Cold Turkey
Dec 27th, 2013 by 'holic
Right then, back home after yesterday enjoying at least parts of the match with two of the newest Junior Gunners (great membership packs and delivered in time for Christmas, thanks Arsenal). The youngest didn’t last much of the first-half, the lure of the vacant Xbox proving too strong, but he was back for the culmination of our second-half fightback.
It was interesting watching the game unfold whilst unable to utter the usual instant reactions. Not unlike a match against one of the smaller and more defensive-minded opponents at the Grove in fact. The presence of the young kept a lid on the expression of frustration as we failed to turn first half domination into a lead. “Don’t worry”, I assured the eldest, “The longer the game goes the more tired West Ham will get and the goals will come.”
He seemed to be comforted by that, and then we started the second-half by falling apart at the seams. Thanks for that lads. That Carlton Cole scored and very nearly doubled his tally shortly afterwards was a cause for some headshaking and biting of the tongue. The ‘holic pound was already holed, but my three goal prediction for the visitors would prove to be sound.
The first owed a great deal to Lady Luck. Quite what Tomkins and Adrian were doing is beyond me, but a lad and his Grandad hissed out a “Yes, Theo” in unison. That changed to a more raucous “Get in there” when the same player headed home Poldi’s excellent cross. At such times it is compulsory for Dads and Grandads to offer the ages old conventional wisdom, “always head it down son”, followed by a reference to the great headers of your day. The ‘holicdad would tell me about Ronnie Rooke, and I shared my recollections of John Radford yesterday.
I’m not sure if that cheer brought the youngest downstairs in time to watch Poldi thump home the third. A simple “Yes!” for me although the grand’holics were somewhat more excited. At the whistle there was precious little time for a post mortem. It being Boxing Day the dining table was groaning under the weight of turkey, gammon, roast and new potatoes, assorted salad products and pickles, all waiting to be washed down with a glorious rioja.
So that was it. Only when I looked back on Twitter later did I see some astonishingly negative reactions. There was a time when only highlights of matches were available and so it was possible that we wouldn’t know if anybody had not played that well. Today some seem unable to cope with individuals having an off-day, even if we have won comfortably (eventually) and gone back to the top of the table as 2013 draws to a close.
Angry people, watch a game or two with some kids and get a different perspective on things.
120 Responses to “Cold Turkey”
First!
Cheers Holic!
Sorry, just cut off from previous drinks –
Dr F @243,
I will presume to count myself as a more experienced Holic and chime in for a moment.
I don’t really understand the “logic” in saying that we won’t be able to sign a true quality striker in January, but we will be able to pick up a left winger who can alternate with Poldi.
I think it has now been established that the club is only interested in spending money on top quality players. Why is it presumed that no top quality strikers will be available in January but top quality left wingers will, especially as left sided players are always at a premium anyway.
The second question would be “Why ?”.
We do actually have Podolski back now, and apparently Theo, with The Ox to return in January too. I also think that Monreal does a decent job as a left sided winger/midfielder, and provides good defensive support to Gibbs too.
If Arsene has found what he believes to be a top quality striker in January, I think he will try to sign him. If not, I think ttg’s scenario of an experienced but ageing proven goal scorer is more likely to get us through to the summer.
Other than that, I think the Arrivals Lounge will be empty in January.
I even think that Mr Bendtner’s ticket out may be delayed until the summer – regardless of any other activity.
Top four, never a bad idea. Now to read 😉
Good stuff, Holic,
Especially your penultimate paragraph.
The unending naval gazing and “who should we buy instead” at every misplaced pass drives me nucking futs – yes, the girls are here. 😉
Ronnie Rooke , John Radford , sounds like our table when my old man was with us
Made me smile from ear to ear – just did it my self: At such times it is compulsory for Dads and Grandads to offer the ages old conventional wisdom, “always head it down son”
Well said Holic. I watch a fair number of games with little Poldi sitting shotgun. I stew a seeth inside and yesterday was no exception when they got their goal and threatened for a second. But we both yelled out similar things when Theo got his brace and it was icing on the cake when Poldi got his. We looked much more dangerous with Santi central and poldi and theo on the wings. I just wonder if we have a good defensive set up with Santi, Özil and Arteta as our central midfield.
Anyway, 3 more deserved points. Newcastle will be a bit trickier but we never lose to French teams, so all should be good. 😉
Cheers all. Here’s to looking forward to the second half of the season.
Good evening hölixs,
As mentioned in previous drinks, I wasn’t opportuned to watch as I was damn busy but still managed to follow somehow. It started like one of those days, but thank guinness it went our way in the end.
I can hardly complain about this team now. I just believe we have more of a psychological issue than physical. Happy some fresh legs and minds have stepped in to shake things up. Hence that means ” the Arrivals Lounge will be empty in January”. And I sincerely believe the league is there for the taking. The only obstacle is ourselves and we possess the intellectual capacity to overcome it.
Get well soon Kos and Rambo and more goals from the wingers.
Trev @ 3 — I think the logic is very simple: balance and availability.
It is relatively (which is the operative word here, relatively) easier to get someone like Lavezzi or Pedro or Reus and give depth and balance to the team while assuring future roles for them than getting top quality strikers like Cavani or Falcao or Suarez or Lewandowski (Diego Costa is a flavor of the season, Benzema is not really an improvement of Giroud, Martinez may be an option) in January.
I don’t think for a moment that Poldi can just keep playing all matches until the end of the season and once he is not there our left sided play becomes significantly narrow — Santi/TR7/Jack all naturally drift inwards — and even though using Ox/Serge could be an option both are too right footed to really excel at the left wing and Ox I believe would need to give back-up to Theo as in their absence our right side becomes narrow too.
I guess (operative word: guess) one of the main reasons Arsene really wanted to get Suarez in the summer — despite all the obvious counter-arguments — is because Suarez can play quite well on the wings as well as playing centrally and hence can play with Giroud.
However I agree that we most likely will not buy anyone, but that doesn’t mean that there may not be a need — real need or perceived need, however the difference between two is often a degree of delusion one has learnt to use as a survival tool unless one has attained nirvana and now in the service of the rest of the humanity 🙂 — for one.
As per “The unending naval gazing and “who should we buy instead” at every misplaced pass drives me nucking futs” …
I find the condescending counter navel-gazing to others’ speculations equally infuriating. It is like asking a bar full of semi-drunakrds to now meditate on the music being played instead of talking about the band… 🙂
Rioja ‘Holic?
It’s surely a decent Fleury with Turkey and Gammon.
Anyway, it’s always good to keep the amount of Anglo-Saxon phrases to a minimum with the wee junior ‘holics around.
Top of the League!
A win, 3 points, poldi back and santi got his mojo hopefully, newcastle is tough but then champions are supposed to win such games.
Faustus,
If you think it will be “relatively” easy to sign Reus in January then please get yourself on the negotiating team without delay.
I wasn’t suggesting Podolski can play every game until the end of the season – I will leave the manager to be the judge of that. I did suggest that Monreal might be an effective stand-in if we need someone wide left.
As for your Ox and Theo arguments, Theo has scored some of his best “Thierry Henry” like goals from the left wing, playing for the England U21s.
I don’t know where you have your knowledge of Gnabry’s limitations from, so I will have to bow to your superior. I would just say that we had a rather good right footed left winger by the name of Robert Pires, so all things are possible.
I can’t comment on your last three paragraphs as I simply can’t work out what on earth they mean.
You did ask more experienced Holics to ‘chime in’ and I obliged. Unnecessarily as it turned out, as your own knowledge is, as usual, far superior.
My comments were just an opinion – not an attempt to persuade, from which I will desist.
Arse!
Oops, I mean well in & cheers ‘holic
Nice one ‘holic!
Thanks all, and heh at DC. The original draft had a dig at wine snobs saying rioja doesn’t go with cold meat and salad 😉
Faustus,
Your points on the left sided midfielder took me a little by surprise. I would have thought that given we were well stocked on the left side and that it was the right side that was of more concern?
Which is why I believe we tried to sign Suarez, Higuain and Cavani. All of these players are right footed and prove a balance to the increasing number of lefties we have in the team? (Jack, Ozil, Giroud, Poldi, Monreal, Gibbs……). And of course they’re also versatile enough to play on the wing as well and all have pace. Something which I believe is a prerequisite in signing a new striker.
Considering were entering silly season, I have cobbled some utterly rank speculative thoughts together during the festive season to get some debate going.
I believe we will sign a striker this January. We can’t seriously continue to depend entirely on Giroud. The question is do we sign a top notch striker or a competent back up?
Wenger has form for spending in January: Reyes, Arshavin and last January he also bid for Cavani (ala Geoff Arsenal). Cavani would have smashed our transfer record, which was held by Reyes at the time, who marginally eclipsed the money we paid for Arshavin. Bottom line is that January can be a fruitful hunting ground for players whose contracts are running down, or for clubs who are strapped for cash and can’t afford to take the risk of waiting until the summer. The oil clubs generally wait until the summer to free up cash, so for a cash rich club like Arsenal, the January sales may offer some possibilities.
So who’s available this January?
Well Diego Costa might be available because Atletico are strapped for cash. While Costa is a talent, he doesn’t have the one quality that Higuain, Cavani and Suarez possess: pace. I think we need pace up front. I believe we need a player to can run in behind defences. We effectively need the opposite to Giroud and I don’t think Costa is that player.
I wouldn’t rule out Martinez as N7 has mentioned earlier. His stats are impressive, he has pace, he can kick with both feet and is superb in the air.
Benzema could also be an option in the summer as I think Falcao will go to Real. The question here is how healthy would it be to have two French players competing for both club and country?
While Suarez has signed a new contract, I think he could still be available for the right money (and we have the money), especially if Liverpool fail to qualify for the CL (I bet there’s definitely a clause in his new contract on that front!). Cavani is also rumoured to be unsettled at PSG.
So we know Wenger rates Suarez / Cavani and Benzema. We’re not so sure where his mind-set is with Costa / Martinez. Would he opt to sign a player available in January for big money when there could arguably be a better option available during the summer?
Of course, there is also the possibility of buying or loaning a back up option. The problem with this scenario, is you have to buy a player who will already be a better option to both Bendtner or Poldi. And when you think about it, it’s not as easy as you might imagine! Is Benteke or Michu a better option than Bendtner or Poldi? Not in my book. Maybe there’s an argument for Remy who is on loan to Newcastle. That means dealing with 3 parties, including Newcastle, which will be difficult, protracted and expensive. Morata from Real could be an option on loan from Madrid (but the problem with loan players is you either secure an option to buy, or you have to give them back after developing and integrating them into the team). I still think Berbatov is not as silly as some would believe. He’s a proven player, great touch, not cup tied, cheap and a different option to Giroud. If I was looking for decent odds and had to place the Holic pound on us signing a striker this January, you’d do a lot worse than having a punt on Berbatov.
I think we’re in trouble with Sagna. Apart from loosing pace, he’s nearing the end of his contract and is looking at pastures new. There is a shortage of world class right backs out there at the moment, but given our solidity so far this season, I would be in favour of offering Sagna a new deal (but only a 1 year deal). Whatever your view of Jenks, I think its pretty clear he’s not ready to slot into right back yet and neither is Bellerin. Whether Wenger will be prepared to give Sagna a 2 year deal at his age (which is what he’ll probably want and remember Sagna is 31 in February) is quite another thing.
If Wenger decides to buy a RB, then young Coleman at Everton or Clyne at Southampton are going to set you back £10-15m. And you’ll still have to pay them the same money as Sagna and neither of them will give you cover at CB..! You’ll also be blocking the development of Jenks / Bellerin. Sagna is not only the cheaper option, but given the players coming up and the positions he can cover, he’s also the logical choice I feel.
Great piece guv’nor. Glad you made it to the Black Country and back unscathed. Congratulations too on the “two … Junior Gunners“; as far as I recall, one of them had been in some doubt for a while.
Interesting to see the adoption by some above of Santi/Özilla/Mikel as the dream midfield. A fine choice and no mistake, but one that features none of Aaron, Jack or Matty the Flamster. I sure would be unhappy not to see them for the rest of the season. This management stuff perhaps isn’t as easy as it looks. Still, Wenger aaaaaaaht, eh?[*]
COYG
[1] Just kidding.
Nice summary H. Top observation on the lack of opportunity for the hordes of nay-sayers to comment on a player’s performance when all they saw was the ‘highlights’ on MoTD and the observations of some hack in a Sunday rag.
Now there are legions of armchair experts, all of whom can ‘do a better job’ than the players and the boss. Progress.
As for Rioja, in my experience it goes with absolutely everything.
Joe
Summary spot on from where I’m sat.
Martinez is the one I’ve seen least of. I think Arsene will probably look for a striker who can also play on the wing.
Spot on re: Sagna. FWIW I think the club should do whatever it takes to secure him, for many reasons which have already been covered several times in the bar. I would hate to see us spend £15m on a right on a right back when we already have a perfectly good one and excellent prospects coming through behind him.
Have gained a fair bit of perspective with the prospect of a delicious rioja let alone the kids but if they are Gooner kids then ‘holic I can see the validity of your final point. 😉
Top o’ the tablle tonic for me please barman.
Holic
I have similar moments but only one of my grandsons is a Junior Gunner. The other has gone ( one prays temporarily) to the Dark Side like his father. He is already a little frustrated with their lack of success and when you are just six you can be saved.
I have bored for some months on the striker debate and believe we cocked up badly in the last window by not bringing in back up to Giroud. There are more pro- Giroud fans on this site than in any other group I have come across and certainly one of my pre- match drinking colleagues on Monday was condemning him vociferously. The backing for Giroud here is symptomatic of the more measured and mature tone of this site and the fact that many of us here have seen John Hawley, Lee Chapman and Kaba Diawara in action! Frankly he is a massive improvement on them but so was I!
The issue now is that we have a real chance to do something very big this season and Giroud is not good enough to deserve no competition apart from the fact that he can’t be expected to play all the games we have before us anyway. I am with Trev on the debate about buying a left winger. If we get a chance to buy a world class player we can use ,I’d like to see us get him but I think we need a specialist striker not a winger switching across. Yes I know Henry did just that but he was really a one- off. I suspect that Poldi can contribute greatly this year but primarily from wide on the left. I’ve seen him play through the middle and was not impressed.
If we can’t get a world- class striker then let’s get the very best we can. With our position and financial firepower we must have decent options
TTG
One of the big questions, for me, is whether the lacklustre Poldi performances down the middle late last season were because he was carrying a knock. He banged goals for fun at centre forward for Koln.
Suspect we will discover during the course of Jan what he can bring down the middle. For what it’s worth I think he is potentially a better central striker than the likes of Sturridge, the Eto’o of 2013 and possibly even Negredo.
Joe
Coleman maybe can’t play as a CB, but I remember him playing as a right winger for Everton. And he was great at it.
As much as I love Sagna, as much as I think that Belerin will be our future RB, if we are as serious club as I hope we are, than Coleman for that price must be a bargain.
Speed, aggressive defending, creativity in attack, constant running down the flank, ability to dribble past opponents, to pass, to score from distance, did I mentioned constant tireless running and speed?
Perfect player for Arsenal, right age and right price.
Meant to congratulate Joe on a very well- thought out piece. I have rattled on about strikers above but I think the Sagna option is well worth taking. His versatility means he can play at Centre Back and may prefer this as his legs go. Coleman looks a really good option but my mates tell me Bellerin could be very special but it is a huge ask to step up to the Premier League on a regular basis. So integrating him ( or Jenks) makes sense and Sagna staying on facilitates that.
Really agree with all about wanting Bac to stay. But cant see it happening now. Deal would have been done, if he was staying.
Here is a long term plan for the right back spot.
IF we assume Jenks is not the long term solution, and Bellerin is too young, and Coleman is available – * draws in deep breath * – we buy Coleman.
If Bellerin turns out to be better than Coleman – we sell Coleman again !
Or have I missed something here ?
* gazes endlessly at navel *
Good piece, Joe, btw. 😉
Afraid you are probably right, Esso.
Just watching – or my daughter is – a documentary about the rise of Abba in the seventies.
Lots of footage of a twenty-something Agnetha Faltskog ………
PPHHWWOOOAAARRRR !!!
Re: N7 @24: Spot on about Poldi’s untapped potential at centre forward. Leading scorer in the Bundesliga is nothing to sneeze at, and he does not get bullied either.
Trev…..my eldest was born on the day Abba won the Eurovision with Waterloo. That’s why I like watching them, so I tell the trouble & strife
( Agnetha PPHHWWOOORRR).
I’ve been saying for some time we should be doing all we can to extend Bacary’s contract. Not only is he still a great RB, he is a warrior on the pitch and is a decent emergency CB. Like Esso, I feel if he was going to sign he would have probably done so by now. As from. jan 1st, he is free to sign a pre-contract with an overseas club and no doubt his agent is checking what offers are on the table. It will be a pleasant surprise if Arsene pulls the new contract out if the hat – I can see his smirk now if he succeeds.
Likewise I’m not convinced we will bring in a new striker in jan – with a relatively full squad available, Arsene will probably leave his powder dry until the summer when their may be a bigger choice – albeit with more competition. If we do pull off some meaningful silverware, thus will only enhance the prospects of attracting a player of super “qualitee”.
Holic….I enjoy a good wine and frankly don’t give a monkeys with what is considered the most appropiate food to share with it. After 3 glasses I doubt if anyone really care except for a further refill.
Esso@27: not at all sure it means he is off. Theo signed well after January last season when most of us had already more or less given up on him. I think it may be as simple as him waiting to see what options he may have for the summer. Having said that, my money is on him playing down his contract and then leaving which is something I would not begrudge him. He’s been a true servant of the club and has given us his best years, no complaints from me if he wants to try another club before it’s too late.
But even if he does stay I think it is for an increasingly peripheral part as a full-back, he has said himself that he expects that his future career (wherever that may be) will probably as a central defender as that requires a bit less running about.
N7: that Poldi was carrying a knock for large parts of last season is no secret (both him and Arsene has confirmed it many times), so it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to think you are right.
Joe 18
You say we need a strike with better pace than Giround, and you offer us Berbatov?
???
Wenger might do something crazy.
Mad Mario, anyone?
You heard it here first.
Quick summary:
Bac: please renew.
New striker in Jan: very unlikely.
Coleman: dunno.
Podolski: main man.
Jenks: give the lad time (see Bac).
Lee Chapman: pass the sick bag.
ABBA: Hahahahahahahahaha – Mamma Mia (Fältskog, Trev, Fältskog – take a look at the picture under 1972-73 here: http://www.agnetha.net/BIOGRAPHY/BIO.html
She looks like Mesut Özil’s sister)
Thank you and
Good night.
Exemplary grand-parenting, ‘Holic. Two pressed to the colours. And still plenty of time to work on educating them on wine pairing, though Bath is right that rioja goes with pretty much anything meaty.
Dkg,
You can post up whatever photos you like – I won’t even look. She doesn’t look like Mesut Ozil’s sister in either my television or my mind – and that will do for me ! 🙂
FIRST!!!!!!!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
No?
.
.
.
Right. Let me get drunk. I’ll post something useful tomorrow. Sorry ‘Holic, you were just a few minutes too late.
If Poldi does play at centre forward — AW has spoken of him as one, indeed started him there early last season and Poldi has said he wants to play there — then he will play a different game from Ollie G: less the forward front pivot through which the mid-fielders play, and more one who drops deep to get the ball and then makes late runs into the box (like Rooney or that Dutch bloke who now plays with him). Interestingly many of the strikers we have been linked with play that sort of role. But it would mean we need two forward wide players to make the most of it, Theo and one other in a formation that looks more like 4-3-3 than the 4-2-3-1 that we currently use, though we were set up more like that for most of the second half vs WHU. All of which would give some credence to the rumors of looking for a left sided striker.
Dkg, Trev: Mesut Ozil’s sister looks like Mesut Ozil.
http://youtu.be/8GMRE5kHjKA
Lars@33: “Theo signed well after January last season“.
I read that and though, “Hang on, surely not?” as I recalled the saga and its length, but thought that it had been resolved late in the autumn. A quick trip to wikipedia brought the information that Theo’s contract extension had been announced on Jan 18th, so strictly speaking it was, indeed, quite some time after the window had opened.
I suspect that, while interesting, this gives no real pointers as to what Bacary Sagna will do. I’d be sorry to see him go as I dislike change, but, in the words of Connie Francis and many others, que sera sera. I don’t know enough about potential options to replace him if he goes to have formed an opinion, and I am determined not to worry about it until his contract expires at the end of the season.
Please excuse my disinclination to join in the speculation; I mean only to introduce some facts (or at least as close an approach to facts as can be found at wikipedia) into the discussion.
For what it’s worth, I believe that the title is within our reach this season. As far as I remember no-one took our chances seriously in 1970-71 until the very last minute, and people didn’t start to fancy us until about the same time in 1997-98. It’s far too early in the season for me to start thinking the way I have started thinking, but there you go.
COYG
Pangloss,
Connie Francis – wasn’t he a Tottenham manager ?
Oh no, that was Cunnie Francis. 😉
Title of the piece. Does it mean it is cold turkey time for Pardew to stop being a cnut?
@ 33Lars
Point is no cunt wanted Theo. Anywhere. Bac has already confirmed he has options elsewhere. If by some miracle he did stay, sorry I can not see him as being ‘increasingly peripheral as a full-back’. Who the hell on the current staff takes over from him and improves the team? No one. If that is to be his future role with the club we need to go out and buy another quality right back as well as keep him. Cant see that happening.
Esso knows x 2
Esso, there were several clubs wanting Theo if current media reports are to be believed – Chelsea, ManU and ManC included. Here’s just one link a quick Google search gave me:
http://www.ibtimes.com/sportsnet/manchester-united-transfer-rumors-mesut-oezil-theo-walcott-robert-lewandowski-936298
(and somewhat amusingly, by the way, the same article speaks of a “shocking, and quite frankly unrealistic transfer report” about a certain Mezut Özil to ManU!)
Who the hell on the current staff takes over from him and improves the team? No one. If that is to be his future role with the club we need to go out and buy another quality right back as well as keep him.
…which is exactly my point. He is 31 in February and to be perfectly honest, due to his age I doubt he can stay at his current level for all of next season so yes, even if he stays (which, as I said, I don’t think he will) we will have to either find an heir to his position externally or take our chances with Jenkinson/Bellerin. Him being increasingly peripheral is, once again, simply an age thing and nothing more, very few full-backs last that long after 30.
Fuck, I can’t even spell “Mesut” tonight it seems.
Lads- you’ve all forgotten Alistair Hurrah. That’s our man.
That’s true, ttg. He could play at right-back and up top at the same time if need be. Really hope we can sign him in January.
My personal take on Bacary is that he will not leave us in January, will run down the contract and should we win the silverware or miss out very very nearly he will renew his contract with us (with big salary rise).
If we dont, he will go for free. I think that he loves the club and wants to win something with us really bad, but also realizes that this could be his last big move and last chance to win something, so if he feels that he can do so with us, he will stay. But that depends on how the season will shape up.
Personally, I would love him to stay, he is back to his best and as much as I like Jenks and think he will be brilliant for us in the long run, it is too soon for him to deputise in Bacs role now.
AW offered Tomas two year contract after he turned 30, so maybe that is going to happen with Bacary aswell, and I hope that is going to be a case (sorry if I make no sense …slightly drunk here). Oh and speaking of which, TR denied in czech press that there is any clause in his current contract which would automatically prolong it if he plays 25 games in the season.
So that is another thing to sort out. I think that he deserves 1 more year at least, he still has so much to offer and he is Arsenal through and through. From his latest interview that he only spoke of MLS as possibility where he might play after finishing his work at Arsenal and mentioned that he would like to retire here actually (but that he might be intrigued to try new lifestyle in US).
Interesting comments and perspective holic.
It is true that most armchair critics simply forget how difficult it is to assemble a top level sports team, win at the highest level and maintain a winning mindset of a high level sports team of any description.
The level doesnt get any higher then the EPL and Champions League.
Take spurs as a classic example of how difficult is is to excel at the top level. Spent shit loads of money, new players and they look like a group of average individuals with no plan or care factor.
Unbelievable how we can be top of the league at the end of december in final 16 of CL and some still not happy.
We have fresh players like poldi and theo back, which are very important as evident v west ham and you only have to look at our bench for the west ham game to see we will be a force for the rest of this season.
If ever there was a recent time to be relaxed and enjoy our season it is now.
Trev @ 13: Season’s greetings.
I was not claiming any kind of superiority … just offering another perspective. And my original request to old-timers was also about the comparison of Giroud to Alan Smith … as I had written, I was reading about the 90-91 season and was watching some footage and then later I found some quotes from Arsene about similarities, so was wondering while the 90-91 season was in progress if there were doubts/concerns about Smith’s unproductive periods and if you see any technical/attitude-wise similarities with Giroud. 🙂
Joe @ 17: I admit the left-footedness aspects in my arguments were over-simplistic, and you are right about the balance in that respect. However I think that when Poldi is not playing our left side often gets too thin on the attacking flank as Santi/TR7/Jack naturally drifts in and Gibbs/Monreal have to do too much to attack without enough protection against counter-attacks. Gibbs play his most effective football attack-wise with Poldi in the team. So I think we will be well served by someone who, in addition to Poldi, can play at left side and also stretch the width and not always cut in.
If we get someone like Cavani/Benzema the question would be is that the end of Giroud as the main man or can we find a way to play them together, and how? Or do we simply alternate? I thought one of Suarez’s appeal was that he can lead the line as well as can play on the wings…And would this decision be impacted if Giroud bangs in a few goals between now and early January?
I did make the point about Monreal as a wide left player to sub for Podolski – and provide defensive help to Gibbs, i.e. Gibbs and Monreal playing together, as they have very effectively for 20 minutes at the end of several games already. Must have missed that one.
Doctor F
There are similarities between Olivier Giroud and Alan Smith. Neither was particularly quick both were left- footed and both had excellent control. Smith was a better finisher than Giroud but did have barren periods . He was leading goalscorer in the division in two of three seasons ( two of which saw us win the league) but suffered when Ian Wright arrived. I would definitely prefer him to Giroud in this current team as he would score more goals but as a pair they might be too similar. He was only yellow carded once in his career- in the Cup Final.
Nice post ‘holic. I watched it with the same perspective you did it seems. I don’t know where the vitriol comes from. Yes, was it the style of win I would have preferred, no. However, we did our part and Man Shitty did theirs. We will need to have consistently better performances if we want to maintain our first place status. I am happy though, we are first and I think we will win Sunday. A good time to be a Gunner.
Thanks Trev & TTG.
TTG — do you see the possibility for Giroud to improve upon his finishing to become a more reliable CF? Or do you think his innate (is there?) technical limitation and lack of pace would always be a hindrance to move up? Or do you think his current drop in scoring form is a function of the fatigue — physical and mental — of continuously playing as the attacking pivot?
I think despite the obvious limitations in pace and trickery Giroud can become a 25 goals a season CF without sacrificing all the other aspects of his game…now the question would be is that good enough for a PL title wining team anymore?
I find late bloomers in all professions quite fascinating especially the way they often find enough psychological reserve to scale the mountain that was told to be just too high for them. I know I probably am in a very small minority but I think there is the possibility of a couple of great seasons — not just good, but great — from Giroud. His career graph tells an interesting story about persevering against perceived shortcomings …
I’m really enjoying reading all the debates and the different point of views expressed as a result of said debates. Keep it up ‘holics.
Evening all. Nice post Holic. As someone who has for several years now continued to try and educate my two in all that is Goonerism I understand totally your efforts with your two little ones. Well done sir. I know how rewarding it all can be.
Re the match itself. A good three points. A bit loose at times, a bit wasteful but also magnificent and sublime in patches.
Ollie G. He is not prolific. He never will be prolific. He is a forward rather than a striker. The comparison with Smudger are totally understandable although I do not think he is at that level. But he plays a massive role in this team. Let’s not forget that he has played virtually the whole season as our line striker. It’s not worked for him in every game but I would challenge anyone on here to find me a game when he has not given 100%? He has soldiered manfully all season. Yes, he does need to become more clinical but surely he has earned the right to a certain level of tolerance?
That leads me nicely to the transfer market. Now, to really upset the apple cart!!!! I still feel that the summer window was predominantly a shambles. As far as I am concerned we did not manage to sign any of our targets. Of course the signing of Özil was a massive move for us. No doubt there are really great things to come from him in the future. Now I have no real idea of how that deal first became a possibility. What I would say is that I am convinced that he was not a serious consideration when the window first opened. All that said I for one am immensely glad he is here. But we have to make use of that signing. Özil as to be a catalyst. It has to be the springboard to landing other players of real quality. I think it’s essential that we move heaven and earth to bring in a top quality striker in January. A player of real quality and a proven goal scorer. Being greedy I would also want a top quality wide player along with a top quality holding player. Flamini has been fantastic for us this year but the one thing he had really done is to highlight how much we have missed someone in that position.
Can we win the league this year? Of course we can. Will we? No not in my opinion. Not unless we can bring another striker in in January. Now I would love to be more wrong than I have ever been in my entire life but for me we need to become a lot more clinical.
Final words on Bacs. I do not think he will be here next year either. But u am with others who say he has been a warrior and a true Gooner. If he has decided it is time to move on then he goes on a free with my blessing. Again, I think he has earned that much at least.
Steve T – spot on about OG.
He has played in damn near every single game this season bar two ?.
You are also right that he is a forward, not an out an out striker.
drogba, rvp, Hernandez and Suarez are strikers?
The difference being strikers make their own goals, forwards feed off and feed for, others.
FFS – thr big man is simply knackered and just needs a well earned 1 match rest. He deserves a lot more respect and his efforts for the team have been awesome.
For my money i would love to see us buy Hernandez from UTD.
He is young, hungry, quick and a real growing striker and he is yet to be the main man. Also he would not be top dollar which arsene would like…..
He could give us a different option from OG and not necessarily better, just different.
Against teams that press high, Giroud offers an outlet: just ping the ball off him to a runner and we’re through on goal. Other than that, he fights off the monster centrebacks and works hard in defence….
He’s fine!
Great stuff ‘holic! The junior gunners’ perspective certainly tempers in a positive way at this time of the year! COYBG!
@47Lars
IB Times? Come on. Also I was talking about Theo not being wanted at the time of his contract renewal, which he most certainly was not, despite being touted round to all and sundry by his ‘people’. Hence the delay in signing his new contract. You watch Bac ripping it up at PSG or somewhere else next season. Bellerin/Jenkinson light years away from being suitable replacements. If he’s going, which he is, we have to go out and buy a proper right back. No substitutes or jack-of-all-trade alternatives accepted.
Well that is three hours of my life I won’t get back. Gave up on the cricket before I twatted the screen. Instead of Geordie research ended up trawling through a host of irrelevant news stories.
Try again later.
Dr F
You raise interesting questions about OG. I tend to make an intuitive judgement of players when I first see them based on their obvious attributes or lack of them! My first assessment of Giroud was that he is not a great natural finisher – remember that chance against Sunderland in his first game and he took some time to get going in terms of scoring. I have been impressed by his development and his increasing contribution which have been based on a great attitude and very good first time lay- offs . Sadly I think he won’t develop to the level we need and his lack of pace and his finishing prowess are things that we are stuck with. With fast wide men who can score his weaknesses are camouflaged but still there and though I take your point about trajectory I don’t think OG’s trajectory will rise at the rate you suggest. I dearly hope I am wrong. Certainly his use by Wenger this season has not helped him and he has the look of a jaded player.
Steve T makes a terrific point about the last transfer window. It was a shambles saved by two serendipitous moments. The pitching up of a free transfer in Flamini who added nous and a combative attitude and the availability of someone we did not plan to sign in Ozil. Our striker search brought us Sanogo. A young striker who has an awful fitness record which he has continued! He is the forgotten man but that is hardly surprising! I think we all know we dropped Higuain to pursue Suarez and got our strategy wrong. The late move to sign Ba was symptomatic of the confusion which ended in the ridiculous retention of Bendtner. We now need to weigh up the difficulties of trading in a difficult and inflated market against the fact that we have a real chance of glory which will fade away if we only have one capable but not stellar striker. We missed out in 2008 in a similar situation when we needed resources but had less money and then saw the Eduardo injury and Gallas implosion. Let’s hope Wenger is a student if history and puts a final piece to an excellent squad which he has assembled with patience and skill.
@’holic It happens to everyone everytime…
I agree that if Bacs goes then we need to buy a replacement.
Morning all,
Hope you’re all enjoying the holiday period as we ‘interlull’ between Xmas & NYE.
Great writing Maestro. I was watching the game with Storeyson the elder and his grandad (nominally Stoke but largely neutral) and it was a joy to watch the comeback but agony until that first goal went in. Real shame about Ramsey and Ollie G definitely needs a break.
Brilliant debating above from (patient) Trev, Esso, Lars, Bath, Steve T and others. My tuppences are that Sagna might yet sign a final deal to stay, that we really should reinforce the front line and a loan deal is more likely than purchase and that a versatile defender will also be on AW’s shopping list as we need a replacement for when The BFG can’t play.
As to what will actually happen, I’ve not a Scooby but I can’t see us making another BIG signing until the summer. IMO, that will be a shame as we are genuine title contenders for the first time in a while and that must surely be the ideal time to buy when up against adversaries like the oil clubs and one-genius Liverpool.
UTA!
I can’t see us buying another striker when we have Theo and Plodders fit and keen to make up for lost time. They want to book their World Cup seats on the planes to Brazil, even though any manager would have to be insane to leave them at home.
Bendy, Gnarby and even Ryo will do as back up.
I can’t see us buying another defender – such person will be a bench warmer for the rest of the season.
A genuine winger might be useful, or if there is a chance to get a real talented player on loan like Morata or El Sharraway then I’m sure Wenger will be interested.
Arsenal will have a suitcase stuffed full of cash to spend on emerging talents who will be in the shopwindow at the World Cup. so I don’t expect any crazy money to be spent by us in January – unless a real genuine star player is available and so far I’ve heard of no one who wants to leave their club to come to Arsenal and pit their World Cup prospects up against the 3 lead forwards we already have.
Saturday night Prime Time on Danish TV:
Charlie’s Aunt and Midsomer Murders on ch.1
2½ hours of f’ing ABBA documentaries on ch.2
3 hours of X-Factor USA on ch.3
Thank God I have some decent stuff on the DVR. (Have some books too, but when I start reading in the evening, I’m asleep within 5 minutes.)
NBN@41 The Özils. Well, not much doubt who their mother is!
Feels like a long wait till tomorrow. Glad it’s on early – and it’s not Phil Dowd.
Szczesny
Bacs Per Kos/TV5 Gibbs
Arteta
Walcott Özil Santi/TR7 Poldi
Ollie
Attack, attack, attack-attack-attack
COYG
Esso, if you click the link you’ll see they are referring that what is being written elsewhere at around the time Theo dallied over signing his contract. He signed late in January, and there were other clubs who wanted him at the time if media reports are to be believed. Sure, they weren’t Barca or Real but then again none of those clubs will be in for Bac either. His biggest option is probably PSG or maybe some Italian club. If Theo had run down his contract I am pretty sure ManU or Chelsea would have been very interested, if nothing else just to get one up on Arsene. Don’t forget as well that he is a home grown player and as such automatically is more interesting to other Premiership clubs.
My point (which wasn’t even a particularly important one) in bringing up Theo was that Bac not having signed yet does not in and of itself neccessarily mean he’ll be off, and once again I also said I personally believe he will be off. And I stand by my predicition that even if he does stay, he doesn’t have that many miles left in the tank to remain a good enough first-choice for us so in any case we will, in not too long, need a replacement in any case. He won’t run out of gas this season, but I maintain that we will have to find a long-term replacement for him no later than the summer of 2015.
Faustus,
“Over-Simplistic” are words that I would never associate with any of your posts! And I mean that as a compliment 🙂
I guess my point about left vs right footed players, is that I feel we are a predominantly left footed side. Left footed players tend to be extremely one footed as opposed to right footed players who can generally play with the weaker foot. I think we are very strong on our left wing with several options available. But I think we’re fundamentally weak on the right wing. I’m not so sure Oxlade is going to be a right winger and the only real option we have in terms of providing some width is Theo. And without wanting to sound negative or ungrateful for the position we find ourselves in the league, I won’t elaborate on Theo except to say that I don’t rate him very highly. I believe he has a place in the squad, but not necessarily on the first team and if we had a right winger of real substance, our attacking game would benefit immeasurably. Preferably a right winger who can also play centre forward and provide another option to help OG. This is the reason why, (I firmly believe), that we have tried to sign players ala Suarez, Higuain, Cavani or Draxler. All of these players are right footed. All of them can play on the wing and also provide an option as a supporting or lead striker.
Your post about Giroud @ 57 is very thoughtful and insightful. I believe that OG has been a wonderful signing. People forget that he turned down Chelsea to come to us. What he lacks in natural ability is offset by his wonderful attitude and selfless workrate for the team as a whole. Attitude is a talent in itself and is not something that can just be “attained”. For example, I think that Bendtner is arguably a technically superior player to OG. But his attitude and workrate is lacking.
Can OG improve his touch ? Yes. But as a rule, I think this happens less with left footed players. For example, Giroud missed chances against West Ham that he would have scored if he led with his right foot. And while right footed players can develop their left side, the converse is rarely true and this, in my opinion, is an innate limitation with left footed players.
But OG can and will score 25 goals a season. You don’t necessarily need to be a technically proficient player to score a lot of goals when you play for such a creative side like AFC (Adebayor). But the mark of a great striker imo, is when they can score a goal from an unlikely position. When they can create a moment of magic from nothing. And when you face the big teams in the PL or CL, when the matches are tightly run affairs, you might get one or two chances during the whole game. This is when a technically talented striker can be the difference between the sides.
N7,
The point you make about Martinez not playing on the wing is very valid I feel and could well be a limiting factor. I also think Poldi is hugely talented player. I think Bould is on record as saying that Poldi is the most efficient striker he’s ever seen at the club remarking that every ball he kicks during training just flies into the net at speed. You have to take a comment like that seriously when it comes from someone like Bould. I just hope Poldi pushes on and becomes the player we all know he’s capable of being.
Lurky,
I couldn’t agree with you more in relation to Coleman. He’s a very fine player. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but may I say, that from the little that I’ve seen of Bellerin, that I think he has the potential to become a really great player
Double Cannister:
I think if we’re going to shell out big money on a striker, then having pace and technical ability is a pre-requisite. Bebatov will not cost big money but will provide experienced cover in the short term. His first touch is immaculate and he’s a master at retaining possession in tight areas and laying balls off.
Tabs:
Where have you gone?
Do we need to send out a search party?
Your presence is missed…..!
Today, I think Crystal Palace have a chance* to take points off Man City.
*that chance being zero point zero percent.
DC@69. Agree that we’re unlikely to see anything done in January window for the reasons you give. Unless it’s something totally out of left field – in which case it could be spectacular.
Next summer’s window won’t get going until late July either – WC finishes 13/7.
We also have to remember the youngsters coming through. Joel Campbell in particular seems to be having a good season. I know it’s only the Greek league but he seems to be taking the opportunity offered to him, which is promising from a character viewpoint – something very important to AW I believe. There are others out on loan who definitely haven’t proved anything at all – Wellington Silva and Galindo for example.
Gnabry is also a very promising young player.
Can’t see Djourou, Miquel or Coquelin returning.
Bellerin we’ve already touched on and he seems the one most likely to break into the first team squad.
Hayden, Akpom and Aneke we’ve not seen a lot of yet.
No CBs looking like making it in the next year or two so we will probably be looking to recruit there.
I think we need a physically and technically strong DM too – similar to Paddy or Yaya Toure. That ability to both win the ball and surge powerfully forward with it is missing from the squad and it opens up so many chances.
Interesting curve ball: Milan confirm Balotelli for sale in Jan. £12m.
Would be too much of a gamble, for me. The press love him, and talk him up, but he’s clearly disturbed and I wouldn’t want to see him brought into our happy, settled squad. I very much doubt he’s the guy you want for a tense title run in.
I do enjoy the debates that go on in this place ! Great work from the governor and all the usual suspects. Thanks for the entertainment.
Joe, your point about an innate limitation of left-footed players in being less able to develop their weaker foot than right-footed players is interesting as it seems counterintuitive. Why would that be so?
“Anelka has scored
Anelka has scored
How shit must you be?
Anelka has scored”
Somehow I don’t think the West Brom fans are that enamoured with old Nicolas…
Not looking too good for the Happy Hammers at the moment.
Not talking about Allardyce chewing gum on the big screen either…
@Lars @78, and there was me thinking he was still our prodigal fox in the box.
Smudger vs Ollie G:
*These numbers are for Premier League games only*
Minutes played per goal scored:
Smith 715;
Giroud 167;
(Gold Standard – TH14: 121)
Many good drinks regarding: OG; our summer silly season dealings; the upcoming winter silly season window; our league title chances and; Bacs contract extension! Erudite stuff, in the main.
In my own personal opinion, these are my thoughts:
1. On OG – As Steve mentioned above, any criticism of our big French forward is more than harsh and very unfair to say the very least and tempered. IMO, he’s been immense and one of the best in Europe in what he does – putting himself about as an outlet and selflessly linking-up play with full commitment in every match. A ruthless finisher he isn’t “quite yet” but I believe that he’ll add that to his game over the upcoming seasons. He’s far too intelligent not to implement that into his game with his great movement off the ball into scoring positions. He’ll be the success that TGSTEL was meant to be. On that note, I still believe that Bendtner can be just as good an alternative and productive as OG but he must dedicate himself fully with the same level of application! Target men they both are and they do provide that alternative threat offensively to that that we have been employing over the barren tippy-tappy years. Tippy-tappy and nimble strikers, rather ironically, are what we are now missing after having had them for so long.
2. On our summer silly season dealings – Aside from missing out on the “world-class” Suarez and “very good” Higuain, there wasn’t much wrong with it, in the end. Flamini was a no-brainer and I for one always knew he would be a success both in his simple pragmatic style and maturity (things that Alex Song was sadly lacking and was never going to learn). The “re-capture” of our world-class playmaker was not “serendipitous” as some have stated but something that Arsene has been harking about for a few seasons since losing Cesc. He categorically stated that when the cash is there and such a player becomes available (Mata was good but not the “world class” re-capture Arsene was seeking hence he let him to to the Chavs) then he’d buy. This summer all the planets were aligned and ergo, we signed the second most expensive footballer in British footballing history and the number one assist-maker in European football! “World class” indeed! Regarding the “recapture” of a world-class frontman following Van-Cuntsy’s treachery, had Liverpool returned a genuine price for Suarez, Arsene would’ve paid it but the mugwashers were never going to sell to us as they clearly felt that they’d genuinely be competing with us for one of the two CL places this season – they needed Suarez more than us as the core of their side (something that is now very clearly evident so far this season). In the same mould that Suarez was a no-go for footballing reasons from the selling club, Higuain was not considered “world-class” enough for the price-tag stamped on him by those Real cunts at the 11th hour so we stepped-off and Napoli thought he was and stumped up the dosh. Enjoy the Europa league Gonzalo et al!
3. On our upcoming winter silly season window – Only if a world class frontman becomes keen on a move will he be purchased in the upcoming month for stupid money. From my own observations, Rooney is the only one likely to jump ship this January for opportunities-a-new based on the current state of play at Manure but his ridiculous salary requirements might prevent any deal being agreed by Arsene, and rightfully so too. A better shout for back up to our two big target men this term, as mentioned above, would be Hernandez from United or a similar whippet who would provide that alternative blistering pace in the centre and the goal-poacher mentality with intelligent movement. Pato is another option. As also mentioned above, Berbatov would be a good back-up target man with sublime skill and link-up play in abundance but I’m not sure such a languid player is required with his moodiness in the run-in. I’ve actually been looking at Nick Anelka at West Brom to revisit old glories of the late 90’s as he still has the pace, quality and experience for the season-end and no one knows him better than Arsene?!
Regarding wingers, I don’t really see any need as we have good overlapping right and left-sided wing-backs to compliment our wide midfielders. Regarding another more defensive DM to Arteta, I’m seeing that TV5 could play there if need be and I’d like to see that checked-out against some of the smaller sides. He’s a ball-playing Centre Back so stepping up to the midfield role, with his pace and Kos & the BFG behind him, could work out remarkably well.
4. On our league title chances – With the relatively easier run of matches coming up throughout January/early February, if we get to the Liverpool match in the second week of February still on top by at least four points, we’ll win it even with no additions to the current squad.
5. On Bacs contract extension – He’ll sign for two more years and become a legend with EPL, CL and FA Cup titles to his name!
COYBG!
😎
Pubis to outwit Mercenary Citeh! 0-1, Chamakh the decider! 😎
75 n7
Well well well,
I was only guessing before I saw the rumours:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/12/28/5250434/mario-balotelli-ac-milan-transfer-rumours
Imagine him and Frimpong together? that’s would be nuttier than squirrel shit.
Now Mario’s lady friend…. ding dong.
We all know Wenger likes to do a bit of Professor Henry Higgins with uncouth youngsters from time to time and turn them into decent members of society.
Pity it never worked on Nasri.
Seems Anelka has put his foot in it with his goal celebration today. If Jack got two matches for giving the one-finger salute to City fans who were shouting abuse about his kids, then what would be a suitable number of games for Anelka doing an anti-semitic gesture? I’d say he deserves the same punishment that Suarez got for the Evra situation.
@71Lars
“…..if media reports are to be believed……”
Quite. Don’t believe a word of them without substantiated evidence and there’s none in this case, only hearsay.
Bac’s going, of that there is no doubt and I’m gutted about that. Contract should have been sorted out last season, at the latest, straight after when he saved our bacon at Sunderland away.
Anelka – what a bellend.
Also, just a thought but Van Persie went through a very similar goal drought for Utd last season to that being suffered by Giroud right now. It can happen to anyone.
OG has a 25 goal season in him. Whether it will be this one I don’t know.
Afternoon all.
Back in the lands of low and bloody cold, flew from Hurghada to Holland, that’s another H2H for those paying attention. 😉
Nice report guv.
I must admit, well I already did in the previous drinks, that I really enjoyed the Boxing Day game, I thought a lot of players put in a really good shift, I think we were very unlucky that we hadn’t wrapped it up in the first 45, but even after we went behind, except for maybe a short period after their goal, that we were in total control and the only team that looked like winning. To say the least, I’ve been pretty surprised at some of the reactions I have read.
I’m looking forward to tomorrows game which I’ll have on on the box in the bar, accompanied by a few mates and a large helping of dutch premium lager. For today, no live footy, just a bit of shut eye, catching the highlights later and maybe the preview for our Newcastle adventure here on this fine site.
Backdringing will also be done later.
Enjoy your Saturday all.
The two mancs playing with second string teams. I hope it bites them in the arse.
Well, 45 minutes played at Carrow Road and boy, do if Norwich had been just a little bit better at taking their chances this game would have already been out of ManU’s reach. It’s basically one-way traffic, Norwich are dominating the midfield completely but have been wasteful when in good positions in the area. Expect ManU to win this from a set piece in the second half…
Very surprised to see Palace are still holding City at bay. Still can’t see them getting anything from this game, though.
H2H: welcome home!
Praying for Manc washout as test whether religionl can help …
Bollocks, 1-0 ManU.
Welbeck was brought on for Giggs at half time and that has made a huge difference in midfield. It probably also has to do with Norwich starting to tire, though.
Maniuo really are shyte this term.
Norwich all over them. Welbeck with a slop goal.
And palace giving city real stout defending.
Keep it up!
And great debate in th bar this time.
My two cents:
We will resign sagna as jenks is not ready for prime time. He needs another year. Cannot comment on bellerin.
The odds of AW buying another LB id put very low – less than nil.
Coleman … A bit flavor of the moment it seems. But maybe im wrong.
If AW buys a striker in January, id be shocked. But stranger things have happened.
Norwich are totally knackered, they won’t even come near an equaliser unless out of pure luck or a huge mistake by ManU.
Rude not to …………………
Well in, Trev. Much better than Norwich.
I’ve given up watching TV for schadenfreude value.
I switched on to watch Hull v ManUre after hearing Hull were 2-0 to the good. Five minutes later it was 2-2 🙁
Last night – much too late – I decided to catch (geddit) a bit of the test match in Melbourn. Cook went first ball and in no time whatsoever the score had gone from 54-1 to about 70(?)-4. Absolute rubbish.
Won’t tempt fate by tuning in to Crystal Pulis – just in case 😉
Cheers Lars – for the assist and the congratulations – and well Tabsed, yourself.
Talking of Tabs – where is the old geezer ?
Stalking – sorry, following – people on Twitter, I shouldn’t wonder.
I shouldn’t wonder, but I do.
Tabs, get in here, mate 😉
Haven’t seen tabs too much on Twitter either lately, to be honest.
Well in for the ton, Trev. Cheeky more than rude…
Chicharito is a headless chicken, always was and I don’t see any particular reason that’s gonna change in the future.
Carlos Vela is 5 times a better player and I say that this January is the right time we say- thank you for developing him- to Sociedad and trigger that clause. Then buy a world class striker or whatever in the summer.
Anyway, if we are looking for a striker at United, which I highly doubt, that must be Welbeck, who is one of the most underrated players in the league.
Speaking of United, the last two games they were just awful to watch, surely didn’t deserve even a point from both Hull and Norwich games, but somehow managed to win them both. Football is so, so unfair at times.
When the season started I’ve said to one of my friends that if this United are in the top four this season, I will seriously consider to quit watching football.
I forgot to mention that Chicharito is shit.
Apparently Utd now haven’t had a pen given against them in 76 consecutive league matches.
Really impressive stuff.
Our second team would have beaten Norwich or Palace by more than 1-0.
Fab
Jenks-Sanga-Vermalen-Nacho
Flamini-Dench
Gnarby-Rosisky-Eisfeld
Bendy
Feck, that team will beat the spuds in the cup!
Ramsey out till mid February?
Welbeck … Underrated.
Thats hilarious!!! Hes total shyte. Also like a headless Chicken. But hes got that really stylin up-do. Props for that at least!
Lurky @106,
which clause is that ? The santa clause, by any chance.
We’re not very good at clauses, are we ?
Would like to see Flamini holding tomorrow.
We haven’t looked as organised since he was suspended and then left out.
Bizarrly, tomorrow’s game will pit the Premier League’s two longest serving managers against each other !
Who’d have thunk it ?
Team I’d like to see tomorrow
Ches
Bac
Per
Verm
Gibbs
Flamini
Wilshere
Theo
Santi
Poldi
OG
Ozil, Gnabry and Arteta to come off the bench. Lots of fresh legs going forward.
Trev, I think there is a clause Arsenal insisted to be put in Vela’s contract with Sociedad which allows us to bring him back for 4.5 mill..
As far as I know that clause can be triggered in the summer transfer window, not sure about the winter one, but if it can I would like us to bring him back for that price. He is better than Chicharito anyway.
Vela – only problem is that he seems happier in Spain than he was here, that Spanish football suits him better, I think he’s said. So he wouldn’t want to come and Arsene would never force anyone.
He had his chances when he was here, didn’t really make it work, goodbye and good luck somewhere else. It’s not as if he’s been scoring a phenomenal number of goals at Sociedad. Much better than over here maybe, but it looks like it happened instantaneously, which brings me full circle.
N7 – I could go with your team too, although it’s a bit different from mine @70. Just goes to show what a wealth of talent we have in midfield.
My suspicion though is that AW will field something different to both of us. I just hope he goes into with an offensive bias – best means of defence, an’ all that jazz.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sagna isn’t going anywhere. At his age he won’t get better opportunities than he has now at the Ems. I have never seen Bellerin so cannot comment, but I’ve seen more than enough of Jenks to wish we had a better back-up for Bacs. Seamus Coleman is an ideal Arsenal type (probably better than Bacs in his current form) and after the regulation Arsenal trio he was the first man picked in my fantasy XI. I’d love to see him in a red and white strip.
As for Agnetha Faltskog she already performs regularly in my other fantasy XI, never looking more ambrosial than in the very last song Abba ever recorded … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HnOFwqpLRQ
Öskar
I too was mused by the Özilla to Manure rumour. But if we were offered a world record for him I’d bite Moyes arm off. Frankly I think we paid a good 10mil over the odds for him.
Öskar