere has a choice whether to sign a new contract on Arsenal’s terms or leave on Bosman. We get no transfer fee if he goes. So the only three players on our books who might conceivably generate additional… Read more »
Freddie Ljungberg
I am willing to bet that Arsenal will not be buying a winger this summer unless
it is an exchange deal. There is not £50-70 million available for such a project.
As Wallace and I have already suggested there are at least 3 other positions in
the starting lineup which need prioritisation.
If the reports are true about Doucoure then that’s a start.
Get him in.
Wenger was most definitely sacked. His employer told him his contributions were no longer wanted or needed. He had plenty of chances to walk away with his pride and legacy intact. But he greedily decided to milk the club for 8 million per season as the football got worse by the year. He was putting himself before the club and had to be stopped. Wenger’s gravy train should’ve ended years ago. Thank the Lord it’s finally over.
That Juve MF was done at cost as well, Marotta a genius signing Pirlo and Pogba on free’s Vidal for £7m with Marchisio coming from Academy. Then rebuilt it w/ Pjanic and Khedira coming in for minimal.
Ospina 10m Mustafi + Chambers 40-45m ( offers of 22m for Chambers last summer and we don’t need 3 young CBs that are not ready yet. Holding and Mavro has more potential imo) If we want to improve in the middle of the park Xhaka needs to be the first out the door. 20-25m for him(Ramsey and Ozil are most likely staying so how do we improve if we change nothing?) Wilshere moves on as well I hope. I think we can easily get 20m for Wellbeck, he’s english, and can run, that’s usually enough. That’s an extra 90-100 mil… Read more »
We keep hearing that clubs are willing to pay big money for Bellerin.
Well take the big money.
He is a liability in the team and I don’t care if he becomes a world beater in three to four years time. Arsenal need dependable players and Bellerin is not one of them at this time.
Personally I think the stories of clubs willing to pay big money for him are bullshit. The infamous Arsenal spin machine in full circle again.
In:
Gk: Lafont/Leno 15-20m
Cb: Evans 3m (not a fan but hey) Manolas 32m
Cm Doucoure + Meyer 30-40m
Still plenty of cash left for a winger if we want to be ambitious, my guess is we won’t be but one can dream.
The players above are just examples, insert your favorites if you want, I just used names we’ve been linked with that are realistic.
The defence is okay, it’s the Midfield that needs a revamp…
For the fuck heads who need me to qualify my statement . WENGER is a useless coach hence a shit defence….
Jesus Pedro – enough arse-ne licking! Here’s the real story from Arsenal Truth. ——————————————————- The Fraud is no more! Wonderful! I am so so so enjoying seeing the AKBs crying into their Wenker duvets tonight, feels wonderful. Oh and it’s so obvious he was sacked, only an imbecile (i.e. an AKB) would say different. In his press conference yesterday he was saying he wanted to give Cazorla a new deal – even though contracts no longer have anything to do with him, since a new contracts guy (Huss Fami) was appointed. Cazorla FFS. Would have been another monumental waste of… Read more »
I think we should raid Crystal Palace – Loftus Cheek and Zaha would both fit the Arsenal way!
Got to say even though I have been Wenger Out for years he showed class yesterday, especially when in his big moment out on the pitch the first thing he did was send his best to Fergie. Thanks for the good memories Arsene – I’ll try and forget the past few years 🙂
On this day in 2006 jesus played his last competitive match for the Arsenal, hung up his boots and retired from football.
If you find yourself in a bar, toast the great one and ask yourself why he was an unused substitute in that Champions league final. I’d of put him on instead of Reyes. when magic was required.
Quality post from Arsenal Truth.
The dictator finally got overthrown.
Well N’Gambo you have practically nailed it on the head. Wenger was a busted flush a good few years ago – the worst for me personally was that he said at the start of the season that he would make the team more competitive and progressive than last year – he would spend only if there was top top qualidee available and could improve a position within the team. He actually said this every season for the last 10 years and now look where we are – a big fat 6th with fuck all to show for it. I’ve never… Read more »
Emirates
You keep saying a new manager wont sell this player or that player blah blah blah
The new manager won’t have the eternal; goodwill of Arsenal. He has to perform and perform quickly. There won’t be gentlemanly Nic ties being thrown around. It’s step up or you’re gone.
We’ve been too patient with too many players.
I can see Alegri ditching 4-5 starters to make his point.
***Gentlemanly niceties being thrown around.
I can see Alegri ditching 4-5 starters to make his point.
Yep. Some players just ain’t going to improve at least not enough to warrant keeping around
Agreed No point in keeping Mustafi and Xahka especially since they are still football relevant and would warrant a decent return. Ramsey also fits into this category and should be sold if his wage demands are excessively high, which they most likely are considering what Ozil is being paid. Both Chambers and Welbeck should also be sold and not forgetting Bellerin if the reported valuation of 40+mil is true, then there’s another one on the list. I still see a huge problem fitting both Lacca and Aubaubameyang in the same team. Then there’s the problem of accommodating Ozil, Mikhi, Ramsey,… Read more »
I hope the club offering Wilshire an improved contract offer is part of the plan to sell him after he signs.
Can’t see any reason to keep him whatsoever
Good read.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/may/06/carlo-ancelotti-arsenal-manager
Still can’t post ?
Oh this morning I can, been having a nightmare trying to post on here for the last week. One day my posts show one day they dont, in all the years I have been coming on here that has never happened before.
Anyway hope it is max Alegri coming he would take what we have to the next level , we can then see what if any talent people like Iwobi have.
Jasongms
“I still see a huge problem fitting both Lacca and Aubaubameyang in the same team.”
Yes,it’s quite a problem having 2 players who both love playing together and seem to have an instant chemistry in that they are both scoring and assisting each other . …..we wouldn’t want that now would we.
Tonyd home grown from club quota I would say is a big reason
Allegri is now clear favourite with the bookies. First time since odds opened that there has been such a clear favourite with all bookies. As thought the Buvak link was a ruse. From previous favourite now drifted out to best price 12/1 For the first time since betting opened on this we see an odds on price from one of the bookies. That being William Hill @ 8/11. Bet365 who were previously showing odds on next manager have closed books on it. No longer showing. In fact out of 27 bookmakers shown 13 no longer show a price for Allegri… Read more »
These prices shown now indicate that the stories of Arsenal wanting and courting Allegri to be next Arsenal manager are correct.
Now it is a case of whether Allegri is interested and accepts the overtures from Arsenal.
jasongms There’s no doubt that a number of players need moving on and there’s no doubt that some will generate funds but I suspect even in this inflated market it won’t be anywhere near the sum you are hoping for. The hints around £50 million being available would have in all probability already factored in money from the EL so I think its almost certain that sum can be excluded from the calculations. With Mertesacker retiring he will need to be replaced likewise the suggestion is that Kos is out for 8 months for me it would be madness to… Read more »
Looking at the odds of next Chelsea manager Allegri is third favourite best priced 8/1.
Sarri has been installed as favourite with an inconvincing price of 5/2 with sky bet.
Of course there would be better indicators in this certain market if Conte had actually informed of his future.
Only 4 bookmakers showing prices at this time for next Chelsea manager.
*unconvincing*
Dissenter Do you believe seriously that a new manager is going to make wholesale changes to playing personnel in the first transfer window without having first worked with the players? I would imagine that the first changes likely to be made are in the backroom staff. We know already that several coaches are likely to leave with Wenger. The club does need to make some replacements by necessity, because Mertesacker and most probably Cazorla will retire or not have their contracts renewed. We know also that Koscielny has a long term injury so that means that the club will be… Read more »
“These prices shown now indicate that the stories of Arsenal wanting and courting Allegri to be next Arsenal manager are correct.“
No they don’t, betting prices only ever indicate that money is being put on a certain outcome.
Whether there’s truth in that outcome is unknown, however likely/unlikely.
Obviously ozil needs to show the world a letter from the doctors as proof that he has a bad back . Ozil decided that he would rather sit in the stands and have a fake injury at the weekend instead of participating in the demolition of Burnley…that would get the fans onside wouldn’t it . Has anybody stopped to think that maybe he played the match v Atletico with a back injury and maybe needed pain killers or injections as he has an ongoing problem at the moment. Of course that could all be bullshit and the club are just… Read more »
These are the priority signings in my opinion in importance and need. First priority. Replace Xhaka in the first team with new signing. There is no-one currently at the club that can do the job of last midfielder. I would say that the replacement of Xhaka is absolutely paramount. The other positions are not of such grave need of replacement. And yes that includes Cech and the CB positions. As far as I am concerned Mustafi plays like a rookie so can eat bench time and Arsenal promote from within the Greek kid and Holding promoted. Chambers and Mustafi as… Read more »
Champagne charlie
“No they don’t, betting prices only ever indicate that money is being put on a certain outcome. Whether there’s truth in that outcome is unknown, however likely/unlikely.”
In my opinion of course.
There were rumours of Mustafi wanting to leave last season.
That is the player that should be earmarked for sale along with Xhaka.
And the club go out and buy first teamers for those positions as replacements.
In a perfect world Arsenal get decent money for Bellerin and he is also replaced by a more mature fullback but he is the least concern out of all the positions that have been identified as a problem.
Emiratesstroller
So we should only replace the retiring players and raise 0 funds by selling anyone? Hope we’re hiring Gandalf as manager then because we’re scrapping for 6th again if not.
Xhaka as the first issue to address?
Let’s ignore the GK, CB, and the fact Xhaka hasn’t played alongside anyone decent all year. Just replace the best CM at the club.
What are the odds Allegri doesn’t do that Ishola?
Pierre Yes there are concerns about Ozil. First he was ill and now injured. However, the reality is he is unsaleable with the hike in his wages. The new manager needs to motivate this player and not for everyone to keep on slagging him. Ishola 70 Xhaka is not half as bad as many suggest. If there is a more disciplined approach in both midfield and defence there will be an upgrade in performance. This has been a “collective” problem and not down to just one player. Maitland-Niles will need more game time next season so I will be surprised… Read more »
There have been plenty of commentators Charlie that have said that Xhaka should be the first player shown out of the door when a new manager comes in.
That you don’t personally like that idea yourself doesn’t make that notion nonsensical.
If he does stay I would doubt that it is a case of a new manager highly rating him. Rather as others have said more a case of not being able to get rid of him due to contract and current wages. But if there is a real will there is a way.
I’m sorry ES but you have been contradicting yourself regarding Xhaka.
Around a month ago you signified on here that you didn’t really rate the guy highly but thought he was unlikely to be sold. Not because he is seen as a good player but as others have said difficulties in moving him on.
If the best you can say about Xhaka is that he is not that bad then that just highlights the problems Arsenal have in that certain position.
Freddie Ljungberg
We offloaded last Summer and in January a large number of players and there
are likely to be at least eight from the first team squad leaving or loaned out this summer i.e.
Ospina [assuming new gk recruited]
Jenkinson
Mertesacker
Cazorla
Reine-Adelaide
Campbell
Akpom
Peres
As I said I think that further sales will depend on contract negotiations with
Ramsey and Wilshire.
Ishola 70
No you are wrong I have never said that I did not rate Xhaka. Indeed I suggested
recently that I thought his performance had improved.
Ishola
Don’t hide behind platitudes because you’re unable to qualify an opinion you have. I’m questioning your idea that Xhaka is the most important player to replace this summer, nobody else’s.
I’d love to understand the ‘logic’ of how Xhaka represents the primary concern for Arsenal.
Sorry ES but you did.
Did you enjoy his performance at Old Trafford?
Or did his performance away against Atletico sway you when Atletico sat for the majority behind the ball allowing Xhaka time and space he needs.
By all means ES you carry on with Xhaka but there will not be a happy ending with this player.
Charlie
My thoughts on Xhaka as a player are well documented on here and the feeling of him being the biggest weak link in the team. No need to go over it for the millionth time.
I’m in total agreement with the commentators that have pronounced that Xhaka should be the first player that is shown the door when a new manager comes in. Closely followed by Mustafi.
Ishola 70 If you refer back to recent games I pointed out that Xhaka was in fact showing some leadership qualities on the pitch. We know that Xhaka does make some silly errors, but so do most of the other players in team as well. The lack of discipline has been a COLLECTIVE problem. You should not forget that Xhaka was highly rated in both Germany and Switzerland. The fact that he has not improved at Arsenal is down to the overall performance of team. When he arrived at Arsenal he was rated one of best defensive midfielders in Europe… Read more »
Ishola
As expected, you’ve nothing to elaborate because it’s superficial, vendetta driven nonsense.
Your projections about me “not personally liking the idea” are flawed, I have football reasons to fall back on as to why Xhaka isn’t a concern. Your “reasons” are emotional drivel clearly.
Same mutterings over and over again about Xhaka. He was rated previously so he must be good. Never mind that we have had several seasons now to judge him as an individual player in an Arsenal shirt. We hear the same thing about Mustafi. Oh he has been a Germain international so he must be good. It’s like you guys think that just because a player is an international or former international player and was previously rated elsewhere (though really not the case with Mustafi) then he must be alright for Arsenal Football Club. It’s not always that simple guys.… Read more »
Nonsense Charlie
If you have reasons to rate Xhaka as a player then I have shown on here previously that I have as much reason not to rate him and like yourself from a player perspective.
That you are now trying to insinuate that I have a personal grudge against Xhaka away from his actual worth to Arsenal as a football player is not only wrong but very unfortunate. I have been bleating on about Xhaka from virtually day one because I see him as a very flawed football player.
While fans would love to see the back of the likes of Xhaka and Mustafi…….
I think the Arsenal hierarchy will not allow them to go unless they can recoup a significant outlay of transfer fee.
In other words, they will still be at Arsenal next season.
@CC, I’m with you on the Xhaka debate. ishola already is preparing a soft landing for himself by saying ” If he does stay I would doubt that it is a case of a new manager highly rating him. Rather as others have said more a case of not being able to get rid of him due to contract and current wages”. He knows the next manager won’t sell Xhaka and this will make him look stupid. so, to cushion the blow effect he will reverse to the above statement and start painting it as fact.
Ishola
I don’t much care for you view of him as a footballer, you’re entitled to whatever thoughts you have about him.
My point is very clear, to suggest Xhaka is number one priority this summer is ridiculous, and suggests a very clear agenda against him.
We don’t have a first choice GK and Kos is out until December. To get from the current landscape that Xhaka is the priority is nothing short of daft. Not even considering players in the side that have contributed little to none.
I’m glad almost none of us here will have the chance to Manage Arsenal FC. Whack and shit decision making would be our theme song
Absolutely, Xhaka should be one of those that need to be let go. Midfielder with mobility issues= No,no for the Premier league.
Ignore the fangirls.
Tee
Agreed, that didn’t go unnoticed. It’s often the way some people operate on here to safeguard their point of view.
Our middle mid biggest problem is that the personnel there are not good with duels.
Remember the much maligned Coquelin? His defensive stats were one of the best in Europe. Though somehow his output is only high next to Carzola.
Elneny, Ramsey, Wilshire and Xhaka are too easily dribbled.
That has led to our “soft” underbelly.
BTW, Carzola “dribbled against” stats is low, despite him being a small fella. He nicks the ball well, recovers the ball well and protects the ball well.
The question is, will the new manager suit the players to the system or the system to the players. Will he come in with pre conceived ideas of which system he wants to play and decide he needs a number of players to suit that system , if that is the case then there will be a lot of comings and goings in a short period of time. If he decides to suit the system to the players that are already at the club then there will be maybe just one or 2 signings and the new manager will slowly… Read more »
tee
Tell us all how Xhaka is going to propel this Arsenal team forward not only top four but greater glories in the future.
Tell us his great attributes that will see Arsenal advance onto greater things. Xhaka is in a very influential position on the pitch.
Allay our fears and concerns about Xhaka.
it’s super idiotic to say Xhaka is the first priority this summer. Gk, Df combative CM, if possible a true winger.
Outs:
Cech/Ospina
Wilshere
Xhaka
Welbeck
Iwobi
Mustafi
Cazorla
Additional options:
Bellerin- if we get a good offer
Ramsey-if he holds the club ransom
Lacazette-if we want to raise money
For the record Switzerland are ranked 6th best national team in the world and
ahead of England.
Xhaka is rated their best and most valuable player by Transfermarkt.
As I said let’s judge him once a new manager comes in and hopefully sorts out our defensive frailties.
Some posters need to stand back and make their judgments once the new regime has come in.
No I don’t agree.
Xhaka and Cech are both problems in the team.
Cech is nowhere near as dire as some like to portray. He can eek one more season.
Having a DM/CM that is physically inept and can’t tackle properly on too many occasions is of more concern overall than an ageing goalkeeper.
Xhaka fangirls fussing over semantics, who do you think you are fooling?
lol
Transfermarkt is being quoted now.
Have a good day folks.
@ishola, you are like a man that neglects leprosy to cure ringworm. I don’t tucking care about your childish feeling against Xhaka. A I’m saying is that Xhaka can, will shall not be the first priority. there are other more important areas to tackle like the gk, df, combative mf and if possible a true winger. spare me all these tell me tell me music of yours
Emiratesstroller, we’ve had two full seasons to judge Xhaka. The player is not suited to the pace of the PL, no manager can change that. Stop trying to delay the inevitable. He needs to go.
Ishola
So you’re going to ignore how important a Gk is to a side, and swerve the fact we don’t have even a top 20 GK playing for us?
How about the CB’s? Our best one is crocked until December and might have seen his best days already anyway, our club captain is retiring, and our only remaining senior CB is Mustafi who’s been heavily criticised.
No, none of that…it’s Xhaka we need to focus on? Bizarre commentary.
‘All I’m saying is that Xhaka can, will shall not be the first priority. there are other more important areas to tackle like the gk, df, combative mf and if possible a true winger’
tee, Xhaka is our defensive/combative midfielder you clown.
Why is it a childish feeling tee?
My thoughts are that Xhaka is the weakest link in the Arsenal team so it is not absurd at all in that case to feel that he should be number one priority to leave and be replaced.
Are you sure it is not yourself that is being childish in not being able to grasp at all that concept? That it is a totally outlandish thought.
You speak of a combative MF as a priority. Yes a combative MF to replace Xhaka.
Can’t even remember the last time we had a reliable GK. What a disaster.
Xhaka fangirls fussing over semantics, who do you think you are fooling?
Even from the lists you posted Xhaka ain’t the first on the list which is what I’m trying to iron out with ishola. I hope you won’t shite you pant when you find Xhaka in the first eleven of the next manager?
RR
Some of these guys on here should realise that we are not that harsh on Xhaka compared to other sites.
For example if they read what posters on Online Gooner predominately think of Xhaka as a footballer they would have seizures. They absolutely savage him on there.
We are pussy cats in our criticism of Xhaka compared to those lot.
Bur it is out there. Xhaka no good, Cut him up for fire wood.
‘ I hope you won’t shite you pant when you find Xhaka in the first eleven of the next manager?’
I actually will, cause my hopes for the season will be dashed. We’ll achieve nothing with an inadequate player holding such an important position in the side.
Rambo Ramsey Stop blaming one player who you clearly dislike for the collective problems of the team. So far this season posters have criticised every player in our back division, central midfield and even offensive positions. I will place a bet that there is not a single player in the team/squad who has not been called rubbish and should be sold/offloaded. The reality is that Arsenal are not going to make wholesale offloads. The priorities are fairly obvious and are most definitely GK and experienced CB now that Koscielny is out until at least December, which has been confirmed today… Read more »
isn’t it funny that ramble didn’t put Ramsey in his list. to him Ramsey has done well to hold a starting eleven spot but lacazette should be shown the way out. in your myopic mind Ramsey is the one who will take us to the next level. hogwash
Just curious but does anyone have a list of the 100 appearance players that came to the Burnley game?
It didn’t look like that many came, but I’m guessing the tv footage only caught a few of them. I’m assuming Vieira didn’t make it from NYFC as they had a game the day before and we all know about Thierry.
What about Dennis? Tony Adams, Bacary (of course)
‘Stop blaming one player who you clearly dislike for the collective problems of the team.’ What sort of an argument is this. Yes, I dislike the player because he’s not good enough however that does not mean valid criticism I level at the player should be ignored. And collective problems originate in part when a team is built with inherent weak-links and like it or not, Xhaka is one. I don’t care what Arsenal are going to do, I’m pointing out what needs to be done. This squad needs a major surgery before it can start challenging for big prizes.… Read more »
As I said let’s judge him once a new manager comes in and hopefully sorts out our defensive frailties. Let’s wait and judge him and not judge him the last two seasons is that it? Truth is this is the worst group of midfielders this club has had in nearly a decade and sorting that out and the defence out ARE the priorities for the summer. You can’t make an argument for selling Bellerin or Mustafi or even Ramsey because they’d fetch a decent amount of money in the current market without adding Xhaka to the list. He’s not been… Read more »
Xhaka isnt great, but I could see how he could work, as long as he isnt the last line of defence. He has to stop the shooting from 56 yards though. Allegri for example likes to play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 where he has a tactical DM next to a ball circulator. Xhaka could do the circulator role. He just cannot play as the deepest midfielder in the PL because he is poor defensively. The problem we always have in midfield is there is no balance, there hasnt been for years. Xhaka is poor physically and cant defend, Ramsey constantly… Read more »
Any material changes in CMF/DMF will be dependent on whether Ramsey and Wilshire renew contracts.
You’re suggesting that the only way we’re going to address a problem area and the worst midfield we’ve had in years is if someone leaves otherwise it’s as is? That’s ridiculous. Then I hope Allegri or whoever has no intentions of challenging anytime soon. We do nothing to the middle and continue with Xhaka and Ramsey and Wilshere in midfield next season and we’re doing fuck all
@ishola, you are the one who shot yourself in the leg. No one is saying Xhaka is flawless but CC tried to correct your stance that Xhaka should be the first priority this summer instead of gk, df. I stated I’m in support of CC but you later changed the whole thing to Xhaka fanboys are defending him. for the umpteenth time, Xhaka cannot be the first priority but gk,df and cm. nothing spoils if we buy a combative CM and still keep Xhaka. other big teams have enough fire power. only arsenal fans think buying to replace instead of… Read more »
tee
It’s no good trying to tell me which is the correct opinion.
A certain person has one opinion while I have another along with others who are in agreement another.
You are in agreement with Charlie.
That doesn’t make your views the correct one.
It’s called differing opinions.
nothing spoils if we buy a combative CM and still keep Xhaka.
Define combative? Are you talking ball winning DM like? If so that is a priority but then Xhaka beside one of them as the box to box midfielder isn’t the best. He’s not got the legs for box to box