What a thoroughly fabulous day.
I rolled out at 0930 to meet James who writes the blog sometimes, couldn’t get into the bar of choice because it was too busy… which really fucked me off. We jumped in a taxi, hit up O’Hanolons and watched England TROUNCE Sweden in a very effective 2-0 victory.
A few things stood out again, and I hate to say it… but Trippier really is an excellent right back. He’s strong, mobile, very composed and his final ball is exceptional whether that’s coming in from out wide in open play, or from dead balls. He’s such a good player. Harry Mcguire is also excellent, if he were a foreign defender, we’d pur over his ability to distribute from the back, surely a big move lined up for him? Also, what is it with the north and producing top talent? Our whole backline has risen up from weaker clubs. It’s great to see. The south needs to sort itself out, the softies.
I’ve also got to wind-in my criticisms of Jordan Pickford. I have Richard Wright issues, and I thought his performances at Sunderland were kind of standard because anyone can look good playing for a shite team. The real talent is being able to make those world class saves when you only have 3 things to deal with in a game. Yesterday, he was man of the match for me. He made some unbelievable saves. Outside his incredible athleticism, his ability to play with the ball at his feet is surprisingly impressive. He has a great range of passing and he certainly seems cut for the future of keeping.
Sweden wasn’t a tough test. They were a very organised midtable Premier League team. They blew it out of the park simply making it to the quarterfinals. So well done to them, but a bigger test awaits in the next round.
The Croatia / Russia game was also pretty damn exciting. The Russians put in a hearty performance, not really caving to the more impressive qualities of the Croats. That said, it was a pretty drab performance from the away team. I have yet to be blown away by Croatia, and if the performance they put on yesterday is anything to go by, I’m not overly worried about the semi-final.
Sure, we’re going to struggle with their midfield, but if we can bring high-intensity pressing and bypass them with salt of the earth long balls, we have every chance of causing them headaches on Wednesday.
I don’t really fear France or Belgium like I would a Spain or a Germany. I think we have every chance of winning the World Cup now, regardless of who we play. The winds seem to be favouring Belgium in the other match, and you’d have to have us down as favourites against Croatia. It’s going to be a massive game this week, but win or lose, the boys have overachieved in this tournament so far and Gareth Southgate deserves a lot of credit for putting on a show.
Back in England, it looks like Arsenal have signed Matteo Guendouzi (vid), the French under-20 plays as a number 4. He’s very quick, he looks pretty strong if the videos of him bulldozing players is anything to go by, and he seems pretty suited to a side that want to break quickly. His passing isn’t that ambitious, but he’s capable. He has dabbled box to box and has the skill the break the lines with his pace, so there’s a hint of Jack Wilshere in there too.
So we’ve not just signed one DM this window, we’ve probably signed two. Not bad considering we haven’t really dealt with that position since the summer of 2008 when we moved on Flamini, Gilberto and Diarra in one window.
If Ornstein’s tweet was anything to go by, that’ll be the last of our business this summer.
There are rumours that the captaincy is going to be part of Rambo’s new deal, Ivan G keen to be filmed shaking the Welshman’s hand last week. Our CEO really is making the most of this summer, and who can blame him, he’s finally winning.
Maybe it’s too tough for the club to move players on, as the manager hasn’t had a chance to coach them or see them in action? No word on Welbeck’s new deal. Though there are strong rumours linking Ospina with a move to Boca Juniors which sounds like a good deal for everyone.
Joel Campbell, a player we just can’t quit, is being linked with moves away to Fener (standard) and Lazio. We’re also mulling over the abilities of Lucas, a player I thought was pretty handy, and maybe deserved less of the cold shoulder.
Right, that’s me done. See you tomorrow you beautiful people. x
DM
2
Bankz is here for the Tr4phy again
Tr4phy
Tro4phy
Tr4phy
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 o
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
I was 9 as I said. I mean I’ll take advice on supporting from an African fan the day the sun doesn’t come up. I mean half of you are the definition of plastic fans. You speak of affinity and you supported Arsenal for their orgasmic football so only during the early Wenger years yeah.
Emirates you old git! Put the phone down and enjoy the sun. Shouldn’t you be gardening or something?! Shouting at the yoots to stay off your lawn?!
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 Guendonziyou lot probably owes the man some apology
You’re going to look quite the numpty if we end up signing Nzonzi or Caglar Soyuncu or a winger. Probably would prefer if we signed no one else and faltered through another season
I agree, I don’t see what N’Zonzi does that xhaka can’t. And xhaka has a better passing range
Can’t wait for the season to begin in earnest,the world cup has been anything but entertaining or interesting except for been unpredictable and dramatic,its been a torture
IF England were to (UNLIKELY) lift the cup then it’ll be a sad day for football.
This world cup has been magnificent.
A winger is what I crave. But if Emery is considering mkhi as the winger, then we won’t sign anyone
It’s Belgium or France. Guaranteed. England got far due to fav fixtures
Question for DM and Bankz-Have you two ever met in person or thought about it? Your battles for the Tr4phy are almost as legendary as the site itself. Game recognizing game…just a thought.
https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/weston-mckennie-schalke-wonderkid-pulisic-usa-texas-dallas-476076.jsp
Victor
Not if your English living in England
It’s been fantastic
Mark S
Never met Bankz, nor anyone on the site to my knowledge! Glad someone enjoys our battles 😀 lol
It’s never really occurred to me to meet although I must admit wondering things like how old you guys are – I could be competing against a 70 year old man or an 18 year old woman 🙂
One thing that I’ve noticed this World Cup has been the large percentage of goals scored on set pieces/dead balls. It seems to be way more than compared to what we see during the league seasons. Any thoughts on why this is? Better prep? Less defensive cohesiveness? Better deliveries?
Victorious What a sad, sad post. The world cup has been widely regarded as an excellent one in terms of quality of games – and that’s without the added bonus of England’s progress. Why on Earth would it be a sad day for football if England win? Pathetic mate. We’re due a bit of luck over the years, yes we’ve ended up with an easier route than we could’ve realistically hoped for but we’ve played our part and done well where it’s mattered. Flipping Portugal won the Euros after being awful through most of the tournament and coming 3rd in… Read more »
“Any thoughts on why this is?”
VAR
It’s Belgium or France. Guaranteed. England got far due to fav fixtures
Sanmi…very true.
Just like winning FA CUP without meeting any tough opposition on way to the final….Final would be Belguiun V England..Belgium will lift it.
DM-I know some view the Tr4phy competition as silliness, however it does add to the posts. It’s crazy how close the times are most days. Most of the time Pedro is posting at 3-4am (9-10am UK) where I live, so I’m usually post #75-100 when I read it. I always check who won the Tr4phy that day though. And for the record I’m 33. I’ve been coming to the site for almost 5 years. I noticed Myles Palmer mention Le Grove on his site a couple of times, and I figured I’d give it a shot. I start my days… Read more »
Rambo Ramsey-I agree that VAR is the main reason for the increase in penalties, however I don’t feel that more free kicks have been given because of it.
I’m looking forward to seeing VAR this season, and I feel for the most part that it has done its job.
France will turn Belgium easily. They ooze talent and finally look like a team.
I don’t fancy our chances against them in a final beyond hoping for a draw and pens or a nice free kick or a corner and shutting up shop.
But that is my sceptical gooner side talking g. Of course, I would LOVE to be proved wrong.
Mark S Pleased to hear you enjoy our contribution, even while so many think it’s a bit immature and pathetic (which it probably is!) hehe For the record, I’m 30 and from London, have been reading the site for many years but rarely commented. On the rare occasions that I did I never really got any responses and I wondered if it was because no one knew who I was, and that’s when I thought maybe I’d compete for the 4th place trophy that others were dominating at the time. Since then, I’ve renamed it the ‘tr4phy’ and everyone knows… Read more »
“however I don’t feel that more free kicks have been given because of it.”
VAR has made defending freekicks and corners harder. Hence more goals conceded.
Rambo Ramsey-Now that’s something I can agree with.
DM-Keep up the good work!
Victorious
One of the best WC’s.
If England win the WC (agree, unlikely), it will be a great day for Football.
Why do you feel it would be a sad day?
Is it because cheats like Neymar won’t be getting their hands on the trophy?
Victorious.
I think you have some deep rooted problem.?
And don’t ask me to broaden that view as I think you already
know.?
If we don’t get a winger, I feel Lucas should be kept. He’s a creative offensive player with some flair and good passing ability.
Apparently, we’re set to announce two signings in the next few days. Wow!
red truth says France are fav. thanx for jinxing it, watch them go out next round with RT supporting Belgium next.. let’s just give the cup to England. first time a team with no creativity in the middle is going to win the WC…
Victorious
Still waiting for your answer.
regardless of who lifts the trophy, this has been one of the best WCs in a very long Time, the last time I enjoyed a WC was 2002…
DM For the record, I’m 30 and from London, have been reading the site for many years but rarely commented. On the rare occasions that I did I never really got any responses and I wondered if it was because no one knew who I was, and that’s when I thought maybe I’d compete for the 4th place trophy that others were dominating at the time. Since then, I’ve renamed it the ‘tr4phy’ and everyone knows who I am, even if most of them think I’m a bit of a tit lol wow, leave something for your auto biography.. spilling… Read more »
Chika
That’s a good point. I forgot about lucas – always liked him on the rare occasions he played.
DM/Graham The quality of this world cup is a far cry from past editions,most of the goals scored have come from PKs and OG, no rare gem of note, no outstanding player deserving of the golden boot so far, neither is the golden ball, SHIT teams like England and Sweden making quarters, I could go on and on my pick from day1 has been Belgium and I sincerely hope they win it because they’ve played the best football and deserve it, England don’t The English media/fans are insufferable and hypocritical,”coming out with football is coming home blather when you lot… Read more »
Victorious
Wow. U sound like a lot of fun to be around… not even gonna bother with a proper response to your post mate. Go out and have some fun.
Victorious
“You lot”
Do you reside in England?
AH
“That’s a good point. I forgot about lucas – always liked him on the rare occasions he played.”
Yeah true, with Lucas you can certainly see he has the natural ability. He created tons of chances last season too. Ideally, I’d love us to sign a winger but in the event that we don’t get one, we have to make the most of what we have and that’s where Lucas Perez comes in.
Plain xenophobia my friend,frankly it’s becoming tedious
Mbappe will be player of the tournament should he score a couple against Belgium.
“regardless of who lifts the trophy, this has been one of the best WCs in a very long Time, the last time I enjoyed a WC was 2002…”
Same here. France 98 was a strong one also but USA 94 was tops for me.
I’m struggling to find more than two good players in this ‘golden generation’ Belgium team.
Regarding player of the tournament, as of now i’d say Mbappe , De Bruyne or Modric.
Perhaps De Bruyne
Redtruth.
I would take Meurnier the right back in a flash currently a PSG player
he has been outstanding.
De Bruyne’s been shit.
Fernandez of Russia has been the best right back.
Talking tosh Red
France have 5 or 6 better players than Belgium and 10 better players than England.
Saying that i can’t see beyond Croatia lifting the trophy.
The lumbering Manzukic should have a field day against England’s cumbersome defence.
Lol lil’ vicuntious is on rampage mode again.
I’m really pleased for the England team but can someone please tell me how we’ve over-achieved as Pedro claims.
I agree that we haven’t under-achieved which I guess is an over-achievement if only compared with other England teams in previous World Cups and the Euros.
But beating Tunisia, Panama, Columbia and Sweden was expected. Losing to Belgium was fine given the context but if we win it all, then that’s a clear over-achievement.
Fernández is from Brazil and qualified to play for Russia in 2016.
He cannot speak Russian.
Russia bending the rules again 🙂
I find players who qualify for any sport through citizenship
bending the rules but legal.?..
Victoria’s hemorroids must be playing her up
Paulinho rejoins Guangzhou Evergrande after just one year at Barcelona
Strange one this piece of news.
What an efficient window we’be had. Five new players brought in to fill needs and all done within the next week.
I’m beginning to think our opener vs Man City was actually the perfect start for us. From the looks of it, they’ll definitely be without De Bruyne, Sterling, Stones, Kompany and Walker and possibly will give extra recovery time to D.Silva, Fernandinho, Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo and Otamendi.
The schedulers might have done us a big favour!!!
I know Fernandez is Brazilian ….i’m just saying he’s been the best right back……
Redtruth.
I know you know.
I’m looking forward to this season for the first time in years….
At 25/1 got to be worth a jack’s ?
Marko, with all due respect why do u think Africans can’t advice u about supporting arsenal. it sounds quite degrading on some of us from Africa who support this club before the Wenger era. No matter how we view each others point, it should be devoid off ones roots. though at times, some can be uncompromising.
Red
You are just an anti person
Anti arsenal
Anti England
Anti questions…
Grow up lad
If true this new fella seems like a young David Luis..
All for it we’ve needed s clear out for long time.
Bacray
That’s what I’ve been saying
We should n could get 4/6 points first two games
Lol Vicuntious on her period again. I just knew there was some angle about Arsenal. So bitter about Wengers failure in the end. He’s finished. Get over it.
Kay I mean no disrespect I’m sure there’s genuine legitimate African supporters out there but I’m also well aware of some who change teams depending on success or if a certain player moves clubs. Victorious giving me shit for supporting a club originally because of their jersey is laughable considering I was just 9. And he said he started supporting Arsenal when they started playing good football probably in his 20’s. He’s a fake fan basically on here for a troll
Marko
Victorious is a clueless troll.
Every one has a unique thing that drew them to Arsenal. Most Nigerian support Arsenal because of one player; Kanu.
I started supporting Arsenal in 1986 because of the ‘JVC’ on the shirt, then I loved George Graham [now I wonder what there was to like about him]
Attacking you because you were drawn to the shirt was dim, probably one of the most stupid things said here.
But, hey that Victorious – the dim witted 12 year old around here.
When’s the torr signing
Who cares where anyone comes from.
I was in south London who choose to support aresnal in 1969
If someone from a far corner of the world Thats great.
At the end of the day we support arsenal
I’ll raise my glass to them all over TT he world
I must say, this site does bring up some characters (positive and not so much) but I think Victorious is an attention seeking prick.
Here to provide alternative views just for the sake of causing an online ruckus.
@RSPC by the sounds of it, our new DM should be announced on Monday or Tues.
Exactly dissenter when you’re that age what else is there to draw a kid to a specific club? It’s usually who your dad supported who’s successful at the time or the jerseys. I properly started around the 93 Cup final because of their jersey but I do vaguely remember watching the shit out of old double winning VHS tapes and the league won at Liverpool Michael Thomas stuff. Used to love Anders Limpar a proper winger. But according to Victorious and Pierre I’ve no affinity to the club. Mindless lemmings they are who loved Arsene more than Arsenal
“When’s the torr signing”
He said he’s flying to london form Russia for his medical tomorrow.
Done deal my friend
Winner of Belgium/France will win it. Croatia has sputtered and England probably doesn’t have another gear(although they’ve exceeded expectations getting to the semis) .
They’ve reached further than Becks Lamps Gerard Rio Ashley ever did but I think they’ve probably hit their ceiling for this tournament.
DM, fuck the haters. I don’t think you’re a tit.
Boom
I’ve actually always thought Pedro was DM. And I stand by it. Nothing can be said to convince me otherwise
Let me hear you say Emery
Left
Vintage
Cheers
@Tits
I agree however given England’s opposition i’d say they’ve met expectations thus far. Getting to the final would exceed expectations (Although the Croats blow hot & cold).
Just look at how it is so to sign players now and early unlike under Wenger regime. No more dithering, but captain issue should be sorted out ASAP.
*it’s so easy*
I’ve always thought Victorious was @wanker.
“Nothing can be said to convince me otherwise”
England can get past Croatia. I just can’t see England beating any of France or Belgium.
England will beat Croatia.
Look
We would all have taken the semis
…
Think of the future
Southgate knows he’s had These lads for years
Future is bright
Man mountain Maguire will scare them shitless.
Henderson will nullify Modric.
Lingard and Ali will cause havoc.
Sterling will get some luck.
Kane will do his bit.
Bob’s your uncle.
England are a team, moulded by a manager who deserves our utmost respect.
Role on Wednesday.
“Pedro
DM, fuck the haters. I don’t think you’re a tit.”
Coming from the man himself! Thank you, Sir!
“Marko
I’ve actually always thought Pedro was DM. And I stand by it. Nothing can be said to convince me otherwise”
This is probably the biggest compliment you can give me, shows I’m damn good at what I do 😉 Perhaps one day we’ll all meet and you can be convinced lol
it’s just two games left.
Any team can summon up two perfect games.
Every team left in the competition has an almost equal; chance of winning it.
These are teams with players that know one another very well.
Just two perfect games and England could very well be continuing the recent successes of the youth teams.
Dissenter
I agree but still don’t believe England can beat any of France or Belgium.
Seriously
I remember reading that Wenger was interested insert whilst he was at Sheffield
That’s true
A fan is anyone who invests his: TIME, ENERGY, THOUGHTS, & MOST IMPORTANTLY EMOTIONS, PASSION, DESIRE & “LIFE” to a course, club or venture. IF i sleep, wake, walk, work, worth, love, marry, and bear Arsenal… how dear you question my fanship? A fan is fan. A supporter a supporter. you can both, but you’ve got to be a fan first and foremost. You support with your money-buying marchandies and tickets, your voice at the stadium or in front of the TV, or contributing to blogs like this. so how, when, where you started with the Arsenal is not important.… Read more »
DM
Jokes aside, you must know Pedro in person to keep up with the “tro4phy”league, you and Bankz.
How do always know when he posts? cos am addicted to Le Grove for more than five years. But my first comment was on the day Wenger announced
By the way Bamford, you’ve made your point. common back here falla. i miss your contribution. and please, everyone, back-off him
Michael24July 8, 2018 22:08:00 “I’ve always thought Victorious was @wanker.” Apparently by his own admission from an earlier post it grates him sucking cocks, too. Strange chap. You can add Northern goon sorry- AKA Aubergine sorry- AKA Uruguayan Pitbull to the wanker list too. Although his moniker would probably be better known as Worlfie from Citizen Smith – the urban wanker sorry I meant warrior. The coming season should be hilarious with the usual suspects in full throttle: Stat king Pierre’s knob pounding assertions “it’s the referees conspiracy look at the stats and the Sun said so” The cocksucker Victoria… Read more »
Belgium have a vastly superior first 11 to England but you can’t be sure of anything in a cup final. Also as average as England are, we have a solid defense and we have a goal machine up front. Belgium and France would both be clear favourites but it’s not so one-sided that we couldn’t have a good result and do either of them We still have to navigate Croatia first though. Things feel different this time though. We had a team of world beaters for decades and failed so badly. Now we’re probably a 7/10 team but we’re quietly… Read more »
It makes bugger all sense but inject peak Beckham, Owen, Rooney, Scholes, Gerrard and pals into this World Cup team and we’d have lost to Colombia
100% nailed on.
China Perfect summation of the situation. Also in Southgate we have a level headed manager who can create a special unity in the team to perform as a team playing for each other at the extreme end of their collective abilities. I agree with many here we can beat Croatia but it’s by far not a given. Also agree with Freddy it’s very unlikely in the event we get to the final, France and Belgium will prove too much with the talent and pace they have. But stranger things have happened – look at Greece beating Portugal in Lisbon in… Read more »