Stronger, Maybe, And In Profit. So Why Are Supporters Paying?
Sep 1st, 2011 by 'holic
So the summer of the long knives is at an end. Wengerball 3 has officially given way to Wengerball 4, and with the deadwood gone it is time to make the judgement on the transfer window dealings.
I have to say I have two views on our club. In terms of the players who are coming in, well we asked for experienced players who would challenge for starting berths, not just add to squad depth. I reckon we have both.
Defensively we have got two internationals in Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos who will definitely figure large in the season to come, plus an enthusiastic youngster in Carl Jenkinson who provides back-up for Bacary Sagna. I have to be happy with that, having doubted we would sign both a central defender and a left-back although both were clearly required.
The midfield looked very threadbare going into deadline day. The late, late swoops for Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta have provided perhaps surprise signings of undoubted quality, but uncertain fitness. Assuming between them they can produce a regular starter then those deals will prove to be proper Wenger coups. They also have the experience that Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey will be able to draw on in order to develop further themselves. It will be interesting to see if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain features much centrally, or whether he will be used as cover for the wide berths.
Talking of the wing positions, another regular starter is sure to be Gervinho. He may well prove to be the signing of the summer. Before the season is out we will also hope to see signs of progress from Ryo Myaichi, so impressive on loan in Holland last season. Also up front we have the South Korean captain, Ju Young Park, who may start as an understudy to Robin van Persie, but may quickly establish himself as a key component of a versatile and changing formation.
On the whole I would offer a big thumbs up to the squad we have. Without doubt we have not replaced Cesc Fabregas in like for like fashion, but how do you adequately replace one of the world’s truly great players. A combination of Wilshere/Arteta may be as good a solution as was available, and be more than a match for our rivals in the thirty-five Premiership matches (count them) that remain. The competition for the top four places will be stiffer this season, but over the last couple of days we have added the finishing touches to a squad that should challenge. We may not be as dominant in midfield, but what we have lost there should be made up for by the experience and leadership qualities of some of the new boys.
That’s the positive ‘holic. I think Arsene has once again demonstrated a remarkable gift for finding players available at less than huge fees. However we shifted players for big money, and came into the window with a healthy balance already in the player trading account. The use of the ‘undisclosed’ fee clause leaves us unsure of the exact numbers, but it is probably fair to say the club has made a very healthy eight-figure profit over the summer. So something is niggling away at the back of my mind.
Why were the supporters, already paying top dollar, subject to huge increases for the coming season?
I would understand if we had spent that money on the football side of the business, but once again we have grown the club coffers. I would be more understanding if we had demonstrably offered a large sum for the mythical ‘marquee signing’, but there is no evidence that we got anywhere near an acceptable price for the likes of Hazard, M’Vila, or Goetze.
So forgive me if I am confused tonight. On balance I am very much of the opinion that the squad has been (and it needed to be) considerably strengthened over the last twenty-four hours. That’s good. Have we got reliable players at the peak of their powers, or are we taking a bit of a punt on the form and fitness of some of the recruits in exchange for ‘value‘? We shall see.
But, have the supporters got ‘value‘ for the highest priced tickets in world football? I have to say, from where I sit, the jury is most definitely out on that one.
Competition Winner
Thanks to those who partook in the competition to celebrate one thousand ‘holic posts. I asked you to name my first Gunners idol, and all but one (no names, no pack drill!) knew me well enough to get it bang on. Of course it was the late Joe Baker. I can still hear myself singing his praises now.
First out of the hat for the Dennis Bergkamp dvd was Nicole Smith. Nicole , congratulations, if you could let me have your address I will have the prize sent to you. You have to promise to read the next thousand posts though!
Cheers ‘holics.
467 Responses to “Stronger, Maybe, And In Profit. So Why Are Supporters Paying?”
Herro.
Hello SF. How’s things?
Wow first…nice write up holic , think we bought well.
Nice post ‘Holic. I would say that Le Boss wasn’t expecting Nasri money this year and did everything he could for that not to happen. Unfortunately the players we were linked with were not available either this late or were not for sale at this moment. I fully expect the club to make an statement signing next summer. I know that doesn’t do anything for the fans now, but I believe we will spend that money. The club needs it, not just to get the club back to where it was, but as an attraction for other players. The way Dennis made this club go next level internationally.
Things are well sir. The fog has rolled in but the sun is still shining on my day in respect to the club. We are stronger than we were at the start of the day. Maybe not as strong as we were last season in some areas but it is what it is and I’m patient.
Not a bad requirement on Nicole. There were some ‘super-quality’ drinks in there. Certainly on par with the level of signings we brought in. Should have happened sooner, but I’m happy it happened. It’s nice to see some more experienced players along side the quality that we have in our youth.
Will we win anything this season? Who knows? But I feel we’re going to give it a proper run.
As for the profit, my hope is that the money is going toward a payraise for our top players (RvP and TV to name a few).
Fair point about the Nasri money, maestro.
Let’s see what happens in January then π
Ownership s/be in the hands of the supporters who made the club not old etonian money grabbers and foreign speculators.
You passed a thousand posts?! I can’t believe I missed that one. Congratulations, good sir! Here’s hoping your next thousand posts will be filled with good cheer, more ups than downs, and your inimitable wit, charm, and undeniable love for our great club.
On this occassion, I feel I must dispense with the usual pint and instead order a bottle of 1987 Johnny Walker for you sir.
(My father purchased such a bottle on a trip to the UK, and I was looking forward to consuming it. Sadly, it perished in a fire which destroyed a significant part of the upper floor of our home a couple of years ago.)
What a waste of a fine bottle, sir, but I trust only bricks and contents were harmed in the fire?
Can i just enjoy tonight without someone complaining about something arsenal related whether it be ticket prices or whatever.
We signed 5 players, 4 with massive international experience and the other a solid performer in prem for last 4 or 5 years despite not getting a game for spain.
Holic, give me the largest drink you’ve got in the bar.
Boy, do I need it!!
you do know we could be going into another recession without even recovering from the last one yeah so prices from the bottom up are rising… they aren’t just increasing the prices for no reason. Also, it is likely hazard or someone really talented will be bought, don’t see why real would want him as they bought sahin, barca have wingers/acms galore. And i don’t think he likes italy as much as the prem but you never know.
Mercifully we only lost bricks and mortar.
I recently ribbed him about his failure to open the bottle in good time, thereby denying us all the taste of a fabulously aged whiskey, and he said he had been saving it for my kid sister’s wedding. Heh!
Holic, congrats on the 1,000+ drinks in the last session…that was fast and furious. With the signings there is finally a hop in my step. I never believed that the Prof was going to splash the cash on one player…he is just not wired like that, for better or for worse. I think we’ll be better-off building out the squad like we did over the last couple of days, not that we’re a finished product mind you. I agree with SF G that I’m not sure the Prof knew what would come of Nasri, or even Cesc for that matter. It seems they raised the prices to add to the squad with the thought that both players would remain but I guess it didn’t turn out that way. I think we could see some addtional action in January. It seems to me that Arsene and the Board know they’ve been outed and to my pleasant suprise, reacted favorably.
I think it all depends on how you define value, Holic. Best not so young squad, best youngsters on the planet, 24/7 Arsenal coursing through your veins, “Wenger built The Emirates” (Thanks, Danny). Where else would I rather spend the dough? You won’t be surprised to hear that I’m tickled pink and Her Nellieness is “gurgling” tonight
With apologies for a cut n paste:
Arsene:
– Spent 0M on the best prospect on the planet β the Polestar
– While Slur Alex spent 19M on a DeGea De Dodgy leaker
– Eboue out for 4M
– The Jenk in for 1M
– Is daylight robbery legal now??
– Germanyβs finest in for 8.8M
– Slur Alex 20M on whatsisname from whoarethey?
– Cahill stuck at Bolton for 20M+ (poor bar steward!)
– T. Verminator an Arsene Wenger βNew Signingβ
– The weakest llnk off to Shitty for 8M β HAPPY!.
– Traore off to QPR for 4M β ECSTATIC!
– Santos in for 6.8M. YES!!
– Cescie out for 35M β Regretted. Good luck, son.
– Nasri in for 11M, out for 25M. Regretted. Resented.
– Arteta. Class. A steal at 10M. Our best deal. We will recall this moment.
– Yossi in on a free loan. Are you kidding me? 2 thumbs up
– Lansbury β good development opportunity at the Irons
– The Frimpstone and Coquelin β 2 βnew signingsβ
– C.Y. Park Arsenal No 9 in for errrrβ¦2.5M (???)
– Gervinho in for 11M
– Alex the OC in for 9M
– Bendy off on a Sundy Bender
– Vela off to the land of no return
We had a GREAT squad before these guys came in. Weβve got an even better squad now. Sunday was an away defeat. Nothing more. Nowt Less. Unbeaten till Christmas β then weβll get serious.
Arsenal, Bloody Arsenal. Holic, Bloody Holic. Only ONE Arsene Wenger.
At the moment over the moon about the Mert and Arteta signings, but yes what a very pertinent point you raise ‘Holic, why the need to raise the prices when yet another profit has been made in th transfer market. It does smack of exploiting loyalty.
Still, amazed and delighted for the moment by all the last day activity.
Good news! We have ‘holic’s promise to write another 1000 posts, and I for one can’t wait to read them. π
And we’ve still got 35M to spend on Sneijder in January to burst some more blood vessels in the Old Purple Nose of the Famous Red Grouse, moments after we go five points clear at Christmas.
Hee-Haw Hansen – stick your head down the bog, mate and give it a bloody good flush.
I was pretty depressed up till about 11 oclock tonight ! I am surpringly happy right now! That could be the drugs and alcohol, or it couldf be the new signings! Heres hoping its the latter!
Quite frankly, I am left underwhelmed.
Where has that money gone to indeed? To Kroenke?
M’vila and Hazard would have made a huge difference I feel.
We are being taken for a ride.
Good day of business.
Finacial fair play comes in,in a few seasons, so I think the club are trying to pay off as much of the stadium debt as they can before this happens.
If we can still finish top 4 this year and next, without going overboard on big money signings, we will be the best placed club in Europe and in a good position to do to City,Chelsea,Barca and Utd what alot of them have been doing to us when it is brought in.
Dont get me wrong, Ive forked out 1330 quid which i cant really afford on my season ticket again this year, but im confident in the direction we are going.
Its just that we have had to take some bad days at the office on the chin in recent times, but come on, at least we have got an amazing history to call on when taking this abuse,much of it thanks to Arsene.
I know its another 2 years,and we want sucess now, but we are building,these next two years our young players (jack,frimpong etc) will grow and I still think it will be an enjoyable ride, which again will continue the strong reputation of our brand of football and global fanbase.
Also the asian signings and another couple of Asian tours will certainly help.
We are going in the right direction, and we will look back in a few years time, and thank our lucky stars that the greatest visionary of the modern football era who forsaw what and where football was going, when others just called for him to be sacked,chose to fall in love with our club,and show such loyalty to our club.The guys a genius. Come on you Gunners.
HEE – HAW HANSEN – you heard it first on Goonerholic. It’s a Goonerholic original.
Let’s immotalise old Hee-Haw, the Arsenal hating shit.
Reece, fine words, but recession or no our player costs appear to be heading south. We have offloaded far more players than we have brought in. Word reaches me that salaries for the younger players have been brought back to more sensible levels. The players we have signed are by and large on lesser wages than those they have replaced.
I get the argument about utilities expenses increasing, as they have for every householder over here, and in relative terms they will be a burden on the business. However, every single member of this club, not just platinum and gold, was faced with increases that are difficult to justify in terms of expenditure on the ‘core business’.
Damn, I hate that phrase, but I mean FOOTBALL. It’s what we support, it is why we are hooked. And we are currently extremely profitable at it it, if not successful.
I’m not throwing my toys out of the pram about more trophies. That isn’t my style. I am concerned about us providing something of which we can all be proud on the pitch. I would like to see the money we are spending wisely invested in that area.
The unfortunate consequence of Man City et al is that footballing wages, especially for the bigger players, have become distorted. I think some of the money will be spent on a revamped salary structure that more adequately compensates the van Persie’s. With the current structure, the only way Arsenal can compete is by offering a better playing environment and vision. Hard for a player to prepare for retirement on environment and vision.
Northbank,
“If we can still finish top 4 this year and next”
There is no IF. Put it in a brown envelope and send it to yourself SWALK. Speak to your bookie and check out the odds on Arsenal winning a trophy this season. Invest. You know it makes sense.
Heres hoping you throw up your dinner on the ride claver.
Holic,
It’s long, long past your bed time, old timer. Sweet dreams.
Then BtM shoots me down, and it is hard to argue. I am going to buy you a large malt when next you are about.
Bolton? (Can’t do Swansea due to remembrance service, sorry).
Football as we know it has ended. We are living in an era where teams can pay wages of unheard of levels. We cant compete with that shit and unless some playewrs decide they would like to asctually fight for honours,l then no teams apart from the very richest will actually win shit.
What can we do about them apples?
Fuck all really.
Great deals!
I would rather have top Internationals Mertesacker & Santos for Β£15m than 1-cap no ChampsLge Cahill fpr Β£17m! Bolton can go do one! We’ll have him on a free next summer, thank you very much!
Arteta will load the bullets for RVP and feed Walcott’s runs.
3 great signings. And Benayoun on loan to come on in the 2nd half? Lovely.
Only full-strength ManCity will stop us bagging the Carling Cup.
And Hazard M’Villa are show-ins next season.
Mertesacker getting the Number 4 strip. It’ll take a very big heart to fill that strip, big man. Fill it with great pride.
is everyone happy?
Holic @29 I will join you on that one please!
Here’s one for SF Gooner, PiK, and any other California ‘holics. I can’t help thinking Mertesacker is an excellent name for Schwarzenegger’s next action hero once his Governator days are up. π
BtM, Wengerball 4 with Mertesacker symbolizing it by wearing that number. Sounds like exciting stuff and an excellent way to let bygones be bygones with the memories of Cesc in that strip.
great stuff for me at leats and if anyone is in doubt SNIR……..Arteta is ours!!!!!!
Great post as always Sir ‘holic. Love also how you pointed out the very pertinent fact that, while Arteta & Benayoun bring quality to our midfield,doubts still remain over their fitness over a whole season (what say you to that BtM?).But to be honest i’m pleased with our tranfer dealings overall.
& I’m loving your optimism BtM….I’m finding it quite infectious.
We Love You Arsenal We Do…………..
We Love You Arsenal We Do
We Love You Arsenal We Do
We Love You Arsenal We Do
We Love You Arsenal We Do
We Love You Arsenal We Do
We Love You Arsenal We Do
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Aresna we LOVE YOU…………..
PS Stop the moaning peeps!
Indeed ATG,
http://fanchants.co.uk/football-songs/arsenal-chants/we-love-you-arsenal/
God this drive is long! I know i said that i drive Bendtner to wherever he wanted to go, just as long as he left, but i didnt expect him to take me up on it!!!
I am positively ecstatic about the deals we have made today. Defensively we will be far stronger than we were last year with a solid back 4 and keeper. For the virtual entirety of last season we played with 3 recognised centrebacks that were rotated virtually every three days. We now have 5 as well as the emergence of ignasi eglasias! this gives us tremendous options to rotate depending on the tournament and even the opponent. also at 28 santos based on the youtube footage (which admittedly is not the best barometer of consistent brilliance) would suggest that we have a whole new dimension of attack from the left wing. and at 28 his involvement would not stunt the development of Gibbs! The confidence this stability will give to our forward players will be astounding. hopefully those awful days at the end of last season when we were stricken with the perpetual buttock clenchingly unbearable sense of tension that came from knowing that we will definitely concede any minute, game after game, will be consigned to history.
In terms of protection for the back 4, Song has really stepped up over the last two years. but now we have the added dimension of frimpong and coquelin. last summer we were crying out for a world class holder and now we have song and 2 very able deputies. Obviously the purchase of M’vila would have been ideal but we have the resources there to really give our defence the protection it needs.
we may lack the dazzling creativity of last season but with players like jack, aaron, robin, arshavin and now arteta as well as the ingrained philosophy of wengerball, that aspect of our game will still be there. What we do have now though is a more direct forward line. I agree with your comments on Gervinho, he looks like a real threat, with great pace and a little bit of trickery to boot. We now have blistering pace to add to our forward line which was something that was sorely missed last season (especially when theo predictably got injured.) Ryo, the ox, gervinho and now park all look to have lighting pace and that will terrify defences. The role of Park will be a crucial one. no one that ive spoken to expects RVP to remain unscathed, and now that B52 has buggered off and chamakh being so utterly bereft of confidence it may fall on our South Korean friend to hit the ground running.
As well as the inclusions it is also worth considering for a moment those that have left the club over the window. We have got rid of so much deadwood. Those usual suspects that came up game after game facing our wrath. Clichy- gone, denilson – gone, eboue – gone, bendner – gone, almunia – AWOL probably waitering on some spanish cruise ship somewhere!!
The season starts today!! I think wenger needs a pat on the back! albeit a belated one!
Ok…………..it’s 2am in Berks here tonight how come everyone has done a runner all of the sudden?
Joe Baker….Also my first Arsenal idol. This gives me the opportunity to call on your memory. I was at the game between us and Man.Utd. not long after Dennis Law signed from Torino. I remember just before a corner either Dennis Law or Joe Baker pulled the others shorts down. Everyone laughed including the referee. I just can’t remember which way round it was. Do you recall the occasion. Anyway they were great days. Good luck with the next 1,000 posts and please keep those wonderful memories coming. Looking forward to a cold one after work.
fuck sorry about the thesis above! Im just on a massive deadline day comedown!
There is some HISTORY breaking thorugh here GUYS good on ya!
Scezesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Santos, Song, Wilshere, Arteta, Gervinho, RVP, Walcott.
Back up: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Ramsey, Benayoun, Park, Frimpong, Rosicky, Arshavin, Koscielny, Alex Oxelde-Chamberlain and last Djourou
Szcz
Bak Verm Merte Andre
Alex Jack
Arteta
Walcott Gervinho
RvP
So is this the first XI now?
John it aint bad after all is it?
Now that Wenger has added experience to the team,the next thing is for the gunners to have a tactical review. I am no soccer expert but I know the name of the game is scoring goals and prevent the other side scoring.The gunners attacking stle is predictable. It’s pass and pass. When confronted by a packed defence they still want to thread the ball through.When this breaks down,as it will inevitably,a swift counter and the ball is in the gunners net.It has happened many times and especially in the big games. It hurts.Why is this so?
Wenger has to find an answer. Yeah I know it’s great to attack but make sure you win the game.The game against Swansea will provide answers.Having stated badly,Swansea may play anti soccer and hit on the break.If the gunners fail to finish off the chances created,then what?
Indeed Wolfy, you aint no expert. Stick to the knitting and you’re be laughing.
IF we had managed to keep hold of Cesc and Nasri, the first XI would be mouthwatering.
Need more dinked balls over the top. Tired of seeing arsenal overloading the flanks with the full backs getting forward, only to see a cross go into the opposition box that has only one arsenal player in it. Then as Wolfgang says, the inevitable counter with us conceding a soft goal after trying our hardest to score to no avail.
I suspect Kos (still a quality player in my mind) will be giving Mertesacker some solid competition for that spot in defense. I’m rather pleased about that.
Having outscored the gunners ,the red faced cunt is now dreaming of dominating in Europe.He has maintained a stranglehold on the epl..Wenger and Morino threatened his dominance briefly . Wenger seems to have faded and that is why the rfc has kind words for the FM.If the Fm were a threat,he won’t be so nice but would be more grouchy.
Hopefully his dream of ruling the park in Europe would be a dream and nothing more than that.Indeed he is a threat to the epl. .
Fortunately we have Chelsea,Liverpool ,Mc and hopefully Arsenal to challenge him plus the mid table teams.
You only have to look at the game in Scotland,Spain and Holland to know it aint exciting as before.That is why it is important for UEFA”s fair play financially. Otherwise if MU always wins the epl.Then the rfc better send his reserves to play the senior team and that btw,would be the end of the epl.
even though our no 1 player is missed,cesc.we are rebuiled again.it is nice and our fun.thanks to man united 2_8 result.arsen changes his policy find players until the last minute to close transfer window.but he was succesful.yaa men we are hanger to see now.
Wibble
Once Benayoun’s loan spell ends, I’ll be hoping for a ‘marquee’ signing. Perhaps Wenger is saving it for next summer?
Went for Thai food tonight and ordered a Chang beer from Thailand, then came home and looked on Arsenal.com and saw Arteta in an Everton shirt with “Chang”on the front. I may be slow but I think I’ve finally figured out what business Everton’s shirt sponsor is in. It just didn’t come in Arteta’s time there. π
Fabianski
Jenkinson, Miquel, Djourou, Gibbs,
Ramsey (Captain), Frimpong, Coquelin,
Chamberlain, Afobe, Miyaichi
Carling Cup anyone?
Gauntlet laid, ‘Holic.
I’m really happy with all of our last minute.com singings, Thay are in meny ways exactly what we needed, Thay bring the experience, quality & leadership to the squad that we desperatly need to guide the exceptional crop of youngsters we currently have coming through. I do have 1 concern & boy is it a biggie, as good as arteta is (& I believe he is a very good player) he is simply not in the same league as the player he is replacing (fabs) he’s not even close. Fabregas was the best player at our club, our captain, quite simply 1 of the most naturally gifted midfielders I’ve ever seen kick a football, with both the vision to read a game like an old copy of razzle, & the ability to see that vision realised. (I know! I miss him to) artetas never going to fill THOSE shoes & he shouldn’t have to. With the best part of 60 million still in the coffers why didn’t we bye a marquee singing? Someone with the class needed to replace fadregas. I’ve heard Hazard, kaka, schweinsteiger & more mentioned. All of these players are genuine class, yes thay would cover the gaping wound that’s been left in the center of out midfield but more importantly such a singing would send the right message to the players…that we are an ambitious club, that we can & will compete at the highest level, that we intend & expect to win trophies. It also let’s our rivals know we won’t go down without a bloody good fight, it settles the fans, puts a smile on our chubby little faces, it would lift morale at the club for both fans & Players & it would quite down the press which would in turn take pressure off the club. Ultimately we sold fabregas for around 35 million pounds & I think we will regret not reinvesting it all on a player who could fill his shoes!
Just got back from a bar shift, I was free but… (explain later)
What the fuck happened????
Okay, Okay, I’ll read the blog and catch up on the drinks.
Eyes don’t fail me now!
Better give me a pint to tide me over.
Cheers.
Mertsecker Captain Werder Bremen
TV5 captain Ajax
Park captain National team
Benayoun great work rate
Sagna- absolutely fantastic
Gervinhno-looks class
Chamberlin, Myachi,Frimpong,Jenkinson,Gibbs, Ramsey, wilshire, Coqulin all young but extremely talented, mixed with the expierence and leadership above as well as VP, Song and a relable keeper in Szcy makings of a fine side. Really excited again and it does not suprise me that Nasri is shooting his mouth off, there is a reason OM got rid of him, there is a reason he was not in the French side at WC and hes showing his true colors now. I think maybe we will see a much closer knit team now with Nasri gone and the Cesc saga over. I am genuinely excited again. Lets roll!!
Yey, another LANS!
(Like A New Season)
Behind the 8ball @ 58. That’s the exact same way I figured that one out. A half decent beer as well. Pretty happy about our signings, should be a fun season to watch. I’ll order up a nice Guinness and watch it cascade as I think of the glory to come to the Red n White .
O.K – Gotta summarize what just occurred π
Two crazy days. Like literally crazy. The 2 Doctors couldn’t do a thing to stop me and that’s because AW was unstoppable!
I know, we let Cesc and Nasri go, and we might be less exciting than we were last season, but try to remember what people asked for.
We got experience and we got PL experience!
We might have been exciting last season, but we didn’t have leaders and/or winners, we lacked that something.
About our signings.
I don’t know Santos but if he’s as ‘good’ as Clichy is in defense and much better going forward, that has to be an improvement, doesn’t it π ?
Yossi is a great squad player and an international captain.
Arteta is a great player with experience and more importantly PL experience, that was what we were asking for, right?
Mertesacker is a very good CB with lots of experience in every level, but I’m not too sure he’ll be a definite starter as I rate Kos very highly and I’m sure he’ll give him some tough competition. Anyway you look at it, our first 4 CBs are better this year than last year (and of course add the fact that we have Woj in our goal this season).
Park – Like I said earlier, I was highly impressed with South Korea’s number 10 at the WC and apparently that’s Park so I am really thrilled about that.
Gervinho – I really think that he’ll be one of the best players in the EPL under AW’s guidance.
Once again, we might be less exciting, but we’re a better and stronger team.
One Arsene Wenger, There’s only one Arsene Wenger!
Fuck me, I was only away for a few hours and I’ve got over 300 drinks and a new post to catch up on.
5 pints and 6 vod shots please.
Back in a bit!
H2H, It got pretty wild after the discounted Arteta to Arsenal story was somehow brought back from the dead. This season has the feeling about it of being an exciting one, and very different from anything we have seen recently so let the games begin. π
8ball.
I’m feeling quite generous after the last 48 hours I’ve been through π
What are you drinking mate?
Snir, How about a Benayoun cocktail?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QcGSJrRnFQ
Hola fellow Holics and Bottoms up!
A good day of business and a clear commitment from the top to get the ship of state righted.
I have the good fortune of being a big fan of Andre (dos) Santos do minha Terra.
Of course there is the pressure of having your favorite left back playing at your favorite club but Andre is quality and will prove it.
Mertesacker,Arteta (wow Arteta)Benayoun, and Park Chu-Young.
A very good day indeed.
Not to snivel on Boxing Day but could we have possibly taken care of some of this before the weekends humiliation?
Perhaps it might never have happened.
Good luck to TGSTELNB52 and mayhaps the boy yet will live up to his own exalted billing and return to London a Man .
Re: Snir @68: That’s a pretty broad smile you have there. What’s the keystroke?
Hey leftcoastgooner, It’s good to hear your dos Santos testimonial since it sounds like you have seen him play fairly often?
8ball it’s just the capital letter D with : so it’ll be : D
I don’t remember the last time I was this thrilled about a signing.
I absolutely love Arteta.
He’ll strive under AW.
8ball – Watching that link you posted. That little fake shot Yossi does at 0:15 is what he’s been doing his entire career and somehow it’s still working for him π
I’m excited for the first time in a long time. Mertesacker/Kos/Verm will be battling for the starting berths, so we finally have the mythical competition we’ve been missing. Arteta is just brilliant business as far as I’m concerned, as he’s a proven talent with loads of experience. His skills are not reliant on pace at all, so even at 29 he offers years of excellent service. This doesn’t even mention some of his free-kick prowess that we’ve been missing (Arshavin and RVP have been poor at them). Finally, Gervinho and Santos offer that direct dribbling that we don’t have. How many times have we been stumped by two banks of four? Give the ball to our new brazilian or our aptly name Ivory Coast brazilian, and they’ll go right at them. Finally, Benayoun offers some real experience and strengthen in depth. He won’t be a starter, but we can expect him to do a job for the team. Finally, I think Park will be a great versatile option from the bench. Who knows if he’ll be a success, but he offers some industry up front (and some commercial opportunity far East).
All in all, we have great young talent, but we lacked experience. Five signings over 26, three international captains, another with 4 years of PL experience, and one with 22 caps for Brazil? I’ll take it!
8ball – The thing I like the most about Arteta is his forward runs! We lacked that from the players playing in the hole since the beginning of the season and he does a lot of those forward runs which will occupy the defense!
Care to guess what squad numbers they’ll get?
I’m guessing Arteta will take 8 and Yossi will ask AOC for 15.
And by the way, out of the 3 signings that people aren’t going too crazy about as opposed to the other 2 (Yossi, Santos and Park), I think Park will surprise the most.
Am absolutely thrilled that it turns out that he’s that guy that impressed me at the WC.
Great post ‘holic….strange day. I think the concept of ‘replacing’ Fabregas was never really on was it? All I know is I like our back 4 more tonight, the rest – time (and health) will tell.
In a perfect world by January we are in everything and looking much better and we pick up (M’Villa please) a truly world class midfielder – whether that be a holding or attacking one.
I guess you could argue if we picked up Mata a week ago that we’d only have brought in another one or two instead of five? Knowing squad depth is so key perhaps the best thing has been done.
Can’t wait to find out. I’m also glad that politics aside Arsene changed tact and bought some proven players with experience in England. Arteta is by far the most expensive player from within the league he’s signed I think (Jeffers?)
Stressful night….great drinks. Cheers
snir
park didn’t impress you at the world cup did he ?
i have been mulling over the signings. great to see a decent center half come in. now we can bench kos and jd who should never be near our team. worries me that meerkat is slow though. arteta has done some great things for everton but he misses a lot of games – one for our fabulous phsyios to work out. don’t know park or santos at all. yossi – did of a waster at liverpool and never got a chance at chelsea. he went there as their “missing link” so a bit of a concern they now ship him out ?
couple of things still trouble me
1. no winners in this lot. in fact when you go through it none of them have ever won anything of note. maybe that is the store we are shopping in now ? would be nice to have that sort of mentality in the dressing room though surely ?
2. i am glad we signed them (on balance) but it is very disturbing that after years saying there is no one out there that will improve us and now we find 5 in a couple of hours ? martin samuel puts it well today http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2031944/Martin-Samuel-Hold-nerve-Mr-Levy-believe-you.html
btm
your enthusiasm for ALL things arsenal is i guess admirable, but people to judge your reactions better if EVERYTHING is not so fucking wonderful.
if jenkinson make sit i will eat my hat and my hair underneath it
i am not sure which united 20m defender you refer to but i assume one of the ones that we wanted and either couldn’t afford or wouldn’t come to us, neither of which cost 20m and both of which looked pretty damn good last sunday.
“yossi in on afree loan” what is afree loan – we don’t pay his wages either ?
i suspect that de gea will prove to be a bloody good keeper although a little early to say.
have you ever seen santos play ? he had better be bloody good if he is older and more expensive than enrique, who has solid premiership pedigree
we didn’t have a great squad before the signings. that much at least was clear last sunday. i am glad we made signings and hope they work out – can hardly be worse than what was there on sunday – but lets give them a few months before we say they will be the best in the premier league/ever ? perspective old boy, perspective
Alrighty then!!
Caught up with all the latest 411 (according to the modern day venacular)
For the first time ever, I kinda got caught up with all the TDD bullshit, but only because there were many fine drinkers in the bar. *tip of the hat gents*
I had to excuse myself from the preceedings because I had a few new visitors to my bar who were trying to hustle some of my regulars on the pool table. Lessons needed to be taught and that was the easiest 20plus beers and 200 euros that I’ve ever made. (suckers piss off back to Amsterdam. :P)
Now that the dust has settled I must admit that we have done better then I imagined we would, I know that many were hoping for a “marquee signing”, but to be honest, from all the names mentioned by our esteemed host; Hazard M’via and Gotzie, only the later would of been on my wish list.
I’d never heard of M’via before last week and Hazard is only famous ‘cos he’s been linked to the Arsenal. I’ll admit that I’m not to familuar with Santos, but I am with Mertesacker who I’ve seen play many times n the Bundesliga and for ze Germans and I believe that AW has pulled off a major coup in aquiring his services, he could literaly walk into any teams starting line up, anywhere in the world, a major asset to us.
As for Park, again I’m not familiar with him, apart from his WC appearances, but any competition that may wake Chamakh the fuck up is welcome.
I joked about Bendy going to Sunderland in the last drinks, it seems that truth can be stranger then fiction, I’m sure he’ll score goals there, but Sunderland don’t really play in the same league as us, so who gives a fuck, at least he didn’t go to Stoke, that would of been unforgivable, unless it was on a mission to Shawcross Pulis and pull Rory Delapps arms off and use them to beat Ryan to death with. He’s still officially an Arsenal player, so with any luck the Pulis/Shawcross/Delap assasination may still be on the cards. (remember your training Nicklas)
As for our midfield additions, well, they are surprising to say the least, however, we’ve been crying out for AW to add some experience to the squad and these two gentleman certainly fit the bill in that regard. As previously mentioned I’ve always rated Benayoun (now to be known as Benagoon) and if LJW is excited about the addition of Arteta, then that’s good enough for me.
All in all, not a bad end to what was for all a very trying transfer window.
Could our business have been done earlier?
Maybe yes, maybe no, none of us (that I am aware of) are in the position to answer that question,. Real life is not like a Championship manager game where all you have to do is type the players nane in and press enter. We cried out for changes and the bell has been rung, there has been ins and outs a plenty.
Now is the time to put the past behind us and look to the future, we have a stronger squad then a fortnight ago, a new stadium that’s almost paid off and one of the best managers in the business. We are in th CL and things can only get better in the PL. Plus of course the added bonus that Spurs are a bunch of no marks that can only attract has beens (Never was’) from relegated teams and our cast offs and only then when another club pays half their wages. Deeerrrbbb!!!
Sing it load and sing it proud;
We are the Arsenal and we are the best,
We are the Arsenal so fuck all the rest………….
A night cap for all in the bar.
Cheers ‘holics and goodnight. (or goodmorning as here is the case now)
When I watched the rd 3-1 up at ht,I knew deep in my heart Wenger is going to have his whole philosophy unravel before him.Indeed I switched off my tv when the ugly brit bull dog scored yet again.Wenger is indeed a som ie stubborn old man.He thinks his investment in kids will finally pay off this season. Well the biggest hiding ought to wake him up. There are many other ways of building a team.
So now I can’t wait for the swansea game. It would take some time for the newcomers to gel and it would nt surprise if they take alonger time. On paper it looks like the gunners can’t win the epl. But if they can string three match winning runs of five or six games in sequence,there is no reason why the gunners can’t slug it out.
As for the cl,much depends on defence.I would say winning it is far harder than the epl.
Yossi didn’t get a chance because he was injured all of last season.
Kos shouldn’t be on our team? Are you serious? He’s absolute class.
You didn’t just link something Martin Samuel wrote, did you?
Without even reading I know it’s shit.
But if you’re surprised that AW went for players after saying he won’t then you’re a bit naive π
http://s1.proxy03.twitpic.com/photos/large/386422848.jpg
Smiley test π
H2H – Championship Manager is Football Manager for years now π
In fact I used to be the Israeli Head Researcher for CM4 and CM03-04.
They pay a good wage down there at Sports Interactive π
Still can’t calm down from the Arteta deal π
He’s got a good pass in him, a hell of a shot, intelligent forward runs.
By the way, he is a like for like replacement for Cesc, he gets injured all the time too LOL :D. No but seriously, it might seem like he was out most of last season but he had 33 Apps (with no Europe for Everton last season!).
And I know some of you have said that he’s been in decline for about 18 months, while that may be true, we all know of AW’s ability to guide a player, he’ll strive under AW.
idka@every post you’ve ever made.
Cheer up son, here’s a Yoda quote for ya;
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”
Try airing on the side of positivity, it doesn’t hurt, you never know, you might even enjoy it.
Onwards and upwards mate.
Snir, with the exception of a few additions of Fifa in the 90’s I haven’t played computer games since Space Invaders. π
It’s almost 7am here, got to hit the hay. Laterzzzzzzzzzzz
Oh and his free kicks π³
Weirdly enough his left foot is just as strong as his right foot.
Arteta and Benayoun bring us guile in the middle of the park, and that’s not something we have had in excess. Let us run a little less far but get out of position a little less often, and things may go a little more smoothly.
snir
yossi hasn’t lit it up anywhere really. floats around the edges and god knows we have enough of those already.
you might read the samuel piece before commenting – i don’t like the man either but i try to keep an open mind. and pleas don’t tell me that wenger had some master plan to strike at 2255 ? do you seriously think he would have bought 5 if we united had stopped at say 3-1 ?
H2H .
kos is class ? we was awful last sunday. awful. awful awful.
not being picky or anything but literally means something. like, literally. without trying too hard he wouldn’t walk into city (kompany toure) chelsea (terry luiz) united (ferdinand/vidic not mention jones/smalling even evans) barca (pique puyol), not to say he isn’t good – you don’t get 75 caps for germany without doing something right but its strange the bigger german clubs weren’t after him. anyway i wish the lad the best and he can only be better than what we have.
Not sure where I came up with that. Why don’t we just run the fuck out of them and not let up until their tongues are wagging? π
IDKA – I didn’t say Yossi lit it up, I was just mentioning why he didn’t play for Chelsea.
While I don’t think AW would have gotten 5 players if United stopped at 3-1 I do tend to agree with arseblog.
You don’t think a man so intelligent and clever like AW wouldn’t notice he needs to strengthen, do you?
I think it allowed the board to open the wallet albeit I still think they’re reluctant to pay ‘top 4 wages’.
I seriously believe AW is taking flak the board should get and being a ‘company man’ he would never call out his board straight up but send them little messages like the Dein interview or the comment the other night after the United debacle – “Wage wise, we’re behind the other teams”.
Dead wood all gone? Nope we still own Bendtner/Denilson and Almunia and Squillachi are still at the club. That’s a lot of dead wood by my reckoning. Still, much happier than I was 36 hours ago. Not sure about Yossi though.
H2H
there are more than enough people high on this site without me adding to the smoke. i have seen more arsenal players come and go than i care to remember and proclaiming frimpong a world beater after half a half decent game (at the end of which he got himself sent off and cost us the match) isn’t helping anyone, least of all him. does anyone really think jenkinson will make it ? the chances don’t look good but at best we can defer rather than say we did well to buy him. christ, there was despair on this site when he signed and after 2 games in which he has shown nothing other immaturity, why are we gung ho ?
snir
fair enough re yossi
if wenger knew this why shut the stable door when the horse was gone ? what was he doing for the previous 2 months. and lets hold up on the board – paying 12m for AOC was typical of wenger – he could have had meerkat and parksan for that, if he really wanted the. And he needs them – he doesn’t “need” AOC. perhaps in 4 years time but in the meantime we get legged over by someone who not so recenty considered us a rival ? there was money there but he chose to go down his own idiosyncratic path until forced on him. my bet is far from the board holding him back, someone told him to forget about 18 year olds and go out and buy solid players.
I actually think he was holding out for bigger name players (Hazard, Mata, Goetze et al) and when he realized it couldn’t be done, he compromised and got less of a name and less quality, but still quality.
Bottom line, it is what we asked for. Experience and PL experience.
I don’t know if you saw or not, but I wrote in the last post (I wrote quite a lot π ) that I’m quite happy with the outcome of the window albeit being quite angry/disappointed/confused that it didn’t come sooner.
We just don’t know why it didn’t come sooner and frankly? We’ll never know cause AW will never say the truth in his presser.
snir
i agree its not bad although it sadly reflects our last 6 years in that none of them are sought after names. now they may be hidden gems but at 26/28/29 that is unlikely. i would have preferred if at least one of them had been a winner somewhere else as that sort of experience is hard to find – i like arteta and everton but the experience he has had there probably hasn’t been wholly positive.
as i said i wish them well and they will be better than what he had.
Hello ‘holics,
The only worry for me is that Arteta seems to be injury prone. Overall I’m pretty happy at the signings we have made
Is it too late to challenge for the title? Is our squad good enough to challenge for the title? I think we are still a bit short of quality for that
But mancs won the title last season with less quality than us I thought, it takes more than just quality to win. Those cunts have that steel, may be we are starting to recognize that
We may see more creativity from the wings than from the centre this season – that’s a plus for me
Can’t wait for Swansea
Up the arse!
Feelgood time! (No, I don’t think Dr. Z is up yet.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HagzTRmUBIE&feature=related
Agree with the comments regarding the MU boss. He aint satisfied after winning the epl three times in a row. That is why he has brought in the guys he thinks can help him achieve his goal. As for Young his condescending attaitude makes me sick. In the 8-2 massacre,he and the ugly bull dog were given time and space 100% of the time.
This Young has been neutralised in other games with two defenders tracking him or not given time and space and his effectiveness was severely restricted.
As for the red faced/nosed cunt whatever it is,I hope Barcelona will give him another beating to put him in his place.He has been using millions,no trillions,to buy top class players and that is why he is able to win.
Oh I forgot with the match officials help.There are many examples. I just want to mantion a few.In the game against MC,Owen scored the winning goal two hours ,sorry,minutes after added time.The ref failed to send off the MU gk after bringing down the attacker in the game against Birmingham. Dunn missed the penalty.
I just hope the likes of MC,Chelsea and Pool will stop him from perpetuating his dominance.Wenger must get his act together this season.Otherwise in time to come England will be like Scotland where Rangers and Cetic dominately.Then the fans will lose interest because there is always to be one winner.
Its good to be a gooner. Cheers Holic and well done on reaching your milestone.
For everyone thinking Arteta had an injury filled season last season.
He played 29 PL games out of 39.
He played 4 games out of 4 in the FA cup and was and unused substitute in the Carling cup.
Not that injured, is he?
daniel
you don’t get out much do you ?
i am not here to defend ferguson or united or anyone else but this sort of comment is cringeworthy.
lets recognise quality where we see it and let others do the same for us. if rooney and young were so average what about us ? young never impressed me that much before but he may be one of those players that raise their game when they go to a better team – he has certainly looked pretty good this season. wenger acknowledged they were class and you can too. its all the sweeter if we beat them
unlike chelsea and city, united spend what they earn. they do that to stay at the top. we are probably the only other side who can but don’t seem to want to do that. why ? who knows. there have been countless articles here speculating why but don’t blame others for our own failings
and don’t rant on about officials as if its some sort of setup. this may happen in one off matches at some time but systematically, over seasons ? please. it doesn’t do you any credit in taking other comments seriously
snir in previous seasons he played 28 , 26 and 13 . so he averages 24 league games a season. as a key player in a small squad i doubt he is rested so he is injured 40% of all league games ?
One good song deserves another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95lpCDkoA-0&feature=fvwrel
Great “short term ” signings today… Meaning Park plans to leave in 2 years, Benny is on loan, and Arteta is 29. No arguing the significance or anything of that nature because I couldn’t be more pleased. But, M’Vila and Hazard will deffinately be here come (hopefully before) this time next year. And possibly marvin the Martin, but, we’ll know when we HAVE to cross that bridge, and let’s hope it’s Wayne bridge because it’ll be easy. Let’s think about how arsene deals w/ the media and the like… Nothing wrong w/ our defense… Grab 2 great acquisitions, if we sell we are not a big club… 2 more, bang. He’s coy, not going to give anything away, we should also end up w/ Cahill on a free next year.
Ooh to ooh to be ooh to be a gooner.
Give me about 6 cold ones please sir, back to catch up on the drinks. 6 for anyone else please.
Solid but not spectacular is the only way I can describe it
Something is seriously amiss at the club or should I say bank, These signings may help get champions league football but it will be tight the experience is a massive plus But they are nowhere near the quality of buys to actually challenge for the big pots sad days.
we’ve got Ar-teta, we’ve got Ar-teta we’ve got ar-teta, we’ve got Ar-teta!
Morning all, there were mixed views from Everton supporters upon hearing the news we were in talks to buy their best player. Some saying Moysie was mad to sell him, others saying he is not the same player he was two years ago.
A few facts remain:
1) Technically he is just what Arsenal need and on his day he is as good as all of the other flowery names being mooted to us over the last week,
2) He’s got good solid premier league experience
3) He is very injury prone so we will need to apply TLC to him
4) Just like my mate Jerome from work, he was, alongside Mertesaker, one of the players most afc supporters were voting to add to the re-building process once Fab4 departed only, last summer
Well we have our men (and shezzer) guys, lets go get em!
We are not probably as strong as we would like to be but having all those money still available in january i think we may be able to make this ‘marquee signing’ and further get rid of deadwood. That’s the only real blow we didn’t get rid of every one. As for signings they’re very very good given we had 2 days to complete them. Hope next time we make our buisneness faster but actually it was great feeling when I read “Arteta nearly done, then off and finally done”.
Haven’t read all of the drinks yet, so apologies if I’m being repetitive:
I assume the “ring fence” still exists where all transfer funds can only be used for signings or salary improvements? If so then I am not too worried by a profit in the window.
If we are honest with ourselves, our stock has slipped a bit recently, especially to a big foreign player looking in. A more solid team now, good steady performances, and they’re teams out of Europe in January (Lille, Rennes) and let’s see if they are tempted by a large chunk of that 35m in the next window.
I really need coffee this morning, and not to look at the PC screen too much! My eyes hurt.
PS – it’s a given that ticket prices are horribly high.
Now, now! First you kick up a storm about a presumed crisis, how we need new signings and every one was sympathetic. After that is sorted, you now again want to kick up another storm about tickets. What is it with you? I have come to the realisation that may be Arsenal fans and supporters are fated be be bickering all the time. Who said that you should spend all you earn? How do you know whether in January there might be a situation where we must buy urgently. You’re really very funny holic.
Woo hoo! Thank you ‘Holic – delighted to be first out the hat. No probs re. reading your posts as I love your blog. Fingers crossed re. our new signings. At least I am actively excited about the Swansea match now.
Can we do this transfer window more than twice a year ? We’re getting some more regulars to the bar π
It’s like a class A match π
Hi, Goonerholic
Beautifully written as always.
“But, have the supporters got βvalueβ for the highest priced tickets in world football? I have to say, from where I sit, the jury is most definitely out on that one.”
Let’s see what the football will be like, because ultimately what you are have paid for is a seat with a reasonbly good view and, for the majority of the time, entertainment.
I am reaching a bit here, but I do recall reading somewhere that the prices went up to cover the increase in VAT, so the club are not actually taking the extra money. Can anyone confirm?
I always think that if people are not happy to pay the high prices, they should not pay. This is not just a glib response – reduced ticket sales would tell the club where the limit of tolerance is and it would avoid the unhappy situation of supporters approaching matches already feeling resentful, or as if it they are at a “performance” to be watched and not engaged with.
The money could be used to increase wages of deserving squad members and reduce the differential between what our star performers get and what they could command at sugar-daddy clubs. Some of it I am sure is being saved for massive bids for next summer for one of Hazard, Martin or Goetze, who we wanted but whose clubs would not release them (and in the latter two cases, the players themselves wanted to stay at least another year).
116 drinks already?
Madness.
Too many to read back so for once I’ll pretend to argue with ‘holic without checking back re: Marquee signings and money.
Using an argument that I have seen used by a certain Mr ‘holic, who exactly of these ‘Marquee’ signings has changed club this summer?
Of course you could argue about Mata (but could we really compete with the Chavs for wages even if we could afford the fee?), and Pastore (but no chance of us competing on the fee there, highest in Europe this summer I believe, never mind the wages we probably couldn’t afford either).
You could also argue that we could have tried to put more money on the table for these, but clubs there were not forced to sell, and it is my impression that French club in particular have become more business-hardened lately.
Cahill could have come if we offered more money, but hardly a Marquee signing.
Then we could have spent more money on the players we actually bought, but now I’m sure you’d agree it’d have been silly :p
Except, well, if we’d offered more just to get them before the start of the season, that would have been a good idea…
At the end of the day, I suspect your main point is not really that we didn’t spend more money, but that there seems in hindsight to be no valid justification for the significant price hike.
And there I find it hard to argue with you.
See, I told you I’d just pretend to argue π
Reasonably happy with the late flurry of activity, now a drink for all in the bar!
And some people do seem to live to bitch.
Luckily, AW will do what he thinks best. You don’t pay someone however many millions a year to bend to the ever-changing and contradictory whims of a vocal minority of the fans.
Oh, and congrats to Anna Nicole Smith, I’m sure ‘holic will give the prize in person. Or maybe I read that wrong.
Hmm a whiff of desperation re tranny business – pretty much the tone of a v strange Arse summer – these lot seem like stop gap signings to me – and boy this squad had some gaps that needed stopping – till Arsene and the club ,hopefully,get the masterplan back on track
UReds
For people thinking the United debacle made those deals.
Park was agreed before the United match.
Mertesacker was linked all summer and AW bid for CBs during the summer so, he certainly was looking to strengthen there.
Santos had to be lined up as news of Traore’s move to QPR broke before the United match.
And as for Arteta and Benayoun? AW always said he wants to add players in the midfield. He got those players because the other targets were ‘unsalable’.
To be honest, I’d rather have Arteta than the other AMC simply because he’s got PL experience and doesn’t need to adapt (and perhaps he’ll work his ass of now that he finally has the opportunity to play CL football).
As a long standing member of the season ticket queue I feel a bit miffed at the whole transfer window saga for Arsenal. Selling Nasri and Jesus in the week after kickoff whilst telling everyone they were going nowhere stinks ensured season ticket uptake was high despite the price hike – although I did here 13000 non renewals somewhere- we’ve replaced them with some experience only time will tell how successfully. It seemed we scoured the world, cap in hand, trying to bag a stellar signing without paying stellar prices – Cahill , Hazard, Benzema, Jags, m’vila, Zarate would definitely improve our squad – no doubt
Hey ho nevermind – onwards and upwards!
IDKA @97 – Regarding AOC being bought for 12m, I think that might have been done so that if Walcott played hardball in signing a new contract later this season, we had a player to replace him.
Hope I am wrong, but have the feeling that Walcott really wants the striker role and I’m not sure AW sees that as his best position.
Overall delighted at the experience that we have brought in, as for whether or not the quality is there too, we shall wait and see. The future looks brighter though.
I do understand Holic’s point about the timing and the extent of the ticket price increases and seeing that we have not produced silverware on top of that, the reasons against appear to outweigh the reasons for.
I myself was a regular at the 3pm games up to 10 months ago and have even found it a struggle to renew my membership due to current economic and domestic clashes.
TFIC – Thank Fuck It’s Closed
Did AL @121 mention Tranny business ? π
And Sid @50 , Wolfgang @49 is a cowardly imposter , ignore him .
*flounces out*
For me the buck rests with the board, because Wenger will put his case forward and the board will have to approve and release the funds.
On evidence we enquired about every Marquee signing barring the Barca squad and yet negotiations broke down. I don’t believe Wenger was part of those negotiations!
If we are being honest with ourselves, Wenger identified and sold Citeh 80% of their squad, but financially, we have been unable to compete. AW has been telling us that for years!
IDKAnything
Many posters here bring joy and happiness to our bar.
Some when they walk in, others when they leave.
Have a good day dreaming of other clubs and squads and proving to yourself that our great club is not up to much.
There’s a special dose of Realitarium waiting for you atop the CMC.
Enjoy my friend.
Amen to that brother Camberwell @ #126
I think we can all say with some certaintly that the squad has been strengthened and re-vamped pretty much in-line with the qualities that we wanted bar the elusive and so-called ‘marquee signing’.
Overall, I’m satisfied and would love to see all Gooners now unite and get behind the team and the manager 110%.
We’ve got to get on with the serious business of showing the EPL and the CL that we are a winning force again, to be revered by all. If we can turn The Ems into a fortress this year that will do it for me.
In terms of the BoD, I’m with ‘Holic and many others here. The jury is distinctly out. Some adjustment of pricing needs to be deeply considered and something tangible given back to the supporters e.g. a standing section in The Northbank and The Clockend.
UTA! COYRRRs! Bring on The Swansea and let’s reverse ‘that result’ from the weekend. Odds on an 8-2 home win anyone? π
I love it.
Andre Santos in response to RvP welcoming him to the club.
@Persie_Official Thank you Captain..I’m sorry becouse my englishis not good now..I’ll improve ok??? kkkkkkk…
Does that boy Snir ever sleep? π
Ollie.
I’m off to sleep now, but not before you tell me what you think of Park Chu Young….
I remember watching the South Korean NT at the WC and their number 10 really impressed me. Turns out it’s Park.
Some more info please ??
I’m afraid you will never go to sleep, Snir, as I’ve hardly watched any Monaco game last year.
I was vaguely of the impression that he was one of their best players last year, so that I regularly heard him mentioned whenever some good piece of football was being played by Monaco or a goal was scored. Which isn’t necessarily saying much.
true story
i don’t dream of other clubs and squads. i have other things to do. i have been going to highbury since late 60s and of course we have been in a mess a few times before. however alas for mr wenger the scrutiny now is much much higher.
i have never said our club isnt up to much and i will support the team always. what i will not support is some half arsed side being sent out against the top team in england – away ! – and being out to the slaughter. I can honestly say i have never seen anything like that. This while being fed lies and hypocrisy and rising extortionate ticket prices.
as i say i don’t dream of other squads or teams but i watch them and thing “why aren’t we doing that ?”. we aspire to be as good as them but we are slipping further and further away. and don’t give me the mountain of debt crap. you know and i know that isnt true of united.
now all this is fine if we accept this is our lot (but not at 100 quid a seat). but them i come on here as a lifelong supporter – i suspect true story since before you were born despite your moniker – and get castigated when i point out that crap is crap and average is average and a kid who played half a game may not be the next big thing. if that’s your joy and happiness, i will send over some more tissues
Do not worry holic. We may have ended this window in a profit, but that does not mean that the surplus funds may yet be invested further more in the January window or perhaps next summer.
londongooner
thats an interesting angle and plausible. what i would say is given the other problems we had the money and time could have been better spent on those then combining the chances of a) walcott not renewing and b) somebody wanting him who would offer him more money and c) a raw 18 year old being good enough in a year or 2. my personal view is that walcott may think he is nasri or cesc but he ain’t. there maybe a queue to look at him but not to pay him much more than we are and will less prestige i..e, the other big clubs wouldn’t want him
Nice one TS@130 – nothing left for me to say.
IDKA
Touche with your fighting talk. It would be really good if you could apply that passion in support of Arsenal from time-to-time as opposed to the kind of stuff that you usually post which, from what I read, is in praise of Manure and other top clubs, possibly with your own box of Kleenex in hand?
Just to be clear, I was born in 1965, my first game at Highbury with the Storey Dad (RIP) was 1969/70 vs WHUFC so we’re of similar vintage if of different outlooks and opinions.
BTW, my seat works out around the early 50s per game and nowehere near the Β£100 you talk about.
Manure are in a mountain of debt. It’s a simple fact. Let’s see if that obvious gap last weekend has closed when we play them at The Ems with a reasonable strength squad and the turbulent summer behind us.
Good one TS, barman anything my dear friend would like please!
Ollie- SG is awake through two time zones π
Cheers Norfolk @ #138. Drink on the bar for you.
Ollie @ #132, I fear the attempted sedation yesterday of Patient GGG maybe back firing now as his body re-adjusts and overshoots on endorphins. You’ve got to admire the enthusiasm and the energy though π
Sleep well Snir. You can now dream of our first home match with a clutch of new talent to parade π
Cheers Gt, an infusion or flavoured water for you.
Nice post Holic, too late for my brain though. Maybe Arsene is also thinking of january and next summer, it is unlikely we will sell anyone again for the money we have got in so where does the next transfer budget come from, our owners have commited to nothing so what will lift the club this time next year. We got astute signings but I dont think we will ever go for too many 20m+ signings. Arsenal seem to have been always crazily expensive for tickets although my old fella said they were 50p when he went. I think the next Q and A with Ivan will be very interesting.
TS.
good for you. you were 18 months after me but respect for the vintage.
mine was 85 a game when i worked in the city – that seat is now 104 i understand. i now share (average) tickets with a friend which are more than top tickets pretty much anywhere else. somebody else made the point that if you don’t like it don’t pay and he is right. but whether i pay or not i have a voice as a supporter, no ?
united’s have debt but that is not the reason they are pulling away. their debt is entirely from the owners using the club assets to finance their purchase. think of it as buying a house – bank supplies part of purchase price and your salary / income pays the mortgage costs and all the possessions inside (players). that is what happens at united except that of course they owned the house before the americans came in ! all player purchases are paid for out of club earnings (as are payments on the loans); their debt is slowly going down and indeed may be eliminated altogether by their share issue in singapore. i know this because my brother in law is a united fan and as i used to work in the city he pointed me to a site by a broker , andersred. he is a manc also but writes very well mostly about united but also occasionally about other clubs. he is the only site i have found who makes any sense on football finances. so respect where its due; we may say united “buy” their titles but when they spend on players it is money they have made. i see nothing wrong with that personally. they are the only club other than us that really is self financing, but they were years ahead of us on the commercial side so make a lot more.
TS-You remembered!
Good post Holic working both sides of the fence, In the main I can only agree with most of what you said.
Anyone who has noticed my posts over the last year or so could help to notice my negativity of late.
But in true Wenger style he’s done the Frank Sinatra’s on us again (MY WAY).
My view of his summer dealings are:
1, We have gone backwards in playing staff for this year. (but that was not AW doing on the whole).
2, Last day dealing was about as good as we could have expected.
(I have always craved after Mertesacker).
3, Up to the last day Frank Sinatra dealings.
So was the Manu result a blessing in disguise?
4, Holic sums it up in that; @ best we are now in a battle for 4th spot or a cup this year, forget anything grander then that.
So summing-up where do we now go as a club under this management, as always only time will tell, but for I’m sticking with my own thoughts until THEY prove me wrong & start buying players of the same skill level we lost this summer or better, but as we know this comes @ a price, so will this happen in my lifetime NOT convinced.
P.S. how long do this management team think that the corporate arm of our paying public (loath to call them fans) will carry on giving up money to this cause?
& start buying players of the same skill level we lost this summer or better, but as we know this comes @ a price, so will this happen in my lifetime NOT convinced.
I have to argue with it a bit, as we don’t always know what we’re buying. Skill levels in youngsters may be amazing.
i mean, Cesc, who we have lost now wouldn’t fit the criterion I think you mean, when we bought him, while he proved to fit the ‘skill level’ very much, I think.
It’s more a question of getting experienced skills.
There’s only one Mertesaker, one Mertesaker, one Mertesaker, one Mertesaker…
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/-i-m-sure-he-can-stabilise-arsenal-s-defence-
Only one and still you can’t spell his name right, Gt π
Morning All ,
TS@various – my friend , well said . Drinks on the Bar await .
IDKA – I have sat silently in the corner over the last months reading your relentless negativity and have desisted from commenting ( other than on your inane slaughtering of Sagna ) , out of respect for the fact that you are clearly a committed Gooner , but your posts over the last 24 hours really do take the biscuit .
Your ” how big is your rattle ” arguments simply don’t wash . I suspect most regular contributors to this Bar are of a certain vintage ( for the record – Arsenal Res vs Norwich Res sept 1970 first game with Bowson Dad RIP) , but what does it matter in any event if ” vintage” gives you no perspective or indeed joy , in following the team you profess to love ?
Where , for example , was your post when we squeezed past Udinese in what was an absolutely crucial game ? Is it that you find relief/celebration far more difficult to write about ?
You Say :-
“what i will not support is some half arsed side being sent out against the top team in england β away ! β and being out to the slaughter. I can honestly say i have never seen anything like that.”
Really ? Perhaps you weren’t there when Stoke tonked us 5-0 in the Double year . Perhaps you weren’t there when Wolves and Derby beat us by 5 in the mid seventies ? Perhaps you weren’t there when Ipswich outclassed us 4-1 on Willie Young’s debut at Highbury , (I was ) . Perhaps you weren’t there when Spartak Moscow played us off the park at Highbury and beat us 5-2 (I was ) , perhaps you weren’t there when Manure beat Georgie Graham’s Arsenal 6-2 at Highbury , famed Defence and all ( I was ) , perhaps you weren’t there when Chelsea knocked 5 or was it 6 past us at Highbury in the League Cup ( I was) .
To know your future , you have to know your past . I suggest you gen up a bit .
You say :-
” and donβt give me the mountain of debt crap. you know and i know that isnt true of united. ”
Really ? I think many Manure fans would beg to differ with you . 800m , alleviated only by a Bond to 500m ( just another way of expressing debt) , sounds a pretty big debt to me . It only takes a small change in the footballing economic landscape , and that debt would become unmanageable .
You say :-
” united spend what they earn. they do that to stay at the top. we are probably the only other side who can but donβt seem to want to do that. why ? ”
Really ? Wrong again , I’m afraid , that is why they are in debt for 450m and have a bond for 350m . Please get some basic comprehension of whats going on before spouting this nonsense .
You say :-
” proclaiming frimpong a world beater after half a half decent game (at the end of which he got himself sent off and cost us the match) isnβt helping anyone, least of all him. does anyone really think jenkinson will make it ”
No-one is proclaiming him a world beater . They were merely hugely encouraged by a promising debut from a raw kid who wasn’t fazed by his new surroundings . Oh , I’m sorry , slating him at the first opportunity is obviously the way to go and will obviously help him fulfil his potential . Ditto Jenkinson . Who needs enemies … ?
You say :-
” perspective , old boy , perspective ”
I suggest you get some and fast , so that you might be able to recognise the good , as well as the not so good .
I look forward to watching you eat your own hair .
Morning all. Just flipping through over corn flakes. Strange dour odour in the bar. Ah, I see, as predicted las night, I don’t know anything has been here to spread the anticipated gloom.
Doomed. We’re all Doomed. Let’s sell the club. Sell the stadium. Take up tiddly-winks.
Jog on sadly.
On the whole, like Arsene, I`m `relieved`. It would have been nice to have got the signings in a couple of months ago instead of leaving us as hostages to fortune (CL qualification, bad defeat), but we have to a certain extent plugged the gaps. Would we have made all of this weeks signings without the Man-ure defeat? Sadly I can only conclude, probably not. I`m underwhelmed by the Benayoun loan, and it was interesting to hear that Chelski initially thought we in the market to buy. Arteta is a different proposition, as, at his best he can be a game-changer, and if he stays fit, looks a really good buy. He probably signed to get a late taste of CL football, and unbelievably has apparently had to take an Β£10k pay cut to join us.
Heard S. Curry on the radio this morning pouring scorn on the Mertesacker signing as the player was, among other things too slow. I`ll be walking past his bar this afternoon, and if he`s playing mine host I`ll have words. I think Mertesacker is just the sort of big no-nonsense defender we need. No fannying around, just getting in there where it matters. His vast experience will make up for his lack of pace. I don`t remember Stevie Bould being that quick, but he was one of the best.
So now we have the Euro quali. game against Bulgaria. To me its just another chance for Theo to pick up a knock. I can`t wait for the Swansea game.
Right , on to happier matters , and the end of the transfer window .
I have to say that whilst happy that some business got done , I am closer to the critical side of Holic’s post than the positive side .
Are we in better shape than we were last Sunday ? Unquestionably .
Are we in better shape than the end of last season ? Very doubtful .
Defensively , almost certainly . I bow to H2H’s opinion of Mertesacker , who has seen him far more than me . Santos seems to have the one quality that Clichy lacked – physicality .
Offensively , however , is a different story . With the money at our disposal , better players could and should have been recruited . I suspect AW has been operating with 2 hands tied behind his back , stymied by a Board with no leadership , but that is purely speculative .
Anyway , its done now , nothing else for it but to get behind the new boys , the team and the manager .
COME ON THE ARSENAL
Re: TS @130: I love the enthusiasm but let’s not set ourselves up with unrealistic expectations. The 2-8 was the result of a series of circumstances, and we shouldn’t aspire to put things right by thinking there’s a chance we can turn those circumstances around in one week, even with half a new team in place. Maybe especially because we have half a new team in place. A solid if unspectacular win would do me nicely. π
Quite pleased to see so many π and π this morning.
tabs, not sure about our strikers (beyond RvP), but I think Gervinho will add a lot going forward. I’m also hoping the fresh faces will push Arshavin and Chamack back into form. Time will tell, but for now there is only an interlull.
Cheersv ‘holic, nice post. And takeabowson, ‘Take a Bow Son’! Magic stuff.
takeabow
take a breath would be more like it. why don’t you read other posts before wading in, or as you would put it “gen up a bit”
there was a far more polite exchange that i had with catalan about the udinese game (an dhow is was in hospital for the game and my comments on it). but hey jump to your own conclusion
football finances are a bit of a pet subject, having been broadly in that are before. you could have read my post at 144 but to save you time as you are clearly busy i will say it again. the debt that united have resulted from the owners borrowing against club assets. they had no term debt when they were taken over and debt has not increased one pound since then as a result of football operations. in fact debt has reduced substantially and at start of this season they seem to have accumulated a pile of some 175m from ronaldo transfer and football profits. the debt is only relevant to this discussion as many bracket united like chelsea or city or indeed liverpool in that they borrow/sugar daddy their way to success. they don’t and frankly those that say they do have no idea what they are talking about. yes united fans worry about the debt for the reasons you say but that is unrelated to their performance as a team other than a successful team makes debt more manageable. the numbers you refer to are in what currency, or is that just a detail ? from a report on united’s last year end accounts ” The buyback and a small fall in the pound vs. the dollar left the company with Β£489.4m of gross debt. On the asset side, the club has Β£134.5m of cash in the bank” . so 350m pounds net. “the glazers are much derided but as a financier they seem pretty savvy to me – if they get the share issue away there will be next to no debt, they will have got 70% of the club for about150m and 100m + profits pa. clearly there will be dividends but any company has tp pay its shareholders as we know. the fact that you lecture me on basic comprehension of this matter is frankly risible.
yes i hav ebeen there for times we got tonked. i do remember the games you mentioned and others (6-1 at old trafford in 2001 ?) . the point is not that we lost. losing is part of sport. my father used to say if you are prepared to win you must be prepared to lose. my gripe was the suicidally stupid tactics, the way we caved in the 2nd half and a team that was in no way worthy of anyone who aspired to be a top club. freak results happen where everything goes in your keeper had a shocker . this was none of those. in fact many on this site have said they feared the worse before ball was kicked. how did our great club get in this position ? a league one side would have put a better performance with injuries and you know it (or should know it)
there were quite a few comments to say :”we missed frimpong” ? god help us if we missed someone who has played half a game. miss Tv definitely. miss jack for sure. maybe even sagna. but frimpong or gervinho ? that is clutching at straws. and that is dangerous because those straws hold the house up.
i have said many times already today – but i guess you didn’t read that either – that i welcome the new signings. not quite what we hoped for at end May but must be better than what we out out at united. so maybe all is not lost. at least they have done something about it.
Cheers tabs @ #150. There’s one waiting for you too now fella on the bar with a freshly filled pipe π
Thank you also for expressing so eloquently what I was already thinking but declined to put in writing. Always a pleasure to read your posts.
BTW, I remember clearly that 5-0 tonking we recieved at The Baseball Ground in the 70s and watching it on The Big Match π
Regarding your #153, I think that overall as a team we are in a better position than at the end of last year. Certainly not in terms of outright creative ability (sans Cesc & Na$ri) but in terms of work-rate, (dare I say) mental strengz and commitment. I’ll concede that is yet to be proven but bringing in players like Nutsacker, Beny-porn and Arteta, they surely have a lot to prove and will put their bodies on the line for The Arse.
Perhaps even more importantly, I believe that they will help to nuture and guide the precocious talents of players like LJW, Ramsey and Pingpong on the field. That is something we seem to have really lacked these past couple of years. We have, quite literally, acquired a bunch of captains.
Anyway, like you I’m fully behind our new squad and the manager and I remain arms-crossed and quizzical with the board until I see them give something tangible back to the faithful vs platitudes and/or silence.
UP THE ARSENAL!!!
8 ball @ #154
Yes, 8-2 was intended to be fanciful but I do believe in a pressure cooker effect and that some team is going to ‘get it’ from us, both barrells and soon. Who better than Swansea? I stand by my predicition of an overly healthy home win and I think the team will be desperate to prove multiple points to multiple people.
Drink?
TS, Coffee! It’s barely 7 in the morning here. Did somebody say healthy home win??
‘Judge me at the end of transfer window’ he said. And on that basis, few can deny that AW has done the Arsenal proud. No huge marquee signing, but arguably that wasn’t necessary.
Instead, for a bit more than the sale of Na$ri, we got 5 experienced, battle-hardened players. The type of players the doomers and media have been crying out for (ahem… and the rest of us!)
No doubt Arsenal and AW in particular will now be criticised for something other than ‘a stubborn refusal to buy experienced players’. As I understand it, that dip-shite Savage has already derided Mertesacker for his lack of pace. Twat.
But after all the negativity and the universal condemnation of a great manager, it’s fantastic to see that he pole-axed the media’s thinking and expectations once again.
And how much of a dip-shite does the Bolton chairman now look? Class will always prevail over ignorant media-whoring twerps like Phil Gartside.
Anyway, who saw those signings coming in. Each and every one of them?!
What a team, what a squad, what a manager.
Up the Arsenal!
Joshua @156 – with you on Flipper . And Esso – cheers mate .
IDKA – I didn’t just wade in , I’ve been reading all your stuff for ages now , and have yet to read anything remotely positive .
Perhaps you mistake discourtesy for having your own words repeated at you . I apologise that you were in Hospital for the Udinese game – my mistake – but given your track record I doubt we would have got anything remotely positive .
Your post @ 144 was posted whilst I was typing and has not altered my opinion one jot . To use your analogy , a mortgage is a mortgage , whether you use it to buy the house , or whether you use it to install a bright spanking new kitchen once you are installed . It’s debt , and it has to be repaid . In the meantime , you pay enormous amounts of interest . In United’s case , this debt is exacerbated by the enormous amounts of money , the club is paying out to the Glazer family .
The debt is not therefore going down . A significant portion of that debt has merely been restructured and crystallised into a Bond , at a lower rate of interest . It is still debt . Selling off a portion of the club on the stock exchange is a short-term way of raising money , but brings with it all kinds of potential ownership difficulties in the future , which may not all be analagous with the long term health of the football club .
don’t worry, Matt (2), I also hear that Robbie Savage said Mertesacker has been shit since his move to Real Madrid.
So as discussed at some point over the 1,000+ drinks yesterday, he doesn’t know who he’s talking about anyway!
Good post though, I have to say i was only mildly confident of all these signings happening, only a few days ago (while at the start of the window I fully expected wholesale changes), and so quite happy with the additions over the last couple of days.
It was quite amusing though to read some reactions to the ‘Benayoun OR Arteta’ rumour and the panic/hatred when the Arteta deal ‘seemed’ dead.
Nobody truly expected Arsène to get TWO midfielders. Magic, somehow.
Now i’m touching a lot of wood regarding the fitness of the new players, but it was a pleasing few days after sunday.
8 ball
Coffee it is. Glad to see you’re an early starter and yes, I predict a very healthy home win.
Cheers
tabs, I am quite concerned that here and in some other place, I have seen quite a few people with relatively negative views proudly announcing themselves as Chartered Accountants or something.
The words ‘Arthur’ and ‘Putey’ spring to my mind everytime I hear this.
Matt (2) and Ollie,
Well said the pair of you, fully agree. Your drinks await.
TS @159 – cheers mate , lets get on the pipes π
Matt (2) – Heard Savage last night and he was his normal thick as pig sh*t self . He derided Mertesacker for his slowness whilst at Real Madrid !!!!!! How he is getting paid by licence fee money is beyond me .
Hey Ollie π
And I see you got there re the Real Madrid stuff first . Told you I was a 2 fingered Freddie π
Ollie and Matt (2) I was listening to 5live last night and I heard, in full, Savage’s denunciation of Mertesacker.
He was asked, “Do you think PM is the kind of signing Arsenal fans want?” – a typically leading question if ever I heard one.
His answer was vague and tangential: “Not for me, no. They were looking for a real marquee signing and if you look at people like Myaichi, Chamberlain and Jenkinson they’re not the sort of players with the right experience…” or words to that effect.
Didn’t even answer the question or give any justification for his opinion.
Twat!
For the record, PM4 will be immense. So there.
Camberwell, PM4 is already a giant in my book. And people who have met me will know what I mean π
Ollie @ 147: Couldn’t agree more. Henry, Vieira, Pires, Fabregas…….none of these were big name signings but they were when they left. Young Jack is well on the road to becoming one of the worlds best midfielders
BTM @ 16: As ever an oasis of sanity.
Tabs
Always a pleasure to read your posts.
“Are we in better shape than we were last Sunday ? Unquestionably .
Are we in better shape than the end of last season ? Very doubtful”
I, for one, have no doubt that we will now be in better shape than the end of last season – it really could not have been worse with the capitulation we witnessed simply (as you’ve alluded) because we’ve strengthened our defense and we have finally found ourselves a world class Goalkeeper (which according to Liam Brady, we signed for a whopping Β£50k when he was 15 or so).
Offensively we might be a little lighter in chances than Cesc in 07/08 and 08/09 form but not with his form last season which was somewhat more diluted. Even with Cesc in his pomp we were never safe at 2-0, 3-0 or even 4-0 at times given how poor we were in defense – something I think Wenger got badly wrong, but at least now its been addressed (allbeit too late from Cesc’s point of view). I still think we’ll create chance’s (maybe not as many) but we’ll be a better team as a whole because the defense has been strengthened.
“With the money at our disposal , better players could and should have been recruited”
I honestly do think Wenger tried to sign marquee players like Hazard / Goetze or M’Villa. And I think he was prepared to spend very big money on Goetze who, if I may surmise, Dortmund didn’t want to sell as they’re in the CL too this season; Lille had already lost Gervinho and may not have wanted to see Hazard go too; while Rennes seem to agree a fee for M’Villa which Wenger met and then decided to jack up the price.
Bottom line to my mind is that we will never be competitive with the petro dollars of city and chelski irrespective of how many competitions we win or players we sell. When it became known we were interested in Mata, we ended up being gazumped. If Mata wants to go to Chelski for money as opposed to becoming a midfield fulcrum at a club like Arsenal under a manager like Wenger, then he’s the wrong type of personality we need (just like Na$ri).
Contrast Mata’s / Na$ri’s behaviour to that of Arteta who took a wage cut to play for us..?
This is why I think Wenger deliberately leaves his dealings until late – as apart from getting better value, there’s less chance of being gazumped.
I think we’ve cast aside many pretenders and now we have greater competition for places. I’d much rather a personality like Arteta than the Mata’s / Na$ris of this world at the club. I hope we will now see a seismic shift in attitude across the entire team as we have cast aside many of the pretenders and we now have players who want to play for the club/manager (Gervinho, Arteta…) combined with players who love the club (Jack, Fimps…) which will transpire into hunger and bite.
And in young Jack, we have potentially the next really big midfield talent in world football.
Joe, great post! Drinks on me.
With regards to the latest signings, I certainly agree with the various comments regarding the positive impact, in terms of leadership qualities and experience that they will bring to the team.
This will be invaluable to our youngsters who I am sure will develop much more quickly. Whilst we didn’t get any marquee signings, I am still very optimistic.
Lets give the new players some time to settle in…..no point getting frustrated if we don’t get positive results in the short term.
COYG!!
Good post, ‘Holic. “Undoubted quality and uncertain fitness” should be the club’s new motto.
Net for net, both the squad and the first XI look stronger than they did last season, and plenty strong enough to get us back into the top four and to go deep in the CL. The value of the in-coming players lies in their intangibles, experience and leadership. Let’s hope they gel as a team and as mentors to the youngsters.
To your money point, pay less attention to transfer fees and more to the overall wage bill. The latter tells a different story about our supposed parsimony.
There was a post from a Newcastle fan on the BBC’s transfer day blog complaining about how his club’s management was only concerned with profits while others, including us, by name, were driven by a desire for success. How the world looks depends on where you are standing.
A footnote: if the UK needs to cut public spending, firing Robbie Savage from the BBC would be a good place to start.
Joe , I can’t disagree with any of that , top post , as is all of your stuff .
I think you’re right re the potential ” marquee” signings . I do not in anyway blame AW , who not for the first time appears to have made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear . I guess we will never be told as to why those signings never came off – but I do think AW was hampered not only by selling clubs who did not want to lose their best asset , but also by a Board , who didn’t want to go that extra mile , at a time when we were repeatedly assured the money was there . As mentioned above , that is pure speculation on my part , and might be entirely wrong .
Apologies for sounding a little negative – I think I fell into the trap of getting my hopes up too high . I remain fully committed to the HT Mark II .!!
I take on board all your points . A drink for you Sir on my tab , and let us toast a successful season .
Lol! Ollie I won’t spell it when I sing it! π
Afternoon all. Phew, as opposed to PHW.
Snir @116 – “can we do the transfer window more than twice a year”
Ah, the joys of youth, Snir. But I’m afraid that even if you could cope with it, more than twice a year, we could not cope with you π
Tabs, TS @150 and others – well said. π
idka – nobody in here is so stupid that we blindly rejoice in everything that Arsene Wenger and AFC do.
You can go along with the media take on events and say that we were caught panic buying, or you can look at what we needed right now, and say that we’ve probably got it.
AW has been forced by events to change tack and buy/borrow some short term experience and leadership. With two years of good leadership, where could Jack Wilshere, Ramsey, Frimpong, AOC, be ?
Anywhere they want to, I would say.
That may, god forbid, even be Man City. We don’t know. We hope not, but that is current reality.
So, in the meantime, do you want to try and have a good time supporting AFC, or do you want to continually beat yourself and everyone else up ?
It is clear we tried for Mata, Hazard, M’Vila – more young players that their clubs were not going to sell for various reasons.
As Catalan said above, those situations may change by January, and we will still have the funds to take advantage.
We are not oil-rich Shitty, and we are not gangster backed Chavs.
We are where we are, and we are what we are.
Things could have been done differently, maybe the results would have been better. They weren’t.
We are far better off then we were four days ago.
I’m going to try and enjoy the season π
Oooh me noggin.
Was I really up until 7am (cet) this morning? Damn these adictive drinks. π
Some great posts above chaps, more sunshine then gloom which is good to see.
Unfortunatly there’s just no pleasing some people, I’m reading a lot of crap from moaners (elsewhere) which I can’t really understand. We’ve been crying out for leadership, we’ve got what we wanted.
We said we needed players with experience, box ticked.
Wait a minute, not only experience, I hear them cry, but PL experience……… Well blow me down, we got that as well.
Could someone please, please explain to me the definition of a “marque signing” and how many were made and by which clubs?
Would Gary Cahill constitute a marquee signing? Why? Because his inheritent englishness jacks up his price?
How is signing a Bolton defender with one England cap a “bigger” signing then landing a tried and tested international from a real International powerhouse, who was also captain of his former club?
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t Arsene been slated in the past for doing all his shopping in the French Leagues?
Where do Hazard and M’via ply their trade? What can possibly be so “marquee” about these guys, one is only 20 ffs, haven’t these same people also bemoaned the fact that Arsene invests too much in young players?
The contradictions are mind boggling.
Everyone has the right to an opinion, (except for Robbie Savage, he has the right to have his lobotomy operation, which he obviously paid good money for, completed, it can’t be much fun walking around with less then half a brain,) and if you tend to float on the side of negativity, well then, that’s your perogative. But lets not slate the manager for bringing in exactly what we’ve been screaming for.
Speaking of screaming, a BM please barkeep and don’t go easy on the russian juice.
Cheers.
Joe @ 172 – good stuff. Seems I was writing similar things at the same time !
Joe first , now H2H and Trev – 3 of the sanest voices on here . Consider the Tabs ” slight” worries , well and truly shot down in flames .
A drink for all you fine Gentlemen .
Tabs – i have slight worries too, and i can’t remember anything you’ve written deserving to be shot down in flames.
And I think you’re spot on @176 π
Trev @179… nicely worded.
Trev (Dr.T /PHW), Joe, H2H
Would like to echo tabs.
Really pleasing to see so many of us singing from the same hymn sheet about the club we love so much. I guess that’s one of the reasons we keep hanging around this corner of the internet.
Anyway, drinks for all of you very fine fellows!
Cheers & UTA!
@178… of course.
Based on my scientific research on Youtube, I have to confess to being more than a little excited about the new boys and what they bring to the team.
Yossi is a case in point (do we have a nickname for him yet?). Until today I was totally indifferent to him, but seeing some of the goals he scored for the Mugsmashers actually floats my boat quite a bit. He looks like he works his socks off, gets into good positions to snap up deflected balls (and bury them) and appears to have pretty good shooting technique (of course I’m probably the worst judge of the latter but that’s what it LOOKS like…).
As for the Nutsacker, cripes! 6’6″ and 75 caps? How that fails to excite anyone is beyond me. I also heard (maybe on here) that he was one of the cleanest tacklers in the Bundesliga. What’s not to like eh?
Arteta, nuff said surely.
Can’t wait for Swansea. COYRRR!
Oh and a mojito for me and whatever you’re having Holic…
Afternoon Dr.C
Apologies, you’re also a very fine fellow who likes like he might enjoy a drink π
take a bowson @ 163
i appreciate the more moderate tone. however the debt is either going down or it isn’t (it is, see below). it is about half of what you quoted it to be (unless you were using USD ?) and surely converting into a bond with lower interest is better than not doing it ?
interestingly, just in http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/united-financial-results
anyway you didn’t address the point i was making – people say “look at united they have so much debt (subtext” that is why they are winning, or we could be like that too but we don’t have much debt”. the debt has NOTHING to do with the playing operations. do we at least agree on that ??
on your last point, . selling off shares on stock exchange is actually a LONG term way of raising money. it is effectively permanent finance. somebody HAS to own the club. when you move away from the old benevolent family interests (moores liverpool, edwards united, hill woods for us) you take that risk. we like everyone else may now be in bed with the devil.
takeabowson – http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=es&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/alemania/20110901/dortmund-rechazo-megaoferta-del-arsenal-por-mario-gtze/1136962.shtml&usg=ALkJrhhiu9gKqTXKg9T749FKjP5mREdhwg
I thought this could be of interest from reading your post at 176.
cheers ‘holics
π
Idka,
your not here to defend ferguson & united and Chelsea & city spend what they earn, really! Hahahahaha give us a break
Thanx gents,high praise indeed.
Although if I’m the voice of sanity then we may be in trouble. π
I’m behind the bar again (no rest for the wicked) so here’s a glass raised in your honor..
Cheers
Re: H2H @179 There’s nothing but certifiable logic in everything you say. π
Glennw
Great to see our HT Mk II pilot back in here!
Was rather hoping you may have joined us for a drink after The Smashers games a couple of weeks back. Hopefully, there will be another opportuntiy very soon.
A few were suggesting that the recent HT Mk II bumps along the way were down to pilot error but I hope you saw that both Edwin and Dr.F backed you to the hilt π
Anyway, what are you drinking?
Cheers π
Re: Trev @178 May you enjoy the season, indeed. Soon enough it will be the season to be jolly π π π
Tabs,
May I also echo Trev’s sentiments at 182, who’s prose @ 178 managed to encapsulate in one line, what I have tried in so many:
“We are where we are, and we are what we are.”
A raised glass to you sir.
TS – thanks mate and cheers indeed..!!
Seems to me that having an emotional investment in the club may well become a prerequisite for future signings . For example, those who thought Mertesacker was just a tall chap from Germany should take a look at the link below. I’m beginning to like the cut of his jib already..!!
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/01/2646229/per-mertesacker-convinced-arsenal-will-return-to-the-top-reveals-?
Re: NBN @175: Great overall perspective and excellent footnote!
Blimey, you’re posting too fast.
NBN175 “Undoubted quality and uncertain fitnessβ. I like it.
If you can now translate it in Latin, we might be onto something.
Trev & H2H at 178/179, more top posts.
I think I’m reaching my limits though so drinks will have to be on Lars’ tab
Re: Joe @172 Eloquence and sanity in every word, and I’ll offer a toast to your seismic shift. Shift on!! π
Re: Ollie @198 There’s a reason the posts are coming so fast. There’s more than one person doing it. π
Joe @ #196
Spot on, that’s exactly what our team needs right now. The more I think about the signings we have made it’s as much about personality and leadership as it is about inate skill.
Isn’t that what we so sorely lacked in Le Collapse of last year and the season before?
Re: Tabs @168: I’ve deduced the reason Savage goes on about PM4’s performance while at Real Madrid. It’s the last time he saw him play.
PS: Love the fact that Arteta will be wearing the No.8 shirt π
Are you watching Na$ri?
heh bt8
By now however, mr 8 ball, you should have cottoned up to the fact that neither Savage nor anybody else has ever seen PM4 play for Real Madrid…..
Re: Matt (2) @162: Excellent defense of the Arse from the hordes of idiot jealous jackals.
Loved this quote from the Mertesacker article when asked whether he watched the ManU game last weekend
“Of course I did watch it, because I follow the Premier League for many years, and I was not amused.”
Neither was I Per, neither was I.
Re: Ollile from one of your posts above: I had taken you for a man of rather larger stature. π
Ollie, that is.
Ollie stature reference is @171, and @205 they don’t call me a numpty for nothing. π
I am not sure how it works at Arssnil but are you sure Wenger is the problem. It appears to me that the board make all the sounds but they are more focused on the books and the balance sheet. U could have stuck firm over Fabragas. But would you have been able to tighten your defense!
I am certian that Harry Redshnaps threw the game at Manure and was humiliated at WHL all the time he coveted Parker. Im not sure Parker will have much of an impact.
The Problem with Arteta and Parker is they are both injury prone and getting on!
Have been busy but good on you H2H and the others fighting the corner. TABS what more piping without me? Come on?
glennw
not sure what your point is as it doesn’t make sense. in fact i despair. i said nothing about chelsea and city spending money they don’t have . quite clearly they do, city’s revenue doesn’t even cover the wage bill ffs.
what i am trying to do is raise the level of debate ; it is convenient for us all to say “oh we only don’t win because how can we compete : everyone else buys players because they are up to their neck in debt or have sugar daddies” when it patently isn’t true in all cases.
it is difficult to get to the top unless you know what the people at the top are doing; you may not want to follow that route but at least you know what they are doing (keep your friends close but your enemies closer sort of thing) . united buy players to win to reinforce their commercial operation the success of which enables them to buy players. their commercial operation is stronger than ours so they buy more/better/more expensive players. in some case more expensive because they don’t always want to take a chance on AOC types as they need to win NOW to reinforce the commercial operation.
we seem to have a the disconnect as a club seem as to what we plan to . we clearly want to catch up on commercial revenues apparently to wenger’s distaste (see trip to asia this summer) . wonder if that is why we bought park also ? but we don’t seem to want to take the plunge on buying for success now – emerging markets don’t care much about potential they like winners. so i wonder if the board forced wenger to do something now or at least more than he was otherwise going to. you see not qualifying for ch league is not just the lost tv income but the fact that you slip from people’s front vision. that is also why the defeat last sunday was so damning commercially. some say no matter what the score its only 3 points but i lived in singapore and tokyo for years and i can guarantee you there will many “supporters” of arsenal who will feel humiliated by that and may even switch clubs ! we can say we don’t want them as supporters but i bet the board does. and if we lose them we may lose the chance tio buy more players etc and so on (see above)
you see this is why i analyse this stuff because the devil is in the detail not whatever savage said. or some infantile one liner from you. i mean who gives a flying about that ?
Cousin Op!
Firstly, allow me to relieve myself and refill your bowl
*whistles, p*sses, fills*
That’s better, now, how’s things down at the Old Sh*thole? Triffic summer of buisness for you lot: Friedel, Adebaywhore, Parker
Erm…. errr….. mmm….. what’s the phrase I’m looking for?
I know…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA π
Looking forward to a very early St.Totteringham’s day this season.
BTW, if Szczesny doesn’t manage to snap Monkey Boy in two again when we play you next then Mr.Nutsacker surely will. I can’t wait. See you at your crumbling dump?
Pip pip old bean
@The artist formerly known as “Behind the Eight Ball but not Nasri”
Howdy dude just read your reply now. I’m -7hours GMT so everything’s a lag.
Yup, He is quality. 27 goals in 6 and a 1/2 years is pretty outrageous for a left back.
Also,he is known as a practice-a-holic. Shows up early stays late.
As a youngster he was always at the bottom of the depth chart which growing up in footballer rich Brasil can very easily happen.
Andres response to the situation was simply to work harder.
Everybody takes a different path to the top Andre’s has always been hard work.
Born in the Favelas (slums) of Sao Paulo for me his rise is an inspiration and the ideal of what the game can do for the indivdual who is willing to give their all to the game.
Love what I’m reading there, leftcoast!
IDKA
If you are really, genuinely trying to ‘raise the level of debate’ (patronising enough on its own) then I respectfully suggest that you do a detailed analysis of what you write including its context and who is likely to read it in this bar.
Then, perhaps you could ask yourself why you tend to put people’s backs-up in what I have found to be an enormously friendly, on-line community.
A small shift in stance on your part might yield some remarkably different reactions.
Just my opinion of course and not intended to offend.
Cheers.
Joe and Trev – thank you for your kind words , and Joe cheers for the great link .
maki mou @190 – thank you for the link . He would have been a great signing . I heard that at such a tender age , he didn’t fancy a move abroad at this point in his career . Needless to say , I don’t know if this has any truth to it .
8ball and Ollie @various heh π
IDKA – Where to start , given the limited time ( and energy ) . Would suggest you read Robert Peston on the BBC or many of the Manure blogs for a more rounded view of their finances .
In the last results announced Manure paid 51m in interest payments alone , making it approximately 350m in interest payments alone since the Glazers took over . If that doesn’t impact on the footballing side , I don’t know what does . The bottom line is that without that debt , 350m more would have been available .
The debt has been reduced (slightly) in the last 18 months , as Utd applied some of the surplus of the Ronaldo/Tevez sales , and because the Glazers bought back 65m of the Bond which was not taken up . How they did this is unclear and is shrouded in mystery , and was probably done with debt raised on other financial interests in America .
The financial model they operate is one that survives on the edge , even with the sustained success on the pitch and the huge appeal of the brand name . A sudden falling off of that success and it could be carnage .
Agreed that they were better off converting the PIK loans into a Bond , but its still debt , whichever way you look at it .
The debt has everything to do with the playing operations . Ultimately it has to be repaid . Ferguson’s success has concealed that reality . It will impact as soon as their football becomes a little less successful , or if the financial football bubble bursts .
Selling off shares publicly is not a long term way of making money . The club makes money once when the shares are sold into public ownership . Thats it . Thereafter it is the shareholders who make money . Why are the shares being floated – because the Glazers are overstretched and seeking to recoup .
If it all goes tits up , it wont be the Glazers who lose out , but the club , saddled with their debt and having paid out millions in both interest , and extortionate consultancy fees .
Manure bore me , and I’m sure everybody else here , so this is my last word on the subject .
Believe what you want to .
Re: leftcoastgooner @215: Thanks for the information about dos Santos. He sounds like he’s all the business, I can’t wait to see him in action. π
Just having a proper catch up – Ollie, H2H, Camberwell, BtM π
Goonertown – apologies – here’s your pipe . I’ve put a little bit of chinese in for you to try . Get stuck in mate
In his post today Arseblog highlights our new signings’ ages, which certainly seems to be an acknowledgement by the club management of an over-reliance on youth in Wengerball 3. Their ages are: Arteta (29), Benayoun (31), Mertesacker (26), Park (26), Santos (28). Didn’t our average age just go up by about 3 years?
8ball – it didn’t go up enough for me ! Another reason for the failed medical I suppose π
Good day for my numerological fixation. 200 achieved, as well as the coveted 222. Not sure anybody else cared about 222 but it’s got a certain symmetry …
Never mind tabs @ #223. You can be more than useful in the ‘Holic squad π
Cusop –
Crouch gone, Palacios gone, Jenas gone, Hutton gone, Modric desparate to go, and the stadium crumbling around you in a riot torn shit-hole –
I’m off to write Harry Potty and the Ship of Doom. Tnanks boys !!!
TS – heh π and good stuff @217
Just thinking aloud….IF Bendtner becomes first choice striker at Sunderland and IF he scores 15-20 for a team that looks pretty average – does he then come back and get a chance to play regularly and in his correct position? Discuss…..
Did somebody say Arteta will wear the number 8 shirt?
*Considers “behind the 8 ball but not arteta”; inwardly asks the question, “Is Arteta an Arsenal legend yet?”; and puts the idea aside for the moment*
Cheers tabs, fresh pipes all round π
JKR – Brilliant. I thought I was trying to keep my low-zero tolerance of LWCs going on my own at #214 but your post has inspired π
Re: JKR and the new title: It sounds like the most horrific one in the series. π
8 ball
Yes, #8s all round in your case. That two good things:
1) A poke in the eye to a money grabbing littel $h*t
2) You get to change you name back to bt8bbna where a = Arteta
Simples? π
Re: TS @214: Brilliant as usual. It comes to mind that SZCZ was at the center of my two most enjoyable moments last season: His celebration of Arshavin’s goal against Barca, and his takedown of Bile. The boy knows how to lift the team, or it just comes naturally. π
8ball. @229….. was Na$ri ever an Arsenal legend???
TS @214 – heh π
Dr. C. You point out the error of my ways, which I have attempted to correct in “gunning for glory.” The Arteta idea is therefore just a passing entertainment, unlike his expected lasting and humongous contribution to our success this season. π
TS @230 – cheers. Afraid Rowling was me too – couldn’t resist π
@Catalan Gunner
Perhaps in his agents and a pigs eye.
Cheers Trev & 8 ball.
Tabs has the communal pipes filled with PiK’s very finest. Enjoy fellas π
Trev @ #237
You really are taking this multiple personalities thing and moving things on aren’t you?
Well done to you, your posts always appreciated by this Gooner.
Re: Tabs @223, The average age is apparently headed in our direction, but you can feel good about this: Some of us didn’t even get a medical at all. π
takeabowson, couldn’t agree more about the Mancs…it’s all a shell game now and yes, IDKA, it all has to repaid at some point in time. While one part of their operation is making money, the other part is bleeding badly. Before they paid-off the PIKs (I think they paid-off these without telling anyone how) they were paying over 10% I believe to finance this debt when interest rates were at historical lows. This tells me that their debt is viewed as risky in the market unless I’m totally missing something. In any event, their shell game reminds me of the good bank/bad bank tricks that banks are currently using to prop-up their stock from the ’08 crash. In the bad bank, they move all of their SIVs, bad loans, etc. (Mancs holding company) to remove them from the good bank (footballing side) so they can actually show positive numbers. This is by no means a sustainable model in my view.
Thanks TABS!
@ JKR that was Fu@#ing funny! π
Vell, Hello Gooners!
Yesterday voz a vunderfull day for me. I voz met at ze club by a very freundliche lady called ze Lady Nina Bracevell-Schmith.
She said she voz delighted to heff me here and voz hoping I vud be able to plug ze gaping hole at ze back. She seemed very keen to show me exactly how she vud like zis to be done.
She was very knowledgeable!
She voz viz her freund, Peter Hill-Vood, (vell, who voodn’t) who became a little vorried ven she explained me just how I vud be expected to shut ze back door but also srust forverts into ze central area.
Mein Gott, she knows her stuff!
I told her she could rely on me for anysink and zat I heff come to Arsenal to conquer ze vurld.
Mr Vood looked sehr vorried at zis and grabbed Mrs Schmith and led her avay.
I liked Mrs Schmith. I feel she is going to help me grow a strong root here sehr qvickly.
She said she is very excited to see me play viz ze new Brazilian as soon as moglich, sorry, possibull.
I can hardly vait !!
Prosit Gooners, Per.
Truly schizo, TS π
Tabs @244, perchance? Masterful, whoever it was. π
Ollie @198
“Certus excellentia tamen incertus valetudo”
But credit where credit is due: “Undoubted quality but uncertain fitness” was penned by our illustrious host, ‘Holic, in the post.
Have been desperate to get to the bar all day but bleeding work (yeah work) put paid to that.
Great stuff from the usual suspects, tabs, TS, BtM, Trev, Joe, Ollie, H2H, Dr C , 8ball and probably numerous others I have forgotten (please don’t take it personally).
Extra rolling stock for the Happy Train on order.
IDKA – your attempt to raise the level of the debate would be taken more seriously if you showed up without the big black raincloud that persistently follows you around. And I would hide that Green and Gold scarf if I were you π
On a personal level, I am generally happy with the signings, excited by what Per German Bloke will add to the team (70 odd caps for Germany compared with young Master Cahill’s, what, one?). But I am concerned about injuries to key individuals (as ever).
As a gift from Dr Feelgood, please help yourself to what remains of the current stock of Happy Pills – it appears that BtM grabbed a big Fife handful before the rest of you got anywhere near the CMC. π
Will see virtually a brand new team when I go to the Grove on 24th – can’t wait.
Up the Arse!
@ 247
Should add that we should raise a glass of calda or melsum to our host for all his fine words, post in, post out.
NBN – done. π
CCL?
@NBN249
Agreed and cheers!
CCLII then, in recognition of NBN’s apparently fine translation. π
zicoinexile @248
Agreed. Mertesacker is a top signing. So much better than Cahill (period; never mind the difference in price). I never understood the clamour to sign someone who was the heart of a defence that shipped 30% more goals in the league last season than ours did.
Oh bugger with this roman numerals bit. I’ll join in that toast to Per Holicmeister.
NBN, I wouldn’t be suprised if Mertesacker was AW’s number 1 target all summer, and he used the Samba/Cahill/Jagielka media crusade as his very own personal smokescreen.
Perfect analysis ‘Holic. Interesting signings – addressing our obvious defensive deficiencies, bringing experience and creativity into our callow and hitherto colourless (in absence of Jack) midfield and providing cover and alternatives up front. We are better placed than we were a week ago and time will tell whether we can compete at a level we like. Agree on ticket issue.
Trev @250 and leftcoastgooner @252
Top men. Or at least Top Ancient Romans. Just stay off the posca
bt8bbgfg @256
You may well be right. Typical Wegner under the radar signing. Ticks a lot of boxes for AW, too: intelligent, quiet leader, technically skillful, good reader of the game, clean tackler (like Kos), multilingual, one year left on contract so cheap, plus international experience and height as a bonus. And a youngster by the standards of our other signings this window.
Welcome back Dr. Z. You and/or Dr. Feelgood are mentioned @101 which was a late night/early morning post over here.
@bt8bbgfg256
Nah,don’t buy it.That or the Brooklyn bridge.
More likely Gazza said, “skipper if you don’t make a move we’re redundant”.
Andre Santos is much more of a bruiser than Clichy. See picture at:
http://fcbtransfers.blogspot.com/2009/07/andre-santos-alternative-for-left-back.html
Disclaimer: This picture is on an FC Barcelona blog that somewhat distressingly also says “Mes Que un Blog”
Evening Team.
Sozzled ‘holic here. Just enjoyed what will probably be the last summer evening winefest in the garden with the neighbours.
Can we cut Idka some slack. Seems to be arguing a reasonable point or two, and with civility until cornered, unlike our Canuck friend who was probing the gaps in the fence.
Cheers, (hic)…
heh 8 ball 260 – I saw that (101) earlier this morning – at that time I was on the Underwhelmed Train on the way to the office.
Holics, been thinking about the Swansea game – with the interlull games being played on Saturday and next midweek, I think that Le Boss will have very little time to work with all the new guys (not to mention potential injuries, god no, please no) so we may need to be patient to see immediate major improvements.
I thought Swansea looked quite tidy for about 70 minutes against the Etihad Mercenaries, although they looked pretty toothless in the last third. For our part, I think we need to concentrate in the next few league games on getting maximum points, irrespective of how they come. We can add the style and finesse later when we have got nearer the end of the league that we should be at.
Is Santos going to be away during the interlull? Anyone know?
sozzled on a school day, ‘holic?
No chance of barbecue here tonight, but I’m hoping for great weather in normandy this weekend. Supposed to spend it mostly outdoors!
Does Idka have any connection to a Swedish furniture store? Was wondering if SV had been finally banished and assumed the last straw must have had something to do with an extremely large moose and a night out waiting for the visit of the HT near the shore of Lake Superior. π
‘holic, thou art clArsenal on and off the pitch (nee post) – to the beginning of the end of this summer’s whinefest – hopefully (i’ve had a few of each meself)
Ooh to be AH GoonaH!
8ball – 256, that may very well be the case.
Werder Bremen’s chairman said that PM’s transfer was negotiated all summer so AW obviously wanted him for a long time and not because ‘he didn’t get his top CB targets’ or because he was forced to ‘panic buy’.
Joe and the rest – Agree completely. Our first 11 might be less EXCITING but our squad is STRONGER, both in leadership qualities and in actual strength (Santos looks so fit compared to Clichy!).
Camberwell – Yossi is a nickname. It’s short for Yosef, which is the Hebrew version of Joseph. We usually do that with names like Avi is Avraham, Dani – Daniel, etc.
who is watching AOC and Lans bury(2 goals so far) for U21s
http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/castamp.html?channel=gfdgdfgfdgdfgdfgfdg
And by the way – We bid 30MΒ£ for Hazard and 35MΒ£ for Goetze.
Can’t say AW doesn’t bid big.
I’m actually thrilled that we got a PL experienced player and not a young (again?!) prospect. We’ll get that in January.
Lille were happy with the Hazard bid but said it’s too late to replace, so January it is then :)? If we don’t get him this season then RM will snatch him in the summer since Zidane’s (his idol) in love with him.
And we were very interested in Gourcuff on loan but they decided to keep him after they sold Pjanic to Roma. Thrilled it didn’t happen. Average with no PL experience.
Sorry to digress, but I’m on the lookout for something and after hearing on another blog that gunner had chosen the tunes for a radio show I’m thinking he may the answer to this little conundrum that’s had me for a couple of years now
Who is this?
As i stated the first ten seconds of the clip are blank
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpWDdU0zdBc
Cheers
I’m with you on the Gourcuff front, Snir.
He’s been hugely disappointed since he left Bordeaux.
Or even in his last half-season at Bordeaux, like the whole of the team there: their collapse made our end of last season looks like title-winning form.
Re: Ollie @273: Don’t the Bordeaux players traditionally drop off at the end after an entire season of drinking a glass of red wine in each half (with two glasses per half for the substitutes)? I thought Agence France Press had a feature about it not long ago. π
Are you looking for your coat, Sir 8ball? π
And just for everyone slating the manager.
The fact that Arteta had to take a wage cut to play for Arsenal tells you all you need to know about the ridig wage structure that’s been disturbing AW’s business.
Grimandi: “You have to be able to pay the wages that are at the level of the purchase and that we can’t do.”
That’s in addition to AW’s comment in his post match presser.
I hope the club will make the change now…
Nice track gen, but I can only tell you it is sung over the Spinners “I’ll be around”. It isn’t a version I have.
Ts,
apologies for the belated response, I nipped in to the bar cast a baited hook and nipped out again, I see I hooked the one i wanted, infantile, heh. I saw you having a get together v the pickpockets but afraid I couldn’t make it, I’m a tied to the place I go by family & friends but maybe able to make it along for a mid week game sometime, that would be good.
I did notice the accusations being thrown at me by some people and would like to thank those that defended me, if you recall a little while back I warned of the dangers of moose poo and got the name changed to moose shit, I’m glad to see most people are now on the same wavelenght. As for being under the influence I stuck rigidly to the prearranged one every 15 minutes rule and as for eyeing up the ladies team that’s part of the drink drive test, when I can’t tell them apart from wolfie it’s time for the strong black coffee
Re: Ollie @275: I’m taking care of it (see below), but I’m not old enough yet to be called “Sir” π
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=coat+hanging+up&hl=en&biw=1023&bih=479&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=NPooTxwi4uXjcM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gomommygo.com/thanks_behaviors.html&docid=IG_EEtrpW0lk3M&w=450&h=394&ei=OPNfTtLtD6T40gHUqb3eAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=744&vpy=178&dur=3659&hovh=210&hovw=240&tx=162&ty=153&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=184&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0
Re: ‘holic @277: The Spinners’ version rocks, not to mention the styles and the dancing. π
Re: Glennw, For too long I think we called it moose excrement. π
Blimey bt8, you never heard of tinyurl? π
Following transfers, a happier bunny is to be found at the sparkie residence.
I prefer to take the view that Le Prof, being more cunning than a cunning fox, quite deliberately waited until zero hour in order to seal the best deal possible.
Being cunning and all that.
I don’t really subscribe to any of the ‘panic buying’ views starting to surface in the meeeja.
Cunts they are. Damned if we buy, damned if we don’t buy.
However, the real reason I am here, is to see if there’s any Beechams All in One in the MC?
Man flu, jeez, it’s so shit π
Arteta, Park, Gervinho, Mertesacker, Santos and Yossi.
I’m sorry, I love you and all, but this bit of news is a lot more exciting for me!!! The good news just keep on coming!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2032780/Jack-Wilshere-boost-Arsenal.html
Mark the Spark
Beechams, Head & Shoulders, we have all the “all in one”s in the CMC.
I’m sure you know the recipe for an Auntie Beechams by now. Self medicate at will….
Snir,
good news indeed and with no game this weekend there’s no need to rush him back, a welcome interlull, that makes a change
Glennw – All we gotta do is pray to the footie gods that we won’t have any new injuries that will keep the players out ‘for a few days’. π
Following on from Holic’s plea
TABS, IDKA (and anyone else who has joined in), I only peripherally followed your argument (earlier, so hopefully I haven’t missed anything spectacular), but it all struck me as very clever and intellectual. No real name calling either. Bravo, I believe it’s called an “informed discussion”.
Noting wrong with that.
I’m not going to tell you who’s side I’m (mostly) on. But, remember that in life there is always balance. If we are members of the Happy Train, then maybe we provoke a sceptic to come along and question us. Fair enough. Each to their own. Ying and Yang.
Of course (on both sides), we always have the option of just skipping over the others posts and carrying on. Also fair enough.
Now then, I’ve had a word with Dr C, and has dug into his deep pockets and provided funds for 6 pints, and enough Californian from the GT to keep you going for a while.
He prescribes that both of you intelligent chaps sit down and discuss, with passion, your love and enjoyment of The Arsenal, first, and footy, second.
HOWEVER, you are forbidden from straying into mentioning of other clubs or finances.
He is confident that all will work out splendidly.
Now then, where’s me pipe….
Fuck me…up on 300 posts again tonight, loving the debate and the calmness…Wenger out…Steve Mclaren in…that’ll teach ya..
Re: ‘holic and the tiny url. Wolfgang Smallballs told me all about it but said something more substantial was preferable. My apologies if it messes with the interweb thingie. π
Evening one and all, been trying to keep up with the last few days but have been struggling to, nothing like the madness of the last day of “sales” to test the sanity of even the strong willed! From my forays into the bar it seems for the most part we are all in agreement about the arrivals! I for one am absolutely delighted to see the defence sorted out alongside the two little gems we picked up for the middle and up top we could have that livewire who will close down the oppo and force the errors which add another dimension to our play. And all of this done without too much fuss and we didnt have to wait for the dna test results to see if they all came back positive as Arsenalinists π right really should be hitting the hay, early flight in the morning! A nightcap for me please barman and whatever everyone else is having, stick it on Uniteds bill, its not they will notice! As always its great to be a Gooner
Just made it back to Blighty. So, 5 in? Blimey. See, we can do it if we try.
I have said for ages that we lack experience and quality. I am sincerely hoping that those coming in can bring both. I see why not. Quite excited with having a proper centre half in the ranks and Arteta has always had quality. I think that at last we seem to have hit the nail on the head. It just leaves me to ask why the hell it all had to happen over two days and why it was not all sorted weeks and weeks ago? I would really love to know the truth on that one.
Holic, your ticket point is well made. My view is that the supporters are far less tolerant these days. If you pay top dollar then you expect to receive value for money. Not unreasonable I would suggest? Many can take the support your team at all costs route but I do not think that applies anymore. Any season ticket holder will tell you that the cost makes a significant impact on their disposable income. It is not like the old days when you turned up and paid a few quid to stand in the North Bank.
Good signings but only what is needed. Top quality needs to follow in the next windows. The dosh needs to be invested wisely and this has to just be the start.
Holic @263 Apologies .
IDKA – If I overstepped the mark , I apologise . Have a beer on me . All Gooners together after all . Cheers .
Not really sure about the importance of Banayoun and Park, other than as backups, but between Arteta, Mertesacker and Santos I have a feeling we will be relying very heavily on this threesome in the weeks and months ahead. Injuries may also play a significant role in our season, in which case we may say thank god we signed the other two as well. If Park or Benayoun can play the role of super sub it could be the difference between a reasonably good season and perhaps a title winning one. But to win the title there are a few others who will have to be stalwarts like they have never been before, including Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Song, Wilshere, Ramsey and SZCZ. If the latter helps us to a championship or even a cup I promise here and now to have learned how to spell his name before the end of the season. COYRRR!!
Re: Tabs @293 I can’t say you really have much of anything to apologise for. Is this not a case of British civility gone wild? Then again, I’m just an American so ‘holic as an Englishman may appreciate it more than I know. Cheers. π
Maybe Tabs you’re just lurking for the chance to get 300? π
lurking for 301 8ball π
Tabs, In the American West there’s a classic tune to accompanying this kind of lurking. The original lyrics goi something like this:
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rawhide …
But in this case there can be some appropriate editing to fit the occasion, something like this:
Lurkin’ lurkin’ lurkin’
(and so on)
Here we go!
BMBD.
Then in the background we hear a lusty crack of a bullwhip …
Late again fellas !!!!! π π
As Wolfgang will attest, you always have to guard your rear.
Up the Arse.
BMBD.
Lonestar, What A Surprise!!
Tabs, I guess it’s opportunity lost but how about 401? 399??
And a demonic cry of Yeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaa ……
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
all the livelong day.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
you can not get away.
Do not think you can escape them.
From the night until the early morn’
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
’til Gabriel blows his horn…
*Flashes hook ’em to celebrate to professional insertion to claim #300*
Gents, what’s the good word? Lots of discussions; whyfores and what nexts, but here’s the way I saw 10 days ago – and posted on here:
(1) qualify for CL group stage – check.
(2) strengthen team / get rid of distractions – check check.
(3) get 7 points from the first five league games – still possible.
Strategy wise, if we can break even with the other Big Four and maximize our points from mid/lower table teams, the league will be ours.
I honestly think our best chance for silverware will be CL, however. We will be a very dangerous team over two legs.
BMBD.
Re: Lonestar: Please don’t tell me the “professional insertion” reference has anything to do with llamas? This is past most British schoolboys’ bedtime of course but still …
Apology for sexist language in #307: Should have said “… and schoolgirls …”
Never rated him at all. In fact in my eyes he was one of the least talented players in our squad in the last decade or so and he has the audacity to say this!?
Bendtner, 23, said: “I will never go back to Arsenal. If I can have it my way, I will never play for them again.
Fuck off.
Anyone who knows me knows there are 3 players I wanted gone from the second I saw them – Denilson, Bendtner and Almunia.
Finally got my wish.
holic
thanks for at least reading the posts and trying to understand them. wish there were more of your ilk :). you see much of the debate here is whether its wenger or the board and the wenger lovers demonise the board, without it seems to me ever trying to understand what the dynamics of the football club are. under the old board we just wanted to be “successful” and wenger delivered that at least in the early years and of course everyone said how lovely and great we were so we were happy, fed by wenger’s “next year and we play better football/have a younger team than anyone else”
of course a big distinction with the new board is they PAID to get in – real money is more restless than inherited money – and it seems to me that the new board want to go the united route. Maximise commercial appeal , hence the sudden u turn on asia, and i suspect signing of park. they know they cannot sell this story without trophies much less with batterings like last week, so my guess is this heralds the end of the wenger project. as there was no experience they bought some. the next step wiil be to retain their so they need to avoid jack theo rvp and tv becoming restless over next couple years. in my mind there is no doubt , little of this activity was “planned”. so football will be more pragmatic and some of the values we think we have loved over past 6 years will be cast aside. media love the youth story so now united and maybe liverpool will get those kudos while we will be a team av age 26-27. the team as a result will be a little less exciting – always adrenaline rush watching kids do it – but do we care ? i don’t know is the answer to that. does wenger care – will he think this is the end of his dream. surely signing a 29 year old who had had bad injuries and while a fine player in his day has surely put best years behind him was never in his plan ?
when ferguson came in to united they of course had the whole babes thing but we had more league titles than them, not to mention liverpool of course with 18. we both got left behind as united went about securing the commercial base. they were lucky/smart (always perception on this) that sky premier league came at same time and now they are so far ahead that without the sugar daddies they would only have us to worry about.
so my analysis above, and thank you holic and catalan and any others that stuck with me, all leads to this. it is not because i love other clubs abut try and understand how the landscape is changing and it is changing fast for us too., that was a given as soon as big stan and usmanov walked through the door. they don’t give a fig about the clock end or charlie george or alex james or the marbled halls. if anyone thinks we are on some higher ground than united , you had better understand that they just got there a long way before us. stan would swap places with the glazers in a heartbeat. they have build the brand/name/status – we now have to. and that is a different game to the one we have been playing
as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.
FOOTNOTE
TABS ; i don’t doubt there is debt and that the substantial interest payments have impacted on the playing side. clearly less interest = more money to spend on players. but they make so much money they can do both. my point was that they have not borrowed to build a team – that bit is organic – and we can all be grateful that they couldn’t spend more or they would be buying the agueros, matas also. if they get their listing away and – say – repay all the debt then aren’t they in the same position as us only with bigger numbers. doe sit matter if your shareholders are a combination of yanks and russians or yanks and asians ?
Snir, Congratulations on two of the three but I must have missed the official announcement about Almunia being “gone” and he still has the number 1 shirt on this page: http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players
What gives??
I go out and play futsal in the middle of a typhoon and now I have 300+ drinks to guzzleβ¦what was the point of exercising?
Tabs, that post at 150 was epic, like TROY 2 epic. Have a drink on me.
Quick welcome to our five experienced signings, Dos Gun-toes, Merte-shooter, Park .45, Artillerata and Benagoon, may they make us proud. In every position we have an experienced player and a younger back-up that can learn from them now, no complaints from me. I still hoped for Kaka though. What can I say? Iβm greedyβ¦.
After a long night in continent have managed to catch up with the most recent posts – (don’t think i’ll crack the big M over the page thou)
some fascinating (if at times depressing stuff) from IDKA. Surely ’tis a fine fing to have a full range of Arse views on here, especially when they come from proper Gooners who seem to be reasonably well informed. And i know that’s not always the case – even on here (Canada, for some reason, springs to mind) …
And yes tabs at 127 (i think) i did mention ‘tranny business’ – for if you were that way inclined you might want to suggest that the recent flurry of furtive activity way past the eleventh hour was all just – cross transfer window dressing – i’ll get my kit.
To dressing up and dressing down and dressing rooms and broad mindedness in debate and respect for fellow well-meaning Gunners and that.
And to a new season and beyond – for these are truly mighty, mighty interesting times for the clurrb – short and long term. It all seems massively up for grabs (all the more reason to keep the debate wide open and well informed) on and orf the pitch right now
Up The Arsenal
psed are all trannies by definition broad minded? – i’ll get me blue kit
CoMonUUUUUREEEEEEEdddddddddddsssssssss!!!
Read thru most of the drunks, but, has anyone mentioned the ( itemized) depth of this squad
The pole
Sagna. Big Sack. TV5. The Saint
Bilbong Song
Our-teta. LJW
TiTi lite. Grrr-vihno
Prince RVP
Bench- park, Rambo, rosicky, Bennygoon, aa, Frimpong the mad, Gibbs, Ryo, OX, Diaby, fabianski, what happens in Vegas….
Not to mention the ones i don’t really want to see near the sidelines.
All I can say is well done to whoever (AW) is responsible for the phone calls to players that may not have joined otherwise… Like I’ve said push forward and it’s onwards and upwards, not sure if the same can be said for the spuds. Drink up
Finally, all drinks guzzled. Some interesting points regarding finances and how it affects the football side of things. I can understand some of the points being made on both sides regarding the finances but to be fair as most of us aren’t privy to all of the facts all we can do is speculate.
To be honest I don’t really care about the finances of other clubs but is there a way we can get a clearer idea of how things are handled at our club I wonder? Exactly where we stand in terms of being able to conduct business properly, etc. Some simple statements from the board would go a long towards dispel misconceptions about why we seem to waffle during the transfer season.
Anyway, I leave you gooners with something that hopefully makes you chuckle…
A man is sitting in a pub with his dog during the Spurs vs Manchester City match. On the TV the commentator says “Manchester City 5, Tottenham Hotspur 1,” in his normal, rather sedate, voice. Suddenly the dog jumps up and shouts out, “Oh, no, not again.”
The shocked bartender says, “That’s amazing. Why did he say that when the result was announced that Tottenham lost?”
“Because he’s a Spurs supporter,” the dog’s owner replies.
The landlord then asked what the dog says when Tottenham win a match, to which the man replied, “I don’t know. I’ve only had him three years.”
*gets coat and trundles back out into the typhoon*
@314 – it’s good to have players again that can threaten. It should be a different story, from the warm up, team-sheet, tunnel and walk out!
Should be great!
Shame I’m going to have to stream to see the first game, but I’ll definitely be getting back down to the grove sooner rather than later!
looking forward to some football looking forward to who plays and the formation that AW plays feeling alot beter about things than a a few days ago.
Steve T – nice summary of the transfers: “what is needed, top quality has to come in future windows”.
Echoes my post sometime yesterday – I think now we have the platform to steady the ship, and then we must push on to greater heights / ambition.
I would venture that with this squad, CL football next year is safe.
IDKA. Not so much “sticking by you”, just appreciating good debate on both sides and buying you both a drink π
PS, IDKA
I’ve got a round in, TABS bought you a pint, I believe it’s traditional to…?? π
Nicklas Bendtner vows never to return to Arsenal … Hooray!!!
@320 yeah I heard
Just bumped in to my neighbour whose a mad gooner. He said he’s very happy with our purchases… Onwards and upwards!
I take the point about age but xavi is still the best midfielder in the world at 30+ whereas LJW has tweeted that Rtotheteta was the hardest midfielder he has had to play against in the league. He played 29 league games last season too!
Henri – two goals and MOM for the U21s last night. In his last year of contract and loaned out. Seems a shame that we will probably lose him.
But then, Arsene has never been wrong about letting young ones go before. Anyone know if there’s an attitude problem or anything like that?? Maybe he was loaned out to get the games, but the contract is going to run down…
The greatest striker that evaah lived………..in Sunderland.
I guess the prospect of T shirted girls in February was just too hard to resist.
See you Nick, hope your next shite’s a hedgehog.
Heh! Zico.
Now there’s a couple of images to haunt me through the day.
Bloody Mary? Almost 11 here….
Nice one zico @ #323 π
Did he really say those things that Patient GGG reported above @ #309?
What a pranny, why burn your bridges like that? He’ll get a real “Ems Cheer” when he turns up with the Doubtfires in October.
Morning Dr.C
I’m still on intravenous caffeine here. Late night in the pub post footie in the park.
I’ll fetch you another….
TS – interview in Danish and then translated by The Sun… so beware sensationalising for headlines.
Cheers Zico, a second will do nicely. It is Friday (and last day of freedom) after all.
Nikki nikki nick a goal Bendtner…niki niki nick a goal Bendtner!! π
Irrespective of whether he has been mis-quoted or not, the stupidity of footballers never ceases to amaze me. Just shut the fuck up – score 30 goals and then see where THAT takes you.
I will be his biggest supporter when he plays against LWCs, Chavs etc. I would also remind him he has the touch of an elephant when he played against us (TS @ 325) but I assume that won’t happen since he’s still our player?
Catalan – is Spanish Management on her way back? Drink up then, quickly π
Dr.z
Yes, I wondered if he’s ‘allowed’ to play against us as he is still our player.
Anyway, we have far bigger fish to fry… π
Dr C, I think ‘Lansbury is in the last year of his contract’ is the stuff of myths though.
The only trace I can find on .con is him signing a new ‘long term’ contract on 31/12/2009. Doesn’t seem very long term if he’s in the last year.
Anyway, word is he has an attitude problem, and while searching for all the info on .con I think there’s been many false dawns.
The new Steve Sidwell or David Bentley, possibly.
As for Bendtner, his last minute goal in the Camp Nou will remain the stuff of legends.
What? Oh.
Sorry, myths. Well he did score, but in the wrong year π
Cheers Dr.C @ #327
Hope you managed a little mouse play whilst the cat’s been away? π
And TS 330: no. They’ve changed Premier LEague rules ( a couple of seasons ago I think) so that a player on loan in the PM CANNOT play against the club who owns him. No exceptions.
Morning all – more coffee anyone?
Nicklas Bendtner, I sincerely hope your dearest wishes come true π
Thanks so much for almost breaking sweat a couple of times in 5 years. Mind you, for a paltry Β£52,000 a week who can blame you for not trying.
Stay dry up there . . . .
Z – How can you forget Niki B’s header against the scum with his first touch during 2007-8 season?
Niki niki nick a goal Bendtner (**reaches for the pipe)!
Zico
Yep – La directora is packing up the kids and heading this way!
You may see a press conference called re Dr C’s management of the GT Rollers pretty soon.
Onto my third BM of the morning…
This is GT checking in on to the HT to follow I would like to board the GT…
…over and out! π
zico @329 –
Bendy has “touch of an elephant” is a bit of an exaggeration.
It’s not that good. . . π
Z- How do you get your smiley face to grin so widely? I can only do π or :)) or is it :0
Damn! none of the last two worked
Typical isn’t it.
As soon as things get exciting we have an Interlull to deal with. Over a whole week till we get to see our shiny new boys run out against Swansea.
In the words of the inimitable Arseblogger:
“Fuck you Interlull. I hope you get raped in the face. By a bear.”
And for the record, against the Swans (is that their nickname?) I’d like to see the following line-up:
———————-Chezzer————————–
—–Sagna—–Nutsacker—–Vermy—–Santos—-
—–Frimps (did he get 3 games or just the 1?)——
————-Our Teta—–Benayoun——————
——–Theo———RVP————-Arsh??——–
I suck ass at formations btw. Would Mikel and Yossi work together?
@ CG-Frimps is out for 1
I had Yossi playing in the Arsh role but, I’m sure he’s versatile
Ollie @ #333: Thanks, good to know.
Trev @ #338: Cheers, another coffee would be just what the Dr. ordered π
Gt @ #339: Type π or for animation type π
Camberwell: Looks good, I think LJW, Ramsey & Arteta might be a good choice too.
A round on Lars tab for all please Mr.Barman.
Sorry Gt
‘ π ‘ & ‘ π ‘
Without speech marks, obvioulsy…
Final attempt
“:grin:” & “:lol:”
342 Gt, good attempt at erasing our last league game from the history book and our memory, eh? π
Or I guess you meant ‘was’, having now seen bothered to read the comment in CG’s line-up. D’oh! :$
π π
@ TS and Ollie π π
…we’ve got Ar-teta, we’ve got Ar-teta, we’ve got Ar-teta, we’ve got Ar-teta!
I’m getting in to the spirit from now! π
Ollie -if Frimps was in our last game we would have won π
GT – One thing I feel certain about: Pingpong will come back from his ban suitably chastened and will curb his madder instincts while still being a bull in midfield.
Meanwhile, further up the pitch…Arteta and RVP to score?
OK Goonertown just for the record.
NB52, or Hat Trick Boy (as he is known in his own head) would have done a job for us, if played in his correct position. As he probably will for the Makems. And THAT goal against the LWCs was a treasured moment.
But I just wish him and the French lesbian would shut the feck up about Arsenal – we are not obsessed by them so why should they continually feel the need to comment about us?
Enjoy your new found fame and fortune and we will get on fine without you, girls.
Roll on pub time (5:00 pm GMT)
Z-Totally agree with you he was played out of position and kept us in the league as our sole centre forward (his natural position) post Jan 09/10, only for us to wank it away in the last few games!
That doesn’t mean to say he was our greatest player, cause he was very very far from it!
Credit where credit is due. I would like to see his quotes cause I can bet they were jumbled like most anti-arsenal quotes!
Victoria Condordia Creset to yer!
Barman your finest for Z please!
CG- Our table tennis ball has alot of promise. We have had to re-build a squad built around Fab4, so it’ll take time!
TTB adds that tackling prowess missing from certain other players, so I hope he can only get better! I’m sure his good friend LJW will lend him a few words of experience from that head start in the first team that he has had!
You know me I am definitely going for RVP to score against the match boxes and you can definitely stick one of our new guys in there for good measure! My instincts tell me MA will boss the game and with the chances we create should score!
I’d even go as far as to stick Yossi Benidorn on that score sheet too! π
Morning chaps ,
First of all , Dr C , very remiss of me not to thank you for the beer last night , and one coming right back at yer . I will look forward to that Green Tin Rollers Press Conf π
Per Mertesacker @244 – Trev ? TS ? Whoever – great stuff π
North Bank Ned @254 – totally agreed re the Mertesacker/cahill comparison .
Glennw@278 – Wolfie’s been playing for the ladies team undetected for 3 years now π
Canons @312 Thanks for the drink and a Carib for you to keep you calm in the eye of the storm .
Al @313 heh:)
Nicholas Bendtner eh ? Never slow at coming forward , apart from on the pitch that is . I pray we’re not paying a portion of his Β£52k a week .
Beers on the Bar fellas .
Tabs and North Bank Ned – Just for the record, Football365 among other smug moaning gits were down on the Mertesacker signing.
Know what they said? We should have got Jagielka in, so PM represents a second rate piece of business.
Sorry, but how many better defenders will you find than a 6’6″ international with 77 caps? Does “Jags” have that many? I think not.
And before I nip off, .357 is mine!!!
Now, holics, ask yourselves: Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya?
I was clearly waiting for 358 Camberwell π
As for Football365 pah
CG – Everyone knows what Mertesaker is all about. We don’t have to justify him!
TABS – the 358 travels to Crystal Palace the last time I checked π
Camberwell wins a Magnum of the wine of his choice.
Pull a pew and grab yourselves a flute one and all!
That should be “pull UP a pew” π
Goonertown @360 – Some would say I’ve been on the wrong road for quite some time π
Camberwell – Cheers for the drink
I’m hearing that Park has scored two goals against Lebanon today (so far).
Tabs – Don’t worry mate, take a tote on the pipes of peace with me my dear fellow! π
**Puff Puff
Should I go for another five pint post tonight? Or save it for hangover hour tomorrow?
Decisions, decisions…
Good to hear Ollie .
Cheers Goonertown , don’t mind if I do π
5 pints ‘Holic , every time π
What tabs said, ‘holic.
Your post Scouse write-up shows that 5 pints post will be extremely sober.
Post it!
Park Chu-Young has just scored two goals for S Korea.
Here’s one of them… ooo look, a header!
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/park-chuyoung-(2)-lebanon-15357098/
I’m surprised patient G Goolie’s head hasn’t fallen off with the excitement π
Ah, Ollie – ahead of me, I see
5 pints, Holic.
Af’noon tabs – I suspect #244 must have been ze verk of ze Trev/PHW massive. Sehr gut, ja?
Dr. z at #352, well said. I’m starting to feel that we ‘re better off without both the French Le$bian and the Delusional Dane. I expect neither to receive much of a welcome when they return to the HoF.
Another round for all please barman.
Dr C – great header , cheers for the link . It is indeed frightening to think of the excitement in the Geuli household right now . I think the good Doctors need to be on standby . Nurse Wolfie is putting on her uniform as we speak . π
TS – afternoon fella – ah so it was Trev – truly , the man of a thousand voices . Cheers for the Beer , going down very well , I must say , in the sun .
Re: Ollie @365: If Park can score 2 against Lebanon, just think how many he can score against LWCFC. π
Hat-trick!
Nurse Wolfie, quick bleep Dr C. This is a bona fida emergency
Post, post, post!(5 pints that is)!
2 pints for every goal scored by Park v. Lebanon??
Prof TES
Urgent – if you could have a word with security, we need to secure and isolate patient G G Goulie immediately.
He requires immediate sensory blackout from all external media outlets. This includes his hard wired twitter thingy.
I have the ketamine ready and have instructed Nurse Wolfie to use the paddle for a little cranial traetment. No times for niceties on this one.
I pray to God that your men catch him in time.
Please confirm receipt
He’s chu young park, he’s chu young park, he plays other strikers off the park
Thank God you’re here Dr C .
I have wired Dr T , and all other Doctors within a 100 mile radius . I’ve heard Dr Z is effective , if a little unorthodox .
Ketamine , cricket bat , and oxygen chamber all to hand .
Gooner Ladyboy Massive on standby , if things get rough .
Do NOT, under any circumstances let the patient see this.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/chuyoung-park-(3)-lebanon-15357262/
Dear Nurse W and Dr. C
Security team are back on standby with PARS set to ‘subdue’ – a new setting to prevent harm to dedicated Goonerholics when restraint is required for their own good health.
As soon as he is sighted, I will be back in touch and arrange to liaise with your medical team.
Our first job will be to un-plug him from all methods of media comms. That may prove to be a little painful for the patient but no damage will be sustained.
Regards, Edwin.
Three different styles of goals. Promising.
Signing for us must have given him a boost.
4-4-2 for some games with RVP?
Promising cover for RVP too. I’m willing to place a bet that Chamakh never scores again for us.
I would play Theo up front instead of him.
I’m sure his attitude (good) is the reason he stayed rather than NB52
Are Lebanon better than Swansea ?
GT @ 382
Nah, you got that wrong.
He’s chu young park,
heβs chu young park,
And he’s mate’s with Mark the Spark… π π π
I’ll get my coat π
Certainly better than Swansea for the GT, i’d say tabs.
MTS – I get alot wrong fella!
I must say your version was much better! π
**puffs on pipe
Park’s goals smoke Lebanon.
He’ll fit in just fine here.
Afternoon Lads. BM time!!!
Afternoon H2H. That was some impressive hat trick wasn’t it? Now let’s see if he can repeat that vs The Swans, no pressure π
BM waiting for you on the bar.
…. and of course, if he smokes leb(anon) he’ll be an instant success in the bar. he already is with TGLM, ask Wolfie π
Right, time for a final BM before I go and pick up the Catalan directora and the academy youths.
*lifts glass with shaking hand*
Cheers TS
Let’s not underestimate Swansea lads, I remember back in the early 80’s losing to them at Highbury, 2-0 if memory serves. Bad day.
Hold on….
Top the glass up, that was last century, that makes it like 100 years ago π
This is the new Arsenal, we’ll tonk ’em. Rvp to score at least a dozen to finally give my FFL team some points.
BTW, shame on yous who had the pubic wig as captain last week, enjoy your sicker then ill gotton gains πΏ
Lurkers of the word, unite! π π
or of the world, as you wish. π
Dr. C. I hope the directora is able to keep you a little more regular *last word pronounced with rolled “r” π
Dyslectics of the world untie.
8ball…. she feeds me All Bran every morning.
Just to augment H2H above
We’re looking especially closest at you 8 ball, please hang you head in shame.
Your team has Dr. F*cko as Captain, THREE Munsters plus J*hn T*erry and only TWO Gooners.
Absolutely disgraceful!
Doctors, I’m perfectly fine! Like I said, Park impressed me at the WC so this doesn’t surprise me…!
C’mon Yossi, fuck those Greeks… The whole country is counting on you!!
going Greek??
Snir – it seems you are immune to Park. Hmmm…. very interesting. Perhaps there is an antibody we can isolate for you.
8ball….. John T**ry????? At least my suspect picks are the ones that seem least offensive (or in most cases, just don’t play!!).
Jo*n Te**y???????????
Pffft
Dr.C & Nurse Wolfie
Patient GGG is now in our sights. The Security Team are on their way.
Also, I’m a lttle concerned by the patient’s comments regarding his request for Mr. Benayoun to make bum love to young Greek males.
I’m going to hand that part of the patient’s rehabillation over to Wolfgang and TGLM.
Regards, Edwin.
TS/H2H and any other lurking FFL sour grapesters,
The manager will not be swayed from the policy that earned Numpties’ top of the pops status despite these shouts from the peanut gallery. Were sour grapes ever directed at mid- or bottom of the table clubs, other than LWCs or Stoke? Case in point: Were I to change course at this stage I would quickly be passed by Diab’holical who also has the great unwashed as captain. Need I remind you the manager of Diab’holical?
Yours sincerely,
Will not succumb to the pressure (WNSTTP) π
Whoa Professor, that’s a little strong.
Snir, apologies but Edwin is a very literal kind of fellow π
Awful attempt at a defence 8 ball. Your arguments do not wash with this Gooner.
I’m going to recommend Hardinso Endit to TGLM.
WNBSBB (Will Not Be Swayed By Bullcrap) π
Ok 8ball, win at any costs it is then.
In that case I hope Adebuymore, Cashley Hole and Na$ri also find their way into your team.
OK sorry, I may of gone too far there, I take it back. π
You’re clearly all been on the Lebanese since the earlier game.
It’s good sh*t Ollie, want some?
*tokes, squints, passes it on*
Re TS @408, The other pillar of Numpties’ success is we score so often we hardly need a defence. In three short weeks we turned awful into awfully effective. π
And very nice it is too Ollie π Much better than Swansea !
Prof TES ,
Update on Patient Ging Gang Geulie ;
Mere mention of Hardinso appears to have calmed him . Kept under watch . Regular checks . Suggest over exposure to Israel game might send him into downward spiral . Further suggest introduction to Benny Porn be done in slow supervised stages . Heart rate still off the scale , but improved . Hallucinations still occurring but less frequently .
Gooner Ladyboy Massive strapped up ready for action , but are becalmed themselves by Benny Porn .
Yours bedside manneringly
Nurse Wolfie
My theory on the LJW injury. I have a feeling once it was clear he wouldn’t make the Manure game and with international duty on the horizon after that game he had a “setback” in his recovery. Which he will recover from miraculously ahead of schedule for next Sat. Just a thought.
This place is full of nutters.
I’m off to a REAL pub. π
PS – Holic @ 367 – time for ambition. How about a gallon fuelled post?
8ball – Your team is an utter disgrace . H2H knows it , TS knows it , I know it , and you most certainly know it .
When your team come a visiting to Craven Cottaging , I will for the first time ever , order my team to give “a backs against the wall performance ” . Your card is marked , and you’ll be going down soon enough , Pulis-boy .
Invoking the selection of Diab’holical for a Defence , is like Pulis defending himself by referencing Alladyce .
The Gooner Ladyboy Massive are coming for you , as soon as this Ging Gang chap is given his medicine . π
Thanks TS.
*exhales*
Heh Ollie, 8 ball and tabs π
Drinks for all of you on the bar.
Dr.z, I resemble that remark π
A good a theory as any Bearded.
For once I think the interlul has actually come at a good time.
It’s time to take move on from last weekends result and with the new additions comming in we can make a fresh start.
I’m glad to see the back of August, even though our main goal (CL qualification) was achieved.
Heh 417.
The Numpties are in trouble.
After Wolfies done with the Ging Gang, the Speedo Massive are coming for you with a Gang Bang.
This could get messy.
Hi all,
Just getting to work. Did I miss anything?
Did anyone see Park’s trick?
Why is everybody beating up on the artst formerly known as “Behind the eight ball but not Na$ri?
I may be losing my place at the top but boy am I proud of my selection!!
Fucking hell. How the fuck did we lose?! Argh!
No Euro 2012 for us then!
Those fucking Greeks…
H2H Heh π
Hope you’re right Bearded . Reckon tho that Blackburn likely to be Jack’s first start . ( As reported by FFL !!)
By the way anyone done a transfer yet ? Are they immediately available or is there some sort of bedding in period ?
What was the score, Snir?
leftcoastgooner – still has Rooney as his FFL capt and called us the peanut gallery π
Oh Dear.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t come back until Blackburn either Tabs. Especially with the teams newfound depth at all positions and of course wanting to be very cautious with a legend in the making.
1-0.
As always Greece put 293487937r98234792837498237498 men behind the ball (they won the fucking Euro like that!) and Kayal (again!!!!!!!!!!) makes a mistake that ruins the qualification for us.
Last time he conceded a penalty, this time he conceded possession in our half which led to the goal.
Camberwell Gooner @ 356. I suspect Mertesacker’s performances will show Football365’s judgement to be awry, to put it politely. takeabowson @358 says it all.
There is a corrosive negativity in much sports journalism — if indeed it can be called journalism — that demands a full glass be seen as half-empty and, in Arsenal’s case, drained dry, unless the item is about ManU in which case the glass floweth over.
Bearded – absolutely . Can’t be too careful with a legend in the making .
Snir – what was Benny like ?
tabs @ #426 & lcg
Let’s not forget the inclusion of J*hn T*rry and 3 Munsters too!
North Bank Ned – I like your restrained, polite prose:
“Mertesackerβs performances will show Football365β²s judgement to be awry.”
I prefer to call them a bunch of one-eyed, Fergie’s-bum-licking bottom feeders. I hate F365.
π
Tabs.
You can make one free transfer per week, if you skip a week you can make two freebies.
You can transfer as many players as you want per week, but each additional transfer will cost you 4points.
Hope that helps.
Voddies all round please barkeep.
Cheers Snir. Better luck next time.
8ball,
Is it true that in your fantasy team you’ve got 3 Deeply Indebteds including the granny shagger himself, Cry-baby John Terry and only 2 gooners?
Good grief! The man’s lost it! Nurse…Take these bolt croppers and bust open that MC post haste!
@Camberwell Gooner
Nicely understed!
You can also use your wildcard which enables unlimited free transfers in one week, but you only get two a season so use them wisely.
TS @432 – Agreed . 8ball is studiously ignoring the taunts of the GLM , but as others have found , they can run , but they can’t hide .
” You’re going home with a Gooner Ladyboy ”
A chant that will send even the most stoic of managers into convulsions of fear π
Brilliant tabs @ #438 π
BTW, are they still swooning over the signing of Young Park?
H2H – cheers for the info . Bloody Mary awaits kind sir .
Incoming players immediately available for selection in the week you make the transfer ? Thought I read something about a 7 day wait , but may well have dreamt that .
@439 They like his hair TS , and are rather taken with his hip wiggle π
β Youβre going home with a Gooner Ladyboy β
π
Once the gameweek opens you are free to make the changes. As soon as you press the confirm button the changes will be made.
Right, time to drink some real world pints. Holics, it’s been real but work is over so I don’t have to continue sitting in front of a screen pretending to be busy.
Btw Boy Racers FC are tuned up and ready to tear up your High Street, play music through massive speakers at antisocial volumes and leer at your local women as they hang around outside McDonald’s.
Watch them steal a march next weekend!
Peace.
I sat on the train this morning opposite a stunning Thai/Korean girl.
I kept thinking to myself, please don’t get an erection, please don’t get an erection…
But she did.
Cheers H2H .
“Cock End , Cock End , do your job ” is another favourite π
On course. Second pint evaporated π
@444 H2H π
I think the Boy Racers might come into their own , in the night games . π
Cheers .
Sorry 2nd line was for Camberwell π³
Don’t know if anyone watching Russia v Toshack’s Macedonia on at the moment, but a certain little man (captain today!) seems to be playing quite well.
Had a reasonable shout for a penalty turned down and then AA went on a run from left of his own area to edge of theirs, which led to 1-0
Going out so cant watch 2nd half, hope it will record
Yeah, I got that tabs.
Only second ‘holic?
Taking it easy are we?
Unfortunatly by the time you’ve hit 5, I’ll be out, so have one on me now.
One for the lads too.
Re: Tabs @438: “Studiously avoiding the taunts”? More like mirthfully cavorting with the Swedish blondes in the soundproof HT MkII lounge car reserved for FFL manager of the week. π
Re: Camberwell @436, Yes the very same players who put Numpties in top spot. If and when they stop performing they may be replaced with some more palatable sorts. π
Heh 8ball , touche π
Monday being the equivalent of a bank holiday here in the States, as opposed to a holiday for the bank regulators, which is what we have during the remainder of the year, I will be enjoying a brief holiday with the family, so a good weekend to all and keep the bar open. Parting pint please barman.
Home, fed, pint four first half, pint five second.
Then we may or may not get round to scribbling something with a drop of Cooley’s finest π
Good luck, ‘holic!
@ tabs
Need to touch base for Bolton – Holic can you supply Wolfgang S with my e-mail address?
Aye, bonny lad. On me way…
Cheers Holic , and Dr Z , you have mail .
H2H @445: Ha Ha π
I can’t believe ‘holic’s going to miss the Swansea game while I’m going to miss Bolton.
Now that RvP has scored a hatrick for Holland tonight, can he be subsituted? Please!
Not yet Fin, apparently he’s on 4 now.
No bad influence until October then Ollie. π
RvP hatrick
Haha, ‘holic! π
Sorry my bad
RvP 4 goals