The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Arsenal v Udinese Wrap Up
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way – The opening paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities
Well, I don’t think I have any nails left do you? What an adventure that match was. I am not sure even now what to make of it. It started so brightly and ended with a feeling of “WTF just happened here?”
Heading in to the match, it was hailed as make or break time for Arsene Wenger and his charges. The hopes for continued Champion’s League adventures hinged on the successful outcome of last night’s match. If they were to draw or lose, the doom and gloom brigade would surely be out in force saying that Wenger had lost the plot and that he should be gone. A win, and surely the AKB lovers would be out saying everything is fine. From what I’ve seen there is a little of everything but for the most part people are looking at this objectively.
The Good
Besides the win, the good has to be that given intense pressure from a good opponent, Arsenal did not crumble. Last season a match like this where we were bending and bending would’ve surely led to either a draw or loss. While some shots were getting through and there were a couple of nervy moments, the team as a whole did not collapse. The bent, but they did not break.
Thomas Vermaelen looked as stout as I remember him. He was everywhere and did everything. When Gibbs went off injured he moved to left back as Johann Djourou slotted into the center back position. For the 10 minutes he got to play there it took advantage of his offensive ability and his keen ball handling skills. When Djourou went off with his own thigh injury, he went right back to the central position and commanded the back. The effectiveness of the tandem of TV5 and the constantly improving Koscielny cannot be understated. They are growing together (no this does not mean I think we are safe at CB).
Again, every time that Szczesny is on the pitch, he keeps proving why I like him. He simply is as effective a goal keeper we’ve had since Lehmann was in between the sticks. I am going to go off on a limb two games into the season and say he is a better GK option than United’s De Gea. Hell there were long range shots last night that De Gea likely wouldn’t save given his penchant for letting in the long shot. But Szczesny is ours and he just gets better. He likely will make some more mistakes here and there but he is so far better than anything of recent memory. I can’t even remember who they were.
Theo came to play. I was so happy to see that Theo is finally beginning to understand how to use his speed. Before Udinese took off their left back, Theo and Bac were having their way with the left side of Udinese’s defence. They didn’t have a suitable answer for Walcott’s speed. It was why he was in the right place at the right time in the 4th minute for the Cesc-like cross from Ramsey that proved to be the game’s decider.
Other notable performances were Gervinho who despite having issues with his shot, really is showing how direct a threat he can be. If he finds his shooting touch he will give people fits. Jenkinson and Frimpong each started looking nervy and made some early mistakes that could’ve cost us. But as they settled, they came into their game they and performed admirably. There was some good movement in the end from Frimpong where he beat out some Udinese defenders. It was a nice combination of speed and skill. Nice to see from the lad.
The Bad
It was hardly a convincing performance wasn’t it. For all of our possession, we gave up too many chances. We let them in and kept them close. It was good that we didn’t collapse because frankly it could’ve been ugly had we.
Di Natale is everything they say he is. I like him. I really do. It was a shame he didn’t have the support he kept screaming for. Had he gotten it, it might have been a different outcome.
I’ve been hearing of Arsenal going to a more pressure oriented defence but I didn’t see that much last night. I saw an Arsenal team, specifically in the midfield that gave too much space to Udinese. This allowed them to move forward on the counter quite easily and with the space they had, they almost made us pay.
I am not thrilled by a midfield of Rosicky, Ramsey and Song. Rosicky is not good enough any more. While he isn’t awful he doesn’t give us anything. His passing is off, his speed is “meh” and frankly he’s just plain past it. We didn’t sell him I think because we don’t/didn’t have an understanding of what was going on in our midfield. To me a fresh Jack and Rambo are a good combination and have a good understanding with each other. Until Jack comes back we may be deficient.
Also, I would like to formally announce that I no longer have Marouane Chamakh’s back. Sure he is good at holding the ball up but whatever happened in Vegas – his ability stayed there. At this point I am crying for Bendy to stay and Makh to go. And that says alot because everyone here knows I think Bendy is not our striker answer. The problem is neither is Chamakh.
The Ugly
It wouldn’t be an Arsenal season without questions about injuries. And yesterday we were chock full of them. First Gibbs goes off at the half after hyper-extending his thigh. Then his replacement Johann Djourou does exactly the same thing. Additionally, our back up LB, Traore was injured in Monday night’s reserve match. Sagna moved to left back and Jenkinson slotted in on the right but it will do little to make anyone feel at ease. Especially with Liverpool, a return CL leg and United coming up.
- Spend Da Money. Not Count Da Money
If there was ever a a case for defencive replacements it was last night. What is going on at the Emirates or London Colney? Its clear they hear the fans. They’ve basically insinuated as such. I know you don’t do business at the whim of the fans. But in this case everyone sees the same thing – a thin but effective back line that is an injury away from bringing on Sebastien Squileaky. There is absolutely no confidence there.
Also good thing we got the early score. Because of our lack of creativity though some fans may have had a false hope. With Cesc gone, Nasri likely gone and Jack visiting the hospital ward, Rosicky is not the answer. Either move Arshavin there or get someone in who can do the deed because we are showing ourselves to be woefully inadequate there.
Get ‘er done.
Some final thoughts
I said I was going to remain bullish on Arsenal in spite of the onslaught of negativity surrounding the club. So I wil leave the wrap up with this – We won. We won ugly. We won a game that maybe we should’nt have won. We won 1-0 in a match we eeked out. It was reminiscent of another time. Maybe that is the destiny for this season’s Arsenal. I don’t know. I don’t care. What I care about are wins – I will take them any way I can get them.
All we need now is an away goal. I see Udinese scoring at home but not 3. A single away goal puts this tie away for Arsenal. With Van Persie back off his suspension and a fresh Gervinho we should be able to get the goal we need.
Samir Nasri
Not sure how many of you saw the You Tube video with Arsenal fans singing the Nasri chant with a new twist. Instead of singing his praises they chanted he was a C U Next Tuesday. Well, in this day and age it was a video that was seen by the player and he took to twitter to say this:
I heard what the fans were singing about me on saturday and it is really disrespectful because i’m still a arsenal player- @Nanas08 – Nasri’s official twitter account
Then yesterday shortly after the match all the major press outlets were carrying a story that quoted Nasri as saying the following on his Facebook page:
It’s nearly done. But I will leave with bitterness and anger in my
heart.“I am proud for having played with the Gunners.“I’ve been very disappointed by the supporters last weekend.
“I am still an Arsenal player but I will certainly leave very soon.
Of course you can imagine that Arsenal fans jumped all over this. They were screaming for the Frenchmen’s head. Except there was a little problem. Last night Nasri took to twitter again with this to say:
Just to make things clear i dont have a facebook so i never said i was leaving with bitterness the guy who said that use a fake account – @Nanas08 – Nasri’s official twitter account
It brings into question the whole validity of the coverage of the team. Did someone make up the Nasri account? Did Nasri realize he had made a dreadful error in judgement and back track? Either way, no one is looking especially guilt free right now and it is only make this a circus unto itself.
The press are hungry for a story and if this story is not true then it only adds fuel to the fire that the journalists are stoking the flames of discontent at Arsenal. If it’s true then Arsenal need to remove a player who clearly cannot handle being under the scrutiny of the fans and doesn’t want to be on this team.
If he has a problem with what the fans are going to say, then he will have a bigger issue playing for another team. Ask Adebayor. Fans are going to be fans and they will praise and chastise players. The down side to social media outlets like twitter is that even as great as the access is, it doesn’t given the personality the filter they might enjoy with a regular press handler. The fact of the matter is this – it is probably better that Nasri not say anything in any outlet and let the executives handle this transfer deal.
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I’m sure this will get buried by DAGs preview of tomorrow’s match, but here goes….
It’ll be an early wake up for me, but the car-crash must be witnessed….. Only a good result (victory) will suffice, but ‘Pool must be smelling blood…..
I guess we’ll line up with a back five of Sneezy, Sagna, LK6, TV5 and Jenkinson (preferred) or is Djourou fit enough so that Vermaelen can move to LB?
Frimpong and Ramsey, I guess, will play in central MF with Arshavin tucked in behind RVP and then Theo and somebody (Ryo or AOC) on the other wing. Or will Bendtner and/or Nasri get a final match for us? Am I forgetting somebody?
It’s our 3rd match and it’s completely insane. I could understand if it was mid-season and we had our normal crockiness. But I guess points are points, and it doesn’t matter if we drop them in August or November……
Like everybody else, I do not get the rationale with the transfer window. If money is the be all/end all, Why did we not flog Cesc to other teams to raise his price? And why are we waiting until the deadline to (perhaps) do our business, when selling teams have us over a barrel? There’s talk about whether or not beating Udinese and getting our CL money is a factor, but we’ll still need to play in the Europa League, (right? with matches on Thursdays and likely with more Eastern European travel)….. All signs point to little or no activity and a reliance on the proverbial internal solutions, but maybe the thinness of the squad means fewer loans for our legions of teenagers and reserves (?)….. Some of those are gone as well. Denilson, Vela, Bendtner and Eboue…. Would that group really help us less than all the newbies who will play in their stead, or is it all about reducing our wage bill? The call for removing “deadwood” has, at least somewhat, been answered, but it’s almost as if we’re trying to chuck the ENTIRE season away, almost before it even starts….not exactly the (other) answer for supporters paying higher ticket prices…..
Frankly, I don’t get it, and I’m not seeing any real plan at work, even if it’s ALL about money…..
The only thing I can see is that somehow management believes we can achieve acceptable results while cutting in every possible realm (and rewarding Cesc with his cut-rate dream move). It’s as if the towel has been thrown in, to be replaced, maybe, with some sort of prayer vestment…..
Smarter people, please explain, as I’m at a loss…..
@HighburyTerraceSteve, the thing about waiting for the CL fixture victory baffles me. On one hand, Arsene buys kids for the future. So why not buy for the upcoming season and also for any other euro competition as you mention. It is just an excuse about money. Arsenal seems to be modeled on only a cash flow system, where nothing is spent until more money comes in. What about the money that is already there? Beats me. Paying off debts?
Even I am puzzled at how can the squad be in this mishape just before the 3rd game?
@sachin, This is what makes me really mad….And, as you know, I tend to give management the benefit of the doubt…..
The board has sold out to Kronke, who was able to pay WITH CASH. To the best of my knowledge he is flush, he should have decent liquidity AND he’s a tax exile, living as he does in the United States, where poor people will not vote for politicians who seek to raise taxes, even on billionaires(!?!)….There is no reason WHATSOEVER that we should not have made firm, reasonable bids with deadlines early in the summer for a slew of players who might have convinced Cesc and/or Nasri that our intentions were good. If those two were already gone (which I think they were) they should have been given one final high wage offer then flogged on the OPEN market much earlier. Waiting until this late date is criminal in that it undermines the current (skeleton) squad for these crucial matches AND raises the price for any players we hope to get at the deadline (unless they’re threatening their current teams with Cesc/Nasri style poutiness of their own)…..Even if we fail to qualify for the group stages of the CL, we are putting ourselves in a deep hole for claiming a top 3 spot (or 4th, when we have to qualify again, next August)…..
I’ve thought about this in a variety of ways and, frankly, the only explanation that makes sense is that management is assuming that we are entering a barren period of lowered revenues, where any CL matches, including qualifiers, are bonuses. In that light the “ill-timed” ticket price hike may not have been so ill- timed after all. If we’re entering a rebuilding period where our inherent quality makes us a top half or Europa League team, (which seems about right) a ticket price rise would look all the more absurd. Better to do it now, lose many of the older (disgusted) fans and hope that there are enough new ones with deeper pockets and lower expectations to fill their seats…..
@HighburyTerraceSteve,
Don’t think any of us could ever have imagined this type of lineup starting for Arsenal in an EPL game.
WTF
Transfer window CLOSES in 12 days.
@stag133, 12 days for everyone but Arsenal. For Wenger it is shut for incoming players but only open for exits. He tried, banged his head against the wall and screamed
Where them quality players at?
To which Ivan replied there are none. Arsenal already has all of them.
My Wenger rant for the day!
One of the many things puzzling to me about Wenger is his perchance to buy relatively young players for fairly substantial sums of money who have no chance of obtaining a work permit.
They are then paid high salaries and farmed out to various teams in Europe with us paying for part of their wages. Just about every other team in Europe has a clause in their contracts which invalidates a deal pending work permit approval.
Vela, Galinda, Botellho, Wellington Silva and more recently Ryo and Campbell all fall under that spectrum. Fortunately, Ryo got an exceptional talent permit.
Throwing some body out on loan to various teams during their tenure provides little stability for personal growth and we have no control over their football progress. These players are not schooled in the Arsenal way, have very little personal attachment to a club which they never play for, will never meet the home grown rule and invariable end up being sold for little or nothing.
Can someone name me 1 other club which does this?
WTF
Don’t know if this means anything at all:
1. Dann and Mauro Zarate both players we are linked with are not in their respective Europa Cup squads. (neither are injured)
2. Yann M’Villa who were recently linked with is on the bench for Rennes.
3. Marvin Martin is in the squad for Sochaux
@DaAdminGooner,
Samba was on the bench for Blackburn but did not play last Saturday. At the time I thought that was a sign.
Who the hell knows what that means anymore.
@Caribkid,
Yeah but Samaba’s being on the bench didn’t have implications for the Champion’s or Europa leagues
@DaAdminGoone,
I understand that DAG. Still funny though that Samba was on the bench when he is their best defender.
As with Cesc and Nasri, Arsenal didn’t want to play them, regardless of competition once serious negotiations were under way.
@DaAdminGooner,
BTW, both Dann and Zarate are far from being the type of impact players we need.
Zarate, a striker with 25 goals in just over 100 appearances for Lazio in a 3 year period and no call up for the Argentinean national team since U-20 doesn’t cut it. We can get more production than that out of Theo or Bendtner if they are given the chance to play up front instead of Chamakh.
As for Scott Dann. Nothing more has to be said. Shoot, I would have preferred to see Bartley, Jenkinson or Miquel given the opportunity as the 4th CB after JD.
More importantly than anything else is the acquisition of a quality, creative player in the MF who can also play on the wing or up front. Mata, Rossi, Jadson, Bastos or the likes.
@Caribkid, I’d love to get Yann M’Villa! Been a beast from all I’ve seen and read of him
@OziKenyan,
I do like M’Villa a lot but don’t see him as a creative MF. He is more of a DM ior box to box type.
Not that he wouldn’t be a big upgrade to our team.
My ideal incoming would be:
1. CB Samba, Cahill or Mertesacker
2. CMF Mata, Jadson or Rossi
3. Striker (all the good ones have already been taken) Forlan as a stop gap, Ade on loan, Etoo as a wish which will never happen, Tevez on loan (London is closer to Argentina than Manchester City) :)
4. Utility Player Bastos, plays LB, LW and CM
Think that JD, Koz and TV can all play effectively at DM to rest Song and would provide way more experience and aerial ability than our untested Frimpong.
I hope to stop talking about Cesc eventually but watching him play so soon after officially leaving was surreal. He didn’t play any of Arsenal’s pre-season games so he must need match fitness but he slotted in so nicely last night. Yes his first impact was an accidental collision with Pique but after that his passes had purpose. A simple pass to Messi led to the winning goal but near the end, Cesc threaded a beautiful ball to Messi which would have been a great goal if it had been scored. Almost took me back to 2008 when the presence of Hleb and Flamini ensured Cesc could do wonders.
Last night’s game also confirmed for me that Cesc has to be in that Barca team, a team that can give him support and framework to reap dividents from his talent. Arsenal 2008 had it but no longer the case now. His move reminded me of Tim Vickery’s quote about Ivan Zamorano at the Copa America. Zamorano said he would give up all his trophies just to be able to play 15 min with the current Chilean team. Cesc does not have to give up any trophies but he gets to play in a dream team in his home town and coached by someone who he looked up to as a kid. When Cesc joined Arsenal, he was surrounded by legends — Vieira, Henry, Bergkamp, Pires and Keown. Plus there was Lehmann, Kanu, Wiltord, Reyes, Freddie, Gilberto, Sol, Lauren, a much better Toure, an uncorrupted Cole, Edu, Parlour. The team also had Cygan, which seemed frustrating back then but was still workable. Cesc was lured into a great team but in just a few years the team was packed with players worse than Pascal (or on the same level). Cesc should have left sooner but thankfully he didn’t. His last year was not that great because of injuries but he was there for one final roll of the dice.
And now the project starts again. The next generation of youngsters are lured with great salaries awarded on potential and not performance. Papa Wenger must be very proud.
Fred: “I assure you guys that within a year Fabregas will be the undisputed BOSS of the Barcelona midfield machine.”
I second that!! This cut-price 35 mill price isn’t gonna get easier with time, just gonna burn more.
We better not face the humiliation of facing Barca in Champs League this year!! I won’t be able to stand watching Fabregas rip us to shreds
I think the internet must be BROKEN? or mine isn’t working right…
I see that Chelsea have signed Lukaku. and they’re probably going to finally get Modric from Spurs for a lot of cash.
This means Spurs will get Ade, and use that cash for some incoming players.
Cech is out injured. And Wilshire is set to miss Liverpool, ManU and Udinese…
Nasri was allegedly @ ManCity for a physical.
BUT. NOTHING. ABOUT ARSENAL SIGNING ANYONE.
That can’t be. We are SCREWED with defensive injuries. We’ve sold one star for 35 Mill, and another is on his way out for 25 more.
So, my analysis is… my computer or internet must be broken.
Because no team, no club, no manager … could be that freaking stoopid… not possible.
I think the internet must be BROKEN? or mine isn’t working right…
I see that Chelsea have signed Lukaku. and they’re probably going to finally get Modric from Spurs for a lot of cash.
This means Spurs will get Ade, and use that cash for some incoming players.
Cech is out injured. And Wilshire is set to miss Liverpool, ManU and Udinese…
Nasri was allegedly @ ManCity for a physical.
BUT. NOTHING. ABOUT ARSENAL SIGNING ANYONE.
That can’t be. We are SCREWED with defensive injuries. We’ve sold one star for 35 Mill, and another is on his way out for 25 more.
So, my analysis is… my computer or internet must be broken.
Because no team, no club, no manager … could be that freaking stoopid… not possible.
“I think I have a wrong reputation of not wanting to spend money – I do not want to spend money for average players.” :shock:
@vibe4arsenal, Hmmmm. seems like we have a team FULL of average players, that we’ve spent quite a bit of money on to bring in, and we’re overpaying them weekly with crazy wages…
someone is delusional, and its not me!
@vibe4arsenal,
Wenger gonna be Wenger!
@Mazza,
Reporter probably just left out a word…
“I think I have a wrong reputation of not wanting to spend money – I do not want to spend money for ABOVE average players.”
@vibe4arsenal,
The old loon Myles Palmer summed it perfectly I thought:
“He(Wenger) refused to do a press conference!
Silence from him is a rare blessing.
MORE SILENCE, PLEASE.
I would love more silence from Arsene Wenger.
Improve your team and let the performances speak for you.
Don’t fill our screens and newspapers with piffle and piss-taking spin.
SHUT UP !
Sign four experienced players!
Don’t say anything more until you’ve signed four top players who can transform the team and make going to see Arsenal a football experience.
He won’t do that, of course.You know he won’t, I know he won’t.”
@Mazza,
It’s been kinda funny for awhile, but now it’s just odd. I’m starting to believe he’s clinically a narcissist. It’s interesting how much of this could be applied to him.
_________________________________________________________________________
A person with narcissistic personality disorder may:
React to criticism with rage, shame, or humiliation
Take advantage of other people to achieve his or her own goals
Have excessive feelings of self-importance
Exaggerate achievements and talents
Be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love
Have unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment
Need constant attention and admiration
Disregard the feelings of others, and have little ability to feel empathy
Have obsessive self-interest
Pursue mainly selfish goals
_____________________________________________________
Ah, well. We’re going to New York this weekend. Whatever happens, I’ll read about on here.
BTW, DAG…meaning meaning to say, some comments on still either blacked or grayed out on my Droid Incredible. Main post is on the black and white and reads just fine. Some nested comments are impossible to read, tho. FYI.
Cesc wins his first trophy after a few days back home, even if it’s only the Super Copa.
@Caribkid, he has posted a pic of the trophy while standing with Puyol and Pique. But in the picture, you see a pack of ice on Cesc’s leg. How bad was that tackle by Marcelo? Did Jose tell Marcelo to go all Stoke on Cesc?
@sachin,
Tackle was a scissors. Could easily have damaged ligaments, especially medial collateral.
@Caribkid, I finally saw the game and it was very bad. Like you say, could have been worse. Although looking at who the Madrid manager is, Marcelo’s madness makes sense. Never seen a manager of a big team act so immaturely. Jose has his trophies but he is still a jerk.
@Caribkid,
It may only be the Super Copa, but it looks like they were taking it pretty seriously. 6 yellows and 2 reds for Real, 3 yellows and 1 red for Barca, all 6 substitutions burned thru in the 2nd half, 5 goals, and hard hard tackles. Sounds like a hard-fought game.
Seems like Real is still bitter about Barca beating them in the league and CL last year, and wanted to try and prove otherwise, but Barca is still better, and The Special One has another bruise on his ego. Also, aren’t La Liga players set to go on strike? If there are no league matches you might as well give it your all in the Super Copa. (Maybe if the Big 2 shared some TV money the other clubs could pay their players and a strike wouldn’t be necessary.)
From the match report it looks like Cesc came was subbed into midfield, which forced Iniesta into the forward line, which in turn forced Pedro to come off. Anyone want to bet on how long it will be until that becomes the SOP (standard operating procedure) at Barca? The top European assister for the last 5 years is too good to leave on the bench. Pedro is talented, but still only a well-drilled role-player, not a special talent like Cesc. This will eventually be their starting formation, provided Mourinho and Marcelo haven’t conspired to put him out of commission for too long.
(How the best team in the world will utilize a former Arsenal captain is the most interesting Arsenal-related topic for me to discuss right now. I have grown tired of the malaise of the past five years.)
@ChicagoGooner,
Ofcourse Fab would start.
The only people that think he will be a bench player are Fabregas-doubters and Peter “Dummy” Hillwood.
I like Pedro, he is a really solid player. But Fabregas is on another level.
I assure you guys that within a year Fabregas will be the undisputed BOSS of the Barcelona midfield machine.
He is a special talent and has the same training and playing mentality of Xavi/Iniesta. He is gonna be learning from them … picking up that extra. He also brings something significant. Physical endurance or “superiority” from playing all these years in the EPL.
By the middle of this season, Xavi and Iniesta would have tweaked their game to suit Fabregas and his play. NOT the other way round.
He didn’t start. He was a sub with about 14 minutes left.
@DaAdminGooner,
Oh, snarky today DAG ….
I said: “Ofcourse Fab would start. The only people that think he will be a bench player are Fabregas-doubters and Peter “Dummy” Hillwood. …….. I assure you guys that within a year Fabregas will be the undisputed BOSS of the Barcelona midfield machine.” etc, etc, etc.
IN RESPONSE TO:
“From the match report it looks like Cesc came was subbed into midfield, which forced Iniesta into the forward line, which in turn forced Pedro to come off. Anyone want to bet on how long it will be until that becomes the SOP (standard operating procedure) at Barca?”
———————
So in other words, I was agreeing strongly with CG’s bet that Fabregas starting would be “standard operating procedure” this season.
Neither me nor CG said or implied that Fabregas started this particular game anywhere in the two comments. Infact, we had already ascertained that Fabregas was indeed subbed in.
Lighten up.
@DaAdminGooner,
And he came on in the last 8 (not 14) minutes – after Benzema’s equalizer …. and subsequently playing a significant role in the winner.
@ChicagoGooner,
No game between Real and Barca is going to be friendly, especially with Real feeling a bit slighted because they have been on the wrong end of the stick the past few years.
Funnily enough, as with Spain also, Cesc does not play the the Xavi role. He played in a very advanced MF role with Messi being the only real striker. Adriano and Iniesta then drifted out to the wings in a recessed role with Xavi playing much deeper.
Not to forget that they have Sanchez who was undisturbed on the bench along with Thiago and Affelay who is recovering from injury. Any of those three would be starting at Arsenal. Oh for such a wealth of riches.
Most surprising however is that Mascherano has been playing well at CB.
@Caribkid,
Not surprise about Mascherano at CB at all. His mobility, defensive awareness, positioning and tackling are all top drawer. Only thing he lacks is size which he more than makes up for.
I still remember the days the rumours were going strong that we’re trying to sign him (pre-west ham days).. But of course as with many Arsenal ‘targets’, it didn’t happen. Apparently, we’ve been in for and ‘nearly’ gotten the likes of Pato (pre-milan), Ronaldinho (pre-PSG), Ronaldo (pre-manure)… etc. etc. etc. I think kaka makes the list somewhere as well. I can’t be bothered looking it up.
Interesting…
A few quick zings here guys.
1. @Hsteve
Dang right I would take back Ade on loan in a heartbeat. He is far better than anything we have here currently. Seeing how City has raided us for Toure, Ade, Clichet and Nasri it would seem on befitting that they would assist us in the matter by paying part of his salary.
2. The Board has already made their decision how they are going to handle this debacle. Unfortunately, we are not privy to their decisions.
I could be wrong, and I often am, but it seems like we are trying to get rid of the bad contracts (overpaying for fringe players) with the likes of Eboue, Bartley, JET, Vela, Bendtner, Denilson, Clichey and Almunia either being sold, loaned out or on the transfer block.
Not quite certain what this means.
Are we doing this so we can be profitable even if we don’t make the CL, finish out of the top 4 and have reduced attendance and TV appearances?
Or, are we making financial space so we can bring in a few world class signings on big salaries?
I guess only time will tell.
3. We, including Arsene, fans and the Board all know this squad lacks the quality to compete on all 4 fronts. So, the next two weeks will determine where our ambitions are for the next 2-4 years.
As for me, if the Club’s ambition don’t match mine then I’ll chalk it up to life and move on. There is still a lot of great football to watch even if it does not include Arsenal and and I can just put her in the same category as my 2nd ex-wife :)
Na$ri close to being sold to ManCity for 25 MILLION.
That’s 60 MILLION into the AFC coffers… in a week…
not even counting Eboue… saving on massive wages as well.
How long do we have to wait for 2 or 3 or 4 signings?
WIth that much money IN… and 2 of our best players OUT… the defense being decimated by injury, as well as being horrendous last season… selling off our starting LB, and having no viable experience replacement.
WHEN.
WHEN WILL THIS BE ADDRESSED.
@stag133, and currently, I am back to checking BBC & Soccernet every hour, on the hour… because a SIGNING HAS TO BE IMMINENT…
right?
We aren’t that stupid, that arrogant, that idiotic… to go with what we currently have… can’t happen….
we wouldn’t take 60 Million and just put it into the board’s pockets.
no way.
Na$ri close to being sold to ManCity for 25 MILLION.
That’s 60 MILLION into the AFC coffers… in a week…
not even counting Eboue… saving on massive wages as well.
How long do we have to wait for 2 or 3 or 4 signings?
WIth that much money IN… and 2 of our best players OUT… the defense being decimated by injury, as well as being horrendous last season… selling off our starting LB, and having no viable experience replacement.
WHEN.
WHEN WILL THIS BE ADDRESSED.
Several quick things here:
1) I’m getting sick of posting stuff only to have it buried by a new post from the DAG….Please see my post at the top of the previous thread re: questions and analysis of yesterday’s match and our (dire) situation regarding a squad thinner than Abou Diaby’s ankles…. Also, stag might want to read it as I tried to get in a dig (or two) on his favorite English midfielder…..
2) The Nasri thing is Adebayor ALL OVER AGAIN, with the “fake” twitter/facebook stuff up there with Ade’s badge kissing antics. The crazy thing is that we could really use the “Blue Da-de” right about now…..While the headlines are all about Spurs being in for him. Despite the antics at the Etihad (Eastlands) two seasons ago, I would take Ade back in a heartbeat, as he is SOOOOOO much better than our current options. Given that we seem to be moving towards a faster breaking approach (seeing as our midfield can hardly work possession these days….) he might not find himself offsides quite as often…..And we know, despite his protestations, that deep down, he truly loves the Arsenal. Maybe we could get him on loan, City paying the bulk of his salary……
OK, ‘nuf said…..for now at least…..
@HighburyTerraceSteve, HTS.
I am not sure how much you watch of other teams…
but I have a mate who is a West Ham supporter, so I have seen quite a few of theirs from the last few seasons…
If you have watched enough of Scott Parker, you’d know he is a very good player… and far better than anything we have right now…
just saying…
@HighburyTerraceSteve, HTS.
I am not sure how much you watch of other teams…
but I have a mate who is a West Ham supporter, so I have seen quite a few of theirs from the last few seasons…
If you have watched enough of Scott Parker, you’d know he is a very good player… and far better than anything we have right now…
just saying…
I don’t care what Nasri Twitters or (doesn’t) Facebook. I’ve said before, it’s well within the supporters rights to express themselves negatively, if that’s how they feel. Same applies to the athletes. Everyone involved is free to be an idiot. I could care less. Dude is about to be an ex-Gunner and I was never all that choked-up by him, anyway.
In any case, we would all be a lot less frustrated if the Arsenal front office could handle this sort of thing with any measure of efficiency, intelligence or grace. So that’s the direction in which I still focus my contempt.
“WTF just happened here?” We won. Take it. Enjoy it. It beats the living hell out of the alternative.
@Michael Pacholek, Sorry, but nothing’s won yet….We take a slim lead into their stadium at the halfway point in the tie. The clean sheet is very nice given the away goals rule (and I could get used to them more generally)…..Unfortunately we’ve got a tough match against Liverpool on the weekend then the return leg while Udinese only need worry about the match in 7 days…..A more dominating scoreline AND performance would be far more comforting……
Chin-up ppl. Here, have a laugh (or a cry as the case may be):
http://www.studs-up.com/comic-archive/
all accounts of the match I have read… said we were lucky to win 1-0 at home to Udinese… that they sliced thru us at times … had scoring chances they should have finished… and we’re traveling to Italy for the 2nd leg.
Song suspended? (does that apply to CL?)
added injuries to the defense…
Why can’t Undinese score 3? I am sure they could.
We are in SERIOUS trouble with this current team…
I am happy we got a win, and proud of the players that played… they held on gamely in a tough spot… and came away with a massive WIN in the CL… because you are correct, a draw or loss would have been BRUTAL from both fans and media… (and rightly so)
This ship is really going in the wrong direction.
With Wenger spouting utter shite… “I’d spend 40 million for the right player”… the boat is rocking all over the seas… and could capsize.
You mean to tell me he feels there aren’t ANY players available for a decent price that can help this team? that if he doesn’t find “the right players” in his freaking small mind, we will NOT buy anyone?
The absurdity of the current situation is INCREDIBLE… and I don’t believe there are ANY backers of what we are watching play out here… NONE… don’t know of ANY Arsenal supporter who believes we should stand pat and just go with what we have…
PLAYERS (plural) MUST BE BROUGHT IT QUICKLY.
There are NUMEROUS OPTIONS out there… that can help this club, stabilize it… make us a better team.
Nasri.
I just don’t care anymore… sign and play, or go away…
Arsenal need to complete the sale to City or whomever and move on… or if he isn’t signing, and we’re not selling him… get him on the pitch and let him walk at the end of the season…
But SORT IT OUT.
So tired of all the drama and lack of actual DOING SOMETHING at this club…
@stag133, If the accounts you’re reading said we were lucky to win, then stop reading those accounts. You know the English media hate Arsenal. WE WON. Simple as that, baby.
@Michael Pacholek, Sometimes there is more than just winning. Arsenal were lucky to do so. They are thin all over the pitch. Who is a forward you can trust besides RvP (when he’s healthy)? One injury at the back brings on Squillaci. Ugh. The only decent midfielder who is healthy is Ramsey.
Am I glad Arsenal won? Hell yes. Do I think Arsenal can do anything this season with the current squad? Hell No. If they win in Italy next week ( a big if) I’m not sure they get out of the group stage as the team stands now. Play this badly in the EPL and they miss the lucrative CL next year. That’s a lot of missing cash for a board and manager who seem to value money over performance.
Three players:
1) Chamakh: At this point, he is actually WORSE at his job than Denilson was at his!! And I never thought I would say that about any player.
2) Song: He has continued his brainless running forward routine from last season. Even Arseblog is now on to him. At one point he lost the ball in the oppo’s box and our CB had to make a last ditch tackle in our’s to stop a goal.
Then what the heck is the point of a DM??? Our DM causes more pressure on our CBs then he relieves!
If that is the sort of “defensive” strategy the club has then it will not matter who we bring in at central defense.
Shameful situation.
3) Rosicky: An old, nice but quite worthless horse. He needs to be put down (given away for free).
Good article, we definitely need 1 more CB AND a LB. 1 CM/AM and 1 ST/Winger would be a nice touch as well. I saw Chamakh tried to turn once yesterday, and he got cut down.. after wards, all he did was pass the ball in the general direction he was facing. We need much more than that. He’s stuck in a rutt and I don’t know why! We really do need someone like Di Natale who’s been there, or another skillful player who could keep the ball or make a play on his own! We do miss that!