Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate. Arsenal v Sunderland: Match Preview
Can a Black Cat Bring the Gunners Luck?
What happens when you cross a team that hasn’t won once in it last 6 games and a team that has only won once in last games? You get Sunderland visiting the Emirates for a lacklustre EPL matchup.
Except for an FA Cup win over non-league Barrow, Sunderland haven’t gotten 3 points from an opponent since their shocking 1-0 win against Arsenal in November. True, Arsenal carried the play but in the end a 71st minute strike by Darren Bent sealed a victory from a stunned Arsenal side. However, that was the last time the Black Cats got a taste of EPL victory.
Things aren’t going to be any easier as Steve Bruce’s side will be without 6 – yes that’s right 6 first team midfielders. Henderson, Reid, Cattermole, Malbranque, Meyler, and Richardson are all out. Richardson could be back but his is a race against time. Additionally Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah are 50:50 to feature in this match.
But they do feature a big striker in the name of darren Bent and while the team hasn’t been performing, he has. I guess the good thing for the Black Cats is that Bent has stopped focusing in on his twitter account and has focused in on helping Sunderland fight off a quick descent to the relegation zone.
Sunderland will need more than Darren Bent though. Since opening day, they have managed only one away win – 1-0 v Bolton. In their last five away matches they have given up a whopping 16 goals. Not a recipe for staying up and staving off relegation. Also not a good thing when coming to the Emirates where Arsenal have only lost twice this whole season.
Arsenal have been stop and go lately. While they haven’t exactly been amazing, they haven’t been dreadful except for their match against United. Sitting 6 points off of leading Chelsea, Arsenal are still very much in the title race. However, they have yet to show the consistent form that briefly took them to the top of the table.
It could be that the rash of injuries while manageable for a while has finally caught up to the team. With so many people rotating off the trainer’s table you couldn’t blame some players for being tired and bent to exhaustion. It could be that Wenger is grasping at straws keeping players going that have no right going. Finally it could just be that the squad are in over their head and have performed above their level. Whatever it is, the Gunners are going through a rough patch and need to win in order to stay in the hunt.
It seems very likely that at a minimum they have locked up 3rd place. But that will do little to appease the Arsenal faithful. They’ll need to seriously contend for silverware in order to keep the vultures at bay. And trust me they will stay at bay but not much more than that. They will still be very vocal. But the table is set more favorable for Arsenal than it is for United and Chelsea. Matches against the perennial heavyweights are all over and all that remains are a tricky match against City or Spurs. But the form the both of them mkes them still very winnable matches.
While winning the next 12 in a row seems a long task – it is not unheard of in recent Arsenal history. In 2001/2002 the Gunners reeled off 13 consecutive victories to clinch the season and in 1997/98 won 10 in a row to close out the season. But can this squad do what battle tested squads of those years did? It remains to be seen. But for what it’s worth it is now a sprint to the end of the EPL season. It is likely the finalstandings could be decided only on the last day. Whatever its worth it is likely that it will be a fun, gut wrenching, agonizing, joyful, painful or what ever …ful adjectives you can think of.
How the Match Should Play Out:
The Gunners need to surmount their title challenge startin Saturday. They will be in the friendly confines of the Emirates stadium with the faithful there to cheer them on. With a slew of injuries to both sides the match is difficult to call but at home it is difficult to pick against the Gunners. They have yet to score in the opening 15 minutes of any match at home this season. I know I’ve said it before but scoring the early goal is the key to winning for this side. If they can get the match to open up early it will force the opponent to play Arsenal’s game and in the EPL and open game certainly benefits the free-flowing Arsenal. Steve Bruce will no doubt have seen what Chelsea and United did to Arsenal and will likely look to pressure the side and cut down their passing alleys. The problem for Bruce is – his side can ill afford to just sit back and play for the draw. They need a win as much as Arsenal does.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Sol Campbell. He played like Sol of old in the match against Porto – and with William Gallas set to have a short spell on the sidelines – Arsene will likely call him to duty more often.
Sunderland: Darren Bent. He scored the lone goal against Arsenal back in November and he is playing for his international life. With so much going wrong at the back – he is the Sunderland bright spot.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries:
Arsenal: Arshavin (hamstring) Eduardo (hamstring) Diaby (knee) Djourou (knee) Gallas (calf) Gibbs (foot) Van Persie (ankle) Merida (ankle)
Sunderland: Ferdinand (ankle) Malbranque ( chest) Mensah (hamstring) Richardson (calf) Cattermole (suspended) Meyler (suspended) Henderson (ankle) Reid (hamstring)
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WLLDW
Sunderland: DDDLL
Match Officials:
Referee: Steve Bennett
Assistant Referees: Andy Halliday & Martin Yerby
Fourth Official: Phil Gibbs
TV Broadcast:
US: Setanta/Setanta-i 1000 EST
UK:
Online Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
Game Day Chat will be open! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Sunderland: 0
210 comments
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Impressive!! I hope you will keep up the outstanding work.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/half-year-financial-results-announced
I am sure Stag will love this. ;)
Someone is quick to respond.
http://le-grove.co.uk/2010/02/26/gazidis-exposed-as-a-con-artist-as-financials-reveal-disgusting-plan/
The Invincibles team was indeed brilliant but it wasn’t going to last forever. Bergkamp is forty, for crying out loud. Look at the difference between the team that won the double in ’98 and the invincibles team six years later. Only Vieira and Bergkamp were significant in both sides. Turnover is a part of football. You’ve got to move on.
After the way Anelka left, all Arsenal fans will know that Wenger will never try to keep a player that doesn’t want to stay. We’ve all heard Wenger continually say things about consistency and team spirit. It’s as important as technique to him and he won’t allow spirit to be undermined by keeping a player that wants to leave.
Stag, I agree with your anti-football comment. There is no such thing, except what Wolves did, dropping the entire first team for a league match. If you’re playing to win, it’s football. Wenger made that up because he’s a sore loser. Nothing wrong with that.
Chelsea and Man United are picking up a few key injuries in the run in. It will be interesting to see if injuries affect them as much as they’ve affected us and Liverpool. I’d love to see how potent they could be without Drogba, Anelka, and Rooney.
I don’t mind the pro vs anti debate at all. And NO, YAMA is not becoming like AA. Thanks DAG, once again, for all your hard work.
I am definitely one of those who felt that after the Chelsea game, it was all over for Arsenal. Other results have given us a glimmer of hope, so I would prefer to wait till the season pans out before making a definitive conclusion.
The thing is that with this team, every time we have come close to the top, we have been beaten down. To me, it is a case of struggling to perform under pressure, a point which has fair bit of evidence from last two seasons as well. Only this time, if we get close to the top again, the pressure will be against much “lower” teams. Will we be able to conquer it? Only time can tell.
My worst fear is that if we don’t win anything this year, it could be a long wait. Why? Arsenal never do well in the odd years (post WC or Euro). We did win the FA Cup in 2003 and 2005, but in those days, winning the cup was better than finishing 3rd. ;) And not winning till 2012, something is going to give – the players, the fans or the management. That is why I am desperate to win this year.
your worst fear is a reality!
my worst fear is that Cesc leaves THIS Summer, if he does, will Wenger and Arsenal’s response be to ACT and bring in PROVEN talent, or just gloss it over with a few kids that will surely be the next Cesc in 2 to 3 years time.
I would like to ask one question about this anti-football debate. I dislike Stoke and the way they play, but how can the long throw-in be classified as anti-football? After all, isn’t it another way to score goals? Anti-football is when are more interested in stopping the opponent play than scoring yourself. Or have I understood this wrongly?
I would respond and start by saying, there is no RIGHT way to play football.
That is a figment of the imagination of the classifier.
Why is one style of play considered “anti-football”?
That makes absolutely no sense to me at all.
There have always been teams playing different styles. The Germans play one way, the Dutch another, the Brazilians yet another… (and according to a few books I’ve read, it often is a reflection of the society!)
Greece won the Euro’s… playing what Wenger and others might consider anti-football?!?!
They played very defensive, tried to stop the better offensive teams from scoring, and getting their goals on set-pieces…
If you don’t have the same flair and style and skills of your opponent, you use the skills you have, and are best at to try to WIN the GAME.
How is that anti-football?
It is anti-LOSING.
You are trying to minimize the skills of your opponent, keeping them from imposing those skills on your team, and maximizing your skills, which might be set-pieces and defense.
There are no rules that say you get style points, or that playing with style and flair are better than playing defensive football.
It would be absolute suicide for teams like Stoke and other minnows to allow Arsenal to do whatever they want to do…
Wenger might not like it, and most people agree that Arsenal perhaps play an more asthetically pleasing style than most, but NOT playing that way, or trying to ensure Arsenal don’t get to play “their game”, is NOT ANTI-FOOTBALL.
It is smart and logical.
Sure, I like to watch wide-open, up and down football, with a 3-2 score! Yipeeeee… its pleasing and fun to watch.
But if the Stoke’s of the league can’t compete with Arsenal or United on a skill level, why the hell would they try to?
At the end of the day, it is 100% about the SCORE… win? lose? or draw… NOT how you pass the ball, and how enjoyable the style is…
George Graham.
Used the teams attributes and created a defensive style that gave us the best chance to win.
1-0 to the Arsenal.
I would argue that Wenger would say he played anti-football.
And that is bullshit.
I understand why Stoke (and other teams) play the way they do.
I am addressing the specific point about long throw-ins being anti-football. They are just another way to score goals.
If Stoke reduced their pitch size to accommodate long throw-ins, then Arsene has also increased the pitch size at the Emirates to accommodate his quick passing style of football.
Now if Stoke are able to achieve more success from their style of play (relative to their position) than Arsenal are, who is to blame?
No it is a different form of football. A less aesthetically pleasing one as I’ve mentioned above. But truth be told, if Arsenal had adebayor, Bendtner, Vermaelen and Gallas in the box for throw ins, I’d be absolutely thrilled if Sagna had the ability to through the ball like Delap. It is a crude and potentially lethal weapon.
But the fact that they’ll do something like grow the grass long so that the opposition team can’t pass the ball is disgusting. I realize it may not be a majority opinion but I still see it as anti-football. You’re not using physicality to stop us like many have. You’re not using superior positioning (like Chelsea have done to us in recent times, or what Graham’s Arsenal did to near perfection). You’re not working your socks off to give us zero space and time (like Everton did to us just a few weeks ago).
It isn’t a footballing skill to grow the grass long. They aren’t born with grass growing skills (or are they?). They don’t sweat blood to get to an elite grass-growing level. It is shameful in my opinion. Perhaps the groundsman can get the man of the match award tomorrow?
Gallas, Diaby and Arsh are ruled out of the Stoke game!
That is a big blow. Campbell will step in for Gallas, but Clichy and Mooney are concerns in defence. In midfield, both Deni and Rambo are likely to struggle. In attack, Nasri/Sicky/Theo will need to step up to support Bendy and give us some goals.
This is a HUGE test. At this point, it is difficult to see a win, but who knows! The season has been very unpredictable.
well, if you are going to have Denilson Garden Gnomes…
how can you possibly not have ARSENAL SMURFS!!!!!!!!
you have to embrace what you are… accept and embrace it!
They are “Les Schtroumpfs” in French… I am almost positive
Wenger must have loved them, and wanted to create his own real
life band of “Schtroumpfs”!!!
And here we are in 2010… la la lalala la…
Mike, I’ve said before you do an excellent job with understated class. Like us all you have an ‘Arsenal worldview’ yet you let the discourse flow. Kudos man, get those Denilson Garden Gnome’s in the store. ;-)
I too like Arseblog. His humour is excellent… to my tastes, and despite his generally positive tone you hear reality coming through. He’s not an air-head. His latest references to Robin van Persie and his likely demise playing for Holland at the WC are both hillarious and frighteningly likely.
The young guns site is neat, different, not mainstream as such but really valuable.
Tim at 7am likes his own opinion and hearing that reflected in those who post. So if you largely agree with him it can be enjoyable. Some of the old AA’s hang out there.
Nothing else I’ve seen like YAMA.
I do what I call a blog crawl and look through the most popular blogs my 3 favourites –
Arseblog
7AMKickoff
YoungGuns
and YAMA of course –
OVerall I am very proud of the banter – negative and positive. Yes, I know either way can rub people wrong – but the level of debate here has made me learn more about the club than I ever knew.
By the way – if you think the arguing is bad between Arsenal fans – read RAWK – they have us by a mile and then some.
LOL – Steveo love the Denilson Garden Gnome idea! :-)
That’s interesting info Mike, particularly on the silent voyeurers out there in cyberspace.
There are many blogs that cater for the soap box host and his band of one-liner posters. Arseblog is particularly entertaining in this regard, many others aren’t. It’s fascinating to watch hosts ‘police’ the tone of their blog ensuring that it reflects their current Arsenal worldview.
YAMA like AA before it fills a different space. You actually get a bit of intelligent debate and discourse. So it’s no surprse that people comment on the quality of the discussion/posts. It’s not the norm on blogs – far from it.
Yet truth is, Arsenal’s fanbase is more divided than it has been for many years. That’s life. It won’t change for the better until we win again – that’s sport. No amount of exhorting the masses for support will achieve that end – my intuition tells me the opposite is true. Sport is entertainment, choice rules, so trying to enforce rules on the followers who create the heart is an absurd concept that is ‘doomed’ to backfire.
Wenger may well be safely entrenched in the managerial chair for now, yet if his management doesn’t result in trophies that in itself is only a victory for the risk averse not for those who aspire for Arsenal to be great. It all comes down to what makes it fun for you. If fun for you is the annual maturation of a Song and Diaby and qualification for next years CL then Wenger is clearly the man. If fun is genuinely competing then the evidence is not there to support Wenger.
Joshusd tried to draw a parallel between Sir Alex and Arsene – yet Sir Alex understood better the realities of momentum and professional sport. Whilst he did have a 3 (not 4) season siesta between EPL titles, during this time he continued to win with 2 cups. He understood the necessity to maintain a winning culture. Arsene’s romantic tendencies appear to have overwhelmed him – he’s lost touch with the masses. It is about winning – to suggest otherwise is a nonsense. If you aspire to be a truly major force winning IS where it is at. Not every year, not as of right, but you do win or you continually adapt in your efforts to do so.
So whether we like it or not our lack of success is dividing our clubs support-base. And it will continue to do so.
ONe of things that would likely help is other writers. Right now you lot have to deal with me. Frankly, I am getting good at the match previews and like doing them – but the general commentary I haven’t gotten that great at and struggle to find topics that I think would create some good debate.
That is why I went outside looking for writers for the pro- and anti- Arsenal pieces I wanted. (still waiting on Carib’s piece on the artguement against Arsene).
I welcome ANYONE who wants to write pieces for the blog. PLEASE. I used to love reading pieces form you guys on AA. It really was what spurred me on for making this site.
I’ll take that into account, as I KNOW the kool-aiders would love a few articles from me!
Back in the day, I had my share of articles on AA, and most of them were POSITIVE!
imagine that.
Thanks Stag.
The Kool-aiders would love it as would your fellow supporters.
Hell, I remember reading you early on on AA.
I saw that someone said YAMA is going the way of AA – I would close this place down if it did.
Besides the commenters- there are plenty of readers who don’t comment. On average YAMA now gets between 500 – 750 unique views a day and continues to grow. I want over a 1000 a day but its work.
People don’t want to comment – people do. Some don’t want to comment because of the negativity – some of the negative people don’t want to post because of the positivity. You know what – regularly read forums for Pool, Mancs and Chavs and guess what – we are not unique. Each club has its fair share of people who rally the flag regardless of the situation and they also have people who only see the negative – regardless of the situation. Ancelotti is getting creamed over on some Chav forums – and they are in first place.
Yeah, we gotta figure out some way of you making a little cash from YAMA….
When does the Denilson Garden Gnome come out? I will buy one…And, of course, when Denilson “comes good” one can put always put another (unwearable/out of favor) Arsenal kit over it….It can both serve to show people that you’re an Arsenal supporter and, more subtly, show which players you feel are passengers or just stand around when they should be playing defense, etc….
More seriously, I hope we do get to see Carib’s article and maybe some postings from some of the “departed.”
As always, great work on the site, and count me as one who appreciates it.
I am still working on the YAMA Store. Problem is a software and contract issue with Nike. As soon as those get worked out I will have the store up.
I have been loathe to put ads up because I was afriad it would impose on people reading the site.
By the way I am pleased to announce that my next Arsenal wallpaper will be a salute to the newest Arsenal legend – AHHHHHHBOOOOEHHHHH
? he’s my least favorite Arsenal player… I like Almunia more!
Just for the record…
here were the odds for WINNING the LEAGUE
in JULY, before the season started:
—————————————–
2009-2010 Premiership Betting Preview
July 11, 2009 | Written by : Nick Webb
It is, of course, very early to start betting on the 2009-2010 Premiership season, but the bookmakers have ante-post odds for relegation, top goalscorer, winning the league and finishing in the top four. Right now, the confident punter will want to have a bet while the odds still make it worthwhile to do so.
WINNING THE LEAGUE 2009-2010 ODDS
Manchester United: 15/8 at BlueSQ – Register and Bet Now
Liverpool : 3/1 at Bet365 – Register and Bet Now
Chelsea : 9/4 at Bet365 – Register and Bet Now
Arsenal : 9/1 at Paddy Power – Register and Bet Now
Selected Others
Manchester City : 20/1 at Paddy Power – Register and Bet Now
Aston Villa : 200/1 at Bet365 – Register and Bet Now
Tottenham : 100/1 at Bet365 – Register and Bet Now
Everton : 200/1 at BlueSq – Register and Bet Now
So City Villa Tottenham and Everton were not even CLOSE to
being a stronger candidate to win the league than we were.
(according to the people who offer odds on this sorta thing!)
Perhaps YAMA is going the AA way.
Hey Kiwi & Stag
Who was at AA that ran gauntlet over all the commentary. Then they had others (officers, as there is no other respectable description) who wrote supporting articles and commentary defending their new ‘patriot act’ policies.
Richard…..David ?
Don’t tell me, I’m happy to have forgotten his name.
Now there was someone that could piss you off 24/7.
David K was the guy who wanted no commentary on the site at all… other than meet-ups, and other lovey-dovey stuff.
It was a ploy to get control of the tickets that Arsenal offers to Arsenal America…
so that they could share them amongst their BigSoccer buddies.
It has worked well, nobody on the site, and all the tickets get distributed however they like.
Yes, I’d forgotten about the other sight & their relationship.
Is it that hard to get tickets?
Can’t you just go to the venue and find extra?
well… it IS difficult to get tickets… especially from overseas!
You can go to the venue and find extra, but tickets are over $100 US, and if you are buying from scalpers, how much are they?
Once they hear your accent, the price goes up.
I wouldn’t go strictly for a match, if I didn’t KNOW I had tickets.
Would you?
Can you imagine going all the way there and NOT getting into the match?
sanity restored…..
v. Stoke
tactically stand our tallest player in front of Rory (on his throw ins); enough to impede his vision and maybe alter the trajectory.
is that Denilson or one of the other smurfs!
LOOOOOL
It’s not the NBA, and standing someone in front of Delap is not going to have much affect.
He throws the ball higher than 5’8″!
insanity restored.
thats Arshavin riding the shoulders of Bendtner or Diaby!
Yes, it sounds lame, but speaking from experience – it can have an affect.
If that ploy would have any effect on Delap’s throw-ins, I would imagine that one of the brilliant managers in the league might have tried it, or something like it, by now.
dontcha think?
I mean, Arsene knows… so whatever he does to try and cope with it, is definitely correct.
Throw-ins are anti-football anyway!
;)
6 wins and a draw in the next 7 should see us in a position to mount a serious challenge at the end. I can see it happening if we can get past b’ham away and the tots. Otherwise we should cruise through the games but as always you never know!
on the topic of why people dont comment much when we win…
I think for me I don’t comment because I really can’t be bothered and I’m not exactly great with words like some people on here. I enjoy reading and the insight that has been provided on these forums because it is top class usually.I have been reading AA for years and YAMA since it opened only recently have i started posting due to the fact that this forum has just gotten so negative.
For other people I cannot say but I would guess that it’s hard to support players and a manager when you are constantly lambasting them. Honestly I sometimes think if we win the PL or CL this place would just go dead silent lol it’s funny I mean its not like this is a sp*ds forum but it feels like it sometimes.
I mean what happen to the good old days of making fun of red nose and the rest of the c*nts that fill the PL. It’s not like there isn’t anything else to talk about.
Yeah sure maybe AW is a moron and the team is full of shit players and they will never amount to anything but at least give credit where credit is due. Maybe some of you just come on here to vent your frustration which is ok. However as time passes I’m starting to think this is simply how you feel about the team (and there is nothing else) and you don’t even enjoy the wins when they come. In that case it’s just plain sad and I will continue to fight for your support :)
UP THE ARSE
More Good Stuff…Thanks RVP.
I too have been thinking about why some of the “regulars” have gone away. And I’ll say this…I miss ’em.
By and large, I think everybody who posts or used to post supports the club. Some, I think, believe to their very core, that there will be no progress until AW and the Board stop moving in lock-step and stop dismissing their critics (and disgruntled supporters). For this group, it would be better if the club were to have a REALLY bad patch. Obviously I disagree with this sentiment, but I do understand it.
With Mike/DAG (a self-proclaimed perputual optimist) making the monumental effort he has to “keep the discussion going” it seems respectful that some of this crowd have removed themselves. And others, as Kiwi suggests, may simply be too depressed about the general state of affairs to comment about specifics. Also understandable.
Still (and maybe I’m a just a hopeless noob-tard), I really do think that we could have entertaining and insightful and educational discussions here about the matches and the players and the direction the club is headed and a million other little topics. It’s key, however, to respect one anothers’ views and argue with evidence and rationale. (Joshuad’s ANALYSIS above about the Invincibles might be a start). When the same unexamined mantras get repeated over and over and over (“AW Knows Best, biotches”…or, “It’s Not Good Enough, But We’ll Win the Profit League”, for example) with nothing to further the argument or back it up or twist it in a subtle way…Well, then, to me, it’s just shouting.
So we all probably need to look in the mirror here a bit, and do what we can to show some love or respect or whatever we want to call it. I miss the contributions of many lost (or hibernating) posters, from whom I learned A TON.
So, C’mon back, if not for the team/club in its current state, then for the Noob-tard…(thank you….)
good points and to be honest I’m sure I get carried away sometimes with my support for the way things are. Obviously I can see that there are some things wrong with the team but i wholeheartedly think we have a successful formula. Anyway thats besides the point hopefully we can get back to analysing performances, tactics and c*nting out the c*nts on other teams lol :)
Still scared of stoke and I’m sure they are relishing playing us at their ground. This is exactly the type of game they can excel at however like someone mentioned maybe this game isn’t of too much importance to them (with the FA cup game against Chelsea plus there mid table position looking quite secure) but we’ll see.
That someone would’ve been me….(but maybe I was drowned out by all the shouting…) ;-)
The game IS more important to us points-wise, but it is also a great opportunity for them to show that they can beat multiple top teams (though I would class us ahead of Citeh) at their (unmowed, skinny-ass) ground.
The other point I made above is that we’ll have our (hold your nose here…) #1 between the posts, TV5 (who was simply awesome vs the long throw crap at the Emirates) and other bigger guys like Bendtner, Song (and maybe Diaby) instead of the likes of Coquelin, Eastmond and JET who all played in the FA Cup match. With them going the full 120 yesterday (and hopefully celebrating the victory in a nice East-Midlands pub crawl) I think it’s not the worst time to play them.
And to speak to your other point…It’s perfectly reasonable for supporters to get carried away with wins and depressed by losses. Personally, I try to keep an even keel and think about some of the issues the manager of the team faces…like how to keep it “real” after a good result/performance, or maintain confidence after a crushing one. In fact I often find myself being more critical of our best results and visa versa. But, hey, that’s just me….
yeah im the same way..haha
This season has been great every time we get written off and im super positive the team has come through :) lol
Yeah actually it is an excellent time to be playing them I suppose. Hopefully they don’t rush etherington because he has had an excellent season (seeing as he was a regular in my fantasy team earlier this season).
This is very good stuff, Josh and I appreciate it. The Invincibles era was before my time, but it obviously casts a long shadow over the current team (to the point that some can see no light at all….)
To me it seems very ironic that the decade+ long project of attempting to build a successful, financially strong club offends the very supporters who enjoyed the (lucky, premature?) fruits of the effort in its early years. The cry of “I want my Arsenal back,” to me, wrings false….Almost like a Pompey fan saying “Bring Back ‘Arry Redknapp.” But, of course, I have no legs to stand upon, having not been there at Highbury to see it all as it happened.
For me, I remember hearing (in that Fall of ’06) the chants of “We’ve got the best player in the world (repeat two more times)–Thierry Henry,” and then seeing Titi in street clothes or pouting as his teammates wouldn’t get him the ball. It IS a beautiful thing that AW developed a player who might be considered the very best and that Arsenal enjoyed his (rampant) productivity. (Could we use 39 goals and 14 assists from a single player this season?….I think we could.) And, it might not even be that bad that we sold him for 16 million pounds and moved forward the next summer.
A wise man once told me: “Be here, now…”
And I’ve heard (slightly less wise) people say, “You’re living in the past, Man”….
Perhaps both have relevance….
is that a quote from “There’s Something About Mary”?!?
I know it as something that a guy dressed as a clown says to George in an episode of “Seinfeld.” George was asking him about “Bozo the Clown,” and the clown didn’t know of him….
I have a feeling that the usage in Seinfeld is referencing an older use of the phrase…
Another point I forgot, Stag, is that the bookies predicted Arsenal finishing outside of the top four, being replaced by one of those teams arsession mentioned. They also had Liverpool winning the title.
I know you’re frustrated with the lack of silverware. We all are. Let me give you food for thought. Alex Ferguson had a barren spell where he went four years without a title. Impatient Man United fans, similar to yourself, were questioning him, demanding he step down. Which of those fans feels the same right now? He’s only gone on to create another fabulous team that has won another Champions League and is trying to make history by winning four straight BPL titles.
Remember this stag, form is temporary, class is permenant. Wenger, like Ferguson, is class. You’re truly entitled to feel how you will but to doubt what that man is capable of is ridiculous.
Remember this stag, form is temporary, class is permenant. Wenger, like Ferguson, is class. You’re truly entitled to feel how you will but to doubt what that man is capable of is ridiculous.
______________________
+1000
That’s a wonderful statement… about form and class…
but it means shit if you don’t win something soon.
You are WRONG about the bookies, I looked at it during the beginning of the season.
Arsenal were in the top 4 to win the league, and CHELSEA were the favorite, NOT LIVERPOOL.
Look it up.
Nip, I made the same point about players Wenger has tried to buy. The reality is for every Henry and van Persie, there’s Jeffers and Suker. For every Sagna and Vermaelen, there’s Stepanovs and Nelson Vivas. My main points are:
1. Wenger has tried to sign players but failed.
2. New transfers don’t always work out like we hope regardless of how much better they are supposed to be than what we have.
So, you are basically admitting that Wenger is NOT this genius at uncovering gems, like he is a magician…
Stag, when I say players left that means they asked to leave. Vieira and Adebayor didn’t ask to leave, they were sold. Everyone else on that list asked to leave.
Let’s put the Invincibles comparison into perspective. How would the current Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man United teams compare to the Invincibles? How would any other Arsenal team in history compare with that Arsenal team? Not many teams have ever been blessed with such talent all in one squad with such a sensational style of play. Vieira, Bergkamp, Henry, Pires, Cole, Lehmann, and Campbell were all world class. To make the comparison even more relevant, Wenger paid only a small fraction of what the other teams have paid to assemble their squads and the Invincibles are still superior.
Lehmann- 2 million
Cole-Free
Campbell-Free
Toure 150K
Lauren-7.2 million
Ljunberg-3 million
Vieira-2 million
Gilberto-4.5 million
Pires-6 million
Bergkamp-7.5 million
Henry-10.5 million
That’s just over forty million quid. How much did Drogba alone cost?But that team is gone. It was never going to last forever. Get over it.
I don’t have to accept that the guy managing our team dismantled the best team in Arsenal history in a few years time, sold off the best assets for big profits, and has assembled a team of mediocre smurfs, sprinkled with a handful of very good players that will also be sold off.
A player can ask to leave, but you don’t have to sell them immediately. They signed this thing called a CONTRACT.
A lot of people ask for a lot of things.
You do what is BEST FOR THE TEAM, not some guys feelings.
Stoke knocked out Man City in the FA Cup. We will have a tough game on our hands. Let us hope the mid week exertions (extra time and all) will have some effect on them. We will need Mooney to be at this best.
You’re talking about specific matches and players….As if they mattered!?!
Didn’t you get the memo? That’s been outlawed, as there is no point to it.
C’mon, pick a side and stick with it. Repeat, stick with it. Or maybe just repeat and repeat and repeat….
Unlike some posting here, I’m thoroughly enjoying this season.
One reason for my euphoria is that some Arsenal players, who were written off last season by our panel of talent experts, have forced the experts to eat crow. Salt anyone?
When our season started, MOST in the media had Arsenal failing to contend for the top four – the spin was about City, Spurs, Villa, and possibly Everton.
The usual Arsenal threads of commentary:
That arrogant Wenger, he’s blown another summer. Why is he hoarding all the profits from the sale of Ade & Toure?
Arsenal only bought one player, some unknown defender from a secondary league. A smurf centerback; AND……
That frugal Arsene, he won’t shell out the $20mil for the guaranteed superstar Melo.
please pass the salt….
Kroenke, the saviour, will straighten Arsene out. Fire Arsene’s ass and bring on someone that will win us trophies. The suggestion box is empty.
Yes, who could forget all the dribble, but it continues.
The opening EPL goal – a thing of beauty, but unfortunately some Arsenal fans were disappointed that it was from Denilson. AHHHHHH, true Arsenal fans.
Then Diaby’s own goal at United brought out more doomers. Yes, they jumped on the bad-mouthing band wagon against player and manager. “Supporters” – now there is a noun with selective meaning.
As we progressed through the season, their discontent extended (in no particular order) to Clichy, Traore, Theo, Eduardo, Rosicky, Bendtner, Denilson, Almunia, Eboue, Ramsey, Almunia, Mannone, Eastmond, Sol, Sylvestre, Almunia, and Fabianski. The Gloomers joined the serenade. Spared was David Dein, Tony Adams, and all Wal-Mart greeters.
So the D&G’s will always finish their ranting about our shit team of smurfs by rehashing the days of The Invincibles, yes, probably the greatest team EVER. Like reminiscing when your high school curling team won the state title 3 years in a row. BUT WHEN I google Champions League winners, the Invincibles are notably omitted.
Now not to regress toooo much,
As we finished the first 12 weeks, joy sprouted into glee, as by some miracle Arsenal are leading the league in scoring with no real striker. You would think some of the critics would soften their position, but no, this only fueled their changing the goal posts of debate and intensify their dislike for our manager. At one point we are top of the table, HOW HAS THAT HAPPENED? we’ve run out of salt!
It has been a very exciting but unpredictable season. Every contending team dropping points unexpectedly. Its possible in the 40+ matches we’ve played , there have been 40+ different line-ups. Injuries have influenced this streak.
So here we are down to the last 11 matches and low and behold, we are in 3rd place and not too far behind United and Chelsea; AND we’re still in the Champions League race.
Yet, still there are those wishing the firing of our manager and boasting about the barren trophy years AND “silently” hoping for Arsenal to lose the league race and be eliminated from the Champions League – TO PROVE THEMSELVES RIGHT. Bleeding red Arsenal Fans they are!
So Saturday its on to Stoke City. A venue with an endless supply of side line towels but hopefully Arsenal will be the ones drying off the 3 points.
…and you talk about dribble ;-)
I don’t know how many folks here asked for Melo, but one point conveniently ignored in the Melo debate is that Arsene Wenger himself lodged a bid (17M was the reported price) for Melo, but the player chose to go to Juventus.
Remember Arsene bidding 16/17M for Baptista? How good was he? So even Lord Wenger can get transfers wrong.
Naughty Nip, you’re not allowed to discuss facts or rationalise.
This is a battle of belief – the believers against the doomers. If you’re not ‘for Arsene’ you’re against Arsenal and not a true fan.
Evidence and rational thought are dismissed as ‘feelings’. Third is the new first. No questions allowed. It’s a fun thing following Arsenal under the gaze of Arsene and the moral right. :-)
are you trying to be funny? because after awhile it just gets lame
what gets lame is the Arsene Gustapo, where you can’t say anything anti-Arsenal, or you’re not a “real fan”.
That is shit.
but not as lame as your name :-)
“Third is the new first. No questions allowed.”
Well, really we are first when you look at how much money the two clubs ahead of us spent. We’ve nothing to be ashamed of, right boys?
yes, a magnificent season indeed, where we will not win a damned thing!
BRAVO.
On the positive side, the ledger will be in the black, and the club will make lots of money, how exciting!
The BOOKIES make the odds, and they had Arsenal ahead of all those teams you named, City Villa Spurs and Everton.
(A fact, but don’t let that get in the way of your pom-pom waving)
You can try to besmirch the memory of the Invincibles, but if they played the current team for a MONTH straight, they’d have NEVER lost.
I wouldn’t doubt that if they actually played today… as in the teams lined up against each other… LITERALLY, the Invincibles would beat the shit out of this current group.
Did you even watch football then? or is the concept of winning new to you?
The ONLY time being top of the table matters, is when the season ENDS!
LOSERS care about leading during the season.
SILENTLY HOPING?
How long have you been “supporting” the Arsenal?
Because you bless everything and anything that the team does, rubber stamp any decision or indecision, you feel you have the right to question other fans?
Yes, you are the true fan. The ideal. Love thy team, right or wrong.
RVP.
Why would we bring him back “early”… which they are now
saying is late April?
What would the positive be from having him back “early”…
is he going to play in 1 or 2 games?
If it is going to take him a few matches to get some match
fitness, then… its USELESS.
Robin, the season is a wash, get healthy… come back next
year, and say your prayers that you can play more than 15 – 20 games.
Even if RvP doesn’t return in April, he will return for Holland in the WC, so we can only pray that he stays uninjured.
In England, at least, there is no other once-successful manager of a top club that lasts 5 barren years in his job.
The only example that is close is Brian Clough the Nottingham Forest manager who enjoyed early and startling success (2 European Cups no less) but then went for many years before winning 2 League Cups. Which I’m told on good authority and repeatedly don’t count! ;-)
The thing about Forest is that they were never a top club – they were always an over-achieving club whose success was tied to a charismatic manager.
So…. we seem to be in unchartered territory. And when we’re called ‘impatient’ it’s absolute bollocks. We (fans and club) are more patient than any other top club in English football history. ;-)
heyyyyyyy…
3rd or 4th place is much more impressive than any Cup.
So step right up and get your high priced tickets to the FA CUP!
;)
and be patient, if we sell Cesc, we have the “next Cesc”, in Ramsey or Wilshire… and we can win the league in 2014, in the meantime, don’t we play pretty?!
Why win the league in 2014 when we can sell the “next Cesc” in 2013 for a tidy profit?
There are blind believers, who will tote the Arsene and Arsenal line
no matter what… and there are those that have grown so cynical on
what we’ve seen in the last 5 years… that a run of good games doesn’t
matter in the grand scheme of things, because nothing is really changing in terms of approach and results.
In the middle you have folks that can swing either way, and that can
be based on what they see in the results – short termish…
What is there to say, in reality, that hasn’t been said… as the
same stuff has happened repeatedly over the previous 5 years… and
continues to happen this season.
You have folks saying IT IS A LONG TERM PLAN… be patient.
OK, then, there isn’t really anything to say about day-to-day stuff and matches… that’s very short term thinking. It’s not really important.
Long-term = financial stability = selling off of players for profit = reloading with younger players who are the “next-Henry”, “next-Vieira”, “next-Cesc”… (or that’s what we’re being told & sold).
WHEN… when will this grand wonderful plan come to fruition?
Are the supporters supposed to wait endlessly? Are we supposed to accept where we are as a team, and continue to go to all the matches, pay the highest prices, buy the kits and scarves, support the club financially regardless of what happens on the pitch… without questioning what the hell is going on?
5 years? 10 years?
what happened to judge me in a year or two years on our success?
how long do we wait? when do we actually make a move to change things IF we are TRYING to win ANYTHING?
IF… we are simply trying to be fiscally conservative, and maintain a decent place in the league, and do the best we can without giving up
the profit margin… when will this be stated and come to be accepted
procedure going forward?
You CAN’T SAY THAT… because the supporters won’t buy it… not at
these prices… so something has to give.
Match to match?
what’s the interest… it isn’t important that we win… that’s what
I’ve read on here… its about the beautiful style we play, the technique we use, the way we play PROPER football… we do well and make a profit every year, and play a nice style. Everything else doesn’t really matter.
We have all these young players with wonderful amounts of potential…
Diaby and Song and Walcott and Gibbs and Vela and Traore and Ramsey and Wilshire and Thomas…
We can NOT keep these guys down, so if we have to sell Cesc/Arshavin/RVP/Gallas… you know PROVEN players, so be it…
We do not want to squash the talented youngsters…
They are the future, until they become the present, and then they’ll have to be sold to make way for the future… ad nauseum.
ENJOY.
Interestingly, Wenger’s 9 years at Monaco followed a similar pattern to his Arsenal career – success then nothing. He won a title early (2nd year) then a cup in year 5 – then followed 4 barren years.
How many managers of a top club last 5 years without a trophy?
I think you have to caveate that – if they won nothing previously – none.
If they have won frequently up to that 5 year point – its not known because it hasn’t been done – to my knowledge.
There are other successful managers in the EPL and in major overseas leagues – so how long do they last after success dries up?
Again I think it depends on the CV they have built up.
…. a tad evasive. ;-)
Not trying to be evasive.
I just think when you deal with managers and even players that have built up such an aura (if you will) then its difficult to say whether ornot someone should go.
I will say this – I think the anti-Wenger crowd should accept that he is going to be here for the foreseeable future.
Romance and aura aside, why is it right for Arsenal to be the first top club to accept non-performance?
and is it ‘anti-Wenger’ or ‘pro-Arsenal’?
In other game news:
Chavs lose 2-1 at the San Siro – the Special ONe goes bac to Stamford Bridge to try and wrap it up.
Stoke v City going into ET for the FA Cup replay. Adebayor sent off for punching a Stoke player. His second for Violent Conduct. (RvP stamp his first).
Great story with Mourinho going to the Bridge to try and take down Chelsea!
LOVE IT.
Chelsea, are in the same exact position as we are… down 2-1 going home, but they are playing a much better opponent than we are…
Stoke take down ManCity, and Adebayor is his usual moronic self. Like that, as City miss Tevez on the pitch.
Mourinho could be at City next year, especially after this loss takes them out of the FA Cup…
ChicagoGooner
I think he’s committed to what he’s doing and doing it his way.
Is he buying time? Yes
This is where it is so important to have other voices to ‘ground’ your aspirations. We’ve lacked those other voices (ala Dein) for too long – long enough for Wenger to consolidate his control and become insular in an unhealthy way.
He’s clearly a very clever man, yet history is full of clever men that start off on track and then skew off.
Maybe we need an Arsenal old-boy come football executive like Niall Quinn on the board to team up with Gazidis. I fear it is al too late – either we pull out an unlikely win (title or CL) and this thing clicks or the nonsense deepens.
When’s the last time anyone’s seen Andes around here?
I think he is lurking out there. Still registered and such
good
In other news…Inter go up 1-0 vs Chelsea through Diego Milito, who turned John Terry around in the box (or maybe one of his girlfriends was shouting to him from behind the goal….)
It’s rational when you think about it.
The number of disbelievers is growing with every passing transfer window. Wenger’s exhortation to ‘believe’ rings increasingly hollow with each passing season. It’s no longer Our Vision it’s His Vision – we’re like tens of thousands of followers being asked to trust the Enlightened One. I’m an anti-cult type of guy.
If we really get back in it the interest will pick up, otherwise the underlying cynicism will grow.
Obviously many regular blog sites still feel the need to preach solidarity, yet, the decreasing numbers of posters (even after a win) trumps any argument. Few can be arsed. Same-same.
Has any manager of a top club lasted this long without a trophy?
The discussions about our financial approach vs. other teams seems to be THE big divider among posters (and former posters–Please Come Back!) here at YAMA. Personally, I’m a frugal person and I feel more secure in my personal finances taking what I feel to be a prudent approach….so I like it that my football club does likewise!
Now it might be a whole lot more EXCITING to live from paycheck to paycheck and buy lots of fancy toys (and pawn them when I need cash), but I can take the boredom, in exchange for the peace of mind. But that’s just me…Your Mileage May Vary (as they say).
I’d rather discuss the matches ahead, and I find myself growing more optimistic/confident as the week moves on. (Or is it that the poor peformance vs Sunderland is fading in my memory?)
Stoke have a big opportunity today to advance in the FA Cup with their replay vs ManCity (still missing Tevez). They are in that mid-table spot where they don’t really need points against us. We have a full week to rest and prepare AND we’ll be featuring CSM (Clean Sheet Manny) in goal and Vermaelen who was majestic in the earlier Stoke match at the Emirates. With Song and Bendtner playing (and hopefully Campbell or Gallas, rather than Silvestre) we match up far better now than we did with players that featured in the FA Cup tie (Eastmond, Coquelin, JE Thomas, etc.), especially at the numerous set pieces that they play for.
It also sounds like Diaby and Arshavin might be fit by Saturday. I’m more concerned that they be ready to play for the Porto return leg, though we need goals in both matches. Obviously we need more players up front who can truly occupy/worry defenders so they cannot key so much and beat up on Cesc. Hopefully Walcott and Bendtner continue to gain in match fitness and confidence as well. And then there’s our secret weapon (AhhBooEee) ready to be deployed. They may not be the absolute top quality in attacking options, but at least we might have more of them at our disposal.
Unlike Stoke, Hull City desperately need points and will have a full week to sharpen their elbows in preparation for our match (while we play Porto in mid-week). This could be the speed-bump to perhaps fear the most…
But one match at a time (obviously), and in the mean-time, we can still fret about all the players who will leave over the summer while we hoard our profits, and what we’ll be told to accept as proof our our success, etc…..
Steve, while you believe we can win the league, and CL, those of us who are not in that camp, and see things for what they are ;)
aren’t really that interested in discussing match to match & matches ahead.
When the team is playing for 3rd or 4th place AGAIN, then there has been no improvement, and nothing has changed, and another year has gone by with no change in the club.
The same issues remain at the same key positions as they did a year ago, and the possibility of our best player leaving will come to the forefront from the time the season ends onward to the WC…
I’ll take the frugal approach = long term!
I don’t care about this season on the pitch, its not ending with a trophy, but long-term, I continue to be concerned whether we will ever compete without a change.
Stag, I absolutely do not think we have any business thinking we have a realistic chance to win the league or the CL, and in fact, I think we are much more than a player or two away. Maybe in a couple of years if a few of our (not ready yet) players come good.
That said, you never know….And with a remarkable run of luck, favorable refereeing and MUCH better performances, we might be able to get something nice going….Or at least, for the moment, that’s my hope. (And in this way I AM a pitiful optimist….)
Yes, there will be rampant speculation about Cesc over the summer and for as long as he stays with us. Supporters need to learn to live with this; cries that the “sky is falling” get old….
And I agree, that our ability AND desire to keep Cesc will show quite a bit about the long AND short term ambitions of the club. In the meantime, I’d suggest that we need him to do a bit more on the pitch than just looking frustrated with referees and his teammates.
Maybe if someone on the team actually did something the next time he gets clobbered with a late tackle, it might help… it might send a message to Cesc or the opponents.
Or is Cesc supposed to retaliate himself?
You need to watch / find a few matches or clips of Patrick Vieira at Arsenal, and what it means to POLICE the midfield.
If another team played physical with our finesse players, there was a price to pay, and PV4 often dished it out…
Roy Keane was that type of player for United… and players like Adams & Keown also knew when to step in and step it up.
It is a BIG part of the game, especially when teams play hack-a-Cesc…
You want me to think “long-term”… that’s what I’m doing… this year? next match? that’s short term… not interested really… in the long term, I am interested in whether we will be actually trying to compete for trophies, or if we will always be trying to remain profitable, and whether we’ll be trying to keep our better players.
Recent history tells me we will sell off the players when they become valuable, and then re-load with youth.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5977516,00.html
Be proud!
Wengerism?
Oh, soooo proud.
What does the UEFA Profit League trophy we win every year look like?!
;)
I don’t remember seeing it, but I think its a massive $$$ sign… encrusted in diamonds and gold.
I read this too. Get real Arsene. This quote is the best:
“There are three clubs in the fight for the championship – when you see how much money the others have invested, we have not to be ashamed.”
Someone should tell him it’s about who WINS the league, regardless of money spent; not about who achieves the highest league position per dollar spent.
Oh, wait… he probably does know that, he’s just spewing more BS to buy time, etc. Which raises another interesting point: Do the non-Kool Aid drinkers out there think that Arsene believes his own Bullshit, or do you think he knows it’s a lie on the inside?
I for one think he knows its all a farce (NOTE: change club’s name to Farcenal), but if you keep that kind of rhetoric up for too long, you’ll eventually trick yourself into believing it.
I don’t think anyone thinks Liverpool or United are going to go down any time soon due to their financial predicament. I also don’t think anyone here is seriously waiting for them to go down – though in a schadenfreude kind of way – I really hope one of them implodes – just for the pure enjoyment of watching their fans freak out.
However, the model that they have created IS unsustainable over time. Sooner or later the size of the debt will cripple the club. It may not force them down but it will force them to do things or not do things they want to do – sell/buy players, increase ticket prices, etc. Debt like they are carrying cannot go unchecked without consequences. To say that it won’t is the same as saying Arsenal are okay without any changes.
Liverpool and United are no closer to being sold primarily because of the level of their debt. Even a sugar daddy who comes into buy them will have to use significant amounts of their own money to payoff or pay down their debt.
Liverpool did not sign a new contract with Carlsberg simply because they needed more money from a new contract. Liverpool are worse off then United are in a bad way but maybe not in as bad as Pool. Pool are being asked actually they are being told to pay at least £100,000,000 pounds to the banks this summer or risk having the banks begin calling in the debt. It is the key reason why they are frantically looking for an investor who can infuse £100,000,000 into the club.
Even with United signing Smalling, I do not think they will be making any huge signings for a while – yes, I could be wrong – but you don’t make £80,000,000 off of a player and then don’t use it unless you have to pay off debt and by all indications about half of the Ronaldo fee went to pay off this year’s £45,000,000 debt interest payment.
Finally, if the debt weren’t such an issue or the club’s in sort of financial troubles – why would the supporters clubs be so up in arms? The fans at United shouldn’t be made they are in contention again for their 4th straight title? Liverpool fans aren’t blaming Rafa for the clubs woes – they are blaming Hicks and Gillette for financially running the club in the ground.
A word about POmpey – if they go into adminstration that will NOT wipe out their results from this year. If I remember correctly they will have 10 points deducted – insuring their relegation – but they will be allowed to operate as they have – as I understand its basically like a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Only if the club would’ve been allowed to fold would their matches been nullified.
Say what you will about Arsene’s management philosophy but if we were in the same financial woes as Liverpool and United, our fan b ase would be screaming for the ownership and Wenger to step aside – as it is I think the biggest reason Arsene is NOT gone or the clamour for his departure isn’t louder and will die into the summer – is that his policies and the club’s management – has insured that during difficult financial times the club is not straddled by its debt and it is not controlled by its debt thus insuring its long term viability.
For fans who the only thing a team is good for is winning that is an issue for fans who look beyond just the winning and look at our club’s overall health – well then what Arsene is doing is just fine.
Carib – you still working on that Article?
There is no debate that Arsenal are healthier financially than United & Liverpool.
What will happen, is what there is disagreement on.
United are not going to implode.
Liverpool might have to sell some players off, but that is to be determined. I would imagine there will be many wealthy people who’d like to own a piece of Liverpool.
The United situation is interesting. If the supporters can mobilize, and not show up and buy merchandise, they can force the Glazers to sell. If no income is coming in, they can CHANGE their clubs ownership.
That would be a great thing for supporters everywhere.
I don’t think anyone is asking Arsenal FC to spend like ManCity… but spending the money MADE by selling players, is not asking much… pocketing that profit year in, year out… is a slap in the fans face.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=746346&sec=england&cc=4716
56% of Europe’s football debt is in the EPL!
Stoke don’t concede too many goals at home. Add to that they are big and strong (our weakness ;) ) so i can see them scoring a goal. If they do score can we score two at stoke? Oh boy could be interesting. I’m more worried about dropping points at stoke then against city or spurs (spurs hahaha) at this point.
True, we don’t lose to Spurs, but we do lose to Stoke.
Stoke are a decent team, and home teams rule the roost in the league.
It will be a tricky match.
You should not disregard Spurs or City, as both are very capable of beating us… City stomped us earlier in the year.
Not sure how easy the run in is… you don’t play games on paper, and we have been shaky on the road, like everyone in the league.
We aren’t winning all our remaining games, and I doubt we’ll go unbeaten either.
I think everyone would agree that chelsea in the last three seasons have possessed all the things we seem to lack. A great striker, solid depth, defensive stability, solid keeper, a spine etc etc etc. Yet they have not won the PL or CL in those seasons. It just goes to show its nowhere near as easy as us buying one or two players. Buying one or two players by no means guarantees success. Our team has been filled with player’s making silly mistakes this season but we are not out of it and this team has every chance to contend for the PL and CL THIS SEASON.
Have we given up on the FA and CC? Well personally I enjoy watching the kids in the CC i think its brilliant maybe we don’t win but I think the games are great and I do feel the kids have a decent shot at it. Besides that who really cares about the CC anyway? It doesn’t exactly instill a legacy winning the CC lol
In terms of the FA cup last season we sent out the first team and got beaten by eventual winners Chelsea in the semis. This season we had the biggest challenge of the season (the gauntlet) coming right after the FA cup game so Wenger decided to rest almost everyone. I think that’s fair enough in the circumstance.
Personally i think some people here are getting a bit too trophy crazy take off those silver and gold tinted glasses and enjoy the excitement of the greatest team in the world…ARSENAL FC :D
As for the stoke game, I’m scared shytless I think stoke away is one tough game for our team! no joke stag :P
United were better than Chelsea the last 3 years.
The table doesn’t lie over 38 games.
Chelsea are in a great position this season, and they were one PK away from beating United in the CL 2 years ago…
How’d we do?
So, buying one or two players to improve the team doesn’t mean we will win the league or CL?
Yes. That is obvious. So you believe we should do nothing. We shouldn’t spend money to TRY to improve the team?
Because it doesn’t guarantee we’ll win?
Let’s sell Cesc… losing him doesn’t mean we’ll drop for 3rd or 4th… so why not? Maybe Sagna too… losing one or two players won’t mean we’ll drop in the standings…
What kind of mentality is that… don’t try to improve by bring in players, because it doesn’t mean you will win anything?
There is complete disdain by Wenger of the FA and CC.
It is fact. He says it all the time, the competitions are meaningless to him.
So I suggest the club reduce prices on those tickets, because we aren’t really trying to win them.
You should be scared of ANY away match. Home field is massive this season in the EPL.
Not to mention, we aren’t a very stable team in terms of playing consistently.
I, too, miss winning trophies. To even be in the championship race, you must have a good team. To win a championship, you need consistency and a little luck.
With Arsenal, we’ve been very good but unlucky; primarily with injuries. They’ve been ridiculous. There were also the untimely departures. In fairness to Wenger, he tried to buy players after the 07/08 campaign but couldn’t get the guys he wanted.
I understand the likelihood of Man Utd and Liverpool going under is unlikely but my point is they can’t sustain themselves. They will need someone to save them. Arsenal don’t need anyone, banks loans, sugar daddy’s or sponsors. It’s a good way to be. That’s what makes our club special.
untimely departures?
you mean us SELLING players off? regularly, and not investing the profit?
there are no two ways about it… I am not buying that Wenger couldn’t get the players he wanted… its non-sense.
If he put all his eggs in one basket, and wanted players he couldn’t afford, its on him. ALL his fault.
There is absolutely ZERO excuse for what we have at the keeper position.
I’d say Lehmann is still better than what we have. He would have been a better option since we kicked him out.
We sold Vieira. We sold Adebayor. Henry, Hleb, Toure, Cole, Flamini, Reyes, Gilberto, Campbell, Ljunberg, Diara, etc., they all left.
Wenger is very particular about what player he buys. It’s not necessarily that he couldn’t afford them. Some simply didn’t want to come to Arsenal. What should he do, buy someone he doesn’t want? Not that Almunia was ever great but based on the strength of the past two seasons, who anticipated Almunia playing this poorly?
Don’t talk to me about Lehmann. You know as well as anyone else how I went off about him being dropped. My boy still has a Lehmann keeper jersey. It just says JENS though becuase my son was so small.
Josh, we didn’t sell HENRY?
If he has a contract with the club, we don’t have to sell ANYBODY.
We sold HENRY, we sold TOURE, we sold GILBERTO, we sold REYES…
“they all left”?
what does that mean exactly… all of them were not free agents that just moved on.
Stag, I’m guessing the Chairman and CEO will carefully manage the agenda for this shareholders meeting and in doing so will control the time (if any) and manner for receiving comments from the floor.
Arsesession, his scolding of the errant supporter and then supporters more generally happened in May last year. You’re right, it’s not habitual, yet I think Wenger and his project is under the pump and a few gaskets are blowing. In earlier years he would casually retort that we should judge him next year or in 2 years…. and he had the recent winning legacy to get away with that. As those deadlines have come and gone, more than once, he can’t play that card again so he’s now repositioned what it means to achieve. Achieving is now coming 3rd or 4th, allowing the young players to mature, and qualifying for the CL in the next season. Under this new worldview, the CC and FAC are expendable.
We miss Dein’s influence on Wenger enormously.
Yeah, we also miss winning trophies. ;)
“In earlier years he would casually retort that we should judge him next year or in 2 years…. and he had the recent winning legacy to get away with that. As those deadlines have come and gone, more than once, he can’t play that card again so he’s now repositioned what it means to achieve.”
Absolutely agree!
Again, some of his remarks are premature.
The meeting may be done in Bentonville, Arkansas this year. Probably, not many Arsenal fans in this town. Stan could also invite Arsenal Boards for a lifetime shopping in Wal-mart afterward ;)
I don’t think the supporters will just sit idle for the shareholders meeting and not have a say… if we finish 3rd or 4th and get bounced again in the CL, there will have to be answers.
I hope maybe the last match of the season or two, if they are not meaningful, that the supporters act.
An empty stadium would resonate deeply.
“Five years seems like eternity.
I thought in the 07/08 season we could take something, but injuries and contract issues turned the 2nd half of our season into a never ending nightmare.
Don’t think Gallas will be with Arsenal next year.”
_____________________________________
I read Gilberto waxing lyrical about Arsenal FC. His comments reflect well on both himself and the club. Indeed, it is good to remember the enormous amount of good things that are associated with Arsenal FC, many of which we only hear about when folk like Gilberto speak.
That said, 5 years is eternity in the money-saturated ‘now’ world of professional sport. Five years is also sufficient time to get a sense of trends and recurring issues. The injury issues that blighted us in 07/08 have not been a one-off. It was same-same last season and has played out again this season. I can’t explain why we haven’t addressed this.
By contract issues I assume you mean experienced players leaving? Again, this continues to happen. Hleb, Flamini, Gilberto, Lehmann, Diarra in 2008. Then last off-season it was Toure and Adebayor. This coming off-season it may be Gallas or perhaps one or two others. Again it is quite predictable, in a sense it is part of football, the question is whether Wenger’s approach is robust enough to deal with it.
Perhaps for me the turning point was the realisation that this strategy was unlikely to succeed under Wenger. The mix wasn’t right. That dawning happened in the off-season of 07/08 – Wenger’s inaction during that period spoke volumes. The next event that solidified my feeling of ‘doom’ was his arrogant dismissal of fans – telling them (us) off – telling the shareholders and media that what the club needed was fans, airing the story about the supporter he scolded in the restroom(?) and saying he wasn’t a fan. It’s one thing to preach to – the media, other clubs, referees, other managers, other club owners – but to arrogantly lecture the very people who make Arsenal FC relevant…. he lost me then.
Wenger’s in a bubble, there’s no one to challenge him. And that isn’t a good space. You’ll notice he liberally lectures everyone on his footballing worldview – if you don’t agree – you’re dismissed.
I see the departure of Ade, Toure, Hleb, Flamini different from Gallas: more age and length of contract extension. Others possibly cleaning out their locker: Merida, Sylvestre.
Arsene does have a habit of saying to much too often. Instead of stepping back from the moment to gather his thoughts – even wait a day until he learns more details; he speaks off the cuff and many times I see it embarrassing for the club and fans.
His immediate comment after Eduardo’s penalty is an example of POOR JUDGMENT. I prefer him to say he had a poor seat to view the play and needed more time to study the film.
However, many of his remarks to the media are to take focus away from the player(s) OR team, putting himself in the spotlight.
Regarding the end of the 07/08 season – agree with you, he had no business lambasting others; but in his 13 years with the club, I see this as an isolated reaction – NOT HABITUAL.
Just thinking out loud, there was a period when Dien left and there seemed to be friction among the board members. The move to the Emirates. Arsene was left with many hats to wear, so maybe the bubble description is fair.
regarding liberally lecturing everyone: ditto for SAF, Jose Mourinho, I call this more a personality characteristic entitled by length & success of tenure……
I guess this season is just another chapter for all of us.
that is right on the money Kiwi…
if Cesc departs in the Summer, we’ll see what the kool-aiders have to say…
he’ll be Judas, no doubt, and will we spend the large cash influx on a “special” player?
LOL
you know we won’t…
Wenger scolding the fans was just idiotic, and definitely showed his arrogance…
if he didn’t like it last year, this year should be fantastic.
I would LOVE to be there… he might faint!
On a couple of occasions I have read that if Pompey go into Admin or wind up, teams that have gained points off Pompey this season would loose them. As it stands right now, Pompey’s results looks like this :
Date Ven Opponent Result Score
=========================================
15-Aug-09 H Fulham L 0-1
19-Aug-09 A Bham City L 0-1
22-Aug-09 A Arsenal L 1-4
30-Aug-09 H Man City L 0-1
12-Sep-09 H Bolton L 2-3
19-Sep-09 A Aston Villa L 0-2
26-Sep-09 H Everton L 0-1
03-Oct-09 A Wolvers W 1-0
17-Oct-09 H Spuds L 1-2
24-Oct-09 A Hull City D 0-0
31-Oct-09 H Wigan W 4-0
07-Nov-09 A Rovers L 1-3
22-Nov-09 A Stoke City L 0-1
28-Nov-09 H Man United L 1-4
05-Dec-09 H Burnley W 2-0
12-Dec-09 A Sunderland D 1-1
16-Dec-09 A Chelsea L 1-2
19-Dec-09 H Liverpool W 2-0
26-Dec-09 A West Ham L 0-2
30-Dec-09 H Arsenal L 1-4
26-Jan-10 H West Ham D 1-1
31-Jan-10 A Man City L 0-2
03-Feb-10 A Fulham L 0-1
06-Feb-10 A Man United L 0-5
09-Feb-10 H Sunderland D 1-1
20-Feb-10 H Stoke City L 1-2
If points are docked, the table will look like this (based on the table from today before ManU / WHam game):
Chg Team Pld W D L F A GD Pts
=======================================================
1 none Chelsea 26 18 4 4 61 21 40 58
2 none ManUnited 25 16 3 6 54 23 31 51
3 none Arsenal 25 15 4 6 55 28 27 49
4 +2 Liverpool 26 13 6 7 43 25 18 45
5 -1 Spuds 26 12 7 7 46 25 21 43
6 +1 Villa 25 11 9 5 35 21 14 42
7 -2 Man City 24 10 10 4 45 33 12 40
8 none Everton 25 9 8 8 37 37 0 35
9 +1 Bham City 25 9 7 9 24 28 -4 34
10 -1 Fulham 25 8 7 10 30 29 1 31
11 +1 Rovers 26 8 7 11 26 42 -16 31
12 -1 Stoke City 24 6 10 8 23 28 -5 28
13 +2 Wigan 25 6 7 12 26 48 -22 25
14 none Sunderland 24 6 6 12 30 42 -12 24
15 +1 Wolves 25 6 6 13 21 43 -24 24
16 -3 West Ham 24 5 8 11 32 39 -7 23
17 +2 Burnley 26 6 5 14 27 53 -26 23
18 -1 Hull City 26 5 8 13 25 54 -29 23
19 -1 Bolton 25 4 8 13 26 47 -21 20
Biggest losers being the teams that played Pompey twice (i.e. Arsenal, City, United, Fulham, Stoke, WHam), who would end up playing 1 more game than the rest of the teams. Also all of a sudden Rafa’s 4th place guarantee would not be far fetched.
Can anyone please confirm if points could get docked ?
There is NO CHANCE the EPL will allow the season to be tarnished with that above scenario.
I’d be absolutely shocked.
Do you pay the supporters back the money for those matches, if they didn’t count?
I have to believe they’ll get it sorted, as Pompey look to be going down anyway.
Arsesession communicated his feelings well.
No one will see things in exactly the same way – that’s the beauty of expressing individual thought!
I certainly agree that this season has seen progress; both individually and collectively. As you say arsesession Song and Diaby are now accepted as viable 1st teamers, Ramsey is showing glimpses of serious talent, throw in the signing of Verme and his revitalising of Gallas and making a better CB combo, and of course the return of Arthur’s favourite the prodigal playactor Emmanuel Eboue in his rightful position of RB. ‘All good’ as they say, accepting the limitation in that analysis in that we’ve completely ignored an evaluation of the other side of the ledger.
I’m guessing many fans would agree with that summary of positivity. Where we digress is on whether after 5 years that is enough…. is it satisfying….. is it sufficiently ambitious? Will it ever prove successful?
Five years seems like eternity.
I thought in the 07/08 season we could take something, but injuries and contract issues turned the 2nd half of our season into a never ending nightmare.
Don’t think Gallas will be with Arsenal next year.
Eboue isn’t close to Sagna at right back… I doubt he’ll be seeing much time there without an injury occuring to the starter.
Good stuff from both Arsesession, who I agree with, and Stag who, I think takes it a little too far…But at least he covers his ass with, “I hope I’m wrong”…..(So that he can enjoy the fruits of AWs brilliance when it all comes to, er, fruition…) ;-)
Interesting games kicking off right now with Arsenal connections…Olympiacos-Bordeaux and Stuttgart-Barca….
Anybody in the GDC?….
And here’s a H.O./AKB take on the great “Invincible” era team, a couple of whom are on display (or at least the bench) in today’s Stuttgart/Barca match)…. (Stuttgart take an early lead in the 25th min…Hmmm….)
http://www.7amkickoff.com/2010/return-of-the-invincibles/
Hleb and Stuttgart creating numerous chances (but failing to convert) and Jens almost doing a Fabianski with an easy Messi shot…but the post saves his blushes…
Fun Stuff!!!
agreed…
Stuttgart looking good, but they need another goal to create some “space” between them and Barcelona.
1-0, won’t do it.
Hleb looks pretty good… we could use someone down the wing like him!
Feel good stuff from Tim…. not a lot else ;-)
Great pic of the invincibles though, made me feel all nostalgic
exactly Kiwi…
I like the stories running around in football…
You have a consortium trying to FORCE the Glazers to sell
Manchester United… and the way to do so, is to get the fans
to NOT SHOW UP… NOT BUY MERCHANDISE… boycott with their money.
That would be fantastic… because at the end of the day,
WE DO HAVE SOME CONTROL over what happens at the club.
If nobody shows up at United matches for a few weeks, and no
merchandise is bought… I’m pretty sure they’ll sell.
Ashley Cole is the new Tiger Woods.
But he just wants the same treatment John Terry got…!!!
That is something that can hurt their team… they have the best
team, and only they can derail themselves.
Ashley Cole is still one of the best LB in the world… he’ll
be scooped up by Real Madrid or Barcelona… and infidelity is
more accepted in Spain and Italy anyway!
and MAN CITY is lining up MOURINHO for next year.
Well, wouldn’t that change the landscape … and add
lots of interest and intrigue to the EPL’s elite.
He’ll have the money to bring in players he wants, and
he can compete directly with United… up the road in Manchester.
That would make for a very interesting season next year.
The British media would LOVE to have Jose’ back in town!
Oh, in Arsenal news, Wenger says Theo is getting better.
;)
Our current barometric pressure.
Our manager has a blueprint for Arsenal, but in the 07/08 season, (imo) he was blind-sided AND lady luck turned her back on him.
– key injuries to Eduardo & Rosicky lost their experience and tactical skill for 18 months.
– Flamini and Hleb saw $ signs and unrest & departed for Italy & Spain.
– Gallas (captain’s) melt-down added to internal instability;
– IMO, Adebeyor’s head was turned by the almighty $’s that Flamini and Hleb sought elsewhere; got his big raise, but soon realized it a short-term gratification; then his on going remarks during the summer (08) only alienated fans, media, and apparently the manager – all of which soiled his 08/09 performance;
{ I wish we still had Ade, but the Ade that was long on desire and effort.}
– Add Toure’s unrest and you can see how Arsene had to cope with “a major loss of experienced talent” – just as we had moved into the Emirates and revenue from real estate dried up.
All of the above threw a monkey wrench into the blueprint and I hold in esteem our manager’s character for not being a whiner and moaner – pointing blame elsewhere.
I follow Arsenal because I APPRECIATE the technical and tactical skill of its players. Even more so, I respect the standards for which our manager is selective to the point of exclusive. His patience with player’s development is a reflection on his maturity for understanding sport and life.
Winning is a secondary element because in life you have many more failures than successes. If I was caught up in winning, then I would follow other clubs……but for me the entertainment value is at Arsenal.
If I watch Chelsea, its to see Essien; at United its Berbatov.
I look at this season as a step up from where we were at this time in 07/08. Arsene has added carefully:
Arshavin, Vermaelen, and Ramsey and I categorize this season as a success, regardless of the outcome.
NOW, Song and Diaby are names most Arsenal fans WANT in the line up (sometimes even Eboue). Eduardo and Rosicky continue their recovery. Other youngsters like Mannone, Traore, Gibbs, Ramsey, Eastmond have shown moments of their potential.
Speaking for myself, it adds an incremental dimension to the season when Arsenal in late February find themselves near the top of the league table and still in CL competition.
Speculating how the season will turn out is good fodder. I believe we are in for more unknowns to pop up, not only for Arsenal but for the other clubs.
I’m anxious to see which players step up and execute.
and you’ll be thrilled with a 3rd of 4th place finish, and exiting the CL before the semi-finals.
they love you… keep buying scarves.
because after all… the technical and tactical skills are most important, not winning matches.
pass pass pretty pass … yawn.
Buying merchandise or attending matches are not criteria to be an Arsenal fan. When ticket and merchandise prices rise (as does food, gas, shelter, cable, phone, and clothing), we all have two options.
If you can afford transportation & lodging, then paying $100 for a jersey and another $100 for a ticket should not warrant a complaint.
Yes, the technical and tactical skills of Arsenal players ARE a major contributing factor for me following the team.
When I made the decision to follow the club, there was no contract between Arsenal and myself – guaranteeing their performance on the pitch, nor a fan conduct code from the club for me to adhere.
A two way street for the relationship – dissolvable at anytime. Obviously, some Arsenal fans are fortunate to have an agreement where the club promised silverware on a regular basis. LOL
Everyone can support the club in their own way. I prefer to judge the club, manager, and players based on the trending of their performances – positively or negatively. At the moment, I like the way the club is being run, its financial position, our manager’s principles, and roster mix. Could there be room for improvement? yes.
Maybe the trending positive curve for you and others is not steep enough?
You are entitled to be disappointed over Arsenal silverware status, its manager’s decisions, OR a player’s performance, but its only your own expectation.
If you so love the tactical and technical approach we “attempt” to take, do you watch other teams play? or do you live in an Arsenal vacuum?
Barcelona seems to be what Arsenal aspire to, without actually having star players in the team.
If you appreciate what we try to do on the pitch, why not watch Barcelona?
(I am not saying you should support them)
I assume you will watch Brazil in the World Cup, and want them to win for their style and technique?
Yes I enjoy watching Barcelona. Messi is a special player; as is Ronaldinho, so I catch AC Milan matches if I have time. There are also some other Italian teams that play with panache, but off the top of my head I can’t identify.
I have followed Brazil but they are not my first choice to follow for national teams. That would be Netherlands. ( used to be France) . I followed Croatia for the entire ’98 WC and if they had qualified for 2010, I’d follow.
For player deals to happen you need five critical factors to occur. Those are:
1. Wenger’s got to want the player. I like Lee Cattermole more than Denilson but if Wenger doesn’t like Cattermole, he’ll never play for Arsenal. Arsene is not going to buy a player he doesn’t want, regardless of how good we think said player might be for the team.
2. The player’s club have to be willing to sell. It doesn’t matter who the player is, if he has a contract with a team that doesn’t want to sell him, it’s not going to happen.
3. The players has got to want to play for Arsenal. We hear every year about players Wenger tried to sign that didn’t want to play at Arsenal. These players range from Ibrahimovic and Anelka to Melo and Flamini and even Chris Smalling. The list is long. What can you do?
4. The two teams have to reach a financial agreement. Wenger offered twelve million for Arshavin but Zenit wanted 30. Six months later Wenger offered twelve million for Arshavin and got him for twelve (brilliant). Wenger refuses to overpay for a player.
5. The player and Arsenal must agree terms. If Flamini thinks he should be on 100k a week, then he’s likely to go to AC Milan.
I’ve been impressed with Cattermole. Not sure he’s good enough for us, but would be a decent option. He’d have smashed some of those Porto players for their Cesc bashing anyway.. We’d have restarted our red card run as well.
Brings up an interesting point. I kind of miss being down to 10 man from time to time. Pulling out a result under those circumstances was incredibly satisfying (Pool when Van Bronckhorst got sent off springs to mind). It would be a major confidence boost and would force players to step up and take extra responsibility. A bit of a bad-ass image would help as well.
I know, there just aren’t enough good players to bring in to a club cluttered with mediorcity in numerous positions.
?!?!
I am pretty sure there are 15 keepers we could have brought in, that are better than all the one’s we have.
I read an article today that said Liverpool had to pay back 100 million GBP in loans. Who thinks Liverpool have the money to pay the bank?
I also read an article where Manchester City are going to offer 140 million to Liverpool for Gerrard and Torres. Who thinks they will both be at the club next season? Man City is offering Liverpool and they will take it.
I don’t really care about Liverpool but their predicament makes me appreciate Arsene Wenger’s frugal approach to spending and his desire to not put the club in debt. I know the way that I feel is unpopular among many but I care more about the club being financially secure. Sure, I would love to see the club win the championship but Liverpool are a reminder that you can spend ridiculous money on “better players” and that’s still no guarantee of building a championship side.
I just want you to tell me when United and Liverpool will fold?
;)
When you least expect it? Like any other business that is there one day and gone another. Recent examples might include Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, but history is littered with plenty of examples.
Neither may go into administration, but they “could” end up wandering the wilderness of mid-table mediocrity for an extended period. If Liverpool doesn’t qualify for Europe watch out (you can quote me on that in 3 years if you want ;) )
Maybe that Arsene’s plan (beng a student of economics and all), paitently wait by for them to implode. I think Reagan used a similar tactic with USSR by forcing them to spend money they didn’t have to keep up in the arms race only for them to ultimately go broke and collapse.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Oh, that’s a great plan for success.
Wait for Liverpool and United to implode.
You’ll be waiting a LOOOOOOONG time.
And Chelsea isn’t going anywhere either, but I am sure you’re in the camp of… their championships don’t count really!!
I’d say it is much more likely that Arsenal will be in the mid-table level in the near future than United…
Especially if Cesc departs this Summer or next…
There isn’t ANYBODY in the team that is close to his level, no star players, no leaders, no go to guys, nobody other than Sol Campbell that’s won shit.
And if United dropped to 3rd or 4th for a few years… like us, I would say its a pretty good trade off for winning… 11 League Titles out of 17.
That is utter DOMINATION.
Throw in a few Champions of Europe trophies, and I’d say it was worth it at just about any price.
If you want to make a profit every year, and finish 3rd or 4th… that’s great for the club and board, but its not to good if you want to maintain a fan-base, or allegedly challenge in Europe (as Wenger once said was his goal for the team).
And Liverpool… they won the Champions League, which Wenger never has, and it is still the competition he cares about above all else.
I don’t think anyone is waiting for Livepool or United to fail in order for Arsenal to succeed. However their lack of financial responsibility has made their overall predicament far less favorable than ours.
We have debt too but our advantage is we can afford our debt. In fact, our debt is paying for itself. Liverpool have paid countless millions for one Champions League trophy. Is one trophy really worth hundreds of millions of debt? There was no guarantee so it was a very big risk. We all saw that game and know that Liverpool were incredibly lucky.
If you made only $30k a year would you buy a $60,000 BMW just because a bank approved your loan? Sure, someone with a bimmer might get more girls in the short term, but in the end, the bank’s going to want their money. So what do they do then?
This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. I want for their to be life at Arsenal well after Fabregas has retired. In the end, Wenger’s doing what he thinks is best in the long term.
of course, it was LUCK that Liverpool won…
that is the way it goes when other teams win titles, its luck.
Down 3-0, I don’t believe it was LUCK, it was an unbelievable comeback that rivals ANY I’ve ever seen in football, on the biggest club stage of all.
Give credit, instead of saying… it was lucky.
FUnny that every Pool fan I have ever met would happily trade in that CHamps League trophy for a league win. They’ve never won the premiership you know… Guess it’s a case of grass is always greener..
not the Liverpool fans I know.
yes, they want to win the league, who doesn’t… but being England Champions, is not as big as being EUROPEAN Champions.
Stag, I probably should have put “strategy” in quotes as it was intended as tongue and cheek. I don’t think this is what Arsene is literally attempting to do. And as a supporter would I not WANT that to be our “strategy”. But like it or not, broadly speaking this is what is happening.
11 of 17 is current domination, no question. It doesn’t mean it can/will be sustained (the manager has had a little something to do with it). GM used to dominate the global auto industry, not so much anymore. ManU has even been relegated before, shocking! Can you tell me any teams that have NEVER been relegated? (hint, hint, hint..one starts with an A)
Of the top 4 teams, which can least afford the financial reprecutions of not getting into Europe? How does that affect them the next year, and the year after that? Chelsea can, Arsenal probably, ManU maybe/maybe not, ‘Pool maybe/maybe not. This doesn’t even begin to cover the knock on effects of losing/attracting talent which can have a snowball effect in and of themself.
FYI-I don’t discount Chelsea’s championships, but that team has 2 maybe 3 years left before it will have to be almost completely overhauled due to age. Can they afford to do this within their exsisting opeations? No. Could the owner splash out the cash again? Yes. Will he? Hard to say.
I would love to see Arsenal be more competitive, the last couple years have sucked, period. They are showing this year that they are getting closer to being able to consistently accumulate points. The best team doesn’t always win, but does have a better chance. ;) I grew up watching Kansas basketball, believe me the best team doesn’t always win. But I’d rather support a team that can consistently be among the best even in off/rebuilding years and more often than not be in the hunt for honors with decent chance of success.
Josh, Liverpool or United will never go bust. I could see it with Chelsea, but not those two. They are national institutions, someone new will always be looking to pour new money in once the current investors get tired of it.
Keith Harris is attempting to take over the club right now, despite the debt the Glazers have piled on to it. He obviously knows about the debt, and he knows a lot more about Man U’s finances than almost anyone on the planet… which means he knows it’s a bad investment from a financial perspective.
But does he care? NO, because this is Manchester United we’re talking about here, one of the most famous institutions of any type in the entire world.
Saturday was a good day for Arsenal. This season is like no other. Neither team is good enough to have won the Premier League in another season. When was the last time a Preimer League champion, whomever that will be, has been so incosistent?
Glad to see Eboue’s presence help the team win. Prophetically, his runs with the ball led to Sunderland’s defense losing shape and collapsing. As they pondered who should step up and challenge the Ivorian, they forgot all about the great Dane at the back post. The funny thing is we even talked about Eboue having that effect last week.
After Fabregas missed a penalty earlier in the season, I don’t fancy him taking spot kicks. That should be a striker’s job. Your chief playmaker missing a penalty could disrupt his entire game. In fairness, I wasn’t at Arsenal training last week watching Bendtner and everyone else besides Fabregas blaze PK’s over the bar. Fortunately, Fab scored.
Too bad Higuain is having a good season because the boy is class. Had he slipped down Madrid’s pecking order, I think Wenger would have tried to buy him this off-season.
Wenger and buy … that doesn’t compute.
Wenger and PROFIT.
oui.
Have we fallen so far … that the idea of Cesc being out for a
match against Stoke City… has disaster written all over it?
Stoke City… the model of mediocrity?
8wins 10draws 8 losses.
Maybe we can either get the ref for the Porto game to come
in and fix this match for us…
or
Maybe we can get the rules changed so that they penalize
Stoke for playing anti-football, or not allowing us to play
pretty AND score…
or
Maybe we can get the rules changed so that all the teams have
to have the exact same pitch size… so there is nothing unique
about the different stadiums… and there will be no advantage of
playing at your home field.
;)
and yes, I see the LOL, I was continuing the joking mode.
@Arthur Cesc is not suspended…the FA changed the rules this season. He needed to collect 5 yellow cards before December to get a 1 match suspension. Post December the Yellow card limit is 10 and not 5
http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesandRegulations/NewsAndFeatures/2009/RedCardUpdate.aspx
@All…nice to see the discussions still ongoing on the new site..have followed this blog since the site was put up..but taken a hiatus from posting since i gave up trying to convince the anti wenger brigade. Just logged in to post about the yellow card rule. And no i’ve not changed my opinion and i’m not going to justify why ;)
Cheers,
Ahh.. CHeers for that man
oh thank god if no cesc at stoke? that would have disaster written all over it lol
Wow I got Wayne out of hiding HA! Thank you Wayne for clearing that up.
Did you research that or do you store that up in you head?
Am I so glad to hear it too.
Hope we will get a little more of your opinion in future Wayne :-D
@Arthur ..Good to see you carrying on the fight here :)
I did research the yellow card rule a couple of weeks back when Arsenal were about to play Chelsea.
Drogba had collected his fifth yellow card before the Arsenal match and I assumed he was going to be suspended too ;)
This time the rule change worked in our favor i guess.
I reckon I’d have rather played Chelsea without Drogba.. Not that that would have helped our finishing/final ball but maybe we woulda scraped something
I remember commenting on the impact of losing RvP to injury and the potential effect it would have on our progress considering the rich vain of form he was in.
I also remember the archetypal Doom Monger ;-) Mazza amongst others being uncharacteristically optimistic about the effect it would have on us. Yesterday I heard a commentator claim that we have scored half the amount of goals per match since his absence.
What do you say now Mazza my Hippy convert? Not so “realist” after all aye? :-P
The more pressing question is why we continue to rely on such a crock. Non? ;-)
LOL! Hmmm indeed
I think there is plenty of evidence on which one can construct an informed opinion on where this team is at – so no need for a Stoke barometer. The only test that counts is the final standing. If 3rd or 4th and re-entry to next years CL is the target then we’re on track.
Completely agree that the state of the team is pretty woeful….and we’ll be rudderless without Cesc if he is out for Stoke (I too have seen no mention of this).
That being said, we’re in with at least a chance to get the needed results in upcoming matches(wins and a clean sheet or big win vs Porto). There is a chance to build some confidence match to match and it might be a nice thing to see, so that’s what I’ll hope for…would I bet the house on it? I don’t think so….
But speaking of Cesc, if he’s not suspended for Stoke he will be soon enough (or injured) as playing him with extra physicality (and hoping he might retaliate) seems to be the accepted strategy. Cesc has been unable to “carry” the team since his spectacular cameo vs Villa (in December…) and his body language shows his frustration. If the team were to get a result in his absence it would be another (maybe bigger) confidence builder, IMO.
Steve I am quite sure that Cesc has picked up his 5th yellow, he will be out for the Stoke game.
Remember where you heard it first ;-)
Sorry Arthur.. I beat you to that one.. mentioned it on GDC whilst watching the Sunderland game.. Though i was admittedly unsure as the commentators didn’t mention it
But Ozi I put it in writing :-P
Damn if Cesc doesn’t play and Diaby is not fit then we will have to play Ramsey or even more worrying Denilson, well to look on the brighter side of life at least we won’t have to play Fabianski.
Hi Kiwi, always nice to have your opinion.
The end of the season is the end of the season, it is not a barometer for where we are now. I presume Steve was talking about where we are NOW after our three defeats and a draw, I think we both agree that Stoke away will be a better measure of where we are mentally after a pretty disappointing period as compared to Sunderland at home.
Why the need for a barometer? We’re low on form and low on attacking resources. We just need to cut the talk and win something. Five years of talky uppy is enough.
You been hiding Arthur? ;-)
You know how it is for a Hippie like me “if you ain’t got nothing good to say…”
You know it ain’t good to bust in on the Doom Mongers when they are having a party ;-) either.
Agree with HTS, not much can be taken from yesterday’s match. It was relatively comfortable victory in the fact we controlled the game but like you said it could gone the other way if Sunderland had taken the few chances they had.
I said Eboue would prove the haters wrong in the long run. He has a lot of technical ability and I believe there is a lot more to come from him as long as he remains confident. Still suspect defensively though especially in the air.
A good performance from Big Al’ apart from the “clearance” against Silvestre that could have ended in an own goal.
Cesc looked a little tired and gave away a few more passes than you would expect from him with his form of late. Bendtner looked as average as he did before his injury but I haven’t given up on him, you never know he could be on fire in a game or two.
As for Denilson Vs Ramsey, if Denislon is showing the Old Trafford attitude in training I would rather Ramsey despite those inexplicable potentially match losing passes. Hopefully Diaby will stop us from having to make that choice.
Like you said Stoke away will be a better barometer of where we’re at, especially as Cesc will be absent.If we are to be in witha chance for the title we will need to win that one too.
So Cesc is suspended? I did think it was his 5th yellow of the season, haven’t read about any confirmation of any suspension anywhere…
Yeah Ozi he is suspended, 5th yellow.
Watching a little snowy Sunday football and Blackburn take the first match 3-0 over Bolton….no sign of little Jack in the Northern bruisefest….Next up, Villa host Burnley (might need more coffee for that one), but after an hour we can switch over to the bigger match in the “Fight For Fourth.” I’ll be sitting in the GDC, if anyone cares for some chat….
As for our match yesterday….Not a lot to be taken from it. I guess we “passed the test,” but certainly things could easily have gone the other direction. Stoke away, obviously, will be a much tougher examination.
On the plus side…Or at least maybe we’ve got a few “half-positives”….
I think we know who our first choice goal-keeper will be, and CSM (Clean Sheet Manny) stood up (or got lucky?) the couple of times our two left footers in central defense got carved up.
We finally have a wide attacking option, with a bit of pace, unfortunately not much of a final touch…..I wish I was talking about Theo Walcott, but of course, I mean our 2nd choice RB, he of the dubious “morality” (in an opponent you call it “serial diving” or simply “cheater”)….AhhhhBoooEeee.
Another half positive might be our manager’s choice of Aaron Ramsey above Denilson in Central MF. Both give me the willies when it comes to protecting our (fragile/makeshift) defense. Denilson is slight and useless against counterattacks, Ramsey prone to the occasional telegraphed or miss-placed sideways or backward pass. One might argue that one or the other offers a bit more going forward (we didn’t see much of that from young Aaron yesterday) but, at the very least, there seems to be competition for the pitch-time. IMO, with tougher tests ahead, Diaby must surmount his injury troubles sooner than later. Alex Song seems to have conquered his knee trouble and, at least, offers a predictable physical presence in this area.
A couple more (I’m digging deep here)….Cesc played some nice longer, (quarterback style) balls to Theo, and “won” the game clinching penalty, Nasri’s finding his (slow?) dancing shoes (clogs?), and Bendtner was able to hit the target (and the net) expanding his range now to 1.5 yards….What’s the expression? “Damning with faint praise,” I think….
So, with that, I’ll skip the negatives…A week to heal up, practice defending long throws and prepare for the next test….
Burnley up a goal at (sunny) Villa (oops, now level again), nobody to chat with yet on the GDC, (oh well)…. Happy Sunday, Arse-pals….
Blackburn beat Bolton 3-0 and Wilshere didn’t get off the bench.
As I said on GDC last night, Wilshere will not get much game time there.
No manager (whose name is not Arsene Wenger) will risk playing youth regularly when you are fighting for your premiership status.
A taste of Stoke:
Potter boss Tony Pulis shortened the pitch which aided the long throw run-ups of Rory Delap and grew the grass long to make it difficult for teams to pass.
Nicee…
It is called home field advantage.
If you are Stoke, or any other minnow, you try what you can to maximize your teams strengths… and minimize its weaknesses.
You’re spot on with that.. But as a football fan (a non-stoke one admittedly and therefore probably biased against them), I find it despicable that they’re so anti-football. But you’re right, they’re doing what they have to to stay up which is why when it comes to ‘neutral’ relegation battles, I’ll always support the likes of West Ham and Burnley over Blackburn and Stoke…
anti-football?
are you taking your Wenger pills again?
Football defined by whom? Arsene Wenger?
Arsenal used to have a small pitch itself, and it played with George Graham as manager and a defenisve style, I am SURE it benefited Arsenal.
Are you aware that other teams fans used to chant:
“BORING BORING ARSENAL”…
I’d guess that we were considered “anti-football” by Wenger’s scale.
Stag the difference between what Ozi is saying and what George Graham did is that Pullis (allegedly) has done it on purpose whereas George Graham inherited his small pitch.
Yes I know all that. And there was a reason that chant was there. We were BORING!!! I promise you I, along with the majority of arsenal fans prefer the style we have today. Ask a neutral FOOTBALL FAN whether they would watch todays Arsenal vs Stoke (or yesteryears Arsenal) and I bet you any money that there will only be one winner. There’s a reason it’s called the beautiful game. I’m sorry, but Rory Delap’s long throws will NEVER leave you dazzled the way an exquisite piece of Bergkamp skill would.
And yes I do mean anti-football.. Literally “football” designed to stop the OTHER team from playing football. No it is not against the rules and they are quite right to use it as they do not have any other way to be competitive but just because they are able to be competitive in this manner should not cloud the fact that their primary game plan is to stop the other team from playing- ANTIFOOTBALL!!
+1
The object of the game is to WIN.
It is not to play pretty, and to pass the ball around nicely. That gets you NOTHING.
Rory Delap is a WEAPON. He has helped his career with being able to create offense with his throws. If I were Stoke, I’d be emphasizing it.
If you’re good enough, you can overcome it, deal with throw ins…
if your not, you’ll complain about the advantage of a small pitch!
Heaven forbid they try to actually win by whatever means necessary.
It certainly isn’t anti-football… its anti-Wengerball.
Wengerball is pretty, but doesn’t win when it counts.
Ask Chelsea and United… they LOVE us playing that way.
Football takes on many different styles, ways of play, tactics, and managing techniques.
One way is not better because its pretty, that is opinion..
“Wengerball is pretty, but doesn’t win when it counts.” That’s not true Stag
It was Wengerball that won us all that we have achieved so far in the Wenger era. The difference now would be the personnel their abilities/deficiencies and their application of the said Wengerball.
He had elements of Wengerball, with elements of the defensive style that GG left behind.
Strong center spine, up the pitch.
Defense has completely been abandoned, and it is all now 1000% Wenger-ball.
I think its been Wenger-ball since he got rid of Patrick Vieira after the 2005 FA Cup…
His last kick, was our last trophy.
Its all finesse midgets who don’t defend well now.
Enjoy it.
The drought will last until he has an epiphany, or the board have one, and sack him for fecking up an amazing team.
:)
You just enjoy the 3rd and 4th place finishes, because that’s what he’ll be remembered for!
Yes they should use Delap as a weapon and their not so aesthetically pleasing ways because that is the best they have. It is what they need to do to stay competitive and stay up. I said as much already.
But growing the grass long so that the other team can’t pass? If that isn’t the text book example of anti-football I don’t know what is. Perhaps you have a better explanation.
Teams in baseball grow the grass longer to help their “short game”… ie, bunting, and small ball style.
Happens all the time, never heard it called “anti-baseball”
Teams in US football have been known to try and slow down their “faster” opponent with longer grass (recently field turf changed this)… but it was never called anti-football…
it is simply called HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE, and its not a unique concept.
Yup it is home field advantage. Who said otherwise? It is an advantage based on stopping the other team from playing football- Antifootball. Just cause they don’t use that terminology in baseball or American Football doesn’t make it any less crude than what it is.
Look, noone is saying they’re not entitled to do it. I’m just saying that I’m disgusted by it because of its antifootballing nature. You are yet to make any argument that convinces me it’s anything but.
YOUR IDEA OF FOOTBALL!
You like what you like… Wenger-ball.
Pass pass pretty pass… it means NOTHING!
So it is not anti-football, it is anti-Wengerball.
Get that straight. Just because we play a certain style, doesn’t make it better, or make it “football”…
and playing physical or defensive is… anti-football.
To play to your strengths is smart.
To play to your opponents strengths, is IDIOTIC and suicide on the pitch.
That’s GOOD football. Playing to your strengths and trying to impose your will on the game. That’s football & sports.
It’s not “anti” anything.
Just looking at last nights premiership highlights, United vs West Ham isn’t going to be as foregone a conclusion as I had first thought. West Ham were ferocious, closing down Hull quickly giving them no space. If they can shut out Rooney, their forwards might be able to do a bit of damage to the United defence as well. Carlton Cole is quality and Diamanti especially is capable of producing magic. Got a lethal left foot from set pieces as well. I realise Hull at home and United away are completely different animals but I reckon there is a realistic chance that United might drop points.
I doubt United will drop points to West Ham, but…
we are chasing CHELSEA.
Couldn’t give a shit about 2nd as compared to 3rd.
Well imagine overtaking Chelsea just to find that United have finished 2 points ahead of us.. We gotta take on both of them mate and I’m looking for both of them to lose points.
I doubt they’ll drop points there as well, like I said… I just think it’s going to be a bit harder than I had originally thought
Well, it was a pretty frustrating 2-0 win, if that’s possible.
We created many chances, that we haven’t been doing of late…
but we certainly weren’t finishing them, thats for sure.
We peppered their keeper with shots, but… we were somewhat lucky
that Sunderland didn’t convert one of their few chances that fell to them.
Very happy with the number of chances created, and the relative
ease that we played with… 2-0 is never a bad thing,
but can’t really get too excited about how we played.
The 3 points were big, and a clean sheet is always good.
I didn’t think I’d ever say it, but Eboue played well, and was
very effective today.
Everton is really playing some good football, and after beating Chelsea, they beat United. WOW.
Chelsea eased by Wolves… and now are in control alone at the top.
Classic Arsenal this season, with the see-sawing continuing…
Not gonna ever complain about 2-0.
Good summary.
Right, 2 league wins on the trot, need to keep the momentum building on at Stoke, which is likely going to be tougher than even Liverpool at home. Hopefully we have Arshavin and Diaby back for that.
Just looking at Chelsea’s run in, it entirely conceivable that on paper they can lose points to City, villa, Utd, tottenham, pool.
The problem is, with them being 6 ahead and with a better goal difference we have to lose 7 points less than them. Possible, but we can afford next to NO slipups and need to perform in our big games such as CIty and Totts. We also desperately need to close out teams like Stoke next week which is going to be no mean feat. Not impossible though and there is a glimmer of hope for us still.
Job done – finally.
The third sentence in the Guardian report is one I never thought I’d read:
On a more positive note, rare starts granted to Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboué down the right were designed with velocity in mind. Both had interesting games. Eboué was Arsenal’s best player by miles. Walcott was exasperating.
They certainly didn’t have trouble carving Sunderland open. George McCartney endured a torrid opening spell as twice Walcott seared past him, a footballing equivalent of rabbit versus tortoise. Speed has never been the forward’s issue. Decision-making is the burning question, and on both occasions Walcott looked like he was not entirely sure how to make the most of his advantage. He squeezed a cross shot wide, and then shot from an angle that always favoured Craig Gordon.
We got to take this chance and win. There is no way we could loose this game. Time to catch up boys.
Everton up 3-1. The humdinger season continues. ;)
Man Utd 2-1 down. FANTASTIC match. Love the football. Everton putting some really nice moves together. And their second goal? I soo miss the days when Arsenal players would get to the byline and cut the ball back into the middle. It used to be our trademark.. We need to get that back! Though I do realize it’s slightly more difficult when the opposition has every man back.
We need to capitalize on this if it stays as it is. We need to make the most of the fixture list run in as it is and we need to build momentum to do that. Sunderland need to be the first.. Shouldn’t be a problem on paper. Their main man I’m worried about is Kenwyne Jones and, if he’s not suspended, Lee Cattermole, who I expect to give Fabregas absolutely no space at all. Jones could cause some problems in the air and on the physical strength front but I think we will have too much for them.
3-1 to the Gooners!!
ManUre being played off the park by Everton
Thanks for the preview, as always….Good Job.
No mention of Kenwyn Jones? He seems a handful because of his size. Certainly there was a lot of talk about him during the January window.
Our starting line-up is interesting. No Sol, No Denilson? Eboue and Walcott down the right side?
We need to build confidence match to match (and it has to be very low right now. I’m hoping for the best.
Everton beat United 3-1. See you in the GDC….
I definitely think that Arsene has finally come to realize that Denilson is not all that.
Benched for Chelsea, Benched for Pool. Given a shot (blown it) against Porto and sits again.
After the Man U performance, Wenger had to let him know that if he plays like that he is just simply not good enough for anything more than the bench. If wenger had continued to play him he might start to believe that kind of performance and and attitude is acceptable, it clearly isn’t, Wenger is not as blind as some of us may think.
Starting XI: Almunia, Silvestre, Vermaelen, Eboue, Clichy, Song, Ramsey, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Bendtner
love the midfield.. Not too chuffed about Bent vs Silvestre.. so-so on the attack.. I think Walcott might actually get some space to exploit against Sunderland..
I am interested in seeing Eboue and Walcott down the right.
Surprised by Silvestre in place of Campbell
3-1!!!
Oh and I reckon Bendtner’s presence will help Walcott a fair bit too. In terms of creating space, and having a target man in the box to get on the end of his favoured cross-shots
I am not sure why every time we lose, Wenger has to say something ridiculous just like this
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=744326&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901
Match fixing? Where did that came from?
“I do not want to come out on the past,” he said. “In my job, you always have reasons to become paranoid, so I do not want to go the way to think that people are not honest.” -Wenger-
If he does not want the past to come out, why say it now. Why keep on hinting stuff like that.
Personally I cannot believe it is only Arsene that suggested that match was fixed. I do not see why you find it so ridiculous.
Somehow neither the ref or more atonishingly the linesman did not see the obvious foul on Rosicky, I could let that pass, these things happen.
But what I found RIDICULOUS was that the referee clearly made a movement that blocked Campbell’ path. Porto had taken the free kick before he had even raised his hand to say play on, he wasn’t even looking to see them take the free kick as he was too busy trying to block Campbell. He handed them that goal, that was effectively better than a PK. The ref is intelligent enough to know that if you hand the ball to the opposition in the penalty area when the opposing team is not ready and block off the only defender for good measure then that team will obviously score.
In fact in all my years of watching the game I have never seen an indirect free kick INSIDE the penalty box that the defending team have not been allowed to organise a defence before the kick is taken, NEVER!
I strongly disagree with Mr Wenger, the ref is not incompetent he is dishonest.
the match was fixed?
Arthur, if you believe that, find another hobby, forget about football and sports.
I never said the matched was fixed Stag, I said the ref was dishonest and the fact that Arsene MAY have implied that the match was fixed was not ridiculous at all.
Why don’t you make sensible debate and comement on the incident rather than waste my precious time responding to petty insults.
Arthur, if you are NOT intimating that the match was fixed, then what the hell are you saying?
The ref is dishonest how? He steals candy from stores?
You saying he is dishonest… if you are talking about his refereeing, it can only be taken one way.
If you believe EPL matches are fixed, in any way shape or form, why watch?
If I did, I can tell you I wouldn’t waste my time… (and money).
Like I said Stag “the referee clearly made a movement that blocked Campbell’ path. Porto had taken the free kick before he had even raised his hand to say play on, he wasn’t even looking to see them take the free kick as he was too busy trying to block Campbell. He handed them that goal, that was effectively better than a PK. The ref is intelligent enough to know that if you hand the ball to the opposition in the penalty area when the opposing team is not ready and block off the only defender for good measure then that team will obviously score.” Comment on the incident, how do you explain his behaviour in rational terms. Look at the incident again and give me a rational explaination of why he did what he did. I have heard no satisfactory explaination, all I hear is people overlook the obvious.
To me it is obvious he gave them the that goal and saw it firt that they should score. I only just said to you: “he ref was dishonest and the fact that Arsene MAY have implied that the match was fixed was not ridiculous at all” so why do you ask me the question of what I am imtimating? after I have already answered the question.
Why the referee was dishonest only he can answer. All I can say is what he done was clearly out of order, unprecidented and in my opinion dishonest. He does not have to receive money from a sordid gambling syndicate to do what he done. If he is allowed to referee in the World Cup after that incident I would presume that Uefa/Fifa would have given him license to favour Porto. They have expressed their concerns of English domination of the top competition only last year, although to their probable relief and mine Barcelona won :-)
“it can only be taken one way” by a small mind with little imagination.
Are you still not going to comment on the incident?
It was a mistake by a referee, or a bad decision.
It happens regularly, as refs are HUMAN.
The ERROR was made by Fabianski. Perhaps he threw the match?
Think about it, Fabianski doesn’t play much for Arsenal, he could make a lot of money by fixing the match himself, he pretty much scores both goals against his own team.
I think Fabianski FIXED the match.
He might have even signed a pre-contract with Porto.
My comment, is that Fabianski fecked it up, and you and Wenger are looking for excuses.
If I had any inclination that a sport or match was fixed, I would never watch the games.
NEW SIGNING!!!!
“Maybe (he will be back) at the end of April if all goes well. If there is no setback, he should be back before the end of the season but it is very difficult to predict.”
You guessed it, Arsenal will sign Robin van Persie for the 46th time inthe last 7 years entering the Guiness Book of Records as the most signed player in history….. followed closely by Rosicky…. with Diaby, Walcott and Eduardo all likely to challenge in coming years.
It’s the long slow boat trip to China, and we’re on it.
Everytime you hear or read Arsene saying ‘I believe’ it means ‘I won’t change my mind’.
The latest edition was his belief in our amazingly talented keepers. Unfortunately talky uppy only goes so far in the real world. And Mr Fabianski demonstrated that this belief is a long-run thing. Indeed, you have to wonder if in his particular case it is just dogs bollocks. Keepers rely so much on confidence – it’s like a golfer with putting. If the golfer loses his confidence, gets the yips, it can be agony trying to come back, many don’t. Same same for keepers – they need their confidence and once it goes it is not pretty.
I tend to agree with Nip, low pressure game, low expectations, so a win is quite possible.
Anyone else a little embarrassed again with the barrage of blame being dished out by Wenger for our own weaknesses? We lost, again, suck it up, keep your counsel, and prove your theory works. If you can’t….. take that sabbatical and let someone else get to work pruning back the dross from this side and giving it a fair chance to win….. even something like a CC or FAC.
Speaking of golfers….Fabianski mihgt take a page from the best in the world, who yesterday said….
“I am so sorry”….
(In other news, Everton lead United 2-1 in the 82nd minute…)
“the expectations are so low at this point”
That is why we will win comfortably today. When the pressure is low, this team does pretty well. It is when the pressure is cranking, that we fold.
There is no doubting the talent, skill and potential of this team. But the mental fortitude, attitude, organization, application, commitment, etc. are all in question. Maybe it is youth, maybe it is pure bad players, maybe both, but it is surely hurting us bad.
I am sure we will go on a decent run in the league now (against lower opponents) and there is no saying how ManU and Chelsea will slip. One hopes they will and one hopes we are ready to handle the pressure then.
Till then, I will watch the games in relative calm.
the expectations are so low at this point… that it doesn’t really
matter any more…
I’ll watch, and we could lose, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
I expect that Sunderland will get at least one goal, and it
probably be because of a defensive error or either of our
wonderful keepers screwing up.
No predicting this team any longer.