Guest Post – CoR Reports On A Day In Saitama
Jul 27th, 2013 by 'holic
A first for Goonerholic. I am indebted to one of ours, Cannons of Rhetoric, for an account of his day at the match against Urawa Reds yesterday. It is as comrehensive as we could have wished for. I feel like we were there. Thanks to CoR for staying up until 2am getting it in perfect format! Thanks maestro.
It was one of the hottest mornings of the Japanese summer so far but knowing that I was going to see Arsenal in the flesh that night was the reason I woke up in a sweat this Friday.
Unlike the previous friendly match, where the Arsenal saw off an energetic yet ultimately inadequate Nagoya Grampus Eight, I knew this one would be a more difficult prospect.
Urawa Reds, currently occupying the fourth place in the J1 League, would not just turn over for anybody.
I should let you know at this point, I’m not a fan of Urawa Reds. I always bristled at the fact that their red, white and black kit is so similar to Manchester United’s and the sense of entitlement their fans possess. It would be extremely gratifying to see them humbled, albeit in a friendly match.
I packed my bags; made sure I had the tickets for the match, and left for work with a smile on my face.
After navigating my way through a three hour meeting, I left the office to meet CoRette at the Shinkansen station and begin the journey to Saitama from Shin Osaka.
A couple of chilled cans of Kirin beer and a nap later, I was in Tokyo.
I was anxious to make my way down to the stadium but I had to get into character first, so the little lady and I checked into the hotel where I dyed my hair red and white before donning the famous red and white shirt.
As we made our way down to Saitama Stadium on the subway, with more and more Gunner fans getting on at each stop, I received an email from another faithful gooner, Big Kev.
Big Kev, a huge man and huge Arsenal fan originally from the highlands of Scotland, said that he would meet us at the Urawa-misono train station so that we could walk to the stadium together. I didn’t know he was coming to the game beforehand so I was pleasantly surprised. For such an occasion, the more gooners the merrier I thought.
At the final stop I decided to use some of my hard-earned yen at the “Arsenal Officiel Lissensed Goods” stall and marveled at the new ways of spelling words I had taken for granted all this time.
Anyway, after picking up a large Arsenal flag, figurines of Miyaichi and Podolski, I turned around to spot the easily visible Big Kev towering over everyone else as he waded through the massive crowd that had suddenly formed. We greeted each other, bought return tickets for the train ride back to avoid getting stuck after the game and set off for the stadium wearing our Arsenal flags like capes.
It was a pleasant walk despite the heat. I had decided beer would cool us down, and so it did. There were a couple of gooners clad in retro yellow away shirts chanting “Thierry Henry” at the top if their lungs, and we began to sing “Oo to Be a Gooner” in response. Along the way, a couple of other supporters asked us our thoughts about the transfer situation and whether we were for or against the Suarez transfer. I seemed to be the only one in favour of bringing in the biter but our disagreement did not dampen the mood.
We got to the stadium about an hour before kick-off and was greeted with a huge Arsenal Asia Tour 2013 billboard and “Come on You Arsenal” playing on loud speakers. I was struck by the sheer number of people wearing Wilshere and Rosicky shirts as I hadn’t realized that those two were so popular in Japan. It was more like I had walked into a Carnival fete, with so copious amounts of merchandise, food and drink on sale by the entrance gate. I decided not to buy any of the yakisoba noodles, wieners or popcorn however. I had decided that my hands would only be used for carrying cups of Asahi for the rest of the night.
So, having made my way into the colossal Saitama Stadium, with almost the same capacity of the Emirates, I bought three pints and took them with me to my seat.
Upon taking my seat, I muttered a silent curse as I once again somehow managed to get seats that were all the way up near the roof of the West Stand. This always happens to me whenever I see the Arsenal.
I was immediately impressed by our away support who were already in song and doing us proud. Although fewer in number and occasionally drowned out by the drums of the local support, the passion of the Arsenal fans by far surpassed the droning, choreographed Urawa chants.
The goalkeepers, Martinez and Fabianski, then came out for the warm up session. After acknowledging the supporters, they saved a few shots as we all heartily applauded. Before long, the rest of the players began trickling out of the tunnel to a voracious reception. Using half of the field, the players did some simple warm up exercises without the ball before eventually returning to the dressing room.
We were then treated to a nauseating clip of Urawa dispatching other J1 teams to nineties rock music before they showed the starting lineups of both teams.
I was surprised that Gibbs was on the bench, but with defenders picking up knocks, it seems like the boss wanted to see what Miquel was capable of in that position. Apart from that, I felt like the starting lineup of Fabianski, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Miquel, Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gnabry, Walcott and Giroud would be more than strong enough to overturn Urawa.
We started well, keeping possession as only a few teams can do and probing the Urawa defence every now and again at will. For a long while after kick-off, it seemed that Urawa had yet to touch the ball and I was enjoying what I was seeing. With possession being hogged by the Arsenal players, the whistles and catcalls from the Urawa fans began to get louder and louder until they were able to break up the passing play with a not-so-well-timed tackle on Oxlade-Chamberlain. The fans around me, regardless of allegiance, were in awe of the display of both the Arsenal team and the away fans, each pushing each other on to even higher levels of performance.
The first half continued with long periods of Arsenal possession and endless harrying by Urawa. There was a cut and thrust to the game, with Arsenal receiving good chances to score early on, followed by counters from Urawa. At times it seemed like the Arsenal players had not expected such pressing and heavy tackling, or perhaps were not fully recovered from Monday’s exertions to play in a concrete bowl of heat. But despite both teams going close, the first half ended 0-0.
A quick replenishing of pints of Asahi was then followed by an assessment of the first half with CoRette and the guy sitting next to me, who was looking forward to seeing Miyaichi play in the second half.
The second half saw a series of changes with Giroud hooked for Podolski, who I felt was unlucky not to score in this game as well. Rosicky, Jenkinson, Ramsey and the local boy Miyaichi, also came on looking to make a difference. The crowd went wild as Miyaichi got on the field. A few minutes later, we all went wild again; this time because Prince Poldi decided he would swing his hammer and smash the deadlock into smithereens.
Arsenal, with their tails in the air now, began to play with renewed fervor and went hunting for that second goal. Walcott again was presented with a great chance to score but unfortunately the Urawa keeper was able to claim the ball.
Then, just as we were in the ascendancy, we allowed Urawa to score from a corner. The stadium shook with the jumping and shouting of the local fans. The Urawa drums were heard once more, and the huge flags with “Welcome to Red Hell” printed out them were unfurled and flown in the air.
The Boss then pulled Oxlade and Walcott for Zelalem and Akpom respectively, a move which brought a different spark to the game. While CoRette was describing how “kawaii” Zelalem was, I watched in silence as the young midfielder dribbled past the more experienced Urawa players and showed everyone in Saitama exactly what a talent he is.
Urawa were tiring and Arsenal were searching for that elusive second goal but were proving unsuccessful so far despite Oxlade going close late on.
I then noticed quite a few fans were already leaving as if the game was over which baffled me and I thought, “Is getting home early really worth missing the winning goal that was surely coming?” Sure enough, a few minutes after that thought crossed my mind, a defensive mix-up reminiscent of Trevor Sinclair (or Titus Bramble) saw the ball fall loose for Akpom to tuck away neatly into the open goal. Cue wild celebrations by anyone with an Arsenal shirt, and silence from the Urawa side of the stadium. The game ended soon after ninety minutes (something that I can’t remember happening since secondary school) and it was time for interviews and the giving of prizes. The press interviewed Arsene Wenger, Miyaichi before presenting Podolski with the Man of the Match award and Arteta wth the Saitama City Cup.
Having seen Arsenal beat the Saitama pretenders I was over the moon. We ran around the stadium singing “Campeones” and taking pictures with other fans until the stadium security kicked us out so they lock up.
After an unsuccessful bid to take pictures of the players going to the team bus, we left the crowds of hopeful fans and made our way towards the station, with nothing but the thought of seeing more scenes of success in the near future that would dwarf a fun win in a friendly tournament.
261 Responses to “Guest Post – CoR Reports On A Day In Saitama”
Cheers CoR, or as the locals say, “kanpai!”
Bang, off to read post
Oh to be a Gunner…..its going to be a life dream come through to see a live match in Emirates Stadium.
Nigeria
Excellent stuff Cannons.
“I had decided beer would cool us down, and it did.”
Ingenious, those Japanese. 😉
Nice one Cannons, and a superb piece of publishing Guv’nor.
Btw, before anyone points it out, I know C of R is not Japanese. 🙂
Thanks for that CoR. Just like being there.
well done, cor. made me feel like I was right with you! this is why I would love for them to tour the usa…
Sounds like an awesome night, CoR.
If only we Americans could have a similar experience. Hell, Silent Stan’s even one of us … come to think of it, let’s forget that fact.
Well, didn’t expect this, what a lovely surprise ! 🙂 Hey holics. Cor, must say I enjoyed this trip; train ride, exotic food and beverages, the mention of their flag, ‘Welcome to Red Hell’ (made me laugh), and your ring side reporting. Most delighted to hear the lovely CoRette seems to be embracing Goonerdom, wholeheartedly ! 😉 Nice pic, btw 🙂
Cheers for that CoR, very evocative – reading that made me feel just like I was there. Have another Asahi on my tab.
Nice one, CoR! Very much enjoyed reading that.
Hi Uply 🙂 State side gooners, I too want Arsenal to come here. But, after seeing the love these fans from that part of the world, have for our Club, well I’m truly happy for them. ‘The Running Man’ sort of embodied their genuine enthusiasm for all things Arsenal. And that Ryo (after coming off a tough season of injury, missed opportunities) was able to play for his Countrymen, oh what a thrill that must of been for him ! 🙂
Nice report CoR! I can’t wait to watch Arsenal in the flesh one day.
Great stuff, CoR! Top work!
Hi abb. Here in UK we sometimes narrow our thinking too locally. When you realise the world wide fan base, it is something to be shared globally. If only there were 400 days in a year so these global tours could be expanded. No doubt footie is becoming bigger across the pond and our rivals have already made successful incursions – perhaps next year it will be the turn of the mighty Arse (down Wolfie). Knowing your luck it will be in Seattle 😉
COR, that looked like quite a competitive game even on the TV, not a usual friendly at all. Enjoyed your report.
Anyway, has Big Kev any football abilities, we are lacking bodies in defensive department.
Good stuff CoR. Great read. Glad you enjoyed your trip.
N7 from the previous drinks, the answer is no. I wouldn’t want us to but anyone to stop someone else getting them.
My local Tesco has just started selling bottles of Timothy Taylor Landlord bitter. Happy days…….
Wonderful post CoR – sounds like you had a great time, and thanks for some top, top quality on the spot reporting 🙂
It still absolutely amazes me when I see how avidly and passionately the club is followed around the world. Lovely stuff. It’s easy to have a cynical pop and say trips like this are all for marketing reasons, etc etc. But sod that, I hope every supporter who got to see them on this tour had a blast. Hope the competitive nature of this particular game has helped with the pre-season preparations too.
More Asahi for our correspondent please, on the usual tab 😉
Cheers Steve – makes sense.
I’d generally agree, but I’m torn on this one. It just feels like Cesc to Utd would be a real blow to the club, even if they turned him down. I think the support would react very badly.
Hopefully it won’t be an issue.
Press are reporting this evening we’re considering bidding for Fellaini. It would also seem the papers are fairly certain that the chimp is trying to force his way out of the swamp. Has to be good news, even if it does leave them flush.
COR
Great report and lots of interesting detail. How I envy you still being able to dye your hair red and white! And the little lady allowing it so gracefully.
We are lucky to have such a great network of international fans who play such a part in making Arsenal what it is.
My youngest grandson had his fourth birthday today and I bought him the kit with his name on it. I was not too chuffed when he told me he also liked Tottenham like his older brother. But his Mum insists he is saved from the dark side. Kid’s souks are at stake here.
COYG!
TTG – you have to save that boy!
N7. The fact that the mancs have made two offers should tell you that they have been given sufficient encouragement to do just that. That should tell you all you need to know.
TTG. You need to do some serious shopping.
“Prince Poldi decided he would swing his hammer and smash the deadlock into smithereens.”
Real maestro stuff! Incredible art of description! Thanks CoR.
Many thanks, CoR, and greetings to CoRette. 🙂
Oops, posted after the bell in the last round of drinks … sorry ‘holic:
Hmmmm, a lot of rose-coloured specs have been donned re Cesc, imo. He was good, but not that good, and though I never wanted him to go to Barca I don’t now see the need to have him back when we have a very healthy looking midfield already. I suspect we had the best years from him that he’ll ever have to give. Nor do I see the lack of through balls being our problem, which remains not having the class upfront to put away a better percentage of the many chances we create.
And as for Pool not wanting to sell Suarez to us cos it would imply we’ve surpassed them I seem to remember they had no problem selling Torres to Chelski. Are you suggesting they believe the chavs are their superiors?
(Now to read this one…)
Oskar
Nice one Cor. I was reminded of the time Arsenal toured Aussie in 1977. Er, no I’m not. That tour Hudson and Macdonald were sent home for drinking and when I watched the game in Sydney I had to protect the gf from fighting which broke out all around us, tumbling, blooded bodies crashing between us down the bleachers, even flashing knives if my memory serves.
Your game sounds more civilised, if less spectacular! I think I’d rather have shared your experience…
Oskar
Thanks a lot for the words of supports everyone! It was great fun, and yes, it wasn’t really just a friendly for the Urawa players. Urawa’s number 10 in particular was busy making sly fouls and diving all over the place (which Podolski took issue with to the pleasure of the crowd), in between trying to get on the score-sheet. Maybe he wants a transfer to Europe??
The hardcore Urawa fans are a bit mental and really aggressive. They sometimes fight opposition fans when they come to that stadium, but seeing as it was Arsenal and not a local team visiting I guess everyone was more relaxed.
As for the hair dye, I personally felt it made me look like Freddie Ljungberg, but with the white dye on the the sides turning into grey in the end, I came out looking like Paul Davis 😀
Yosh, off to a wedding now where I will partaking in more drinking of beers!
Mata ne, holics!!
Omedetou gozaimasu, CoR. Wonderfully evocative read.
Regarding Cesc, I’d surely take him back. We can put him in midfield and have Santi play from the left wing. Not to mention we will have far more options with Cesc in midfield and he combines rather well with Jack. Cesc could theoretically even play as false nine! Ha. And let’s not forget Rosicky doesn’t have too many footballing years left before him.
But we’d be back to an old problem, Derrick, with all little guys in midfield and no authority. Not until we sign a real DFM anyway. I just don’t see another playmaker as what we need to spend such a large amount on. The money should be spent primarily on a goal scorer, such as Suarez – who also does a lot of MF work as well remember.
Oskar
*DMF…
If the Suarez move fails, I think we should go hard for Michu. Michu is definitely an assassin as it relates to finishing. He is deadly in front of goal. He possesses an ice cold, killer composure.
I rate Michu highly. However, if we manage to get Suarez and fill the other gaps in our squad, we will become title contenders.
Suarez brings with him a lot of baggage, but if we can pull this off, it will be a game changer. Take away all the baggage that accompanies Suarez and he would be exactly what we need.
The Suarez situation is something that I think needs to be resolved quickly. I can understand why we would wait, especially as he still has a six game ban to serve, but for me we have placed one extremely large egg into one very flimsy basket. I think we are very vulnerable. I can only assume that we ditched any thoughts of a potential deal for Higuain to target Suarez. I just sincerely hope that we have not done this in the belief that he had a 40 million release clause???
Madrid clearly want Bale. As the window nears closure if the Bale deal has not come off then it’s not inconceivable that they would turn their attentions towards Suarez.
I am not sure what is the best way to make progress here. It could all be a bit of a stalemate. Perhaps if we were to bring in two players of real quality then it might encourage Suarez to jolly things along his end??? Either way, I think it is far from being a done deal.
It’s not us who wants to wait, Steve. Pool know we will get ever more desperate the longer they drag it out, and the likelier we are to pay over the odds later.
Oskar
This Bale stuff is fantastic news. It seems madrid’s interest is real (ho ho ho) and that the player wants to leave.
Without Bale, Spurs would have been a bang average team last season. Ok, they’re about to have a fortune to spend, but they’ll only have a month to do it, they can’t offer champs league football and they will never attract a player of Bale’s quality.
If the deal goes through it also stops the player going to Utd and gives us a clear run at Suarez. I don’t see how Spurs can possibly resist world record bids for a player who wants to leave.
Whatever other problems we have this summer, it’s great not to be facing the loss of a key player for once (TGSTEL aside).
As for Bale I’m not sure which is worse … the spuds still having Bale, or with gawd knows how many zillion dollars to spend strengthening all over the park.
Oskar
Oskar
Bale, definitely Bale. Their whole side is set up around him and he dragged them through last season on his own.
We’re deep into the summer and the Spuds can’t buy anyone who wants champs league football.
Hopefully we’re looking at a long, drawn out transfer saga and then a trolley dash at the end of August. With some of the money held back for their imaginary new stadium.
Plus, it’s a huge blow to morale. The Arsenal players have spoken this summer about what it feels like to watch your best players leave. Not good at all.
There are two big issues for me Oskar. First of all, Liverpool do not have to sell. Secondly, the longer it drags on the more likely we are to face an increase in price or competition. I really do think it is our best interests to do the deal soon.
Putting my football head on rather than my anti spud head, the bale deal is a no brainier. If they have really been offered 80 million then it would be madness not to accept. 80 million buys you a lot of quality rather than having to rely on one player.
Steve
Isn’t there a contradictory logic in those two paras?
Liverpool don’t need to sell.
Spurs would be mad not to sell.
I suspect both transfers will happen, for much the same reason: you’re better off with a stack of cash than an unhappy player.
The only real issues at stake are the respective levels of unhappiness of Suarez and Bale, and whether another bidder emerges for the Liverpool player.
N7. I think they are two vastly different scenarios. For example, if we had originally offered 80 million for Suarez he would have already played 2 or 3 games for us. The spuds don’t need to sell, but for that figure it’s a no brainier in my opinion. Two years ago I was massively against us selling Cesc. However, if someone had come in with an offer of 80 plus then I would have ripped their arm off.
Steve and N7: don’t forget any possible relase clauses for Suarez (or Bale for that matter). If there really is a 45 million euro release clause as I saw mentioned somewhere this morning then Liverpool don’t have much choice if we or anyone else bids higher than that. Then there will also not be any bidding war since you can bet your bottoms that the potential buyers will be well aware of such a clause.
But it’s the same principle, isn’t it?
Huge pile of cash vs unhappy player? Spurs have already turned down £80m, so it’s clear that they (like Liverpool) don’t want to sell. But the player wants to go – even if he’s not been quite as public about it as Suarez.
I actually think Bale is the more likely of the two to stay put. He’s younger, he plays for a better team and he hasn’t (yet) said or done anything that will cause the fans to burn his shirt. He might be convinced to stay another year. I hope not though.
Lars
I find it hard to believe that Suarez has a release clause at the reported level.
It would make a nonsense of our entire negotiating strategy – why would we be bidding £40m, when a couple of million more would immediately release the player to us? Why engage with Liverpool as we have over such a comparatively small amount?
I suspect that the clause is a fiction planted in the papers by the player’s agent to undermine Liverpool’s position.
I think it will take an offer of circa £45-47.5m, and some judicious negotiation to close this out.
I think Steve T wrote today’s arseblog 😉
Ollie….As usual blogs is spot on the money. Tempus fugit…….
Cheers CoR – great stuff.
Michael Owen is such a twat, wondering why Suarez wants to join Arsenal
“can you really see Arsenal winning the Champions League next season or going into the later stages? Unless they buy a good few players then I can’t.”
Well maybe that’s why they want to buy Suarez, you total wanker. It goes like this… club bigger than Liverpool needs better players to achieve its goals, therefore it offers best player of Liverpool a chance to move and achieve something with them, instead of languishing on Merseyside at a club that is living off the past far more than Arsenal ever will. Mutual benefits, you fool.
And he is one of BT’s “experts” for this season? lols
Owen is definitely the right person to be preaching about loyalty to Liverpool.
He’s a hero to the fans of that club. I just hope Suarez shows them the same level of respect.
And so it appears the manager believes even with no new additions we have enough to win the title this season. No signings before the Emirates cup and a willingness to be patient for quality player. Oh and they are at a shortage because of two teams in France.
Like I said after Ivan’s speech it’s the same old spin but with just a slightly new twist.
I’m baffled by our interest in players in January then no follow up in the summer. Capone and Villa obviously spring to mind.
I don’t buy this Bac at CB nonsense either. On his day a great RB yes but we didn’t see that too often last season. I hope the injury and drop of form were a blip but come on why not just buy a CB. I know a few on here don’t rate Williams but surely it makes sense to buy someone fit for purpose.
As for the spuds losing their best player we lost ours to manure and still managed to score more goals the following season. The goals were spread amongst the team and we didn’t get hammered 8 at Old Toilet. £80+m gives them the opportunity to strengthen their squad in nearly every department and become a team rather than a one man band. In the long term they will reap the benefits of that. Remember what Wenger managed to do with the Anelka money?
I think we should all chill. I really cannot see the Suarez move happening.
What will happen is that we will up the bid closer to £47.5m, the Scunts will prevaricate. Real will get the cold shoulder from Levi for a Bale sale this season but a deal will be agreed for next summer so Real will move in on Suarez who will jump at the offer and we will be left with egg on our faces and the LWCs creaming their jeans.
I can feel it in my bones. I am beginning to feel that we have once again been naive and strategically inept in our dealings this sumer. We seem to believe what we want to believe then get blindsided by sheisters.
Sorry fellas, prepare for the worst.
I agree we won’t sign Suarez but I think we will end up with Ashley Williams (although he’d be mad to leave Swansea, where he starts, to come and be third or fourth choice for Arsenal) and I can still see us making a bid for Fellaini. A bid that could have been lodged weeks ago and job done by now, even with No Dick Law doing the chatting.
I’m actually beginning rather to looking forward to the rest of the transfer window. Sure, I’m more tan a little nervous about how/whether/when we will strengthen, but for sheer entertainment value, the rest of the window looks top-notch.
I can scarce contain my joy at the prospect of watching pundits trying to reconcile “Arsenal have been out of the game for so long that even though we/they have money to spend no decent player will consider joining them” with “With all the money they have made on selling Bale, Tottenham now have more than enough to attract the talent needed to complete their transformation to a top top European team”.
Bring
It
On
The valid point has been made elsewhere that Levy has an incentive to fuck us over completely by leading Real up the garden path for a while then rejecting their bid thus forcing them to buy Suarez as their marquee signing this summer. Suarez will happily delay to wait to see if they will come for him. The Scunts need money but will far prefer to sell him to Madrid. We are left at the altar without a partner. If Spudz qualify for ECL next year, they either keep the Chimp or sell him for £100m and go on a spree for ECL quality replacements.
We need to make something happen quickly or find another ‘top, top target’.
Gents – chill.
Spurs will sell Bale. If they sign Soldado they’ll have spent over £50m this window.
In previous summers they’ve had an outlay very similar to ours: they tend to net out neutral and if they spend a lot, they also sell.
All indicators point to Bale on his bike.
And there’s still plenty of time for us. If Suarez falls through we could pretty much grab Benteke (new contract or not) and Fellaini for the same dough, and call it a great summer’s work. It doesn’t feel great right now, but let’s give them a chance.
Just read it Ollie. Not rocket science is it???
Great report CoR,
Interesting detail on watching The Arsenal in a very different place.
A couple of things intrigue me with regard to our transfer business – or lack of it.
The latest Arsene Wenger comments include words to the effect that we don’t need big names, we just need good players.
Assuming we want to seriously challenge for the title and Champions League next season, we actually need extremely good players indeed. Most players at that level are well known and, therefore, do have big names. If that is not the case, why have we been chasing big names like Higuain and Suarez.
If there are, in fact, players of the required top-top quality out there who do not already have big names, why haven’t we just signed them ?
Ah, of course, it’s all down to the value, and not paying over the odds.
Which is also quite strange given that we signed up some very young players to some very long contracts, at very high wages, who had not at that stage proved themselves, and some of whom we are still struggling to rid ourselves.
Personally, I hate paying a cheap price for a ‘bargain’ only to find that I have been sold a pup, be it a meal, electronic gadgetry, clothing or any other product or service.
Conversely, there is usually both pride and enjoyment to be had from something, even something you know is very expensive, if you have worked hard to be able to afford it, and it meets all your expectations and more.
Just saying.
Too true, Trev. But that does not seem to be the philosophy that rocks AW’s boat. He seems to love finding the £3.99 bottle of red that has one or two features in common with the Premier Crus and has the potential with luck and nurturing to turn out as good. As we now know to our cost, almost all turn out to be plonk(ers).
Heh !
I’m bored with all of this. Bring on football.
Ollie nails it.
Not too long to go now until the phoney war ends and the real stuff begins again.
Deutscherins sind ubermenschen, nichts? 🙁
There we go Norway! After missing two penalties, Norway have finally equalised against Germany. 25 minutes to go of the Euro 2013 final. And yes, she was offside, but goal was given.
So, that’s an idea for you Ollie! Bring a stream up. Whichever way you put it, it’s not every day you get to see a Euro-final.
Bath! We do wish for the Norwegians to win this, don’t we? Better for the sport, it’s big enough in Germany already. Plus, they’re my neighbours! As long as we beat them when it comes to skiing (which is seldom I must admit…) I’ll happily give them a Euro win.
Think I might be a bit miffed with the Germans after the semis…
Quite fond of Silvia Neid though.
And well, as you all watching the game can see, the goal wasn’t given in the end.
So that’s two saved penalties and one disallowed goal for Norway. I know the feeling of it “not just being your day” playing Germany…
Norway are putting up a good fight but really should have scored at least one of their two pens 🙁
Historical inevitability innit?
Sure should. Haven’t matched Germany from open play, thought Sweden did better at least putting them under the cosh in the end of the game.
Well done Germany. Can’t argue with the result today. When a team goes on to have all the luck, in all the games, and the ball just seems to bounce the right way all the time, it’s probably not down to luck but rather positioning, being in the right places to pick up the scrappy balls, and having a great goalie. They’ve earned their luck.
True, Toby. You make your own luck on the field. Does the same apply to transfer dealings?
Find it surprising that there is so much uproar in the fanbase due to Arsene’s predictably — and I believe quite intentionally — stubborn-conservative remarks. I think we make the mistake of often trying to guess what he or the club really think based on what they say. I find these sayings in press are meant for press only, and almost always technically accurate comments in what they say, but very deliberately designed to err on the side of omission about relatively uncertain aspects.
It is worth noting that even a few days before Santi’s signing Arsene was dismissing any such ideas in public conferences.
It is also worth noting that in last one year alone we have strengthened core areas of team with four key signings: Santi, Poldi, Giroud, Nacho.
The problems had been that we also lost two key players in that time.
At the beginning of this transfer window we have been very prompt in ensuring that those who we still have hopes for but don’t think will have much chances this season are out on loans: Djourou and Coquelin. And then we knew for a while to have lost Diaby.
Hence, even before the injuries to Nacho and TV5, we must have had plans for a couple of signings — one defensive/holding midfielder and one versatile defensive player who under changed circumstances would be better being a lefty.
So why not wait until the transfer business is all done to see how the team lines up? The good thing about this pre-season is that we are not losing anyone in the first choice eleven (after a long time) , or even the first choice bench (maybe Gerv is leaving), and even before any more signings come in by the end of August we have enough of a core to start the season solidly and then the additions can contribute on the foundations.
This is how the team lines up today (first choice, second choice, emergency from the youth squad, sometimes first-second are interchangeable), without counting a player multiple times for different positions
GK: Szczesny, Fabianski, Martinez
LB: Gibbs, Nacho, Miquel
RB: Sagna, Jenks, ??
CD1: Mert, TV5, ??
CD2: Kos, ??, ??
DM: Arteta, ??, ??
Box-to-box: Jack, Ramsey, ??
Attacking mid: Santi, TR7, ??
RW: Theo, Ox, Gnabry
LW: Poldi, ??, Ryo
Striker: Giroud, ?? , Sanogo
The key is as long as we have first and second choices filled in with quality players who have first team experience we can rotate properly and also make use of the natural versatility (Ramsey in DM or Santi as LW, Bac for CD etc.) of players and having to rely on the third choice only in cases of emergency or League Cup (which I think we should put not much of a stress on and use junior players anyway) .
Going by that equation, we seem to need (assuming Gerv leaving):
CD2, DM, LW, Striker .
I for one would be very surprised if we end this transfer window with at least three of these four filled in.
I meant @72 : “I for one would be very surprised if we end this transfer window WITHOUT at least three of these four filled in.” 🙂
And @72, @ 73, it is Doctor Faustus only, taking care of his 18 month old hurricane of a son while also trying to concentrate on Adorno, so forgive the wrong spelling of his own moniker. 🙂
Heh, my not so serious answer would be that football is quite an easy game compared to transfer dealings. My serious answer would be that football is quite an easy game compared to transfer dealings.
Or rather, of course, you’ve got to do good work to sign good players, but I do believe there is a much larger uncertainty to try to mitigate when it comes to transfer dealings than knowing where a ball will probably bounce when your other defender takes up _just that_ position for the block.
Not saying it isn’t our fault if we don’t do good business or that there isn’t any reason not to try. Rather the opposite. Transfer business is fucking hard so having a good team, and a plan a, b, c, and d is needed just because of the amount of things beyond our control involved. So in the end, yeah, it’s a game of percentages and knowing when to drop everything else and go in for the kill, or when it is best to have several avenues open to get the percentages up. At least when you’re in the position we are now – we need bodies. We need more players to last four competitions. Had we been in the position that we had a large squad and a stellar team of footballers, I’d say we’d have to be a bit more picky when choosing. For me at this very moment, if we get two more players on the level that most of our team is at the moment, the Artetas and the Mertesackers, and then perhaps a Cazorla (not talking about positions here, rather skill level) I’d be quite happy. The bigger fish? Sure, if it works out. But I’m happy to wait another year for that as long as we get a few good 20m players in.
So, do we have that transfer team that can make our own luck? I guess we’ll find out, won’t we? I’d say yes, we’ve always gotten gems among the natural amount of rubbish. I don’t think we’ve lost that skill, so all it takes now is being able to use that skill and push it half a notch further every season for the next couple of seasons and the results will be there.
Herr Faustus,
What you said. Our ratio of good players (especially if you take into account what they cost us!) to bad players isn’t shabby. We’ve bought several really good footballers the last couple of years. Many of them I wish to stay. Our problem is that we’ve had have to let people go as well. That we don’t have anymore. Now it’s about getting more skilled players in for reasonable sums of money, to allow us to use a large, able squad. If we can get a world class player here and there, sure, go for it, but if we can fill up our team with Cazorlas (especially for Cazorla prices!) I won’t be complaining.
Remember this as well everyone – every pound we save on transfers is a pound we can pay a player in wages to keep him at the club.
I’m still very positive, 40m striker nor not. I wouldn’t mind one, but that’s still not what I see as our biggest problem. Another 20 goal per season striker (a la Giroud), perhaps a creative player (if we can find a great deal) and some strengthening of the defence for 20m each would be great business. Couldn’t care about big names even though I of course would happily take a few if the right opportunity shows itself to the club.
I see some Nigerian no name centre back is bad-mouthing the club for being asked to come for a trial instead of being bought ‘unseen’. Probably going to be the next Ibrahimovic but what an asshole as well.
So, what do you all make of Maureens little talk about Wenger the other day (yep, I have absolutely nothing else to talk about at the moment with the Asia tour and the Euros over with and no signing).
I though that reading the whole piece really made him sound sincere. It was far to specific to be flattering just for the sake of playing so called “mind games”. Said some really nice things I’m glad that someone is saying. In the end though, I’m still a bit suspicious of this rebranded “elder statesman” Maureen. Just as I’m a bit suspicious of pretty much all elder statesmen.
Hi all. Toby, so glad you brought that up @ 78. I’m not sure what to make of it. Only time will tell. But his parting words (paraphrasing) about how he (Mourinho) couldn’t go that long without winning anything, I took as a dig to Arsene. Could be wrong 😉
Dr. F
Good to see your usual very well- argued and rational post. I think your points are spot- on but I think the concerns emanate from the almost total concentration on Suarez which seems a very hard deal to do and the timing. Last year we started the close season by recruiting Poldi,Santi and Giroud quite early. Wenger is saying that we are unlikely to sign anyone before the Emirates Cup which means we will go into the season with any new signings having no time to bed in. And the Champions League starts straight away. I think we have to take a call on when we need to complete Suarez. One remembers us thinking about signing Xabi Alonso ( who would have been sensational) This depended on Liverpool signing Gareth Barry and this fell through too late for us to seek an alternative.
I think your logic on positions we need to fill is faultless .
So if we can believe the gossip columns and take your positions.
Defender- Ashley Williams/ Rami/Micah Richards– if we want this sort of player we should be able to get them so Plan B may not be necessary . Nightmare scenario–Resign Gallas
Defensive Midfielder– Fellaini ( please) is the one I hope we go for.
If this fails thenMcCarthy of Wigan is my choice . Capoue( possibly too late) looked a great option and Gustavo ticks a number of utility boxes but it looks like he wants to stay. We need to sign one of the first two of these DMs to strengthen the team. Nightmare scenario– Gareth Barry
Striker——Suarez is clearly our choice but if we couldn’t get him then Michu,Soldado ( if he has not moved to the swamp) and Yilmaz look like the best value options.Nightmare scenario–Bafetimbi Gomis.
Left wing attacker- it would be nice to think Bernard is a live and exciting option but this sounds most unlikely to me. If we fail to sign him we might go for Salvio, Gaitan or an audacious and impossible one, Townsend of the LWCs who was the best winger I saw in the last few months.Nightmare scenario- Stuart Downing
I also thought a top ,experienced goalie made sense but I think this ship has sailed. Schwarzer would have done for me. I think Cesar might prove an unhelpful signing.
If we don’t sign Suarez I would estimate the transfer outlay on the best alternatives would be just over £80 million.
Adding Williams, Fellaini, Michu and Salvio would be a serious upgrade on those they would be replacing and give us real squad flexibility. But enough of Championship Manager. Lets see what Arsene provides.
Dr F, knows!
I personally think people are getting themselves worked up for no reason, what exactly do they expect Arsene to say? “Ok, we’ve had a bid for Suarez rejected so we will keep bidding and make sure we sign him before tomorrow”? Of course he’s not going to say something like that because it will make us sound and look too desperate which will in turn make clubs hike player prices even more. You don’t expect him to come out and tell the press all the other players we are working on bringing in because other clubs will just hijack the deals or at least spark a bidding war which is not good for our financial health. I believe the club are working hard and we might end up spending more than £80m on transfer fees alone, let’s just wait and see what happens and stop giving each other high blood pressure because of what we read in the press,most of them don’t have a mickeys about our transfer business, they’re playing a guessing game to sell their papers and get clicks on their sites.
Ttg@80: Very good points but Townsend? Come on. I would rather we promote Gnabry, keep Ryo or not even bother to sign a winger rather than buy Townsend.
Very well said Cent, people (myself included) need to just wait and see what happens. Wringing our hands and trying to second guess Arsene will get us nowhere.
3 snifters of your choice lined up on the bar.
I got 2 good news and 1 bad. I suppose that many of you already know them.
It appears that TGSTEL is on his way to Malaga. That is the good news.
The bad news is that we are going to pay 1.5 mill. to Malaga for him.
In exchange they will give us their right back Jesús Gámez. That is the other good news.
So it appears that no CD is going to be bought, and instead Sagna is going to shift in that position.
Problem solved in Arsenal’s way. With no, or little money.
Evening all,
Weather trying to get me worried about my holiday.
It won’t work.
Roll on next Sunday…
The weather for later this week is gonna be hot, damn hot, hot and wet
I’ll take that next Sunday without the wet 😉
Cent @81 – well said that man.
People seem to be taking the most depressing possible slant on all news.
The manager isn’t obliged to be honest with the press, and he very rarely is.
We’ll know where we stand soon enough. Come end August we’ll either be celebrating together or looking down the barrel of several months of finger pointing.
Right now, we don’t know shit. Except that we have money and we’ve cleared out deadwood at a rapid clip, which suggests that there will be replacements at some stage.
Patience people, patience.
Replacements will come from the kids, then we’ll have the usual stuff about how player X is going to be fucking brilliant and he’ll bugger off to Blackburn for three years on loan before leaving on a free.
This summer is sadly following the usual script, all talk and no action.
Deals can be done if you have the will. If all you want to do is window shop and talk about what you are going to buy one day, you might as well stay at home and save the bus fare.
Oh and for anyone interested in proper Arsenal matches, Big Match Revisited on ITV 4 next Sunday has two shows, both showing an Arsenal game from 1979
Evening ‘H.
Cheers Cam and N7.
Lurky, it’s quite obvious what we are looking for is a 3rd/4th choice CB, I’ve never watched or heard of Jesus Gamez till tonight but if he proves to be as good a buy as Monreal then I think it’s good business for us as I consider Sagna a very good 3rd/4th choice CB.
Cent, as long as TGSTEL is a part of a deal, I will gladly accept a packed nuclear bomb in exchange. He is incapable and arrogant. I mean, he had some talent TGSTEL. and I really liked him to succeed here, but if there is contest for the most arrogant creature in the Universe he can challenge C. Ronaldo and lose to him only on penalties. Only because he is incapable.
I usually don’t believe in that stuff, but his coming to Arsenal is corresponding with our lack of trophies. He is a jinx. Incapable and arrogant jinx. Get rid.
Well done Cent. Cent’s making a lot of sense.
Now down in the West Country on holiday and have been a bit short on “news” today.
Lurky – interesting at 184 – hadn’t heard any of that.
Personally, I’m also bored with the over analysis of the squad and who might, or might not, come in.
I do find it pretty condescending though, that anyone who expresses concern at the lack of strengthening at this stage of the window, is told not to criticize, to stop hand wringing, and just quietly wait and see, because of course it’s all in hand, and “what else would you expect to hear?”
Those of us who have expressed some concern at the tardiness of our dealings are not all stupid, naive, or experiencing a transfer window for the first time. Neither are we impatient children demanding everything now, now, now!!!
I’m actually quite happy with Sagna, for example, as the extra centre back. His positioning during the tour has been very good, regardless of the opposition, and he has become one of the old hands at Arsenal. His presence in the squad will be useful, and it is far from certain that he will not still be first choice right back.
As if anyone needed reminding, it is now more than 6 weeks since Gazidis’ promise of the ‘very exciting news in 48 hours’. The pattern of Arsene Wenger’s comments is also very familiar as the top-top quality replacements become harder and harder to find.
And while Man Citeh have added four quality players to their squad – and not by throwing ridiculous money at them – our own manager has said that, for Arsenal, everyone has been away on the Asia Tour from where it is very difficult to contact people.
I don’t think that any of my own comments have been hysterical but, on the basis of what has happened so far, we do not appear to have been giving ourselves the best chance of the early successes in this window that we were apparently expecting.
Trev, I completely agree. It is good to stay calm and be patient. But we haven’t got that luxury. Chelski, United and almost everyone else may wait until the the final minute of the transfer window and be patient.
We can’t and mustn’t. Because as I’ve said 100 times before, we have unpleasant CL qualifier in between PL games. If I am not wrong, that means five games in 16 days or so.
With a squad so thin (we’ve sold 25+ players this summer and bought only Sanogo and that 16 year old lad from Aston Villa) I think it is a heavy task. I for one can’t be patient any more. The time is running, it is almost August, we have the money, we have the targets and “we are not close to sign anyone”. Again.
Heh @ 92, I actually think TGSTEL will win Ronaldo in a test of arrogance, even without trying.
Cheers Impec.
Trev, apologies if my post sounded condescending, I’m just tired of hearing the complaints about our perceived lack of action in the transfer market thus far, ideally I would want us to finish our transfer business at least 2weeks ago to give the team ample time to gel before the season starts but I understand that we don’t live in an ideal world and things don’t always go according to plan, from where I’m standing it looks quite obvious to me that the club are making big moves and I will give them the benefit of doubt.
How many times have Arsene said he doesn’t know a player then signs him shortly after?
Assist
It wont be, but this might….
Bang
Well in Steve. Good assist Cent.
I humbly accept the Tabs award for near-miss.
Then again if Redtruth gets his usual banning order, it might be a delayed score 🙂
PS Patience may be preferable to complaining Trev, but you have a point. This summer basically is the same old shit over and over, with Arsene and Ivan making themselves look utterly ineffectual while everyone else sorts their squads out and, you know, actually sign people.
I said I refuse to lose my shit until the window closes and I stand by that, but Arsenal’s non-movement looks set to derail any faint hopes of a better season before it even starts. And if you think this is losing my shit, just wait till Sep 1st, it will be this plus a whole lot more. Mixed with a massive dose of meh.
Bath knows 😉
Haven’t been able to post on here because I’ve been so busy at work, but back-drinking is always fun 😛 and with Sunday having been my only day off last week, I managed to catch up 🙂
I really enjoyed CoR’s post, especially getting the references made (when you read & watch a certain degree of Japanese Manga & Anime, its easier to pick up certain phrases easier) 😀
But CoR portrayed an excellent showing on his matchday from start to finish, reminds me of one of my matchdays in terms of the detail, very well played mate 😉
CoR – finally got round to actually reading the post (after a weekend spent decorating a kitchen). Well played my son, a great read and certainly brought back some memories of my year in Tokyo. Love the city and the locals, wish I could say the same about the 3 solid months of 30+ temperatures!
Abb@79
Heh, probably was, yeah, but on the other hand, I can’t see what else he could have said. He’s already been fired once from his current job, and the very same owner that fired him is still there. He also got fired whilst doing quite a good job, all in all. Can’t see the man standing there saying he wouldn’t mind going a few seasons without silverware. He answered a direct question, aimed at him, it wasn’t really commenting on Wenger, but answering how he would feel. He also said in connection to that, that you can do great things for a club without winning trophys.
Am I defending M?
Shoot me.
You hanging out on Google tonight then H?
Blogs spot on again this morning. In fact, that could have been said about any of the last 5 years to be brutally honest.
Blogs is spot on, Steve T, I agree, but no during the last 5 years, we were rarely (i.e. never?) as endurant and cohesive during an end-of-season run as last season.
And by the summer situation is also very different:
as blogs said, no departure-related drama, for once a serene and strong and coherent team-basis, some deadwood-clearing and also the promise of money to spend, which I never truly noticed outside the media speculation in the past few summers (even AW himself has mentioned it).
And still, we haven’t sign anybody of note yet. That’s what baffles me.
I should be z, providing the man fitting new blinds in the refurbished media centre (spare room!) doesn’t knacker the transmission equipment with his hobnail boots.
Ollie. I meant re transfers and being 3 players short. I should have been more specific. The no sales dramas are gone because we have nothing left to sell. The final jewel in the crown went North last season.
Fair then, Steve! 🙂
Morning Holic and holics. Blogs has nicely outlined our promising position at this point and the need to add just 3 top quality players.
Holiday is over Arsene, let’s get this show on the road.
Aha, Holic,
The old joke about the ‘blind man’ pertains, I believe. 😉
Good Morning, by the way, from the We(s)t Country.
Please excuse my earlier lack of manners.
It’s nice not to be working in 30C temperatures. A very pleasant 21C this morning but, blimey does it rain down here !
The local saying is,
“Come on down to sunny Devon
Where it rains six days in seven !”
which is a gross exaggeration ‘cos they certainly don’t have a dry day every week. 😉
Inside the mind of AW from LadyArse.
http://gossip.ladyarse.com/arsenal/2013/07/29/wenger-some-left-because-we-didnt-have-enough-stars/?
I looked in my fridge this morning, scouring it for Breakfast but alas, there was nothing of ‘exceptional quality’ to be found 🙁
I lamented the lack of bacon, and my lack of effort to go and buy some until I remembered Ollie’s situation 😛
Only a few more days to go mate! 😉
@111,
And let’s also hope the poor man fitting the blinds doesn’t boot his knackers with the transmission equipment.
For his sake, and yours. 😉
Sausages for you then, Wind, if all the caviar has gone. 😉
Heh Trev! I’d even take Square ones at this stage 😛
116 Trev – indeed welcome to the land of plenty. As a recent “immigrant” to this area, i confrm there is never any shortage of water.
The seventh day “dry” is obviously Sunday. 😉
Bath,
Just read the article in your link @117.
So what do you make of it.
All very interesting philosophical stuff but over here in “Hand Wringers Corner” we would like, just at this moment in time, to see some results of the quest for the ‘right kind of player’.
I’m honestly trying to remain calm and confident and I don’t think there is another manager who comes close to Arsene Wenger’s commitment and intelligence, but a summer that promised many weeks of smug satisfaction whilst smirking down the Seven Sisters Road, has turned into one of anxious frustration.
Anyway, my last words on the situation as it will be getting on people’s nerves.
Trev, Bath.
Just read the article. I have no problem with wanting to find the “right type of player” etc. My problem is that with the knowledge and resources available surely we are able to identify those players earlier than 2/3 weeks before the season commences???
Trev
I think we’re all feeling anxious and frustrated, just trying to deal with it in different ways.
One thing’s for sure: nothing that’s said on here will have any impact on how the situation resolves itself. Whether that inclines a person to have a big old rant or put their feet up and light a cigar is entirely up to them.
If it’s any consolation, there are still plenty of good players available, and it’s still the case that only a couple of players who ever appeared likely to be our summer targets have actually moved (I’m thinking Higuain – although even he isn’t confirmed yet, and maybe Jovetic).
For whatever reason, the market is taking a while to come to a head this year.
Steve @ 124
I suspect that identifying the player isn’t the thing that’s taking all this time. It’s sealing the deals.
It may be that the time lag in doing so offers a damning critique of our current negotiating team, but it appears that others around us are similarly afflicted: Utd have signed no-one, Chelsea have signed a player they started negotiating for last summer and a 40 year old keeper who was on a free, Spurs still haven’t signed the centre forward they’re desperate for.
What’s holding them all up, I cannot say, but it looks to me like the last few weeks of this window have the potential to be absolutely manic, because there would appear to be quite a lot of business still to be done.
Maybe Arthur could set us up a Sky style clock to count down to the end of the window – like the Spuds ‘since winning the title’ clock ?
Just a suggestion to build up the tension a little bit. 😉
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/video-a-ha-it-s-lukas-podolski-
Without watching it, does that suggest Poldi as a Norwegian music fan or as an Alan Partridge impersonator?
Trev, I’m in proactive chill mode. Many times before, AW has said that virtually nothing happens until the last (few) day(s) of the window.
We were encouraged to believe that this year might be different by the ‘big man’ mouthing orff by Ivan. However it does appear that they went cold on the ‘early deal’ for Higuain. Whether there was ever anything in the press linking us to Jovatic is anyone’s guess, I suspect not.
I have to believe that groundwork is being done on negotiations with Suarez and the Mugsmashers (sounds like a 70s rockabilly group) and other targets for midfield.
The link at LadyArse does give an insight into Arsene’s thoughts. He knows we’re short. I personally don’t believe there’s anyone better to deal with that. But we have to accept that he will not buy a flawed target just to please us and it does sound as if he’s fed up of buying in PayLess.
Courage, mes braves.
I don’t like the fact that we even have to worry about Tottenham, but if anyone wants to read some “Tottenham fans in full denial mode” comments then have a look at this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/jul/28/gareth-bale-ambition-outgrown-tottenham#start-of-comments
It might be petty, but I must admit to enjoying seeing some other club go through the same shit we have lately.
I still don’t think he’ll move this summer, though. He will probably give it one more season and if they still aren’t in the top four he’ll be off. All the more reason then for us to use the money we so obviously now have to make sure we aren’t left standing still while others start moving.
And on that note, let there be no doubt that if we don’t have an improved team come September 2, then the club has failed and failed miserably. The only question is who to then blame, so you won’t see me demanding anyone’s head on a plate. But as I said, it would be a massive failure not to have strengthened the team at that point.
Lars, I am confident that we will have strengthened in at least one and probably two of:
striker
wide man
holding MF
back-up CB.
They will not all be ‘names’ though. Indeed none might be.
bath: I am farily confident too. And I agree that whoever we buy (I don’t think we’ll get Suarez, if he moves I think he’ll go abroad) won’t be the biggest of names but for me that is not neccessarily a bad thing. If we get a couple of players in of the same calibre as the last four players – excluding Sanogo here because I’m not sure he’s intended for the first team immediately – then that would be a very good summer. Podolski and Cazorla were excellent buys, Monreal has been solid so far and I think Giroud had a decent first season overall and may very well have a lot more to offer this season.
Thanks for keeping us all hanging in there, bath, with your antidisincentivisational comments. 😉
Same old with the transfer window. Arsene is as usual talking about getting the right player. The fact is names speak of good players but Arsene is so stubborn these days that we won’t admit it.
To me he wants to pull out another gem or shall I say another Henry and believes he still has it in him to do so.
I have to agree with Steve T we are a week away from the league start and we still have not signed anyone half decent. Money is still sitting in the bank doing bugger all.
With all the talk how we have the resources and desire it seems none of above were spoken about with any serious intent.
Same old and sad to be honest Holics! Happens evey time and we come back here every time and moan and do it again and again.
Make those transfer windows blues (bleugh) vanish in minutes
New improved
Virtual
Anti-depressant
Anxiolytic
and
Sybaritic
Vibes
Available
Here
Plug in and chill out
(no stimulants and nothing illegal; Dr Feelgood for that)
😀
ATG @134 – actually the money is all on a 60:1 outsider in the 2.30 start at Chepstow.
Bath @ 136
You could be right you know?
ATG @ 134
“To me he wants to pull out another gem or shall I say another Henry and believes he still has it in him to do so.”
If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your basis for this belief?
He’s bid £40m for Suarez, £22m for Higuain and £23m for Bender, and we’ve not heard of concrete bids being made or turned down for any little known players, apart from Sanogo.
We seem to be having trouble closing deals, but our targets generally appear the types of players we’ve all been calling for in recent years.
ATG? Fuck, I didn’t know we were a week away from the start of the season, haven’t booked travel yet! I must have had 2 weeks’ solid sleep. And missed my plane back from Qatar :s
Glad you qualified that Baff.
If it’s legal then it’s fake 😉
In case anyone needs cheering up, it appears that there is virtually nothing happening in the transfer market today.
For us or anyone else. Total non-event of a day.
Does this mean that things are about to come to a head, or just that we’re still trying to remember the 4 digit code for Ivan’s office answerphone? I have absolutely no idea.
Bath,
Let’s hope we don’t lose to a 60:1 outsider in the 3.00 start at The Emirates. 😉
Ivan is currently painting his fence.
Once the creosote is dry, then he will get to the next most important thing on his agenda, which is to look for his comb.
Only to find that Dein has sold it to Usmanov. 😉
Since there’s nothing going on in the market just now, why don’t we switch our focus to what we’ve already got?
Who are the three players you’re most looking forward to seeing in an Arsenal shirt next season? The ones you think might take a bit of a step up, or who you’re just plain excited about?
I’ll start:
(i) Walcott – while he remains extremely frustrating to watch, he’s been quietly upping his stats season-on-season for the last three years. Last time out he got 21 goals and 16 assists. If he takes another, similar step up he could well net 25 goals and 20 assists off the wing, which would be no mean feat, and could put him among the country’s very best players. There’s no reason he can’t do it if he is able to finally establish some sort of consistency – the thing he’s struggled with for his entire career.
(ii) Ramsey – really came of age at the end of last term. Has always covered more than his share of ground, but started to add a bit of quality to the work rate after Xmas and stopped giving the ball away in stupid places. He’s coming to an age now where we can expect him to really start to shine and perhaps start running a game or two for us, really imposing himself.
(iii) Koscielny – I have absolutely no idea how Kos spent as much of last season as he did on the bench, but I’m looking forward to having him back in the side and watching his partnership with Mertesacker continiue to develop. Like Ramsey, he put in some enormously impressive performances in the run in, particularly the utter domination of the Dutch skunk in the game at the Emirates. He’s another one who’s approaching just the right age, and will surely be keen to demonstrate that he’s capable of being one of the country’s best defenders, the kind that wins teams trophies.
Plenty of others I’m excited about: Jack (obviously), the Ox, Woj, Corporal Jenks, Gideon, second seasons for Cazorla and Giroud, but the above three are the ones I will be watching with particular care.
Lars, loved this comment: “He’s a jet-heeled menace with a Yeboah-esque eye for goal, a thunderous pair of Stuart Pearce thighs, a side-parting De La Soul would kill for and a set of lugs Peter Reid can only dream of. But in which parallel universe is Gareth Bale worth 30 million squid more than Falcao, Cavani, Suarez etc. It’s nonsense in tight shorts.”
as for me, n7, of your three that big a step up from theo would be a miracle. already he was profligate in Asia, with more evidence of not quite right decisions. swap him with Giroud, from whom I expect that level of step up you describe. even if we get the biter.
Scruz
Good shout re: Giroud. If he can just tighten up his finishing he’ll take the league by storm.
You never can tell with Theo. He’s definitely one of the most frustrating players I’ve ever watched, but he goes produce goals and assists by the bucketload. Although they seem to come in batches.
N7, thats actually good idea and here is my take, will go for similar-ish format as you
(i) Rosicky – I know its big if, but if he manages to stay fit through most part of the season, I think he might be one of the key players who could be the “X-factor” for us winning trophy or two (three..four:P).
As someone pointed out during our game against Urawa, we are completely different side with him in the line up and I really want to see him win something with Arsenal.
(ii) Giroud – Despite suggestions from numerous sides that signing of HFB was not good business, his return was far from bad for his first season in PL. I am especially looking forward to his now even improved link-up play with rest of the squad. He has shown he is capable of quite intricate play and provided some marvelous assists. I also presume his finishing will be much more “predator-y” this term as he is settled in and again, tour has shown that it might be very much the case. So 20+ goals is totally expectable return from him.
(iii) Poldi – fit Poldi is a beast, unfortunately for us he was blighted by injury pretty much whole last season. So I am looking forward to see him hammering them in like there was no tomorrow with that left foot of his. Like Giroud, he is now settled in, on-field partnerships have flourished and I wouldnt be surprised the slightest if he was another 20+ striker.
Thinking of it, picking three players is not enough to cover the question, since I am really excited about many others. Walcott, Cazorla, Ramsey, Jack, Ox, Jenks, Kos…thats why our inactivity on transfer market is so frustrating, since we have really really good core upon which we can build.
Dr.z @ #143
HEH! I think you’ll find it next to Arsene’s matchday glasses, the keys to the war chest and Van Quisling’s thesis on club loyalty.
And the toggle for the zip on Arsene’s puffa coat. 🙂
Why is it that when you break a leg to get to the airport just on time that the flight is always delayed 2 hours? 🙁
hope this fate doesn’t befall me on Thursday, especially as works means bus replacement service from 10.15pm, I’d rather be able to take a direct train.
Safe travels, baff
It’s the law of sod Bath. Bon voyage.
Are you still in the M.East Ollie?
Thanks both. Surely hailstorms and flooding an unlikely obstacle for you ATM Ollie?
If you want pills to make it all go away, bath, amitriptyline will do it. In varying doses it can be used to treat pain, depression and to aid sleep. Best sleeping tablet I’ve ever used. 10mg and off you go for ten hours 🙂
N7, I’ll bite… 3 players “on the bubble” whose Arsenal futures really do hang in the balance this season.
(i) Ramsey – None of us are quite sure where his ceiling is. I don’t see him every being a super creative player or a goal-scorer, but I do see him, given the chance, becoming a reliable, “underrated” passing and controlling midfielder ala Michael Carrick…Certainly it’s a big year for him, and he seems poised to take a big step forward.
(ii) Giroud – Big year for him, regardless of whether we bring in another striker. Like Ramsey, he always works hard and seems to have the right attitude, but his finishing needs to improve if he’s going to be a regular for us for in years to come. He also needs to keep the ball better in the final third – too often he makes a bad pass and the attack breaks down.
(iii) Vermaelen – The onus is on the captain to make a claim for himself as a starter again. He’s coming off a pretty poor year, but I think most would agree he has it in him to be a dynamo again. So far his attitude seems to be the right one, but it remains to be seen whether he can get his old verve back. His confidence is low, and will likely be lower still if he’s stripped of the captaincy.
BTW, do others at the bar see TV5 retaining the captain’s armband next year? Personally I don’t…I see it going to Arteta. Your captain needs to be a regular starter. If Vermaelen does lose it, it’s up to him whether he turns that into fuel for the fire, or a futher drop in confidence…
So there you have it…my top 3 players we need to step up next season, regardless of what happens in the “transfer” “market.” And by the way, thanks, N7, for turning the conversation to a more constructive topic.
So, Bale wants to “speak” to Real Madrid, does he?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23490932
Quite possibly Real Madrid will speak him, but I’m thinking it’s more probable they will apply the Dementors Kiss on his apish face.
@145 …. Nice post. I’ll throw out Jack. Missed 15 months then last season was stop start. I expect a huge season from Jack with a proper preseason.
N7, here a three of the younger players I think really need to step up and make starting positions their own next season if they are to kick on to be long-term stars.
(1) Kieran Gibbs. No doubting the raw talent. The question is whether his body can handle Premiership football. In five seasons he has only managed 61 Premiership games, 27 of them last season. He’ll be 24 in September so this is the age at which, as a defender, he should be playing virtually every game to establish him as the first-choice. And for such an attacking full back, he should have scored more than four career goals.
(2) The Ox. Appears a far more mature player than the 19-year old he still is. AW has rightly nursed him through his first couple of seasons given his age and the early hype. Made progress last season but not as much as many had expected. This season may not play in many more league games than he appeared in last term (25) but needs to make more starts if he is to show he is kicking on. Another that needs to score more goals, too, as a mark of progress.
(3)Woj. Has the potential to be a top keeper but still has a lot of trade craft to learn. Needs this season to show he is the unchallenged No. 1. and doesn’t need to understudy a more experienced keeper for a season or two more.
Hey, Holic.
Enjoying (enjoyed)? the Google Hang Out.
N7 I salute your request, it’s an excellent antidote to the summer silliness of sighing over (non-) signings. For what it’s worth, my 3 are:
1. Walcott, for the same reasons cited above. I was sure he wouldn’t sign da ting and then he had a great season, even if it didn’t look that way. The kid’s a weapon.
2. Santi. Just plain excited at the thought of him orchestrating more attacking moves and scoring goals like the one against West Ham.
3. Jenks. I look forward to witnessing the development of his wing-work and weighing in with precise crosses.
Of course I’m just eager to watch a competitive match again and to see the window SLAM shut.
TS 152: yep, flying back on Thursday.
ned, interestingly, “the greatest english left back ever”, once an arsenal player, now a mobile phone apologist, scored 8 goals in all competitions by the time he was 24…but took 124 games to get there. so 4 from 61 is pretty much bang on the money.
but you’re damnably right, his body needs to hold up to the rigors of 40 games per season, in all those same competitions. otherwise, it’s just not going to give us the consistency we need to fire fully.
N7, the three I want to see step up would be
1. Wilshere, I want to see him score more and produce more assists.
2. Giroud, I want to see him improve his shot accuracy, composure in front of goal and finishing generally, problem is, I think, we will get a better striker so he might not get as many starts as he got last season.
3. Theo, I want to see him become more consistent in all aspects of his game especially beating his man, and developing his non-existent hold-up play, I actually think he has it in him.
Then the three I think will actually step up.
1. Koscielny, no matter who we sign I think Kos, barring any injuries, will finish the season as the best defender in England. P.s. I think Vermaelen will leave after this season after he must have been dropped officially/unofficially as team captain, and no I don’t think Arteta will keep the armband permanently either.
2. Woj, I understand people who still doubt his abilities, especially maturity, but I think, barring injuries, he will finish the season as our undisputed no1 and in the top 3 best keepers on the league.
3, Jack/Rambo, just because one of them is due a stormer of a season this coming term.
N7,
What a great idea.
On holiday with the family and I can’t spend the time on a long post right now.
However, having read most of the posts above, your “3 to watch” idea has certainly proved one thing –
We don’t need to buy any new players at all. We just hadn’t really thought about it !
Well played, sir. We can win the league with the players we already have and put that trouble making, expectation raising £100 million back in the bank.
Maybe they’ll let us all in for free this season now ???
Evening all.
Some interesting points above. The transfer talk just goes on and on. Interesting views about potential targets. First of all, Suarez. I like many am very pessimistic about the deal coming off. I have little to no faith in the board when it comes to sealing big deals. I just have this horrible feeling that we have ditched the Higuain deal because we believed that the 40 million clause was in fact a buy out clause?
Re the potential non star type players that Arsene seems to love. If our wonderful world of scouts had identified players like this then surely we would have brought them in by now???
The other interesting points made re the 3 to watch surrounds those who expect Jack to shine and score more. Not something that is likely to happen if we bring Cesc back I would suggest???? Another good reason to leave him in Barca with his DNA.
😀
Massive HEH @Trev’s 164, anything free is good, innit?
Steve, I don’t think Jack is ready to play in the hole(down, Wolfie!) Just yet, his final pass still needs sharpening and remember he had his best season whilst playing behind Cesc, so I don’t think Cesc coming back will harm his long term chances in that role.
No, Cent, I agree Jack is not ready to play there yet, nor might that ever be his ideal position. I see him in the box-to-box midfield role, now and always, with the ability to fill in in a more attacking role when needed…
Nor is he probably quite ready for the captaincy…Wenger might just leave it with Vermaelen, with Arteta the de facto captain on the pitch if and when TV5 doesn’t start…It really doesn’t matter who’s the captain. This Arsenal squad is chock full of players who “could” be captain (Wilshere, Mertesacker, Rosicky, Walcott, Ramsey, Sagna)…so who actually is is more of a formality than anything. Given that Wilshere is being groomed for the job, and that Arteta is doing an excellent job as is in TV5’s stead, might be best to leave well enough alone…
Nicely played Trev.
@168, goonsterham, agreed on all counts.
I’ve heard a rumour that Per will be captain, makes sense to me as I think Per and Kos will be our first choice CB’s keeping Vermaelen out and we will get a new DM which will mean Arteta won’t be a guaranteed starter too and Jack is not ready, as you pointed out.
Family seem otherwise engaged so,
N7, i’ll agree with your three of Walcott, Ramsey and Koscielny who need to step up, and have the ability to do so. As you say, it’s consistency patches they need which are now available in The New Quackery.
I will venture three possibly less likely candidates who could make an important impact.
i) Jenkinson. I am really hoping he can consistently perform at his best, because his best could be pretty awesome. A tremendous athlete with real pace, a fantastic attitude and a proper Gooner.
He already delivers a better cross than Bac, and with improved positional play will walk into the England team at right back.
ii) Wilshere. Before his injury he outplayed Xavi and Iniesta against Barcelona at the Emirates. I don’t need to tell anybody how good he could be. Good health will present us with a world class midfielder.
iii) Gnabry. A bit of a punt maybe but at times he has shown, at a lower level, the drive, athleticism and a fair bit of the skill of TH14. Capable of a lethal finish, he will need games at a higher level to develop the confidence that his type of game will require. How much first team action will come his way this season remains to be seen. Still very young but with huge potential.
As I included Wilshere above, who is not really ‘less likely’ to succeed, I will pinch a fourth choice, who has to be Gedion Zelalem.
How much first team action he will get, I have no idea. But at 16 years of age, I just want to see him on the ball all the time. Incredible ability, great strength for one who still looks a bit stringy physically, and an ability to pick a pass that makes a nonsense of his age.
The three that have to step up are clearly:
1. Gazidis
2. Dick Law
3. The barmaid at the Tollie on the 17th. *
* Holic – You have mail.
I think Jack struggles when played in the hole. I think he is more comfortable in the box to box role and has proved to be most effective when played in that role at this point of his career. Perhaps he’ll be able to transition in that role and play effectively but I think even Rosicky has played better than Jack in the hole.
I see Jack as more of a Gerrard type player. I can see him picking a pass, making driving runs and scoring a lot more regularly. I personally would expect him to step up to the plate very much like Cesc did when Paddy left. I want to see Jack start to boss games this season.
Steve T, as do we all. We may yet see Jack step up his attacking game, but he hasn’t shown it quite yet. Just 6 assists last season, and 2 goals. He does have the ability to drive past people, and hopefully we’ll see more assists/goals from him this year, but I’d argue he lacks the vision/precision of a Cazorla or Rosicky, or even the youngster Zelalem.
We need to remember that Jack is learning and very young in actual game time. From memory Cesc was not prolific in his first few seasons. The goals came as he developed as a player.
A bit unfair to have expected Jack to run the show in the Premier League after two almost totally injury dominated seasons.
He is quality but needs to work out how to play with those around him, who were also changing throughout last season.
Mos def, Steve T@175.
Look, GIVEN the team needs strengthening, and needs it badly. And despite the trying summer we’ve had there’s still hope for some really sound acquisitions before the window closes… ‘Nuff said on that count.
But what N7’s little exercise underlines is that this team is packed with players who have the potential to make great personal progress in the coming year: either younger players who are still realizing their massive potential, or, in the case of Prince Poldi and Giroud, players who have had a chance to adjust to a new team/league and can now begin to really show off what they’re about… (as for Cazorla, more of the same please). Obviously that’s true of any team, but I’d argue it’s extra true of this team, this year.
“packed, players, potential, personal progress, Prince Poldi…”
My posts are poems.
Trev. I said I want to see Jack start to boss games. I don’t expect him to do it week in week out. If he remains injury free then I am expecting a rapid development. After all, if he can make Barca’s midfield look ordinary?????
Steve: “I see Jack as more of a Gerrard type player.”
I hope that doesn’t include beating people up in night clubs when they refuse to play Phil Collins songs 🙂
Three I want to see making a huge impact in 2013/4:
Suarez, Fellaini, Cesar
Oskar
I wonder if AW might finally try TV at DM? Something I’ve been suggesting, to mounting ridicule, for years now.
Oskar
Lara. I would be more concerned if he asked for Phil Collins tracks rather than him giving someone a slap.
From memory, Jack had a fairly prodigious goal scoring record for the youth team. Hopefully, he might yet repeat the trick for the firsts.
What he needs to learn to do, as Cesc also had to learn, is to make runs beyond the centre forward. Too few of our current midfield crop are willing to gamble on such runs, and that’s where the goals are to be had. Particularly with the HFB providing knock downs.
Loving all of the above posts. Great to see such a wide range of names are generating excitement, hopefully two or three will make the necessary progression and we might yet have a real team on our hands.
We are struggling to find homes for TGSTEL still having hawked him all around Spain and find that Chamakh outearns the top earner at Palace by £55k a week! Shifting those idiots would net us about £5.5 million pa.(although Chamakh only looks like going for 6 months).But the reality is we’d have to subsidise any move for them. And what of Park? Is he still an arsenal player and how much is he costing a week.
Those three moved off would pay for a Suarez–if Wenger ever signs him. Indications are this could run until the end of the window! what joy.
It was all going so well …….
then somebody had to mention Phil Collins. 🙁 🙁
Steve@183: that is indeed true!
Trev, sorry – not my intention to ruin the mood 🙁
Reading John Crosses article tonight on the mirror would seem to suggest that there is more to the interpretation of this “release clause” that meets the eye and would seem to support an analysis that I read on the blog below which the writer has opined from the “sight of documents” which might go some way towards explaining the stand-off, interpretation and delays.
How true it is, I don’t know, but it certainly makes interesting reading.
http://www.gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2013/7/27/luis-suarez-cesc-fabregas-and-wayne-rooney-what-is-their-value-and-are-they-worth-it-for-arsenal
Oskar, I doubt if Vermaelen can play the role of the mordern day, ball playing, DM who Arsene seems to be looking for, I don’t think he is that comfortable on the ball to distribute in tight areas as a DM should do in the system we operate.
Well done, CoR.
BMBD
Just over half way through the Hangout, and with iPad batteries and spirits depleted, it’s time for sleep.
Night all. 🙁
Goes on a gnarly Gnabry-like run and dishes one off in the direction of Lonestar who may or may not be watching …
Night Trev. 🙂
Night Trev.
8ball, you up for the 2 hundred?
I see it’s been a while anyone posted
…So I will just go on a solo run..
…Then lay on the assist…
…And go to bed…night all…Zelalem-UCL-winning-assist…
ooooh, tabsed it, but i think the truth will (be) out…so…bang!
Joe @ 188 –
You sure John Crosses.
And come to think of it, I wonder what issues Mr. Blogs and some drinkers here have with Phil Collins.
I actually like and play his songs (yea, I said it).
Excellent drinks all round. Kudos all. I was so engrossed in back-drinking that I didn’t notice when the bar closed. Now the barman has locked me in.
I will cross myself, say a little prayer and pick a comfortable spot to rest my bones.
September 1. Arsenal v. Tottenham.
November 10. Manchester United v. Arsenal.
What the f*ck is NBCSN, and do I get it in my cable package? Until now there were only whispers (spread here by Abb, as I recall) about a Premier League TV coverage crisis in the States but this is starting to sound serious. What’s worse, I changed my cable package a couple of months ago and have no idea if I did the right thing. The complications are endless. 🙁
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/29/premier-leagues-early-must-sees-from-nbc-sports-u-s-tv-schedule/related/
Cheers everyone once again for the words of support! I’m glad you enjoyed the report.
Joe, that “What’s the score” link was a great read. Clears up certain events that took place recently.
I refuse to get back into transfer speculation but I will say that I have a feeling that whoever we bring in could very well be eclipsed by the performance of players who have already fully settled into the team last season.
Which brings me to N7’s post @ 145.
I’m looking forward to seeing the following players next season (and enjoy watching in general):
1) The Fußballgott himself, Podolski. I like powerful strikers, and enjoy seeing him knock over defenders and charge into the box. He will be electric next season if he lives up to his full potential and stays injury free.
2) Tomas Rosicky, elder statesmen and the one who pushes us forward much quicker than the others. He always seems to come into form in the tail-end of the season but I’m hoping he turns it on from the get-go.
3) Mikel Arteta, the tireless titan in the thickest area of the pitch. I’m not sure if he will be asked to play as much as before, especially if we sign a defensive midfielder but I really enjoy watching him play.
Players who I think will improve massively next season:
1) Giroud—Despite the media rubbishing him, he had a brilliant first season and won me over when he battered the Stoke defenders, much to their disbelief. I’m backing him to get more goals this time around.
2) Walcott—Growing pains are still evident but I’ve always backed Theo to improve. He needs to try channeling Ian Wright a little bit more now and get more aggressive and sharper in pursuit of goals.
3) Cazorla—He had a great first season with us and was undoubtedly the best performer we had however, I think we will see performances on a even grander scale next season.
Ramsey, Oxlade, Wilshere, Gibbs, Jenkinson are also already showing signs of improvement but we may have to wait a little while longer to see them fulfill their massive potential.
Oh, and finally, I think Vermaelen should remain club captain, and Arteta vice-captain. I hate how we always make our best players captain and they then get sold in the summer, so let’s have a captain out of sight for once?? 🙂
Seriously though, I like Vermaelen, but I felt like RVJ leaving affected his mentality, and with serious pressure to perform he seemed to be trying to hard all the time. It’s a long season, he’ll regain his place soon enough I think.
“too* hard” even (down Wolfie!) 8)
SCG@162: interesting point. Hadn’t thought of checking Cashley’s comparables. Generally, I don’t think of him at all, and certainly not much of him.
Otd@182: I’ve often thought the same about TV5. He has a lot of the raw material to play the position. Arguably more so than Arteta. Unlike Cent, my concern is not about Vermaelen’s distribution in tight situations, but whether he would have the positional discipline required for a DM. That is what makes Arteta such a success there.
CoR, I really hope Giroud doesn’t suffer second-season syndrome as opposition defenders start to work him out. I thought he looked really promising last season and his goals and assists tallies belied those who wrote him off. With Poldi fully fit, the pair could well get 40-50 goals between them, which would set us on our way nicely.
With TV at DMF we could expect a few more goals from him too, NBN. The guy has a cannon shot which has had all too little exposure in the past from CD.
Oskar
An encouraging article from gunnerstown, Joe, tks for that. It confirms my fear that any Suarez deal might not be done until practically deadline day. But since he’s suspended until well into September that’s more a problem for Pool than us.
Suarez, Rooney AND Cesc? I could live with that!
But then, right now I’d settle for any major purchase… 🙁
Oskar
NBN, I hope that doesn’t happen as well. If we do bring in a striker though, I think that striker would be the one with something to prove leaving him mentally unencumbered and able to focus on his game. Or at least, with an option to bring off the bench. Looks promising so far though…
*CoR metaphorically knocks on wood*
I wonder what’s going to happen to Ryo next season? Another loan or COC games? He still looks a bit raw but he has some talent that kid…
Morning all,
Could I just direct you back to the Terry thread briefly where a couple of welcome visitors have been…
http://goonerholic.com/2013/07/clive-gooner-since-52-my-short-but-richly-rewarding-skype-adventures-with-gooner-terry/
Thanks ‘holic. Very very touching.
I’ve just followed ‘Holic’s link @209. There is NOTHING more to say in praise of this site.
CoR – why not just knock on actual wood? 😀
Pangloxon, I think you missed the fact that the post that was to be removed had already been removed, you mean 210 😉
Terry sounds like a chap who should have a stone at the Emirates…
I was watching the Google hangout on Arseblog last night and the broadband went down around the 40 minute mark. At 3am… good work though, really enjoyed that.
Holic
Thank you for directing us back to Terry’s tribute post.
Very touching comments from some of his nearest and dearest.
A great way to start the day and testament to the majority of people who get involved in this bar.
Cheers!
Hey holics. Apologies for the absence from the drinks recently. Real life has been getting a little too real in this part of Goonerdom.
A quick update for holics who have traveled (i.e BTM) to or and/or are going to travel to my tiny island for work/pleasure this coming season, and need your weekend fix of Arsenal at the local pub, we’ve moved our home (regrettably).
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-singapore-goodbye-pics
Cute that .con featured the move on the site.
Anyway, a round of single malts to all, please.
Cheers Holic.
Duly revisited – nice to see.
Cynic. Top shout above. I’m sure that as a group of holics we could all contribute to the purchasing of a stone in memory of Terry???
What do you think people???
Count me in for a stone for Terry.
Afternoon all,
Clive has already suggested the stone to me and I will get that ordered. Once I have the details and the cost I’ll email those who have expressed a desire to contribute and we can sort something when you are coming to the Grove.
Thanks all.
Count me in too.
Totally in support of getting a stone for GT.
Perhaps multi name boy could turn up at the Tollie on match day to say hello and hand over his contribution????? It would be nice for him to meet some of the boys.
😀
Make sure you collect from both Wolfie and Tabs.
😀
Count me in. Just read the link ‘H, very touching.
Heh Steve 🙂
Oh god, we have to contribute per personality?
*bankrupt* 😯
Only seems fair Zico?????
Haha. 🙂
Hey Steve-o at 217, tks for the heads up, so many great memories from the Liz, was there from the opening till I left Sing at the end of 2008. Whats the new gaff like? Bet the pizzas not as good.
Trev lets it all hang-out when his batteries are depleted?
We all knew…
Pure class this bar. Count me in fellas. Holic, I remembered when The Management wasn’t feeling so well, and I asked if someone could post something cheery for her. Well, Terry went ahead and put the link to ‘Tomorrow’ from Orphan Annie for her to enjoy. He was that kinda of guy, so considerate.
holic, i’m in on the stone. what a lovely thought, Clive and cynic.
Count me in on the stone.
Harry Potter is apparantly keen to donate a stone – one of the stones he used to stuff his furniture with.
Oh yes, it’s his Fill-a-Sofa Stone. 😉
Ok, I know where me coat is. 😉
I’m up for a contribution towards a GT stone
8 ball @ 202: NBCSP is the NBC Sports Network channel and if you have subscribed to the premier sports packages — or even in some cases standard ones — you should definitely have it.
Better if you have the entire NBC package in which case many games being shown in various member channels — neither NBC nor NBC Sports — would be available to you as well.
Based on the clarification from NBC site, the coverage should be much more extensive compared to the Fox Soccer ones and with a much better panel of commentators and experts (the Fox ones were borderline unbearable).
I had previously posted the official link from the NBC web-site couple of drinks back, I will repost it later.
‘holic please count me in on the stone for Gooner Terry.
Doctor Faustus thanks for the info. I can only hope that a major corporation such as NBC wouldn’t make things worse, contrary to normal expectations. I’ll check into your positive spin. 🙂
Count me for two for the stone.
Bugger. New machine and, yes, I managed to mis-type my alias above. For the avoidance of doubt, I am up for contributing to a GT memorial stone
Just checked on dot con. You can get a really nice large stone for £495. Surely there are 50 of us that can donate a tenner?
Wolfie, Tabs, me, that’s £30 to start with.
Rumours of Bendtner to Malaga. They may want to throw a right back in as part of a swap deal. Personally I would be happy to swap him for a toaster.
I thought that Malaga stuff was a month ago or so. Back on?
Apparently it’s al back on.
Toaster? I would even swap him for a slice of bread.
😀
Steve T,
You’d only get a really dodgy toaster for Bendtner. Probably set the place alight – which is more than he ever managed to do. 😉
I’ll gladly contribute to the stone for GT,send me details and ill send the money.
I’ll gladly chip in for the stone if someone wants to set up a PayPal account or similar for us to pay into.
This is food for thought: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jul/30/manchester-city-human-rights-accusations
Holic-very happy to contribute to a fitting reward for a great Gooner.
I was interested in the article Joe posted last night@ 188. It was a much more credible story and revealed a reason why the Suarez deal is held up-namely we are not in the Champions League and able to trigger a clause in Suarez’s contract UNTIL we qualify. This might explain the legal wrangle a bit more meaningfully.
There are rumours afoot that TGSTEL might be going to Malaga. I’ve given up holding my breath on TGSTEL as it was threatening to cause a respiratory arrest but here’s hoping
n7, i was going to say just that. if holic sets up a paypal acct i can pay to, ten bob will be moving quickly along the internets to his stone coffer.
Not sure how to make the logistics work, but count me in for the stone-contribution task force…
‘Holic – what a great creation you have here. You should be very proud.
BMBD
N7, thanks for the link @248, real food for thought.
cent, n7, definitely. here’s some more: http://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/rape-incident-longer.htm
i believe the charges have now been dropped.
one of my best friends taught at an international school in abu dhabi for three years, and said they were three of the darkest years of his life…he is gay, and always had to be incredibly careful to keep it in the closet, other than among friends. never any criticism of the emirati, or any of the social structures, especially not in public. what ollie experienced in qatar with respect to alcohol, too.
he escaped from there to baku, azerbaijan, which isn’t exactly full of light. fortunately, now he’s teaching and living in lisbon!
Scruz, what an eye-opening article that is @253, the girlfriend’s family will be off to Dubai for a two-week vacation in early september, I’m now torn between telling her these stuffs and ruining her holiday because she won’t feel comfortable during her stay or keeping mum, hoping she doesn’t get into any sort of trouble and bearing the guilt if anything goes wrong, not that she’s the type that goes looking trouble mind, but you never know what might happen in these kind of situation.
cent, tough call. me, i’d tell my wife, because i’d rather her be aware of the situation. then she can choose to enjoy in spite of it.
but, it’s tough.
Really tough one, I guess I will have to find a calm way of telling her about it without scaring her, because thinking of it now I don’t think she will cancel this trip for anything.
Please add me onto the list for GT’s stone. A fitting tribute.
let me know how I can participate for Gooner Terry’s stone please.
Garsguns 246.
I think you’ve already got the details by e-mail.
Possibly under some African name.
Oh no, wrong e-mail
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Great read, quite enjoyed that.
Might have missed this somewhere quite obvious, but can anyone tell me if CoR has a regular blog of his own, or anywhere I might be able to read his stuff? Couldn’t find anything through my initial google search