The Last Eight Take Shape
Jul 2nd, 2014 by 'holic
Two matches per evening, glorious sunshine, absent neighbours, and an iPad. I have digested all of the ’round of sixteen’ matches, and half of them without compromising my ‘get out in the garden’ advice. The result is a quarter-final line-up that tantalises.
Arsenal feature heavily in the first. Germany v France is unmissable as Per Mertesacker may be called upon to do battle with Olivier Giroud, while Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski have to find a way past Laurent Koscielny at the other end. Giroud must be a doubtful starter. After an excellent start to the tournament he looked a little jaded once again and was substituted as the French somewhat controversially edged past Nigeria. He has played a lot of football in both red and blue this season and if my pre-tournament tips for the Cup do win through on Friday then it is much-needed holiday time for the striker.
That will be followed by the all South American affair between hosts Brazil and the perhaps surprisingly excellent Colombia. The latter impressively saw off Uruguay with two goals from James Rodriguez, the first an absolute screamer, the second a superb team goal. Those of us who have hung around this mortal coil for a fair few years have a romantic view of Brazilian football built by a succession of teams and individuals. The current incarnation however has yet to light up their own tournament.
The bookmakers are convinced home advantage and partisan support will see Brazil through, so they are just about odds-on favourites. Plenty of observers are tipping Colombia to spring a surprise and the 19/5 being offered by one High Street bookie looks tempting. Don’t be surprised if Brazil are taken to penalties again.
First up on Saturday will be Argentina against Belgium, taken all the way by a spirited USA team in the most enjoyable and gripping of the last sixteen ties. The Americans face the same technical deficiencies that haunt England at the highest level, but Klinsmann has forged a strong work ethic and team spirit. They gave it all and only just came up short.
Argentina will be fancied to get through on South American soil, but will need those around Lionel Messi to contribute more than in the narrowest of victories against unfancied Switzerland with an Angel Di Maria strike. (Insert something here about Arsenal’s alleged interest in the goalscorer.) Belgium, I’m told, were ‘pragmatic’ in the group phase. The word may actually have been ‘boring’, but I was not witness to any of their first three performances. They had to be at their best to win last night (Tuesday) and may be peaking at the right time. I’ll side with Argentina, but it will be tight.
The winners of that tie will meet the victor of the final contest between The Netherlands and Costa Rica. If Colombia have been merely ‘surprisingly excellent‘ that is because Costa Rica have been the delightful ‘surprise package‘ of the tournament thus far. They qualified by beating Uruguay and Italy before allowing England their only point of the tournament in Group D. They reached their first World Cup quarter-final by winning a penalty shoot-out against Greece on Sunday.
There is, of course, an Arsenal interest in the shape of striker Joel Campbell, out on loan since we signed him three years ago. He scored in the 3-1 win over Uruguay sparking much debate online about his suitability for a place in the squad next season. Personally I doubt he is what we need, but I pray he proves me wrong both on Saturday, and next season. I suspect the Dutch will progress, but Robben’s antics to get them this far leave a nasty taste.
As far as other Arsenal news is concerned we are said, by less than reputable sources, to have sealed a deal for Mathieu Debuchy and agreed a fee with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez. Attractive though at least the latter would be I sense a little prematurity (at best) in both reports.
Perhaps it is time to get back in the garden.
531 Responses to “The Last Eight Take Shape”
First?
Nice summary of the upcoming matches.
Garden drink!
Come to think of it, I’ll take two maestro.
Top 4 – JLAT!
4th.
Nice summary maestro. I have to confess to watching and enjoying most games with only a pre-tournament tenner on Argentina as personal involvement but with several decades of prejudices and an eye for a scattering of Gooners to make me partisan in most games.
COYGs.
Well, technically. Cheers, ‘holic.
This World Cup has been a lot of fun and a joy to watch. Despite pre-tournament difficulties and predictions of disaster, it has gone off without a hitch. With so many white elephant stadiums in Brazil and unhappiness with the prospect of Qatar, why not move the Qatar World Cup to Brazil? I’m sure FIFA can work it out.
Oi!
I found the last 16 much more gripping than the group section which was highly underwhelming. What is making the tournament interesting is the lack of an outstanding team and the dearth of great players. The true stars of this World Cup have been Rodriguez, Neymar , Sanchez and Messi and umpteen of the quite brilliant goalkeepers several of whom I would be happy to see competing for the jersey with Chez.
As for the transfers you can disregard the certainty of the Debuchy deal because it appeared in the Star. I doubt the veracity of a dine deal strongly. The Sanchez deal seems fraught with obstacles and caveats like most big deals nowadays.
I have a feeling that Colombia might see off Brazil and I take Germany, Argentina and Holland to win the other three. It is easy to see penalties being needed in most of the games especially given the standard of the goalies ! At least it has been an attacking tournament with coaches encouraging their teams to play.
Spurs’ finishing spot next season. Get in!!!
Good to see some distinguished ‘holics in the place. Evening all.
For my money, ze Germans will win…I actually put some money on them, 3 days before the World Cup, and if they do, I’ll be 3000 quids richer.
Uber, Uber, PerMer….
Luis Gustavo suspended for Brazil, I reckon that’s huge. Pick 2 headless chickens from Ramires, Fernandinho, and Paulinho (oh how he must regret that transfer:) and this Hames Rodrigues fella may run wild. I can’t see Brazil’s fullbacks wanting any piece of Cuadrado on the counter either. My money is on the Colombians and a few goals in the game.
No idea France/Germany. I’d guess 1-1 or 2-1 Germany, but ze germans superior technical ability in midfield should tell at some point, so them to go through whatever. Argentina. Love them out, but just can’t quite see it, maybe another tie with an extra 30 though. I’ll have Costa Rica in a narky, card filled encounter.
Official kit launch the evening a week Thursday. Does it just make too much sense for a Friday announcement (always friday, right?) to get Sanchez and Aurier unveiled, maybe Schneiderlin to?
I don’t buy Debuchy for even a second. At best it’s posturing whilst we haggle with Toulouse who know they will sell to us eventually. It may just be some tabloid bin-bag protest.
Similarly, interesting that noises about us and Balotelli appear to be coming out of Milan again. Another one that I think is a serious interest, but only if the price is right for us. Anyway you cut it, take the 10mil we got for Vela and throw the same in again and it’s a coup really for a 23 year old with his experience and upside. (Or flip Vela and Campbell for Balo.) He’s basically an Italian Rooney without the chip gobbling gut, pink booze nose, or oozing c**t charm. You’d take a punt at twenty million for sure. They seem to want the £££ to.
ADM is a live one too. Alert. Alert. Alert. You heard it here first.
Exciting times. We have a very solid “super quality” 16-ish players. Now to add the rest we need. Something special is building here.
Take a load off BIG Ivan. Take a load for free.
#ForTheLoveOfDennisFreeSanchezNOW
This might be more my sort of read than for many in the bar, unless there is a secret coven of statos lurking in the darker recesses, but Benjamin Morris does a statistical break down of Lionel Messi in excruciating detail on Five Thirty Eight Sports at http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/lionel-messi-is-impossible/. That said, you don’t need 13 charts, an diagram and a table to show that the boy Messi can play a bit.
The table, though, is illuminating as we run through our transfer targets. Here is a shortcut: http://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/morris-feature-messi-table-1.png?w=1150&h=1326. It compares the shooting deadliness of most of the world’s top strikers in all games since mid-2010. The methodology is complex, but in short the table shows how many goals per shot you would expect them to have scored in open play given where they took their shots from, and then ranks them over or under on the number goals per shot they actually scored.
As you would expect from the world’s top strikers, the overwhelming majority scored more than expected. But among those who scored fewer times than expected is Giroud, who is behind only Balotelli on this measure among the strikers included in the table.
Trev, from last drinks: Weller from America and the Russian Notyetno? Our cup runneth over…
Evening Holic and Holics.
Brazil – Chile, and USA – Belgium the two best so far, for me.
Hard to pick a winner from Germany – France, – Germany will probably edge it – and without Gustavo I’ll take Colombia to beat Brazil.
Holland should beat Costa Rica, and the soundest defence on the day will decide Argentina – Belgium.
Holic @12 – by ‘distinguished’ do you mean possessing grey temples ? 😉
Cheers NBN – thought I’d been straining the grey matter to no avail. 😉
Trev
We are also interested in Dealoff the Bulgarian, Nonewsyet from Ukraine and Cantsay from Uruguay.
Have to say I agree with the guvnor on Campbell, although I admit I haven’t seen him play all that much – mostly in the England game which I switched off at half time. Missed the Uruguay game which got all the hype going, but one goal and one assist does not a PL season make. He hasn’t exactly sparkled at any of his loan destinations either. The better players around him at the Ems will certainly give him every opportunity to show what he’s capable of, but his presence should not stop us going after someone top, top. Especially if the Chilean is being made available.
Don’t understand what’s going on at Barça right now. Selling Cesc and Sanchez with Xavi and Iniesta at the crossroads doesn’t make any sense at all and paying silly money for a serial offender who shows no real remorse (only going through the motions in the hope of a reduced sentence) is madness. If he does go there, I’ll be coming out of my betting purdah to see what the bookies will offer against him not re-offending in the next 2-3 years. I doubt it will be 175-1 again though.
One problem of having coughed up so much for Mesut last August is that other clubs now know we will pay that sort of fee and will hold out if they know they have the goods. Sanchez is two months younger than Mesut, in his prime and surely well worth the same sort of investment.
dkg,
I have also heard that we are after someone top-top.
I know he is South Korean but I don’t know his first name either. 😉
Ttg – you forgot the Russian full back, Avislegsov. 😉
And the Brazilian striker, Onmiedson, 😉
You see, Trev, no good pun goes unpunished…
The South Korean you were thinking of may have been Park Di-bus, or maybe it wan’t a Korean at all but the Vietnamese Nho Dam-Gud.
Re: 24. Only funny with a British accent. Must be a tall one though. 🙂
Re: Ned @26. I believe Nho Dam-Gud was half Dutch. 🙂
Ah, Wun Top-Top was the striker I meant.
Knew I shouldn’t have started that one. 😉
I heard we were considering an offer for the Robben of Russian football, that tricky rascal Tumbalova.
Öskar
Classy PivotoMidfieldero , remember that name, French-Sinhalese sensation who honed his fantastic dribbling skills on the smelly alleys behind Gare du Nord…Grimandi first spotted him in a five-a-side match.
Surely Poo are in prime position to land Sanchez in a cash plus player deal for Suarez? Sanchez himself may have a preference, but Poo can also offer more salary with LS off their books.
I’ve always thought Debuchy a decent player and definitely an AW type. Has the experience in both age and premiership credentials, and I guess cheaper than Aurier. I’d prefer Aurier, but no probs with Debuchy if it frees up a bit more money for a striker.
What would irritate is seeing Hummels go to Manure – especially at the 20mil currently suggested. Worth at least 30mil to us…
Di Maria has impressed at the WC and well worth a bid, although I’d prefer Reus or Sanchez.
Öskar
Can you believe it? Looks like next season, assuming we play 4-2-3-1, our line-up, will be:
Weller
Nonewsyet
Dealoff
Park Di-bus
Avislegsov
Notyetno
Cantsay
Onmiedson
Pivoto-Midfieldero
Tumbalova
Wun Top-Top
On the bench:
Nho Dam-Gud
Fantastic!
NBN @ 33: And Trev to take Bouldy’s place. Any transgressions by this new look eleven and they will be pun-ished.
El Puno
I do let a lot of guff and waffle pass through the Bar without responding, but i really do have to take issue with your comment,
“We have a very solid ‘ Super Quality ‘ 16 ish players “.
At the very best we have 1 top notch player in Ozil, several players in the ‘ Good ‘ bracket and some still a ‘ work in progress ‘ improving with maturity.
But 16 super quality, ?? sorry mate we are light years away from that.
Cheers
The Sweeper
PS, Guff and Waffle,is in general,not aimed at you particularly.
Goonersince54 @ 35 … I know it is all subjective etc. but I think Koscielny is one of the best CBs in the world now. Not quite at the level of Thiago Silva, but in current form better than David Luiz or Pique or even Ramos. Again many may not agree with me but against the best strikers/forwards of the world his positioning as well as technical abilities are absolutely extraordinary.
I would put Ozil and him in the “top notch world class” category.
I think Mertesacker is SuPer quality 😉
Clive knows. Very good assessment of the current squad. It always made me smile when I saw several saying we had turned a corner by not selling any of our stars last season?? I never quite got that. The fact was that we had none left. We had sold them all in previous seasons and not replaced them. That’s why we did not have to sell. No one was interested in what we had left.
Good report H. So far this World Cup has been the most enjoyable in memory.
Re Campbell. I’m very much with you Holic. One strike against the mancs followed by a few appearances in the World Cup and all of a sudden he was our saviour???? Glad it’s not just me wondering if I had missed something??? He is a work in progress. It will be interesting to see how he develops but he is a long way from being the finished article.
The right back situation will be driven by how good the boss thinks The Jenk can be. If he thinks he can really make it then there is no point in buying a 21 year old. A 28/29 year old as a short term solution makes far more sense.
Time will tell I guess but with the charity shield only 5 weeks away we might want to get cracking???
35 – I don’t agree. Stack up our squad with what we compete against in the Prem and I wouldn’t swap Schez, BFG, Kosc, Gibbs, JW, Ramsey, Cazorla, Theo, Ozil for anyone. Behind that, we have a host of very, very solid squad players filling out our playing staff. Our problem is not the quality (you can’t have 25 Ozils and no one does) but the depth. If we add another 3/4 to that first category we are flying.
Like an old norse myth, or biblical tale, we are reaching the endgame with Alexis Sanchez. What we achieve here could be of huge significance for the club.
Everyone acknowledges Barca are selling.
Various reports say he is keen on us.
Several say we have bid.
Balague (and others) suggest we have low bid. Again.
BIG Ivan does Shakespeare on this one. We cannot lose. Over.
UTA
Interesting to see us linked in one morning with a striker….or to be accurate umpteen strikers…Martinez, Remy, Morata, Balotelli, Eto’o , Huntelaar when the concrete link is Sanchez who will probably be the alternate to Giroud. Is this lazy or poor journalism ( almost certainly) or is it a sign that we are still flailing around in the market without much idea who we want to sign?( not unlikely) . I cannot seriously believe that we can be reviewing this many strikers at this stage of the pre- season. If we are something is badly wrong
Don’t be so sure El Punö, during the 2010 World Cup, there were reports going around that we had definitely signed Joe Cole and look where he is now!
If that deal goes through I would be happy but who knows what’s really happening at this point in time.
El Puno @40 – “an old norse myth” ?
Just remember – don’t look a gift norse in the myth – or something. 😉
Morning Trev, I’m no expert on these matters, but Ivanhoe sounds pretty norse, so I thought I’d role with it.
CoR – When I said “we cannot lose” I meant we cannot afford to. I am wibbling. Hard. If we can’t close this deal it has all been for nothing. 25 year old superstar striker, quick, versatile, fills a huge need at a fair price. If this goes wrong we might as well go home and get ready for another pop at fourth place and gibbering about how we out-did a second rate scum side again.
This next week will be a tough one to take.
UTA
Fair enough then. I do think he could be a good fit into our squad so lets hope for the best.
A cup of warm sake on me to help you maintain zen mode. 😀
Morning,
Admittedly back drinking and the host post review required.
But just for those keenly interested, here goes:
I heard Arsenal have a personal agreement with Alexis but offer less to FCB than Liverpool. Juve also interested.
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) July 2, 2014
There! 🙂
One other aspect of Suarez leaving to bear in mind, if Barca spend 70/75 million to create a Neymar – Suarez – Messi then Madrid will have to respond. Maybe it’s Hames Rodrigues, or someone else, but they will make a counter cock-waving show of something. As we know, you can get “super, super quality” picking up the pieces from their retail therapy.
(I don’t see Barca paying the price being talked about fwiw. Suarez is the sort who will get on a plane and tell Liverpool just to get on with it. As we know, Barca aren’t averse to this sort of tactic, they did it with Cesc. 80 million is a joke price and I reckon Liverpool will be lucky to get fifty and dress it up behind the bite furore as cutting their losses. Just my thinking on where this is heading mind.)
If we could have Sanchez to go with the kit launch this time next week it would be divine. If not, I think we’ll miss out again. Sanchez and room to manoeuvre for someone like ADM when they hit the market is setting ourselves up for success.
Time for some old codgers 80th birthday party. I hope they have wifi, not sure I can handle more than an hour away from newsnow… Does teletext still exist???
BIG Ivan. Talk to me my friend.
UTA
Morning GT, how you holding up with this Sanchez saga? I’m in a bad way here mate 🙁
Rumour:
So if we lose sanchez (assuming we were ever in for him!) then our next target is …get this ..: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
😀
Okay done the old back drink.
I think that was a nice balanced review of the last 8 with a few opinions thrown in to add a little twist. Shaken but not stirred. Just how I like it, Maestro 🙂
I agree totally with what you said about the last 8. As my son has an infatuation with Brazil due to Fifa Street 3, it would be good if they could win the thing in front of their home fans. As stated before, I do like the freshness that Columbia/Colombia and Costa Rica has added to the event this year. They have been a fantasy footballers dream to watch.
Anyhoo, Campbell? The enigma that be Campbell. All I can say is, looking at the numbers that we have and need, he would add more depth to our squad. He wants to fight for his place, so benching must not be an issue for him. I am sure one more season would not affect his sell on value too much. One thing we do not lack at Arsenal is business savvy. However, depth we do. Admittedly some areas are more of a priority than others. Does he have what it takes to make it at Arsenal? There’s only one way to find out.
Debuchy vs Aurier/Aurier v Debuchy. Both signings make as much sense as the other IMO. Both have the attributes to make it at Arsenal. Will they? There’s only one way to find out.
Finally, how great will it be to go into next season without hearing scousers say ‘Swardez, SASS!’ every five minutes?
Aah – peace and quiet!
😆
El @ 48
Well put it this way. The player prefers a move to Arsenal. Barca can use the money we give them to add to the 56 they were going to give to Liverpool, who want straight cash so they can brag about it and deflect from the fact Sanchez chose us over them and everyone is happy.
We gave Barca Cesc and Song and Luis is leaving the country as the Scousers wished. I cannot see a lot wrong there, unless something else pops up.
I have never seen Sanchez play as a centre forward, so it’ll be interesting seeing him doing so. I would like us to also buy you know who and also a DM and a keeper. But hey, I’m only a contributor the yearly gate and merchandise. What do I know?
I see Arseblogger is today expressing more fully what I was into @20.
And I just love the caption on his picture – sums up the whole speculation arena perfectly.
The only thing that is of any interest to me is who we get – eventually. And that means waiting to see. Everything else is just “guff and waffle” (© Goonersince54 above).
All players have their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Özil – strengths = vision, passing, acceleration, technique; weaknesses – too easily knocked off the ball, head drops when things not going well.
The trick is blending the squad’s strengths and weaknesses into a team.
Arsene isn’t blind.
In the defence, we need to sign 4 players just to replace the ones that have left: 2 x GKs, a right back and when Vermaelen leaves (as I expect) we’ll have to get another centre half.
Up front, we’ve “lost” Bendtner and Park. Is Miyaichi really going to make it? Sanogo probably needs a loan spell. So there is a minimum requirement for 2 people to come into the Attack and as Geoff has been saying all along, 1 striker and 1 wide player. This is where the bulk of our transfer money will be spent. I also think the point Blogs made this morning is very valid in that Campbell would probably struggle to get regular football and it wouldn’t be surprising if he went elsewhere to help finance the greater need for other acquisitions.
So thats 6 players without mentioning the importance, as so many have stated, of getting a proper defensive midfielder. That makes it 7 players in total that have to be signed and as some mentioned, things have to start happening soon as we have CL qualifiers to play.
Sanit and Arteta featured in the new Puma tightie-whities on Arsenal.com. So guess they are not going anywhere. Also, Joel Campbell, Johan Djourou and Francis Coquelin all listed on the site as part of the first-team squad.
Clive: I would elevate Szczesny, Mertesacker, Koscielney, Ramsey and Cazorla from Good to Very Good.
Guff and Waffle sounds like a pair of Sky commentators….
Just to add to the above, Gibbs, JW, Theo and the Ox could move up to the Very Good category if they stay fit and continue to develop. Gnabry and Gedion Zelalem are longer-term shots to join them. The basis of a quality squad is in place. Just need those top-top additions to make it the proverbial super-quality.
Cheers holic, glad to see you’re getting into the WC, better late then never.
Transfer gossip bores me silly.
JohnyITK posts some random guess on Twatter, others twist this false info and before long it becomes acceptable “truth”. There is no smoke, there is no fire, it’s just a release of methane gas eminating from the steaming pile of pooh that passes for “journalism” in the social media age.
Pull up a garden chair and have a sip on a nice cold one. HMmmmmmmm.
Great set of quarter finals lined up and i hope the underdogs go through in all the games except the France Germany game in which i hope the better team wins.
Sanchez to Arsenal will be a fantastic move, better than Di maria or Griezmann for he is proven, can play striker and has a great attitude.
Will pool play truant again? They did it last time not selling suarez to us, they may do it again insisting they want Sanchez, damn them for they are winners either way for worst case, they may end up with Suarez and thats not bad is it!!!!!!!
I am fine With Debuchy to, positional sense are far better than Aurier, plus has PL experience.
Where is the DM boss and Ivan?? that is number one priority, answer is not Mikel, flamini or Diaby please.
Joe @ 54
You, like myself appear to have gone full circle, since the debate upon who needs to go where within the squad was neatly placed into the bar by the guv’nor. At the time though, there was a thought that Fabregas could be on his way back. What a difference two weeks have made. Although we still need the same clientele
😆
I love the way various people cope with transfer gossip
Hahaha
It’s like sitting in traffic during rush hour. People sitting down in one place trying to be patient trying to get to their destinations. You have some people effing and blinding behind the wheel and others who are listening to the radio or a CD singing along or laughing. Some just chatting away to their passengers.
They all have one thing in common. They all want the same outcome.
Then eventually they all get there in the end. Happy driving people. Just make sure you have all had a recent service if planning any long distance journeys this summer. 🙂
I’m off for a long weekend in Hastings next weekend so am getting a service done the day before. Plus have a few more excursions to get through this summer. No time to sit on the hard shoulder waiting for the emergency services. Uh uh! 😆
Blogs description of the transfer speculation works for me.
circle of shite
Still plenty of cricket to be played…..
@ 61
Beep beep 🙂
Unlike other young strikers Campbell is playing against the worlds best and does not look out of place one bit.
Miyachi, sanogo and other young arsenal strikers all look just that, academy level and young players. Sanogo look like nothing more than a big quirky baby giraffe.
Find it hard to believe we are so complacent and content, that a quality young hungry striker like Campbell is all of a sudden not good enough for us.
You have to be kidding.
In the absence of any news from our side, we go now to Louis Van ‘Balls’ :
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have tabled a bid of £32million for Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado.
@ Aussie
😆
BB
I read that too!
Howdy ‘holic
gentleman as always
.
howdy ‘holics various
.
just catchin’ up
don’t have me own internet
.
cheers trev
for yer very kind
but greatly undeserved words
(keep doin’ those star jumps)
.
likewise clive
i have no cause
to forgive you
for anything
indeed
it’s the reverse
twas me was the arsepipe
many moons ago
.
oskar
i bear you no ill will
you’ll not be round my house
any time soon
for a hearty back-slappin’ session
but
if a green spot appears
on ‘holics bar
in mysterious circumstances
twas likely me
slid it down
.
if only to keep ye off bushmills
me cattle use that
to take off their nail polish
.
.
anyhoo
cheerio all
.
now
COME ON COLOMBIA !!!!!!!!!!!
Aussie @ 63: I am with you on this one. I simply don’t understand the reluctance to give Campbell even a chance to fight for the first team. Let us look at the facts.
At 22 years of age for the Costa Rica senior national team he already has 10 goals in 36 games, and a similar number of assists.
He has been out on loan at the very young ages of 19, 20, 21 at three different clubs in three different European leagues showing progress both statistically as well as in overall game. In the last loan stint he has really impressed helping Olympiacos retain their domestic title and put up a good show in the CL.
So by now he has a better club & international record than not only Serge Gnabry but also Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Other than all the obvious technical abilities and pace, in all of these Costa Rica matches he had shown he can play perfectly to a tactical role. So much so that he has been trusted to stay up as the lone striker while Costa Rica defending a lead and use his hold up play. He has shown a few great passes — the third goal against Uruguay, and a few similar ones especially a couple of excellent through balls in the Greece match — and in general impressive attitude in the biggest world stage.
When he was 20 or so he had given the Spanish defense — Puyol and all — the runaround in a friendly. So definitely someone who enjoys and thrives at the bigger stages.
At his stage of his career he is considerably more of an accomplished player than either Gnabry or Sanogo, and maybe at par with Ox (who, to be fair, had been held back because of unfortunate injuries). And showing immense promise.
And all this before he is 22, and most importantly without Arsene Wenger’s tutelage. Arsene Wenger, that man who had turned a headless chicken like Theo Walcott into a very good goal-scoring winger and a genuinely intelligent footballer.
I don’t know about others, but I am quite thrilled to anticipate what Arsene can do to Joel Campbell’s career in Red-and-White. Hopefully Campbell will get the chance to show that he is ready for that growth.
If the USA won the Belgium match methinks celebration would have gone something like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRItYDKSqpQ
In other news, The Daily Express are reporting that Queen’s Park Rangers have had a £5million bid rejected for Serge Aurier.
‘Arry’s been busy i see!
Your stats are all well and good, but you forget to factor in the most important variable.
Does the player himself want to play second fiddle?
For gawd’s sake !
Have I missed something ? Who is refusing to give Campbell a chance ?
Has the manager announced his decision on Campbell, or is the disgruntlement based on the amalgamated ramblings to be found on various blogs, TwitFace, YouBook and the murkier corners of the tabloid press.
Some folks are lucky indeed to have the time to write down their every latest thought, change of mind and impossible list of unattainable players.
For the record, my personal preference would be for Jackson Rodrigier and Martinez Alexis up front, Sami Gustaverlin as DM, Serge Forwards at right back and Paul the Fucking Octopus in goal.
And I don’t normally swear !
Liverpool have unveiled Emre Can.
The Reds finalised a a £9.75million deal for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.
H2H
The player himself stated when asked after his debut game in the cup that he is due back at Arsenal this season and would like to fight for his place.
@ 71 beep beep 🙂
Some people seem a bit bitter.
Teams with best players win most often. Important to get those players. If some people prefer the days of 14 man squads, 1 sub and every player from a 3 mile radius that’s cool. But let’s not pretend that’s the way it still works.
BIG Ivan is not living in the past. He is creating history.
UTA
paul the octopus, trev?
bit predictable.
*weedstumbleweedstumble*
74 – road rage imminent.
H2H@70, am with the Doc and Aussie when it comes to Campbell. You say second fiddle, I say getting better when he is along side players like Ozil, carzola and Giroud can show him a thing or two about hold up play. I will definitely take him over Sanogo any day. I say send sanogo on loan, get Campbell back, pls get Sanchez and I think we should be good upfront. If Wenger can give Sanogo a chance, don’t see why Campbell shouldn’t get a shot too.
Breaking news:
Sources close to Arsenal say Ivan has taken charge of transfer dealings this summer. He’s already working on bringing in the latest Romanian sensation Wecudsurprisju.
cba
didn’t know
your cattle wear
nail polish but
they must be
a sparkling
crew. 🙂
Non World Cup players return Monday for preseason. New season is underway, at least the preparation is. Time to start looking forward and figuring out how we plan to close the gap domestically and in Europe, or not?
cba,
Cattle wearing nail polish
And no doubt mooscara
On their eyelashes ? 😉
73. GTown.
We’ll there you save it, straight from the horses mouth so to speak. The rest is irrelevant.
78 San An
I’m not with or against anyone on this issue, just adding a variable.
Pull the udder one Trev.
It’s got cowbells on it.
Pull the udder one, Trev
Two minds without a single thought, H2H. Drink on the bar for you.
Some very haute couture cows by the sound of it.
Bet they also wear jerseys when it’s fresian cold ….. 😉
8ball
feck the cattle
it’s the ducks
an the lipstick
that’s me main concern
their wee feathery arses
parading single file
up the lane
up for their
night time slug feast fest
like a line
of
considerably more attractive
sylvester stallone’s mothers
.
quack
QUACK!!!!
The style most fashionable cattle seem to be wearing these days.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBdbmQXqbUE/TjX3SCMJ_5I/AAAAAAAADcg/zHlEXKk-p0E/s1600/m004.jpg
Pangloss stole my line…
How dairy?
One back for you, sir. 😉
Must be getting behind the times on my fashion sense. It’s ducks now. 😯
The whole place is going to the ducks, 8Ball
@ 74 it’s not worth it. Just look at me. Focus. 🙂
@ 83
Yeah, I reckon he’s the real deal.
Footballs back on tomorrow guys
And it’s Friday 🙂
I agree, if we can give Sanogo a chance, Campbell needs a chance and a half. He is far better and more proven. I agree he may be a hit and a miss in this league but then so can be a lot including Sanogo( no dis respect to the boy).
Sanchez please, i mean come on lets not dilly dally on this any more boss, he is proven, classy, great work rate and above all wants to play for us, pay whatever it maybe before its to late.
DM pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
I love cba, an island of sanity in a sea of summer madness….
Cover drive, four runs…….
DONE DEAL!
West Ham fans will be fuming after Arsenal have cherry-picked English wonderkid Ben Sheaf from their academy. Sheaf was tipped for a big future at Upton Park but has opted to join the Gunners after turning down a new contract with West Ham.
😀
I heard his brother Wheat was the more talented of the two, but I may be clutching at straws….
Bamski
Hay zico.
🙂
You have to separate the wheat from the chaff,
Ben apparently goes against the grain…
😀
glutens fer punishment
the lotta ya
.
oooohhh yeah
i did a funny!
.
*trev gathers round me
to learn the ancient ways
of the pun*
ear ear@104
For people with little time, so little time that it is only natural for them to conflate the rather concrete discussion about Arsenal’s current young players (Eisfield, Campbell) with the more fanciful transfer speculations and as a result fly off the handle in bizarre tirades, some reading materials (properly abridged version to save time):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyatissa/bl068.html .
Happy 4th of July to the fellow American gooners. Going to be a busy weekend for me, hopefully will be able to catch the QFs live from our hotel suite in between serving to the whims of our little lord, all two and half years old. If not will watch them recorded later on Sunday, so will most likely avoid the Cyberspace until then. 🙂
howdy pangloss
love to know
are you
panging for a loss
or
do you have
a pan of gloss
.
i’m probably
just a twonk
but
wouldnt mind knowing
a genuine question
not a meandering rambling
Here’s another :
According to El Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have made a £23million offer to Real Madrid for Sami Khedira.
@ 109
BB I read that too.
🙂
Howdy folks. Great to be back after an extended absence(not that anyone noticed) and find the greatest bar in all virtualdom in solid shape.
The World Cup has been a load of fun but I find myself excited by the potential of the season ahead of us. The club stands at the threshold, we play our cards right and a whole new winning era beckons.
As regards the transfer market,the names being bandied about about aside, do we know what AW has in mind regarding the style of play he wishes to adopt and the kind of players that will fit in? Do we know what number of players he requires? It’s harmless to speculate on potential signings but we need to temper our expectations so we don’t end up being upset when our fantasies fail to materialize.
Anyhoo, just want to believe that come 10th July, we will have reason to celebrate and look forward to the coming season with optimism.
UTA COYG
Trev, how’s the knee? Hope you’re good.
Shout out to N7 and Dr F, cheers chaps.
cba @ 108
Great question you posed there, always wondered about that moniker.
could be pa ‘n’ gloss as in Pa
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Beverly_Hillbillies_Episode_18_Jed_Saves_The_Drysdales_Marriage.ogg/mid-Beverly_Hillbillies_Episode_18_Jed_Saves_The_Drysdales_Marriage.ogg.jpg
‘n’ this
http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mehndtd9NW1r5abjyo1_1280.jpg
Solid Gooner –
the knee is slowly getting there along a very up and down path, thanks. Kind of you to ask.
Strange how my three sentences of exasperated protest constitute a ‘bizarre tirade’.
Three sentences begging for some respite, not from sensible discussions about youngsters like Eisfeld, but from the gazillions of relentless words repeated ad infinitum on the hypothetical possibilities of an entire transfer window that has run one third of it’s course.
That, apparently, constitutes ‘concrete discussion’, whatever that is.
Maybe it’s our new motto – Victoria Concordia Concrete ?
Is noone else bored silly with this constant repetition ?
Trev@116: See H2H at 57 and me (frequently). In fact, I’m getting bored with my own repetition.
An awful lot of corn in this bar around the 100 mark.
Beep beep
Road runner?!
🙂
cba@107 – No, or conversely, yes. Otherwise, maybe.
I’m sure this has come up before see here on Wikipedia for a brief background. I decided to adopt it in a fit of frustration at the 2013 pointless transfer speculation.
It’s been interesting watching the 2014 version; all fairly low key – but, hey, it’s only the beginning of July – although that may have been due to the distractions from Brazil/Brasil.
If you’re still around H2H, I meant not to thank you for the images of the Guvnor finally making to the the WC@57. Consider yourself not thanked.
COYG
More jokes about farms please. Scenes.
#FreeSanchez
Barking. I love you lot 🙂
barking ?
more of a dagenham man, me
More of a gentleman than you’ll take credit for my friend 🙂
awwww
feck off
ya oul tart
So am I 🙂
thanks Pangloss
was at a loss
didn’t keep me
up at night
but
like
young Wind’s name
i didn’t know
how to throw
your name or his
round my head
when reading
yer posts
.
is it wind or wind?
.
he kindly told me
it was wind
and
not
wind
as i had thunk
.
cheers fella anyway
nice of you
to answer
Well, I had always thought it was wind and not wind.
Be the best we can be is all I hope for! I could throw names in the hat for hours but there is nothing I can do about our transfers. So sit back and enjoy the WC because I think it’s a pretty good one!
Besides, wishlists is something that reminds me of Santa back in the days and we all know how they worked out 😉
sit back and enjoy the WC
yup indeedy
Datsyuk
10 pints
of
home made plain
i’m praising
the great plumbing
god in the sky
alright
think
i just passed an eyebrow
8ball
‘wind and not wind ‘
is his apache name
and a great name
it is too
.
.
.
.
can and can’t be arsed
The centerpiece of Wenger’s recruiting strategy at the World Cup is to impress the recruits with his futevolei skills. Hearing Sanchez is on one line and Balotelli on the other, he says they must wait until he finishes the game, but refers them to the youtube futevolei video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIM6SYgqY8I
Pangloss@121: I realise you linked to your namesake but I can’t help thinking that the transfer window is more Sam Beckett than Candide.
– Candide
+ Voltaire
candide voltaire
the less successful
of the two
sheffield bleep bleep merchants
in other news
how’s tabs?
how’s ollie?
.
well ,
i hope
.
if yer in contact with them
tell ’em i didn’t say hello
🙂
Me meep
CBA
You look to be in fine form.
Do you know anything about the bit from Cork we are supposed to be interested in?
Linihan? Almost a good old Arsenal name!
Sorry bit should read boy. I’m being disrespectful!
thunder T
not unlike
irish comedian
michael redmond
when asked
by an american person
if
he knew” so and so”
or
“what’s his trousers”
from Ballygobackwards
assuming
every irish person
knows
every other irish perso
.
he bit back
with a
don’t patronise me
ireland is a vibrant
multi-cultural nation
of millions
how am i supposed to know him
.
worst thing was
he did know him
.
🙂
To be sure
They’re all just
Winding, or winding,
You up, cba. 😉
the “Always’s’s”
get short shrift
round these parts
.
bring me
an O’Matchintieanhankie
an i might open negotiations
.
night night seamus
bless you
fear not
stand firm
and
see the salvation
of the lord
.
or
Bonanza
10am on TG4 weekday morns
Due to a threatened strike over pay by our local firemen a poll was taken.
As a result 7 members of blue watch fell through a hole in the floor. 😉
🙂
Howdy trev
hope yer pins
behavin.
.
as i said before
i have some
limited experience
of knee pain
.
best of luck
an all that shite
🙂
it’s
not glamorous
and
definitely
not funny
i was in tears
on an off
for weeks
doped to the eyeballs
News flash:
Arsenal have made a big splash on young Filipino left back Carlos Justoffdaboat. His work permit may take some years, however.
Not too bad thanks, cba.
Good to see you back.
It’s all got terribly serious in here lately about things that will probably never happen.
More cows with nail polish is just what we needed. 😉
Next you’ll have your cows making up transfer ruminants. 😉
🙂
trev
must say i find all this
speculatin shite
just that
shite
but
i can’t help but
think
on each one
we’re all
gooners of long standing
and it’s not
an option
chemical pathways
have been slooshed
synapses zapped
so
rumours
schmoomers
ye can’t help but
go
oooohhhh
aaaaahhhh
noooo
yeahhhh
fuck !
Can Sanchez play left winger? I always want us to have a pacey left to complement Theo on the right.
Then I wish we have
Ramsey, ozil, Wilshere
Theo, James Rodriguez, Sanchez
HK Gooner. If you need a Chilean left winger Allende is your man. Or was.
You’re a gentleman as well as a scholar, cba. If I spot a Pat whiskey on the bar I will consume with pleasure. I believe ‘Pat’ was the original name of Green Spot, lest there be another misunderstanding between us!
Öskar
If only we could afford the £60mil + that James Rodriguez would cost, HKGooner. Can’t see AW even considering it given the other holes to fill.
Öskar
Arsenal transfer rumours practically all seem to be second or compromise choices, imo. Some unlikely marquee rumours, but nothing solid yet involving the quality we really need to compete.
With Manure likely to be a force again there will be at least five clubs competing for 4 CL spots, and that’s without mentioning the neighbours or Everton who gave us a scare late on last time round.
Move your ass AW.
Öskar
What could possibly go wrong?
http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/03/alexis-sanchezs-agent-hints-at-arsenal-transfer-by-following-gunners-stars-on-twitter-4786271/?
Next step in the master pan BIG Ivan???
UTA
Apologies for the source, but this is half-decent as well:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2679915/Why-Arsenal-Liverpool-want-sign-Alexis-Sanchez-Barcelona-man-shine-Premier-League.html
154 – Oskar, we are being linked with some “super quality” players. That isn’t really the point though. Very, very rare you get to buy Ozil or Bergkamp or Sol Campbell. Arsene knows, even if we didn’t know Petit, or Vieira, or Toure, Pires, Henry etc. We can’t get better buying no one, as we have in recent years, more or less. So long as we don’t get involved in past it penny pinching like Silvestre or Kallstrom again this summer we will be fine. Unknown youth might be just as productive as Sanchez though in the long run.
‘Super quality’ players are rarer than England WC victories, El P, and RM, Barca, Man$hitty, Manure and the Chavs are all above us in the pecking order for them. The players we get linked to are usually those who are surplus to the needs of those clubs as a result of the new supers coming in.
Some very good players are let go by the mega-rich clubs and those are generally the ones we compete for, as with Özil last year. Sure, there has been a lot of speculation, but I don’t take a lot of it seriously.
I’d love to see super quality players at the Ems – Reus, Hummels and Rodriguez for example. But we’re far more likely to end up with Debuchy, Schneiderlin and Benzema – all useful players but not ‘super’.
Öskar
157 – super/world class/top quality, it’s a pointless debate over names. Point is, Reus, Hummels, Rodriguez all moved in the last few years for decent prices.
We won’t and shouldn’t really even be looking to spend more than we did on Ozil. Cavani, Bale, Suarez prices are beyond what they offer. (Suarez another who moved recently for a decent price then improved. The other two hardly tore it up last season.)
We need 5/6 players adding to our squad, how we add that quality will be varied but it won’t be taking the current hyped up, overpriced known commodity. BIG Ivan puts moves on moves and that aint a move.
UTA
Cba @ 141
Boom boom 🙂
@ 150
He played left wing at Barca a lot
He’s very similar to the Ox
@ 156
A lot of people knock the Mail, but they led on the Arshavin transfer and published all of the last minute up to date information accurately. I don’t know if it’s a change in personnel but they have received a lot of complaints from some drinkers in the bar.
@ 157 Me meep
Anyone heard anything about that Russian winger who’s known for all the fancy footwork and showboating? I think his name was Stepova…
I would call them a poor source. They just have their own style.
GT – I was more getting at the nasty shit that appears in the front of that propaganda rag, but politics and religion not for consumption with liquor, so best to leave it.
On sunnier notes, Snachez appears to be very, very close. I think Debuchy and Schneiderlin are both exciting. The latter looks a real prospect and at 24 could become huge for us. Was dominant when we played at theirs last season. Another one whose quality exceeds their reputation at present imo.
UTA
You could say he’s very similar to Luis. They’re both little South American dudes with pace and determination. There is no doubt that Sanchez has what it takes to reach the dizzy heights that Luis has in the last couple of years. It’s all about development and whether the player himself wants that. After all, it was Wenger’s bid which re- ignited Luis career in the UK. He then went on to to double his release clause, help the job seekers go on a good run and then won every award available. Sound familiar (Van persie a couple of years earlier). Too often good players fall for the money and the bright lights and leave the hard work to their team mates. The way to get players on big wages to perform well is with the right management. This has been evident at clubs like shitty and Chavski, with their rotational Change in management.
It had always been admired what Wenger’s managed to achieve on a shoe string budget. ‘We make em, not buy em’ is the moto ( t-shirts can be purchased from Arsenal Direct). It’s also been said that imagine what he could achieve with real money. Eg: Ozil won a trophy in his first season.
Me meep!
El @ 165
I concur. Be aware that a lot of rivals troll this site for inspiration and ideas but I would say you’re about right there
😉
At last we as gooners can discuss transfers in the same way the in-debt, oil fingers and metal dealers do during the summer knowing we have a good chance of landing somebody good within reason. I think it should be embraced. But hey, what do I know?
Me meep!
Sorry El at 165 that was meant to say wouldn’t – but hey as you say, best left alone 🙂
@ 155
Surely
Some tasty men’s semi finals lining up today at Wimbledon: Djokovic/Dimitrov should be a cracker and Federer/Raonic (what a serve the Canadian has!)
If anyone wants to take a break from transfer news it’s all starting at 1pm 🙂
on another note:
1) How does one get to hear Boss commenting on the France/Germany game this evening? and
2) Would I have to get a smartphone to do so? 🙂
I watched a bit of that Sharapova game the other day. She was on the ropes for a bit.
Djokovic is a boss though. 🙂
For anybody interested in the development of Joel Campbell:
http://player.arsenal.com/player/5195-meet-joel-campbell
Oh you have to be signed up to the Arse player. Sorry forgot to say.
Oummmmmm…
We signed anyone yet?
Dare not hope we sign Sanchez. Would be too disappointed if we don’t.
Louis van Gaal has joined the race for the sought-after Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Peter. I’ll be backing Bouchard in the ladies final. But that’s tomorrow, apparently. For some reason I find the men less watchable. 🙂
As far as AW commenting on the game, maybe trying channeling your inner Wenger? 😉
Another one :
Arsene Wenger has attempted to lure Iker Casillas away from Real Madrid as the Arsenal boss looks for a new No 1 at the Emirates. According to reports in Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
@ 177 I know what you mean 8 Ball. Li’s matches are pretty good 🙂
Yes BB, he has picked up the phone on that one. Apparently he’s got Ozil working on Sami. Get in… 🙂
Me Meep!
Whoops sorry @177. Should’ve said gentlemen!!
Germans dining on dicey feijoada?
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28150945
Transfer Rumour:
Liverpool have been granted permission to speak with Sanchez as part of the Luis deal, despite the player categorically stating to his agent that he would prefer a move to the Emirates and the club negotiating a ‘cash only’ deal with them. Meanwhile we are said to have already sealed a personal agreement with the player and are still negotiating the fee with Barca. I do believe this is what is known as ‘advanced talks’ in the press game.
Typical Scouse shite. Nuri Sahin all over again! Good luck boys, but I think you’ve lost out on this one!
Hehe Goonertown.
😀
Wenger subtly showing our rivals his intent in this pic :
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/04/article-0-1F60EED400000578-614_634x478.jpg
Love it BB
The one behind Wenger looks a bit like Juan veron
From the BBC website, dated June 26:
Not much of an epitaph to a career at Arsenal, really. The only thing the beeb can find to say about him is that he was fined in February.
I think, on balance, I probably feel sorry for him more than anything else.
COYG
The Tim Stillman column today is a very good read.
A thoughtful piece on transfer needs and possibilities that allows the reader to think as well.
@185,
AW looks very relaxed for a chap who needs 7 players and hasn’t yet started to think about who they might be.
This, according to others, not me. 😉
Poised for the kit launch, I hope. There’ll be mass hysteria if there aren’t at least a couple of new faces in the Puma pyjamas. And I don’t mean Dick and Arsene on the Copacobana, either. :0)
One up on the Mugsmashers, let’s hope for a hat trick.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/04/arsenal-fend-off-liverpool-to-sign-exciting-finland-goalkeeper-hugo-keto-4787020/?
Auf geht’s Deutschland
or
Allez les bleus
Can’t decide who I hope to advance 🙂
Well, that’s what you get if you don’t play Kos!
In what way is Sakho or Varane better than the Boss? Really surprised at his omission. Stewart Robson spewing bile as usual, nothing new here.
Pathetic, the contrasting comments made by Stewart Robson about the performances of Ozil (“slow”) and Valbuena (“excellent”). Ozil looked miles more effective to me.
France seem pretty lethargic for a team within 5 minutes of going out. Is it just me? Haven’t really shown any urgency the whole second half.
France, not just good enough. You had the feeling that Germany could go up a gear or two if they needed to. Seems to me that Jenkinson will give Debuchy a run for his money, don’t see much of a difference between them. And Pogba ain’t all that.
Not convinced by Debuchy.. but then who knows, if we sign him he may turn out wonderfully for the league.
France deserved it, did not challenge at all, germany were very comfortable, they should have brought on Giroud earlier and bombed crosses in from the wings, that lack of ideas they were.
Germans take a bit of beating, and especially Neuer.
Martinez falling out of favour?
http://www.arsenalstation.com/2014/07/04/done-deal-arsenal-complete-signing-of-highly-rated-goalkeeper/?
Boom!
Any signings yet? No, okay let’s keep watching the WC.
In case you wonder if Lars is involved in this Swedish company, I deny all knowledge on the matter.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/03/get-luis-suarez-to-bite-your-nipples-with-these-epic-new-suarez-nipple-clamps-4786234/
Deschamps surely can’t believe Sakho was a superior pick to Koscielny. I thought Germany would win. Lots of overrated players in the French team and underrated players among the Germans!
I can honestly say I have never heard of that company before reading that article, 8 ball 🙂
It’s win or fly home and the French just didn’t look like they could be bothered. Pretty disappointing game imo.
what a game so far between Brazil and Colombia.
Both teams going for it… Brilliant!
Enjoying this one. Also enjoying that my tip eased through earlier, no problem 🙂
Glad David Luiz no longer plays for chelski!
Fuck. Can’t stand ’em… except Silvihno, Edu, Gilberto and, of course, The Beast!
James Rodriguez!!
Penalty converted! 😀
One more!
Hope Neymar is ok… want to see a good match against Germany!
Pity Thiago Silva is out though… but that’s his own doing!
Going by this performance, without Neymar, methinks methodological Germany will top it!
😀
Mesut to get a winner against hosts in semis, you heard it here first!:P
Ref didn’t do Colombia any favours. Germany can beat Brazil, providing the Brazilians aren’t allowed to get away with kicking them to death.
NBN,
The Colombians gave as good as they got methinks. Just ask Neymar.
😀
With you SSY
I can’t understand how Fernandinho ends this game without a booking. Realy wanted this game go into ET
Debuchy being reported as done for shade under £8mil… So we swapped the french reserve right back for the first choice. Upgrade from the understudy for that price looks decent, especially as the better player is 3 years younger. I bet we are paying him less than Bac as well. Good move all around. (Perhaps a vote of confidence for Jenks and Bellerin as well.)
Suarez gone for £60mil according to the Spanish press. Done deal. Cash only. Barca in a rush to get Sanchez sold now apparently. #Broke #TaxBillGarcon
I’d love a bit of Schneiderlin to go with those two and have a mega Friday kit hawking session at the armoury. Tasty scenes.
Lastly, Bad Boy Nicky Bendtner turned up in the studio for Danish BBC, he was sporting white linen shirt and trousers, with black blazer and shoes, no socks. The shirt was jauntily undone about 2 buttons past tasteful. Hair slicked back, wet look gel liberally applied. He looked puffy and about as fit as Morten Olsen sitting next to him. Love that guy.
Now that we have Debuchy, Sanchez, A. Holding-Player pencilled in… How about some ADM and a new centre-half please BIG Ivan xx
UTA
James Rodriguez best player in the world.
Neymar suited to Spain – big sook
Brazil very average except for refereeing bias.
Colombia much more dangerous in general and no chance with refereeing.
Luiz goal no way a free kick.
Anyway – Rodriguez for arsenal.
He is the one we should be going for.
Forget the others.
Germany will smash Brazil.
No contest
True, the Colombians stood their ground, but the Brazilians whacked them around with near impunity. That there were only two yellows a piece astounds me. And if Rodríguez’s tackle on Hulk was worth one of them, how come none of the challenges on Rodriquez were?
Above in response to BB @217.
BB …. Note that Debuchy was preferred to Sagna today. Had an average game, but so did all the French.
Not enough Arsenal players in the match, imo.
Öskar
NBN,
The Brazilians run would probably come to an end against germany anyway.
That said, the ref could have dished out about a dozen yellow cards and arguably should have given a few earlier on to curb the robust challenges. Both teams were dirty, maybe the brazilians were dirtier, they certainly committed more fouls I won’t argue with that. But those two goals that the Colombians conceded were certainly clear goals.
In the end, in a game with two south american teams, knowing the way they play, i think it’s a fairly good game, certainly entertaining.
Ooh err, Holic. You didn’t watch the football then …… 😉
Happy to agree with you that it was an entertaining game, BB.
Brazil forward Neymar is ruled out of the World Cup with a fractured vertebrae suffered against Colombia.
Ouch! 🙁
Oskar,
Agreed about Debuchy being first choice, am just not impressed by him. Think Aurier would be a better choice but that’s just me.
Just seen that, BB. A loss to Brazil and the tournament. It didn’t look like a bone-breaking collision, but I guess it is all a matter of the exact point of contact.
More Rumours :
Liverpool are waiting on a decision from Alexi Sanchez before finalising Luis Suarez’s exit.
Reports from Spain last night claimed Liverpool had reached agreement with Barcelona over the £63million sale of disgraced striker Suarez.
Liverpool insisted no such deal had been formalised, but the framework for an agreement is in place – with Barca winger Sanchez key to the deal.
Sanchez has yet to decide whether to move to Liverpool and is keeping his options open, with Barca keen to include him as part of a deal to land Suarez.
As they say, It ain’t over till the fat lady sings 😀
NBN,
Am just glad that it’s not a paralyzing fracture, am sure the Colombian player did not mean to cause the fracture.
With hindsight the ref should have pulled out a couple of cards in the first half to both teams.
Oskar,
Further to add, If we do indeed get Debuchy, I can see why, he’s got EPL experience and would probably integrate into the team faster among other things. In other words a safe bet from wenger’s point of view methinks.
Still i can’t see him as an improvement over Sagna, but am not going to start questioning arsene’s judgement now.
Brazil are not a strong all round team compared to Germany.
The whole Brazilian show seems to only revolve around Neymar.
Hulk had a good game but What has Fred done in this tournament ?
Nobody looks like scoring in open play for Brazil except Neymar.
They play to convert from free kicks.
I guess that is the South American game.
Where as Germany are strong from front to back.
On the Neymar fracture, I was surprised to see the officials just casually roll NEYMAR onto his back and onto the stretcher with no support of his neck or even just treat him without trying to move him too early.
Perhaps trev could advise more, but isn’t the most dangerous thing to do for any suspected spinal/ back injury to move the player without supporting the neck.
The stretcher ride off the pitch was also very bouncy and rough considering the guy had a suspected back injury.
BB … As I said in #32, if the Debuchey deal frees up more money for other things than an Aurier deal would, I’m happy with that. Good player, better than we saw today. I’d rather see what money we have spent on someone to convert all those chances we create but mostly go to waste.
Makes me sick to imagine Barca having a Messi, Neymar, Suarez front three. Fuck.
Öskar
Neymar a big sook, Aussie? I wish he was our sook. He worked his socks off today, always trying, always creative.
Shame about the injury. The tackle that had him carried off didn’t look that bad, there must have been a weakness there already.
Fred was playing today? Could have fooled me! What a waste of space.
Öskar
Gawd, I hate Long Island iced teas…happy birthday America.
Happy Birthday USA.
It was mine the day before (two days ago here now) and the daughter shouted dinner and a bar crawl after. My God that girl can drink! On my own I put away a bottle of red, a double cognac and about eight Jack on ice in the bars, and she was keeping pace all the way.
What did I do wrong in her (single parent) upbringing?
Öskar
I think Debuchy is a quality signing. Looked very impressive whenever I have seen him at club level. About as quick to settle and sure replacement as you can find it would appear, given the EPL experience and whole french thing. 8mil for an international right back fair as well.
He’s our first signing and cost less than we got for Vela. Cool.
Forward.
Sad to see the terrible refereeing cost a str for the semi. The refs must have been on orders to keep the yellows down, presumably to avoid suspensions. Just led to ridiculous amount of tactical fouls and heavy challenges.
Oskar- unfortunately I am being very generalistic calling Neymar a big sook. But when I watch quality players, like he undoubtedly is doing triple and quadruple alligator rolls after every single tap on the ankle or multiple tumbles after any touch, somehow it always reminds of those I dislike most in the game of football such as suarez and most of the Barcelona diver come actors.
If players like messi can play the game and be targeted all match without diving why do players like Neymar with so much skill feel the need to roll around so much so often.
Anyway Oskar, Belated happy birthday For a few days ago and seems your daughter has been well trained in respecting the most important of social occasions.
Dads birthday drinks…
There is no more important occasion
@239 & 240 El Puno
I concur with that, i noticed that too. The lack of cards in this WC for the most part. While it is definitely more entertaining for the flow of a match, sometimes it pays to dish it out ala Howard Webb!
We have signed Debuchy?! I’ll believe that when i see it on the Official site. Sanchez looks more of a doubt now too..
@238 Oskar,
My liver aches just reading that!
242 – Just my dippy logic, but I can’t see how we can get anything on the website before Friday as the new kit is only released Thursday. They love a big kit flogging press release for new players, arse.tv and all that. We’ll see. Seems to make sense?
Going for Debuchy (29 next month) would seem to suggest that they think they have something long-term coming through. I’d guess Bellerin. MD should be a solid player for 3/4 years and a quick transition. Certainly is a “win-now” sort of purchase, as we could have had a quality young player for that sort of moola. I like the idea of BIG Ivan deciding it is time to make it happen now. That’s his style and he wears it well.
Forward.
BB
I think an early card could have even increased the flow in yesterdays game. Players realising that they won’t get away with rude attacks and tactical fouls could help I think.
Swiss head of referees analized the first half during the brake. At the end he said that he hopes the colombian players, especially James, won’t do anything stopid in the 2nd half to get even and for feeling they’ve been let down by the ref.
Exactly what I thought myself 🙂
Very sad about Neymar. He has justified most of the hype at this World Cup and shown lots of bottle. Without him and Silva Brazil are up against it versus the Germans who may squeeze them to death.
We sometimes think that the EPL is unique in terms of passion and intensity but Brazil v Colombia was a typical EPL game in terms of tempo with a lenient referee letting too much go unpunished. Sad to see James go home he is a real star.
Wouldn’t take too much notice of the transfer hype. I think the late ‘ hijackings’ are meant to secure hits and sell papers. Apparently Van Gaal is being urged to consider speaking to Barca about him. That sounds like the work of a journos trying to keep the pot boiling for United supporters.
Debuchy deal looks done set a sensible price. He looks very basic to me but Deschamps rates him above Sagna- but then he rates Sakho above Koscielny!
Due to recent developements, it does look like a Germany Vs Holland final, unless Argentina can do something about it. Have a soft spot for Costa Rica but don’t think they’ll make it past the Dutch. Belgium could yet win but i think their defence is not set up to handle the argies!
Looking at the betting odds, EPL clearly the most competitive league around. 5 teams all, so the books say, have a crack at the title. Means 1 aspirant will be left out in the cold for the Champs League ext season though…
I reckon Liverpool. Too many players on too good form all together. The creative hub of Sterling, Coutinho, Henderson Sturridge not a 100 goal a season sort of line-up to my mind. They hit it right, blew their big chance, and will return to semblance of their level this time imho. The extra European games and a balancing out of their crazy injury luck lat year will hamper them as well I reckon.
We are in a real fight with the other 3 for the title though. Man U obviously going sack deep to get back in the CL and boost the share price. (Interesting if they fuck it up, all that debt might start to really, really bite and who knows what the owners will do if their investments value keeps dropping?) The other 2 will pick up where they left off last season. We have our catching up to do…
#SanchezForMayor
Forward
@244 El Puno
Indeed that may be the case, whilst i do not necessarily jump with joy at the prospect of Debuchy, I can see a big positive in one instance if the deed is done, in that Arsene is finally buying older/mature players which can only mean that he :-
1. Finally has the money to get who he wants. (Or at least more than usual)
2. Is gearing up for a proper challenge in going for a known rather than take a chance on an up and coming or future prospect.
3. This can be encouraged if we also get a top class striker (Sanchez, Mandzukic… etc)
@245 Datsyuk with studs
Agreed about the need for early cards. The challenge on Neymar, while the broken back may not be the intended result of the Colombian, he definitely went out to foul him.
No more so than many brazilians on James etc.., all could have been avoided if a few cards were shown sooner.. But that is hindsight..!
Only complete stand out team to me is the Germans, never lost their discipline, even against the Algerians whose long balls and quick counters were troubling the defence. My choice to win bar a shock upset against a weakened brazil (without Neymar and Thiago Silva).
BB
Agree on the Germans. They look good overall and the least shaky at the back.
Silva to blame himself for that brainfart of his and the only thing good Fred did yesterday was to head away a corner, at the defence you know 😉
Belgians could be in for a shock to the Argies later this day. Will be interresting to see which team recovered better from the 1/8 with ET they both had.
TTG – completely agree that James is and has been the real star of the WC. He really is a class player.
Seems this transfer is going the same pattern as all others of past transfers. Makes you start to wonder if the club and those holding onto the purse strings nearly do this delay bullshit on purpose while others spend so the fans end up feeling excited by the purchase of just about anyone or a body.
Remember there was excitement about these and you convince yourself the club know what they are doing:
Park
Santos
Squillaci
Sanogo
Miyachi
Kallistrom
Artetta
Denilson
djorou
Funny how the excitment of purchases such as these wears off quickly.
The fans Have a right to be absolutely gutted if we end up with just debuchy or any players who is not top top shelf.
Show me the money arsene.
No more transfer excuses.
No future stars please just those who are stars now please.
@ 251 Datsyuk with studs
I am actually shocked that the Brazilians made it thus far, goes to show how a bit of luck and a good player can bring to a team, looks like both may be running out for them!
Heh, I’d say the Argies would recover faster because they hardly played, just run around a lot. But the Belgians defence really has not been tested(not that Argentina’s defence is anything to shout about either!), although their offensive line up is quite impressive and they do have a lot of depth!
Am hoping for an early goal, that would set up nicely for a high scoring match as neither look like they can defend!
We’ve seen the same games so far BB 🙂
Here’s one to an early goal this evening! At least in my home it will be evening when the game starts.
Transfer Rumour:
Mathieu Debuchy announced on French TV last night that, he is leaving Newcastle. The magpies have accepted a £7.9 mill fee and the player is set for a medical next week. It has also been noted that the player has now removed his NUFC status from his twitter/twatter/twotter account.
Surely this can only mean one thing or is the player just being a Twit? 😆
Me meep
Some news on Campbell : http://www.espnfc.com/story/1933619/arsenal-forward-joel-campbell-fake-agent-exposed
Also on another note, I take it as a positive that the newsfeeds are linking us with all these players although there may be none whatsoever, goes to show that they think the Arsenal are still one of the top clubs, despite their reports!
Can’t see them generating much readership if they print that QPR is interested in so and so…! Although Ferdinand may take offence at that!
@254 Datsyuk with studs
Am enjoying the WC, key to it is being neutral (for the most part)!
@255 Goonertown
So it is true then, the twits are getting closer?! 😀
The quote I have for Debuchy was to a reporter on TF1 TV last night and he is said to have answered when asked:
“Yes, I will be joining Arsenal for next season”
So there you have it!
🙂
yes, BB @ 257. I can confirm that, the twotts have spoken. 🙂
If we lose Vermaelen, does this also mean that Djorou is back??!
😀
Anyone in the bar who refers to Arseblog as a trusted source, he offers a decent piece of Transfer news on Joel Campbell today
I would advise you to take a look 😆
Jiminy Cricket has chosen the Golden Boot winner : http://i.imgur.com/hcgjz6i.jpg
Of the opinion that Fred takes a lot of criticism as a player simply due to his name.
Manny, Moe and Jack would have no chance. 😉
Hulk’s chance to emerge from his shackles and crunch German tissues.
Mrs. bt8 just made her first significant comment on a World Cup player. She says Thiago Silva is the cute one in the Brazilian team. Seeing as he will miss the semi the only question for her is who is the substitute cutest. James Rodriguez apparently the cutest Colombian.
Sorry, misinterpreted Mrs. bt8’s true meaning (as ever). Apparently, David Luiz is her cutest. barf.
Liverpool are set to make one final attempt to try and lure Alexis Sanchez by offering him a massive £150,000-a-week to move to Anfield.
According to the Metro, USA World Cup star DeAndre Yedlin could be on trial at Liverpool in pre-season.
————-
Now that’s a chap which i want to see on trial with us. His engine was tremendous on the day! Non stop running!
If what Debuchy is reported to have said is true (big IF), then we have ourselves a right-back. PL experience and a good replacement for Sagna. But he’s only got about 2 years in him by AFC rules so that means:
a) Arsene doesn’t rate Aurier and/or doesn’t want a player who’s going to be disappearing to the ACN every year just when we need him most.
b) The club feel Jenks and/or Bellerin are the future and just need a solid back-up.
I see Wikipedia says that he began his career in midfield – so maybe he’s also cover at DM.
Forgot:
c) Arsene could have his eyes on another RB too.
Last night’s shenanigans. Turned on after 10 minutes – thought I was watching 10-pin bowling, the way everyone was tumbling every time the ball came near them. Has anyone actually been booked for diving at this WC? Stuck it to half-time and didn’t have any desire to switch it on again. Have seen Luiz’s free-kick – what a cracker!
I know everyone is saying this is a great WC but I’m still a sceptic.
So much for that early goal 🙂
Well the Germans are still in the hunt. I thought the French gave up in the second half. Lack of heart or home sick !
Haven’t seen that many games, Wimbledon tends to distract me and with Roger in tomorrow’s final, Pimms and the sofa in front of the TV will be my priorities.
I leave the speculation on our transferees to those in the loop, pity “James” is not in our price bracket. Very harsh yellow card handed him when so many worse challenges went unpunished, dozens of petty fouls and worse spoilt a good game.
Just tuned into the Argi/ Belgium game, come on you reds!
Oh dear the Argies have just scored!
Yesterday was quite sad for football in that I felt Brazil rough housed their way to victory over Colombia who were failed by the referee. The Luis free- kispck was magnificent but was an erroneous award. And to cap it Neymar who has done so well under huge pressure is out of the tournament. It’s hard to see Brazil beating Germany and probably Argentina without him particularly when they will lose Thiago Silva for the Germany game too.
I think this has been a fascinating, competitive spectacle butvtyevquality has been disappointingly low.
One final response to Aussie.
We have certainly made some rickets in the transfer market ( and you name several) but no way would I consider Arteta a mistake. He has given us excellent service and though he is reaching his sell- by date Inthink he has been money well spent .
Higuain absolutely outstanding today. Missed one there. We should have taken his 20 goals and 10 assists and be adding Sanchez to it this summer.
Mathieu Debuchy has reportedly told French television his move to Arsenal is done.
The Newcastle right back has been widely linked with a switch to the Emirates this summer with reports from France indicating on Saturday an £8million fee had been agreed.
And now the player himself is said to have confirmed the deal in an interview.
“Yes, I will be joining Arsenal for next season,” he is quoted as saying to TF1 television.
As underwhelming as the Argies has been, Belgium deserved to go out with that display. It went as I predicted, pity, felt the USA would have given the argies a run for their money as they are better organized!
Ho hum. Lets hope the last game of the quarters are loaded with goals and no dives from the serial diver!
Aussie,
I can’t add to your comment as I’ve seen nothing of the Neymar incident or, indeed, the entire match. But no, you don’t want to be rolling spinal i juries around.
I suppose the question is, were there reasonable grounds to suspect a spinal injury. As I say, I’ve seen nothing so can’t really speculate.
Hear, hear, ttg.
Last season was not great for Arteta but up to then he had been a great addition.
Out having dinner but heard Higuian came through
Bendtner leaves, Debuchy joins.
So we lose Debauchery and gain Debuchy. 😉
Oskar @238, well I’ll be damned. We share the same birthday. Many happy returns, you geezer, you.
Evening all, much though I would love to see Costa Rica win I have placed the ‘holic pound on 4-0 to the Dutch.
Let’s hope it is a better game than the earlier one.
Formerly known as the underdog’s World Cup, this tournament seems to be reverting to type. Come on Costa Rica. Please don’t let Robben dive all afternoon Mr. Referee.
281 – Higuain was the best player on the pitch today. Looked a striker used to playing on the biggest stage, which of course he is. Also came close to a second after some good skill and run to go clean through.
The most reliable source ( other than Arsenal.com)for Arsenal transfer news – Gooner Geoff – has tweeted that Arsenal have agreed terms with Suarez and the club are confident of a deal.
Nice… CR can counter too.. Campbell not too shady there!
We need competition for the goalie’s position! This match just shows how important it is!
My big fear is that we are to trusting dealing with Sanchez agent. Led up the path by Suarez’s 10% last summer. He says it’s all good, we delay an delay then he goes elsewhere 🙁
GO ON COSTA RICA!!!!
Ospina, Enyaema, Navas….etc. Just wow! Brilliant goalies in this WC!
Tty. Sanchez, not Suarez I hope?
Sorry everyone I do mean Sanchez. Suarez was SOOO last season!
TTG,
I thought it was tongue in cheek. Lol!
Campbell looks good, definitely an upgrade from Sanogo…!
Been impressed by Campbell so far, not that much in action in regards of finishing but everything he does has touch of class about it.
Eandy,
He’s just a little prone to loitering off the ball and not chasing and closing enough or is that a good quality for a striker?!
…andddd he’s off 🙁
Dutch defence looks a bit stretched at times.. can’t believe the industry of the CR boys.. they just keep running!
Agreed BB that he lost the ball on few occassions but Costa Rica are set up to defend with 9 men aginst Dutch and he was only outlet on the halfway line.
I did, however, also spot lack of tracking back from him when the possession came to Netherlands which is not a good trait to have.
Just hope he’s more industrious when he joins us.. although as i recall a certain Henry also rarely tracked back.. unless he lost the ball then he’s like a terrier!
😀
Buy Navas .. or Ospina…or Ochoa..! Wow!
Cmonnnn costa rica.
Aaaah there is the robben dive. Weve been waiting for you…
BB- Yes Joel campbell does have all the attributes of a top striker.
Hungry, cocky and confident and loves to shoot on chance and doesnt like to defend !
We need to forget about making ozil, poldi and our new striker doing defence work. We don’t pay them for that.
Its like your missus trying to get you to enjoy shoving ikea furniture in your car after walking Round the store for an hour, then asking you to build the furniture, then telling you how much of a bargain it was.
Aint gonna happen arsene , let our attackers attack.
TTG – arteta was not on my list as a poor player, but more as an example of 1 transfer we waited the whole window for and he was a good buy, but not top shelf, but you wait so long all of a sudden arteta is the greatest midfielder ever…..
BB – exactly about henry above.
Hahahahahahaha. 😆
She fell over 🙂
Looks like Robben needs to take a dive to save Hollands chances 😆
Great stuff costa rica
Huge effort
CR aparcando el autobus pero muy efectivamente.
One of the most entertaining 0-0. Congratulations to Costa Rica, already exceeded expectations!
Trivia : The Dutch have never won a World Cup game which has gone to extra time.
It doesn’t feel right, watching The Netherlands and not supporting them – sorry H2H. Come on, Arsène, uncover some Oranje gold. Meantime, come on Costs Rica.
It feels perfectly good not supporting van Persie and especially Robben.
Not to mention Kuyt.
Gonzales plays for Columbus Crew in the MLS.
Looks damn fine to me.
Im with trev !
The fact that CR have managed to minimise robbens chances of diving is amazing in itself
…and that looks like CR’s luck has run out! Navas is injured!
And he’s up again.. phew!
Costa Rica’s dangerman… is that guy from Fulham! Chew on that! 😀
How is thAt a free !!!!
And they should have had a penalty!
What Danny Murphy ?
Te refs have to learn to stop listening to and watching suarez, robben and neymar
Dont care who wins the world cup as long as it is not
1) brazil
2) netherlands
Good luck to the rest and lets get on with arsenal business
Judging by voice quality Danny Murphy has to be Ron Atkinson’s son …..
Ref is giving Robben the benefit of the doubt.. always the wrong thing to do 😀
As much as I detest Robben, I can only marvel on his speed and fitness in his age.
Gonzales is brilliant.
Arsene, Ivan ……
Sorry, doing Puno’s job now. 🙁
Can’t believe they still running like this!
And now they even are creating chances 🙂
Dutch keeper must live van Gaal. ???
Live = love. 🙁
A. Maz. Ing.
That won’t help as long as your own players only hit the frame 😉
Thank you, Costa Rica. Win or lose now, you’ve made my day.
Robben or van Persie to miss the decider ? 😉
Ohh.. Van Balls is going to be so loved at Man U!
😀
what a game this is, come on Costa Rica, luck has been on your side so far, finish the job now.
Has anybody ever seen the keepers beeing changed before a shoot-out?
Hahahh!
Has Krul just come on to take the piss.
Tosser.
Luck runs out?! Come on!
well well! Van Balls is impressive!
oh for fucks sake
Full credit to the costa ricans!
Somehow about the dutch ,the further they go, the shakier they seem. Don’t think it’s going to be a walkover now against the Argies!
Cracking Semi Finals coming up!
Full respect for Costa Rica
Crap! Now hoping for Messi FC to do a job on this unique collection of tossers.
Well done Costa Rica, well done.
Sneijder was the least detestable pen taker for the oranje, that says a whole lot.
Hope Di Maria is fit for that match! Going to be a cracker!
… and BUY NAVAS!
This is the first WC in my memory where it’s about the goalies!
Time they got some respect! 🙂
BB
Swiss meedja already posting that the WC is over for Di Maria. Don’t know if true or not though
Thats too bad about Di Maria if true… in addition to Neymar.. one would expect a Holland vs Germany final then!
Keylor Navas saved 21 of the 23 shots on target that he faced at this World Cup (91%).
Buy him and take him off only if a match goes into penalties! 😀
A teared muscle they say. Headline is from “purely football”
Oh and Timmy Krul’s gamesmanship… lack of class.
Well.. it looks like an all European final then..!
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto:
“We’re proud. We’re not a world power. We work with what we have. We’re going home unbeaten at the World Cup.”
..and England drew with Costa Rica.. that’s not too bad now is it?!
Datsyuk @336, Kadiri Ikhana, a Nigeria coach did it to great effect while leading my then Local Club, Enyimba Fc, to a Caf Champions League Title(the African equivalent of the UCL), if I remember correctly he did it in the final game of the tournament and the ‘keeper who came on saved two penalties just like Krul did today.
Costa Rica 5th place finishers, surely.
‘Perhaps it’s time to get back in the garden’. Good advice, ‘Holic.
And what a lovely garden you have.
Cheers all xx
…And then there were three…
LuPo, PerMer and Mesut “I love football, but 90 minutes???…hell, no way man…Where’s that Fanta?” Ozil.
4 – 0 to the Dutch?! Slip of the liver, maestro?
Many happy returns returned Lonestar. But I’d be surprised in a group of this size if there weren’t others also sharing the day. Have you (or has anyone here) heard of the Birthday Paradox? It says that…
In a room of just 23 people there’s a 50-50 chance of two people having the same birthday. And in a room of 70 there’s a 99.9% chance.
It sounds unlikely, but that’s how probability works. As Wiki explains … “The mathematics behind this problem led to a well-known cryptographic attack called the birthday attack, which uses this probabilistic model to reduce the complexity of cracking a hash function”. Get in.
Öskar
I agree with the diving re Neymar, Aussie. It’s a blot on the game and needs to be dealt with. Either by a heap of yellow cards or, better still, by analysing possible diving incidents after the game and red-carding the offenders … 1 match for a first offence, 2 matches for a second and so on. I’d be astonished if they disn’t suddenly discover how easy it is to actually stay on your feet.
I like to remember the time Theo didn’t roll around in agony after being (definitely) fouled in the area, but stayed upright and scored instead … completing his hat-trick.
Öskar
A win to me this time, Dr F? As I predicted in the last drinks:
“Most goals in the quarters? Brazil – Colombia. Both have attacks way better than their defences. Least? Netherlands-Costa Rica. I expect the Dutch to play a slow game after their last sauna game. Semis: Brazil-Germany, Netherlands-Argentina.” … http://goonerholic.com/2014/06/brazil-spot-on-for-now/#comments
Right on every count. I have to say that watching the Netherlands game, wanting them to win but also wanting my prediction to come true, was nerve-wracking in the extreme.
Successive 120-minute matches, plus a shootout this time, does not bode well for Netherlands against Argentina. I fear my original Germany-Netherlands final may not come to pass. I’ll still predict it but I worry about Messi. And possibly Higuain who had the best game I can remember him having against the Belgies. Not that that is saying much frankly.
Öskar
Di Maria impressed me today. He’s always looked good but I thought he also worked very hard and displayed great technique. Shame about the injury, but could be an ideal time to make an offer for him AW.
Öskar
Oscar.
You are on a roll sir.
Get down with ya bad self!!!
Finally could watch the QF matches, recorded and all.
Oskar, yes you were right about the predictions. I thought Argentina-Belgium would yield some more goals but it was an unexpectedly assured and street-smart performance by Argentina. Messi’s off-the-ball intelligence was brilliant to watch, opening up spaces for Lavezzi and Higuain time and again. And that was as robust a defensive midfield performance by Maschernaho-Biglia as in the days of Simeone. One can now sense that this team has now figured out multiple ways to win and have stumbled upon the best formation. Choosing Biglia over Gago — who is a better footballer and classier passer, but Biglia can really defend — to partner Maschernaho was a clever move and I think we will see that line-up against the Dutch as well.
Aguero’s injury actually worked in favor of the Argentinians, as now they are more balanced — neither him nor Higuain enjoyed working down the flanks and fitting them both in created problems — and in Lavezzi has someone who can really defend as well.
Netherlands became worrying predictable as the game went on, just hoping Robben will pull something off magically. He had a great game, how much I might dislike him, and was by far the best player on the pitch from the Oranje. But Kudos to Costa Rica, that was a surreal rearguard action, and towards the end they almost made their perseverance and discipline count in a counter-attack or two.
“The Indiscrete (Goalmouth) Impotence of the Oranje” … would have been the name of the movie if the Dutch-CR game were one.
Sad to hear of Alfredo Di Stefano’s heart attack. Good luck to him for a recovery, although at 88 prospects can’t be great.
He is one of the true superstars of football and his partnership at Real Madrid with the Hungarian magician Ferenc Puskás was mind-boggling during Real’s five successive European Cup* wins in the late ’50s. The 7-1 thrashing of Eintracht in the 1960 final was the most memorable performance by any team I think I’ve ever seen. And, yes, I was old enough to judge.
Öskar
* European Cup, now known as Uefa Champions League
352 BB
Fully agree with you there. He was playing some dirty psychological games out there.
I think the Dutch were still a bit knackered after their exhausting last 16 overtime game in that dreadful weather and didn’t want to go all out, relying on a bit of skill at the right moment to beat a team I’m sure they could beat 9 times out of 10. Well played the Costas, but the right team won with all the stats overwhelmingly in favour of the Dutch.
I have to say van Gaal is looking several leagues better than David Moyes. Subbing a fit and energetic Krul for the guy who had mostly been standing around in the sun for 120 minutes was genius. Manure are likely to be a force to be watched come August, with or without any marquee signings.
Öskar
Oskar @ 366: I have seen some footages of that Magical Magyars of the 54 world cup, Puskás, Hidegkuti, Kocsis et al. Quite unbelievable really that they didn’t win it that year. Would be interested in knowing your memories of that world cup.
Good luck to Mr. Di Stéfano … he is still Madrid’s second or third highest goalscorer even after all these years.
Morning all. Have a lovely Sunday.
IN THE GARDEN 🙂
HUP HOLLAND HUP!!!
Are we still the only football club/ premier league club/ FA cup winning club/ champions league qualifying club on the planet who have done no business at all ?
It ay be sacrilege to say, but is there a bit of Ian Wright about The Panther? Both had pace, could finish from anywhere on the pitch, and they share an audacious streak. Both players for the big occasion. I am excited.
The front 3 could have a distinctly more attacking look next season. Less 4-5-1 with conventional midfielders out wide and more a proper 4-3-3. Giroud, Poldi, Theo joined by Campbell and Sanchez. Given Theo is returning from such a serious injury, I’d say there is scope for one more attacker in there. Giroud gets injured, we are thin and makeshift again. Maybe that is a step to far for the goldbugs? Then again, if “super quality” is about at the right price near deadline day…?
#WhereMeSanchez
#FreeScneiderlin
#DebutDebuchy
Get those 3 wrapped up and we are just an elderly keeper, a budding start at centre-back and another version of the Giroud role away from a stunning summer 🙂
Forward.
371 – I think we are the only one in the EPL who is less than £50mil into a spunking spree :/
Given the paper prices quoted of 8, 20, 25 for the 3 players being talked up for announcement next week and the money we got from Vela and Cesc, 10 and 5, my maths says that’s 53-15=38. So, if the tattle men have any veracity whatsoever (yes, I know, bin-bags at the ready etc) we are still a clean £60mil in the balk in the transfer budget account. (AST figures back that up.)
Doesn’t all have to go this year of course, but for a freebie-ish keeper, a defender to develop and a striker it is a pretty huge amount. Puma must be licking themselves innit.
BIG Ivan is living the dream.
Forward.
Oscar.
I think you’re confused. sir.
Last night was NL’s first extra time game.
Mexico was beaten in 90 minutes.
It was Costa Rica who had played extra time and had had a penalty shoot out in the previous round against Greece,
BOOM: being reported Barca have accepted a £32mil bid from us for Sanchez. They get a lot of stick, but that Veysey normally pretty sharp with our business. Very positive sign. Roll on Friday 🙂
Didn’t think any of the quarter final ties were that spectacular, but I suppose it’s all about perspective.
The first, Brazil v Colombia, I thought was ruined by inept officiating. Brazil looked better then they had previously done. Colombia huffed and puffed, but I never really thought they were going to get anything out of the game, even if they had tried harder, I still don’t think that the ref would of allowed them the victory.
Brazil losing their captain through suspension is big, losing Neymar is a massive blow, and a real shame for the overal tournament, he had been impressive.
France v Germany was a prety tepid affair, ze manschaft scored early and seemed content to just see the game out. Les Bleus were pathetic, no bite what so ever, I would of expected a little more urgency, but in the end they just meakly surrendered without much resistance. (has history taught us nothing?)
The first of yesterday’s ties was up on the big screen in the bar, I watched the first half, but for the second I was pretty busy, as I had invinited a few regulars in to try out a new concept I’ve been working on, so I can’t really comment too much, except that what I saw wasn’t really all that.
Later, was the game that really mattered, well, to me anyway, and standing behind my bar amidst a sea of orange, meant I saw a completly different game to many that have reported on various blogs. (I haven’t read an official report yet). What I have read is that NL shouldn’t be too happy because they “only” beat Costa Rica, complete twaddle and kind of reminisince of what many said about a certain F.A cup final victory not so long ago. Costa Rica may very well of been the underdogs, but they were there on merit, not by luck. They had prevailed against the Greeks with ten men in the previous round and, lest we forget, finished TOP of a group containing England, Italy and Uraguay featuring the not yet banned Bitey O Toole.
I thought that Costa Rica played an excellent pressing game, but lacked adventure. Joel Campbell was poor, he ran around a bit with the ball, but that was about it, squad material at best. I also thought that CR were playing for penalties from about the 46th minute. Their keeper played out of his skin, but Oranje really should of put the game to bed long before the dreaded spot kicks. I read that CR should of had a penalty, I’ll have to claim the Arsene defence on that….. honestly, I didn’t see it.
I also read that Robben was diving, funny because usually true, but what I saw was the best player on the field be serially hacked down, (perspective, eh?). What I also saw was CR players going down and rolling around on the floor eating up the clock, especially in ET.
Non the less, it went to the nerve racking shoot out. I suppose van Gaal will get all the kudos for switching keepers. Personally, I think he had nothing to lose. If it pays off he’s a “genius”, if not, ah well “penalties are a lottery” (not my words). I read that Krul (who regular readers will know, I rate) showed “unsporting” behaviour. I beg to differ. He did his job, played the mind games and won. If that were an Arsenal keeper you’d of loved it…….. perspective.
All in all, it was a freakin’ horrible game to watch, but a good night in the end… plus two more games to fill the coffers of the H2H retirement plan. 😉
Semi’s too hard to call for me. Germany tough to work out, don’t think we’ve seen the best of them yet, the only game they turned it on was against Portugal. Brazil will miss two important players, I suppose it may go down to how Refinihio performs.
The Argies haven’t set the world on fire either, nut Messi can change any game with one action, so Oranje will have it tough. But at least there still in it so I get to keep having the big screen on with footy the whole day.
H2H,
Congratulations on the win! Looks like it may be holland’s year after all. For me it’s a sure bet almost to the finals. Argies have been real lucky not to lose so far, and now with Di Maria out, unless Messi can pass to himself (which i may have seen once, but i put that down to my inebriation!) methinks that Holland will go through easily.
Excellent semi final matches to look forward too!
May the best team win!
Cheers BB.
Cheerleading for Robben.
That deserves a ban, Holic. 😉
Luis Felipe Scolari revealed that Neymar had no feeling in his legs after suffering the injury that ended his participation in the 2014 World Cup.
The Brazil coach said, in quotes reported by Marca, that Marcelo asked his teammate how he was. “He replied: ‘I can’t feel my legs.’ Scared, Marcelo called on the team doctor, but doctors are not allowed on the pitch.
————
Neymar is one lucky boy…!
BB. Messi passes to himself quite often, it seems to me, pinging it off defenders. Now that the underdogs are out I’m back to my original prediction of Brazil v. Argentina, the traditional anti-colonial favorites.
A reputable Italian journalist has apparently had it confirmed to him that the Debuchy deal has gone through. If the Goal story about Sanchez is also true it does suggest that they may be announced officially on Thursday at the Puma launch.
Should we sign Suarez this is a powerful statement of intent. He is a very real talent and will give us much more attacking variety and flexibility than we had last year as will Joel Campbell when he adjusts to English football. This may take a while.I think the critics of Campbell have been very unfair . He had a fine tournament and was one of the reasons CR were so effective . He was run into the ground in the Greek game and did not look like he had recovered physically .
I would not be surprised to see Remy join as well. He is a snip at £8 million and will give us much greater rotation opportunities. This would mean Giroud/ Bendtner/ Park/ Sanogo would be replaced by Giroud/ Sanchez/ Remy/ Campbell. Sanogo needs a loan spell which we could afford to give him with this roster in place.
I assume we will sign one of Schneiderlin or Khedira. My preference would be Khedira as he is simply a better player.
One player we might consider as a squad player is Joleon Lescott. I believe he is available on a free and can play left back or centre back. If we do take the lad we got from Barca as our fourth centre half ( Pleg…….!) Lescott would add considerable quality and experience to our squad.
As for the goalie I can’t believe Wenger would look seriously at Valdes or Casillas as they would demand the number one jersey. Navas looks sensational and Ospina and Ochoa also impressed me.
On this basis we would have a very decent squad with a real chance in the EPL next season.
Don’t think we’ll be signing Suarez ttg, and Lescott has already signed for WBA I think.
Be nice to get Sanchez though. 😉
TTG – I hear you, feeling that vibe to. (Except for Lescott???)
Either would be good, but I prefer schneiderlin. Kedira a box to box player. Don’t see that’s what we need with Ramsey and wilshere at the club. Take the one who can anchor the midfield all day long here.
I also found the Campbell criticism on here odd. At 21 an new to the EPL of course he will be a squad player, but there is a lot to like there. The list of players who have performed better than him at the World Cup is not long. That is a daft way to judge him though, is ronaldo suddenly a dud player for example? A budding young talent should be making even the most seasoned watcher smile a bit.
Also think Remy would be very smart. Good variety to Giroud at a steal of a price. Is BIG Ivan waiting to see if someone prettier calls first?
Heh @ zico.
When the subject matter is being a football manager and navigating through the waters of the transfer window:
Louis Van Gaal = Albert Einstein
Arsène Wenger = Forrest Gump
388 = Timmaaaah, with an on board computer.
I see where you are coming from H2H. Respect. And congratulations.
I am happy that the Orange have gone through as they deserved it, on balance though Costa Rica were the romantics’ favourite as underdogs.
I think the cuntitude quotient of this Dutch squad and manager makes it difficult for me to hope they win the pot – which is a first time for me to not want them to win since 1974.
However for the sake of your retirement fund I will be happy to se them get to the final despite my tenner on the Argies to win the pot.
Pint of celebratory ale of your choice and chaser of your choice on the bar, sir.
Zico- apologies. I missed the Lescott transfer and two days running I have confused Sanchez and Suarez.
On that basis I think we need to look at a different defensive option. Some of the young defenders we are being linked with fill the bill but their development might be affected if we don’t play them often. I like the look of Gonzales who was superb for Costa Rica.
Cheers Bath, sir.
I totaly agree on the level of cuntitude, but, until they are out they’re my cunts, after that normal service will be resumed.
For the record, my pre tournament tip was Argentina.
Would have loved to see a Brazil- Argentina final but now without two of the better players in the teams, that would be anti climatic!
Methinks the semis will have far more spectacle than the final!
Admirable defence of the Oranje, H2H. Have to say zico has a point though 😉
He probably has, but don’t let him know that Guv’…..
He’ll get ideas above his station. 😉
Funny old tournament. The group stage produced lots more goals than South Africa but little in the way of memorable football and much less magic than the classic World Cups which had a lot less games. The last sixteen was compelling because of the tension but there were few goals and even less magic and the Q Finals have illustrated how ordinary the teams are.
I anticipate very little difference from hereon in . The Brazil/ Germany game will be played in a frenetic atmosphere but lacking their two best players it is easy to see Germany being too solid for them and Argentina/ Holland will probably be similar to the Belgium game yesterday. We might be due for the third Argentina v Germany WC Final in history. This really is nothing like a classic World Cup in football terms but it has been played in a great atmosphere in a great football country.
@TTG am loving that front line up you got up there. If we can pull that off, I really would be loving our chances at the PL title.
Pre-assist?
If you fancy drowning in your own juices, put “Alexis Sanchez id onesie” in to youtube.
Forward.
Oh, he’s only gone and scored on his birthday! 😛
Udinese FFS. Horrible horrible predictive crap 🙁
Boom .. Sanchez!!!!
Left foot. Top corner.
Ave it….,
That was a miss.. wonder if the omens be bad for el sancho…! Hmm!
Bollocks…
Happy birthday windy
I’m not convinced Sanchez is our new striker. I think he will play wide mainly and we will still add another to compete with Giroud. Just my hunch.
Preach BIG Ivan.
Forward
Great game between the two greats this afternoon
Do a bit of back drinking and what do I see? A whole load of transfer talk. Don’t any of you have anything better to discuss?
#Free Jackson
…by the way 😆
Arsenal end Chelsea’s 100% record
Kelly Smith scored twice as holders Arsenal ended Chelsea’s 100% Continental Cup Group One record with a 3-0 win at Meadow Park.
————–
Already the good news start coming! 😀
So pool are interested in Lazar Markovic, that sanchez deal may have something to it then.. Come on Arsene .. Sign him up! 😀
The poo will try to give Sanchez the ‘don’t do it’ talk. But their interest in Markovic speaks volumes. My guess is that these deals were in motion long before we heard about them. The early bird and all of that good stuff.
I certainly hope so Goonertown, if we sign Debuchy, who everyone seems to think, and also get Sanchez, then I can only conclude that Arsene wants to go out with a bang!
He’s done buying up and coming players and want mature first rate performers, shows he’s gearing up for a proper challenge on all fronts now!
Let’s hope we get these targets then!
Exactly, I’ll drink to that BB.
414 – Wait until Friday will be unbearable :/
Well in and Happy Birthday, Wind
A semi to look forward to on Tuesday evening.
Small mercies etc. etc. 😉
Happy birthday, Wind.
Nice goal.
All this X are interested in Y stuff being regurgitated in the bar makes me laugh. I think I’ll go and get two pots, put names of PL teams in one and names of random players in another and relay the results here. Will have just as much relationship to reality as anything else I’m reading.
H2H: Sorry, but sincerely hope Holland lose 1-0 from a Messi dive in 94th minute. On the other hand, agree 100% with your assessment of JC – sell ‘im now.
Thanks Steve T, Pangloss and Trev 🙂
H2H. Further apology – I’ve written some stupid stuff on here before but that last one is beyond even my comprehension – a brainfart, as you might say. I honestly couldn’t give a flying fuck which bunch of snivelling, cheating, diving SOBs wins the WC, so if it’s the bunch you and your customers are rooting for, I hope you enjoy the subsequent celebrations.
Sooner August 16 and normal service arrives the better.
I see Mr Guff and Mr Waffle are still very much in the ascendancy in the bar.!!
TTG
re your correction of my faulty memory re Gilberto and the 2002 WC.
I have realized it was actually the 2004 Copa America,which Brazil won,resulting in Gilberto being late back from holidays and missing the start of the season.
I have a feeling we might also have had a midfielder out injured as well,but that was why Fabregas got his first start for the Gunners.
Many Happy returns Wind my friend,i hope you score on your birthday.!!
Cheers
The Sweeper
Blimey, Holic’s in the bar.
Must be dark in Wiltshire. 😉
Oh, must be dark in here too !
Thought Goonersince54 said Goonerholic. 🙁
Evening, Clive.
Been seeing far too much of Mr Guff and Mr Waffle. 😉
Haha, thanks Clive ;P
Happy birthday, Wind.
And you know what that does for your eyesight, Trev….
I wonder if the excellence of some of the glove buttling we’ve seen in this WC is a reflection of the falibiliies of the back fours in front of them.
Probably, NBN, and the fallibilities too. 😉
Memories of the ’54 World Cup, Dr F? I was 12 at the time and I doubt there was any TV coverage. My impressions wouldn’t have been based on much, probably a bit of newsreel footage at the cinema!
By the time RM won their 5th successive European Cup in 1960 I was 18, so old enough to remember it well and it was on TV for sure. Coverage nothing like today of course, no more than a couple of cameras, black and white, no instant replays etc.
Öskar
Touché H2H (#375), NL did indeed only play extras against Costa. But the point I was making is equally relevant since their game against Mexico was played in by far the worst heat conditions of any game so far … 39°C in the shade (probably 50 plus on the sunny side of the pitch).
The debilitating effect of that game surely explains NL’s slow approach to Costa, saving themselves hoping to score enough to win without conceding. It’s why I nominated that match as the most likely to be the lowest scoring of the quarters.
It didn’t exactly go to plan and they ended up going 120 minutes plus the shootout. I’m now concerned they may lack the energy to beat Argentina, although I believe they should.
Öskar
The Alexis Sanchez deal seems to be arriving at the point of firmer speculation. At least. Please let it be true.
http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2014/7/6/5874445/report-barcelona-alexis-arsenal-transfer?
Wind @ 400 : Happy Birthday!
Oskar @ 428: Ah, you are relatively young. Our old (died a decade or so ago, into his nineties, with most faculties still intact) family Physician back in India — who was with one of the Gurkha brigades as the military doctor in North Africa in WWII — had been traveling through Eastern Europe at the time of 54 world cup and he told me that he was in Budapest at the time of the final, there was TV coverage and thousands flocked to cinemas and party offices in Hungary to (sadly) witness the ‘miracle’ of Bern. He used to say that that Hungary team was a few times better than even the ’82 Brazil.
It could be that we all recall the excitement of the peak of our youth with such an intense fondness that the act of recollection itself reinforces our faith in the exceptionality of the events recalled, or it could be that those Magical Magyars were truly exceptional, or both… 🙂
Appearances could be so deceiving!
Debuchy — Debussy would have been so much of a nicer spelling, then we could be talking about the opposition wingers un-“Ravel”ing — matches Sagna both physically and statistically (in the last season or so) according to this analysis http://news.arseblog.com/2014/07/why-wenger-has-changed-targets-from-aurier-to-debuchy-by-the-numbers/ . On TV Debuchy seems to appear smaller and lighter than both Sagna and Aurier. Also I can’t quite believe that he has such a high percentage of aerial success.
So.. we’re also in it for Lars Bender?!..
Surprised to see so much negativity directed towards Joel Campbell. A young player who is clearly desperate to make his way for us under AW’s expert tutelage. Give the kid a chance before writing him off.
Forward.
I’m with you El Puno – looks a lot closer to the finished article than Sanogo, that is for sure.
El @ 415 😆
The news this morning looks positive. Long may it continue.
El Punö@434: I’m not writing him off – I just think we should be aiming for higher quality. Haven’t seen anything consistently from him that excites me yet.
However, if he stays and proves me wrong, I’ll be delighted to come on here with apologies (a habit of mine).
El & Z
It takes one to know one.
The boy oozes with class.
I think Brazil in 1970 were the best team I have seen. Their games crackled with excitement, outrageous things were tried and in players like Jairzinho, Rivelino, Tostao and Gerson they had huge talents, topped off by the superb Pele who did astounding things every game. They did not have a perfect defence and England gave them a marvellous game- but we were World Champions then!
If you haven’t seen the 1970 footage it is well worth looking at in a spare moment. I have seen a lot of football and it ranks with anything- even John Hawley and John Kosmina!
Dr F.
My Dad was at Wembley when Hungary best England 6-3 and raved about them. I only saw Puskas later in life but if you get a chance to see the 1961 Europen Cup Final at Zhampden in 1961 that represents one of the greatest games ever played and us a fitting testament to the great Alfredo Di Stefano who is currently so ill.
I see Blog is going on about transfer news again today. Tut tut!
Over all of these years, I thought he only spoke about cricket!
Well done to Lewis by the way. Grand Prix winner! 🙂
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the Arsenal have made a €28million bid for Colombia World Cup star Juan Cuadrado.
Goonertown – Got to sit tight until Friday, but looking very promising 🙂
Really seems like we will get the 3 glaring needs sorted early and have time to add more if/when either “super quality” or value appear. If they pull this off, it really will be a resurrection for BIG Ivan after last summer’s complete balls up.
Dkg – wasn’t aimed at you specifically mate, plenty of people keen to sell him. (I floated the idea to, but based upon his value rocketing during the WC, which it hasn’t really.)
JC should get a few domestic cup games up front to prove himself. Campbell can play wide right a well. Means we don’t have to flog Theo to another injury. A right-wing rotation of Theo, JC, and AOC is pretty decent. We could get Sanchez out there as well if we wanted. Sanchez, Cazorla, Poldi on the left… Still think we are short another forward who can hold the ball up and bring other in to play though. (Especially as JC and/or Sonogo could get loaned out in Jan once the kids cup is done.)
Be greedy BIG Ivan.
Forward
441 – Pray for BIG Ivan 🙂
435 – Yet to see Sonogo do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcwmXJYbDU
🙂
El @ 442 – Back in our more budgety days we were not known for splashing out our full transfer kitty. I would advise against it unless we were in desperate need. However saying that, we could still get a decent centre forward alongside what we are rumoured to be signing and still be within our rumoured budget. I know the club will make the right decisions no matter who they decide to purchase. It’s always good to go for one of your top three options in this game, or if you cannot, at least extend your want list as far as possible.
In conclusion, our links seem wise and shrewd. Long may it continue.
btw – Pre-season training starts today.
Latest rumour – Due to the injury of Neymar, there is speculation that this could delay the transfer of Sanchez. What with Messi also still in the WC. However, my guess is that, such a delay will also impact on the transfer of Luis. Likelihood rating: 4/10.
dkgooner: I disagree with you and H2H on Campbell. I have definitely seen enough to think he’s worth a place in the squad to try and prove himself. He’s big and strong and has a thunderbolt of a shot and does have an eye for a pass as he showed in their game v Uruguay with his brilliant assist. He’s proven that he can play up top on his own and his relative lethargy in the last WC game was probably mostly down to him having run his socks off in the previous games. He’d most likely be a big upgrade on Sanogo (who despite his limitations actually did, after all, contribute quite significantly to our cup win), and I can certainly see him being useful against tiring opponents. I can’t see him being a regular starter for us next season but the kid has potential in my view and like I said I think he would be a much better fit as an understudy to Giroud than Sanogo is at this point. Of course we all want world class (whatever that means) players for all 25 squad places but that won’t happen and I think we could do far worse than letting Campbell have a go and I think it could potentially pay off massively.
GT @445 – definitely no need to go spend every penny we have, but according to the AST, that £100mil figure is a conservative estimate of what we could afford to spend this summer and still have plenty left to roll over in to next year along with any profits we make. At some point the whole purpose is to boost the squad and success in turn will boost revenues. This is all earned and not debt. That said, definitely better to hold it than spend it on crap on a 4 year contract, having just shifted that hard earned deadwood lesson off the books. (After the first 3 positions arriving, a keeper, CB, and another attacker possibly?)
Forward 🙂
El @ 447 ditto 🙂
As you say, friday couldn’t come soon enough
El Puno: what really gets my goat about that AST guesstimate is that transfer fees are not the main issue – it’s about having a steady enough income stream to finance the wages. Most (all, even?) PL clubs could buy a player for 50 million pounds if it had only been about the transfer fee but very few can afford the wages of those top, top players.
Ttg … the Hampden Park European Cup final you mentioned in #439 was in 1960, the one against Eintracht Frankfurt I referred to in #365. The score was 7-3 to RM (not 7-1 as I said before).
Those were the days … RM’s team featured one Argentinian and 10 Spaniards plus a Spanish manager (Di Stéfano and Puskás were both full Spanish internationals by that time). Eintracht’s consisted solely of German players and a German manager. Imagine that today!
Öskar
Lars@446: Time will tell.
I see Alex Scott from the Arsenal Ladies team is really clued in on Arsene-speak. Talking about Jordan Nobbs’ return, she says:
“We’re glad to have her back, though. It’s like a new signing for the second half of the season.”
I see 12 first team Players report back for training today. Is Wenger back from Brazil or is he still there doing TV work?
Lars – We just got an extra £40/50mil a year steady income from the new shirt and stadium deals. There is the new TV deal money on top of that.
Given that Bendtner and his famous 52k, Park, Fabianski, Sagna are of the books we will have to sign a couple of players before we even increase our wage bill it would seem?
We are loaded at the moment. This is why we built the new stadium. AW has done the hard work, now it is time for him to kick on and really challenge for the league and champions league.
Forward
Morning Lars
Just watched episode 3 of riveting Swedish Political drama/thriller called Death of a Pilgrim.
Switching between the past and the present using the same personnel that were involved originally,it really is superbly done.
One more episode to go,have you seen it.??
Highly recommended.
cheers
The Sweeper
Clive – I eavesdropped on you recommending Jo Nesbo to someone on the blog a year or so back. I’ve just read a second one of his Harry Hole novels and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks.
Transfer rumour:
If we tie up Sanchez and Debuchy, we will look for DM/HM and back -up keeper before closing up shop.
Hopefully at least one of my favs will be signed.
El Puno: there is no doubt we have far more money now than just two years ago. I hope my drink didn’t come across as too grumpy – that was certainly not my intention. I just think this focus on transfer fees and how much is in the fabled “war chest” isn’t entirely correct.
Sweeper: I haven’t seen that one but I’ve heard it’s supposed to be very good. The author of the books (who by the way lives just a few hundred yards away from where I live, I often see him out walking his dog – useless trivia of the day right there!) on which the series is based has written a bunch of crime stories and is also a professor of Criminology. He often uses real-life events and builds semi-fictional stories around them like he’s done here with the murder of Olof Palme. The real-life murder has never been caught although one chap, an alcoholic/drug addict named Christer Pettersson, was convicted for it but cleared on appeal.
Lars@446 & 449: Agree with you that Campbell is well worth a place in the first-team squad, and that he offers something different to Sanogo. Your point about wages is spot on, too.
Rumour: Pardew wants Jenkinson to replace Debuchy…
Can’t see AW doing that, but a year of first team football might be good for ‘The White Cafu.’ If we were to nab Micah Richards for a bit of rb/cb cover it… He is a gooner…
BIG Ivan KNOWS.
Forward
El Puno: I’d guess that the Jenkinson rumours come from some hack adding two and two and making thirteen and a half. “Hmm, let’s see… Debuchy to Arsenal… Newcastle will need a replacement… hmm… *looks at Arsenal squad* hey, they have another RB – Pardew could conceivably want him as part exchange… *writes bullshit story*”
If we are remembering the greatest sides of all time, then AC Milan at the end of the 1980s must be up there with Di Stefano’s Real Madrid of the late 1950s and Cruijff’s Ajax of the late 1960s. Super-quality in abundance with Maldini, Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Ancelotti, Tassotti, Baresi, Costacurta, and Donadoni.
Pangloss
Great to hear you are enjoying his books.
Jo Nesbo along with Deon Meyer and Asa Larsson are the 3 best European crime thriller writers going around.
The Haary Hole series is absolutely brilliant.
His latest,called Police,devastated me half way through with something i just never saw coming.
I couldn’t pick up the book for a couple of days such was the shock.
Make sure you read them in the correct order.
The Oslo sequence starts with The Redbreast,is followed by Nemesis,then The Devil’s Star.The Redeemer,The Snowman,
The Leopard,The Phantom and the current release,Police.
Reading a good book is joy to the soul.
Enjoy.
Cheers
The Sweeper
I must correct myself
Deon Meyer is South African,so i should have omitted the word
‘ European ‘ from my previous post.
My Apologies
I had just read a certain scribes latest Guff and Waffle,and was distracted.!!
El puno – going back to @447 – you made a statement about the idea of the club was To boost the squad, then the success in turn will boost revenues.
Can I enquire if you are a chartered accountant or a financial professor, or a mathematical educator or a financier of some kind or just a brilliant business man.
The reason I ask is that it is a very astute observation and makes absolute sense to me as a battler.
Given this simple statement makes sense to me as a novice of all things financial, you would seriously think that Arsene and Ivan would get it…..
Wouldn’t you think so…..
Geniuses, the pair of em.
NBN@462: Yes, Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan is the best team I remember having started to watch football in early eighties. I was in my early teens then and they left an indelible impression … technically superb (as you said, each and everyone in that team), great athletes and with such tactical maturity and cleverness.
More diverse and exciting than the tiki-taka Barcelona of Pep, who were a great team but less diverse and less adaptable.
Oskar
Thanks for the correction I think we got the details right between us. It was extraordinary football albeit it from a gentler era.
Ozil is having a poor world cup? Well the German team management and the statisticians do not agree …
http://news.arseblog.com/2014/07/german-assistant-defends-flop-ozil/
Afternoon Clive, et al,
Interesting comment as I bought The Redbreast on your recommendation some while back. I still haven’t actually had time to read it but I’ll make sure I do them all in the right order, as prescribed above !
Memory of the book has faded in the meantime, but a few years ago I read one by Mitch Albom called Tuesdays with Morrie.
I just remember being quite struck by it at the time and I’ve recently had one recomnended to me by the same author, titled The Five People You Meet In Heaven.
Can’t comment on it as I haven’t read it yet, but if you fancy an alternative to crime writing…….
Cheers
The Right Back (left footed). Don’t we need one of those ?
Can you still remember that whole team of Holics you / we put together ?
Summer seemed a lot more fun then with The Happy Train, Celia and the dwarves, etc etc. when we all just knew we had no money and were rather enthused by the acquisition of Sebastian Squillaci. 😉
Can’t believe how many are picking Argentina and Brazil to get through!
Emotions taking over perhaps?!
Has anybody else seen the supposed new away shirt? The two tone diagonal blue stripes?
http://i.imgbox.com/JpibhPRl.png
Cynic @ 471: I think I had seen that as one of the options in a survey sent out by the club a month back or so. Among others. None of them were that appealing.
BB@470: Or history.
There really is nothing between the teams to choose one over another. Brazil despite the absence of Neymar and Thiago Silva would have the home and Scolari factors (no one has been convinced by them, but yet Brazil is here in the Semis). Scolari’s teams are excellent at managing the key moments.
Germany’s defense can be targeted. Slowish and the high line can be caught napping with fast and direct running. But equally their movements in the opposition final third would give any defense a lot of problem.
Argentina in the QF brought out another side to their game, the robust DM screening and good defensive organization. Messi has been playing well within himself, using the attention heaped upon him to open up spaces for others, but Di Maria would be a big absence.
Goonersince54 @ 463: That is a lot of crime fiction to read in a lifetime. 🙂
The last Scandinavian crime fiction writer I really used to enjoy was Henning Mankell and his Kurt Wallander series, but afterwards I stopped reading those except for the odd novel here and there.
All of these tend to be little too gritty and procedural for my taste. My favorite of the modern European crime fiction series would be the delightfully zany zen of Grijpstra and De Gier of the Amsterdam Cop Series by the ex-cop and ex-monk Janwillem van de Wetering . He is ex-alive, having expired at his Maine home back in 2008. Gets to the heart of the matter with a few swift turn of phrases: not just who killed, or why kill, but why care…
Thought I’d take a quick wander into my favourite Arsenal internet bar.
I can see the quality of the drinks remains undiminished.
My only contribution is a round of drinks on the bar for all the regulars.
Cheers all!
PS: OJ for The Sweeper.
Rumours :
“I really do not know where I will play, Arsenal or elsewhere next season. All my attention went to the World Cup. I will see when I talk with Arsenal,” Vermaelen is quoted as saying in the Evening Standard.
Done Deal!
Glen Kamara, Tafari Moore and Josh Vickers have signed professional terms with Arsenal Football Club.
All three players were mainstays of the Arsenal Under-18s side that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final last season, with Kamara and Moore also helping the under-19s to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League.
————–
A precursor of more to come no doubt!
Aussie – I have no idea who your sarcasm is directed at there. If it’s me, cool. You better be careful what you say about BIG Ivan though, he don’t mess about.
Forward
Anyone know if Djourou has signed elsewhere? Club website ha him listed in the first team squad… We could do a lot worse for a fourth choice central defender IMO. (Plus, being on the website this is one for those curmudgeons who still like their transfer fees with just 2 zeroes and prefer to wait until it’s up on arse.com 😉
Forward
@473 Doc
Well, I can see an upset coming but not two, Germany-Argentina finals is my prediction. Just don’t see the Brazilians lifting their game without two of their key players despite the support and all, especially against the methodological and clinical Germans.
Argentina, arguably played well in the last match because Belgium were not closing out space and they had a few suspensions/injuries which actually worked in their favour, and yes Messi being who he is may actually pull something off.
El Puno @ 480: I thought Djourou has already signed to be a permanent Hamburg player starting next season. I could be wrong. He is in his mid-twenties, needs to make a career, and fourth choice CB is hardly the option, so makes more sense for him to move on. But I agree that he was happy staying wouldn’t have been the worst no.4 CB we could have. I think Iggy may get a chance, and he takes the chance then he will be persisted with otherwise we will get another CB next year and he will be moved on. If TV5 is leaving then we will of course need to invest in one CB anyway this season.
BB @ 481: Agreed that one of Brazil or Argentina may miss out. Germany actually hasn’t been that clinical in front of the goal. Even in the match against France Schurrle missed a couple of golden chances. After that Portugal demolition they have hardly looked to be incisive in front of goal.
What they did very well until now is raise the level of their game whenever it required, but also have been uncharacteristically sloppy at times. They have survived with the high risk strategy of playing a flat-footed CD in Howedes in the left back (France failed to exploit that as much as I thought they would), but Brazil in absence of Neymar may specifically target the left side if German defense, Oskar/Hulk double teaming with Maicon/Alves, or Scolari may choose to play Alves as the right wing in front of Maicon. Ozil is nominally deployed on the left flank for Germany and he is not that most defensive minded. This may be a key battle in that match.
In Argentina-Netherlands game, in De Jong’s absence it would be interesting to see who tries to stop the ball reaching to Messi and once Messi has the ball and runs directly at Vlaar and Indi who gets those tackles in. Both are very clumsy defenders. Robben would most likely be double-marked by Rojo and Biglia, but once he cuts through them the Argentina defense is static enough to give them problem. I just think Messi can raise his game a few more levels to become truly unplayable in a match like this.
The Happy Train, Celia and the Dwarves a happier time? Maybe it’s time to write the history of that era, and a good place to start is to review the pictorial sources.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/27/article-2590661-1C9C199C00000578-19_638x437.jpg
Well ,well this came up on my twitter feed today
https://twitter.com/FCBJulian/status/486166833498959873/photo/1
What? We haven’t signed anyone world class yeT??!
The later it gets, the more this familiar tune begins to play.. :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frcbQymzHkg
If thats a photoshopped thats the best dammed photoshop ive seen.
DF @482 – With Sagna gone, we are down our fourth CB. We need to add there too Shirley? If TV goes we could do with 2 players… Which I guess aint happening given all the other arrivals the tattle men have us down for.
Would be nuts to go into a season with just 3 options at CB and Djourou has always looked good enough to have a career with us imo. He won’t be first choice, but that’s life. He played all this season gone and started for his country at the world cup, so it’s hardly a tale of woe and tragedy.
Cheers for the info though, I guess we will see if that Hamburg thing is a runner in due course… Would top up the pennies, again 😉
Forward
@485 Sajit
It could be worse, they may have been selling this instead :
http://www.ballball.com/en-gb/article/34015-suarez-tattoo/
Lol @489
I think we dodged a biting bullet last season.. He would have haggled for a move to Spain this summer anyways
Afternoon.
Oskar.
Good point about the heat in the NL v Mex game, but they had a full 6 days to recover. I think the Dutch team are pretty fit, they were still pretty mobile at the end of the 120 mins against CR, can’t remember anyone going down with cramp.
DKG.
No apologies necassary, I understand why Oranje are not everybodies cup of tea. I live in the NL, lived here longer then anywhere else, my children are Dutch. The whole country is buzzing because of the WC and I’m just riding the wave. Don’t expect anyone else to change their opinions because of that, you’re all free to support and cheer on whoever you choose.
I know I will. 🙂
Various.
Please stop agreeing or disagreeing with things I haven’t said re Campbell.
I posted this regarding his last appearance;
Joel Campbell was poor, he ran around a bit with the ball, but that was about it, squad material at best.
I never said we need to dump him, I never said he wasn’t any good, I stated that he had a poor showing against NL and after watching the game again I saw nothing to suggest otherwise.
If he comes back and stays this season he will be a squad player, especialy if we bring in players of the quality we really require.
By the by, being better then Sanogo is tantamount to being the tallest of the seven dwarves. 😉
R.I.P. Alfredo Di Stefano.
So it looks like Suarez to Farca must be an all but done deal, judging by how the Pool are splurging money like their lives depend on it. If history can tell us anything, replacing half your squad in one transfer window almost never yields the intended results – with the exception of Blackburn, maybe? My football knowledge doesn’t go back that far.
The way they’re going about it they could be at risk of seriously destabilising the squad. Just look how Tottenham’s ragtag bunch of footballing misfits turned out last term!
I’d expect Sanchez to be all like : http://i.imgur.com/1slFZfF.gif ,
when he comes.. he is coming isn’t he?!?! 😀
Watch it, H2H !
8ball – Did somebody mention Happy Train?
H2H – Totally agree re: Campbell. As a Bendtner replacement he looks to be a decent upgrade. I’d have a small wager that we release him this summer (loan or sale), unless he impresses Le Boss in pre-season preparations. That is provided that we get the new ‘world-class’ talent on-board that we’re obviously trying to do given the amount of rumour mongering that’s going on.
UTA!
Yabbidy, yabbidy, blah, blah, blah
two centre backs, blah blah
need two strikers, blah blah
right back, blah blah
number two goalkeeper, blah blah
yabbidy, yabbidy,
DM/HM blah blah
HM = Head Mistress ??
Blah yabbidy,
next week at the latest
blah yabbidy
“Do you know what Guff ? I’m surprised people still find this interesting!”
“So am I, Waffle. Now, where were we ?”
Oh yes, yabbidy yabbidy blah blah. ……..
Belgian Waffle? This is all about Vermaelen isn’t it?
*Hoofs it up to Ozil and waits for the sound of moaning about how quiet he is*
ping.
This could be promising, only looks like us, PSG, and the Manc clubs who could be in at the money talked about:
http://www.football365.com/spanish-thing/9374194/Spanish-Thing
497 – Seething mess.
Goonersince54@455: please update me on this Swedish political thriller! Love all that stuff. Is it on telly now? Did you see Jo Nesbo’s ‘Headhunter’ flick? What a movie!!
on another note, have we signed the impenetrable stone wall that is going to sit in front of the Arsenal goal and not allow any goals in…yet?
or are we still looking at another 6-0 tonking at Maureen’s bridge? 🙂
The Happy Train is in sidings indefintely.
Staff are on a 5 year bender. 😎
Thanks for the update Dr.z. You know me, always late to the party.
Brazil really need you right now. I’m finding it impossible to love this current crop of players. The Chel$ea influence really doesn’t help.
I remember the Holic XI.
I was Left Back.
Left back in the changing rooms.
We’re getting the band back together.
Support Germany, Professor – as any self-respecting Arsenal fan should.
Argentina, Holland and Brazil squads are full of cunts.
Half-ton and no love. Now I know how Di Maria feels (apart from all that cash to keep me warm at night) ;(…
z, is it a “waiting for lars” bender? or is the walleted one there, too?
Lars is one of the chief protagonists, scruz.
love, lonestar. and endless beer and big screen for ya…
I’ve been on it since the group stages Dr.z.
I want Arsenal to win The World Cup. Not Manure and definitely not Chelzil.
Lonestar
Are you Toure in disguise?
Get that man a birthday card.
as he ever was, z. I assume Carlos, wolfie, and dr. f (“the original”, said auntie beecham, brushing her moustache) absconded with the keys to the dispensary.
Ya Ya, TS 😉
Cheers, Scruz, I knew I could count on you.
Left back at the bar was the quip I made at the time, z.
and speaking of wolfie, these should go great with his tiger-striped speedo and matching jimmy, uh, choos: http://m.torontosun.com/2014/07/05/get-your-luis-suarez-nipple-clamps
Musical selection for Van Gaal when he discovers the Argentines not only knock his team out of the tournament but leave his star striker with a season-long injury keeping him out of the Manchester United lineup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-iZ4HCS9sg
I’m a Harry Hole fan too. He sounds like a wizened old Centre Back of the 60s but is in fact a wizened detective in Norway. The plots are very well constructed and the characters highly believable.
Full credit to the chaps who translated Stig Larsson and Jo Nesbo- they have created a very smooth and readable transition into English .
Sad news Re Alfredo. The word great is used far too readily when describing current footballers but it definitely applied to him.
Ko lo will you go Lonestar?
Thank god the sanity? has returned to replace the nonsense. There is clearly something big brewing this week. The PUMA flagship store on Carnaby Street is closed until launch day and the facia of the building is Arsenal.
Reports ManU have had a bid accepted for ADM.
🙁
Liverpool have admitted defeat tin their attempts to sign Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez.
The Reds hierarchy had held talks with the Chilean international star, hoping that he would be keen on a move to Anfield as a makeweight in the Luis Suarez deal.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have been unable to convince the 25-year-old that his future is best served on Merseyside.
😀
NBN @ 426, Dr Faustus @ 431, thank you gents 🙂
Well in Lonestar 😉
El Puno @ 524 – if true, then, so much for needing Champions League footie to attract top, top quality.
TS @ 522 – all the way to the flo…
Cheers, Wind.
The real reason Suarez is headed to Barcelona.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187497-d1081642-r146245588-Funicular-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
And that’s just the appetizer before he takes a bite out of Cristiano Ronaldo. 😉
Dr. F@462: Pep’s tiki-taka Barca team of the Noughties would probably make by Top 10 all-time great club teams list, but Sacchi’s AC Milan would probably make my Top Two, though it would be a toss up with Rinus Michels’ Ajaz.
@468: Ozil will never be an up-and-at-‘em warrior so beloved of the British tabloids, like, say, Gerrard. But which of them is a more likely World Cup winner?
Cynic@471: That looks like the special edition of the new kit being made for Arsenal Ladies.
El Puno: Word is that Hamburg has paid £2 million to turn Djourou’s loan into a transfer.
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