And A Point Secured
Sep 1st, 2014 by 'holic
Well, as days out go I think you could say that was mixed. The team news revealed a couple of surprises, namely the ‘resting’ of Jack Wilshere, so impressive against Besiktas, and the selection of Yaya Sanogo who was listed as out with a hamstring problem before the event. There was an understandable reason for the former. Jack cannot play every match. As for the latter, well that was an odd one given that Alexis had proven to be the matchwinner up top in midweek.
The match hinged on a five minute first-half spell that began with Laurent Koscielny taking what appeared to be a mixture of elbow and accidental head butt from Schlupp. It took a long time for him to be brought back to his feet and taken off the pitch for treatment. Mathieu Flamini screamed at the bench after the next Leicester attack, and clearly all was not well. Then Sanogo, unable to latch on to the first chip in his direction, saw a similar opportunity and Scmeichel’s deflection was netted by Alexis. One-nil to the Arsenal indeed.
Unfortunately Koscielny was under the first cross that followed into the Arsenal box, and Ulloa headed home comfortably. Laurent was sensibly replaced by Calum Chambers, but was it too late? How easy to say from a distance, but with the benefit of hindsight was that really so difficult a call?
What followed was something we have witnessed so often. Arsenal, dominating possession for large swathes of the contest, but unable to create clear-cut opportunities. It happens to everybody, and the optimistic would argue we are doing well to remain unbeaten while not finding form and function. I get that, totally, but this season looks like being a more competitive one between two or three sides. Whether it is three now looks to depend on what happens in the next twenty-four hours.
There was a point this afternoon at which it looked as though per Mertesacker might follow the Kos into the treatment room. Thankfully it proved to be a false alarm. The consequences, had it transpired, were lost on nobody, and at this point any review of the match turns into the topic I hate most. One cannot avoid it however.
Had Per had to go off with any ‘about three weeks’ injury, and with Laurent already assaulted (yes he was thank you pal), what would our central defensive partnership have been when Abu Dhabi Select come to town? Calum Chambers, as he proved once again having come on as a substitute, can be trusted to give of his best. Who else?
Monday, the final day of the transfer window, promises to be a tense affair once again. So many think we need strengthening further, this scribe included, but on Tuesday we will have what we have. What do you intend to do then, depending on what happens in the ensuing day? I will get behind whoever we have, because that is my role, as a supporter, to support.
Let’s consider the next twenty-four hours, however.
I will.
449 Responses to “And A Point Secured”
1st?
Get the fuck in!
i like my chickpeas spicy!
4th from down under
good report holic….sensible head on old shoulders
A lot of angry bunnies abounding, elsewhere.
I don’t get it, this was a tricky game after Wednesday’s exertions.
A point gained rather than 2 dropped.
We would have won easily with Arteta and Giroud in the team.
Good, fair and sensible assessment ‘holic.
I too would like to see some new faces – no doubt I’ll be shouted down as one of the “Spend some fucking money” brigade.
However, it seems rather obvious that this particular agregation of players will not win us the Premier League – not without some help from the cavalry.
Who, therefore, should we buy?
Or should we have bought?
I am on record, in this very establishment, of stating my disbelief that we passed on Fabregas – he’s currently one of the best players in a very strong Chavski side – is he better than Ozil? who knows? But I cant understand how two superb (and versatile) players cant be intergrated into the same team.
I’ll defer of course to Arsenes superior credentials, but would love to have been a fly on the wall as Mr Wenger was explaining how it couldnt possibly work to Cesc.
The low lustre performance at Liecester may well be due to the exertions of midweek, but still,its tough not to think that with Podolski in place of Sanogo we might have fared better.20/20 hindsight of course,but Podolski has a far superior record, and I believe we really needed a win.
Giving Poldi 15 minutes at the death is hardly fair either.
Long way to go, but perhaps the simple truth is that only the Super rich duo of Chavski and City have the required level of funding to buy the title.
I find that a little depressing really.
Spot on, Holic.
Agree about the injury to Kos. I have said it more than once, but these incidents need some kind of ruling which I believe centres on a duty of care to other players.
The Leicester player, Schlupp, twisted his neck and flicked his head without ever looking around to see what potential danger might be there, unfortunately straight into Kos’ temple.
It’s difficult as you can’t expect either player to just submit to the other, but these incidents are becoming more and more common and serious injury awaits someone.
It’s almost impossible to see in real time on the pitch but if video evidence proves recklessness then some serious punishment should ensue.
Have a good week, H.
top ten!! as usual,your calm words of wisdom have an effect holic…a positive effect ofcourse. onwards and upwards!!
excellent, guv. a point gained, a tough place to go. and the shite up the road gave great value for humor.
to the previous drinks: trev, pangloss, and snowy, yes.
now where’d I put that tin of moustache grease?
A very balanced and fair report Holic in all ways.
In as much as the summary is very fair and balanced, it could equally be said, that if the squad available are simply not good enough on a given day to at least score one extra goal then Leicester to secure what should be 3 takeable points, then it seems we can best expect this season to be a solid transition year.
Our new additions are truly fantastic additions, however our injuries and our glaring need for 2 or 3 top shelf players in key positions still exists and has done for some time and we will be extremely lucky if that changes in the next 24 hours.
Hernandez to Real Madrid.
Why do they need him ?
Does this mean Benzema is up for grabs noooow ? 😉
Reasonable post…but I am starting to wonder if even Falcao and Carvalho would make a difference. We simply have not looked convincing in a very long time, and the reasons are the same; often ponderous approach play, a lack of movement off the ball in final third, and a lack of cohesiveness that makes us extremely vulnerable to counterattacks. These are tactical weaknesses that were present when we had Van Persie, and costs us points time and time again. I am not encouraged, but hoping that the Boss will sort it out.
Salomon Kalou has gone to Hertha Berlin for 3years.
Safe ….. at last ! 😉
Hello fellow gooners and goonerettes. I hope you’re not still too down over the result.
I felt that although we played hard, we lacked nouse against Leicester. We were so predictable that even I was able to predict who our passes were going to go to! And I’m not a tactical genius in any way 😉
All in all though, we could’ve lost, but we didn’t, and our boys kept working really hard to the very end so I can’t fault their effort.
We should’ve done better definitely but I think we will start to click soon, and if we can add a couple of players to the mix I think we’ll be able to kick on.
@13: Trev, I don’t think we’ll be safe from Kalou rumours till he retires!
Point saved is a point earned. Reminds me of an old saying. 🙂
On another front, Caroline Wozniacki was so hot she had to change her dress. Excuse me while I try to calm down.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/29007704
A tricky game, DC (#%)? A former Championship side already in the relegation zone? They don’t come much easier! We are simply not playing well enough considering our present quality in numbers, even allowing for injuries.
Cesc better than Mesut, IF? Not in natural footballing ability, no. But in what he delivered for Arsenal and now the chavs? Definitely.
Öskar
(#%) = (#5)
Öskar
Fancy Rory’s reject do ya, 8ball? Give me Adam’s cast-off, Ana Ivanovic, any day. 😉
Öskar
Link for #18 … http://cdn.rsvlts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Ana-Ivanovic-2013-Australian-Open-12.jpg
My turn to try and calm down, 8ball!
Öskar
I wonder if Ibrahimovic’s hattrick today will make Cavani even keener to move?
Or if Kagawa’s return to Dortmund will make it easier to secure Reus.
Or if we will surprise everyone by signing all the German world cup winning team that we don’t already have…
Thank Dennis the nonsense that is the transfer window will soon be over.
Öskar
Wenger sign three players in 24 hrs, not going to happen. We had three months to get our transfers done, but Wenger wanted to play poker. So we wait I guess.
Repeating a point from the previous drinks:
The side continues to be fragile physically — no power players whatsoever. And to go into a match with so little in terms of physical defending in reserve is simply wrongheaded in a league like the EPL and in the other major competitions the Arsenal plays in.
‘Holic, in your match report you quite rightly focus on this as the problem area which AW’s poker-playing brinksmanship needs to address. The blogosphere is screeching for a striker as priority one, but it’s the thinness in the backline, including DM — in number and physicality — is more worrisome.
Accidentally saw the final score before I watched the game, which made it murder to sit through. The only reason I did was out of some masochistic sense that I have to “see every game.”
Most of the intelligent and perceptive comments about that game have already been made in the above, and the previous drinks. I just have this to add.
I’ve been very supportive of Wenger’s support of Sanogo up till now, despite the fact that he’s so clearly not ready. The boss had a proven track record of blooding young players and sticking by them when no one else would, often to great effect, and I’m happy to give him the benefit of the doubt with his latest project. But I’m starting to worry that instead of instilling confidence in Sanogo, Wenger’s insistence on playing him before he’s ready will have the opposite effect. Playing poorly on a big stage does the opposite of build confidence – it shatters it. It doesn’t look like Sanogo has connected well with his teammates yet, and it’s hard to imagine that’s not at least partly due to the fact that they know he’s not really good enough to play with them yet. That’s got to be very very hard on a young player’s confidence.
Of course Wenger and the other coaches know the player’s psyche better than I do. But I’m beginning to be afraid that they’re exposing him too quickly and that if it goes on without Sanogo starting to at least make regular contributions, it will be counterproductive.
My 2¢ re: tomorrow (written mostly to calm my racing mind before I turn in for the night – please feel free to skip the following if you’d like. I probably would 🙂 ).
Rumors swirling about Papastathopoulos, Carvalho, Falcao, Nastasic, many more. I certainly have no way to know which if any are legit. Three players in 24 hours SanAntonioGooner? Personally I’d be tickled pink with two.
One I’d think (hope) we can reasonably expect. I have to think the boss knows that a center half is an imperative. He’s known it all summer, too, and my guess is he has his hand on several triggers, and that he’s just playing a little brinksmanship to try and get the best deal. Papastathopoulos? Nastasic? Fine. Just get it done Arsene.
As for a defensive midfielder and striker, it’s a tossup whether we get one or the other or none. If we get one of those two, in addition to a center half, I’ll be reasonably pleased. Not quite what we need of course to challenge the doped up superteams Man City and Chelsea, but close, and as much as we can have reasonably expected. That would be 6 signings during a summer in which only 3 players who regularly contributed to our team last year (Sagna, Vermaelen, Fabianski) left.
Teeth gritted, glass half full. At least two tomorrow, Arsene.
GL @ 23: Good post that.
Arsene is a great strategist, a genius of a strategist as he continues to demonstrate. But as with any other strategist visionaries he is willing to sacrifice the immediate satisfactions in favor of the long term strategy. This attitude, coupled with the inevitable mistakes that any human being makes, gets interpreted as either stubbornness or naivety. Or, for that matter, tactical ineptitude. And he is neither stubborn — in the sense that he is accused of, being stubborn for its own sake, he is stubborn indeed about his prioritization of strategy over tactics — nor naive nor tactically inept. He can very well do — and has done in myriad key occasions — tactics in a match exactly suited to the situation and the opposition but he firmly believes that that type of micro-management doesn’t lead to the type of resilient and yet insouciant football that he would like to see his team play, which also has the best guarantee of producing the culture of success.
Since the days of the stadium move, seen from the perspective of at least an yearly time scale the club has been progressing at a steady rate. By progress here we mean the finance, the brand identity, the pipeline, the training facilities, the appeal and then following a couple of years of transitional nadir slowly now the quality of the footballers. As Arteta had said in a couple of interviews, he knows no other club where the fundamentals are so tailored and tuned towards the success of the footballers on the pitch.
It might sound a bit paradoxical, but I think now that there seems to be less of a financial constraint we are less likely to sign players just to be safe. That is, players like Chamakh or Squillaci or Santos etc. — all of them had respectable if unspectacular careers before joining Arsenal, and all were bought to ensure enough squad coverage. Because now we can sign players that are more suited to the way we want to play, we will wait until we get those players (who were out of bounds) and until then we will not waste money buying players we will find later hard to get rid of, especially after we have got rid of the last remaining of the infamous “deadwoods”.
Ospina has been absent due to injury, but the rest of our three summer signings have already turned out to be top-notch. No one, I mean not even the most Arsene-devoted optimists in the site, could have predicted the maturity and seamlessness with which Chambers started his Arsenal career.
That doesn’t mean that we would not need now and then an emergency to be filled in, as in the case of Giroud injury. But I suspect for each of such occurrence if we do not get exactly the player we want we will try a temporary loan solution (a la Kallstrom for injured Rambo) but not a reluctant 4-year deal for a player that we don’t really want to carry along.
As a strategy this makes perfect sense. However as a tactics for immediate — this season’s, that is — success especially in the PL fighting against two absurdly stalked up squads this does fall short.
I think many Arsenal fans will be okay with falling a bit short because of that strategy as long as there is concrete indications of movements forward.
If we compare our squad with what was say even in 10-11 I think we are in significantly better shape, and have really been building up since the dark days of 2011 summer. In between we have chalked an FA Cup and have significantly improved both our brand identity and as a result sponsorship deals.
In the next 16-17 hours of transfer madness that is now going to cause havoc on our well-being these obvious musings I thought were worth repeating. At least I will know where to read what if for some unexpected reason I get riled up by some transfer failings. 🙂
Arsene has no ambition to win the league. Not really. His objective is something like this “achieve a minimum top 4 through minimal spending”. Supposed new era of spending is just a minimalist facade to keep the fans in line.Is it any wonder he passed up on Cesc? Cesc for $uc& sake! That would have been akin to real turning down Zidane. And you know what? I think Mou was right…it did not take much to convince Cesc to move to the bridge…how can it have been, when the player knows what his supposed mentor is all about? Can anyone deny we would have not been close to the title with Cesc in the team? What about if we signed Cabaye and Remy llast January? How far would we have been then from the title?Don’t be fooled…The bottom line is the only thing Wenger is concerned by.
Do you have PremierLeaguePass this year, Failage? Do you watch on your ‘puter or connected to your TV? I have it now, but not happy with the quality when watching on the plasma. It’s fine when not much is happening, HD quality in fact. But as soon as there’s action it’s not smooth at all, like every second frame is missing or something.
Just wondering if you have any tips?
It’s not bringing us enough wins either. Two draws in a row. This is not what I signed up for! 🙁
Öskar
Catching everton v chelsea.
Hate to say it but arsenal is not in the same class of either team.
Quick direct ball movement. Actual movement off the ball. Suicide defending by everton is totally right.
And costa looks the real deal.
No one in their right mind can compare sanogo and costa.
Ridiculous.
Unless AW buys, a striker a d a DM upgrade on Arteta a d Flamini, the we are in trouble this year.
“Can anyone deny we would have not been close to the title with Cesc in the team?” Naheed #26
————————————————————————-
Last season you mean? Not me Naheed, I cannot deny we would have not been close to the title with Cesc in the team.
But I don’t think that’s what you meant… 🙂
Öskar
And btw – coleman is a bloody cheat.
Not in the same class as Everton, Homer? Didn’t we outlast them at their place only last week? With ten men for part of the game??
Who is comparing Sanogo and Costa? Giroud and Costa perhaps, or Theo and Costa, and I’m more than happy to have either ahead of Costalotamoola.
Öskar
Question of the day before I meditate: do I keep an eye on the bar during the day or just leave it till tomorrow morning so I don’t have to witness the hysteria?
Cor: how’s married life mate?
Oskar – im just saying that watching the ball movement and off the ball movement by everton – its impressive. Compare to arsenals lazy-looking stroking the edge of the box without effect. No teeth. No final product. The constant slowing down play. Bugs me.
And we fairly outlasted everton. I wouldnt t say out classed them. True as well – defensively a total joke. Will be both teams undoing. I hope.
But im with you – id like to see some Theo back in full effect.
And my point – not well made i admit – is that we are going nowhere with sanogo leading the attack.
The refereeing on this game is dreadful as well.
Transfer dateline video! Poker Face: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg8wlhoarZA
😀
Chseas defense is crap tho. That is true.
Haven’t had the time to back drink yet, but I would, as per usual, like to point out that however frustrated I was yesterday that we didn’t manage a win, remember City lost their game this weekend. It happens.
And for further proof:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28996955
Is it possible to spend more? Look at their players! A few of them touted as the player that would make us not draw games we “should” win. Letting for in against a midtable team in the land of only two (or is it three?) teams.
Yes, I would have loved a win. No Yaya isn’t in any way ready to lead our line. Yes, we have a few problems now, but some perspective is needed.
@32: Not too bad Porco Rosso! Feels good not having to spend evenings planning and having meetings when I can spend them drawing and watching/playing football 🙂
I feel we’ll see a couple of signings but they may just be second level journeymen for CB and DM. Not sure who though…
Some good points made above and an excellent report by Holic. Never seen you express such definite opinions on transfers before Holic as I know you detest the soeculation. And I’ve joined you. I’ve had enough I’ve not enjoyed the constant speculation on here during the summer and I also have great sympathy with what Trev said about the change in the tenor if discussions. Less humour and more heated argument. I often disagree with posters but I am not going to fall out with fellow Arsenal fans. This is supposed to be fun!
Above all your last point holds good. On Tuesday we go with what we have. We will be where he will be. Time for Arsenal fans to rally behind the team. I’ve supported some teams with real dross in them for 55 years, incomparable with this team. I’m not going to stop now !
What that arseblog fella said this morning.
On with the poker then Arsene…
This is good fun to:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/gooner-goes-on-epic-foul-mouthed-rant-after-leicester-1-arsenal-1-video/?
Massive respect to the away fans. Devote huge amounts of time and money to go and always sing their hearts out. It isn’t a sentiment that the club should take lightly, in my opinion.
This is a giggle to:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/social/gunnerblog-presents-poker-face-arsenal-transfer-deadline-day-remix-wenger-ft-ivan-gazidis/?
Back to work for me now before my head explodes trying to figure out the ‘seventy million, two months, obvious needs’ riddle.
Let’s just hope we get more Arteta and the BFG and less Park, Santos, Kallstrom.
Love the ending though.. “..I’ll be there next game, don’t worry about it!”
😀
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been forced to withdraw from the France squad with a head injury.
————
Good! Get well soon Kos! We’ll be needing you for sure !
PMSL, Twatter in meltdown over the Arse.com news round-up thingy mentioning rumours of Falcao 🙂
Delightful scenes. I can handle twitter two days a year when the transfer deadline is looming. Otherwise it is too odious wading through the yuppy fuck-wits and angry, angry people who think 140 characters is essay length self-expression. These angry people are really making me giggle this morning. If I got paid to do a job I hate I’d love to waste a Monday on this, as it is I’m fighting to get my shit done amongst the Falcao chatter 🙁
BB – morning mate. How you holding up?
I’ve got two jars of coffee, three strips of valium, and a bottle of rum to see me through to close. This window will not be the end of old Poon, no way.
I’m still holding out hope for a cunning BIG Ivan special of Nastasic, Khedira/Carvalho, and Benzema/Cavani 🙂
I actually reckon 20mil for a season of Falcao makes more sense than 55mil + 4 years wages. Will work out to about twenty a season anyway and there is no way Arsene is putting him on a huge deal through age 33.
Nastasic. Carvalho. Benzema. #YouHeardItHereFirst
Hi Oskar – I do indeed subscribe to Premier League Pass (and drag my screaming body from my beautiful wife,and sumptuous,warm bed at 3am to watch AFC religiously).
I dont share any of the problems you describe-my stream is first class,and stable as – give ’em a call – they are pretty decent guys.
Or maybe check yer glasses!
Getting Vlaar or Nastasic finalised early would be a decent start to the day 🙂
Wow. AS saying Falco a done deal to Ud for £50mil and £7mil a year wages NET for 4 years. Just about the only thing they don’t need is another older attacker. Looks like idiocy, but I guess it will help the share price?
Does mean that with Falcao and Di Maria you’d have to figure they will improve. Be a serious top 4 challenger, if that ends up being where we set our sights.
This Claude fella just gets better and better. His “it’s just not good enough” catchphrase becoming an internet sensation 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-1gfacs40k&feature=youtu.be
Oh no, apparently Falcao may only be a loan deal at Utd… Isn’t that just what we need?
Falcao thought he was going to Madrid, “a dream come true” and he’s ended up going to get frowned at by van Gaal at United. How sick must he feel this morning? 😀
So are they loaning him for the 20millions pounds being quoted? Have to say that’s a lot of money for a year. I know we need a striker but that’s just too much am sorry.
Add 10 to that and see if Dortmund will bend. #releaseReus
Morning El !
Just heard the bad news! 🙁
Was speaking with an older gooner yesterday. He reckons the team we have is good enough but just need to work to the best of their abilities.
What else is new?
55 – The Express saying we’ve doubled it to see if Reus can be liberated… If only it weren’t in the Express :/
Morning GT – we are certainly close, that’s what makes it so frustrating. “A couple of choice additions and less off days” seems to have been the mantra for several years now. Just no excuse with the money anymore. We’ll see, I’d certainly love us to make a push today. Already feels like the newsfeed watching has been going on for days and it isn’t even noon yet :/
Arsene on a plane to rome apparently. Off to manage a charity match. Just need some pics from the beach now and the seething will hit epic levels 🙂
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/social/picture-arsenals-wenger-spotted-boarding-a-plane-from-heathrow-to-rome-on-transfer-deadline-day/?
Yes, the Mancs are flexing their new sponsorship money while FFP puts further restraints on other clubs.
Hahaha Sky sources say Falcao loan fee is 6 million. What happened to 20 and 12?
Don’t tell me. Let me guess…
61 – guessing that is 6mil plus his whopping wages?
Given up on twitter watching. Going to listen to some Rodney Dangerfield albums instead.
“It’s rough out there I tell you. ROUGH!”
#SignHimUpArsene
I’m off to hope for the best!!!!
wenger flying to Rome!!!! welcome home gervinho then 😉
Hi holics – well usually at this time of night here in aus after a pretty average result v a team such as leicester, that I would hope and hinestly expect us to beat, I would normally be pretty gutted and deflated.
Tonight I don’t feel that way as the team truly does have some qualities about it and we are very close. Our new signings are awesome and I enjoy watching sanchez and debuchy go about their business.
Obviously, like others I dont hold out any great hopes for the elusive striker or DM, but I also was not expecting ozil11 to be signed previously, so who says AW wont surprise us again.
Anyways, i think the injuries issue is not directly anyones fault it is just fucking bad bloody luck.
One thing though, i would truly love to see our club have a single period of no injuries or at least minimum.
Just for once I would like to see us at our peak, rather than 50,60 or 75%…..
Just some thoughts
Its not a knee jerk reaction but yesterday was one of our poorest performances in a long time. I thought we cant get any worse than the 3-0 loss to Everton last season but yesterday was so slow it was painful.
I do not buy into the fact that we played on Wed. This was Leicster not City or Chelsea and even a half fit Arsenal team should beat them. First 20 min i thought we will romp this and then we go completely missing. I mean how can man for man this team get a draw. This was ridiculous and there was absolutely no urgency or pace from the team.
Sanogo is not good enough, i mean he just is not a striker, cannot be one at the moment and may never be. I am sorry this is based on what i have seen in a period of time.
Ozil and Sanchez had poor games and it is alarming that at the start of the season we see our 2 best players looking clueless.
I have a feeling we are settling down to acceptance. It is ok we drew, thankfully we dint lose. We are The Arsenal and we need to be competing with the best and not settle down with the rest.
Stoke beating City or Burnley holding United are not instances to show that even the big teams can go through this. I am not saying we should be immune but what i am reiterating is our attitude and mainly our players should not accept easily. Where was the urgency shown by the team? I think stats shows 22 attempts on goal, i doubt Schmeichel had to save even one of that.
This team needs to have the fear of failure. I believe they are way to protected and hence there is no sense of fear. Disappointment yes, Fear no. Until and unless there is that, we will continue being good, nice, sweet and thats that.
I believe the ruthlessness is missing in the manager and the team. There is no way we can accept mediocrity. We are The Arsenal and there should be pride and lofty expectations with it.
Is Ozil turning into Arshavin ?
I agree Aussie. It is part of the hangover/delay in pre season resulting from the World Cup. It has not just affected us. Man City losing at home to Stoke in a game where they failed to score despite their retinue of strikers. Bayern Munich being held 1-1 and Real Madrid losing 4-2 after going 2-0 up.
Yesterday there were many disappointing performances, not just Sanogo who seems to be the target for bile.
There are some vile specimens who attend our games. A little to my left yesterday there was a middle aged person who did not chant or sing in support of the team at any point during the game. Instead, from about 10 minutes in he was shouting abusive comments about Sanogo and Wenger and continued to do so throughout the game. Fortunately the majority of fans around him ignored him and supported the team despite the disappointing performances.
Okay, okay, here it is: Wenger is in Rome under the cover of a charity match to finalise the signing of Higuain or Destro. It just makes sense.
#HeardItHereFirst
Guys we are not signing anyone. With Arteta and Flamini in midfield, we should be able to secure our usual fourth place. Don’t give yourselves high blood pressure. DM,CB and maybe striker, not happening.
71 – oddity of this Arsenal side is, the less we do today the more I think we will beat City by next game. If we don’t sign anyone it is a nailed on 3-0 humping. #ErrPoonPoundEtc
Where is Snir when we need him?
@72- El puno, that was funny. You already made my day, not going to happen unfortunately.
Im sorry if Wenger really is at a Charity Match in Rome on Transfer Deadline Day with our squad so un Balanced and with 4 fit defenders, no Striker and completely lacking in the DM role – Questions really need to be asked about the direction of this Football club. Im still hopeful something may be done but as the minutes tick by its looking less and less likely – As things stand we will do well to win the 4th place Trophy this year.
I do not understand the entitlement of some football fans.
Probably the best thing about ManU’s demise has been the response of their fans who feel that winning is a right for them.
To me Arsenal is like a family member. I might have opinions on what is best for them but I don’t get to make those choices. And I could spend all my time knocking them down but there is a whole world full of people to do that. I’m family- so I just love them and support them.
They owe me nothing. And yet I still get everything I need from them. That is, I get a team in red to cheer on. That’s all I want. It’s who I am. Everyone who knows me knows what Arsenal means to me. I am regularly held up as an example of someone who is ‘football mad’ and no-one is under any illusion that I give a monkey’s if anyone other than Arsenal is playing.
I am entirely wrapped up in partisan support of Arsenal. I love our history. I love our values. I love our cannon. I love Arsenal.
I don’t think Arsenal SHOULD beat any other team. Ever. To me it all goes back to expectation that we win and the subsequent moaning when we don’t.
Why SHOULD we win? Are we God’s team and no-one told me? Are we better than the other teams? And I don’t mean our players because we can all see that we are not, in fact, the greatest team the world has ever seen. So are we better in some intangible moral or spiritual way? There seems to exist an idea that we deserve to win. I feel I deserve nothing but I am privileged to support.
This sort of thinking drives me nuts about City or Chav fans. Or any other fans. In any walk of life people putting themselves above others and genuinely thinking they are better or more deserving than other people has never ended well and will always be something I fight against. But when I here it from Gooners it makes me sad.
You judge people by their actions. Fans too, I guess. I am relentlessly positive about Arsenal- and utterly incapable of forming objective opinions about us. If I spent all my time as a fan criticising and complaining I would stop it and go do something else.
My start point is simple- just hope we win and support the team come hell or high water.
With all that said- I am bored with the transfer window. I barely care who we sign. It won’t make any real difference anyway. All the important decisions have been made.
There was only ever one.
I’m Arsenal ’til I die…
@ EL P & GT
I sure do hope we get someone in! What about this Rabiot chap guys any news?
In fact any news on anyone?!
😀
Pangloss, why do you need Snir. We are not signing anyone.
Ornstein tweeted an hour ago or so that Arsenal are unlikely to sign anyone before the deadline. Baring late surprise.
This look like one hell of a poker game. Well done Boss.
Gsd nice post like most on here were all massive arsenal fans. so if we sign a beast of a holding midfielder and a 30 goal a season striker it won’t make any difference as all the decisions have been made?what decisions are you talking about as the seasons only started.better players better team it’s that simple.please note I’m not having a go at you just wondering what arsenal fan would not like us to improve our squad.
Holic, holics. Craving sugar! Seriously, leaving to go get me a greasy,hot apple fritter ♥. Btw, Walmart having a special on ‘Grow Me a Pair’. 😉 Just saying 🙂
Lurky @ 78: I have seen that tweet being referred a lot. I would find it really odd if we don’t sign even a viable cover for defensive side, forget the quality defensive minded midfielder. I am not saying I am entitled to demand such a signing but I will just find it very bizarre to go into a season with that much of risk in the defensive squad, especially given that it is an area where we can have quality back-ups without jeopardizing long-term plans or risking too much money.
I still think there is at least one or two signings coming in. And if no DM then I would assume that Chambers would be blooded for that role as well.
GSD- When you say entitlement, what are you saying? That we can’t do better than we are right now. Do you think we are going to be challenging for anything, when we don’t even have the bare minimum when it comes to defenders. Arsenal fans are understanding, no complaints for the past 10 years because we all knew what was going on. But if you think this team is fine the way it is right now, then Goodluck to you. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us that wants this team to be better are somehow entitled. WE ARE THE ARSENAL, not some road side football team.
Doctor Faustus,
You don’t have to worry, I am sure Arsene will find a solution, as there is a rumour that certain Kim Kallstrom might be available.
i thought we were busy in the markethttp://m.goal.com/s/en-ke/news/5075715?ICID=HP_BN_3
Excellent, GSD@76. A pint on the bar for you.
COYG
Dr. F@81- Agreed. As we have agreed on this for the last month. At no point did I reference entitlement to transfers, simply to the way some people react to results. (We all remember results, right? They are what you get at the end of an actual MATCH of FOOTBALL.)
The TW skews perspective something rotten.
SAG- I have no problem with your wanting the team to be better. I would too. I also know you are a committed fan. We simply approach our support and roles as supporters differently. Nothing wrong with that.
Garsguns. I don’t know what Arsenal fan does not want the team to be better.
As for your confusion over my allusion to important decisions don’t get bogged down in the context of Arsenal as we stand currently. The BIG decision I referred to is far more long standing. Please re-read my last three sentences.
A drink on the bar for all who have taken the time to respond to my take on things.
Cheers Pangloss,
I have cross-posted one back to you…
Lurky @ 83: Now that is what I called gallows humor … 🙂
I am not too worried. I will just find it weird. I mean irrational. Strange. Inexplicable. But it is not unlikely that I wouldn’t know every aspect of what the plans are/were. As the season progresses we may have ‘aha’ moments. 🙂
However, the virtual world of Arsenal supporters would surely have some meltdown if we don’t get even defensive covers in.
Seems Chuba is not going on loan. Surely he has become too good for the U-21s. Gnabry like gentle introduction to first team?
Afobe continues to score goals. Really hope he has an injury free season to showcase his abilities.
Good morning everyone. I see the mood is pretty glum in here. For myself I stand by my predictions @24, Ornstein tweets notwithstanding.
GSD@76, cheers. I might word things a little differently than you but I very much appreciate your sentiment.
By the way where’s N7 when you need him? Haven’t seen that guy in quite a while.
Cheers GL.
A couple of regulars have commented recently on the shift of emphasis in this bar. I have not been posting long but I have been reading for a long time and I agree with their points.
I felt it was time to nail my colours to the mast.
I’m not having a go at anyone. The good thing about this place is that you can say what you think and everyone else is free to agree or disagree.
You would word it differently as we all have our own perspective (and, indeed, styles) and you could well word it more eloquently! In my bullish sentiment I may have come across as questioning the commitment of some fans more than I meant to. Well, big surprise, I’m not perfect. And the nuances of meaning can be lost in black-and-white.
But we all need to get virtually drunk together and get behind our boys. How much can we spend on Lars’ tab before he gets in here and sees the carnage?
GL @ 90: I think so too. That is, one CB and maybe one more. That second one is either a long-term target or a loan deal to get us enough cover/quality. Three would be very nice but unlikely.
If Campbell is not leaving that makes it 4 + 1 (Campbell) + 1 or 2 . That is probably reaching the threshold of what an Arsene Wenger team can absorb in terms of bedding new players in the system.
So, I see someone has been missing me, apart from the Inland Revenue chappie that is.
Well, I’ve had a quiet few months actually. Been doing a bit of cruising over the summer – you know, The Med, Carribbean, Old Kent Road, that sort of thing.
Like many of you, I am somewhat concerned at our apparent lack of activity in the latter half of this window thingy. Not much I can do about it personally these days, but I have told Lady Nina to dust the cobwebs off her box and offer Gazidis some loose change, in case they are struggling to finalise a big new deal somewhere.
She was, of course, only too happy to comply. Seems to be any excuse to see Ivan these days – well, she never could resist a big shiny head. Without her, I hear the boardroom has become the bored room, and no wonder. I can tell you, though, that she is hopeful of getting one really big one in before 11-o-clock tonight.
Well, to my great surprise, it seems Sky Sports want to interview me. Something about how the ex-Chairman feels about our transfer business. Cheeky bastards ! Apparently, Brian Swanson is outside.
No change there then !
Better fly then. Keep the faith, and the change, as I said to the programme seller. Blighter told me there wasn’t any – put the damn things up to £3.50 they have.
Oh, the good old days ………..
Man U going after Falcao.. smacks of desperation, it’s top four or bust for Van Balls.
If, and that’s a big IF, we do not get any cover, I can see a silver lining, it must mean that Diaby’s on his way back! 😀
Still keeping fingers crossed for a DM/CB! Not too worried about the striker position, Alexis will just have to play there sooner rather than later, after all that’s what Arsene bought him for, definitely not as another winger! With Theo coming back we’ll be looking strong again! or at least have some pace, so crucial in counters these days! (see Pool!)
On another note, while Monreal has proven himself to be quite the capable deputy over the last few games, still prefer Gibbs… cause of .. you know it.. Pace!
😀
GSD re read your post again sorry for picking you up wrong.were all gooners till we die in here.i do care who we sign because I think we’re only two or three players away from having a top squad.weather that happens or not I shall still give my team 100% of my support.
*Cheers wildly at the return of Mr PHW* 🙂
Garsguns,
No apology necessary. I agree we are close.
I’m not saying that signings don’t affect us. But there has been so much chatter as though they are the be-all-and-end-all I thought the counterpoint would be useful. Especially today. We are all Gooners now… And whatever today brings we will be tomorrow too!
Also very glad to hear from Mr PHW. Excellent work those who requested his return…
And drinks for everyone!
*And cheers wildly at GSD as well*
Couldn’t agree more, Mr Stunt Double sir.
That kind of smug entitlement that we’ve come to loathe over the past 20 odd years from ManUre supporters, then the Chavs’ and now City’s, well frankly I can’t bear it when its from them, and I can’t bear it when its from ours either.
I may have plenty of high hopes for my club, but frankly I’m entitled to nothing more than watching the 90 minutes or so of football that I’ve paid to see.
All this belly-aching on TDD is a bit irksome really – part of me wishes we’d announced Alexis today. Anyway, fools and money being quickly parted, I look forward to more mental signings from fellow PL clubs; the more cash they piss up the wall on players they don’t need and will never own the better frankly.
And Joeos @69 – sorry to hear you had a numpty nearby – most of the away support are terrific but there are a few berks around. I was sandwiched between two utter horror shows at the Bus Stop last term who could whinge for England (fortunately they both left at half time, which tells you exactly what kind of ‘supporters’ they really are).
Erm, I believe it is Ms. Stunt Double MA’AM, snowy. Right?
He/She scores when he/she wants!
*oops*
Oh the irony 😉
And Snowy,
I’m cheering wildly right back…
As a fan we expect, lets be honest we all expect because we want our team to do well. Expectations should border on reality and not on fantasy. Yet in a time of need, if we still maintain we are fine with what we have, there is no given right that we need to win etc, i am sorry i want my team to win every damn game they play. If they dont, then i want to be assured that they gave it all and had the best resources possible in doing so.
Well in GSD!
*knee slides over to join the celebrations by the corner flag*
@Vinay
We have already had a long debate in previous drinks off the back of a confusion as to the meanings of the words ‘hope’ and ‘expect.’ We do not need to re-hash it but it is easiest for everyone if we try to use these words with their actual meanings. Otherwise we’re discussing semantics not Arsenal.
With that in mind I expect us to field a team of 11 players and have a handful of subs. Any feelings I might have about possible results in a game are, for me, not expectations. And I will always be honest about my thoughts. Presumably we all are.
I agree that we all want to see the club moving forwards and that we won’t be upset over lack of success if we feel the club ‘gave it all.’
And never apologise for wanting ‘my team to win every damn game they play.’ That is the glue that binds us all together.
A drink on the bar for you. Perhaps time we started in on the single malts. It feels like a Laphroig day..
@CTArsenal: Alexis: £35m
Debuchy: £12m
Ospina: £3m
Chambers: £16m
Fábregas: £5.6m
Vermaelen: £15m
Vela: £12m
Djourou: £2.5m
CL: £25m
Net Spend: £5.9m
Its official – AW has gone to Rome to sign the Pope
Now if we can get PHW to sign the Archbish of Cantab, Ivan will sign the Chief Rabbi, that just leaves Ozil to sign whoever he can get before close of play
Must get my Remy, Martell, Courvoisier, Hennessey …..cocktail and retire quickly before the replies come in
Ah, CG. I see you have as accurate a list of our targets as I do.
I have, however, been hearing whispers of a surprise move for the Dalai Lama. Apparently he is very keen to link-up with Prince Poldi…
Id happily back any of the above to outscore Sanogo 😉
@109.
Fair enough Chippy.
But where do you stand on Sanogo’s ability to lead a major world religion? wink
certainly outshine him, chippy. I doubt any of them would score, even in a brothel.
clapping the ladies, and peter and his lady’s box.
deadline day? bank holiday (Labor Day here in hahafornia). sunny, warm, and time for coffee. the thought of f5 ad nauseum, eurgh. have fun though, those who find it enjoyable.
SAGooner: CL money hardly counts as transfer money. It’s money coming in, sure, but our “net spend” is still £30.9m, not £5.9m.
Let’s not get TOO pessimistic here.
@112-GL, I should have added Thai I got that info from Twitter, my bad. But you get the point though right. We could have still done some transfers, if we wanted to.
Given it up, we aren’t signing anyone. Best case scenario we get the desperately needed cover in central defence I reckon.
Time to get behind the team and cheer them to the title. If we fight we can win anywhere, just need to do it every week. No more meek Leicester strolls.
No way to judge the business we have or haven’t done until the season ends now. Just need to sing every game and this team needs to fight every game and see where it takes us.
Forward
#FreeNastasicCarvalhoAndReusNOW
Its official – AW has gone to Rome to sign the Pope
Yeah, he wanted an Argentinian who was great with crosses and got confused between him and yon chappie who used to play for Real Madrid.
@115 – The only way we’d sign any of them is if they WERE free.
@116.
Nice one Cynic.
I apologise for the use of Scottish in a previous post.
This is ripe for a meme
http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/454341876.jpg
Ooops big photo
GSD – how could I forget the DL – I do remember a previous incarnation of him scoring – no forget it, its that cocktail speaking.
Please folks can I just put in a small support for young Yaya – he did , after all, in his own way, provide the assist for Alexis on Sunday, and OG himself did have a spell of no goals and many assists.
Finally, I am still twitching about Poldi, who I have been following in FB, and who seems to spend more time talking about his German connections than about the weekend game????
With that attitude El Puno, you just can’t lose. Anyway, keep the faith. AW does some really awesome stuff when you least expect him to.
@ EL P
If we sign someone in the window then great! Still time till it’s over!
Otherwise will wager we see Alexis up front sooner, also a win in my book!
We may even see ozil in the centre! 😀
Interesting times ahead either ways. Looking forward to more matches and @$@#$ the international break!!
Then it’s Arsenal vs City! Time for a repeat result !
GSD,
I’m already a convert 🙂 All hail the San Man!
@ 120 Cynic
I don’t know.. the tattoos look really haphazard.. could have planned it better 😀
CG@121. I will join you in talking up Sanogo just a little bit.
Given my propensity to be encouraging and look at the positives I thought Sanogo held the ball up well at times against Leicester. A couple of times he took long balls out of the air on his chest and layed it off to one of ours. Giroud (rightly) gets credit for this. Very little for Sanogo.
There were also a couple of times he held on to the ball under pressure when I think previously he would have lost it. I said at the time that it was not a great performance but that it was better and a platform to kick-on from.
We, as a team, have spent years not shooting early enough and I was encouraged that he had a go a few times, with both feet, from varied positions. You’ve gotta shoot to score…
He is obviously not good enough yet but I do wonder what sort of player we will see when he scores a goal or two and gets his confidence.
@Gunnersaurus Stunt Double, respect what you have said and yes we are all in this together but then my only grouse is why leave it late always and why always do we miss out. Its like we search, we court, we propose and then a rich so and so takes the girl away, hahha.
Is there no need? its plain obvious we need reinforcements, in fact we dont have any realistic players at DM and striker positions at the moment, Can we still say it is ok. That is what is i believe that is not fathomable.
I sincerely am leaving office with a prayer and hope and belief that we will and we shall succeed.
And if Sanogo doesn’t make it then Chippy and I will join his new religion. Complete with crazy dances, ritualistic healing (efficacy not guaranteed) and an unusual group bonding practice in which we all do impressions of giraffes on ice-skates.
And, like most major spiritual leaders, Sanogo will still not be allowed to score… wink
Vinay,
I totally agree we need reinforcements. I have always said so. Also agree that the way we do business can seem incredibly frustrating at times.
But that is a different discussion to the one about how we react to results when they don’t go our way.
I did love the first paragraph. Arsenal- unlucky in love!
GSD,
He already does a great impersonation of a Can Can dancer – I can see us know Can Caning down the holloway road whilst wearing white robs and Jester Hats 😉
Now even !
And Robes – Poxy I Phone.
Late offer for Carvalho rejected. Rumor that Welbeck is pushing for a deal. May even bid for Nastasic.
Don’t know if anything is true, probably it is not.
Magic Chippy. I’m in if you are.
Let’s just hope we can all can-can together come May!
Danny Welbeck???
Having a medical??
WELBECK!!!!!!
HE ISN’T SONOGOAL!!!!!
#WhereMeNastasic
Good to see you back in the saddle EPM.
Great post at 114 but it would seem wrong after this whole window if you went AWOL for the final few hours.
#FreeWilly
Well, well, well. If we get Wellbeck I think we have done a good piece of business. Sure he was some crap wanker who looked like Grace Jones when he played for them, but now he is a young international striker with Prem and Champs League experience who can come in and challenge Giroud. Plus, he isn’t Sonogo.
Sky report here:
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9452183?
Welbeck, one of these 21 year old defenders we are linked with… Just a DM short. BIG Ivan may yet pull our conkers from the fire.
UTA 🙂
Noooooooo, not fucking Welbeck. I’d rather have Defoe than Welbeck.
Shit, I’d rather have *insert illness of choice here* than Welbeck!
139 – Gracias amiga 🙂
#WhereMeReus
I’ve often said that Welbeck looked like the next Batistuta when no one was listening.
That’s the Batistuta who’s been a virtual cripple since he stopped playing rather than the one who was good.
West Ham, brilliantly, decided not to extend Carlton Cole’s contract last summer. Having paid him no wages through the off-season they promptly re-signed him as soon as pre-season began. Great stuff.
Can we follow suit and get Bendtner back?
Yeah… Suddenly Welbeck seems like Wrighty mark two.
As ever, we’ll see what happens…
Not sure about Welbeck, plus it sure wouldn’t do Sanogo’s confidence any good if he starts ahead… and what about Campbell?He’s another winger then?
Fishy…!
I actually ‘lol’ed when I just heard the Welbeck rumour, literally giggled aloud.
No, not at the quality of the potential signing, actually at the thought of the monumental bout of toy-throwing, dummy-spitting and tantrums guaranteed to issue forth from sections of the fanbase.
Imagine the rending of clothes and nashing of teeth! It would be like dropping-off time at my daughter’s nursery.
Just checked Welbeck’s stats from last season. 15 apps, 9 goals.
When they said Wenger was working on a charity project today I never thought it could have meant helping United out by taking that berk off their hands.
Oh well it could be worse.
It could be …. no, it couldn’t be worse.
@143
What does the next Batistuta look like when no-ones listening? wink
Check out the chipped finish in here at 2:38
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9452183?
I will be wiping it off the ceiling if this goes through. 35 goals and 15 assists in the 3 seasons age 20 through 22 and with title winning experience. Has 26 full England caps at age 23. If this is true and all for under 10mil we have mugged the market here.
GET IT DONE BIG IVAN!!!!
Welbeck a very, very good piece of business (if it does indeed go through). Wld be a great foil for our small forwards to play off – he’s strong, athletic, but also very skillful. But a Centre-Back is absolutely essential – even if it’s not top, top quality, we need the numbers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYvAteZw41M
This has ruined my evening, 4 hours of scouring twatter and newsnow ahead of me know. This is my transfer window:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU
See that’s why you need Champions league Football we are in it and sign Welbeck from a team who failed to qualify and they sign Falcao to replace him 😉 Surely that’s the wrong way round 🙂
Ps 350k a week helps !!
Welbeck didn’t look too good against MK Dons but who knows.. it’s that messed up system that only Van Balls knows.
Still, think he’s a distraction. Watching for CB/DM with crossed fingers.
😀
Signing Welbeck with all the players that have been available this summer would be like getting a golden ticket to the chocolate factory and walking out with a stick of celery.
Anyway, done with it…
But Danny fucking Welbeck?
Good night.
I thought Monreal was excellent against Leicester. Best game for a while and he’s definitely doing everything he can to stop Gibbs walking straight back into the team when he’s fit.
Especially, he has been crossing really well in the last few games. We need someone to nod a few of them over the line…
If it weren’t for the Utd connection people would be jizzing off their chins about Welbeck. Young, quick, powerful, got some skills, scored some stunning goals and played top level football all at 23. Check some of these moves out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG68Q5UmaVw
Simple question is, does this improve our squad? Adding a young international with good potential it is a no-brainer YES.
There are defenders about, I’m sure we’ll get one in. Only question is how far they will push for a midfielder? There is always january…
Poonwards
with giroud injured anything better than sanogo is good enough for me…looking out for DM and CB
I didn’t understand why we didn’t get 2/3 early twenties prospects last summer if the big fish we wanted weren’t available. I think Welbeck and Nastasic would be really, really tidy business. Absolutely superb in fact. Throw in Carvalho or Scheniderlin and I may try and knock up Mrs Poon again just to have a boy to call Ivan 🙂
I must say I am enjoying watching PL rivals pissing money up the wall on stuff they don’t need 🙂
Imagine paying one million pounds per week, every week, on strikers who will play in front of a system that they don’t have the players to make work. Tactical genius that. Or fucking madness.
Snowy,
Madness then again this looks more of a profile signing than anything else – Need to show their Fans and commercial partners they can still be big hitters – Costly exercise mind.
The Falcao of 3 years ago was unplayable – This one had bad injury and hasn’t been involved in a top league for nigh on 2 years who knows what they are signing !!
Hilarious. I only had to mention Welbeck and did you see the meltdown?
Please sign him Ivan, I don’t care if he scores no goals at all, the fan reaction alone is pure entertainment, melodrama at its best!
#newwayoflookingatthetransferwindow
It may be that Welbeck is having his medical AT Arsenal because he’s there with England, but it’s actually for a move to Spurs.
Thank God10 for that.
Welbeck = young, English, pacey, hard-working, hungry = no-brainer good deal!
Now for a Defensive Midfielder and and a left-sided Central defender before the night’s out. Reus too please! The Pope has spoken!
Quote of the day; “Manchester United need Falcao like some who needs heart surgery gets a boob job”! Need I say more; desperation signing for the share-price if ever there was one! On the same money as at Monaco and paid directly to Monaco who keep paying him tax free! Disgusting! It’s make or break time at the “Theatre of Dreams”! COYBG!
Signing Welbeck wouldn’t exactly send me cartwheeling through the room, but much rather him than Sanogo.
ManU, btw, are reported to pay Falcao £350k/week. Add RvP, Rooney, Mata and Di Maria who are all on at least 300 k and we have more than 1,5 million pounds per week or pretty much 80 million a year. On FIVE players! Three of those five are 29 or older too, one is just back from a really serious injury and another has had injury problems all his career save for two seasons. The game has gone absolutely mad.
*opens another can of Guinness and continues watching the madness*
😎
Why on earth would we be trying to sign Wellbeck, Reus or anyone else when we already have Dennis Bergkamp ?
And Mark Falcao ?
Didn’t he finish playing for that awful mob down the road years ago ?
The area where we are short on numbers is in central defenders. I have seen no players rumoured but view with horror the prospect of the window closing in a few hours time without adding a central defender. Any other acquisition would be a bonus but cover in the defensive position is essential.
Like Snowy I am enjoying watching the panic spending at Old Trafford; at this rate they will start games with a goalkeeper, a left back, a midfielder and eight attacking players. Will make entertaining viewing with Butthead the philospher orchestrating them.
Seems that Blind has joined them so one less attacker and another midfielder.
Snowy, While you’re ‘in house’ welcome back, son.
And others whose monikers have been absent, here, good to see. xx.
romours about kondogbia….anyone??
*waves at abb*
😉
See I have manners. Just very, very tired.
Going out on a limb, but I’m really believing we don’t need a striker.
We have two weeks before City. Hopefully the ‘gellin’ will be set by then.
In a month Theo is in full training! Remember Theo?
And for those who have supported Sanogo here, you are visionaries.
Keep the faith, he’s special.
Hey Snowy! 🙂
hey abb!:D https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/37736480/cheers.jpg
so Welbeck, loads of potential, not going to get a game at ManU, has pace, if its for reasonable price, its a no brainer I suppose.
Pfft, I always knew that Welbeck was rubbish.
Huntelaar is really the new Batistuta, been saying it for years innit 🙂
Eandy, is that you?! 🙂 Cheers! xx
well yeah abb thats the devilishly handsome me:D posted this pic in previous drinks when my Puma shirts arrived, but wanted to share with you again hehe 😀
Where else bar sky sports news on TDD can you see a reporter getting ear hole rapped by a big purple dildo – Scallies gotta love em 🙂
Eandy, whose #, is on that lovely shirt ? 😉
Best place to follow live Arsenal transfer deadline day drama :
http://news.arseblog.com/2014/09/transfer-deadline-day/
“17.26 – Hearing that an Arsenal bid for William Carvalho was turned down because we tried to pay with a Bitcoin like crypto-currency.
Sporting simply refused to take WengNotes. We also offered them GazidoCash and DickLucre (which gave them pause for thought), but in the end they said no.
”
Nice. 🙂
Home shirt is Mesut, away kit is Alexis and my better half has lady cup shirt with Santi (yeah, spent a fortune on arsenal direct this season -_-)
Lady cups? Filthy language…
So bored I’m watching tennis and listening to Suede.
Heartily approve of your selections, Eandy! They’re all terrific players.
Think your other half, is very lucky, to have you xx
Ryo is off to the Dutch league again. Year long loan at FC Twente this time. At least he is fit and would be playing again. Wish him a full good season under the belt.
Miquel seems to be moving permanently to Norwich and Bellerin has been approved a loan deal to somewhere. Which most likely means we are indeed getting some defensive cover in the next few hours.
Coquelin to QPR is also the rumor. Redknapp does like an Arsenal prospect who couldn’t make it.
Welbeck is Arsenal player apparently.
Ace choices Éandy
And heh @ 186 🙂
*blushes all around* why thank you abb 😀 Santi is her favourite player so it was her selection 🙂 Anyways it is time for me to let my TR7 away kit from last season to rest and wear Puma ones throghout this season, finally have the ability to wear home shirt and away shirt according to where we play hehe (my last home shirt was certain catalan bloke I am not wearing for obvious reasons).
Lurky @ 189: You I remember think Wellbeck is actually very good but misused at ManU. Right? I think he has some interesting abilities, including some very decent link-up play and runs off teh ball. Maybe makes sense after all?
if nothing he adds another option in attack, as much as I think Yaya is going to make it (I still see less cunty Ade in him), we need a player who is possibly going to make an impact now and even young, Welbeck proved that he can score goals and has some ability.
Hey all, just checking in real quick.
Labor Day here in the States, so I’ve been running around, did some shopping, washed/vacuumed the car, did some writing, and just took a little half hour pooze. Baseball on the radio, windows open, kids down for their afternoon naps. All very pleasant.
Did a quick back drink and I’m pretty sure GSD@76 is still the best drink of the day. I’ll have another of those, ‘holic. 🙂
Meanwhile best I can tell, one signing is the most we can reasonably hope for today. Well, fine. Those who were hoping for 3 signings and a ticker tape parade were always going to be disappointed.
Okay, back to some reading in this beautiful labor day afternoon in Boston. Hopefully will see at least a new CB announced on the club site by tomorrow.
So we are going into the season with three CB’s.
Wondered what to do with my “certain catalan bloke” shirt for a long time, Eandy. This summer I gave it to my neighbor’s kid who is a Chelski fan as a free gift telling him this is Chelsea new season third kit, that is why it is red. Told him that I would give the shirt to him for free if he wears it only when he plays football but not in front of his father who is a “huge” Chelski fan himself.
Some kids take the mickey out of him, so his father doesn’t speak to me anymore, which is such a good thing, because Chelski is in great form at the start of the season and he doesn’t have the pleasure to annoy me with that.
you are evil Lurky, but funny kind of evil so I approve, unfortunately (or luckily) I have no Chelski fans arond me who would be as zealous about their support as I am in mine for Arsenal.
There is lot of love-in for Chelsea in Czech Republic because of Petr Cech and I really hope he moves on from that lot, so it ends and I dont have to hear anyone waxing lyrical about bus stop in Fulham that much like they do now in meeja.
Lays it on a plate to…
Boom?
Dr. Faustus, don’t quite understand what you try to say @192, but I like Welbeck and I think he could be a useful player for us.
That is if the reports are true and he comes to us. If not and if tomorrow he is an still an United player, he is bang average and all that.
I am kidding, I’ve liked him since he was loaned to Sunderland and think that he is one of the most underrated players in England, imo.
BBC just reported that AFC and MUFC agreed a 16m deal for Welbeck
Welbeck for 18m. Will wear number 23. Good job.
BOOOOM!!!
Welbeck on his way. What a mega shrood piece of business:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/09/01/ive-been-told-danny-welbeck-has-signed-for-arsenal-gunners-legend-alan-smith/158165/?
Smudger Smith wouldn’t lie to us 🙂
Lurky @201 & 203
Knows stuff
That’ll do me too
Complete non sequitur I realize, but did you all know that Danny Welbeck’s full name is Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck?
Also, Alexis Sanchez’s name is actually Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez. Two Sanchez’s. I know, it’s crazy.
Oh well, at least it’s not Sturridge.
I actually feel sorry for AW
He goes to Rome to simply eat the best pizza in the world and we all give him a gob full
Nice business wellbeck
He always surprises me as he did with ozil and Sanchez
Enjoy the pepperoni and goats cheese AW
It always tastes better with a speedy fast striker up front
He is aloud to eat pizza is he not ?
göönsterham – thats maybe why he wants to have just Alexis on his back instead of Sanchez? Being fed up with the two of them in his name?
Ah haha Eandy. You might be onto something there.
Refusing to get my panties in too much of a wad but confirmations are starting to come from everywhere about Welbeck.
Welbeck a tidy piece of business. Only 23 but with lots of experience, including in Europe and 26 international caps. An absolute athletic specimen. He can offer us runs in behind, good link play and a physical presence. Giroud will be fighting to get his place back in this team. Very, very difficult to find someone who can offer pace behind the defence and the physicality to ruffle the CB’s with his back to goal, BIG Welly offers us both.
Plus, he’s another very hard working attacker. Wenger clearly been looking for work rate up front and he has that. I remember watching him give the Madrid defence an absolute chasing until Nani got sent off. Manure would have pissed that game without the red and Welbeck a big reason why. Ramos just couldn’t handle him.
I think we have an absolute steal here. Our squad just improved big time. We are adding an England international striker for what is a snip given the inflated prices they go for. Will count as home-grown in the squad to. Just a fabulous piece of business.
I don’t normally trust a player with a soundtrack this dodgy, but just watch this if you are in doubt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReP5LbTp7uE
208 – Jesus Aussie, AW isn’t getting pepperoni FFS! Classy man like that just gets anchovies. #PoonKnows
bit underwhelmed here.
Yanited get Falcao, we get Wellbeck.
Great.
Why dont we just swap Ozil for Cleverly while we are at it.
The scrap for fourth continues!
Imagine Ozil, Jack and Ramsey feeding a trio of Sanchez, Welbeck and Walcott. Mouthwatering staff.
Ah Well…beck rather than Balotelli anyways!
And we lost Miquel too.
What news DM/CB?
😀
Ryo out on loan and Iggy on a permanent deal to Norwich. Why do I get attached to players. Wish them the very best.
With time, will adjust to see Danny wearing our colors. Kissing our crest. Just to need to absorb this…
Impressive Failage, have to disagree with you man. United are paying an obscene amount of money to loan an injury-prone player. The risks are enormous. I wouldn’t want us to do that.
Meanwhile Welbeck (if the rumors are true) is not a bad player. Not a worldbeater, but not bad at all given the circumstances. Hard worker, good technical skill, extremely fast. He makes us better.
Given that an hour ago it looked like we weren’t going to do anything, I’d say we can feel ok about it.
Rene Meulestein on Danny Welbeck :
“I know Danny since he was eight or nine. He’s not an out and out goal scorer, but he’s a link player, a creator, and he’s still young,”
“If he’s given the right run of games he’ll score more goals.”
—————
Makes sense if you look at it that way…?!… so Alexis will score them goals!
😀
Is playing Calum Chambers as both a CB and RB some sort of Wenger master plan? Doesn’t he know we are 1 defensive injury away from being completely fucked.
Utter lack of planning and vision in not signing a CB.
Fuck this.. Ill even take Micah Richards at this point..
Welbeck all ‘wel’ and good, but where is the 4th centre-back? We simply cannot get through til Jan with Per, Kos and Chambers alone. Surely Arsene and Ivan – something? Unless I’m missing an obvious internal option (and pls don’t tell me Monreal as LB-cum-4th CB like Sagna was RB-cum-4th CB last season!)
Come on Micah.. you know you’re a gooneerrrrr
I’m sure we’ll get a defender, even if its a Kallstrom style emergency loan. Ideal world we find another Chambers: young, buxom, studly and can play defence or holding midfield… Anyone heard of the Carvalho fella? Would be nice if we just said “fuck it” and paid the extra to get it done. They’ve been pimping him out all window, rude not to take a piece innit.
I’m told flamini can play at the back…. if situation warrants it!
Am hoping we can avoid any such scenarios…
Anyone know anything on CB/RB?
Welbeck a clever signing at a good price: a) At the very least, it’s pretty close like-for-like covering of Giroud till January. b) He’s more far more mobile than Giroud, he’s got a better touch and much better goalscoring record than Sanogo, and c) he’s already got bags of PL and CL experience (unlike say Falcao or Cerci etc.) I fancy he’ll be a great foil for all our tricky runners: Walcott, Sanchez, Ramsey, the Ox, and let’s not forget he’s only 23….
Any retired / free agent CBs out there? Whats Sylvestre’s phone number.. Im sure he could do a job..
@BB
I think Wenger sees Hector as the deputy RB if Chambers has to fill in as CB.
Madness.. And unfair.
Interesting:
https://twitter.com/DarrenArsenal1/status/506541146382684160
Duncan castles, usually reliable, says €30mil would get Carvalho. Sporting saying they don’t expect Arsenal to offer more than original, which was €27 apparently… No way the deal falls through over that Shirley?
Isn’t Micah Richards loaned this morning somewhere in Greece? Or it was Turkey?
I refuse to believe anything until it’s on arsenal.com, but IF we do sign Welbeck that’s probably not too bad after all. He’s much better than Sanogo, that’s for sure. But like I said, if it’s not on .com I won’t believe it.
BB 224 – good point. Was thinking the same. In a pinch Flamini can cover either fullback spot, so we go 3 deep there. Still one good kick away from the precipice in the centre though…
@Lurky, Beeb say he’s still being pimped around..
El Puno, I keep hearing that the Carvalho deal fell through essentially because we didn’t really rate him that highly. We decided he wasn’t “quick enough” for the Prem. I guess we were willing to take a punt on him, but not to go as high as they wanted.
I respect that I guess. I’m more curious why Schneiderlin never happened.
The center half is the strange one. Hard to understand why nothing happened there. To be fair, thus far Chambers has looked as competent a third choice as Vermaelen did last year, but…
Micah Richards is going to join Fiorentina.. but not confirmed.
Micah Richards makes Diaby look like Superman. He’s basically been injured for the last three years or so.
If Falcao doesn’t get signed then neither does Welback is my guess.. still no official word.
Lars, you know said you wouldn’t do cart wheels across the room over Welbeck….changed your mind yet?
😀
Signing Welbeck will hamper Sanogo’s development.
C’mon BIG Ivan, get us Carvalho who could cover midfield and defence, would be perfect. We are that close to a perfect summer’s transfer dealing. At least some cover in defence.
Tough to grumble really. All those wonderful wish lists we were drawing up at the end of last season said the same thing pretty much, we need 6 players, 7 if Verm leaves. GK, RB, CB, DM, Attacker and striker. We have filled every spot so far apart from the DM and a replacement for Verm. It is pretty close to perfect business numbers wise.
Far more importantly, is there anyone about who doesn’t think that Sanchez, Chambers, and Debuchy all look the nuts? Big man is getting what we need and he is getting “super quality.”
One final surprise?
Who is Efe Ambrose?
233 – completely agree GL. Wouldn’t Schneiderlin be superb at the death!
🙂
Is Efe Ambrose our new CB?
Lurky, he’s a center half for Celtic. Why?
Just got this text off my Geordie fan mate:
“He’s basically a free signing. Only 23, no way you can’t flog an England international to us/Villa/Everton/West Ham etc for what you paid in 2 years if you aren’t keen anymore.”
Lix knows.
Well there is some rumor regarding him GL. Is he any good?
Bosnian Gooner. We are in 4 competitions. Injuries are rampant in this squad. Sanago will get his run out, but I know what you mean. 🙁
240 – put “Efe Ambrose” in to a twatter search and you get A LOT of Celtic fans crying into their battered mars bars about how bad he is :/
goonerstam lincoln – respect your right to hold a diametrically opposed view to myself!
Wellbeck certainly an upgrade on Sanogo! – (not sure that should be the criteria by which we work however).
Who would have wanted Wellbeck at Arsenal before today?
Im just confused — you say Falcao is injury prone – made for Arsenal then,eh?
Also, keep reading that Arsenal are in the top five richest clubs in the world, yet we spend like relative paupers.
I have said before on these pages that there are only two ways a club can acquire players – buy em or grow em – our academy is not exactly pumpin’ ’em out, so,logic dictates we have to buy (assuming the goal is to win the Premier League).
Agree that Yanited are panic buying, but at least they are shopping in Harrods.
United hierachy must also be convinced that Falcao is a superior player to Wellbeck. I could be wrong,but was Wellbeck even a starter for (seventh placed) United (when RVP and Rooney were fit)?
Like I said — a bit underwhelmed.
I mean yes he’s good for Celtic, but they play teams like Dundee and Partick Thistle. He’s 25 years old and Nigerian, I believe. At this point he’d be better than nothing though.
Danny fuckin’ Welbeck.
My mother used to say:”Never buy nothin’ from those conniving, thieving, lying filthy sluts from Traford. Never, you hear”.
And it’s Danny fuckin’ Welbeck. My God.
Sonogo will be hampering Akpom’s development in the Carling Cup
#ReleaseKINGChuba
Bosnian Gooner and abb. See my post @23 in these drinks re: Sanogo. I think it is a big risk to expose him too much right now. He needs some cover. And as abb says, he will get his chances.
The last guy who knew what they were ding at Utd had Welbeck in the team over Rooney when they played Madrid. he scored to. #HTWH
If we had picked up Sturridge when he was a cheapish Chavski reject who would have been saying “ooooh Sturridge is shit, can’t even play for those mugs and they have Torres up front” I wonder?
having bitched about Wellbeck, it should be noted that I think Debuchy,Sanchez and Chambers are ridiculously good signings who will all be great for AFC.
Porco@237: nope, not changed my mind – and besides, I have to confess I can’t actually do cartwheels 🙂
gl @ 252 yes I saw your @ 23, much earlier in the day. Your post was one of few, who I had in mind when I posted @ 174 😉
EPM -not me – I always thought Sturridge was a fine player.
Bit differnt situation too – Wellbeck not first eleven in a very poor United side – Sturridge not first eleven in a very strong Chavski.
Michah Richards done.. Sandro to QPR.. Dayum.. He oculd have been our CDM…
@ 250 Silly Second Yella
Well if he nets 20+ goals or assists as many then he’s not a ‘buy’ but a ‘steal’ ? 🙂
And i definitely get your point…. “Welbeck caught the attention of club scouts when he was just six years old and joined their academy when he was eight.”
Hard to get rid of brain washing since childhood…!
Q: Congratulations Welbeck you just joined the Arsenal!What’s your response?
Welbeck :http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article4089800.ece/alternates/s510b/danny-welbeck.jpg
Still no official deal yet.. !
😀
Not worried about Welbeck at all. He is 24, English, PL experience, CL experience, gonna be good.
Falcao is 29 next February, forgot when was the last time he played CL football, for Porto maybe, better finisher then Welbeck, but lacks Welbeck’s workrate and link-up play.
In this inflated market, the price we pay for a young English player from United is a real deal, imo.
And stop comparing Welbeck potential to that shitbag Cleverly, not even close.
CB situation on other hand is quite worrying.
Impressive F @258 Go to Arseblog on twitter. Some ‘impressive’ stats there on Mr Welback 😉
Lars @ 256 Never could do cartwheels (no upper body strength). 🙁
Lurky, I am worried that Welbeck deal might not happen. Deafening silence about Falcao. Should have happened by now, isn’t it?
If we want Efe Ambrose as back-up) then that’s good but if we even do as much as consider playing him in central defence then I will be shitting my pants.
Abb, how do you know Lars has no upper body strength ? 😉
Those wondering why we didn’t plump for Falcao – they’re apparently paying him 346,000 pounds a week.
Back-up Right-back that is.
She’s right though, Trev… 🙂
afraid welbeck deal’s going to break down…meh!!
ha ha Lars and Trev! Lifting all those pints Lars you’ve got no worries 😉
Coordination must be your excuse! 🙂
Love a good zinger, me!
I’d heard, abb, but never really believed it.
abb, coordination would indeed probably be an even bigger worry!
So, Lars, interesting –
no upper body strength, no coordination and, most of the time, legless !
🙂
258 – Welbeck appeared in 30, 27, and 25 Prem games for Utd last 3 seasons. Not bad for someone who’s only 23 at a big club. We just shelled out big money to sign a young international striker. Kid’s quality.
Hahaha, that’s me in a nutshell, Trev!
Lars, (chuckles) me too!
Pangloss @ 271 Hey there!
Dishes to wash and 4 cats to feed. Enjoyed tonight here. A bit special, don’t you ALL think ….
Hey,EPM – If Wellbeck does it for you,great!
Do ya mind if I have a different opinion?
Agree he’s a good player.
Question is -good enough?
Personally I think we could have done better.
So, the window SLAMS SHUT in just a few minutes… and then we can all start arguing about who Arsene MUST buy in January.
Why wait, Lars?
I say he’s got to get in a DM and a CB and he’s GOT to do it in 4 months time!
COYG
BOOOOOOM, the window has shut… now just to wait a few hours for official confirmations or lack thereof!
277 – welcome to your opinion, but stating he couldn’t get in a poor man u team just wasn’t true mate. Appeared regularly. ESPN has the stats free to access online and everything.
C’mon, how about a late breaking Nastasic announcement… 🙂
Gibbs crocked
Kos crocked
Chambers
Per
Nacho
Debuchy
Yeeyyy..
Coquelin not leaving. So I guess that is our 4th choice CB as well as DM cover as well as RB cover.
Not a bad player actually. Before his Bundesliga club started playing him as a winger he had demonstrated competence and composure for us especially in 11-12 season. Guess Arsene has seen enough of him in the training since his return …
@Doctor Faustus
Except that Coquelin has had a very poor season last time around. And also has attitude issues.
Blogs was told that Arsene said his 4th choice CB is Monreal.
Epm
As I said, “I could be wrong”
Be a help if you read the post before you start.
This bar has changed.
And not for the better.
Barkeep!
My tab,sir!
Goodness knows what goes on at Arsenal around transfer deadline day. We appear to be very lucky that Danny Welbeck was training at London Colney today . Serendipity rules just like it did with Ozil last year. Right at the end of the transfer window we buy a player who Ornstein has said we had no intention of buying the day before.
Meanwhile we were making bids for centre backs at almost 10.30- without success it seems.
Sorry Dr. F Coquelin to my knowledge has never played at centre back. The boy he may promote is Pleguezelo the young ex Barca defender who has been injured. But this is negligence on a grand scale. Two significant gaps not filled but at least the Pope will have blessed us this evening.
As for Welbeck we could have done a lot worse. I think given a regular spot he could suit our style very well. He is MUCH quicker than Giroud and his record at United is decent – and this is a career- defining opportunity for him. Let’s hope he can take it.
Sajit @ 285: “…has attitude issues…” according to whom? This is what really annoys me. On the field of play did you see any attitude issues? Or did you hear it through the grapevines? Did Arsene tell you something?
Lots of players in Arsenal colors had this so-called perceived “attitude issues” . Some of them were what we call our heroes.
Anyway, my post was not meant to ‘big up’ Coquelin. I simply stated the fact that he has not yet left the club even on loan, he can play CB or DM and has covered for us there competently and hence remains an available candidate if the need be.
By the way, he had a very promising 11-12 after his loan spell at Lorient. In 12-13 he was inconsistent and injured and didn’t get too many chances but if I recall correctly had one or two good matches at CL as well. He has the basics right. And even though that is not an option any of us here probably would have preferred but in absence of the type of excellent players we didn’t sign he can do a job. Not ideal, but that’s what we have.
Until the next transfer window, of course. 🙂
Miffed we’ve not signed a DM – the one position above all others I really felt we needed to fill this summer. Watching Leicester and Besiktas walk through us last week didn’t exactly help.
That said, we’ve spent a packet this summer and signed half a dozen quality players, all at sensible prices. We will definitely be stronger than last term, assuming we avoid an injury apocalypse, and I definitely preferred this summer to any of the last decade.
I don’t think we’ll win the title – that’ll come next season – I do think we’re heading in the right direction, although I fear for us again in the big away games.
Not overly worried about the forth choice CB situation: we were always going to be a bit thin somewhere and we’ll manage it I’m sure.
Very very happy with Welbeck. Hard working. Quick. Has always scored goals through the middle. A bargain for what we’re paying and far better value than Remy or Balotelli. Plus, all the Mancs over at red cafe are weeping about it, which is a great sign: http://www.redcafe.net/threads/danny-welbeck-ssn-£16m-deal-to-arsenal-agreed.393916/page-51
Why we’ve not signed a DM I guess we will never know, but well done Arsene and the club: a very decent summer in the end, and the sort of summer we’ve often doubted the club to be capable of when you consider the number and range of deals involved.
Looking forward to the football returning now all this bollocks is over.
COYG
N7 knows
TTG @ 288 : I am mistaken there. I remember him covering for the RB as well as LB for us. But you are right that I cannot recall him playing CB for us ever. May be dropped off from DM to CB in a match or two following injury/cards etc. Sorry for that .
My point was not meant to excuse the rather mysterious absence of any new CB. I am as puzzled as any of you. My point was to find a reason why Coq didn’t even go out on loan and whether Arsene may want to give him another try seeing something in the training.
Pleguezelo and Hayden are the players in the reserve that I guess may get a run-in in the League Cup etc. But both without any experience even on loan so maybe too early?
Also, I gather Bellerin didn’t leave on loan so he stays as the second RB.
N 7 @ 290: ” DM – the one position above all others I really felt we needed to fill this summer.”
Fully agree. If I were to guess I think we couldn’t get the one or two targets we had in mind for a price we were willing to afford. This is a position we have been hunting for a while now if the rumors are to be believed.
I think we will do some tactical tweaking and will play a rotating double-pivote at the base of the midfield or in attacks we will stay lopsided , that is always leave one fullback as defensive screen and use one of the central midfielders to push to that flank while in attack. I don’t think we will go — especially in the big matches — with only Arteta or Flamini at the base of teh midfield.
To look at this transfer window at a broader scale: 4 new excellent signings early in the transfer window (including one genuine world class), 1 previously acquired but perennially loaned out youngster but with now good experience and maturity , and one deadline day signing of an young center forward who grew up the ranks in ManU and has decent PL experience and pedigree.
That is six new players. Granted three of them are replacements/upgrades. But when was the last time we bedded in six new players at the beginning of a season? 00-01 or 01-02?
In a window or two we will get the few additional quality defensive signings I guess.
Chambers has DM writen all over him, he is going to write his signature on that position over the years at Arsenal.
Coquelin is an option there and not that bad one. Add to that Arteta and Flamini with potentially Diaby/Wilshere who can play in the double pivot, we are not that bad covered. There are 4 players for one position. But no one is Matic quality for sure, so I would have not mind signing Carvalho for example.
Where we really made a mistake this summer is not signing a good CB cover. Kos and Per are a really good options, with Chambers, Hayden and Montreal covering.
Not good quality and number wise. One more CB, to accommodate Chambers into DM position and I could say that we are not bad. Not for the title of course, but for top four. At the moment I am not sure about our chances, so I guess we will have to wait and see.
Thank you N7 @290.
I am not at all gutted with the whole Falcao fiasco. That’s too much money, I don’t care how rich we are. If Wenger had that kind of money, might as well spend it on Reus, younger and German too. We have two weeks to get our formation right and get some folks healthy again. In whole am okay, just wish we were able to get calvalho. Anyways we support the guys wearing the shirt, and hope for the best.
SAG@297 Agreed.
Punts it long upfield…
Lob???
Lurky @ 295: Agreed that defensively the squad is a bit thin, and Chambers’s education at DM (most likely his eventual position) would have to wait a while. But learning the skills and disciplines of the defensive side alongside Per/Kos is not a bad education either.
I think we have enough for a top four. My prediction of domestic double still holds in my mind, but I will fully understand if that prediction is judged to be overly optimistic and not necessarily a pragmatic assessment. 🙂
Nonchalant. A la that lovable Croatian-Brazillian .
Out for the evening. Good night everyone.
Please.. hope Welbeck deal hasnt messed up.
Waited for it all day..
I hope MU is as big a club as we think they are, because that’s a lot of money going out weekly for their top four players. RVP, ROONEY,DI MARIA and now FALCAO. They better make the top four, hopefully not at our expense.
Well if the Welbeck transfer comes off, I think its a smashing piece of business considering the position we found ourselves in since Girouds injury.
He’s fast, technically good, extremely underrated, home grown, cheap, physically powerful, English international, PL experienced and a typical Ferguson player in that he’s got a great attitude and work rate. With the right coaching at only 23 he really could be a top player. TBH, I can’t believe they sold him to us. I’d have him over Remy or Balotelli all day long. And I’ve a feeling that in time, Manu fans will hurt much more in seeing Welbeck progress with us than we ever did with RvP going to Manu.
Was sorry to see that we didn’t get a DCM. And maybe we might have got a CH too, but I really do think that Monreal is far too talented not to be playing more regularly even if its to provide cover at CH.
I would differ with N7 in thinking that DCM was the priority. I really think getting another striker was a far greater priority after Girouds injury.
I know people will be deflated by the lack of business done today, but over all, I really do think its been superb transfer window for us. Every single player we’ve bought have been top class imo. And once we get going and find our groove we’ll be fine.
Signing Welbeck could easily be the biggest move in this window. Arsenal has effectively weakened a rival (whether they know it or not) and met a need. United just blundered big time. He is exactly the kind of player they should have kept a hold of and one we need right now. Super piece of biz.
In addition to Ospina, Debuchy, Chambers, Sanchez and the return of Campbell, we also have a small band of excellent prospects( Akpom, Bellerin, Zelalem, Afobe etc.) nipping at the heels of more established folk, to contend with. It can only get better.
Though it would have been nice to go into the rest of the season with a little more depth, Arsenal and AW have done a good job getting us what we have now. Give them time to get the crocked back, gell and settle on a primary mode of play and they may surprise a whole lot of people.
COYG
Remember, we have January and Diaby.
Seriously love some of you. Big time. Might be waiting for confirmation of Welbeck later, or maybe not. Big hugs…
I think we missed a trick when didn’t offloaded Podolski for 12m when we had a chance last week.
Really don’t see him getting more time on the pitch this season. It would have been such a good deal, swapping 29 year old non home grown who plays at only one position in attack for 23 year old English who can cover all three positions and has much better workrate, while paying just 4m in the process.
@ 306, please don’t jinx us. Diaby? he might as well join the coaching team.
Good to see you H.
Wellbeck?
If’s official on .com. Welbeck is an Arsenal player.
Deal done. good business.
Yup. Welbeck officially a gunner. The advent of good tidings me thinks.
SAG, nwokem. Diaby will come good *knocks wood*
Surprised Manure let young Welbeck go ahead of those old farts Rooney and van P, while adding yet another old geezer … is Falcao really only 29? Didn’t he lie about his age sometime back?
I’m happy enough with yet another England international, still young enough to be malleable by the master, who cost about the same (when you add in the salary) as a one-year loan for a recently injured superstar with no Premiership experience. And I like the ‘Mensah’ in his name, hopefully he has intelligence to match his football skills. 😉
Baffled by the lack of CD/DM cover though.
Öskar
Wenger wasn’t playing around when he said he wanted the english national team.
Like many I am surprised by the lack of defensive cover. CB is unbelievably light.
Excited about Welbeck though. Seems like excellent business to me.
Night all
Solid Gooner, if you say. I hope he does. Welbeck welcome to the Arsenal.
Glad also that we didn’t go large on a permanent Falcao deal. Although I doubt AW ever contemplated it, preferring to watch to see if some rival would get suckered into paying an amount that could stymie them for other deals in the FFP era.
Öskar
Welbeck in, eh? Hope he does well!
Re PremierLeaguePass, IF … the picture is fine on my ‘puter, just not the same as watching on the big screen. Which do you watch?
I watch the TV, linked with an HDMi cable with results as described previously. I’ve also tried linking via a Chromecast key, but that is worse.
Öskar
Heh Holic! 🙂
Well, here we go again. Another player that will make his way into our hearts. How they do that….
I remember, as most of us, when Arsene was interested in Falcao, while he was playing in Argentina where he was considered the next big thing, year before he went to Porto. Arsene could have him for 8m if I am not mistaken, but decided to withdraw, don’t remember exactly why, maybe we were covered in striker position at the moment.
Today, United pay twice as much for the same player. Only six years older. On one year loan. With over a million pounds per month salary.
Arsene knows. Welbeck is going to be much better investment then Falcao.
If only he could get that CB cover it would have been a great summer. Manolas was a great option, shame he choose Roma. We must hope that our defenders will remain fit and healthy at least till January.
gibbs/chambers/wilshere/ox/walcott/welback
that’s 6 that should be in england squad in euro’s.
The craziness is now done until January again. I think Welbeck is a good signing. I would have loved the CB and CDM signings as well. Nevertheless, let’s support the players that we have now. COYG!
Big respect to you as always Guv.
Agreed Lurky @322.
Let’s hope we have the same luck in central defence as last season. I hope I haven’t jinxed it now.
Shiny new player? Welbeck seems like a good signing to me, and he’s too young to suffer from Silvestre disease. He’s got energy, he’s got skill, he’s got a great smile and seems to have a great attitude so what’s not to like. I’m sure the Manc in him will rub off in no time. Except for the striking lessons imparted to him by Rooney, RVP, and a cast of greats. Welcome young man.
N7@290- well said and agree in full.
(Maybe a first as we don’t always agree)
This should set us up very nicely for a few seasons more.
I suggest the only reason AW has not bothered with a DM or the like is simply he has complete and utter confidence in someone within the existing squad for that type of role.
Wellbeck has all the ingredients for a front man.
Young
Cocky
Overly confident
Quick
Sharp
Strong
Aggressive
And loves to score goals and then dance…
What more could we ask for below 20 mil.
Congrats AW – a good transfer window.
Look forward to the return of some of the injured and being a lot stronger come January till the end.
Chambers, meet Welbeck. Your transfer value is identical. Welbeck if you can get off to as good a start in your Arsenal career as Chambers has done, you will be well on your way.
Just more for us to look forward to 8ball. Nice touch xx
Aussie and Sydneyred, give you fellas credit, considering your time zones. Wish I could stay up, to chat with you.
Impec1, always enjoy your company. Nite everyone.
I like Welbeck.
I remember watching a match of him (on loan to Sunderland) playing against Chelsea maybe 3-4 years back. He scored 2-3 goals to beat them. He was quick, skillful and have a physical presence even though he was thin, maybe his height helps.
Welcome Welbeck. Hope you become our next Henry.
Hey everyone. This will only take a moment. Attend:
Welbeck. Wel-beck. One l; e not a.
That was easy, wasn’t it? As you were.
£350,000 per week for Falcao. The world has officially gone mad.
Wait till he meets Shawcross…
Öskar
Not convinced with the Well beck business. I’m not saying Wenger lost the plot or anything, but I am dubious of anything Yanited are willing to discard.
Prove me wrong, Danny Boy. Prove me wrong.
Extraordinary, massive gamble by ManU. Really no margin for error and one more season out of top four and things would start to unravel with that wage bill. May it be so. 🙂
Looking around at other signings, excellent final day business by Hull with Ben Arfa (Newcastle fans must have had seen that coming, a strange strange club), Ramirez and Diame on top of the quietly efficient mid-table squad they had last season. All decent players.
Lonestar @ 333: Even among ManU supporters he divides opinions. Whenever I watched him — not many I concede as he used to play for ManU — especially for England I thought his workrate and link-up play was rather good, as are the runs. As you said, only time will tell. But a decent Giroud alternative.
So many people already either (1) writing Welbeck off as a mediocre signing and not good enough, or (2) talking about how he can be the next Thierry Henry.
The truth is no one, not Arsene Wenger, not Louis van Gaal, knows exactly how this is going to end up. From where I sit it looks like a risk well worth taking. At the very least we’ve added a quality squad player who may or may not kick on to be a very good striker indeed in the years to come. At worst, we can move him on someplace – probably, given that he’s English, without losing much on our investment.
But unless you’ve got a crystal ball, we’re just going to have to wait and see with this one. One thing I think we can all agree on: it certainly makes us a better team than we were 24 hours ago.
Many of the same folks who were wondering why on EARTH we didn’t get Loic Remy are now complaining that Welbeck is small potatoes. How is Welbeck a lesser option than Remy? Or Wilfried Bony? Just because we didn’t get them? The grass is always greener I guess.
Cheers N7 Gooner @290. Neck in neck with GSD @76 for best post of the day. Always look forward to reading your calm, sensible take, man. I’ve greatly appreciated it over the last few seasons.
By the way, for anyone wondering, my pedantry @331 is delivered in the most light-hearted tone imaginable. It does puzzle me a little when people don’t take the trouble to learn to spell our players’ names, but only a very very little. I’ve been known to commit more than my share of typos on this forum myself. So yeah.
GL @ 336: I think an equally (if not more) pertinent question is does he have the attributes to play the role Giroud used to play and hence allow us to preserve our last season’s first-choice tactics and formation as one of multiple options? In other words, is he right now a better alternative than Sanogo?
I would say yes, and that is where I think the deal makes most sense. Because I don’t think Arsene — and I could be wrong — had Welbeck as a long-term target for his squad. He adequately fills in an immediate need and can yet be converted into a good layer for us in the future.
Well – all i can say is welcome mr Welbeck!
Now start knocking some goals in!!
Man U is seriously in panic mode, figure Van Balls have this season to make top 4 and he knows it, otherwise it’s goodbye!
Figures I have seen (no way to verify) is that Falcao’s total cost will be >20m, that’s insane for someone on loan!
Welbeck to play on the wings and Ozil to move to the centre! You heard it hear first! and when Theo comes back, we’ll have another option. So our attack is well covered!
Hopefully no one gets injured for long spells defensively though…!
😀
I saw on Twitter some Arsenal fans were booing outside the Ems when the Welbeck deal went through, that’s just…sad.
I welcome him as a good deal and a player who could do a great job. We needed backup to Giroud, here he is but faster. We need to replace 16 league goals from last season- how about this lad? Scored 9 in 15 apps! Put him under Wenger’s wing and not Shouty McWhiskyface and he’ll explode into something fantastic.
No new defenders then? Oh well! I’m just happy the window’s closed and we can get on with the real business now.
Bring it on.
Glad we can finally settle down with the squad we have. Big gamble or a big vote of confidence in Hayden and Ajayi not getting in another centre-back, but otherwise we look pretty loaded. I’m as happy this morning as I was yesterday at the Welbeck signing.
Time for the team to be judged on results. Decent match up next to look forward to. In the meantime, I’ll be watching the NFL get started. Love that stuff.
Forward
So, we’ve signed someone! All of you lot who said we wouldn’t sign anybody in the morning and early afternoon should hold up your hands and hang your heads in shame, you know who you are… 8)
Danny Welbeck. A player who divided opinions at United. My older brother was gutted to see him go, Falcao inbound or not. He’s the kind of player you can’t bring yourself to rate if he plays for a rival club, you’re more likely to be slagging him off when he has a bad performance haha. But when you witness him scoring goals like that beauty of a backheel for England at Euro 2012, you can see there’s something interesting about him. There’s doubts about his technical ability upon other things, but who better to guide a relatively young England talent in the game right now than Arsène, eh? A great signing in my opinion, it also has the added benefit of taking the immediate pressure off Sanogo, who I think will succeed eventually at this club, given enough time (the way most of you lot were acting after the match on Sunday was like Alexis assisted himself for his 1st domestic goal!). I’m feeling awfully optimistic about this signing, & not just because Welbeck’s faster than Giroud 😉
Someone mentioned above that we could have 6 players called up to the England squad for the next major tournament, or even beyond. Imagine, if Arsène Wenger’s final gift to English Football was a 1st European Championships, or a 2nd World Cup directly via the exertions of our 6 Gunners (if I’m gonna be optimistic, I might as well go the full hog & envision Jenkinson returning as an well improved right back & getting a call up to take our total to 7), Arsenal’s English core. How spectacular would that be /:)
Morning,
Danny bloody Welbeck? Can you believe it and on a long term deal? A wasted talent at Utd.
BB – Utd will pay Falcao at least 350 000 per week and that’s if they agree with Monaco to pay the other 100,000. We were negotiating a cheaper deal but Utd being Utd thought they’d spend some of that sponsorship money to become the highest bidder. Even the Oil diggers looked at those figures and thought ‘hell no’.
Oh well. We asked for quality and we got it.
Roll on Man Citeh!!
was feeling underwhelmed by the news of welbeck joining us. but seeing the mancs cry over this makes me feel a bit better.
Good luck to the lad but not many who made the journey before him have made it at this club.
a rock solid defender was what I wanted. with per hanging up his international boots I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.
we need to stuff city to get the good vibes back.
I think that Wel(l)beck is a complete waste of time.
Whats that you say about FFL – I have no comment to make
No I did not know about this signing when I replaced Lambert 2 days ago in FFL
No I have no idea why I put Welbeck in my FFL team 2 days ago
Yes I do realise that I have now to remove 1 arsenal player from my FFL team – but who – AW you make nothing but stress for me (OK I’ll swap out Campbell)
COYG
GSD @ 76, a post that had me genuinely smiling. Well deserved plaudits coming your way. 🙂
Snowman, you’ve been a relevation on here recently, stellar stuff. 🙂
N7 @290, all I can say is… “sentiment shared”, on basically every single line. Well written mate 🙂
‘holic, could you pass on my details to Bodrum Goonerness about one of her season tickets with available matches for transferring?
Given that I thought the last day of the window was going to pass us by, I’m delighted that we have signed Welbeck. I’m really chuffed we have got a (another) striker on board. It might not work out but, there again, he might just be the piece in the jigsaw we need and turn out to be a Wenger gem. It’s strange there were no defensive reinforcements but I guess we’re getting used to living dangerously. All in all, although some will always find things to complain about, we have done some serious business this summer and I’m delighted about that.
Wind – I look forward to hearing from you.
Transfers done
Happy Aussie
Time to fire up the barby and sit back and enjoy the season.
Looking forward to a good next showing with an actual fucking striker…
Who would a thought hey…..
Fucking brilliant….
Ozil can actually play the ball on behind a back line for someone to run onto should his X ray vision want too.
Bloody marvellous stuff..
Our best lineup will be,
DM(arteta or flamini), Ramsey,
Ozil(no 10)
Theo, Welbeck, Alexis
You too Bodrum.
We might have the following attacking trio vs City in two weeks time, Welbeck-Walcott-Alexis.
Attack full of pace and speed, with Welbeck and Alexis really good at pressing, accompanied with immense work rate, changing places constantly between them and Walcott who as a best finisher could start as a CF.
In the middle I will choose Chambers with one of Ramsey/Wilshere as a double pivot. Chambers will add balance, height and speed to the midfield and as athletic boy he can cover the right side of the defense when Debuchy is sprinting forwards to attack. He would provide great cover for Per’s lack of speed in that area of the pitch too.
In from of them one of Cazorla/Ozil for sure, who will need to focus more on their attacking contribution then on defense responsibilities, considering they will be well covered by speedy and agresive wingers and balanced double pivot.
Defense picks itself, with only uncertainty is whether it is Gibbs or Monreal, both of them strong options, but would prefer Gibbs only because Monrea can be used as backup CB later if needed.
This line up means that Arsene choicws for fhe bench are not bad either: Chamberlain, Wilshere, Cazorla, Monreal, Rosicky, Belerin, Poldi/Campbell, Sanogo,Ospina.
Add to that Diaby or Gnabry if fit, Hayden, Apkom and Zelalem if ready and we might have a squad that will continue to fight on four fronts this half season.
The target/hope for me till January is to finish first or second in the CL group.
I expect strong run in the COC this year considering we have a strong bench.
As for the league it would be really good if we are no more then 6 points behind the leader coming January.
If we accomplish these targets the first thing in January is strengthen the central defense with one quality defender and hoping that Giroud will come good from the injury.
That simple 🙂
Danny welcome to Arsenal FC! 🙂
I have to say a bit of a suprise indeed either I hope he can knockem in all day long!
Speaking of CB cover, Mario Yepes is a free agent. I know that the fella is 78 year old, but he had a great World Cup and I think he can be a useful addition to our squad number wise.
Lurky
You meant 38 right ? 🙂
Silly season is over.
Good.
Concerned about the 2 positions that we did not cover, but pleased that we have got an option to Sanogo up front.
As for the Falcao signing, if Utd get the player that played for Athletico Madrid, he will get bags of goals. Can’t say that was the best use of their money mind as they still don’t seem to have filled the positions in which they most needed to.
Good.
Welcome Danny boy to arsenal I’ve always liked the look of him let’s hope he’s played thru the middle and given the backing he desevers.would have loved that holding mf let’s hope we can get abou fit for the matches against the big boys we need that physicality in the centre.all things considered we got some fantastic players in.on a different note that is some weekly output for Man U wages if they don’t get CL footie they will be up shitcreek,anyone in doubt about the importance of CL football only has to look at the manks been held to ransom for players/mercenarys.
Btw, what song did they have for Welbeck at Man U?
If they had one, should we appropriate it or invent a new one?
ATG, no I meant 78 🙂 It was supposed to be a joke. On a serious note I think he is close to 40, would bother to check only if we have interest to sign him.
Worth remembering that the unbeaten season started with us playing Kolo Toure in central defence. Prior to that he had been a utility man winger who charged about in exactly a way you wouldn’t want your defenders to.
Kosc, the BFG and Chambers only need to get through the next three and a half months. It may end up looking like a disaster if the worst happens in that time, but it also might be a total non-factor. Only 6 games between now and October 18th because of this ghastly international crap. Not counting the kids cup, only 11 games before November 22nd. (If we can wangle a couple more timely twangs to keep both the first choice pair home again that would be sweet.)
As far as I’m concerned, no point fixating on the worst case scenario. Would have been cool if we signed Nastasic, say, but he was only available because City never needed to play a fourth centre-back, so who knows. If the x, y, z worst possible combination of injuries hits any team they are not winning the league.
I’m very, very happy at the 5 players we did add. I think we are a better team for it and that will really show as the team gels. Leicester was a huge disappointment at the time, but it is also understandable. Besiktas gave us as good a pair of games as anyone has in years I reckon. Our schedule of 5 games in 14 days with two key players barely back from holidays was always going to be brutal. Shit happens. This certainly wasn’t losing at home 3-1 to Villa.
This team has shown that they will fight for a result. The new players have embraced that aspect of the club straight away. We will only get better. We have huge depth across the midfield five and can adapt to play a variety of styles now. This team is continuing to improve. Win a week Saturday and no one will be under any illusion of how real our title challenge is.
Forward
MU better make the top four, because that’s some serious money, weekly,going to just four players. Am glad that we didn’t fall for that, don’t care how rich we are, that kind of money is not worth it. And I bet they would have to buy him too at the end of the so called loan, which am not buying. As one of the fellas, that didn’t think we will sign anyone, am happy we at least signed WELBECK. Welcome to the Arsenal, let’s go.
“I will get behind whoever we have, because that is my role, as a supporter, to support.”
Having read some of the absolute b—shit posted by ‘fans’ elsewhere today that really is all that needs to be said sometimes.
Nice one.
Barring our failure to add CB cover and a midfield monster this was excellent business. Sorting out our striker problem was the number 1 priority once the bids for Reus and Carvalho went west.
Welbeck wasn’t on anyone’s wish list but represents a good opportunistic signing in view of Giroud’s long injury and Sanogo’s travails.
I am confident that Arsene will turn Welbeck into an Arsenal Centurion. Welbeck will have a major point to prove.
Manure’s financial incontinence is going to result in a spectacular implosion.
COYGs
At the start of the window I asked for a replacement for Bendtner, Park, Sagna and Fabianski. We got all of those and Sanchez.
Who am I to complain?
I am now curious if we really were in for Carvahlo and Reus or if it was only a wishful thinking, especially Reus would be signing of the summer, not only on Premiere League scale but on global one too.
Carvalho rumours sound interesting, if AW did not deem him worthy the price Portugese were asking for him, then I will go with his assession of the situation. Remember Capoué? Everyone was worked up about him and how did that guy ended up?
Arséne usually knows much more than any of us about the individual players, I am too bit worried by the lack of addition to the defence but as said before many times, who exactly would be on a level to be able to properly deputise in absence of Kos/Mert but also content to sit on the bench should they stay injury free.
Thats why I think that Chambers is our best piece of business, maybe even better than Alexis, he is young, already showing tons of class and can only get better and can cover in various positions.
I would not be surprised by any bit if he ended up being our stable DM, he has positional awareness and calmness on the ball combined with athleticism required to pull it off without any trouble.
As for Welbeck, will take little bit of time to adjust seeing him in our colors but, he has all the ingredients we needed in Girouds absence and I am looking forward to watching him bag goals for us.
Eandy, when it comes to signings you cannot get any better than Falcao. But Chambers was a bloody wise move.
Nice stuff @360 El Punk. I fully agree.
I hope that this year is the year when we will finally have some luck regarding injuries. We have quite a good first 11 and a quality bench when everyone is fit.
Having just looked at Chelsea squad and while they looks scary and strong we are not that far behind.
Like us their biggest strength is in midfield, where they have really good players like us.
However they are Costa injury away from playing an ageing Drogba or lightweight Remy as a lone striker.
They are Cahill injury away from partnering Terry and Zouma in defence. Whoever watched Chelsea summer preparation games sure noticed that young Zouma is more a Vermaelen then a Kos. Can’t read the game and is surging forward in some very stupid challenges. I prefer Hayden.
And finally they are Matic injury away from playing Mikel. Not that Mikel is that bad, there is a good player in him, but his concentration lapses makes him really average sometimes.
The only problem is that I can’t really remember when was the last time Chelsea had two or more players injured at the same time.
Pure luck or something else I don’t know, but it is right time for things to change on that field. Both, for us and them.
El Punk was meant to be El Puno, stupid autocorrect 🙂
King GT – I actually think that Falcao thing will bite ManU back bigtime if they continue to struggle like they do since the start of the season. He is..or was one hell of a player but paying 350k+ per week in wages is an absolute madness, and have four players in that salary range is asking for big, big trouble.
It’s in the nature of things that people who are generally satisfied have less to say than those who aren’t. It makes it very hard to judge the general mood.
For the record, let me surprise noone by saying that I’m happy with Arsenal’s business over the summer transfer window of 2014.
COYG
Morning to those of you for whom it is morning, hello to the rest,
When we defend corners and set-pieces Giroud is given an important positional role. His aerial ability is crucial for us as the team is obviously not that tall.
I hope Welbeck is able to replicate some of Giroud’s aggression. We could certainly use his height and some top-level heading ability, if he has it, whenever the ball is going into either box.
Especially given he’ll be playing CB next to Monreal… wink
Top Post Bath @ 363
Couldn’t agree more – the Striker was top priority. We needed someone else outside of Sanogo and I really don’t think we could have done better under the circumstances.
I think DW is going to be great in our set-up. There’s an honesty about the lads work ethic that you don’t see too often. Given a chance he’s got all the ingredients to flourish I feel. And at 23 as a proven England International so its a no-brainer at that price. Surprised we got him tbh.
Thankyou Wind. Kind words. Great posts above Lurky, EPM, Eandy, Bath and others.
Pangloss, I would have liked some more defensive cover. I hope, as others have suggested, that a good run of fitness might make this unnecessary but if we do get injuries we don’t have the depth to cope easily with them.
However. Debuchy-yes! Ospina-yes! Chambers-yes! Sanchez-YES! Welbeck-yes!
So overall I too am happy with our business this summer.
Morning all.
Why do I bother reading the F365 mailbox, why? It’s creaking under the sheer weight of window-lickers!
The only sane thing to do is just kill EVERYONE so I can enjoy my football in peace.
(Sorry if you were one of the reasonable ones, but no cull is perfect.)
GSD – absolutely. There are lots of things beside that I would have liked. Things could always be better, but even without benefit of peril-sensitive glasses, I think it’s clear that things could be a hell of a lot worse.
Just think, the interlulls are actually coming at a time that’s to our advantage for a change: we haven’t actually built up an early season momentum yet – see approx 80% of drinks above for confirmation – so there’s no worry that it will be adversely affected, and we have players out injured who are recovering while not missing Arsenal games. What’s not to like? Any chance we can get another half-dozen international matches scheduled for the next couple of months?
COYG
Before the TW started we all knew we couldn’t go another season with just Giroud (and Sanogo) up top. We needed to buy forwards/strikers.
At that point if you had offered me Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez I think I would have been pretty impressed by the idea.
I still am. Even with no Giroud for a while we still have two top forwards available. And I have not seen much of Campbell to judge him but he’s another who could play this role too.
Eandy – They have to hope it pays off. They clearly have more players to buy. Possibly in January. As Wenger said:
“you cannot rely on one miracle man. Football’s a team sport”
GSD – I forgot to add Campbell to my wish list! Thank you for reminding me. 😉
Here we go- some on here already want wellbeck to be a bloody defender on corners.
C’mon get serious, he only has one job, get on the end of he odd ozil or Sanchez ball and knock in about 30.
I couldn’t care less of I don’t see Danny make one tackle all season as long as someone in our squad will actually take a shot.
Again, good business.
Pangloss- hardly a complaint can be found in approx. 379 drinks.
Quite amazing.
El Puno @360 – good stuff.
Bath @363 – likewise.
Lurky @322,
I don’t know if AW could have had Falcao for 8 million when he was in South America but I would doubt it.
Falcao was owned largely by Jorge Mendes – now in partnership with Peter Kenyon, nice ! – who also owned the likes of Costa, Cavani, Aguero, and his plan has always been to bring them to Spain, enhance their reputations and sell them to the highest bidder.
It is he, and not clubs like Atletico Madrid, who pocket the proceeds of those deals, so I find it unlikely AW could have found any bargain there, as those S American players are bought up by agents at such a young age.
Interesting points about Chelsea’s defence and midfield.
Trev – agreed on South American players in general, there was a nice article some time ago on this theme which explained in pretty great detail how Falcao only could have ended up in Monaco when he was moving from Atletico.
I can only imagine how many young players who are unfortunate enough to “not make it” after being scouted in early teens there, have their rights sold to guys like Mendes and are indebted to him in some form. I wonder what happens to those who turn out to be “failed” investment.
What El Puno said @360 and Bath @363.
Hard to find a single addition or sale this window that hasn’t made the team better. And, pace Welbeck, most arrivals signed early suggesting a clear plan executed.
Eandy –
The agents like Mendes and Joorabchian (excuse the spelling) who had Tevez and Mascherano, pay the cash strapped S American clubs and often the players parents for ownership of the youngsters.
Atletico never owned Falcao. Atletico pay the agents for the use of their players for, generally, a year or two while they grow their reputations.
Falcao’s destination when he left Atletico would have been decided entirely by Mendes – his owner. No surprise that he ended up at the newly cash engorged Monaco for around £60 million.
Mendes is also Jose Mourinho’s agent which explains how the Diego Costa deal was all sewn up so quickly and early.
Exactly Trev, in the time Falcao moved Monaco was only viable option for his owner to get back the investment he made into him back along with nice add-on cash. I will try to dig that article up, very interesting read.
here 🙂 http://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1e8ncw/explaining_the_falcao_move_to_monaco
So, there you have it, my lovelies.
I told you Lady Nina would do her stuff with Gazidis yesterday. That late night extension to the transfer window to get the striker chappie in – it bears all the hallmarks of the Lady herself.
She loves to slip one in the back door just when you think it’s all over.
She apparently found this one wandering around the training ground late yesterday afternoon. When he said he was there playing for England she grabbed her chance and, after a private tour of the new medical centre and an hour in the massage rooms, job was a good’un.
That’s the way to do it ! Bloody scouting missions, blah, blah ………
It was the greed of the third party owners that blocked the deal for Carvalho. Both clubs and player had agreed allegedly. Third party owners wouldn’t drop their price. We walked away.
We then had a cheeky 40m euro bid for Reus knocked back. Not a surprise really in view of the draw but worth a pop.
Then we apparently tried for Vlar, Van Dyk, Nastasic and Reid but too little time to complete a deal while Shitteh waited for a foreign bid for Nastasic.
What makes the Falcao move so entertaining is that they are spending £20m to take a mercenary and his “owners” on loan for one season and if he does well either City will come in and outbid them to take him away or they will have to pay an enormous fee and wages to secure a 29 year old striker.
The relationship with RVP will be interesting as he likes to be the main man and focal point of the team unless they have concerns about his fitness.
It is also enjoyable that the vast majority of the comments by Man U fans express anger and disappointment about his sale to us. They believe he was not used properly by them and that playing centrally in front of our midfield he will score a lot of goals for us. Even more astonishing was the number of comments to the effect that they would rather have seen Rooney offloaded and Welbeck retained.
Not surprised they failed.
Dick Van Dyke’s knees must be knackered from climbing up all those chimneys, and Nastasic was, I imagine, in New York watching the tennis.
What do all these bloody scouts do with their time ?
Trev,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1083853/Radamel-Falcao-keen-great-Arsenal-favours-La-Liga-switch.html
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/arsenal-set-to-make-8m-bid-for-river-plate-striker-falcao-as-replacement-for-adebayor-6886277.html
True that Joe. They bigged up the option to sign at the end of the year’s loan. They are paying Monaco a fee of £20m to allow them to continue paying him £300-350k per week tax free. If they want to sign him permanently they will have to find at least £50m up front then the best part of £700k per week in salary to maintain the income he has become accustomed to.
Heh @ PHW – good to see you back old chap. Have a Werthers.
.
howdy danny boy
are ye wel?
c’mon on in
‘”hoiic this is danny”
“danny” , ‘”holic”
right o
pleasantries over
.
van Glaass Knees?
350k a wk?
effin wha?
.
🙂
COME ON YOU RIP FUCKIN’ ROARIN’!!!!!!
They are also paying three forwards approaching thirty the best part of £1m per week.
Rooney apparently has a top earner clause in the deal that Moyes gave him to calm him down last summer so that will be an interesting negotiation.
Eandy @ 386 – Thank you for sharing that article. Very useful and insightful.
I am surprised about the meltdown regarding Welbeck in a lot of forums and online fan zone who are saying we got a united reject.
Well i am not saying he will set the world on fire but he stays fit, i am sure he will be good, not great good.
The big question is can he play as a striker?. As a target man?. I am not to sure all though he does have the makings of being one. Its all in the mind and if he can keep his mind clear and not think that he is a super star, then he should be fine.
Falcao will score goals, of course he will and it may well prove to be a great signing but then thats incredulous amounts of money spent.
How will they fit in him, shrek, rvc, mata, adm in the same 11 is beyond comprehension. Am i bothered??, let them rot in hell for i still dont see them finishing in the top 4, specially with that defense.
We did miss out on a DM, i mean its criminal not to have bought someone there. It was an absolute necessary and if it doesnt come back to haunt, then i think Chambers will need to have a blinder of a season for i cannot say the same about Arteta and Flamini.
The league will be about big teams cancelling out one another, so if we can keep winning against the mid/lower teams in the league, we may still make a fist out of this.
Next up city after the international break, well that should show us in real light right.
I’ve heard that the wages are getting shared in the Falcao deal . Still a lot of money.
Especially if you look at it like that (best comparison I’ve read today):
They need heart surgery and go all in for new boobs 🙂
Boobs are always the answer tho ..I mean..who does not love them? 😛
Lays another on a plate to…
*rattles treat bucket for the 4 ton lurkers*
oh, i say
😉
Jeez, cba. Beautiful shot.
I either of us knew what we were doing, we’d be dangerous.
ain’t that the truth pan G
🙂
Drink, cba?
never without one , pan
i trust it seldom shows
😉
tell ye what
have one on me
cheers
That’s most extraordinarily good of you Mr A. I don’t mind if I do.
Your health, sir.
Posh twats !
*shines monocle on swan*
Happy the TW is shut, men that was a long ass day. Like the other drinks before mine, I think overall it wasn’t a bad window at all. Just don’t like the fact that we only have two CB’s. Most likely, not addressing that will end up biting us in the ass. To me,there is just no excuse for that, no matter how we try to cut it. But we do with what we got. On a side note, it’s so funny how we sell players so quickly, but buying is just so hard and labored, I guess there is a reason for that.
Which players would those be, that we sell so quickly, SAG?
Not Sagna and Fabianski, who were out of contract. Not Vermaelen either, who was on the point of going to ManYoo all summer until he eventually went to Barca.
Vinay
In fact there is half and half of that some will definitely miss him and some say he wasn’t all that great now. For me he’s young and there is hopefully a great deal he can learn with Arsene. He’s a hard worker he has shown that already, for me he’s a bonus!
We haven’t sold any players this season who are important to us, even Joel Campbell stayed so Wenger has definitely plans for him in the squad.
So, if we look at our first team squad (excluding potential ‘borrowing’ from the U-21) and use the rule that no player can be counted for more than one position (their effective versatility on the pitch notwithstanding) to see how diverse and deep our squad is (candidates in each position are listed in the descending order of their expected contributions):
GK: Szczesny , Ospina, Martinez
CD1: Per, Chambers
CD2: Kos, ??
RB: Debuchy, Bellerin
LB: Gibbs, Monreal
DM: Arteta, Flamini, Coquelin
Box-to-Box: Rambo, Jack, Diaby
#10: Ozil, TR7, Zelalem
Left-forward: Alexis, Santi, Poldi, Gnabry
Right-forward: Theo, Ox, Campbell
CF: Giroud, Welbeck, Sanogo
That is the deepest and most balanced squad we have had in the Emirates era.
A little thin in the center of the defense in terms of pure numbers. And a little soft at the base of the midfield compared to what our two main title contenders have.
But in terms of creativity, pace, versatility and diversity our midfield and attacking are quite impressive, lacking a little bit in a world class finisher even though with Alexis, Theo, Giroud and Welbeck we have a few very good goal-scorers.
I think once the team gels a bit more Arsene will feel more relaxed in rotating the squad. If a mid-week CL has seen Alexis and Santi and Rambo put in a shift replace them by Welbeck, Campbell/Poldi and TR7 … something like that and bring the heavy-hitters from the bench if things are not going well.
I think the experience and versatility and attitude of players like TR7 (still remarkably fit) and Flamini , or the youthful exuberance and the hunger of Ox, Welbeck, Campbell etc. would need to be as instrumental in the long run as the quality core at their very peak.
Quickly enough we’ll see how good our TW shopping was.
First test, Man City Sept 13.
Second test, Dortmund (A) CL Sept 16. We only have 4 defenders available due to a suspended Debauchy & an injured Gibbs.
Vinny @ 414: With all due respect, we will see how good our TW business was by the end of the season. Not earlier than that. Well if we are out of the CL and the cups and drop off too far in the PL race then sure earlier than that, but in a team with 5+1 new players, in a world cup year, the first few months won’t tell us too much.
For instance take Chelsea, we will have to wait to see how Diego Costa responds to the demands of PL going into the winter before handing them over the title as many already seem to do.
Or fully writing off ManU who have made a remarkable gamble which can actually pay off if they can keep their first eleven fit and they learn to play that system quickly enough.
If last season was a unpredictable and highly competitive, this one would be more unpredictable.
PH-W: Jolly good to see you back, old chap. Knew you’d have your hand in the business somewhere. (Bath: the Werthers should be for Lady Nina; she’s the one who likes to have something to chew on, I understand.)
Gibbs is reportedly back for the City game and the entire universe seems to have forgotten that we also have Bellerin as reserve right back. The lad is a prospect and the reason Jenks was let go.
While I’d have liked us to have bought another CB, I don’t think it’s as big a problem as people seem to think.
For example: we have the same number of defenders in the squad as last season.
Need more? Here’s the list of Chelsea’s first team defenders this season.
Branislav Ivanovic
Gary Cahill
John Terry
Nathan Ake
Cesar Azpilicueta
Kurt Zouma
Filipe Luis
Andreas Christens
6 defenders, two untested kids.
Here’s Arsenal:
Per
Kos
Nacho
Gibbs
Debuchy
Bellerin
Chambers
Hayden
Looks fairly similar, no? Chambers and Zouma are a wash, which leaves five experienced defenders and two kids for each squad.
Is anyone hammering Mourinho over this?
415, it would possibly help if you read the post!!!
I stated what our first two tests with the new roster would be.
Of course one judges the outcome at the end of the season. Jeez.
I know we have raised this question in the bar before, but why does FIFA or UEFA or even the big domestic leagues, allow third parties like Mendes and other investors, agents and sports management companies to own the economic rights to players? Shouldn’t employment and transfers be a matter for the clubs and players alone? If agents are also principals, it makes them not just money-grubbing scumbags, but conflicted money-grubbing scumbags. After the Tevez/Mascherano affair with West Ham in 2006, the EPL was going to ban the practice, but that proposal seems to have been quietly shelved.
NBN – it actually is banned in EPL, Monaco bought the rights for Falcao from Mendes on his move from Atlético.
Chelsea bought David Luis from Benfica in an event that supposedly part of the transfer fee was used by Benfica to buy rights from the third party to make the transfer legal for EPL rules.
Good call N7 but they’ve won the title already according to Neville, G, Carachhhher, Linecker et al.
Ned, it’s pernicious but less pernicious than hoovering up talent and letting it rot or lending it out to carefully chosen teams who will ply it against all your rivals but not yourself. That needs to be stopped pronto. Chavs have over 20 players on loan.
Vinny,
I quote the first sentence of your post @414: “Quickly enough we’ll see how good our TW shopping was.”
I, for one, can well understand why Dr Faustus thought you were suggesting that we might be able to judge things before the end of the season.
N7 @ 417: Exactly! I think the same is true with other top PL clubs except City who has a deeper defensive squad with Mangala joining in and Nastasic staying back.
I think for us it is also a matter of sheer fear based on what had transpired in the past in terms of extraordinary defensive injuries and wading through key months with top two CBs out or playing for long stretches with no full-backs etc. Those experiences made us fans a bit more paranoid about the worst case scenario whereas I think the team management takes a more objective and rational view and doesn’t build a squad planning on 4 first-team defenders being injured at the same.
If we’re playing Fantasy Rule Changes, my personal favourite would be to ban loans. All loans. It’s the only way I can think of to prevent clubs with more financial muscle from hoovering up all the talent.
Next on my list would be to do away with the transfer window. I simply don’t see the point of it. Alternatively, I’d get rid of the rules preventing a player from representing more than one club in the cups during the season. Either you allow free trading in player registrations or you don’t; if you want to allow it, even if you want to restrict it to certain periods in the year, then allow it and allow the new holders of the registration to use those players as they wish.
COYG
N7G, The saintly Mourinho is hammer-proof. It’s a rule. Chelsea’s purchase of Fabregas, Costa and Felipe Luis early in the window showed that he is clearly a genius of a master planner, whereas Arsenal’s early buys of Sanchez, Debuchy and Chambers only further showed up AW’s continuing shortcomings in the transfer market, confirmed by the last-minute trolley-dash for Welbeck. It’s true; I read it in the papers.
Pangloss @ 422: Thank you. That is exactly what I thought Vinny meant.
I hope all of us supporters don’t start to complain in September if things are not going that smoothly. Last year we started well because we started on the basis of the previous year’s excellent run ending and had the key personnel playing in the same formation (especially the Santi-Giroud-Rambo link-up and Per-Kos-Arteta partnership). Ozil was dropped in a smooth squad and he immediately found some start-up rhythm.
Whereas in this season the absence of Giroud and finding alternatives while fitting in a very different style of player in Alexis (just look at where he anticipates the passes to be and where Santi or Jack think that he is going to go) would mean that we will have to scrap and fight for results for a while.
@ 425: Lars and N7 and others have raised that point here before. I think loaning players above a certain age (say 21) should be banned from loaning out. And even for U-21s there should be a numbers cap. Also, incomes (loan fee obtained) from loan cannot be counted towards FFP whereas salaries paid towards a player you have loaned out would continue to contribute to FFP.
That would really force hands. For instance, even in our case we would be forced to make a decision on Ryo etc. The leagues would be more evened out in that way as financially weaker clubs can then afford to buy in quality players that may have not yet make the cut at the top teams for long term deals.
Eandy, if that is case then that is a step in the right direction. Any hope that UEFA will follow suit?
Pangloss: The transfer window is a creation of TV, which wanted an “event” to match the hoopla and generated drama of the drafts of U.S. pro sports, regardless of the fact that the structure of football is so different. I am with you that the world would be no worse off it the window went tomorrow and in many respects would be a better place.
I think you’d have to have some cut-off to transfers towards the end of a season in order to stop title chasing clubs juicing their squads for the run-in. In the case of cups, if you wanted to get away from cup-tieing players you could have a mandatory one round break for players switching clubs, e.g, if you played in the third round of the FA cup for Team X you couldn’t play for your new team until the fifth round.
Dr F: there is much sense in what you say about loans. The system now seems to be being used by the big clubs as a way to warehouse potential talent they can’t fit into their first team squads or to offload expensive aging talent that is no longer deemed so essential. The notion that a loan provided emergency cover for injuries has long gone out of the window.
Eandy: Props. Rules on third-party ownership right there in EPL rule book, Rules U.39 and U.40.
Excellent summary @413 Dr. F. I think you’re spot on in terms of our weaknesses – thin in central defense, just a little off the pace of our immediate rivals in the base of midfield, and though we do have good quality and numbers up front we lack a top-notch finisher. But you’re also right that this is our strongest squad in many years and there’s a lot of reason for excitement.
My concern is that without Giroud our attack will have to reinvent itself somewhat in the next few months. I’d hope that eventually we would find a rhythm, but it might take time and with Manchester City, Dortmund, and Spurs all waiting after the interlull, time is a luxury we don’t have. Our attack is very reliant on two players who are new to the team (Alexis and Welbeck) and a player just coming back from injury (Theo).
Welbeck is taller than Alexis or Theo, so he may be more of a target man for crosses than they are, but he’s still not a big physical presence the way the HFB is. Also, crucially, he lacks Giroud’s ability to lay the ball off for onrushing midfielders which has been such a feature of Arsenal’s attack recently. I believe Welbeck had just one league assist last year, and three the year before that.
N7 @417. Always appreciate your measured optimism, and it’s interesting to see Chelsea’s defensive options alongside ours. But just because they’re thin at the back doesn’t mean it’s ok that we are! We had good fortune with Per and Kos’s fitness last year, and even Vermaelen wasn’t called on too often. But it’s a real gamble to assume they can stay fit again this year (assuming, too, that Chambers can be at least as effective a #3 as Vermaelen was).
Also I daresay Chelsea have a host of loanees they could recall in the event of injury crisis.
Afternoon GL,
Nice post and a double on the bar for you…
Oh wow GSD. Well it’s a bit early here in Chicago even for me, but here goes. Up the arse!
Don’t tell my boss.
Pangloss @410, I was talking in general terms, not this specific TW. Maybe it has to do with our need for funds before spending. Our outgoing transfer tends to go smoother and quicker than our incoming transfers. Of course there are other stuff involved, but the thought just came up that’s all. So take it easy, calm down.
Welbeck had a knock in training today. Hope it’s not nothing serious.
sag, just serious enough that he doesn’t go away on internationals the next couple weeks, and comes back for the city game well rested.
calm down goo linc
gsd is nowt but
an enabler
have an apple
drink is the devil
yes it is
yup
@435-Scruzgooner, I hear you.
If I had my way, wish everyone of them won’t be playing in any of these useless friendlies months after the WC finals. Makes no damn sense.
cba, I’ve left a dram and an apple on the bar for you…
North Bank Ned,
Much obliged dear boy and do tell, where do you get these names from ?
My old man, or Directors Box Dennis as his friends called him, would have found it most quaint.
And one small correction re the Werther’s – Lady Nina likes to suck, dear boy, never chew – thank God !
no thank you gsd
i will however
accept the cash equivalent
‘holic has my details
cba, sorry, but I ate the apple that gsd left for you. Mighty tasty it was too. 🙂
holics, you leave food out, unattended, you’re asking for trouble! ☺
Umm, Mr Peter Hill Wood. You’ve been around the block a few times (trying here to keep a straight face). Could you ask Lady Nina if it is acceptable to wear your Arsenal shirt backwards? Tell her I’m trying to promote Sanogo 😉
Pangloss
I agree with you about the window. It serves no purpose other than to give Sky the chance to put on the freakshow that they stage . If the Bard will forgive me it’s much ado about nothing. They try to create drama about whether deals will be completed in time when they were always under control. Admittedly the Twitterati spread the rumour about Falcao failing his medical but they didn’t fall for that one. Still our pitch looks nice at night and it’s warmer than the January window when it of then snows on TDD.
I like the positivity of the bar and much good sense has been written. We always cock something up and we cocked up on the DM and the cover for Mertescielny this time. But it’s our job to support now and it’s good to have Danny Welbeck on board. The more I think about it the happier I am with him joining. Giroud will struggle to unseat him now. He is getting into the mood quickly getting injured in his first training session
Oi
nursie
NO!!!!!!
shame on you!
the arsed foundation
is rocked and shocked
heh cba, good ! rockem and shockem ;
cba, wish we could HEAR you say ‘Danny Boy’ Nice Irish accent. Would be wonderful, mate xx
I have a couple of friends who are well- connected at United. I understand there are very grave concerns about Van Persie’s future. He is thought to be crocked in a fairly permanent way and we may see him,operated on very soon. This prompted the Falcao deal as well as United’s need go make a big PR statement.
Interesting isn’t it. They say always choose a lucky general over a good one. He plays a whole season without injury for Ferguson and then for Moyes and LVG struggles to get on the field. We know how fragile he is. I take no satisfaction in the injury problems of any players ( except Martin Taylor and Shawcross) and I hope RVPs problems are not as bad as described to me.
They are also very big fans of Welbeck and think with regular games as a striker he will do very well. To cap it all Spuds fans are livid because Welbeck was their dream signing and his very clear rejection of them for us doesn’t sit well with them….Pity.
Extra powers for Koscielny after they remove the two staples from his head?? This clip could provide a clue!! (Maybe not, I just watched the first 20 seconds.) 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgxhEq8w9xw
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
lovely sentiment nurse abb
but
unlike blogs with his terry wogan warbles
my accent
though authentic
is one tone short of monotone
sorry
a farting goose has more musical lilt