Good things come to those who wait.
The United gravy train was wiped out by a massive lump of doorstop thick Hovis last night as Thomas Tuchel crushed a bland United (0-2).
I know, it’s sickening for many of you, one of my hipster faves dropped us a favour. The wonderfully eccentric Tuchel organized his Paris team perfectly to nullify the basic strategies of United. No highline for him. He sat two midfielders in front of the PSG defence, he kept things super tight and he stopped Paul Pogba feeding the rapid front line of United.
It’s amusing that fan complaints are similar wherever you are in the food chain. United supporters bitching and whining that they need to invest in their squad is incredibly satisfying. They have more than enough good players to make a go of it against PSG, they were just outsmarted by a more tactically astute manager, who organized players who were out of control last season into a tight unit.
They still have the second leg. Paris are a bit Spursy, so no doubt a surprise could be sprung next week. Remember, this is the team that lost a 4 goal lead against Barcelona in 2017. Anything is possible. I’m just glad United are having to go to Paris to chase a game. I hope it’s really tiring.
It’s a huge season for Tuchel, he’s a man with special sauce, the problem is it’s been a little too spicy. He has the crazy ideas, the sublime footballing vision, he’s been praised widely for his handling of big names/bad boys and he’s dealt with squad conflict well. From what I’ve read, the players also have a lot of respect for his powers at this second.
I don’t know for sure, but I think PSG might have done their homework on their man and tried to surround him with a team that could iron out the creases in his personality. Their assistant coach, 39-year-old Zsolt Lőw, is a darling of the coaching scene, adored by players and sporting directors, and also a target for Premier League clubs a few years back was hired at great expense last summer. He’s known as an innovator and a coach players go to war for.
It’s an interesting project at PSG. I think the mission points to the future. Great clubs will opt for coaches who are innovators, and most importantly, entertainers. Stan Kroenke called sport a content game. If the world of football distribution is being democratized, clubs are going to have to work harder for eyeballs. Look at how the kids are engaging with the game these days, little short clips of the best games on the web. Those clips are marketing fodder. They tell you where to look when you have 5000 games to choose from.
The teams that offer the most value for people’s time will be the most worthy of sponsorship deals. Ugly football that wins won’t cut it, because I can watch beautiful football that wins in Italy, or Spain, or England if I choose. The modern fan is not loyal, they go where the excitement is. I think PSG have identified that and that’s why they opted for a manager who hasn’t won titles (also worth noting that Bayern were also very keen on Tuchel).
Cannot wait for them to now be turned over by Phil Jones shinned effort, followed by two late headers from BIG Mo Fellaini next week.
The test is really on for Ole G now he’s lost his first major test. I always wince a little bit when things are going well for a new manager and the press start asking about how such genius came about. They all fall for it… Emery was talking about banning fruit juice and not allowing his players to be cowards… Ole G was talking about bringing back simple joys like purified water and allowing players to smile. Now we’ll see how much was genius and how much was the adrenaline shot of not having to walk Mourinho metaphorically wax his balls in front of the dressing room every week.
In transfer news, Matt Law rolled with a story about intermediaries trying to sell Ozil this summer. I love it, it’s like some dodgy rabble of estate agents trying to sell a Miami beach house that’s going to fall into the sea in 15 years. No one is going to pick up those wages and there is no way Mesut is going to exchange London for anywhere in China. He doesn’t need to.
The more worrying part of his story was he also mentioned the lower fee of £50m this summer. I’ve been told this info is coming from Arsenal PR, and that would now mean 3 well-connected journos are peddling sub £50m, versus Ornstein who says £100m.
I really can’t fathom why the club is so keen to dampen enthusiasm for summer. It’s like they’re not even trying to convince fans to buy season tickets. It seems way too early to pushing stories like that. But whatever, it’s not great news.
Still, at least we’re being linked with Grimaldo of Benfica… we certainly need a fresh look at left back. Right back. Centre back. Right wing. Left wing. Back up keeper. M… just kidding.
Those pennies are going to have to go an awful long way this summer!
To tackle that, we’ll need a good technical director. I’ll hopefully rustle up some fresh names for you tomorrow, assuming Arsenal will be a bit diligent over search and select and interview more than one candidate for a job that’ll shape Arsenal for years to come.
See you in the comments.
Chamapgne
Of course Paulinho has been vindicated. You and others dismissed the idea that Ramsey was a top footballer. You can paint this however you like, but this is precisely what you, Marko, Jamie (and others) were saying in derisive comment after derisive comment.
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici thinks Ramsey a top footballer and sees him as a versatile member of an elite midfield three.
As fas as Fabio Paratici and Juventus are concerned, you lot were wrong: Aaron Ramsey is a good footballer.
Bamford
If Stan was to pay off the Emirates Stadium debt (£180m or so plus penalties)
That would leave us with an extra £35m to spend immediately, and £20m every year.
It would effectively give us a £275m spending boost over the next 12 years, which could be weighted towards immediate investment.
FFP would have nothing to do with this for example.
The tactics used by PSG were not innovative, we have seen them used time and time before (even by Wenger). Importantly, the manager’s instructions were carried out to the letter. That takes man-management, a vital factor for any successful manager. The other vital factor for success is personnel: PSG have a squad capable of following the manager’s instructions at the most demanding level. Arsenal do not have such a squad. Which brings me to the third vital factor for success: a committed owner. On the contrary, Stan is focused elsewhere, somewhere in Delaware. If he were committed he would never… Read more »
Charlie – According to the technical director Ramsey has technique, final pass, and a nose for goal,yet you seemingly were stumped when asking what he offered outside of the ‘third man runs’, something you obviously didn’t think much of either by the way. So how enlightened you’ve suddenly become it seems.
Ramsey will still have to do all the other stuff that is demanded of a central midfielder, otherwise why wouldn’t they play him as a second forward?
CC
The argument against Ramsey was always his lack of discipline in a 2 man midfield
Wenger was as much to blame for continuing to play him in a role that was detrimental to the team .
Pauline is choosing to ignore the obvious.
Pierre
You are misrepresenting the situation in several ways. One, you continue to cite that statistic without acknowledging that Ozil has been played in the easier fixtures.
Two, Emery came in with an open mind about all of Arsenal’s players. He didn’t come in thinking, “this Ozil does not produce enough for my XI”. He said he would give all players a chance to prove their worth.
Three, again, Ornstein said in his Arsecast interview that the decision to marginalize Ozil is coming from above Emery.
Try to deal with facts, mate.
Could someone who understands FFP speak to this question, please?
Good question Bamford and one I struggle with.
I am so glad PSG won otherwise thr media would have gone into overdrive in singing the praise for.
the norwegian.
Mind you rf was in the crowd in
anticipation of awin.
Hopefully Mc will beat them
thereby enabling Arsenal to go
above them.
First the gunners have to
beat Saints
gambon
Sure, but paying down or paying off the debt is a whole other kettle of fish.
What about a simple cash infusion?
Banford
Pretty sure I’ve only ever derided his ability for Arsenal and how he can’t function as anything other than an auxiliary striker.
Plenty of jibes along the way, but I’ve said numerous times he’s a good footballer. Just not good enough as a Cm, or is his Arsenal career re-written because he got a mega deal on a bosman?
Pierre – Yes, and your argument was simplistic and bogus. As I’ve said we’re not anymore solid with two holders and four attackers, I think Charlie referred to them as ‘quadrant’. so you want to go back to school on that one.
Ramsey picked his runs depending on the opposition and filled in when needed, so that’s something else you were wrong about it. He wasn’t perfect for that role, but still good, and more importantly, better than our other options.
@RH
“A more determined player would have upped his output to prove the manager wrong”
I fully agree. If you checked my previous posts a few months ago, I strongly suggested that the club had to let Ozil go to avoid distraction. Ozil doesn’t fit in Emery system. The board is at fault to let this dragging on.
Bamford
“You are misrepresenting the situation in several ways. One, you continue to cite that statistic without acknowledging that Ozil has been played in the easier fixtures.”
The ” easier fixtures” this season , I’m sure you will are agree have been Europa cup and League cup.
Ozil has started just one of those games .
Bamford
“Three, again, Ornstein said in his Arsecast interview that the decision to marginalize Ozil is coming from above Emery.”
Do you mean the same people who sanctioned Ozil’s contract 12 months ago now want to marginalize him …very strange behaviour.
Paulinho So you’re going to offer up an argument against a question taken literally? Ramsey wasn’t worth more than 150k for Arsenal (Banford flip flopped on this), he proved himself unable to play deeper than a 10 with any level of consistency. I remember you dropping select games as an apparent testament to his ability to do so. I pointed out a number of times that Ramsey shouldn’t be at the base of midfield or in a two because he can’t hack it in there. I also wanted him or Ozil operating as the 3rd midfield operating behind our two… Read more »
“So you’re going to offer up an argument against a question taken literally?”
Yes, got a problem with that, or the fact you have no answer to it?
You’ve just said even now you he can’t be anything other than an auxillary striker and can’t play as CM, all the while the ‘very man I quoted’ reveals Juve have bought to play as CM.
Pierre
No, I don’t mean that, because Wenger and Gazidis sanctioned his contract, not Sanllehi and Venkatesham. Plus, the full weight of our wage-bill problems was not appreciated then.
Again, you seem to have a problem with the facts.
“I remember you dropping select games as an apparent testament to his ability to do so”
Select games? No, I dropped his stats(superior to more advanced Ozil) and him winning fans player of the season award.
Nelson Fair point. But to be fair to Emery, he didn’t say “Özil is not suitable for a physical game”, what he said was: “We thought how we can do better in the match, a very demanding match with physicality and intensity.”. Now it may well be that it’s the same thing, but the words are important. He hasn’t mentioned Özil and any sort of lacking on his part. He’s simply said that he’s assessed the match, realised that the main things he needs are physicality and intensity, and picked a line up to reflect that. Obviously the press will… Read more »
If Ozil had half of Ramsey’s determination as a footballer he would be some player
I understand the need for Emery to try as much as he can to get some kind of return out of Ozil though, we do not have the quality within the squad to freeze him out completely
Bamford
“Plus, the full weight of our wage-bill problems was not appreciated then”
Why not.
Paulinho, you expect Juve to say he’s shit and has no qualities, having just signed him. Anybody who has watched over the years recognises that he is athletic, has a good attitude and particularly in an open game, makes good runs in the final third. Most of those same people would also say that he has been unable to make one position his own: his all round game is lacking, he’s not reliable with the ball, too often giving the ball away when a simple pass was available. As Arsenal fans, we were hoping for an all time great and… Read more »
“You’ve just said even now you he can’t be anything other than an auxillary striker and can’t play as CM, all the while the ‘very man I quoted’ reveals Juve have bought to play as CM.“ Shouldn’t have to preface every point or reference I make, but I will if you’re going to be obtuse on the subject. Ramsey can’t play CM….in the premier league….the place he’s been his whole career to date without cementing his position or status as a dominant CM. Being quoted (in a PR piece) as capable of playing as the ‘tactically less flexible of a… Read more »
Same f**king piss poor owner though Bamford!
RH
Do you not think it takes determination to reach the very top of his profession , be a world cup winner, play for real madrid, nominated Germany’s player of the year 5 times .
Just because he’s doesn’t do Ramsey’s famous headless chicken impression , it doesn’t mean he’s not determined or committed.
@DM when the reporters ask him why, he has to say something…
A smart manager would said “For tactical reason”
Ramsey could very well go and do very well in Italy for Juventus doesn’t mean he would have done that at Arsenal. As I said yesterday, the issue is that we didn’t get the £40m we could have got allowing us to invest in a replacement perhaps more suited to us.
I see your point Pierre but do you believe emery spoke badly of ozil in his PowerPoint that won him the gig? He made him one of his 5 (lol) captains so when he came in he clearly went about trying to get ozil to fit into his system and gave him plenty of chances to make a case for his adaptation. Emery gave him plenty of rope and at the start of the season he hanged himself and got stopped consequently. I actually don’t disagree with you that we were doing better as a team in terms of results… Read more »
So the Juve PR machine is going to say that their 2nd highest player of all time ‘needs to improve his basic skills’? Ok then. They’re paying him Mbappe money. Of course they’re going to sing his praises. I wasn’t derisive of Ramsey’s ability either. I’ve always maintained he’s good not great, and a solid professional. He’s an 100k a week player all day long in my view. 200k a week on a free. Clubs make mistakes. What those who rate Ramsey so highly won’t do, though, is commit to saying he’ll be playing elite-level football at Juve in 3… Read more »
“Just because he’s doesn’t do Ramsey’s famous headless chicken impression , it doesn’t mean he’s not determined or committed.”
Hasn’t shown any kind of commitment or determination for the better part of two years now..nobody is taking away his achievements in the game, but don’t you think it’s telling we became a Europa league team with his as one of our main players??
bamford10
Gambon gave three very good reasons why Stan ought to pay off the stadium debt.
I will add another. A committed owner would consider the stadium debt his own, since for that reason he paid a lot less for the Arsenal shares.
Not that it matters either way. More likely is an additional debt to help cover his outlay for the Usmanov shares.
“Ramsey can’t play CM….in the premier league….the place he’s been his whole career to date without cementing his position or status” Oh the premier league now. First time for that distinction, conveniently. You’re wrong anyway. He’s perfectly capable. And yes, the Mesut Ozil you’re still a ‘big fan’ of, so his stats should mean more to you than me if anything. Ramsey’s big problem as always is injuries, and always has been. “Paulinho, you expect Juve to say he’s shit and has no qualities, having just signed him” Funnily enough Bob, no, I wouldn’t expect a club to sign a… Read more »
“They’re paying him Mbappe money. Of course they’re going to sing his praises.”
And why wouldn’t they sing the praises of someone they think is worth Mbappe money?
Did Juve sign him without anyone at Juventus actually being aware of it until the deed was done?
What the fuck is a chance creating stat…it’s meaningless especially if it’s not finished off with a goal…OZIL OUT..
GoH
But, Arsenal is still a big draw for a manager who wants to make a genuine mark in their career, providing they would be ALLOWED to express themselves.
yeah, you keep telling that to yourself. A club that gives 70m to spend in a window, a club that has no clue what it’s doing, and going by comments, are having power struggles within. How exactly are we a good draw ? Or are we still pulling the “we are situated in London” bull.
“And why wouldn’t they sing the praises of someone they think is worth Mbappe money?”
Not sure if serious.
@DM,
A media savvy manager deflects embarrassing questions. “We didn’t want to take a risk as he is just back from injury”.
Remember the Wenger famous sudden strange blindness in fouls committed by his own players.
Truth may set you free, but it may also put you in the doghouse and a lot of troubles for no evident benefits.
I hope Emery-ball is a short term tactic just to get us back into the Champions League, I don’t see fans putting up with it for too long otherwise.
Like Pedro has been alluding to, we need an identity because identity is of more long term value than the odd trophy. Like it or lump it, Wenger gave the club a USP with our style of play and promotion of young exciting players. We don’t want to erode all of that great brand value with Emery-ball for too long.
Jamie – Yeah, serious. Explain what’s really going on here……
Gonsterous
Good point.
Arsenal is a club where the fans expectations are far higher than the owner’s.
Arsenal managers are expected to balance the books and punch above their weight.
The owner is happy with top four but the fans expect titles.
Wenger gave Arsenal a laughing stock football identity.
It’s becoming clear that there are 2 distinct breeds of manager out there:
1) the true innovator who is adaptable and implements the best tactics for the players he has
2) the guy who had success in their earlier jobs and now wants to use the same blueprint for every team they manage, irrespective of the players he has
I’m just worried that Emery, like Sarri, falls into the 2nd category.
What do you think?
Wenger inherited a solid George Graham back four
Emery inherited a keystone cops back four….big fuckin difference.
2) the guy who had success in their earlier jobs and now wants to use the same blueprint for every team they manage, irrespective of the players he hasI’m just worried that Emery, like Sarri, falls into the 2nd category.
We are not even close to emulating the style of football Emery’s former teams were capable of producing…nor does he even insist on any particular brand of football bar the call for intensity
‘intensity’ is just a fancy word for running around, Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew can get a team to run around a lot.
“We are not even close to emulating the style of football Emery’s former teams were capable of producing”
Yep. Those Seville teams were good to watch, in their own way.
Arse&Nose – Parking the bus is now low block.
Nelson
Again, I hear what you’re saying. It probably wasn’t Emery’s smartest move. But he didn’t disrespect Özil in any way, didn’t mention his abilities or lack thereof. So it wasn’t exactly outrageous.
“Oh the premier league now. First time for that distinction, conveniently. You’re wrong anyway. He’s perfectly capable.“ There’s no convenience to it, he’s a player that’s never kicked a ball outside of England. You’d have to be a bit of a special breed to ignore that sort of context, especially when you consider that the discussions have come with the context of him being an Arsenal player . Not so sure whether anyone considers any Arsenal player in relation to how they might do in France, Germany etc unless clearly stated. I’m also not wrong, his Arsenal career proves my… Read more »
Too many hipster fans out there trying to over-intellectualise the game.
I saw a tweet the other day where one guy was hyping up ‘revolutionary CB pivot play’ and ‘Deep ball progression’ … what it boiled down to was play a high line with a CB playing it out from the back. Nothing new at all.
Gambon
“””Emery is doing what Mourinho did at UTD, shackling our team with overly negative, cautious, pragmatic football.”””
Correct Gambon.
I ‘ll just add to the mix: emery is a very poor man’s mourinhio tho.
Certainly none of his trophy haul or in the charisma stakes.
‘intensity’ is just a fancy word for running around, Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew can get a team to run around a lot.
Calling Pulis and Pardew’s teams intense is where i will draw the line on this exchange
So his Arsenal career so far proves Ramsey can’t play as CM(bollocks) and yet the Juve are making him the highest paid British player to play in CM, in a much,much better team with designs to win Champions Leagues.
Some ‘context’ needed to explain that one away……
Also like to note:
Pressing Watch:
In addition to PedRos long piece and 150 odd responses:
No one has mentioned pressing ( high and /or low variety)- especially with regards to last night’s match.
For any Pressing Specialists amongst us .
(Dark Hei)
What should we look out for in regards to Pressing in the Spurs v Dortmund match.
Please enlighten us.
Just for comparisons sake… Champions League and Premier League ONLY – RAMSEY at Arsenal (11 years): 19,144 mins (294 apps, roughly 212 full matches) – 50 goals – 50 assists OZIL at Arsenal (6 years): 16, 212 mins (190 apps, roughly 180 full matches) – 39 goals – 62 assists [Source_whoscored] – “Performance per club” Ramsey – 361 apps – 62 goals – 64 assists – 0.17 goals per game – 0.18 assists per game Ozil – 214 apps – 41 goals – 73 assists – 0.19 goals per game – 0.34 assists per game [Source_Transfermarkt] Quick maffs errors apart,… Read more »
One a central midfielder and one a number ten.
Just for comparison’s sake of course………
Paulinho – “Jamie – Yeah, serious. Explain what’s really going on here……” It’s a rhetorical question, no? Of course they’re going to talk-up an expensive, newly-acquired asset. Not talking-up an expensive asset you plan to ‘sell’ to your customer base makes no business sense. Does that mean that all expensive assets turn out to be profitable? No, but they all get talked up after purchase regardless. Either Ramsey justifies his wages over the next 4 years, or he doesn’t. For 400k a week, he needs to be putting in special performances almost every game. What’s the excuse if Ramsey is… Read more »
“So his Arsenal career so far proves Ramsey can’t play as CM(bollocks) and yet the Juve are making him the highest paid British player to play in CM, in a much,much better team with designs to win Champions Leagues.“ His Arsenal career proves he can’t play CM in the prem, I already said what irrelevance the statement had to other leagues because you can take that turn with any player. Rambo has been in the prem a decade and never held a spot down (something you never engage). I’ve already said I like the guy, but this is the reality… Read more »
Jamie – You realise the two are not mutually exclusive? You can extoll the virtues of someone you’ve because you believe it and because it fulfills the P.R aspect you’re so concerned with. I’m sure their primary concern was his ability as a player rather than trying to ‘sell it’ to the fans.
DM
“Where’s the alienation? Where’s the situation? Özil is being treated as he should’ve been all along: based on performance. ”
DM finally posts something other than Trop4y, and it’s complete garbage. If all of our players were treated (by Emery) based on their performances then the likes of Xhaka, Iwobi, Mustafi, Lichsteiner, etc. would be nowhere near the pitch. Stick to your top 4 crap next time.
It would have been better had Arsenal sacked Wenger mid season allowing an interim manager to clear out the cobwebs before installing Emery for the new season.
Charlie – Yes he had held a spot down, You’re talking complete and utter bollocks senselessly repeating that myth.
He was a regular when he got injured in 2010,he was a regular in 2013/14 before injuries again haunted him. So he’s been a regular plenty of times centrally until struck down with injury. He then showed his versatility coming back from injury by playing on the right side of midfield to add balance with Cazorla and Coquelin being two complete lightweights.
Cc Ramsey – 361 apps – 62 goals – 64 assists – 0.17 goals per game – 0.18 assists per game Ozil – 214 apps – 41 goals – 73 assists – 0.19 goals per game – 0.34 assists per game Are those stats not a damning indictment of Emery- that he thinks both these superb players are surplus to requirements- and yet wants to dump upon the likes of Suarez and Persic, etc. Suarez could play to he is 60 and he would not match Ramsey/Ozil stats. The man is an utter menace. A footballing pygmy of huge proportions.… Read more »
A&N, the game is already over intellectualised. They talk about playing cognitive styles now, physcologists swamping the training grounds, tech so senstive it can tell if you fart when you run.
It’s mental how quickly the game is advancing…
Still, doesn’t matter how smart you are, the best players will usually win out.
I think the interesting thing is watching big clubs take the innovations of small clubs.
Anyway, it’s two arguments: Ramsey in central midfield and overall as a player. Utterly wrong on both counts.
These so called ‘superb’ players (Ozil, Ramsey) frequently went missing in crunch games and mostly padded out their stats against mediocre teams
Paulinho, Juve are taking a punt! I’m not in the slightest bit bitter – in my post I wished him well. On the other hand, when it comes to bitter P………
Bob – Yep, Juve put Ramsey’s name, amongst others, on a dartboard and the first dart just happened to land on it. But you’re not bitter……..
Upstate Gooner Who tf are you? If you paid attention to this site you’d know that I do post other stuff when it’s relevant. As for it being ‘garbage’, you’ve literally said nothing that contradicts what I said. I’m talking about Ozil, and you’re talking about others. The fact that some players are getting game time when they might not seem to warrant it doesn’t change the fact that Emery is dealing with Ozil correctly. No one is complaining that Elneny is being treated unfairly. I’d say that last season Elneny was a more useful player to have than Ozil… Read more »
Paulinho You’re not appreciating what “held down” means if that’s what you have to say. If Ramsey had held down his position in CM then that’s would’ve been it, done, settled. He didn’t hold down shit if he played there in 2011, 2013 and then never again for any consistent period. It’s 2019, he’s been played as a filler for how many years now? Couldn’t disrupt Coquelin/Cazorla, couldn’t oust Arteta or Xhaka. He’s not got the tools for CM, his value is in the final third. Which isn’t to say he’s a bad player, but he’s no CM because he’s… Read more »
During Ramsey’s ‘epic’ season in 2013/14 only one of his 10 goals came against top opposition, the rest came against relegated or run of the mill sides……..
“I really can’t fathom why the club is so keen to dampen enthusiasm for summer. It’s like they’re not even trying to convince fans to buy season tickets. It seems way too early to pushing stories like that. But whatever, it’s not great news“
The truth is, Pedro, the managenent are not club people with the long-term interests of the club at the forefront. They are simply covering their own arses against potential failure. This is what you get when you let the career guys in. It almost makes me yearn for the Hill Woods again.
Charlie – Yes,because of injuries. Which, as I’ve said, is his big problem. You seem to have continual trouble grasping that fact, and that he can player can’t hold down a place in the team sitting in the treatment room and then having to regain fitness.
Couldn’t oust Arteta? He played next to him during his best season you muppet.
Gerrard couldn’t out Mascherano from the Liverpool central midfield. He obviously can’t play CM.
Paulinho – You said Juve praise of Ramsey’s abilities is tacit evidence of his actual abilities. I disagree. Every new signing gets talked-up by the buying club. So much so, that I’d love you to find me an example of the 2nd highest paid player signed by any top club not being talked-up in some form. You know, the kind of transfer where their 2nd highest paid player for a top club doesn’t get a ringing endorsement by the buying club as a player of exceptional quality. Utd thought they were getting elite when Alexis moved over. Endorsements from anyone… Read more »
I wonder how anyone can still pretend that we weren’t somewhat wrong about Ramsey. I thought he was destined for Everton on a mega salary. He has at least three of the biggest seven clubs in Europe lining up to sign him. Ramsey’s defenders here[Paulinho, Rambo and Bamford] have always insisted he wasn’t properly utilized by Wenger. That’s precisely what the Juventus tecnical director is publicly saying as well. Juventus has put big money on their beliefs that his skill set was wasted at Arsenal. They have some of the best scouts in Europe and have a reputation for getting… Read more »
Jamie – You’re still struggling it seems. You realise Juventus have actually signed him right?
It’s not April Fools day, or football index type stuff where they have shares in him. They’ve signed him to play for their team because they want to improve their team.
You’ve already been proven wrong and misjudged his ability.
Jamie
There’s a famous club with an excellent scouting system, world class manager and excellent CEO telling you you’re wrong.
Stop all the nonsense.
“Gerrard couldn’t out Mascherano from the Liverpool central midfield. He obviously can’t play CM.“
Gerrard was brilliant anywhere in midfield, not remotely comparable to Ramsey, lets not stretch this favouritism to ridiculous lengths. Everyone knows you rate Rambo, you really ought to get a grip when discussing him though.
Putting Gerrard more advanced or wide in midfield to accommodate a brilliant player who specialised in CM isn’t the same as throwing Rambo wide because mega-baller Coquelin needed to take the field.
Upstate, play nicely.
@DM
I am ready to be more patient with Emery’s media performance. His English has improved since those days.
I am also asking some fans to be more patient with his defensive work. The defense has shown improvements in the recent games. It would get even better when PapaSok is back.
CG
It seems you would have been happy to see us plodder along with Ozil and Ramsey taking up 40% of our total wages for a squad that is so lacking in so many areas.
Raul made the tough but necessary course correction once Gazidis was out the door, at the time he would have had full access to ALL the financial information.
It was the right decision, difficult and humiliating, but necessary for the club’s sake.
Ramsey has won my respect for how he’s handled it and he deserves all the happiness possible in his future endeavors.
Charlie – Yes, you’ve made about him by attempting to present Ramsey’s versatility in midfield as a weakness when it is a strength. You’re woeful logic being exposed again.
Ramsey- Cazorla wasn’t balanced in the same way as Alonso- Gerrard wasn’t balanced, so they put in Mascherano, and we put in Coquelin, and both Gerrard and Ramsey had to shift. Such is the life for top class midfielders with multiple attributes.
Let’s wait and see with Ramsey – a decent man. Probably practising his Italian on Torreira at this moment.
Did anybody else find it funny that Bale is still reportedly communicating in sign language to his non English speaking teammates? Reminds me years ago reading Rush’s ‘diary’ of his time in Italy, ghost written obviously but he was surprised how foreign it was in Turin- comedy gold, Spinal Tap meets Alan Partridge, mixed in with a Scouse/Welsh lad!
I’m not saying anyone is wrong, not sure why I’m taking heat. I’m also not struggling with anything that’s been said here. Talk is cheap. CEOs talk up their highly-paid staff. Big clubs sign players/managers on big money and they turn out to be poor decisions from time to time. The crystal-ball glazing here is phenomenal. That Ramsey is elite by virtue of his salary, what his new employers are saying about him, and the prestige of his new club is a dimwitted conclusion to draw. “The tiger who can tear defences apart with cool efficiency and frightening power off… Read more »
I wonder why we don ‘t talk as much about Gazidis role in this transitional mess.
He had to have known about the Milan offer when he was hiring all these individuals. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he LIED to these people; Emery and Raul.
I suspect that it was only when they opened the hood [bonnet] of the Lamborghini Veneno they though they were getting that they realized it was being run by a Fiat punto 1.3L engine.
gazing*
DM “Who tf are you? If you paid attention to this site you’d know that I do post other stuff when it’s relevant.” I’ve been reading this blog for about 5 years but only started posting a couple of months ago. I do pay pretty close attention to who/what’s been posted, and you along with your buddies Boomslang and a few others have contributed very little. In fact, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that I’ve probably posted more relevant stuff here in the last couple of months than you have in years. The reason you don’t… Read more »
What a spin Paulinho, to argue that his ‘versatility’ is a strength. Most people would argue that he’s anything but versatile- what he’s good at is making runs into the final third. Playing a disciplined role in CM – forget about it. He played quite successfully for a short amount forward right, tucking in. False number 9, didn’t work. He’s another no10….floating without portfolio. Versatile my arse.
Anyway, enough already. Good to see Sokratis is back in full training, hopefully Mustafi pulls a hammy and Emery can’t pick him any more.
BobN16
I bristled when I read those Marcello comments.
How do you spend 6 years in a country, be immersed in a culture and not be able to communicate with your peers with simple Spanish.
He has enough money to hire a teacher that will shadow him for 1-2 months. He could even pay for Rosetta stone and practice 5-10 minutes a day.
Ramsey looks like an intelligent dude. He’s learn some Italian.
“I wonder why we don ‘t talk as much about Gazidis role in this transitional mess.”
Well kind of difficult to talk about Gazidis, when many would rather find a way to rope Raul into the mess and also Emery. Apparently it’s the Spanish conspiracy that’s the problem not whatever happened under the watch of Ivan Gazidis.
When all fails you can simply blame Kroenke.
Bamford, Youre missing the point. Paying off the stadium debt is a cash injection. Its also an FFP compliance cash injection. Currently we have to hold £35m aside in cash as security for the bond repayments. We pay £20m pa to finance the Emirates until 2031. If Stan was to pay off the bonds, we would have £35m to spend immediately and £20m extra for the next 12 years. When you consider that transfers are usually paid over 3 years or so, that would mean we could buy £60m of players this summer with that £20m pa. Stan paying off… Read more »
Paulinho Gerrard is undisputedly one one of the best ever CM’s to play football in the premier league, just to clarify you’re not suggesting Ramsey is comparable in terms of talent/ability are you? I genuinely don’t know how far the fandom extends. Don’t you see the flaw in what you’re saying? Surely you can spot in among the following.. Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard Cazorla, Coquelin, (Arteta, Xhaka) Ramsey If Ramsey was mega the team would’ve been built around his CM excellence just like it was with Gerrard at Liverpool. The best CM partnership in the last 10 years doesn’t include Aaron… Read more »
Bob – Luis Enrique of Barca/Real Madrid fame was an awful player I suppose. Could right back, centre midfield, wide midfield, forward……
Yes, most people, the same most people who thought he was destined for Everton/West Ham.
“It’s mental how quickly the game is advancing…”
Pedro, it’s frightening how quickly it is happening.
Like with any industry undergoing rapid transformation you see more and more charlatans ride the wave by talking the talk or living off past success. I just hope our club re-structure hasn’t brought in too many of these people, because it takes time to shift them.
Charlie – When Gerrard played wide right no one said he couldn’t oust Mascherano or Alonso. They realised Gerrard could play wide right and that Liverpool as a team were better for it. So your is argument is flawed. We were woefully lacking in defensive midfield, and Coquelin fit the bill. Who did we have on the right? Oh Wally Walcott, so Wenger realised the best way to make the use of our resources was put Ramsey on the right and come in every now and then and link with Cazorla otherwise Cazorla and Coquelin would fold. Santi didn’t have… Read more »
Pedro
“Upstate, play nicely.”
Trying my best, Pedro. It just irked me when someone like DM who literally hasn’t posted anything in months besides “trophy” crap is trying to explain everyone that Emery is treating Ozil based on his performances. Yet apparently playing the likes of Lichsteiner, Mustafi, Iwobi is fully justified. I can take this BS from someone like Dissenter, Marko, and the rest of the Ozil Out Gang but not DM. Sorry.
Interesting match the Roma v Porto game last night. This kid who scored the two goals definitely has something about him and he took his first goal very well but the goals were just as much about Dzeko especially the second as it was about this Roma kid. I’d fancy Porto to get through this tie and would be even more confident if they had a proper goalscorer in their team. Shame that Arsenal can’t raid the likes of Porto. Danilo in midfield and this Brazilian defender Eder Militao would be very welcome at Arsenal. Roma have to hope Dzeko… Read more »
“The best CM partnership in the last 10 years doesn’t include Aaron Ramsey”
Yeah it was great, such a legendary midfield that didn’t get complete swamped and overrun by Bentaleb and Mason at White Hart Lane.
Us layfolk struggle with simple football. Everyone knows that if you sign for a big club, you’re a big player. End of story. Keep up. Elite clubs don’t make mistakes in the transfer market they come to regret a season or two later, ever. Oh, hello Bebe. Welcome to Manchester United, the richest club in the world. You’re elite because we’re elite, and your performances going forward should not be questioned; you’ve already made it. Listen Alex Song and Thomas Vermaelen, you’re at Barcelona now. Don’t worry about being average footballers. We have elite scouts who know everything, and they’ve… Read more »