Dear Mr Jones, Gissa Brief
Apr 23rd, 2014 by 'holic
My Twitter timeline was full of the haves and the have-nots today. The first phase of FA Cup Final tickets were snapped up online and by telephone. A far cry from the distribution for the first Finals I attended back in the seventies and eighties.
I still remember 1971 like it was yesterday. Barely had the final whistle been blown in the semi-final replay and the ‘holicdad had written a courteous begging letter to “Mr Jones”, a man I would later come to know as Dick. He was the secretary of the Arsenal Football Supporters Club and they often received an allocation of tickets for big matches for ‘out of town’ supporters. Nobody was more surprised or delighted than I when that ticket turned up in the post. I knew ‘holicdad would be playing cricket so I was off to Wembley, and duly witnessed Charlie George secure our first double. Dick also came up trumps for the centenary Final a year later, less of which remains in the memory for obvious reasons.
Playing the out of town card helped avoid defacing programmes for the Cup Final vouchers that were printed in them back then. A full set of vouchers was a guarantee that enabled me to get my tickets three years running from 1978-1980. The only drawback was the overnight sleep in Avenell Road to be at the front of the queue in two of those three years. By 1980 the sale actually followed a home game, if memory serves.
Then, as now, there were a fair few disappointed supporters and I don’t think there will ever be a totally fair way of distributing the tickets. We have sell-out matches in a sixty thousand seater stadium every other week, and sell-out our away allocations too, yet only receive twenty five thousand tickets for the big one. It is the system of allocation that is all wrong, and Arsenal, as always, are making the best of a poor situation that is not of their making. It is about time the Football Association gave the game back to the supporters of the competing clubs.
Congratulations Ben
Last week’s competition for two Young Guns Enclosure tickets for the final home match of the season against West Brom have been won by Ben Shaw. Congratulations Ben, I hope your friend and you enjoy a fabulous afternoon at the game.
354 Responses to “Dear Mr Jones, Gissa Brief”
THIRST!!!
Nice one ‘holic.
Was the cup final ticket collection in 1980 really after a game?
I seem to remember that it was a morning, but, as with many things I could be wrong.
I had a butchers for a wilson on the official site for Wembley International ticket exchange. Let’s put it this way, I could go for an All Inclusive week in the Caribbean for what they were asking. 🙁
Maybe there were separate sales depending on how many vouchers you had H2H?
I’m sure I came out of the game early to join a queue in Avenell Road. Maybe it was one of the other two years. I know twice I kipped out overnight at the Clock End turnstiles to get my tickets.
I see Bayern’s baby Arshavin is as poor an imitation of the real things as an Alex Song designer shirt.
He knows.
In a season of stomach gurning ‘what if’ moments, Özil’s penalty miss when we were absolutely pummelling Bayern looms large tonight. What would that have done to that game, that tie, and our season? The ache goes on.
I had full cards ‘h, rarely missed a home game, but if I couldn’t go, it wasn’t that difficult getting a program due to living so close to the ground. We always bought at least 2 programs each for the vouchers.
Never had to crash on the street to get tickets, did stand for hours in the queue though.
Could not agree more Holic. If the FA want to reward the so called “football family”‘ then give them tickets to an England game. I remember travelling on a train to a Cardiff final and ended up sitting opposite two old boys with Dorset FA blazers on. Both wittered on about everything bar the two teams playing. One then went on to discuss with his mate that they were better off leaving 10 minutes early as the trains back were often busy??????? Made me sick to the core.
Do to various away trips I have my tickets for the final. I can’t wait. However it is not lost on me how many top top Gooners will actually miss out because of this “FA family” bollocks. If all of football can see it then why the hell can’t the FA??????
Famous Number 8
Good points there H.
I think there should be an electronic tag on the Season Ticket that logs whether you stay until the final whistle and all the leave early brigade come behind those who support the team for 90 minutes.
No. 9 No. 9 …
Fuck baff
Fascinating game of football this evening – in total contrast to yesterday’s garbage. Good to see Maureen has been charged again. Fucking prima donna. I guess if Chavski get to the finall, they’ll be playing for 0-0 and penalties from the off.
As rare as a Roxette cash transaction, I have more chance of standing in rocking horse shit than I have of even seeing a Wilson Pickett.
The question is, where shall I set my co-ordinates to watch it in 2D?
Benzema, Mandzukic, Bony, Cavani, Dzeko, Costa.
I’d settle for any of those – prices would vary though.
Some lovely faking by Pepe this evening. And others of course, but Pepe was in sublime form. He and Ramos got their script a bit wrong near the end when they both went down.
Heh, is that Edinburgh slang too ? 😉
The Russian mafia in even further disrepute if such a thing is possible.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27133571
Taken from the aforementioned Mafia article:
“After considering the remarks, the FA alleges that [Mourinho’s] comments call into question the integrity of Dean and/or Riley and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
I vote for all of the above. But especially the disrepute.
On further reflection, he could be right about Dean and Riley. 😉
Andrei Kanchelskis on Manchester United’s injury situation:
“The number of injuries throughout the season also shows that not all is well with the club’s training regime.”
Sounds a bit familiar …
I should’ve pasted the link to that article, which includes nteresting comments by Kanchelskis on the Moyes situation:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27131268
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsene-wenger-contract-arsenal-manager-3447976
It’s in the Mirror so it must be true????
BTM – in the last round of drinks.
Odd, but as I wrote my last post I had TR7 in my mind so I totally hear you. Probably no sense comparing the two players one to one, and which had the worst injury, showed the most promise, etc.
I have come out on this board largely, emphatically a big fan of TR7. Was Diaby ever as good or reliable? Or is it just the rose-colored memory of him. I honestly cannot say. And I have a fair few good memories of Diaby. Am all in favor of a good come back story meself, don’t mistake me.
Trev, also interesting and I am sorry to hear that. I will gladly admit being totally in the wrong, if/when Diaby comes back as the monster he was always supposed to be. Speaking of which, I hope your healing continues apace.
The odds are against Diaby ever being the player he could have been, but I wish the lad well when he finally gets another chance. Some of the things he did were magical, but all too few and far between with his injuries always hiccupping his career.
Not keen on Benzema or Mandzukic or Bony or any other out and out striker who might be available and affordable (except possibly Muller). A couple of attacking midfielders to supplement any combination of Theo, OG, Poldi, Sanoga might be a reasonable alternative. Say Reus and Moura. Coleman would be a dream replacement for Bacs, but everyone else seems to be after him.
Fab and RvP? Oh puhleeze, never eat your cabbage twice.
Öskar
Most classless Chelsea fans ( ie the vat majority) genuinely don’t believe Arsenal fans who would not have Mourinho anywhere near their club. They think it is an excuse because it’s never likely to happen.
But his awful preening ego, his arrogance and gracelessness( he thinks he is a class act but when you are graceless you do…that’s part of the problem!) , his comments about Wenger and the awful anti- football his teams play are all indications why he won’t land a job at one of the classy clubs in England.
Chelsea is a cesspit of excess, vulgar overspending and no long- term planning. If they win the Youth Cup it will be meaningless because none of os players will ever break through given the culture of the club. That game against Atletico was about as awful a game as I can remember watching. Atletico looked very poor but maybe that’s what Mourinho’s great gift is- nihilism. Football will survive him let’s hope he naffs off ASAP go PSG or some other bolted oil rich septic tank.
DKG from the last drinks: Costa will go for 20% more than Mandzukic.
Two of the two most entertaining things that have happened this season:
1) Torres scoring 93% fewer goals than he would be expected to score based on his wages. *
2) Soldado scoring 94% fewer goals than he would be expected to score based on his wages. *
* figures may not be exact 😉
Keeping Bacary Sagna at this stage would be a major positive step, almost as much for psychological impact as for the great contributions he gives us week in and week out. Let’s hope this is so:
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2014/04/23/4770530/sagna-close-to-reaching-agreement-on-new-arsenal-deal
Brilliant on Sagna .. if true!
Keeping Bac, bt8b, would also save a few pennies that could be put towards filling the other positions in which we have greater need of reinforcement in the short term. As far as next season goes, at least, we are unlikely to be able to bring in any replacement that would be a substantial upgrade on Bac. And his staying would give Bellerin more time to develop into the world class full-back that those at the club seem to think he can become.
Cheers ‘Holic! Agree would be brilliant on Bac if true, however Goal.com does not usually inspire confidence.
Just read that Mirror link, John Cross! Genuine I smell of spunk moment. Tom Cleverley! For fuck’s sake.
Esso, I read that Mirror article as far as the headline. “Wenger to sign new contract”… “Plans massive spending spree”.
I wonder if there is anyone who believes both parts of that headline. I’m a big Wenger fan and I hope the first part is true, and I think it might be, but I have serious doubts about the second part.
There’s going to be a difference of view and opinion, here and everywhere else, about whether a “massive spending spree” is necessary, or even desirable, but surely there is going to be less dispute about the suggestion that Wenger is a long-term planner, and “massive spending sprees” are a sort-term strategy.
I know that newspaper headlines are written by subeditors and don’t always exactly match the article they appear above, but I think that Mirror article is an attempt to get readers rather than a sensible or accurate prediction of what is going to happen. I have no doubt which half of the headline I hope turns out to be true.
COYG
Can’t wait for the spending spree, meself.
And the raid on the War Chest, Treasure Chest, Big Chest, whatever type of mammaries we are sporting these days.
What happened to the other £70M btw? 😛
Pangloss
I agree with you. The thing is Cross is fed titbits by the club and there may not be a coincidence that this story is appearing very adjacent to season ticket renewal time. Or am I an ultra- cynic?
One of the things that personifies Wenger is that he regards the club’s money as his own. It has served us very well in the austerity years but less well perhaps in recent years when the purse strings were loosened. But it has also meant he was less attracted to the oil- rich clubs with unlimited budgets because he doesn’t believe in that.
I also have mixed feelings about Sagna. I love the chap and am a really big fan but the deterioration in a demanding role over the next three years as a full- back is inevitable. I suspect Wenger may see him morphing into a centre back and I have seen him play excellently there. I suspect Wenger has pushed the limits of his policy because Bacary is such a good influence in the dressing rom and training ground. We still need succession planning for the right back role though.
Great post Holic!
Spending spree? Walcott will be like a new signing! 🙂
Loving this ha ha
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27133571
Great post and recollections Holic, I can’t imagine sleeping overnight in this day and age haha, sterling effort sir 🙂
Regarding the final, I reckon I’m gonna come back to London on the week for Blogs’ new book launch at the Tollie, then stay for a few days to watch the game on the big screens they’ll put up in the Ems and hopefully a red and white parade in the streets of Highbury and Holloway on the very next day 😉
bath @ 9, I’m in total agreement mate. Then we’d see how many people would be rushing to the front of the Arsenal Station queue before 90 minutes are up.
If he’s planning a spending spree with £70m then he’s obviously going to Tesco’s. I attribute zero faith in anything John Cross has to say after his article on Draxler being a done deal in January.
I would agree wholeheartedly with BTM in relation to Mandzukic being a poors mans Giroud. We need an alternative with pace and of the names mentioned, I think Benzema might be the only rational possibility especially if RM table a bid for Suarez. Of the other names mentioned, i.e. Cavani, Costa, Dzeko – I would be seriously sceptical if any of those players would offer real value in relation to the fees they would command. We’ve already tried to sign Cavani. He blew up in this years CL missing serious chances to put Chelski away and has had a poor season in Paris. Costa is overrated, lacks pace and would cost 300k a week on top of what ever AM would want. There goes £70m on one player alone! And Citeh won’t sell Dzeko to another English team. If you spend big money on top players, then they need to be the real deal ala Ozil or Suarez. We can’t afford to “not get it right” with sums of money like that. Its no wonder Wenger is careful in this regard. Therefore I think spending 20-30m on lessor lights like Draxler, Rodrigo or Lukaku, or a combination of two or more players like these, might well prove to be far better value for money in the long run. With respect, I feel Wenger knows far far more than any contributor here or any hack in the tabloids and he’ll have my complete trust again this summer.
I don’t really rate Cavani not too sure what the hype is about! Lukaku sounds decent and Benzema is definite yes for me.
Well, PSG paid megabucks for Cavani because he had 3 stellar seasons at Napoli – 104 goals in 138 games is not to be sneezed at. Hasn’t done too bad at PSG either with 22 in 37. Certainly far better than anything Lukaku has accomplished. So our feelings about the two are reversed, Arthur.
But all in all, I’m with Joe. AW, if he continues, is a better judge than any of us, even if it doesn’t always work out, and I’m sure he’ll have his own shortlist. I just hope Griezmann is on it – Reus would be great but I don’t see Dortmund letting him go. Wenger has in any case acknowledged that HFB has had too much on his shoulders this season so we can expect someone there and he must surely be aware of the chronic need for someone “top top” in front of the back four.
So got lost in the other bar for a while before realising it had moved locations. It’s that feeling you get when you’re waiting for a train but didn’t actually realise they were not running today 🙂
As I said in the other, now empty bar…
…sc at 353 I thought I responded. Sorry. RVP has burned many bridges at our club. Likewise has Nasri and a couple others. Falling short of a witch hunt, RVP’s return would have to top his exit if he were to return, minus little boys! 😉
I’m still in the Falcao camp, but that’s just me!
Interesting stuff above. What I do know is that we need to get this transfer right. We need to identify and secure targets early. That won’t be easy with the World Cup
From memory the BT European money kicks in soon. The figures I have seen being thrown about estimate that clubs will earn £50 million for participating alone. If FFP ever really kicks in then that is one hell of a sum of money to miss out on.
Now I fully agree with those that say just spending money guarantees you nothing. But it should not be like that. If we don’t have a rough idea of where we need to improve and who we are targeting then serious questions need to be asked. Purchases need to me made once adequate preparation has taken place. As I said, this does not guarantee success but it will minimise the risk of failure.
If we get it wrong this summer then we really may do damage that will almost be irreparable.
There was an interesting revelation on SSN’s in the wake of the Moyes dismissal, that transfer negotiations actually do take place long before the season ends. Presumably some continue through from the winter and previous summer windows, depending upon how they pan out.
This summer will reveal more about our credentials as market competitors depending upon how things evolve. One thing is for sure though and that is, everybody knows we now have the money and everybody also knows we need at least one world class striker. I don’t mind smoke screen links again if it means that we end up with the equivalent to Ozil up front!
No I would not! 😉
DK
Stats speak for themselves I agree but watching him against Chelski didn’t really have much promise to be honest with you. Mind you he snuffed them in transfer window last year as well as he went for more money at PSG and I don’t think we want a player like that at our club.
PS. Steve T – Who’s gonna be in goal for the FA Cup Final? 🙂
Arthur. If they don’t pick Shezza it will be one massive mistake in my opinion.
Steve T
Tough decision indeed glad I don’t have to make a call, something tells me Fab will be there between those sticks.
I suppose Wembley final will be Fabianskis last game for us and I do think Arséne is going to give him “big game” goodbye like that.
In the end, was it not for him, we would not even be in the final.
I think if there were any doubts then you just need to look at the Hull game last week.
Fab is our recognised number 2 and leaving the club in weeks. I can’t see any sense at all in not playing Shezza.
What eventually happens I have no idea.
I can completely understand Steve T’s position and the cogent and rational reasons for wanting SZCZ in goal for the Final.
I believe that Arsene has probably promised Fabianski that he will play all the League Cup and FA Cup games this season.
I don’t think Arsene is an old romantic and would simply give Fabianski the game as his ‘big send off’.
I think he is a man who makes a point of keeping his word and therefore despite all the letters to Arsene that Steve T has already written and will add to in the next 3 weeks, I think Fabianski will be between the sticks because he has been promised the cup games.
I also think his penalty saves earned us the place in the final and that he is in good form and will not let us down.
However if Fabianski does let us down, Arsene will certainly have to deal with Steve!
I don’t mind who we play in goal, so long as we win.
If we lose, whoever we played in goal it will have been the wrong decision.
I don’t think it’s fair to put blame on any keeper for that matter if it’s Wojtek or Lukasz. We are trying to create this scenario that if Arsene plays Fabianski and we loose then it’s purely his fault. What about the rest of the team? Perhaps we should score more then they will?
Just a thought 🙂
Who ever plays in goal will get my 100% support! Anyways let’s beat Newcastle first on Monday night!
Absolutely agree N7 and Arthur.
Let’s focus on the next game.
The knives are already being sharpened by those who have been dying to use them for years and are looking for any excuse. I absolutely do not include Steve T in that coven.
Heh bath 🙂
Well as far as I’m concerned, Viviano should start. Lets face it, that poor lad hasn’t got a chance at all this season and now that he’s about to go back to Italy, this could well be his last chance to impress.
Viva Viviano…!!
Joe knows – oops, sorry Trev.
That Joe fellow speaks a lot of sense and I entirely agree with him.
COYG
I see Martinez has started some pathetic mind games about us slipping up in our remaining fixtures. Looking at his remaining fixtures I think he had better concentrate on what lies ahead of him. If it comes to the last day and they can overtake us we have a problem because Norwich are likely go be more fired up than Hull. But they have to get to The last day with a chance of overtaking us and that requires them to ficus on their challenges rather than ours
Sorry guys no criticism here, but I am a little confused why we are calling Fabs capability into question, going into the final game of the FA Cup.
Didn’t he earn two Man of the Match performances and save a few penalties in the semi-final?
Tell me if I’m too soft here!! 😆
Pangloss knows – nothing! 😉
Have to agree with Bath @49 – not that it took any arm twisting – except about Steve T.
The man is just a trouble maker. 😉
Following on from the war chest stories earlier today I now learn that Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph had the same story as John Cross in the Mirror .ie he was similarly briefed by the club to drum up season ticket sales. Frankly it’s probably best to ignore anything you read relating to Wenger’s transfer activity. He doesn’t tend to take too many people into his confidence when buying, not that he buys that often. The silly season has begun early. I saw an Ozil to Barcelona ( a club with a two year transfer ban?) story today just to prove it
Ttg,
I think the managers who initiate the mind games are the ones who are feeling the most pressure.
Even Ferguscum didn’t bother once Arsenal were no longer a real threat – but never stopped when we were winning the league.
Martinez can spend all the time he likes on trying to wind up the Arsenal. I’m sure AW will be only too pleased.
Ttg,
I said yesterday – do try and keep up. 😉 – that Barcelona has no effective transfer ban. It has been suspended pending an appeal.
The biggest surprise since Chelsea did exactly the same.
TTG – the Barca ban was only 2 windows, i.e. one year and has been deferred to after the next window pending the outcome of their appeal.
Trev quicker on the draw there. All that practice winning the tons!
Harsh but fair Trev@58
I think the main indicator of this summer’s transfer activity would be to see what we can do before the World Cup starts (not entirely sure though when the window officially opens up). Because once the World Cup ends the pandemonium would start, and we would already be in pre-season and most likely preparing for a CL qualifier. If we have waited until then I don’t think there would be much value to be had.
On the positive side we have enough — assuming we are not losing anyone, maybe except for Bac — to be able to kick-start the season while the final touches on some pending deals are being put in place. However if targets have been identified it would be best to close the deals before the World Cup for all the obvious reasons.
A third place this season would really have been nice as otherwise certain players — and more importantly their agents who use this uncertainty to drive price — would be reluctant to finalize the deal before the qualifier.
Anyone waiting desperately for the signings to start flooding in, may recall that we signed Tomas Rosicky in 2006 before the World Cup started. So, come June 12 we can really get the knives out.
Happy Days!
COYG
Pangloss @ 67: Genuine question: why use phrases such as “waiting desperately”, “flooding in”, “knives out” in an otherwise even-tempered discussion about the transfer dynamics in a WC year? Or are you exasperated in anticipation of the frenzy that would inevitably follow? If so, then that is quite unnecessary and if I may, unhealthy. 🙂
In other words, those words betray more of a Martin-esque tendencies and less of a Panglossian one. 🙂
Joel Campbell to score six goals in the group stages of the WC …and we recall him to our squad next season! 🙂
Having watched the first half of Chelsea-Sunderland I can say where Mike Dean went wrong. Obvious red card offense against Ramires in the first half not given. Deliberate elbow to the head of a Sunderland player.
BB
Like a new signing 🙂
8Ball
In fairness Johnson should have been sent off as well.
Dr F – exasperation I fear. “Martin-esque”? I shall attempt to be more true to my handle in future.
COYG
Afternoon all.
What a load of guff about probable transfers and war chests etc, best to take that all with a pinch of salt.
As for Martinez, What else would you expect him to do? Wenger did exactly the same the moment we slipped to fifth.
Had to do a spot of gardening again today,’tis the season, and maybe I’ve been in the sun too long, but non the less, I think I have a ligitimate question;
As we all know, CSKA Fulham finished in 6th place two seasons ago, however they won the CL, therefor knocking Sp*rs out of the CL places (tee hee).
As far as I can remember, the Chavs, as winners, then went straight into the first round proper, meaning no PL team in the qualifiers.
So, with that in mind, if the dispicableskis win this year again (spits out dirty taste) they would again qualify as winners, wouldn’t then logic dictate that the team finishing 4th in the PL would then get the place reserved for the one finishing 3rd and not have to do the qualifying round?
Here’s what Ramires did. Also note the anti-Ramires comments by Chelsea fans.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/19/ramires-set-for-ban-despite-escaping-red-card-for-shocking-elbow-on-sunderlands-seb-larsson-4703739/
ATG. What did Johnson do to deserve a red card?
A bit of a trouble maker maybe Trev, but a splinter free arse.
I have said all along that you play your strongest team. I don’t see Fab being in the strongest team, and that is no way a criticism of him or his abilities. I also think it is a no win situation. I agree with Bath above, there will be loads with their knives sharpened already.
The other point to consider is this. If Shezza is destined to be our long term number one then how will he feel? I’m sure there will be a united front but my guess would be that he will be pretty pissed off. As number 1 he will want to play.
It’s all a bit bizarre to me. If you go with a side that isn’t your strongest and you win then all is well. If it does not come off in a game we are more than expected to win then we will get absolutely slaughtered.
The Flapster motm in the semi????? Really???? Apart from the shoot out he had nothing to do???
I agree and disagree Steve.
Play your strongest team, yes. But doesn’t that mean your most in form team? For example, would you have put Ramsey in your starting IX at the start of the season? However, now he has shown the form he has (standards between Ramsey and Fab are not comparable)I think Ramsey gets the Nod now.The form in question I am referring to with Fab is conceding just once in a run of games against Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham, plus saving the pens in the semis, not just the semis. I just do not see justification in pulling him out now. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Just win the game.
Goonertown knows.
I must be neurotic Steve as I only worry about things that didn’t happen in the past instead of worrying about something that won’t happen in the future. 🙂
H2H: no, if Chelsea win and finish third or higher the fourt-placed PL team would still have to play a qualifier. If the winning team isn’t already qualified the fourth-placed team doesn’t get to join the fun at all, i.e. Chelsea in your example took Tottenham’s place but didn’t have to play a qualifier and there was one less place to play for in the qualifying stage.
Cartoon for Steve T.
http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/professions-vehicle-car-automobile-mechanic-fix-jfa0359l.jpg
I happen to agree with you though that Szczesny is the one to play in the final.
Chelsea: Ramires receives four-match ban for violent conduct
Chelsea midfielder Ramires will miss the rest of the Premier League season after accepting a charge of violent conduct.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27151054
GOOOD!
Now go after jose and faria!
If there’s a downside it would seem to hand the title over to pool…!
Bath/ Trev
Thanks for putting an old man right. I do struggle to keep up with the tide of news..presumably we will see a convenient lapse of memory as it’s Barca and all will be swept under the carpet.
I’d love go see Barca get Mourinho when Martino is inevitably sacked. It will render both parties hypocrites, he would be expected to play proper football and the Catalan media and fans hate him. It would make for a very unstable Barca ( plus) , unhappy and increasingly frustrated Mourinho(plus) and it will piss off Chavski( double plus) Now how could we make it happen!?
BB
Pool/ Citeh/ Chelsea. I think Pool is the least unpleasant choice of three unpleasant choices.
TTG,
Yes you may be right, between the oily mobs and a horse that chomps. To be fair we did try to get that horse. So that’s that.
Let’s get our business done this season and take ’em all down the next!
Tomorrow it will be 10 years since…
BB: Ramirez probably wouldn’t have played anyway on Sunday. Mourinho has one focus and one focus only now and that is the CL. I fully expect Liverpool to utterly destroy Chelsea and win by at least three clear goals.
Lars: The dour one has no chance of winning this years CL. Even if he manages to get through to the final, Real or Bayern are in a different class.
Liverpool this season are their worst enemy, they could destroy them or self destruct. But yes it does look like they would win this weekend but I don’t think by many goals.
Ramires is the perfect player for Mourinho – a snidey little cheat.
Who was at the centre of the diving/penalty storms earlier in the season ?
Who is a serial diver ?
Who dishes out ‘crafty’ elbows off the ball.
Who eats cuddly baby bunnies for breakfast every day ?
Ok, every other day. 😉
Lars,
Can you imagine the reaction if Jose fields a second string team on Sunday? It would be akin to giving the FA two fingers in terms of not being priority. He may have threatened to play a weakened team in the post match interview after the Atletico game but it will ultimately be viewed as disrespectful and Citeh will have a canary if he does. No I think he was playing mind games with Rodgers. I think Chelski will turn up on Sunday to win. And I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised if they did too.
H2H
It was under different circumstances I believe Chelski finished 6th that season right? Hence knocking off LWC’s of their CL spot?
Joe: you may be right, but in any case Terry, Hazard and Cech are out injured and Ramires suspended so they’ll be severely weakened regardless.
“David Moyes being considered by Tottenham as possible successor to Tim Sherwood.”
The fun never stops.
SSY,
That’s fair enough ‘cos Tottenham have always liked to play an attractive, attacking style of ……..
Oh, hang on ….. 😉
Nudges one towards goal…
Bacca is the man to go for this summer. Great player. And if we shop in Sevilla’s market, I would not mind M’Bia either.
Anyway, we could even try to persuade the team doing transfers/scouting players for Juventus to join us, whoever they are. They have made the most clever transfer deals in the last couple of years. Pogba, Pirlo, Llorente- all free. Tevez for less then 10m, Vidal for 10m. They basically build a great team for less then 50m, so I guess it is achievable for us to do the same.
We don’t have a Wojtek – we have a Wojciech.
Assist?
Flicks it to the 6 yard box….
Get in
Great strike Lurky!
dk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojtek 🙂
Lars,
They’ve adequate cover for all those players except for Terry. Whether you like him (or as often is the case here, hate him) he’s a very good centre half and leader.
I hate saying it, but Chelski are a formidable side. It’s no fluke they’re in the CL Semis and the last English team in the competition. They’re a seasoned side who know how to win big games. They’re the only team to beat Citeh at Eastlands. I’ve a feeling they’ll go to Anfield and muscle Liverpool. I actually think they’ve a better chance of beating ‘Pool in Anfield than they have of getting a result against Atletico at the ‘Bridge!
Joe: I had Chelsea as Premier League winners before the season started so I certainly do agree they have a really good squad, I must say it’s a massive failure for them to not have the league wrapped up by now. They’ve given it away in those losses v Villa and Sunderland et al where they quite frankly were too arrogant and expected their opponents to just roll over for them.
Lars,
Couldn’t agree more !
They’ve lost that sense of hunger against the lessor teams but are more than capable of showing up in the bigger fixtures (as well we know).
I was talking to a Chelski fan at the weekend and had to laugh when he suggested they had no strikers…! This is a team that regards Lukaku as superfluous! I think they’re biggest fear is busting a gut to beat ‘Pool and then see Citeh win the league. Jose would prefer to do Rodgers a favour I feel.
You over again before the season end?
Thanks for the assist Arthur.
Joe, speaking of Terry injury, he has a big chance to be available for next week as his ankle injury is not bad as they first feared. Typical Chelsea luck.
If that was one of our players , he would have missed out the first three months of the next season.
happy name day to chezza yesterday then, ATG…
Joe, I actually fly over tomorrow evening and will be at the Newcastle game on Monday night. How about you?
Doesn’t work that way Lurky.
Shit happens and thats life.
For example, I think we should renew Diaby’s contract despite his injury record. Simply because he’s a wonderful talent and anyone can get injured. Look at Ramsey this year for example. Who could have ever thought in their wildest dream that the lad would end up so important to the team?
GT@77.
Re Ramsey. Yes, I would have played him at the start of the season.
If you play your most in form team then why did Shezza play in goal the following week against our FA Cup Final opponents? Why did the in form Fab not keep his place??? Simple really, he’s not regarded as the number one keeper.
Whenever you don’t play your strongest side you take a gamble. I’m sure that at management level it is a calculated gamble, no matter how big or small the gamble is. What I struggle with is why we would gamble in an FA cup final????
It’s an interesting one Steve and it’ll be interesting to see which Arsene chooses.
Will he come over as the hard-nosed pragmatist who has weighed up the risks and chosen SZCZ whom he clearly regards as his number 1?
Or will he come over as the romantic softie who has made a promise to play Fabianski in the cup games and cannot break his promise?
Actually I personally don’t think there is that much between the two Poles since Fab got his run in the team last season. But for the injury that let SZCZ back in, Fabianski might have been first choice keeper at the start of the season.
Maybe, like Holic, Arsene likes the odd flutter?
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/375946/EXCLUSIVE-Bacary-Sagna-to-leave-Arsenal-at-the-end-of-the-season
Make of it what you will.
Joe, agree on Diaby. I was referring to the lack of luck we have with injuries and the total opposite situation at Chelsea. Until the Hazard injury, couple of weeks ago, they barely had injured players, bar Van Ginkel. That is luck. It has almost nothing to do with anything else. Not even the fact that they have a larger squad, quality wise. Pure luck.
Take their CL run for ex. Until the quarters they played Steaua, Basel, Schalke, Galatasaray.
We played better opposition in the fucking CL qualifications. Fener.
And then they got PSG and Atletico. Such a way to get to the final. Not that PSG or Atletico are bad teams, but they aren’t Bayern, Real or Barca either. They are the second or even the third string of European football.
Chelsea are simply the luckiest team on the planet, let me tell you.
And Arsenal are simply the opposite. Walcott was fucking doing what 90 % of the players do on the pitch running. And the next second, he is 8 months injured. Out of nothing!
That Costa guy broke the goal post with his leg. Next week he was running. One can only feel for that post.
Well if 20 Arsenal players hit that post, that would be 19 career ending injuries there, I am sure of it. The only one with a six month lay off would be Sagna.
Evening Bath. I must say that this season I think Shezza has come on leaps and bounds. His decision making had been poor in my opinion. I think he has improved on that massively.
But for me I really don’t want to compare the two. If Shezza is number 1 then he plays for me. It’s that simple.
Steve, whatever Sagna decides to do, he is alright in my book. He loves this club, no one can deny that. If he want more money and maybe couple of titles at PSG or wherever at the dawn of his career, I can blame him.
If he goes than one of Aurier or Uchida will come. Aurier is the younger version of Sagna, same body build up, maybe less assuring defensively, but greater attacking threat and speed. Big Arsenal fan, too.
Time for AW to rethink his ‘over 30s’ policy. There are plenty of older players in Europe who are at least as reliable as the youngsters, and more immune to injuries to boot. I know AW always wants to build teams for the future using youth who will mature in time, but it hasn’t been working and some pragmatism is called for. He should start by retaining Bacs.
Öskar
Sir Ches is #1 and should always play, as you say Steve T. Playing for some rare silverware is not the time to be romantic. If you want to play for Arsenal, Flappy, don’t be a wantaway…
Öskar
When I say there are plenty of older players in Europe who are at least as reliable as the youngsters, I don’t mean we should be signing them, just saying that other teams don’t have a problem playing them. I’m suggesting AW should try harder to keep the best of his older players, not give them excuses to leave.
Öskar
If choice of keeper were based on who’s best between the posts, when facing shots on goal, then Fabianski would get the nod.
However, choice of keeper goes beyond the keeper’s line. It goes all the way out to the 18 yard lines, and into that airspace, and even, when appropriate, to beyond the 18. It’s here that TPIG1 is superior to TPIG2, and that’s why he should be in goal in the cup final. And if you watched Szczesny’s work in Arsenal’s match this week against the opponents in the cup final, all the more reason to have him in there in the final.
Can’t quite believe they have managed to postpone our game until next Monday. Who do they think they are????
Tim Stillman’s column on Arseblog today — agree wholeheartedly.
In those key away matches this season we really should have played the cautious, defensive counter-attacking formations that we have been successful with against similar quality or better (in squad depth or in form ) teams in the last year or so. Anyway, water under the bridge, but his point about we embracing that strategy as and when needed being key to be able to sustain PL or CL challenge in the upcoming seasons is very well made.
About this goalkeeping debate for the FA Cup final, my stance is … let’s don’t.
I mean let us just hope that come FA Cup Final both the Poles are ready, fit, in good form and not under any suspension and then let the manager make a choice for one of them as number 1 with the other one still available as the number 2 on the match day. Whatever that choice I will support.
We are Arsenal, things tend to not go straightforward for us when it matters most and let us not put ourselves into any sense of complacent comfort that there would be a ‘good’ goalkeeping choice for the manager to make. Let us just hope that there would be.
Paranoid you say? Well, yes, may be, a bit. But until the final whistle is blown and we are all celebrating I will not assume ANYTHING. 🙂
Whoever ‘they’ are, 8ball, they have pi$$ed me off no end. For some reason we don’t get Arsenal midweek games on Sky here (something to do with their contract with Arsenal TV) … and making it a Monday game also makes it a midweek game, according to Sky.
The good news is that games we don’t get coverage of invariably result in comfortable Arsenal wins. Enjoy!
4-0 anyone?
Öskar
I think it’s safe to announce that after treatment Oskar (the dog) is recovering well from his cirrhosis. He’ll never be as lively as he used to be, but fit again for walks and romps in the park with his doggie mates. Prospects seem fine for a few more years after all. The plot in the garden where a new Pohutukawa tree is planned will have to wait…
Öskar
Good news about your pooch, Otd. May his romping days be long and joyful.
That’s great news, Oskar!! Give him a belly rub from me (or whatever he likes best).
SSY: Moyes is an excellent manager of mid-table teams. He would be a good fit for the neighbours.
The fact that Oskar’s torn cruciate last year and cirrhosis this year have cost me the equivalent of about three new schnauzer pups proves the old axiom of man being a dog’s best friend, aye. It’s the way they look at you…
Öskar
I was given an indication by Tfl a few days ago that there is a strike on the London Undergound planned to start at 9 am on Monday night ( and one for five days the following week) . Never seen it mentioned anywhere else, no emails from the club whatever but if there is no underground and 60,000 people leaving the Emirates that will make Monday evening a very unpleasant night ( notwithstanding a big Arsenal win) .Has anyone else picked this up or has a lifetime of dissolute habits caught up with me?
TTG
Some confusion as to whether strike is still ‘on’ or not;
http://www.london24.com/news/transport/tube_strikes_still_on_say_rmt_despite_statement_1_3572311
Club noted possibility and effects thereof of it being ‘on’ yesterday.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140424/important-travel-advice-newcastle-h-
Steve T @ 109
I’m surprised you felt Ramsey showed form at the end of last season.
Fair point, Fab is our No.2. The generally tend to be gambles during the cup contests, which is what in my opinion makes them so great. Anyone can win or get knocked out. In our case the gamble appears to have paid off so far. I think the point has already been made that, we could switch and if say we concede and god forbid the worse happens, that may be more of a gamble than sticking with Fab. From what I’ve seen of our team so far this season, provided we defend well as a team and touch wood, our better ball players are still available, we are more than capable our winning this final. It’s a must. I think it will come down to form on the day and a bit of luck, like not conceding first, or if we do, how well we come back, more than who plays in goal. The keeper will also need to be focused. I think Fab has shown during this contest so far that he is one of our better players in the squad in this contest.
Whilst Shez fights for fourth, at least Fab can work on keeping his form for the final. Having two in- form keepers is better than one. 🙂
I just want to clarify a point re; Ramsey. Anyone who knows me knows that after Cesc, Ramsey has been my favourite player in the squad for many reasons.
I obviously was clinging on to hope that he would find his form again and he has not let me down. My point re Ramsey was to illustrate a recent case of a player whose form dipped and then came back.
Of course he would have made my starting XI at the start of the season. 😉
Re; Maureen the Hissy Biyotch!
He is either playing mind games or bottling the League cup! Either way he is being typical Maureen! The Hissy Biyotch! 🙂
He better hope that he now wins that CL trophy, as the psychological self-inflicted damage could be catastrophic! 😆
I am getting mixed reviews regarding Moyes from my Manc mates. Some say they are glad to see the back of him and others say it was in fact the Club who failed to replenish the squad and should have allowed Moyes time to improve it!
Club reputation indeed? 20 League trophies? I must be missing something!
If you meet a Manc who blames it all on Moyes ask them why the club needs to spend £150m this summer if there’s nothing wrong with the squad.
I am hearing some alarming stories about player behaviour during the final days of the Moyes regime. The man made mistakes, but he was dealing with a right bunch of wankhammers in that dressing room.
As for Ramsey, his form at the back end of last season was very good and you could see in the summer pre season games he was making a big step up – not hindsight, if you check the postings in the bad last July/August quite a few of us were pointing it out. Didn’t expect all these goals, but that’s an added bonus!
Lars,
Very unlikely I’ll be over before the end of this season so it’ll be early next season. I’m away tomorrow for a weeks holidays with the family but one of the big priorities will be finding a pub that’ll be showing the match on Monday. Sometime after 9.30 on Monday evening, I expect there’ll be a snow white Irishman with red blotches of “sun tan” lifting some cocktail of alcohol toasting you all in the Tollie…………wishing I was there! Have a great time.
I felt initially that appointing Moyes was a pretty gutsy move but one where it became evident after a relatively short space of time that he was the wrong man for the job. And as soon as the CL place became jeopardised the writing was on the wall. I think they waited until qualification became mathematically impossible (probably to avail of some preferential contractual clause that prevented giving him a 6 year compensation package) and then wasted no further time in prolonging the inevitable. I think it was the right call to fire him. And I certainly wouldn’t have given him any more money. I feel Manu fans didn’t expect to win the league and knew there was a rebuilding process to take place post Fergie. But they certainly didn’t expect to be out of Europe. I think the ramifications of that are huge. Dunphy was on RTE during the week and said (from the annual accounts) that Manu needed to pay some 70-80m on interest alone on the leveraged buy out and that CL qualification was worth 60m in revenue. I don’t have high regard for everything Dunphy says, but I don’t think he’s too far off the mark on this. As Liam Brady said, its great from an Arsenal perspective, to see the crisis with some other club for a change.
I stand corrected re; Ramsey N7 and likewise Steve.
I was working from memory which is not at it’s very bestest confessing! 🙂
… and Diaby has a little groin problem – two weeks.
Keep your head up Abou!! 🙂
Sounds like Bac is definitely off!
Not happy about this 🙁
I will reserve judgement until it is confirmed and any replacement is present!
Afternoon all.
Thanks for the feedback Lars and Arthur.
==
On the subject of the F.A Cup final, to give yourself the best possible chance of winning, you play your strongest available team, it’s not rocket science, is it.
==
Joe, unless there is a major turn around, there is no way I’d want Diaby getting a new contract.
==
Sagna’s all but gone I’m afraid.
I know a lot of people want him to stay, but I think it would be foolish to give into his demands, he’s already 31 but expects a 3 year deal worth a ton a week? Too risky.
Shame that he feels “disgusted” at the prospect of a 15grand a week pay rise. (if true). If he can get it somewhere else then bye bye.
On Ramsey;
Yes, I would of had him in the team in the beginning of the season, in fact, I did have him in my FFL team. I was always a Ramsey fan, even when he had a dip. Before his horific injury I thought he showed a lot more promise then LJW.
H2H,
Well I think he’s talented and I would give him a contract but considering his injuries a “pay as you play” contract would probably be the most apt and fair.
I’m a big Bacary fan. I think he’s worth the money, but I’m being bias! 🙂
Re: Oskar (the dog). Good woof.
I hope I have clarified my point on Ramsey and the comparisons between form and dip!
Whether an in-form Ramsey would make a starting XI is not at question. But playing an out of form Ramsey would not be playing your strongest team!
I hope that makes sense! 🙂
A pay as you play contract, Joe?
The poor guy will starve. 😉
Seriously though, I think it’s time to pull the plug. Ofcourse I hope he can turn it around and come back fitting fit, but all the evidence would suggest that that would be highly unlikely. He played half a game at under 21 level this week and he’s out injured again.
I know it sounds harsh, but he is taking up a squad place that could go to someone else, a player who may actualy contribute something to our season.
I agree that Diaby is taking up someone else’s space. But I thought the same about Rosicky and he has returned a new player. Diaby has a setback unrelated to his knee, just his general fitness from being out for so long, which it has been known to happen.
I think it would be fair to say that, under the circumstances see what he can bring this upcoming season and take it from there.
My general opinion!
Heh H2H.
Diaby is only 27 though. From all accounts, he’s been more than reasonable given how the club have stood by him in relation to his wages etc. You either believe in the player or you don’t and while you can certainly soften a contract to allow for previous injuries (didn’t Michael Owen have a similar arrangement with Manu albeit towards the twilight of his career) I think he’s such a good talent with a lot more to give that it would be worth considering giving him a mutually agreeable deal that would be fair to both sides.
Wenger has been genius at his soccernomics and disposals over age 30. But that’s where a fee is involved. Here we get nothing for Sagna and a worthy replacement would require a salary of close on 100k and cost 20 mill +. But we won’t pay over 10 mill (about) for a defender, ever, plus, anyway, right-backs are too hot right now because of the horn everbody has for Coleman and Shaw (bids up prices for all no.2s…as in footballers, not excrement). I don’t understand what’s going on, because he must know he can’t hold the line on wages anymore, we’ve already seen that with Walcott, Ozil. He’s also accepted his flat wage structure doesn’t work now and that’s why the clear-out was so painful and protracted last summer. Is he thinking with Sagna that, in a Bosman situation, we can’t compete with the packages offered by the buyer who spends zero on the transfer….so just don’t bother EVEN TRYING to make an exception and pay a few extra quid away. Is that it ? I don’t get it. And he should have shut up about Diaby, minor setback me arse….baahh, put off me bloody sandwich now. I love Bac. Always. I broke that fibula once that he did twice and am in awe of his recovery since. He’ll be good till 35, I have absolutely no doubt. Yes I’d prefer the young Shimmy Coleman, but we aint gettin ‘im, simple as.
sc@150 – please tell me how you know that Wenger “didn’t bother EVEN TRYING” to keep Bacary Sagna?
Many thanks
Because Mr Pangloss, +15 k is derisory for the type of inflation we’ve had in football since Sagna’s last contract and, just today, he’s told us it’s up to Bac, not Mr Wenger. That and it’s also clear he did shag all about it 3, 6, 9 mths ago. That’s my belief. He doesn’t want a player over 31 on a lucrative deal, does he ? what u say ?
But for why it’s happening, or why ity makes sense, like I say, I dont get it.
On Diaby, he is not taking anyone’s space in the squad. Our “25” registered to play in the Premier League comprises 21 names, including Bendtner and Park. As he suffered serious injury in the service of the club I think it is right and proper that the club provide whatever support he needs until he is recovered.
Diaby is 28 in two weeks time. In the nine seasons he has been with us he has played 123 league games. 53 of those over 2 seasons between 2008-2010. That means for the remainder of his arsenal career he has managed to play for 25% of each season. That includes appearances as a substitute.
Now, I have massive amounts of sympathy for him both as a player and as a man. To be cut down like he was borders on an act of criminality. He has had terrible luck since. He has always struck me as a man of honesty and integrity. But there has to come a time when you have to make some really tough decisions. The fact is that he has cost us a fortune in wages over those 9 years. I have read what people have written about he may not be taking a wage now but I have yet to see any proof of that. He is also occupying a vital place in the squad.
I have no idea how good he may or may not have been. I again read from people that he was going to be as good as Paddy??? Pure speculation of course, none of us will ever know. But I have to say that at 28 and having been at the club for 9 years you have to ask if allowing him to remain was the right decision???? That might sound harsh and as I have already said, I have the utmost respect for Abou both as a player and a man. Sometimes you have to make some tough decisions and I think that with poor old Abou we have let our heart rule our head.
sc@152. Thanks.
An extra 15k a week derisory?
Fucking footballers are out of touch.
I enjoy watching the footy and I love Arsenal, but the ridicolous money in the game is starting to wear away the enjoyment factor.
If a 31 year old defender doesn’t think 75 grand a week, which is just short of 4 mill a year BTW, is good enough then he can fuck the fuck off.
And please don’t give me any of that loyalty bullshiit either, all they care about is themselves.
Brother H2H knows.
H2H ; I know man, it stinks, you’re quite right in fact…maybe it’s a bubble but we all love the product and keep paying up
Joeos,
I get the principle involved in your argument and I have been a big supporter of Diaby. But how long should supporters have to pay to support a player who realistically makes no contribution to the team ?
After all, one of the reasons why players are paid a gazillion quid a week is because there is a considerable risk that their careers will be cut short by injury.
Arsenal have rightly supported Diaby for a long time and, while I would be sad to see us having to call it a day, there must come a time.
If anything, the club could maybe arrange a season loan for him, and pay half his wages, to see if he can maintain any sort of fitness.
I would love to see him succeed, but it does look more and more unlikely.
Ttg, et all going on Monday,
I treated a chap yesterday who runs a catering company who supply London Underground, or whatever they’re called now.
He has been asked to supply ” goody boxes” for anyone who turns up on Monday as there IS definitely a strike planned.
H2H,
I think any deal that Sagna would be offered would be on the premise that he’d be an auxiliary centre half as opposed to being a first choice right back.
For the better part of this season we’ve been playing more defensively with both our full backs staying deep. Its not “wengerball” but this pragmatic approach comes largely from Bould’s influence I feel and has reaped rewards for us. We’ve kept clean sheets and were difficult to beat for most of the season. Until of course, we decided to abandon this and revert to playing more openly and we ended up getting rightly hosed. Tim Stillman touched on this in his blog yesterday when he mentioned that our shortcomings were not just down to injuries, but also down to how we changed the formation which ended up costing us severely.
My point is this: If we intend on reverting to a more offensive formation, we need to have full backs who can go up and down the flanks with speed. I no longer think that Sagna can do this and if anything, the fact that we’ve played more deeply this season has actually disguised his lack of pace and stamina.
Therefore any deal being offered to him is more likely with the view of him playing as a supporting Right Back / Centre Half in the coming years as opposed to being a first choice. The chances of us competing with a Bosman are slim. So I think its time to say thanks and farewell Bac. And I think its the right decision to make him a final offer and to let him decide. Its as much as Wenger said in his press conference earlier today.
Trev,
If he is out on loan will he still be considered ‘part of our squad’ although out on loan? I have never checked. It may be quicker if you could clarify. If not, then a loan deal could work. I know we did the same with Ramsey before his return to full fitness.
I think after major surgery, the club do seem obliged to allow the player to recover. Plus I think we may have to look at the terms of his contract. If his contract is up for renewal, which judging by some comments above, it could be, then pay as you play may be feasible. A year after surgery may be fair. But I am sure that there are a lot more factors to be weighed up
H2H @157 – I completely agree with your point of view – in fact, I would go as far as to say “you knows” !
For what it’s worth, I think Sagna’s form has dropped off a lot this season. Yes, he’s brave and has made great comebacks from two fractures of his fibula, and been one of our most consistent performers in previous seasons.
However, i personally don’t think he is now the total star that many here clearly do. His crosses have been much better at times this season, but are still as likely to hit the first defender as anything else.
And the inability of either of our full backs to prevent opposition crosses drives me up the bleeding wall. As has his absence even from camera shot while our defence was perforated in those away thrashings that we are all only too familiar with.
If anyone thinks Sagna is going to improve enough over the next 3years to justify a 20+% increase in wages, then we will just have to agree to disagree.
Thanks for everything Bac, but £15,000,000 for another three years ?
Not for me, sorry.
I’ll agree with that Joe.
Bac’s has been great over the years, a sturdy pro’. He’s lost quite a bit of his zip, which really isn’t surprising considering his age and the two leg breaks. We are going to have to replace him eventually anyway, might as well be this summer.
You never know, we might even get one in who can whip a decent cross in. 😉
As for Bacary we are back to this OAP discussion again. Some are in favour of it and some are not.
To me and unless my brain is moving slower than my actions, Wenger did say that he judged a player on his ability and not his age. But that contradicts the wage structure regarding over 30’s. It’s not a policy based upon ability, but upon factors such as value and longevity! which is all about age.
The fact is, at 31 Bac plays every week. He is considered to be our no.1 righty. If he goes, we will pay somebody who may only be good enough to be Bacs 2nd because the price is right. However, if we pay someone to replace him, that could cost a fair packet in today’s climate.
So although I see arguments for and against, eitherway, unless we bring in a world class righty, we could have a little set back! If not world class, top class at the least!
Goonertown,
Now I’m confused. Top class must by definition be better than world class, ‘cos you can’t get higher than “top” – surely ? 😉
Cheers Brother Steve and heh @ Trev, I does knows. 😎
How about a top of the world class?
If we’re really serious we should be aiming for an out of this world class.
But if I know Arsene he’ll most probably go for economy class. 😉
Trev – That wasn’t my question actually 😆
But I consider world to be better than top!
No doubt about that 😉
Seriously guys, we need a top class righty to at least keep up with the clubs current ambitions!!
Top class Righty retired years ago – and he wasn’t a full back anyway. 😉
G’Town.
To answer your question I’ll use the example of Lukaku.
He is a Chelsea player, they own his registration, however he is not part of the Chelsea squad. For the season 2013/14 he is a member of the Everton squad, at the end of the season that arrangement will end and he will return to Chelsea who will then decide if they want to keep him, loan him out again or sell his registration to another club.
Bacs our number 1 righty???? Does that mean The Jenk will play in the cup final??????
🙂
Steve T
Never say never 🙂
Trev @160, I agree that unfortunately it looks unlikely that we will see the best of Diaby, other than sporadically. The club will almost certainly have insurance in place to cover costs/losses resulting from player injuries in which case the supporters will not be paying the costs relating to Diaby. He is not keeping anyone out of the “25” and the cost to the club will be any excess over the insurance cover so he should be supported. This is not just for his benefit but sends a message to other current players and potential recruits that they will be looked after by the club rather than being discarded if they suffer a potentially career ending injury.
What’s Rosicky on, anybody know ? He’s 2 1/2 years older than Sagna I notice but had no trouble getting his two year contract in March. Which again leaves me flummoxed, cos it cant just be that 31’s too old. He’ll be locked into us till a few months shy of his 36th birthday (DoB Oct 1980). O yea, there was that “He’s been out so much , he’s actually a young man” wasn’t there. Interesting feedback/replies on Sagna.
Trev
Okay, I just wanted to clarify before I agreed otherwise some smart Alec out here would have put me straight on the matter 😆
😆 Steve
If Jenky gave us the right balance then why not?
It’s the strongest team that counts 😉
Regarding Sagna, wait and see who he signs for, and on what length of deal.
Then decide if you think that’s a package Arsenal should have offered.
Right now, we know precisely nowt about the club’s negotiations with the player, beyond hearsay and gossip. Bac’s next move will show us what it would have taken to keep him.
If it’s a 3 year deal at 130k a week (to give but one example) then I, for one, will happily wave him goodbye and congratulate the club for their handling of the matter. If it’s a one year deal on 75k a week then less so.
FWIW, my spidey sense is telling me that one or more oil clubs are involved here.
N7, I concur.
The tingly sensation I’m getting is that he’ll be in light blue next season.
N7 ; If we don’t believe that it’s 2 yrs, 75k on the table (quite a few reports) then how will we find out and believe a move has been finalised at X k and Y years, etc. Selective believability ? A tiresome riposte by me I know, but do I see a shot curling towards the top-corner for my equaliser after your Hargreaves score straight from the kick-off the other day !!??
Sagna leaving is not as big a loss in terms of the overall balance to the team but it is more an emotional moment for all. He was the unsung hero all throughout these last 9 years and it hurts that he is leaving but it does not mean it is the wrong thing. Sagna’s best days as a full back are done and i think it is alright to let him go provided we find a younger,quicker and most important loyal player like him.
Diaby is done, sad for the guy but he should retire from the game.
Pool winning the league is still sickening but then it now seems inevitable and to think we were 8 points ahead of them start of the year.
Everton need to drop points tomorrow against the saints and then against city the following week. We do not need to go into the norwich game on the final day in a win at all cost scenario. If norwich as well needs to win that game to survive, the chances of us winning will diminish, for strange things happen when teams fight for survival.
N7
Oil prints are quite easy to detect
I can see sky blue and French Capital finger prints up in this biyotch!
9 years ?
Trev @ 185: 🙂
Everyone saying “Sagna was the unsung hero” automatically disqualifies him from being the unsung hero. 🙂
I think almost all Arsenal supports admire Sagna greatly, for his abilities and his attitude, and I would like to see him around even as a second choice RB and an CB alternative, but equally importantly an experienced loyal leader at the dressing room. (To digress, last time around following the stadium move the inevitable changes had led to too many such seniors leaving at around the same time).
However, as the deal with Rosicky and the new deals for the “British Core” or new deals for Per and Santi had proved, we are offering players wages etc. that is at par with the market and would have no particular reason to try to screw Sagna. If he is not signing a new deal it most likely means he is going to get such a significant upgrade that we cannot really afford. The bit of pace he has dropped won’t still be a problem in Ligue 1 and I won’t be surprised or that unhappy to see him play for PSG next year.
@ sc 182
Clubs tend to be a little more open about the details of salaries/contract lengths for new signings than existing staff with whom they’re locked in negotiation.
The incentives for confidentiality are reduced once a deal is signed.
The figure I have seen widely quoted as the Frenchman’s demand is £100k a week. No idea if that’s true or not – just mentioning it for posterity. Would I pay him that? Probably not.
You’re correct though that it’s very difficult to tell correct information from false with regard to these matters – you can have the equaliser on that basis, provided we all agree that there’s no point getting upset about it all until we actually know what’s gone down.
@H2H 181
I am getting precisely the same feeling. Though a feeling is all it is.
Some quick thoughts on the above drinks.
Shezza should start the Cup final. He is our number 1, he will be our number 1 for years to come, and he wants to start the final, so let’s keep him happy. Plus Fab is leaving at the end of the season. If Fab had signed a new contract I would feel differently because I don’t see much difference between the two.
A lot of good discussion on Sagna. Personally I think we should try to keep him. I think part of his perceived drop in form is partially due to Walcott being out for a large portion of the season. Without Theo (and like our left backs), he is often left alone on the right side having to play a winger and defender. He has lost a step and having to make long runs from the opposite touchline has been a challenge. If Sagna leaves, then we are going to pay a premium to get equal quality, lose the good working relationship with Theo, and we are going have someone come in who will have very little time to integrate into the team. Plus we will definitely need to sign two center backs (assuming Verm leaves). And given the number of players we need to bring in this summer (striker/left winger, DM, one or two CBs, and a backup keep), the investment seems worthwhile (and I’m assuming he is not asking for 130K, but 15K over the current offer).
N7, indeed, it’s all guesswork.
I’m basing it on the fact that he wanys a lotta lolly, and that’s the go to place for over paying ex Arsenal players.
++++
Pedantic moment of the day;
TTG@128
……..there is a strike on the London Undergound planned to start at 9 am on Monday night
How they going to manage that then? 😛
Final word on the beady haired one. This is too passive people. Fair enough if the biggest 7 or 8 clubs in Europe come waving 200/300k a week at megastars, so be it, not our gig. But this is a different market segment. Trying to skimp and save here is like picking pennies up in front of a steamroller. Either we’re a big club and a big business with a big staidium, or we’re not.
@sc
Too passive?
Here’s a list of things we don’t know about this matter:
(i) whether Sagna is interested in staying at all;
(ii) how much money Sagna would want to stay:
(iii) how long a deal Sagna would require to stay;
(iv) how much money the club is willing to offer Sagna to stay;
(v) how long a deal the club is willing to offer Sagna to stay;
(vi) how much money other clubs have offered Sagna to join them;
(vii) how long a deal other clubs have offered Sagna to join them;
(viii) which other clubs are in for Sagna;
(ix) whether Sagna is going to leave; and
(x) why Sagna persists with the beads.
Sometimes it’s hard to get worked up on the most partial of information. I feel like I’d need a reasonable handle on at least half of the above before I’d be willing to be very, very angry about the latest terrible disgrace the club is perpetrating.
Out of interest, would you pay Sagna (say) 120k a week at 32/33 years old?
Tito Vilanova dies only at age 45 after a difficult battle with cancer. RIP.
N7 @ 192: And to that I would add the fact that we have been able to offer Per and Santi — neither would be lacking in any demand I would think — at the peak of their career improved deals that they have gladly signed. So it is not like that the club is not proactively renewing contracts…
Just seen the news on poor Tito Vilanova to be honest N7 so that puts it all in perspective mate. I’d offer him the same as Mert got (apparently) which I assume is what we’ll offer Kos in his renewal, 90k a week. We’ve fu*k all cover in defence. Furthermore, if he joins Citeh, I’ll open the back door and scream at the top of my voice, but u will only do so (maybe) after you have seen the exact detail and small print in his new contract and on Citeh, I don’t know how u feel, presumably ok, if its biggish bucks. Cheers, have a good wkend.
@sc
I reckon I’ll see how I feel on the day, instead of imagining anger inducing scenarios now. That’s my plan.
A good weekend to you too.
COYG
Terrible news about Tito Vilanova. Terrifyingly young age at which to die. Thoughts with his friends and family.
Diaby’s contract runs to end-June 2015.
btw, did I see that Diaby played a half for the Under-21s on Tuesday?
LURKS IN
@NBN
He did and he also hurt his groin.
Terrible news re: Vilanova, thoughts go out to his family.
Death from cancer at the age of 45 might persuade some people in here to stop getting angry about things they don’t even know haven’t happened.
Sometimes you have to wonder …………
RIP Tito Villanova.
trev@202, nb7 @ various, too right. thoughts and prayers to his family. requiescat in pace, mr. vilanova
Hey Sc. You said you ‘used to be an AKB’, yeah? What’s acronyms got to do with anything?
ECG @ 189
I didn’t know Shez wanted to start the cup final. The plot thickens 🙂
Where did you find that out?
Yes, RIP to Tito. Only 45
NBN
Thank you for that. Puts more perspective on the situation. Do we stick or twist?
In that case I say let the lad at least see out his contract. We have one or two other players who when fit contribute less than a stop start season of Diaby! The problem is, nobody wants them.
Players linked to City usually end up at City, provided the deal can be done. They have sent out several signs of interest regarding Bac throughout the season. Plus his body language has not appeared the same for a couple of seasons. PSG because they are French and because they have a lot of cash too! I here the same level of interest has come from PSG also. Add Wenger’s latest comments to it and there lies my evidence of oily finger prints! 🙂
RIP Villanova too young to depart from this world whatever the reason. May his soul find true greatness on the other side! Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Re: Why Sagna persists with the beads.
Maybe we should ask him? 🙂
RIP Tito Vilanova. I assume BMBD doesn’t apply in this situation.
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/clubs/arsenal/article4073216.ece
Monaco are preparing an offer that would make Arsène Wenger one of the world’s best-paid coaches
He already is.
How can you tempt a 64 year old man, who is already rich, with money?
You gotta give him something else.
Something profound.
Just back- drinking.
Firstly RIP to Tito Vilanova who by all accounts fought cancer with great dignity and courage. Wonder how Mourinho feels when he considers his pathetic, snide poke in the eye. Hopefully as unworthy as he is.
Re Diaby the comments on treating the lad decently are typical of proper Arsenal fans but this boy hasn’t been physically capable of playing top- flight football for several years. Almost every two or three games he picks up a strain and is out only to heal slowly suffer setbacks and need treatment for long periods. I’m not good enough to play for Arsenal in terms of ability and sadly he is not because he isn’t physically up to it and that won’t change. Apart from anything else his level of performance is very erratic because he is always adjusting after long lay- offs and so on and so on.So sadly I think we have to say au revoir to a young man. But let’s not call it a tragedy. Tito Vilanova’s death is a tragedy.
As for Sagna I find myself in H2H’s camp. There is no way he will be a first team regular in that position at 35 which is when his contract ends. It’s a hugely demanding position. He is an excellent Centre Back but is he good enough to play ahead of our CBs which for that money I would expect him to. So sadly I think we must wave him goodbye and thank him for super and loyal service. He will be welcome back anytime.
Happy for him to post tweets of that lovely wife of his too.
The wages are often a bigger problem than the fees. I saw a report in the Metro so it must be true (!) that we had a bid for Lars Bender turned down for £15 million last year. Fear not though because Wenger is going back with a bid of £17 million. Somehow I think we may have to be a bit bolder if we really want him.
8ball –
Indeed it does not apply here…
Apparently Wenger has told journalists quite categorically that he’s staying on.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Or slit your wrists. Or somewhere in between.
Given the likely replacements this summer, I think it’s very much for the best.
COYG
N7
The fact is there is no other like Wenger out there and I’m glad he’s staying even though I voiced other things in my moment of anger. This time around we need to buy players who will step up to the task when injuries will hit us again. We are not far off but we need decent quality for cover too.
RIP Tito.
Goonertown – Can’t remember where I read about Shezza wanting to start the Cup final, probably either espn soccernet or Arseblog. Besides, this is a Cup final and a chance to win a trophy for the first time in a gazillion years. If I were the number 1, I would want to start.
You saw it here, ecg;
http://news.arseblog.com/2014/04/szczesny-wants-fa-cup-final-start/
If Shezza is on the bench for the final, he’ll get his medal. I know it’s not the same as playing but it’s a consolation.
I don’t think playing him is so clear cut. If Fabianski is good enough to play all the qualifying games (including Spuds, ‘Pool and Everton), then he’s good enough to play the final against Hull, who we beat last week and who will be without Long and Jelavic. There is so little difference between them in my eyes that I’m happy whoever plays.
We also have to remember that AW is an honourable man and he will abide by any promise he may have made to Fabianski – and that’s how it should be; some things are just more important than a football match, even a cup final, as Tito Vilanova’s death reminds us. That’s something Mourinho will never understand.
H2H@222 – interesting link – 74% have voted for Fabianski.
gee, i guess that old guy arsene must know *something* to be worth £13 million to monaco (if the article is to be believed).
sure glad he’s still an arsenal man.
On second thoughts, maybe not so interesting. I just voted 3 times for each of them and it registered every vote.
Maybe Lucasz sat up all night voting for himself ….
If FFP ever really kicks in then Monaco will get their arses kicked, we can all have a moan about teams like Citeh, PSG and CSKA Bus Stop, but they’ve all got a reasonable fan base and average crowds around the 40 thousand mark. Monaco has had an average attendance of 8,658 this season. There are teams in the Championship that get double that.
FFP will be toothless unless they ban clubs from Europe. What is the point in fining a multi billionaire oligarch?????? What do they care about financial penalties????
Start banning these clubs and you may see change. But if you start banning some of the big boys then what happens with the sponsors etc????
FFP. I will believe it when I see it.
Wenger:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/25/arsene-wenger-arsenal-new-contract
Neil diamond
on
bbc4
.
first twat
to call me
a twat
i’ll twat
I agree Steve, The rich stay rich, they didn’t get rich by being dumb, I’m waiting for a high priced lawyer to swoop in and poke holes in the FFP. Like you, untill it’s more then just rhetoric I’ll remain sceptical.
Fabianski has served us brilliantly this season and arguably we would not be at Wembley without him. Ches said he’d understandably like to play but recognises how well Lukasz has done. I think the team would expect Fab to get the jersey. It’s not as if there is a large gap between them
Platini has said this week that UEFA will not ban teams from the Champions League for failing to comply with FFP regulations.
The whole thing therefore becomes a bit meaningless, doesn’t it ?
Massively Trev. The fines imposed on these sorts of clubs and their owners will equate to pence in real terms. What’s the point.
I also think that even if they did get all heavy handed and banned sides that it could be the first step to a breakaway league.
If the leaked Puma home shirt photo is genuine, it’s worse than all the Nike disasters combined.
Cynic
I believe I posted a nice one few weeks ago. IS this the one from Twitter?
Platini has the plot and this whole FFP regulation stuff is rather pointless. They will fine clubs and get even richer. This was the main purpose of this fiasco since they have announced it.
Smoke screen that is all.
Groin injury to Diaby after 45 mins, N7G? Poor lad. It just never stops.
Anyone know how long AW’s contract will be extended for?
It seems obvious to me that Bacs views his future at the top as limited and simply wants to capitalise on what time he has left. If some oily sheik wants to pay him more than we do plus a lucrative signing on fee then I can understand loyalty goes out the window. And good luck to him, we’ve certainly had his best years.
Apropos contracts, does anyone here understand the fine print? I find it hard to believe that players get paid the squillions a week we hear they earn for all 52 weeks of the year, regardless whether they are available to play, or actually playing, or injured, or on holiday, or simply between seasons. Has Diaby really been collecting his full pay every week for the whole time he’s been side-lined? Surely there’s a clause in his contract (every player’s contract?) which adjust salaries according to circumstances?
Just wondering.
Öskar
All the talk about Manure spending £200mil in the summer … how does that fit with FFP? According to the rules they will have to balance their books over the three-year period which started at the beginning of this season … ie, that £200mil will have to come out of profits for this year (I think they announced £70mil profit for 2013-4) plus the next two seasons.
And does the £200mil have to cover salaries in the period? If not then the full amount doubles to around £400mil, and I can’t see a club which still has near £400mil debts coming close to meeting FFP with that.
Öskar
8 Ball @ 211 do you remember the game when Bac played without his beads? He didn’t seem the same guy.
His powers in his hair 😆
TTG @ 216
I know I have been absent from the meatier parts of some of the gooner news lately, but how did you work out that Bacs contract ends when he will be 35? I thought he was only 31 now?
ECG @ 221
Ok I see your point.
My next question is directed to the floor.
What is going in with Viviano? He’s the back up loanee whose never played back up!
Otd: This I understand is the wording from the standard EPL player’s contract covering injury and illness. No guarantee Diaby’s is word the word the same, but likely to be pretty similar, I would guess:
7. Injury and Illness
7.1 Any injury to or illness of the Player shall be reported by him or on his behalf to the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such injury or illness.
7.2 In the event that the Player shall become incapacitated from playing by reason of any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) the Club shall pay to the Player during such period of incapacity or the period of this contract (whichever is the shorter) the following amounts of remuneration for the following periods:
7.2.1 in the case of a Player Injury his basic wage over the first eighteen months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period of incapacity;
7.2.2 in the case of any other injury or illness his basic wage over the first twelve months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period of incapacity.
7.3 In each case specified in clause 7.2 above there shall be paid to the Player in addition to his basic wage all or the appropriate share of any bonus payments if and to the extent that payment or provision for continuation of the same is specifically provided for in Schedule 2 or in the Club’s Bonus Scheme.
7.4 The payments made by the Club pursuant to clause 7.2 shall be deemed to include all and any statutory sick pay and/or any other state benefits payable by reference to sickness to which the Player may be entitled.
7.5 Nothing in this clause 7 shall reduce or vary the entitlement of the Player to signing on fees and/or loyalty payments or any other payments of a similar nature due to him under this contract.
Section 8 has a provision that if a player is out for 18 months because of a playing injury, the club can terminate his contract with a year’s notice.
Even though players’ pay is usually quoted as a weekly wage, they get paid a fixed sum specified in the contract. That is divided by the number of months for which the contract runs, and they are paid that sum monthly as their basic wage. Any performance, appearance, incentive, loyalty or other bonuses and image rights payments are on top of that and will be specified separately in the contract. They also get up to five weeks of paid holiday.
Assuming he gets a three year extension, which would take him to end-June 2017, Bac would be 34 and 4 months when the contract expires, Goonertown.
ECG @ 221
Thank you for the article.
I decided to do a bit more digging too.
I found several articles headed ‘Shez wants final etc’, but only found quotes with Shez saying ‘I would love to play in the Final’. I didn’t see any quotes of him saying ‘ I want to play in the final’. That to me suggests that Shez was asked about the final and said he would love to play as you would expect from any decent first choice player. I couldn’t find the full interview or any reference on A.com.
However, given more thought I can see the argument for Shez starting. But I still stick with my decision on letting the lad Fab start the final. He’s done well.
Sorry it was H2H who found the article not ECG
That’s another strike for me 🙂
On FFP I’m all for banning because the fines will not hurt the rich.
Cynic and ATG
You can now order next seasons kits through the Arsenal Soccer schools. Those photos are pretty much the real deal from what I’ve seen. I’m not 100% on how the final strip will look, but the positioning of the puma signs and Arsenal badge etc seem all set to go!
I would imagine the photo which Arseblog posted recently are the legit thing from what I’ve been shown down at the ASS.
😉
Oskar @ 240
As N7 pointed out, I guess we will never know the full extent of these contracts due to client confidentiality. However, my guess is that each contract will have standard employment terms such as reduced pay for long term sickness and will also have industry terms added.
I could ask some of the lads the next time I’m at the barbers as some of them have professional contracts.
Goonertown.
Are you on the West coast?
I reckon so from yer posts.
I just recently moved there.
Oskar @ 241
It seems even worse now they have failed to qualify for Europe. Sacking Moyes now could have set his compensation off against the loss hence him not finishing the season as manager.
Homer
Nah I’m from sowf London mate 😆
What made you sat that?
The west coast where?
NBN @ 245
Lovely job. My suspicions confirmed. 😉
NBN
Okay I see your point.
^^^
Re; Bacs age/contract
At your service, Goonertown. FIFA has detailed rules about what points have to be covered in a player’s contract so all they have all become pretty standard across all the leagues.
Thanks NBN
That makes sense.
All good.
West coast of these these here you-nited states. Am not anti-US mind after all, I’m an american. A yank – as Oscar would say.
I was just observing yer late posts. Thats all.
This bar is so good because there are so any diverse patrons.
Props to the holic. No doubt.
And a round my tab for anyone still on the post at this hour.
Re: player contracts, impossible to know what they say about injury, but we can speculate.
I would guess that: (a) footballers have tremendous leverage at the point at which their playing contract is negotiated, (b) they effectively operate in a seller’s market for their services, and (c) one of the key concerns of your average footballer is what happens to them if they get a career ending injury, given the short length of their career.
Given all of the above, I would speculate that footballers typically get paid in full while injured. There may be exceptional cases where old and injury prone players are forced to accept something different in order to extend their careers (I think Michael Owen went pay as you play at one point), but if I were advising a footballer on their employment contract I would make damn sure they took home a pay cheque every month no matter what.
Homer @ 260
I have a lot of US influences in my life. I have family and friends in New York and Miami and go over there often although not so much recently. My girlfriends besty moved to Connecticut bout 10 years ago, plus a lot of my friends are back and fourth too!
As you said, it’s all good! 😉
Thanks NBN and Goonertown. In addition to standard clauses I imagine there could be any number of provisory clauses making every contract unique. But at least I now get the idea of a fixed amount divided by the number of weeks in the contract.
Have I mentioned yanks in here, Homer? The idea of Americans supporting my English football club never occurred to me before Goonerholic, so I do hope I haven’t let slip anything derogatory? 😕 I’ve only ever met one American I didn’t like, and I doubt he was you. Unless you are G Gordon Liddy, which I would find an astonishing coincidence. 🙂
Öskar
N7
Yeah I’m of the opinion that most players would have so called ‘personal terms’ which can be discretionally applied to their individual ‘standard player contracts’.
Oskar – you are welcome.
I do know what you mean. It’s easy to forget that because we are in the UK typing about a UK club, that we actually still have contributors from overseas.
Have you checked out A.com and clicked on to the US version? It’s a little different. But it’s very good for the clubs growth to cator specifically for the US and other countries. It shows awareness and insight! 🙂
We’ve all (especially me) engaged in a lot of conjecture about the economics regarding Sagna, stuff that, as is rightly pointed out, we have no real proper visibility on. What we do know is that everybody here has agreed he is a valuable member of the squad. If he’s worth keeping – and let’s not be too precise about trying to fine-tune a player’s departure – it is a deal the Management should be well capable of tying up. If they can’t, how can they manage and compete in other, highly complex, fluid situations when we’re trying to buy a player ? If we can’t keep our own players happy, how can we attract others. Put another way, if Bac, Kos and Benzema are sitting down playing cards at the World Cup, how does it all sound to Benzema as he ponders the next (maybe leven last) big move of his career ? C’est bizzare, non ? This is not just about Bacary Sagna. My final, final comment. Thoughts very much with Tito’s young family this morning.
@sc
Maybe it will help that the 40-50k a week we might end up not paying to Sagna vs his replacement can be paid instead to a Benzema type?
The club has recently tied up deals for the likes of Per and Rosicky. They’re well capable, if the player is amenable. It takes two parties to successfully conclude a negotiation.
The word is that, Jenks will be promoted after Bacs departure. My guess is that Jenks’ back up will be fairly cheap. Fee likely to be undisclosed!
😉
^^ inc wages
Jenks back up may well be Bellerin, who is quite probably the long term solution for the RB position if he is able to realise his potential.
Right well there you have it. Arsenal doing what they do best. Developing talent!
I hope Jenkison is given the opportunity, as he has often looked quite good (often quite bad too, but that will change with a good run in the side) and if they don’t give him a go, you have to wonder why he was given that contract last year.
G’Town.
Oskar’s not in the UK, he’s somewhere in the region of New Zealand if memory serves.
Here in the Lands of Low it is Koningsdag (Kingsday), a national holiday where everyone dresses in orange and gets drunk.
For me, another normal day, except for the bright coloured T-shirt I’m donning. 😉
Proost H2H, have a good one; frothy lager on the bar, just waiting for your implement.
Gezondheid Bath, sir.
Why would anybody dress in orange.
😉
Oh when the Saints
Come marching in ..
We had an orange Saturday for a certain DB10 whilst we were still at Highbury, I recall. A lot of Gooners made the effort.
Not sure why it has to be primary orange. Don’t the Dutch need to call in a home decorator?
Remember that well, Bath, it was a big deal over here too.
Dutch rag De Telegraaf front page reporting Van Gaal to Manure a done deal.
8Ball, The dutch royal family are van Oranje Nassau.
The home decoraters have their own day, it’s when they have the Gay Pride Canal Parade.
Heh @282.
H2H@282: lol 🙂
My take, if Bacs is heading out then it is prob not for lack of both parties trying to come to an agreement and not being able to, which, as has been commented on, was done with Mert and Mozart…so best to wish him luck…
only thing is..I’m not that sure of Jenks…where is Bellerin in this line up? how close is he to first team playing? any opinions ‘holics?
Bellerin promising future prospect. Not ready for weekly starts. Jenks much closer but I share your doubts.
We will miss Bac but he deserves thanks and a cheery farewell.
Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Remy and Debuchy declared fit to play on Monday.
Their most important players return vs Arsenal, we are that lucky. It’s going to be a very tough game.
Maybe So’ton can do us a favour today, it would be of a huge importance.
1-0 Saints
Nice start. Keep it up.
Lurky
Exactly what the doctor ordered! 🙂
As Bath says, Bellerin is a highly regarded prospect within the club. But he is only 19, and has only a handful of games under his belt for the under-21s and when out on loan to Watford in the Championship. He’s been on the bench for the first XI a few times this season but he is clearly still a work in progress. Of the existing players at the club, the Corporal would be the first choice replacement for Sagna at this point.
Jenks was immense last year when Bac was injured after first few shaky games. He clearly needs a run in the side and as much as I love Bac, I am not too worried about our right hand side when Jenks is playing.
This year the rustiness shown through him given the fact he had not featured that often, but when I saw how he completely dominated his side vs. Man City away last year, I am sure he is more than capable replacement once he gets proper run in the team.
Get in. Two own goals.
2-0 another OG
Dos Saints.
GT@268.
Where did you get that from re Jenks????? Must say that is not what I have heard doing the rounds at all.
Bath. Still got my orange DB10 t shirt from the day. It’s well worn and a bit tatty these days but it is still donned with considerable pride.
Two nil and a hand ball penalty not given!
Funny goings on at Soton. Reminds me of another game at Highbury. I think it was against Bradford. From memory we were two down at half time and they had not had a shot on target???? 2 Araenal OG’s. Just hope that Soton have the good sense to hang on for the win.
Everton defenders need to keep their heads. They could even put on a heading clinic. 🙂
H2H you are too funny. 🙂
Bangggggggg
BANG !!!
Greedy bastard !!! 😉
Runs away. Salutes to crowd. Thinks of 50k a week pay rise.
Well, if an ageing right back wants 100k a week what price a deadly finish like that????
Saints well worth their lead. If Davies had buried that cut back from Lambert it would have been contender for goal of the season.
And that was never a pen.
There’s no substitute for pure ability Trev???
😀
BBC says this is the chant coming from Saints fans:
“We’re Southampton, we don’t need to score. Who needs Rodriguez, we’ve got your back four!”
Well in Steve, can’t teach that mate. 😉
@101, if you continue this form we may just very well have to rename it the Trev position. 🙂
Steve T
If you can go on like this for the whole 90 minutes that pay rise is more than guaranteed!
😀
are Soton still 2-0 up?
Yep! 🙂
i’m depending on u N7! 🙂
THANK YOU SOUTHAMPTON!!
Get in!
Tee Hee, Everton, no escape from Alcaraz og. 😉
Right: win on Monday and I think that’ll be that.
Win Monday and there’s a good chance fourth will be settled by the time we kick off our next game: Everton City is the day before.
COYG
My ears hurt. Trying to listen to Phil Thompson, Jamie Carragher’s speech therapist. 🙁
Heh @317
please Arsenal, you have the advantage now, don’t bottle it!
Any win on Monday and we will be 4 points clear AND have a better goal difference than Everton.
Even with their players coming back in (Lurky mentions above), I fully expect us to have more then enough, especialy with the players we have available, to take all three points on Monday.
Monday is an attitude and desire thing.
Start with the right attitude – ‘this will require hard work and focus.’
Add the desire – ‘we want this more than you.’
Roast ’em for 90 minutes.
and
you have a dish to savour. 🙂
Geordie Pot (belly) Pie.
Not to tempt fate or anything but are Everton the new Spurs the way they have bottled it the last two weeks? Did anybody say the words can’t take the pressure?
We absolutely positively must win on monday, our last 2 matches are going to be really tough!
Hope everton slip up again and then we can potentially rest some players for the final!
Not in the bag yet but a helluva good day today. By my math we need 6 points from our final 3 games to guarantee 4th (5 points would guarantee at least a tie with Everton). And that’s all before Everton play City.
Arse2Mouse on the twitter suggesting Clyne as an option for us at RB. Any of you seen him much? Thought it was an interesting idea.
I see the not that kind of player picks up yet another red card.
F shawcross! Nuff said!
Norwich will be fighting relegation the last day, on their home ground, so we have to wrap up 4th spot by the week before. COYG!!
I’m expecting Manure to totally roll over Norwich as a final fuck you to the departed Moyes.
Re, the returning Magpies – they will not be fully match fit, just as Mesut wasn’t against ‘ull. It takes time to get that timing working too.
Unless you’re Aaron Ramsey.
Thanks Everton for the gifts today – we’ll try and make the best use of them.
Win the next game.
Norwich’s last 4 games:
Liverpool (H)
Man Utd (A)
Chelsea (A)
Arsenal (H)
I bet they had a good laugh about that at the beginning of the season.
Somewhere back in my mind I have this hope that come the final Sunday we may still be fighting for 3rd (hopefully 4th being already guaranteed). Remote possibility, but not entirely unlikely.
A question to the old timers and statistically minded: If ‘Pool wins the league will Kolo be the first player to win PL medal with three teams? And before PL in the English first division?
Great result at St. Mary’s . I predicted Everton would bottle it
and they have. Lurky- couldn’t believe your note about Newcastle. They are the most out of form demotivated team in the Premier League. Who else would you prefer to play than Newcastle and a very nervy West Brom who might be safe soon? If we don’t do it there’s no one to blame but us.
St.Totteringhams Day could be on Monday. Sad to see them win but at least Shawcross saw red
West Brom may be nervy next week but I think they just saved themselves today against the spammers. Not mathematically impossible for them to go down but extremely unlikely given the number of teams below them who would ALL have to do well suddenly.
Given their recent form, Newcastle can count themselves lucky not to be in the relegation battle.
And whatever happened to Stekelenburg? One of the most promising young goalies, good season with Roma, being linked with big clubs, moves to Fullham and now on the bench?
Feel sorry for Norwich, those last four games won’t be fun at all. Oh well let’s just win Monday that’s all I care about.COYG
TTG, let’s hope NC are shit as you say. I know that they are in very bad form, but is that form a result of injuries of the most important players or anything else? We will see on Monday.
I agree that even with their full squad we are fully capable of beating them, of course. All I said is that it could have been better if they come with a depleted squad.
It is CL football at stake so I hope our players will be highly motivated, not nervous and with the handbrake off. Play wisely, don’t rush, keep calm, we will win.
Narrich battling bravely. Keep ’em out for the time being – it’s far too early to score yer goal. Old Toilet spectators becoming twitchy.
Lurky @341 – it’s the Barcodes on Monday. Narrich final day,three Sundays away. Hope 4th is sorted by then.
Norwich should win against MU.
They look shite! 😀
Just whisper it…perhaps we can snag ourselves some Mata this summer? I’ll take some, if they don’t mind, it won’t matta.
Well dun, Saints.
COYG…win the next match.
Great video.
Arsenal FC – The Road to Wembley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqWvKxIFces&feature=youtu.be
If Norwich plays this way it’s 3 point in the bank for us.
Can’t believe they aren’t able to step it up, it’s their arse on the line…!!
Utd look awful.
Norwich. Well them too.
Where’s Dr. Feelgood when you need him?
Visit to ailing mother precludes seeing the match on Monday so I’m trusting you all to bring us home.
Lurky
That video is top class mate thanks for sharing 🙂
Lurky thanks for the link it made excellent viewing!
Win or Lose, judging by those saves, Fabianski should play in the final.
All the more fitting if he’s off after that although i do hope he stays!
My two cents.
Interesting fact.
The Last time Liverpool won the League….. Jon Flanagan’s Mum and Dad were still just brother and sister…..
Just saying like.
Better late than never 🙂 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>