Young Guns Get Us Off And Running
Jan 10th, 2016 by 'holic
A lucky Grandad’s pre-birthday treat is pizza with two of the loveliest boys you could ever wish to meet (I may be a little biased!). There is only one little worry in the back of the mind. The youngest is making his second visit to the new home of football and the first was somewhat spoiled by a Manchester United side who won 1-2 with only one shot on target.
From the off there was something of a surprise in the way the Gunners set-up. With Mesut Ozil rested as we had thought beforehand Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set up base camp in midfield with young Alex Iwobi playing in the Ozil role. Quite a responsibility for him, and a wonderful vote of confidence for a young player from his boss.
Perhaps not surprisingly we made a slow start, but looked in little difficulty. Kieran Gibbs stung the palms of rookie goalkeeper Pickford, but shortly afterwards played a hospital pass to Laurent Koscielny on the edge of the box. Lens dispossessed the skipper of the day and fired past Petr Cech. My thoughts immediately turned to the youngest. Please not again. Let him see us win.
Luckily we weren’t behind for too long, and the equaliser arrived when Iwobi freed Theo Walcott on the left and his cut-back was met with a superb left-foot finish from Joel Campbell, again reminding many of Sylvain Wiltord.
The second half opened with both teams showing no lack of ambition. The Ox was denied only by the post and at the other end Fletcher thumped a header against Cech’s crossbar. It must have made for some excitement as well as tension where the boys were sitting in close proximity to the Sunderland fans.
Around the midway point of the half Aaron Ramsey was sent on for Iwobi and Mikel Arteta replaced Calum Chambers. Neither of those benched had performed badly, but the replacements gave us a new found edge. It was Ramsey who gave the Gunners the advantage for the first time after six minutes on the pitch. Bellerin, rampaging down the right as ever, played a one two with Campbell and cut the ball back for Rambo to sweep home.
The third, just four minutes later, came when the Ox found Bellerin again with a superb pass and the right-back again played the perfect ball in to Olivier Giroud who made no mistake from point-blank range. The French striker was suddenly in the spotlight. As the game drew to a close he had a fine header tipped over by Pickford and was denied a penalty when scythed down and Martin Atkinson and his assistants were the only people in the ground who failed to spot it.
The final whistle brought a smile to a happy Grandad’s face. The boys had witnessed a win, and a thoroughly entertaining second-half too. The post-match festivities in the pub were made sweeter by the win, and great company. In hindsight to have successfully opened our pursuit of a third consecutive FA Cup without Mertesacker, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil, and Alexis was quite an achievement.
It was indeed one of the good days.
91 Responses to “Young Guns Get Us Off And Running”
Cheers H!
Only saw it on a dodgy stream, but was quite impressed with; all-round team effort, Iwobi’s passing and constant showing for the ball, Joel Campbell’s total performance, Hector’s assists, and Martin Atkinson’s superb demonstration of a blind, completely incompetent match official. As usual.
Also thought The Ox showed the first signs of finding a bit of form, which will be fairly essential over the rest of this month. So, yes – one of the good days. Glad you and the Grandholics enjoyed it mate.
Holic- so glad the Grandholics saw a win and a decent game.I thought it was a decent cup tie and very encouraging for the future with so many younger players stepping up so positively. Also yet again Wenger whether it be by luck or judgement ( and its nearly always the latter) has unearthed a real asset in Joel Campbell who really can play. Wenger recalled that his emergence put him in mind of Coquelin’s breakthrough last year. It’s interesting that in the environment he has created gems can thrive if given a prolonged spell in the team and that wouldn’t happen without the injury crises that assail us.
Also for every Denilson or Bendtner there is always a Campbell, Monreal, Gabriel, Koscielny and so on. He has built a strong club from astute and conservative buying. The BIG question now is whether with a bit less conservatism we can press on to win the league. If -and its a big if – our squad recovers and stays fit we should be ok although as I indicated yesterday I think we need a world- class striker!
Thanks Esso,
The downside is sobering up to find the shoes I was breaking in had produced a very large burst blister on my heel.
Hey ho, still smiling’ ๐
Morning TTG.
Fine match report Guvna. A very pleasing performance with highly promising form from Joel, Alex Iwobi, Ox and Calum. The second half saw us step it up significantly and the final score was not flattering. How the officials failed to give the pen on HFB escapes me. Maybe Atkinson is as incompetent as I always thought he was.
I’m pleased the youngest Grandholic has a win under his belt.
What did she wear? ๐
Excellent stuff, Grandad. Excellent outcome. I would be happy to see another home draw against pretty much anyone in the next round. I’d be particularly pleased with a visit by some lesser light which would allow an even more expansive rotation and perhaps afford the opportunity for even more Young Gun exposure to first team action. Encouraging to see Theo, Ox and Arteta off the injured list. Hopefully Alexis will feature at Liverpool on Wednesday.
BtM, bath, an absolute pleasure to see you here. I hope your pre-match feast was enjoyable as mine.
As for the draw I wouldn’t object to a nice day out somewhere friendly.
Very entertaining game and match report, ‘holic but I am wondering why the grandholics were sat near the Mackems. Wenger took a risk as all clever managers must and played a strong side which benefitted our preparation for the big matches coming up. Well done all around.
The first real upset of the third round as Oxford United (league 2) beat Swansea 3-2. This alongwith Liverpool’s and Manure’s showing puts our achievement of two successive FA Cup wins into perspective. It also shows how teams across leagues have improved. Oxford played really well against a decent Premier League team and deservedly won.
Just enjoyed watching Gideon Zelalem putting in a very decent 60 minutes for Glasgow Rangers (the Wee Arra Peepul) in the Scottish FA Cup at Ibrox. His style is closest to that of Mesut Ozil in the current Gunners team – although it goes without saying that he’s some way off the Generous Genius’ level of contribution.
Strong positives are: his willingness to make himself available in space for a pass; very good quality (sometimes visionary) distribution; confident running into and through the front third. He set up Rangers third goal with an Ozilesque back heel which had the locals here salivating.
Like Ozil, he isn’t reliant on the physical side of his game, in fact unlike Mesut it appears to be completely absent and it’s an area for improvement. He had two good chances to score from 12 yards. First was blocked, second was an easy save and both were in the ‘could do better with a quicker, stronger touch’ category. Initially he played easy wall passes but his confidence grew and with it, his quality began to show and the impact of his passes increased.
In summary, good quality, good technical skills, needs more physical contribution and higher miles covered/minutes ratio if he wants to be the future Ozil. Promising signs though. Looks to me like he’ll get a lot of great experience from this spell on the sunny Costa Clyde. Arsenal should consider it as a regular development location for talented youngsters.
Great stuff, Holic, the result and your day out.
Very enjoyable performance yesterday. It actually looked very energetic from a young side full of running, which gelled – in an un-Chamakh-like way – very quickly.
Campbell and Bellerin were the stand-outs for me – with an excellent game from Iwobi too. As Esso said, good to see The Ox finding a bit of form too.
Atkinson ? Where do they keep finding them ? That is all.
One of my GrandTTGs is as I have related before lost to the dark side. Today he is going to the Swamp to see them play Leicester.It his birthday ‘ treat’ ! He is incredibly excited to be going and shared his excitement with me. He is a lovely kid led astray by a misguided parent but although I hate the scummers I’d hate to see his birthday spoilt. It’s a moral dilemma I’m struggling with fiercely. Maybe if they lose he might defect to the good guys?
Though it was only a cameo, another young ‘un who looks the part was The Jeff. In his movement and physique, he so reminds one of Diaby — looks like one of those classic British Rolls or Bentleys that glides along so imperiously. Hopefully, he won’t share an Abou/Rolls/ Bentley characteristic — always in the shop for repair/fine tuning.
ยฃ12m for Afobe?
The world has officially gone potty.
I hope we had a good sell on clause.
I’m sure everything has already been said about yesterday’s match but it was an entertaining game and a level above the dour league encounter.
Thought the makeshift duo of the Ox and Chambers in midfield struggled to get a hold in the game and we only really got going once the class of Arteta and Rambo entered the fray. The level of understanding and passing between the players improved and it was no surprise we then looked liked the top side which we are.
I was impressed with young Iwobi who looks a very promising prospect and was delighted that we got to see 10mins of The Jeff who might have scored but it was the non stopped running and 110% given by Campbell which made him my MOTM with the lovely Hector not far behind.
We weren’t perfect by any means. Kos and Gibbs were probably embarrassed by their mix up which lead to the opening goal of the game, Feo went missing for long periods and we were lucky that Cech was available with no fit Ospina.
With a number of first choice legs rested and 3 wins on the bounce we should go to Anfield with plenty of confidence. However knowing Arsenal I suspect it will be for me another nail biting evening in front of the TV.
COYRs
That penalty award to Tottenham was pathetic. It was completely accidental and the referee had a very poor view. Have we got any decent referees in this country?
TTG, hopefully the GrandTTG will note that the only way the dark side can salvage a result is through a dodgy pen call from a typically rubbish referee.
But good to see Leicester and LWCs forced into a replay.
Cynic
I think we get ยฃ1.8 million from the Afobe deal. That’s about what we paid for Joel Campbell or six Jeffs!
something from the Stan, so to speak: http://www.theonion.com/article/st-louis-rams-threaten-leave-town-unless-taxpayers-51109
Delia, I am stunned you didn’t mention the fine game played by our right back. really. ๐
Bayonne, totally dodgy. As in “no effing way”. glad it ended the way it did, the extra game will sap chaser energy.
‘holic, glad you had such a grand day out, and the grandholics. I like this report, just about as much as one that comes out 20 minutes after the whistle!
scruz, typical onion XD
@TTG 12
Children rather than grandchildren, but Mr Hornby summed it up years ago in Fever Pitch;
“There must be many fathers around the country who have experienced the cruelest, most crushing rejection of all: their children have ended up supporting the wrong team. When I contemplate parenthood, something I do more and more as my empathetic biological clock ticks nearer to midnight, I am aware that I am genuinely fearful of this kind of treachery. What would I do if my son or daughter decided, at the age of seven or eight, that Dad was a madman, and that Tottenham or West Ham or Manchester United, were the team for them ? How would I cope ? Would I do the decent parental thing, accept that my days at Highbury were over, and buy a couple of season-tickets at White Hart Lane or Upton Park ?
Hell, no. I am myself too childish about Arsenal to defer to the whims of a child; I would explain to him or her that, although I would respect any decision of this kind, obviously if they wished to see their team then they would have to take themselves, with their own money, under their own steam. That should wake the little sod up.
I have more than once fantasised about Arsenal playing Tottenham in the Cup Final; in this fantasy my son, as rapt and tense and unhappy as I was when I first supported Arsenal, is a Spurs fan, and as we could not get tickets for Wembley we are watching the game at home on TV. In the last minute the old warhorse Kevin Campbell scores the winner and I explode into frenzy of joy, leaping around the sitting room, punching the air, jeering at, jostling, tousling the head of my own traumatised child.”
Esso
He puts it so well! I started trying to be sympathetic to the Spuds but I couldn’t keep it up. It might have been difficult if I’d been with him. The fact that they were given a complete farce of a penalty underlined how much I hate them. At least his mother and brother are Gooners!
I think a draw was the best result for Spurs v Leicester. More player fatigue, more chance of injuries, more reason to rotate and therefore field a weaker team in the Premier League, more drawn out dissatisfaction and inconvenient expense for their (Spurs’) despicable fans.
I went once to WHL with a friend who was a LWC supporter. I’d call him more spicable than despicable, but living in lalaland anyway. We won comfortably (4-0 from memory) but my abiding memory was of a Dante-esque stadium filled with smoke and packed tight with loonies cheering on the wrong team. I was clearly in the wrong section and kept my mouth buttoned in consequence. I imagine it being something like my daughter must have felt in 2011 when she (visiting England for the first time) found herself on the wrong bus and deposited in Tottenham in the middle of the riots.
It also reminded me of a joke… It was the big match, Us v the spuds and the winners would clinch the Prem title. So I was surprised to find the seat next to me empty. “How come?”, I asked the guy on the other side of the seat. “it was my wife’s seat”, he explained, “she died.” “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” I said. “Couldn’t you have offered the seat to a friend, or another family member for this important game?” “I tried,” he said, “but they’re all attending the funeral”.
Oskar
Thank you Trev, Cynic, Delia, Oskar et al,
I just watched the highlights on Arsenal Player and I had not recalled just how high-scoring this could have been.
Very definitely a good day.
Esso, thanks for the Fever Pitch reference. ๐
Sounds like a grand day all round, Guv’nor. Good to know you have a smile on your face.
SCG@19, Eandy@20: Oh, those area billionaires…
And another Onion classic, on the Special One:
http://www.theonion.com/graphic/strongsideweakside-jose-mourinho-51160
Thanks for the match report Holic, glad the afternoon was most enjoyable for you all. I remain a little surprised that the family enclosure is situated so close to the away supporters section – being in close proximity to some of the Neanderthals that visit the stadium is not the best way to encourage regular attendance for our younger supporters.
I’ve only seen limited highlights of the game so everyone’s reports give a better picture of how the match panned out. It’s encouraging that some of the lesser lights raised to the occasion and put in good performances. It was a nice result all round – into the next round, no injuries and Samuel Allardici put to the sword (again).
TTG, I sympathise that your grandson, that by following the LWC, he has a life long of disappointments to look forward to. However there is always hope that at sometime he will have a Road to Damascus apparition and convert to the bright side ๐
Uply
We can only hope
You should have christened him Gunner, TTG.
Oskar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9XmkpzHY0c
Don’t take your shirt off on such a cold day, Theo…
Amazing for your grandholic, ‘olic. Nothing better than a win when you want to cement good (and persuasive memories) for someone you bring along to the match.
As some have mentioned, good to see Ox putting in a decent shift, even though personally I thought his first few touches were a little bit shite. He grew as the game went on though, almost as if with every other good touch, some flow of confidence adds on. I want him to do well, and been a bit critical of his previous performances. That outside foot pass to Hector for the 3rd goal is sumptuous, reminded me of a fine Rosicky-esque special. Please, please keep it up.
I can’t stand that fat walrus of a man, so I thoroughly enjoyed a comeback win. Probably hurts a lot more to have your team gain a surprising lead, only to fuck it up.
Cheers all.
Very sad news
Ziggy Stardust has been taken from us after a short battle with cancer.
His music will live on forever.
RIP
I think his spaceship knows which way to go…
rest in peace, mr. jones.
RIP- David Jones from Beckenham aka David Bowie
The term ‘legend ‘ is much overused nowadays as is ‘icon’ but both fit him to a tee.
Thank for the report, guv’, glad to hear the youngest of the clan finally got to see the good guys prevail, he won’t be forgetting that day in a hurry I’ll wager.
I thought we performed quite well, we looked a lot less disjointed/knackered then we had in our previous few outings. Campbell impressed me hugely, he seems to be improving after having a slight dip in form, I hope he can keep it up. Iwobi showed some promiss and seemed in no way overawed by the occasion, Bellerin grew into the game and Ramsey showed his class from the moment he entered the field. Cech is pure class, worth every penny of the transfer fee.
Next up the Mickey Mousers, we’ve beaten Klopp sides before and we can do it again.
UTA.
ps.
Have a great day, Maestro!!!
What a fabulous tribute to David Bowie by Blogs this morning.
A really sad day all over the world to loose a wonderful talent like that.
The rather unfortunate placing of the flag in the photo makes that look like is says DUNG GUNS ENCLOSURE
Please leave all Arsenal are shit jokes at the door. Thank you for your cooperation.
This year is flying by. Christmas feels like it was last year already ๐
it, not is.
Benik Afobe rounds off his first Bournemouth news conference with a few kind words about former clubs Arsenal, MK Dons and Wolves.”Arsene Wenger made a massive impression on me – he’s one of the best managers in the world, one of the top three in Premier League history,” he said.
“He always showed some faith in me and helped me grow as a young teenager.
———————
Looking forward to seeing him play against us…!
๐
Iwobi left a lasting impression and made me wonder if all is not lost in terms of young players coming through the system.
Campbell proving me and a lot more wrong by every passing game. He still has his flaws but who does not, the point is he is improving on his strengths and that means he has gained confidence that he belongs at this level.
Ox was infuriating again, good for most parts but then the final ball. It does not help his cause that the ones who are given chances are grabbing it whereas he still seems to be struggling. For a talent like him, this needed to have been his break through year, well there is still time.
Bellerin was terrific, the kid has pace, we all know that but what to do with it and how well he does it is an eye opener to so many. Hector dont check your DNA, you belong here.
Overall a good day and a happy ending with Aaron scoring, he is a special player who just needs to keep it simple, his talent and endeavour will take care of the rest.
Tsk tsk tsk `Holic… How come grandkid’s still a manure fan? If this is our year this is also yours to fix him ๐ Thought this was done and dusted ages ago!
@Steve-o: on the same boat. Ox needs 10 games in a row to grow and fulfill his potential, it will be much harder/longer with cameos.
@Vinay: Young players need playing time and consistent runs in the team. I’d say for a first full game in CM after a string of short appearances on the sides he met all reasonable expectations. Same goes for Chambers btw.
Sad month for rockers, Lemmy and now Bowie ๐
Happy birthday Guvna. Many happy returns. A large birthday dram is on the slate.
Ditto as bath ‘holic if your rumored birthday is verified by higher authorities. ๐
David Bowie was/is a truly influential figure for me and for society at large. Personally I haven’t felt such a loss in popular music and culture since the death of John Lennon but the lasting influence of Bowie over the last three or four decades may place him even higher. Today’s kids walking down the street with odd colored hair may or may not realize the debt they owe him.
Arsenal v Burnley
FA CUP 4th Round!
Bowie was like a meteor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLYafk0Lui0
Spot on there Bt8 @43. Couldn’t have put it better.
Satisfactory draw. Just need to keep our concentration.
@47 Bath knows. Young Guns spectacular.
holic, many happy returns on the day, and beyond. here’s a tumbler of mcallan 18 on the bar for your savored enjoyment.
burnley at home, nice.
bt@43, lennon bothered me personally much more, but you’re too right about the hair. not only that, but the way people change their personas today with such ease might not have happened but for his lead.
R.I.P. Major Tom. May you be a part of the universe forever.
Oskar
Arsenal Vs Joey Barton? Let’s keep our fingers crossed…
Oskar
scruz. Lennon was a genius, a hero of mine, and I mean no slight to him. Who knows how much great music and iconoclasm was taken from us the day he was murdered.
TR7 is back in training, and it’s not just me who says so.
http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/arsenal/it_s_fantastic_arsene_wenger_reveals_injured_midfielder_is_finally_back_in_training_1_4374448
For those who have forgotten him, or perhaps were born before this player last played for us, on 23 May reaches his 10th anniversary as an Arsenal player. Come on Tomas!
born after?
bt, no slight taken, no apologies necessary (ever!). just my taste and what impacted me growing up…
RIP David Bowie – such an immense talent, you will be missed!
Keeping on the subject of immense talents, happy birthday Holic. A large dram of some liquid made in Scotland awaits when next we meet.
same but similar wishes ,Up
.
large dram of donegal made
hearty danger juice
schhhhnuckk on t’plane
from the still of me
to the gob of you
when i ‘ventually
traverse the waves
for a howdy doo to yoo
.
all hail two fine Davids
fine fellas indeed
I always felt comfortable that we would win this game, even after we went behind. I don’t care either way about Sunderland but I hope they go down if only to dent the irrepressible ego of Fat Boy Allardici.
I thought Iwobi showed promise – some silky touches but two yards off the pace. I expect some more cameos this season.
Chambers had a solid run-out and as others have said the Ox will benefit from 90 minutes.
Bellerin’s performance was enigmatic to my mind. His last 20 minutes with purpose, pace and assists were magnificent. His first 60 minutes were woeful – poor defensively and offensively and simply awful distribution. I like him a lot but he needs to add consistency to his game and at just 20 he obviously will.
Finally, I was a Cech doubter but am no more. He was terrific again.
UTA.
same but similar wishes ,Up
.
‘holic
large dram of donegal made
hearty danger juice
schhhhnuckk on t’plane
from the still of me
to the gob of you
when i ‘ventually
traverse the waves
for a howdy doo to yoo
.
all hail two fine Davids
fine fellas indeed
forgot to say ‘ holic
plonker that i be
We havenโt lost to Burnley in an FA Cup tie since the 19th century. Weโve played them seven times in the Cup. Won 5. Lost 2.
First ever tie against them was a 6-1 away spanking in the 1st Round in 1896. Bert Russell was in goal for his only ever appearance. The other defeat came two years later, 3-1, also up North in the 1st Round.
Thereafter, it has all been wins: 7-1 in 1937 in the 5th Round at Turf Moor with Ted Drake getting four, 2-0 in 1950 (Les Compton and Reg Lewis scoring) again in the 5th Round and the only tie played at Highbury. Again by the same scoreline and in the same round in 1953 (5th Round, Holton and Lishman) and again in 2008 (Edwardo and TGSTEL), but in the 3rd Round.
Most recently, 3-0 in 2009 (Vela, Eduardo and Eboue) in the 5th Round in the only tie of the seven to be played at the Ems.
The ‘Holic birthday? A glass raised — and a large one.
Noosa. I normally just take cash but for that bet we made about Petr a check will do nicely.
Yesterday Van Gaal says Man Utd don’t bore him and then today he turns around and says the opposite. Confusing.
Is Van Gaal bored or is he suffering from acid reflux?
Noosa. Speaking of Allardyce He really needs to lose a few pounds around the midriff and jowls. During Sunday’s game the announcer mentioned that if he sat backward any more than he already was, he would be fully reclined. The Emirates team section seats may be comfortable but I don’t think they are not intended for post-prandial naps.
Double negative not intended.
Cech True Believer,
Happy to hear that although my rapid onset dementia means I cannot actually remember the bet so I’d best settle for a rain-Cech.
UTA.
Ned, one thing for your monks to verify or debunk: I have a faint memory of us losing to Burnley away in the League Cup in about 2008, and that that was the first time an Arsene-led Arsenal had lost a game against lower-league opposition. Is my memory correct?
Lars,
You are correct if memory serves me correctly we lost 2-0.
Interesting news this morning that we have signed the two stars of Nigeria’s World Under 17 Cup winning team for ยฃ3 million. They are due in London later this month to sign after having their visas processed. This is a huge coup in an increasingly competitive area of the game and is another aspect of Wenger’s brilliance and the power of his reputation for cultivating young talent
Happy Birthday, H
Have a very happy birthday Holic!
Thanks all for your kind wishes. After a normal day at work I had a nice meal and bottle of wine in a nearby village pub, then home to get all misty eyed listening to Bowie with a bottle of Bowmore. Dry January starts now for me, and ends on the 24th when the bus stop in Fulham comes north.
That’s the shortest month in history. And in a leap year too!
Happy birthday by the way. Better late than never!
TTG, I thought and probably wrongly that Wenger stopped signing African players due to the lurch they left us in every other year during the ACON. And often afterward too because they came back tired, injured and/or distracted. What gives?
I remember that game Lars. Bendtner basically couldn’t hit a barn door that night. Thank god that proved to be a one-off.
With just a bit more coddling and more regular servings of bon-bons Bendtner could have been every inch as good a striker as Adebayor. ๐
Drink plenty of water, ‘holic. ๐
Newcastle paying ยฃ12m for Sal Solo just goes to show that the only kind of club to be in January is a selling club.
Talking of toons…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5sUcMpFXk
Bt8
That’s still relevant but African players adapt well to English football because they tend to be natural athletes plus Nigeria are currently producing a crop of wunderkinds. The big issue is whether these boys will get visas for UK employment given their age
N7 and TTG: 2-0 aligns with what I remember too, and Bendtner missing tons of sitters as well.
Lars@68: Indeed, Burnley was the first lower league team to beat an AW Arsenal team in a cup competition. It was December 2008 at Turf Moor. Carling Cup, as it was then, 5th Round. Kevin McDonald scored both of Burnleyโs goals. Our team was Fabianski, Rodgers (in his only Arsenal game), Sylvester, Gavin Hoyte, Gibbs, Randall, Merida, Wilshere, Ramsey, Vela and TGSTEL. Apart from Bendtner missing a fistful of decent chances, Flappy handed Burnely the first goal in the sixth minute when he dropped the ball for McDonald to tap in. Jack was 16-years old that day and Aaron 17. By all accounts the kids played Wengerball well enough to win at a canter but couldnโt put the ball in the net. Sound familiar?
TTG@69: One of those two Nigerians we are linked with, Kelechi Nwakali, won the player of the tournament award at the U-17 World Cup. He is a no 10, and captained the wining Nigeria U-17 side. The other one, Samuel Chukwueze, a little (5’7″) right winger, won the Bronze Boot.
Got to love this quote from Nwakali:
“I would love to play for Arsenal. They are their Premier League club I will like to play for because they play the best football in the world.
Sounds as if there is some dodgy stuff going on the background with Nwakali and Chukwueze’s handlers, who apparently will get a cut of their fee as they own 30% of the two players.
http://pulse.ng/sports/football/kelechi-nwakali-emmanuel-amuneke-set-for-huge-profit-in-sales-of-midfielder-id4397214.html
Third party ownership of that type means our supposed interest is most likely a load of rubbish.
Having a laugh?
“Right now our greatest need is to strengthen the attacking line but I would like bring in reinforcements across the board,” [Barcelona manager] Luis Enrique says.
Well, when you only have Suarez, Neymar and Messiโฆ
What’s dodgy about it, Cynic, is that Amuneke, who owns the stakes in the rights, seemingly through his private academy, is also the U-17 national coach.
speaking of lost opportunities. could you imagine this being about jose mourinho? and if arsene were at the piano?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv6mEv_rDdE
just about lost it, laughed so hard.
A boost for tomorrow;
Caulker has signed on loan for Lpoo from QPR and is eligible to play.
Cheers Ned, my memory hasn’t gone completely to shit then ๐
Re: Cynic @77. Having completed all the requisite Googling of Sal Solo I can only assume Newcastle have signed this guy.
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Anakin_Sal-Solo
At 12 million it could be a steal. Especially if they can sell him on to George Lucas FC. ๐
N7 (#75)… “Bendtner basically couldnโt hit a barn door” is correct of course, but why narrow it to a door? He couldn’t hit a barn, period. ๐
Oskar
Thanks Cynic. ๐ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>