Another Memorable Day 'Up The Arsenal'
Aug 2nd, 2010 by 'holic
I’ve been fortunate down the years to enjoy some pretty special days with Arsenal, but I have to say yesterday was up there with the best. You don’t have to tell me how lucky I was to be among a small group entertained in an executive box. I know.
I trust anybody looking in from M&S will forgive the plagiarism when I say as well that this wasn’t just any old day, it was an Arsenal day. I doubt anybody does the corporate entertainment business better. From the excellent food that would have pleased more educated taste buds than mine, to the fridge full of tasty tinctures, to the privileged seating for the match, the whole thing was just a tremendous experience.
I can almost hear a few who would have shared my background with the club turning their nose up at my enjoyment of the premium facilities. There is still some limited misunderstanding and distrust of the well-off who follow the club in opulent surroundings. In the real world there is a need to tap this market and Arsenal are exploiting those opportunities like nobody else in football. These people are filling the clubs coffers in return for a premium sporting experience.
Having raved about the day I have to say I don’t think I could trust myself to watch a competitive contest up there. A couple of times I stopped myself from screaming out something, be it encouragement or a more colourful opinion of what was happening. I also love the chicken balti pies too much to consider spending thousands I haven’t got on the gourmet offerings in the almost-forbidden circle.
Anyway, to those I met for the first time yesterday, let me say a quick hello. It was a pleasure to exchange views with new faces, equally enthusiastic Gooners of all ages.
The football threatened to cast the only cloud on the day. Weakened Milan were largely outplayed by a wasteful Lyon but rarely did either side break sweat. When the Italian side scored it was hard to get enthused, but at least the Frenchmen clawed back the point that was the least they deserved.
Thankfully Arsenal and Celtic raised the spirits again with a lively opening. The change in tempo was evident, and welcome. You will have read the reports and probably watched the highlights by now, so I will just offer some comments on the players that stood out.
Not surprisingly Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong head that list. The pair have seized the opportunity to impress in pre-season. There is even talk that they have saved Arsene having to venture into the market for another midfield player. We all want them both to succeed, but be wary of heaping too much expectation on them this early.
With the likes of Song, Diaby, Denilson, and of course Cesc, yet to play and with just one more pre-season friendly between now and Anfield, it is time to seriously consider throwing the youngsters in at the deep end at Liverpool on the opening day. There is still a fortnight left after that game to secure another holding midfielder, if required.
The defence continues to concern. When Vermaelen departed against Celtic we saw a stuttering performance from Koscielny and Djourou. Defending with these two in a high line is just inviting opponents to turn them and expose a serious flaw. Yes, it is early days, and Thomas himself needed all of the pre-season last year to get himself up to speed. On Saturday the new boy was immense with the ball in front of him. Let’s hope that is the form he carries into the League campaign. A quality ‘keeper behind him might just add to his confidence? Just a thought.
Then there is Chamakh. All I can say is I cannot wait to see how he and van Persie will fit into the same side, into the current Arsenal system. I suspect they will interchange between flank and centre, causing defenders real headaches in just how to try and mark them. For every little fear I have about our defensive frailty, there is a slither of eager anticipation at just how many goals we could score this season.
At the end of the game a grandson had to be greeted, and it is good to report he would not pass the scarf seller outside until the red and white bars were wrapped around him. I think we might be slowly winning a young lad’s heart. For his grandad though, the heart was won a long, long time ago, and yesterday showed me why.
Thank you Arsenal, for a truly unforgettable day.
79 Responses to “Another Memorable Day 'Up The Arsenal'”
I’ll have that first drink of your choice, ‘holic!
Thanks, great to hear from your day.
Blimey Ollie, that was quick!
Was it? No idea what time you published, but yeah, I was surprised you hadn’t posted earlier, so thought I’d just refresh the page 🙂
Great to meet you yesterday hollic… Hope we speak again soon.
Rob @arsenalinsider.com
Glad you had a good day ‘Holic – and it sounds like your young Grandholic is heading in the right direction 🙂
Don’t worry about letting us proles know what life is like in the Executive box either – its as close as I’m liable to get there!
Finally, if nothing else comes out of the close season other than young Jack NOT going back to Bolton, I’ll be well chuffed. It didn’t sit right with me that he went to that manky mob in the first place, but if it has helped his development then I’ll grudgingly accept it. Incidentally that volley against the bar yesterday was the highlight of the tournament for me – great technique.
Can’t wait for the real stuff.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your day ‘holic. 😀
Well Mr., all i can say is good for YOU!
DJ + Verm = maybe
DJ + Kos = NOoooooo
Verm + Kos = super
Whatever you are serving bar man ( as long as it suits me).
Don’t contribute very often but I always find the blog a refreshing and honest read holic. Do you mind if I ask a brief question? I agree with that the defensive concerns continue to frustrate – but do you think this can be addressed by the addition of some more players/experience – or do you think its a coaching problem?
Great stuff as always, ‘holic.
Usual for me please.
Quality post as always. Sounds like it was a great day at the Emirates. I’m very excited to see Chamakh and RVP link up, also very curious to see if Arsene will go with the Vermaelen/Kos pairing at the back.
Just got my Away jersey in the mail yesterday and that got me even more fired up for the season.
I still have a half hour left of work here in the states so I’ll take a Guinness to tide me over
Good question Joe. Part of the answer is that even Arsene has confirmed we are still seeking at least one central defender, so adding a quality player with experience of top football is highly desirable I think.
Again, I might be just a little harsh on Koscielny. How many players take a wee while to settle into a new set-up? Quite a few. I’m confident he will become a real player, but just concerned that going into a season with just him, Thomas, and Johan, with Song as the only real cover, is looking a little lightweight.
Rob, thanks. It was good to meet you as well.
Best wishes to Ken from a reader he never knew next time you see him.
If you just look at the credentials of our non-Vermaelen defenders, they’re modest. Djourou, when he was on loan to Birmingham City, was often considered surplus to requirements and he’s just missed a season out injured. Koscielny was playing in France’s League 2 the season before last – this talk about him choosing which national team to represent is extremely wishful thinking.
Vermaelen was captain of Ajax and a starter for Belgium.
I’m not convinced by any of the options we have to partner Vermaelen. Alex Song is the best option as far as I know. Koscielny is still an unknown, and could prove me wrong. I think Djourou’s mobility looks too limited – I think he might get humiliated if he has to start in central defense.
Kos reminds me of Kolo when he first started at CB.
A recovery defender. Hopefully he won’t learn the hard way like Kolo (remember the 3-1 drubbing against Inter at Highbury).
Since Seaman left, Arsenal have always played high up the pitch.
I don’t blame JD nor Kos for the late Celtic flurry, it was more a combination of Gibbs getting caught out of postiton and Frimpong getting knackered.
Would love to see Frimpong and Song playing in front of the back 4 With Arshavin, RVP and Nasri playing behind Chamakh.
Sadly I think Cesc will be off.
Cheers ‘holic.
Another excellent post, and I’m glad you enjoyed your day.
Watch out for the grandson conversion – it will hit you in the wallet !
My monster is already eyeing up the new home shirt, despite having the old ones (home, away & third) – bad parenting on my behalf I think.
Back from me holidays, ‘holics, and just dropped in to read all the posts I’ve missed and to say hello again. Good one, Holic, and I share your anticipation for the new campaign. It might well turn out all wrong in the end, but there is nothing to get the mind to soar as the start of a new season.
…well except for winning a trophy or two, but that my friends, we can talk about in a few months. Now it’s the time for hope and eagerness – later we will find the time for joy or sorrow.
Some Mythos for me. Might taste like water, but my memories of Greece are still fresh enough for me to enjoy it. Perhaps some Metaxa as well?
Evenin’ ‘Holic,
I’m back baybee!!! I’m Ready for us to get down to brass tacks and whomp those scousers on their backsides. I’m definitely flying high and full of belief at the start of this season. It would send me over the moon if AW would buy us a confident keeper and another centerback… I have grown weary of the whole “he’s like a new signing” mantra. Other than that, I’m happy. I love what Chamakh-attack, Vela, Frimpong, Wilshie, and Theo are doing so far. C’mon folks, as we supporters of the University of Texas say, “It’s time to get your horns up!”
Up the arse!
Let’s get down to earth, shall we? First of all, we carried on from last season by fast, close, dazzling passing only to come up against a splendidly organised defence. We simply do not SHOOT enough when near the box. Then Vermaelen, Wilshere and Sagna showed what we should be doing far more often. I hope AW shows the video to the whole squad.
Walcott had a lot of ball but he must learn to measure his crosses better. At the same time, his colleagues must get into position in the box much more quickly in order to receive the crosses……..they were glaringly absent yesterday.
What struck me was how entertaining the games were, well done Celtic for sticking at it.
Sadly I think Cesc will stay for next season, but only because he has no choice. The footage on SSN with his elderly granny just reinforces the reasons why he wants to go home. He’s been away for 7 years and recovering from his injury would have reminded him of what he misses most, his family.
But equally in potentially Wenger’s last season you can see why he doesn’t want to let Cesc go, although he has been planning for Cesc’s departure for several seasons now Nasri/Arsharvin and potentially Ramsey could take the role but none have shown consistency.
I love when this time of year comes around! The gunners are back together playing real football, the emotions return with a bang, and the excitement and anticipation builds to a point i think i love this team more than my girlfriend (she’s not looking so i can say that).
So if you’ve opened the Metaxa why not, Lets celebrate!! =D
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kevin, Goonerholic. Goonerholic said: Normally one of the first to report, but this time I'm last! http://goonerholic.com/?p=2645 […]
Great stuff ‘Holic. I think the young guns this season look impressive indeed in Frimpong, Vela and the impressive Wilshere. Vela looks like he might just mean business this season and Wilshere well his loan spell done him a world of good, he looks stronger and full of confidence and is always looking for the ball. His shot from the corner that crashed against the bar was the stuff of brilliance. Still a few things that need improvement like in defense but another high quality signing (and I’m assuming he’ll be a starter) should sort that out. I’ve a feeling that between now and our next fixture (say fri-mon next) that we’ll be hearing something of who that person is gonna be. Hopefully Mertesacker or Zapata, also have a feeling there might be one around the deadline too a panic buy if you like (Remy’s gone a bit quite). Love the new jersey looks quality. A good feeling for this season.
Just a Grandad for me please.
I propose that Arsenal fans World wide post letters once a week for the next four weeks to UEFA & FIFA complaining about Barcelona FC’s ‘tapping up’ of Cesc Fabregas. Also post a letter just once to Arsenal FC requesting that they formally complain to UEFA & FIFA. I have drawn up 3 template letters that I will email to willing participants. All you need to do is type in your own Name & Address before printing off & posting. Momentum will be boosted by you forwarding the email to every one of your Arsenal FC fan family & friends, encouraging them to participate.
Please see …. http://www.goonerettesonline.co.uk/452/other/an-overview-of-the-cesc-saga-time-for-the-fans-to-bite-back/#more-452
The aim of repetitive letters is to create an Admin headache for UEFA & FIFA with thousands of letters received from all over the world & display the strength of feeling from Arsenal FC fans. The purpose of the single letter to Arsenal FC is again to display the strength of feeling from us fans.
My email address for this campaign from where I will email you the letter templates is …….. ArsenalFansHateBarcelonaFC@gmail.com
Holic:
Youngsters are definitely impressive but I will never understand why our defenders continually get caught playing so high up the pitch. Luckily, this weekend was an exhibition….but is the defense learning anything? The Celtic game reminded me of the Wigan game last year when we couldn’t close the out the game comfortably. It still seems to me that our tactics aren’t up to it, not the players.
I know Cesc doesn’t want to anger the fans by putting in a transfer request but in my view all of the talking he’s doing without squashing the rumor mill is really the same thing.
With that said I’m hopeful for the season. Cheers.
With its close proximity to the smoke, Bishops Stortford harbours more than few football fans of all persuasions. Not one was in evidence on Saturday. Which made a walk to the station past the market stalls, selling everything from kippered fish to hookie Dior perfumes, feel peculiar. Maybe the red No. 4 top was the cause of the glances from shoppers and stallholders alike “Surely it’s too early for football – it’s still the middle of bleedin’ summer”.
Exit from the underground dispelled that myth immediately, with a sea of red white and green, sparkling on the sun-baked sea of Holloway Road. “Hail, hail, the Celts are here” ringing from every pub door. Easy to get right in the mood and roll back down through the years to memories of the same fans singing “It’s magic, Goin’ tae be Ten in a Row”. Not one of them was sober back then either, and the outcome was tragic not magic.
A couple of Abbots, a small haddock and chips from that wonderful purveyor, the Chip Inn Fish Bar and I’m ready for the ground. No matter how often I go there, it’s impossible not to feel a surge of excitement when the stadium comes into view. Long queues to get into The Armoury? The new top will have to wait awhile.
The Lyon – Celtic game was memorable for little more than the Celtic fans enthusiasm, a super strike from a Lyonnaise Brazilian and the entry of Geordie Samaras who turned the last part of the game around. Then, on to the prime fare of the afternoon and the first opportunity to see the Arsenal new buys in action.
For my money, Charmakh played himself into his first home game steadily and well. His goal was well taken and icing on the cake of an encouraging start for him. “Kos” exceeded my expectations, looking very confident, secure beside TV and winning everything he was asked to as Mexican waves rolled round and round in the sun.
But, my man of the match, by a country mile? Emmanuel Frimpong – who, in the company of more experienced AC Milan midfielders, made Gatuso the snarling dog look like my Aunt Mary’s pink poodle and Matty Flamini realize he’ll never get back in our team. Disappointing goal to lose. The Verminator couldn’t be too happy with that one, but all in all, an entertaining game with some very good stuff from The Arsenal.
An overnight stop in St. Reatham with the kids and I’m back in the White Swan by mid-day and ready for the main dish on Sunday. A relative cruise to 3-0, Arsenal looking good, Wilshere shining and the Celts singing louder and jumping higher the further they went behind. Then the tide turned and in the wake of some very sloppy defending it was 3-2 a missed penalty and some excellent shot stopping from Manuel. Samaras’ willingness to run at our defense with the ball had them spinning and me worrying about other premier league strikers with a similar intent.
That was a wake up call. Djourou didn’t look solid and Kos didn’t look as sound as he had 24 hours earlier. I hope the new CBs arrive before the Liverpool game. Anyone for Felipe Melo, ‘Holics? He was my real wish for the summer.
A short/long weekend and the 7400 mile return journey works out at about 40 miles/minute of Arsenal. Great to be back though.
Shite man, I didn’t know you were doing yesterday as well. We could have enjoyed a relaxing glass before I departed. My ‘local’ was rammed wall to wall with Celts, and all the more enjoyable for that.
Next time, BtM, next time.
Great report `Holic, I felt almost there. With BtM back it really feels like the season is starting.
Just one thing I wouldn’t read too much into these games, the teams want to do well but no one’s in full gear like for a competitive game except the youngsters hoping to make the first team (which is why they stand out).
And for Djourou who’s been away for one year and Koss the newcomer, it will take some time before they’re comfortable.
@BtM: Melo? Hell no! Bought 25 millions euros after his only good season, voted worst player of serie A in a newspaper poll, booed by the Juve fans, countless blunders and king of red cards. He has “stay away” written all over which is why Juve is pimping him desperately to everyone willing to listen.
Enjoyed my Saturday like you enjoyed your Sunday holic. I had great fun being able to take the kids for a change.
You can never read too much into these friendlies but I echo many of the thoughts above. Wilshere and Frimpong appear to have very bright futures. The new boys looked excellent. Very impressed with Chamakh’s work rate. He will become a fans favourite with his industry alone.
Hate to find negatives but the same flaws from the last 2 seasons are clearly visible. These need to be addressed. Less that 2 weeks to the Liverpool trip and we should have the squad in place now. I just hope that AW and the board pull their fingers out and get the deals completed as soon as possible.
Given that most likely Cesc will be gone sooner rather than later; the emergence of Wilshere and Frimpong, continuing development of Nasri and Song and the (hopefully) recovery of Rambo….how’s that for a young midfield. Not bad, not bad…. just one more year from Cesc, then he can frolic in the sun with my blessings!
My pints half full today, but I’d appreciate a top up anyway!
Cheers all.
I’ve been a fan for 38 years now and I think Arsene is the best manager we’ve ever had. But I fear he is now in serious decline, his determination to avoid “financial doping” leading him to take bigger and bigger gambles with our squad. If he was manging a small club you would marvel at his ability to challenge year after year despite our net transfer spending being less than a dozen or so other clubs. But Arsenal had the highest turnover and the biggest profit out of all the clubs last year. And yet we have no number one keeper and only three central defenders and two of them are unproven. It’s madness frankly. We all hope he may pull off a miracle but in truth this is the weakest defence Arsenal have had since the 70s and the best we can hope for is a bit of a run before our threadbare squad starts to show and our overplayed first team runs out of steam again in the spring. Sixth place is my guess. Sorry to be downbeat but it is frustrating when we have the means to make things better if Arsene were a bit more rational.
6th place?! Come off it, even when we play horribly half-arsed for periods like we have done for much of the last five years we’ve made top four pretty easily (bar 2006). And spare me the ‘Man City and Spurs are improving’ guff. As for calling it ‘the weakest defence Arsenal have had since the 70s’, well it’s not the best defence, but the worst in 30 years? Rather harsh, especially considering that for most of the 80s and in the mid 90s we were pretty ropey overall.
Chinaman,
Even im not that downbeat we will finish higher than 6th in my view but are way to weak in the defensive part of the game to be title winners as i said the other day we will play stunning football going forward and beat 80% of sides but against the top opposition when our mistakes are punished in a ruthless manner this year will echo those of the past few, Me i reckon 3rd, with no injuries 2nd worse ways i cannot see us any lower than 4th so the Board will be happy !!
Id agree regarding the Gamble tho the unrest was growing last year and Wenger once again stated we would be busy in the transfer market to solve the problems but as it stands we seem to be weaker, to me anyway,
Im getting convinced he finishes the season wanting to make changes but convinces himself in the close season watching training etc that the players will step up,
Hey ‘Holic,
How did you let the “Boo Bleat Brigade” get access to the bar so soon? My lord, do I need to make a donation so we can hire a bouncer at the door with a velvet rope to keep out the black-hearts? Gnashing of teeth, wailing, moaning, castigating AW, and the season is yet to start…this bar is no place for faux-gooners (Chinaman & Nicky – I’m talking to you and your ilk).
Shite, either get crunk or get out.
Up the arse!
Lots of positives again on Sunday and it may not be popular but I have to say that Almunia had a good game. He just needs to keep his concentration and not suffer another loss of confidence like he did at times last season.
I am less concerned at the goalkeeping situation than at the defence in general although I very much like the look of Frimpong – a feisty little bugger! Wilshere impresses again but we mustn’t expect too much too soon and like wise from the two signings – it always takes a while for players to settle into the PL.
The centre of defence is an area of real concern, lacking experience and cover. Djourour looks good on the ball but we still don’t know if he’ll make it at the top level and I am still worried that he is not robust enough in spite of his physical size. We could be deep in the mire if the Verminator picks up an injury. So, like everyone else I hope for a quality signing at centre back. Otherwise things look pretty good to me.
Afternoon Holic & Holic`s
Interesting today that Sagna is worried Arsenal haven’t learnt anything in pre-season as regards to the game against Celtic were a 3-0 cruise turned into a 3-2 worry.
Its a friendly who cares ? I do and looks like Sagna dose as well and I am delighted by that. As a professional wouldn’t you want to win every game. We did win and the horrible flash back of Wigan faded to dust.
On the journey home my son said ” dad you don’t think that they will start all that throwing away leads like last season do you ” I could only say “I hope not”.
But as i said i am glad that Sagna can pick up on the little alarm bells of last seasons silly run in. He goes on to say that if Arsenal want to win anything this season the team must stay focused for the whole game and every game.
This passion to win in friendlies and analyse the mistakes made during the game made me have warm glowing feeling all over. The game against AC was an absolute walk in the park for are boys who played some bloody good football to boot but only came away with a draw. So if Sagna can get across to the lads that mistakes in friendlies can translate into the same mistakes in competitive games i will be a happy bunny.
I will have a pint of the coldest larger you have and one for Mr Sagna please barman. Not sure when he will be along so leave it in the tap for him.
Glad you enjoyed your day Holic, sounds like quite an experience.
I was overjoyed at the performance in the first hour, less enthuseastic over the latter stage of the game, but hey, it’s just a friendly and at least we managed to hold onto the lead.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8876510.stm
Not long now and we’ll be off to Anfield to face Liverpool, or will it be called Riverpooh by then? Whatever they’re called, lets hope we can “take away” all 3 points.
Pint of Cider while I’m looking for my coat please sir.
Cheers.
We don’t know how the team will look at the end of the transfer window but whoever we buy or not will have little impact, we already know injuries will make the real difference.
If that little GPS box works wonders and Catalan & Trev send their letter to Colin, we may clinch 1st. On the other hand if we’re hit harder than last year we’ll finish 4th after a tough battle.
I don’t think anything else matters half as much.
12 days, it will be a loooong wait so I’ll have that pint of Cider with H2H 😉
@Matt
We’ll get onto writing that letter right now for you! I think Trev’s services may be a little more local!
Looks like we might be about to sign Spahic… 30 years old, Bosnian captain. Good for a year or two as Kos learns his stuff. Sounds about right.
Also just seen that there’s a live stream to watch that young Wellington Silva fella playing tonight. Nothing like a bit of hype.
I wonder if he can play in goal?
Brilliant. Fantastic. Well done.
Now let’s move on. Stop this silly charade.
That detestable cuntbucket (is that even a word?) Mark Hughes has said “We are not in the business of allowing our better players (chuckle) to leave and Mark comes into that category (guffaw).”
No more nonsense about Schwarzer Arsene.
Let’s get a stopper in PDQ.
Got the link to that stream, Catalan?
Hang on … was on Twitter
Try http://www.arsenalnews.com it’s also got the Spahic story. He looks like a nutter – just the ticket 🙂
Here you go.. http://www.arsenalnews.co.uk/wellington-plays-tonight-live-stream/
Oops that should be http://www.arsenalnews.co.uk
@ AFC 74
My thoughts exactly. Like TV5’s older and slightly deranged brother. High hopes…..!
Very disappointing fake…
If that doesn’t work then Young Guns are doing text updates on Twitter too.
Blimey – you can tell the Management is away!
Cat – we like those types! We’ve never really replace Keown, he used to scare me! We need someone who can go a bit mentalist. Someone who makes Drogba do a small wee in his pants 😉 chances are he’s into opera and writes poetry.
Sorry Holic – just saw the link, didn’t try it. The Young Guns one is real though!
@74 – completely. And he’ll make Rooney think twice before “being clever in the box” too….
@Chinaman, #31. I’m with you mate. The Top 4 is more like the Top 7/8 now. We’re weaker defensively than we were last year & Man City with that squad will finish in the Top 4. Man City’s Defensive Midfielders are: YaYa Toure, Vierra, DeJong, Kompany & Barry. They have 5 players to cover that position. We’re bringing in a young 18 year old in Frimpong as our DM cover. Kos isn’t the finished article IMO. Seeing Samaras waltz around him the other day brought me down to reality & what happens if TV5 goes down early in the Season. Kos & Djorou…I don’t think so. It’s a no brainer why Cesc wants out. His heart & soul are no longer at Arsenal & the lure of going home is understandable. I’m glad Hughes has answered our question about Schwarzer, so it’ll be Almunia or Fabianski in Goal then. Our 1st two away games at Liverpool & Blackburn with either of those 2 in Goal I can’t even bare to think what’s liable to happen.
Way to go, bernard. Thanks for scaring everybody off with your joie de vivre.
@bernard: I love your “brought me down to reality” bit, you were such an optimistic fellow beforehand the fall down to earth must have been rough.
http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2010/20100219_185532_spahic-bon-pour-le-moral.html
Back in the team for the game away at Saint-Etienne, Spahic is like his club these days: in great shape. While Dzodic is out the Montpellier defender bosses an iron defence that has not leaked a goal in 5 games, which elates the Bosnian: “It’s great, it shows the team works the right way, it’s very good for the team’s morale. We worked very hard to get there, it’s a collective achievement which I hope will last as long as possible. In any case, it’s not only the defenders who defend, it’s the entire team which is our strength”
Imperial in defence, Spahic is a big part in the thundering season that Montpellier is going through for their return in ligue 1. He chose to extend his contract for 4 years etc.
@Matt, how many bottles of bevvy tonight then? So happy we’re signing this geezer. Everything’s gonna be alright now.
Are you trying to top the other doomers? Generally it’s who we don’t buy that make them despair, not who we buy.
THIS IS WHAT OUR FUCKING CLUB HAS TO LEARN…CREATE A FUCKING BIG NOISE WHEN THESE THINGS HAPPEN…INSTEAD ONLY ARSENE MOURNS ABT IT & IT GOES UNDER THE COSH…
HERE U HAVE HAD THE DOCTOR COME OUT…THE CEO COMING OUT…
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8882453.stm
How can Arsenal be negotiating with the Montpellier defender, Spahic, if a transfer fee hasn’t been agreed with the club? He’s basically accusing Arsenal of tapping him up, no?
He’s the captain of his national team, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is exactly the kind of profile I’m hoping for.
@433: we just need the permission from the club to talk to the player. If he wants to come and there’s agreement on the wages then it’s time to negotiate with his club.
@433: Looks like you have a point though. He just signed in February for 4 years and Rene Girard the Montpellier manager said he had never heard about the possible transfer. “Emir’s departure has never been considered. But if the english want to give us 25 mils…”
a gunner, can you read?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-we-haven-t-put-a-price-on-van-persie-injury-
or here,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8410462.stm
Now use your brain before shouting big boys language around here.
Blimey, old.
You turning into my research assistant? 😉
@Matt,#55. Interesting comments from ARSEBLOG today on Arsenal’s new potential CB…”Seriously underwhelming arrival…when we need an injection of top class experience…he’s a journeyman who has shuffled around Europe…basement bargain shopping to me”. I say it & I’m a doom & gloom merchant. What does that make Arseblog? A Miami Iced Tea please holic.
Must say, if we are about to buy a 29 year old I would have hoped that I may have heard of him before? Does not fill me with massive confidence that fact that he has been around that long and I have no idea who he is. Cygan? Sylvestre???????? I really hope not.
‘I say it & I’m a doom & gloom merchant. What does that make Arseblog?’
It makes him not a doom and gloom merchant, since they don’t think everything about us this season is completely crap – they’re criticising the signing, that doesn’t make one a doom and gloom merchant. You agree with someone who thinks we’ll finish 6th, which is about as doomy as it gets.
Surely thinking we’d get relegated is more gloomy 😉
A White Russian if you will barman in praise of our little comedy Wordsworth
@charlie,#67. Have you read my post on why I agree with us finishing outside the top 4. It’s not doom & gloom, we all know we need a new GK. If that isn’t rectified, that alone will keep us outside the top 4. Our GK’s dropped 9 points last year with their errors. To improve they need to be replaced & it’s looking increasingly like they won’t be.
Almunia has been quite good a large majority of the time, and I would not be disappointed to see us start the season with him. It seems that Fabianski’s mistakes are enough for some people to say we need to get rid of both keepers.
So if Arseblog is critical, the player must be sh*t? When Arseblog shows me his coaching badges and scouting reports, I might give his opinion some credence. Unlike some of you, I don’t need a drunken Irishman to tell me what to think.
Whoa there sport. A little terse for my liking. Arseblog is that little ray of sunshine in a cloudy world. I don’t always agree with him before you ask and when we disagree he’ll still make me piss myself laughing – not at him, with him.
He has never professed to be the last word. It’s a blog fella. But hey when you’ve put in the hard work that ‘Hols and ‘Blogger have maybe I’ll take you seriously.
Passenal, I am surprised and disappointed at that. Have you ever met him? Trust me, despite his public personna he is far from being the “drunken Irishman” you allude to.
The fact that others have used him to illustrate a point here should not open him up to such unwarranted abuse.
I’m sure you never intended it as such.
Coincidently Passenal, I took my first gander at Le Grove this afternoon. Now there is one Doomy motherfucker, with a capital D and cherries on top. We might as well put a hood over Arsene, and burn him at the stake. I thought it was a spoof – but the latest post had over 800 replies ! FFS! There are some mighty stupid gooners out there.
Anyhow, if I was a bit ‘quick’ it’s because of numpties like Le Grove.
Speaking of Arseblogger ‘Hols, how are you getting on with that ‘Holic App you promised? 😉
He’s stolen a march on you non?
AFC1974 @72 – just about spot on. I’ve been around lots of blogs lots of times, and Arseblog and this one we’re all on now, stand out some distance.
Blimey ’74, I’m an old boy.
The only app I have is an appetite 😉
Arseblog has no more qualification than any of us to criticize the decisions of the management of AFC. But he does have a platform and plenty of followers to push his agenda. There are many supporters who are not able to think for themselves and who are only too ready to parrot the ‘wisdom’ of ill-informed bloggers or journalists. That is my point.
Just my observation, but I find that that, very much like the bartender of this fine establishment, Arseblogger has the platform he has because he earned trust.
I agree that people shouldn’t parrot what he says without some thought, but I think that such supporters are in the minority (or maybe I just don’t hang out in the places that they do). Although, I’d rather them parrot what Arseblogger says than most of what those so called news organizations say.
And I’ll take whatever’s on tap, barman. Guinness, you say? Sounds good to me.