New Look Gunners Impress
Aug 12th, 2012 by 'holic
Four unanswered goals against a team relegated from the Bundesliga last season isn’t a new dawn in itself. We will face much stiffer tests over the coming nine months. The evidence of the workout in Cologne, however, is that we are looking much better equipped for those challenges than we were twelve months ago.
The Gunners started with a real mix of the old and the new. It was a little surprising to see Vito Mannone given a half behind a back four of Nico Yennaris, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen, and Kieran Gibbs. Ahead of them the selections were fascinating. Francis Coquelin seemed to be the sole holding player in the midfield with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla given more freedom to push on. Given Cazorla’s background it was no surprise he caught the eye with the speed and accuracy of his distribution.
Olivier Giroud was the focal point of the attack, but both Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski were quick to come in from the flanks to support. Podolski added a fluidity to the formation that caught the eye, not afraid to drop back when the opposition had the ball, and quick to switch into the hole when we attacked down the right.
The opening goal was straight out of George Graham’s Bould and Adams playbook. Cazorla’s corner from the left was flicked on at the near post by the giant Mertesacker and Vermaelen evaded the statues in the home defence to head us in front. It was almost two when Giroud’s cushioned header set up a volley from Cazorla that was well saved by Horn, the youthful Cologne ‘keeper.
The second arrived when Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought down in the box and Cologne legend Podolski stepped up to score his first goal in an Arsenal shirt. If that was a simple opener for his Arsenal account the second was far more explosive, a left foot hammer blow after exchanging passes with Gibbs.
Only Podolski survived the half-time changes by the visitors. That may have been by arrangement with the hosts, or it may have been that the boss thought he needed the game time. A couple of determined blocks denied him the hat-trick he deserved before he trudged wearily off to a great reception from both sets of fans with twenty minutes remaining. He had proved by then that he gives us options out wide, in the hole, and as the leader of the attack.
One who was not as well-received was Robin van Persie. I have made my feelings about his situation abundantly clear, but I fail to see what will be achieved by booing him while he is still in an Arsenal shirt. It is sad to hear reports of Arsenal supporters squaring up to each other in the stadium. I hope this is not repeated should the Dutchman be in the squad for next Saturday’s opener against Sunderland. I would hope we are better than that.
By the time he appeared we had stretched our winning margin to four when Gervinho, prominent throughout the second half, surprised the ‘keeper at his near post after shaping to cross. The closest Cologne came to spoiling the clean sheet came from Lehmann’s dipping effort from range that thudded against the bar and came out to be grabbed by a grateful Wojciech Szczesny.
Interestingly Abou Diaby appeared to survive the half unscathed, and if (I know that is a massive if) he is able to remain fit then he will add to the selection posers facing the boss next weekend. I would imagine That Szczesny and Jenkinson are the first two names on the teamsheet, but then it is a choice of two from Koscielny, Vermaelen, and Mertesacker, and one of Gibbs or Santos on the left.
The midfield trio options may have changed by next week but if Song remains then he goes into a hat that includes Arteta, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and of course Cazorla, who must surely start. You don’t need me to point out that up front we have options for all three places as things stand, and very good options too. Arsene has already indicated that the two new boys may not be ready yet, but I don’t see them getting match-fit without playing. I would start both, but not just for that reason. We need them to gel quickly, and the signs this afternoon were that they may both do just that.
That is a discussion for later in the week. For now we have all seen that potentially we have spent very well over the course of the summer. There is a buzz about the club. Let’s concentrate on the positives as we get ready to kick-off a new season. Welcome Santi, Olivier, and Lukas. I think you may well help us to close the gap on the Manchester clubs. Another couple of signings to help at the other end of the park and we are in a great position, aren’t we?
497 Responses to “New Look Gunners Impress”
First!
Well done Snir.
All, before I forget, I will be sending out HT invites tomorrow night. Make sure I have an accurate email address for you in the drinks.
Nice write up holic.
Olivier is such a target man!
Thanks gor the good write upon,holic….I’ve just got in from an afternoon bowls (lawn) match and couldn’t watch the game. The seaon’s prospects are exciting….what a contrast to 12 months ago π
Great write-up Holic. Shame to hear about the internecine warfare going on.
One I prepared earlier? Oh go on then π
Wow Oh Wow!
I know it was only a pre-season and I know the opposition wasn’t first rate, but hey the Doomers would be making hay on the back of an adverse result wouldn’t they, so it’s only fair that the rest of us get pretty excited when we look as good as we looked today.
Santi Cazorla looked everything we’ve been promised and more. His interplay with The Ox, his ability to see a pass and deliver instantaneously off either foot all promises so so much for the coming season.
Giroud looked a very good player indeed. Strong, available and with a very neat first touch, only a superlative performance from the Cologne goalkeeper prevented him from hitting a first half hat-trick.
Podolski out wide left in the first half but tellingly used as centre forward for the first twenty minutes of the second half was all German efficiency, provided the rapier thrust to the D’Artagnan brilliance of Cazorla, and capped his return to his spiritual home with 2 well-deserved goals.
And my God, does he look as if he is not to be messed with. With him and Giroud in the side, we instantly took on the look of a bigger and stronger side. One that will not be shoved around by the likes of Pulis and his neanderthals.
Elsewhere in the first half team, both Theo and The Ox looked very bright in their contrasting ways, Gibbsy and young Yennaris got forward to great effect, whilst the returning Bfg and Captain Tom provided a calm solidity which meant that Mannone, surprisingly picked ahead of Fabianski, had little to do, though a glaring fumble which very nearly gifted a goal, will not, one would have thought, have Arsene reappraising his goalkeeping options.
With Podolski being the only one to survive the half time cull, some inventiveness was lost, though Gervinho displayed a wonderful trickery and, it has to be said, some of his wastefulness notwithstanding a wonderful goal, Diaby had 45 minutes of quiet brilliance, Gnabry had his first, but almost certainly not his last, taste of first team football, and Arshavin had moments which might attract willing suitors.
You know who came on for a largely ineffective last 20 mins, affording Poldolski to take an ovation of thanks from a crowd, grateful for past efforts. Did that ovation make Robin stop and think? Doubt it, but I shall leave it to others to interpret his body language as signs that he is staying or going. Meh!
Getting carried away? You bet!
Arsene knows! Bring ’em on.
Just back from a morning drive up to San Francisco and back, so thanks ‘Holic for the write up…saw the links to the game in the last drinks, will watch that next. Sounds like the prospect of an exciting season!!
Nice write up. Very nice run-out to end the preseason. Liked the confidence the players showed. Only Gervinho was a bit hesitant and needs to hit some of those balls first time. He also took a shot when he should have passed. But I am nit-picking. So excited for the season to begin. Let’s start positively.
Debuchy for one of those additions? He wants a move.
Excellent assessment, Barkeep.
Roll on this weekend. Good shout, Snir.
BMBD.
tabs @ 6 — agree with all your observations. The Cazorla-Ox combination was really surprising.
I am now convinced of another thing — the offensive forays and the attempted defense-splitting/overhead ‘hollywood’ pass that became such a trademark of Song’s game last season originated neither in the player’s whimsy or some accidental discovery. Coquelin tried the same passes and in one or two occasions found Giroud quite cleverly. I think the *unusual* sudden and creative move by DMs must be something that is being used as a conscious strategy. Having someone as level-headed and positionally aware as Arteta in the midfield allows us to use this line of attack.
With great players in,great signings,great motivations,great
preparations,great inspirations,great GOLDEN & RECORD making Gooners
fans in Gooners Mo Farah and Alyson Felix of USA.
Do we lack the push for elusive trophies?
This is our season to loose!
From
Sunny Rimi
With great players in,great signings,great motivations,great
preparations,great inspirations,great GOLDEN & RECORD making Gooner
fans in Gooners Mo Farah and Alyson Felix of USA.
Do we lack the push for elusive trophies?
This is our season to loose!
From
Sunny Rimi
Thanks guv. Nice piece.
Roll on Saturday
COYG ICDDR
Thanks also for your match report Tabs – another great read. The player I’m wishing to succeed this coming season is Abou Diaby. It truly is make or break for him (no pun intended). He’s got it in him to be a world class player and would probably be one ( playing for ManShitty π ) if that crud Dan Smith had not fucked his ankle those years back now.
Let’s hope he remains injury free and can show us the class he possesses.
I was extremely fortunate to be at the athletics last night. I have attended all sorts of huge sporting occasions but the roar over that last lap was the most awesome thing I have ever heard in my life. In the after session show Ben Shepherd asked Mo if this was the loudest roar he could imagine. He replied “Yes except perhaps for the Emirates! god bless him and let’s hope the team absorb some of his indomitable spirit.
Today was very encouraging even taking into account the poverty of the opposition. There were still causes for concern (like Mannone as a potential back-up keeper!) but there was a lot more reason to be optimistic.
Cazorla looks sensational,Giroud had great movement and you described Podolski perfectly-he looked a real addition to the squad. Gervinho and Diaby had nice moments too. We need a solid back-up to Szczesny and I’d like to see a really good defensive midfielder who can make us less prone to the quick break-and the shedding of all the dead wood who are a drain on the club finances.
But there are real reasons to believe we can really prosper this season-its a lot more interesting and encouraging than this time last season
Oxon, from the last bar, good to see a convert to the wisdom of Cato the Elder. Regulars will remember that I began this solitary crusade at the start of last season (and look what happened to those Farca bastards this year). You can also visit some bars from months past to learn why you canβt just translate English to Latinβ¦ But I applaud the sentiment all the same.
Good write-up TaBS.
I also have to agree with Snir from the last bar…we have the best “potential” midfield in the league this season. Let’s make it happen.
BMBD.
Positivity is back with a bang,spoiled with both holic and tabs accounts,the employees are playing for minutes now.loved the bit about the flick on at the near post we were masters at that.bring in the season.
Wow up front & midfield our squad is sensational that’s as it stands!, but very weak at full back & goalie cover, for me santos, sagna & sir chez are fantastic players but Gibbs, jenkinson, mannone & flappy are not premiership quality let alone good enough for this arsenal, not at the moment anyway, that’s the worry but we could score more than we let in this season anyway, very excited to get back in my seat this Saturday, this is the best squad since we last won the FA cup
Final thought song who i kove was awful today & chamak crap!
Well in Snir ! No goals but first in the bar ! Oh well. π
Nice write ups Guv and Tabs. Very busy week coming up for me, but will see both of you under The Tollie Brollie next week, I hope. Are you there Tabs ?
Thought the benefit of buying quality, experienced players really showed today. Poldi and Santi looked like they had been there for years. Santi looks to be a very special player indeed.
The Ox blended seemlessly with Santi too. Some achievement for a teenager with a mere handful of games for the first team.
Tabs and The Guv have already done the match report thing, but I would also say that Theo Walcott looked a different player today.
Very quick, very direct, very thoughtful in how he used the ball.
Don’t eat too much on these upcoming Saturdays Hansen. May have to leave room for that hat ! π
How come we did not see Arteta play today? I hope he is not injured.
Thanks for the excellent match report, ‘Holic, and TABS@6, take a bow for some pretty evocative writing! Been quite a few summers since I’ve been this intrigued with our possibilities…
Great reports guys, my thanks.
I look forward to seeing the highlights tomorrow but everything that I have seen written by the intelligent confirms my sense of a team that can finally maintain a strong challenge for the big prizes.
You know it must be so when we get SAF bleating about us in the press and Manure trolls visting us here in the bar. They can also sense a change in our squad and they do not like it.
Of our unsettled crop of employees there’s only one that I want us to tie down for a few more seasons and that’s Little The-o. I believe he will fit very well into our new look squad. I also hope we secure decent fees for all the rest that we are able to sell during this window.
Buckle-up HT go-ers. The train is ready and resplendent in it’s freshened-up livery. The seats maybe ever so expensive but those lucky enough to afford the fare are in for a helluva ride this season.
PS for Hols – I’m failry sure you have my email addy should you be wanting to send me an HT league invite. I will accept, of course.
PPS for Snir (from previous drinks) – No LWCs, Manure c*nts, awks and hobgoblins from St*ke, Bus Stop dwellers and I propose that we add The Vulgarians to this list too for this season. All other teams are fair game even that twisted little runt B*rton of QPR if you’re a sadist.
offensively we looked quite sharp, but again the defence was getting exposed. The m/f’s need to remember their less glamorous responsibilities
I strongly hope that fans will not be booing Van Persie. We should never forget that he is still an Arsenal player. We should try our best to keep him at Arsenal because he will make the team stronger. It is really stupid to give him more reasons to leave us.
This team seems to have a lot of potential and we should offer all our players as much support as possible.
Most has already been said by some excellent posts from the landlord and assorted regulars, so not much point in me adding very much. I suppose most are watching the closing ceremony of the Olliempics anyway π
It is said at the end of every closing ceremony, but this time it’s true:
BEST GAMES EVER!
Its been a great Olympics for gooners…can Ian Poulter, just 2 shots behind in the last golf major of the year – make it a great gooner month. Come on Poults.
Olliempics, heh! π
Cheers, ‘holic.
Managed to catch the game on ESPN (without the sound, thankfully) in the pub after all.
Great stuff.
Worried about what ette would use Giroud for though π
Great game, absolutely buzzing. As has been said, our 3 new signings were superb in the first half.
Santi pulled all the strings in midfield, short passes, one-twos, left footed long balls, right footed flicks, you name it. I felt that Santi, like Arteta, makes his midfield partners perform much better. Coq played the anchorman role professionally and admirably. Ox benefited much from Santi’s intelligence, it almost seems like our newest signing is able to bring out the best from his surrounding players. Ox flourished having Santi be able to release quick passes into space, and so did Theo.
Theo continued his great form in the preseason game against Kitchee. Quick, direct, sharp, and growing to be more intelligent by each passing game. Here’s hoping he continue to develop well in the Arsenal shirt. If he continues to play like this and develop his game I see no reason for him to fear his starting place.
Lu Lu Lukas Podolski was a welcome contrast to our usual gameplay. Direct, decisive, fast and most importantly ruthless. His penalty was well taken, and the play leading up to the penalty was very well done between him and the Ox. He did not see much of the ball after the penalty, but when he did, he made a wonderful interchange with Gibbs to set up a typical Lukas hammerblow so often seen in his Youtube videos. Welcome Lukas Podolski!
Giroud was vital to the team’s great performance in the 1st half. Always available as the focal point of attack, always looking to get on the end of passes, and looks like a nightmare for defenders to guard. His lay off for Santi was a touch of absolute class. His header from a corner deserved a goal, barring a superb save. He could, and probably should’ve scored if not for the goalie’s heroics. Nevertheless, in all the chances he had he did what he had to do, hit the ball cleanly and hit the target. If he keeps building on this performance there is not much cause for concern. The chances will come, and fingers crossed, the goals will too.
Robin van Persie also came on for a half hour cameo or so, wearing the captain’s armband. Interestingly, it looked like he just arrived from a time machine… From the future. I was quite sure we had a 40 year old RvP captaining our team until the final whistle. Grey hair, lost a little bit of pace, but still had his brilliant touch. What the heck went on for the past 3 months? Is he on an aging race against Arsene? I’m sad to hear our fans argued against one another when he came on. All I have to say is if he stays, I’d like a Robin van Persie straight out from a time machine from the past. Exactly 12 months ago. Not one from the future, please. We should save that for Gnabry, Ryo, or Ox.
COYG. Oh lastly, great job Arsene and Bould. Our defense was good for most of the game. Just need Bould to whiplash Song everytime he bombs forward as the most defensive midfielder and cheaply gives the ball away.
A drink for Derrick!
Nightcap for me.
Holic, I think some of us like you, were a little surprised by the selection of Vito. He’s my concern. A test from AW, no doubt. Looks like we are very near to a dream team, at last. The City of Manchester, regardless of their color, has been put on notice. Watch out, we’re coming. Oh, and terrific write up by the way.
Derrick, just read it. Cheers. Tabs too. Well that’s it for me. Nite everyone, we’ve got a lot to be grateful for.
Only four?
Saving themselves for next week, obviously.
Six sleeps.
scruzgooner & NorCalArsenal – where do you guys recommend to watch games in the Bay Area???
I’ve said it before and I’ll etc etc
I have never booed an Arsenal player and I don’t intend to start now.
Watching on the iPad today I could not notice any booing of RvP.
What I could notice was a very uncomfortable looking player, very much out of touch in front of goal.
That may have been due to his break, his other business, or the reported booing.
We all know what he has done and very few of us agree with it. More than enough has already been said about that.
Personally, I want Arsenal to win, more than I want to upset van Persie on the pitch.
I have also already said that I will find it hard to respect RvP again, although, with an apology, I will support him.
While he has an Arsenal shirt on though, I certainly don’t want to try and make him play worse.
also more related to the game – give me one more defensive signing and we are golden. have a strange feeling RVP will stay and have another remarkable year with us. The prospect of being second-fiddle in an aging united squad and embracing the title of “traitor” for not much more money than what we can offer, will keep him here. Theo on the otherhand is almost surplus at this point. Cazorla, Ox, Gervinho, Rosicky, Podoski all capable of playing in his position… If we can get a deal I would consider it… The rumours of Bendtner swapped for Mexes are mouthwatering as well!
Can almost smell the silverware.
Sorry Ian Poulter, gave you the Olliecurse (copyright) π
Have to say the GK situation still worries me.
No need to bash individuals here but our backup keepers are just not good enough. It’s such an important position, please give us just that one more shiny new toy Arsene.
Greedy buggers, aren’t we. But this could just be our year.
derrick, trev, nicely said. i can’t wait to see a midfield of santi, mikel, and alex…either chamberlain or song.
momoney, i like to go to 99 bottles in santa cruz, there are often a number of goons there for midday games (pdt). i always go watch the cl games there.
there’s a gooner club in sfo that i hear get together at a pub for morning games, but it’s a long drive, especially for a 4:30 am kickoff…even for a 7:30. check out http://www.arsenal.com/usa/fanzone-usa/usa-supporters-club/san-francisco-ca
i just watched the first half. quite pleasing on the eye, except for a couple of defensive miscues. yennaris is a tidy player, though (as with jenkinson) he tends to be pushed too far upfield when the ball is lost in midfield. tracks back well, though. poor olivier, he could have had an easy hattrick plus a couple of assists, if their keeper wasn’t so successful. bodes well for his play this season, he did everything he should have except score. and podolski’s movement surprised me. he made the pass for gibbs, then made the run for the return pass and the one-touch goal. very nicely played. santi looked like he was born in our midfield, great interplay with ox and theo, as well as pinpoint passes to spread the field. if ox and theo can learn some of his ball control tricks, we’re really going to be away this year.
second half coming up, after finishing a shelf build.
We knew almost everything about Cazorla and Podolski, so all we got is an affirmation of what we knew already and that is that we have two great, experienced players, who knows what they want on the pitch.
Except Holic in the post, nobody really mentioned Gnabry, who was superb when given the ball, which was rarely the case, though. Build like tank, fast, exceptional with the ball, player not just for the future years, but for this season for sure. I like the looks of him.
I was impressed with Giroud. He is not afraid to shoot, can hold the ball well, good with his feet and with his head. I do not know yet about his potential to pass the defender one on one, but he is pretty much direct player and from what I saw today, needs very little space to make a chance for himself. Think he could be 18+ goals this season.
What I loved about him is that we actually have someone who can receive a long ball directly from Woy, and continue our attack in the final third of the pitch. Last season all long balls from the goalkeeper were for RvP and he lost 80% of them. That is why in the final 2 months we changed tactics, and started throwing the balls to Sagna. Now we have better option.
I see everyone praises Walcott, he was better than usual, like he always is against this kind of opposition but his defensive abilities are maybe the weakest link in our team. Need to improve that for sure. Against better teams that could be crucial. In this Arsenal team, I see him as a perfect sub, coming on when we have the lead to finish the other team from counter.
The player who I want to see starting in Walcott’s place, is Gervais. This is going to be his season.
So, that’s officially the proverbial that then. London2012 is over. It was amazing, but now let’s bring on the footie again!
Sorry lurky, but have to disagree about Theo.
He is not usually at his best, from the start, against the poorer teams. These are exactly the games where he normally frustrates most. His best performances generally have been reserved for the biggest games, vs Barcelona, Chelsea etc.
A very promising change for the better today though.
Finally got my fix, it’s been a long summer. Indeed we look really good even if the opposition was not too challenging.
Great report `Holic, although I’m surprised not many have noticed how the lone DM in the first half bossed the midfield. Maybe this is why Song could be thinking of greener pastures (if there’s any truth to it), he could been feeling the heat…
Olympics. Absolutely brilliant.
Start to finish.
So many gracious, humble and dedicated people.
Athletes, volunteers, spectators and administrators.
Don’t know if I deserve to be proud – but I am.
I’ll drink to all of that. Very optimistic. Glenmorangies all round. Slainte.
@42 Trev. No problem Trev, I know what you mean, he just likes playing against A.Cole, and making a donkey out of him, doesn’t he π
Let me try to clarify what I meant, I am not sure I could, though.
By playing against this kind of opposition I meant not the opposition team, but the opposition tactics and structure. Because when we play against weaker opposition, they usually sat back and defend, in two layers. Two defenders are after him. He has no space to run, cannot dribble, has a bad first touch, usually rushes with the pass, we lose the ball, he stays up arguing with the referee when everyone is back protecting our goal. Useless in general. That is what frustrates us.
Barca has a high line defense as we all know, which suits him. Chelsea in that famous 3-5 game, with AVB in charge, had high line defense also, and he exploited that. That is his strength, that is the reason I think he is the perfect sub when we lead the game.
As you may had noticed, today he started to show his running skills when we were goal up and Koln started to fall apart in defensively.
Amazing that not a single commenter has mentioned Arshavin. I understand, and share, the enthusiasm over all the sexy new signings, but I was also impressed with some of the stuff from the little guy, if only because I think I’d actually forgotten he was still on the team!
Anyone catch Blackburn’s Shebby Singh’s recent outburst against Morten Gam Pederson and the manager Kean (you can catch it on sky sports website if not? Rather a stark comparison to our cotton wool approach to players but I also couldn’t help thinking one word watching it… Ashraven.
Ashraven’s legs are gone and apart from one decent pass he looked a liability. I lost count how many touches he had only to lose a possession or a pass that went right to a static german. Maybe leaving would be his best service for the club at this point.
Mannie in goal was one of the things I’m glad we chose a toothless attack to test, his closing of the angles and positional play were appalling and how he managed to lose a ball aimed right at his face and flap it onto the bar only he knows. That one actually made me laugh, though if that had been in a competitive match I’m sure my teddy would have come out of the pram in an elliptical deadly orbit aimed at the telly. I’m hoping this doesn’t mean Fabianski is getting the transfer he asked for, but I digress.
I thought Gnarby tried a little hard but looked like he needs to learn when to pass and when to try skin the 3rd man, he ran into way too many covering defenders where a simple give and go would have been preferable but his industry was noticeable.
First half we looked a different team, which wasn’t surprising as we in fact were. It’s a touch difficult to make direct comparisons of the two teams, would RVP have scored with Santiago and Lukas feeding and making space etc… maybe, Ashraven’s and Chamwow’s static movement and passing didn’t help, all I know is Giroud looked the real deal, and honestly, MOTM for me would be the 19 year old keeper Horn. Without him it would have been a rugby score. Giroud was unlucky to meet such a display, on any other day I think he’d have had a hat trick himself. Maybe we could smuggle Horn back on the plane with us as our new number 2?
Santiago. Yes. You can add any superlative adjective here yourselves I’m too lazy. I also liked how he, Theo and the Ox linked, we looked dangerous every time we had the ball and the movement looked good. We’re going to face teams that park the bus this season, they’ve had way too much success with this against us not to, so with this movement and intelligent play it is an encouraging sign we have the way around, through as well as over.
Which brings me to the Song over the top killer ball. It was mentioned here correctly that Nico did much the same and to a degree as successful as Song of last season in this game, it seems a tactical rather than an individual flair thing and the boy looked rock solid and very comfortable. Song looked clumsy in the tackle and slow to move, whereas Nico looked up for it and a positive showing bodes well.
Overall I think this game didn’t tell us much other than we made some very good signings and that more needs to be done in the market clearing out Ashraven, Chamwow etc and what like would look like without Song and RVP. Irrespective of them going or staying, the future looks bright. As to what we need, I would say a decent 2nd keeper and Sahin. In Sahin I think we would have the last piece. I’m hoping that the M’villa concrete offer isn’t us, if only because that would mean the Sahin Madrid deal is off.
Opps, apparently my dyslexia extends to diminutive Russian playmakers, sorry for the continued misspelling of Ashravin, but maybe he’d perform better with an ‘E’ π
nicosian @ 47 : I actually mentioned the couple of brilliant moments from Arshavin in the previous drink. Even in his worst day he has been capable of those moments. If it is not too much of a burden on the wage bill and if he is happy playing infrequently and willing to stay fit, I actually wouldn’t mind him staying back as a potential super-sub.
Aristotle @ 48: You probably missed the straight run at the defense by Arshavin, was reminiscent of old Andrei.
Players rejuvenate — TR7 is the perfect example — and as long as Arshavin is still with the team I would continue to hope for some moments of sublime brilliance from him. I would not want him to ever start a match though. π
lurky oliva @ 46 — I think you are being a little unfair on Theo. His defensive game had improved significantly last season and in the pre-season matches he has been one of our best players.
He would always be technically somewhat limited but his positional awareness has become much better, his final ball and decision making has matured and he doesn’t rely solely on pace anymore.
He does play well with some players, RVP for example. Sagna is another one. Sagna-Theo combination is one of the best right wing in PL. Ox-Theo interchanges were good too.
I think there are some excellent seasons ahead of him. The thing is though if he ends up playing for another team he would most definitely find it much harder — the inconsistencies would be forgiven less easily, team mates wouldn’t necessarily know how to make use of him as often happens in the England set-up — and may not fulfill his potential.
Get a reality check and hold on with all the idiotic pre season fantasy….this was a 2nd division german side who have lost and drawn their opening 2 matches for goodness sake!!! I take more note of the fact that even against this very poor opposition our defence still was as wide oper as the proverbial barn door! Our left defence is almost non existant, Mertesacker is still cumbersome and gets left for dead when anyone skillful runs at him, vermaelen still looks more like a perfect defensive midfielder rather than the saviour centre back we need, I would definately prefer him their to the loping, poor passer Song! Yannaris needs more years and a very good centre back covering him as does Jenkinson, who I think is the better option of the right full backs we have available. As for Goalkeeper this match again proves that we desperately need a good quality alternative, as Mannone proved himself no better than Fabianski! Cazorla looks the real deal, Podolski and Giroud I reserve judgement until I see how they fair against EPL defences, likewise Gervinho may look ok against weak defenders like this, but again in the EPL I think he will again be proven to be not up to the mark, Walcott was the same, looks good against poor full backs but at the top things are a whole lot more difficult, will he look as dangerous this year?? RVP didnt really extend himself and didnt look that interested dont you think? However, booing him is disgraceful, short memories as without him we could have been relegated last year and lets face it he only said what needed to be said regarding the visible lack of ambition being shown by the club!!!! Coquelin will have to stop making basic errors if he is going to make it, on 2 occasions his lapses could have led to goals! Diaby, I have nev er rated and nothing I saw yesterday or in any other pre season games has changed that opinion. Will be interesting to see the starting line up next Saturday!
Re: ette @4. Go ahead then, take a shot! π
just finished watching the second half. mostly an exercise in 3/4 speed play, even with the “fresh” squad. disappointed in rvp, couldn’t really seem arsed; whether this means he’s showing his form to mr. wenger (“this is what you get if i stay the year”) or just rounding out the preseason without injury, i can’t say. hopefully the latter, though the reserves must await if he stays and plays like that.
other than that, gervais’ goal was pretty, and i thought he made some good runs. he mistimed a couple of passes in the box, waiting rather than sending them on first time, which might have resulted in goals. everyone else was largely meh, except i do love me some kozzer. still think he’s our best defender when bac is out, and they’re pretty close when he’s not.
glad it’s for real saturday. let’s hope the lads play like it.
Wow Kevin you are a half empty kind of guy. If you can’t appreciate some ” enthusiasm for the start of the season” and a 4-0 win against any competition, then you need to get away from Football for a while. Is there work to do? Absolutely. Were there poor and lazy mistakes that will be punished by better teams? Yep. But there are positives as well. None of us thinks that this is the best we can or will be. But we do have an enthusiasm and dare say it some optimism going into the first game!
Holic, great write up as usual. This season is gonna be a special one.
I wrote in the previous post, that our midfield is the best in the league, by a country mile. I know this might sound controversial and a bit optimistic so I decided to show you. I made a list of all the midfielders of the top teams.
This is excluding wingers such as Theo, Valencia, et al, as I don’t think we’re the best in that regard.
When I say midfield, I mean the midfield three which is the way City and Chelsea play, and Tottenham and Man U when they aren’t playing their 4-4-2.
Man City: De Jong, Abudl Razak, Barry, Yaya, Milner, Silva, Nasri.
Man United: Anderson, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Cleverly, Kagawa, Rooney.
Chelsea: Mikel, Ramirez, Meireles, Lampard, Romeu, Mata, McEachran, Hazard.
Tottenham: Parker, Livermore, Sandro, Huddlestone, Siggurdson, Modric, Van der Vaart.
Arsenal: Song, Coquelin, Frimpong, Diaby, Wilshere, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla, Rosicky, Podolski, Robin van Persie, and Chamberlain.
I added the likes of Rooney, Poldi, et al to the list as they sometimes play in the hole.
This is including long term injuries by Parker, Wilshere, Fletcher, etc.
Best midfield in the league, bar none.
And this is without the midfielder that is supposedly coming π
You can add Jack Rodwell to City’s list.
Right. Came back in time for the game yesterday from a little trip to the summer house out in the archipelago. Have been rowing (well, the engine didn’t start) and doing all kind of olympic things (drinking, eating, bbqing etc). Now I’m rested for two full weeks of work without one day off. Not looking forward to it but here goes.
Anyway. I’ll have to backdrink later so for the moment, great post ‘Holic, thought the game exciting, not always because it was a good game (as a game it wasn’t that good was it?), but our players were for the most part exciting. It really got me in a good mood.
I’ll surely board, nay, jump on the HT. Things might not go the way I want them to, but I can see no place better to watch events unfold than from the HT. Challenge accepted!
Will be back after backdrinking!
(Oh and just to clarify, when I said it wasn’t a great game, I didn’t mean that I’m not happy with it. It’s just that a pre-season game doesn’t have the intensity, physicality and importance to give me that real sense of dread and danger I need to enjoy football to the fullest. Not the players fault!)
Le Boss expects RvP to stay at Arsenal.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1133180/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-expects-robin-van-persie-to-stay?cc=4716
Don’t know at this stage if it’s just mind games to receive a bigger offer, or if we are just that adamant in keeping him. Either way it’s not bad news.
However, I would like to add that the four strikers on display last night, ie Poldi, Giroud, RvP and Chamakh, are all we’ve got this season. Unless you count Bendtner, who tellingly did not join the German bootcamp. Both Poldi and Giroud are quality players, fingers crossed they will hit the ground running. But chances are they will take time to adapt. Chamakh is still allergic to goal scoring opportunities, it is actually quite sad to see. Always turning his back on goal. If I was in his shoes I’d be desperate to get on the scoresheet vs Cologne. RvP is a big question mark still.
Now if we let RvP go, should we buy a replacement or be content with our ‘arsenal’ in attack? Yes, AW usually plays one centre forward nowadays, but at this moment having Chamakh as the only backup to Giroud is hardly a convincing thought. I say this because I expect Poldi to earn a starting berth on the left. Wenger could still switch it around, but it leaves us with just Poldi and Giroud as a CF threat. Unless if you count Theo and Gerv as central strikers too.
I know our formation is fluid, and we don’t normally rely on a traditional targetman upfront, as embodied by RvP last season. But what I’m trying to say is that if RvP leaves, it would probably be smart to buy another striker as backup, preferrably young and raring to prove himself. Or perhaps this signifies the importance of keeping RvP at Arsenal? I’d leave it to Wenger to sort out, though. He knows best after all. Whoever puts on the Arsenal jersey this season will have my full support. COYG!
I think we have some real squad depth this season. It’ll be interesting to see who makes the 17 every week .
I think so too, Ollie. Fingers crossed for more or less an injury free campaign and a healthy competition for places.
It’s the quality and depth of the squad that leads me to believe that this season is going to be different. As long as we are not ravaged by injury, I think we finally have adequate quality and cover in nearly every position.
tabs @-
I know it was only a pre-season and I know the opposition wasnβt first rate, but hey the Doomers would be making hay on the back of an adverse result wouldnβt they
Looks like you underestimated the haymaking conditions….. π
at 6, I meant.
I would have liked to see us hunt in wolf packs when we didn’t have the ball and I felt defensively we were vulnerable between TV5 and Gibbo
(prob due to high line).
Overall we looked as though we could have benefitted from more practice before next Sat. But most importantly we had depth with hopefully more to join. The more the Merrier minus the egos regarding starting games ( no need to mention names because they have either gone now and/or are waiting for a suitor. Exc: MVP)
Heh!
Morning holls. The real stuff starts next week. Heh!
Cazorla looked very comfortable and at Β£12.6M, he could prove to be one of AW’s best ever buys.
Looks like he was earmarked to fill in for Cesc last season, so good to finally see him at THoF.
CoYRRR’s
Morning all,
What a spectacle last night’s closing ceremony was, something for everyone? The KCs inc. Italian 2-wheeled support and The Who did it for me. I expect Steve T to agree on that one.
Trev @ #38 – Spot-on re: our GK situation. For me, neither Fabianski nor Manone are adequate back-up or competition for Woj and I think we need both of these elements in the squad. Perhaps our other younster Damien Martinez will step-up/forwards? However, like you, I’m greedy when it comes to our squad. A strong/seasoned GK AND one outfield defensive player would, I think, put us in a really strong position to challenge for all the big prizes this season without having to worry about the multitude of inevitable injuires that occure thoroughout the season.
UTA!
Nice write up ‘holic. Yes was only a friendly, yes was against a team in the doldrums right now but we did look tasty at times.
No matter where the the next 50 odd matches take us this might be the most radical change in an Arsenal lineup/style that we’ve seen in quite some time. I’ve money on 2 from these 3 having outstanding seasons; Podolski, Koscielny (might be best at his role in the league very soon) and Gervinho,.
Missed the game as I had the wrong KO time in my mind, nevertheless on reading various match reports above I am warming up for the season now
HT league Mk II? Bring it on! All the new boys will deffo be in my team
Oh and London 2012 was just great. Fantastic games
Cheers
Silent Stan indeed. Is it me or has certain decision making changed slightly around here.
Nobody’s bigger than the club. Nobody! Heh!
Nice write up ‘holic. Nice summary too Tabs; cheers!
Highly encouraging final dress rehearsal for the main performance next weekend against the Weir-siders!
Cazorla; clearly world-class! What an utter bargain! Chel$ki & Hazard, are you watching how it’s done! π
Ipoldi; frighteningly efficient and rugged! international-class!
OG; a beast-of-a-man that wouldn’t be out of place on Les Bleus egg-shaped, ball-playing national side! Makes Chamahk look like an emaciated stick-insect! Mon Dieu!
Ox; rapidly developing into a true worldy and the adage, “if you’re good enough then you’re old enough”, never ran much truer in such an individual! Such an exciting attacking prospect and he’s ours! Sweet as a feckin’ nut!
Theo; pacey as ever and more direct! Hope he realises how deadly he’ll be this season with such creation in support!
Gerv; appears to have overcome his ACN dissapointment and exhaustion!
TV; dominant and stronger! A modern Tony Adams in the making!
Our BFG; nicely recovered from his op! An organiser and reader of the game if ever there was one!
Young Guns Yennaris, Le Coq and Gnabry; great to see them alongside such experience and worldies – no superior way to make those final steps to greatness!
Mannone; not much to do yesterday but still has alot to learn! Unfortunately, not a prodigy like Szezza!
RVP; whether he stays or goes, let’s see if he does what’s right for the club he reputes to love! Fellow Gooners, he’s not worth fighting over – he’s just an “employee” after all!
A good experienced back-up keeper in his fledgling twighlight who wishes to have some CL experience before he calls it a day (e.g. Schwarzer) and a defensively minded or deeper-lying CM with a range of pass (e.g. M’Villa, Sahin or Biglia), should Songinho begin to believe his own hype and bugger off to the serial tapper-uppers in Spain, and a trophy or three next session are distinct possibilities!
From what I saw of the Bus stop and Merc Citeh yesterday in the laughably, and ironically, named event that they partook in (The Community Shield aka The “Charity” Shield), i saw no change in their tactics and technique and consequently nothing to fear from them once our new wards truly gel in full!
Offload the deadwood if possible but knowing how sweet they see their lot is at the Ems, aligned with an unprofessional desire to play regular football, we’ll be seeing those usual suspects jogging around in the reserves!
COYBG! Bring on the first “lambs to the slaughter”!
DDC
π @ lambs to the slaughter
Indeed
Heh!
(I get a feeling I’m looking forward to this weekend)
Snir,
Agree with your thoughts on the midfield 3! Every type of tactic can be covered within the squad, when all are fully fit! No one else in the EPL can compare!
DDC & Snir
This was the same position we were in season before last.
I guess it feels good to be home baby
Snir,
I agree that we have the best central midfield from a squad perspective but from a starting midfield three I wouldn’t be so sure. Quite arguable.
I also think that while Liverpool may have been shite in the past, their first choice central midfielders deserve a mention. I know Steven Gerrard divides opinion in England but what he lacks in passing, he makes up in match winning qualities and leadership. Besides under the tutelage of the right coach he doesn’t seem as positionally inept as most make him out to be. Thought his positional sense, distribution and crossing was quite admirable at the Euros. Supporting him you have two very decent midfielders in Joe Allen and Lucas. Both excellent at anticipating and closing down opponents and both do a very good job at ball circulation. At this juncture a slightly inferior version of the Song and Arteta combination in terms of creativity, but as far as the defensive side of the game is concerned I think it’s debatable. Joe Allen was probably the best player on the pitch when we played Swansea last year at the Liberty and he wouldn’t look out of place in an Arsenal shirt. Most Liverpool fans will tell you that Lucas is their most important player, even ahead of Gerrard, Suarez and Agger and there is no doubt that he was sorely missed last year.
Ah fuck me, I know this post makes me sound like a Liverpool fan but I just think whilst we have a very good central three I don’t think we’re a shoo-in for the tag of ‘best’. Squadwise, yes. First eleven debatable.
Goonertown,
Possibly the same but I feel it’s actually better!
RVP and possibly Song aside, the players we have now openly and genuinely want to be at our club!
Whistler,
Not sure I fully agree with your assessment of the Red Scousers’ current centre!
You may have had an argument when Gerrard was supported by Xabi Alonso and Mascherano but Allen and Lucas certainly are not of the same calibre! Any of our fully fit central combinations, with Carzola as our Gerrard, are arguable superior for that reason!
Whistler,
Don’t forget Wilshere is also in our central midfield mix and would almost certainly be a given-starter with Cazorla!
Whistler,
Apart from Gerrard, Liverpool have average players at best, so I didn’t bother to mention them.
I mentioned Spurs mainly because of Modric and Van der Vaart, but if they leave, then I’m not sure they should be part of the list.
As for the first eleven midfield not being as good, I’d say, that that is the whole point. We truly DO NOT HAVE AN IDEA who is first eleven.
Let’s say we sign Sahin and keep Song (not an unrealistic scenario).
Could you honestly tell me you’d know who the midfield three would be?
It could be Song, Arteta, Cazorla.
Song, Sahin, Cazorla.
Sahin, Arteta, Cazorla.
Sahin, Arteta, Jack.
Song, Sahin, Jack.
Sahin, Jack, Cazorla.
The list goes on and on and on.
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7986893/Ivanovic-Escapes-Ban-For-Shield-Red-Card
Not happy about that…..
On this note, still would love to see midfield consisting of Arteta-Rosicky-Cazorla. Given the football cleverness of all three, I think that that would be some feeding power for our strikers to have hehe. Add Artetas brilliant positional play and TRs trademark slide tackles and energy in closing down opponents and I am not even afraid of the defensive side of such trio playing:P
DDC
Yes, that’s the point. It’s always good to have a clearout and update when necc.
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7987101/Lescott-Replaces-Ox-For-England
Ox injured? And so it started….. :p
Ollie, I haven’t clicked on the link so don’t know what it says about his injury but Man U’s players manage to get injuries all the time before internationals…..maybe we’re learning to be “cute” as well?
If so, it’s about time.
Snir @ #80
There are permutations galore but too much to speculate on until the season settles down and we see who’s fit/on form/settled/staying/coming in.
Either way, going forward we should be a match for the Manc clubs.
For me, it’s now all about how we tighten/improve our back 5.
Overall, I’m with Arsene. We’re stronger than we were starting the season last year.
Ollie – I think Dr.z knows. Also just a feeling…
Yeah, I was thinking it may be a distinct possibility, Dr Z.
Blimey, in 4 days, I’ll be on a train to London!
4 days?
I guess you will get to the Tollie before me then! π
Apologies if this has been posted. Perhaps the RvP booing is more a media fabrication (my feed was poor so can’t confirm or not):
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/booing-robin-van-persie-eye-witness-videos-show-arsenal-fans-cheering-their-dutch-striker/?
Belated Birthday Wishes Zico.
You probably got lots of presents, but just so you know I was thinking of you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu-xCh7Fzlw&feature=related
π
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7987275/Song-happy-amid-sale-talk
Lovely write-up, ‘holic.
Joe,
See? I’m surrounded by witches! 8)
DC –
Let me confirm
RVP replaced Podol who went off to cheers and claps of whic RVP walked in to. The actual booing came towards the end of the game. I may have missed who booed and why but it was def when RVP touched the ball. But he had already been on the pitch for 15 mins and had touched the ball plenty before hand without any boos. So it was not easy to tell what was going on. After the match he clapped for the away fans so not easy to tell what the booing was all about.
I def think media have made brunch out of it as expected.
As holic said above, it’s not quite clear what booing achieves π
Better than by being surrounded by twitches, zico π
Not the first time, Gt. I remember some ‘booing’ of Feo (in that Spurs game?) that certainly couldn’t be heard from my part of the Stadium, but was largely overplayed in match reports (no doubt to make it contrast with his eventual ‘hero’ status in that particular game, but still….)
Snir @ 92
Yeah been seeing that a lot today.
Although i felt AS appeared a little distracted yesterday as has RVP post season end, it’s pleasing to hear the latter pledge loyalty (Cesc style, minus the official statement via A.com, Cesc was such a nice kid).
My suspicion as per the Ox’s performance yesterday is that he needs a break. Theo’s still flying but AOC needs a bit of time off before he ends up like Jack who i feel will not be back to his best til 2013-14 season (sorry Jack lovers but we have to be fair before we ruin this kid) π
Ollie
Ditto
Well if no one wants it ….Poldi smasher pony into the net.
Sorry my statement at 95 should have ended with…
…unless you’re Ca$lβ¬y or Na$ri or any other member of the Brat pack!
Shucks
Grhhh…predictive text…should read Poldi smasheroony into the net:-)
Thanks for the assist Goonertown.
Awww, did I miss the appearance of the trolls? Holic you spoilsport, can you leave the dribbly rantings of the jealous and scared on here so I can have something to chuckle over during lunch?
So, the curtain raiser’s just around the corner and thank Dennis for all the sport we’ve had to keep us topped up this summer, really has made the Arse-free days just fly by.
Positively drooling at the thought of how our new boys will look, just the one RVP-shaped fly in the ointment at the time of writing. I have to say the silence from his corner is deafening, do you think he’s starting to wake up and smell the South American bean-based drink (calm down patients, I didn’t mean the hallucinogenic variety…)? The last post before this one was brilliantly put, but is it any wonder he gets booed after how he’s treated us. I’m not one for booing our own (or saying Boo-urns for that matter) but I’m afraid moneybags has made his own bed and now he has to eat it…(is that a mixed metaphor?).
In short: no sympathy, Robin.
@ Uplympian, ha ha I was torn between saying, “What on earth is a smasher pony?” and actually adopting the phrase myself. It has to be the new buzz phrase for the coming season I say.
Camberwell ..it needed clarifying otherwise the site could get closed down by the RSPCA π
Put a pony on Podolski being top smasher pony for Arsenal this season.
Put a penny on Chamakh being top smasher pony for Arsenal this season. (He’s pony and trap).
*slow day at work*
Hey everyone, how goes it?
I’m officially excited for the new season now.
We seem to have a team that is half “pace and power” and half “strength and technical ability” now.
Linking well and looking ready for action.
Might be just me but I noticed we seemed to lose a little something when RVP came on but meh…
I organized my FFL team already and awaiting email holic!
Nice work Zico.
It could also be used thusly:
“Right now I could really smash a pony in”
Possible interpretations:
1. I’m desperate to play football and score a goal
2. I’m really hungry and would like to eat something horse-based
3. I have a sudden urge for equestrian-based violence
Loved the chants of ‘he scores when he wants’ sung to Poldi, but possibly aimed at a certain other employee, after Lukas’ second yesterday.
Poldi power & pal Per put poo in ‘ppositions pants.
Heh Zico…work…ah yes that 4 letter word that’s in my past.
Santi will be the mane man, Arshavin will have a ‘mare, and RVP to Manure….neigh, Feo to hoof it down the wing. π
CoR.
You’ve organized your team already?
You’re not doing it in the last possible ten minutes?
Where did you finish last season?
Oh. π
Uplympian,
get off your high horse. π
Happy Train FF league – I am going to put a team made up entirely of scum.
I spend enough time worrying about Arsenal players getting injured, that I don’t propose to add to it by selecting any of them for Milken Alcohol.
You puritans can go and ….. puree yourselves. Or something.
I did have a further comment about goalkeepers, but I’m saving it for later. π
Got the bit between my teeth for the new season now.
Really looking forward to our first derby game.
Regarding the new signings, first impressions are good, and we don’t appear to have been saddled with any second raters.
As long as none of them has a mare in their first season, the new experienced signings, alongside some of the new colts, could be just what we need so that we start next season as the reining champions.
A couple of tricky hurdles to get over early in the season and we’ll be off!
As must I, back to work. π
Maybe it’s a big horse I’m a Londoner
That I love London Town
Etc. etc. …….. Etc. π
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/08/13/161638_koscielny-proche-du-forfait.html
This, sadly, doesn’t look at all like a tactical injury….
Heh 114 Zico at the moment we are still saddled with the squad wasters, let’s hope their agents are jockeying for positions with other clubs. It certainly looks like the clubs transfer negotiators gave got the bit between their teeth in this close season. Over to you Trev, our premier punmeister. π
No, it looks lika a URL, but what does it say ? π
Uply, think I just did most of those @116 ! :(. π
Trev…115 116 117 a big hay π
Trev..our paths crossed in transit….you were ahead at the photo finish. π
Dr. Z. Will Milken Alcohol be playing in a new kit this season, or in their birthday suits?
Heh 8 ball,
definitely a new kit.
Something suitable for the Purple Train. π
There you go Trev
Monday morning arrived at Clairefontaine, Laurent Koscielny has “a concern to a calf,” said Didier Deschamps. “It will take exams in the afternoon, said the team coach of France, on Monday at a news conference. But at a time when I speak, it seems to me to compromise its participation in the game (friendly) on Wednesday “at Havre against Uruguay.
He speaks weird, that water-carrier….
Seems to me that some important things have not changed.Cruising,in total control,creating and missing loads of chances,piling forward then some casual play or giving the ball away needlessly by Coquelin,The Ox etc and we are furiously backpeddling with a totally exposed back four likely to take the blame whereas the reality still is that losing the ball in mid-field with so many payers ahead of it will continue to haunt us.
Zico …what with and now calfs…..wtf…the content on this site needs vet.ing.
Right I think that’s more than enough from me….you’ll be relieved to know I’m off to sunny Bridport now to kick some ass in a bowls match.
If I find out any of the oppo are LWC, then it will be more than ass I’ll be kicking. π
Laters
Hmm..Ryo on loan to Wigan, kinda sad to hear that but prolly best for him since his playtime in first team would be very limited.
After Ivanovic….
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7987589/Terry-Champions-League-Ban-Reduced-On-Appeal
Looks like the Bus Stop have decided to diversify their spending…..
Bribery of UEFA is probably allowed in annual spending under FFP Ollie.
As long as you generate the revenue to pay the bribe, and make the cheque payable to Blatini Corp π
On reflection, I quite like deschamps-speak.
Me (sunday morning) to Roxette :
I cannot possibly drive the car as I have concerns to the head and it will compromise its participation to the Sainsbury self-scanning and may result in me walking to the way of the Blonde Girl….
Hehe, Catalan, don’t remind me of losing to tabs the magnificent in the last dying seconds of the FFL…so painful π
Cheers for the kind ones Faustus, Up, Lonestar, Garsguns, Bstrum, abb and Trev.
Thunder @15 – Cheers for the first hand description of Mo’s victory on saturday night. It was bloody exciting where I watched it, so I can only imagine what it must have been like to have actually been there. Sensational. What are the odds on the Arsenal players doing the Mobot should we score against Sunderland?
Trev – I shall be there bright ‘n early on saturday. Can’t wait! Agree with every thing you said on The Olympics btw. I thought it was magical from start to finish, and whilst I’ll pretty much follow anything with a ball, never have I paid so much attention to Dancing Horses, Sailing, Women who like to kick other women in the head, and basically anything where there was half a chance where the British team might medal.
Too many moments of sheer joy to recount – the crowd scenes had me surreptitiously wiping my eyes on far more occasions than I was comfortable with – but the unrestrained charisma of Bolt, the almost unbelievable run and subsequent humility of David Rudisha, the excellence of Mo and the crowd roaring him home, the ability of the GB cycling team to push at the boundaries of what’s possible, and the willingness of Rowers of all nations to take themselves beyond any reasonable limit to human effort in their quest for Glory, will all live very long in the memory.
Hats off as well to the BBC. They tend to get the big things right, and the past fortnight may well have been their finest hour. Gary Lineker, (inappropriate impersonations of Stoke fans notwithstanding), is a fine Broadcaster and did an excellent job bouncing between an array of Sports. Michael Johnson, John Mcenroe, Ian Thorpe (once I’d recovered from how how camp he is) and Steve Redgrave were all fantastic pundits, interesting, informative and funny in equal measure, whilst Steve Cram and Brendan Foster got the balance between very partial and excited support of the GB athletes and a detached recognition of the brilliance of others just about right.
Finally, I hope the big lesson of this Olympic Games is finally taken to heart and repeated like a mantra by politicians from both ends of the political spectrum. We have an almost insatiable desire for Sport in Great Britain. I read this morning that the British would queue around the block to watch paint dry if they thought there might be a GB medal in it, and whilst the point was perhaps overstated, it is not too far removed from the truth.
The Right must realise that Sport can give the Country a boost like nothing else, especially in tough times. The promotion of Sport at the highest levels of Government should always be a priority, and it should always be at the front of the queue when public monies are being dished out.
The Left must realise that a love of Sport begins at School, and that Sport, without true competition, without a winner and loser, is stripped of its most crucial and its most dramatic component.
That should be the true legacy of these Games.
Not to mention the upsurge in Speedo wearing…..
Ollie @65 – You got that right!! π
Gee whiz, I know that we all consume football in different ways, and that some like to use Arsenal as the proverbial cat to kick when life’s frustrations get too much, but a post such as the one @53, which manages to slate 10 players after a 4-0 win leaves me speechless.
Absolutely Dr Z – always to be encouraged! π
Cheers DanC too.
Have followed the discussions on the midfield with interest. Futile, I think, to consider combinations before the transfer window closes as I think there will still be outgoings and possibly one incoming.
Tend to agree with Snir that we have the best midfield options in the country, but would suggest that with the exception of last season, that has been the case since 07-08. Missing gilt-edged chances and conceding soft ones at the back have been our primary causes of disappointment rather than any lack of creativity in the last 7 seasons.
I have to say that I think we’re overloaded in central midfield. Even if one accepts that Arshavin was playing for a contract elsewhere yesterday and will play no part for us, that still leaves Cazorla, song , Arteta, Coquelin, Diaby and Ramsey battling for 3 spots.
Add to the mix the fact that it appears The Ox might be used centrally, and that Wilshere and Rosicky will both hopefully return in October and that’s 9 players battling for 3 spots.
The first point I’d make is that I can only see Sahin arriving if AW decides to cash in his chips on one of either Theo or Song.
The second point I’d make is that I would have thought the optimum position is to have 6 players battling for those positions. Any more and players will simply not get the game time.
With Rosicky and Wilshere both currently crocked, and Diaby’s long-term fitness questionable, AW may sensibly take the view that, in the short term at least, he needs the greater bodies.
In the long term, and on the assumption that everybody regains and maintains their fitness , it’s difficult to see where both Aaron and arguably Tomas fit in .
Heh Cannons π
“Tabs the magnificent” has a certain ring to it. I think I might use it π
so, with cazorla coming back from puerto rico, the ox possibly flummoxed, aaron resting from his team gb exertions, rozza and wilshere hashed…it’s a good thing we’ve got this depth.
song, arteta, and diaby to start against sunderland? le coq and arshavin on the bench? that’s pretty much it, i’d think.
Wow! β werenβt all our new signings looking great against Cologne. We looked world beaters in the first half.
Our performance dropped when our so-called stars came on. RVP looked as if his mind was elsewhere and Song gave the ball away with monotonous regularity as well as needless free kicks.
Quick Arsene get that Β£40m in the bank as quick as you can
Anytime Uplympian π
Yeh, Scruz I take your point and agree with it. In the short term the extra bodies are a blessing but in the long term?
Simply not possible to keep 9 players battling for 3 spots happy. At least 3 won’t even make the bench regularly.
No Worries Uply – you were clearly handicapped by a slower browser.
You need one that is equerry fast. π
Thanks for the translation Zico.
Must find out now what the Ox injury is. π
Only two down, plus Bac and Jack and we haven’t even kicked off yet.
Come on Arsenal, we need at least 6 more players to get us through to mid September.
Meanwhile, in the Medical Centre, our injured players have gathered round the card table and are starting a game of Bac Jack …… π
Ok, so here goes…
Last season, my fantasy team performed unbelievably poorly. I kept it pure with the possible exception of Phil Neville but once I figured out how to do transfers (I didn’t see the big button that said “MAKE TRANSFER” or something like that…) I threw him out of the team.
Now, this time around I have taken the consequences of this. Let me warn you now: my team this season is anything but pure, but hold on – this is not because I want to win! On the contrary, my hope is that my team shall do as last year’s team did and bomb. Why? Well, there are many players for whom you wish nothing but bad stuff to happen, and every league also needs a villain team. Therefor, unselfishly enough, I decided to create a team so heinous that we all – myself included – can pour our hate all over it.
Ladies and gentlemen and Wolfie, I give you…
Bell End FC!
Yes, you guessed it – it is a team full of bell ends. I assembled a team of some of the bellest of ends that Β£100 million could buy. The only position I struggled was the keeper position because there aren’t actually that many keepers that are full-on bell ends, so I had to settle for Tim Krul in goal and Gomez on the bench because, well, the former was a cunt at the Emirates last time around and the latter plays for Tottenham and do you need any more reason?
So come on and hate… π
Heh Lars π
Stop ‘orsin’ around Trev π
Orsin’ around Tabs ? Oh Wells….. π
π
Well we seemed to be well provided for in midfield last season but finished it with
Ramsey way out of form
Wilshere injured
Rosicky injured
Arteta injured
Frimpong injured
Diaby injured
Coquelin injured
Nine probably won’t be enough !! π
Raises his bat to the selectors, intimates he won’t play Test cricket again, and then makes a stupid self-aggrandising Youtube video after panicking, but can’t quite bring himself to apologise.
Kevin Pietersen, fantastic cricketer, total bellend.
In fact Lars, any chance you can make room for Pietersen in your XI? π
True Trev π
In fact, bollocks to this “being sensible ” malarkey.
Who we buying? π
tabs, I don’t know anything about Pietersen but I trust your judgment and I’m sure I can make room for him in the team!
Tabs / Trev,
If I may briefly endorse and just add to your wonderful thoughts on the Olympics:
I thought the most important gold medal won was by the city of London and the British people as a whole whose Olympics, not so much as injected some life back into what was a deeply troubled occasion, but resuscitated world-wide belief in the games as a whole! And you did so, with such a sense of taste and self-deprecating humour that it raised spirits throughout the world. It was a truly jaw-dropping in every sense of the word!
From a sporting perspective, I thought the highlight of the games was David Rudisha. When Sebastian Coe said it was the finest piece of running he had ever witnessed, it doesn’t leave much else to add!
Problem is Tabs, Wilshere, Diaby, Frimpong and Rosicky are almost, latterly permanently injured, and Coquelin had two injuries just before the end of the season.
So while the question seems a bit frivolous at first, how many midfielders do you actually need ?
In Arsenal’s case, that is a different question to ‘how many midfielders should you need?’.
The tough question is ‘what do you do about it’ ?
@ 156
The problem?
Too many quacks – it’s a problem visible in many an organisation despite the excellence of its’ leadership. π
Agree with your KP assessment, TaBS, but don’t understand why they hung him out to dry.
The ex-rebels running the game now should have dealt with it behind closed doors.
tabs, trev, it’s the ongoing injuries i see making for the problem. rozza, diaby, and frimpong are all candidates for the butcher block, even once they’re fully back. maybe especially. with jack out indefinitely (october is indefinite, to me), it really leaves us song, coq, arteta, santi, ramsey, and le ox. arshavin might be gone, but he’s a bench player at best.
that’s a nice hextet, but, and i hope this doesn’t come to pass, niggling injuries will affect these six so we’ll be talking five, or four (thank god we’ll still have arshavin, right?). and that’s across four competitions.
of course, we could be in the best place come october, with an injury-free midfield challenging each other in practices for the right to start, or be on the bench, in all four of those competitions…everything i have crossed, and throwing the corna (at the ground, of course).
joe@coe, completely agree about rudishia. the broadcaster of ill repute did a great little backstory on him, and he seemed to be the humblest of the excellent.
Tabs.
Got t agree with you re Sahin. Unless we sell, where does he fit in?
Lars. Heh! π
Joe, Tabs,
Have to say I was a pooh-pooher of The Olympics before it started.
With threats of bus and tube driver strikes, threatened over crowding and chaos on public transport, and the ticket application / allocation process, which thankfully turned out to be the only negative, I had anticipated an Olympics overshadowed by travel problems, politics and drugs cheats.
What transpired, from the first seconds of the Opening Ceremony, was a games that captivated me like no others have ever done.
The Games, from beginning to end, managed to reconnect and centre on the “people”.
From fantastically dedicated athletes, to the thousands of volunteers who helped it all happen, to the crowds who generated such brilliantly sporting atmospheres, to the officials and marshals who controlled the events, and one has to say, the politicians and project managers who brought the whole thing together.
How good it was to see performers at the very top of their powers speaking humbly, graciously and truthfully about the sports they genuinely love.
Athletes moved beyond words to tears at achieving the medals they had fought years for, often against injury and illness. The sight of Tom Daley, beaming with pride at winning a bronze medal, despite the loss of his father, and constant companion, to cancer in the years leading up to the games.
Too many of them to mention individually, but who individually and collectively restored your faith in human nature.
Every aspect of the games had at it’s centre ‘the people’, rather than the worst kinds of politics and nationalism.
Tabs has already made some great comments on the significance of these games, and sport in general, to our politicians. I will apologise to him for any other of his comments that I have duplicated
I would just hope that football, and footballers, can begin to replicate the spirit of these Olympics, because it is a fantastic sport that can create emotions like no other.
It is also in danger of ruining itsself with some of it’s excesses, which are already some way down the road to disconnecting it from it’s own supporters.
Like Tabs, I was all misty eyed a bit too often for comfort during the Olympics. All of it.
Good to actually feel proud to be British again though.
Holic, true enough, it should have stayed behind closed doors, but my feeling is that their patience was thoroughly exhausted. Take your point also about the hypocrisy of certain individuals running the game.
Joe – Really heartened by your words and those of others around the world, the Games makers really did do us proud. Never been a huge Coe fan (I was always an Ovett man back in the day), but credit where credit’s due, he did a magnificent job. Completely agree and second your thoughts about Rudisha. What time would he run if he had a pacemaker for the first 400? His was a truly jaw-dropping achievement.
Trev?Scruz – You’ve both convinced me. I surrender. We need more !!
Dr Z π
Trying to pick an FFL team. Tricky. Not easy to come up with a squad to match last season’s stellar achievements. π
Magnificent post Trev, agree with every word.
Evening Mr C. Trev and Scruz have won me round Get Sahin in ASAP ! π
Thankyou sir!
Lars π
‘holic @ 158
It’s physics – the mass made available by the removal of Pietersen’s ego will allow a further 5 players to share the dressing room π
Not convinced about the fantastic cricketer bit either – fantastic cricketers don’t sell their wickets as regularly as he has done, particularly at critical junctures in test matches.
Just my opinion likes.
Before I forget, anybody here in the HT League last season who has not got an invite this, send me a mail. They have removed all of last season’s records.
Love the new Fantasy League – my scum team was auto-selected by the computer – only Arshavin made the original cut and I traded him for a non-Arsenal scumbag.
Lovely Purple Train strip too. 8)
Now all I have to do is sit back, and forget about it till some lippy transvestite comes on here gloating about the Purity Laws.*
*With apologies to the good brewers and their Reinheitsgebot
tabs, i don’t know if we *need* sahin, but if we get him i’ll be pleased. when song and gervais are off to the african cuppa nations (and during their hangover on return) he’d be brilliant cover…especially if aaron and le coq aren’t humming from our injury-free hymnbook.
btw, trev, tabs@148/9, better watch what you’re doing, citizens, or i’ll have to get out the cane.
zico, i thought purity laws was a spur…
Wolfie’s achievements wiped for posterity Holic?! π
Dr Z – Take your point about Pietersen, he can frustrate, but as a cricketer he is what he is, and his tendency to give away his wicket is merely the flipside to his cavalier brilliance imo. Averages 49 in Tests I believe. There’s not many who can better that.
Agree with you completely on the ego side of things though.
Dr Z @168 π
Scruz, good point , I’d forgotten about the African Cup. Reckon if Sahin comes he’ll play. His major gripe with Madrid appears to be lack of playing time, so from his point of view swapping one bench for another wouldn’t appear to make much sense. I still think that if he comes, AW will cash in on Song.
I think you just jinxed it Trev and this will be the first season after long time when we will go through without many injuries and we will have to solve much more pleasurable problems like “where to accomodate 9 superb midfielders to keep them happy” rather than “ffs another broken leg”. π
Trev, tabs et al: the Olympics were fantastic, you have every right to be very, very proud.
And I have to say I think the opening ceremony played a not at all insignificant part in setting the tone for pretty much everyone involved.
Olympic moments?
Mo Farah’s exploits were just fantastic, incredibly thrilling.
That, and the beach volleyball girls.
Dr Feelgood would like to interview some of those players for a new venture…..
Tabs
Scruz just scared me sufficiently. Get Sahin in!!
Good to know that you too were an Ovett man. I presume that means you also cheered on McRenroe and Ballesteros? π
Ovett for me too Dr C, and McEnroe my favourite tennis player of all time (with Nastase a close second).
You obviously have an eye for a maverick – hence you will love my friend Diego π
Certainly Mac, Mr C. Huge favourite of mine , still is. I used to hate Jimmy Connors simply because Mcenroe did. I even had a Sergio Tacchini track suit top π
I loved Sevvy, but if I’m honest, I can’t remember ever really cheering on Golfers as individuals in the same way. The Ryder Cup however … now you’re talking. Sevvy was the man.
tabs, and cg…no need to be afraid.
the way i figure, there’s going to be a crapload of games we’ll be in through (hopefully) may. rather than start junior gunner #83 in the carling/cups, sahin gets those, plus comes off the bench to spell song…until mid-january, when sahin gets in the starts, until mid-march when song’s back in form (after continuing what sahin started in the carling/fa cups). plenty of time for all, and that’s *without* the repetitive strain of any other injuries.
that is, if we do get our nouri-shment…
Trying to back drink from the top. This fantasy league business, where do we stand on Samir and Barton? Ok, Ok, I’ll just go back to the drinks! But remember this, when Sammy played For us, he always stuck up for his teammates. Often risking a yellow or worse!
Who the fuck watch the Olympics?
Always was and always will be a kitch manifestation meant to fill somebody’s pockets.
Disgasting. Every Olympics is like Cliff Richards’ greatest hits.
Utterly tasteless, unlike Arsenal.
Huuuuuge glass of Chimay and a plastic bag full of glue, if you don’t mind.
Time for a sniff.
Trev @ 38, My fear too. Perhaps we can lure that shot stopper from Wigan ( I wish).
*engages in midweek foreplay*
‘Holic,
Please send the HT League details to this alternate email address. Receipt of messages at my usual address is problematice because my MacBook Pro’s motherboard just died. R.I.P.
Time to loose the Marauders!
BMBD.
Silly Second Yella –
I the f*ck watched the Olympics, much to my surprise.
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. Good idea to form it with your eyes open though.
Your loss fella.
Nicosian @ 47 Me too, I had mentioned him in my game comments from the last set of drinks. His cross to Gervais in front of goal. Giftwrapped with a bow.
Silly Second Yella @ 181, Well! You know the planetary horoscope today warned me that folks might be a little moody….
Yes, Trev, everyone’s entitled but there is a good an bad opinions.
And my eyes are always closed for bad ones.
My loss, fella.
Where’s that glue?
Tabs
Indeed, an eye for the maverick. Which is why this summer’s “statement” was painful to me.
Dapper Dan C @ 73 Great enthusiasm, and totally agree.
Tabs @ 135 You’re welcome. Very succinct analysis of the match, me thinks.
Lars @ 146 Too funny lad, that’s the spirit!
Trev @ 185 –
Don’t.
Fall.
for it.
Mate.
BMBD
In general, anyone who thought Theo looked sharp, is spot on.
Howdy, Nurse!
BMBD.
Indeed Mr C @189
Cheers Nursie and very remiss of me not to congratulate you earlier on your exam success. Top work, but don’t let Dr’s C and T find out. All that knowledge might make ’em nervous. π
@181 – Jesus.
Right, The Speedo Massive, reigning champs and all round top bananas are in The Ropey League, with a new kit and an attitude and selection as pure as the driven snow.
Anyone got the link to The Holic big League. Seem to remember Holic posting something about it a while back, but have searched in vain.
Eandy, TR plays with that certain something, classy and elegant. Ryo will benefit from all the game time he’ll get, so I’m happy for him.
Hey Tabs, you made my day mate.
Hi Lonestar, boy I was just thinking of you. Thank you also!
Ping.
BMBD.
Here’s your Gold Medal Lonestar, cheers!
Thanks for the assist, ABB!
I was unabashedly lurking on that one… π
Always a supporter of the people who do the yeoman’s work in hospital. I know quite well from my line of work that the folks who make America’s healthcare system function are our nurses. Kudos to you…
As far as the doom-merchants, naysayers, and other “sillies” alls I can say is you guys need Jebus.
Roll on Saturday. COYRRRs. BMBD.
Ping indeed, Lonestar.
Scruz.
Dont panic? Bit late for that! I’m fucking shitting myself now, You bastard! π
Very quickly, my thoughts on The Games. Great Britain did one heck of a job and the British people were warm and supportive of all the athletes. How these inspiring athletes accomplish what they do, always take my breath away. I once walked on a balance beam, it was a struggle just to make it to the other end. Now I must get ready for work (boo).
Well in Lonestar.
Anyone else notice that the silver medallist in the Ping Pong was Ding Ning! No? Just me then π
Why the fuck anybody thinks this Sahin fellow would he an adequate replacement for Song in the short term must be out of their fuckin’ mind. It takes time to adjust to a new club, even if he does turn out to be up to snuff and ready, etc. etc. etc.
Mr Byrd sums up my feelings for the coming season far more eloquently than I could;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YnVvLd_om8&feature=player_embedded#t=49s
Sounds like Arsene might 8Ball π
And didn’t Dong Dong win trampoline gold, Tabs?
Well in, LSG, for the double century, or ton ton.
He did indeed Ned π
My – my, cheers Nurse, TaBS, and Ned.
I thought team Ta Ta would claim gold in Women’s Beach volleyball, but, alas, the American’s prevailed. Ho hum.
You Brits did well, and the home-cookin’ (and government payments) led to quite a haul of medals. To turn a phrase, “The Games are over. Long live the Games.”
BMBD.
Tabs. Maybe AW watched this then? Having watched half of it myself, I’ve started to feel like he could at least have some potential …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KM0IdlyU-E
But it appears Sahin and Podolski don’t get along, and here’s the documentary evidence.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlZhHVtDhRw
I am not Jesus…sorry.
cg@203, sorry about that. a spare pair of leopard-skin massives on the bar for your short-term comfort. i’m actually hoping i’m reverse-ollie-ing the curse, here.
bt8b, i’m guilty as charged :locoeyes: but i do think le prof has a line on what’s needed, and there does seem to be some smoke there (not pik-like, though that’ll give you :locoeyes: too, if you’re not careful).
ned, so 1200 would be a won ton ton?
@214, next thing you’ll be painting “romanes eunt domus” at fulham’s lesser bus stop…
Nice report holic. I have still only managed to catch the 12 minute highlight package. Now I know it is only a friendly and I know that 12 mins is not even remotely close to being a sufficient amount to make a judgement but I was impressed with our new recruits. At this moment in time we are in a much better state than we were going into last season. Add to that the fact that all of those last minute buys have now had time to settle and all is starting to look rosy. I am also very much buoyed by AWβs comments that all purchases are additions to the squad and not replacements.
I have read many of the recent drinks and must say that I agree with those that are not yet convinced re the goalkeeping situation. I am a big fan of Shezza. I think he has a big future. But he is still young and still has a lot to learn. I am also very much with those that feel we have no credible back up. I have no idea why Vito is still at the club and Flappy in my opinion is just not good enough. I would love to see and older, experienced keeper brought in as back up, and also as someone to keep Shezza on his toes.
RVP??? This is now an unnecessary distraction. It is a situation that needs finalising. If he leads the side out on Saturday then that has to indicate that he is staying. I thought the Nasri debacle last summer was a shambles. The fact he was picked when he had no desires to be there was just baffling. Surely we cant make the same call with RVP? If he leads the team out on Saturday then that has to mean he is staying. It would just be too embarrassing if he was to captain the side for one or two games and then leave. Sort out RVP, keep the rest of the squad, move on the deadwood, add a couple more and I think we will be in as good a shape as we have been in many a year. I am getting very excited now.
Re the Olympics. For me it has been a massive success. Like Trev I had my own fears. I applied for loads of tickets, wanting to take the kids to as much as possible. I got nothing. Several applications later I managed to secure Volleyball tickets. The whole experience was just awesome and I am glad I was part of it. I am pleased to say that I have several sets of tickets for the Paralympics and canβt wait. I canβt really add to the excellent posts from Tabs and Trev re the Olympics. Both echo my thoughts and feelings. It was wonderful to watch and see world class sportsmen and women perform at such a level whilst displaying great sportsmanship and humility. I think the whole ethos of the games has had an effect on everyone and may just account for those being even less tolerant with RVP. Having witnessed the last two weeks is it any wonder why people will not put up with greedy footballers????? Perhaps there are many in the game that could learn a lot from what has gone before them?
Canβt wait for Saturday now, I really canβt. Bring it on.
Keep the faith.
Tabs – Ok.
I will make a fresh list after the window closes π
Lars
Heh! The Bell Ends, love it.
I trust JT is captain, Barton is in MF with Cashley as a full back and Na$ri near the front. Manager Tiny Pooless?
@AFCAMDEN: “RVP likely to go United”
He’s worse than Adebayor, and Nasri.
He’s worse than Cashley in my eyes.
Lays on a wicked through ball for the onrushing xxx to smash in at the magic 222 …
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4486111/Robin-van-Persie-transfer-Man-Utds-22m-deal-as-Arsenal-give-in.html
Say it ain’t so…….
Impec. Not really the kind of news I was hoping for but any resolution in a way is an improvement over the status quo, so if he goes to Man Utd we can all hope for RVP to incur the mother of all injuries (again) rather than to score six goals against Arsenal this season. Let’s get the maximum payment we can and move on (and up) quickly.
If he does go to United I predict that that they will not win another trophy while he plays for them – Remember where you heard this …
…and I hope that the fee does not depend on performances ..
π
Ropey? Who, me? π
SCG@215: not sure I can top that, except with duck sauce.
8ball: I’m in your camp. Let’s get the most we can get and move on, if that’s the case. I’d love if the money was re-invested in an additional striker though.
And if we do make it to 1200, we’ll have to celebrate with a rousing chorus of the Ying Tong song.
For younger drinkers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nebe1zuEtbc
I suspect that one or two of the senior pros in the bar will be word perfect.
Additional striker you say, Impec? For the last several years I’ve thought we ought to sign Hulk, just to have him on the bench to scare the living daylights out of people. π
Ha! I like your reasoning 8ball, but his price would be too prohibitive as not even Fulham in Blue are willing to meet the valuation Porto placed on him. Nevertheless, scaring the living daylights out of people is exactly what he’d do.
Steve T. Given retired from Ireland duty yesterday. We’ve been linked to him for years of transfer windows so is now finally the time to bring him in as our no. 2?
Leaving for a three night trip to the in-laws returning conveniently only a few hours before Arsenal kick off the season, barring car trouble. With my luck, of course, the car will break down and kickoff will see me waiting for a tow in small town, U.S.A. π
Just in case, Come on Arsenal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I might be wrong here, but from the training pictures I’ve seen, TV and RvP aren’t lovey dovey anymore.
Holland play Belgium tomorrow.
It’d be interesting to see their interaction pre-game and post-game.
I hope RVP doesn’t feck off to manyoo. Really do. If he does though, I hope he gets massively crocked
Nurse Abbs,
Cheers, Lovely! Congrats on the “ALS provider” statute! π
Wrt the Olympics, Tabs and Trev have already said it best! They were certainly memorable when i too feared the worst; and team GB, both on and off the field, did the home nations proud!
Wrt the midfield debate, agree that there will be more than enough games to satisfy all of our squad and acquisitions, particularly with our inevitable, and perennial, injury crises in the second half of the season! The ACN will also be covered when Songinho and Gervais take their busman’s holidays!
Steve T @217,
Agree with the RVP situation; if no transfer before next weekend or he’s in the squad against Sunderland, then he stays until next summer – no negotiation and no Lesbian-esque debacle of last season should be repeated or tolerated in any form whatsoever! COYBG!
GT @224,
Prophecy noted! Gwan man! π
TS@219: EBJT is not the captain, Adepaymemore is. And I had to take Cashley out of the team and replace him with Titus Bramble because I had to raise money for a reserve keeper – the sodding thing wouldn’t let me have just one goalie!
Impec1@222: I more or less never click on links that take me to one of the tabloids, but from the URL I can see that they are claiming that we are “giving in”, but if ManU do pay Β£22 million as the URL suggests, then the ones to have given in are ManU and not us. And to be honest, if they pay that money (plus, one would have to assume, hefty wages on top of that) then that’s their loss. One year left on his contract, fairly injury prone and 29 years old so he has probably already had his best days. Yes, I would prefer to keep him and for him to be motivated but can we really turn down that kind of money for him? I’m not sure we can.
Lars@237 I agree with most of what you’ve said. Just one hand grenade though, can we really turn down that kind of money for him? Iβm not sure we can.
Well… I’m not certain. Sure, it would be lovely to get Β£22m and the saving on van Persie’s wages. However, all that cash in the bank wouldn’t be a lot of use to the footballing side of the business. I suggest that far from allowing ourselves to be panicked into accepting a lower fee later in the Window, we should increase the fee we demand as time passes, on the basis that we will have less chance to invest that money, the less time we have.
On a tabloid-related point, I wouldn’t believe the Sun if it said something I wanted to hear. I don’t believe it when it says something I don’t.
COYG ICDDR
Lonestar@somewhere above. Way to make cracks about how the UK olympic team was funded. Let’s not look too closely at the way things are done in the US.
COYG ICDDR
[And with that, Oxon folded his tent, found his ignition keys and headed off to work. Have a good ‘un all.]
Mornings
Evenings everyone π
Greetings Ollie & CoR π
So… Sentanta Sports, that bastion of reliable information, have reported that a sale of a certain employee to the Red W*nky Mankies has been agreed at Β£22M.
Didn’t want to pollute the bar further with a link. We’ll all find out soon enough anyway.
On the positive side, it re-invigorates our rivalry with Manure, SAF, Evra, Shrek et al. That’s good motivation to push for the title in my eyes and prevents us from wasting too much time on our rather laughable neighbours.
Forwards Arsenal!
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7988225/What-Could-Nicky-Bendtner-s-Three-Demands-Be-
a) so number 52 will be free, heh, will anybody ever in the first team ask for 52?
b) I’m guessing the ‘what are the 3 demands?’ game is in full-flow on twitter and other places…..
Lars @ #237
Hope you soaked yourself in a bath of dettol after doing all that π
I will get to The Strollers entry later. It’s going to be really hard to have a pure team this year. I bet someone is going to select ‘the employee’ up front.
Hello TS.
We’ll see what happens indeed.
RVP arrives at Old Trashford and gets told to sit on the bench
A forward gets injured – dont know and dont care who
RVP gets on pitch and trips up Dwayne (as any Gooner at heart would do) and gets boot to head from old red nose
Drooney gets huff on at lack of service and rips off his dog hair
Result Manure are relegated – no surprise there
Now can I get on HT please
Ned 228….. as a senior erm drinker at this bar, that clip of the Goons brought back memories. What a talented bunch of men. Thankfully there are not too many words to remember π
Wow, there’s a bit of rain. Most unexpected, and a new phenomenon for August.
Any chance of lovely weather next weekend in London?
Pretty please….
Fingernails are yet to make an entry either, yet to check if holic has sent the league pass to my email
This time I’m going for top four
June to September is monsoon Ollie – we were taught so in school
Heh Harsha π
Morning chums,
Off with the management to another photoshoot. Hopefully will get a 3G signal on the ‘hPad at the hospital so I can keep up with the ever-changing rumours through the day.
Good luck, ‘holic.
No takers for the Bendy-mands game?
1. They should allow him to wear pink boots
2. At least one of his new teammates should be stupider than him
3. The number 52 of course
Good luck guv’nor, or strictly, guv’nor’s missus.
1. ‘Company’ Ferrari with personalised number plates
2. Salary at least on a par with highest earner at new club
3. Sponsored pants
1. A previously unknown but enormously wealthy European princess to shag.
2.Customised “Little Nicky B” condoms to prevent further unwanted arrivals messin’ with Nick’s sleep patterns and thereby scuppering the relationship.
3. Confirmation that no-one will ever refer to him as “Billy” again.
Just had to have a little laugh at this:
“Redknapp starts the season watching from afar after he left Tottenham in the summer after failing to secure Champions League football for this season.
He expects the usual teams to be in contention with City, United, Chelsea and Tottenham all to challenge.”
Tottnumb? One of the “usual” teams in contention for the title? ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Ollie
1) A free pass to all pizza restaurants in the Europe.
2) To be allowed to have his own logo on all his kit TGSTEL
3) To be allowed to drive without any requirements to tax/insure & drivers licence.
All the Best Holic.
8Ball @212/213 – Yeh, he looks a player. Wouldn’t worry about any footballer spats. Seem to remember TV5 and RVP having a similar dust-up when The Verminator was at Ajax.
Snir @218 heh π
Cheers for the link Ned π
As regards RVP, there does appear to be something more than the usual tittle-tattle this morning. Keeping him was never an option if he refuses to re-sign. I agree with Lars, extract every last penny, and move on.
The Speedo Massive might need rejigging at an early stage π
FG…..it’s incredible, ‘arry has been appointed Sky Fantasy Football League special ambassador. Further quotes, “arsenal will struggle without Van Persie scoring goals for them” erm that’s why we bought 2 strikers in case he departs.
To continue “Liverpool will do better this year (well they couldn’t do much worse)..with players such as Suarez, Andy Carroll, Jamie Carragher ” etc. π
What a bell end….how did Totnum finish so high with him as manager.
Me thinks England had a close escape β
So, loveable wide-boy ‘arry Redknapp has moved from Tottenham manager to Sky Fantasy Football League special ambassador. A step up or a step down?
You decide
@ 262 Uplympian
yeah – the guy is just thick, basically.
Signal strength ok by the window. Have we signed anyone yet? π
Aha! I appear to have stowed away on the Happy Train fantasy league. Look upon the works of Oxon’s Oxen ye mighty, and tremble.
Ah no, I have, in fact, clambered aboard the Goonerholic FPL.
Oxon – guess we will all be trying for the 101 (runners up) trophy then
π
Presume “The Ox” will be your captain β
Oxon 263, very good question! π
Oxon , have you got the code for the Goonerholic FFL? I’m in the Ropey League, but can’t find the “Big” League
I emailed Oxon an invite last night…
Not seen it Guv. I sent an alternative email address to the admin contact or this site yesterday. Had to guess the contact address as can’t find it here; I tried two, and since exactly one bounced I hope I guessed something genuine.
And TaBS, the big league code is 840986-209160
With your kind permission Holic, may I suggest some alternative listening to an interview with Alex Flynn on a podcast, over at of all places, Le Grove….!
Now there’s not much I will say about Pedro and Le Grove, except that I would endorse the viewpoint that Tabs and some of the other regulars on here take on that particular site, which is even more the reason I ask your kind permission in advance.
I do however feel that, like Auclair, Flynn is always worth the time-out. And as for this “interview”, (or more precisely, this “monologue”), he provides some really interesting insight into both the Deins (which we have discussed in depth on here), the change in transfer policy, the commercial side to the club, thoughts on why the future wage structures need to change and of course the RVP saga.
I downloaded it and listened to it while driving to a meeting this morning and I have to say, I thought it was compulsive listening.
Found the code for the Big League on Twitter. Knew I’d read it somewhere.
tabs – There was a code number published on here a day or two ago which seems to give access to “the big league”
Got to pick HT FFL team on iPhone. Away for a week.
Could be tricky.
*gets excuse in early*
Cognac. I reckon you deserve priority boarding to the HT!
Joe, thanks for that. I have heard others recommend it too. I will download and have a good listen. Always good to get other people’s perspectives.
Yep Cheers Oxon, I’ve found it.
Cheers Holic
I do have the vague memory, based on the introduction in his book that AF is a bit ‘in league’ with DD? Or am I getting this wrong?
-not that it prejudges on the podcast which I haven’t listened to, just throwing this here.
Ollie, I believe you’re accurate as usual.
Feo has now withdrawn from the England team with an injury. Looks like the medical centre will be hitting the ground running before the season has even kicked off. π
Nah, Ups, he’s just about to sign a contract with Liverpool… π
Ollie π It’s probably precautionary….doesn’t want to damage his signing hand, although for most footballers they probably just do a thumb print from an ink pad π
All we need to do now, is find a little niggle for Giroud and Cazorla and it will be well played π
Ollie,
I honestly don’t know if thats true or not.
I just listened to the podcast on face value.
I certainly did not think that his comments were flattering to David Dein or that any “agenda” was being pursued (apart from getting a plug for his book in exchange for his time). For example, he speaks about how Dein isolated himself from the board while also mentioning his history with the club.
I just felt it was balanced and I certainly felt that his comments in relation to Darren Dein, explained alot.
He was also was quite assertive with Usmanov in saying that if Usmanov felt that the expansionist model was the way to go (as opposed to the current self-sustaining model), then he should be given a seat on the board and told to front up and provide the cash to pursue that theory rather than issuing stupid statements in public…..but it was in the overall interests of the club that there was collusion rather than division.
Again, just common sense in my mind…….
Anyway – people can listen if they wish and decide for themselves.
Would somebody mind posting a link to the podcast? Thanks.
******
@ goonerholic
Hope all is going well at the hospital.
Wrt Arsenal, am I on the Happy Train by virtue of posting comments on this site? Or do I have to apply for a ticket?
Would someone like to educate FunGunner at 288 or do I have to tell that mad bastard Feelgood to get out his pen?
Yes, please educate me, zico.
Cheers, Joe.
All ready in The Quackery to carry out FunGunner’s medical examination, Feelgood.
In Mr C’s absence, Nurse Wolfie and I can guarantee a most thorough probing. π
Well, Fabianski’s not going anywhere.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/fabianski-i-won-t-make-it-easy-for-wojciech
And to be fair to the lad, his last continuity spell in goal (granted that was a while ago now) wasn’t bad at all, although to be equally fair, I can’t remember his one-offs appearance last season being so entralling.
Confidence, again, is key.
Fun,
glad to, but first….a few questions:
How much money do you have?
Are you familiar with “the multiplyer effect”?
Do you know the address of the Feelgood Foundation?
What is your tolerance level to recreational drugs?
Do you frequent the Tollington?
*Not necessarily in order of importance….
Interesting Fabianski i/view on arsenal.com – he says that both Giroud and Poldi have very hard shots but Podolski takes having a hard shot to a whole new level. He also praises OG’s two-footedness. On Santi he was almost lost for words when trying to describe his vision and technical ability.
Some of you will also be pleased to hear that in training, the keepers have been concentrating on positioning and Fabianski specifically has been paying special attention to dealing with crosses.
@ Ollie
“Confidence, again, is key.”
Never truer than with regard to Fabianski.
Joe, cheers for the recommendation, I hunkered down, strapped on my peruvian anti-riot suit and disappeared off to Le Grove to have a listen.
I don’t have an awful lot to say as I pretty much agree with what you have already said but would just add the following:-
– Fynn is, in my view, always good value. I often don’t like the company he keeps, here with Pedro, or Kevin Whitcher with his book, but he is clearly an intelligent man, and whilst I don’t agree with everything he has to say, he is certainly worth listening to.
– He is part of the Totteridge crowd, and describes Dein as a “good friend” and Arsene as a “good acquaintance”.
– I agree that Fynn doesn’t have an agenda, but Pedro does. It was interesting that Pedro kept very quiet in those parts of the interview where Fynn was lauding AW, and jumped on anything in which Fynn might be deemed to have been semi-critical of Arsene.
– I thought the part of the interview on the Deins was the most interesting. The description of Dein’s view of Arsenal as a “mistress”
, and his sacking as a “bereavement” emphasises again, to me at least, just how desperate Dein is to be back at the top table. I also noted with interest the implied suggestion that whilst Darren Dein is merely acting in the best interests of his clients (and doing it very well), he perhaps enjoys getting back at those he considers are responsible for his father’s “brutal” sacking.
– Much of what Fynn said was interesting and informative, but he got away with a few outlandish assertions, upon which Pedro had neither the quickness of thought nor, it has to be said, probably the will to challenge him on . As examples, the constant misuse of the word “ambition”, the assertion that top four was merely a “financial” achievement, his criticism of Arsene’s youth “policy” when the reality was that the stadium build meant there really was no other alternative, and the comparison of the naming rights of The Emirates with United retaining the name “Old Trafford” all grated to a certain extent.
– Pedro is a first class, top drawer, A1 Bellend! π
Cheeers for the recommendation though Joe. I too found parts of it fascinating nonetheless.
Have one on me mate.
@ 292 Mr T
In Mr Cβs absence, Nurse Wolfie and I can guarantee a most thorough probing.
Oh dear. I was afraid it would involve something like that. Can I just run along beside the train?
FunG –
If it helps with your written test, you can ignore questions 2 and 3.
You might like to arrange a practical test with Feelgood himself, in order to determine the answer ro question 4.
Questions 1 and 5 are the only really important ones. π
@ 294 zicoinexile
How much money do you have?
– my wealth is a closely guarded secret, like the size of Arsene’s transfer budget
Are you familiar with βthe multiplyer effectβ?
– I know my times tables, if that helps?
Do you know the address of the Feelgood Foundation?
– Everyone who loves Arsenal knows that address.
What is your tolerance level to recreational drugs?
– hmm. Probably quite high. I imagine. Never tried any.
Do you frequent the Tollington?
– Is that the same as Selfridges? If so, yes.
What tools do I need to bring Doc? π
@ Mr T
Damn, didn’t see your post excusing me from most of the the questions
@ 301 Wolfgang
Why do I find your use of the word “tools” so alarming?
And bloody hell I’ve only gone and scored again.
Fun @ 290 See, that’s moxy! Bet Zico blinked (smiles). Hi everyone, where ever you might be.
FunG –
Perhaps you would like to try the er, practical CMC test immediately before the medical examination.
You may then find the latter a little less disturbing.
Please bear in mind that we in The Quackery operate, at all times, without the slightest semblance of professionalism.
Nurse Wolfie –
Please bring the aprons, the light paddles and the magnifying glass.
That should suffice for Part 1.
@ 305 Dr T, Wolfgang
No need for CMC or any sedatives. I have just passed out from sheer terror. Do your worst. Not literally, obviously.
Roger that Doc!
Fun, I think the Doc has already provided an answer to your question @303
Congrats on the goal btw. Every cloud … π
And a drink for tabs too.
Fun Gunner,
Given your rather inane responses to the standard preliminary questionnaire, I suspect that running alongside the train may be your best option, at least for the forthcoming season.
I could of course be persuaded by my “medical” team that you may be useful for research purposes.
I believe you are female – do you have Green Eyes?
And you will still need to declare your capital strength π
If only I’d realised that the number was 299 when I last loaded the drinks, heh.
Well played, FG.
Heh tabs, slumming it down Le Groan again…..what a trooper! π
Cheers Ollie.
First time I’ve been there since June Dr Z. My blood pressure just couldn’t take it anymore π
I couldn’t help noticing you were playing away from home this morning?! π
Heh, took me a minute to figure, tabs.
I only wanted to be first in that particular bar and some bugger beat me to it!
At least I wasn’t savaged this time by the Denilson police π
Nice work Wolfie, I think we can pass on a ‘research recommendation’ to Feelgood.
Now if you could just wake the patient up, er, not like that Wolfie ….
that’s much better.
Now just tuck this in for me before you go, please Nurse.
Congratulations FunGunner. You may go and see Feelgood to collect your ticket.
It’s pretty hard to fail a medical here, you know.
Cheers, Dr Feelgood, but I think after that (310) I might prefer to run along beside the train. My strength and speed endurance are pretty impressive. And of course I will experience the landscape at close quarters, which is a bonus.
@ Ollie
thanks!
And thanks for the assist, Mr T
Heh, just noticed Ollie’s kit for The Ropey League π
Dr Z’s I rather liked, quite tastefully done I thought!
It’s pretty hard to fail a medical here, you know.
The fit and proper person test is something else altogether of course. Won’t be having any of that sort…..
Selfridges indeed.
tabs, i just saw that, lol. very classy.
i think afcmta and sazer a.c. will have a tough time telling who’s who, though. and those bell-enders must all play in goal…
I shudder to mention this again, looking at reports of FG’s medical, but I’ve still seen no sign of any invitation to the Ropey League. I’ve just sent a mail message to the competition address on this site asking for a copy to the email address on this posting.
No announcement about van Persie then? Anyone would think that Manyoo were leaking “imminent signing” stories to the tabloids in an attempt to force Arsenal’s hand. Well I never thought they would try that sort of trick. Oh dear me, no.
COYG ICDDR
Aaaaaaaagh; it gets worse. I managed to mistype my work email on the drink above. I think I managed to type it properly on this one.
Oxon, did you send an email to gooner@goonerholic.com? I think that’s holic’s
And the invite might have got mixed up in your spam, did you check?
I joined the ropey league now
Harsha,
No – I had tried holic@goonerholic.com, which bounced and another couple of addresses. I’ve now sent to the address you suggested. I’m not sure why I’m going to all this effort to ensure humiliation in a Fantasy Football comp, but in the words of the immortal Magnus, I’ve started so I’ll finish.
Bless the neighbours, and the garden, and the unexpected sunshine, and the booze.
Oxon, I have sent another invite to the latest variation of your email addy. If this doesn’t work you need to consult a shrink…
It’s independence day here tomorrow and my mates are celebrating by stuffing the refrigerator with a lot of beer, heh
Thanks Guv. I will check tomorrow and either board the train or give up.
I was going to switch on the TV thinking ‘hang on, there might be a game on, as they now play on the Fridays’.
Until I realised it wasn’t Friday at all. The joys of Bank Holidays….
Heh, the neighbours again.
I am going to feel soooooooooooooooooooo blameless this season π
Swindon v Brighton, Ollie. I won’t post the stream. It’s 0-0 at the half and worse than that sounds. I can’t see either side scoring in the penalty shootout.
Ah, it’s tonight? I remember someone (probably Hazza or .) mentioned that fixtures on the (now broken) arses.
In other, absolutely stunning, news, it does look like perhaps there is still a person who thinks I’m Belgian as I got asked about Brussels in a PM.
Seriously……
*sighs*
Shows what I know. Free-kick of the season contender and it is Swindon 1-0 Brighton.
2-0 now to Paolo’s red and white army…
http://www.coolsport.tv/stream7.php
‘Kinell. 3-0 against the Championship side now. Awesome stuff.
Blimey, I should have refreshed this page earlier!
http://www.coolsport.tv/skynews.php
Guillaume Bollocky says they are reporting Song to Barca imminently.
Not seen it yet…
Hopefully he’s wrong again.
nothing on the sky site, and nothing on newsnow, even from ethspania.
i’d find it incredibly hard to believe we’d let him go with two years on his contract.
Just been on. Reckon Barca have offered Β£13m and we are holding out for Β£15m.
Strange one that…
Right. Back in touch. Did I miss anything?
Really!? FG??
Bugger.
Scruz: make that three years. Based on various sources,his contract runs until 2015.
So,,,,,, Fletcher Is worth 14m. And Song 15m??
Really??
Have to get new keys for the CMC.,,
huh, but considering the source…
marca is leading with arsene saying “song’s going nowhere, we’ve had no contact from the gaseous ballbags”.
davvero, molto strano.
cheers, impec1, three. thanks.
Mr C,
Been spending too long in cyberspace with our resident mystic π
Chill, and share some Californian with me 8)
Sky Sports saying that Barcelona vice-president Josep Bartomeu is in London to seal the signing of Arsenal’s Alex Song.
How can Song value Β£15m when Allen just left Swansea after one good year in the league for that price? That would be ridiculous as we would basically be giving away one of our best players when we are in a strong position. This would in turn undo the brilliant work we’ve done this summer to shape our squad.
Serious question – does Dein Junior represent any other current Arsenal player apart from RvP and Song?
If we do sell Song to any other team, we should demand 30 mill. at least, considering his age. quality, contract situation etc. If we sell Song go Barca we should demand 40 mill at least. just because they are Barca.
I hate Barca for many things, Sergio Busquets, their propaganda, employing their players as an agents, Sergio Busquets, the style of play they stole from the Dutch, their fascist supporters throwing animal heads on the pitch, their smurfs squad, their “democratic” elections for president, their hypocritical connection with UNICEF, Sergio Busquets, Qatar Foundation…
But using their last years “charming” image, and so called beautiful football for getting great and most importantly proven players on a CHEAP is unforgivable. For once it has to stop.
F.ck off Barcelona.
After what AW said only yesterday, Song to Barca doesn’t make any sense to me, probably a wind-up.
zico, from a quick websearch song’s the last. tv5 apparently turned him down. and rvp isn’t dein’s, really, he’s kees vos’s, though dein is a business advisor.
Does anyone think M’Villa is worth adding to our squad, or even that we should allow Bendtner to leave ?
Or let me put it another way, should we be looking to bring in another striker?
i love sian.
Reasons I hate Barca, part 2
Biased referees, UEFA connections, Sergio Busquet, their DNA, debt, TV money, “famous” La Masia- which is the famous school of producing young smurfs eons ago (except for this last 4-5 years of luck, they produced quality like Gabri, Ditruel and Celades) and most important – disability to beat those cunting cunts Cunstki with penalty and extra player.
And I am not Real Madrid fan, on the contrary.
Okay here is the thing. A good defensive midfielder and a good versatile defender would help. Also a good back up goal keeper from the championship would be good.
You may notice my use of the word good carefully placed.
Goodnight Amigos
RAC1 saying Bartomeu is back in Spain.
Dein Jr. does not represent/advise any other players apart from Song and RvP.
BMBD
My man, Snir – equal parts prophet and disciple π
BMBD, indeed.
Oxon (from way back in the drinks) – I meant no slight against the UK. The government’s financial support of Olympic athletes and their training was acknowledged forthrightly. The US, I believe, provides no public financing for athletes. As a nonprofit, the US I.O.C., I think, does receive prefered tax treatment. Regardless, you guys can be proud of a job well done regarding the Games.
As far as matters Arsenal are concerned…can the window just close already? I am very satisfied with the business done so far. If we sell Sing-a-Song-o’-sixpence on the cheap, I will be mildly irritated, but no drastic overreactions here, no sirree.
Has that Dutch bloke left yet? How about TGSTEL? Is it Saturday yet? :yawn:
BMBD
The monks of Castle Ned have been set to work listing the agents of record for our first team squad. Please note that “business advisors” are not necessarily the same as a player’s agent.
The results, in shirt no. order:
1
Szczesny
Stellar Football Ltd
2
Diaby
UngeklΓ€rt
3
Sagna
Groupe USM
4
Mertesacker
Soccer and More Ltd.
5
Vermaelen
Sports Entertainment Group
6
Koscielny
In ΓberprΓΌfung
7
Rosicky
International Sport Management
8
Arteta
Grupo Santos Idub
9
Park
Just Football
10
van Persie
Sports Entertainment Group
11
Santos
Europe Sports Groupe
12
Giroud
Promotion Sports Consulting SA
14
Walcott
Key Sports Managment Ltd.
15
Oxlade-Chamberlain
Mondial Sport Management & Consulting
16
Ramsey
Base Soccer Agency Ltd
17
Song
Kick & Run Sports Management
18
Squillaci
Alain Migliaccio
19
Wilshere
Base Soccer Agency Ltd
20
Djourou
Costa Bonato
21
Fabianski
MWS Sport-und Musikmarketing
22
Coquelin
First Eleven ISM
23
Arshavin
Dr. Oliver Wendt & Tomas Zorn
24
Mannone
Beratung durch FamilienangehΓΆrigen
25
Jenkinson
n/a
26
Frimpong
Ohne Berater
27
Gervinho
New Star Sport Promotion
28
Gibbs
n/a
29
Chamakh
Mondial Promotion
31
Miyaichi
11 Africa Stars Football Management
35
Bartley
Stellar Football Ltd
46
Lansbury
Key Sports Managment Ltd.
52
Bendtner
Benny Nielsen
unnumbered
Podolski
Player Management
Cazorla
n/a
Ned,
Wow.
Shouldn’t the monks be brewing some Chimay?
BMBD.
Impressive as hell, Ned, duck sauce or no…
Tks, LSG & SCG, my monks are more consumers than producers. And, of course, I lead from the front. Their brew of choice is, naturally, Lhasa Beer, available in Texas if you look hard enough, Lonestar. By which, of course, I mean if you search diligently; I am not making any comment on your appearance.
Ned –
π
BMBD.
ned, if he looks in the italian part of texas, well, that’sa the lhasa beer he gonna find…capiche?
Scruz –
Judonna kno watcha talkin abouta… π
Pelanty of Lhasa can be found in Italy, Texas. I know.
BMBD.
ya mean lhasa lhasa, don’t you lhonestar? π
Heh!
G’nite, boss.
BMBD.
goodnight, tejissimo…
Miyaichi – Africa Stars football management?
HEH
Mind your backs there on the HT, Oxon’s oxen are coming through.
I’ve finally managed to board the train and I must say I’m impressed by the plush leather upholstery. The retro 70’s burned out carriage is another nice touch.
Relax everyone, the fight for last place is now decided. Thanks ‘holic and everyone for bearing with me while I stumbled around the station.
COYG ICDDR
When is the deadline for registering? And Tabs, could you post that link to the big boys league?
Oxon thinks the Happy Train is the fantasy league.
Bless.
You will know when you get on board the Happy Train comrade 8)
Looks like I’ll be escaping the extreme temperatures in Paris, just.
36Β° forecast this weekend…
Ollie – we are waiting for the 70k/s winds and storms down south – humidity is already high
Dear Mr.Oxon Gooner
Regarding your previous post I have recieved a direct ‘request’ from the Feelgood Foundation to state that all of D.L.L.’s rolling stock is maintained to the highest standards conforming to all the relevant European Health & Safety Laws.
Any sub-standard stock that you may have witnessed can be explained in one of two ways:
1. The carriage in question could have been an early prototype of The Pet’s Carriage which we prefer to keep ‘au naturel’ as the occupants are rarely house or potty trained.
2. At enormous profit, we occasionally do our neighbours a ‘favour’ by retrieving their rolling stock for normal service within the London Borough of Totteringham.
I trust that provides you with an adequate explanation.
Your sincerely,
Edwin Storey
PhD, C.Eng, GCSE, Affiliate of the Transport Workers And TravelexecS
Morning ‘Holic
Is all well with management?
Good luck with the wind, cognac.
Heh, the Professor still knows π
Mr C, 11.30 our time Saturday morning if you want to be in from week one.
Thanks all re the management. Results in a month apparently. Even if you pay through the nose for private healthcare you are shafted if the consultant sawbones fucks off on holiday.
‘holic they’re in league with their skeleto-muscular colleagues. The longer you sit around with your fingers crossed the more work it brings in for them.
I’ll risk it; best of luck.
Prof TES @375 – π
Hope all is well Holic.
There are willing, if not particularly able, consultants on hand in The Quackery if you need a faster turnround. π
Ned strikes again @359,
You may well have realised already, but interesting that the following entries translate as:
Diaby. – undisclosed
Koscielny. – being examined / verified
Frimpong. – without advisor
Mannone. – advised by family members
Why are those ‘unclarified’ entries all in German, I wonder.
Just curious ?
Muamba – retired.
Hope you can have a happy life away from professional football now, Mr Fabrice.
Ditto Ollie. Clearly a very bright lad, hope he can redirect his talents.
Mr C, the number for the Big League is @273, posted by Holic.
Hi gooners. Ollie, had not heard that about Fabrice, been following his recovery and all. Best of luck to him. Which is more than I wish for RVP. I’ve gone through my phases of loss. We all make blunders, but most of us are ‘man’ enough to say we’re sorry. He’s had plenty of time to do just that. That’s what makes me feel the way I do. Going to United will be the nail in the coffin. Once I asked all of you why you hated the Tiny Totts so much, for me they have always been a source of mild irritation and amusement, nothing more. Certainly not a threat. United is a different kettle of fish altogether.
I posed this to Goonertown on the previous thread and am re-posting this here.
Goonertown is incorrect–the club DID try to renew RVP’s contract and he refused to sign.
HE refused to renew his contract. Stop blaming the club for HIS refusal to renew his contract, despite the increased wages we offered.
How is the club to blame for HIS decision to publicly insult the manager, his teammates and the club? How is the club to blame for HIS decision to make the ultimate betrayal and play for Man Utd, knowing full well the history of our two clubs?
Wanting to leave “for trophies” is not his crime. His crime is that statement that publicly insulted the manager, his teammates, and the club.
If he had any respect for the club he’d go abroad but he refused that option.
The club and the manager stood by him during his run-in with the law and his 8 yrs of constant injury.
And he pays back the man who nurtured and developed him into a world class player by publicly insulting him, his teammates and the club. And then digging in the knife in the back by going to MANCHESTER UNITED — knowing very well what that means.
Like Stephen Gerrard CHOOSING to go to United.
Saying he can “do what he pleases” is like saying the sky is blue. Gee. No kidding. Like that even means anything. I can cheat on my spouse and abandon my kids if I want–that doesn’t mean my choices aren’t subject to judgment and condemnation.
Stop rationalizing RVP’s actions and choices. The CLUB comes first–not RVP. Defending a player who publicly insults the club is tantamount to betrayal. Defending a player who thinks so little of the club and manager that nurtured & developed him, that stood by him in his toughest hours, that he would CHOOSE to play for Man Utd is tantamount to betrayal itself.
No true Arsenal supporter can view a player who makes such decisions with anything but condemnation. What RVP has done & is doing is reprehensible. End of.
Marcus – Welcome to the bar.
Please, come again. I think I love you.
Marcus –
I don’t know anything about Goonertown’s comments, but the rest of what you say is spot on.
Mr T, Gastarbeiter among the ranks whose coding is better than their linguistic comprehension. Clearly the QA dept at Castle Ned is not at its optimum during the black coffee hours. The guilty parties will be taken out and given shots.
Snir & Trev, thanks.
I felt strongly about it that I had to post something. I’ve been seeing some gooners express the same kind of sentiments Goonertown made and it baffles me.
As if they have absolutely no problem with an Arsenal player publicly insulting the club. As if they find it perfectly acceptable for a player we’ve made into a world class talent to publicly insult his manager and teammates and then choose to play for Man Utd.
I don’t understand that kind of support.
Well said, marcus.
Hey FunG –
Hope you weren’t led off the rails by those terrible doctors yesterday. π
marcus
Well vented. Chill pills now available on request from The Quackery.
marcus, cheers!
Drink for you.
(but I’ve promised not to talk on this topic with G-town again π )
Top post marcus.
Based on the rumblings, it seems like Song is waiting at the exit door indeed. Is it that the club is clearing it’s deck of all the Dein’s clients? Well, if that’s the case, kudos to the club so that we can all move on and not have to deal with the inevitability of his clients’ refusal to sign new contracts.
@ 393 Trev
wotcher
I got the right signals so I’m waiting at the station.
Cazorllie-style assist.
Ping
Strolls through the box accidentally hit in the back…
@ 397Impec1
Based on the rumblings, it seems like Song is waiting at the exit door indeed. Is it that the club is clearing itβs deck of all the Deinβs clients?
I also wondered that. Or it could be just a case of no more begging and persuading, you either want to stay with us or you don’t. And if you don’t, off you go.
…by the shirt Impec threw away during his celebrations!:) well in!
It’s the kind of assist you’re slightly ‘worried’ will end up in the back of the net.
And then you have to fucking wait for someone to finish the move.
I thought the assist deserved a better finish, but well played, Impec1 π
Stylish goal there, Ollie and Impec1
Eandy I think you got hit by the ball as the keeper kicked it furiously out of his net…
oh sorry, for some reason I read the right name but the wrong post (I read 401).
GREAT finish, Impec1!
Re: HT Your Ropey League
The Strollers are back and aiming for mid-table medicority this season. It will be a real challenge.
One C*nt$ki – but it’s Yossi π
One Manure spreader – Welbeck, booooooooo!
Apart from that, pure as the driven mud i.e. no LWCs, Vulgarians, Munsters
Hands up who HASN’T got Santi in their midfield? (pre-emptive boooooo!).
More Strepsils please Dr.C.
That might be the case too FG:). One pointer back to the Cologne game…I found out with horror that with white numbers those new away kits are becoming kinda “okay” for me ….but I dont want to like them at all! >:(
It had occurred to me also that we may be trying to purge the Dein influence, hence my Q @ 348 (thanks for answering Ned, btw) however I can’t really see us setting a precendent where we will only deal with certain agencies.
I still think the Dein’s have an agenda, and nothing Joe says will change my mind π
Nice stuff Marcus.
Thanks for that picturesque assist Ollie. Thanks Eandy and FG.
Celebrates to the new rendition of “he scores when he wants”
Hey Marcus,
Nice post, but it sounds as if you were looking for… um, what is that word, er, loyalty?
Shame on you. And watch out for Snir’s affections. π
Impec1 – well in! If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then flattery will get you everywhere with me *ping* I, too, was wondering whether the club and Arsene have worn thin with the antics of Dein the younger and his clients/advisees, and decided to wash their hands of all of them.
If so, I say kudos. You’re either a mouse or a man… and I hate cheese.
BMBD.
Dr.z – The Deins certainly do have an agenda. If I were IG I’d be working on a restraining order for both not to be allowed within 5 miles of any current player.
Massive heh at TS.
If you’re selecting Yossi, you might as well not select him.
He’s not going to get a minute of playing time with the cunts.
In fact, I don’t understand at all how he is still there.
Yellow card for selecting Wellbeck though. (who may not play much there either if VanPursie goes to the Mancs)
zico @409: I think you are right about not setting the precedent of only dealing with certain agencies as it doesn’t seem feasible. This is due to the fact that even if we refuse to sign players he represents, a player might decide to change his agent after signing.Thus, if said player hires Dein during his tenure at the club, then we have no choice but to deal with the c*nt.
Heh @ Lonestar! Now I remember where I got that from. Lol!
What have I missed?
Recent posters here appear to assume that van Persie and Song are both on the point of leaving. Why?
I know that van Persie said he wants to go, but that was, what, six weeks ago and there’s been no movement. The current sentiment seems to be based on a few reports in the tabloid press and a statement from a Glaswegian that he can’t understand why Arsenal haven’t bitten his hand off to get less than we want for the final year of van Persie’s contract. The BBC is reporting that Manyoo have raised their offer from 60% of our valuation to 88% which is certainly a lot closer. Is there any good reason (apart from last Summer’s precedent) to believe that when arsenal say, we require Β£x to transfer a player’s registration, they actually mean that they’d accept less?
With Song, again from the BBC’s accurately named Football Gossip column, some Catalan bloke has said he’s coming to London to finalise a deal. Well, that doesn’t mean that a deal is inevitable, or even likely. In fact, judging by the comparative valuations mentioned yesterday, said Cataln is going to have to find a hell of a lot of money somewhere before any deal is likely, let alon probable.
Keep the faith, people, van Persie, Walcott and Song are all Arsenal players at the moment. What’s in the future is in the future. We will certainly deal with it when it comes.
COYG ICDDR
There may be a Dein purge going on but it would seem a bit drastic to expunge them all in one summer when there’s really no need to.
In Song’s case I would think it is more a question of AW being prepared to let him go in favour of a different type of player.
At times I love Song for his strength and determination on the ball, but he can frustrate in equal measure with his attempts at getting on the ball.
He can be pretty casual at picking up and chasing opposing midfielders, and is too often careless in the tackle in dangerous positions, giving away too many unnecessary free kicks.
His attempts at stopping attackers in his own penalty area are always ‘heart in mouth’ affairs, and then there is the question of which is his area.
For a defensive midfielder his protection of the back four is, at times, pretty poor. Compare and contrast with Gilberto.
So, all in all, if you want to stay and work to improve Alex, all well and good.
If you too have decided The Arsenal is not up to your standards, mind the door on the way out.
COME ON what’s left of YOU REEDDDSSSS !!!
3 sleeps Zico. π
Just popped back to claim any ‘careless in the tackle’ jokes.
Down Wolfie. π
Ollie
Thanks, in hindsight I may have rushed at it a bit in typical Storey style.
Last minute TW biz may be required π
Poor Yossi, he deserves better esp. as he now has an extra mouth to feed. How on earth will he afford it on his paltry footballers salary?
Yossi has 2 mouths ? Freaky.
Trev
Heh! @ #420 and completely agree re: Song. I’d prefer him to stay and improve further but if he goes, he goes.
At least we’re choosing to let him go as opposed to having our hands forced like certain other employees.
UTA!
If you have two mouths, what happens when you get down to the last Rolo?
These kind of things keep me awake at nights…..
Trev @ 419
Agree 100%.
Agree with all of that on Song Trev.
A good player but not a great one. If Arsene has seen someone he prefers, all good to me.
If Song wants to be here, great. If he doesn’t, I’ll call the cab.
*bemoans missed ‘he’s a cab’ pun opportunity*
Watching Rooskies v Ivory coast
couple of players might be useful – K Toure and E Eboue = doh
Sahin to Liverpool, apparently. I hate Mourinho, that cunt.
M’Vila off to Spurs by the sound of it, which could be misguided, but those are the current noises.
No chance Song would be sold to Barca now.
Unless AW is getting Capoue, and I’d be happy with that. Cracking player, but I wouldn’t want a new player a week before we go to Stoke. We need Song at Stoke.
Our Andre coming on after good free kick Russ 1-0
Marcus @387,
Welcome and excellent post Monsier!
Exactly what I’ve been feeling since that Judas’ statement!
Song, as I stated on several occasions last season, can feck off too if there’s any degree of disloyalty in his circulation!
This culling of the deluded and disloyal, (rather than the popularly spouted Djourou’s , Schillaci’s, etc, at our club) should have always been, and i am glad it is now as it appears, the primary objective this summer.
Remove ALL of the first teamers who aren’t truly committed “self-lessly” to our glorious club’s cause and let them see how their greener pastures will fare them!
Song out and Sahin or M’Villa in; a no brainer to me (both technically superior players and positionally more intelligent too. No ACN to be concerned about either).
RVP out; another no brainer and I stopped losing any sleep whatsoever over that petulant cunt the millisecond after I finished reading his egotistical and self-important statement filled with incredible delusions of grandeur from his one solitary good season in the EPL! What happened at the Euros Robin if you’re so good and worthy of more than we can offer, as you now repute to be?! Achieve a modicum of what TH14 did for us season-in season-out, then you might have had a point and garnered a little more respect from your statement; otherwise you’ve just come across as another deluded millionaire cock that modern association football has spawned! Good riddance to you and where you fit in best!
COYBG!
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/908669-arsenal-confident-of-keeping-alex-song-despite-renewed-barca-interest
Srir, I asked on Twitter if Sahin to Liverpool was official. It suddenly went very quiet.
Sounds familiar, Cognac π
All, see below. It couldn’t be happening to a nicer club. I wonder when they start telling their employees that wages cannot be paid this month?
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/jim-white/united-stock-slumps-thanks-glazers-122107463.html
Tabs, the guy who was it would be announced is Oliver Kay from the Times.
Cullann (the comp maker – CWDCOMPS) has seen the same from a Turkish journo who is at the Turkish NT base camp.
Must be true then Snir π
Still not on Arsenalnewsnow or Liverpoolnewsnow last time I looked.
It ain’t official you know.
Don’t be so petty, you know how these things work.
It’s like saying you knew Cazorla to Arsenal would happen only on Aug 8. π
I’m not being petty. It was a JOKE ffs !!!!
So, last rolo, two mouths?
It sure beats the shit outta me – hope Yossi knows.
FG @432: That article made the most sense of all the bullshit I’ve read regarding Song. He has 3 years on his contract so selling for 12 – 15 million pounds, especially to Cuntalona, made no sense. Anything over 20 million pounds then we can start talking to those cunts.
TS @ 435
“It’s a football club, not an ant colony.”
π π π
Silence can be deafening and yet speak volumes, so they say. ‘They’ are right. Too often now I feel more like a voyeur here. It isn’t so much as I couldn’t take a hint, just that I dearly wanted to be a part of it all. But I’m a square peg, trying to fit into a round hole, picking up plenty of splinters along the way. So it is time for me to say farewell. Before I go I just want to say thank you to those of you who really made me feel welcome and gave me that bit of encouragement I needed. For those of you I have some how offended, I can only offer a generic apology because you never took me to task, giving me a chance to somehow make amends and prevent further wrongs on my part. Or it could just be that my meagre offerings left you with nothing to comment on. If that is the case so be it. I must remain true to myself, it’s all I have. ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’, well how right he was, when he penned those immortal words. Gonna miss you all and wish each and everyone one of you the very best. Holic, I want to thank you for your hospitality and kindness. Many a time I have seen you rescue a holic in one form or another. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for The Management. Take care everyone and enjoy the upcoming season, our best ever!!!
@ 440 Impec1
Agreed.
Sahin does look he’s off to lfc. He wants to come back to RM so makes sense for him to go on loan to the club which his manager wants him at. And perhaps he thinks he’ll get more playing time as well. Shame for us. He was being thought of as a Wilshere substitute, as he is more of a deep-lying playmaker than a DM, I am told.
FunG @432 –
I notice your link says ‘Arsenal confident of keeping Alex Song’.
Well, my attitude is hardening re Mr Song.
That article should read ‘Alex Song hopeful of staying at Arsenal’ !
This is The Arsenal we are talking about, and although Song has some qualities, he would not rank among the top tier of defensive midfielders in the world.
Who the feck is he to pick and choose whether Arsenal are good enough for him.
My guess is that with a complete season behind him, Coquelin would be a better all round player.
Maybe that has not been lost on Dein Jr’s client.
Afternoon Holics
It looks as though we will be without a certain Dutchman come the weekend ? What are the chances that the Batman/Robin banner will still be displayed at the Ems come 3pm on Saturday afternoon?
I’m about to remove RVP’s poster from my kitchen , which will leave me with AA23s. Me thinks there is going to be a rather empty space to fill by the 30th August!
See you all on Saturday, can’t wait.
AS always COYRs
Once again, right on Trev.
@ abb
Just my tuppence worth – fair enough to stop commenting if you are too busy, or bored of it, but don’t scarper because you think you are being ignored. People tend to just skim (OK, I tend to just skim through) and by the time you’ve got to the bottom of the comments you’ve forgotten half of the stuff you were planning to reply to. Speaking as a relative newcomer, you seem to be a very popular personality who fits in well and lots of regulars appear to be very fond of you. So don’t disappear just because no-one has chatted directly to you for a bit!
Obviously if I have completely misunderstood your 442, please ignore my post entirely! π
Nurse abb, WTF?
What’s all this Abb ?
Are you seriously leaving us ?
Why ?
Have you been offered more money elsewhere ?
Have I missed a joke, a parody – siunds a bit too real for that ?
@ 444Trev
I notice your link says βArsenal confident of keeping Alex Songβ.
Well, my attitude is hardening re Mr Song.
I feel obliged to quip “Don’t tell Wolfie”. Too early?
nurse, what the heck? i feel that way not infrequently, but it’s play on the HT…and the play can be so much fun.
do stick around, otherwise you’ll be missed.
Nurse Abb,
I have made a career out of ignoring women. Don’t take it personally – if you do, I’m working on Rox next. 8)
Nurse Abb, report to The Quackery immediately !
Yep Nurse Abb, I endorse what Fun and Dr Z have said. I’m not sure what’s troubling you, but I for one, hope you reconsider.
My attitude is always hardening Fun π
FunG –
As far as Mr Song is concerned, it will only ever be my attitude. π
How much pfaff is it to turn italics on and off !
Nurse Abb don’t tell me you’ve signed up with Darren Dein. You obviously haven’t read the terms of your Goonerholic contract…early exit is exorbitant. π
Impec1 @ 416
Good point.
Would still be nice to blacklist DD in the short-term, just for the hell of it.
πΏ
Snir, I asked on Twitter[…]
Heh. Lunacy (and why are they so many drinks to catch up with again? I thought I was the only one with a bank holiday)
I am relieved (thought not very surprised, to be fair) to read 438 now π
I see now why all the drinks, but I seem to have missed the abb pronouncement.
Was it a RvP-inspired joke or real?
I shall backdrink further to find it.
*is truly baffled at 442*
Monty-Python style punchline :
– Good thing she didn’t check the arses.
Come back, abb, I think you just picked the wrong box in the CMC there.
Spot on FG at 447
ollie @461 I tend to agree with you that the Nurse was suffering split Robin and abb personality and I hope she’ll be back shortly
Abb – what FunG said –
Thing is, as she said, we just tend so skim until we get to your bottom and then we forget what we were going to reply to !
But it is always a generous bottom with a kind spirit, and we would miss it. π
How on earth I am going to cope with the increased workoad in the Quackery without Nurse Abb?
I’m rushed off my Little Jimmy Choos as it is. Has anyone given a second thought to that?
Nurse Abb was the only one who knew what she was doing.
I can’t cope!
Abb, as a recent newcomer to the bar, your postings have been a source of good spirit and generosity of mind – a welcome respite from the more macho type drinks us men post from time to time. Truly hope you will reconsider your decision.
abb
What Trev & FunG said.
You have now dominated two dozen drinks. That’s probably a record in here.
So… please sack your agent, issue a retracting statement, declare your love for The Bar and tell that other website that they’re cyber grass is not greener. We have built a powerful squad in here and we have the best chance in years to…. etc., etc.
Are you feeling the love yet?????? XXXXXXXXX
Ollie @459/460 heh π
Nurse Abbs,
No, don’t leave; you’re about the only sane individual in this bar that keeps the punters in check! I for one always look for and love your genuine and passionate posts about the “football”, even though with the working day, I’m unable to respond in kind immediately or indulge in direct dialogue (it’s never easy when you’re in-between surgical cases)! Please reconsider, if you truly are serious in leaving this nut-house or you’ll become like RVP in my books! π
So its done. He is gone.
As one of the few people here , who supported him till the very end, it hurts. I always thought he would reconsider.
I honestly thought it was about the ambition ,but we addressed it.
But we move on.
BBC (Ornstein) saying Β£24m agreed with Yanited for RVP. Great money for us I think, if true.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/terms-agreed-for-van-persie-transfer
I have to say, I thought he’d end up at City.
Fuck ‘im.
Next.
Official.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/terms-agreed-for-van-persie-transfer
Its over. Good.
Now who we buying?
Β£24 million would be excellent.
Giroud is probably rubbing his hands with glee. He is going to get a lot more game time.
Either way. Glad its done with. We move on. And we gonna kick some butt this year. Im fucking angry.
Any chance of hijacking Llorente?
So much Dr man-love for one nurse; can she handle it?! We all know well nurse Wolfie can!
fucking traitor.
it was his only option, unless he wanted to climb down from his high horse.
Β£24M is very nice and all, especially if the dutch fucker reverts to his average form over his arsenal time…that is, injured mostly.
fuck him.
You flirting with me Dan? π
Van Pursie is officially a Manc Cunt.
I wish him no good at all.
Yeah, tabs it looks like we drove a hard bargain at least.
Now is the time for his looong overdue injury .. Let it begin.
Feck-you very much Sir A F-word! Nice piece of business that for an injury-prone, one-season wonder (to-date) hitting his 30’s and in the final year of his contract! Sweet as a nut!
Now sort out Song and Theo so we can put-to-bed this “will-he, won’t he” media-stirred bull-shit! I just wanna start focusing on what really matters; Arsenal Football Club! COYBG!
would love him to get deench’d, sajit. or adepaywhore’d…but seriously.
This helped me take another perspective.
http://poznaninmypants.com/2012/08/14/the-poldi-a-new-unit-of-currency/
France game on TF1 tonight, we’ll see if Wenger is on commentary.
Must have a chance of scoring here!
I guess that answers the question ‘Do I cheer RvP’s goals now?’ π
Sorry, forgot its civilised here. Not twitter or the Arses.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Abb –
Not sure what the issue is/was, but you are welcome to send me a note via secured channels…just ask the Guv for the “sort code.”
I hope you stick around.
(Fuck that Dutch Bloke)
BMBD.
Looks like “Song and Theo ” will be heading the same way because they too are both asking for wages that will not sit well within the business model.
Makes me so proud the be a Arsenal supporter, for a time there I was worried we could have ended-up in the RED over this summerβs transfer dealings, but NO the boys in suites have managed to pull it out of the bag again, we can all sleep easy in our beds again tonight βthree cheers for the suites everybodyβ…..
I shall quote one Mr Arseblogger from Dublin 7:
I am only interested in players who want to play for Arsenal
Yep me too Ollie but do you think all our best players have/had the wrong attitude?
Odd ball image of the day, to be found on Bloomberg’s web site: http://www.bloomberg.com/image/ilp7RFOmnNcI.jpg