We all saw it coming. No discussions during the season as the team and player agreed. Robin expressed very early on that all he wanted to do was focus on football. And that he did and that focus combined with his best run of health since becoming a regular first teamer made him instantly the best player in the league.
But now the season is over. Now the club must confront a situation that has been a recurrent theme at Arsenal over the last few years. Because of the wage structure, focus on financial prudence, and youth rather than experience, the club has had its focus on winning questioned at the very heart of the club – by its players.
Star players have left every year for the last few years. It is a direct result of the changing landscape of the game as well as Arsenal’s priorities. Before we go on here, this is not an indictment of that policy. Frankly, there are rumblings in football that Arsenal’s policies may start to pay off. There have been a series of articles that Manchester United are now beginning to feel the pinch of their debt and are unable to do huge significant deals like they used to. It is telling that Shinji Kagawa of Dortmund met with the club this week and left without a deal. In the past a visit to United by a player of Kagawa’s skill would’ve resulted in an instant deal.
But I digress. This isn’t about finances. It’s about Robin.
Yesterday, Robin Van Persie, his agent Kees Vos, Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis got down to talk. Before anyone believes what is in the press, no one knows for certain what was discussed. Some reports are that it was just a end of season discussion and plans for the summer. Some papers like the Mirror, Mail and Sun all say it was a contentious meeting. Right now, only 4 people know the truth. Over time it will be clear.
What I want to do in this space today is talk about the possibilities that exist for possible scenarios for Arsenal and for Robin. What are the likely outcomes?
Robin signs a new deal.
We’re talking a deal that would see him stay at Arsenal until he retires. It’s a win/win for everyone. Arsenal keep hold of their star player and Robin likely has gotten the assurances he needs that Arsenal intend to compete (within their model) for glory.
Arsenal forces Robin to stay
Robin has one year left on his contract, the club for all intents and purposes can just tell Robin, ‘we understand you, but we want you to see the last year of this contract out.’ To me this is the nuclear option. It creates so many unsavory issues, a player who may now feel unhappy to be held against his will, THE DEFINITE move by that player the following season, and the possible poison it could create within the locker room. This option while within the club’s rights, is not the one I would advise the club to go down.
Arsenal sell Robin
There is one thing in this whole saga I think we say is true – Arsenal are not going to sell to City any more. The players they have let go are players for whatever reason they felt okay letting go. The last Samir Nasri proving in his constant statements to the French press, that he is more about himself than any club. Arsenal do not want to sell Robin. But they may not have much of a choice if they cannot match his ambitions. If they sell, I see Robin being sold to recently crowned Serie A Champs Juve or to Madrid or Barcelona. I do not think Arsenal will sell to another Premier League side – if they have to sell.
Contract Extension
Early signs are that Arsenal are making moves in the right direction in terms of the transfers. YAMA still believes in its exclusive last week that Rennes Midfielder Yann M’Vila will announce his move to Arsenal – soon. Quite a few French outlets last night confirmed as much. Additionally, signing Podolski and now a heavy move for Shinji Kagawa (Arsenal and his reps setting a meeting) are all signs that the Gunners are looking to improve the squad significantly. Are these the types of moves that would move Arsenal into contention to challenge City? Are the enough to convince Robin of the club’s intent? The way to find out would be for Robin to sign a 1 year contract extension, and see how these additions net out.
If the moves that do happen don’t net out, the club wouldn’t begrudge Van Persie his move. RvP then would get his move and the club could sell him. The obvious problem here is that it puts fans on edge for yet another summer.
My gut.
I don’t know. I am asked every day via twitter, what do I think? I honestly don’t know. My passionate side says I expect a player who suffered through a string of injury riddled seasons to stand by the club that stood by him when calls came in for him to be sold because he would never get over his injuries. I would expect a player who had this to say in 2008 about Manchester City:
“No they haven’t put an offer in for me and they don’t have to bother! I’m really curious if Manchester City have a plan because it won’t work by only buying the most expensive players.
“It’s about a team. If all the pieces don’t click then the system will fail.
“In principle, Man City could have success but there has to be a philosophy with a whole staff who have a plan for the next four or five years.”
to not be enticed by big money.
Robin has always struck me as a sort of throwback. From all the interviews I’ve read and watched this is a guy who’s true passion is the game, playing with his teammates and being part of the club that made him the star he was. In a day and age when players are increasingly moved by their next big paycheck, his approach always seemed refreshing to me.
But he is right on one sense. Arsenal need to get back to what football clubs are supposed to do – win. Noone I’ve talked to begrudges the model we’ve set ourselves upon. We all for the most part applaud it but the detriment it has foisted on the ability to win has made the star players we have question its commitment to success.
Robin had this to say in 2008 as well:
“It is the principle,” said Van Persie. “It is very important that Arsenal keep these guys. This group is unique. If a number of them leave it will be different. I think of myself as an Arsenal man but Arsenal should also try to make sure that we all grow together.”
Very damning indeed. I still believe I am right in one respect – the move for Van Persie is not about money as much as the papers would like to make it out to be. It is about success for him. He is one of the best of his generation and surely wants to add something to that. An FA Cup winners medal from 2005 is not enough. Arsenal need to Robin with strong intent that they intend to move back in that direction.
I really don’t have a sense of how this is going to end. I pride myself on being able to gain some sort of understanding by reviewing everything possible. There are so many layers from Robin, the agents, the club and the players family that you could read into anything – any direction. Which is why I won’t speculate.
If he stays – I am chuffed. If he goes – sure I’ll be sad, others will be angry but the club went on long before him and will go on long after him.
Finally, a tweet I got yesterday that inspired me to write this – Cesc went home, Henry came home, Van Persie is home.
That’s all until tomorrow, when we’re back with our live chat event. More later.
This was not a season many of us wanted to endure nor some of us expected. It was as we all know, filled with downs and ups and downs and ups. And in the end, Arsenal came out ahead – barely.
We endured endless speculation about the overall decline of our team. Our neigbours around the corner picked by many to supplant us as the top club in London and ultimately take our place in the Champion’s League.
We suffered the ignominy of hearing our manager tell us in the summer that any club that sold its two biggest players could no longer be considered a big club and then have just that happen. Then we suffered an August to forget as we not only were humiliated – yes humiliated at Old Trafford 8-2 but also endured the own goal fest versus Blackburn. Finally, a team that never reacts on the last day of the transfer deadline spent about money quickly bringing in players to shore up the holes on what certainly seemed at the time to be the Arsenal equivalent of the Titanic.
We were all very flayed and frayed 3 weeks into the season and there were 35 games to go at one point and you couldn’t blame the faithful for wanting to crawl under a rock, cry in a few pints (or 20) or just plain wish the season would end. I remember personally saying I had hoped that this was just a dream, that it was the day after we clinched the 2004 title and that the last 7 years was a result of a bad piece of Chinese food that didn’t digest. But alas when I woke up it was still the 2011/2012 season.
Overall, with the ability to look back on the season, and as Arsenal’s performances stand out for Gooners, it was season of mediocrity league wide. While there were sustained plays of brilliance from many of the teams it always seemed like this was the season when no one team clearly wanted anything to do with being looked at with a winning eye. Ultimately City, would win it but their match and the way they won it was a microscopic look at the league and the season as a whole.
I will remember this season for the infighting. Already at fever pitch early in the summer because of the way the previous season ended. I will also remember it for the incredible highs as well. The 5-3 at Stamford Bridge, the routing of Spurs at the Emirates, the near comeback in the Champion’s League versus AC Milan and the 1-0 win over City. There were more moments and we’ll likely get into those in more detail as we do final reports and looks back in the next two weeks. But with every low came a high and vice versa.
So here we are. A day after the season has ended. We all are breathing a little more relaxed. Pepto Bismol and other assorted pharmaceuticals are out of stock. What is next is anyone’s guess. While we can relax knowing our minimum target is secure, there is still work to be done. Defensively, yet again we need fixing. When they were good – they were very good. For a team that did allow in 49 goals this season they were still the 8th best team in Goals Allowed Average of around 1.7 (or so). Still where they were really lacking was strength defensively in the middle of the pitch. Alex Song was good at times, woeful at others. He would have a good half a good game or a few games but like yesterday on West Brom’s second goal or against Norwich, the midfield allowed too much room for the opposition to walk through. A defensive midfielder is a must and we stick by our story that Yann M’Vila is that guy.
The signing of Lukas Podolski is a hopeful sign that the team has learned the errors of last summer and will hopefully tie down its biggest deals early. Additionally, players who can be shipped out must be shipped out. A complete reworking of the way the club is organized in terms of playing staff has to be considered. No, that is not saying the entire teams needs an overhaul, it means the financial system players operate under needs a re-working.
Additionally, there are rumours that there will be a summer shuffling of the board. Stan Kroenke is no longer bound by the 1 year agreement that kept the board as is at the time of his taking control as majority shareholder. Stan is now free to bring in new people. Word is his son will come on board and take an active role within the team. There are other organizational changes being talked about. We hope one of them is a way to restructure sooner rather than later the awful commercial deals the club finds itself constrained by.
Then there is the Robin Van Persie saga. The last thing fans want is another summer of ‘will he, or won’t he.’ By all indications I do not think it will be that. I think this is going to resolve itself before the Euros. No, no insider information here. Just some sleuthing and trying to read the tea-leaves.
There are other things to discuss but I am going to leave that for later.
The season is over. We did it. By the scruff of our teeth and in spite of ourselves. We are back in the Champion’s League for an unprecedented 15th season in a row. While silverware is an absolute must for any sports fan, success can be measured in many different ways. I’ll leave it at that.
With the season over, I know look to next season – sorry – I am. I do believe that there were performances that showed us this season that we may not be as far off as we may believe. There is still work. But not major earth moving work. I believe that if the right pieces are added that this club will compete for a title. (There I said it). There is a core here that is a team – something we have not had 6 years prior. That is something to me and since it’s a new day and a new season is only 12 weeks away – I am refreshed, relaxed and waiting for the start.
We have a busy week and some busy times ahead just wanted to keep abreast of a couple of things –
- This Wednesday we are planning a live chat event with our writers and hopefully some special guests from the Arsenal world. We’ll release details soon. It is tentatively scheduled for 1400GMT/0900 EST. Look back to the site later.
- We’re calling on you to submit who you think rates for the 1st Annual YAMA Gooner’s. The YAMA Gooners aour an award to recognize the following: Best Arsenal Blog, Best Arsenal Blogger, BestArsenal Tweeter, Best New Arsenal Blog, Best Journalist, and Best Opinion Writer. Please use our contact page to submit your nominees. We are going to allow a week for nominees and then post the top 4 in each category. Please be sure to mention who and what category you are nominating for.
And plenty more. We don’t plan on resting this summer. Me, for right now I am going to relax. Take some deep breaths and sigh a deep sigh of relief for getting through this season.
Until next time Stay Goonerish – DAG (@YouAreMyArsenal)
Before I write any match preview up I do a lot of reading trying to get the ins and outs of style of play of the opponent, who’s in who’s out all that kind of stuff. And as I’ve read in preparation of this match pretty much to a tee every blog, every pundit and right down to the official dot com all have stated the same exact sentiment –
It all comes down to this.
Yes, the final game of the season. Where Arsenal finish, well just like it was last week and the week before and well, the week before that, it’s all up to them. Win, and you have no concern for what the hell happens below you. Draw or lose, and well, I hope everyone prayers or believes in miracles because that is what it’s likely going to take.
Spurs sit a point off with Fulham visiting the Lane. You’d think that Fulham would have a chance for at least a draw but their best player Clint Dempsey is out. Newcastle take on Everton, which is a tough match. But West Brom at home looks to be a toughie for us.
Last week West Brom played Bolton and looked to go down to the sword earlier falling behind their opponents 2-0. But not intent to send new England manager, Roy Hodgson off in a whimper, the Baggies fought back and drew 2-2. Sure part of that was down to a weak Bolton team relaxing after going up 2. But given our propensity for shipping in goals it’s something we have to take into account.
Roy tends to set his teams in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. They’ll be without Chris Brunt definitely and possibly Jerome Thomas. Peter Odemwingie faces a late test which means Fortune will likely lead the line. Fortune isn’t a prolific scorer (actually no one on WBA is – they average just over 1 goal per game home and away.) but he is working well up front and causing teams problems.
Sure, Roy Hodgson’s teams don’t set the world alight but he gets them play committed football and we should expect them to not roll over and let Arsenal tickle their bellies. It is Roy’s last day and he saved them last season and put them on a course of respectability. They are solid on aerial play and get a lot of joy and goals from set pieces however, they concede a lot of goals on the counter. They have only managed 19 goals at home this season (the same as Wolves) but they have only conceded 19 at home (the same as Manchester United).
Arsenal head into Wenger’s 600th Premier League match with everything at stake. Champion’s League football, the possibility of Robin Van Persie staying or going, the ability to bring in quality talent, and in my opinion just as important – pride.
Arsenal may not have won a damn thing in 7 years. It is still recognized as a leader and team to respect and emulate in world football. The position in the table and the continued success with 15 years of Champion’s League football are a level of consistency that most clubs want to emulate and of course better. A lot of wounds will open up tomorrow at 1700 GMT/1200 EST should the undesirable happen.
There can be no overestimating opponents or assuming things are locked down no. If it means you are trying to churn out 7 goals for a full 90 minutes the team simply cannot afford to let off the gas for the full 90 minutes. As last week showed, it only takes a couple to put things back upside down. No, Arsenal simply have to be the best team on the pitch for the full 90 not in spurts.
It has been a long drawn out slog of a season. From the heartwrench of Manchester United, Blackburn, QPR, Fulham and others, to absolutely being class of the day versus, Cheslea, City, and especially Tottenham the emotions of every gooner and every player have been on one up and down ride. A lot of people I have chatted with just want this season to end. They want to move on to next season. They need a bit of a break but if we win, the signings the club want to make come in, then hope springs eternal for next season.
How the Match Should Play Out.
The early goals will be key for Arsenal. Yes, I said goals. The more open the game is the more it keeps the game open. Also in their last 20 home games WBA have conceded the first goal 7 times winning only once , drawing none and losing 6. As we have said Arsenal need to be aggressive for the entire game. The gas simply cannot go be let go of here.
I’d prefer Wenger go with a 4-4-2 with Chamakh up front and Robin Van Persie slotted just off of him. In the Norwich game last week we created better chances in 15 minutes with that lineup than we did all game (probably an exaggeration but you get the point.) But we’ll probably come in with our 4-3-3 variation. I think Benyaoun who has been a work horse over the last few weeks will start which means either Chamberlain or Gervinho on the right. One the right Gervinho hasn’t been as effective as he has been on the left so I am opting for Chamberlain in my projection. I think the desired speed and guile we need we can get from Chamberlain and its time teams got to see more of what they may expect next season. The question obviously is in the midfield for Arsenal where Ramsey, Rosicky and Song seem to be the preferred team with Arteta out. The problem is where is Wenger going to put Rosicky. If he takes him in the Arteta role with Ramsey sitting front, he takes out his more dynamic and creative threat for the most part. If he puts Ramsey in the role Arteta played so well this season, then he creates a defensive liability. I just don’t know.
Caution to the wind, Arsenal with all to play for and West Brom looking to send their manager over to England in style in pride. However, for my money Arsenal haven’t lost on the last day of the season since 2005. They won’t do it again – they will win.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. One goal ties Henry’s mark for a season and equals Shearer and Ronaldo. Two goals and he sets a new mark for a 38-game season.
West Brom. Roy Hodgson. Roy gets a lot of stick for his speech defect but he has shown himself to be a force of stability and consistency as a manager. While Liverpool did not do well under him (for reasons beyond his control) has done well with the talent he has. Which is why he makes absolute sense as England manager.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arteta (ankle) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle) Frimpong (knee) Sagna (broken leg)
WBA: Gera (knee) Morrison (knee) Reid (ankle) Tamas (personal reasons) Brunt (tonsillitis) Thomas (illness)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 30
WBA: Odemiwingie 10
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 3
WBA: 0
Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.8
WBA (home): 1.1
Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.7
WBA: (home): 1.1
Last Five:
Arsenal: DDDLW
WBA: DDWWL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 24
WBA: -6
Match Official:
Referee: Mike Jones (Matches 24, R6 Y85)
Broadcast Information:
US: Foxsoccer.tv 1000 AM EST
UK: ????? 1500 GMT
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
WBA: 1
The Final Word.
It has been a long and wooly season. In the US during game time its churches and mother’s day celebrations in the UK is showdown sunday. And when was the last time the last day of the season had so much at stake outside the relegation battle? It really will be an exciting, nerve wracking day.
YAMA won’t be shutting down for the summer. We’re still planning on bringing you regular content. Over the next few weeks we’ll do season end reviews, a live chat wrapping up the season, and season end awards. Additionally, YAMA plans to track key Arsenal players in the major tournaments of the summer, the Euros and Olympics. When that’s all said and done we’ll be right ready to go with the pre-season and subsequent tour.
Personally, as an editor I would like to quickly thank our newest additions to the team, Alex, Myles and Raj who have all added a tremendous amount to the site. Jamie Dalton is still around and as you’ve read pops up from time to time do one of his quick hit pieces. It has been a yo-yo season for the team but the YAMA crew it was a pretty good year and frankly, I am looking forward to next season as we grow further.
Thanks all for reading, commenting, screaming and sharing. Thanks for being an Arsenal Supporter.
Until our next post – Stay Goonerish!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, a year in the life?
- Jonathan Larson ‘Rent’
If Tim Stillman can bring in obscure 80s hits to his columns, I will raise that by praising our departing Pat Rice with Broadway show tunes – Take that Tim!
Last week YAMA said our farewells early to Pat Rice, the stalwart at the side of Wenger for 16 years and part of the fabric of the club for 44 years now. On Thursday what we had all known was confirmed by the club as Arsene Wenger gave praise to Pat and introduced his new number 2 Steve Bould.
Of Pat Rice the boss had this to say:
‘He’s been tremendous,’ said Wenger. ‘It’s a sad, sad, sad day. His life was linked with Arsenal and Arsenal have been privileged to have him as a player, a captain, a coach. I’m privileged to have had him at my side.’
And with that door closing another one opens. As Pat Rice leaves Monday, unceremoniously, a transition will occur that many Gooners are hopeful leads helps add some additional needed change to the club.
Before we proceed no one should ever believe that change at number 2 or in the coaching staff mean that someone was doing anything wrong. On the contrary Pat was part of the major successes here and deserves praise for that but as things have become stale and change is wafting in the air. His retirement comes at a time when a change is needed.
That change is Steve Bould.
Bould as many papers have pointed out and more importantly Gooners know, was signed to Arsenal in 1988 Stoke (pre-prehistoric era) by George Graham and would a year later be part of that historical win at Anfield (which I saw) in 1989. He was here during the transition to Wenger in 1996 and was in as the double-winning side of ’98, that the Independent yesterday called Wenger’s most complete (I think they are right).
3 years later Bould would take over running the youth organization for the team and focusing on developing the talent of tomorrow to play in the Arsenal style. Many of the young players that are maturing into the first team now, like Gibbs, Wilshere and others all played for Bould. Gibbs paid particular praise to Bould crediting him with his development as defender.
Wenger was also keen to praise Steve and signal his continuity and history with the club:
“Steve’s qualities are that he has the experience of the top-level game, he has managed here, he knows our football philosophy and therefore there will be a continuity,” said Wenger.
Bould as I have read in this research might be the hard-as-nails version of Wenger. He is seen by many as a task master but is always available to his players. When you watch his interviews on Arsenal player you walk away with the perception that man is has ‘hard’ (stop it you sickos) now as he was as player.
Additionally, like Pat Rice he was a defender. But he was a defender in probably one of Arsenal’s greatest eras of defencive play. 1-nil to the Arsenal was a proud moniker we all wore and we wore it because of our defence, most articulated in George Graham’s and later Wenger’s back 4. Bould it is hoped at least by fans can lend his vast experience in that area.
Arsenal are (obviously for all) beset still by defencive errors. And it may be that a new perspective back there is what Bould will bring to the table. True, the argument is out there that Wenger prefers to be in control will aspects of the style of play for the first team. But Bould strikes me as coach who wouldn’t have accepted this position if he was told to just sit there and nod his head. Word is that this offer was made to Bould weeks ago and he has sat on it for a while. Surely, the process included a discussion about how much of a role he was going to have. I am also sure that somewhere it occurred to him that if he does his job well, he suddenly becomes one of the leading candidates for one of the hottest jobs in global football.
Assurances had to be given and taken that Bould is going to be allowed to help shape the team in some way – all under Wenger’s guidance of course. And as we said, the hope is the impact is on the defencive play of the team. I know people won’t agree but I believe the makings of a pretty good back four with a confident keeper is there. Koscileny and Vermaelen along with Mertesacker in the back to represent a pretty good solid rotation in centreback. Bacary Sagna is the best RB in England second only to Phillip Lahm in Europe. And Gibbs should he actually stay healthy has shown signs of improvement that under the eyes of Bould again may flourish more.
Bould’s pedigree is known. And he has one both as a player (372 appearances for the Arsenal between 1988 and 1999, 3league titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994) and as the youth team manager ( 2009 Youth Cup and consecutive FA Academy Premier League titles.) In other words this a qualified candidate and some who comes with instant respect. And like Pat Rice comes with the continued linkage to the club.
It was this linkage to the club that made Arsene Wenger retain Pat Rice as his assistant:
“It is important when you come from abroad to have an assistant who knows the culture of the club and the culture of the country. Pat knew Arsenal well and knew English football.”
Like Pat, Steve knows Arsenal well and knows English football. And while Wenger has been here 16 years its clear that his love of the club and respect for its heritage was a deciding factor in making this choice. There were other candidates we are told with both Tony Adams and Dennis Bergkamp getting good looks. However, for whatever reason the bridges that Tony is rebuilding (that may not be the best analogy but you get the point) with Wenger may not have been rebuilt fast enough) and Dennis well if he were a number 2 he’d have to travel – in Europe – which means flying. A no-no for DB10. So it was Steve.
There are still going to be questions whether this a big enough move to offer some new direction and spice to the team that over the last few weeks has exhibited a need for a new perspective. Is Steve Bould’s taking this position just insuring that the ideas stay as they always were and possibly keeping things status quo.
There is that possibility of course. Steve undoubtedly knows what Wenger wants to do and is going to abide by that. So in that end it doesn’t strike me as a seismic shift. But as we stated above he is his own man and I don’t think as I said earlier he’d be here if he didn’t feel he had a role to play. So, in that case there is some bit of ‘newness’ about that.
Sure, I do wonder what would’ve happened if we’d looked outside the current coaching staff. Keeping ties to the club – beyond Dennis and Tony (for the reasons we cited earlier) – find an ex-player who comes from outside the current comforts of Colney (is that a new show on BBC4?), still has a links to the club but by coming in from outside maybe have a different perspective. Or maybe someone who doesn’t have any link to the club who just has a different perspective. It worked for Wenger right?
Obviously the jury is out on how this will turn out. But you know what – it’s a good move. It’s a move that makes sense. It creates the least amount of disruption in a process that could be disruptive to a team (look at what Ray Wilkens’ removal did to Chelsea last season)and also at summer that so far is gearing up to highlight a team in a state of transition. The key then was to make sure this was seamless as possible and Bould here ticks off all the right boxes for ALL of this to happen.
I am particularly chuffed to see Steve with the first team from my very own first experience with Arsenal and remember someone who no nonsense, strong and so competitive. It was displays like his on that Anfield night that made me love Arsenal.
And oh by the way – (Sorry Banfield lovers) reserve team coach, Neil Banfield has also been promoted and will assume first team coaching duties. The vacancies left by Bould and Banfield will be filled internally (not sure what that means.)
Until next time we leave with a smattering of love for Pat (courtesy the big boys at Arsenal.com) –
Pat, unfortunately you are going and we will not see each other anymore on a daily basis. It is very sad, but I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for having been a competent, loyal partner and a great fighter. We have done great things together, but I know that without you we would not have done them. Forever in my heart you will always be one of the great guys I have met in my life. Football allows that and hopefully you can come to Arsenal again and we will maybe share, not a great game, but a great glass of wine together. Have a good time.
Arsène Wenger
There are certain people who embody the club so perfectly that it’s impossible to know if the Club created them or if they created the Club. The moment I met him, I knew that Pat Rice was Arsenal and Arsenal was Pat Rice. In my mind, there is no higher compliment.
Ivan Gazidis
Pat, I wish you all the very best and thank you for everything you have done for this amazing Club. I will take you right back to when I was an amateur school teacher and you were there as this not-too-clever full back. We used to train on a Thursday evening and Charlie George was there and I don’t think you and I ever thought we would reach the heights we reached. We spent so much time on and off the field together, as well as with your lovely family. It has been a fantastic journey for you and for me and we all definitely owe it to Arsenal. I know you feel as much about this Club as I do. All the best to you and to Betty.
Bob Wilson
Pat, I just think it is absolutely amazing the service you have given this fantastic Club. Well done, enjoy your retirement and I’m sure you and Betty will have a super time – enjoy the south of Spain! From an Arsenal man, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the service that you have given this Club. Well done, and God bless.
Tony Adams
STAY GOONERISH!!
It seems Le Professeur has opted for the unthinkable; he’s actually going to buy players. Even better, the ones we’ve been linked with. And no, that doesn’t mean a highly rated twelve year old from the suburbs of Paris; we, Arsenal, are actually signing established players.
The first official acquisition was of course, Lukas Podolski. That being said, rumours surfaced earlier this year suggesting we’d already signed Matias Suarez (24-year-old Argentine forward) and Lewis Holtby (21-year-old German midfielder), but I wouldn’t hold my breath, they seem to just be rumours. As we have mentioned in an earlier article, the second star signing Arsene has made is the much sought after Yann M’Villa, of Stade Rennais. I was afraid that the Podolski signing would be a bit like our loan deal for Thierry Henry, a smokescreen, something to keep the fans happy until the window shuts and we go back to realising that the team is not of the quality required to win trophies. But no, up popped the news of Yann M’Vila, and suddenly there’s a sense that we’re going to actually strengthen our squad this summer, instead of selling two of our best players and waiting until deadline day to sign anyone.
We all know that money was the main factor for $amir Nasri when he left earlier this season, but he did say his decision was partly down to Wenger’s lack of mobility in the transfer market, and to an extent, I concur. This is a situation we have to avoid, and I think Arsene is doing a pretty good job of doing so.
Are the signings of Podolski and M’Vila enough to “convince” Van Persie to sign a new contract? Who knows? I don’t think it’s solely down to making new signings early, but just to show that we’re attempting to get things done, to be dynamic and ambitious. This includes the reshuffling of the backroom staff and offloading the dead wood players – something Wenger tried to do in the summer with Squillaci but failed to do so. The main factor behind Van Persie staying is that his options are limited. Very few teams are actually interested in capturing his signature this summer, and they know that it will be very difficult to draw him away from Arsenal for two reasons. The first reason is that Robin and his family are very happy living in London and being involved in the Arsenal setup. The second reason is that he hasn’t actually expressed a desire to play anywhere else, unlike last season when a certain Spanish midfielder of whom I shall not name did so.
What Wenger has realised, finally(!), is that we need a lot of cover, due to our seemingly routine injuries throughout the season. Look at Arteta for example, without him we haven’t won a single league game this season, says a lot. On the other hand, one could argue that with Wilshere fit and Arteta injured, we could have kept our good form going – we’re bound to find out next season anyway.
A midfield three of Ramsey, Song and Rosicky does not seem to be working. Despite Rosicky’s best efforts on Saturday against Norwich, there was no creative spark and no solidity (I’m pointing my finger at Song for that one). As for Ramsey, I don’t know where to start. He’s a good player, but has been overworked this season and it has taken its toll. He’s been awful the past few games and it’s a shame because everyone gets on his back about it. I’ve managed to find one positive from Ramsey’s atrocious performances; at least it shows Mr Wenger that a great deal of cover is needed if we are to finally win some silverware next season.
I’ve praised Wenger’s transfer policy quite a bit so I’ll go back to a little bit of criticism. Olivier Giroud has revealed that he is in deep discussion with Bayern Munich over a potential move as they have reportedly activated his €13m release clause. Well isn’t that one to miss out on. Giroud is the sort of striker that would do well in the Premier League due to his unrivalled aerial presence. He’s also realised that you can shoot from range, which is something our current crop (bar Arteta and Van Persie) are yet to discover.
Thanks for reading, and don’t believe everything you read in the paper.
]]>If the information that we have been provided is true the club are set to announce the deal early after the season ends. The deal is reportedly based on a transfer fee of around £16-£18 million with added bonuses. M’Vila’s contract is reported as around £60-£70k per week and is a 4 year deal.
As with any information of this type, until the club formally announces it, even as good as the information is, it should be treated with some amount of caution. We only need remind everyone of the ‘done deal’ for Juan Mata last season.
As an editor I questioned Alex over the last two weeks on this story as he kept getting news. We won’t and haven’t presented stories of this magnitude in the past. We also know the amount of egg we can get on our face for putting it out there if it’s wrong. However, we won’t stop doing our blog the way we always have – with integrity. (Yeah, sorry I had to put that in here so people know we don’t do this every day and won’t.) And finally, remember this – mightier press outlets than this little blog have been wrong about transfers before.
But enough about that. As many of our long-time readers know I’ve been big on M’Vila for a few years. If true, he is a big signing of the kind we need to be making to be competitive for the title. It would also go a long way to proving intent to a certain dutchman
M’Vila has represented France at every level from U16 to U21 and he has helped the Rennes academy win the Coupe Gambardella (French Youth Cup) in 2008. Since breaking into Ligue 1 and getting his first senior cap from Laurent Blanc, the french midfielder is constantly linked with a spot in the starting XI for France.
M’Vila is a sturdy midfielder who is strong in challenges and fears no-one when it comes to making a tackle. He boasts a fantastic work-rate but is by no means just about lumbering physicality. For someone of his age he has superb vision and can be instrumental in building-up attacks from the back.
If there are weaknesses to his game it’s that he does tend to struggle against speedy players and his eye for the goal is shall we say very poor.
Where Arsenal see M’Vila playing is up for discussion and speculation but in my opinion he is the first true player who could be heir-apparent to Patrick Vieira.
If we get any more information pertaining to this deal or anything else we find credible we will continue to bring it to you.
Cheers – DAG (@youaremyarsenal) and Alex (@AlexFortyNine)
Stay Goonerish!!
Must admit its hard to write this piece without feeling negative at all, would have been a lot worse had i wrote it after the game yesterday, i was literally seeing red, and not the good white and red army, the bad red. The red you see when you are so angry with what you have just seen/witnessed. It pretty much summed the season up that we have had. 3 steps forward 3 steps back as the title suggest. I wont go through the game step by step, if you really want to know go and watch it, i strongly suggest you don’t though, you’ll start to see red.
Going to start with the very few positives i can take from the game, player wise, certainly not result wise, there is not positivity in that at all. We blew that one up.
Moving on anyway, Coquelin, now that is a player i love to watch, dedication, 110% effort given throughout the game, the heart shown that some should take note of, coming on in unfortunate circumstances and once again this season being asked to play out of position. Does that bother him? No, not at all, he thrives under the challenge, i thought he was excellent yesterday at right back, as i thought the right side of the defence was excellent. That includes Coquelin and Koscielny. Both who i felt were there for the MoTM award. I’ll move onto the left side of the defence in a bit. Coquelin though as i write this always seems to bring a little smile to my face, i can honestly say Ive seen him have a bad game this season, the majority spent out of position, either it be at left back or right, primarily though he is a defensive midfielder and mighty fine one that is.
The other half of the right sided defence, Koscielny. What a good player he has become and quite frankly still goes unnoticed by a lot of football fans in general. Ive come to terms to say that as of this season, he is our best centre back at the club. The guy is born to defend, he enjoys defending, he is another player that you can tell when the going gets tough he gets going. Yes he has made a few mistakes, but oh how strong has he come back from them, i would like to wish Vermaelen could watch him and actually learn a thing or two positional wise.
A few other positives i can take is Gervinho although he can be a headless chicken, can rarely deliver a good cross and has around 0% end product, when he gets running at a player, the player is scared. He is one of the few that actually likes to run directly at players, thus creating space for other players to run in from behind and so on. I thought as the game went on and in the second half he had one of the best halves Ive seen him play, he was torturing Norwich’s right back. Also having a little helping hand in both the goals in the second half. If he can work on his end product and crossing, he is going to be a mighty good player, i don’t like that some people are too quick to judge him, it is his first season, let the guy settle down. He had the unfortunate role of taking the penalty and missing in the ACN but has come back quite good. Im looking forward to seeing him more next season. Chamakh made a rare appearance and to be fair to the guy, he actually played quite well for the 15-20 minutes he was given. Some very good hold up play, as well as linking up with Robin Van Persie on a few occasions, its a shame he cant finish though, but overall i thought he played well.
Now unfortunately I’m going to talk about the negatives, but where do i start, from around the 8th minute we were poor, Second half we got better, but then again failing to defend and defend as a unit when most important has cost us yet again. The first two goals were awful and a tad lucky maybe, but to me, the first should have been stopped by Szczesny no doubt, a player which is starting to worry me i must say, ill give you this stat from @Orbinho - Only Kenny (62.7%), Jaaskelainen (62.6%) and Robinson (56.3%) have a lower % of shots on target saved than Szczesny (63.3%).
Yes sometimes stats mean nothing but for me this is not good enough from Szczesny, who seems to lack competition already maybe thinking he has that number 1 spot rightly sewn up. Maybe that’s right though, we definitely need someone to keep him on his toes, an experienced keeper for sure, teach him a thing or two. Overall and lately i think he has been quite poor to say the least, he frightens the life out of me, his distribution is so poor it hurts me. That can be worked on thankfully and needs doing so, he needs to be calm, rushing things needlessly and putting the team/player under pressure.
Moving on to the “left side” of defence or should i say the non-existent side from yesterdays game. Gibbs on many occasions was past Benayoun down the left hand side and has been most times when hes played. His positional sense if he has any is poor to say the least, for the first goal i cant really blame him, with a 2 v 1 situation but the lack of tracking from Benayoun, Song and Ramsey was awful at best. Vermaelen on the other hand, praised by many, rated by most, yet is a villain to himself due to his heroic runs all too often which leaves us so prone to the counter attack. If i see him making a run forward i want to see him then bust a gut to get back into position, not walking as he was for the second goal. The third goal conceded was due to his unawareness to not have to step up, also Gibbs for expecting a pass to him being in no mans land, as well as Song doing the usual idiotic thing when your 3-2 up and trying to hold the game yet give the ball away needlessly.
The story of the day, “tracking” a wonderful word when done, such an easy thing to do, yet we get it wrong way too often. The main culprits for that are Song and Ramsey sometimes even Rosicky. Without Arteta it leaves a massive gap in midfield, no one really stepping up to the plate and willing to do the dirty work. Song has become far too reliant on Arteta this season thus when he has been without him, he has produced some of the worst football ive seen him play. Yes its great hes getting assists blah blah blah, but his job as a “DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER” is to protect your back four. one too many times i saw Ramsey in the “Deeper Arteta Role” behind Song when it should be the other way around. Its lazy and to be honest the whole midfield looked lazy yesterday. The thing that irks me the most is when we press high we do it well, as soon as player crosses the halfway line and into ours, we back off, back off even more and ultimately invite them to come closer. Rosicky and Song, were bad on several occasions when this happened yesterday. You have to press all over the field not just in their half and most importantly you have to press in our own half! We lost the game in midfield yesterday, and to be honest i worry for the future of Ramsey. He was a very lucky boy not to get sent off yesterday and on both occasions looked very slow to get the ball thus ending in 1 yellow and a lucky warning for the next, immediately i though, Wenger has to sub him now, i was worried if he were to get sent off it would be the final straw for what is already quite a hate fest he has received. In my opinion hes not good enough at the moment to be in the team. Its not his fault he is in the team though hes just suffering i feel from a very thin miss managed midfield thus being overused on far too many occasions. For the next game i would love to see Coquelin in his place, and i would like him to be the protector of defence and I’m pretty sure he will do a pretty good job there and I’m sure an even better job than that of Alex Song would.
That pretty much sums up pur day yesterday, too many clear cut chances missed, mainly from Robin Van Persie himself who could have easily of had 3-4 goals. Yet again falling victim of thinking we can just turn up against the “lesser” teams and just win. You simply cant think that way in the Premier League, you will get hurt and we have been hurt far too much this season because of it. The lack of tracking is worrying as well, something that should be drilled into these players heads day in day out in the training ground, questions need to be asked and they need to be answered in the correct way. One thing is for sure, the major improvement this year which was a question of last year, we are so much better from defending set pieces, and in fact we are much more of a threat attacking set pieces too. That was the questions and after training on that evidently throughout the season we have become much better. Its seems we aren’t training the basics which effectively are costing us a fair few points. So much more training on that please.
I’m sorry about the doom and gloom post, but to be honest your lucky i wasn’t writing this yesterday.
Yours Truly
The impact of a single point gained versus Chelsea and Stoke remain to be seen. Right now it looks like a good point because now that Spurs and Newcastle have their games in hand played – Arsenal still sit one point in front of the other Champion’s League chasers.
It basically means that Arsenal control their destiny. Okay, they’ve controlled their own destiny since as far back as QPR away but now with two matches to play win both – no worries. The opponents this week are Norwich. And like next week’s opponents West Brom, there is nothing left for Paul Lambert’s men to play for. They won’t be relegated and they won’t be in Europe. They are safely ensconced in the middle of the table and safe from all other troubles and set for their next season in the Prem.
But there is vital flaw to that thinking – we’ve shown as a team that when we overlook an opponent (cough, cough, QPR) we come out miserably flat and get outplayed and wind up with a negative result. Arsenal, the players, manager and supporters should not overlook this very capable opponent.
Norwich for much of the season has been an up and down side. They’ve shown moments of absolute brilliance like recently when they went to White Hart Lane and beat Spurs but then they’ve shown themselves to be absolutely poor like their recent 3-0 loss to Liverpool.
Part of it is likely how Lambert approaches each match. He changes his side from game to game and projecting his lineups are usually hard. They tend to do well with wide play and a flowing attacking style of play, something that should help Arsenal out. The big question mark is in their defense as Lambert’s personnel shuffling has likely led to an inability for any cohesion or consistency in the unit.
In other words, this is not a Stoke or Chelsea who are going to sit back and defend and try to hit on the counter. They will come at Arsenal and try and play with the Gunners. As we’ve said, it is something that should benefit Arsenal – if they come in with the right approach.
This season has shown many things to supporters. One of them is that when Arsenal come into a match with the right mindset and focus, they can play with anybody and likely come out of it with a result. The wins over Spurs, Chelsea, and City and even some of the draws have shown that. However, when as we mentioned earlier they overlook an opponent, they are sorely lacking in any conviction of play.
The key question will be how Wenger will set up and I have to admit it’s been kind of hard to project the lineup with the likes of Walcott and Arteta out and no real like for like replacements for them. Gervinho seems to have fallen out of favor or form and doesn’t seem likely to make the starting lineup which means that Yossi can come in. Rosicky obviously gets the start but whether he takes the Arteta role or his more natural CAM role remains to be seen. If he takes the CAM role then Ramsey will feature in the Arteta role and it’s something he hasn’t done so well. Putting Rosicky in the Arteta role and Ramsey up front takes one of our most dynamic players out of his best role and replaces him with someone who is struggling with a crisis of confidence.
I am not a big proponent of Oxlade-Chamberlain playing as a starter every week because he is still very raw. His youth and inexperience leads him sometimes to hold the ball too long and lose it when he should’ve passed. It’s all something that will come from time but he doesn’t have that now. Still there may be something in letting him play and offer us speed and strength either on the wing or through the middle.
To me the set-up and mindset are the two biggest issues that will determine the outcome of this match. The talent is there, how it is deployed and utilized is the issue.
How the Match Should Play Out:
Oh who knows. It really depends on how Arsenal approaches this match. We’ve said it all season long, this team is at its best when its committed to pressing as a team, passing the ball quickly and using their speed to effect. Should Arsenal hit Norwich with all that clicking then there is likely not much the visitors will be able to do. With Norwich not likely to sit back it should be a wide open affair with both sides getting some joy. The key for Arsenal – is making the chances count.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Robin Van Persie. PFA player of the year, FWA player of the year, he simply is the best player in the league by a mile right now. He can single-handedly determine the outcome of any match if he is on target.
Norwich. Grant Holt. 13 premier league goals from a guy who was in the lower tiers of football only 3 seasons ago.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Arteta (ankle) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle) Walcott (hamstring) Diaby (calf)
Norwich: Drury (thigh) Whitbread (calf) Ayala (knee) Tierney (groin)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 28
Norwich: Holt 13
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1
Norwich: 0
Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2
Norwich (away): 1.2
Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 0.8
Norwich: (home): 1.8
Last Five:
Arsenal: DDLWW
Norwich: LDDWL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 24
Norwich: -16
Match Official:
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Matches 17, R2 Y51)
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN 2 ESPN 3 0745 AM EST
UK: ?????? 1245 BST
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Norwich: 1
The Final Word:
We didn’t cover the Podolski signing because we had a thorough covering of it when the deal was first ‘leaked’ weeks ago. However, it doesn’t mean we aren’t enthused. We are. It hopefully signals that Arsenal have learnt their lesson from last season and trying to lock in their dealings as early as they can.
There are some additional rumours that deals for Jan Vertonghen and Yann M’Villa (Can we have a Jan and Yann in the team at the same time?) could be done by the time the season ends. Vertonghen is being courted by Spurs as well, but reports in Holland and elsewhere are that Arsenal are his first choice.
As for M’Villa there is talk that Wenger is keen to get an out and out holding midfielder in the Veiria mold. M’Villa is that one. What this means for Alex Song is nothing in my opinion. Alex has been good as a DM but he is also offering us something different in terms of creativity and it is likely that should Arsenal get M’Villa, Song’s role would change completely. I don’t buy into speculation he would be sold. Anyway, who cares if we get M’Villa and have Song in a DM role – if anything has been learned this season – you cannot have enough proven players in your squad.
A lot of people are concerned that the signing is a nod to the fact that Arsenal believe Van Persie will leave – I am not getting into that now – however, I do not think Poldi was signed for that reason. Wenger went out of his way to highlight how he sees Robin and Lukas working together. He pictures them working together through the middle and with Lukas on the wings. Poldi is a versatile player and pretty much play anywhere up front. What is clear is that while Poldi is not here to replace RvP, he is here to give us another lethal option BESIDES Robin.
That’s it for now – we’ll see you on the flip side. Stay Goonerish!!
Some people will argue that changing the number is long overdue and could be part of the reason why the team has gone stale these last 7 years. You won’t find any of that here. This is no longer the time to have that discussion. Pat is leaving of his own accord and frankly its time to praise for such loyal and steadfast service to this club.
Rice joined Arsenal in 1964 as an apprentice and signed a professional contract in 1966. The first time Arsenal fans would see Pat play for the first team was in 1967 in a league cup tie against Burnley.
Over the next 3 seasons Pat was sparingly used, having made only 16 appearances over that time. One of the reasons Pat didn’t feature much was that he was a right back but when he came into the team the first choice was Peter Storey. However, in 1970 Storey was moved into the midfield and this gave the Irishman the opportunity he was looking for and in his first season as a regular, the Gunners would win both the league and FA Cups.
Rice was an Arsenal stalwart throughout the ‘70s. From that double winning side he would be the player who stayed at the club the longest eventually being selected team Captain in 1977. With Rice as captain, Arsenal would make the FA Cup final three times, winning in ‘79 against United and losing in ’78 and ’80. Along with David Seaman and Ray Parlor he has the distinction of being one of three players to have played in five FA Cup finals.
After amassing a total of 528 games for Arsenal, Pat Rice would leave the club in 1980 and head over to Watford where he played a total of 137 times and helped them gain promotion to the old First Division. Again, Rice being as good as he was made team Captain and managed to get on the score sheet in Watford’s first match in top flight. Pat would finally retire from his playing career in 1984 at the age of 35.
Upon leaving the playing ranks, Pat returned to Arsenal to take the helm of their youth squad, a post he would for 12 years and where he would win two youth FA Cups. Then in 1996, when Stewart Houston was fired, Pat would become caretaker manager of the first team and oversee three FA Cup wins as well as a loss in the UEFA Cup.
When Arsene Wenger was made the full time manager, Rice would move over one seat and permanently take the role of the club’s number two. In interviews with Wenger, the Frenchman felt that Pat’s selection was important to the club, the fans and the players because he IS THE link to the club’s history and way of playing. And it was as Pat as a number that Arsenal saw unrivaled success. Pat now holds the distinction of being the only person besides Bob Wilson to have had a part in all three of Arsenal’s doubles as a player and coach.
Pat has had an enthusiasm and dedication to this club that is unsurpassed by anyone else ever associated with it. He has had a hand in developing the talent of tomorrow and guiding today’s big name players.
Much of the success the club has had under Arsene Wenger has to also be given to the steadiness that Pat Rice has brought. The Arsenal have always been about consistency, whether it’s their style of play or approach to the game in all facets. Pat Rice is a living testament to that.
There have been many who claimed that Pat has only been kept around so long because he is a ‘yes-man’ to Wenger and won’t challenge or rock the boat. From the stories I’ve read by former players and anecdotes told to me, that is far from the truth and Pat has let Wenger know his displeasure on certain matters before. It’s hard to fathom any Irishman biting their tongue when they think something is wrong. Pat does not paint the picture of a ‘yes-man’ and his loyalty to Arsenal shouldn’t ever be construed as it.
No, his loyalty should be the case study on commitment it should remind today’s players that is more to the game than making oodles of money and the next big sponsorship.
Whether or not Pat Rice represents a dying breed of player from an era long past remains to be seen. Certainly there are some players that give me hope that he is not. Of course there are those who wantonly crash that perception. But Pat Rice reminds me of why I love this club. He reminds that this club is one of a long and great history. When he steps aside at the end of the season none of that will change but the ever present reminder the one that has been there in one form or another since 1966 will be gone.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you only the best in this next phase of your life. Thank you for your self-less service to the club. You are a legend.