The Longest Journey And Weak Dutch Beer At Barnet
Jul 18th, 2010 by 'holic
I had a plan, did I not, that I shared with you on Friday. I have to start by thanking Transport for London for making my journey from Paddington to Barnet a tortuous affair that involved heading south to Charing Cross before being able to travel in the correct direction.
Despite their best efforts I did, however, make the Old Red Lion in time to lubricate my parched Guinness canal. It was good to see so many familiar faces in the crowd before casting an eye over some more on the pitch. Arsene caught out those of us foolish enough to guess at the starting line up by mixing and matching youth and experience in two sides either side of the half-time whistle.
A word of thanks too to the officials at Barnet for delaying kick-off by ten minutes or so in order that I could get to the head of the queue for a bacon sandwich! Such thoughtfulness is rare indeed today. Thankfully the delay did not distract the side from the task in front of them.
Late as I am with this offering I am guessing you will by now have seen at least the goals. The fun started as I was still salivating over the sandwich with Arshavin and Rosicky weaving a magical path to the opener right in front of us. Then Jack Wilshere turned provider for Jay Simpson, not once but twice.
In that first-half we got a first sighting of Laurent Koscielny. As someone noted later he looks like he could do with a few steaks to build him up. Any judgement of his ability will have to wait. I don’t wish to dismiss yesterday’s opposition, such friendly hosts, but the Barnet side lacked any cutting edge.
For the same reason we have perhaps to be wary of an impressive performance by Frimpong in the holding role, but he has certainly earned another opportunity or two in the coming warm-up matches.
The published squad was not quite the one that turned up at Underhill. Notable absentees were Eduardo and Manuel Almunia, although the latter was replaced by a second-half combination of Mannone and Szczesny. Leading the line was Marouane Chamakh. Like Koscielny before him he spent most of his time at the opposite end to where we were seated, so no close-ups from the ‘holic phone, I’m afraid.
He linked up play well on a couple of occasions, but generally failed to attract any degree of service as the tempo slowed. Samir Nasri enjoyed a slice of fortune and added the only goal of the half, but neither the first or last goals would be likely against top quality opposition.
Too much is sometimes made of this fixture. With the World Cup players still on holiday, and six weeks of transfer window activity remaining, a number of those on duty will probably be playing their football elsewhere in the coming year. This was their opportunity to show the boss how they could integrate with the senior players if required, and a couple of themselves took their chance well.
It also looks likely that our variation of the 4-3-3 remains the system of choice. That will be interesting to see when we have a full complement of forwards available.
A couple of observations about the post-match celebrations. I am assuming that whatever caused the Old Red Lion to be closed early by police was a result of frustrations at queueing for service, and not any serious fall-out between Gooners? Get an extra couple of barstaff next year please.
Also I am sad to report that one of the finest travelling match reporters (no names, no pack drill) was spotted at the next pub in town with something very feeble-looking in his pint pot. Shame on you sir, you know who you are. Next time I see you there had better be a Guinness in front of you!
Cheers for now, ‘holics.
135 Responses to “The Longest Journey And Weak Dutch Beer At Barnet”
Cheers Holic. That pic is Vermaelen’s shot cleared off the line, isn’t it :)?
Although you’re right that too much is being put into this match every year, you have to understand the people, it’s the first glimpse of Arsenal since early May, people are starting to get mad without our beloved Arsenal :).
If not taking Frimpong’s performance into consideration cause of the opposition, one has to take notice of the fact that he’s stronger, bigger and more aggressive than Eastmond and IMO should be Song’s cover before Eastmond cause of these feats.
AW has told Barca to shut up, and how surprisingly, they didn’t, Puyol started talking shit out of his hair again today, trying to drive a wedge between Cesc and the fans by saying – “I’ve spent 6 weeks with him and there is only one club Cesc wants to be at”. I’ve already expressed my wishes that Mourinho will slaugther them but TBH I’m almost as eager for La liga to start as I am for the EPL just to see Real get into form for the Super Classico.
Koscielny missed a couple of headers but regrouped with a measurable amount of calmness in him. He read the game well on a couple of occasions.
Althugh the opposition is weak it’s much easier to have an off day than to have a good day for a player. Meaning, if a player is good and has an off day – That’s a possiblity, but a bad player most likely won’t be very very good, no matter the opposition, so I think the ones who did good deserve a toast π
Good to see you yesterday, ‘holic
‘Holic hey! Still remember last season we drew that game? Call me optimistic but i have a feeling that this is gonna be a good season for us. Wenger smiled more too! Its sunday so – just a shot of Vodka will do.
I think one more defender and goalkeeper will come .. atleast I’m sure all efforts are being made in that regard!
The photo was taken with your phone? It has the slightly unreal look of an oil painting. Absolutely magic.
good read holic…how did nordtveit cope? chablis please
Havard played quite well at right-back in the first-half, but suffered in as much as he wasn’t really strongly tested. Interesting that Miquel played alongside Djourou in the second, and that probably tells you where Nordveit is in the pecking order.
Holics, from what it looks like, Ukranian sources are reporting a “done deal” between Shakhtar and Arsenal for Eduardo for 7.5 Million.
Best of luck to you Dudu, too bad you couldn’t regain the form you were in before that awful trip to that awful team.
By the way, I believe this since RvP asked for a number change, and if he would have asked for 10, he would have gotten it immediately since Gallas is gone, but he probably asked for 9 like in the Dutch team and they stalled with the decision until Eduardo signs somewhere…
It was also on croatian TV.
Arshavin will be 10 now? It was said that’s the number he prefers.
It was IPA, it was 4.8% and the strongest beer available on tap!
The old red lion was closed due to the most minor aggravation I’ve ever seen, no blows were attempted! But it was between a couple of Gooners. Ended up staying in that other boozer till closing time, mistake, living in Balham, 26 stops on the Northern Line is a long old time to sober up!
I wasn’t going to out you, Dutch! Sorry to hear the closure was an over-reaction, but not surprised.
With what you had in your glass I’m surprised you weren’t sober by Finchley π
I think I was snoring loudly by Finchley…….
Thanks for the Eduardo story, Snir. Looks like everybody else is picking up on it now.
Unsure how much you can read into pre season games I mean when we stuff you by a couple of goals in a few weeks I wouldn’t get too down hearted.
Looks like Campbell has took the easy option and joined Newcastle. Didn’t fancy the commute it seems.
‘Holic,
I’m usually pretty patient, but Puyol has put me off. If I’m to call a spade a spade, I’ve got to say that Puyol is a right cunt.
433
@433 – something to cool you off a bit π
http://blog.emiratesstadium.info/2010/07/who-is-lying-and-why-cesc-interview-and-translation/
Nice piece.
Puts everything into perspective regarding all the wierd pieces we’ve seen on the Cesc saga.
This is a follow up on what I found the other day from the Catalan media…
βI do not regret anything I said because if I said it because I felt it, but I think that the fewer words out of mouth of all betterβ.
That’s actually what he said and not
“I have expressed my interest in returning and I stand by that, as that is my personal wish.”
Not too surprised about Eduardo.
Forgot an event yesterday: Spurs were playing the San Jose Eathquakes. Great result, 0-0. I’m so sorry I missed them.
Now which club owner just said: “If I look at the balance sheet I feel like fainting” ?
Cheers for the report Holic, hope you enjoyed your day.
A Dutch Lager for me please (not a weak one though π )
Cheers.
Just a random thought. Barca like to steal our players. Does that make them Arse bandits?
Snir.
Thanks for that link, excelent article. I’d advise all the Cesc doubters to have a look at it. Just proves how much can be “lost in translation” or just plain fabrigated by the British media.
Catalan Gunner.
Good call, but does that also mean that made up articles about Cesc are Fabregasication?
@Matt: I’d say most club owners should feel faint when looking at their balance sheets…
Pint of Boddington’s to round off the day, please.
Gibbs, Wilshere, Walcott, Frimpong, Thomas Cruise (scored for England U19 today) JET, keep adding to the list as you will – all English – not that I really care, but they are, and all talk at the moment seems to be of the dearth of English technically talented players.
I wait for Arsene Wenger to be congratulated on creating SO MANY English players, by all the commentators and pundits who have continually slagged him off since he arrived 14 years ago, for not having any.
When he arrived, our youth were clearly not able to play the kind of football that he wanted to create. New recruits were found and trained using his methods, and those very young juniors are now 19, 20 and 21, and lining up to challenge for places in the Arsenal first team. Already some are talking of them as the answer to England’s problems.
I have said before in these “drinks” that Arsene, the man too many of them love to hate, will turn out to be the saviour of the England team.
My own feelings on that right now, after a World Cup that almost managed to do the impossible and turn me off football, are a bit “so what-ish”. But it will be great, as ‘Holic has already said before, to provide the collective joy and inspiration for a new young generation, with a team of players, and people, that they can hopefully look up to.
Seeing a relaxed, smiling and simply classy Arsene Wenger speaking after the game yesterday, really got the pulse racing for the new season. Those shirts didn’t do any harm, either.
I simply can’t imagine who will be able to take Arsene’s place, and it fills you with pride, as a fan, to see the results of 14 patient years of hard work really starting to take shape.
Not forgetting of course, a state-of-the-art training centre, possibly the best club stadium in world football, and no financial difficulties and danger of extinction, being experienced by so many.
In comparison, Barcelona (as we all well know) are in debt to the tune of Eu490,000,000, and, from an Italian commentator today, Inter Milan are having to sell at least one player a year, as they too owe Eu400,000,000. And as far as I am aware, not a new stadium between them.
Come on Redddsss! Can’t wait.
How much do you still love TH14?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8832698.stm
H2H – I bow to your punology!
Eduardo is not going anywhere, Wenger himself said so the other day.
“He is 27 years old, and wants to play, but we extended his contract because we believe in him.
“In the last month, he looked sharp to me in training. He was a bit disturbed [by the injury], but I think next season should be better for him.”
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23829528-eduardo-set-for-arsenal-talks.do
@Trev: superb comment! It’s very enjoyable to witness the pieces of the puzzle coming together.
@Lars: Berlusconi said of AC Milan 3 days ago: If I look at the balance sheet I feel like faintingβ. AC Milan reached 5 CL finals in 6 seasons (88-99) winning 4 and won 2 in the 2000s, for my generation it was the first “big sugar daddy” club figuring all the hot players at the time. Now after selling Kaka they have to sell Ronaldinho without buying any replacements for their grandpas, perhaps Flamini will finally get his chance to help them qualify for the Europa cup. AC Milan, Chelski, Madrid, Inter, Citeh are all on the same path at various stages.
@Arthur: It’s all about bargaining, if the club said we want to get rid of the player we would get a lower offer. If the player stays and feels wanted his confidence is intact and he can still be useful.
At all levels in life there are things you better not say.
@Matt: now that you mention it I actually remember reading that quote from Berlusconi. Wenger have (at times perhaps rightfully so) been critizised for letting too many of the older players go too soon, but Milan have indeed shown what can happen if you hang on to them for too long.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1295868/Cesc-Fabregas-deal-revived-Barcelona-head-London.html
Are they serious ?!?!?
Do they expect people to believe that piece??? AW is in Austria not in London and there is no chance in the world there’ll be a meeting regarding Cesc with only Gazidis and AW absent. No chance.
Wow… I’m starting to think that AW won’t bring a keeper after all this, what’d ya’ll say?
If not, then this season is doomed even before it started. We HAVE to get a new keeper. It’s the most important signing we need to make.
Morning Holic & Holic`s
It is with a huge sigh of relief that the true Arsenal season and euforia has begun. It is also a massive relief to know the good lady wife has procured 2 match tickets for me and my son to attend the emirates tournament on Sunday after saying the the pennies will not allow at this time (stupid new kitchen). So the future is looking brighter already.
I have stayed away from all gossip concerning Arsenal and who we may sign ect ect. But in doing so have missed the chats on Holic`s blog, so with the first pre season friendly over I can not hold back any more and re join the fun with true Arsenal fans.
drinks all round barman for the fun has just started.
Snir – Agree. Bonus if we can get another defensive player (proven), but essential that there is a strong reliable keeper. Personally I’d be happy with Schwarzer.
Joe Cole off to mugsmashers it seems ‘holic… Can’t say am feeling bad about it though!!!
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/exclusive-reds-sign-joe-cole
Doesn’t the fact that we don’t have a new goalkeeper in Austria in the training camp with us bother you ?
I think that if AW was to bring a keeper it’d be before the training camp where the team needs to gel together, that keeper needs to train and develop an understanding with the defense..
If not in Austria, then when ? Then where ?
I’m officially worried.
Totally agree about the need for a keeper Snir, it’s an absolute must – however I have a horrible feeling Fabianski will be in goal for the first few games of the new season. Let’s hope AW is just being coy and something is going on behind the scenes to bring a quality keeper in. Not sure about Schwarzer but at least he’s better than the three keepers we used last season. Would AW surprise everyone and go with Sczezny though? He certainly had an amazing time at Brentford, lower league I know but he looks to have loads of potential.
When you think how many points we lost season to goalkeeping howlers, also the amount of howlers committed in games we won, it really makes me wonder how on earth we haven’t addressed this most urgent of issues yet.
By the end of transfer window it would be nice to have:
– A new GK
– An experienced CB
– Another DM
Anything else would be good but we are threadbare at CB and DM if the first choice players are out.
@the beast… TBH I don’t really care anymore if we don’t get anything but a new GK… I’ll settle with our DBs and DMs for now if I get a guarantee that we sign a new keeper.
How on earth is it possible that we’re in Austria with Fabianski, Almunia, Sczezny and Mannone…???
I don’t know how it’s possible we have those four – although I expect Almunia to leave this summer. AW really rates Fabianski doesn’t he? I don’t know any Arsenal fans who don’t think we need a commanding, experienced keeper as an urgent addition to our squad, I know AW has a stubborn streak but this is an area where you can’t afford to fanny about. I hope he does something about it.
And as regards CBs and DM, say we have to go without Vermaelen and Song for a couple of months next season – I really am not satisfied we have adequate cover in place for either position. Denilson or Diaby can’t play the DM role against anyone good and we have a shortage of decent CBs, I think both areas are as important to recruit to as GK. It’s by the by now as he has gone to Wolfsburg (for Β£10m) but Kjaer of Denmark looked like he could have been a good signing, and Β£10m is a decent price. Oh well.
you didn’t get me… I know we’re lacking in cover but I’m willing to live with it if told we won’t add any more signings if we get a keeper.
I’m THAT desperate for a new keeper.
Even with AW signing another defensive target like he said it’d be worth nothing without a good keeper.
O.K, guys, I need some help figuring something out here.
Apparently we have here in Israel an “El Mundo” reporter and he was brought to a TV channel and was asked about certain things regarding Barca.
When they got to the Cesc issue, he said something of this sort : “I’m telling you, Cesc will end up at Barca, if not this year then next or in 2 years. But the thing is if we want him now it’s with paying 45 Million which we don’t have or next year for less money”…
How on earth is it that they think Cesc will cost less next year? Are they retarded? Do they not know that every touch Cesc’s value rises cause of his brilliance? I’m seriously having a tough time understanding that stupid sentence.
Funny thing is that all of the Catalans think that if they wait a year, he’ll be cheaper… With that kind of thinking no wonder they don’t have a cent to pay players’ wages.
71, Good to see you back mate !
The Beast, Couldnt agree more mate a GK,CB,+DM of the experienced variety are a must in my view otherwise this season will go the same way as the last couple,
On a positive note glad to see gazidis is doing his bit for the fans he’s done more on that front than that wanker Edelman in his whole tenure, We are back in proper colours and shirts the clocks back as are the proper names of ends all that’s left is to replace the SS stewarding and he may even win me back π
i will be really really worried if we dont sign a keeper,cb and a dm. its going to be dejavu again….. and the season is going to be dissapointing just like the last…..only this time mr.wenger will have to be blamed….. why the hell do we not play to dm’s like hollands formation??
@the beast: “I donβt know any Arsenal fans who donβt think we need a commanding, experienced keeper as an urgent addition to our squad”
Now here’s a gunner you surely knows who backs Fabianski all the way: http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/38317/Seaman_Wenger_will_stick_with_Almunia_and_Fabianski.aspx
@usama and Chippy: We are not going to sign 3 more players.
And usama, why in hell should we play the atrocious football of the dutch team when every football lover on the planet admires us for our beautiful attacking football?
@Snir: it’s called amortisation. Every passing season, Cesc’s contract is worth less. In 5 years Cesc contract will be expired and he would cost nothing to Barca.
Guardiola from the Barca circus is in charge of today’s act. Thankfully he’s not as despicable as most players in his team.
βI can understand that he is an important player at Arsenal. They know that we want him. Heβs a top player, young, educated here at this club and taken away from us when he was just 15β.
“It is Arsenal who are in charge (of this deal) and if Arsenal don’t want it, ah well, he will not come.”
A goalkeeper is a must.
If he doesn’t sign one, then serious questions need to be asked – its one thing having a blind spot but to go into the season with Fabianski as your number 1 keeper would be a downright dereliction of duty.
Interesting that Joe Cole has ended up outside London after all the chat about staying in the capital. I am not that fussed that we never got him, if indeed we were interested.
Funny that Chelski and Pool exchanged Cole and Benayoun and both present it as a strengthening of their squad. We’ve got enough midfielders with the youths starting to shine, I’m glad we did not get Joe Cole.
Matt,
If that’s the case Islington town hall will be awfully quiet come May next year,
The renaming of ends should also have a positive effect on the atmosphere next season,as a few old ditties can be re sung π
Eyes Right anyone π
@matt…..im not saying we should play like the the dutch i meant defend like them……de jong and van bommel provided cover for the centre backs while the attacking players had the freedom upfront….that would stop us conceding on counter attacks….i must say a cb and keeper r a must….that is if we dont stick with wojc and mannone.
Chippy: you never told us you had a 10-month ahead model of crystal ball, mine is only a 1-month model π
Wojciech Szczesny wants to fight to be Arsenal’s No 1 rather than spending another season on loan.
“I want to fight for my place, whatever that means,” he told Arsenal.com after featuring against Barnet.
“I don’t want to give up my place at Arsenal to go on loan. I went on loan last year, I have proved that I can do a job for Arsenal and now I want to see if I can really do it.
“If I get a chance to prove myself as an Arsenal No 1 then I will take my chances but I just want to get as many chances as I can and show everyone what I am made of.
“I think everybody has got the same target for the pre-season and that is get your place in the team and that is exactly what I am doing.”
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/szczesny-i-don-t-want-to-go-on-loan-again
Matt,
π Those one month models are so last year lol, To be fair tho I can actually see him bringing 2-3 more in, IMO he will defo sign a Keeper and another CB and fingers crossed a DM, If it is to only be 2 a DM than can play as a centrehalf would suffice a toulalan or veloso type.If he does I’ll buy you a beer outside the town hall π
Congratulations to Sagna who got married Saturday! And he didn’t do things on the cheap: 900 guests (Song, Nasri, Gallas and all the players from the french national team).
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2010/20100719_120935_quand-sagna-regale.html
My own ball told me if the youngsters perform well during pre-season we won’t buy anyone. And if we buy one more player it’s going to be a 4th CB with Vermy and Djourou being the first choices.
As for the keeper my preference goes to someone who’s not Almunia. In his day he’s among the best (cf his wonder first half againts Barca) but he’s had too many mental issues already to be treated differently than Sol. Time to take away his Number 1 shirt. If Wenger and staff thinks Fabianski can cut it out, fine it’s their call they know better than I do.
@Matt: Guardiola is the only one associated with Barca who hasn’t made a total prat out of himself this summer. But I could not believe my eyes when I read this:
“and Guardiola believes Fabregas can be turned into a holding midfielder … We are looking at players with Toure’s characteristics, but if we sign Cesc we can adapt him to that position and find another more attacking player.”
SAY WHAT??? Has he gone absolutely mad? It would be almost criminal to try to turn Cesc into some kind of defensive midfielder.
Come on Cesc, stay and bring us a trophy or two and you’ll become a true Arsenal legend!
Welcome back, ’71. You were missed.
Wasn’t he, boys? π
Evening ‘holics.
Trev@22 – don’t hold your breath. Those myopic twats would rather eat their own poop than acknowledge Arsene’s contribution to English football over the last decade or so. In their cataract ridden eyes ‘ol’ Twitchy is the real saviour!
Can’t claim the credit for this, but…heard on Saturday…
We’re gonna rock down to the Inland Revenue,
And tell on Harry Redknapp.
π
What are the defining differences between Arsenal 1971 and Arsenal 1974, other than 3 years? Must say I’ve confused the two of them at times, but I’ve always put both of them up there among the best ones who post on Goonerholic. Cheers!
8 ball – just to extend the ‘love in’ you punch a mean Qwerty yourself. With regards to 71 I’m not his lovechild π
Talking of songs Holic, watching the Cloughie night last night and they were singing “we’ve got the best team in the land” haven’t heard that for years, It was an old favourite!!
My guess is 74 is 3 years older than 71 π
Indeed we missed 71, like we miss BtM btw.
@Lars: un-be-lievable! In between that and the benching during the WC, Cesc’s future at Barca looks more and more like Helb’s and Flamini’s. For a player of his ability it would be so horribly sad. Better win a trophy with us this season!
Thanks for the welcome lads I too have missed the banter of true Arsenal fans.
AFC1974- Luke I am your father followed by heavy breathing, very hard to do a vadar when writing.
8 ball- Its AFC1974, I am Arsenal1971 in fairness I should have abbreviated it to AFC1971 we would be very hard to tell apart at a glance.
Holic- The cold turkey of not posting could not be held back any more.
I am truly delighted to see the same names still posting here, to be fair Holic I knew you wouldn’t let it get infiltrated by plastic fans.
As for the transfer rumors of who will and who wont sign for us I can truly put my hand on my heart I don’t care ! I don’t wont long discussions of wild accusations of mad speculation of players who might sign. Until they are on the Arsenal web site holding or wearing the sacred shirt it will all go over my head.
I would love to see 2/3 more players brought in ( who wouldn’t ) but until the boss makes any more signings I will concentrate on what we have already got.
I will have a double Canadian club please barman.
Good to see you Matt & Chippy !
Chippy I think you got that round the wrong way sir,
“My guess is 74 is 3 years older than 71”
So BTM has gone awol as well ? The lure of this blog will be to strong for him he will be back.
I see some of my favorites like Matt,Chippy,Snir,Lars,8 Ball and AFC1974 ( I very much enjoy reading your posts )
I dont see Steve T ? Is he MIA as well ?
Bloody Hell. What a lovely pub tonight! Peace and love, and be nice to puppies.
71,
In your absence I haven’t changed a bit I’m still a plank and crap at maths π Steve Ts still around, He will return with a post and a half I’m sure
Catalan,
That’s because lifes good we are back playing in a proper home kit, The clocks back where it belongs and they’ve renamed the ends it’s a lucky omen I tell you π
Chippy; true true. The new (old) kit is absolutely fantastic. Makes me all nostalgic for Panini stickers and watching your namesake bend it into the spuds’ net…. ah, childhood!
Going back to the Frimpong debate. Has Eboue ever been given a chance to play the hustler in the middle? Surely he has the physical power and energy to do a job?
Or am I in need of a lie down?
Evening gents. Any room at the love in for me??????
Loved the Harry song by the way holic. That I am sure will get a real airing at various times.
Would have liked Joe Cole to have been an Arsenal player but am not massively disappointed he is not. I think he would have struggled to get a game at present and I do not want to waste Β£100k a week on a bench warmer.
I agree with most above. A keeper is more than a must. We are still woefully short and the back and do need a holding player in midfield. If we learn only one thing from last season it should be that we do not have a squad big enough to cope with the injuries we get. No excuses this year. We have been told there is money available. I must admit that if Wenger fails to strengthen and we again fall short that the locals are unlikely to be as tolerant as they have been in previous years. I do think this is a massive season for us. A really massive season. It frightens me to suggest it but another failure may well lead to some big changes.
Keep the faith.
@Steve T: at the risk of sounding like a broken record, if we’ve not bought a DM in the last 2 seasons there is little hope for a DM coming our way this summer. And as Lars found out we can always use Cesc as a DM, it will give him a foretaste of his Barca dream move π
The only GK I would really like to see in an Arsenal shirt is Lloris. Lyon holds him dear but they have caved in countless times when the money was right if not excessive (M.Diarra, Essien etc…).
Arsene has said we are still on the market for one more player but I have the feeling he will wait for the Emirates cup before making final decisions which could go either way depending on how the youngsters perform.
Indeed the dream pub crowd, drinks on me tonight, pick your poison!
I’ve applied for an extension. You are all welcome to stay for happy hour now π
Matt. I agree but the excuse in previous seasons has always been money. We were lucky last season in the fact that the likes of Song and Vermaelen stayed fit for the majority of it.
The frustrating thing for me is that I really do not believe we are that far away. We have obvious weaknesses. We apparantly have the money and so I would expect these weaknesses to be addressed before the season starts. As I said above, I do not think that the locals will be too sympathetic if it goes wrong this season.
Still 6 weeks of the window left so no need to panic just yet.
Happy days. My usual gallon please holic. Cheers gents…..
Can only agree with the bulk of what’s been said so far re transfers. I have no confidence in the idea that Wenger will splash the cash on a new gk, cd & dm. No chance. At best I think we can hope for a new cd and possibly a gk.
A Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old for me please barman….with just a dash of water π
This is way unfair!! I missed out on the party last night!! Every time I walk into the pub it’s empty and I end up chatting with the waitress (not that I’m complaining about her but would like some more company π )
@Matt 42- I know why they’re thinking that but next year he’ll be one of the best players in the world with 4 years on his contract. 4 years is still a lot, so how can he cost less next year (again, I’m only talking about next year in particular)??? He’s just gonna improve from last season (unless he has that WC/EC winning trophy thing π ) and his contract will still be long term…
Holics, TBH I really (!!!) don’t get it how AW didn’t get a keeper for the training camp… He needs to gel and develop an understanding with the defense, these 10 days are perfect…
Here’s to 1971 for ditching on the wife and finally showing his face around our beloved pub and another toast for H2H, Steve T, BtM and Arthur – That way maybe we’ll see them more often!!!
Holic, a pint of Carling for me.
Just thought about it, the reaction AW will get from Gooners if Fabianski/Almunia will be in goal will be really bad. If he’s not gonna bring in a new keeper it’s better he’d give Sczezsny the number 1 spot.
At least he’d have the crowd behind him, Fabianski/Almunia won’t.
Snir, the thing is that a player can also buy his contract out in theory. As time passes he has less and less left to pay so it could be more advantageous for the buying club to have the player pay back what he owes to his former club and then pay him to cover the cost (and more). In the case of Cesc it’s not pure market value that is used to assess how much we could get for him.
And I keep telling you it is very possible that we will start the season with Fabianski, Mannone and Szczesny. If Fabianski flops then either Szczesny or Mannone will take over or even Almunia if he hasn’t left. However risky that sounds I’ve read enough assessments of the keepers by Arsenal’s staff to believe they find the youth option very tempting. I’ve come to accept it as I’m underwhelmed by all the GKs we are linked with.
Now Koss + Nordveit/Bartley/Cruise as our second-choice CDs…
Matt, I assume the guys at Barca know Cesc and they know he would never do such a thing to AW. Never. Not to Arsenal, to AW.
So next year he’ll be one of the best in world, with 4 years left on a contract that if Barca doesn’t buy Cesc is gonna be respected. The way I see it, he’s just gonna cost more next season.
About the GKs, I’ve also come to acknowledge the fact that there is a 90 % chance he won’t bring in a keeper but I’m just saying that in the case of a GK, confidence is everything and one of the confidence building factors is crowd support, Sczezsny’ll have it, Fabianski won’t.
Oh and the fact that he had that interview appearing on Arsenal.com says a lot! I don’t think it would have been published if there weren’t any intentions to keep him at the club and possibly giving him the number 1 spot depending on the preseason.
The crowd is just that, a crowd. A handful of good games between the posts and the crowd will get behind him. The same way a few rookie mistakes from Sczezsny and the honeymoon will be over.
Now look at how many goals Casillas ships at Madrid in their shitty league. 406 goals in 385 games! It’s worse than Lehmann and Almunia. Lloris does slightly better 73 goals in 76 games but you can see the margin is very thin.
Almunia grates because he alternates the very good with the shaky and we could do without his depression bouts but there is no miracle solution, the best keeper in the world could barely save a handful of goals more over a season. It’s a very ungrateful job when you think of it.
Now of course there’s nothing wrong to want a keeper with a better distribution and an ever-lasting self-belief but again hoping for a huge improvement is a recipe for disappointment.
We do have defensive problems but in my view the problems lie as much if not more in the opposition half where too many of our players aren’t pressing enough. You can’t blame Ronaldo and Messi for not defending much but until Arshavin and Theo start scoring shitloads of goals they have no excuse for their lame defensive efforts.
I agree with you about Sczezsny looking like he could have a go this season, at least in the CC. I don’t know much about his distribution but he has an impressive record as a shot-stopper and he’s said to be even more self-assured than Bendy.
Not a number 1 from the start but who knows?
With you on that totally.
Same blame can be forwarded to Nasri when he plays on the wing too… He left Dani Alves to have an Emirates Stadium tour on a matchday!!!
Obviously we have defensive issues but we conceded about 40 goals last year which about 7 were GK goals that with a proper keeper won’t be goals.
(Birmingham, the 2 against Blackburn in the 6-2, Blackburn away, Wigan away, Nani’s goal, West Ham’s first, Liverpool’s goal, Ibrahimovic’s goal)
I can go on and on but those goals are GKs goals as opposed to defense goals such as the Bolton goal, Drogba goal at the Emirates, Rooney goal etc’…
A team of Arsenal stature can not (!) concede these kind of goals. You’re not gonna win the title with 40 goals conceded. You’re right that we need to defend better but we got to “keep” better as well.
And about that crowd thing, in this case the crowd is confidence and I get the feeling even if Fabianski’ll be great that there’s a big anti on Fabianski from Gooners that no matter what he’ll do he’ll never be loved and cheered.
7 goals? That’s a very precise tally! Where did you get the data?
Anyway there isn’t a single GK that doesn’t make a few mistakes in a season, so from 7 we could go down to 2-4, again that’s at best a handful of goals.
I don’t believe Fabianski is hopelessly hated by the supporters, it’s nothing like it was against Eboue or Adebayor.
And we could easily win the league shipping 40 goals if we were not as wasteful in front of the goal. We’re an all-attacking team so we will ship more goals than the other top teams anyway.
I just said 7 cause I thought that if I would have said 10 I would be too harsh on the keepers :D… But I gave you some examples of those goals…
Hmmm, it’s an interesting thought about the “score one more than you” but the problem is we didn’t score against solid defenses – Chelsea, United etc’…
But then again, I already wrote my theory that those games against Chelsea and United should be discarded cause apart from the 2-1 at Old Trafford where we were brilliant (without Cesc) we played all the other 3 games with no striker up front. Arshavin played up front and Chelsea/United just parked the bus and waited for a counter.
This year with either RvP or Chamakh (in case RvP get injured again, won’t be surprised if he does :() our game will be a lot different. We’ll just have to wait and see.
But I still want a keeper more than I want a new CB or DM :).
With this level of expectation around the GK situation you’re cornering yourself in a lose-lose situation. If we go with what we have you will be disappointed and if you expect a marked improvement from the new keeper it will be the same. Just sayin’
Matt & Snir – Fabs not hated by any Arsenal supporters. It’s too strong a word. I do think we are torn in our opinion of him and his potential regardless of what Arsene thinks. I simply think some of us have already decided that he doesn’t ‘cut the mustard’. Perhaps we have been spoilt with the likes of Jennings, Seaman and even Lehman?
I’ll allow ‘hate’ for Adebayor though – that’s probably too kind a word π
I think we can all agree Wenger recognizes there is a GK’ing ‘issue of sorts that needs addressing. The question is how? I personally think Amunia is finished at Arsenal but the difficulty is there are not enough suitable choices out there in the market, given the fact that we supposedly have enough talent that could flourish over the next 2-3years (Shesney & Fab). I suspect Wengers’ position is that if he can find a buyer for Almunia, it will free up enough surplus cash to fund a replacement. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Wenger pulls a surprise transfer on this one.
NB. My personal view is that Fab’s stock value will increase this time next season.
Not against keeping Fab as no 2 / 3 with Chesney. But for a season or 2 a solid reliable guy would be nice. Cash is supposedly not an issue, so why no improved bid for Schwarzer or other? Frustrating, but I’ll trust that it’s all in hand.
So, no one liked my idea of Eboue in the middle (when needed)? Ah well.
@ CG 84 – I’ve often wondered that (about Eboue). He’s a talented lad and Wenger has used him in that DM role before, mostly against lesser opposition. IIRC he’s fared well but can often be guilty of drawing too many fouls. Though I wonder if he has the temperament, the discipline for that kind of combative role.
Don
I have no doubts that he is as nutty as they come. But it can be fun to watch!
CG…..Eboue’s bonkers. We love him (in our household). That is part of his appeal. I love his attitude. He’s 100% Arsenal. It will be a sad day should he ever leave Arsenal.
Eboue was played at DM against Fulham a couple of seasons ago, I think it was the first or second game of the season, we were abject that day and lost 1-0 to a Hangelaand header. Eboue was really poor, as was his midfield accomplice on the day Denilson. One of the worst ever Arsenal central midfields I have ever seen actually…one reason I would love us to sign another decent holding midfielder is to avoid this kind of thing happening again if and when Song gets injured, we have no one to cover him.
Eboue is much better down the flanks, one of our most improved players last year.
You’ve got to read Arseblog’s thoughts on the keeper today – fantastic!
82 – AFC1974
Not sure I’m “torn” about Fabianski, there isn’t a top flight keeper who made anywhere near the amount of terrible mistakes leading to goals which he committed last season, he didn’t even play many games. Can anyone can name a worse keeper who played 10+ games for any Premier League club last season? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to start booing him but how many chances can one guy be given after so many foul-ups ? He has been an absolute liability yet I reckon he will start the season in our goal. If that’s the case then it’s a massive call by AW and has the potential to blow up in his face, I just can’t see Fabianski making the necessary improvements. If we don’t sign a keeper I might even be tempted to try Sczezny.
@Catalan: Eboue has been tried as a defensive midfielder, and quite frankly he was shockingly bad at it (and I am an Eboue fan!). It was at the start of the 2007/8 season, he played in that position for a couple of games including the away game at Fulham which we lost 1-0.
As for the GK position, I say if we don’t buy a new one then play Szczesny from the start and go with him even if he makes the occasional mistake. The guy is high on confidence and has a very good season to build on – Almunia (who I doubt is still at the club at the start of the season), Fabianski and even Mannone to an extent all have baggage to carry while Szczesny has nothing but positives to bring into the season. The only thing that I am not certain of in regards to Szczesny is if he can cope with the pace of the Premier League, but other than that I have little doubt that he will turn out to be really great for us.
Having said that, though, I wouldn’t actually be too surprised if Fabianski, if given the go-ahead as number one would lift his game. Some players and in particular keepers just need to feel that kind of trust to be able to perform properly. If he knows that he doesn’t have to try so hard to play his best game ever each time he is on the pitch that may very well be what’s needed to cut out the mistakes.
Boddington’s, please!
@Lars and @Beast…. I hereby withdraw my tactical Eboue masterplan!
@Lars 91. Were I in the shoes of Wenger (as well as being a lot richer) I’d be inclined to give Shesney a run of games. He seems to be a mouthy type keeper, which to my mind, we haven’t had enough of. His confidence might also have a positive effect on the rest of the team.
I’ve always thought we need more shouters. More players will to stand up for themselves and impose their will for the good of the team.
NB. Fair comments about the Fulahm game but iirc, the only thing I’d say is whole team played awful that day. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7565059.stm
Cheerio Dudu… seems a lovely bloke. Hope things work out better for you.
Eduardo has gone to Shakhtar for Β£6m. All the best Eddie.
Real shame his Arsenal career was destroyed in the manner it was, just as he was starting to play his best football and score regularly for us too. We’ll never know how good he could have become for us, which is very sad.
RvP just got the number 10.
Was quite weird it took the club to approve so long. The waiting made me think he asked for 9 and waited until Dudu left. Is it possible they wanted to give Joe Cole the number 10 and waited to hear where he’ll sign?
Meanwhile, Almunia is in Austria with the team.
The youngsters that are in Austria as well – Nordveit, Lansbury, Frimpong, Eastmond, Henderson and Jet.
A pretty much first team squad in Austria, meaning we’ll see a lot of them in action in the preseason games.
It’s amazing how a few weeks of the close season seems to have made everyone about their feelings on Fabianski.
I for one haven’t forgotten his ineptitude in numerous games last season (Porto away for starters) – and we are heading for more disappointment if he ends up being Arsene’s chosen number 1. I said earlier that not to sign a goalkeeper would be a dereliction of duty and I stand by it.
Its an interesting theory from Lars that giving him a regular game will result in an improvement – well it’s one theory. My view is that it just increases the potential to give away more goals/games π
I promise each and every one of you ‘Holics a virtual free drink if he goes on to prove me wrong, but I agree with AFC1974 – for me he just don’t cut the mustard.
PS – sad end for Eduardo – best of luck for the future.
Hey ‘Holic again, though like three days later! Question, If i make an order through Le Arse’s advert banner up top, any gains on your part? And more so if am not buying the kit because i want other ladies designs? You can email me through the email on here. Thanks.
Sorry to see Eddie on his way. A real gentleman imo who will be missed.
All the best fella and thanks for the association π
Heres a very nice video about Dudu’s Arsenal Career. It brought tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRcS-zuT4Vg&playnext_from=TL&videos=Y3idwtWJ0SA
jay it was awesome now watch this guys!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bRylghzdvI&feature=player_embedded
has anyone watched this?? whats with the mankini’s? http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/training-in-austria-exclusive-pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s that GPS thing.
guys what’s happening in the game? Who’s watching?
Evening All,
What games on Catalan?
Sturm Graz vs Arsenal. Isn’t it?
It’s tomorrow night I think mate 6pm but I could be mistaken as I don’t pay much attention till the last few pre season games,
I’ll drink whatever Catalans having or do they only come in capsules
@washed up, chippy
This is the problem – tonight I’ve only been drinking water. Proof, if it was needed, that it damages your brain. I’m off to the fridge to get something healthier….
Good man grab us one mate!!
All that sun must be affecting you, first you wanted Eboue to be our dm,now you want match reports a day early π
If Im about tomorrow I’ll try and get the match report after the games finished and post it up for you I’m sure holic won’t mind π
If Ed’s has left this has to be the worst news all summer I for one am really pissed about it, that boy was an absolute joy to watch in full flow, why oh why has AW let him go all I can imagine is that the medical reports we have internally must be damming for HIS long term career prospects. Other then that why would he have not been given another year to get it together FOR US?
Great videos, thanks Jay and usama!
After seeing that video I really hope Eduardo will resurect his career. It was such a freak injury, I’ll never get the images of my head.
Good luck to you Dudu!
@Ed: We have 27 players in Austria with first-teamers like Cesc, Denilson, Bendy etc missing and a few youth players too: Rambo, Bartley, Barazite, Cruise, Simpson…
There is not enough room for everyone some hard decisions have to be made and it’s only the beginning as we have more and more quality youths breaking through the ranks. We can’t keep a team of 40 players happy without giving them play time. Merida understood it and left, Eduardo asked for a transfer and others will follow.
@Chippy – it’s a lovely parallel universe that I live in!
Now I’ll just go and fix another Gin…
I’ve been thinking about it and am warming up to the idea of Szcz?sny (copy/pasted…) as our number one GK. After all he’s at the age when Casillas, Buffon and LLoris where given the go in their respective top-league teams.
It’s true that it’s a big step up from League one but then again he was from far the best keeper in that league so it may not be too far-fetched and none of the 3 keepers I mentioned had much more experience when they were asked to step up.
So why not?
That makes two of us Catalan π
Matt, Agree, If he dosent sign a new number 1 give the kid his chance the fans would bd a lot more patient in that case, If Almunia or Fabianski are the number 1 against the scousers and make a clanger all he’ll would break loose!!
I found an interesting article on the new austerity in the global transfer market: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=809411&sec=transfers&root=transfers&cc=5901
And if Barcelona, having already bought David Villa, have to relinquish the role of big spenders, it leaves too few others who can perform it without a cash injection from the transfer market. Manchester United’s purchasing power, however much Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill and the Glazers deny it, is limited by the club’s borrowings (Β£69 million was repaid in loans last year); Liverpool are also impoverished by American ownership; Arsene Wenger has money to spend but is a frugal chancellor of the Arsenal exchequer; even Chelsea have not paid Β£20 million for a player for four years and Carlo Ancelotti has denied they will end their era of austerity by signing Fernando Torres.
It is a similar story in Italy. Neither Juventus nor AC Milan have made a major signing this summer. Inter Milan may yet, though their current recruitment policy appears focused entirely on Merseyside. In Spain, even the habitually affluent Real Madrid appear affected: manager Jose Mourinho and wingers Pedro Leon and Angel di Maria may represent three big-money acquisitions, but other details are just as telling.
Di Maria’s price – β¬25 million – was less than many anticipated, something that can be explained by a lack of other bidders, which in turn reflects on a lack of money. Most of Mourinho’s supposed transfer targets – Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, the Chelsea pair of Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole and much of his old Inter side – remain in situ. There have not been bids, let alone deals.
Blimey fellas, nowhere to go? π
Only kidding, and apologies. Plan was to preview tomorrow night but I am up to my arse in alligators at work at the moment. Bought some time tomorrow to watch the game and chuck a few words together.
Now, Blackbush at fifteen sobs a bottle is crying out to me. Yum!
Matt – at last! You’re coming around to my way of thinking. A while back we had a discussion about young Woj. I said he should be given shot to prove himself. You were a tad dismissive non?
If we can get a back line sorted then we should definitely give this boy a crack.
@1974: Well it’s Snir who made me think about it, I’ve realized that Fabianski is in the eye of the cyclone. The mob mentality is definitively deadset against him and however well he does (if he does well) will not be enough, every single mistake will be magnified and the guy will be crucified. It would be very costly not only for him but for the team if the GK is hassled during games.
I personally still think Fabianski deserves to start based on the belief expressed by people who know better. But in the end even if because of his lack of experience Woj could perhaps perform slightly worse than Fabianski, it won’t be night and day anyway so why not Woj indeed.
Where I think we’re in total agreement is that Woj should at least be number 2 with cup duties.
I’ve said it from the beginning my preference would be to get Lloris who at this point in time is considerably better than everything we have (and every other keeper we’ve been linked with) but it’s not going to happen. Too bad because he would make a big difference.
Matt – there isn’t even a sniff of a rumour re a new keeps, and we shouldn’t be too surprised if Arsene goes with Fab and Woj as a No2. If Fab fumbles, Woj will get a crack and as you say he will at least get the CC games. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want Fab to fail, but I’m not sure I want him to succeed with plenty of elementary errors when there is a bright bolshie young keeps snapping at his heels either.
Time will tell my friend.
I agree it looks like the most likely scenario but time will tell indeed π
As I said earlier I think most keepers are very close from one another but Lloris definitively stands out. In the CL this season he carried Lyon all the way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSqjet-bKSQ
Let’s hope that whoever will start for us can reach that level!
Matt: the problem with Lloris as I see it is that from what I’ve seen of him in the CL and the French national team, he positively stinks at catching crosses.
Matt – do you get the feeling that we (Arsenal) need to look closer at our goalkeeping coach/es set up? Some of these errors could/should be ironed out on the training pitch – pile in high balls with lots of pressure on the keeps etc.
Have we gone backwards since Big Bob left the coaching team? It’s been said that Arsene does not prioritise the goalkeeping element.
Just a thought…
Some interesting reading but the keeper issue is a major for me. A decent keeper is worth his weight in gold. They should control the back 4 and can set the whole tone of the game. Almunia never has been and never will be good enough in my opinion. He just does not have that extra bit. Fabianski has looked terrible, but in fairness to him I think he has a raw deal. He plays so little football that you will never know what he looks like until he has a decent run of games. For me that is too much of a gamble for us to take and I think we would all get to see what he is really like on a season long loan.
At this point I would encourage everyone to sit back and draw breath. Most seem to think that Woj should be the next number 1? Utter madness in my opinion. He has not been tried or tested. A start like Fabianski has had could ruin the kid for life. The fact that many are talking about a kid who was last season’s 4th choice starting this year as number 1 just shows how desperate we have all got. The little I have seen of him has impressed me. I also have an old pal who is a Brentford season ticket holder who speaks nothing but praise for him. He certainly sounds like a star in the making, but it would be one massive gamble to start the season with him as our number 1.
We need to buy gentlemen. We know it and AW knows it. I really do fear the consequences if we don’t.
@Lars: Like all french players he stunk in the national team but the amount of problems and pressure they faced makes it very hard to pass anything but a very negative judgement.
In Ligue 1 he doesn’t stink at all at crosses, it’s not his strongest point but he has been progressing impressively in all areas in the last 2 years. He’s got an amazing positioning awareness, his distribution is excellent and his reflex saves are unbelievable (kind of like Woj but against the best teams in France and Europe).
@1974: I don’t know really, I don’t think it’s more a coaching issue than a mental one in both Fabianski’s and Almunia’s cases. For sure some areas can be improved but we know Almunia has what it takes to play at the top (even if his distribution is only average). He’s just not consistent and I don’t know if coaching can improve that, it’s too late anyway. As for Fabianski I also think it’s a lack of mental strength, the Porto game seems to have destroyed his self-belief. The discrepancy between what the insiders say about him in training and what we’ve seen lately is huge.
After all these years I’ve come to believe that promoting younger keepers slowly doesn’t work at top noth clubs. Either you buy an established keeper or you throw a young keeper in the limelights just when he’s starting to peak (and pray he succeeds) but leaving a guy on the bench save for the odd game and then ask him to deputize in high-pressure games is not working because he puts too much pressure on himself trying to impress. If you look at Fabianski errors (or Foster’s at United), there are a few beginners mistakes (shit happens) and then suddenly the pressure piles up and the poor guy is a disaster waiting to happen. And I’d rather not be in Mannnone’s head, look at how he was treated: a couple of good games and at the first “normal” game, he’s replaced. How hard is it to overcome that mentally?
I’m afraid we’ve left Fabianski too long on the bench procrastinating and that killed him. Woj looks like the hot thing at the moment because he’s been piling up good performances in League One but if we leave him on the bench for 2 years that will be gone too.
I’m a total believer in the youth project but not for goalies which is why I’m advocating we either buy a really good one or try a promising young one without letting him ruminate on the bench for ages.
It pains me to say but this is an area where Ferguson has it nailed. He gets a top-notch keeper and doesn’t have to worry about it for half a decade (of course with the odd poor decision like with Barthez).
Evening all.
I have been in the Woj for No.1 camp since seeing him at Emirates last season in a Carling Cup tie – didn’t put a foot wrong all night and looked very assured for a debut game, even if it was only the Carling Cup.
He even fits in with our on-going injury situation, as the only reason he fell behind Mannone in the pecking order was, apparantly, because he fell over in training and broke both arms!!!
From what I know about goalkeeping, don’t they have to throw themselves around all over the place quite often? It could only be an Arsenal keeper who falls over and breaks BOTH arms!!!
Any ideas on that one, Catalan ?
That is not, in any way, intended as a piss take, ‘cos I think he looks really good – but I must say that as the season approaches our lack of quality cover at GK and CB is starting to make me very jittery.
Great news about the continuing Arsenalisation at the ground.
Have to get the voice in tune –
“We’re the North Bank
We’re the North Bank” even if we’re now the West Stand – old habits die hard.
The sun is reporting Schwarzer got a new offer – player coach and is desperate to leave but the offer is on hold until they get a new manager.
Could it be that AW is trying to confuse everyone saying opposite things on Schwarzer and Eduardo?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3062329/Gunners-hit-Mark-with-new-bid.html
Jay @100 – good/dreadful vid on Eduardo.
Arsene Wenger – “more than the season is over” – was accused at the time of being “out of order” for his reaction, by all the pathetic apologists for this type of thuggery.
The video also shows Cesc’s reaction to seeing Eduardo’s leg – i’ve said it before and i’m still convinced it is one third of the reason he has decided he has had enough, not of Arsenal, but of the Premier League.
Congratulations Martin Taylor, you certainly “let Eduardo know you were there” – you certainly “put a foot” well and truly “in”.
You certainly ended the career, at the highest level, of a player way out of your class.
You thug.
Very best wishes, and thanks, Eduardo.
@Trev: Woj broke both arms trying to lift too much weight at the gym 2 years ago: http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2008/11/gym-madness-sees-szczesny-break-both-arms/
Matt – hope we don’t win a REALLY big trophy then!
Wanna make your blood boil? Barca arrogant bastards are at it again, today it’s Xavi:
“We know where Cesc wants to be this coming season, but perhaps there is not enough time for Barcelona and Arsenal to agree a deal, Arsenal need to understand they are only delaying the inevitable.”
“If we don’t manage to get his signature this season then Arsenal only really have him on loan for a year – because there is nothing they can do to stop him joining next summer.”
“I haven’t given up on him joining us this season but, if he doesn’t, it won’t be more than a year before he is back home. His people will have a whole season to sort out the deal between the two clubs and it will happen at the very latest next summer.”
“We were all with him for five weeks in South Africa and we know he wants to be at Barcelona, he made it very clear”
“But he will under no circumstances do anything that will upset the Arsenal fans. And that’s probably why we are going to have to wait for him for another year.”
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1276268.html
I’m sure Cesc is dying to become a DM when not watching you play from the bench.
@Matt…. my pleasure. why dont u try ignoring these barca cunts that will help for sure!!
@EVERYONE and HOLIC!!!!!!!!! hey the posts are 777!! ahaha.
no wonder they fucked up…shame on them what a bad allegation to associate one with http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12025_6272023,00.html.
anyone read ribery/s comment? she was my birthday present…yuck!
Matt@126: completely agree, we just have to have that ‘leap of faith’ with Woj. Putting him on the bench is not an option, I would rather he goes out on loan again. It is a big ask, but he seems to be making positive noises on arsenal.com, if there is one thing I like in a keeper and that is confidence and self belief.
Lars – steady yourself with a stiff drink. This story is yet to run….