Defensively Speaking
Hot Seat For 1!
Well, with England and the United States back on their way home to nurse their wounds, I think it’s time that I began to really focus on the coming season. I half expect that there could be some activity picking up in the transfer window now that the the World Cup is more than half over.
Already there are rumblings that Arsenal have two players near to signing. Both of those players will fill in in areas where Arsenal was weakests last season – the defence. At the start of last season, actually before the start of the last season, there was so much unknown about the back four. Djourou would get hurt while on international duty for Switzerland. Arsene signed an unknown to replace Kolo Toure who went over to reap in some money from Manchester City. William Gallas was his usual self. Sagna and Clichy were about it on the full back side of things.
Well we found out alot about the virtual unknown that is Thomas Vermaelen. If he wasn’t the best signing of last season, he probably was one of the best. Simply put he put some steel back into the back four and was Arsenal’s strong man. He was questioned before he came on the pitch but from the minute the first whistle blew, the “Vermalenator” went work and didn’t stop until the last part of the season when he had suffered season ending injury.
William Gallas, surprisingly himself turned out for the part of the season he wasn’t injured an inspiration. Gone were the antics of the previous seasons and he seemed to focus on playing football and he availed himself well.
Finally, with injuries and a lack of real leadership on the team, Arsene went out and did something none of us ever thought he would do, he brought back a player. None other than Sol Campbell he who at the beginning of the season was in League 2 Notts County squad, was a January signing. Frankly, he may have been the best signing of that window because as injuries took their toll, Sol was called into action and very rarely did he seem to be out place on the squad.
The back four for most of the season actually availed itself well. Next to Chelsea that allowed the fewest shots on goal. They were very rarely bullied – with the exception of Chelsea. The real issue for Arsenal was the core of the defence – the keeper. Whether it was Manuel Almunia or Lukasz Fabianksi, there was no confidence that either could stop the shots that did get through. At one point before his “chest cold” Almunia had let in close to 50% of the shots he faced. While Fabianski didn’t let them in with the same frequency, the ones he did let in crushed the spirits of the team. Regardless of the keeper, the defenceive front had little confidence in the back stopper. When you don’t have that then you have issues. And when the goals went in behind Fabianksi or Almunia, the defence looked fractured.
Well here we are in the off season. It’s been kind of disrupted by the World Cup and Arsenal could very well be the most active player inthe transfer market. Depending on who read, the team has approximately £35 – £45 million for a transfer kitty. Arsenal have made on move already with much anticipated of Bourdeaux striker Marouane Chamakh coming in to add some size, skill and depth and more importantly cover to Van Persie up front.
The rest of the money is likely to be spent shoring up the defence. By all accounts, Manuel Almunia is going to be allowed to leave this summer. It looks like Mark Schwarzer is the desired keeper. Schwarzer has been a runner up in the UEFA Cup/Europa Cup twice. He has won the Football League Cup and been a runner up twice. He was the EPL player of the month in February 2010. If the signing happens it is clear that at his age – 37 – he is not the long-term solution but more likely the man who keeps the spot warm for Wojciech Szczesny. By all accounts the young pole has all the skills and is the keeper of the future at Arsenal. Schwarzer could come in for a couple of years. Szczesny can do the odd FA Cup and Carling Cup games and we can get a sniff if the hub bub is true. And in the mean time we also get a keeper who has won before at other levels, is still fairly consistent and let’s face it – better than our current first team options.
Additionally, our three old timers, Gallas, Silvestre, and Campbell are all out of contract. Campbell has a 1 year deal on the table but he also has a two year deal from Celtic out there. Frankly, I think Sol, will sign for Arsenal. He owes Arsene for giving him another chance when it is likely he wouldn’t have gotten one. Celtic are coming after him because Arsene gave him a shot. Gallas is being his petulant self and turned down the offer from Arsenal. He has been cut loose and is free to find a deal. Problem is that his demands seem high and he already has had Juventus turn him down. Silvestre – well let’s just say he’s gone.
Size to go with grit?
Coming in right now to replace some of the cast aways, looks like Laurent Koscielny the 24, 6 ft 1in CB from FC Lorient. The two clubs seem to be in serious negotiations and the recent loan of Coquelin to Lorient seems to be an attempt to get french outfit to accept the offer from Arsenal – that and a negotiated youth development agreement. Arsene rates the youngster highly. And given Le Professeur’s vast knowldege of French footballers that should be a good sign.
Additionally, it looks like there are other defenders that the club is interested in. Apparently Arsenal have approached Everton about Phillip Jagielka, only to be rebuked. However, Everton are out of the European picture and could use the money. So there may be something. Either way it does look like Arsene is serious about rebuilding his defence. Let’s hope he gets it right.
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Netherlands keep their nerve after going down in the 10th minute. Sneijder puts on a clinic in the 2nd half, Dutch score two goals, and Melo gets a straight red. Unless they have a major f*ck-up, the Dutch have a straight road to the final.
Had a nightmare last night…
We signed Ledley King for cover at CB!?!?
Well, he is injured a lot so he’d fit in. He’d also be following in the footsteps of his older partner, Sol.
Interesting –
Arsenal have offered Schwarzer a player/coaching role. He would be guaranteed first team spot – and would also help to develop Mannone and Szcznesy.
And yes, I am working on a new post.
Rumor that Madrid and Mourinho to bid 35Million GBP for RVP.
ummmm.
if that’s true, so long Robin!
he only plays 20 matches a season…
I don’t think the AFC would turn down that cash.
Knowing Arsenal’s medical staff’s record, that 20 matches might go up a bit at another club. Up to, say, 25, at another EPL club, and maybe a little more even at a non-English club.
Anyways, at that price I’d say sell, sell sell for sure if it meant Arsene would bring in another CF with the cash, but he might not… so… what good is the money then? What good is it to us, the fans, is what I mean. It’s no good.
Oh, I agree… RVP is my favorite player on the team to watch, when he plays!
I just don’t think the club would turn down that kind of money.
They would not re-invest it all, no way… it would be good for the club, good for the board, good for the debt, good for the profit league.
To underline my exasperation at blasting 10 M on Koscielny … the Bremen chief in the German dailies has come out to say he has turned down a 6 M euro bid for Per Mertsecker from Bayern. He claimed Per was worth almost double that. So if Per is worth “almost double” 6 M … so around the 10 M (euro) mark then?? Thats about 8 M pounds.
Mertsacker is 25, 6ft 6in, strong, very good in the air, clean tackler (very few yellow cards), SIX solid years of top flight bundesliga experience, 66 international caps for Germany, several years of consistent UEFA cup and Champions league experience. Remember, he is 25!
Koscielny is 24, 6ft 1in, slender, several years as a journey man in regional leagues and in Ligue 2, ONE year in any sort of top flight, absolutely zero international experience for country or club, and he is not even on the radar for any of the top French clubs.
Compare and contrast … why is this guy the SAME price as a host of solid, established defenders of the SAME AGE (some even younger)?
Why are we fooling around in this position again?? Why dont we go for the tried and tested?
DM is gaping (Song, Diaby, Denilson), GK is troublesome (Al, Fab) … now we are buying Bambi to start for us in CB. This season will be the first time EVER he is on the same pitch with a striker on the Torres, Rooney, Drogba level.
So the dynamic for us in any major match next season will involve their main men running rings around the “fearsome” Denilson/Diaby axis, beating a confused Vermaelen (who needs an experienced, vocal partner) and facing our calamity keepers …. at that point it will be vital that Koscielny doesnt poop his pants as Drogba heads his way.
To add to this:
The LAST guy we bought with such a THIN resume and neglible top flight experience was ……………. MANUEL ALMUNIA !!!
and Pascal Cygan.
Each cost 1.5M.
ummm. yeah.
we haven’t signed anybody. yet.
nobody has seen much of Koscielny, perhaps in a handful of matches.
Wenger and the scouts have probably seen him 10 times more than all of us combined, and they know just a wee bit more about players than we do…
and we’re already comparing him to Pascal Cygan, and complaining about him?
really.
REALLY?
if this is the guy Wenger prefers, AND he actually SIGNS HIM, which has NOT occured… then I don’t give a RAT’S ASS what the cost is, and I’ll see how he actually plays in the EPL before making judgements.
I have seen him in a few French games, but was certainly not paying ANY attention to him… so can’t say good bad or ugly.
I dont really care about the price, what I dont like is that we can get TRIED and TESTED for that same amount. Its like splurging on Almunia when Shay Given is available for the same amount.
The likes of Drogba, Rooney, etc have been destroying our defenders in the last few seasons, and we have a problem with the big teams.
How does an in-experienced, un-tested, elegant Frenchie who has never faced a “real” top class striker in his life help us? How does he help Vermaelen?
The whole argument about Wenger having watched him up to 10 times is pointless. Am sure Wenger watched Almunia and Fabianski 100 times before buying them too.
I personally am tired of watching Drogba rape our CBs while scoring a brace in every freaking game against us.
He has faced Chamakh!
Isn’t he good?
I remember watching Lorient beating Bordeaux 1-0… Chamakh and Gorcuff in the team!
How often does Wenger do “tried and tested”?
He sees no skill in that, he needs to MAKE the player.
To be fair to Cygan, at least he actually HAD several years of experience in France.
Almunia had NEVER played in a top-flight team before coming to Arsenal.
Cygan was Player of the Year in League 1!
And was Dud of the century in EPL.
exactly.
so you never know how a player will, or won’t adapt…
based on playing in a different league.
some shine, some not so much.
Mertsacker is oh so slow Fred, and has two left feet ;-)
He is not good enough for Arsenal, period, I don’t care what Championship Manager says Arsene Knows Best, have you forgotten?
Slow?? You dont watch any Bundesliga so I dont blame you.
Per was the linchpin of the German side that went to the Semis four years ago, the final 2 years ago … and the same guy who can play a high line against the Rooney just in the last game.
Maybe you are confusing him with Metzelder??
Watch him again tomorrow against Messi and Tevez.
Unfortunately if he puts in a good shift, EPL-centric “pop” football fans like you will be all over him and Wenger will surely never buy him.
well, Messi and Tevez are going to make the Germans look silly!
so, don’t go by that!
Maybe your’re right it could be Metzelder I ma referring too. He is a tall over six foot guy that actually declared he would love to play for Arsenal I think it was Mertsacker. It it was the little I have seen of him, and you’re right I don’t watch Bundesliga, he is slooow, the Premier League will expose him.
What’s old is new –
2010/2011 Home Kit is revealed:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-reveal-home-kit-for-2010/11-season
Look familiar?
Beauty. Now we have home kits that acually have white sleeves, so we look like Arsenal and not Liverpool or Man U. Goes good w/ our away shirts that don’t look like the Spuds.
Great kits, now we need “great” players to wear them so we don’t get embarrassed by City or Spurs.
The new home and away kits are very nice.
I still ain’t spending a dime on Arsenal until they spend on players coming in to improve the team.
I think I’ll look at the one’s on Ebay … with Nike tags, from Malaysia, for about half the price!
:)
Tightass :-P
Roy Hodgson moves to Liverpool.
It will be his team we face on the first day.
Liverpool to finish 5-7 this season. Hodgson is decent, but highly overrated.
DAG, City played some fantastic football towards the end of the season they looked like a team who has gelled to me. If Macini had not put the handbrake on in the game against Spurs and ourselves thay would have probably got that fourth spot.
Things are only going to get better for them. Look at the attacking potential alone; Bellamy, David Silva, Adam Johnson, Santa Cruz, Tevez and the wonderful Adebayor. That is some serious hardware. These are professional footballer who train together every day,all they need is a manager that can organise them appropriately then it is inevitable that they will gel, I think they have that man in Mancini. He has done a good job so far.
Things are only going to get better for them.
Mancini is a slightly above mediocre manager who has the touch of Ranieri to him.
He had fourth place firmly within his grasp and he blew it completely. There is nothing he did that Mark Hughes couldnt have. And the Welsh guy wasnt that good.
AMEN.
I am willing to make a bet that City finishes top 4 next year.
Name the bet!!!
I definitely think City is in the Top 4 this season.
I think they are better than Tottenham…
Don’t bet against CK. He put 100 on Chelsea for the title last season…
I think City can make it too. Look how close they were last season, and if gelling is the issue, they’ll have had 1 more year of it this time around.
DAG, so you are not talking to me then ;-)
Have I offended you :-(
Nope I am still here and I still think you are wrong.
As long as Mancini is coach they will win fuck all. Why? Mancini plays that conservative Italian stule of football.
In typical italian manager style they would rather draw against equal or greater opponents then go for the win. They will beat up on smaller rivals. That’s the Italian way.
That’s what got City in trouble at the end of the season. He was counting on teams slipping up and played it safe.
We weren’t exactly in good shape at the end of the season and I think if City had actually pressed – they could’ve taken the match. But they didn’t they were content to sit back.
For all of Hughes faults – he let City play.
And I will reiterate – all that talent can’t play and given the egos – they won’t want to sit on the bench. It will get disruptive. There will be issues on that team.
They could pip 5 but I still expect City to be like Chelsea was before Mourinho came.
I agree Dag Mancini tried to be too cagey in those two games. He is intelligent enough to learn from his mistakes.
I cannot see City winning the title just yet but they are more than capable of achieving CL.
That ego thing is overstated it is based on a media feuled impression of who those players are. Yep some will leave as better recruits are hired but I doubt if you will see the team implode because of dressing room issues.
Mancini is a far better than Hughes Fred you know this. He is far more experienced and has actually won titles.
Was Inter Milan winning anything before Mancini?
Yes as I said; if he had allowed his team to play with the handbrake off against us and Spurs they would have got fourth spot. It was a mistake that he made on his first season in the Premiership, these thing happen.
One thing is clear City is playing better football under Mancini than under Hughes.
Any clown could have won the title with Inter in THOSE two years.
Milan and Juventus were desolate and still affected by the scandal and old, old age.
Even a toad like Sam Alladyce would have been expected to win with Inter in those years.
LOL :-)
Look – my point of on City is this –
We all thought they would be a tsunami last year. They weren’t. They can’t play all the talent they have and given the egos on that team people aren’t going to want to sit (ask Steven Ireland, Craig Bellamy, and Robinho).
Will they improve, they could, but I still don’t think they have the right manager nor the right mix of talent. Talent alone does nothing – ask Real Madrid. Ask England.
And frankly herein lies the fundamental problem with the transfer window –
Sure you can buy all the talent in the world – it gets you nothing unless you can put it together.
Chelsea won this year because Ancelotti was able to gel that group. That and United and Arsenal nose dived at the end.
Mourinho was perfect for that Chelsea group – he was their manager and made a team out of them.
He will do the same for Real and they could be a threat to Barca’s two year run.
If City were able to ever get a coach who do what Mourinho or Ancelloti did at Chelsea and Inter then you might convince City are going to go somewhere.
Until then they keep buying like mad. They will be a good group of individuals without any promise.
Let not your minds be troubled:
“I haven’t said that I will definitely leave Arsenal,” Fabregas told The Mirror.
“Everything is possible.
“Now I have my head and my focus on the World Cup.
“I am very pride to be captain of Arsenal and I love the club and have respect for them.
In regards to DAG’s post above about the youth strategy, AW’s ego, etc:
I agree, going with youth is not problematic in itself, because some youth will turn out to be good enough. (Most will if you’ve got an eye like Arsene’s.)
It’s like the old phrase goes: “If he’s good enough, he’s old enough.” (Just ask the Germans.)
But I agree that the problem arises when some of his pick-ups (inevitably) don’t work out. You can have a few weak spots and still be a very good team, which Arsenal is. You can’t, however, have a few weak spots and still be league champions.
We have weak spots b/c Arsene refuses to fix problems immediately- he wants to wait for more youth to fill the gaps. Problem is, the league title doesn’t wait- it goes to who’s good, not who will be good. So the weak spots hamper the team’s fortunes when the rest of the squad is good enough.
I agree with what your saying, and when you add into the equation that Arsene Wenger ONLY CARES about winning the League and the CL…
then that means we don’t have much chance to win trophies.
Its OK if your goal is Top 4… because we have been good enough for that… but even that is becoming more difficult with 3 more teams in the mix last season.
so, we will be in the Top 4 mix, as long as Cesc stays at the club.
and that’s good enough.
City has now confirmed the signing of David Silva. They have now basically added Boateng, Silva and Ya Ya.
They have a decent coach and with these signings, coupled with Ade, Tevez, etc. makes them a team to watch this season.
gee, I said that above was rebuked! just because they have good players, doesn’t mean they’re gonna be good!
I think they’ve improved with those 3, and maybe more to come, and they weren’t too far off 4th place.
How we doing so far this Summer? and Totteringham?
I think City are closing in on a Top 4 spot.
Agreed
we won’t see a decision from Sol Campbell for a few weeks at least.
He is getting married then honeymooning, and said NO DECISION will
be made regarding his footballing future until after all that
blows over…
I thought you guys said that Sol was gay.
As i said before, it makes no difference to me if he is gay, catholic, Moslem, etc., but it’s just laughable how rumors are started.
who said Sol was gay?
when was that stated?
I know he’s been shown dating more than a few women in newspapers… & tabloids in the UK.
Regardless of what might be predictable habits by our manager during his tenure, there comes a moment that your dream gets shattered and you are ‘forced’ to rethink your vision.
I believe during May/June, this has happened with Arsene.
All of the tabloid gossip that Cesc was heading to Barca was his wake up call (imo). Our manager admits that he is a poor loser. Who of us does like to lose? With the finances
of the club under a brighter spotlight, I can see him addressing the key shortcomings of the club sooner,rather than later.
I was always under the impression that most players contracts run out by midnight of June 30th. So with the passing of this deadline upon us, I expect we will see some club announcements soon.
I agree with others that there is some benefit for having Sol on the squad for another season, but I don’t see him as a reliable full season option.
I prefer not to see Song inserted at CB, where Diaby or Denilson are utilized at DM.
Anyway, over the next month all should be settled and then all of the new players will add to the fodder of opinion.
— I think it is not only important to get a new keeper in, it is extremely vital to get RID OFF Almunia and Fabianski. That removes the temptation of “rehabilitating” them or having them play “well” in some meaningless League cup games in November before proceeding to fuck us over later on … again!
Those two really, really need to go.
— To add to my dissent on Kocielny, tbh, I dont see what he brings that Harvard Nordveit doesnt. They both have the same number of top flight experience: 1 year. They are of the same height. Harvard is four years younger but at least he has some youth experience.
For 10 M, cant we get someone better???
So, if we get Schwarzer… Koscienly… and Sol signs for a year.
IF… MAJOR F’N “IF”… Cesc stays… are we ready to
challenge for the title next year?
We swap Gallas for an unknown… bring in Chamakh for FREE…
and replace the happless duo at keeper?
I really don’t see that making us title contenders.
It makes us TOP 4 contenders.
Which is what it is really all about for the Arsenal Football Club PLC.
If Cesc goes, the whole plan blows up in Arsene’s and Arsenals face,
and we are scrambling like crazy to try to piece together that team
fighting for a top 4 spot.
I repeat Cesc is going nowhere no “IF” in the equation at all.
Arsene need s to keep hold of Sol Campbell, he needs to sweet talk him into accepting that one year deal and cite D.Berkamp as an example.
I would doubt that Wenger has not being watching Koscienly prior to last season, I think that now he has seen the flower blossom he wants to pick it. Koscienly may well be Vermaelen good or he could be Stephanovs poor if he fails to adapt straightaway. However if we have the tried and tested Sol at our disposal then we would be in a far better position. I am wondering if Arsene plans to bring back Nordviet from loan and blood him in the first team as back up, he looked very promising in the reserves.
As for the length of time to conclude the transfers, I think Arsene has always been a penny pincher, more so as he has wanted to clear the debt ahead of target. I think previously he has been able to keep the transfes secret thus the penny pinching has been done behind the scenes. Now people have been able to get wind of his tranfer negotiations early so we are informed and kept waiting as the details are thrashed out. Eduardo’ transfer negotiation may have taken just as long but keep totally under wraps until he was unveiled.
Sol would be nice to have, with his experience a big plus.
But if we get Koscienly… we’d have Vermaelen & Djourou, and you mentioned Nordviet… I can see him viewing Song as emergency CB… that’s 4 or 5 at the position. You want the main 2 to play together regularly. We’d probably be set at CB with Koscienly and Sol signing.
(in Arsene’s eyes, and that’s all that matters at Arsenal)
Nordveit played the entire season for Nuremburg in the Bundesliga and appeared in 25 games at both DM and CB..
Still think he needs one more season in Bundesligia or on loan with another lower level EPL team.
I was watching the Bundesliga last season.
Nordveidt played the majority of his games in DM.
Yep did play the majority of them in DM last season.
But he was an outstanding CB for us in the Reserves prior to that, I think Arsene still sees him as a CB.
Just saying that I don’t think he is ready. He needs one more year on loan at an English club where he will play CB regularly.
Barry is crap – I am sorry he failed miserably at City and failed even more miserably for ENGLAND. Sorry we have our own share of Crap players we don’t need another one.
Xabi was never going to come to Arsenal. Let’s be real.
And I am sorry for the most parts – his buys tend to work out. Everyone last year was bitching about Vermaelen – how’d that work out. Yeah, I know not everyone works out – e.g. Denilson. But they do – I also think and maybe I am drinking the kool aid – the Arsene gets it. He said at the beginning of last season if it didn’t work out he was going to rethink his strategy of younger talent. And while 24 isn’t exactly old – it is older than most of his past buys.
The only folks bitching about Vermaelen were clowns who dont realize there are very good players under the radar in Holland, Germany, etc.
Vermaelen and Kocielny are completely different in a few ways … Verm at 22 had played top flight footie for FOUR years … he also had THREE years of Champions league experience and THREE years of Belgian national team experience (not counting the youth teams). This is all by age 22.
Kocielny on the other hand has played only ONE season in Ligue 1 and he is already 24. He has absolutely ZERO champions league, international or even youth team experience.
He hasnt even mastered Ligue 1 and he is 24!
Am sorry this buy is infinitely more risky than the Vermaelen buy. Verm had faced a large number of very good strikers at all levels from a very young age. He had also come thru a solid youth setup at Ajax and was mature enough to become captain at Ajax.
Kocielny wasnt even good enough to play a single youth game for either France or Poland. Now he is expected to make the step up from ONE year of French league 1 to EPL STARTER facing the likes of Drogba and Rooney??
O-lala!
Me thinks, the praise of the Vermaelen buy is getting into Wenger’s brain and his ego has expanded like a hot air balloon on the Vermaelen performance, so he is looking to even outdo himself with this buy.
It is really difficult to see Arsene changing. I mean, the older you get the more stubborn and adamant you become. That is a natural human phenomenon and applies to everyone including Arsene and Fergie. :)
If we are suddenly expecting Arsene to sign 4-5 players, I seriously doubt it happening, unless 2/3 of them are free.
Some blogs are saying that Koscielny will be a backup and Arsene will sign another CB. Come on! Arsene has NEVER splashed any money on CBs, so when he splashes 10M on someone, you can be sure he is a starter (Verman and now Koscielny). For backup, I am sure Arsene has some 16-18 year old lined up. Worst case, they are always internal solutions (read Song).
Finally, a manager who doesn’t spend 12-14M on good experienced internationals will pay 3.5M for a 37-year old GK? Somehow I find that really hard to believe.
But I wouldn’t mind being surprised.
Arsene will probably give Nordveit and Bartley the opportunity to vie for a place alongside Djourou as backup at CB and not surprisingly, one may make the grade.
Still think we need to re-sign Sol, and if not, get another seasoned veteran at CB.
I think I should chime in on the payments made out:
Why anyone would think Arsene is going to spend more than he ever has for players is seriously misguided.
Even in the winning days he didn’t break the bank. He looked for players that he could get less than mainstream players.
As for 3.7 for Schwarzer – I rate Schwarzer much better than our current options. Let’s assume for a moment that our current options cost us 15 pints – 5 matches. Even if Schwarzer netted us 9 of those points we would finish drawn with Chelsea for the title.
Look Arsene is a prudent buyer. In most cases – in most cases I say – his purchases pan out the way he anticipated and in some obviously they don’t.
I really think those that havent worked out in this current crop – it comes down to more of a pride issue and saying I wanted to build a young team that grows. Its all on him if the youth project completely fails. Its an ego thing to not admit he was wrong.
But in reality has it failed. Some players havent worked out. Some are likely enroute to super stardom and some will be good players. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. What’s wrong is when Arsene’s ego gets in the way of him admitting some signings didn’t work out.
By all indications there are still 2-3 signing Wenger is going to try and make this summer. That is even after the signings of Koscienly (sp) and Schwarzer.
And for those who think I am being a fair weathered fan – I have done my fair share of ripping Arsenal and Arsene.
Oh by the way – as for the duration it takes for a deal to be done is that Ivan Gazidis is actually doing the negotiating.
I still cannot believe that Arsene will pay 3.5M GBP for a 37-year old.
Nip?
really.
3.5 Million is chump change.
and that 37 year old, is better than what we have on our team.
what’s unbelievable about it?
it also allows Wenger to keep his precious young crop of keepers by saying, its only a year or 2.
I find it unbelievable that Arsene was not willing to pay 12-14M for Barry/Alonso but is willing to pay 3.5M for a 37-year old.
That is not a lot of money Nip as Stag says; chump change.
GK is not as demanding position as the outfield positions, so age is not so much of a problem, on the contrary it is an asset because of the experience gained. Look at David James and Brad Friedel
I’d like to look at Brad Friedel or Tim Howard… IN AN ARSENAL KIT, please.
Oh those are my two preferred Keepers
well, we agree… but all that matters is what Arsene wants, and he can’t get Friedel or Howard for anything close to 3.5 million.
Schwarzer is inexpensive, and a stop-gap for 1 or 2 years, until Wenger can try Mannone or the Scznizille.
Man City pick up David Silva.
they are going to continue to bring in players as well.
again for them… its not going to be whether they are good enough… but whether the team can gel…
They can bring in all the players they want. If they can’t manage to make them play as a unit/team – then they will finish no better than England finished in the World Cup.
So long as reprobates like Tevez and Adebuywhore are featured there they will continue to be a team that focuses in on individual achievement.
I would love to believe that will be the case but look at Chelsea for example, gel? only a matter of time.
Adebutwhore is a team player God bless him, but what has Tevez done to be tarred with the same brush?
Tevez is a WINNER. He carried West Ham when he was there, he played a lesser role at United and WON there… and had an excellent year for ManCity.
He is having a good World Cup.
Carlos Tevez is one the best players in the EPL.
You can HATE on City all you want, but they are getting better and closer… and we are standing still or going backwards.
Man United did not iwn the title because of Tevez. They won becuase of Ronaldo.
City will again do nothing so long as they focus on individual talents rather than talented team players.
I see them again finishing no higher than 5th. Especially with their core defence.
of course you don’t!
you are a ManCity Hater.
Tevez left, and they didn’t win.
if he were there, they’d have won without Ronaldo.
They have improved their team again, and we haven’t yet.
you do the math.
they improved their team last year what did it get them?
They tied the record for the most draws in a row in a season.
Their defense was worse than ours. The only had a better keeper which probably kept them in more games.
I am not denying the talent of their players just the ability for them to look past the money and focus on what great teams do.
they don’t have to be a great team DAG, they just need to get into the Top 4, and the CL… they don’t have to conquer the league this year.
You want to sniff at them adding Yaya, Silva and Boateng, … go for it!
you want to downplay Tevez, Bellamy up front, with Ade… now Silva…
I won’t. They could be very very good.
Never under-estimate your opponents.
Amen
Did any of you read Untold Arsenal’s conspiracy theory about Cesc?
It goes something like this
del Bosque is a Real Madrid man.
So he won’t play Cesc too much in the WC.
This will make Cesc realize what will happen if he moves to Barca (stay on the bench mostly).
Cesc stays at ARsenal.
Real Madrid’s chances of winning La Liga next year increases.
:)
Yeah……
I read the article a few days ago…..I like your cliff’s notes version.
there is that, and the fact that he’s not good enough to be picked to start in that team!
Sure would like to know what thoughts are capturing Cesc’s attention these days.
To date…….can’t say this Spain experience (at the WC) is doing his psyche much good.
You need to defend, but you also need to attack. Portugal have conceded only 1 goal this world cup, but are going out. Why? Take out the N. Korea game, and they’ve scored 0.
The scroll at bottom of espn just said Real Madrid are buying Argentina’s Di Maria from Benfica for 30 million. Don’t know of that’s in USD, GBP, or EUR.
I think its US DOLLARS.
So thats like 15 Milion GBP!
That would make more sense.
As per the link below they are saying 20 mill GPB, which is 30 mill US or 25 mill Euro.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/29/real-madrid-angel-di-maria
di Maria doesn’t sound like a Mour signing because he likes ready made products. Maybe this deal was done before Mour came on board.
It will be really interesting to see how many players leave Real. There could be some good picks out there.
I am watching Busquets play for Spain and thinking –
Barca had Yaya Toure and then bought Keita but it did not in any way hamper Busquets’ progress into the first team. He wasn’t killed or anything of that sort. He fought for his place and made it his own and is now a regular in the national side; the same side where Cesc cannot get in. Barca can now afford to easily sell Yaya.
Compare that to how we treat youngsters.
It’s gonna be penalties in Pretoria… I hate PK’s, but it’s much easier to watch them as a neutral. I wish there was a better way to settle draws, but there really isn’t. They’re a necessary evil.
I thought you liked GOALS.
well, you get 9 in that shoot-out!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLL!!!!!!!!!!!
9 times.
PK’s are not goals. And again, you really mean to say you don’t like goals?
(Also, for the record, the shootout was 5-3, so there were only 8.)
again.
goals DO NOT make a good match.
I have seen excellent 0-0 matches.
so… is that “thing” Landon Donovan did against Ghana in the 2nd half? … a fire engine? a vuvuzela?
It was a PENALTY KICK… and a GOOOOOAAAAL!
;)
No, but two competitive matches, the one with goals is more exciting than the one without. It’s no coincidence that the match referred to as “Game of the Century” was 4-3, not 1-0.
I really won’t be terribly surprised if Arsene does nothing for the rest of the transfer window. In all likelihood I see one signing. As Fred rightly points out, we went into last season with the following CBs:
-One who has had significant attitude/discipline problems during his entire Arsenal tenure (Gallas)
-One who had promising talent but who had never played in the EPL and was totally unproven (Vermaelen)
-One Sylvestre (what more needs to be said)
-One super-young, inexperienced, unproven, injury-prone player (Djourou)
So I won’t be surprised if he does nothing at that position… oh, wait, he did bring in that 17 year old! My mistake! We better sell off Vermaelen so he doesn’t kill off his younger counterparts, Djourou and the new guy.
That still only leaves (realistically) 3 players unless Arsene is going to go back to his assertion that Song is a CB. If that’s the case then a new CB is needed too. Do you think one of the reserve players will get the call to fill the space?
I don’t think that even Wenger would play a 17 year old much at CB. He wouldn’t even give Wilshere much in the way of game time and he’s the great English hope.
Of course there is also an offer on the table for Sol as well.
I don’t know what he’ll do. I’ve given up trying to know. He could go get a CB, I wouldn’t be surprised. But I also wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he goes into the season counting on Vermaelen, Djourou, and Song as his CB’s. His track record speaks for itself.
I think he will sign Koscielny.
We will loan players to Lorient… and get that done.
but Cesc.
he’s probably going.
that’s what the issue will be.
how do u address that?
Sachin, that is a very interesting post you made and the documentary sounds even more intriguing. Technology can help us w/ goals, but as you mention, there are way more problems with football refereeing than goal-line decisions (although that is the most significant). As I mentioned a few months back, I really think the solution is to have more referees. Why not? Like I said back then, basketball has 3 refs (all of them ‘full’ refs, not 2 assistants like in football) to watch an area no bigger than the 18-yd. box, while American football has SEVEN refs to watch an area the size of a ‘soccer’ field. I really don’t see what the problem with having more refs would be, but you never even hear it mentioned. I think part of it may be that most of the world really only follows football, and so the thought of having several refs has simply never occurred to them.
Paraguay-Japan in extra time. Come on Paraguay!
Yeah I love that doc and it is probably one of the best films I have seen this year. The doc does not even explain which match is being shown and lets viewers figure things out for themselves. We jump right into the action and observe the players/refs without any narration. The camera makes the audience feel like a fly on the wall listening to things that one normally doesn’t especially during the ref’s post match discussions with the UEFA officials where both sides realize that serious mistakes were during the game.
You are right that I have never heard any mention of extra refs. A long time ago I used to think what if soccer adopted the NHL model of 2 refs and 2 linesmen plus a video judge that a ref can consult in case of controversial decisions. But never seen any mention of an extra ref but there was talk a while ago of 2 extra goal line assistants. That talk disappeared a while ago.
As for the topic at hand, which most of seem to have completely ignored in typical fashion ;-), I really Wenger isnt playing his usual lipservice to the area.
Remember the guy actually went in with THREE centerbacks just this last season, with Sylvestre being one of those three!!!
At the time he claimed Song was also a CB even though he was our ONLY DM. Funny how in April he finally realized Song doesnt have the pace necessary to play CB. Two years ago he said Song didnt have the engine to play CM. He continues to be our ONLY DM.
As I have said before I hope this new French guy is NOT our only CB buy, because the replacing the sheer experience of Gallas with a 24 year old that has only ONE year of experience in the Ligue 1 and NOTHING else is going to be a big drop.
In comparison, Vermalaen had FIVE years of experince at Ajax and several years of Champions League and International team experience.
I also still dont get the HIGH price we are paying for such an unaccomplished player.
PS: Why is it that every single “certain” transfer Arsenal makes these drags on for well over one month before its conclusion??? Most other clubs just do it in a day or so. Even pre-youth project transfer used to be “sudden”. I remember being shocked when I logged on in 2004 and finding we had signed Reyes.
That was back in the days when Wenger was still rational – signing players to augment a strong team that was at the time challenging for the title.
Now he wont even augment a team flailing in fourth place.
Eduardo was the last signing which happened in a flash.
Since then every one has been a protracted affair – Sagna, Ramsey, Nasri, Arshavin, Vermaelen and Chamakh.
It could be that Arsene haggles over every penny and/or selling clubs want to squeeze Arsenal for the last penny.
reading 8.5 Million for the Lorient defender isn’t a huge fee, except to Arsenal…
and I’d agree with Nipuna, we probably hold out for weeks, hoping they will lower the price.
There is always the chance that we could find someone else for less, or free, so… why not wait.
We don’t usually go the direct, decisive route.
Andez will tell you these negotations take time, MONTHS for Arsenal, because they are like buying a house.
Even though other teams wrap it up quickly for the most part.
Training camp starts in Austria in about 2 weeks.
so far, we have one FREE signing, and haven’t re-upped Syl Sol and Wil.
Hey, why are you complaining?
Arsene Knows!
You said it yourself. :)
I don’t see a single complaint in my entire post!?!
8.5 isn’t a big fee.
we go slow with transfers.
training camp starts soon, and we aint done much.
just the facts.
no complaints.
this is exactly what I imagined the Summer would be like.
:)
According to this (it is the Sun, so you never know), a deal has been agreed on for Koscielny.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3033699/Arsenal-land-Laurent-Koscielny-for-85million.html
For me, a major plus to this World Cup is that Joe Hart didn’t play a single minute. This implies that his stock hasn’t risen. The downside is that Buffon did play, was injured, and will be out for quite some time after his back surgery. This drastically lessens the likelihood of City signing Buffon and hence lessens the likelihood of City releasing Joe Hart.
Nevertheless, I say Arsenal should still ask City about Joe Hart. He is the future of England and we need English players in our side. With a strong defense in front of him, I think he’s got the personality to do exceptionally well for a big team like Arsenal. Hart can be both the England and Arsenal #1 for years to come and would be worth any transfer fee. If Wenger could sell him that dream with the knowledge that he can play in the Champions League this season, I think he’d jump at the chance to come to Arsenal. Mark Schwarzer is a good keeper for Fulham but he’s not Arsenal class and would be a waste of money. I say sign someone who’s going to be around for a while and don’t wait until the last minute.
If we can’t get Joe Hart, go after the kid from New Zealand. Then try and sign Hart again next season.
Agree with your remarks, Josh.
The Swiss goalkeeper caught my eye.
Buffon might be injured, but Casillas isn’t! and City will probably bid for him!
Schwarzer at 3.5 Million is cheap.
NOT a waste of anything, because he is definitely a superior keeper to Almunia and Fabianski.
(you could put them in the net together at the same time, and it wouldn’t help)
Schwarzer can play for a year or two, and obviously Wenger likes his younger keepers as the future.
But he hasn’t made a move yet, and I haven’t seen Almunia or Fabianski released, sold, loaned…
right now, we have 4 keepers.
From the last thread:
Stag, Cesc won’t leave because Arsene says he will not sell him. With all the speculation and Cesc supposedly saying what he has always said one day he will go to Barca, he has not put in a transfer request. He may want to go this season as his good friend David Villa is there now but he is not determined to leave this year it seems, not enough to refuse to play for us.
“WHY WOULD YOU WANT HIM TO STAY?”
Because he is our best player, he has integrity and if Arsene says Cesc I want you to stay another year at least I think he will still give us his best. Even Cristiano Ronaldo gave his best in his last season for ManU.
you have your head in the sand on this one Arthur.
But I understand you don’t want to face reality… its a difficult thing.
Wenger does not stand in the way of his players leaving. When they want to go, he sells them.
He sold both Henry and Vieira, for less than many thought they’d get… because they wanted to go.
He will not stand in Cesc’s way.
Actually, Arsene convinced Henry and Viera to stay for a while despite big money offers from high profile clubs. He only let them go after he determined it was time. He will convince to stay at least one more year.
Need I say anymore?
that’s opinion.
not fact.
none of us know what is said between manager and player.
but we know Vieira and Henry left the club… when they asked to be.
Time will tell my dear 133 :-)
If anyone gets a chance, I highly encourage watching the documentary Kill the Referee. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1483780/
It covers some of the Euro 2008 matches and focuses on some refs such as Roberto Rosetti & Howard Webb. Webb’s penalty decision in the Austria-Poland game is highlighted and the subsequent death threats he got. We also see the linemen realizes that he got the offside call wrong for the Austrian goal as he sees the replay on the stadium screen. So he tells Webb as they head to the dressing room that he got the call wrong. And then in the UEFA review meeting afterwards, they study play by play to see how the linesman got things wrong. The UEFA spokesman tells the linesman never to look at the tv replays as there is nothing they can do once they give their decision but instead they might try to compensate for their mistake later on. I thought of that scene as I read today that FIFA is going to ban replays.
The film takes us into the dressing room of the refs before and after the game, plus at half-time. It also lets us listen in to the communication between the ref and linesman. In the film, we see the linesmen screaming to Rosetti that he gave the wrong call and force him to change his decision. In another case, Rosetti asks his linesmen which defender caused the foul only for the linesman to tell him he lost the player. Watching the film it is hard to believe how modern refs can get by without talking with their linesmen through the headphones. So FIFA is fine with using technology to help make the refs communication easier with their linesmen which is why it becomes hard to understand why such communication can’t be used with a 4th of 5th official quickly reviewing a goal.
In one interesting moment in the film, Rosetti approaches Platini and tells him it is very difficult for the refs and linesmen to get every single offside call right. Rosetti tells Platini even if they get 9/10 calls right, the incorrect one might cause problems and undo all their work. Platini side steps the issue and says that it would be inhuman to expect refs to get every single call correct and walks off by telling Rosetti to not be worried about this.
Rosetti comes of as a perfectionist in the film and he is shown to ensure he gets every decision right. Which is why I found it interesting to see him try to talk about the offside goal for Argentina yesterday with his linesmen but this time it was incorrect and I am sure he was not happy. His words to Platini came to mind and Rosetti was right that one incorrect offside call can undo whatever the refs try to accomplish.
The movie ends with a UEFA spokesman telling the refs that video technology should not be allowed because if the players don’t get the benefit of video replays, then the refs should not either. He says if the players make mistakes and can’t rectify their decisions, then the refs should not be allowed to either.
Watching the film one gets a sense that the refs are being put under extreme pressure to get everything right and they simply cannot do so. So basically they will always fail, it is just that some will fail more than others. FIFA, UEFA will just sit by and talk about the human element of things and not do anything.
Oh another great thing about the film is we get to hear some of the conversation the refs have with the players. Karagounis comes off as a constant complainer and on multiple occasions Rosetti has to tell Karagounis to shut up. And then the camera catches one incident of Ballack being the hot head he is and get away with a slap but the refs miss it.
Thanks for posting this Sachin. Here in the States, it is the role/mistakes of the referees that are the one big factor keeping football/soccer from really taking off (as a high-level, spectator sport). Thank God the USA team overcame their bad refereeing situations–two over-ruled goals–and simply went out to a better team….
Watching the Arg/Mex match I really thought Rosetti was going to overturn the call. His decision to let it stand may have kept the match going with only minimal delay, but it was dead wrong, as everybody could see.
Football (soccer) is in danger of becoming like baseball: an anachronism. The traditions of football/soccer IS one of its major strengths, but it must evolve with the times or like baseball, it will be in danger of becoming a quaint (world?) “pastime.” The very first thing that must go is the idea that the referee must stand behind his first decision even when he realizes that it was wrong. This is codified in baseball and is, in my opinion, unappealing in the extreme.
The amazing thing is that, despite the rather woeful quality of it’s home-grown players, England is the place where the progress is and should continue to happen, taking advantage of its large worldwide English speaking audience. The EPL must start using goal-line (and then other) technologies. Already English refs wave off penalty appeals (and tolerate far less injury-faking). They could go further and punish diving more regularly with yellow cards, etc., though, of course, they must step up the level of penalizing dangerous play.
Arsenal (and the other top teams) rely on the refs to protect their more technically skilled and quicker players. Whether or not this is a wise strategy is heavily dependent on giving refs the tools they need to actually do their jobs.
Thanks. Yeah I am glad that the US didn’t let that bad call ruin their cup and managed to progress.
Since that film was in my mind, I was sure Rosetti would do the right thing. And briefly I was certain that Rosetti had overturned the call as it looked like Argentina were complaining. But not to be..
I think that incorrect decision may cost Rosetti his chance to be the ref for the world cup final. Once Italy went out, his chances of being the ref for the final were probably quite good but that call might have changed things, unless other refs will make higher profile errors in the quarters.
Here in Canada, some commentators have echoed what you are saying that the integrity of the sport is at stake given these high profile bad calls and the sport must finally embrace video replays. Blatter’s latest comments are just something to appease people and buy time. Unless I see change take place, then I won’t believe what he says.
If enough nations get frustrated with FIFA’s ability to undermine the sport, would they just pull out of FIFA and start their own federation or separate tournament? FIFA needs to be pressured to make change.
The European Cup acted swiftly and formed the Champions league to reduce the threat of a breakaway European league. So maybe nations need to put pressure on FIFA?
http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,18796_6235918,00.html
Paul Merson wants Harry Redknapp as England coach.
:)
How about you start a rumor that the FA offers AW to be England manager? :D
Since Arsene forgot his BB, the FA are unable to get in touch with him. :D
JAmie Redknapp wants his dad as manager.
so FIFA’s response to the non-use of goal technology…
BAN REPLAYS!
fantastic stuff.
Credit to Chile. Injury time and 3-0 down, they are still attacking.
Yeah, the IFAB (International Football Association Board) is the body that has the final say in football’s rule-making. There are 8 spots on the Board, 1 each for the 4 “home country” FA’s, and 4 for FIFA. Any rule changes require 6 votes to pass. Ridiculous that the UK has as much say in football rule-making than the rest of the world combined. Ironically, if England fans are going to complain about yesterday’s goal, they can blame the IFAB, and thus themselves! Or they can blame the other UK FA’s for sabotaging them. Anyways, it’s stupid that those 4 get as much say as the rest of us put together. It also seems odd to not just have FIFA itself make the rules. I’d suggest that they just take over completely, but they suck too.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=803428&cc=4716&ver=global
Very nice article.
The rules are made by a group of British and FIFA reps. Ironically, two of the home countries – Northern Ireland and Wales voted against goal line technology.
that’s because Northern Ireland and Wales can’t score goals!
So the likelihood of one of their attempts to score being ruled incorrectly, isn’t much!
!!!!!!
I found the link re Coquelin and L’orient and found the following quote to be rather comical.
“Koscielny’s agent Pierre Laurent confirmed the situation in an interview with Sport.co.uk.
“On Monday I had a meeting with Mr Féry, and he informed me that he has sent a new proposal to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.”
“The fee was very similar, so it should be okay. I then spoke with Arsène (Wenger) but he has not got his BlackBerry with him, so he does not know the new proposal from FC Lorient. So, for the moment, we are waiting for confirmation from Arsenal and Arsène.”
As the Arsenalanager, how could you be in SA during your signing season without your Blackberry and/or other means of communicating with your club and potential transfer personnel.
Just a thought.
Like Stag says – Arsene Knows!
;)
LOL :-D
CK,
He wanted to get iPhone 4 in SA. Apparently, it will only go on sale in the summer:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201006250966.html
He got confused between north/south hemisphere’s summer timing (pretty much like his goalkeepers sometimes get confused whether to catch, to punch or do nothing with the ball) ;)
Damn the Blackberry and those tiny keys send the email by Iphone 3G it’ll do!
Seriously, that story is unbelieveable for me. If this transfer was so important I sure he would have used any phone and email where appropriate. Even bought a mobile over there if he had to. I just cannot believe our great manager would allow himself to be unobtainable by any means at a crucial stage of a transfer. Unless he is playing hard ball, trying to declare who is in the position of power LOL
Come on, Art.
Arsene couldn’t buy a new phone because he doesn’t believe in splashing money for the sake of it.
He believes in his old phone and wouldn’t kill it.
;)
Thats goes against Wenger’s MO. Wenger cares less for the oldies.
He overpays for the young ones so the iPhone should be something he is all up on.
Personally, I dont understand the fascination with the iPhone (you can hardly call with it!) and dont care much for the way everybody is all over Apple’s dildo. Jeez! The worst part is Steve Job’s smug look of superiority as he rolls out his overpriced products! :-D
My blackberry works just fine.
Oldies are not cared for only when their contract expires.
Until then they occupy a place in team which rules out any new signings.
Maybe Arsene’s BB is still in contract.
:D
It aint the iPhone that can’t make a call, it’s the shitty AT&T cellular network. That company is screwed once Apple starts selling their phones with other companies this winter.
I hate Apple locking me into their iTunes and their app shop etc. But it is a far superior product to any other touch screen phone out there and the keyboard is far better than the Blackberry.
LOL! that is funny Nip!
Sure he can’t “kill” young Berry now can he.
@DAG,
Could you please post the links to the Coquelin, Simpson and Eduardo stories. Would be appreciated.
The Dutch have administered slow death to the Slovaks.
Except for Robben, their game is almost like watching slow motion.
Work man like, but effective.
Will it be enough against Brazil?
Brazil?
they have to beat Chile first!
You were saying …
they were lucky today. Chile had them on the ropes!
;)
some of the the match-ups for the next few games are what its all about.
Spain v Portugal
Argentina v Germany
Brazil v Netherlands
That’s pretty damned good.
LOL!
Holland have been – bar a few group games over the years – a complete snooze-fest of a team with a completely unwarranted reputation for flair football. Full of efficient, dead ball static players that are completely fu*ked without a dribbler to open up the game.
Thank god for Arjen Robben. A genuine jewel of the modern game.
The only internation teams that play attractive football are Argentina, Spain, and Germany.
Brazil play attractive football still Mazz.
Yep they are solid DF but there football is attractive, not as flambouyant as yesteryear but still…
I also believe the likes of Chile play really attractive football, if you saw them in their last group game you will see how well they play football, beautifully.
I don’t think Germany play attractive football at all, at least it cannot be comparable with Brazil. They were extremely efficient and clinical on the counter against England and Australia (not on the counter as much though), but in general play it is not beautiful team work that impresses but rather individual skill and efficiency that impresses me about them. It’s is all subjective and a matter of opinion but for me Brazil play far more attractive football than Germany but I must say an efficient German counter attcak is a sight to behold.
I’m speaking more about major teams. If we’re talking all international teams, minor or major, then Belarus probably merit a mention ;)
Germany have been good at both counter-attacking and looking threatening whilst having the bulk of possession. Their off-the-ball movement is superb and that is very much a collective effort. Relatively mediocre players constantly on the move and creating possibilities for the man on the ball. A joy to watch.
Brazil are a sturdy unit with the odd flash of class, but what you say about Germany is more how I would describe this Brazil side.
Belarus indeed! LOL
Yeah I hear you and kind of agree too with you assessment of Brazil.
I suppose it’s all about personal opinion.
I have yet to finish watching an entire Dutch game so far as it has been painful. Now I know why those 36 Dutch girls were deployed so as to give fans in the stands something to cheer for. And in typical FIFA fashion, the women are gone so fans have no choice but to watch the on-field inaction :)
Jan Mucha, the guy who replaced Fabianski at his old club, looks so much better than Fab.
you may think so, but Arsene probably doesn’t, and…
Arsene knows!
You may think that Arsene knows …
:)
oh, I know Arsene knows…
the debate is about “what” he knows!
LOL
The worst part of the England debacle is that the press would all put the defeat down to the phantom goal rather than the completely woeful team they have.
Capello wins no points though. I knew he would fail in this WC when I saw his first team and he had Lampard and Gerrard in a two man CM. Thats when I knew he didnt have “it”.
Good news for Arsenal – possibly – is that we could maybe now have less competition for Joe Cole and he would probably be more likely to lower his wage demands.
England does not have the advantage of having a good youth setup like France, Germany or Holland, so I dont see how they can re-build from this. But I think they still need to flush some of their players out.
Surely this should be Gerrard and Lampard’s last world cup.
PS: Walcott is probably relieved he didnt join the debacle. He doesn need it, he losses enough with Arsenal as it is.
Actually most of the media stuff I’ve been seeing is blaming the manager and players.
true. and so are the Brits I know.
nobody is under any illusion that they were playing well.
While posting back to back comments on this article, I got the following message today –
“You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down.”
:)
A bit of Robben magic is all that separates Holland from Slovakia at HT.
It is really completely against the rules of fair play that ALL your hardwork and preparation of several years can be undone by a split second mistake by the ref … I really feel bad for Mexico. Just like Australia four years ago they have been f#cked over.
Why FIFA refuse to use technology I would never know.
FIFA pretty much runs like a mob … maybe thats why they dont want technology … the refs are left free to “decide” games by mistake or on purpose.
No sympathies for the England “goal” though. Thats simply payback for 1966!
Ironically one of the English tabloids ran the headline:
They thinks it’s all over….
{A picture of the ball over the line}
It is now!
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12064_6235308,00.html
Andy Gray thinks the FA should appoint an English coach, possibly David Beckham.
LOL
Andy Gray is the very definition of a fucktard.
The level of English “punditry” is amazing really.
Agree.
That’s amazing!
I told you they would blame the foreign manager.
And to think to change a man of Capellos experience with David “I ain’t too bright” Beckham is beyond logic.
The team as it stands right now
Mooney, Fab, Vito
Verma, Djo
Sagna, Eboue, Clichy, Gibbs, Traore
Song, Diaby, Ramsey, Deni
Cesc, Arsh, Sicky, Nasri, Theo, Vela, Wilshere
RvP, Chamakh, Bendy, Dudu
The areas to strengthen are clear to all
1 CB + another CB (Gallas/Sol/new)
1 GK
1 CM (IMHO)
1 AM (experienced but cheap/free like Joe Cole)
Oh and for some new news items:
1. Jay Simpson has been allowed to leave the club
2. Eduardo has been told he does not figure into the club’s plans this season. He is reportedly looking on the continent for a less “physical” league.
Also – sorry for the article delay. Last week was a nightmare and Friday I actually worked from 9AM till 2AM. I didn’t roll into my home until 4:30AM. I finally got all caught up on sleep last night.
“If he wasn’t the best signing of last season, he probably was one of the best.”
DAG, you got to be kidding !!!
Verma was our ONLY signing last season. And he was certainly the best. :)
I should clarify my statement – I meant one of the best signings in the entire EPL last season.
yes, but we sold Ade and Toure.
What a nice piece of business and profit last Summer.
:)
Whatever is gonna happen, I just hope fans don’t treat buying players like shopping in the supermarket. Be patient. Those things take time. If you are gonna buy a house, you wouldn’t have rushed it would you? Players today certainly cost far more than a house.
When I saw fans suggesting we should go and buy who and who. Bottom line is – if we are talking about a quality player, WHY would his club want to sell him?
People don’t seem to take into consideration that just like Arsenal with Fabregas, other clubs do not want to sell their best players as well.
There are two ways of doing thing –
(1) Do a Barca. Translated – “Tap him up”. But if we do that, we are no difference than Barca. And we can’t complain about their antic on trying to tap up our best player.
(2) Play by the book. Submit an offer, if the selling club reject the bid, we back off, play fair. But under this circumstance, then let’s just be patient. Cos it would be far more difficult to buy an established quality player if you wanna to play fair.
I don’t think any team wants their best players to go, but if the player WANTS TO LEAVE, and you get a fair price, the question is, do you try to FORCE him to stay?
Do you force Cesc to stay if he wants to leave? Do you make him come out publicly, and say I want to play for Barcelona, let me go?
Once the player wants to go, why do you want him on your team, if he is not commited to the cause?
EVERY team “taps up” players. Some more than others, and in more public ways.
You don’t force him you reason with him a Wenger like way :-)
that’s not an answer.
but it doesn’t matter, because Wenger never stands in the way of his players… he let Henry & Vieira go, because they wanted to, he will with Cesc as well.