ENGLAND TIME + Arsenal squad plans finalised

by .

03150-england-badge1-413x413

2018 appears to be the year of taking your potential seriously. Ivan Gazidis pulled his finger out and shook the club up. Belgium just dusted off their bottle job reputation, dishing out a f*cking amazing result against Brazil yesterday… KDB, Hazard and Lukaku showing the world they’re more than just Premier League good (whatever that means). Today, we might land another couple of big results. Croatia has never quite delivered on their talent, nor has England. Could they be about to set up an epic semi-final?

The boys of England might not bring it home, but win tomorrow and that’s job done from an expectations perspective. Anything after that is bonus money. Sweden will be dangerous, they’ve nothing to lose, they’re massively overachieving as it is. I absolutely love that they’re doing this without Zlatan making it all about himself. A fantastic achievement, showing that you can be more than the sum of your parts if you have a perfectly baked plan and a lot of luck.

Another person who can’t help but be pleased with the state of the World Cup is Pochettino. He can’t find success with Spurs, but he’s doing a mighty fine job showing the world he’s a very capable coach. There’s going to be a few of his explayers rocking the semis if things go to plan tomorrow. Really can’t wait for him to leave Spurs in the lurch at the end of next season with a move to Bayern or United. I mean, I hope Bayern or someone that’s not in the Premier League.

In Arsenal news, DAVID ORNSTEIN SAID TORREIRA IS COMING HOME.

Yes he did.

He reckons Arsenal is going to sort out the deal for the DM ASAP, and that will likely wrap up our summer (+ maybe a kid of note)

You can’t really complain, can you?

I mean, maybe you could if the players were going to work under Wenger. I’m not sure we’ve quite hit the elite levels we’ve been dreaming of name wise, but look, we’ve certainly made significant strides over the last 6 months to address the lack of experience, the substandard attitude, and some of the quality issues.

I think it’ll be a tough start, but after the team gels and the manager starts to transmit his ideas, you’ll have a side that’ll be pressing like demons, you’ll have a group that are drilled in the basics like set pieces, playing out the back and even super basics like throw-ins. Hopefully, the attitude will start to shift as players are pushed into taking more accountability. Then you’d have to think we’ll see a very specific vision and style rise from the Wenger ashes.

Again, you really have to remember that huge change doesn’t come without teething problems. If we get off to a bad start, it might go beyond merely teething with people raising crisis flags very early on. Remember, Arsene was an institution. There will be fans ready to cut the new manager at the first sign of trouble, there will be certain members of the press who aren’t getting the same insider info they were in the past who might hold a grudge against the new regime, and there could even be a backlash from the players if they don’t like double sessions and 13 hours of video analysis.

… but I’ll never budge from the view that this move is exactly what the club needed. Progress doesn’t come without bruises and a couple of broken bones.

Screen Shot 2018-07-06 at 23.04.11

… and if you think I’m going to read into the above, you are very fucking wrong.

There’s no way a player like Hector; who could explain away the Celtic tribalism references of an Alexander McQueen hairband, would ever think to make a statement in a tweet.

No way.

Anyway, good to read that he’s learning. I hope all of them are. Carlo Ancelotti said in his book, players want to know if you’re going to make them rich, or if you’re going to make them better players. Hopefully, Emery is going to take care of the latter. I sense a big year for Hector, who should grow into one of the best right backs in Europe if he buckles down.

Right, I’m off out for an early one. I detest drinking from 10am, but when a World Cup quarter-final comes along, you have to do it.

See you on the other side, but before you go, listen to the damn podcast. We have Ash, who used to broadcast for Radio 5 Live.

x

SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS

684 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Pierre

Marko
Of course you have no affinity for Arsenal football club, like many on here your views are without value.

Let’s see how your opinions differ with the new manager in place, not that it matters.

Cesc Appeal

Hopefully Guendouzi goes into the same bracket as Mavropanos as being a great Mislintat find, though he is already starting for Lorient it seems so not sure what kind of role he will expect.

Really exciting time at Arsenal right now, slowly rebuilding, going to be a bumpy road but at least we’re on the road now.

James wood

I think there are a few on here would make great referee’s

S Asoa

Pierre is a donkey Period
He would not been posting his inanities so profusely if you guys didn’t react. Just totally ignore. Send him to Coventry where from won’t hear him squealing.

James wood
Pierre

Marko
“. I will say though spending 8 million on a 19 year old with 20 appearences for Lorient in league two in France while Max Meyer at 22 years old and over 100 appearences including the champions league is available for free seems a bit strange.”

Of course, you know best…. Definitely a member of the know nothing (only bullshit) brigade

James wood

Your Comment Her:)

S Asoa

France needs Giroud in one way. But you look at how he irritates their best player Griezmann and have to wonder how much better Griezmann could be without the donkey loitering in the field

Marko

Of course you have no affinity for Arsenal football club, like many on here your views are without value. Because I don’t buy into the referee nonsense? You need to grow up and instead of coming out with bollox about the referee costing us fictitious league titles why not blame the previous manager. I mean the year Leicester won the league instead of blaming the referees for us not winning it why not blame Arsene for just signing a goalkeeper that summer. Had he signed up a striker we probably would have won the league that year. Had he bought… Read more »

Receding hairline

@Marko

A football club is allowed to have more than one target. Were we meant to sit on our hands when we missed out on Adli?

Its 8m euros not pounds…he won’t command even a quarter of the salary Meyer would so don’t get why u bringing Meyer up.

Many on here have blasted the club for not getting players in before they become hot property. The club is moving to do that now yet the moaning continues

Marko

Of course, you know best…. Definitely a member of the know nothing (only bullshit) brigade

Wonderful input as usual. Yeah again I dunno but 8 million for a 19 year old while a 22 year old is available for free seems a bit of a no brainer

Marko

Its 8m euros not pounds…he won’t command even a quarter of the salary Meyer would so don’t get why u bringing Meyer up. I’m bringing it up because he’s 19 and costing 8 million and Meyer is still available for free. Oh and I’d be pretty shocked if the lad right now is better than Max Meyer is right now. It’s not moaning to point out that we’re about to sign up some 19 year old from the French second division for 8 million while Meyer is still available for free. I wouldn’t worry about the wages sure we’ve been… Read more »

Receding hairline

Well other clubs are welcome to the talents of Meyer.. He mustn’t play for arsenal just because u fancy him right now. Once he actually puts on the red and white I’m pretty sure that fancy will evaporate.

Meyer is free so wonder why a host of European clubs have ignored him so far..if we were linked with him that would be your first question

Marko

Meyer is free so wonder why a host of European clubs have ignored him so far..if we were linked with him that would be your first question

We were linked with him and Liverpool and Hoffenheim and Milan. You don’t see where I’m actually asking why we’re not trying to sign him…

TonyD

Not the old “We would have won the league instead of Leicester if VAR was around” chestnut again, Pierre.

The Sun, really? Oh it must be right then.

That one is best for Untold where you should be along with the ref’s conspiracy.

Props for being consistently boring, though.

Receding hairline

Dunno how you can get yourself worked up over an 8m euro signing. We brought in a scout at considerable expense to help us get in young talent across Europe who have the potential to become accomplished players. I believe that scout knows a thing or two about Meyer..if he has decided to pass on him that’s his call. Not every good player in Europe has to be on our books.

Marko

“We would have won the league instead of Leicester if Arsene Wenger was a better manager and bought a striker and a DM instead of just a goalkeeper that summer”

Fixed it for you Pierre

Marko

Not every good player in Europe has to be on our books. Right can’t believe you’re not getting this what’s the difference between a good young player for 8 million and one that’s free? A 19 year old with 20+ games experience or a 22 year old with 100+ games experience and champions league experience? I mean I don’t care one bit about whatever his name is from Lorient because he’s not likely to be considered this season my idea is what’s the point when someone who is slightly older and clearly better and who can make a difference now… Read more »

Receding hairline

Because we are not buying the lorient kid to be in the first team Marko.. Its pretty simple.

For the first team midfield torriera is coming in and maybe Nzonzi if the price is right. We are signing a prospect not a first team player..Meyer is not a prospect and was not considered by the transfer team as a first team option. Sorry you were not consulted neither was I .

Guns of Brixton

A Nzonzi and torriera midfield sounds so nice

Rambo Ramsey

Bamford comes back from his dramatic, self-imposed exile to…wait for it… make snarky comments at others.

Some things never change.

Pierre

Tonyd talking earlier about “The beauty of cup football” and “anything can happen in cup football” yet when Arsenal were winning cups……. Nothing.

Basically shows what a knob he is…I Can’t take people like marko and him and their double standards seriously.

Marko

The only reason you follow the arsenal is one day you decided to glory boy. Let me guess you’d seen a lot of the invincibles in the telly?

Actually started following Arsenal cause I loved their jersey when I was watching the FA Cup final in 90/91 against Sheffield Wednesday. Could just as easily be supporting them if I’m honest.

Marko

Because we are not buying the lorient kid to be in the first team Marko.. Its pretty simple

Exactly my point. Why spend 8 million for a 19 year old not to be involved with the first team when we could get a 22 year old for free who would be a part of the first team

Marko

Basically shows what a knob he is…I Can’t take people like marko and him and their double standards seriously.

What double standard are you talking about

Dissenter

Uruguayan Chihuahua aka Aubergine
I see you’re already smitten by Torriera before he’s signed officially.
Try to stay civil,this time, that way you won’t have to move unto yet another moniker when you’re banned.

I still remember your tears from the last ban. Take care.

Receding hairline

I repeat again Marko

Because the coach and his people do not consider Meyer as who they need for the first team. The fact he is free does not mean he must be signed on. He does not fit the profile they are looking for ..I believe that is a fair assumption to make.

It was never a Meyer or the kid from lorient decision.. You are the only one making it look like Meyer was looked over for a prospect from France and there is no evidence to back that up

LINP

Now that the world cup is winding down, discussion on Arsenal is hitting up. I am really looking forward to this new season. I like what has been happening with the club up to now. In the past, we used to wait until the final day of the transfer period. Then, a few years later, the manager would claimed that he could have signed this or that super-star. Reading that makes me sick.

Dissenter

I’m glad we are signing players that are not from Dortmund or the Bundesliga.
Exciting times ahead for the club.
I suppose that means the silly Nzonzi rumors are over.
The 19 year old can compete with ANM without pressure.

Michael24

England will beat Croatia.

Michael24

Pierre

Leicester became champions because they were the best team.

Stop regurgitating things that are totally irrelevant.

Cheers.

Graham62.

Freddie Ljungberg

In other news, Eboue has been arrested on arson charges and is in custody in London.

Never really liked him as a player but sad to see how far he has fallen.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/emmanuel-eboue-arrested-former-arsenal-12878271

Duzie

Hopefully, it’s France Vs England in the final. Who ever wins I will be happy. Why?

1. Because I support Arsenal
2. We have English and French players and are constantly linked with French players, and also have a huge following in France.

Pierre

Marko
“Actually started following Arsenal cause I loved their jersey when I was watching the FA Cup final in 90/91 against Sheffield Wednesday. Could just as easily be supporting them if I’m honest.”

So Arsenal were in the cup final in 90/91 were they.

Another fraud.

Henry Root

Firstly the FA Cup Final with Sheffield Wednesday was in 1993. Secondly Meyer as a ‘free ‘ signing will want a huge signing on fee. This is going to decide where he goes . I totally agree that we should trust Mislintat Re Guendouzi . He is a specialist in identifying talent. In addition Meyer might be a twat and might affect team spirit , he may be a poor trainer., etc,etc. I think the majority of Gooners on here want to back the new management team and see where this takes us. Thirdly, if we are signing another DM… Read more »

Marko

92/93 wow Pierre you’d be some cunt throwing up that in someone’s face.

Michael24

Just to remind those of you who feel the FA Cup and WC are similar cup competitions.

They are not.

The great thing about the WC is that it brings the nation together, when club rivalries can be forgotten and we can all get behind the same team.

Trippier, Ali, Rose, Dyer and Harry Kane are England players and during this period, I want them all to succeed.

Come on England!

Zfree

Thinking we grab the three points when we host the champions in the opener. Emery has 3-4 weeks to prepare for the game with essentially the full squad (Ozil still on break obviously but I digress). If we play solid, with good tactics, not express yourself Wenger-ball, I feel a fresh and hungry PEA, laca, mikki, Ramsey, and Ozil will fire 1-2 in the back of the net.

Pierre

Marko
Small details but important non the less… It puts you on the same level as Ufraud…..

Nice to know you started supporting the club because you “liked the shirt”.. Says it all really… A pretty plastic reason to decide why you want to support the club.

James wood

Spot on Michael 24.

Michael24

Gareth Southgate has changed the whole ethos and culture of the England team.

Respect, dignity, humility, team ethiic and a progressive environment.

Thanks Gareth for giving us hope and making us believe.

Cesc Appeal

I agree.

We have the advantage over City in the opener.

De Bruyne is still in the World Cup, Kompany is still there, Walker is still there, Sterling is still there.

Fernandinho has only just left and will be suffering, as will Gabriel, as will Silva.

Leno, Bellerin, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang etc all well rested, will have been training for weeks as well.

Michael24

Can Gareth lead us through Brexit?

Cesc Appeal

The youth set up and training of young players in England has changed as well. The young sides are pretty dominant right now which looks good for the future of the England team considering the first time is quite young as well with Pickford, Stones, Maguire, Alli, Kane etc.

Michael24

If I’m totally honest, I’m more concerned about Croatia than Man City.

52 years since a WC final takes precedence right now over Arsenal’s chances in the season opener.

We should all be behind this 100%.

Cesc Appeal

‘We should all be behind this’

I have the cuts, bruises, alcohol drenched clothing and hangover to prove it.

Marko

52 years since a WC final takes precedence right now over Arsenal’s chances in the season opener.We should all be behind this 100%.

You know not every Arsenal fan is an English man

Emiratesstroller

Bamford 10 I was not criticising the format of the World Cup, but pointing out that because teams are being selected from all Continents it is not restricted to the top 32 teams in the FIE rankings. That is reflected by the number of teams who are missing out on qualification such as Italy,Wales and Holland who failed to qualify. Moreover Russia would not have been included in the draw ranked 70th were it not for the bye for teams qualify as the Home Nation. Qatar will also qualify as of right for next World Cup and they would also… Read more »

Pierre

Mayhem 62
“Trippier, Ali, Rose, Dyer and Harry Kane are England players and during this period, I want them all to succeed.”

So do I, And let’s hope they play Belgium in the final….. Anything that will help the arsenal get a decent start to the season will be gratefully accepted.

Ishola70

Dissenter
“I suppose that means the silly Nzonzi rumors are over.”

I’ll be quoting that back to you when the midfield is found wanting defensively a few too many times as the season progresses.

Ishola70

Ornstein said that a younger player not a first teamer would be added or was likely to be bought.

So he has half his predictions right so far.

Marko

So you are a glory supporter. And ironically started following The Arsenal after winning a trophy you spend day and night devaluing

I was 9 years old you fucking moron. Specifically I started to support Arsenal because I liked the jersey.

gonsterous

I think all fans outside England, support teams that are successful. we don’t have the luxury of being born in the same city our club was founded in. it’s why we see so many new city fans, who 15 years ago would have become man utd fans. I first saw arsenal play in 2003 when I was 13. it was against Middlesbrough. then the season I got to watch the invincibles play, I was hooked. didn’t catch all the games, but most that were televised. I was in boarding school at the time and I remember buying a poster of… Read more »

gonsterous

my biggest regret though would be, I missed the chance to see arsenal play basel in the CL a couple seasons back. I lived just an hours drive away from basel and I didn’t take the chance cause it was mid week and I had work the next day.

Michael24

Marko

Point taken.

However, as an Englishman, it takes precedence.

Dissenter

Marko
Now you’ve disclosed your age to Aubergine.
He’s a low life troll who won’t hesitate to bring it up over and over again.

Redtruth

FIFA rankings are baloney.
The expansion of Europe (Kosavo) are the reasons shit teams like Wales and yes England have easier possibilities of qualifying for the World Cup.

Michael24

RT

You have this knack of making a negative out of a positive.

Are you available for any parties?

Emiratesstroller

Marko I don’t know who your comments were addressed to, but I have followed Arsenal since the 1950s when the club had a very poor team. I have watched them play at Highbury since the late 1950s. My first game was watching them play against Blackpool [Sir Stanley Matthews was in their team] I watched the last game of the Busby Babes in England before Munich in what was possibly the most exciting game between Arsenal and Man Utd. I have seen the highs and lows of Arsenal including 6 league titles plus countless cup wins. More importantly I am… Read more »

Ishola70

Very rangy this kid Guendouzi. Covers ground easily. And feisty and emotional player. He is noted to have disciplinary weakness in his game which would come with his temperament but considering his age we will let that go at the moment. Time for him to mature and iron out his discipline overall. And a bit of feisty can be good in a player. But if he doesn’t iron out this aspect over time there is a chance he will become a defensive issue in midfield and not in the positive sense. Box to boxer apparently and has been seen for… Read more »

Redtruth

England and Italy shared the same group (70’s) with only one team qualifying for the World Cup.

Now you have Countries sharing groups with Bosnia, Azjerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Moldovo and Kosovo with two teams qualifying for the World Cup lol

Denisk Birdkampf

Hey Redtruth, just wondering what team was your pick for the world cup or who you were backing? I’m guessing none of the 4 left

gonsterous

who’s the 19 y old you guys are talking about?? going through the comments, I can’t seem to find his name…

Redtruth

They should of restricted the World Cup to 24 teams now it’s set to rise to 48 Countries giving Countries like Malta and Wales an even greater chance of qualifying lol

gonsterous

forget it, found Him. he looks average at best.

Cesc Appeal

I like the look of Guendouzi from the videos I’ve watched, good with the ball at this feet and likes to take players on.

Obviously going to very raw but it’s great we’re getting these prospects and also now have an actual coaching set up to nurture them.

Redtruth

Wrong……i had France as one of the favourites with Croatia as dark horses.

Gooner63

FIFA rankings are baloney.
The expansion of Europe (Kosavo) are the reasons shit teams like Wales and yes England have easier possibilities of qualifying for the World Cup.

to be fair its made it easier for all european higher ranked teams, also teams like mexico, just look at the North, Central America and Caribbean group and australia

its only really stayed the same for south america and africa

Redtruth

Russia have exceeded expectations and scored the two best goals of the tournament……deserved to win it.

Pierre

Stroller
“. I watched also the England games v Argentina and Portugal [Esuebio was in their team] at Highbury.”

Your memory is playing tricks on you… England played all their matches at Wembley in 1966.

Redtruth

First time since 1930 either Brazil or Germany have not contested a World Cup Semi-Final which tells you where this tournament is at.

Gooner63

maybe it just means they arent as good as people thought

Victorious

“Actually started following Arsenal cause I loved their jersey ”

Small surprise you’re always bitching on here, Arsenal only became a draw for you because of the beauty of a jersey
no real affinity to the club then, proper plastic fan

Redtruth

The same will be said of England when they get knocked out.

Redtruth

Victorious

What qualifies you to supporting Arsenal.

Cesc Appeal

Seems both City and Spurs tried to sign Guendouzi in January

Jamie

So some rudimentary maths tells me Emiratesstroller is at least 70 years old.

Pierre

Unless the club is in the blood I can understand why kids would start supporting a successful club.

I didn’t have a choice and neither did my kids..
If my kids had Sat me down and said dad we have something to tell you, we are going to support Tottenham, I would have disowned them…. I was going to say that I would rather they tell me they were gay, but I won’t say that as the politically correct police will be after me…..so I won’t say it lol

Emiratesstroller

Pierre

Yes you are right it was at Wembley but I was at both games notable because
Rattin was sent early off in Argentine game and also because Eusebio played
for Portugal albeit from recollection he was born in Mozambique and was considered the best footballer playing in Europe.

I had a group ticket for all England’s games including final.

Emiratesstroller

Jamie

You could be right!!

Pierre

Stroller
I remember the games well… My dad went to Wembley for the Argentina game and yes I can remember Eusebio as being the player of the tournament.. His hattrick (or was it 4)v korea at goodison Park was superb as they came back from 3 down.

Victorious

Red,I like a good passing team, Arsenal runs through my veins,i first fell in love because of the orgasmic football we played,so easy on the eyes with unbelievable passing football

Victorious

CA, Marko and gambon mocking David orstein for insinuating Torreira’s signing will be that for major signings to the first team with the probability of a youngster joining…step forward Guendonzi

you lot probably owes the man some apology

Don’t see how will also add Nzonzi considering this kid joins, thank fvck for that

thank fvck Nzonzi ain’t coming then,dont see what he brings that Xhaka ain’t capable of

1 5 6 7