Guest Post – Gunners Don’t Bore ’Em at Boreham
Jul 23rd, 2014 by 'holic
Huge thanks to our own, inimitable, Bergkamp the Man for a unique account and pics of his Saturday out at Boreham Wood. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I. Thank you maestro.
With no other sporting event of any real significance on offer in this very fine, ‘Better Together’, United Kingdom, what other option could take precedence for a footie starved Gooner over the annual trip to Boreham Wood? “A10 to Potters Bar, take the first right and you can’t miss Meadow Park” (Well, you can, actually but that’s another story).
When, in 1948, Boreham Rovers and Royal Retournez pooled their resources to form the mighty “Wood”, little could they have realized that 66 years later they’d open a brand spanking new West Stand in the presence of Lord Wenger, in temperatures that nearly melted the very fibre of the new structure itself. Nor could they have dreamt that the young Welsh Wizard himself, Aaron Aragorn Ramsey, would captain The Arsenal for the first time, but by no means the last time, in a career that promises previously unreached pinnacles, exhaltation and euphoric reverberation throughout the valleys filled with leeks.
The local Hertfordshire Blackhead sheep flock had munched the Meadow perfectly and uniformly to a luxurious emerald carpet. Rows and flows of angel hair drifted across and sky of azure blue perfection and ‘Alexis’ shirts were too numerous to count on tiny Gooners, smaller than the number 17 on their backs. The atmosphere was carnival, lacking toffee apples and steam-engine-powered organ chords, but supplemented instead by the inevitable chorus of “if you hate, Tottenham….” all washed down with chilled, secretly smuggled, Guinness. ‘Hic’
And suddenly, there they were, resplendent in Puma and ready to pounce, The Arsenal, in their new blue and yellow away kit. Younger, and in several cases, difficult to recognize, “Who’s that playing Number 12 for us?”, but The Arsenal, nevertheless, unequivocally. “Wojcieck, Wojcieck, give us a wave”, an exchange of pennants, a shrill whistle and we were off to the races.
The Arsenal dominated the first half, but frankly, rarely looked like scoring. “Were we trying to?”, I wondered. Wonderboy Zelalem started well but faded quickly. Jenkinson had more acres than Donald Trump but didn’t do much with them. Sanogo worked hard and should have scored but failed to remove the albatross of “hasn’t yet converted” from around his neck. Ramsey’s quality lacked the spark of an equal or an Ozil to fire the exceptional. Jon Toral, doing a very fine impersonation of Aaron Ramsey, caught the eye, but not sufficiently to merit inclusion in the first team squad for the coming season. Try harder to impose yourself, young man. You have what it takes. Nacho impressed in a defense that was never really threatened.
These warm-ups provide the luxury of an entirely new eleven at the manager’s whim and so “All change” commanded Arsene after 45 minutes. And it was a different, much more purposeful Arsenal that the sunburned legions witnessed for the second segment, even without the Wunderkinder, Serge Gnabry and Eisfeld the Iceman.
Iggi Miguel has doubled his body mass since I saw him last (in the seven-goaler at Reading). He played well. Gibbsy stayed in second gear and was untroubled. Our number 8 (who was he? I never knew) was solid. Bellerin was outstanding and the Corporal will be really challenged for the right back berth if Debuchy goes lame. Flamini and Rosicky started where they left off last season and were excellent. Olsson, Afobe and Akpom (who really grew in confidence as the half progressed) looked sharper than tacks and before we knew it, we’d won 2-0 without ever needing to fire up more than five of our twelve cylinders.
But wait! This wouldn’t be a BtM report without a mention of the finest box-to-box midfielder that the world has never seen at his peak. I was very nervous for Abou Diaby from the first warm-up leap, through the first tackle, the first stretch and then the first kick. Abou is like your best china. You want to take him out and show him off but you’re scared shitless that he’ll break or chip and you’ll be left heart-broken.
I needn’t have worried. Diaby was imperious. He oozed quality, didn’t put a foot wrong and was the heartbeat of the second-half team. If he can stay fit, Sami Khedira will spend next season sitting on the bench beside Arsene watching in awe. “Will he?” is the big question.
The whistle blew. Abou swapped shirts. He looked over to where I was standing and gave me the “I’ll be absolutely fine this season, BtM” wink. You heard it FIRST right here on Goonerholic. Abou Diaby is going to play a MAJOR roll for The Arsenal this season AND I’m back on the double. (Champagne on me at the Tolly next May!)
Enjoy it, Holics! We have an amazingly strong squad and there’s more, much more, quality to come. It just keeps getting better over here on the sunny side. COYRRRs.
312 Responses to “Guest Post – Gunners Don’t Bore ’Em at Boreham”
#FreeReus
Eisfeld gone.
Jenks, Gnarby both being heavily linked with loans.
The aggressive new transfer strategy from AW and BIG Ivan in full effect. Good to see.
Forward
Aaahh just fabulous BtM…! Superb write up and immensely entertaining.
I absolutely echo your sentiments about Bellerin and Diaby. Diaby is such a talented player. While Sanchez is such an important signing, the recruitment of Shad Forsythe is going to be one of the most instrumental appointments made by the club I feel. I was always sceptical about the possibility of a European team winning the WC in South America, but the relentless fitness of the Germans was just so impressive. Shad apparently is one of the leading fitness instructors in world sport. Hopefully, Diaby will be his pet project.
El – Well in mate
Agree100% on Diaby. He deserves a breakout season and really think he can, and should. (Pun not intended). He deserves to show us his shine. Really wish him the best
Liverpool or utd’s spot
I liked Eisfeld!
Wish him all the best.
Great write-up.
Just whets my appetite for the coming season.
Cheers GT – exciting times mate 🙂
Great report.
The #8 on the day was Pleguezuelo, playing with Iggy in the center-half. Two ex-Barca boys together. Supposed to be a better talent than Iggy and Hayden.
I had suspected Eisfield is on his way out. His absence from the squad in the friendly was a sign (just days before he appeared in the training photos). Wish him all the best, I think he will make a career.
I won’t be surprised if there is a buy-back clause.
Cup team for next season: Ospina, Bellerin, Ajayi, TV/his replacement, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Rosicky, Ox, Poldi, Giroud.
Not a bad team that to steer us through the milk cup and the early rounds of the FA Cup. Pack a few kids on the bench who aren’t on loan and we are storming the quadruple. Never been done before in English footy, but that didn’t stop arsene last time.
Forward
El Puno @ 11: Almost agree, but I think if Jenks is going out on loan then we are definitely getting another RB who will be higher in the pecking order than Bellerin, who may yet go out on loan.
Also, I think Giroud will remain a first-teamer. Will not need to play as many games but with fast wingers around him his score and assists rate both will increase significantly and he contributes to the team something unique that we would need .
Abou Diaby, a favorite player. The support for him when he came back last year was truly memorable. In the first 11, if fit …. what a talent. I’ve even bet a lot his class (and a punt on his fitness) will give the extra depth we need for the league. I might be wrong but let’s hope things work out for him. If so then we might surprise the outsiders/doubters. Sanchez, Debuchy, Ospina and Diaby (a new signing, ha). The natural development of the younger players we have. I include Ramsay and Jack there. Theo’s return. One or two more signings (?). I might be optimistic but with AW’s leadership we might achieve something special this season. Whatever, it will be an incredible ride, with it’s usual twists and turns, but hopefully the right ending.
Very nice BtM, top reporting, cheers.
Secretly smuggled Guinness.
My favourite kind. Nice one. 😎
El @ 9
Mate 😆
Get a room. 🙂
BtM,
I applaud your writing. Not only a clear picture painted but I now feel up to speed on where the lads are at vis-a-vis the coming season.
And what a season it promises to be! Your post has put me bang in the mood and imagine the unbridled joy if Abou were to last the course and play himself into form!
Wetting myself for the 16th.
I am a blithering fucking idiot.
DrF – agree on a right back, but didn’t want to get slammed for wild transfer speculation. I did slip Giroud in based on our stunning new attacker we are getting though 😉
Forward
LORD Wenger please.
Welcome back MNB! The season proper must be just around the corner.
Fine report and splendid picture of Gibbs, BtM. Very stirring. Were I a betting man I’d be tempted to take the 5000-1 offered on the quadruple as a result
Dr F: agree that Giroud will remain a first-team player. He will be more effective with good forwards around him than he was when he had to plough a lone furrow last season.
Hope Diaby has an outstanding and injury-free season. First, he deserves it. Second, he is out of contract next June, so this really his now-or-never season.
I wanted him sold, i really did when it came to Diaby. I was like why do we keep paying him and then when he forego his wages, why do we even keep him. Yet in the deepest thoughts i prayed he had one injury free season and show the world what an absolute talent he is. It is so emotional to write about this man considering the fact that if fully fit, we would be looking at one of the best box to box mid fielders in the league.
Eisfield sold is a surprise to me, i always believed he will be among the first ones from the reserves to come through and play for the first team but then i dont see it being any longer. Good luck to him.
DM rumors still persist and now its looks like we are going back to lisbon for another bid to Carvalho, thats a lot of money for a “great potential”. Javi Martinez will come for that money and is more proven.
Nastasic is another name , well it will be a good signing but then whoever comes will play second fiddle to per-kos, so i rather have a free agent like Hangelaand than pay city a lot of money to buy Nastasic.
@ 17 who are you referring to?
From the training photos up at Arsenal web-site…Banfield really needs to work on his fitness.
And by the look of it, so does Santi, maybe way too many Fabadas while in vacation. 🙂
About Eisfield, it is interesting to look back in recent years and see how many such hugely promising youngsters who left Arsenal eventually found their way to the top tier: Merida, Ozyakup, Lansbury, JET, Nordtveit, Sanchez Watt, and now Aneke and Eisfield …
Nordtveit is playing top tier, I think Aneke would probably make it there eventually, and Eisfield has all the chances of getting promoted next season and if Magath sticks around in Fulham may even shine afterwards.
Merida’s case is probably the most unfortunate. He looked really outstanding for his age in the few chances he got. Should have been patient instead of demanding a move away to Atletico Madrid.
Vinay @ 24: Do you really feel comfortable going into a full season with only two top-class defenders — Hangelaand is nowhere near CL quality — and with such a gap from the top two to the third choice? We got extremely fortunate last year with the fitness of Per and Kos, there is no reason to plan assuming that would be repeated. And when they were injured we had Bac manfully covering up, a role I believe we would see him more and more in City.
We need a 3rd choice CB of the same level, to rotate as much as to replace in case of injuries, and then the 4th choice can be covered between youth (Hayden et al.), a versatile DM and one of the full backs.
if TV5 is leaving, we need someone at least as good, and probably better.
Hi peeps 😉
BtM, This is your best work, EVER! 🙂
So appreciate your tribute to Diaby and that you too, notice how hard Sanogo works. He’s gonna be a Star, just know it! 🙂
Good stuff, BtM.
Not surprised you couldn’t find Meadow Park considering the A10 doesn’t even go to Potters Bar.
Mrs Trev wasn’t giving you directions, was she ? 😉
Hangelaand. !?!? 🙁
NBN@23: Agreed about Diaby. The interesting part would be the position he is played in. I think he is best suited for the box-to-box role, where his strength, pace and technical abilities on the ball can be used most effectively. He is naturally attack minded so a positionally disciplined DM role is not ideal for him, and we already have a few more qualified no. 10s in the team (Ozil, Santi, TR7 and Jack the apprentice though we are not likely to see him much in that role this season).
I think it would be ideal for Diaby to rotate with Rambo, who really shouldn’t play that often as he had to last season before the injury. But then the concern becomes whether such a highly physically demanding role would be too much for him to start with.
A really really nice little problem to have.
How wonderful it would be if our summer business, with some luck on the injury front, allowed us to really rotate the squad and pick players to suit matches.
Forward
Seems the Santi rumours to Atletico are back again. What you think ‘holics? Do you think he’s off?
Can’t see Santi leaving. He’s too good and too versatile. Only imaginable way is if we sign Reus/ADM, but even then I don’t think we’d sacrifice that wonderful little spanisher.
Top reporting, BtM.
Whilst I admire the loyalty to Diaby and am happy he is back in the squad his injury record is so appalling that we cannot rely on him playing more than ten games this season. By all means give him one of the twenty five spots but he will not be able to cope with anything like a full season. Pragmatism must take precedence over loyalty and sentimentality here.
I don’t expect Wenger to sanction any further sales . If he does his initial statement that the first priority is to hold onto our squad will look pretty odd if we lose Fabianski, Sagna, Vermaelen, Eisfeld, Bendtner, Park, Kallstrom, Cazorla and Monreal. It will start to look a bit like other windows if he restricts his spending. This window was about building the depth and quality of the squad and certainly some of those I named have not been part of the squad for some time. But losing four defenders would be really unfortunate and needs careful replacement especially as the season nears. Four in do far and maybe eight out is not reassuring maths
Can’t believe the Casillas story. That’s an old one that has been dredged up but it shows the quality Wenger was keen to bring in. On the evidence of the World Cup Ospina is a better keeper.
I can’t tell the difference between Rambo and Jenks since Rambo adopted the new ‘do’ and beard. Hopefully OG shaves when he returns otherwise it will be even more confusing!
#freeBellerin
He was super last Saturday at Boreham Wood
Top post BTM. I think we would all love to see abou have a great season just hope it doesn’t happen and he buggers off on a free!by all accounts bellerin looks the dogs.also I’d love to see afobe getting a couple of games with the big boys.
Great post, BTM.
But forgive my manners. Excellent report. It felt like I was there. I was interested in your comments on Miquelon. He has it in him to be a very decent fourth choice CB if he is stronger as you say and more experienced but AW takes a compassionate view of younger players and sets them free to play more. I suspect Pleguezelo may step up if he continues his very quick rise.
Sorry Btm I. meant Izzy Miquel!
Thanks for the comments, team. I had promised myself a slow start to this season but some conspiracy from on high has me attending the Emirates Cup, Charities Shield at Wemberley and the Crystal Palace game just for starters. How did that happen again?
Looking forward to your friendship, company and some damned good arguments in the weeks and months to come. Next round is Holic’s as I recall it 🙂
Super disappointed to hear this news of Eisfeld’s departure. He looked very promising – but he had become nearly anonymous in the latter part of last season.
TTG, it wasn’t really a game for judging the defenders (other than their attacking prowess – where all the plaudits went to Bellerin IMO). Boreham Wood set themselves up to hold us (which they did very well, particularly in the first half). When I last saw Iggi at Reading he was playing LB and had a mare. He looked solid on Saturday (not just his girth!) but I suspect we’ll see him tested a bit more in the Ems Cup.
I suspected that ‘Pleg the vowels’ was the unidentified defender. I saw him in the Under-19 Cup game V Everton at the Ems a couple of months ago and he was flawless at that level. In that game (vs Everton) Akpom really starred. I see a lot in his game that makes me think he’s been watching Thierry videos and learning some of the moves. I thought he looked very good at Boreham too.
Thanks Btm! I note from the published roster on the NY Red Bulls site that Akpom is the only designated striker travelling so he will get game time and possibly start. Zelalem has also travelled as has Toral so we may get an idea how they can adjust to a bigger stage. Not clear how good MSL teams are but maybe they will let Thierry play for both sides this time?
Dear Caber Tosser
Very enjoyable read.
My door is now 75% Red.
It is going to be fascinating as the early part of the season unfolds,and we have a full compliment of players available,what Lord Wenger’s preferred first eleven will be.
Whatever it turns out to be,we will have one of the strongest benches we have had for many a long season.
Nice write up me old deep pockets mucker. I wish I shared your optimism at this stage of the season though. For me we are still a long way off from being a Championship challenging side.
I must say that I really do not get this Diaby could be the best midfield player in the world stuff either. He has always had tremendous potential and has been cruelly robbed of several years of football by a shocking moment of savagery from a Neanderthal in red and white stripes. But I don’t remember Diaby pre injury being the Arsenal saviour. He has always been touted as the new Vieira, a label that I genuinely wish he had never had. He has always had great potential and I genuinely hope that he can just stay fit and healthy. Then we will see I guess. But I don’t for one second think he is anywhere near the class of Khedira. For me, that is the kind of quality we need.
Still 6 weeks of the transfer window left so still time to put it all right. But I don’t think our squad is strong enough. Not by a long way. Too many next big things are heading out of the door and as has been mentioned during the drinks in previous posts, too much mediocrity in reserve. For us to challenge in my opinion this has to be addressed. Otherwise the Champers will remain in the Tollie chiller. Still, on the bright side it will be another cheap night for the BtM wallet???
Keep everything crossed people.
Arsenal have obviously briefed the Fleet Street scribes covering the NY trip that Jack is going to be used in the holding role next season. I think we are seeing Arsene reverting to type. He just can’t splash the clash and will always choose not to buy unless he absolutely has to.
This is a ApWenger- friendly bar but also one that has a lot of frustration about not heeding the big lessons of last season. How will we stop being opened up by teams rampaging through our midfield as we were in big matches last season. LJW hasn’t got the physique or tackling prowess to stop them.
So forget Carvalho, Schneiderlin ( who understandably is now said to prefer Arsenal to Tottenham) forget Khedira, forget Bender or anyone else who might make us less porous next season. I suspect now that if TV doesn’t leave Ospina might be our last signing this summer. Does he never learn?
Nice stuff BtM, highly entertaining write-up.
I truly hope this is Abu’s breakthrough season as transpired with Van Pussy’s injury-ridden Gunners career.
COYBG, there’s a top squad in the making this term!
For me, the question isn’t whether AW has learned his lesson.
Rather, if we have 😉
I’m very optimistic about our team and I realize I’m not privy to what deals are currently taking place behind the proverbial ‘closed doors’. 🙂
Kudos on the write up BtM.
I too think AW is not going to spend $ for the sake spending it. And the annual “Diaby is back and sorta fit” ‘fest makes me head swim. Are we really going there again?
Does LJW have the discipline and positional nous to play the holding role? I’d really rather not have an experiment during the season to find out. However, that is what AW did with Arteta, so … what the hell do I know?
At any rate, will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
btw – the new away kits are boss.
I think we need to wait until the end of August before delivering our verdicts. However, judging on recent transfer windows I refuse to hold my breath. I really want to be left pleasantly surprised but I really do not subscribe to this Big Ivan is our saviour bollocks.
Homer & TTG — I don’t think we should read too much into what Arsene is saying about potential transfers and plans to use players in odd positions. He didn’t actually announce the Sanchez signing with fanfares before it was announced, right?
I also don’t think somehow Arsene is oblivious to the obvious. Take the DM in example. He has been trying to sign — based on rumors and innuendos, nonetheless, no smoke without fire etc. — Bender, Gustavo, and now Khedira (who I doubt would really enjoy the DM role), Carvalho. He hasn’t tried to persist with ‘promising but not good enough’ candidates like Coquelin (or Song, for that matter) in that role, but rather converted Arteta to a pivote in absence of landing his targets. And Arteta did well enough, though evidently he cannot be the solution if we are to chase PL and CL. But it is rather remarkable we had so easily taken for granted the ‘conversion’ of Arteta — who played the holding role early in his career, but afterwards he has been a genuine #10 — into the pivote position.
I think he will find a solution to the DM conundrum, a solution that would be strong enough for PL-CL challenge. I don’t think he is going to skimp just for the sake of it — I never thought his frugality was an innate characteristic, maybe the old fashioned value of living within means is — and he will find a solution. And that solution may even be tactical.
We may not like that solution until it is made to work, but I somehow don’t think that he will go into the final three years of his Arsenal career with obvious weakness in a central position.
I could be proven wrong, but let us wait and see until the window closes. I think we have a couple of pleasant surprises in store.
Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez!!!
Ah, you’re surely right Dr. F.
I do think AW, that wiley old codger, still has a signing or two up his sleeve for the Summer.
Sanogo and Afobe are not in the training pictures and according to reports are not going to NYC, so most likely loan deals in progress for them. Could even be something permanent for Afobe and Sanogo in loans. Hopefully Sanogo is not injured, especially given his terrible fitness record with Auxerre.
Gnabry seems to be injured and Ox I guess is still recovering and too early to risk.
If Afobe and Sanogo both are out on loans etc., it becomes a battle between Akpom and Campbell for the apprentice striker role.
Homer @ 54: 🙂 I think even though we may have more money, some signings would still depend on whether we navigate the CL qualifiers successfully. Some, not all.
Some of my ManU supporting friends were complaining — I was not particularly interested in hearing them, but hey one suffers fools all the more when they are friends — that apparently Di Maria is ignoring ManU as they don’t have CL.
Abou Diaby … like a new signing. And on a free too!
Öskar
BtM knows. 🙂
Ahh Abou Diaby. My favorite footballer who doesn’t actually play football.
I think a realistic goal for him is to make it into 25 games this season. 30 plus would be exceptional. Even if he stays reasonably fit all year I don’t think Arsene will want to risk overplaying him. I trust we aren’t banking on him in any substantial way.
But his obvious quality, coupled with an attitude which has stayed pitch perfect throughout what has been a really miserable career thus far, make him a very easy man to like, and to root for. Fingers crossed that the new fitness staff can help him turn a new page.
Morning
It is being reported That David Ospina appears to be a done deal and that we are awaiting official announcement just like with Debuchy and the such. With this being the case, I would just like to applaud the club for making 3 solid signings before the season has started.
Well done!
🙂
The role which Olivier Giroud provides for the team cannot be underestimated. He is a work horse. He reminds me if Drogba, a centre forward who takes good care of his defensive responsibilities. We are lucky to have quality like this within our squad. But to make myself perfectly clear without any room for doubt, we would profit from adding another centre forward to our squad.
I am happy that the club are laying several bids across Europe for a DM and I am willing to accept that a deal can be concluded, especially based upon the business we have already completed.
The next two weeks will be crucial within the transfer market, as a lot of the stars of the World Cup are due to come trickling back to their respective clubs, to add to the players who are back and available.
Again a round of applause so far club and thank you for the ems cup tickets. Received!
New York New York,
What can I say? It was the first state in the US which I visited. The big apple. The birthplace of hip hop.
The New York red bulls boast three ex prem players in Henry, Tim Cahill and Bradley Wright Phillips. Did I mention that young baby Wright Phillips (son of Shaun), trained with Baby GT? ( I love that family).
Anyway, there something feel good about this fixture in two days. Our visit to the US as a team in 25 years. The reunion with TT. Another ore-season fixture and of course another game before the season truly kicks off.
Arsenal I salute you for these types if moments.
Be sure to check out the NYRB displaying their UK accents in exchange for Arsenals US accents.
“Allright mayte?”
“What, u talkin ah me?”
Onwards and upwards
🙂
Sweeper!
75% is GOOD for a Street Fighting Man 🙂 If you have any of that red paint left, send it over to Essex. Steve T’s door is blacker than Auld Nick’s waistcoat and there’s an even darker cloud hanging over his petunias 🙂
Morning all,
Goonertown @61,
I think you probably mean ‘overestimated’ …….
Morning Trev,
I take it you are in good sprits this morning.
But as everybody knows, I mean what I say and I say what I mean.
😉
KING CHUBA!!!!!!!! 🙂
Morning El – Exciting times my friend. 🙂
May the deity of your choice bless you, abb for yours @50 above. A much needed drop of sense.
COYG
Morning GT – can’t argue with that mate.
Sonogo left at home for NY trip… Would love to see him and Gnarby get a loan and each score 10+ goals for a PL team this season.
Think AW is on the “nah, don’t need anyone, why would I spend my money” stage of negotiations. Not many cash flush clubs about, so there will be teams who need to sell to us if they want to get paid upfront to reinvest. (Milan?) I still think we help Madrid pay for Hames one way or another.
Things moving along nicely behind the scenes I reckon. Looking forward to seeing Henry pass the crown to Chuba on Saturday.
Forward
GT – interesting.
So that means you think Giroud could not possibly be any worse.
In which case I will disagree. 😉
Sorry, Nursie – missed you yesterday. 😉
Don’t get involved, Trev. You’ll probably come to regret it and we’ll all get bored in the meanwhile. FWIW, I agree with your interpretation, but the usage to which you refer has become (to mind mind, sadly) common of late.
Yes El – Totally agree.
We need to be shrewd with our cash and source the best deals. Plus utilise what we already have. This is why I rightfully leave the finer details to those who get paid to do so. But it never hurts to contribute ideas as a supporter in ways which will benefit the club.
DrF above – eminently sensible and also encouraging perspective above. A very pleasant read for someone of excitable tendencies 🙂
Working on the fact that we have still not signed a keeper I think we still need to bring at least 4 in. A new keeper is an obvious one but I’m still struggling to work out our policy here. The names we are continually linked with don’t strike me as players that are coming to be the number 2. That is an interesting one for me. I’m don’t like the phrase defensive midfielder. I think one of our problems in recent years has been the balance and shape. The rapid development of Aaron Ramsey for me showed what we were lacking. We need a player with discipline who can play alongside Rambo. A box to box player who has the discipline to hold as required.
We need to bring in a centre half. This will be even more important if TV5 leaves. I also think we need a striker. I would love someone of real quality but I don’t think that will happen. I’m still not sure what position Arsene has in mind for Alexis, be it up front or out wide. If Remy signs for Liverpool then at 8.5 million I do think we have missed a trick there. I would be far happier seeing the likes of Remy on the bench than I was looking down on Bendtner, Park etc.
I’m far from convinced with Sanogo. I do think he needs a loan. He needs to go somewhere where he can play every week. The same applies to Jenkinson. I don’t see them developing playing in a reserve team and the odd 10 minute cameos for the first team.
As I said earlier, there is still 6 months left to put it all right. That said, the sooner we get the players in and settled the better. I do hope we are not sat here with a week to go still wondering what is happening. That is one lesson we must have learned by now???? Haven’t we?
Trev – My opinion about Giroud is that his goal tally for us has been good for his first two seasons.
I just feel that as admitted by the player and club, another option upfront will make him an even better player.
When I say good, this is taking into account his style of play.
Any news on The Panther’s contract. Was reported it only has a year to run. Would seem to make sense to tie that up long term, irrespective of whether we are selling, loaning, or keeping right?
GT – BIG Ivan is on the case. He hasn’t returned my calls, but I get the odd suggestive text message.
My head says we get ADM and Schneiderlin. My heart says Reus and Carvalho. BIG Ivan will KNOW.
Forward
Steve – I have been wondering the same thing about our interest in keepers. But that brings me to centre forwards too. I am not saying waste tens of millions on rotating a player who could very well bring in 30 plus goals by starting every game without the need to be rotated, but in terms of attacking prowess, big games, game changers and injuries, I do not see any good reason why we cannot negotiate terms for top class striker. Remy would have been ideal. But I also feel that we should not be shy to add more depth. I know we have been burnt before with our rotation of players in the past, but I still feel we have a lot to offer in return as a club. I really do.
-*yawns*
El – I must say, Big Ivan has been pretty scarce, which seems to suggest he is doing everything within his power to strengthen our squad. Based upon the business we have already done and are still doing, my faith is firmly within his hands.
cba are you just waking or are you bored?
Wow! Serge Auriers transfer to PSG is a year long loan!
WTS!
Morning BTM. As I said, I will judge at the end of the window. And you can leave whatever hangs over my petunias well out of this???
🙂
84 – Not as highly rated as the WC hype?
83
.
i say what i mean
and
i mean what i say
Giroud plays with his back to goal. One of his main assets is to bring others into the game. The times when he looked to be struggling last season were the times when we were missing the likes of Theo, Rambo, AOC etc. In certain games he was having lumps kicked out of him. He would hold up the ball and hold off two centre halves only to find that there was no one within 20 meters of him. The support we gave him at times was non existent.
That’s also one of the reasons I think the signing of someone like Khedira is so important. With more shape and balance in the middle there will be more scope for others to get forward.
Be amazed if there is anything in these Casillas rumours… But if he is on 100k a week and Ospina is on half that, but costs 3.5mil to sign, over a 4 year contract the difference is just 6million for the proven commodity… Then again, who pays 100k a week for someone who has looked shit for 2 years and will end up on the bench behind Schez? … Unless we are going to do a Madrid style league and euro keeper, with the big pole taking high balls from Pulis and the cat sweeping up behind in Europe…
Bonjour BIG Ivan.
@ 87 🙂
El – You also have to wonder why we would pay him 100k to sit on the bench, unlike an outfield player who is more likely to be rotated more often.
91 – This cup/league keeper thing is all the rage? You can keep two players happy and sharp that way, meaning you are better covered if one gets injured.
All sorts of changes of strategy, or tweaks at least, becoming evident at the moment. It all appears to be fairly aggressive in trying to modernise and bring up the level of the squad to challenge the trust-fund teams and Bayern/Madrid/Barca. This may be another.
Been off the boil of late, but 2/3 years ago Cassilas was the best about. Would fit with the Spanisher community and has captained at every level previously, so a true pro you’d assume. Like I said, seems like total fantasy, but you never know – so quite at the moment that anything might happen 🙂
Is it safe to assume that the kids in New York and the ones most likely to break through this year?
El – of course, we would have a very strong presence between the sticks. It’s just a wonder out of the 3 who would get the short straw. One of the 3 would effectively be playing back up. However, two would be easier to juggle between contests.
The more the merrier I say
Onwards and upwards! 🙂
I’m still gutted about Eisfeld. But I am happy for him.
This Casillas story is very strange and I can’t believe it is true. If we bring in Ospina and Casillas, with Casillas supposedly the first choice, it would be goodbye Woj. And I don’t see Woj leaving, unless Wenger has decided he can do better without him. And he did play Flappy in the FA Cup Final and doesn’t usually allow sentiment to get the better of him in big games (unless you’re Robert Pires of course and it’s the CL Final, so he decides to dump Reyes on the day of the game)
I for one dont know how we can hope for Reus, yes i would love to see here but then there has been not even the remotest possibility of him moving to anywhere, so where is this so called hope coming from.
Madrid may still prove to be the source as we all know they need to clear some players to make way for their new hires. So Isco, Khedira, ADM may all still move though i doubt Benzema will. Apart from Khedira i dont see anyone else useful to us though talent wise Isco is sheer class.
For us to compete on all 5 trophies available, yes the community shield to, we still need a minimum of 3 resources, a DM, striker and a centre back.
If united do want TV5 desperately then we should play hard ball and say we need Hernandez, no one else but him and please not that joker called Nani.
CB, we need a solid one and i was happy when we were rumored to be going for Ashley Williams, that has cooled down for sure. So we need to look for a solid CB as Per and Kos cannot play all games.
DM- Schneiderlin, Bender, Khedira, Javi Martinez, anyone will be fine and all this talk of Jack playing that role is sheer nonsense, he cannot play there no ways, not that role. he does not have a defensive bone in his body or mind.
* catches an infectious yawn from cba *
* pandiculates *
*Breaks up play and makes contact with the correct side of the pitch and places into the danger area*
Boom!
😀
Well in, BB.
Hi everyone 🙂 Yes, I mean YOU, too.
Because we all are afraid of rejection (it hurts!) 🙁
Trev, Don’t you worry @71, I’m always one ‘lurky’ away 😉
Pangloss@69 You’ve made my day, chap xx
Am channeling my inner Sanchez .. lol
😀
Get in Alexis BB!!
🙂
A guide to transfer tittle tattle
If a story emanates from Caught Offside, Give Me Sport , Metro, Star and the Daily Express pay no attention to it. If it comes from Spain..pay no attention to it. If it comes from TalkSport or Sky it is very unlikely to be true. If it comes from a quality broadsheet it is unlikely to be true.
If it comes from anywhere else it is complete fiction.
Read Arsene’s lips. I think he is saying that unless someone leaves his big spending is virtually over. His small spending might continue but probably won’t.
So I font think its worth debating the lies of ADM , Schneiderlin etc. I’ve been here before.
“I have no interest in Arteta.”
Heh.. Goonertown!
Who’re we buying today??! 🙂
Cristiano Ronaldo
😆
Oooh… But Messi wouldn’t like that!
🙂
We’re getting him too 🙂
Yesterday in BBC XM channel they were interviewing some Colombian sports journalist about James and his move. He said that the Colombians are a bit apprehensive whether James will get his chance to showcase his talents, experience of Colombian great players at RM is not good. Then he was asked whether James is the most important player for Colombia now, he said no of course Falcao still is, especially after the way he single-handedly won a few matches in the qualifiers and had such stellar records.
Then came the part that made me smile, he said the current Colombian team is full of top class players and James is one of them, another is , and I am quoting him here, “Ospina who is now going to be a Gunner.” I smiled because he said it with so much pride… 🙂
I think with Alexis and Ospina, and if Campbell can establish himself, we would become a better brand and a more attractive destination in Latin American football. In Gilberto-Edu days Arsenal garnered quite a following in Brazil, but that fell off afterwards. In terms of Arsenal brand popularity I think we have reached a saturation in the East and South-East Asian market, and probably now are optimized. Given the collective purchasing power of that part of the world it was only natural to target it first. An increasing popularity in Latin America would also mean the club becoming more attractive for the players.
Following TTG’s suggestion @105 about reading Arsene’s lips, here’s another thought:
Try to view Arsene Wenger’s statements in isolation, without paying too much attention to other things, like the question he was asked. For example:
Journo: So, Arsene, now that Johnny Longkicker has signed for Stockport Strollers, I guess you’ll be upping your offer for Dave Kneesmasher?
Arsene: It is true that we had talks with Longkicker’s agent but he’s decided to go to Stockport. Naturally we’re disappointed, but as his twin brother is manager there, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise and we will look at other options.
will be reported as “Arsenal drop Kneesmasher pursuit”. Look at the above. There is no hint as to whether or not we are looking at Kneesmasher or whether or not we intend to try to sign him.
The above example is made up and somewhat contrived, but it’s not untypical. A journalist asks question A; Wenger answers question B and the next day’s headlines are all about question C.
Stand back, watch, and enjoy the ensuing mayhem.
COYG
well, now, I am happy to share a birthday with one such as Martin Keown…happy birthday, though I have two years on him, the young lad…
btm, great work above. always a pleasure to read.
You don’t say Goonertown!
Things are finally looking up!
😀
and nurse, your sense is a glittering diamond, above @49.
Have a goodun , scruz
.
amidst this
Cannon and Ball routine
BB – up, up and away
Scruz – share a b’day with Viera. How about them apples? (True story)
Oh scruz, Happy, happy B’day my friend!
Fond memories of you keeping us company here at the bar on game days 🙂
Sorry scruz that was meant to say ‘I share a b’day’
Dr Faustus @111, Hey that brightened my day, as well. Always very curious to hear what players (from other clubs) really think of our Arsenal ♥
@ DF thanks for that info.
Make it stop, puhleeez… : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-afP5XzwoMY
😀
Suarez’s timely return, that’s a horrible picture of Suarez at 15:12 :
http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/28294164
🙂
BB@122, That was so adorable.
And when you and Goonertown get together, I giggle (nervously) and that’s a good thing (trust me) 😉
Abb? 🙂
Hey, GT.
Well, it’s just my sloppy way of saying, we holics have to have a circle of trust. That we know that everyone here means well.
That we silently acknowledge there is much sadness in the world.
That we mean no harm. That we’re only human xx
abb,
We’re all happy as happy dogs can be,
( http://imgur.com/gallery/Td0anoP )
We got Sanchez and pool got Remy!
😀
Speaking of dogs…,
Wenger – How we identify future stars
You want people who are consistently driven, you want ones like dogs who always want more. We try to identify that and try to make them stars
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140724/wenger-how-we-identify-future-stars
😀
Fine report, sir. Sir Walter would have taken pride in such style and flourish. An 18yo Highland Park is on the bar for you. (Bottle).
Many happy returns, Scruz. Top man!
Come on, Arsenal. You can do MUCH better than that!
Arsenal turned up at Boreham Wood in a megabus that would not have looked out of place in Battlestar Galactica. No problem with that, after all, they’d had to drive at least 6 miles and were probably jet-lagged. 🙂
Little Gooners were thicker than bugs on a bumper at the end of the game. So, did the Arsenal players hang around, mingle with the friendly crowd for just a few minutes and sign autographs for these little mites and their dads?
Not a chance. Battlestar Galactica was parked parallel to the stand. Two trucks were place perpendicular to the bus at either end forming a neat, fan free square for our fragile little lads to walk through, unfettered by the flotsam and jetsam that pay their wages. Sad but true 🙁
Bath, Bath – 18 is my very favourite number 🙂
ST, good to see that your sense of humour hasn’t been corroded by the poisonous black cloud. The word on the vine is that your petunias are currently a lovely shade of purple. No confirmation required (TMI) 🙂
Happy birthday, SCG. You also share the date with the improbable trio of J-Lo, Amelia Earhart and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Switched the coffee for the gravy eh?
Arsene doesn’t look like a man who drinks from the gravy boat. He may not even own a gravy boat. We won’t hold that against him. I have a sister whom is vegan. True story. Itv takes all sorts. Still reckon AW screamed “have it” afterwards.
#FreeADM
Happy Birthday, scruz. 😉
Good evening, Gents. The kind of things Arsene knows and sees about players and their games is always fascinating to read, he makes it seem so simple. This time he talks about Bobby Pires’ http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140724/wenger-on-pires
Many happy returns to you, Scruz.
Given his first few interviews I’m going to find it very hard to stomach Van Gaal…..unless he loses
By the way Dr.F I enjoyed your words on our Latin American recruits. we’ve not done well over in South America as Galindo, Botelho and Wellington Silva can testify. I hope Mr. Joncker has a better scouting network than we have had hitherto!
How can this ridiculous Casillas story keep popping up? Ospina is about to be announced. These Spanish papers are garbage
Definitely crap. Casillas is washed up. We don’t need him as our money can be better spent elsewhere.
Ttg,
I have to say I’m quite enjoying van Gaal’s interviews from the admittedly very sketchy details I have picked up.
Apparently, last week, he criticised the training ground that Sir Chewy McPurplenose had spent £20,000,000 last year and declared the finest in the world.
Gusty van Gaal, however, claimed it was too windy to practise decent football on and needed amendment.
Yesterday he was criticising Man Utd’s pre-season schedule – too much travelling, too much jet lag and not condusive to good training.
So he has probably already affronted Fergie and the owners – not bad for his first seven days.
So far, true to form then. March in, criticise everything, upset everyone, shake up the whole place – probably win something fairly quickly but then be forced to leave before the place falls apart.
Two to three seasons at most, by which time Rooney and van Persie will both be past it and the whole rebuilding job can start again.
What’s not to like ? 😉
Dats my bb’s one big happy gooner ball of trust.
Salute one and all!! 🙂
Can’t but agree with you about Casillas, Impec1. Once opponents stop believing a keeper is unbeatable he stops being unbeatable, and that is what has happened to Casillas over the past couple of seasons as he has ceased to be first choice at Real Madrid.
Giggs: Van Gaal has an aura like Ferguson
…. so he stinks as well!
😀
TTG @ 138: Thanks. Well now that we seem to be in the business of getting proven talents the risk factor is much less.
Sanchez, Ospina, (maybe) Campbell …
To be followed by : Di Maria, Gustavo, Garay, Peruzzi … 🙂
(Just kidding, of course. Well may be a bit. Serious that is.)
Morning from Vilnius. Fine observations there BtM well put. Come on Arsenal, sort it out. That’s appalling. PR is NOT your strongpoint.
Heh @ Trev and LvG.
The calm before the storm etc. All very ZEN.
KING Chuba.
#FreeReus
Trev,
Liked your piece on LVG! You raise a serious point amid the jesting which is that if there is anybody who is likely to disturb the culture at Old Trafford it is him. I think the other issue will be the type and style of football he plays. I’m not sure I see them necessarily qualifying for the CL other than they will play a lot less games this season. I think they may struggle to get the quality of player they seek. Lots of behind the scenes restlessness, Fergie up in arms, even if I can’t stand him he might be a blessing in disguise!
Dr F- you’ve turned into El Puno!
Of that list I think Peruzzi is the most likely!
Morning El –
I hear Zalalem is thee current anticipated. I liked what I saw from him last season. Break him in I say!
How’s Big Ivan doing?
Zelalem – Excuse me
Jesting, ttg ?
It’s all FACT !!! 😉
@150,
Is there some new protocol here –
Zelalem – Excuse me,
Bless you !
😉
Morning Trev –
It’s the weekend buddy. That means sun, rest and another pre-season match!
One more week until the ems and two more until the CS and three until the PL!!
Life is good! 🙂
morning all
scorcher here
🙂
.
bulls, eh?
interesting
.
there’s one down the road from me
big shitehouse nose ringed brute of a thing
mind you
his terror shine somewhat tarnished
by the long white hairy tuft on his head
.
full bowl job
.
he’s a few long legged daughters
and a wee pair of glasses
away from bernie ecclestone
.
cheerio
.
UP THE ARSE
.
batterthebernies
😉
Oh you fellas make me proud 😉
I put a B’day cake for Scruz on the bar, Candles are behind the wine glasses. Enjoy! 🙂
cba and abb 🙂
Morning GT. Zelalem does look wonderful. Start him on Saturday, let him tear these NY Thierys apart and then he can start playing full internationals at 17 to speed up his development. Better than a loan that 😉
BIG Ivan eh? He holds all the cards. He knows it. FFP has dried the market. Clubs are skint. Teams are desperate for us to shop with them. We can wait. Madrid will be begging soon. Milan already are. No rush. BIG Ivan is the dude. Bit hot for White Russians.
Forward
Any ideas who we get to replace Tommy V?
The Panther and 7mil for Super Mario… Any takers?
AW says Zelalem still a project in the making, and not ready yet for the Prem:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140724/wenger-zelalem-can-create-a-spark
I’m liking the LVG descriptions. I think it’s safe to say that he’s an ugly B’stard!!
El – I want to see what the panther can do with us to be honest. But I think that if AC Milan keep on brainstorming, they may suggest something a bit more sensible.
#Free Jackson (he scored a hatrick on FIFA World Cup 2014 this week). It must be destiny.
🙂
…as in the x-box game. I just realised how similar they sound. 🙂
Encouraged as I was by what I saw of Campbell in the World Cup a legend seems to have grown up around him that he was brilliant throughout the World Cup. He assuredly was against Uruguay but finished the tournament looking very tired and he needs to bulk up a little to play in the Premiership. There’s too much hyperbole on the internet and despite his promise his is a case in point .
Trev & TTG, I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss LVG. Granted, it was only the LA Galaxy who Utd beat 7-0 Wedn, but it looked like the old Man Utd under Fergie. LVG had all those players amped up & ready to make their claims for a Roster spot. The players genuinely look scared of him, like they did w/Fergie. They will be in the mix next Season especially with no European distractions. Utd played a 3-5-2 formation, similar to how Holland lined up at the WC. I can see why Utd would want TV5 in the back 3.
Vinny,
United running scared under Luncheon Voucher Guy ?
It just gets better !
Fear not – they will be no match for The Arse ! 😉
Help!! Am I turning into Goonertown ?
NURSE !!! 😉
Go on Trev, you know you want to.
Say it…UTA! 😉
2,4,6,8 who do we appreciate?
🙂
Drogba back to Chelsea??
Who’s bricking?
Maureen will try that head tactic with us? Remember when we tamed him with RVP?
Well I detect more of the same this season.
Ahem UTA
Zelalem : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eXJAN2QX7k#t=40
😀
in this heat
near 30 C
takes a lot of energy
to gather dung
collect muck
an’
harvest shite an’ tripe
.
thank god for the internet
it’s all done for ye
.
and
ye can ignore it all
in one place
.
cold ones on the bar
for the ignorers
lumpy ones
for the bringers
.
(only jokin)
(
(never deprive a man of a jar)
lumpy cold ones
for
el Pinky and Perky
.
😉
Vinny, I’m not at all convinced a 3-5-2 would work for ManU – primarily because they only have three central defenders in their squad at the moment which means they’d all have to play all the time if 3-5-2 is meant to be their preferred formation. Also, unless they’d want to be absolutely slaughtered down the wings by the likes of Walcott, Sterling, Hazard and other quick wingers they’d have to make it more like a 5-3-2 and I doubt that would score them enough goals.
Also, Thomas Vermaelen is nowhere near disciplined enough to be one of the three in a 3-5-2 (a proper 3-5-2 requires incredible defensive discipline and good reading of the game from the three at the back) if you ask me so I don’t think 3-5-2 will be their main strategy – although they may of course very well use it in certain games.
Mucked up that last paragraph a bit. I meant to also say that if they really want Vermaelen I don’t think it is because they want to play 3-5-2.
your muck is ok, Lars
.
ishoulda said that out loud
afore i wrote it
.
yikes
🙂
i do apologise Lars
🙂
Ospina at the World Cup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r13_UydxbAI
Lovely the way he always seems to get the ball well away from danger. Very exciting signing I think. Young keeper on the rise with everything to prove at the top level. Him and his marching band can stay.
Forward
Ps: Casillas… Pfft, I always knew that was our cover story for signing ADM. You heard it here first. Just like Draxler for Ozil, that was the bait and switch mark II from BIG Ivan.
I Believe United will have the run ala pool did last season because of no UCL commitments. They may not finish 2nd but they definitely are a shout for 4th. I sincerely feel we will go in 3rd favourites at the moment behind chelshit and oil sheikhs. We get the DM and the striker we need and then lets talk to all and sundry.
I for one am praying that we do not create a make shift DM or manage with Arteta or Flamini, that is yet again the difference between a league and a top 4 finish.
Vinay knows.
2 tickets bought for Aab Dynamo Zagreb this Wednesday. £35 for best seats in the house… Arsenal piss all over that at same price for 1 in the cheap seats. These hotdog munchers and their hipster fanboys can do one.
Felt a bit guilty listening to brother in law chat about how getting through this qualifier will secure them financially to compete with the capital clubs for another 5 transfer windows… Had to give him a little snide, “yeah, but like when BIG Ivan signed those new commercial deals and we signed Sanchez whilst he lines up ADM and several racks of bugle on a….” etc etc. Love that guy. BIG Ivan I mean. Bother in laws alright to, hit footy team play in red and white I suppose.
Forward
Can anyone help me out with two tickets for the Emirates Cup for the Sunday games? I fell asleep and when I woke p they’d sold out 🙁
Interested to see the interest in Chambers followed up. Reports in the Saturday morning press appear to say its a done deal and the ToryGraph says it’s because we believe he can become a centre back . Poor old Jenks looks like he didn’t measure up.Too much gravy in AW’s coffee perhaps?
Very keen to see us resolve the DM position now and decide who our centre backs will be next season
Calum Chambers is great news if it happens and it looks like it is happening. He was impressive against us and had couple of really solid games this season.
The word is that he could be used both as CB and RB cover. Never seen him play at CB before so I find that little bit strange, but he has required physical attributes to play there for sure, so why not.
Poor old Jenks, things doesn’t look good for him at the moment.
Oh, I see TTG covered that up, cheers.
Maybe we should call interest that we have found reported on the internet, ‘internest’ – as in Interlull – then we would all know how seriously to take it ?
Ttg, That is not supposed to be a comment on your piece of interest !
😉
Carl Jenkinsgone ?
Boo ! 🙁
Sacking Corporal Jenks would be like shooting your favourite puppy ….
Unthinkable ….
*waits for rant from Aussie – who simply knows no loyalty*. 🙂
So bat the risk of starying a row, are still on this “arsenal need a striker” thing?
Well, since AFC hasnt won a trophy in over 9 years, well its clear that ….
Bout as relevant.
So, Didier Dog Bra is a chav again.
“He is coming with the mentality to make more history”, Mourinho.
Well he certainly now possesses more history ….
Will believe crpl jenks is gone when i tead it on the atsenal website.
Perhaps AW is truly wiley. And when he says that debuchy and jenkinson will compete at RB wbat he really means is that denucby is RB and jenks is off. I suppose that could be. But then, my workd view goes all sideways and i want warm milk and i be put to bed.
Trev –
Why would you shoot your favourite puppy?
Good evening, lads. Nods to the expectant faces 😉
Must google this Calum feller as I have no recollection of him!
Now BB@168 WHAT A SHOT 🙂 And he’s modest, too 😉
Trev
Drog could spoil the party.
Abb –
What are doing in here tonight?
And please pardon the typos.
Im in some god-awful airport on the way to see the Arsenal play the NY red bulls. It is tricky to type accurately while hanging onto ones beer in the crap airport lounge.
GT, I spent the entire day taking exams 🙁
So now I want to have some fun 😉
Speaking of fun, I’m ecstatic that Didier might be heading back to Chelsea. Quite fond of him, actually 🙂
Nice Homer. I just got my ticket for the game tomorrow and I’m beyond excited to see the Gunners play live for first time ever. Looking forward to seeing The King himself too. COYG!!!
Abb? You minx 😆
I think we may see the chavs become a little more competitive, with him.
Impec1 that’s fantastic! Take pics and post them here.
Homer, I already wished you a good trip awhile back, but um, I better repeat it cause it sounds like you need it 😉
Laughs. Yes GT, he does have a habit of scoring against us. I like the faces he makes, FEROCIOUS!
Unselfishly passes the ball to his teammate Aaron. Who am I?
Ozil, of course 😉
Scores!
You definitely did it like Ozil there, lovely lady. Thanks.
😆
Well I’m glad his presence will brighten up your screen for one more season. I just want us to keep him in his true place of residence.
Can’t afford to chuck a potentially good season away 😆
Flamin ell Cent, just goes to show that every member of the squad plays an important part in gathering those much needed points.
Get In… 🙂
Ah Centy xx 🙂
GT, sadly Drogba’s legs have gone. What I really like about him is his charity work and good nature!
Anyway, before I get to do some chores (yippee!), I’m with you guys about Jenks. Don’t want to lose him. His story is so moving …
Hope he has a happy ending with us xx
Abb – let’s bloody well hope so. He’s an awkward so and so to deal with.
cheers, Goonertown.
Impec – cheers! I too am pysched to see the King once again.
Used to be a new yorker and saw quite a few a few years back.
And abb. yes you did. And yes … I need to good vibes!
Many thanks!!!
Does anyone else think that Jenks may just be the latest CB in the team? It would explain AW looking for another right back as opposed to a CB. Chambers is a welcome addition as far as Jenks remains and the CB quota is filled.
Abb.
I agree on Drogs.
Diving queen. Arsenal irritant. Deslite all that, i rather lime him too.
But. Intereting chelski went for him.
I loathe jose. But the thought of our own cesc fabregas threading thru balls to drogba. Ye gods.
Maybe Josetheloathesomeone(“J-lo”) is not as silly as he sounds.
Jenkinson vs Chambers
Premier League minutes played:
2,490 vs 1,641
Champions League minutes played
683 vs 0
Senior games played (Goals scored + assists)
65 (1 + 3) vs 25 (0 + 1)
So if we are buying Chambers for the future, where does that leave not only the Corporal but also Bellerin, who is the same age as Chambers? Or does AW have a cunning plan? Are we going to be playing 3-5-2 (not for tactical reasons but because we only have three CBs) and Chambers will be the wing back on the right of the five?
And £16 million seems a lot for a player valued at a fifth of Luke Shaw’s value when they were both at Southampton.
Mourinho needs one of his old guard around as Lamps has moved on to pastures new. In any case, who better for Costa to learn to be the new Drogba from than (aging) Drogba himself?
I’ll admit, he scared me shitless in them days but he’s not all that anymore, nothing Mertercsielny can’t handle anyway.
Chambers is an excellent signing. The corporal has had his moments but never promised to be more than average. Lovely guy, but sentiment has no place … etc.
Have we signed Ospina? I thought it was a done deal, now it’s not mentioned among our signings. I’m confused.
I imagine Maureen has signed Drogba in some vain attempt to frighten us. Frankly he might as well re-sign Jimmy Greaves.
Öskar
NBN@ 211: I am anticipating something really funky and counter-intuitive in this whole RB-CB-DM saga with a couple of new signings. I am expecting a collective WTFs from all of us, including myself, and some ‘but then how/what …?’ befuddlement, essentially followed by the #AHA moment. We will need Poldi to explain it all in his tweeter feed, of course. 🙂
On a serious note, my guess is that Lurky @ 181 probably is guessing about right.
So many narratives, and then the meta-narratives … the transfer business narrates itself with such a post-modern disdain for narratives…
Wish there was a football blog site where I could post this. 🙂
Oskar@213: By all accounts, including confirmation from Colombian press, Ospina has indeed signed but some final formalities are to be completed once he joins the team in London next week form his vacation. At least that is what I hear. See @111 .
@214: I meant ‘…eventually followed by … ‘ .
Some worth watching interview snippets of Arsene at ESPN http://www.espnfc.com/arsenal/story/1960104/arsenal-now-on-even-fiscal-ground-with-other-clubsarsene-wenger-says . Skip the muppets in between.
Oskar, also see http://news.arseblog.com/2014/07/wenger-ospina-to-challenge-szczesny/ … not much doubt left then. 🙂
Dr F@214: Your whimsical alternative appeals to me much more.
It does strike me that if the 21-year old Aurier was passed over at reportedly half the reported price being offered for the 19-year old Chambers, then there is some bigger plan in play that has not yet been revealed.
Ospina is an excellent signing. Woj responds well to competition. Nothing not to like there.
Irrelevant trivia: Ospina’s sister, Daniela, is married to James Rodriquez.
NBN @ 218: Ha ha, yes, rather close to automatic writing …
We agree about Chambers signing being a just a piece of the puzzle, and not the entire picture. I am actually rather enjoying these anticipatory days, once the solution is revealed then everything becomes so mundanely obvious. 🙂
About Ospina and James, yes the commentators did mention that connection in one or two of the matches in the WC . If someone wants to think reaaaallly far ahead and get excited about a poteeeentiaaal future signing, irrelevance dons the mask of relevance. 🙂
Maybe we’re getting Schneiderlin from Soton as well.
Öskar
Lars@172, LVG in the after game TV interview mentioned he was pleased with the result and performance as the players only had had 3 days practice to learn how to play the new formation of a back 3. I’ve read they’re in for Hummels & De Vrij so to even think of playing a 3 I would assume he will have to buy a couple of top CB’s.
As you rightly mention about the defensive discipline required to play a back 3, I think another key component in the modern game for a CB is distribution. TV5 could handle that LCB position imo of a back 3. He would have Luke Shaw play LMF/Wingback of a 5 Midfield in front of him. TV5 would get plenty of support.
Looking forward to the NYRB’s game. COYR’s.
Relentless BIG Ivan. Absolutely relentless. Go on my son. 🙂
Forward
Manure… Pfft! Strength of their team is the manager, it is assumed… After one friendly game. That and an old, grey haired striker and his more fat than chubby sidekick who the booze is really starting to show on. It’s obviously a huge advantage not playing in Europe and I’m sure they will piss top 4, but personally I don’t see the level of talent there that the 3 title chasing sides have. Even if the manager comes in and world miracles, this is a weaker squad than it was last season, or the one before that imo. Fuck em. Two of the mont rancid displays we served up all of last season. I look forward to putting that right as Sanchez, Ozil, Theo tear apart that knocked of Holland set-up.
UTA
In other news, Maureen seems to be in a pretty bad way about this whole FFP thing… “They can pay what they want. I don’t have any comment about it.” Then he goes on to say how he can’t afford to pay it. Not a lot of Zen in bacon face junior these days. Might actually have to manage a team rather than but the title with superior players as in every single stop he has ever been at. Will enjoy making up for two rancid performances against these mugs too.
UTA
all, thanks for the good birthday wishes. I’ve been putting in long days finishing up the deck for tomorrow’s party, so this is the first glimps I’ve had of the bar since yesterday.
cba@-16, warp and weft, I should think, at least for some. gtown @117, you can have the blue mancs basterd ;). abb@118, I look forward yo another year of that, even as I maunder through my dotage ;). so glad to see you here more frequently of late! lonestar@130, one to another, sir… ned@132, thanks for that (or the monks, anyway). Amelia Earnhardt I knew, not JLo tho :). thanks, trev@135, with that new knee you’re lans… cent@ 137 thanks, I hope your end result of moving is safety for you and yours…and more joy, at least.
cheers, all, and two cases of spaten 0.5l bottles on the bar for any who likewise share the german joy…all I ask is any who partake raise a glass to our World Cup winning troika!
abb@155, thanks for the cake! there was even a piece left with my name on it a day later…brilliant with a late night Guinness.
The more I think about Chambers transfer, the more I am sure that Arsene sees him as a CB who can cover in DM position, as I see Bellerin as our future RB.
Trev, I sincerely hope there is no need for any further ranting over our squad from me or any gooners, as Arsene and Arsenal simply have the best opportunity right now to make the squad the best as financially possible for many seasons.
There are no more barriers or restrictions or room for excuses to not have a great transfer window, whatever that may bring in the end.
So far, we have purchased one world class striker and a replacement for Bac and seem to be starting to clean up those that may not be guaranteed first team football week in week out, even if that means a few of the nice guys like Carl move on.
We will see how it all ends up over the next few weeks I guess.
Is the Liverpool v Southampton first game of the season a 5 a side?
Back from holiday. Thanks abb for keeping an eye on the drinkers 😉
In fact, the more I think about Chambers the more he reminds me of another former So’ton player who used to play as a back in his young days, Gareth Bale.
Not saying that the kid will became the next Bale of course, but they both are strong and athletic, similar body strength, pacey, with decent technique.
Knowing Arsene’s tendency to relocate players preferable positions, is Calum our new future defensive midfielder maybe?
Lurky@232: That is exactly what I was thinking . As NBN pointed out, passing on Aurier for Chambers at double the price definitely indicates a more long term plan. I guess it is the versatility that appealed to Arsene.
What impresses me most, is the calibre of signing a player like Chambers……as a back-up option…!
Welcome back Holic.
Hope you had a nice break and some deserved R n R.
Hi guys, can anyone explain to me who this Chambers guy is? Have to say I have never heard of him before now. Is he a right back or what? and if this deal goes thru, jenkinson I imagine will go on loan.
SAG@236: Southampton defender, 19 years old, can play both RB and CB and according to some observations abilities that won’t go to waste in a DM role as well.
Somehow I agree with Lurky and NBN that his signing is meant to primarily mould him to a CB/DM with adequate RB covering possibilities and not an immediate replacement for Jenks or even Bellerin. Just a guess.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140726/puma-new-york-event-pictures
Replica canon, first team players having a game with 10-year-olds right in the middle of Grand Central station…
Arsenal are coming, Arsenal are coming to USA… 🙂
san antonio
🙂
how refreshing
.
should you be so inclined
trawl the web
it’s all there
and
ye can then
pass off yer collections
as yer own
sheepskin coat
training ground
dug out genius
.
howdy ‘holic
welcome back
trust ye had a goodun
.
thought about you earlier on
.
by request i dug out
Half Man Half Biscuit
only to discover that
Fred Titmus
as in
Fuckin’ ‘ell it’s Fred Titmus
had died
.
felt disproportionately sad
for his family
considering
never knew the man
or
watch cricket
.
the power of music , eh
.
time for some i think
.
Four Tops
and
Temptations
next in line
.
anyhoo
howdy all
tunes on
#I can’t help myself
🙂
mooooooooo
cba @ 239:
tunes
speaking about
minimalism your thing being
anton webern a good choice would be
schoenberg student, yes
hence post-tonal, sure
but lovely lovely music
light and deep,
bright and eerie
recommendation you asked
for, recommendation you got
happy listening
🙂
238
dr. F
ain’t it grand to see
wee people of taste
.
more glory days
this way come
🙂
can’t bloody wait
gonna be a
long coupla weeks
.
🙂
240
dr. F
i’ll get to it
as soon
as this
la monte young
tune finishes
.
shouldn’t be long
.
😉
cba :
glory days indeed
fun too, as said you
well deserved, us
given your penchant
for music apathetic to
commercial chart topping
do you listen to
alice in chain
or soundgarden
?
i love them both
clever music
and raw
sure you know them
…
…there was an ‘s’
missing at the end of ‘chain’
above …
more of a hüsker dü fan dr
bob and grant’s solo stuff too
great tunesmiths both
together they
walloped into my life
long time ago
.
just were so different then
Thanks Doc.
a 1000
4 hours holstered
how very big of you
shocking
Afternoon All
I love and hate the transfer window ! Love it when the likes of Alexis turns up *Great signing* and then hate all the paper and web bollox that follows.
AW “We are not buying another striker” a quote from the man himself.
Media bullshit “Arsenal ready to swoop on any player who has strayed into the oppositions half in a football game”
This crap does get on my nerves more and more, before you could just not read that part of the newspaper but the radio, internet and Tv are full of shit 24-7.
Great read BtM and to see Diaby play a full season should be on all Arsenal fans bucket list. It is a crying shame the injuries that man has to put up with, im sure he has had some dark days living through the last 4-5 seasons but lets all hope we can see the real Diaby prove his talent to all.
Cheers
.
where is the world during this?
.
hiding behind the one behind !
.
Exactly ‘1971,
and a few are intent on filling the bar up with it too.
If you really want wall-to-wall 24/7 bollocks there are plenty of places to go.
And, yes, to Diaby. Hang on, isn’t he an actual Arsenal player ……..
Seems like today’s two big scoops are –
i) Bendtner turns down Eintracht Frankfurt – is that 1 or 2 years old ?
ii) Santi Cazorla is happy !!! Who knew ?
Utter, utter, …………
I’ll try
and shut my big gob
difficult though
i know this is the wrong place
but
here is the only place i type
so
sorry ‘hol
.
hello trev
hope yer well
4 prem teams apparently chasing Jenkinson on loan. Doesn’t mean he’s made it at arsenal yet, but would seem to suggest he’s definitely a top flight talent.
#TheWhiteCafu
No need to sulk and whine because other peoples tipple isnt to your taste. Any decent pervayor of liquor keeps a varied stock.
#TurnThatDownYouCrazyKids
Hi cba,
your big gob is always welcome. 😉
Indeed,
but most purveyors of liquor don’t actually force your head back and ram it down your throat.
#ItJustAintALikeableThingToDo
How do you pronounce – CAYLUM or CALOOM?
howdy trev
hope yer
long john silver knee
has polished up a treat
😉
.
just finding it difficult
not to find football secondary
at the minute
.
feed of
homemade coffin varnish
exacerbating
no doubt
.
.
only have radio and me phone
at the minute
and can’t believe what i’m hearing
.
I just despair
4 hours time
all over again
heartbreakin
sorry again ‘holic
I know the politics word
is a slicer in two
.
i won’t do it again
.
apologies
.
cba :
feel it too
more than despair
helplessness
hopefully my son’s generation
would look back at us
and with most of these most solvable
of problems
solved
ridicule us, point finger at our
stupidity
and apathy
arsenal to look forward to
For heaven’s sake, cba,
Get a grip, man.
Will it be religion next?
Sex??
That way lies madness.
Eventually it will become acceptable
To mention the name of a
Living woman
In the bar.
Meanwhile,
Have one on me.
Good evening from a very hot and pretty cool Riga. Have we signed anyone else yet?
Well in CBA.
264 – Ospina confirmed by the Nice manager. just about every rag running with us to sign Chambers from Southampton. Price varies, with 11mil about the middle ground.
Not much other than that being reported. Still whispers about Tommy V getting shipped out and us replacing him. Another midfielder and an attacker also on the breeze. Fingers crossed.
Forward
BIG Ivan looking sharp as always here:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140724/wenger-how-we-identify-future-stars
Pleasing scenes.
Bit worried about our lads playing football in Grand Central Station. Wasn’t there a big shootout there in Carlito’s Way. It’s a very dangerous place.
The press are determined to crucify Bendtner almost as much ad he is prepared to crucify himself. Together they may achieve it. He is a stupid boy and for ant do a lot yo help himself. But at least he’s not on our payroll anymore
Give me shelter, I said to the Lord. He replied “Abb, there is only one place in the world for you.” 😉 Hi everybody. xx
Welcome back Goonerholic! 🙂
Eh Scruz, relieved the holics saved you a piece! 😉
Homer And Imbec1 must be giddy with excitement by now!!!
Must confess I feel better that I wasn’t the only one who hadn’t heard of this teenager Chambers (winks and shakes her curls) ☺
streams for the match for those in need 🙂 http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=266877&part=sports
Haha. Indeed abb. The boss just gave a sideline interview and waved at the crowd.
TTG @ 268: Heh. 🙂
NYC has changed a lot since then. All of Manhattan is now a dangerously safe place. 🙂
Eandy @ 270 : That reminds me to remind all of those who are in US — and actually not in the Red Bull arena, I KNOW 🙁 — the game is live on ESPN 2.
🙂
Oh Impec1, Wonderful! Take some photos, if you can. Enjoy xx
If Henry leaves there next year…
… wouldn’t mind him back here!
Almost a Leeds goal again, only Sczers saved!
Hope you had a great one scruz 🙂
So, one down, with one centre-half and no striker in the first-half. Would like to see Tim Cahill twatted in the next 45 minutes.
219 Ned
To add to your irrelevant data: James Rodriguez’s wife has quite unfairly been bullied by the Spanish gutter press for not being out-of-this-world drop-dead gorgeous like some other wags, nor is she a model or a singer.
Not sure what they’re on about, I Googled her and she’s pretty tasty.
Didn’t she used to be a top-level volleyball player, Porco?
Zelalem needs to go on a loan ASAP!
Bellerin isn’t half bad..!
Need all of our boys back and training pronto! MU beating LA 7-0, just shows how serious they are.. we’re going to have proper competition from the top teams these season!
1-0 not to the Arsenal. Hmm…
Fear not, ttg. NYC doesn’t even make the list of the 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S. these days. Not even in the top five for New York State.
BB@279: Shouldn’t be reading too much into it, this is our first pre-season in US, the trip lasts only around 4 days, Arsene himself can barely contain his annoyance in the interruption in an already shortened pre-season training, more than half of the first team out.
Diaby looked rather fit and ready to go. Among the newbies, liked Hayden’s calmness and distribution. Akpom started the second half well and then fizzled out.
TR7 and Rambo and Jack all put in some work, so good for their fitness. Both TR7 and Santi have huge role to play early in the season with Ozil’s absence.
Arteta and Santi looked terribly unfit. Much work needed for them.
wow, can’t believe i watched that awful display.
only a few looked as if they shouldn’t be sold tomorrow. diaby looked a class above most on the field. gibbs did ok as did our keeper.
jenkinson did ok for. me was out of position a few times but put in at least a decent cross and held the ball really well at times.
rosicky started well but seemed rusty as did santi.
arteta looked gassed already.
wilshire had a few flashes and then made bad passes over and over.
bellerin looked dreadful for me. completely lost, misplaced passes, out of position all more than once. only good thing for him was getting forward a few times, and didn’t even really put in a decent cross.
zelalem was out wide where he will struggle, but was far too tentative. somewhat assured on the ball.
hayden and monreal in the middle was just some kind of joke.
akpom had a good run and a completely botched breakaway.
Ugly game it was… but Aboue was decent.
And, nobody answered me – Is it CAYLUM or CALOOM? (Chambers)
I really don’t know.
Are you ignoring the question or the ignorance of the man behind it?
Or woman?
Where have all the flowers gone, looooong time passing?…..
Welcome back, Holic.
Good holiday I trust ?
Aboue? I thought he left a few years ago.
Rodriguez’s wife is Ospina’s sister so we must rush to defend her
It’s neither, SSY.
The best explanation would, I think, be Cal-mmm …
i.e. no long ‘oom’ , just an ‘mmm’ at the end.
Rodriguez’ wife looks a keeper to me – well, her brother does. 😉
Hanx, Trev.
Let’s just hope it will not be “mmmmm” at the end.
matt @ 283: Today’s performance, from footballing perspective, was as relevant as last years’ N-0 or N-1 wins in Vietnam and Indonesia…the mandatory commercial exercise. 🙂
Diaby looks rather focused and ready though.
All good, hopefully Trev.
Thank you 🙂
Well that was fun!!! Let’s get back to some more transfer news.
Hopefully no more than three or four of the 20 we saw today will ever figure seriously in our first choice XI… 🙁 Sir Ches, Rambo and Gibbo certainly, and Cazorla or Arteta subbing for injuries. The rest can all go out on loan frankly. Or be restricted to League Cup duties.
What a woeful display. I know it was a festival game, but Manure managed 7 in one of theirs. 7 against us looked more likely.
Öskar
On the bright side (there was a bright side?) Diaby looked a giant among midgets at times. I can’t bring myself to expect his presence on any regular basis, but he did underline what might have been. Good luck fella.
Öskar
The MLS 2014 season started on March 8th; they had a 2 week break for the World Cup. Which means the NY Red Bulls had the advantage of continuity. And they fielded their most EXPERIENCED players.
Not to mention Tim Cahill doesn’t quite get the definition of a ‘friendly’!
Diaby, TR, Jack, Gibbs and Akpom were fun to watch.
But seeing Thierry with the Boss and our players, smiling and showing his genuine affection for them … priceless 😉
Deft flick.
New york has indeed changed since carlitos way.
Its changed in the few years since called it home.
Getting safer by the week. And losing its soul along he way. NY is the home of the searcher, the risk taker, the illrepute, and the hopeful dewy-eyed optimist. Likewise is it the realm of the pimp, the ugly, the achingly beautiful, soul gripping reality, and bitter cruelness. Goes there the predator, the victim, the wise wise ass, and the annoying tourists- god live them. Its just beautifully weird. But tbh, the risk of getting mugged less that is a fine thing. Shes an unrouly bitch and will eat you alive if you drop your guard. New York – New York you beauty.
An utter thrill to watch a live arsenal football club match. Truly.
Its hard to find the words without sounding trite or preachy. Im sure the veterans and grey beards have all been there.
Ive not the words or the wind of Wind. So, ill say this: crap soccer match. Fantastic day out. The King got a standing O when he subbed off. Every person in thr arena. Was very cool.
And as much fun as it was to be there, watching actual live arsenal players in the flesh, its clear they ve got work to do.
Chhers holics.
I missed the whole thing so thanks for the summaries all. Nice words on the emotional impact of that first live experience. I remember it well. Just like a first date. 🙂
Despite the apparent bizarre team and shit performance and result, the news on Diaby makes the whole trip worthwhile.
COYG
Boom! 😀
Major positives for the game.. a good workout and NO Injuries!
Fockin Cahill! Robust challenges which nearly crocked up our pre season! Clearly he still has issues..
Let’s get the whole team together and start some proper training now!
Greetings Holics
Only just seen the highlights video so will keep my council until Iv’e been to the Ems and Wembley, by which time perhaps we will have proper strikers and CDs in situ. Glad to hear Diaby looked fit and ready to go, he could be our “special one” this coming season!
278 Ned
Yes she did according to the article I read. So she’s got a sports player’s body with a shapely Colombian behind (I should know as my wife’s from there) and she’s easy on the eye too. What’s not to like?
That’s right, it’s silly season and real stories are thin on the ground. The press have nothing better to do than write childish pieces that would be more appropriate in a playground. The worst thing is people will pay to read that tripe! The sooner the season starts the better, then it’s much easier to ignore the idiots and dullards who are the noisy majority, especially in football.
So I stayed awake till 1am to watch the game yesterday and had the unfortunate pleasure of listening to Steward Robsons commentary I believe along with some other guy I have no idea who was, his voice was very deep and apparently had a trial with Arsenal in 92.
The game had everything you would expect from pre-season game, just to get some playing minutes under players belt without injury.
Heck the two “commentators” even kinda okayed Cahills tackles
(although to be fair, Jack went into couple of tackles also harsher than needed in a pre-season friendly).
It was great to see Thierry bossing the game, he still obviously has it and I was pleasantly surprised by his eye for a pass. From our players Diaby was really easy on the eye, TR and Aaron also. In overall no-one really shown a stellar performance but I am giving them benefit of doubt, still some time to go to find their true match fitness and sharpness (and boy those away kits look tasty!).
So, a few questions for the American gooners this morning.
How good a PR exercise was that game yesterday ?
From what I’ve heard the performance was pretty dire – not surprisingly given that it’s pre-season and many of our first team players aren’t even back in training yet.
I can understand that it is a great opportunity for US fans to see the club live – if not the team – but is this sort of exercise going to generate much new support ? Most importantly 😉 is it going to generate lots of new shirt sales and broadband subscriptions ?
The five-a-side at Grand Central station looked fun, but will people be terribly interested to watch the, largely unknown, squad sightseeing ?
I’m not on a downer here, just genuinely interested to get the reactions of some US fans given the apparent paucity of the performance, and the interruption to pre-season and jet lag still to be induced.
A little anti-climatic but here it is :
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140727/arsenal-to-sign-goalkeeper-david-ospina
It is expected Ospina will make his first Arsenal appearance at the Emirates Cup, which takes place at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3.
BB – I was just coming on here to make the same announcement .
😉
Apparently we have resolved the wage issue with Sami.
I think we can expect more news over the next week.
Wow!
I wonder if we are still talking to forwards??
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Regarding the red bull game, I fell asleep after the first half, it starting at 10pm Uk time. Just couldn’t beat the heat last night.
I had an excellent stream last night. I thought we played very well. Passed the ball with precision and ease. Thought Zelalem could have done with a little more strength on the ball, but with that added to his game, he has a very bright future. I think he should def play more games with us this season and I really do hope he stays for the long haul with us.
With a good finisher upfront, we could have put the game beyond reach. But hats off to the Red Bull. They were organised and had a lot of pace and width. Not bad at all. That’s 2 in 2 games against us. I wonder if it could be that Henry factor??
Now they have the Henry and Wrighty factor!
Trev, I spend a bit of time in NYC. Based on casual observation, I would say these are the shirts you see being worn most frequently on the streets, in descending order:
Barcelona
Real Madrid
Boca Juniors
Bayern Munich
Roma
AC Milan
Man Utd
Liverpool
You probably see as many or more Mexican, Colombian and Equadorian club shirts than Arsenal ones.
Not there now so can’t answer your question about how good or not a PR exercise the Red Bulls visit was.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I think that you should publish more about this subject, it may not
be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t speak about
these topics. To the next! Many thanks!!