Oh, man, too much excitement.
We’ve pretty much landed Denis Suarez. There was some worry, mostly fueled by me, that the deal was going to fail because Barca dropped the announcement of their homepage… however, there has been no noise about a failed medical.
Ornstein reckons Perisic and Carassco deals are very unlikely, but the Nkunku deal is 50/50.
So we have a wide left player who can give Emery more finesse with touch and a bit more energy moving the ball and potentially a utility midfielder who can play right back.
There is a horror thread from David Cartlidge on Suarez.
Some thoughts on Denis Suárez to Arsenal. First of all, a loan without the obligatory purchase option isn’t a bad deal by any means, as he’s only really produced one good half a season in his career to date. It’s low risk.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) January 30, 2019
If you click into it, he basically says Emery didn’t know how to use him, the player is no more than a cog in a machine (our machine is bad), and he has issues like a lack of personality and the inability to impose himself on games.
Well, he has it all to prove at Arsenal. At least if it goes badly, we can send him back.
In other news, ESR has moved to Leipzig on loan. A bloody excellent move. Nketiah has gone to work with Jens at Augsburg in Germany. Ben Knapper working that new loans job well. GOOD LUCK CHAPS.
In footballing news, Arsenal moved back into 4th after Chelsea took a SPANKING at Bournemouth. Other good news stretched to Liverpool drawing.
For all the shrieks of ‘Emery can’t compete for top 4’, it appears that with a squad of supposedly shite players, we’re in 4th heading into February.
It’s all about coaching now. If Rafa Benitez can beat Pep, then there’s no reason we can’t. Apparently, we have the same points total as them since late August.
Just don’t play a high line… please, please, please don’t put us through that.
Right, that’s me done. I did a podcast for your ears. I’m alone.
SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS
Tony
Thanks for the video. I was being sarcastic about Ted Nugent, the Far Right gun loving trump supporter. I said that Unnai should drop Bowie for Nugent.
He clearly has no idea what I was talking about.
LOL
Guns of SF
Ah, duly noted. I was skimming through this morning catching up from last night so only really caught the name.
Sarcasm and UnDon? Probably too subtle for him, he’s more kick-in-the-face humour him being our Jack Russel poster and all.
Would be really funny if Barca reject Suarez replaces Ozil & Mikhi from the team.
Hope he does really, neither 2 are worth the first 11 these days or perhaps even the bench.
The lads going out on loan are of equal importance to our future. Sincerely hope they do well gaining experience in Germany.
Karim
‘I will never thank England enough for David Gilmour ! ( and a few others to be fair )’
Only a few?
That’s a bit harsh Karim considering the UK led the music scene in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
That said I liked your export Jean Michel Jarre in his early days with Tubular Bells.
You do have a great streaming and Hi Res online app with Qubuz as well.
https://www.qobuz.com
Pierre
“Good to see some intelligent well balanced posters on here now who have a good insight into the game instead of the usual lot who continually criticise our most talented players.
…
Shame about many of the others who don’t understand what it means to support the club and feel that Arsenal are entitled to be at the top. ”
All due respect, you sir, are a cunt.
And not the fuckable type either. Just a big flappy hairy fucker
Goober
Precisely summed up
Eloquently as well – The ‘you sir’ gave it more controlled meaning 🙂
How can someone be wedded to a manager with a two year deal? He is not Moyes the chosen one who was handed a six year deal. He is a manager picked and given one job ..get us back into the champions league any way possible. No one cares about anything else, we simply want to be a champions league team again. As for the process, well Sarri was hailed for having instilled his style of football at Chelsea after three months, we can all see now that was a naked lie. I don’t care for a style of football,… Read more »
Hahahaha Tony, It’s because he’s directing it at the likes of us, and it’s just so damn ironic coming from the ‘Wenger leaves when he wants’ brigade. I am trying not to reply to the trolling haha but that was one that got me hahaha. Fair played Pierre you cheeky prick. As much as they talk shit, we all love the arsenal in our own way. And every single person would do things differently. We just have to go with what’s Infront of us, like hanging on to Wenger well and truly past his sell by date, and Emery the… Read more »
Agree receding,
With all the top 4 is a trophy talk over the years, you’d think more people would realise that’s the main goal
Bob N16 & ES
I thought England would play with an expansive running team in Dublin and Jones isn’t disappointing English rugby fans.
Will be a hard fought and exciting game and a welcome sporting event before the City game Sunday.
I fancy England to up[set Ireland and win although the Irish are favorites.
Would love to be in Dublin for this, not only for the game but for the banter before and after in the pubs.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-6654691/CLIVE-WOODWARD-England-wow-factor-beat-Ireland-Six-Nations.html
Goobergooner
“All due respect, you sir, are a cunt.”
People that go on about Pierre “trolling” should have a look at this twat, all because Pierre has a different opinion.
Moron
Emery is a transitional manager. No excitement, can’t manage exceptional talent, but can grind out results from average sort of players who can work hard. So I feel he is guaranteed to return us to Champions league. Then and only then can we bring an exceptional manager who can deal with exceptional talent and a foundation of hardwork to produce the arsenal we love. To be honest the best arsenal I ever watched was 2008-2010. The invincibles were incredible, but oh my, the most scintillating football was where we had RVP and Eduardo upfront, Hleb(then Nasri), Cesc and Rosicky, and… Read more »
Goober I’m cool; the games leave a bit to be desired like against Cardiff, but every now and again we hit the dizzy heights like beating Spuds and Chavs. Then it’s edge of the seat stuff with my 10 year old son screaming at the TV as if the players can hear us. You’re right in what you say – good measured thinking. My concerns are more about the club management and owner than what’s happening on the pitch. It’s a collective wait and see on and off the pitch for the next few months and what our summer allocated… Read more »
Gobby Gooner
I think you should point out to Tony (the self professed connoisseur of music) that Tubular Bells was written and performed by Mike Oldfield , nothing to do with Jean Michel Jarre…….I thought someone with his apparent expertise in music would know that.
I will ignore your other comment as I do understand that the truth hurts .
Hahaha takin the mhik,
Just because you got a call out from st. Pierre doesn’t mean you need to be his knight in shining armour.
I like Pierre. Just that comment of his was cuntish.
Robinson
Please can you list this exceptional talent we currently have??
The only truth that hurts some is that Wenger was finished not last season, but nearly a decade ago. I am willing to give Emery time. I don’t think Emery is some god like some kents that followed Wenger. I’m just giving the guy a chance to build his own squad. Do I think he is the right man for the job? This season has had ups and downs, but I do think that it can only get better with time. Just my opinion. I don’t care if it was him or anyone else bar Arteta In the job. I… Read more »
Takin the Mhik
“People that go on about Pierre “trolling” should have a look at this twat, all because Pierre has a different opinion.”
Did as you suggested and nah Pierre’s the queen of trolls as per so many posters here say daily.
You’re in the AKB minority but thanks for pointing it out to us as your opinion means a lot to us on the other side of the fence —-NOT!!!!
And in saying that I still would have given Arteta time to build his squad. Just would have thought the hire was fucking bizarre.
Also Pierre, I do like gobbies, thanks for pointing it out
Robinson
Agree, that 2008 team was class all over (apart from Almunia in goal). Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini and Rosicky in midfield was fantastic. If we had a bit more luck with injuries in that 2008 season, I reckon we’d have won the league.
Gobby obviously means something different wherever you are .
Robinson
Agree with you 100%
The project youth team played actual fantasy football. Was breathtaking to watch. We were so lucky to have followed such a team at that time. And so unlucky (I know) that it didn’t achieve what it should have. Just 2-3 quality defensive additions and that team wins titles. Rvp, Hleb, Eduardo, cesc, Rosicky even Walcott. Just beautiful to watch them link up with their one touch tika taka
Bamford10January 31, 2019 21:33:13
PedroAre you joking? Did you delete my reply to Dale’s absurdities? Simply because I mentioned that I was a Marxist. You have to be kidding me, mate
Bamford
No racism or Marxist chat please
🤪😂😂😂
Who cares about results… We need sexy, expressive football back.
Anybody got Wenger’s number?
Fantasy Football is all well and good but when you defend like a pub team, what’s the point.
No disrespect to “The Dog and Duck”
Unai
It starts with 8-2
Tony
“Then it’s edge of the seat stuff with my 10 year old son screaming at the TV as if the players can hear us.”
As you are in your 60’s , it must be embarrassing when people mistake you for your sons grandad.
As you are in your 60’s , it must be embarrassing when people mistake you for your sons grandad.
This comment is embarrassing.
Freddy
Do you sleep?
Unai
Was a beautiful team to watch regardless. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t truly appreciate football.
It was, but it was also Wenger’s last real contribution as a top level coach.
That was the time to bow out and it’s because he didn’t that we are where we are now.
Bitter sweet.
Un na
Yes, I am a human, humans have to sleep.
unai
“”This comment is embarrassing.”
I noticed you never made a comment on the insults I took from Goobergoona and tony……
Goobergoon…”All due respect, you sir, are a cunt.”
Followed by a comment from Tony
“Goober
Precisely summed up……..Eloquently as well – The ‘you sir’ gave it more controlled meaning “
Pierre Don’t be silly Pierre, don’t judge me by the way you look in your 60s. As with before come out and see for yourself and Join me in the gym, bit different to walking round a golf course or more probably you using a buggy because your legs can’t carry your beer belly and fat arse too far. Anyway your comment was daft and confirms you take far too long to process what’s in front of you. I mean it took you four winters to work out why you couldn’t find your white golf balls in the snow. I’ve… Read more »
Tony,
Can’t wait for Saturday’s game. Too close to call. Have been watching Tuilagi closely for Leicester, nowhere near back to his best but glad he’s back. Great to have a proper 7 again, although his peak is a few years off. Not sure if Youngs is quite good enough. Love Nowell, says he fancies playing 7 at some stage, all rounder who always breaks the game line. 5 Sarries in pack, also promising.
Bring it on.
Tony Yes I will be following the England Rugby match tomorrow. They will be playing against a very well organised Irish team and I do think that it will be very difficult to win this game. However, there is another matter which perhaps needs to be raised and that is SARACENS a club based in Copthall not a million miles from the Emirates or Arsenal’s training ground. This is a club dominates English Rugby and has recruited and developed some of England’s best talent as well as integrating some world class players from overseas. Currently 6 of the England Team… Read more »
I have said many times that Emery should be allowed at least one season to prove whether he is the right man for the job. The club is in transition with a very mediocre squad/team. No-one with a modicum of intelligence expected Arsenal to make overnight a significant improvement. Emery’s decision making has been for me rather ‘up and down’. There have been a couple of good days when we beat both Spurs and Chelsea at home. Others have been far less inspirational. My main concern at the moment is our defence. There is no material improvement whatsoever since last… Read more »
Good points ES, Sarries are nailing it.
I still get most pleasure from an Arsenal victory against top opposition, but other than that I probably enjoy top rugby at least as much. Maybe that’s a reflection on my emotional involvement.
Other than Arsenal games I don’t watch much football but I regularly watch Aviva Premiership games, my interest is in scouting England players and enjoying the battle.
On an aside, I have never seen a rugby player roll over when injured, whenever I see a footballer do that I want to see a yellow card for simulation!
Bob N16
I agree 100% with you.
I have an emotional attachment as a lifelong supporter of Arsenal having gone
to Arsenal with both my father and children, but I find rugby increasingly a
much better game to watch.
red truth
I remember when Bertie Mee retired in 1976, i collected all the newspaper clippings and stuck them in a scrapbook.
awww, back when you were in your 30s.
BobN16 Yes Youngs can be a weak link at times. I prefer Danny Care, but also Alex Lozowski from Saras is promising if he can get more game time. Agree with all your points and love Nowell for his fearless attitude. Shame shields isn’t fit for this game but better he’s fit for the world cup. I also really like Cipriani and hope he makes it to the world cup. He’s a maverick but can change games and you need that kind of player in a world cup. I kind of liken him to a Gaza with brains. 🙂 ES… Read more »
CG
all well and good asking for powerful players, but I think most fans want fluid technical play, which is why we are getting in more technical players. The long throw in ala stoke gets you points but fans want to see beautiful footie.
The real beauty would have grit as well as dynamic play but our ship is so far away from that land, we need major changes not 70m a season and surviving on loan scrapes.
Tony, good point about Cipriani, if we do win the WC, and that’s a big if, feel Cipriani will have contributed. Haven’t read ‘Dogs of War but have heard an extensive interview with Moore about his life; so open and honest- a man who acknowledges is demons and comes out the other side. Loved the way he wound up the French front row! Last year saw Johnson in a restaurant in Market Harborough where my Mum lives. He was scary looking and that was him sitting down with his wife and daughters, can’t imagine what facing his stare on a… Read more »
Tony
I had lunch during Summer with one of the senior teachers at Whitgift School
who taught Cipriani.
Actually he has very similar characteristics and persona to Gazza. He was apparently a nightmare.
However, I do think that rugby does attract some very bright people. Itoje is a
prime example.
Denis suarez is an Emery signing . I think with him in the side , we can allow one if Laca/Auba to rest. Iwobi on the left Suarez on the right . Xhaka , Torreira , Guendouzi midfield ?
DivineSherlock
Agreed about Laca/Auba, that was one of the reason we were so lethal in the last 20 minutes of games at the start of the season when Welbeck played, we had one of them coming in off the bench. Feel we have to start rotate regardless if we don’t want them to break down, Eddie is not ready yet.
Would prefer a Torreira Guendouzi Ramsey midfield myself until the summer when we can put Xhaka in Ramseys luggage on the way to Italy.
Tony What is not well known is that an increasing number of academy players in both rugby and football are being sent for tutoring at a select number of independent schools. Whitgift has a tie up apparently with Chelsea FC. I believe that Moses went there. Harrow School has also strong links with several football and rugby clubs. Highgate School has now a tie up with Spurs. They have opened up a London Academy of Excellence which is a sixth form college based in Tottenham designed to send high achieving pupils to Russell Group Universities including Oxbridge. Highgate provide educational… Read more »
England will get spanked by the Irish.
At least ten points difference between the sides, if not more.
England will not win the WC.
Still too reliant on brute force and ignorance.
Graham, a rather depressing prediction. Hope you’re wrong but home advantage does count for a lot!
Ignorance? Care to elaborate?
Graham
Was watching a Lampard interview the other day and he was saying how we were stuck in a rigid 442 with Gerrard Scholes and Lampard, one always being shunted to the left
Lampard was saying that the 3 man midfield was taking over at the time and he can’t understand why our successive managers stuck to a 442. Normally to accommodate both Rooney and Micheal Own. He was right. We had a squad of players as good as any in the world but failed to use them properly.
BobN16
Seen enough of England these past few years to understand that when it comes to the crunch, we tend to revert to type.
Don’t move the ball quickly enough along the line, too concerned with going through the phases and over elaborating in the rucks and mauls.
Ireland, Wales and even Scotland move the ball more concisely. Have always felt that our forwards are not as flexible as other nations. I don’t dispute that strength and power is key but in England’s case, we seem to favour this neanderthal approach.
Un na naai
Sorry mate, been talking about Rugby……….not Football.
I’ll. for an Irish victory.
25-12.
Hope I’m wrong.
We are bare bones defensively, so I don’t know if Emery has any better options than the back four below. Otherwise I’d sit deep and go with midfielders and forwards who will work and help us keep possession when we win the ball.
__________Leno
Jenk__Must__Monr__Kola
_____Xhaka___Torra
________Ramsey
_Ozil_____Laca____Suarez
Bring Iwobi and Aubameyang on with 10-20 minutes to go to see if they can take advantage of tired legs.
Graham 62
I think that Ireland v England will be a tight game, but I agree Ireland will win.
It will be interesting who England select in backline. There is a new kid on block called Cokanasiga [Bath] who looks tremendous and Ashton has been reintroduced to squad and as we know scores a lot of tries.
Graham, I understand your pov but I don’t think England are quite as ‘ignorant’ as you suggest. There have been matches over the last few years where they have performed in a more expansive way. Teams such as Scotland play to their resources and an open game suits them. England’s strength is in their power but top class players such as B Vunipola and Itoje are not simply battering rams. In the backs , for this game only Tuilagi is the force approach. Where they haven’t been ‘cute’ enough is in the breakdown but I think with a proper 7… Read more »
ES, team is already out. Cokasiniga not on bench, probably due to having just overcome an injury.
Bamford
Koscielny is available.
Bamford
You seem to have selected Ozil.
Bamford, I think Kos is going to be fit and therefore will play. Would have thought that Suárez very unlikely to start but could make bench. Playing one of our two strikers may be an option but think Ramsey more likely to play in the hole than Ozil. Think he’ll play a midfield 3 across the pitch, Guen, Xhak, Torr with Kola Kos Mustafi AMN behind. Iwobi Laca PEA (or Ramsey) further up.
Bamford
It’s away to Man City not at home to Gumbley Gas Works.
For those who are on Twitter, this guy (@thearsenal49ers) is a good follow. As is @charles_watts. As is @GurjitAFC.
I think that playing Koscielny alongside Mustafi is not a great combination as
we saw on many occasions last season.
However, in absence of Sokratis and Holding we have not much choice.
It is going to be a difficult game. Man City will not want to lose two games running.
__________Leno
___Must___Kos____Monr
Jenk_____Xhaka___Torra___Kola
____Ramsey____Suarez
_____Laca/Aubameyang
Bamford,
What’s your Twitter @?
Mine is @BennydevitoBen
Didn’t realize Koscielny is available. So maybe I’d start him and shift Monreal to LB. Like so:
__________Leno
Jenk__Must__Kosc__Monr
_____Xhaka___Torra
________Ramsey
_Ozil_____Laca____Iwobi
I get that Ozil is Ozil, but he has class and can put in work for 45 minutes. We will need to keep possession of the ball for as long as possible when we have it.
And I guess it might make sense to put Iwobi in the XI. Suarez and Aubameyang could come on late.
We’re snowed in here. It amazes me that everything goes on shutdown here even though the roads have been gritted. Schools are shut, buses are cancelled, shelves are empty at the supermarket, total apocalyptic end of days scenes from a sprinkling of snow.
Benny
We follow each other. I’m @afabulousopera6 (J.M. Bapple).
The famous quote “Benitez and Newcastle have succeed to beat City, so we should be able to do it as well” is a bit pointless…
City didn’t took Newcastle seriously, and they were overconfident.
You can count on Pep to remotivate them, no chance for us to get a result at the Etihad.
Officially Raul has been in his well paid job for a year now. He has bought one right back in this time: Lichsteiner. Arguably the worst free transfer signing of all time. (Bellerin is out for 8 months.) When does he intend to get round addressing this problem area? Surely we will need x2 right backs now bought in the summer ? In Rauls first year: The team has regressed defensively The team has got worryingly older The team identity has definitely been diluted. He extended Elnenys contract ( so he could sell him??- he is still here) There are… Read more »
Left Test
Yeah, that 3-4-2-1 might be better than what I was thinking. As Emirates notes, Koscielny and Mustafi do not make for a solid CB pairing, so three CBs is the better option.
Emery will probably start Iwobi rather than Suarez, though.
Graham In the past we’ve had no real backs of real speed and class, but since Jones has taken over he has brought in more speedsters to mix with the heavy weights. Equally, Jones is bringing in more mobile locks and even 2nd row in the forwards. There is much more balance to the squad where both speed and brute force as you call it can be called upon when required. The autumn internationals was the first real glimpse of expansive and open tactics used. Pack dominance is old school but we do need to be more dominant in the… Read more »
Charlie George
Worst free signing is Chamakh . Cant believe we waited a year for him to be available at free to us. Horrific. Lichtsteiner still offers experience , expertise . Like Mertesacker in his last year.
Lichsteiner.
Arguably the worst free transfer signing of all time.
Worse than Sanogo?
We’re going to have to play ugly to get anything at the Etihad, we have no chance if we play a high line and insist on passing out from the back.
Bam
Careful today pal. Last thing we want is another of your posts being removed 😎😜
Unai
Sanogo won an FA Cup , he’s club legend of the Banter Era.
“”Worst free signing is Chamakh”” There was definite logic in the Chamakh signing.He had scored in 7 successive champions league matches for his French club. There was a certain logic in the Sanogo signing. He was young. and definitely raw (19) He could have offered something.. Lichsteiner was a signing- in a nutshell- that showed the lack of Premiership nous illustrated by the Raul/Emery regime And to think Chambers was released on loan. Chambers- fit as butchers dog- has played nearly every game for Fulham -in a variety of positions. Raul has spent all month – faffing around trying to… Read more »
Sanogo was not paid £90K pw to play for Arsenal. Lichsteiner is exceedingly poor value for money.
Fortunately he is on a one year contract. Hopefully it will not be renewed.
Arsenal have gone from being the top University for aspiring footballers to a retirement home for players past their peak.
Tony Detailed input but still papers over the cracks as far as I’m concerned. One of England’s main weaknesses over the years has been their speed of movement and passing along the back line. Although I appreciate things are changing, the gist of my argument was that England will not win the WC and will get beaten convincingly by the Irish. Coaching at grassroots level confirms this issue. I’ve seen it for myself and also been a part of it. I go back to the days of Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, the great Welsh sides. They moved the… Read more »
Charlie George is a legend of the troll era.
And sanogo scored the opener in a 2-0 win over Dortmund in the champions league.
Ozil to start vs Man City?
I thought he showed enough to get back in the team but it would mean sacrificing someone like Iwobi.
Ozil to start vs Man City? I thought he showed enough to get back in the team. …………. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha,… Read more »
“”Sanogo was not paid £90K pw to play for Arsenal. Lichsteiner is exceedingly poor value for money. Fortunately he is on a one year contract. Hopefully it will not be renewed.””
(Lichsteiner :£90 000 x 52 weeks £ 4,6million.)
with agents fee- a fee in excess of £ 5 million pounds.
five million bucks feeds a lot of people….inept signing, embarrassing waste of money
And fans continually hark on about – lack of spend….
Charlie George
If he was that good why wait a year ?
Sanogo , the guy who scored 3 goals for Toulouse in Ligue 2 . yeah what a talent .
Lichtensteiner was quality player for Juventus , His record at Juventus is immaculate, the plan was to play as a backup to Bellerin . He wouldve been introduced slowly to the pace of this league. Its not his fault Bellerin got injured so many times and now is out for the season.
Charlie George is a Don.
Wouldn’t have ozil anywhere near man city
No chance. Ramsey all the way. Emery I’m sure will be looking to spring some sulfide
Oh I’ll go crazy if we do them
Come on arsenal
Sulfide?? Wtf?? Surprises that was meant to say, this poxy phone
The last relic, with Pierre, of the pro-wenger era.
Graham 62
One major difference between England and Arsenal is that the former look at
how the opposition play and plan for it.
Arsenal under Wenger never looked at how opposition played. Our teams knew only one way to play.
I would be extatic if we drew against Man City. Somehow I do not think it is going to happen.Emery will attempt to play a defensive game and that will be
fatal against them. Our defence is simply not good enough.
“””Lichtensteiner ……. He wouldve been introduced slowly to the pace of this league.””
I doubt its even possible for any 34 year to come to terms to pace of our ferocious prem.
Its without doubt- another stain on the haphazard recruiting charge sheet of Raul*
With Raul in charge at Arsenal :
Juve get Rambo for free from Arsenal
Arsenal get Lchsteiner from juve for free
* I would not be suprised one jot- if the Spanish clicque- extend the Swiss’s contract for another 12 months…
Wenger’s philisophy of walking the ball in the net was drab not stylish football.
Wenger’s approach to football was no different whether we faced Bournemouth or Barcelona…clueless muppet of a tactician.
Charlie George
” I doubt its even possible for any 34 year to come to terms to pace of our ferocious prem.”
A certain Zlatan comes to mind .
Stop being so dim-witted.