Don’t Go Overboard, That Sanogo
Aug 2nd, 2014 by 'holic
I was struck by a hint of deja vu this afternoon. Forty-three years ago, almost to the day, I was at Highbury to see Arsenal beat a cracking Benfica side, including the great Eusebio, 6-2 in a pre-season friendly. Nobody expected that degree of victory that day, and Arsenal would go on to surprise and delight in the opening months of that season with their interpretation of total football, made fashionable by the great Ajax side of the era.
Today the new look, and decidedly under-strength Gunners almost repeated the achievement, mastering the Europa League finalists 5-1, and again it has to be said the manner of the victory was as unexpected as it was impressive. Arsenal took to the field minus their holidaying three German World Cup winners, and started with something of a who’s who on the bench comprising, among others, new boys Mathieu Debuchy and Alexis Sanchez, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, plus Laurent Koscielny, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, and Olivier Giroud.
Some idea of the potential strength of the squad was evidenced by the performances of a number of squad players plus new signing Calum Chambers, a right back at Southampton last season, but paired with left-back Nacho Monreal in the centre of the Gunners defence. From the right flank of that defence Hector Bellerin gave an impressive display, getting forward at every opportunity. Behind them Damian Martinez, presumably still third choice goalkeeper following the arrival of David Ospina, produced a string of smart saves as the visitors broke dangerously.
The midfield saw Mathieu Flamini anchoring and thereby allowing attacking freedom to Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky, both of whom showed enormous energy and enthusiasm chasing back as well as probing further forward. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and (at last) Joel Campbell worked the flanks. Campbell looked unfortunate not to get a very early penalty, but his time would come.
Yaya Sanogo got the nod to start as the central striker. A bit of a Marmite figure for the supporter base with his failure to score last season, although his chances were few and far between and usually in high-pressure fixtures against good opposition. Today he gave a hint of what he could become. An early attempt from a Bellerin cross missed the target, but his next four efforts required retrieving from the back of the net. Bellerin and Ramsey combined to set him up for the first in the 25th minute, a simple backheel flick.
Sanogo then combined with Bellerin to set up Campbell for a superb volley and we had doubled our advantage. There followed an astonishing four minute burst either side of the break which saw Sanogo plunder another three goals as Benfica fell apart. Campbell provided the assist for number three after cleverly avoiding the offside trap, Kieran Gibbs set up the pick of Sanogo’s goals, an intricate near-post finish under pressure, before he was gifted an opportunity to start the second-half with another from a parried Moraes save.
The midfield was substituted just before the hour, and from a set piece Arsenal’s lack of height and organisation allowed Gaitan to head home a consolation. Were this not a makeshift back four one might have been inclined to worry more. The players will doubtless go over what happened in the week before a stronger defence lines up against Manchester City at Wembley. A word for new boy Chambers. He’ll have more strenuous tests of his ability than a demoralised Benfica provided after a lively intial burst, but what he did was assured and he must be in the frame to partner Laurent Koscielny at Wembley next week.
There was time for the moment most in attendance came to see. Alexis was intoduced on the left flank for the final seventeen minutes, and showed some wonderful touches. He has undoubted class and will bring pace and trickery to the attack this season. Should Campbell and Sanogo build on today, Podolski and Giroud gain fitness quickly, and Theo Walcott return before long, our attacking options suddenly look much rosier. That isn’t to say I wouldn’t expect us to add a proven goalscorer should one become available, but we look much better stocked than this time last year.
Beforehand I spoke of the need to sit back and take a wider view of the performances this weekend. As a draw or defeat with this starting eleven would not have been a cause for pitchforks and torches, so the impressive win should not provoke too much celebration and expectation. By half-time Benfica had visibly crumbled, and most Premier League opponents will test us more severely. However they were reduced to that level by some astonishing attacking football from Arsenal, and some quality finishing from Campbell and Sanogo. It’s where we would want to be tonight.
527 Responses to “Don’t Go Overboard, That Sanogo”
#FreeCarvalho
Over the moon to hear The Panther is staying. I remember spending a full week worrying over that deal whilst visiting the in-laws in Denmark? A real on-again, off-again thriller. Good old BIG Dick Law really came through on that one… I later spent a great week in San Jose with a footy mad hostel owner, who watched the 5-3 at Chavski with me at 6am or whatever it was. Had a soft spot for Costa Rican footy ever since. I really feel like this is a special one.
Forward
Get in! I see what you did with that headline. Now to read the post.
For those who missed the match, here’s the highlights of the goals :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrmfee7MT_o
The new central defender looked super today as well. Well done Chambers. Bellerin looked the nuts to.
Always exciting to see the youth coming through, looks like a good crop from 18 to 23 all stepping up now. Quite the young core with Ramsey, Wilshere, Ox, Chambers etc all looking like top, top players.
Forward
#FreeKhedira
“But as well technical skill.
AW’s comparison between Adewhore and Sonogo. Boom. Man is on fire!!!
Stevie G will be chairing the support group, Ade in the corner getting counselling… Who is next?
Just got in from a family commitment to see the score?? Blimey, I’m guessing those there had fun. I’ve just seen a brief highlights package. Old Sanogo looks mustard from 3 feet out with an open goal and where he does not need a first touch????? Only joking, only joking. Calm down.
Glad players got a run out and I’m glad that everyone seems to have got through unscathed.
One thing I would say is that this could be a monster season for Aaron Ramsey. If he can stay fit there will be a lot of people talking about him. I’m not sure who will be made captain this season but I think young Aaron should be given the vice captain role. He could develop into something very special indeed.
For those going tomorrow, enjoy yourselves.
Nice write up Holic. Cheers.
Great read as ever ‘h. Enjoy your evening.
A match report? A match report! The season must have started. Oh bugger it’s the Ems Cup. Still, look on the bright side the season must be only a couple of weeks away.
Nice report Guv. Hope you have many more like this one to write between now and May.
COYG
Having watched the highlights perhaps we need a player like sanogo
Looks clumsy but seems to be in the right spot all the time
Not a bad start
Looking forward to Sundays game
All the best from a chilly sydney
Travelling to the game today 13 year old Master Fin asked “predictions for Arsenal v Benfica then Dad?” A tongue-in-cheek reply “3-0, Sanogo hat-trick”. Master Fin replied (a marmite-hater unlike his Dad) “I’ll give you £20 if he does”.
Skip forward to half-time, a seriously worried Master Fin!
And no I didn’t take the money (mainly because I would have had to give him the £20 in the first place).
It’s deja vu all over again.
Until Arsene gets ruthless and disposes of some of his squad, and buys better players who are ready now, it will be more of the same.
Some of our players are still too Slow, not good enough, not ready, too many slight players not made for the PL, and we will get smashed by the big boys Again and probably finish 3rd or 4th again.
I cannot believe that people are taken in by
A back up GK to replace an experienced PL Gk
A replacement RB of similar quality
A 19 yr old Kid
And one player who improves the team NOW.
we’re not 1 player away, we still need 3 more this summer.
I’m sorry for the negativity, but I just can’t see Arsene doing what needs to be done. And our first 11 and squad is still inferior to our rivals.
Great Blog Dave and congratulations on the Win against Us. Fully deserved
Rich, which village has lost you?
Good to see Rich understands the point of a pre-season fitness exercise.
Oh dear ……..
A fine first report of 2014-15 Holic. Straight back in the groove 😉
no need to be sorry Rich.
I hope, ‘holic permitting, that you can entertain us whenever you feel like 🙂
They are back……..already
Summer must be very long for them
Rich I feel quite sorry for you. I promise I’ll pray for you as you clearly don’t know how to “read” football rather than look at a game at face value. Yes it’s a friendly but you are clearly young and don’t get these tournaments. Its about watching passing, combos, organisation, and how well different players link together. Sunday will be the same and we will see how more variations work together. No one is saying we are suddenly world beating as fitness isn’t complete but the signs are good for contesting the title this season and we haven’t even seen the rest of the team on the field yet. You are a lone voice.
Rich, I know we are neighbours and all that and Arsene is quite an awesome manager but he really can’t manage two teams at once and therefore can’t dispose some of Pochettino’s squad members, Pochettino will have to that himself. I agree that some(all in my opinion) of your players are still too slow not good enough and simply not good enough for the EPL. I also agree that your team will get smashed by the big boys again(what do you think you exist for?) but I can’t see you guys finishing anywhere near the top four. No need to apologise about your Negativity we already know everything about Sp*rs is negative or, to use a word that describes it best, shit.
Cent just won the entire internet.
Holic
Chambers will have to start as CB next week with Kos as we have no other option.We have a million midfielders but only 2 experienced CB’s.We need another CB urgently
Let Sanogo have his day in the sun but i would be amazed if he scored 4 league goals ALL season.Campbell reminded me a bit of Wiltord.Not a great player but he will do a job and will chip in with 8-10 goals
At the moment i still believe we need 3 new signings,you all know the positions to put in a sustained challenge after March
Question:Would anyone be happy with another 4th finish and a domestic cup next season?
Always a pleasure reading your pieces on this site. It will be good to have a twitter share link somewhere on your blog, which would make it easier to share your pieces with my followers. Cheers
“It’s deja vu all over again.
Until Arsene gets ruthless and disposes of some of his squad, and buys better players who are ready now, it will be more of the same.”
Like losing Bendtner? Park?
Like signing Alexis? Debuchy? Chambers? Ospina?
Deary deary me. (Edited, see below)
Cent.
Damn. Hats off for the best post ive read in many moons.
LOL. Truly.
Drink on the bar for you!
Thanks tabs, very fair comments in previous round. If I respond I will only be accused of going on and on ad infinitum (again), so time to foreclose on it and look forward to a season that will make my doubts irrelevant.
I truly hope it will be prove that I have been worrying unnecessarily.
Aussie … way too soon to be claiming victory. Victory in what anyway?
Bit of a surprise result today. I’ve only seen the goals, and that only in jerky non HD, so quality of them impossible to judge. What I’d really like to see is a possible first XI actually get a game together before season kick-off. Hopefully in the Community Service they have to do next week?
Öskar
Rich,rich, oh rich the clowns are already coming out. It’s a pre-season, you moron.Crawl back to the hole you just came out from.
Excellent match report ‘holic, of a game I would have loved to be able to see. New faces doing some exciting things. Time for Arsenal to sharpen things up because it won’t be long now.
Thanks for the write up holic and the drinks above.
This specific write up was the most important for me as I find myself in very unfamiliar and unacceptable territory for the first time in my arsenal following lifetime.
I have yet to see any of the game at all and I cannot remember the last time I missed any arsenal game from pre season to the end.
Down under we get wall to wall live football coverage and on the rare occasions when the arse is not on pay tv, I always watch the replay or live coverage on arsenal player.
Unfortunately on this occasion, Arsenal player has a message on all the match highlights video clips that says “this video is not available in your location (AU)”.
Anyone else from experiencing the same message. First time for me.
Anyways, great to get the feel of the game from the match review and other holics comments.
Please to hear that martinez kept well and that sonogo and campbell both scored. Sounds like benfica were very early in their preperation.
Oskar – 1 nil that jenks was not going to make the squad in 2014, two nil that campbell would and 3 nil if sanchez plays striker, which it seems he may at some stage.
Anyone have any tips where i can catch a replay of the game.
Robin Van Who????
Morning all, apologies, the server got pissed and went to sleep last night. Back in full working order now.
Have a great Sunday.
Morning all, no-one’s getting carried away or taking a pre-season run-about too seriously (whoops! Spoke too soon…I meant no-one except those who just started their summer holidays and have too much time on their hands).
Just nice to see Yaya finally chalk up a couple and feels good to be this close to a new season. Excited to see what happens this year, I have a feeling our attack could be the equal of any other. Defensively if we avoid getting torn a new one by the big teams, who knows what could happen?
Have a nice Sunday campers. I just put the Porcettes on a train heading north of the border so I’m off to be utterly self-indulgent for the rest of the day.
Morning All
Great blogging as always Maestro.
Fab visit to The HoF yesterday with son #1. As others have said (not necessarily here) these are exciting times for The Arsenal.
The new and not so new boys really impressed yesterday. Chambers, Ramsey and Sanch… sorry Alexis all looked top quality from our seats in Block 1. Alexis, still not 100% ready, looked like a nightmare to defend against. I believe he has the quality and the hunger to make a big impact on The Prem this season. Let’s see how he handles the north-west, mid-week, on a cold & rainy night.
Can anyone remember the last time we looked this good before the season started?
UTA!
PS: Rich the Troll – Don’t pretend that you either enjoy football, watch football, understand football or support The Arsenal. My six year old son could write a better assessment of The Arsenal than you. Hugs & kisses x
Boys. What’s with all the abide directed towards Rich? I don’t agree with a lot of what he has said but he does make some valid points, especially re who we have brought in. Alexis is clearly a massive signing and a massive addition to the squad. I’m sure we all hope for great things from him. We have paid £10 million for a French right back who replaces a French right back who left on a free. We have bought a reserve goal keeper who is clearly an upgrade on Flappy, but still second choice. Add to that a 19 year old who is clearly a project for the future. If we want to challenge for the title then I would also say we are 3 players short.
It’s all about opinions people. Trev is spot on when he makes the point about this being just a pre season fitness exercise. Perhaps that is where Rich needs to gain some perspective? But I had hoped we were above dishing out abuse to those with a different opinion?????
I hope that Sanago goes out on loan, at least until the new year. I am still far from convinced that he has what it takes at this level. I think that if he stays with us he just won’t get the game time to develop and test himself. A loan to another premier league club may just be what he ends and may also tell us if he has it or he doesn’t.
If you are going today then slap the factor 30 on and enjoy.
Have a good Sunday people.
What’s with all the abuse even…..
Think I might have Trev’s spill chucker???
🙂
Nasty Dick @ #21
There is talk of the BFG playing very early in the season. Palace even. Fear not, his future replacement looks ready to stand-in until he’s back.
Morning all,
hard to tell here whether the site is down or my WiFi – getting quite stressful and I’m supposed to be on HOLIDAY!!!!!!!
This is what happens when you’re miles away and the Arsenal are playing actual matches – albeit FRIENDLY WARM-UPS, Rich !
Well, there’s enough blue sky to make a pair of sailor’s trousers today and the sea beckons.
Will be rushing back this evening to catch the highlights vs Monaco which begin at, er, midnight. Oh! WAGNER AHHTTT !!!
Sorry about all the capitals and exclamation marks – that’s what dodgy internets do for you 😉
Have a good one all – ooh er, a seagull just landed on my balcony and we all know that when the seagulls follow the trawler …….. 😉
Aussie 28 ,
I do have the same problem as you , the Arsenal video will be available to us only in a day or two . In the mean time , try this :
http://arsenalist.com/
Point well made Steve. Broke my own rule. Bit fed up of seeing such negativity right now when the club are obviously making strides. Disagree strongly with what was said but the abuse withdrawn.
Steve T – Agree. Ears cuffed. Each to their own, etc. Will you be at Wembley next Sunday?
Good to be back at the Bar. Great post Holic. Looking forward to read you this season again. I like what I saw yesterday…not so much for game we played (Benfica was horrible!) but the signs are there that this may be THE SEASON we were all waiting for – the season in which PL or CL will be ours. I liked Bellerin yesterday…Debuchy will have to be at his best to keep the starting place ahead of this guy (and Chambers of course). Martinez was good too. But in a week they will be so much better and in two they will be flying.
As for Sanogo…I don’t know…I read that the guy is really special. He got over some nasty injury…seems to be a real winner. Wenger likes him a lot and we all know that if Boss likes someone so much it is only the matter of time before he stuns the football world (stand up Aaron Ramsey!). No, I am not going to go overboard with his 4 goals yesterday but I do hope that yesterday’s display may unchain him.
Diaby didn’t play? I hope it is nothing serious. I expect Abu to be his old self. They speak about Pogba…get me our Diaby back and injury-free and they can have all Pogbas, Khediras and others.
Cheers for the report ‘H, great stuff. One correction. I tried the ‘Sanogo backheel’ this morning. I fell over. Not ‘simple’ at all 😉
Good day out at the Ems y’day. I could get used to the view from Club.
Not much to add to what you’ve said ‘H. It was a proper game for about an hour before the substitutions were made whereupon it all fizzled out a bit, apart from a cracking little cameo from Alexis at the end. Suarez without the biteyness basically.
– I look forward to my man Sanogo proving a lot of people wrong this season. Imo, we won’t be signing another forward.
– Lively intro by Campbell.
– Ramsey was quietly magnificent.
– Chambers looked nicely assured.
– Bellerin looked terrific going forward, still a bit unsure as to his capabilities re the more defensive aspects of the role though.
Back to the Ems for round 2. If Calsberg made weekends …
Oscar – Cheers Sir.
Cent @9 Hahaha 🙂
Cheers montreal – as i am sick of watching dodgy clips from what seems to be a khazakstan football site as the commentator sounds like borat.
Borat , that guy seriously makes me laugh.
My word we have added some serious depth to the squad when you look at some of the performances yesterday.
All the new comers impressed. It was great to see Sanogo get off the mark. And Campbell was a real handful throughout. But it was the two lads in defence that impressed me most. I think Chambers is a serious player in the making. His calmness, positioning and utility of the ball was highly accomplished for a player so young. And young Bellerin has all the attributes to become a top class full back one day. His pace up and down the wing, his technique, crossing and as Blogs said this morning, his “waspish” defence were just a joy to watch. We’re blessed to have so many options on both flanks at Full back.
Whats been so impressive about this summer is not only the fact that we signed players of the calibre of Alexis Sanchez, but that we’re seriously addressing the depth issue in buying back-up players of superb quality like Chambers. I hope that continues and that we see a top class DCM come in before the window closes.
Apart from the new players, am I the only one thinking that Shad Forsythe could well be the best signing we make this summer…? Consider how close Wenger has come in past endeavours on a shoestring budget because key players got injured in the run in. FFP has levelled the pitch somewhat against the petrodollars. Now we have depth, we have money and one of the best fitness coaches in the world. The last 8 years have been tough but its great to see how the superb management of the club during those times is finally coming to fruition. I don’t want to sound over enthusiastic, but we could be witnessing something really special happening here.
Greetings Holics
Had a fun day out at the Ems, the one and only chance I have to sit along side my King’s Lynn Gooner travelling companions. Our watering hole was virtually empty, we spent all our money in the Armoury and we saw Sanogo score!
Ramsey looked full of running, Bellerin impressed me and I hope to see more of him this season. I have nick-named Alexis “twinkle toes”and liked what I saw of Chambers. Sadly the Ox didn’t get into the game and was subbed early on but a makeshift side provided plenty of entertainment and the three of us went home happy Gooners.
Looking forward to seeing a different side on the Box this afternoon and can’t wait for the trip to Wembley next Sunday.
COYRs
Where’s Serge?
Injured? Or being prepared for a loan, to be announced sometimes soon?
Coquelin looked much rusty in the defensive areas. No wonder as whenever he played at Freiburg last year he played mostly as a winger going forward. My guess is we are most likely looking for a buyer for him. Versatile enough to generate interest.
Today’s defensive line-up would be interesting. I think Hayden and Iggy would probably share time with Kos at the center, Iggy also switching with Nacho for the left back , and maybe Chambers sharing time with Debuchy for the RB.
Most likely we are going to sell Iggy as well, apparently Espanyol seems to be interested.
The original HFB . 🙂
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140801/wenger-my-wonderful-memories-of-monaco
Had an eye for talent those days as well. The great George Weah, and then of course trusting a 17 year old winger in reserve squad with the first team duties.
Faustus, Gnabry is injured. He hasn’t been training with the team at all during this pre-season, I presume it’s the same injury (something with his knee, an injury he got during a youth team game) that kept him out during the final weeks of last season.
Hi everybody 🙂
Now Holic, a couple of posts ago you (astutely) pointed out that our very own Sanogo gets himself in good positions (for scoring). I am sharing the prestigious honor of ‘discovering him’ with you! 😉 😉
Seriously, much satisfaction gained from watching a diamond in the rough. Games should be entertaining and fun to watch.
And maybe we all need to be reminded that our intense rivalries give us much enjoyment. So thank you to all you folks from other clubs! Just wouldn’t be the same without you 🙂
Lonestar , (prev. drinks) Thank you, mate xx
Thanks Lars.
Puts away half-century, for practice.
Waves to abb
Really looking forward to seeing Alexis play for 45mins..
😀
Cheers Goonster, Homer and TaBS. Hi Nurse *waves*
for those in need of stream:) http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=268767&part=sports
Charity Shield team out today. Looks good. Add Ozil and the BFG…
Debuchy also making debut!
😀
Yummmm!
wee phone
wee conection
big fuck
FUCK
Falcao is up for Monaco… don’t think it’ll be another 5-1…!
Hey Centy and Pangloss!
And all you good looking holics 😉
morning all (hi, abb!).
looks like our fullest-strength team out there. Alexis starting!
Lonestar,
congrats for your daughter – missed it earlier with this dodgy connection.
carvahlo you cunt, knees off our HFB!
Giroud still looks a lil off pace, Chambers is actually quite good!
Debuchy is solid! Alexis… oozes class 😀
Left back position looks dodgy for us….
poor defending really, tasty header by Radamel
Rash challenge by Jack to giveaway that free kick that resulted in the Monaco goal. Come on Jackie boy, big year for you.
1 down.
Venga aaht naah!
as unimpressive as yesterday was fun. chambers played falcao inside, but with a makeshift back line it’s understandable.
Giroud looks rusty. carvalho is a cunt.
Let’s see what we can do against proper opposition here, none of that Benfica farce!
Can we come back and nick a goal or two?!?
We need a proper DM! And cover for Gibbsy and hope Vermy stays!
It is a preseason game and all that, but are Giroud and Cazorla hoping to start next week vs City based on today’s performance.
Cazorla is clearly unfit and will need maybe 2-3 weeks to come into form.
As for Giroud, you can tell that when a player opts for backheels or various strange passes instead of simple ones that he clearly lacks ideas. I am not liking what I am seeing from both of them today.
This half is one more evidence that Wilshere and Arteta partnership is not functioning and probably never will. So slow and predictive with Wilshere late on challenges on defense as usual, I can only hope that Arsene will find a solution for the City game, or we might get slaughtered.
On a positive note, Chambers is a great player and Debuchy is having decent game so far.
Gentlemen, we have a nurse of rare discernment in our midst. “Hey… Pangloss”, she writes, “and all you good looking Holics”.
She’s never even seen a picture of me. Gotta feel sorry for Cent, being bracketted with me, though.
🙂
No offence taken.
COYG
Well said Steve T. Shame to see someone who voices their opinion politely be treated so rudely. Manners cost nothing. The proclivity for some of the regulars to deem anyone who disagrees with the clique a schoolboy is a bit odd; it is hardly the most mature response.
We have made progress. This time last year we were 4th favourite for the Prem at 17/1. We are currently 4th favourite at 13/2. (Current fav’s 15/8.) Definite progress as judged by those whose business is an impartial view. It still suggests that the weight of our business is to leave us as the most likely of the rest, rather than in the leading pack.
I’m sure our transfer business isn’t done, so too early to judge. 13/2 is still very, very tempting. No harm saying we could still do some more if we don’t want it to be a repeat of last season though. Arsene Wenger has created these high standards, it is a great credit to him, but as he has said for years, we are aiming for one of the 2 big trophies.
Forward
Most of our regulars are out of it… Cazorla, Wilshere, Giroud.. all lack a lil pace!
Looks like we have to rely on some youngsters in the shield…!
howdy ‘hol
howdy all
and
howdy Doody
.
We can’t even get the refs on our side in friendlies….. 🙁
Martin Atkinson in mid season form.
Ho-hum. Won training 5-1 yesterday, lost it 1-0 today. Neither really matters. We probably fail to score at home this season as many times as Sonogo gets a hat trick.
Ox looked sharp, fingers crossed he stays fit. Otherwise it showed that this was the WC players running off the holiday.
Big, big game next Sunday. After last seasons absolute thrashings, we need to show we can compete. Can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch – as my history teacher used to tell me.
Forward
Very very positive, we have many options for attack formations now!
It’s just the defensive positions that we lack personnel..!
Come on Khedira or Carvalho!!!
😀
I hope that Arsene has something already in mind for the DM position, because Arteta scares me. Great servant so far and I think that he still has a role to play in this team, but not as a first team player.
Carvalho my preferred choice, but would not mind anyone faster then erosion. We need this type of player badly.
Methinks Giroud has competition for that central role once Theo gets back into the team, chances are Alexis will step up!
El Puno,
I’ll respond to your ‘schoolboy’ remark because, without naming me, you’ve referred twice now at least to a comment I made some time ago.
I have never ridiculed anyone for having a sensibly expressed opinion simply because it differs from mine.
As memory serves, you coined the term ‘schoolboy’, not I.
I used the word ‘littluns’ or ‘younguns’ – I’m not even certain now – when you and Goonertown were driving me barmy repeating the same manic speculations and wish lists over and over and over again.
I have a five year old who tends, when she is not getting her own way, to repeat her demands and wants over and over again, hoping that someone will notice her and give in / agree / whatever. Exactly, actually, what you and Goonertown were doing for days / weeks.
She is little and young, so it is not unreasonable to describe her with her behaviour as a ‘littlun’ or a ‘youngun’, or you if you behave like one.
If I posted here like a pompous arse, I would expect someone to call me one – which you probably now will. 😉
I don’t see anyone getting fed up with you now you are posting reasonable comments.
Neither is there a clique as far as I am aware. Only today, Steve T, a regular and Tollie drinking partner, has disagreed with anyone, including the Guvnor, for having an unwarranted go at Rich. I thought the manner of his post, in the context of a pre-season friendly, was daft, but he is perfectly entitled to his views on the individual players.
There are a number of like minded, long term Gooners here who tend to see things similarly, but none of them shies away from disagreeing if they see fit.
It seems a pity to be so critical of the team and the club when everything is being addressed and changing so quickly, the season promises such improvement, and there is so much to look forward to.
Some clearly don’t agree. That’s fine.
Jesirlou
el p
yer teacher’s
life lesson pearls
weren’t exactly those of fables
.
“ye can lead a horse to water
but
a pencil must be
occasionally sharpened”
.
😉
Trev. You wait until your 5 year old becomes 15?????
Oh my God, there isn’t a bloke alive today who is born ready to deal with that!!!! That said, I’m not sure I always help the situation.
🙂
This evening will be
Dick Dale
.
YEEEEEE HAAAAA
ooops
just noticed
yer post trev
dick dale is very loud
bugger off
i’m dancin’ here
i’m dancin’
🙂
must admit
spit the dummy
on many’s the occasion
try hard not to
but
homemade coffin varnish
drags me down
.
gonna endeavour
a nut- twonk- lite
til the fortnight
nail bites god
red and white joys
all over us
.
COME ON YOU RIP ROARIN’
.
happy hellos all
🙂
Worth a read : http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140803/wenger-on-alexis-chambers-and-fitness
Been up to no good and missed all of Arsenal’s preseason games so far as well as many fine drinks, no doubt, such as Trev’s last one up above. Having been around here for most of the summer until recently, I can only concur with the wise man’s words. 🙂
Interesting, AW’s comments about Chambers in BB’s link. Seeing as the season is almost upon us and Chambers has been one of our main centrebacks in our preseason games so far, What does that portend for his role in Arsenal’s team at the start of the season and beyond?
Evening All
Arsene told it as it was, too many World Cuppers totally out of shape, an awful lot of work to do before season starts. Young Chambers did well again, that is apart from the woeful marking for the goal and the Ox improved on yesterday’s effort but the midfield were snuffed out particually in the first half.
Worried we will not be ready for next Sunday.Another drubbing by the Oilers would not be acceptable or good for morale.
COYRs
Delia: the marking (or lack thereof, rather) on the goal was Koscielny’s fault.
Fine report Guvna and wise words of caution which were clearly perspicacious given the result today. Neither should be cause for hysteria in any direction. Another step towards fitness and mutual familiarity for the squad. However a major bonus will be the confidence boost for young YaYa. Take it easy Gooners.
chambers played him onside, lars, but kozzer definitely left him unmarked. poor either way. they will do better once they have some time together, I have no doubt.
Evening all
Extra-ordinarily reasonable post by Trev @ #80. Definitely time for man hugs and a friendly pint or two at the bar to resolve and/or respect differences. Contrast it to my shameful knee jerk, earlier today.
Anyway….
Delia / Lars – The beauty of today’s game is that it highlights very clearly what we need to do to play catch-up. Due to “World-Cup Lag”, I reckon yesterday’s so-called second-stringers would have run rings around today’s so-called first-teamers. We have options too. I suspect we’ll start with Sanogo and Alexis as our strike partnership vs €ity but what do I know? I’m certain it will be a tight-ish game and that we won’t get drubbed but again, what do I know?
Tabs – Good shout above re: Bellerin, we saw the same game. His attacking game was outstanding. Defensively, I was a little unconvinced too. His fitness and readiness for match action is certainly way ahead of Debuchy’s but that’s entirely understandable. Looks a prospect and a handful but obviously still has stuff to learn.
In contrast, I’d feel completely at ease if we threw Chambers into the Community Shield game at either CB or RB. Like Alexis, he looked like top-draw quality straight out of the box.
My views only. Time for Rich to shout me down for knowing absolutely nothing about football or The Arsenal.
UTA!
BB I completely agree @79. That’s a question to keep an eye on as the season gets along/when Walcott gets fit.
And cheers Trev @81. I’m not one of the originals here and barely a “regular,” but the constant speculation/presumption of some has grated a little. I like coming here for reasons other than rampant transfer speculation. Reasonable opinions, of course, whether they mirror my own or not, are always welcome.
Look, it clearly should have been a penalty for Akpom, but today’s result doesn’t matter one jot or tittle. What matters in these games is the performance and potential of individuals, and of the team as a unit, and I think there were nothing but positives in that regard, both from yesterday and from today. Sanchez didn’t have his best game (and why should he? It’s his first real time out with his new team, and he’s still learning the system/his teammates, etc), but he showed in patches what we can expect. His willingness/work rate, pace, touch, and ability to link up with the rest of the team have got me super excited. Debuchy looked competent and assured; Chambers, for a man (wait – make that boy) playing at center half for almost the first time, hardly put a foot wrong; I thought Chambo looked good; a nice cameo from Chuba Akpom; and I was particularly impressed by Iggy Miquel, whose positioning was as solid as his distribution. Had an excellent professional yellow as well.
I think that between Chambers and Miquel we look OK for our fourth-choice center half. It’s that third choice we still need, when Vermaelen inevitably leaves. And Wenger has said more than once now that if Vermaelen leaves “we will need to replace him.”
Onwards and upwards. It’s about to get serious y’all. Cheers and COYG!
Haven’t seen the game due to BBQ duties. Will watch tomorrow and post the usual drivel tomorrow or Tuesday 😉
Hope all are well…
you having the boss down, holic? Aussie hook you up? don’t ask him about khedira until the third bottle of burgundy…
Well here Maestro.
I watched chunks of it on BT Sport. You’ve not missed much. Your choice of BBQ duties was a sensible one.
IT’S BEEN 4 YEARS SINCE WE WON THE EMIRATES CUP!!!!
FFS!!!! MANAGER & BOARD OUT!!!!
Side-foots it out of his own area to Bellerin who is waiting on the wing….
Haha Wenger on Chambers: “I made my mind up to buy him after I saw him against us.” Them are strong words fellas!
Howdy, cba.
Cheers 8ball, TS – good to see you and TS Jr had a good day, and gl – good stuff on the centre backs.
Tasty HFB flick…
Ahhhhh! He accidentally scores! And immediately pretend he meant it all the time!
Chelsea onto a new era, apparently, and the era defining first game was today.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28633733
More of this promises to be fun. 🙂
Good to see so many familiar faces in 🙂
A couple more comments from le boss after today’s game:
“Giroud was not ready today – I don’t know if I will play him in the Community Shield.
“[He] had only three weeks’ rest and he will be back. He is working very hard in training but needs more time.”
I thought Giroud was pretty off today. I realize he’s not completely fit, and I know he has some real contributions to make. But I have to be honest – I can’t help thinking he’s a bit of a liability for us in some ways. That’s why I agree with BB@79 – if Sanchez can do the job up top, I wonder if Theo on the right and Sanchez through the middle might not be our best configuration up top? We shall see…
Evening H,
I finally got a stream working – Hallelujah ! – but it was all very bits and pieces.
Delia, TS and g lincoln amongst others, have done the game. The thing that saddened and worried me a bit was the “no penalty” decision.
Ok, it was a friendly – it didn’t really matter etc. etc. But after so many decisions in the World Cup were shown to have been so good, Mr Atkinson fails to spot a clear penalty at The Emirates.
Arsene really needs to recruit one or two of our esteemed officials as part of his summer trading ! I can feel the hackles rising already.
Keith Hackles wasn’t it ……. ? 😉
Great stuff Trev.
Keith Hackles, heh! Yes 🙂
Didn’t see either game as I am in Norfolk with very poor signal and no BT Sport. Was disappointed that Wenger in one interview says we don’t need a defensive midfielder because we have Flamini. I hope what he means is that he wants an all- purpose midfielder but this probably means we may go for a Khedira rather than a Schneiderlin.
Very encouraging to hear positives on Chambers, Bellerin and Debuchy. I hear people claiming we need three signings. I think we will only make two and one of those will be a utility defender rather than a star CB. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if it was Arbeloa.
Diaby was completely missing this weekend. This is very ominous and I hope for his sake Arsene is just being cautious with him.
GL@104: Liability I would say too damning a verdict. There are of course games and situation where he is not the solution, but even then he offers an outlet, and works very well sometimes even from the deep. I think with fast and direct wingers at both sides his game will flourish significantly. Right now he is completely off the pace though. As was Kos. I think by the time of the Palace game they would be ready.
Trev@105: The worst part of that decision was Atkinson had originally awarded the penalty, then changed his mind (may or may not be) based on communication with the assistant (from J-League) on the far side.
Akpom played altogether 25 odd minutes spanning two matches and showed great promise. He should have effectively earned a penalty decision and a sending off for the opposition GK. There was another very tasty run with the ball directly at the defense.
GL@93: Good observation about Iggy. He always had a very good left foot with quality passing and distribution, his heading has improved significantly as well. However he still could be rather impetuous and can push up too far ahead and don’t have enough pace to be able to get back or cover angles, as he failed to do a couple of times today. He is 22 and if he is not getting a first team opportunity I think there would be a fond farewell. He will be good enough for many teams, but Chambers is definitely ahead of him now at Arsenal. If TV5 is leaving we would probably go for another senior defender.
Worrying indeed, ttg.
What reason would there be to rest Diaby from pre-season warm-up matches when he has supposedly been working so hard to be fit. If he is having to be protected from games like this, it doesn’t bode well for his chances of playing a meaningful part in the season.
That would seem to leave two options –
i – he is already carrying a “little problem” – Forsythe Ahhttt !!!
ii – he is already so damn fit he doesn’t need any more warm up games – Forsythe Back In !!!
BTW, how sleazy is Man City’s attempt at avoiding FFP by buying clubs in other leagues and using them as the middleman ‘loaning’ footballers back to them?
Starts with Lampard, but this would continue …
Faustus: hopefully what that will lead to is the abolition of the widely abused loan system. Put an age limit on players, if they aren’t under-21’s then you either keep them or sell them.
Re: Doctor Faustus @111.
Good question.
Answer: completely sleazy.
Absolutely agree eith Lars@112. Wtf is the point of loans other than to keep the registration of a player that you don’t want to play in your team? Once you start down that road it’s but a short step to full scale financial dkoping. On the subject of FFP, can anyone remind me where Man $ity and Barcelona stand at the moment? As far as I recall, the Oilers had a ruling that they could only register 22 players for the Champions League and weren’t allowed to increase their total wage bill, and Barca had a transfer ban slapped on them which they appealed against.
Anyone know when the Barcelona judgement is due. Also, Man City must be pretty confident that their Fat Frank deal is watertight, surely, or they wouldn’t draw attention to themselves, would they?
COYG
Pangloss,
Barcelona’s transfer embargo was lifted pending their appeal. I haven’t a clue when judgement is due but it did ensure they were able to do all the business they wanted beforehand.
Joke. But not funny.
Cheers, Trev. Was I about right with the City stuff?
Man City have continually flouted the rules of FFP, what with their “first of it’s kind” mega sponsorship deal and now this latest little venture.
If the rules are to mean anything these schemes, which are pretty transparent, should be quashed at birth. There are officials and committees to govern these things but, of course, they allow appeals, the lawyers get involved, and by the time a ruling is reached, the next scheme has already been born.
What the super rich clubs don’t seem to understand is that if they get their way, the complete domination they crave will kill the game itsself.
Where then ?
Pangloss,
Yep, you’re understanding of the City situation thus far is correct.
finally caught up on game 1 v benfica, thanks montreal and BT sports.
wow – young bellerin had a fine game
Martinez, very solid and looks completely unflappy.
yaya sonogo besides the goals, his movement and positioning was very good and he covers a lot of ground with minimal effort.
joel Campbell, as foretold by AW at the barbie. fine game and his touch and creative influence was much above his age.
chambers did the job very comfortably and looks a calm young man.
sanchez, if this is him unfit and early in his season, wow this guy has it all. creative and influential and very attacking.
he and Campbell and yaya will be a real handful and great to see we have so many options.
onto game two v Monaco which seems by early accounts much different.
AW does not like it when we play slow and move slow.
I never said the corporal would be enlisted for Arsenal duties, Aussie, like you I expected him to be sent out on a mission. The day I see Sanchez as a lone #9 is the day I’ll consider joining the ‘Wenger Aaaht Brigade’, or at least check the mentions in their dispatches. And we shall see about our Costa Nothing squaddie. If Sanogo starts scoring regularly Joelthegoal may also be surplus to requirements and re-assigned.
Öskar
just walked home
by the light of me phone
and matches
not successful
.
home safe and sound
.
really glad the light off me phone
lasted
.
herself is grand
.
thank fuck
.
twas the drunk leadin tje wha?
OG. A liability. Oh dear.
Ye gods. Silly season coming to a close. Not soon enough.
Oskar- Joelthegoal (good name btw) is the real deal and will surprise many this season.
his passing, touch, vision and creativity were equally as impressive as his calm volley finish.
Cba- them phone lights are very helpful for the solo slog home with one leg.
Used mine on sat night as well and got me home just fine.
Also useful for the front door when only using one eye whilst balancing on one leg.
One of the Best apps ever invented IMHO.
Trev @ 117: “What the super rich clubs don’t seem to understand is that if they get their way, the complete domination they crave will kill the game itsself.
Then they will play in the desert, at the home of their owners, in the local league where each member of the royal family will have his/her own team, and the half-time entertainment would be those infamous camel races, the kind that they claim doesn’t happen anymore.
Lars & Pangloss, absolutely agree about the loan system and keeping it for U-21s only. Also, mandating a full-blown U-21 ‘B’ league (not reserves) for which each team must have a squad, and giving that league some status would ensure better competition and visibility at U-21 level and hence a team would loan out an U-21 player only if they don’t need him to be successful in the ‘B’ league and he is not good enough to be used to compete for the main league. Once an U-21 player is evaluated like that by his employer club they would be more inclined to sell him. That way, loaning would become much rarer.
@125, reattempted …
Trev @ 117: “What the super rich clubs don’t seem to understand is that if they get their way, the complete domination they crave will kill the game itself. Where then ?”
Then they will play in the desert, at the home of their owners, in the local league where each member of the royal family will have his/her own team, and the half-time entertainment would be those infamous camel races, the kind that they claim doesn’t happen anymore.
The Clique? Heh!
Trev and Pangloss: Like Trev said they can do deals pending the appeal, but unlike Trev I don’t think there is a conspiracy in the timing of the appeal hearing as these things generally do take a long time for some reason.
Also, Trev, I think you are far too pessimistic about FFP. Man City have already had their mega-sponsorship deal rejected by the FFP accountants. That is one of the reasons they have been slapped with a fine and a reduced CL squad.
As for Barcelona, they are in no danger of breaching the FFP rules at the moment as they have posted profits in the last few years. There is a common misconception about FFP that has people believe that you are not allowed to be in debt but that is not correct, you must run a profitable business which is of course not at all the same thing. You are also allowed to deduct investments in infrastructure (your stadium, youth team training grounds and stuff) from losses incurred and other stuff so even if you make a loss from an accounting point of view it may be a profit from an FFP point of view.
It is also important to keep in mind that it is only now that FFP is actually starting to properly apply. The conditions will get increasingly tougher until fully implemented over the coming two (or was it three?) seasons.
Faustus: interesting idea about an Under-21 league.
Hi Lars,
I’d agree with everything you say in that.
Initially I thought FFP was going to be a farce – but clearly the mechanics are in place to counter financial gymnastics. I think it goes without saying that if you seek to enforce to whole concept of FFP then it must be done in a robust way so it doesn’t become a stepping stone that can easily avoided. Otherwise, whats the point? Its a welcome sight to the clubs who keep their affairs in order and as Wenger has said, the playing pitch has been levelled somewhat this summer.
Finally finished watching the Monaco match.
Sanchez is a very clever, hardworking and creative player.
What a purchase and what a top class player to watch each watch.
Ox looked like he will be dangerous, hope he can stay fit.
I will save my negativity only for the ref.
Martin Atkinson – dickhead cheating bastard last season, nothing has changed. Between him and fred flintstone lookalike (dowd) it truly is a toss up who is the biggest tosser.
Is there any refs who actually make mistakes in our favour, I mean ever, does it ever just once go our way. FFS we never seem to never get a shit call like that go in our favour.
Luckily AW pretended he didnt give a shit, but seriously what a shit call.
Back to the barbie for me I think……
Aussie@131 – You mean like the corner that wasn’t at the Cup Final? Naah, can’t think of any.
[Note: I don’t say the mistakes balanced themselves out even at Wemberleee, but it’s not correct to say we NEVER get “shit calls in our favour”]
COYG
Lars,
Thanks for the FFP post.
You have obviously studied the rules whereas my reaction to it is much more an emotional one, if I am honest, and I just want to see Chelsea and City hammered for what they have done.
I will defer any further comments to your superior knowledge, sir.
Thinking about it – always a good idea. 😉 – I’m not even sure Barcelona’s transfer ban was anything to do with FFP, but rather some other transfer irregularities – involving the Neymar deal?
Aussie,
laughing here with, not at, the new reformed you !
After a lovely, restrained, positive start to your post we get –
“I will save my negativity for the ref – dickhead cheating bastard.”
Time you started saying what you mean ! 😆
That is a good point Pangloss, but I can’t agree on this occasion.
I did say we never get the shit calls Pangloss…..
The one in the cup final was a 50/50 could have gone either way….it was not what you would call a shit call…
the free kick was not as blatantly bloody obvious as this one…
the ref who was 10 metres away makes the call very definately then asks another ref who was seated in the back row of the emirates approx 450 metres away eating a pie and having a scotch and coke pre mixer…and told Atkinson he thought he should change his mind ???
How often do they change mind ??? Never for us….
As I said we never get the shit calls, but will agree we have had one 50/50 call go our way in the past 10 years…
Small steps trev- small steps…….
I definately need to get that tele going out the back nearer the barbie…
It’s either the barbie or the bundy rum that makes all the calls seem fairer or better somehow….
Aussie @135 – 😆 😆 😆
Aussie – fair enough, I mistook where the reference to “shit calls” was made.
It has struck me, though, that I should warn you not to get too whiney or whingey – Liverpool fans whine better, and you’ll never beat a pom for whinigness.
COYG
Morning,
Just recovering from a family do.
What an amazing two days. Watching the lads again was amazing. It was my first time watching Santi, who was injured at the start of last season. What a quick clever player. He linked up well with Sanchez too.
There was an amazing contrast between the two sets of day’s in terms of atmosphere and team selection. Let’s face it, Monaco were a total different animal compared to Benfica. They were very physical. I personally felt that their tackles were quite nasty at times, especially when we tried to penetrate the final third. There were sliding tackles, high boots, elbows and pushes. The ref did not award us with many, if not any free kicks, but awarded them a free kick stemming from an equally harsh challenge from Jack, which led to the goal. After all, this was Falcao we were talking about here. Considering it was his first game since injury in January, he looked lively and dangerous. He even went off to a round of applause.
But for the sake of not wanting to duplicate what everyone has probably been saying on here and all over the media (if they are not being bias), our new additions to the squad looked talented, comfortable and added that much needed depth to the squad. I thought Chambers was excellent on both days, at centre half and at right back. Only 19? Never. Debuchy did well in his first game. You can tell he has more adapting to do, but he showed some promising signs. He is definitely a talent. Then obviously you have Campbell, Sanchez and the rejuvenated Sanogo. All three looked lively with Sanogo and Campbell working very well together. Could this be the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle? How about Bellerin? But obviously Alexis Sanchez was the star of the show. He is every bit of quality we expected and then some. That little guy can leap and win headers. The Monaco defence had to play dirty in order to ‘try’ to keep him quiet. Did anybody see that pass which he sprayed towards Giroud? He’s a handful and he is only going to get better.
I think I’ll leave it there for now 😉
UTA
Let’s get that community shield next weekend
Just been reading the regurgitated tosh over on the grauniad. Most of them have condemned us to 3rd or 4th because of insufficient DM capability. I’m wondering, with the new pace we have upfront, will that force the opposition to play deeper and hence take pressure off of Flaminteta or worsen the situation by leaving the Flamintetasacker triumvirate exposed for pace in greater space?
I do wish they’d get on with it now though, it’s as if we haven’t even reached foreplay stage and are still only in the street negotiating the poor lady’s fee.
Good day out, but not such a good day at the office.
-Giroud looked well well short. Think Arsene’s post-match ‘static’ comment may well have been aimed at him. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see any combination of Sanogo/Campbell/Sanchez fulfilling the CF role next week at Wembley. AW’s rumination on same was a timely reminder to OG that it’s time to knuckle down again this week.
– Monaco looked a decent side, clearly ahead of us in their training schedule. It’s not often that oppo players catch my eye, but I thought Kondogbia looked a very tidy player indeed.
– God knows what Atkinson and his lino were watching. I haven’t seen the penalty incident back, but I was at that end and it looked miles inside the box.
– I wouldn’t be too harsh on Monreal. He was constantly left in two-on-one situations by Santi down our left, a point he made forcibly to his Spanish compatriot on more than one occasion. Santi looked another one who still has some way to go in the fitness stakes.
– Diaby’s absence from the whole weekend is a worry. Feel for the bloke.
– Wasn’t as impressed as Blogs was with Miquel. He’s clearly put on some timber whilst he’s been away (now looks a unit), and used that physical presence to present a threat in their box. Unfortunately, I thought he was also a threat in our own box. He was badly caught out on at least two occasions. Good luck to him, no doubt he’ll make a career somewhere, but I’ll be surprised if he is able to step up and make it at Arsenal.
– Very impressed again with Chambers despite the breakdown in communication with Kos which led to their goal. Alexis’ movement, despite being some way short of full match fitness, was a joy. He’s gonna tear the Premiership up.
– Zelalem’s vision is extraordinary. What a player that kid is gonna be.
On to Wembley.
TS @92 – Yep, agree completely on both Bellerin and Chambers.
Everywhere I look I read that a DM is a must have acquisition and we will win nothing without such an addition. Last season 20 of the 41 goals we conceded in the League were given away in 4 games. In the other 34 games we conceded only 21 goals and Szczesny shared the Golden Glove. Which indicates to me that in most games we were pretty sound defensively. If we had signed Gustavo for that role prior to the World Cup most would have been delighted, however his presence as DM did not stop Germany putting 7 past Brazil. In my opinion a better quality DM would have made no difference to the outcome of those 4 games as the goals we conceded resulted from sloppy play and tactical mistakes. Eliminating/ minimising such incidences from our play is more important than adding another player, although my feeling is that there will be a couple more incoming before the close of the window. Another oft seen comment that makes me smile is that Arteta is too slow, whereas I would say that he has the pace of Usain Bolt compared to one of my all time favourite players, Gilberto.
Holic,
Please may I join the clique?
There’s nothing in it for you, but pain and anguish, still…..
In completely unrelated news, the czech sports news I frequently buy are preparing Friday magazine addition with Mesut Özil on the cover stating that he is one of the few really internationally recognized German players, with big story about him.
Looking forward to reading it and if there is going to be interest, I might post some rough translation from czech to english here:)
Veuve Cliquot you say? Yum, don’t mind if I do 🙂
Backdrink complete.
Chuckling at cba, Aussie and Feelgood.
Nice one Trev @80.
It’s not difficult to work out where AW wants to strengthen, and what the order of preference is with regard to the players under consideration. The rest is just noise. Don’t want to be called childish? Don’t post reams and reams of cut and paste nonsense from a host of hit-whoring transfer sites that add nothing to what has already been said the day before, and the day before that and the day before that ad infinitum, and couple it all with a puerile tagline. Simples innit.
aussie
yer not wrong
as black as coal last night
couldn’t see the end of yer nose
and i wasn’t behind the door
when the conks were gettin givin out
so
make yer own assessment
.
had to feel the way
with me feet
for some of the way
.
wee lanes fulla cow muck
not pretty
.
an excercise in squelch and retch
.
having said that
“Visit Donegal – it’s fulla shite”
.
why the tourist board
hasn’t snapped me up
i’ll never understand
.
howdy ‘hol ‘n’ all
🙂
@146: A few bottles of Veuve Clicquot ponsardin demi-sec from me to be shared all around in the bar… a charming drink to start the week.
Tabs @141 – I have to agree, that Kondogbia was all over it. I couldn’t catch all of the Monaco player’s names, but defensively they were they were a lot more physical than we were. If their team performance was down to being more ahead of us in their pre-season training, then so be it.
I regards to posting discussions on transfers. It is not something I usually do in abundance as I did this summer. But for the first time for as long as I can remember, two things have changed around the club. One of course was adding a trophy to cabinet but also committing ourselves to spending big in the transfer market. Discussions on my part were just a bit of fun. There was nothing more informative than what you see on blogs such as Arseblog, but just in discussion form. It is not everybody’s cup of tea. But I think there is a particular level of courtesy and respect that should be shown towards others in life, period. Name calling is very disrespectful and it is definitely childish and rude.
Okay opinion over – let’s try to keep it Arsenal huh? Not Pers-enal!
GT – I stayed away from it all, to borrow a phrase from our excellent philosopher from the Emerald Isle, i just couldn’t be arsed with it. I thought the abundance of posts from you and your mate spoke for themselves. There was no name-calling. You were rightly called out for being childish. That is not name-calling.
This is fantastic!
One of those UK newspaper web-sites is running a story about why Arsenal fans should take another story on another web-site from another newspaper about an impending signing with a ‘grain of salt’. 🙂
Next step? Predicting what other sites would predict that this newspaper is going to speculate and then defy that speculation and speculate some other impending signing …
We will then have to run a shelter-house in this bar from such intertextual shit-storm….
Otherwise known as ‘The Circle of shite’ Faustus 😉
Tabs – I am not going to go back and forth with it all. That in its self is childish!
Let’s just agree to disagree on what ‘really’ happened!
😉
Keep it arsenal! Folks!
Monaco game is an eye opener for all as to how teams will play against us always. This is the same strategy now and mostly always. Keep it physical, hustle them, do not give time on the ball and foul at all instances.
Yet Monaco also showed how important a solid DM is to our team. The guy Moutinho and Kondogbia just showed how to boss a midfield and exactly what we need. Due respects to Arteta and Flamini but they are nowhere close to what we need.
Diaby apparently has a hip injury, well is that is true then i dare say it is over for him this season. This was his make or go season and i see him going away completely from the game itself end of the season and that is sad.
Jack had his moments but again held on to the ball way to long which has been his Achilles heel. He needs to keep it simple for on a few instances, he just showed how good he can be.
Sanchez, well well well, i dont want to be over the moon ala Ozil but this guy if he stays fit can be awesome for us. He will drive the defenders nuts and that will open up space for others. Giroud needs to step up or he may go down the pecking order.
DM please boss and yes a left back. Monreal is just not good enough and if we do have an decent offer, we should encash on it.
I’m always amused by the way some on this site (t)witter on, way past the point where anyone else can conceivably be interested and then criticise others for breaches of etiquette.
The next stage is to pour tankers full of vitriol into a discussion and end with an appeal for cannons to be turned outward.
I don’t claim to be immune from either of these habits myself, but I do claim to take it on the chin when it’s pointed out to me.
We’ll talk about what we want, thanks very much.
Can only speak for myself, but I’m far more interested in cba’s travails on his way home than whatever the latest instalment of shite is from CaughtOffside/Goal.com/BleacherReport etc etc is. I suspect I’m not the only one, judging from the reception the transfer guff received.
“Let a thousand flowers bloom”, as chairman Mao used to say. Ha ha! 🙂
I think it is best to criticize the idea, not the human being behind it. Never the human being behind it. Or, in some cases the automated text-generation programs, (may be like this one 🙂 ).
And when an idea is thus criticized it is best to not be offended personally. A supple and more relaxed sense of identity that is not deeply attached to the ideas that mind churns up, and the emotions the mind makes itself go through, would go a long way.
The simplest rule of thumb that i have always found useful in these faceless communications where all the nuances and subtleties of human gestures are lost: never write anything that you in your rational moments won’t say in real life.
England under-17 international midfielder Daniel Crowley has signed a professional contract with Arsenal.
Another one!
BB@160 : He was already playing for the reserves, he had signed with us last year. Apparently one of the most tantalizing talents in the U-18 group in England.
Several nice ones up there, Tabs, and Pangloss @157.
As for me, Your Honour – No further questions.
* bar breathes big sigh of relief *
Vinay, I disagree with your proposition that Monaco showed how important a solid DM is to our team. We got in enough times against them to win the game. We had Giroud playing his first 45 minutes of the season and he did no better and no worse than I expected for a first outing. Alexis had a 17 minute cameo on Saturday and it was his first start of the season. We conceded one goal from a free kick that resulted from a reckless challenge by Jack. The scorer is one of the best strikers in Europe up against a centre back pairing playing together for the first time. Prior to this weekend, Monaco had played 4 pre-season games compared to our two. I believe that, ignoring the refereeing, these are the factors that were sigificant in us not winning the game, .
dr F
have a CurlyWurly
.
they’re delicious
.
🙂
Bloody things can get stuck in your teeth though …… 😉
always
with the teeth
.
show off
.
gums are people too
.
you and yer big city ways!
.
oh
and
howdy tabs
.
keep it howdy
.
clumsily ho!
Ta Trev, and howdy cba 🙂
Years since I’ve had a curly-wurly. Used to melt in school trouser pockets I seem to remember. Not a good look for the young man about town.
Trev: the Barca transfer ban was to do with deals regarding some youth players. Can’t remember any details, but it had nothing to do with FFP in any case.
I don’t believe many people still have Curly Wurlies these days……
Maybe in Donegal though ….. 😉
Ah, see, there it is, the legacy of shortcuts and nicknames.
Have a curly wurly dr F
Now if the moderator of this Presbyterian church had not been slacking, and not allowed impersonators and imposters to proliferate, then I could’ve been sure that the essence of curly-wurly goodness was all mine, and I could’ve enjoyed it in the spirit of benevolence in which it was offered, and to hang with the dentist.
As it is, in a plea for sanity to prevail, I have reverted to my true, original, Sunday name above.
And the Milky Bars are on you. 😎
Quite so, Feelgood,
And pardon my memory, or lack of it, but who is Dr J ?
Explain yourself, sir, and forgive me my lapse please ……..
it does mean
the fort of the foreigners
does
dun na nGall
.
i’m not from here
.
i’m from the noisy part
to the right
.
🙂
curlywurlys on the bar for all
.
to hell with yer fillings!
I thought ye were all foreigners north of the border cba 🙂 hehs at the circle of shite tabs also refers to my young lad 15months old 🙂
ziiiiiccccccooooooooo 🙂
.howdy fella
.
my rifle
my pony
and
me
.
😉
garsguns
well that’s a big 🙂
Howdy Garsguns 🙂 Hope you’re well. Gonna make it over the big smoke this season?
Sound tabs not a bother,great to see u coming in and clearing out the bar in your usual style keeps everyone on there toes!for sure I’ll be over sooner rather than later hopefully,might even see cba there now that would be a good one!
takeabowson
.
in the interests
of completion
.
i have two pairs of shoes
.
dr. Marten
and
George Cox
.
i chose to wear the creepers
.
evening just gone
.
they aren’t blue
they aren’t suede
they are however
clattered in shite
.
shite
.
“cow shite, pilgrim”
.
can’t say i’m happy
Good stuff Garsguns.
Sorry about the shoes cba 🙁
Might be time to stick on some flares and go heavy on the aftershave. Sartorial look and aroma both sorted 😉
i’m a drainpipe trouser wearer
my 5 decades roar no
NO!!!!!
But
once a punk
🙂
.
*sidles off dignificationally*
Heh, cba,
with the whole place
covered in cow shite,
is that why everyone
is called Pat ?
😉
I see Wolfgang has been to the bar and nicked all the Curly Wurlies.
I can see some poking out of his Speedos. 😉
I feel your pain cba. Punk and proud (though a wee bit funky), or a hippy-dippy cover up. Tis a dilemma.
Trev – hehs 🙂
FFS that was a back drink and a half. Good stuff. You know who you are. Honey and Horseradish Vodka on the bar. Nastrovya.
I am too old for Curly-wurlies. After my time. By then I was on to Bristol tipped. Fry’s Five Centres though – mmmmmmm.
Hello everyone.
Now, it’s not often I disagree with my brother Steve T, but I have to on this. I agree that everyone has the right to an opinion and there is a need for civality and respect, but that’s for normal people…….
The poster that sparked this particular arguement does not fall under that category, he/she/it is nothing but a troll. I read it’s post, recognised the style and decided to ignore it, usually the best course of action, but as Newton taught us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, so the response it got by those fished in was a normal one. As a troll, aka a wum, this is what it’s looking for. It’s sole purpose is to annoy, provake, aggitate and irratate, it then feeds off the negativity and chaos it has created…..
In summary, fuck him/her/it, the cunt.
Curly Wurlys in my trouser pocket?
Not since the 80’s.
ooooohh
that’s rich!
🙂
Oh dear! Pangloss@ 70, I thought afterwards that I should of included ‘other’ when referencing good looking holics! : ( Centy, that goes for you too! 😉
Truth is, both of you gentlemen write so eloquently, that you should have known you were included! So there 😉
And now I’m going to google ‘Curly Wurly’s 🙂
Since it can melt, I’m guessing it’s candy. But best be sure!
Evening cba.
You on fine form there sir, as are Trev and Tabs.
*waves to Nursie
Heh @ nursie, yeah it’s chocolate….. among other things. 😉
Candy ?? 😉
Hey H@H! ~~~ 😉
It’s candy! haha ….
Never claimed to be the sharpest tool in the drawer! ☺
Merkanism, Trev, you know, like garbage and elevator. 🙂
I was congratulting you, abb. You mean it was just guesswork? Still, gotta respect the accuracy.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Ah, football must be returning. The old forces are gathering in the bar 🙂
Timetable buggered by two hours in the eye clinic this evening. Just going to watch the match from yesterday. Obviously won’t be writing it up tonight.
Hopefully tomorrow.
I want a Curly Wurly now 😉
I used to work with a Californian. He claimed that he’d seen a sign on a lamppost that read “Do not park on the pavement”.
“So I pulled off and parked on the sidewalk.” He got a ticket and wasn’t impressed.
Two countries divided by a common language.
Hope all is well on the optical (and all other) front(s) guv.
Enjoy the game.
Abb,
There are some abberations thrown up by the shared use of the English language which are quite simply beyond the pale.
The confusing of candy with chocolate is ine of them
Taking a big, enthusiastic bite out of a bar of candy this side of the pond could well result in many weeks of suffering at your dentist of choice.
Chocolate, on the other hand, is an altogether softer option – purely in a textural sense.
I hope this is of help and will save you unnecessary Google time. 😉
Clinical, H2H.
It’s still two bloody weeks, ‘holic.
Second the best wishes for your eyes.
And the rest of your body.
Cheers Pangloss.
I still got it. 😉
Hope you’re back to full fitness for Palace, ‘holic.
I’ll be over, and if memory serves, I owe you a pint.
Oh, good goal, H2H.
Looks like The Guvnor missed the ball……. Can’t imagine why ….. 😉
Abb,
You’ll have to Google “beyond the pale”. 😉
Pangloss(droid) 🙂
Fellas, You left plenty of hints @Trev ‘stuck in your teeth’ @cba ‘to hell with your fillings’
But I’m a researcher, so I had to be sure 🙂
Hehs 🙂
Now, lets put down the candy, shall we.
Mr Martin Atkinson, please come front and center and EXPLAIN your cute self (yes, I find him attractive).
You see Martin, the first rule of taking a test, is NEVER change your answer! 🙂
Oh god, no …. I’m not explaining “stuck in your teeth” to her.
Somebody, please. …… 😉
What an odd and confusing world when the drainpipe trouser wearers are the young ones. 🙂
BTW, UTA. 🙂
Anybody posted this yet? Amy Lawrence’s latest.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/aug/04/premier-league-preview-arsenal
Reading the latest transfer gossip makes me wonder if the possible “surprise” Amy refers to might be a certain W. Carvalho…
The magic words, H2H. I’ll be there 🙂
Good man.
See you at the watering hole of choice. 🙂
The forces of darkness are gathering…..and I’m going to miss out. 😯
Thanks for that, Sky, no I mean it, thanks ever so much.
First home game of the season in the last 4 that I will have missed.
Unless that fading and disappearing thing from Star Trek is real…..
8ball@213, Dr (*) J made reference to the article @ 140 above. His was a completely different take. I read the piece this morning and wasn’t as impressed as J with its negativity, but neither was I left wondering about any surprise being about to be sprung. It seemed like the usual sort of jounalistic nonsense and atempt to calculate two plus two.
Apart from anything else, Arsenal tend not to telegraph their transfers. I’m sure most of us remember Mr Gazidis’ s effort in that direction last summer.
COYG
(*) I believe his handle is being investigated by the Quackery.
8ball, Hey, didn’t know about Mr Jonkers heading up our youth. But thanks to you, I do now. Good scouting by you 🙂
Brotherly love H2H. I will forgive you.
🙂
Cheers Steve.
Gutted that I’m away for the Palace game and going to miss you H2H. It will be a good old session no doubt??
Enjoy boys and girls.
Cheers abb,
As I recall Jonkers is an important name in High German, not that any of our German stars at Arsenal would necessarily know about such a thing. Could be wrong of course. According to one source, a jonker is a young noble, not yet knighted, making Jonkers quite an appropriate name for a youth coach. Regarding the High Germans more generally though, an illustration could certainly prove useful, I think. 😉
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/03/18/article-2116845-1216953E000005DC-918_634x343.jpg
Not advocating the use or non-use of any particular substance, of course. 🙂
Panglossdroid. So that’s what Dr. J was talking about. Thanks for the explanation, and I’m glad the mysterious doctor has an interpreter. 🙂
8ball @222 Good stuff and oh how appropriate, eh xx
You would make an excellent researcher because you are always curious, by nature. Cheers 🙂
Now that Campbell is back can we just get stefan Swartz done..good times 🙂
Arseblog News “is aware” that Arsenal are still on the chase for two more players, a centre half and a midfielder. God be praised, and Allah as well. 🙂
abb, You on the other hand are quite possibly the most kind and gracious of the Goonerettes. I suppose I’ve been called worse than curious. 🙂
Just finished watching the Manu-Pool match – ManU will be a handful this season! Rooney looks rejuvenated…with Van Persie they gonna be tough to overcome. Loads of energy, no tired legs there. Pool looked lost without Suarez, but that Ibe guy, 18 years old, what a player to watch!
Peter @ 228: Not only you actually watched a pre-season friendly between two sets of red donkey-fuckers you thought it wise to report on it in an Arsenal bar!! We are known to be a very civil and tolerant establishment but you shouldn’t really push it this far. 🙂
A plague on both of their houses I say. And for you, my sincere friend, two glasses of Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO to recover from what must have had been a terrible experience.
P.S. On a serious note, we will finish above both of them, comfortably.
Tabs@141, rarely have I agreed with you but spot on about Monaco MF Kandogbia. A 21 year old French lad who I believe we put a bid in for last Summer but got blown out of the water by Monaco. He’s exactly what we’re missing in CMF. Athletism & power. He’d be a good one to have in the squad.
Dr J @229, glad to know my report was good enough for you to remember it months after, thanks. If during the course of the season ‘holic needs me to help out I will be more than willing to oblige.
Am I hallucinating?
Nurse Abb @190(hopefully I’m not hallucinating) no worries dear.
A very interesting read : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11012135/Alisher-Usmanov-says-Arsenal-are-starting-a-new-era-where-we-win-trophies.html
Interesting? I think not. Surprising? Certainly not.
After three years or so of silence that was as welcome as it was surprising, Usmanov raises his ugly head once more. Instead of, “Do it my way or nothing will ever be good again”, he’s shifted to “If you’d done it my way, things would have been good again sooner”. He probably means it, but I still disagree. He was the wrong man for the club three, four and five years ago and he’s the wrong man for the club now.
The most interesting and surprising thing is that the Telegraph only dragged out their deputy chief football writer to rehash the same, tired old crap.
COYG
Please, Guvnah, will there be a You’re Ropey League and/or a Holicleague this season?
Just saying, like.
To start I offer the definition of: Homogeneous -(1) “of the same kind, nature, or character, alike, similar”
(2) “Consisting of parts or elements of the same kind of uniform character throughout”.
‘Holics, GT and El Puno, amongst others have incurred the wrath of many regulars at the bar over the summer. At times they’ve alarmed me, but when crunch comes to shove they’ve delivered some very articulate and perceptive posts. Both have expressed their positions and their reasonings clearly. As in many instances I don’t agree with them all but everybody has an opinion and a voice. Steve T pulled us all into line with his post re Rich.
I’ve refrained from hitting the hornets nest until now but many of the latest postings from some of the regulars belittle themselves and the ethos of the bar. All of you could do better. I’ve read many of your posts you all have great value here, thankfully most leave me inspired. However, let’s not fall into the club – happy homogenous all alike – start that and it all falls apart. Sure have the drinks, reminisce, shoot the war stories, but exclude and it’s a short step to blandness and ignorance.
Trev, are you saying we need a more cunning linguist to explain “stuck in your teeth”?
Another interesting link : http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/interview/interview-martin-keown_169598.html
I Still believe the need of the hour is a DM and a left back. We cannot have Monreal continuing on after a series of flop shows last season and he has not started well this time around as well.
Striker debate will continue but i do feel once Giroud is fit and we have Theo and Lukas coming back, i doubt we will buy a striker. Hence i feel we need 3 players than 2, a DM, A CB and a LB.
Carvalho still making the rounds but i sense it will be Khedira. Overall, the season is upon us and i have a strange feeling we will have a stuttering start and then recover to blossom. I Just feel the players are not fit and there is a sense of fatigue.
Also the body language of Santi does not inspire confidence. Is there a sense that he is set to leave?? I hope not, he is a true talent and still an asset to the team.
@Vinay,
I concur that ideally we need those 3 players, if Vermy leaves of course. And cover for Monreal is sound thinking if we are to challenge on all fronts.
However i feel that we would most probably end up with just a DM. And i wouldn’t be too torn up about that, so long as it’s a top DM.
As for Santi, wouldn’t read too much into one game of pre-season.
Giroud was not fit as well : http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140803/giroud-playing-with-alexis-is-easy
Re: pgdroid @246 and anyone else who might be interested: aclf ffl league was announced today but their rules may be somewhat different from the You Ropey League. 🙂
So any real news muchachos?
You Ropey League subject to investigation for violation of FFL FFP rules? I must have dreamed it. 😉
Lars, I believe I am. Are you the man for the job ? 😉
Bath,
Real news ? This is all I have at the moment –
http://www.total-sports.info/wp-content/uploads/images/funny-pictures-about-english-premiere-league-team-tottenham-hotspur-05.jpg
And all true. 😉
And this, of course, remains as true as ever –
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q7wCfttJVnQ
😉
Trev: well I do have a talent for linguistics, I’ve been told…
@ 248
That’s easy for you to say. 😎
Daniel Agger?
Sure, why not, we’re desperately short on tattooed players.
Re: 247. Excuse me while I refresh that video one more time. 🙂
Following on from last season’s jollity when Roberto Soldado reprised Manuel Almunia’s “triste caballero” role, there is surely hope that the new arrivals at Chelski will soon be gazing into the middle ground with forlorn and lost visages after a succession of errors takes away all their confidence. Fabregas and Costa to be the new “tristes caballeros”?
http://www.wikisaber.es/uploadedImages/MOLINO.jpg
Trev @80 – I appreciate your response to my comment that likening people whose points you don’t enjoy to children is dim-witted and charmless. It wasn’t aimed specifically at you, lots of people seem to favour that line, (so it’s unoriginal too.) That you used so many words just to restate your child jibe was odd. So we go round in circles. Feel free to have the last word, I’ll be keeping it football from here. For clarity sake, just a couple of points.
Firstly, the one of many that I responded to previously was when you likened people indulging in transfer speculation to “greedy, spoilt rich kids.” I don’t know if that has anything to do with your personal reflections above, but it was rather less gracious than the “my five year old” stuff when originally spat out.
Secondly, as to the lack of “sense” in transfer talk, it is just not to your taste. It made sense to those engaged in the conversation. That is fine, there is plenty of space to write in, but it is just a matter of taste. Your personal pretences are entirely subjective, like everyone else, however much you may think yourself superior to that universal norm. I, for example, think ditties and limericks about Michael Owen, or Curly Wirly jokes, are a waste of time. That’s cool to, but there is no need to sit around making snarky comments about it. I am certainly not “driven mad” by it. If you feel that way about what comes up on a football blog comments section that is on you. I’d suggest you grow up and get some perspective… But we’d end up back in circles. So just all of us don’t be rude to people. Please. Ta.
#FreeCarvahlo
Right then, Poll time : http://www.arsenal.com/fansforum
Trev @247. That is FUCKING EPIC. 🙂
Charlie Nicholas seems to have the right frame of mind about the new season.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/08/05/ex-arsenal-star-walcott-will-outscore-costa-van-persie-and-sturr/?
BB.
I voted Centre Forward.
I am strangely confident that Trev will allow me to usurp his claim to the last word by thanking, from the heart of my bottom (sic) EP for his conttibution @ 253 above…
Thanks, EP.
COYG
Me too. 🙂
Voted Sanchez for CF that is. Not getting involved in domestics, me. 😕
H2H.
So did I.
😀
Well, now. Seeing as all our pretenses and childishness are sorted we can start pointing our cannons outward. (Down, Wolfie.)
Wise choice Bath….
On both. 😉
And point them outwards, we shall (cannons, that is 😉 )
Now Mr 8ball, curiosity is why drives us all! But you in particular, never fail to delight me with yours 🙂
Centy, We have seen your pics on twitter. need I say more 😉
BB@ 254 I voted and guessed right.
Honestly all you guys and lasses, you are so knowledgeable about the game. I tend to gravitate towards feelings, and such 😉
But I know good stuff when I see or read it.
Video for outward cannon pointing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHZrWSwztxE
Now to clarify, I voted Sanchez best position is in the middle, so I chose correctly (If the poll results are our guide) ☺
Right then it’s unanimous (at least here it is!), when Alexis plays he should be our forward!
The amazing thing is that there are actually 3 viable options in the poll! Not many players can lay claim to that versatility.
And he chose us instead of Pool, shows he has brains to boot too!
😀
Chambers can claim.
He IS the man (boy) of the summer.
Believe me.
Doctor Faustus@229: Methinks you watched the match too! And given the summer time, I think I’ll stick to my Domaines Ott. A glass on the bar for your kind good self? 🙂
Apologies all. Shit week, one way or another.
258 – cheers mate. Glad we put it behind us amicably.
Forward
Massive game Sunday. Be very interesting to see how we hold up in midfield against toure and fernandinho this time.
Best wishes for whatever you’re going through, guv.
…and Pangloss seconds H2H’s wishes again. Damn you for your speed off the msrk, lowlader. A slowing down (and falling down) draft on the bar for you.
COYG
Me too, Holic. Giant Teddy Bear on the bar, waiting for a hug from you xx
Lille and Standard Liege are two of our prospective opponents in the CL qualifying, will find out the other three tomorrow.
I’ll set one up on the bar for abb too – it certainly is a lovely teddy, I didn’t think that colour would work, but it does, it really does.
Also take the excuse to whinge once more about my inability to type – should have been “mark”, not “msrk” above. Also, I find that the word is spelled “draught”.
Hey ho.
Thanks Pangloss! 🙂
I hope he sings a cheery tune when you rub his belly 😉
Floats a premature ball much to the consternation of the commentators …
Still preseason, luckily.
Holic, abb,
All the best, take care. 😉
Pangloss,
You are more than welcome to my last word.
All things considered, I think you claimed it rather well as there were one or two bits of bait waiting to be taken.
Cheers.
Holic, abb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y
🙂
Abb, one of the things my mother warned me about – one of the few that I remember – was not to go around rubbing the tummy of strange teddy bears before we were formally introduced.
It’s a motto I’ve lived my life by.
🙂
@272,
Massive game Sunday ?
Not for me.
i – None of our World Cup winning Germans will be back in contention.
ii – The star signing of the summer, Alexis, if available and selected will be playing the second hour, in three instalments, of his pre-season.
iii – The first team elements of our back four that are available will be playing together for the second time ever.
iv – To all intents and purposes the fixture is a semi-competitive opportunity to further hone fitness, sharpness, team formation and tactics.
v – The trophy at stake means nothing – personally, I can’t remember who won last season’s.
To set it up as a “massive game” will only invite the usual kind of unhelpful responses if we fail to win it.
abb, hugging that teddybear, big time bless you 😉
@285. Maybe not a “massive game” Trev, but a very instructive game. Of course, no one will remember who won the Community Shield come the end of the season, but I can’t help but feel with us, that a decent performance and victory over one of our biggest rivals will give the squad that ever-so-important but ‘ephemeral’ quality – that of momentum and belief.
Of course, the Germans won’t be playing and the two French boys will still be far from fully fit, but seeing as over the course of the season it’s going to be a real squad effort, it will be intriguing to see lots of little subplots develop….how Chambers squares up against a top quality attack, whether Sanogo and Campbell really are ready to step up as substantial, quality support to our attacking resources, and also how Alexis gets on….
Sure, let’s not overreact either way whether we win or lose, but it’s undoubtedly a relevant and key fixture on the eve of the season.
Trev….spot on….the season begins on 16th August, everything before is fitness building.
BTW, you can go back home now to Herts – job done. The parched gardens and fields in Devon have been suitably watered after a mini drought 😉 An extra beer awaits you when I next visit the Tolly.
Guvna…..all the best, hope the rest of the week gets better.
Hi Uply,
I’m due back in Herts on Friday and guess what ?
The forecast is for sun in Devon and tipping down with rain in Herts. I bet they panicked when I drove through Somerset last week ! 😉
Trev 281 – Top man. Thanks.
‘Holic, all the best.
Rest of the crew – cheers all.
Cheers, frank.
Trev….a second career in water divining awaits you if you are so inclined 😉
Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday and the grand country walking is getting the knee in fine fettle for the new season.
Lighthearted chuckles 8ball and Pangloss, just splendid. 2 thumbs up!!
Holic, you are always there for us 😉
Trev, sorry, but your weather woes have me giggling 🙂
Frank and Uply, so good to see you fellas!
Gregoire, I can see you have stated your case, most convincingly 😉
A big smile for the rest of you fellers!
Monty Python is a Genius!
Peter@269: I will accept your drink, gladly. Thank you!
However I am sorry to disappoint you about the match you were talking about. A genuine and unapologetic disdain for those two clubs and their players ensure that I never really follow what they are up to, unless when we meet, then they are unavoidable. 🙂
But seriously, over the years I confess I have become primarily an Arsenal supporter and less of a general football fan when it comes to club football. I would occasionally watch a few La Liga or a Serie A games, some Ligue 1 matches, some CL matches primarily involving the German sides or the big two in Spain… (Bundesliga no longer being available in Comcast channel line-up here in US) but other than that not any where Arsenal is not involved.
8 ball @ 282: They repeated that one in their final show this time, almost word for word.
That and this following one in that show where they didn’t poke fun at them playing themselves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1a1wHxTyo
“We were evicted from our hole in ground”. 🙂
seems 62% of arsenal fans on arsenal.com have spoken with a loud and unanimous vote for AW to play Alexis (as he prefers to be called) at centre forward !
gregorie@287 – would you suggest that calling martin Atkinson “a dickhead cheating bastard” an overreaction… or just incompetent
Gregoire/Trev: I think the four times we won Community Shield under Arsene we did NOT go to win the league that season.
It means nothing, of course , unless you want it to. 🙂
I don’t care how many world cups they won in the summer, our Germans are paid staggering amounts of money to play for Arsenal and have an obligation to be fully fit when required by the club. Having them dribbling in when they feel like it through the opening weeks of the season is not on. Imo. If they’re not all on board and fit enough to crystallize Palace questions should be asked.
Öskar
Oskar@299: Good point about professionalism. And I think if demanded the Germans would have made them available earlier, but the question we ought to ask is would that have helped us in the long run?
Arsene actually had touched upon that in an interview. He said either we bring them in along with the rest of the World Cup players, play them early but then risk injury or demotivation (they are human being after all) later in the season or risk not having them earlier but have them refreshed and motivated and hungry later in the season. He chose the latter, which is not without risk, but I think given out history of poor form an injury starting from late winter it is probably the less riskier of the options.
Yer, Dr F. I mean Poldi played all of 54 minutes in Brazil. He must be totally knackered.
The whole point of having a squad with depth is so the club’s best players can be rested when necessary, or covered when injured. Apart from that I believe we should play our best XI at every opportunity, and starting the season with all guns blazing sounds right to me.
Or we can start like we have started the last several years. Do you remember when we last won our opening match of the season? 2009.
Öskar
DRF & Oskar- both fair and reasonable points raised above, however our squad does seem to be strong enough for the first time for quite a while where we should be able to maintain a quality squad without the germans.
Alexis or Aaron could easily play the ozil role of creative playmaker.
Joelthegoal could easily play the poldi role.
young Calum can play the Per role it would seem.
I would be happy with our squad with any of these changes as they are all quality players.
When the Germans are back, we will simply have even more choices.
Strong enough for the first time for quite a while, Aussie? At the back we will have Bacs and likely TV out and Debbie and Cal in. That represents a zero upgrade. And while we didn’t have Özilla in the club this time last, we did have Theo who will be out this. Sanchez is certainly an upgrade, but he’s not going to lift the club to a new level on his own for this opener.
When everyone is back and fit and firing we will have a stronger squad than last season, and hopefully even stronger with signings to come. But do let’s try and win our first game of the season for a change so we’re not playing catch-up for the next month or so.
Öskar
TV ?, when was the last time he was strong for us.
Debuchy is an international level player, so no quality loss IMHO v Bac..
Calum Chambers is our 3rd highest transfer ever, regardless of his age. AW has not spent that type of money on this young man based on his potential alone in a few years time to make the grade.
he is obviously ready for the top flight now…hence the big spend.
I also suggest he is an ample if not better level player then TV ? who makes me nervous every time he gets near our backline.
in summary I don’t believe we have a zero upgrade at the back at all.
as for up front, Alexis is not the only player improvement in that line either.
joelthegoal has shown nothing but quality since the world cup, so also an ample exchange in quality for theo IMHO.
I have a feeling many things will change for the better this season Oskar as they are already are ..
Oskar @ 301: We lost the first match last season but we actually started very well after that and went to the top of the league quickly and stayed there for a while. Similarly in 2010-2011 season we started with aplomb — irrespective of the result of the first match — even in absence of RVP and were fighting for the top place, Nasri and Chamakh being among goals.
The massive clusterfuck that was the 11-12 season was of course lost in the first couple of months, and similarly 12-13 season when we were reeling from the departure of the captain and bedding in three new attacking players.
About Poldi, the guy may have not played that many minutes, but he was traveling and practicing with the rest of the team, going through the same emotions (albeit from the bench) and would be mentally as much in need of a recharge. Read TR7’s very perceptive interview at the end of the FA cup final.
Let me turn the question around to you: why would you think Arsene would plan a relatively relaxed and slow introduction of the Germans into the season if not for the best of the club? I am assuming you are not doubting his intentions. So when you say ‘questions must be asked’ I am assuming you are doubting his judgment in this matter. Given that he has had dealt with World Cup winning returnees in Arsenal three times already (Petit & Vieira in 98, Gilberto in 2002 and Cesc in 2010 ) don’t you think that he might have had discerned enough information about how their seasons progress to make a more informed decision than any of us?
Some numbers on our starts to the past 10 seasons; our points haul after the first four games and then after the first eight:
Season After 4 games/After 8 games
2013-14 9/19
2012-13 8/12
2011-12 4/10
2010-11 10/14
2009-10 6/18
2008-09 9/16
2007-08 10/22
2006-07 5/17
2005-06 6/13
2004-05 12/22
Not sure there is much of a pattern there, though we haven’t had a really flying start to any season since 2007-08.
OtD: Your memory is spot on. Result of first game of season:
2013-14 L
2012-13 D
2011-12 D
2010-11 D
2009-10 W
2008-09 W
2007-08 W
2006-07 D
2005-06 W
2004-05 W
Here is why you need squad depth, and why it makes sense not to rush players back. Last season there weren’t enough players who played 38 Premiership games to put out an XI. Across the 20 teams in the Premiership, only 10 players were ever-presents, three of them goalkeepers, and only a further 14 appeared 37 times, including another five goalkeepers (Woj was one). If you exclude the goalkeepers none of them were what you would call top class. Giroud appeared in more games for us (36) than any other member of the club apart from Woj, and most people in this bar agree that he was knackered by the end.
Oskar – I understand your point about the anticipated professionalism of our German contingent, but I also recognize that both Per and Ozil played a lot of minutes at the WC with very little break after the Cup final. Personally I would rather them rest and let their bodies recover during their break and slowly work their way back into the squad full time than risk a overuse injury (perhaps similar to what happened to Aaron last year). Also, training on your own is probably not going to get you anywhere near to match fitness, so I would expect it would take a couple of matches to get back to the point where 60+ minutes at full match intensity is feasible.
Fortunately, many of the top teams are in a similar boat. Plus if we can’t crystallize Palace without our German players, then we’ve got some serious problems. And really the biggest loss is Per (we have coverage for both Ozil and Poldi). If our success this season relies on the BFG playing every match, then again we have some serious problems.
I trust the Boss has been thinking about this since the start of WC and has a plan.
Was surprised to read that jack Rodwell was signed to Sunderland for 10 mil.
I must admit I thought he would have been an attractive recruit for much bigger clubs..
He seemed a very solid strong and skilful young player.
brutal rain
a flooded hospital
roads like rivers
.
The Trevs didn’t make a sneaky daytrip
did they?
No, we’re all here, cba – waiting for a lifeboat out of Devon ! 😉
Actually, it’s not that bad.
NED @306, 307, 308
See, now them’s good stats – FACTS !!!
As opposed to the more dubious “chances created” sort of figures (not yours, I know).
Rain has eased here – some blue sky – off with the girls to catch crabs – Matron ! 😉
Interesting, over on Arseblog, that the Arsenal Doc has had a word or two to say on head injuries.
From the stands it seems as though really nasty clashes of heads are happening more and more often.
I know it’s a man’s game and there is huge money at stake etc etc, but it does seem to me that, as professionals, players should be required to show some duty of care towards each other rather than just run flat out, eyes fixed only on the ball, with some of the results we have seen lately.
How would you enforce it ? Goodness knows.
Probably very slowly and retrospectively with video evidence – where it exists. It’s certainly a very difficult one, but it seems someone is going to be permanently damaged if the current situation is left to develop.
Right, where are those crabs ? To Appledore and high tide ! 😉
Oskar@299. In my humble opinion I don’t think you have ever been more wrong.
“our Germans are paid staggering amounts of money to play for Arsenal and have an obligation to be fully fit when required by the club.”
An obligation to be fully fit when required? They may be well paid and top drawer players but they are not super human. I’m sure the likes of Dr Trev and Dr C will confirm that the body needs time to rest and recover??? Regardless of how much they actually played in Brazil the fact is that our German boys are entitled to a break. I see little point in rushing them back early to play a game against Palace. In an ideal world all of our squad would return fully refreshed and on the same day. Unfortunately, in the modern football business world that will never happen. To not allow them the appropriate r&r period would just lead to major problems later in the season. What is the point in rushing players back and risking burn out come January???
We should have a squad more than capable of winning a game against Palace. The fact that players are meant to be super fit and available at the drop of the hat because they are paid ridiculous amounts of money is just simply bizarre. I want them still fit and still available at the business end of the season. If that means that they give their bodies the rest needed then that’s fine with me. It’s hardly their fault that they got picked for the World Cup and then went on to win the thing???
Afrernoon all.
Trev.
David Moyes’ team won the Charity Sheild last season and continued to be pretty charitable for the rest of term too.
—-
Oscar.
Couldn’t disagree more I’m afraid.
How much money they make, no matter how ridiculous the amounts seem, is a moot point, they must have time to recouperate, otherwise they’ll spend the whole season in the often heard “red zone”. Bring them back now and lose them before Christmas.
Aaah.
Brother Steve beat me to it.
Shame you’re not around for Palace mate, have to catch you later in the season.
@313: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140805/pl-announces-new-rules-for-head-injuries
Why is the charity shield game being undervalued??. I think it is a huge chance to win a trophy and provide a marker for the upcoming season. The sense of this being a friendly makes no actual sense to me.
The latest news of Chambers being used as a DM is again appalling to me. I mean the kid needs time to settle down with us and you cannot have him play at such a pivotal position so early in his career, so i do hope this is trash media literature than anything serious.
Reus has a release clause of 20 million will set every pulse racing but i do not see him leaving BVB this season. Lavezzi supposedly to pool and i think that will be an excellent signing for them if it happens.
Brother Holland. I’ve always been round, but I’m gutted I’m not at Palace.
🙂
Methinks this season will be closer than most think, our rivals especially pool have spent like the spuds! (Hope they play like them too!)
Arsene has to get the equation right, whether to rotate or to keep the players fit by better training methods.
Looking forward to the shield, will get a good indication of our level of preparation.
😀
Heh 🙂
Vinay.
The Charity Sheild is a glorified friendly, nothing more, nothing less, it’s nice if you win but doesn’t really count as a trophy. The fact that Munure beat their Oily neighbours in last years “curtain raiser” should really tell you all you need to know about the significance of that game as reguards to the rest of the season.
Why on earth would you be “appalled” that Chambers would by deployed as a DM?
We brought him in, paying big bucks, due to his versatility and if Arsene thinks that he can utilise him in the midfield as well as in defence, then surely that is a good thing.
Doctors Steve and H2H are dead right.
There is, unfortunately, no correlation between salary and physical fitness. Our nee stars could all be out by November if forced back unrested and unprepared.
I doubt the club have given them extra time away just because they think they’ll have a nice time.
It’s another unfortunate and unavoidable consequence of international football.
I am not appalled about Chambers being played there but i am more appalled that why should that be considered an option so early when we all know he has to be groomed to play with us, the players, the system etc. Yes he appears talented enough to play the role but why this makeshift because end of the day even though he may have started his career in the midfield, he rightfully is a full back and a good one at that. We need a DM and that is been an on going issue from the time Gilberto left us. So as a priority and as a necessity we should buy one. Chambers is not the answer.
So Howard Webb is retiring from refereeing…
LVG will have to think of other plans now for their season!
😀
Vinay @ 324: The transfer window is not closed yet, three more weeks left.
H2H@322: The four times we won the Charity/Community shield under Arsene we did not go on to win the PL that season. Highlights your point about relevance. However would be nice to start the season with a (albeit irrelevant in the context of the season) win against City.
Ofcourse I want us to win it Faustus, I’d be a pretty poor excuse for a fan if I didn’t. 😉
Just think it needs to stay in the context it merits.
Vinnay, not for the first time, you’ve lost me my friend, nevermind, you stay appalled, I’ll be over here happy that we are making strides in the transfer market and hoping that maybe we are not done yet.
Howard Webb retires. Why not Dowd??
Faustus@295: lovely jubbly Domaines Ott it is then! are you Boston based?
I’m bored.
I’m very bored.
Will the close season never end?
Vinay,
The Charity / Community Shield game is not being undervalued by some of us. I fear it is being overvalued by yourself and some others.
It is a season curtain raiser and the proceeds are used to support various charity / community projects, hence it’s name. It will be interesting to see where our preparation is at, but for various reasons already listed @285, I personally don’t expect too much.
The ” competition” carries no league points and counts not at all towards qualification for any other competition. It is a charity event.
In this, of all seasons, our preparation has been so disrupted by international matches, I would just relax and enjoy it if you can. The following week against Crystal Pulis will be the time to start judging things.
I’m loving the pix of Howard Webb in a ManU kit and the headline “Another high profile departure from Manchester United” 🙂
Gooch ! 😉
Howard Webb’s kids have denied their Dad is a secret Man Utd fan.
“He is totally unbiased,” Alex, George, Bobby, Matt and Cristiano stated.
😉
Peter @ 329: Yes, very much so. If you are around, drop a note here and we can arrange something. It is a drinking city with university problems.
Heh.
Trev@334: Did Ryan and Wayne agree?
Faustus, I’ll ask ‘holic for your email if ok by you and keep you posted?
Bilbao it will be, we are that lucky aren’t we?
We should fear no one!!!
We are ones everyone will be praying to avoid.
Mike Dean’s retirement would have given me more joy. That man truly hates Arsenal in the true meaning of the word. And he is the older of the two, no?
Appalled! Heh.
Bilbao doesn’t make me too happy. A very mean tackling team. We won’t scale through them unscathed. That fabled CDM is becoming very necessary.
Well, 344 is an erroneous presupposition. But still….
So at the moment it looks like:
Athletic Bilbao
Lille
Standard Liege
Besiktas
FC Copenhagen (unless Dnipro can bag a draw or win from 2-0 down)
I’d rather avoid Bilbao but we should still be capable of beating them if it comes to it.
Well the second match would be at the Emirates by which time the team would be more in shape and tune so no matter who is the opponent we should be more than good enough for them. The worst travel wise it could get is Besiktas, an away game in that hellish stadium is no fun.
Re: frank @342. Mike Dean not only hates Arsenal but his smirk after every anti-Arsenal call he makes is enough to tear my hair out, if I had any. 🙂
Maybe he, Atkinson and Dowd can jointly retire next season and celebrate by going skydiving without a parachute? 😉
Actually, I’m surprised to see Webb retire first of those four referees seeing as he seems easily to be the fittest. Or as we say over here on this side of the Atlantic, in the best shape. Also, Webb always seemed to me to be the best of those four referees so I’m sorry to see him go although I might be in the minority on that one.
frank, You are right about Dean being older than Webb, by about 3 years as a matter of fact. More info on all the referees’ ages at:
http://www.worldfootball.net/referees/eng-premier-league-2012-2013/1/
That list is one fewer year out of date at
http://www.worldfootball.net/referees/eng-premier-league-2013-2014/1/
Esso. 🙂
Faustus: if we play at home or away in the first leg is decided during the draw.
Lars@353: Is not that by UEFA coefficient ? Or doesn’t apply for qualifiers?
Sounds dodgy to me.
http://allarsenal.com/arsenalrumours/arsenal-have-already-agreed-a-deal-with-madrid-for-khedira-claims-spanish-football-expert/?
If he is a “Spanish football expert” then why is his name Graham Hunter? With a name like that he ought to be an English Football expert, or an Australian football expert at the very least. Am I missing the point? Is there a point?
Key point in the above “arsenalrumour” is that this particular rumor has its very own rating of 3 of out 5, meaning it could be possible, as seen below. Hmm. Have I ever heard of anything else that could be possible? Maybe this is an actual rumor rather than an actual fact then. Or could it just be a possible rumor? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Maybe then we’ll have to wait some more and after that maybe there will be some news that has nothing to do with rumor, or rumour as some people on here like to spell it. Over and out. 🙂
Rumour Rater : 3/5
1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal
Faustus: no, they draw one seeded and one unseeded and then put those balls into a separate bowl and then draw which team begins at home.
Source if you don’t believe me: 🙂
http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2130109.html
8ball@355 – looks like a classic example of the subeditor’s art.
The article says that we agreed a deal with RM which fell through because of Khediera’s salary expectations. Somhow that merits the headline “Arsenal have agreed a deal for Sami Kediera”.
Sigh.
Still, I guess it’s had the clicks rolling in.
COYG
bt8 @349 – I think most here will agree that Webb is a competent referee especially when he is not imposing himself too much on the game (a.k.a. The Webb Show); and and when one of the teams is not Manure (in which case he becomes completely irrational).
@317, that’s really good stuff by the FA. It will have results beyond the EPL and even Europe. Once while officiating an Intra-University game back in Uni I ignorantly waved play on after a 50-50 challenge resulted in a clash of heads. A player stayed down and I didn’t get to check out his condition until the attacking team had scored from that passage of play(the ball didn’t go out of play till they scored), when I finally got to check him out I saw he had passed out. I immediately signalled the makeshift medics to give him medical attention as well as carry him off the pitch. He recovered quite fast but couldn’t carry on with the game. Years later I realised things could have gone awfully wrong that day and I should have stopped the game and called for the medics immediately I saw the clash of heads. I would have probably made the right decision if I saw Refs doing it in the European games I watched or even read about it in the volumes of football literature I feed my brain daily so that’s why I think the FA making and implementing these new rules and educating the general public on them would have far reaching results.
Sorry about the poor paragraphing(and writing).
Cent@360: Excellent point about setting examples especially for the grassroots level. And it is at that level more of the fatal injuries occur. Once this becomes an obvious practice at the top level of football it would start to become more of a norm everywhere.
Cent, Actually very well written (and reasoned) at 360. 🙂
Lars @ 357: Thanks. I believed you the first time, just needed that bit of clarification. 🙂 Maybe my memory is playing tricks but last few qualifiers I recall we played the second leg at home.
The trendy narrative these days seems to be that Van Gaal will restore Manchester United to glory days, proving that David Moyes was an evil wretch. The contrarian in me wants to know the odds on Van Gaal to be fired before March 1. Wasn’t Moyes fired before that date after denial upon denial by the club that he would not be fired? Firing is in their DNA. 😉
Sacking too. 😉
Put him to the fire after tying him up in a sack. That’s what I say.
8 ball — The trick is whether Van Baalls can get them back to the CL. That is the litmus test — oh yes, that ‘top 4’ thingy which was apparently so easy to achieve year in and year out — for the owners as well as for the fan. If they fail, expect change again.
Faustus: Your memory isn’t entirely wrong. I’m not sure for how long the home/away order have been random, I think that was introduced when they changed the setup so that league winners were only drawn against other league winners etc. It may have been the case that previously it was the higher-ranked team that started away, but I can’t remember for sure. In any case these are our last five qualifiers:
2013 Fenerbahce Away/Home
2011 Udinese H/A
2009 Celtic A/H
2008 Twente A/H
2007 Sparta Prague A/H
2010 and 2012 were were straight into the group stages. Iirc the current setup was introduced in 2010, but not entirely sure on that one either.
Cheers, 8ball and Dr F. I agree on Van Gaal and his Litmus test that is UCL qualification. I actually think they will make the top 4 and he will be there for at least 2 seasons. He seems to be getting on well with the clowns who play for that circus of a club, apparently they need to be bossed around before they perform.
Thanks Lars.
Yes, the Udinese match — probably the toughest of those you described — was away the second leg. RVP and Theo scored, if I remember, after Di Natale made things awkward with a goal .
The draw is on Friday. Hoping the second leg is at home. Make things simpler.
Cent @ 370: Spot on. Masochist, the lot of them. For so long they had needed a screaming abusive manager to get them motivated they cannot function any other way.
No need to be humble about it, Steve T (#314), your opinions are among a number here that I always respect. And I’m sure I have been more wrong in the past, quite often probably.
However I still disagree with you, and others. During the World Cup Germany played seven games in 27 days, an average slightly less demanding than the two games a week they’re called on to play regularly in the middle of a Premiership season. Their last WC game, the final, was on July 13. They have been on holiday since then. I don’t think it’s asking too much (in exchange for what they get paid) to ask that they spend a brief time keeping physically fit while on holiday. It’s not like their physical condition should be a problem anyway. A world cup presents more mental demands than physical ones. And how much mental pressure do you have to get over when you end up winning?
I don’t know how many weeks holiday you guys get before having to return to work in a fit state to work, but probably less than the five weeks between WC final and Premiership first round.
There is way too much mollycoddling of ‘superstar’ athletes these days.
Just my own thoughts on the subject, and I’m probably alone with them as I usually am. 😀
Öskar
To return to the value of the Community Shield debate…
H2H @322 says, “The Charity Sheild is a glorified friendly, nothing more, nothing less, it’s nice if you win but doesn’t really count as a trophy. The fact that Munure beat their Oily neighbours in last years “curtain raiser” should really tell you all you need to know about the significance of that game as reguards to the rest of the season.”
Well, at the risk of sounding pedantic, United actually beat Wigan last season in the Community Shield, not Man City. So any attempt to paint the result as meaningless because ‘look at what happened to Moyes’, is slightly redundant as a United side of any era would be expected to win that fixture against a Championship side. I still think – although the subsequent games v Palace and in the Champions Lge are 100 times more important – that the game is of more value/interest than the average friendly. First, it’s the LAST friendly before the season, so we really are wanting to see fitness/skill/tactical levels as close to normal levels as possible. In addition, it’s chance to beat a significant rival at Wembley, so soon after the FA Cup gaining a further little shot of momentum by lifting a little trophy of some sort, and for Wenger to get a good look at new (Chambers, Debuchy, Sanchez) and fringe (Sanogo, Campbell) players in a semi-meaningful match. Once again, I’d prefer a scrappy 1-0 v Palace over any sort of win here (if we can’t have both!), but if City muller us 4-0, you can bet your bottom dollar most of you will be on here, playing up its worrying significance on the eve of the season.
Ha. Bayern gets done in the MLS all star exhibition game, and Pep basically throws a fit at the end refusing (with his assistants) to shake hands. Apparently two hard-ish tackles, kind of everyday fare in EPL.
Reading between the lines on the circle of shite 🙂 metro saying we’re in for reus they have been fairly accurate this last few weeks, if we get him and a top centre half hummells please I’d think we would have a squad capable of mixing it with the cream of the crop we can all dream right!
@374, Gregoire, agree completely on everything you said.
We have very important game on Sunday, for obvious reasons.
We need to build confidence and any significant loss would mean lack of it at the worst moment in one of the most important parts of this season, when we have important CL qualifiers.
Not a glory hunter myself, but to be honest, I would not mind winning another title, imagine psychological effect that could have on the players.
After all, CS final is watched all over the world with many young potential fans watching and maybe considering their options of who to support, is it going to be the ever spending City or Arsene’s Arsenal. I know that I would chose Arsenal after City get spanked 4-1 with brilliant braces from Alexis and Ramsey. And I know whose shirt I would by after the game.
Holloway2Holland, no i dint mean any disrespect to what you said. I just felt this is a trophy to the Arsenal and we should win it. If the proceeds goes to the charity, its even better. For me we need to win this to set the marker for the season.
Also in terms of me being a bit sad about this proposed move of Chambers to DM, i stated as to why i feel that is like plastering the crack when we know its a long pending one. It had nothing do with Chambers and his ability.
On a brighter note, Reus in the news and we are linked. Well blimey if i may dare to dream on that. He is a magnificent player and i dont think so BVB will let him go but if they do, we should buy at any cost. He is serious class.
#FreeReus
AW will buy a big world class star to play as our full time and main DM.
It may be reus, it maybe khedira or even better, but our main DM will not be chambers or diaby. (No disrespect to either player.)
Abou will however do a great job as second DM.
AW has done a top class job so far in this most important of transfer windows and this will continue.
It may come very late but I expect there will be a lot of (extra) happy gooners very soon.
You heard it hear first…..
Given our struggles against “big” teams last season and the fact that the FA Cup was being talked up as a springboard for future success, I think the Charity Shield is important. It certainly won’t determine our season, but it can help us.
Being honest, we shat the bed against Wigan and Hull early last two trips to Wembley and then fought back against inferior opposition. Just like away to Liverpool, Chavski, City, except we went 1 or 2 down, not 3, 4, or 5 – reflection the quality of opposition on the days. We turn up and take another absolute pooning it will hurt us. Confidence can’t be easy to find after a pants down thrashing. That said, if we win the serving plate, it could build some confidence.
Of course it may just be a dull game, we play well, don’t really care. There is an opportunity to show we have really grown since last season on the back of our success though. I hope we take it.
So long as we don’t get stuffed, I don’t really care what happens on Sunday. Just put in a decent performance etc.
Has anyone tried Hansa Pilsener?
374 Gregoire.
You weren’t pedantic at all, you are indeed correct, Manure beat Wigan, not Citeh.
But surely the fact that you were the only one who spotted that adds weight to the arguement that it’s just a glorified friendly?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s an important step to fitness in our pre season fitness regime and as you said it is our LAST friendly, you choose to highlight the word last, where as I’d choose to highlight the word FRIENDLY.
I too hope we put in a good showing and ofcourse I’d love us to win, but if not, I can assure you I will not be on here bleating about, the ones that will are the ones that constantly bitch about everything anyway.
Cent @ 361: Here’s what your comment would look like with correct paragraphing. Invoice in the post!
“@317, that’s really good stuff by the FA. It will have results beyond the EPL and even Europe. Once while officiating an Intra-University game back in Uni I ignorantly waved play on after a 50-50 challenge resulted in a clash of heads. A player stayed down and I didn’t get to check out his condition until the attacking team had scored from that passage of play(the ball didn’t go out of play till they scored), when I finally got to check him out I saw he had passed out. I immediately signalled the makeshift medics to give him medical attention as well as carry him off the pitch. He recovered quite fast but couldn’t carry on with the game.
Years later I realised things could have gone awfully wrong that day and I should have stopped the game and called for the medics immediately I saw the clash of heads. I would have probably made the right decision if I saw Refs doing it in the European games I watched or even read about it in the volumes of football literature I feed my brain daily so that’s why I think the FA making and implementing these new rules and educating the general public on them would have far reaching results.”
I hope you dint mean me Sir, Holloway2Holland, i am among the most optimistic and even though i may feel aggrieved if we lose sunday, i wont cry over it. of course that wont come into picture for we will win this in a terrific game, 3-2 to the Gunners.
I also believe every team has one ace in the sleeve in terms of the transfer window.
Cuadrado or Di Maria to united, Lavezzi/isco to pool, City to try for Falcao, Chelsea for Khedira and hopefully we may do it with Carvalho/reus.
I didn’t mean you at all, Vinay.
re: Community Shield. Each team is allowed to use up to six subs. That is a characteristic of a friendly.
That said, no reason not to win it. Winning becomes a habit.
@380 Aussie
I assume you were joking when you suggested buying Reus as a DM solution?!
I personally think that it’s not so much a Defensive Midfield player we need per se, as more of a strong, physical, dominating presence in those deep-lying midfield areas. Arteta is already great at holding his position, but where he lacks is in athleticism and physicality in getting across the width of the pitch, making strong tackles and covering when we lose possession further up the pitch. That’s why I feel signing Khedira wouldn’t be a problem football-wise (possibly money and injury-wise). He could really dominate those areas, and Ramsey’s fully capable of covering (and vice versa) when Khedira launches forward.
Decent ‘The Breakdown’ on ArseTV looking ahead at the new season. Some nice clips of the Ox as one to watch. Adrian Chiles always seems like a nice guy to.
The things to improve section had a couple of brutal clips of Arteta, one with the ball at home against Utd, one without away at the Chavs… Tough not to worry about him with the legs one year more shot. #FreeCarvalho etc.
Miskicked crossfield pass balloons to the near touchline stright into the stride of…
The formerly skinny Yank standing on the touchline in the midst of dreams about replicating last night’s Landon Donovan goal against the Bavarian giants but who doesn’t know exactly the first step toward achieving that goal. Instead he sends the ball back toward the left back and thinks maybe next time he gets the ball the defenders won’t be watching.
Re: Porco @383. Can’t say I have tried Hansa Pilsener actually, or any other beer from southern Africa. The closest was trying an Ethiopian beer in an Ethiopian-American restaurant (not very close, I know). The beer may now be Arsenal’s official South African beer, but its website (www.hansapilsener.co.za) appears to be registered in Zambia (?) which is not a good sign as multinationals tend to make inferior beer. Hope I’m wrong and they cash in on their deal with Arsenal though.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140806/hansa-pilsener-become-official-partner?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arsenal-news+(News+Feed)
Sends on the ball kicked by the South African brewer.
At the Emirates listening to Q & A with Freddie, Martin Keown & Pat Rice, great to see Pat looking and sounding well
Meant to add
Stood on the North Bank, waiting the finish with mounting anticipation, hope it’s top corner
Collects ball beautifully, it catches in his feet tripping him and, as he falls, he pushes over to…
Honestly great to hear that Pat is fine, what a gem an defines loyalty to the core.
Reus oh god now that would be something but wait, lets get the DM first, pack your bags Carvalho and move in.
Pop
Scores
runs on as a sub and first touch flicks it with the outside of his right boot…
Well taken, Pangloss! I am totally out of form this pre season.
Back to the reserves Scruz 🙂 I’ll join you later
oooh, I didn’t even tabs it right. not a good start to my day 😉
Looks up to see fourth official raising board with his number on.
Jogs to touchline acknowledging applause from Lurky and heads down the tunnel. A weeks’ specialist work in Devon awaits him, but he knows he is well prepared for the season that will start upon his return.
COYG
lol lurky, I will save you a bottle of Gatorade. well in pangloss!
North Bank erupts!
(sorry it was for Giroud, Wiltshire, Kosceilny & a smiling Carzola)
The video will be on Arsenal player sometime
Actually, on the transfer front, I don’t think Santi will be leaving as he’s one of the stars of the video which will be on ArsenalPlayer and YouTube. I can’t see him being used for that sort of promotion if there was any danger he wouldn’t be staying (imho)
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140807/boss-on-vermaelen-and-transfer-activity
However, Wenger ruled out a move for Germany international Sami Khedira. “We were never close to signing him because Jack Wilshere has come back fit and in midfield we have quite a few offensive box-to-box players,” he explained.
On Calum : “He can play a major role because in what I observe he has the qualities to impose himself in this part of the team. I believe he can play in defensive midfield and that’s where I see him.”
Looks like no imminent signings, but we’re waiting for opportunities should they arise.
Hey El @391. It looks like there will be no Sami at present. I guess that the boss still did what we asked and replaced most of the outgoing players. One twice over, even.
As he says, there are still 3 and a half weeks to see what can be done in terms of adding more depth to the squad. It’s been fun with you and BB this summer. Really helped to lighten the mood and enjoy the transfer window for once in a very long time. We discussed big players and landed one. What more can be said?
On that note, let’s test Citeh this Sunday. A certain Mr Sagna could put in an appearance I hear.
UTA
Hey BB ^^^^^^ right on time I see 🙂
Was it iBath asking yesterday for some real news?
http://news.arseblog.com/2014/08/wenger-chambers-will-be-a-dm/?utm_source=feedburner.com%2Farseblognews&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arseblognews+%28Arseblog+News+-+the+Arsenal+news+site%29
Peter@338: Sure. Just please don’t publish it around. 🙂
BB you beat me to it. Still, two sources are better than one. Particularly if one is the notoriously un-newsy dot.con. 😉
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140807/boss-on-vermaelen-and-transfer-activity
[
However, Wenger ruled out a move for Germany international Sami Khedira. “We were never close to signing him because Jack Wilshere has come back fit and in midfield we have quite a few offensive box-to-box players,” he explained.
]
Intentional planing of misinformation — something Arsene has done time and again before an impending transfer, subverting the speculation game by playing it well 🙂 — or are we close to signing a more defensive minded player?
I see a lively debate ensued over this Community Shield game.
I’ll cut to the chase. If we win, I’ll say it is a good omen of things to come!
If we lose, then I’ll be pragmatic, pointing out it was an opportunity for all to settle in and ‘gel’.
Either way, City always bring their ‘game on’ mentality, so it should be fun (in an exhausting, nerve wracking way) 😉
Speaking of fun, waves to our very own Trev 🙂
GT!
Impeccable timing as always! 😀
Yes it’s been real fun this time round, especially since we actually got a few people not in diapers for a change! Looks like we’re real serious this time round, can’t afford a slip up with six teams challenging this season.
bt8b,
The more sources the better! Otherwise it’ll just look like I’m rambling drunk again…
😀
@416 DocFaust
Don’t really think we’re in for a DM now unless it’s an Ozil-like deal again.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140807/boss-chambers-ready-to-play-regularly
… I believe he can play in defensive midfield and that’s where I see him.”
I’ll say this is the end of signings, unless Messi decides to evade his taxes here or something like that…! 😀
BB@419: Or, that is again a bit of a sleight of hands to convince the sellers that we don’t really need any defensive minded midfielder and use that as a bargaining tool. “We are not really desperate, you see, but if you want to sell to us, and the player seems to be interested too, … well, let us talk.”
🙂
abb @ 417: We had thumped them 3-1 at last season’s pre-season friendly.
DocFaust,
I really hope that is the case! And shall be keeping my fingers crossed for another signing (Carvalho!!) although I am not optimistic!
In addition, do hope that Vermaelen does NOT go to MU! Ideally he sees his contract out unless we can get a proper replacement!
If we can keep our players fit, we just might surprise a few people this season! 😀
Up The Arse!
AW givin’ ’em the ol’ one-two.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-boss-arsene-wenger-takes-4020712?#.U-OlLVaJkRY
It IS hard to argue with him when he says the shortest way from Chelsea to Man City is not through New York. Maybe others will agree with him.
He is so classy isnt he, Arsene Wenger. I mean the man is so refined yet subtle when he talks.
The pictures on the mail shows and the comments here suggest that the open training session was a lot of fun and Sanchez is the new fan favourite.
I still think these are games wherein jack has to show his mettle. Time for him to prove the doubters wrong and more so cement a place.
Aaron had a great pre season last time and it carried on to the real one. I hope Jack looks and learns from that and we can see the best of a man who has amazing talent but seems to be surrounded within himself and the hype.
Evening GT, hope you’re keeping well mate. No Sami no party? Not fussed myself. Much rather him than Arteta/Flamini playing out their deals at the base of midfield, but also got the serious hits for someone in the Gilberto mould. That Carvahlo really appeals 🙂
Aaron Ramsey: “it’s a big game.”
http://www.footymad.net/football-headlines/ramsey_wants_wembley_return_to_inspire_arsenal_837744/index.shtml
From the boss: “We were never close to signing him because Jack Wilshere has come back fit and in midfield we have quite a few offensive box-to-box players.”
I know it’s been said before, but I feel like it needs to be said again. Khedira is not a holding midfielder, nor is he a defensive midfielder, nor does he play “at the base of midfield.” He’s a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get forward. His skill set is definitely NOT that of a defensive midfielder.
While he could possibly play in a midfield pivot with Ramsey or Wilshere, where one midfielder stays back whenever the other gets forward, I don’t think that system would best fit Arsenal. I could be wrong, but I feel like both Ramsey and Jack need to be able to get forward consistently without having to constantly worry about who is covering behind them. A midfield pivot would only hamper their attacking contributions, and especially in the case of Rambo, that’s not something we ought to be doing.
So while it’s anyone’s guess what’s really in the boss’s mind, his denial of any interest in Khedira makes sense to me. Khedira would be very expensive, and he plays at a position where we already have good cover (Ramsey, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta, Diaby). We need that younger, intelligent, combative type who’s content to stay at the base of midfield and allow our other midfielder to get forward. My feeling is we’re tracking a player or two in this position (Carvalho is the name you hear most often, but who knows?) and biding our time. I don’t think the boss is necessarily dead set on filling this requirement in this transfer window, but as he so often says, “If the right player is available, we will do it.”
My 2 cents.
Whats the scoop on Diaby?? out again?? 🙁
Porco @383 thanks a lot, mate.
The family training day pics look all nice and cuddly, now let’s go out and demolish Man City – hopefully! Please no death by passing or Arteta overun in midfield. We want quick, swift, ruthless goals scored by us, not t’other way round, aye 🙂 and more by us than them of course doh
Dr. F@414: I would never do that, I’ll just read it out on speakerphone hehe
Hello, abb ! *waves back*
Today’s fun was leaving Devon in bright sunshine and blue skies and taking 6 hours to drive back – getting caught up in a 20 mile traffic jam on the M25 – if your geography holds up after quite a few years – I believe. 😉
Anyway, I seem to have incurred some resultant serious clutch damage, so the garage (repairers) awaits tomorrow. 🙁
H2H – it will all feel so much easier next Saturday, mate. 😉
Arsene Wenger said on Radio tonight – his very own voice – ” that the fitness levels are still not there, but should be better than last time.”
That is enough to convince me not to expect too much or build up the importance of the occasion.
Of course I would love us to win it and beat the oily Mancs, but a cohesive decent performance and signs of gelling – NOT á la Chamakh – in the squad is all that honestly matters.
Is it an indicator for the season ?
Well, last year we beat City 3-1 in a pre-season friendly and then lost
3-6 to them in the league.
It is also interesting that some – no individual sleights intended – who are professing the importance of the match, don’t even seem to know the correct name of the trophy ( a small but interesting point ).
sorry to hear about your clutch problems, trev. i assume your knee doesn’t need to be garaged, too?
i am with abb on the al-citeh game. and above all, i can’t wait to see us play, regardless of result.
Looks like Verminator is off to Barca for 13m euros. It is a good deal for all parties. Good player on his day, but so injury prone and less consistent and reliable than Kos. If he manages to stay injury free Barca got themselves a good player for a very low price considering today’s inflated market.
On other hand I think we can be satisfied as well, because god ourselves enough money for a player that was in his final year and injury prone too.
Now it is time to find a replacement. I will go for Fabian Schar myself or Nastasic if available.
Keown knows.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/08/07/arsenal-legend-says-mourinho-is-now-the-ordinary-one-after-troph/?
Interesting quote from Arsene on Sagna.
Wenger: “You’ll have to ask Sagna why he chose City. I made him a proposal to stay for 3 years, but he chose them.”
Add to this Sagna admition that he spoked with Nasri and Clichy about City long ago, you get the perfect picture of a loyalty in today’s football.
Anyway, it is a good time for me to say and not get crucified here as usual, that I thought that he was a weak link, maybe a weakest one in our starting line up this past two seasons. Only my opinion of course, and I understand that majority thinks that he was not.
This season with Debuchy and Bellerin we will see much better and much potent Arsenal.
Lurky,
Good news on two fronts if you are right. Not selling TV to Manchester United is a good move, and we get 3 million euros more than the rumored 10 million. To paraphrase Goonertown and El Puno, Big Dick Law must be doing something right. Either him or Big Ivan or both. 😉
I can say that the fraction of the time Sagna put in a dangerous cross was approximately 000.1% and for the less mathematically inclined that is one in one thousand (I think). 🙂
.001% ???????
@390 – not completely joking for the reasons you correctly stated.
“I personally think that it’s not so much a Defensive Midfield player we need per se, as more of a strong, physical, dominating presence in those deep-lying midfield areas.”
that is a pretty good description of a DM wouldn’t you say…
It is the athleticism and the strength that is missing from our team in that role.
it is the single most important piece to the arsenal puzzle besides Alexis.
8ball, it is not confirmed yet, but I think it is spot on. With Vermaelen going to Barca we will solve the Captain issue, will get more reliable and less injury prone defender, and I think that we will earn some money in the process too. Good job from my perspective.
Lurky,
“Crucified on here as usual” ……. ?
I don’t remember that myself – I think most of your stuff is good and fair. I do agree with you to some extent on Sagna too, and I’ve said so here too.
I think he fought back extremely well after two fractured fibulae and continued to put in a lot of brave performances. I do think he had lost his best form and a yard of pace last season. His crossing has always been a bone of contention – despite the odd very good one.
Credit him with being fantastically consistent over his time at Arsenal but I think time will prove we had the best of him.
As far as speaking to Nasri and Clichy goes, that is up to him – they are former team mates and fellow French internationals. I don’t think he ever gave less than his best – but, apparently unlike Arsene, I don’t think he had another three top years in him. Certainly not as a full back – maybe as a backup full back and centre back though.
What do I know ? 😉
seems AW has clearly stated that Calum Chambers will be playing in the DM role and that is where he sees him playing.
All power to you AW.
He must truly have a big opinion of this lad.
Evening fellas. Lurky, 8ball hope you’re right about TV to Barca instead of United. Be nice for him to play out his career there.
And Johan Djourou is officially with Hamburg. Good luck to both of them. Good memories, sighs.
As for Bac, I think of his two leg fractures, and all is forgiven. Remember when he landed on his neck…we feared the worst.
Bonds are formed between players and fans. Hard to discard our emotional ties with them.
Thanks Trev, agree that Sagna gave his best till the last moment and I am grateful for that. However that lost yard of pace was so evident in the last season I wondered why is Arsene so loyal to his players, giving them long length contracts when they don’t deserve it.
I always wanted him to be more ruthless. Guess my wish is coming true this summer.
Abb, same as you I tied up emotionally with Arsenal players in the past. Not anymore I am afraid, learned my lesson. For me Arsene is Arsenal at the moment. Even when the time comes for him to left us, I am calm, his heritage and presence at this club is so huge and precious that it would live for decades even without him near.
Lurky, beautifully put about Arsene. Hope he sees it! 🙂
Dr Faustus @420 Yep, we sure did! But City always make us work hard, from end to end. They are offensively minded, like us. No parking buses with broken clutches (sorry Trev 🙁 ).
Now has anyone seen Gareth Bale lately. He’s turned into Popeye 😉
Bartender, You were supposed to cut me off after 2 drinks …
So any hoo, I have Sunday off, and am ever so excited to watch the game here!
Remember, we need to get in practice. Brush off dusty standbys like, “Only 20 minutes left, when is he gonna bring on a sub! 😉
Or, this one,” Maybe we can still get something out of this” (tie) haha!
I agree for the most part on everything people have said about Sagna. Always gave 100 percent but with the changes in expectations on the role of the fullbacks (playing as more of a wing-back), Sagna’s weaknesses were more exposed. I still think he was one of the best defensive backs in the EPL, even last year.
abb – I remember the match when Sagna landed on his neck thinking it was really bad. But as someone said (maybe here in the bar), you drop Sagna on his head and he gets back up and continues playing, whereas Diaby runs into a butterfly on the pitch and he is out for 6 months.
My favorite Sagna memory is the header against the Spuds, with this a close second: http://arsenalist.com/f/arsenal-vs-liverpool/gif-sagna-goes-at-suarez-and-coutinho.html
ecg, splendid! Put a smile on me mug. xx
Agree on Sagna (tho not totally with Lurky).
“Weak link” – seems a bit much to me. Defensively, the last time Sagna got beat was I think … never. Well not never, but it was rare. Gibbs athletic ability enabled him to recover quickly when he was out of position or beat (which happens a lot less than it did, as hes become a good defender I think). And let’s not forget Koscielny’s proclivity for mugging opposing players in the Arsenal box. Don’t think Bacs ever did that.
True that his best years are behind him no doubt and agree on that point for sure. He was a model professional, and after that neck “incident” … well just wow. And the Spuds header! Sorry to see him go, but onwards and upwards. (AW said 3 years, but at what sort of wage? Surely City is over paying him.) Its fine w/me to keep offloading to City players that are past it.
At any rate, am happy to have Debucy and Gibbs as full backs. Bellerin will be a monster one day. And Crpl. Jenks … heres to hoping he comes back from loan a prime time player. Give the boss another selection dilemma. A good one.
Not slating Sagna for his time at Arsenal at all. I brought up his crosses because that was the best way to say something in agreement with Lurky whose criticism was somewhat broader. He was solid as a rock at right back for many years, an inspiration to others, and his place in Arsenal history should be well assured.
re: Sagna. No one should slag off his years with us. We got the best of them. And he was a warrior for us as ecg’s clip shows. He has passed his zenith. Not gone far beyond it; still a top Premiership full back; but past the best the he will ever be. God’s speed to him. We have replaced him with a full back who is one or two seasons from his own zenith and have Bellerin and Jenks coming up behind. Net good.
I still yearn for a new Lauren, who I always felt played with a machete tucked down his sock, just in case…
bt8b: 000.1% is one-tenth of a percentage point. 0.001% would be one-thousand of a percentage point.
As Porco Rosso said, invoice is in the post…
Arsene Wenger is not a simpleton.
Neither is he an egomaniac that he would feel the need to continuously prove his own words right to the wider public.
He is highly nuanced and subtle in his comments in the general media. If he is asked to comment thematically about trends and issues on any general topic, he makes cogent, insightful and always a little unique observations that seem to be very well informed and thought through, but never anything extraordinarily original. Especially in English press. In those cases it is the oblique elliptic comments that are often the most interesting. Some of his interviews for the Arsenal magazine are genuine pleasures to read.
But if asked about specifics about players or teams in the context of Arsenal football club, especially when in the transfer window, he makes remarks that are a classic mix of some pearls of wisdom, some general inanities expected of him and some confusing/misguiding statements — but not outright untruths under rigorous analysis, the not ‘close’ to signing remarks are the best example — in the service of some tactical/strategic goal for the club.
He says what he thinks is best for the Arsenal football club, but keeps things amusing and civil.
He is not going to telegraph his intentions for the remainder of the transfer window, neither is he going to divulge the plans he has for a highly talented young player he just acquired.
NBN @ 451: He also had nerves of steel, and some very good versatile passing range.
However great Lauren and Sagna were, I hope going forward someone like Bellerin can become one of those outstanding attacking fullbacks, full of creativity, verve, and equally exciting and effective on both sides of the pitch.
Someone like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBPJXbPd2Ts
abb – my pleasure!
Doctor F – let’s not get carried away with hoping one of our young backs will be the next Cafu! Maybe hope for 3/4 of Cafu! 🙂
As much as I love Corporal Jenks, I think Bellerin is our future RB. He is much more comfortable on the ball and is a superb passer. If he can learn the defensive end of things from Debuchy over the next couple of years, he could have a long successful career at Arsenal.
Call me old-fashioned but I like my fullbacks to concentrate primarily on defence and rarely if ever advance further forward than half-way. With FBs in their rear-guard positions the CDs can keep the centre tight, forcing attacking forwards out wide rather than allowing them to get through the middle directly on goal. It worked well enough with Dixon, Adams, Keown/Bould Winterburn and I don’t think the game has changed that much in attack and defence fundamentals.
Öskar
Re: Ned @452. Thank you for confirming my suspicion. 😉 Next time I won’t add so many zeroes to make my point. 🙂
Bac was a model professional indeed. He always gave his all on the field and this was epitomized by that “Fuck This” goal against the Spuds. Consequently, I disagree that he was the “weak link”. Essentially, he was one of our strongest links defensively as he was tough and solid as rock. In fact, one of his most memorable displays for Arsenal was in central defence against Sunderland away. That defensive display was phenomenal!
In my opinion, a full back should be a defender first, thus, despite his attacking limitations, Sagna was a warrior for us on the battlefield. Kudos to Sagna for his services to the club. Nevertheless, I don’t wish him well at Oil City!
Sagna is now in our history! I ‘m curious if Arsene will be keeping Bellerin as part of the squad this season. He seems like a decent prospect.
so if I am reading some above drinks correctly;
we don’t care if we beat Man City in the community shield (formerly the charity shield) because it is nothing more than a friendly…
we should show no emotion either way if we win or lose, especially if we lose…
shit, did I incorrectly type into the Oprah Blog with Dr Phil….
are we talking about the same Sky Blue Manchester City side that include previous want away Arsenal players and are one of the most despised clubs in the modern era and one of our biggest rivals in all four competitions we will compete in this season….
Bacary Sagna is just another ex-player, who went for the money despite his assertions to the contrary.
Fuck him.
Oiler scum must be destroyed. Simples.
460 and 461 – Spot on I reckon.
From one of the greats, via some clowns on the wireless:
“McLintock, who skippered the north London club to the double in 1971, claims his former side must dip in to the transfer market again.
“Arsenal need three more players to be serious Premier League title contenders,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. “They need a centre-half, especially if Thomas Vermaelen is going, a big central midfielder and a centre forward.
“They were in a prime position last year to push on and win it [the title]. Giroud scored 22 goals last season, which is not bad at all, but he’s not a top centre forward. He did a good job but he was exhausted towards the end of the season. Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are not centre forwards.
“We also need a big central midfielder. There’s a lack of height in Arsenal’s team and they always seem vulnerable at free-kicks and corners.”
459 – Why bother if there is no emotion in it? I’d rather have the highs and the lows than permanent ‘perspective.’ That’s for life, this is football. Just my take, of course.
Morning El
It was good watching the members day live. It’s good to see they allowed kids to play squad members. Alexis looked as though he had his hands full with autographs!
😉
BB @ 418
I sense one of the most interesting prem season for gooners in a very long time!
Cesc @ the chavs? RVP @ the Mancs? Bac @ citeh? Hahahaha!
If only they knew!
Wembley here we come!!
@ 424 I am feeling Cavarlho myself! I hear he is not box-to-box or offensive!
Hmmm? 😉
Morning all. Crazy silly busy week. Will aim to post something this evening. In the meantime thank you for your emails. So many. I will endeavour to snswer all in the next 36 hours.
Have a great Friday.
GT,
Definitely shaping up to be one of our more promising seasons!
How I like to think our rivals will be feeling playing us : http://i.imgur.com/HO2weF2.gif
😀
So it seems that MU’s interest in Vermy is off… GOOD!
😀
Besiktas – I’ll take that
Besiktas yeah? Okay, we’re through (with all due respect)
Oguzhan Ozyakup and Demba Ba it is then.
I always rated the young Turk, but not following him since he left us. It would be a great opportunity to see him once again.
Champions League draw seems decent enough. Standard Liege or Copenhagen would have been a touch more preferable, but then Bilbao or Lille would have been tougher. All that said, seeing as we saw Fenerbahce off comfortably last season, we should be equipped to beat Besiktas over two legs.
My only marginal worry is the long-ish trip to Turkey for the 1st leg (where presumably we’ll play our best team to ensure progress), followed by a Sat game @ Everton. Hopefully with it being early in the season, and the game being a Saturday late kick-off, it won’t be too taxing for us…
Besiktas could be tricky. Easier then Bilbao of course, but trip to Turkey is always demanding. Good thing is that we play second leg at home.
never underestimate the Turks, worried a bit *megaboilk*
It seems a trip to Turkey is on the cards. Would have preferred Bate Borisov or Apoel, but will take all comers.
UTA.
ElPuno@463- I will be cheering for a solid victory and believe we can cause the first of many upsets.
AW will have the squad primed and ready as anyone would for an early season trophy.
The players should be pumped to play for a trophy so early with many reasons to want to win.
Team morale
New players want to stand out
Old players want to stand out
AW will want to confirm he has made good decisions
Squad confidence
Knock off one of the big opposition early
Psyche opposition out with a big showing
A big win against a big rival
Confidence builder for coach and staff they are on the right track
Bring the new squad together
Review the depths of our squad
Review the new players under pressure
A trophy
Build a winning mentality in the squad
A shiny trophy (already said that)
See who’s fat and who’s fit.
I find it hard to fathom that the squad shouldn’t be fit and ready for such a match.
See Sanchez play for arsenal again.
Solid Gooner – we couldn’t have got either of those sides though.
The Turks will be no push-overs, the trip to Istanbul, their fanatical supporters and our away fixture at Everton heaping on the pressure, on a depleted and possibly undercooked Arsenal side.
The return leg will be a night to remember, with a huge contingent of North London Turks in full voice.We can’t take this game for granted, an away goal is a must.
Worried about the weather forecast for Sunday, the Met Office are forecasting thunder storms and gales for Sunday afternoon, sounds like fun might turn into a nightmare!
See you all at Wembley, hopefully!
COYRs
It sounds like Besiktas then. Longish flight among the perils. Not as long as the flight to some places though. UTA!
If we don’t knock Besiktas out that would be a massive failure on our part. It really is that simple for me. Sure, they have Demba Ba but then that’s about it.
We will do Besiktas, and do them well. It won’t be a walk in the park but our quality will shine through.
It seems like just a few short years ago when I traveled to Istanbul and saw Besiktas’ stadium, a beautiful old stadium that reminded me a bit of Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, where the 49ers used to play until about 40 years ago. According to Wikipedia, the old Besiktas stadium was demolished last year 🙁 :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BJK_İnönü_Stadium
The same source predicts that there will be a new stadium built in its place for the start of the coming season. Don’t know if construction has been on schedule to allow the Besiktas-Arsenal game to be held there but this is what Wikipedia knows, or knew when the page was published:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodafone_Arena
Championship season begins tonight with Blackburn v. Cardiff. If Cardiff lose will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begin the slide toward losing his job? With such a megalomaniac chairman looking over his shoulder would he even want to have that job if he’s being honest with himself?
Huge Turkish contingent ? Delightful.
Well, someone had to ……. 😉
Apart from the travel, i am ok with Besiktas. yes tough and all but over the 2 legs class will come through. The only worry is the under cooked team and the fatigue factor which i believe will come into picture.
I just hope the likes of jack, Ox, Santi and Giroud realize this is their chance, the start of the season that is to shine through. If they want to establish themselves as regulars, they need to come through in flying colours. Always expecting the likes of Ramsey, Sanchez or an Ozil to bail out the team is not fair. Each one mentioned above are capable enough and they should say to themselves, alright my time now.
Sunday weather and our preparations may find us a bit short but then one moment of brilliance by Aaron or Sanchez and viola here comes the first of the hopefully many trophies. 2-1 to the greatest team on earth.
Just read the new Premier League guidelines on treating head injuries.
They seem all well and good but, to be honest, it is amazing that all the new requirements are not already obligatory.
The major signs of concussion, and possible consequences of playing with concussion, should be pretty clear to anyone with a decent First Aid certificate. One would imagine that comes as part of a UEFA A License. It is, therefore, more than surprising to think that any manager would create pressure for any player suspected of having a concussion to play on.
I quite take Cent’s point about publicity and feeding these guidelines to grass roots being a good thing, but there should really be nothing new here at Premier League level.
What is just as important as guidelines in treating these injuries is some means of trying to prevent them.
It will almost certainly have to involve retrospective video evidence and will not be an easy thing to prove, but recklessness in these incidents should be severely punished. They do seem to be on the increase and are pretty horrible to witness, never mind to suffer.
A reckless challenge with the boot can now result in a lengthy ban for the culprit and end the career of the victim.
A reckless challenge with the head could, in the worst case, end the life of either of them.
Delia,
Not all the North London Turks will be there in full voice I imagine, especially the Besiktas hating fans of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who I am expecting will put their full support behind the ARSENAL. 🙂
The Fener team we had faced last year was much stronger on paper, lots of big names, if all past their best. Looking at the Besiktas squad, mostly Turks with Ba being the only immediately recognizable name. (We remember Ozyakup, of course, but only because he grew up at Arsenal).
Should hence be easier, ultras and vicious home support (last year I think there were fireworks outside the team hotel windows or something like that) notwithstanding.
The match is on Tuesday and the away game to Everton is on Saturday late afternoon, so should not be too much of a factor.
Vinay @486 –
“one moment of brilliance by Aaron or Sanchez and viola here comes the first of……”
many musical instruments ? 😉
Agree with you, Trev, on all counts.
Trev @187 that is 😉
487 even.
Happy to report, arrived safely in Sarf Devon. Weather cloudy, pleased to see normal summer service has been resumed weatherwise, as it has in the bar. Apologies if we missed waving to the Trevs on the way down.
So, Besiktas, eh? Should be OK as long as we take the game seriously.
Are we nearly at the proper season yet?
COYG
***Tries to decide whether to play an Ozilesque defence-splitter to Aaron, Theo, Alexis, or … ***
Can’t say I’ve ever heard of Nigel Pearson or Alan Irvine but the 20/1 odds against Pochettino are tempting …
http://www.thesackrace.com/competitions/premier-league
Then there’s this table for next manager of Arsenal. I’d have to say that there are a bunch of names pulled out of a hat with 25/1 odds.
http://www.thesackrace.com/teams/arsenal
Trev @ 487: Fully agreed. I will actually go further and say if recklessness can be established — by a panel of specialists — then not only the player to be suspended the team should also suffer, points deductions or fines or whatever, best is points deduction. It would ensure that teams don’t encourage — openly or implicitly — violent challenges in the name of ‘commitment’.
An individual player is often sent with motivations to physically impose himself excessively, and then the player makes a career or life ending challenge just by erring a bit on the side of over-enthusiasm. In those cases not only the perpetrator but also the instigator — the manager etc. — should take the blame.
pings it across the box…
pong.
pong with a lower case p but they all count the same after they cross the line … 🙂
Thanks for the loverly assist scrub. 🙂
luverly prior to being spellchecked
Scruz and 8ball report to Arsenal immediately! Because that is how our crosses should end up, in a freaking goal 🙂
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28705483
All set now, it seems.
Who would be the replacement is the main question now. Nastastic?
Dr F, I’d bite your hands off for Nastatic.
Re: retrospective punishment for recklessness on the pitch, I think. The problem, unbelievable as it sounds, will be where to find and appoint the impartial judges whom every club will be pleased with and trust. Once the punishment involves deduction of potentially Title/Relegation-deciding points I fully expect many clubs to contest their decisions as many times as they make these decisions.
What I would really love to see is players been banned from representing their clubs for as long as the player they injured remains on the treatment table. A panel of independent doctors will have to determine if and when the injured player can be ruled as having recovered from injury.
cheers, 9ball 🙂
and abb. don’t i *wish*. i’ve had dreams about it!
good luck verminator. remember all those great verminator jokes? like “tv5 doesn’t flush the toilet. he scares the shit out of it” and “the verminator doesn’t have to tackle, he just looks at the player and they give him the ball.”
cent, i think what you’d love to see is exactly the solution. same kind of thing for simulation…if you go down, you stay out for as long as you are down, while the game goes on. or, you come out of the game. players would then have the incentive to get up rather than stall for time.
scruz@506: Yes, good luck to him. Good player and had some wonderful moments with us. Very dignified in his behavior last season.
“Verminator doesn’t read books, he glares at them and they reveal all the information they have.”
Cent@505: Well just like the clubs gingerly accept the FA panel’s decisions based on video analysis on red cards etc., they will have to accept these ones too. For panelists choose experts not from football but say doctors, behavioral psychologists and analysts from other contact sports. Neutral enough. If the punishment is restricted to the offending player alone then some cynical managers would choose upcoming players — who are more willing and more influenceable and less important to the team’s immediate success — to carry out dirty tactics.
Now that he is leaving, the hope is we have that whoever CB as well ready and confirmed. I mean hope to god we are not trying to seek out now. I am sure we have someone coming for the boss has indicated all along that a center back is for sure.
Indications are we still are in for an attacker and a Cb and i am worried what will happen to the DM in all this. Are we leaving this late for a surreal end ala last season?????, hopefully not.
Come on you Gunners this sunday, we need to win this to set it up nicely for the season. With 8 of their regulars ruled out, i think this is a golden chance to pull one over the sheikhs.
Cent/scruz: I think the players’ suspension for the equivalent duration is a good idea, and would be a strong deterrent, but as a consequence it would adversely impact the career of individual players while leaving the main instigators unscathed. There are a few players who evidently carry some innate behavioral problems on the playing field — Pepe or Suarez — but there are many who get motivated to act the aggressive destroyer by their manager. Same with simulation, lot of big name managers directly or indirectly encourage that. I think to make significant improvements in these areas we need the find ways to make them accountable as well.
15M for Vermaelen…. sad to see him go but that’s a good price. All the best to him, got injured at the wrong time is all.
Besiktas – Chelsea, friendly tonight!
I guess Chelsea will “act” Arsenal and Jose will do his very best Wenger impersonation and Fabregas will be…well…
Somehow, I don’t think that will work.
Vinay,
Much that i would like to believe that we are in for a striker, DM and now CB, most likely we will just get someone to replace Vermy, which i think is already in the works since we knew that he would be leaving.
DM position is probably filled since we were also not in for Carvalho. Strikers? We have Campbell, Sanogo, Alexis and Giroud. Don’t think anyone top class will want to come sit on the bench for us.
Just in case you missed Arsene’s interview, “He can play a major role because in what I observe he has the qualities to impose himself in this part of the team. I believe he can play in defensive midfield and that’s where I see him.”
That’s what he said about Chambers. Massive opportunity for him!
And yes, time to kick City back to their oil rigs!
😀
😀
Yeah scruz, scrub was also the result of spellchecking in case you wondered.
Sorry about that!
Sagna is out of the Man City squad for this weekend, says the Mail.
Count me among those surprised at the quoted fee for Vermaelen. $15m for a second-string defender with a spotty injury record and just 1 year left on his contract – not bad business at all. And I think it’s massive that we were able to get him a move away from the Premier League.
I for one will miss TV5. Not always the most dependable defender but you could never question his passion and professionalism. He wasn’t made captain for nothing. All the best to him.
£15m allegedly – $24m!
Remarkable negotiating as was the insistence to Manure that Smalling had to come the other way as part of any deal with them.
Now let’s get a good replacement as 3rd choice CB.
TV – 24 injuries in 5 seasons.
20 too many.
Yes, it was great negotiating. Another indication that there are some folks up there who know what they’re doing?
Meanwhile, ESPN reporting that the new Barca manager “has informed both Afellay and Alex Song that they can find new clubs as they do not feature in his plans for the forthcoming campaign.”
No touching reunion of ex-Arsenal players at Barca then? Tommy may have to make new friends.
And yes, bath, my mistake. Pounds and pence!
Methinks Di Maria would be a little off his rocker if he wants to join MU… just sayin..!
I do wonder if Man U’s purchase of TV5 being contingent on a player in part-exchange wasn’t an offer that was meant to be refused.
Dr F, punishing managers for what their players do on the pitch is a good idea but it will face a major problem in the area of proving beyond reasonable doubt, it has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt to be seen as a fair judgement, that the manager encouraged/cajoled/gave clear instructions to his players to go out and inflict physical harm on their opponents. I doubt any player will come out and testify against his manager while playing under him.
A sort reverse Godfather, Ned, 😉
Back, and soused 🙂 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The monks snap scouting report on Besiktas: Tough to break down. Only lost six league games last season, giving up 33 goals in 34 games. But found it difficult to find the net themselves: just 53 goals scored. Have brought in two other forwards as well as Ba to address that. But we should still have enough to win both legs.
tuclub.honor.es
Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal