Mesut Ozil charm offensive

by .

Arteta blazing over… 

The Mikel Arteta fan club just keeps on growing, the latest fan to voice his bold opinions on the manager isssssssss… Mesut Ozil. The German, who metaphorically garroted Unai Emery with his IDGAF performances, had many nice things to say about his new boss.

“Fighting and having possession, being in control of the game, having the ball all the time.

“These are the things that he is working on with us and you can see it — everyone is smiling, laughing, enjoying their time — it has made us successful.

“It is basically getting us back to the old Arsenal virtues,”

“I think he is the right man at this club.”

“He can show us everything he has learnt in his long career. He knows exactly what we need.

“He knows what to say to us, how to give us a positive attitude and how to make us successful.

“I can see he is really hungry but at the same time he is also very down to earth.”

Some papers are saying this is a dig at Unai Emery, I didn’t really see it that way, more an honest reflection of what he’s enjoying with Arteta.

Some will guffaw at the temerity of these comments and I can definitely see why there would be outrage. Mesut mailed it in big-time under Unai, but ultimately, we’ve all had a job at TGI Fridays, being bossed around by some tosser that insists you’re an idiot because of your handling of the balloon animals, getting booed by some big shot from Grays because you sneezed on his steak. Fuck TGI Fridays and anyone that goes there for a birthday and pretends they don’t want the song.

‘You know why you’re here Darren, stand on the fucking chair, let me tie these balloons on your arms, and feign embarrassment as I sing a hateful song at you’

Anyway, point being… no one liked working for Emery. No one made it out the other side a better player. If those battered players have changed their attitude now, who cares, we are a fan base led by god, and god says he who casts the first stone usually gets a stadium ban. So don’t do that, but do forgive. Think of Mesut as a puppy that’s been left in a bin bag by the side of the river, Arteta has found him, the fans will give him 3 weeks to recover, if it doesn’t work out, dad will take him to the vet (Washington DC) and that’ll be that.

Arsenal are being linked to a whole host of players I’m pretty sure we’re not going to bring to the club.

We are short a center-back, John Stones has been linked on loan, but I can’t see it. I think he has an outrageous amount of talent that we could tap, but I’d be surprised to see Pep farm out players to Mikel so soon. I’d also be worried Stones would bring some of that horrible form over to us. Only thing working in our favour is that City might want to shop window him, and the player would die for some game time with the Euros coming this summer.

Bruno Guimaraes, one of 600 Bruno’s being linked to the Premier League, is also picking up a lot of Arsenal attention. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder is valued at £22m, he smells like an Edu sort of player (Drenched in Le Labo), and I’d basically be game for anyone that can run fast, tackle, and occasionally bite a rival.

Not quite sure about the video, doesn’t look very polished and lacks speed if these videos are anything to go by… 6 minutes of scouting though, so will happily be told otherwise.

… I do worry about the rumours, I’m not sure we’re rolling in cash, so any move would have to be funded by bringing more money forward from the summer, or maybe via a player sale (make it MUSTAFI PLEASE).

Short one today, pretty devastated that people said the new volume on the podcast was still too low. Back to sound engineering school for me.

See you in the comments!

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Cesc Appeal

United looking like a long ball side

Marko

Anyway looks like the Brazilian Xhaka will be off to Benfica we’re too late or were gazumped or whatever

SurferX

Pedro: “Now we’re making positive moves after having our David Moyes moment, and no amount of pining after Giroud or club doctors will change that we are on an upward trajectory.”

I prefer to think of Emery as our Bruce Rioch moment 😉

Pierre

Danny s
“Pierre been playing too much football manager.”

Too old for that rubbish , I can recollect my kids playing it when they were growing up.

Grealish, maddison and Phillips for xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira, Mhkitaryan and Elneny.

That’ll give you technique, skill , attitude, goals , energy , aggression ….what’s to complain about .
forget about top 4, that’s a midfield that would challenge for the top

Marko

United looking like a long ball side

Balderdash they have a great squad and an excellent manager.

Sorry I must apologize for the snipe remark aimed at Bamford.

G8

Pedro,
Arteta’s special sauce should be questioned if we dont win against the blades
Have we signed anyone yet!?

CG

PedRo

“”””People in the game didn’t have respect for what Wenger was offering to modern football,””””””

Well, someone who has been in the game the longest.

Neil Warnock stated on the record he is the best manager he faced in the opposing dugout.

I guess- it just depends , who you want to listen too!

Jamie

“Neil Warnock stated on the record he [Wenger] is the best manager he faced in the opposing dugout.”

This is outrageous trolling.

CG

Oliver Giroud stats.

Arsenal games 180
Goals 73

France games 97
Goals 39.

World Cup winner.

It’s because he has no pace ( you cant loose it) he is such a canny signing for the brilliant Conte.

Probably knock us out of The Loosers again like he did last year.

Meanwhile we will let Eddie go out on loan.

Abject and Clueless decision.

CG

“””CG, Warnock is a tinpot manager that can’t hire.””””

I personally think he is a brilliant manager.
You clearly dont.

That’s fine too.

With over 7 promotions
And Over 1000 games.
And managing in his 70 ‘s

I think his opinion should be respected.

If he says Wenger is the Greatest.

Who are we to Argue?

CG

PedRo “””CG, do you think Arteta would loan him if he thought he’d be more val uable with us?”””” Surely to goodness if for some reason the New Brains Trust want to loan our No. 3 striker they will do it AFTER PEA has served his 3 game ban? It will still be Jan. Eddie who scored in the last fixture of last season and had a barnstorming pre season is ready for us. Crikey he was scoring goals even when Wenger was in charge And that was 18 months ago. He is ready for us, and ready for Sheff… Read more »

Dream10

Rumors of Kurzawa heating up. Either 6m this window or free in the summer. If he arrives this window, probably means that Kolasinac is off to Napoli.

Graham62

CG

I can argue if you like.

Cesc Appeal

Free transfer approaches for Kurzawa and Mertens. Suggests Kolasinac and Aubameyang/Lacazette are going to be cashed in on to allow us to spend in other areas. Defensively we have Saliba arriving, if Kurzawa comes in that is decent back up to Tierney. That means Kolasinac, Mustafi and then another CB will likely be cashed in on to fund moves. In ST we will have Aubameyang/Lacazette with Mertens and Maritnelli providing options or back up. Selling one of Aubameyang/Lacazette will raise a good amount of funds. Likely means no real squad loss, or reduced impact in the case of Aubameyang, and… Read more »

CG

PedRo

“””CG, surely Arteta will have weighed this up. A new coach, coming from City, probably recognizes what we need.”””

Arteta is a brilliant coach.
Whether he is a brilliant manager is another matter….

If he lets Eddie go out on loan whilst PEA serves his suspension it will tell us a lot.

It will certainly tell us does not heed to Fergies mantra of always having 4 center forwards in your armoury.

And if you think Martinelli is a Center forward- you would be mistaken too.

He is a wide player.

Cesc Appeal

Rumours are Arteta has given the thumbs up to Kurzawa.

If that is true expecting a Le Grove piece on why Kurzawa is an inspired signing.

CG

Graham

“””CG I can argue if you like.””””

We know you can argue.

That’s all you do.

Champagne Charlie

“If that is true expecting a Le Grove piece on why Kurzawa is an inspired signing.“

Large french fries housed on your shoulder.

Marko

Free transfer approaches for Kurzawa and Mertens.

Ugh. I mean we’re desperate for frankly multiple fullbacks so okay but I tend to agree with Pedro’s contacts I’m not interested in Kurzawa and question Arteta giving the thumbs up for a 33 year old Mertens.

Dream10

Pedro

GFFN were brutal on Kurzawa. Not happy with this deal at all. Awful deal. Tierney has to be labeled as injury prone, meaning your backup LB should be able.to start 30 PL matches. Kurzawa isn’t reliable. Probably getting a 4 or 5yr deal. Being in bed with a super agent means deals like this will happen.

Cesc Appeal

Pedro

Arsenal are going to need a new doctor with Liverpool poaching ours so maybe it’s a ploy to sharpen his skills into doctoring as Arteta wants.

City IP just pervades every facet of the club.

Wondrous stuff.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Cesc

The club should get shipman in to get rid of some of the older players no longer required.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Un

You thinking what I’m thinking ?

Hope so.

Dream10

Looks like Eddie Nketiah will be staying for the rest of the season.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Kuwzaza ain’t played games has he in ten years…

Seems like another diaby.

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Dream

How comes ?

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

Hold on

We will have 3 left backs when we sign the French crock, crock jock n kola crock.

Dream10

RSPC

Seems that Arteta has been impressed.
Also, could mean that the club were rejected by a forward they wanted to loan/buy this window.

Marko

Joorabchian’s outsized influence at Arsenal becoming a bit uncanny, shades of Raiola at PSG in 2012/13 – Layvin Kurzawa is exceptionally injury-prone, criminally unfit & has not been playing regular football for the best part of the last 4.5 years. To be fair he’s had one serious injury in the last whatever years and he was getting over 2,000+ mins on the season until last season where it dropped off to 1,000+ and 20+ games on the season. Injury prone and not playing regularly is a stretch. Also the idea that Kia Joorabchian has his claws firmly in Arsenal after… Read more »

Champagne Charlie

What qualifies someone as injury prone? Is there an official outline for it?

– Kurzawa has missed 43 games since 2015 (16 and 9 the longest stretches)

– Monreal has missed 27 games since 2015 (12 and 7 the longest stretches)

– Kolasinac has missed 13 games since 2015 (7 longest stretch)

– Tierney has missed 74 games since 2015 (current 19, 17, 15, 13 longest stretches)

Marko

I wouldn’t classify Tierney as injury prone he’s just unfortunate that he got a bad injury after coming back from another bad injury. He’s had about 180 appearences at 22.

Samesong

Looks like Eddie Nketiah will be staying for the rest of the season

He’s gone it’s all over sky sports.

Dissenter

Going by CC’s numbers and provocative question, Kurzawa’s injury record makes Tierney look not so good.
Kurzawa will be an experienced replacement for Kolasinac who will be sold for a good profit.
That will be a very good piece of business.

Dissenter

Marko
You do realize that Kurzawa is healthier than Tierney … and is a far more accomplished player.

Champagne charlie

Those numbers are from Transfermrkt btw…

What’s Kurzawa like full tilt anyway? He’s a speedster type isn’t he? Elite Gibbs.

Paulinho

“Put that in your pipe Paulinho. How’s you like them apples??”

What’s your point exactly, unless you can attribute a quote to me claiming Ramsey scored more goals per minute than Ozil.

And comparing someone who played number ten his whole career, charged with f-all but goals + assists, to someone that’s played the majority of their career in midfield, is about your level. You certainly like your apples and oranges.

Major_Jeneral

According to theAthletic Nketiah will be staying with Arsenal till the end of the season.

Marko

So the season where he had the ruptured ankle he had 3,400 minutes and 40 games on the season. Same with that hip injury last season 40 appearences and 3,400 minutes despite the injury. The only reason the hip injury carried over to us is them rushing him back. Hard to sell that amount of mins and amount of games as Jack Wilshere like

Marko

You do realize that Kurzawa is healthier than Tierney … and is a far more accomplished player.

Take it to the bank from Dissenter. Far more accomplished he’s 27 and has about 30 more appearences than the 22 year old injury prone jock.

Graham62

So Nketiah is staying.

That’s a bonus.

Graham62

The criticism being levelled at Tierney is totally unjustified.

Marko

Just what Arsenal needs a fourth choice striker.

CG

Graham

“”””The criticism being levelled at Tierney is totally unjustified.”””””

The criticism is not at him personally.
He seems a cracking old fashioned proper pro in many ways.

(He dont wear gloves.)

The criticism of him is the idiots who paid £30 000 000 for him in the first place.

If he ever gets fits and goes head to head with Wolverhamptons Traore – he will be out for another 6 months.

Men v Boys there.

Pierre

Brilliant
Nketiah staying .
Arteta just gets better every day with his decision making.

I personally think he is a more rounded footballer than Martinelli , time will tell , let’s hope they both make it at the Arsenal.

CG

Pierre

“””Brilliant
Nketiah staying .
Arteta just gets better every day with his decision making.”””

Yes. A smidgeon of common sense at last returning to The Arsenal.

(Hardly a toughie ,that one though)

Keeping a natural goalscorer in your squad- when you only have 2 other strikers in your squad.

Let’s hope Arteta makes more decisions and Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are cut out of the decision making progress entirely.

(If MA did everything at the club , and we sacked Edu, Raul and Vinny we would make instant strides.)

Pierre

Tierney is not exactly made out the stuart Pearce mould is he , more like Kieran Gibbs.

Has a great final ball though, let’s hope we can get him fit.

Kolasinac, though playing well, always seems like an injury waiting to happen..

Graham62

Nketiah needs to show the same hunger that Martinelli displays.

If he does, we could have two special youngsters.

Leedsgunner

Nketiah, is staying according to multiple sources. This is good news for the club… it would be brilliant if Nketiah could take this opportunity with both hands and score a bucketful. It would provide more motivation for Lacazette to find his form..

Come on Eddie, this is your chance. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

If we could find a legitimate successor for Aubameyang and or Lacazaette internally we could spend that money bringing in a world class centre back and defensive midfielder.

Dan Ahern

Would pay just about anything to watch Unai feebly running a TGIFridays into the ground while Gordon Ramsey absolutely loses it.

Freddie Ljungberg

“Kia Joorabchian, the agent with close links to Arsenal and in particular Edu Gaspar. Joorabchian is said to have played a large role in getting Arsenal’s deal for David Luiz done in the summer” Close links indeed, one last minute deal and he’s our new step daddy, well done the media. / Bruno guimaraes is like Xhaka in some sense in that he can do everything Xhaka can in regards to his passing, but adds more creativity and a wider range of passes. He’s also faster, way more mobile, can dribble and is much better defensively. Also better at carrying… Read more »

Tony

Looks like Yan Couto is more likely to go to Barca so much for our South American links

Aussie Gooner

Djene Dakonam from Getafe has emerged as a contender. 28 year old considered as a bit of an unsung hero as he is a grafter CB. Available for 22m. He has appeared in the La Liga team of the year for the past two years! Spuds are interested in him as well. Can also play at RB.

Gentlebris

Good morning to the know nothings and the resident know-it-all!

Gentlebris

‘We now have the man for the job is mild, Pedro said in a post he was showing us levels we did not know existed ,’ R.H, The things Pedro said about and for Arteta are simply laughable, highly so. He declared Arteta one of the best coaches in the world before the man was ever handed a team to lead. Arteta looks promising, but we must realize that this is his honeymoon. Any other character would have been taken apart with the way we lost against Chelsea at home. A little smartness from the bench in the last 15… Read more »

Goobergooner

Just thought this was worth re-mentioning from Azed the other day. “I made a post after the Palace game that said last season, Iwobi to Kolasinac and a cut back was our best/ go to attacking move. Under Arteta, its Luiz to Kolasinac. Two coaches with different philosophies employing similar tactics with one constant, the players.” It’s all about the coaching to some people and yes it is a requirement of any great team, the great teams also have the best players. No doubt about it. Our wing play is shocking due to the fact none of our wingers can… Read more »

Gentlebris

*than to

Sid

Felipe melo incarnate bruno guimares,
Ross barkely mak 2 maddison
Jack wilshere reloaded Grealish

Im telling you this for free!

Goobergooner

The funniest thing about le Grove for me is how the dynamic has changed since Wenger left. Where was the angst and criticism of the manager 4 or 5 seasons ago when we really could have changed our trajectory??? Only now a great coach is the most crucial part of the club. Noone can make kola defend properly, or luiz/mustafi/papa sok/ Xhaka not have brain snaps (just typing that makes me laugh at our backline) or AMN not look unlively or Ozil want to actually give 100% in a tackle or header (or just overall game when things don’t go… Read more »

Goobergooner

Sid I love free chat. Thanks mate.

That will cost you though

Aussie Gooner

Sid

I am glad you are giving it for free – I wouldn’t pay for it!!!!!!!

Aussie Gooner

This

“Arsenal this morning have been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain defender (LB) Layvin Kurzawa.”

And

“Tottenham have signed Gedson Fernandes from Benfica”.

Graham62

Goobergooner

“Where was the angst and criticism 4-5 seasons ago when we really could have changed our trajectory?”

You could this by two and you’d still be shaking your head.

Graham62

You could times this by two

Habesha Gooner

Kurzawa is not a bad player. If we manage to sell Kolasinac I wouldn’t mind him as backup to Tierney.

Danny S

Pierre

No ones ever too old for FM. Too busy maybe but never too old.

Graham62

I like Kolasinac.

I think Arteta likes him as well

Aussie Gooner

Habesha

I have never seen him play. He seems to fly under the radar yet has been picked for La Liga team of the year for two years running! So he can’t be all that bad!

Habesha Gooner

Aussie Gooner On form he is a really good player. he scores goals from fullback too. I do think he is better than Kolasinac. Kolasinac gets in to great positions but his delivery is more often bad. Kurzawa is better at that. Defensively Kurzawa plays for PSG so has less to worry about but I would grade them about the same. Selling Kolasinac gets us a little money and we upgrade our back up fullback in my opinion. Especially If he we get him for free in the summer.

Tony

As there is a presser today I would love Raul or another suit to explain to me/us how Spuds can be around £1billion+ in debt and will probably sell Erikson for around £10million losing maybe £50 million in the process and yet they can still buy players.

Whilst it would seem we can’t with a fraction of the debt.

Josh? Stan? Anybody? …………………..

Or am I jumping the gun and we have a wondrous surprise being announced later today.

Bated breath and all that.

Romford Pele

Tony – press conference was yesterday mate.

Tony

Thanks Romford have been busy and not had time to keep up here or the press.

Tony

Did I miss anything from the presser?

Romford Pele

Tony – nothing in particular mate. Just team news for the weekend (Kola and Torreira doubts).

They asked about transfer news and a expected he kept his cards close to his chest.

Freddie Ljungberg

“Ozil told beIN Sports when quizzed on his future: “I’m very pleased with my contract and I will continue here this season and next.

“I can’t tell you what the future will bring, I’m excited about the future, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Great, he’s pleased with his contract. Can he try to play like he’s worth even half of that now too please. 30 minutes per game isn’t going to cut it much longer.

raptora

Ozil: “I’m very pleased with my contract”

What a fkin imbecile! LOL

Tony

Thanks RP tbh I wasn’t expecting much from it.

Good to have you back posting again. Many of your views echo my own and I appreciate your overall knowledge of the game, players etc that I find very informative and interesting.

I just don’t have the time to immerse myself in the game as many do here.

Graham62

Ozil has this unique ability to make us appreciate him that much more.

What a great guy.

Romford Pele

Tony – thanks man, very kind.

Can often be tough balancing work and hobbies. I’m often abroad so it’s nice to be back in England for a bit. Did kind of tune out myself for a bit over the Emery regime which I found depressing. Bit more reinvigorated under Arteta. Hopefully the board back him.

HighburyLegend

SAUCE!!

HighburyLegend

“I’m very pleased with the upgrades on Fortnite 2020.”

HighburyLegend

What a festive ambience on Le Grove today!! lol

https://www.onlinegooner.com/articles/view/4943

Looking at this Highbury picture, back in the good old days, I must admit I feel…
a bit depressed.

Thanks again to Arsène and the board for having destroyed our beloved temple.

Concerning the fact that we will probably have to beat Liverpool for save our record, 4 words : WE ARE SO FUCKED.

HighburyLegend

lol Le Grove is so dead.

Spanishdave

I suppose we will end up with some has been or an injured crock this January it’s normal for us.
We should do a BOGOF with Mustafi to get rid.
Back up for Tierney.? Surely it’s the other way round he’s a crock. We always seem to have one on the books, and now our doctors run off!
Meanwhile the biscuits pass around the board room.

HighburyLegend

lol Mustardi… The guy has really zero pride.

Gonsterous

Kola is a very good squad player and he brings a bit of muscle to the squad.

Arteta, great so far but don’t understand why he waves about so much on the touchline. Sometimes it’s best to just do a Wenger and let the players play their game without distracting them.

Still needs to brush up on his substitutions.
But as long as we win games (something that’s still not happening), I’m not too bothered with who the coach is.

Dream10

Boubakary Soumaré to choose btwn It’s and Chelsea in the coming weeks. Looks like we dropped out early when the bidding reached 50m Euros. Hope Bruno Guimarães signs for us. From the limited clips I have seen, he seems to be a CM who can pass short and long, can dribble.at a decent level and has an engine. Somewhere btwn a Kovacic and Vidal perhaps. Bit pessimistic on this one,.as Benfica know an opportunity when they see one. They’ll be able to offer a European pathway for him and sell to a PSG/Barça for at least double the price in… Read more »

Dream10

*btwn Utd and Chelsea for Soumaré

Romford Pele

Dream, Soumare would’ve been my dream. Has traits similar to both Ndombele and Vieira. 6ft2 plus an amazing ball carrier too. So young as well. Literally perfect profile. Not sure why Chelsea need him they have a million and one midfielders.

Guimaraes looks good though, would be happy with him.

Champagne Charlie

Soumare replacing Pogba.

Romford Pele

“Soumare replacing Pogba.”

Different profiles though United defo need someone like him. Pogba is an attacking CM, Soumare is a defensive CM. Both of them in the same team with a passing DM would be destructive.

Jamie

How much is he likely to be sold for?

I guess we’ve been priced out..

Dream10

Romford and CC Soumaré seems a little raw. Got sent off on Sunday. But he looks to have the tools. Think he’ll end up at Chelsea. He’s the CM type that can play ahead of a back three as well. Can pair him with Kovacic, Kanté or even Mount. Makes sense to bed him in now and sell Jorginho back to Serie A in June. Remember Chelsea qualified for the CL and had a transfer ban. Also sold Hazard for 100m. Plus they always have a youth product or they can sell for 20m. They’re probably the best dealer makers… Read more »

Romford Pele

Jamie, think he’s likely to go for around £50m. Bit excessive atm but you’re paying for the potential rather than finished article.

Dream, he has similar qualities to Kovacic in terms of his ball-carrying from deep in the first phase. Chelsea have loads of them though. They even played Barkley at the weekend who I forgot was still there.

“Utd are a richer version of Arsenal. Inefficient in the market.”

Ain’t this the truth.

Dream10

Romford

Spot on. He’s ball winner who can evade pressure and stays behind play. Complements their other CM options.

What do you think of the possible Kurzawa signing? Really don’t like it