The season kicked off yesterday and what a magnificent start by the Gunners.
We started with the team I picked yesterday lining up as follows
Almunia
Sagna
Clichy
Vermaelen
Gallas
Song
Denilson
Fabregas
Arshavin
Bendtner
Van Persie
Highlights are available http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/3207267/
I won’t talk you through the game or the goals, but i was particularly encouraged by the performances of Vermaelen, Song and Bendtner.
Bendtner created the first when he turned Baines inside out before laying the ball to Fabregas who teed up Denilson. He worked hard all day and looked a genuine threat. More of the same please Nicky.
Vermaelen had a simply outstanding debut. He dominated Jo in the air, looked composed on the ground and took his goal with real aplomb. I don't want to get carried away but he looks a real player and just the type of defender we need.
Song carried on in the same vein as last year. He covered ever blade of grass, he kept his passing simple and efficient and offered real protection for our back four. At the beginning of last season I thought Song would never develop into an Arsenal player, but I'm now eating a warm serving of humble pie. Well played Songy.
I was hoping to catch Everton cold but and actually backed us to win 2-1 but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought we would smash 6 up at Goodison against a talented, hard working and motivated Everton team. Well done boys keep it up.
The press have now jumped on the Arsenal bandwagon after writing us off all summer, they really are pathetic. I honestly believe with an addition or two in defence and midfield we could really have a go at the league this year.
I've got one eye on the Utd game as I write this and I have to say their squad looks weak I don't think they're the team they were last season. Chelsea looked an old tired team yesterday in a laboured victory over Hull. Liverpool are not the team the press are building them up to be. They rely far too heavily on the Torres and Gerrard and I think they will miss Xabi Alonso a hell of a lot.
There's a long season ahead and I hope we have a lot more days like yesterday, when I remember just how exciting it is to be an Arsenal fan.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Arsenal - Season Preview
Today sees the beginning of the Premier League 09/10 campaign and we have a tricky match away at Everton and it's about time I did a review of our squad.
Goalkeepers
Almunia has been around since the summer of 2004, but he has only really established himself as an Arsenal class keeper in the last 18 months. He was initially signed from Celta Vigo to provide cover for Big Jens but gradually began to replace him and became our number one in the 2007/08 season. In the last 18 months his standing has improved within the club to such an extent that he captained the club on a number of occasions and is now undisputed number one. He may not be the big name keeper some would like but there aren't too many better than him in the Premier League.
Behind Almunia we have Polish international Lukasz Fabianski who still has his doubters. Fabianski signed in the summer of 2007 for £2.5m and has provided cover for Manuel and appeared in all competitions for the Reds. He has only made a handful of performances for the Gunners in the league and he looks to be a great shot stopper but is a bit suspect coming off his line and coming out for crosses. He is only 23 so has time to improve.
Behind Manuel and Fabianski we have youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny. Mannone made his debut for the club in the final day victory over Stoke but wasn't really tested. Having seen Mannone play for the reserves and in pre-season I think he hasn't got the ability to be an Arsenal keeper. Szczesny on the other hand seems to have real potential. He is a good shot stopper seems to be a more solid and has a bit of character about him.
Overall I think Almunia is a solid keeper but there isn't a whole lot of depth behind him.
Defence
I think in Sagna and Clichy we have two of the best full backs in the Premier League. Sagna is solid and has proved to be a fantastic signing since joining in 2007. Clichy been around for years and has replaced Ashley Cole with ease in our back four. He has improved defensively but could improve his final ball and distribution in the final third. An injury to Clichy provided Kieran Gibbs an extended run in the team last season. He came on leaps and bounds and looked a great prospect. He is a bit loose defensively but going forward he looks a real handful. On the right we have the Emmanuel Eboue to provide cover for Sagna. I’m not Eboue's biggest fan but he does provide decent cover at fullback.
In the centre of defence we have Gallas and Vermaelen who appear to be first choice. Gallas has had a mixed time of it since signing from Chelsea. He was surprisingly named captain when Henry left in 2007 but was stripped of the captaincy midway through last season. To me Gallas isn't a captain but he is the best defender we have at the club. If we are to have a successful season he needs to stay fit. Thomas Vermaelen has been signed to play alongside Gallas and hopefully he can be the centre back we desperately need. By all reports he is strong in the air and a good organiser which is exactly what we need.
Offering cover we have Johan Djourou and Mikael Silvestre. Djourou has been with the club since he was 16 and has developed into a good centre back. He has all the attributes to be a top defender but he needs to become more dominant. He needs to utilise his physique and dominate forwards the way Vidic or Terry do. The number of injuries he picks up is a serious worry. The less said about Silvestre the better. We signed him from Man Utd last season and he has never convinced our supporters. I always viewed Silvestre as the weak link in the Utd defence and he has now also lost the little bit of pace he once had.
I haven't mention big Phil as I think everyone accepts he's on his way.
Overall I think defensively we have a good set of fullbacks but could definitely strengthen in the centre. We were suspect there all last season and whether Vermaelen will be the dominant centre back we need remains to be seen.
Midfield
In our captain Fabregas we have one of the top centre midfielders in the world. If we can keep Fab fit this year he will be integral to any success we have. Alongside Fabregas we are likely to see Song and Denilson. Song developed throughout last season and was our most improved player. He improved his passing and upped his work rate and by the end of the year was one of our most consistent players. Denilson on the other hand seemed to get worse as the season progressed. He's not attacking, he’s not defensive and at times he looked lost as the boss continually played him. There were points last season where he desperately needed a rest but wasn't given a breather. Hopefully this season he will be used more sparingly.
This year is really make or break for Abou Diaby. He signed at the same time as Adebayor and Walcott and at first seemed to be the most talented of the trio. He has been shunted around playing centre midfield, left wing and second striker and has never really had a settled place in the team. Every time Abou gets a run in the team he picks up an injury that see him out for a couple o weeks, he always seems to be on his way back from the treatment room. This year he really needs to establish himself or it could be curtains for him. Aaron Ramsey arrived last summer for £5m from Cardiff and to me he looks as though he has all the ingredients to be a top class midfielder and I hope to see more of him this year.
On the right wing we have Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott fighting it out. Arshavin joined last January in one of the most protracted transfers in history. He had an immediate impact and I’m really looking forward to seeing him strike up a partnership with Fabregas. Walcott was one of our best performers in the first half of last season. He seemed to have a more physical edge to his game and his finishing had come on dramatically. Hopefully Theo can continue to improve and can justify his shiny new contract he signed this summer.
On the left wing we have Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky. Nasri joined last season and looks like a good capture for the rumoured £12m I have no doubts he'll go on to prove a great piece of business by the boss. We welcome back Tomas Rosicky from what seems to be about a nine year injury curse. If we can keep Tomas fit he will be like a new signing as he hasn't kicked a competitive ball in anger for 18 months. We forget just what a great player Tomas is. He's creative, enthusiastic and a real goal threat and I’ll be glad to have him back in the team. We also have Merida and Wilshere beyond that. Both are young exciting talents and will no doubt get a chance this season.
Overall I think if we sign a new defensive minded centre midfielder we will have one of the best midfields in world football. If you add a good defensive midfielder to Fabregas, and any of our wingers we have a great midfield.
Strikers
Van Persie is the automatic first choice up front. Last season was his first year that was uninterrupted by injury and he repaid Wengers patience with a great season. He has now been named vice captain and has signed a contract extension this summer. If he can continue his form from last season, I'm expecting a big year from Robin. Alongside Robin we have Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo. Bendtner has his knockers amongst Arsenal fans but I think he showed last season he has improved dramatically. His all round awareness has improved and he has shown he can score goals against anyone. I think he will have a very big year. We have only seen fleeting glimpses of Eduardo since his horrendous injury in February 08. He has looked sharp in the games since his return but a series of niggling injuries has stopped him progressing to become a first choice player. I think Eduardo is the best finisher at the club and if we can keep him fit he will score 15-20 goals this year. Behind our first choice three we have Carlos Vela. Vela spent a couple of years on loan in Spain before returning last season. He showed glimpses of is undoubted talent last season in the Carling and FA Cup and I expect him to get more chances in the team this campaign. He is undoubtedly a big talent and we could have a genuinely world class player on our hands in a year or two.
Overall I'm happy with our attacking options and I don't think we will miss Adebayor at all.Our squad has undoubted quality but is weak in key areas. I think if we don't add to our current squad it could be a long hard season. However if we were to add a centre back and a midfielder I think we could go on to win the title I really do. Wenger I hope you’re reading.
We travel to Everton today, with a number of injuries. Fabianski, Djourou, Nasri, Rosicky and Diaby are all missing. As such I expect our team to be
Almunia
Sagna
Clichy
Gallas
Vermaelen
Fabregas
Song
Diaby
Arshavin
Bendtner
Van Persie
I think we will score up at Goodison but I'm a bit worried about our defence. I'm hoping we catch Everton cold and come away with a good victory. The result today could be a good indication of how our season will pan out.
Come back tomorrow for reaction from the game.
Goalkeepers
Almunia has been around since the summer of 2004, but he has only really established himself as an Arsenal class keeper in the last 18 months. He was initially signed from Celta Vigo to provide cover for Big Jens but gradually began to replace him and became our number one in the 2007/08 season. In the last 18 months his standing has improved within the club to such an extent that he captained the club on a number of occasions and is now undisputed number one. He may not be the big name keeper some would like but there aren't too many better than him in the Premier League.
Behind Almunia we have Polish international Lukasz Fabianski who still has his doubters. Fabianski signed in the summer of 2007 for £2.5m and has provided cover for Manuel and appeared in all competitions for the Reds. He has only made a handful of performances for the Gunners in the league and he looks to be a great shot stopper but is a bit suspect coming off his line and coming out for crosses. He is only 23 so has time to improve.
Behind Manuel and Fabianski we have youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny. Mannone made his debut for the club in the final day victory over Stoke but wasn't really tested. Having seen Mannone play for the reserves and in pre-season I think he hasn't got the ability to be an Arsenal keeper. Szczesny on the other hand seems to have real potential. He is a good shot stopper seems to be a more solid and has a bit of character about him.
Overall I think Almunia is a solid keeper but there isn't a whole lot of depth behind him.
Defence
I think in Sagna and Clichy we have two of the best full backs in the Premier League. Sagna is solid and has proved to be a fantastic signing since joining in 2007. Clichy been around for years and has replaced Ashley Cole with ease in our back four. He has improved defensively but could improve his final ball and distribution in the final third. An injury to Clichy provided Kieran Gibbs an extended run in the team last season. He came on leaps and bounds and looked a great prospect. He is a bit loose defensively but going forward he looks a real handful. On the right we have the Emmanuel Eboue to provide cover for Sagna. I’m not Eboue's biggest fan but he does provide decent cover at fullback.
In the centre of defence we have Gallas and Vermaelen who appear to be first choice. Gallas has had a mixed time of it since signing from Chelsea. He was surprisingly named captain when Henry left in 2007 but was stripped of the captaincy midway through last season. To me Gallas isn't a captain but he is the best defender we have at the club. If we are to have a successful season he needs to stay fit. Thomas Vermaelen has been signed to play alongside Gallas and hopefully he can be the centre back we desperately need. By all reports he is strong in the air and a good organiser which is exactly what we need.
Offering cover we have Johan Djourou and Mikael Silvestre. Djourou has been with the club since he was 16 and has developed into a good centre back. He has all the attributes to be a top defender but he needs to become more dominant. He needs to utilise his physique and dominate forwards the way Vidic or Terry do. The number of injuries he picks up is a serious worry. The less said about Silvestre the better. We signed him from Man Utd last season and he has never convinced our supporters. I always viewed Silvestre as the weak link in the Utd defence and he has now also lost the little bit of pace he once had.
I haven't mention big Phil as I think everyone accepts he's on his way.
Overall I think defensively we have a good set of fullbacks but could definitely strengthen in the centre. We were suspect there all last season and whether Vermaelen will be the dominant centre back we need remains to be seen.
Midfield
In our captain Fabregas we have one of the top centre midfielders in the world. If we can keep Fab fit this year he will be integral to any success we have. Alongside Fabregas we are likely to see Song and Denilson. Song developed throughout last season and was our most improved player. He improved his passing and upped his work rate and by the end of the year was one of our most consistent players. Denilson on the other hand seemed to get worse as the season progressed. He's not attacking, he’s not defensive and at times he looked lost as the boss continually played him. There were points last season where he desperately needed a rest but wasn't given a breather. Hopefully this season he will be used more sparingly.
This year is really make or break for Abou Diaby. He signed at the same time as Adebayor and Walcott and at first seemed to be the most talented of the trio. He has been shunted around playing centre midfield, left wing and second striker and has never really had a settled place in the team. Every time Abou gets a run in the team he picks up an injury that see him out for a couple o weeks, he always seems to be on his way back from the treatment room. This year he really needs to establish himself or it could be curtains for him. Aaron Ramsey arrived last summer for £5m from Cardiff and to me he looks as though he has all the ingredients to be a top class midfielder and I hope to see more of him this year.
On the right wing we have Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott fighting it out. Arshavin joined last January in one of the most protracted transfers in history. He had an immediate impact and I’m really looking forward to seeing him strike up a partnership with Fabregas. Walcott was one of our best performers in the first half of last season. He seemed to have a more physical edge to his game and his finishing had come on dramatically. Hopefully Theo can continue to improve and can justify his shiny new contract he signed this summer.
On the left wing we have Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky. Nasri joined last season and looks like a good capture for the rumoured £12m I have no doubts he'll go on to prove a great piece of business by the boss. We welcome back Tomas Rosicky from what seems to be about a nine year injury curse. If we can keep Tomas fit he will be like a new signing as he hasn't kicked a competitive ball in anger for 18 months. We forget just what a great player Tomas is. He's creative, enthusiastic and a real goal threat and I’ll be glad to have him back in the team. We also have Merida and Wilshere beyond that. Both are young exciting talents and will no doubt get a chance this season.
Overall I think if we sign a new defensive minded centre midfielder we will have one of the best midfields in world football. If you add a good defensive midfielder to Fabregas, and any of our wingers we have a great midfield.
Strikers
Van Persie is the automatic first choice up front. Last season was his first year that was uninterrupted by injury and he repaid Wengers patience with a great season. He has now been named vice captain and has signed a contract extension this summer. If he can continue his form from last season, I'm expecting a big year from Robin. Alongside Robin we have Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo. Bendtner has his knockers amongst Arsenal fans but I think he showed last season he has improved dramatically. His all round awareness has improved and he has shown he can score goals against anyone. I think he will have a very big year. We have only seen fleeting glimpses of Eduardo since his horrendous injury in February 08. He has looked sharp in the games since his return but a series of niggling injuries has stopped him progressing to become a first choice player. I think Eduardo is the best finisher at the club and if we can keep him fit he will score 15-20 goals this year. Behind our first choice three we have Carlos Vela. Vela spent a couple of years on loan in Spain before returning last season. He showed glimpses of is undoubted talent last season in the Carling and FA Cup and I expect him to get more chances in the team this campaign. He is undoubtedly a big talent and we could have a genuinely world class player on our hands in a year or two.
Overall I'm happy with our attacking options and I don't think we will miss Adebayor at all.Our squad has undoubted quality but is weak in key areas. I think if we don't add to our current squad it could be a long hard season. However if we were to add a centre back and a midfielder I think we could go on to win the title I really do. Wenger I hope you’re reading.
We travel to Everton today, with a number of injuries. Fabianski, Djourou, Nasri, Rosicky and Diaby are all missing. As such I expect our team to be
Almunia
Sagna
Clichy
Gallas
Vermaelen
Fabregas
Song
Diaby
Arshavin
Bendtner
Van Persie
I think we will score up at Goodison but I'm a bit worried about our defence. I'm hoping we catch Everton cold and come away with a good victory. The result today could be a good indication of how our season will pan out.
Come back tomorrow for reaction from the game.
Friday, 14 August 2009
Arsenal, Wenger, Blackpool and Fabregas
Well the weekends finally have some meaning again as the new season gets underway tomorrow.
Last season’s fourth placed team (us) travel to Liverpool to play the team who finished one place lower (Everton), in what is undoubtedly a very difficult start to the season. We travel up North without Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Djourou, Fabianski and Diaby and this will be an immediate test for our young squad. I will do a full review of the game and our chances for the forthcoming season tomorrow morning so come back and check in.
Anyway the main Arsenal news today is an interview given by Arsene Wenger to The Times and Daily Mail. For the full interview read below.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6796014.ece
I would go as far as to say this is the most revealing interview the boss has ever given. He gives a real insight into his political, football and personal beliefs and we get a real insight into the world of Wenger. All I can say is we are lucky to have such a sensible, knowledgeable and thoughtful individual as the figure head for our club. The man who eventually replaces Wenger will have a very large shadow looming over him.
Blackpool are on the verge of signing one of our young guns on loan
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5491161,00.html
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is refusing to name names so answers on a postcard if you know who it is. My guess is Hoyte, but we'll see in the coming days.
Barcelona have been told Fabregas isn't for sale.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23732696-details/article.do?ito=newsnow
I don't think Fab will be going anywhere this season but I think next season we will have a much more difficult job hanging on to him. I think once Xavi's talents begin to wane (which will be in the next year or two), Barca will step up their interest in Fabregas, until then I don't see a spot in their team for him.
More tomorrow, when I will review the game and the season in more depth
Last season’s fourth placed team (us) travel to Liverpool to play the team who finished one place lower (Everton), in what is undoubtedly a very difficult start to the season. We travel up North without Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Djourou, Fabianski and Diaby and this will be an immediate test for our young squad. I will do a full review of the game and our chances for the forthcoming season tomorrow morning so come back and check in.
Anyway the main Arsenal news today is an interview given by Arsene Wenger to The Times and Daily Mail. For the full interview read below.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6796014.ece
I would go as far as to say this is the most revealing interview the boss has ever given. He gives a real insight into his political, football and personal beliefs and we get a real insight into the world of Wenger. All I can say is we are lucky to have such a sensible, knowledgeable and thoughtful individual as the figure head for our club. The man who eventually replaces Wenger will have a very large shadow looming over him.
Blackpool are on the verge of signing one of our young guns on loan
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5491161,00.html
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is refusing to name names so answers on a postcard if you know who it is. My guess is Hoyte, but we'll see in the coming days.
Barcelona have been told Fabregas isn't for sale.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23732696-details/article.do?ito=newsnow
I don't think Fab will be going anywhere this season but I think next season we will have a much more difficult job hanging on to him. I think once Xavi's talents begin to wane (which will be in the next year or two), Barca will step up their interest in Fabregas, until then I don't see a spot in their team for him.
More tomorrow, when I will review the game and the season in more depth
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Arsenal Roundup - Another Defender Linked - Subotic, Arsenification and our England Keeper
This morning I woke up all excited to see us linked with giant centre back Neven Subotic.
Reports of Ivan Gazidis being in Germany attempting to tie up a deal appear to be complete fabrication as his agent has now dismissed the rumours.
http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/defender-move-no-go-931628.html
The move would make sense to me but seeing as his agent has poured cold water on it, there's no need to comment any further.
The club and Red Action are taking massive steps to try and improve the atmosphere at the emirates.
http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=1268
Red Action and the club should be applauded for the attempts to bring some life to the Emirates. The idea to have murals and a shrine to Highbury plastered around the stadium are fantastic and will only add to the atmosphere and experience of the Emirates. The free scarf giveaway and the attempts to incorporate banners etc will help to involve supporters more and will hopefully help our fans engage more. I do however think we should keep the controversial Elvis song. I'm only just starting to remember the words!!!! I actually quite like it and just wish I wasn't the only one who sang it in my section!
Fabio Capello has rejected the chance of calling up Manuel Almunia to the England squad.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2583046/Fab-KOs-Almunias-England-bid.html
To tell you the truth I’ve got no real interest in international football but if I was Fabio I’d call him up. People will criticise having a Spaniard play for England but lets be honest he would a improve the squad. He's a better keeper than Man city reserve Joe Hart, the 40 year old David James, Championship keeper Scott Carson and Man Utd second choice Ben Foster.
I know fans won't relate to him at first but a couple of good performances would win the doubters over. Deco plays for Portugal, Senna for Spain and Kuranyi for Germany and they're all from Brazil and it’s not like it hasn't happened in other Sports. Kevin Pietersen and Mike Catt captained England in Cricket and Rugby and both are South African. Andy Caddick, Ricky Flutely, Henry Paul and Geraint Jones all came from New Zealand or Australia and no one complained when they represented England. I just think everyone makes more of fuss when it's football but is it really that big of a deal these days? I'm not so sure....
More Tomorrow....
Reports of Ivan Gazidis being in Germany attempting to tie up a deal appear to be complete fabrication as his agent has now dismissed the rumours.
http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/defender-move-no-go-931628.html
The move would make sense to me but seeing as his agent has poured cold water on it, there's no need to comment any further.
The club and Red Action are taking massive steps to try and improve the atmosphere at the emirates.
http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=1268
Red Action and the club should be applauded for the attempts to bring some life to the Emirates. The idea to have murals and a shrine to Highbury plastered around the stadium are fantastic and will only add to the atmosphere and experience of the Emirates. The free scarf giveaway and the attempts to incorporate banners etc will help to involve supporters more and will hopefully help our fans engage more. I do however think we should keep the controversial Elvis song. I'm only just starting to remember the words!!!! I actually quite like it and just wish I wasn't the only one who sang it in my section!
Fabio Capello has rejected the chance of calling up Manuel Almunia to the England squad.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2583046/Fab-KOs-Almunias-England-bid.html
To tell you the truth I’ve got no real interest in international football but if I was Fabio I’d call him up. People will criticise having a Spaniard play for England but lets be honest he would a improve the squad. He's a better keeper than Man city reserve Joe Hart, the 40 year old David James, Championship keeper Scott Carson and Man Utd second choice Ben Foster.
I know fans won't relate to him at first but a couple of good performances would win the doubters over. Deco plays for Portugal, Senna for Spain and Kuranyi for Germany and they're all from Brazil and it’s not like it hasn't happened in other Sports. Kevin Pietersen and Mike Catt captained England in Cricket and Rugby and both are South African. Andy Caddick, Ricky Flutely, Henry Paul and Geraint Jones all came from New Zealand or Australia and no one complained when they represented England. I just think everyone makes more of fuss when it's football but is it really that big of a deal these days? I'm not so sure....
More Tomorrow....
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Arsenal Roundup - Hangeland, Chamakh, Hartson and Bendtner
The rumours around Brede Hangeland are refusing to die down.
According to reports emerging from Norway via Goonertalk the boss has given Fulham 48 hours to decide if the big Norwegian is available.
http://goonertalk.com/2009/08/11/hangeland-future-decided-in-next-48-hours/comment-page-1/#comments
To me Hangeland is the type of player we need, he's strong, dominant in the air and knows English football but my fear is he's not that good. I think he'll struggle with a lack of pace if he played in our defence. Fulham defend a deep line with no space behind for strikers to run into, whereas we defend a high line almost up to the halfway line and I think Brede will get caught out. I honestly think he if was to sign he wouldn't be an improvement on Senderos who had the same qualities and deficiencies as the Norway captain. I can’t see the boss splashing out the £15m Fulham want on a 28 year old. We'll soon see.
We haven’t made a new bid for Mourane Chamakh
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11082009/58/ligue-1-bordeaux-deny-new-chamakh-bid.html
I really think we'll see Chamakh sign at 11:59pm on the last day of the transfer window for about £7m. Can't say I I’m overly excited about the prospect of it though.
Big John Hartson has taken another step on the long road to recovery by leaving hospital today.
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/sport/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Sportarsenal&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sport&itemid=WeED11%20Aug%202009%2016%3A32%3A57%3A350
My thoughts are with you big fella, I really hope you pull through this.
Nicklas Bendtner is in discussions over a new deal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5485213,00.html
I know Bendtner is a bit of a marmite type player (you either love him or hate him), but I think the boy's got a big future. He's 21, a full international, and has a great goal per minute record for the club. He's raw but I think if we persevere with him we could have a real player on our hands in a couple of years.
More tomorrow...
According to reports emerging from Norway via Goonertalk the boss has given Fulham 48 hours to decide if the big Norwegian is available.
http://goonertalk.com/2009/08/11/hangeland-future-decided-in-next-48-hours/comment-page-1/#comments
To me Hangeland is the type of player we need, he's strong, dominant in the air and knows English football but my fear is he's not that good. I think he'll struggle with a lack of pace if he played in our defence. Fulham defend a deep line with no space behind for strikers to run into, whereas we defend a high line almost up to the halfway line and I think Brede will get caught out. I honestly think he if was to sign he wouldn't be an improvement on Senderos who had the same qualities and deficiencies as the Norway captain. I can’t see the boss splashing out the £15m Fulham want on a 28 year old. We'll soon see.
We haven’t made a new bid for Mourane Chamakh
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11082009/58/ligue-1-bordeaux-deny-new-chamakh-bid.html
I really think we'll see Chamakh sign at 11:59pm on the last day of the transfer window for about £7m. Can't say I I’m overly excited about the prospect of it though.
Big John Hartson has taken another step on the long road to recovery by leaving hospital today.
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/sport/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Sportarsenal&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sport&itemid=WeED11%20Aug%202009%2016%3A32%3A57%3A350
My thoughts are with you big fella, I really hope you pull through this.
Nicklas Bendtner is in discussions over a new deal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5485213,00.html
I know Bendtner is a bit of a marmite type player (you either love him or hate him), but I think the boy's got a big future. He's 21, a full international, and has a great goal per minute record for the club. He's raw but I think if we persevere with him we could have a real player on our hands in a couple of years.
More tomorrow...
Monday, 10 August 2009
Arsenal News - Fabregas and another rant
There is next to no Arsenal news today.
It looks like that mythical centre midfielder we crave isn't on the way.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5483614,00.html
Wenger has claimed he is happy with his current squad and won't be adding to it prior to the start of the season. That's no big surprise as the season is only 5 days away but why do we seem to put ourselves in this sort of position every season.
Our last 'proper' game was in May that means we've had three months to find a suitable player/s yet we find ourselves routing around the bargain bins in the sky sports created madness approaching deadline day. I know the boss professes to getting more value for money the closer you get to deadline day but you run the risk of missing out on players as we did last season with Xabi Alonso. A top midfielder could also be the difference in qualifying for the Champions League and or picking up vital early points in tough away games against Everton and Man Utd. I think for the sake of say a million pounds is it worth undermining our whole season? It’s vital we get off to a flying start this season as we need to build momentum and create some belief in both our players and fans and this would have been more likely had the boss invested in our problem positions, earlier on in the summer. If and I do say IF we add to the squad the new player has to bed into the club, find somewhere to live, adapt to a new culture, learn the language, build relationships with his team mates all in the midst of a congested fixture list. The best way for a player to gel into a new team is during the relaxed atmosphere of pre-season, where he can get up to speed against lesser teams not on September the 1st when we could be ninth in the league.....
Barcelona want Cesc.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/barcelona-may-still-bid-for-arsenal-skipper-cesc-fabregas
Well give us £50 million, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Henry back and we might consider it. No seriously we know Fabregas is going to head back to Spain at some point in his career but it won't be this summer. He'll sit tight and head back to Barcelona next summer or the year after leading us to the title and the Champions League
More tomorrow...
It looks like that mythical centre midfielder we crave isn't on the way.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5483614,00.html
Wenger has claimed he is happy with his current squad and won't be adding to it prior to the start of the season. That's no big surprise as the season is only 5 days away but why do we seem to put ourselves in this sort of position every season.
Our last 'proper' game was in May that means we've had three months to find a suitable player/s yet we find ourselves routing around the bargain bins in the sky sports created madness approaching deadline day. I know the boss professes to getting more value for money the closer you get to deadline day but you run the risk of missing out on players as we did last season with Xabi Alonso. A top midfielder could also be the difference in qualifying for the Champions League and or picking up vital early points in tough away games against Everton and Man Utd. I think for the sake of say a million pounds is it worth undermining our whole season? It’s vital we get off to a flying start this season as we need to build momentum and create some belief in both our players and fans and this would have been more likely had the boss invested in our problem positions, earlier on in the summer. If and I do say IF we add to the squad the new player has to bed into the club, find somewhere to live, adapt to a new culture, learn the language, build relationships with his team mates all in the midst of a congested fixture list. The best way for a player to gel into a new team is during the relaxed atmosphere of pre-season, where he can get up to speed against lesser teams not on September the 1st when we could be ninth in the league.....
Barcelona want Cesc.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/barcelona-may-still-bid-for-arsenal-skipper-cesc-fabregas
Well give us £50 million, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Henry back and we might consider it. No seriously we know Fabregas is going to head back to Spain at some point in his career but it won't be this summer. He'll sit tight and head back to Barcelona next summer or the year after leading us to the title and the Champions League
More tomorrow...
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Valenica Roundup and a pre-season rant
We played our last pre-season game against Valencia last night at the Mestalla. We suffered a comprehensive 2-0 defeat against Spain’s 5th best team .
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3174554/first-team/valencia-v-arsenal?tab=report
We started with pretty much our strongest eleven (apart from Sagna) and to be honest we were lucky to get away with a 2-0 defeat. We seemed toothless upfront and defensively inept, if this is the indicator for our team against Everton next week I am seriously worried. We don't seem to have learned anything from last season. We are so open defensively and against good sides we will be found out. There is nothing in centre midfield stopping teams streaming onto our back four. Song came on leaps and bounds last year but should we really be heading into the season with him as our only recognised defensive midfielder? I think its utter lunacy and I'm not the only one.
http://www.onlinegooner.com/editorial/index.php?id=182
I've got to say i agree with everything in the article.
We're about to ditch any move for Vieira.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/08/09/1430214/arsenal-to-ditch-move-for-patrick-vieira-report
I've always been a staunch supporter of Wenger but if he doesn't buy a defensive midfielder he is making a rod for his own back. I have never heard such venom aimed at Wenger as there was last year and those who were still sitting on the fence won't be keeping quiet this year if we have another disastrous season. I've had a season ticket for 20 years, I'm paying £1400 this year and I won't renew next season if we have another season as bad as last year.
It hurts to see Hull fans taking the piss out of Arsenal when you've just paid £60 quid to see your midfield not close down Geovanni when he's 30 yard out and you defence unable to defend a high ball five minutes later. It hurts to see your team 4-2 up against a Spurs team bottom of the table in injury time and 2 minutes later to see their 200 fans still at the ground jumping around like they've won the title because you can't close a game out. It hurts to go 4-3 up at Anfield in injury time and have no confidence in your comical defence to hold out. It hurts to get turned over 4-1 at home by a shit Chelsea team because you can't defend. It hurts to get battered 3-0 at against a City team who were even worse defensively than we were. I was embarrassed last season to be an Arsenal fan and if Wenger doesn't address the reasons for this I for one won't be renewing and I know there will be thousands more like me. Rant Over
More tomorrow....
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3174554/first-team/valencia-v-arsenal?tab=report
We started with pretty much our strongest eleven (apart from Sagna) and to be honest we were lucky to get away with a 2-0 defeat. We seemed toothless upfront and defensively inept, if this is the indicator for our team against Everton next week I am seriously worried. We don't seem to have learned anything from last season. We are so open defensively and against good sides we will be found out. There is nothing in centre midfield stopping teams streaming onto our back four. Song came on leaps and bounds last year but should we really be heading into the season with him as our only recognised defensive midfielder? I think its utter lunacy and I'm not the only one.
http://www.onlinegooner.com/editorial/index.php?id=182
I've got to say i agree with everything in the article.
We're about to ditch any move for Vieira.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/08/09/1430214/arsenal-to-ditch-move-for-patrick-vieira-report
I've always been a staunch supporter of Wenger but if he doesn't buy a defensive midfielder he is making a rod for his own back. I have never heard such venom aimed at Wenger as there was last year and those who were still sitting on the fence won't be keeping quiet this year if we have another disastrous season. I've had a season ticket for 20 years, I'm paying £1400 this year and I won't renew next season if we have another season as bad as last year.
It hurts to see Hull fans taking the piss out of Arsenal when you've just paid £60 quid to see your midfield not close down Geovanni when he's 30 yard out and you defence unable to defend a high ball five minutes later. It hurts to see your team 4-2 up against a Spurs team bottom of the table in injury time and 2 minutes later to see their 200 fans still at the ground jumping around like they've won the title because you can't close a game out. It hurts to go 4-3 up at Anfield in injury time and have no confidence in your comical defence to hold out. It hurts to get turned over 4-1 at home by a shit Chelsea team because you can't defend. It hurts to get battered 3-0 at against a City team who were even worse defensively than we were. I was embarrassed last season to be an Arsenal fan and if Wenger doesn't address the reasons for this I for one won't be renewing and I know there will be thousands more like me. Rant Over
More tomorrow....
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Arsenal News - Celtic, Merida and Simpson
Sorry about the lack of a blog yesterday but other things got in the way, namely taking my missus out.
Anyway we now know the team standing in the way of our path to the Champions League and it is Tony Mowbray’s Celtic. The Battle of Britain will commence at Celtic Park on the 18th of August with the return taking place at the Emirates on the 26th. Celtic will not be an easy draw by stretch but I'm happier to have been paired against Celtic rather than the dangerous Fiorentina or Atletico Madrid. The first leg will be a big test of our character and temperament. To say Celtic Park is a fortress is an understatement, Man Utd, AC Milan, Barcelona and various others have come unstuck in Glasgow in the last few years and it will no doubt be a tough test for our young side. Celtic may not be as great a side as they have been in previous years but they are perhaps the sort of side we have the most trouble with. They are hardworking, strong, tough in the tackle and committed and it is against this sort of side we have come unstuck against. i.e. Bolton/ Stoke/ Hull etc. We should however have enough to get us through over the two legs but it’s not the forgone conclusion the press will make it out to be....
Surprisingly Fran Merida looks to be heading out on loan again. It’s rumoured he will complete a loan move to Spanish second division side Levante tomorrow. This appears to be a strange one as Fran was finally making headway in his attempts to become a first team player. He was given a new squad number during the summer and impressed during the Emirates cup and with the injuries to Rosicky and Nasri a move away seems a bit strange to me. Fran definitely needs some more minutes but how much will he learn in the Spanish second division? If he needed a loan move surely a move to a good championship side or a mid-table Premier League side would have been more beneficial.
Jay Simpson looks like he will be following Merida out the door.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_5478059,00.html
A loan move to the Championship or to Champions League opponents Celtic has been mooted, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him move in a permanent deal. Jay hasn't ever really had a look in at Arsenal and to me I don't think he'll ever be good enough to be an Arsenal player. The Championship seems about the right level for him at the moment and maybe permanently.
We take on Valencia tonight in our last friendly it is being shown on Arsenal TV Online and will be streamed on a number of sites. I'll be watching and will cover it tomorrow.
Anyway we now know the team standing in the way of our path to the Champions League and it is Tony Mowbray’s Celtic. The Battle of Britain will commence at Celtic Park on the 18th of August with the return taking place at the Emirates on the 26th. Celtic will not be an easy draw by stretch but I'm happier to have been paired against Celtic rather than the dangerous Fiorentina or Atletico Madrid. The first leg will be a big test of our character and temperament. To say Celtic Park is a fortress is an understatement, Man Utd, AC Milan, Barcelona and various others have come unstuck in Glasgow in the last few years and it will no doubt be a tough test for our young side. Celtic may not be as great a side as they have been in previous years but they are perhaps the sort of side we have the most trouble with. They are hardworking, strong, tough in the tackle and committed and it is against this sort of side we have come unstuck against. i.e. Bolton/ Stoke/ Hull etc. We should however have enough to get us through over the two legs but it’s not the forgone conclusion the press will make it out to be....
Surprisingly Fran Merida looks to be heading out on loan again. It’s rumoured he will complete a loan move to Spanish second division side Levante tomorrow. This appears to be a strange one as Fran was finally making headway in his attempts to become a first team player. He was given a new squad number during the summer and impressed during the Emirates cup and with the injuries to Rosicky and Nasri a move away seems a bit strange to me. Fran definitely needs some more minutes but how much will he learn in the Spanish second division? If he needed a loan move surely a move to a good championship side or a mid-table Premier League side would have been more beneficial.
Jay Simpson looks like he will be following Merida out the door.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_5478059,00.html
A loan move to the Championship or to Champions League opponents Celtic has been mooted, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him move in a permanent deal. Jay hasn't ever really had a look in at Arsenal and to me I don't think he'll ever be good enough to be an Arsenal player. The Championship seems about the right level for him at the moment and maybe permanently.
We take on Valencia tonight in our last friendly it is being shown on Arsenal TV Online and will be streamed on a number of sites. I'll be watching and will cover it tomorrow.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Arsenal Roundup - Rosicknote, Fab and Champs League
Tomas Rosicky’s preparation for the new season has been interrupted by injury.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=665414&cc=5739
He pulled a hamstring in training yesterday and will miss the first six weeks of the season. I feel sorry for Rosicky as he had to battle against injury for the last 18months and finally as the first team is in sight he gets injured again. Hopefully this is just a minor setback and he is back playing for the Gunners in September. This has however created an opportunity for Wilshere, Vela or Merida to make the step up. We'll get an idea of Wengers thinking at the weekend when we take on Valencia.
Our Chairman Peter Hill- Wood has dismissed speculation linking Milan to a bid for our captain.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/cesc-fabregas-is-staying-at-arsenal-says-peter-hill-wood
Well done Pete.
We find out tomorrow who we're facing in the Champions League qualifying round. We can only get one of Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, Celtic, Anderlecht or FC Timosara due to a change in Uefa's qualifying format.
For a review of the teams we could face see the below link.
http://redlondon.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/get-to-know-the-five-teams-arsenal-may-be-drawn-against-tomorrow/
I'm obviously hoping we get the Romanian runners up. Ideally we'd like to stay away from Atletico and Fiorentina. We'll see who we get tomorrow.
Paddy's not quite ready to return home.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06082009/63/vieira-deal-close-wenger.html
We might not be in for Vieira but at least the boss is looking to strengthen us defensively.
More tomorrow when I'll discuss our Champions League opponents in detail....
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=665414&cc=5739
He pulled a hamstring in training yesterday and will miss the first six weeks of the season. I feel sorry for Rosicky as he had to battle against injury for the last 18months and finally as the first team is in sight he gets injured again. Hopefully this is just a minor setback and he is back playing for the Gunners in September. This has however created an opportunity for Wilshere, Vela or Merida to make the step up. We'll get an idea of Wengers thinking at the weekend when we take on Valencia.
Our Chairman Peter Hill- Wood has dismissed speculation linking Milan to a bid for our captain.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/cesc-fabregas-is-staying-at-arsenal-says-peter-hill-wood
Well done Pete.
We find out tomorrow who we're facing in the Champions League qualifying round. We can only get one of Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, Celtic, Anderlecht or FC Timosara due to a change in Uefa's qualifying format.
For a review of the teams we could face see the below link.
http://redlondon.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/get-to-know-the-five-teams-arsenal-may-be-drawn-against-tomorrow/
I'm obviously hoping we get the Romanian runners up. Ideally we'd like to stay away from Atletico and Fiorentina. We'll see who we get tomorrow.
Paddy's not quite ready to return home.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06082009/63/vieira-deal-close-wenger.html
We might not be in for Vieira but at least the boss is looking to strengthen us defensively.
More tomorrow when I'll discuss our Champions League opponents in detail....
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Arsenal News
There's not a lot of Arsenal news doing the rounds today.
Apparently we've had a bid for Sevilla Argentine defender Federico Fazio turned down.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2571686/Fazio-snubs-55million-Arsenal-bid.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
We had a bid in the region of £5.5m for the lanky centre back turned down by the Spanish club. Fazio is the type of centre back many fans have been pleading for, he's a tough no nonsense defender who is very good in the air. This is encouraging news as it is definitely a position we can strengthen but to tell you the truth I don't believe that we've even made a bid for him. I don't think Wenger is chasing any defensive re-enforcements and I don’t expect any defensive signings to be made before the end of the window. I really hope I’m wrong!!!!!
AC Milan are rumoured to be chasing our captain.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2571597/AC-line-up-31m-bid-for-Cesc.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
Milan may want Fab but there's no way he's going there.
I don't think the boss will entertain any offers for our talisman this summer and when he eventually leaves it will be to return to Spain not to go weak Italian league.
More tomorrow....
Apparently we've had a bid for Sevilla Argentine defender Federico Fazio turned down.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2571686/Fazio-snubs-55million-Arsenal-bid.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
We had a bid in the region of £5.5m for the lanky centre back turned down by the Spanish club. Fazio is the type of centre back many fans have been pleading for, he's a tough no nonsense defender who is very good in the air. This is encouraging news as it is definitely a position we can strengthen but to tell you the truth I don't believe that we've even made a bid for him. I don't think Wenger is chasing any defensive re-enforcements and I don’t expect any defensive signings to be made before the end of the window. I really hope I’m wrong!!!!!
AC Milan are rumoured to be chasing our captain.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2571597/AC-line-up-31m-bid-for-Cesc.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
Milan may want Fab but there's no way he's going there.
I don't think the boss will entertain any offers for our talisman this summer and when he eventually leaves it will be to return to Spain not to go weak Italian league.
More tomorrow....
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Kalou, Chamakh and more Arsenal news
Arsenal have made a surprising move for Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/5970095/Arsenal-in-hunt-for-Chelseas-Salomon-Kalou.html
Wenger has reportedly made an offer of £6m for the Ivory Coast hitman. We have been linked to Kalou on a number of occasions in the past, but I can’t really see the point in making a move for him now. He’s a decent player but he’s very similar to what we already have at the club. We have lost Adebayor and if we are going to replace him it should be with a more traditional number 9 like Huntelaar not a winger/ second striker like Kalou. I think next season we are going to line up with one striker and two advanced wingers like Utd and Barcelona, and we already have numerous options for the wing. Wilshere, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Arshavin, Merida and Diaby can all cover the wing slots with RVP, Bendtner and Eduardo covering the striking slot. To me if we need to increase options I would buy a number 9 as Eduardo and RVP can also play on the wing and as such Kalou doesn’t fit the bill. A good player but not what we need, so expect him to sign.
It seems as though Bordeaux are set to price Chamakh out of his dream move to Arsenal.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/arsenal-chief-claims-marouane-chamakh-will-not-be-joining-the-gunners
We have supposedly bid £6m for the Moroccan hitman with Bordeaux holding out for more than double this. The Boss has rightly pointed out that Chamakh is on a free next season and as such he will not be held to ransom. I think Wenger is completely correct and shouldn’t let Bordeaux dictate the terms of this transfer. Chamakh’s position is becoming untenable at Bordeaux as he has agitated for a move next summer and as he is out of contract next summer, now’s the time to play hardball. I think we’ll see him move to the Emirates by the end of the transfer window for a figure a lot closer to £6m than the £12-15m the French club want.
The media have picked up on the Senderos to Everton story that been doing the rounds since Saturday.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5471504,00.html
Everton have now also commented on their official website they are in discussions to sign Big Phil. I made my feelings clear on this in previous blogs saying I think he could go on to become a world class centre back and will be a good signing for the Toffees, I guess time will tell.
Young Guns are reporting that we have agreed a deal to sign Argentina under 17 keeper Damian Martinez.
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/arsenal-sign-independiente-keeper-martinez/
He was on trial with us at the end of last season and has obviously impressed. An immediate loan move to Salamanca is being lined up and hopefully in a couple of seasons he will come back to challenge for a first team place.
More tomorrow....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/5970095/Arsenal-in-hunt-for-Chelseas-Salomon-Kalou.html
Wenger has reportedly made an offer of £6m for the Ivory Coast hitman. We have been linked to Kalou on a number of occasions in the past, but I can’t really see the point in making a move for him now. He’s a decent player but he’s very similar to what we already have at the club. We have lost Adebayor and if we are going to replace him it should be with a more traditional number 9 like Huntelaar not a winger/ second striker like Kalou. I think next season we are going to line up with one striker and two advanced wingers like Utd and Barcelona, and we already have numerous options for the wing. Wilshere, Nasri, Rosicky, Walcott, Arshavin, Merida and Diaby can all cover the wing slots with RVP, Bendtner and Eduardo covering the striking slot. To me if we need to increase options I would buy a number 9 as Eduardo and RVP can also play on the wing and as such Kalou doesn’t fit the bill. A good player but not what we need, so expect him to sign.
It seems as though Bordeaux are set to price Chamakh out of his dream move to Arsenal.
http://www.thelondonpaper.com/thelondonpaper/sport/football/arsenal-chief-claims-marouane-chamakh-will-not-be-joining-the-gunners
We have supposedly bid £6m for the Moroccan hitman with Bordeaux holding out for more than double this. The Boss has rightly pointed out that Chamakh is on a free next season and as such he will not be held to ransom. I think Wenger is completely correct and shouldn’t let Bordeaux dictate the terms of this transfer. Chamakh’s position is becoming untenable at Bordeaux as he has agitated for a move next summer and as he is out of contract next summer, now’s the time to play hardball. I think we’ll see him move to the Emirates by the end of the transfer window for a figure a lot closer to £6m than the £12-15m the French club want.
The media have picked up on the Senderos to Everton story that been doing the rounds since Saturday.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5471504,00.html
Everton have now also commented on their official website they are in discussions to sign Big Phil. I made my feelings clear on this in previous blogs saying I think he could go on to become a world class centre back and will be a good signing for the Toffees, I guess time will tell.
Young Guns are reporting that we have agreed a deal to sign Argentina under 17 keeper Damian Martinez.
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/arsenal-sign-independiente-keeper-martinez/
He was on trial with us at the end of last season and has obviously impressed. An immediate loan move to Salamanca is being lined up and hopefully in a couple of seasons he will come back to challenge for a first team place.
More tomorrow....
Monday, 3 August 2009
Jack the lad and an Arsenal roundup.
The Jack Wilshere show continued at the Emirates Cup yesterday. Jack was again man of the match as he bagged two goals in our 3-0 victory against Glasgow Rangers.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171493/first-team/arsenal-v-rangers?tab=report
Jack was playing in a strong Arsenal team including Almunia, Fab, Rosicky, Arshavin and Eduardo, yet he still managed to produce another stand out performance. The technique displayed for his second goal was sublime and he really looks at home in our first team already. Wenger was attempting to dampen the expectation surrounding Jack after his performance on Saturday, but yesterday he was even better. Sky and the media have been very quick to jump on the “Wilshere for England” bandwagon but if Jack concentrates on establishing himself with us all that will naturally follow. His potential is amazing and harnessed correctly we will have a genuine world class player on our hands within a couple of years.
Big John Hartson is continuing his long battle to overcome cancer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8182050.stm
He has been showing signs of improvement in the last week and will now begin Chemo this week. All I can say is good luck John my thoughts are with you.
Bordeaux are demanding that we up our offer for Mourane Chamakh.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5470903,00.html
We have apparently offered just over £6m for the Moroccan forward with the French club wanting closer to £12m for him. He is rumoured to be in London after he pulled out of Bordeaux’ friendly against Villarreal last night after claiming he was ill. There seems to be some substance to this story and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if we saw him sign by the end of the week.
More tomorrow....
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/171493/first-team/arsenal-v-rangers?tab=report
Jack was playing in a strong Arsenal team including Almunia, Fab, Rosicky, Arshavin and Eduardo, yet he still managed to produce another stand out performance. The technique displayed for his second goal was sublime and he really looks at home in our first team already. Wenger was attempting to dampen the expectation surrounding Jack after his performance on Saturday, but yesterday he was even better. Sky and the media have been very quick to jump on the “Wilshere for England” bandwagon but if Jack concentrates on establishing himself with us all that will naturally follow. His potential is amazing and harnessed correctly we will have a genuine world class player on our hands within a couple of years.
Big John Hartson is continuing his long battle to overcome cancer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8182050.stm
He has been showing signs of improvement in the last week and will now begin Chemo this week. All I can say is good luck John my thoughts are with you.
Bordeaux are demanding that we up our offer for Mourane Chamakh.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5470903,00.html
We have apparently offered just over £6m for the Moroccan forward with the French club wanting closer to £12m for him. He is rumoured to be in London after he pulled out of Bordeaux’ friendly against Villarreal last night after claiming he was ill. There seems to be some substance to this story and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if we saw him sign by the end of the week.
More tomorrow....
Saturday, 1 August 2009
First day at the Emirates Cup!
The Inaugural Emirates cup kicked off today. The first match saw Rangers beat Paris St Germain 1-o. The main even saw Arsenal beat a strong Atletico Madrid team 2-1.
http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-2-1-atletico-madrid-match-report?tab=report
The major talking point today was the performance of Jack Wilshere. He only came on at half time but managed to bag the man of the match award. He was at the heart of all that was good about Arsenal in the second half. He turned his full back inside out throughout and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Wilshere certainly has a massive future in front of him and I’m excited at the prospect of watching him mature into a world class player in the coming years. Arshavin scored both Arsenal goals today including an audacious finish for the winner, he will play a massive part in any success we will have this season. I’m actually genuinely excited about our attacking options this season.
We looked very fluid and threatening going forward and could have scored at least five goals but I must admit our concentration and authority at the back was a real worry. We don't look to have learnt the lessons of last season. We were so open it was scary and their goal minutes after we scored was down to a lack of communication and concentration. Seems like Groundhog Day. Mannone looked terrified of the ball and did his best to gift Atletico a goal with an almost calamitous error. He will never be an Arsenal standard keeper. The young Pole Wojciech Szczesny looks a much better prospect. I'd loan Mannone out to a lower league club straight away. I feel sorry for the kid he's only played five or six first team games and is nowhere near ready for first team football at a club like Arsenal. I think he needs to go to a Legue One club and get some minutes.
It looks as though Big Phil is on the way.
http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog/posts/philippe-senderos-signs-for-everton
I like Phil, I always have and I think one day he's going to develop into a top centre back. I know he's made numerous mistakes over the years for us but honestly how many centre backs of his age haven't? Once he fully matures he could develop into a very solid defender. I guess it’s our loss. Good luck with the toffees Phil.
Rumoured Arsenal target Daniele De Rossi has shot down any links to us.
http://www.teletext.co.uk/football/news/7b7fb2f5ef3b9cdd68eb56d4ea0ead06/De+Rossi+No+Gunners+interest.aspx
That's that one over with then, thought it smelt of something.
There’s a good read in the Guardian from Amy Lawrence, well worth a quick glance.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/01/arsenal-atletico-madrid-arsene-wenger
More tomorrow when we are basking in the glory of being Emirates cup champions.
http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-2-1-atletico-madrid-match-report?tab=report
The major talking point today was the performance of Jack Wilshere. He only came on at half time but managed to bag the man of the match award. He was at the heart of all that was good about Arsenal in the second half. He turned his full back inside out throughout and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Wilshere certainly has a massive future in front of him and I’m excited at the prospect of watching him mature into a world class player in the coming years. Arshavin scored both Arsenal goals today including an audacious finish for the winner, he will play a massive part in any success we will have this season. I’m actually genuinely excited about our attacking options this season.
We looked very fluid and threatening going forward and could have scored at least five goals but I must admit our concentration and authority at the back was a real worry. We don't look to have learnt the lessons of last season. We were so open it was scary and their goal minutes after we scored was down to a lack of communication and concentration. Seems like Groundhog Day. Mannone looked terrified of the ball and did his best to gift Atletico a goal with an almost calamitous error. He will never be an Arsenal standard keeper. The young Pole Wojciech Szczesny looks a much better prospect. I'd loan Mannone out to a lower league club straight away. I feel sorry for the kid he's only played five or six first team games and is nowhere near ready for first team football at a club like Arsenal. I think he needs to go to a Legue One club and get some minutes.
It looks as though Big Phil is on the way.
http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog/posts/philippe-senderos-signs-for-everton
I like Phil, I always have and I think one day he's going to develop into a top centre back. I know he's made numerous mistakes over the years for us but honestly how many centre backs of his age haven't? Once he fully matures he could develop into a very solid defender. I guess it’s our loss. Good luck with the toffees Phil.
Rumoured Arsenal target Daniele De Rossi has shot down any links to us.
http://www.teletext.co.uk/football/news/7b7fb2f5ef3b9cdd68eb56d4ea0ead06/De+Rossi+No+Gunners+interest.aspx
That's that one over with then, thought it smelt of something.
There’s a good read in the Guardian from Amy Lawrence, well worth a quick glance.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/01/arsenal-atletico-madrid-arsene-wenger
More tomorrow when we are basking in the glory of being Emirates cup champions.
Friday, 31 July 2009
Sad news about Sir Bobby
The football world lost a true great today as Sir Bobby Robson passed away after a long battle with cancer.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-pays-tribute-to-sir-bobby-robson
Sir Bobby had a distinguished career in football including playing for and managing England. He spent significant time abroad having spells as manager of Barcelona, Porto and PSV Eindhoven winning leagues and cups along the way. He was a true gent and the world of football is a poorer place with his loss.
We are rumoured to be ready to firm up our interest in Blaise Matuidi by making an offer of £8m to St Etienne for the young midfielder.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/30/arsenal-patrick-vieira-arsene-wenger
He seems a typical Wenger signing but I must confess to not knowing a whole lot about the young Frenchman, but it’s definitely a position we need to strengthen.
The report also talks of our interest in bringing Patrick Vieira home and I for one would love to see Paddy pulling on the red shirt again. The move to bring him home makes sense on every level; He would be a cheap option, he wouldn't take any time to adapt and he could pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience to our young squad. If we could sign Vieira on a pay as you play contract akin to the deal agreed by Michael Owen at Utd we have nothing to lose.
We have also been linked with a move for Italian international midfielder Daniele De Rossi
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1203394/De-Rossi-Arsenal-Wenger-looks-exploit-Romas-financial-woes-cut-price-deal.html?ITO=1490
De Rossi is a fantastic player and is one of the symbols of Roma and for this reason I don't see this one happening. He would cost upwards of £20m and all in all won't be joining us.
Fiorentina are haggling over Eboues transfer fee.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/24259/Fiorentina_patient_but_confident_over_Eboue_deal.aspx
Don't get greedy Arsene, just let him go.
More Tomorrow....
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-pays-tribute-to-sir-bobby-robson
Sir Bobby had a distinguished career in football including playing for and managing England. He spent significant time abroad having spells as manager of Barcelona, Porto and PSV Eindhoven winning leagues and cups along the way. He was a true gent and the world of football is a poorer place with his loss.
We are rumoured to be ready to firm up our interest in Blaise Matuidi by making an offer of £8m to St Etienne for the young midfielder.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/30/arsenal-patrick-vieira-arsene-wenger
He seems a typical Wenger signing but I must confess to not knowing a whole lot about the young Frenchman, but it’s definitely a position we need to strengthen.
The report also talks of our interest in bringing Patrick Vieira home and I for one would love to see Paddy pulling on the red shirt again. The move to bring him home makes sense on every level; He would be a cheap option, he wouldn't take any time to adapt and he could pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience to our young squad. If we could sign Vieira on a pay as you play contract akin to the deal agreed by Michael Owen at Utd we have nothing to lose.
We have also been linked with a move for Italian international midfielder Daniele De Rossi
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1203394/De-Rossi-Arsenal-Wenger-looks-exploit-Romas-financial-woes-cut-price-deal.html?ITO=1490
De Rossi is a fantastic player and is one of the symbols of Roma and for this reason I don't see this one happening. He would cost upwards of £20m and all in all won't be joining us.
Fiorentina are haggling over Eboues transfer fee.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/24259/Fiorentina_patient_but_confident_over_Eboue_deal.aspx
Don't get greedy Arsene, just let him go.
More Tomorrow....
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Kolo departs the Emirates and more Arsenal news
After months of speculation Kolo Toure has now officially left Arsenal to join Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/kolo-toure-signs-for-manchester-city
Tour has joined City for a fee reported to be in the region of £15m on a four year contract. As I have mentioned in my previous posts I think the loss of Toure is more than made up for by the fee and hopefully we might now see some movement into the club. Kolo was with the club for seven years, making a total of 326 appearances. He was the last remaining member of the invincible team, (Clichy making a handful of appearances that season.) and departs the Emirates having won two FA Cups, the Premier League and having appeared in a Champions League final. He was a fans favourite throughout his tenure at the Gunners and he leaves with the best wishes of all Arsenal fans. He will be assured of a rousing reception when he comes 'home' to play at the Emirates next season.
In other news we are after some young Brazilian.
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/zezinho-bid-rejected-video-rees-nets-for-england/
I admit I know absolutely nothing about him so I'll leave it to the excellent Young Guns to summarise his talents.
Supposed Arsenal target Seb Bassong is on the verge of joining Tottenham according to reports
http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premiership/spurs-set-to-beat-arsenal-to-8million-bassong
One word describes the whole deal..... 'Bothered.' I never thought we were interested in him anyway. Expect to see him go to Portsmouth next season for £4m before returning to White Hart Lane for £10m six months later.
Apparently Tottenham's signing of Peter Crouch means we are in pole position to sign Klass- Jan Huntelaar.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1202954/Arsenal-pole-position-sign-17m-Real-Madrid-striker-Klaas-Jan-Huntelaar-Spurs-exit.html?ITO=1490
I think the main stumbling block to this move is nothing to do with Tottenham I think it may be Wenger getting his chequebook out and actually paying the £17m to get him.
Fulham fear a big bid for Brede Hangeland from us
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/hodgson-braced-star-bid-926196.html
Well I fear sharks and I think there’s about as much chance of us paying £15m for him as there is of me getting eaten by one.
Eboue is set to following Kolo out of the door by signing for Fiorentina.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5459303,00.html
Fingers crossed. As a right back Eboue isn't bad (although he's no Sagna) but he plainly is not a winger. I hope this one goes through as the fee seems far too high for at best, our second choice right back.
We’ve got a game tonight against Hannover see the link for a stream.
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html
More tomorrow....
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Kolo to say bye bye
Kolo is edging ever closer to his move to Man City.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/28/kolo-toure-has-manchester-city-medical
Reports today are emerging that the two clubs have agreed a fee in the region of £14m for the Ivorian defender. He is supposedly on the verge of flying back from our Austrian training camp to undergo a medical at the Eastlands and to discuss personal terms. The medical and the discussing of personal terms are seen to be a formality and Toure should tie up the deal by the end of the week.
The move makes sense for all parties. Man City get an experienced Premiership campaigner of proven quality, Kolo will no doubt secure a lucrative long term contract and we get £14 million for a player who perhaps has seen better days. As discussed yesterday the physical attributes that were key to his outstanding performances appear to be on the wane. Toure has been a cornerstone of our defence for several years and will no doubt be missed by the Gunners. I believe with the signing of Vermaelen, his position in the team would be under threat and the move may actually re-invigorate him. Toure had a well broadcasted fall out with William Gallas last season and handed in a transfer request to leave Arsenal in January. He looks to have secured his move to City and if he does depart the Emirates he goes with my best wishes (for him not City!)
Another player to depart the Emirates is Havard Nordveit.
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/nordtveit-links-up-with-nuremburg-derby-dont-want-randall/
The Norwegian youngster has joined German club FC Nuremberg on a season long loan. The defender will hopefully gain some invaluable experience in the demanding Bundesliga and will return to the Gunners next season. This is Harvard’s third stint out on loan. He has achieved mixed success whilst away from y
the club. He departed Salamanca half way through his loan spell due to a lack of opportunities and he spent the second half of last season on loan with Lillestrom in his native Norway. Where he impressed under the tutelage of ex Man Utd defender Henning Berg playing at centre half and right back.
Arsenal are supposedly in talks to loan Armand Traore to Premiership newcomers Birmingham City
http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=163338
Traore spent last season on loan at Pompey and initially began the season under Harry Redknapp on the left wing. After Harry left to join Spurs Traore found his chances for a first team place limited and another season on loan will stand him in good stead. Birmingham have had great success in loaning Gunners. Nicky Bendtner and former stars Seb Larsson and Fabrice Muamba all helped the blues secure promotion back to the top flight in 2006/07, with Larsson and Muamba signing permanently. Johan Djourou also spent six months with the blues in the 2007/08 season. Hopefully if Traore signs he will have a similar level of success.
More tomorrow.......
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/28/kolo-toure-has-manchester-city-medical
Reports today are emerging that the two clubs have agreed a fee in the region of £14m for the Ivorian defender. He is supposedly on the verge of flying back from our Austrian training camp to undergo a medical at the Eastlands and to discuss personal terms. The medical and the discussing of personal terms are seen to be a formality and Toure should tie up the deal by the end of the week.
The move makes sense for all parties. Man City get an experienced Premiership campaigner of proven quality, Kolo will no doubt secure a lucrative long term contract and we get £14 million for a player who perhaps has seen better days. As discussed yesterday the physical attributes that were key to his outstanding performances appear to be on the wane. Toure has been a cornerstone of our defence for several years and will no doubt be missed by the Gunners. I believe with the signing of Vermaelen, his position in the team would be under threat and the move may actually re-invigorate him. Toure had a well broadcasted fall out with William Gallas last season and handed in a transfer request to leave Arsenal in January. He looks to have secured his move to City and if he does depart the Emirates he goes with my best wishes (for him not City!)
Another player to depart the Emirates is Havard Nordveit.
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/nordtveit-links-up-with-nuremburg-derby-dont-want-randall/
The Norwegian youngster has joined German club FC Nuremberg on a season long loan. The defender will hopefully gain some invaluable experience in the demanding Bundesliga and will return to the Gunners next season. This is Harvard’s third stint out on loan. He has achieved mixed success whilst away from y
the club. He departed Salamanca half way through his loan spell due to a lack of opportunities and he spent the second half of last season on loan with Lillestrom in his native Norway. Where he impressed under the tutelage of ex Man Utd defender Henning Berg playing at centre half and right back.
Arsenal are supposedly in talks to loan Armand Traore to Premiership newcomers Birmingham City
http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=163338
Traore spent last season on loan at Pompey and initially began the season under Harry Redknapp on the left wing. After Harry left to join Spurs Traore found his chances for a first team place limited and another season on loan will stand him in good stead. Birmingham have had great success in loaning Gunners. Nicky Bendtner and former stars Seb Larsson and Fabrice Muamba all helped the blues secure promotion back to the top flight in 2006/07, with Larsson and Muamba signing permanently. Johan Djourou also spent six months with the blues in the 2007/08 season. Hopefully if Traore signs he will have a similar level of success.
More tomorrow.......
Monday, 27 July 2009
Arsenal stroll to friendly win but by how many???
The Arsenal website is claiming a 6-0 victory over Szombathelyi in Austria tonight.
http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/friendly-szombathelyi-0-6-arsenal-report?tab=report
The actual result was 5-0 as Van Persie's second goal was disallowed. It was another good run out for the boys and it's good to see Eduardo back in action and back in the goals with a brace. For a full report view the above link.
There are escalating rumours that Kolo Toure will be joining Emmanuel Adebayor by plying his trade at Eastlands next season
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23724331-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Reports of a £14m fee seem good business for a player who cost 250k seven years ago. Toure has been a mainstay of our defence since the unbeaten campaign of 2003/04 and is currently our vice captain. Toure is an important player for us but he may have seen his best years. I love Kolo but his form has dropped dramatically in the last 18 months and it remains to be seen if he can again reach previous dizzy heights. His game was based on speed, mobility and recovery but he seems to have lost some of his acceleration and at times last year looked as though he was carrying a bit of excess weight around the middle. I think if the money were made available to the boss for a new centre back or defensive midfielder I’d be inclined to let him leave with our best wishes.
In encouraging news John Hartson appears to be growing stronger after his recent neurosurgery.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1202542/Brave-ex-Celtic-striker-John-Hartson-making-good-progress-cancer-treatment.html?ITO=1490
There is still a long battle ahead of him but this is hopefully the first step on the way to recovery for John. We're all thinking of you Big Fella.
More tomorrow....
http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/friendly-szombathelyi-0-6-arsenal-report?tab=report
The actual result was 5-0 as Van Persie's second goal was disallowed. It was another good run out for the boys and it's good to see Eduardo back in action and back in the goals with a brace. For a full report view the above link.
There are escalating rumours that Kolo Toure will be joining Emmanuel Adebayor by plying his trade at Eastlands next season
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23724331-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Reports of a £14m fee seem good business for a player who cost 250k seven years ago. Toure has been a mainstay of our defence since the unbeaten campaign of 2003/04 and is currently our vice captain. Toure is an important player for us but he may have seen his best years. I love Kolo but his form has dropped dramatically in the last 18 months and it remains to be seen if he can again reach previous dizzy heights. His game was based on speed, mobility and recovery but he seems to have lost some of his acceleration and at times last year looked as though he was carrying a bit of excess weight around the middle. I think if the money were made available to the boss for a new centre back or defensive midfielder I’d be inclined to let him leave with our best wishes.
In encouraging news John Hartson appears to be growing stronger after his recent neurosurgery.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1202542/Brave-ex-Celtic-striker-John-Hartson-making-good-progress-cancer-treatment.html?ITO=1490
There is still a long battle ahead of him but this is hopefully the first step on the way to recovery for John. We're all thinking of you Big Fella.
More tomorrow....
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Sunday News- A couple of players linked
The rumours surrounding our Ivorian Tiger Emmanuel Eboue are growing stronger by the day.
Fiorentina’s interest in the utility man has been documented for the last couple of weeks but it has intensified over the weekend.
http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/eboue-heads-exit-door-925438.html
Reports are now suggesting Fiorentina have agreed personal terms with the African and are now just finalising a fee with the Arsenal (surely a fee should be agreed before they can speak to the player!) Hopefully more news will hopefully emerge on this one during this week, as the rumoured fee of 10 million Euros seems far too good to turn down.
The News of the World has linked us with a move for Chelsea reserve Salomon Kalou.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/420480/Arsenal-chase-Salomon-Kalou-Arsene-Wengers-pound7m-bid-for-Chelsea-striker.html
The boss has previously admitted an interest in the Ivorian winger and the News of the World is claiming our interest has been re-ignited since Adebayor left. I think Kalou's a decent player but a fee of £7m seems too high considering he only has one year left on his contract. I'd be interested in signing him but I wouldn't pay more than £3m. I also don't believe he would be a replacement for Adebayor, he would be more of a second striker or winger, not a target man like Ade was.
The Express links us to the man I would love us to replace Adebayor with, Klass- Jan Huntelaar.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/116569/Wenger-ready-to-splash-out-on-Huntelaar-and-Cattermole
The Express believes we have turned our attention to him as his move to Stuttgart has stalled. Tottenham who are also rumoured to be interested are now supposed to be close to re-signing Peter Crouch which would end their interest in Huntelaar. I'm really hoping this one happens as he would be a superb player for us.
The same article also claims we are interested in signing Lee Cattermole from Wigan. Cattermole is a strong, gritty, no nonsense centre midfielder. We are missing these qualities from our team but I just don't think Cattermole is the answer. A fee rumoured to be as high as £10m seems massively inflated. Wigan may have mugged Spurs and Man Utd in the last 6 months when selling players but I guarantee we won’t be joining that list.
More tomorrow.....
Fiorentina’s interest in the utility man has been documented for the last couple of weeks but it has intensified over the weekend.
http://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/eboue-heads-exit-door-925438.html
Reports are now suggesting Fiorentina have agreed personal terms with the African and are now just finalising a fee with the Arsenal (surely a fee should be agreed before they can speak to the player!) Hopefully more news will hopefully emerge on this one during this week, as the rumoured fee of 10 million Euros seems far too good to turn down.
The News of the World has linked us with a move for Chelsea reserve Salomon Kalou.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/420480/Arsenal-chase-Salomon-Kalou-Arsene-Wengers-pound7m-bid-for-Chelsea-striker.html
The boss has previously admitted an interest in the Ivorian winger and the News of the World is claiming our interest has been re-ignited since Adebayor left. I think Kalou's a decent player but a fee of £7m seems too high considering he only has one year left on his contract. I'd be interested in signing him but I wouldn't pay more than £3m. I also don't believe he would be a replacement for Adebayor, he would be more of a second striker or winger, not a target man like Ade was.
The Express links us to the man I would love us to replace Adebayor with, Klass- Jan Huntelaar.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/116569/Wenger-ready-to-splash-out-on-Huntelaar-and-Cattermole
The Express believes we have turned our attention to him as his move to Stuttgart has stalled. Tottenham who are also rumoured to be interested are now supposed to be close to re-signing Peter Crouch which would end their interest in Huntelaar. I'm really hoping this one happens as he would be a superb player for us.
The same article also claims we are interested in signing Lee Cattermole from Wigan. Cattermole is a strong, gritty, no nonsense centre midfielder. We are missing these qualities from our team but I just don't think Cattermole is the answer. A fee rumoured to be as high as £10m seems massively inflated. Wigan may have mugged Spurs and Man Utd in the last 6 months when selling players but I guarantee we won’t be joining that list.
More tomorrow.....
Friday, 24 July 2009
Arsenal News - Ade, Eboue and a bit of Klass
Not content with being a money grabbing twat, Emmanuel Adebayor has given an interview to The Sun in which he nearly out does Ashley Cole in the popularity stakes.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2552215/Arsenal-fans-drove-me-out.html
Ade's lack of awareness is astounding. He compares himself to Cesc saying
"In any summer, Barcelona try to sign Cesc Fabregas. But the fans never turned on him."
Well Ade, Fabregas has spent 6 years with the club, he denies any rumours that he's leaving and most importantly Ade he try’s in games. We all agree that Fab will leave Arsenal at some point in his career but unlike Ade he will do it in the correct way not by whoring himself to every club in Europe.
Fiorentina are supposedly back in the hunt for Emmanuel Eboue.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul24i.html
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the two clubs have agreed an initial fee of around €10m for our Ivorian tiger. Eboue has had his knockers, particularly after the game against Wigan (where he where he came on and was subbed off about 20 minutes later after having a nightmare) but he's knuckled down and his form improved towards the end of the season. I would snap Fiorentina's hands off for a fee anywhere near the rumoured amount. Let’s face it, at best next season he will be 2nd choice right back and maybe third choice right midfielder. I think we could afford to lose another Emmanuel from our squad.
There are more rumours emerging that we may be in the race to sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/5898908/Tottenham-and-Arsenal-in-race-to-sign-Klass-Jan-Huntelaar-from-Real-Madrid.html
I'd love us to sign him but I just can’t see it happening. I think if Wenger had an interest in him he might have signed him when Henry left us when he would have been a bit more in our price range.
Arsenal.com is showing off a variety of pictures of the squad training in Austria
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gallery
Aside from taking each other for walks there doesn't seem to be a whole lot more going on.
More Tomorrow....
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2552215/Arsenal-fans-drove-me-out.html
Ade's lack of awareness is astounding. He compares himself to Cesc saying
"In any summer, Barcelona try to sign Cesc Fabregas. But the fans never turned on him."
Well Ade, Fabregas has spent 6 years with the club, he denies any rumours that he's leaving and most importantly Ade he try’s in games. We all agree that Fab will leave Arsenal at some point in his career but unlike Ade he will do it in the correct way not by whoring himself to every club in Europe.
Fiorentina are supposedly back in the hunt for Emmanuel Eboue.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul24i.html
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the two clubs have agreed an initial fee of around €10m for our Ivorian tiger. Eboue has had his knockers, particularly after the game against Wigan (where he where he came on and was subbed off about 20 minutes later after having a nightmare) but he's knuckled down and his form improved towards the end of the season. I would snap Fiorentina's hands off for a fee anywhere near the rumoured amount. Let’s face it, at best next season he will be 2nd choice right back and maybe third choice right midfielder. I think we could afford to lose another Emmanuel from our squad.
There are more rumours emerging that we may be in the race to sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/5898908/Tottenham-and-Arsenal-in-race-to-sign-Klass-Jan-Huntelaar-from-Real-Madrid.html
I'd love us to sign him but I just can’t see it happening. I think if Wenger had an interest in him he might have signed him when Henry left us when he would have been a bit more in our price range.
Arsenal.com is showing off a variety of pictures of the squad training in Austria
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gallery
Aside from taking each other for walks there doesn't seem to be a whole lot more going on.
More Tomorrow....
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Arsenal News - A story of three defenders
Ashley Cole has once again shown his true colours.
He has come out and said he hopes Man City finish above Arsenal in doing so getting fourth place.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/07/23/ashley-cole-hopes-manchester-city-push-arsenal-out-of-top-four-115875-21540715/
Well Ashley I hope someone breaks your leg, you little twat.
In other news Arsenal’s mystery man Pedro Botelho is about to join Celta Vigo on loan for a season.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5449558,00.html
Pedro has spent the last two years at Salamanca gaining experience and helping to qualify for a Spanish passport. Pedro is primarily a left back who can also play on the wing. He has performed impressively but has had a number of disciplinary issues in his time at Salamanca, including arguments with the coach. Hopefully another loan stint this time at Vigo will ease any concerns over his attitude and see Pedro return to Arsenal ready to compete for a first team place.
Another mystery Arsenal defender Havard Nordveit is pining for a loan move to Germany.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5449853,00.html
Havard joined us a couple of years ago with a growing reputation as one of the finest young centre backs in European football. However after an injury hit first season he was sent out on loan to Salamanca, which for a variety of reasons didn't really work out. He moved on to Lillestrom in January and has made steady progress ever since. His loan spell with Lillestrom is due to expire on August 1st and a loan move to Bundesliga side Nurnberg is in the offing. I’m hoping this one comes off and he goes to Germany and gains some vital first team experience.
More Tomorrow....
He has come out and said he hopes Man City finish above Arsenal in doing so getting fourth place.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/07/23/ashley-cole-hopes-manchester-city-push-arsenal-out-of-top-four-115875-21540715/
Well Ashley I hope someone breaks your leg, you little twat.
In other news Arsenal’s mystery man Pedro Botelho is about to join Celta Vigo on loan for a season.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5449558,00.html
Pedro has spent the last two years at Salamanca gaining experience and helping to qualify for a Spanish passport. Pedro is primarily a left back who can also play on the wing. He has performed impressively but has had a number of disciplinary issues in his time at Salamanca, including arguments with the coach. Hopefully another loan stint this time at Vigo will ease any concerns over his attitude and see Pedro return to Arsenal ready to compete for a first team place.
Another mystery Arsenal defender Havard Nordveit is pining for a loan move to Germany.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5449853,00.html
Havard joined us a couple of years ago with a growing reputation as one of the finest young centre backs in European football. However after an injury hit first season he was sent out on loan to Salamanca, which for a variety of reasons didn't really work out. He moved on to Lillestrom in January and has made steady progress ever since. His loan spell with Lillestrom is due to expire on August 1st and a loan move to Bundesliga side Nurnberg is in the offing. I’m hoping this one comes off and he goes to Germany and gains some vital first team experience.
More Tomorrow....
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Wednesday Roundup - Randall and Phil to leave?
Last night the mighty Gunners played there second pre season friendly and the first whilst at they're training camp in Austria.
We won 7-1 against a team of part timers in a game that was merely played to improve our fitness. Bendtner, Ramsey and Van Persie all scored twice with Gallas netting the other. There's no real need to review the game.
For highlights http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/3005869/
Mark Randall is on trial at Derby County with a view to a season long loan deal.
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/derby-agree-loan-deal-in-principle-for-randall/
Randall has clocked up 11 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions but has looked limited in every one of them. With younger players such as Ramsey pushing ahead of him I think we might not be seeing Mark pulling on the Arsenal shirt again.
Another player unlikely to wearing the famous red shirt again is Big Phil.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-senderos-future-is-still-open-
Wenger has admitted Phil has a number of offers and is weighing up his options. The boss admitting this is the equivalent of marching Senderos along Oxford Street wearing a sandwich board and yelling in a megaphone that he's up for grabs.
More tomorrow and hopefully they'll be some real news......
We won 7-1 against a team of part timers in a game that was merely played to improve our fitness. Bendtner, Ramsey and Van Persie all scored twice with Gallas netting the other. There's no real need to review the game.
For highlights http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/3005869/
Mark Randall is on trial at Derby County with a view to a season long loan deal.
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/derby-agree-loan-deal-in-principle-for-randall/
Randall has clocked up 11 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions but has looked limited in every one of them. With younger players such as Ramsey pushing ahead of him I think we might not be seeing Mark pulling on the Arsenal shirt again.
Another player unlikely to wearing the famous red shirt again is Big Phil.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-senderos-future-is-still-open-
Wenger has admitted Phil has a number of offers and is weighing up his options. The boss admitting this is the equivalent of marching Senderos along Oxford Street wearing a sandwich board and yelling in a megaphone that he's up for grabs.
More tomorrow and hopefully they'll be some real news......
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Arsenal Stream, Nasri and more
Well last season’s injury curse has struck again. Samir Nasri fractured his fibula in a tackle with Abou Diaby in training today.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/nasri-fractures-leg
Reports suggest he will be out for up to three months, so it’s probably his season over. It’s an area where we do have a bit of cover. With the return of Tomas Rosicky we have the ideal replacement and hopefully won’t miss Samir too much. We also have Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Fran Merida waiting in the wings so we are fairly well stocked but fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
In other news rumoured Arsenal target Blaise Matuidi is for sale at the right price.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5446034,00.html
He’s a player I don’t really know a great deal about but he seems a typical Wenger signing as he’s young, cheap and French) There rumours last week that he was having a medical at Arsenal, guess they were false.
In other news we are playing a friendly against SC Columbia in Austria right now. The match is live on Arsenal TV Online or
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html
Our team is
Almunia
Eboue
Silvestre
Vermaelen
Djourou
Wilshere
Denilson
Diaby
Ramsey
Arshavin
Bendtner
More tomorrow
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/nasri-fractures-leg
Reports suggest he will be out for up to three months, so it’s probably his season over. It’s an area where we do have a bit of cover. With the return of Tomas Rosicky we have the ideal replacement and hopefully won’t miss Samir too much. We also have Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Fran Merida waiting in the wings so we are fairly well stocked but fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
In other news rumoured Arsenal target Blaise Matuidi is for sale at the right price.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5446034,00.html
He’s a player I don’t really know a great deal about but he seems a typical Wenger signing as he’s young, cheap and French) There rumours last week that he was having a medical at Arsenal, guess they were false.
In other news we are playing a friendly against SC Columbia in Austria right now. The match is live on Arsenal TV Online or
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html
Our team is
Almunia
Eboue
Silvestre
Vermaelen
Djourou
Wilshere
Denilson
Diaby
Ramsey
Arshavin
Bendtner
More tomorrow
Monday, 20 July 2009
Today's Arsenal News
An Arsenal XI is due to take on Lincoln City tonight in a friendly at Sincil Bank. The squad consists of mainly under 18’s and a couple of reserves, for a full list of those involved see the below link.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-announce-16-man-squad-to-face-lincoln
Alex Hleb has admitted he regrets leaving Arsenal
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200952/Alexander-Hlebs-Arsenal-regret-I-left-Gunners--Id-die-Wenger.html?ITO=1490
Well Alex no one forced you to leave. You join the illustrious list of players who left Arsenal for a bigger club and a plenty more time on the bench. Add your name to Anelka, Edu, Stefan Schwarz, Flamini et al in regretting leaving the Gunners.
Wenger can spend the proceeds of the Adebayor transfer at his leisure
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-we-are-in-no-hurry-to-buy-anyone
I’m not 100% sure that we need to splash out on a striker; however the need for a centre midfielder is imperative. Boss, please just don’t neglect buying a centre midfielder like you did last year. Song came on leaps and bounds as the season progressed but we desperately need a bit of experience in the centre of the park.
One forward we have now been linked to is Toulouse striker Andre- Pierre Gignac. The Daily Mail believes we are interested in last season’s top scorer in the French league and Toulouse are willing to do a deal at the £18m mark.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200738/Gunners-eye-France-based-pair-search-Adebayor-replacement-begins.html?ITO=1490
I can’t see that there’s much truth in this one to be honest. We might hold an interest in the player but rumoured the price tag is far too high for someone who’s had one good season.
Myles Palmer believes Man City are back in for Kolo Toure.
http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1336&cntnt01returnid=42
Not sure about Myles’ reliable source but we all know City were in for Kolo earlier on this season. We currently have six first team centre backs at the club, which is two too many in my opinion. I think we will definitely be moving a couple on. If we could let Toure go for between £12- £15m it would be a great piece of business. Toure has been a stalwart of our defence since 03/04 but his performances have declined in the last 18 months. I love Toure but the price tag seems too good for a player who may just be on the wrong side of the hill. I’d still rather let Silvestre left though!
More tomorrow.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-announce-16-man-squad-to-face-lincoln
Alex Hleb has admitted he regrets leaving Arsenal
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200952/Alexander-Hlebs-Arsenal-regret-I-left-Gunners--Id-die-Wenger.html?ITO=1490
Well Alex no one forced you to leave. You join the illustrious list of players who left Arsenal for a bigger club and a plenty more time on the bench. Add your name to Anelka, Edu, Stefan Schwarz, Flamini et al in regretting leaving the Gunners.
Wenger can spend the proceeds of the Adebayor transfer at his leisure
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-we-are-in-no-hurry-to-buy-anyone
I’m not 100% sure that we need to splash out on a striker; however the need for a centre midfielder is imperative. Boss, please just don’t neglect buying a centre midfielder like you did last year. Song came on leaps and bounds as the season progressed but we desperately need a bit of experience in the centre of the park.
One forward we have now been linked to is Toulouse striker Andre- Pierre Gignac. The Daily Mail believes we are interested in last season’s top scorer in the French league and Toulouse are willing to do a deal at the £18m mark.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200738/Gunners-eye-France-based-pair-search-Adebayor-replacement-begins.html?ITO=1490
I can’t see that there’s much truth in this one to be honest. We might hold an interest in the player but rumoured the price tag is far too high for someone who’s had one good season.
Myles Palmer believes Man City are back in for Kolo Toure.
http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1336&cntnt01returnid=42
Not sure about Myles’ reliable source but we all know City were in for Kolo earlier on this season. We currently have six first team centre backs at the club, which is two too many in my opinion. I think we will definitely be moving a couple on. If we could let Toure go for between £12- £15m it would be a great piece of business. Toure has been a stalwart of our defence since 03/04 but his performances have declined in the last 18 months. I love Toure but the price tag seems too good for a player who may just be on the wrong side of the hill. I’d still rather let Silvestre left though!
More tomorrow.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Sunday Roundup - AdeNoMore
The big news of course is Adebayor’s departure.
Adebayor was unveiled as a Man City player yesterday evening and moves in a deal reported to be worth £25m to Arsenal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5440128,00.html
Ade moved on to City having spent the previous 3½ seasons with the club. He joined us from Monaco for a reported fee of £3m in January 2006 and went on to play 142 games scoring an impressive 62 goals. What he lacked in ability he made up for by working hard and chasing lost causes. He became a fans favourite in his second full season with the club (07-08) as he developed a cutting edge to his game, finishing the season with 30 goals.
It was during the summer of 08 where Ade’s problems began. He agitated for a move all summer, flirting outrageously with both Barcelona and AC Milan. He eventually signed a new deal with the club for £80,000 p/w. The Arsenal fans never forgave his behaviour and he went on to have a poor season scoring just 16 goals. His work rate dropped as he began to believe he was a ‘superstar’. Ade’s relationship with the club has deteriorated to the extent that most if not all Gooners are glad to see the back of him. We will undoubtedly miss his goals and in losing Ade we have strengthen one of our rivals however his relationship with the fans was untenable and he had to leave the club. I would wish Ade the best but I’ve grown to despise him, I think he sums up all that is wrong with football, good riddance. We will hopefully see some movement in the coming days as the boss now has some serious funds at his disposal.
In some lazy journalism, we have again been linked to Obafemi Martins.
http://www.newcastle.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=162107
Does anyone actually expect us to sign him? He’s just one of a list of players we are continually linked to. Mexes, Frey, Yaya Toure, Trezeguet, Given, the list goes on.
There is no other real news to be honest. In the next couple of days I’ll speculate on who could replace our departed Togan hitman.
Adebayor was unveiled as a Man City player yesterday evening and moves in a deal reported to be worth £25m to Arsenal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5440128,00.html
Ade moved on to City having spent the previous 3½ seasons with the club. He joined us from Monaco for a reported fee of £3m in January 2006 and went on to play 142 games scoring an impressive 62 goals. What he lacked in ability he made up for by working hard and chasing lost causes. He became a fans favourite in his second full season with the club (07-08) as he developed a cutting edge to his game, finishing the season with 30 goals.
It was during the summer of 08 where Ade’s problems began. He agitated for a move all summer, flirting outrageously with both Barcelona and AC Milan. He eventually signed a new deal with the club for £80,000 p/w. The Arsenal fans never forgave his behaviour and he went on to have a poor season scoring just 16 goals. His work rate dropped as he began to believe he was a ‘superstar’. Ade’s relationship with the club has deteriorated to the extent that most if not all Gooners are glad to see the back of him. We will undoubtedly miss his goals and in losing Ade we have strengthen one of our rivals however his relationship with the fans was untenable and he had to leave the club. I would wish Ade the best but I’ve grown to despise him, I think he sums up all that is wrong with football, good riddance. We will hopefully see some movement in the coming days as the boss now has some serious funds at his disposal.
In some lazy journalism, we have again been linked to Obafemi Martins.
http://www.newcastle.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=162107
Does anyone actually expect us to sign him? He’s just one of a list of players we are continually linked to. Mexes, Frey, Yaya Toure, Trezeguet, Given, the list goes on.
There is no other real news to be honest. In the next couple of days I’ll speculate on who could replace our departed Togan hitman.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Barnet review and more on AdebaySNORE
Today saw Arsenal take on Barnet in our opening pre- season fixture.
The game took place at Barnet’s ground Underhill which is also home to the Arsenal reserve team.
The Starting eleven was
GK Almunia
RB Djourou
CB Gallas
CB Vermaelen
LB Silvestre
RM Wilshere
CM Randall
CM Frimpong
LM Rosicky
ST Watt
ST Arshavin
In his first appearance for nearly 18 months Tomas Rosicky was given the armband and in an even first half. We took the lead in the 43rd minute when Arshavin turned home Watt’s cross at the far post. Barnet equalised through former Arsenal trialist Ismael Yakubu just before half time after Randall gave away a silly foul on the edge of the box.
We made a total of 10 changes at half time with Vermaelen the only player to emerge from the dressing room.
Barazite scored a tidy goal four minutes after the restart. He beat a couple of Barnet defenders and rifled the ball into the top corner from 20 yards. Welcome back Nacer! With 8 minutes left Barnet again equalised through Eliot Charles to give Barnet a deserved draw.
All in all it was a good opener for the boys and was great to see Rosicky back in action. For a full report see the below link.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3148095/first-team/barnet-v-arsenal?tab=report
In other news Adebayor is edging closer to Man City as he is now having his 17th medical of the week.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2543041/City-net-closes-on-Adebayor.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
Hopefully we can get this deal sorted sooner rather than later and get on with planning for next season.
We’ve signed a new mascot who looks like a hedgehog.
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/arsenal-sign-sead-hajrovic-from-grasshoppers/
More tomorrow.
The game took place at Barnet’s ground Underhill which is also home to the Arsenal reserve team.
The Starting eleven was
GK Almunia
RB Djourou
CB Gallas
CB Vermaelen
LB Silvestre
RM Wilshere
CM Randall
CM Frimpong
LM Rosicky
ST Watt
ST Arshavin
In his first appearance for nearly 18 months Tomas Rosicky was given the armband and in an even first half. We took the lead in the 43rd minute when Arshavin turned home Watt’s cross at the far post. Barnet equalised through former Arsenal trialist Ismael Yakubu just before half time after Randall gave away a silly foul on the edge of the box.
We made a total of 10 changes at half time with Vermaelen the only player to emerge from the dressing room.
Barazite scored a tidy goal four minutes after the restart. He beat a couple of Barnet defenders and rifled the ball into the top corner from 20 yards. Welcome back Nacer! With 8 minutes left Barnet again equalised through Eliot Charles to give Barnet a deserved draw.
All in all it was a good opener for the boys and was great to see Rosicky back in action. For a full report see the below link.
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3148095/first-team/barnet-v-arsenal?tab=report
In other news Adebayor is edging closer to Man City as he is now having his 17th medical of the week.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2543041/City-net-closes-on-Adebayor.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
Hopefully we can get this deal sorted sooner rather than later and get on with planning for next season.
We’ve signed a new mascot who looks like a hedgehog.
http://youngguns.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/arsenal-sign-sead-hajrovic-from-grasshoppers/
More tomorrow.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Barnet Preview and we've got the Edge.
We are now less than twenty four hours away from our first pre-season match.
For those of you who didn’t know, Arsenal are set to take on Barnet in our inaugural pre-season opener. The game is due to take place tomorrow (18th) at 3pm at Underhill the home of both Barnet and Arsenals reserves.
The squad for tomorrow’s game has been announced today.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-announce-21-man-squad-for-barnet-clash
My starting team would be
GK Almunia
RB Djourou
CB Gallas
CB Vermaelen
LB Silvestre
RM Wilshere
CM Randall
CM Coquelin
LM Rosicky
ST Simpson
ST Arshavin
Subs
Mannone
Cruise
Ayling
Eastmond
Henderson
Emmanuel Thomas
Frimpong
Sunu
Watt
Barazite
It will be good to see Vermaelen make his debut and Rosicky make his long awaited return.
I fancy us to win 4-1, with the subs all getting a run out in the second half.
In Other news Adebayor is still lurking around however we are close to landing his replacement
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23477/EXCLUSIVE_-_Arsenal_close_in_on_Chamakh_deal.aspx
Theo wants us to start winning ugly.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6717986.ece
I’m with you Theo I just want us to win, ugly or beautiful doesn’t matter to me, I’ll still be celebrating.
We’ve signed a new ball boy or mascot or something.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5436960,00.html
More tomorrow....
For those of you who didn’t know, Arsenal are set to take on Barnet in our inaugural pre-season opener. The game is due to take place tomorrow (18th) at 3pm at Underhill the home of both Barnet and Arsenals reserves.
The squad for tomorrow’s game has been announced today.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/club-announce-21-man-squad-for-barnet-clash
My starting team would be
GK Almunia
RB Djourou
CB Gallas
CB Vermaelen
LB Silvestre
RM Wilshere
CM Randall
CM Coquelin
LM Rosicky
ST Simpson
ST Arshavin
Subs
Mannone
Cruise
Ayling
Eastmond
Henderson
Emmanuel Thomas
Frimpong
Sunu
Watt
Barazite
It will be good to see Vermaelen make his debut and Rosicky make his long awaited return.
I fancy us to win 4-1, with the subs all getting a run out in the second half.
In Other news Adebayor is still lurking around however we are close to landing his replacement
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23477/EXCLUSIVE_-_Arsenal_close_in_on_Chamakh_deal.aspx
Theo wants us to start winning ugly.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article6717986.ece
I’m with you Theo I just want us to win, ugly or beautiful doesn’t matter to me, I’ll still be celebrating.
We’ve signed a new ball boy or mascot or something.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5436960,00.html
More tomorrow....
Thursday, 16 July 2009
More news on AdebaySNORE
The main news for Gunners today again surrounds Emmanuel Adebayor’s impending move to Manchester City.
The latest update on this saga is that Adebayor has now asked for time to ponder the move to the Eastlands.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/15/emmanuel-adebayor-manchester-city-arsenal
There are reports saying that Adebayor’s agents have been offering his services to Manchester United and AC Milan, as Ade is reportedly unhappy with the wages offered to him by City. Seriously Ade do you think anyone else will be stupid enough to match or better the wages being offered by City? I think Ade will be off to City in the next couple of days as there is no other interest in him.
Hopefully it will be all wrapped up by the weekend.
One striker we are potentially interested in to replace Ade is Klaas- Jan Huntelaar. A couple of days ago it appeared as if he was heading to Germany to play for Stuttgart, however his agent has confirmed new bids have now been received.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23333/Agent_New_bids_lodged_for_Huntelaar.aspx
We have been linked to Huntelaar for a number of transfer windows and I’m hoping our interest has been made concrete with a bid. The news that further bids have been received for him, and that these clubs have requested not to be named is certainly interesting and the “unnamed club” tactic is often employed by The Arsenal. Only time will tell as we won’t be making any concrete moves until Ade has decided upon his next move.
Hleb, not happy with p1ssing off every Arsenal fan last summer has decided to turn on his new employers.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200026/Former-Arsenal-star-Alexandr-Hleb-slams-Barcelona-coachs-squad-tactics.html?ITO=1490
Hleb is agitating for a move as he believes he hasn’t been given enough opportunities and that his manager Pep Gaurdiola is undermining players’ confidence. Wake up Alex, Barca has just won the treble in Pep’s first season in charge and are being universally lauded for their fantastic football. If you throw the fact Gaurdiola is an utter legend to the Barca faithful, I think it proves what a wally Hleb is. Did he (Hleb) actually expect to be first choice at Barca when he’s competing with Leo Messi and Henry for a place in the team? I loved seeing him celebrating after the Champions league final in a suit, serves you right Alex.
Talking of Messi, we’ve offered a trial to the new improved version.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5436385,00.html
Can’t wait to see him play for us in 2019. Seriously I’m glad we’re still picking up these young starlets with a view to the future. Keep it up Boss.
Anyway another update tomorrow or possibly tonight if Ade comes to a decision on his future.
The latest update on this saga is that Adebayor has now asked for time to ponder the move to the Eastlands.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/15/emmanuel-adebayor-manchester-city-arsenal
There are reports saying that Adebayor’s agents have been offering his services to Manchester United and AC Milan, as Ade is reportedly unhappy with the wages offered to him by City. Seriously Ade do you think anyone else will be stupid enough to match or better the wages being offered by City? I think Ade will be off to City in the next couple of days as there is no other interest in him.
Hopefully it will be all wrapped up by the weekend.
One striker we are potentially interested in to replace Ade is Klaas- Jan Huntelaar. A couple of days ago it appeared as if he was heading to Germany to play for Stuttgart, however his agent has confirmed new bids have now been received.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23333/Agent_New_bids_lodged_for_Huntelaar.aspx
We have been linked to Huntelaar for a number of transfer windows and I’m hoping our interest has been made concrete with a bid. The news that further bids have been received for him, and that these clubs have requested not to be named is certainly interesting and the “unnamed club” tactic is often employed by The Arsenal. Only time will tell as we won’t be making any concrete moves until Ade has decided upon his next move.
Hleb, not happy with p1ssing off every Arsenal fan last summer has decided to turn on his new employers.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200026/Former-Arsenal-star-Alexandr-Hleb-slams-Barcelona-coachs-squad-tactics.html?ITO=1490
Hleb is agitating for a move as he believes he hasn’t been given enough opportunities and that his manager Pep Gaurdiola is undermining players’ confidence. Wake up Alex, Barca has just won the treble in Pep’s first season in charge and are being universally lauded for their fantastic football. If you throw the fact Gaurdiola is an utter legend to the Barca faithful, I think it proves what a wally Hleb is. Did he (Hleb) actually expect to be first choice at Barca when he’s competing with Leo Messi and Henry for a place in the team? I loved seeing him celebrating after the Champions league final in a suit, serves you right Alex.
Talking of Messi, we’ve offered a trial to the new improved version.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5436385,00.html
Can’t wait to see him play for us in 2019. Seriously I’m glad we’re still picking up these young starlets with a view to the future. Keep it up Boss.
Anyway another update tomorrow or possibly tonight if Ade comes to a decision on his future.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Close the door on your way out please Adebayor
Obviously the only place to start today is with Emmanuel Adebayors impending move to Manchester City.
There were reports this morning that Adebayor had passed a medical at Eastlands and now SkySports amongst a number of other sources are reporting that he has now been granted a work permit
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5435419,00.html
It seems as though it’s only a matter of time before we see Adebayor pull on the blue shirt of Manchester City. No matter what your personal views on Ade, we are undoubtedly going to miss his goals and he will need replacing in the Arsenal squad.
However it seems our attempts to replace Ade with Marouane Chamakh are shuddering to a halt.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23719647-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Bordeaux apparently want Mikael Silvestre in part exchange and Le Boss is unwilling to let the ex Man Utd man go. Now surely Wenger would be willing to let Silvestre go, he’s about 5th or 6th choice centre back and at best 3rd choice left back, and most importantly is a bit poo. Let him go boss whether it means getting Chamakh or not.The article goes on to state that we may turn our attention to Real Madrid’s Huntelaar. To me he would be a perfect replacement for Ade. He is positionally aware, a good finisher, strong on the ball, good in the air, pretty much perfect for us and he scored the first ever goal at the Emirates. Sounds too good to be true to be honest
Arsenal target Felipe Melo has officially signed for Juventus
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56E5XI20090715?rpc=401&
Oh well plenty more fish in the sea. He seemed a bit too expensive for someone who has only really come to prominence in the last 18 months.
More tomorrow
There were reports this morning that Adebayor had passed a medical at Eastlands and now SkySports amongst a number of other sources are reporting that he has now been granted a work permit
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5435419,00.html
It seems as though it’s only a matter of time before we see Adebayor pull on the blue shirt of Manchester City. No matter what your personal views on Ade, we are undoubtedly going to miss his goals and he will need replacing in the Arsenal squad.
However it seems our attempts to replace Ade with Marouane Chamakh are shuddering to a halt.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23719647-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Bordeaux apparently want Mikael Silvestre in part exchange and Le Boss is unwilling to let the ex Man Utd man go. Now surely Wenger would be willing to let Silvestre go, he’s about 5th or 6th choice centre back and at best 3rd choice left back, and most importantly is a bit poo. Let him go boss whether it means getting Chamakh or not.The article goes on to state that we may turn our attention to Real Madrid’s Huntelaar. To me he would be a perfect replacement for Ade. He is positionally aware, a good finisher, strong on the ball, good in the air, pretty much perfect for us and he scored the first ever goal at the Emirates. Sounds too good to be true to be honest
Arsenal target Felipe Melo has officially signed for Juventus
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56E5XI20090715?rpc=401&
Oh well plenty more fish in the sea. He seemed a bit too expensive for someone who has only really come to prominence in the last 18 months.
More tomorrow
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Arsenal News Roundup
The Main Arsenal news today again surrounds Emmanuel Adebayor.According to the admittedly unreliable Daily Mail website we have agreed a fee with Manchester City for the Togo hitman and Adebayor has undergone a medical.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1199522/Emmanuel-Adebayor-fee-agreed-Manchester-City-continue-summer-spending-Arsenal-accept-25m-Togo-striker.html?ITO=1490
Reports of a fee as high as £25m would represent fantastic business for Arsenal and would give us the funds to replace him and strengthen our centre midfield options. Adebayor is also rumoured to have been offered a £170,000 per week contract for 5 years.
Once the formalities of Adebayors move to the Eastlands are completed the Gunners are expected to make a move for Mourane Chamakh.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/football/article-23719188-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Chamakh is a tall rangy centre forward, who’s good at holding the ball up and bringing others into the game. He has one year left on his contract at Bordeaux at would jump at a move to the Emirates. A fee of £7m is being mentioned and it is looking increasing likely that Mourane will be an Arsenal player by the start of the season.
The season is now rapidly approaching and we will play our traditional season opener against Barnet this weekend.
http://www.barnetfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10431~1721378,00.html
A number of first team regulars are expected to make the short trip across North London with Almunia, Clichy, Senderos, Arshavin, Vermaelen and Nasri are all expected to feature. The regulars will be supported by some of our young stars such as Jack Wilshere, Giles Sunu, Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Henry Lansbury and Kyle Bartley. More of a review of this game on Friday/ Saturday once the full squad is announced.
Robin Van Persie has been named as Arsenal.com player of the year.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/tv-online-rvp-on-pots
RVP secured a whopping 35.3% of the vote. I’ve got no complaints about Robin being player of the year in a season where he scored 20 goals in 44 games and established himself as our main striker. My problem is there was no real competition for him. Fabregas, Clichy and Walcott missed large chunks of the season. Eduardo and Rosicky played about 10 minutes between them and Adebayor had well documented problems. The lack of competition is summed up by Andrey Arshavin finishing second and he didn’t pull on the shirt until February!!! I’m hopeful a strong season next year will see several contenders emerge for this award.
More Tomorrow...
Monday, 13 July 2009
News on Two very different Arsenal strikers....
I haven’t blogged for the last couple of days, mainly due to the fact there has been absolutely no Arsenal news.
The only place to start is with the terrible news that emerged today that ex Gunner John Hartson has been diagnosed as suffering from testicular cancer which has since spread to his brain.
http://www.teletext.co.uk/football/news/1a2c6c352ba6bbcd3c49af8261af7242/Hartson+faces+long+battle.aspx
John was one of George Graham’s last signings for the club, joining for a reported £2.5m from Luton Town (which was a British record fee for a teenager) In January 1995. He had a mixed time at Highbury, but his most memorable moment was scoring the equaliser in the Cup Winners Cup final in 1995. He was never really an Arsene Wenger type player and eventually joined West Ham in February 1997. He ended up at Celtic where he had his most successful period and was named Scottish Player of the year in 2005.
I wish John good luck in his struggle to overcome this terrible disease my thoughts are with him and his family. Good luck John
The only real Arsenal news doing the rounds today is the reports that Arsenal and Man City are in discussions regarding a potential deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/football/article-23718817-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Discussions were supposedly ongoing over the weekend regarding a potential £20m deal which would see Adebayor move to the Eastlands. As we all know Adebayor fell out with the majority of Arsenal fans last summer when trying to secure a move to AC Milan or Barcelona. He eventually signed a new deal for a reported £80,000 a week but his behaviour left a bad taste in many Gooners mouths. Towards the back end of last season it became apparent that his relationship with the Arsenal faithful was beyond repair (remember the interview with Football focus) and it would be time for him to move on. A move to Man City seems good to me, a club with no morals signing a mercenary striker, seems a match made in heaven???? (They’re hardly Beyonce though Ade?)
I’m hoping that this once gets completed sooner rather than later, and we can get down to the serious business of signing a replacement.
More Tomorrow.....
The only place to start is with the terrible news that emerged today that ex Gunner John Hartson has been diagnosed as suffering from testicular cancer which has since spread to his brain.
http://www.teletext.co.uk/football/news/1a2c6c352ba6bbcd3c49af8261af7242/Hartson+faces+long+battle.aspx
John was one of George Graham’s last signings for the club, joining for a reported £2.5m from Luton Town (which was a British record fee for a teenager) In January 1995. He had a mixed time at Highbury, but his most memorable moment was scoring the equaliser in the Cup Winners Cup final in 1995. He was never really an Arsene Wenger type player and eventually joined West Ham in February 1997. He ended up at Celtic where he had his most successful period and was named Scottish Player of the year in 2005.
I wish John good luck in his struggle to overcome this terrible disease my thoughts are with him and his family. Good luck John
The only real Arsenal news doing the rounds today is the reports that Arsenal and Man City are in discussions regarding a potential deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/football/article-23718817-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&
Discussions were supposedly ongoing over the weekend regarding a potential £20m deal which would see Adebayor move to the Eastlands. As we all know Adebayor fell out with the majority of Arsenal fans last summer when trying to secure a move to AC Milan or Barcelona. He eventually signed a new deal for a reported £80,000 a week but his behaviour left a bad taste in many Gooners mouths. Towards the back end of last season it became apparent that his relationship with the Arsenal faithful was beyond repair (remember the interview with Football focus) and it would be time for him to move on. A move to Man City seems good to me, a club with no morals signing a mercenary striker, seems a match made in heaven???? (They’re hardly Beyonce though Ade?)
I’m hoping that this once gets completed sooner rather than later, and we can get down to the serious business of signing a replacement.
More Tomorrow.....
Friday, 10 July 2009
Friday Roundup
Not a whole lot of Gunners news today.
Let’s start with the news that Stan the man has increased his stake in the Arsenal. Stan has bought a further 1,600 shares for a princely sum of £8,500 each, his holding now stand at 28.58%. This leaves him less than 1 ½ % away from being forced into making a takeover bid for the club. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1198862/Stans-man-Arsenal--Kroenke-increases-Emirates-shareholding.html?ITO=1490
Real Madrid have stated that they have no interest in signing Fabregas. Well that’s nice of them; we have no interest in selling him. http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/article.html?Real%3a_We_wont_steal_Fabregas_from_Arsenal&in_article_id=701154&in_page_id=43
Our Russian flyer has denied wanting to move to Barcelona. Hopefully Andrey can continue the fine form he’s displayed since signing for us. http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/07/10/manual_124943.html&TEAMHD=soccer
What a mouth water prospect our midfield could be next year with Fab, Nasri, Andrey, Theo, a fit Rosicky, all supplemented by a new holding midfielder. Sounds pretty damn good to me.
I hope to post again tomorrow but I’m off to see Oasis at Wembley. It’s my first visit since the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea; hopefully it will be a bit more satisfying.
Let’s start with the news that Stan the man has increased his stake in the Arsenal. Stan has bought a further 1,600 shares for a princely sum of £8,500 each, his holding now stand at 28.58%. This leaves him less than 1 ½ % away from being forced into making a takeover bid for the club. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1198862/Stans-man-Arsenal--Kroenke-increases-Emirates-shareholding.html?ITO=1490
Real Madrid have stated that they have no interest in signing Fabregas. Well that’s nice of them; we have no interest in selling him. http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/article.html?Real%3a_We_wont_steal_Fabregas_from_Arsenal&in_article_id=701154&in_page_id=43
Our Russian flyer has denied wanting to move to Barcelona. Hopefully Andrey can continue the fine form he’s displayed since signing for us. http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/07/10/manual_124943.html&TEAMHD=soccer
What a mouth water prospect our midfield could be next year with Fab, Nasri, Andrey, Theo, a fit Rosicky, all supplemented by a new holding midfielder. Sounds pretty damn good to me.
I hope to post again tomorrow but I’m off to see Oasis at Wembley. It’s my first visit since the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea; hopefully it will be a bit more satisfying.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Splash of Arsenal on Thursday Night
A few bits and pieces around today.
Sebastien Bassong is talking up a potential move to Arsenal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5422138,00.html
What is it with Newcastle players being continually linked to us? Firstly we had N'Zogbia whoring himself out to us for the past 5 years but ends up with the mighty Wigan Athletic, we have Martins who despite not being a regular is continually linked to us and for the past season Bassong. I mean let’s be honest has Bassong ever really impressed? The only time I’ve noticed him is when he's linked to us. Is he any better than what we already have? I don't think so and I don't think you'll ever see him sign for us.
Valencia flop but football manager legend, Ever Benega is latest name to be linked to us.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23038/Argentine_international_is_latest_option_on_Wenger%E2%80%99s_midfield_list.aspx
I admit I haven't seen a whole lot of him apart from a few glimpses of him playing in the world youth cup. He looks a half decent defensive midfielder. Admittedly I haven't seen a lot of him but I don't think this one's got any legs as a transfer story.
We also are linked to a move for St Etienne Blaise Matuidi.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/07/09/arsenal-close-on-blaise-matuidi-115875-21505793/
I think this one might have some truth to it because
a.) He’s French b.) He’s young c.) He’s cheap.
We've been linked to him for the past season or so. He seems to have the attributes we are missing, but would he be a big enough name to appease the Arsenal fans?
Our supposed rivals Tottingham Hogspurs have continued their fine tradition of signing Arsenal rejects
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5423187,00.html
Blackwood joins an illustrious list of gunner greats such as Rohan Ricketts, Jamie O' Hara, and David Bentley in signing for the scum. I wish him the same level of success.
More Tomorrow.
Sebastien Bassong is talking up a potential move to Arsenal.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5422138,00.html
What is it with Newcastle players being continually linked to us? Firstly we had N'Zogbia whoring himself out to us for the past 5 years but ends up with the mighty Wigan Athletic, we have Martins who despite not being a regular is continually linked to us and for the past season Bassong. I mean let’s be honest has Bassong ever really impressed? The only time I’ve noticed him is when he's linked to us. Is he any better than what we already have? I don't think so and I don't think you'll ever see him sign for us.
Valencia flop but football manager legend, Ever Benega is latest name to be linked to us.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/23038/Argentine_international_is_latest_option_on_Wenger%E2%80%99s_midfield_list.aspx
I admit I haven't seen a whole lot of him apart from a few glimpses of him playing in the world youth cup. He looks a half decent defensive midfielder. Admittedly I haven't seen a lot of him but I don't think this one's got any legs as a transfer story.
We also are linked to a move for St Etienne Blaise Matuidi.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/07/09/arsenal-close-on-blaise-matuidi-115875-21505793/
I think this one might have some truth to it because
a.) He’s French b.) He’s young c.) He’s cheap.
We've been linked to him for the past season or so. He seems to have the attributes we are missing, but would he be a big enough name to appease the Arsenal fans?
Our supposed rivals Tottingham Hogspurs have continued their fine tradition of signing Arsenal rejects
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5423187,00.html
Blackwood joins an illustrious list of gunner greats such as Rohan Ricketts, Jamie O' Hara, and David Bentley in signing for the scum. I wish him the same level of success.
More Tomorrow.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Van Persie signs on the dotted line
The Arsenal have secured a significant signing for the coming season with news that Van Persie has agreed a new long term deal.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/van-persie
Van Perie has been with the club since joining in the summer of 2004. He's had a mixed time of it, suffering injuries throughout his stay and struggling to establish himself in a team that had Henry and compatriot Bergkamp up front. In recent years (injury permitting) Robin has established himself and can now be considered our no1 striker. He offers a creative outlet, chipping in with assists on a regular basis, a deadly delivery from set pieces and he is now beginning to consistently bag goals. Van Persies renewal is a major coup as we have managed to hold on to one of our younger players as they approach their prime. Hopefully the next few seasons will continue to be fruitful for Robin as he and the team grow into a world class outfit.
In other news Melo hasn't yet completed his move to Juve
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5421656,00.html
A number of media sources are reporting that the deal is hingeing on the personnal terms offered to Marco Marchionni who would be moving to Florence as part of the deal. He is apparently holding out for a higher wage, go on sneak in there Wenger. I'm sure Eboue wouldn't be so demanding!!!
More tomorrow.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/van-persie
Van Perie has been with the club since joining in the summer of 2004. He's had a mixed time of it, suffering injuries throughout his stay and struggling to establish himself in a team that had Henry and compatriot Bergkamp up front. In recent years (injury permitting) Robin has established himself and can now be considered our no1 striker. He offers a creative outlet, chipping in with assists on a regular basis, a deadly delivery from set pieces and he is now beginning to consistently bag goals. Van Persies renewal is a major coup as we have managed to hold on to one of our younger players as they approach their prime. Hopefully the next few seasons will continue to be fruitful for Robin as he and the team grow into a world class outfit.
In other news Melo hasn't yet completed his move to Juve
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_5421656,00.html
A number of media sources are reporting that the deal is hingeing on the personnal terms offered to Marco Marchionni who would be moving to Florence as part of the deal. He is apparently holding out for a higher wage, go on sneak in there Wenger. I'm sure Eboue wouldn't be so demanding!!!
More tomorrow.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Today's Round-up
Not a whole lot of Arsenal news around today.
Ivan Gazidis has given an insightful interview to arseblog in which the main point i grasped was the fact its now time for our young stars to deliver.
http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog
The squad are back in training with Rosicky, Senderos and Eduardo all back. Vermaelen also joined in with lads
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/training
We're still the hunt for Melo. Fiornetina are even trying to sweten the deal by allowing us to chuck Eboue in to the mix. Wow aren't they nice. Haven't seen a whole lot of Melo but its promising that Le Boss is looking to strengthen in midfield.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/5768286/Arsenal-to-talk-with-Fiorentina-about-swapping-Emmanuel-Eboue-for-Felipe-Melo.html
Derby are interested in taking Mark Randall on loan for the season.
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/YOUNG-GUNNER-RAMS-RADAR/article-1140515-detail/article.html
I think this will be with a view to a permanent deal. It's clear he's a good player but with younger players pushing ahead of him in the pecking order such as Ramsey I think it might be time for Mark to move on to pastures new.
Martin Keown has been talking about how this year is make or break for our Swiss defenders.
http://www.sport.co.uk/features/Football/551/Martin_Keown_talks_Senderos_Wilshire__Wenger%E2%80%99s_spending_power.aspx
He believes Senderos has to cut out his elementary mistakes and he could finally become an established centre back. Hopefully his year at Milan has tuned him up and ironed out the flaws. Not holding my breath though. Sir Keown also mentions Djourou and the faith Wenger has in him, in what we can only hope is his breakthrough season. Keown alludes to a problem with his mentality a Keown himself recognises all the natural attributes Djourou has. Nothing really groundbreaking here though.
Our mad Spaniard wants us to start the season strongly, he's not the only one.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/06/1367252/manuel-almunia-looks-forward-to-a-strong-start-with-arsenal
Mr Capello as he affectionately known is loving the Arsenal academy, and why not, it might eventually give him a few options other than the measly 30 odd players he can pick from.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=goal_fabio_capello_lauds&prov=goal&type=lgns
Have a good day, more tomorrow.
Ivan Gazidis has given an insightful interview to arseblog in which the main point i grasped was the fact its now time for our young stars to deliver.
http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog
The squad are back in training with Rosicky, Senderos and Eduardo all back. Vermaelen also joined in with lads
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/training
We're still the hunt for Melo. Fiornetina are even trying to sweten the deal by allowing us to chuck Eboue in to the mix. Wow aren't they nice. Haven't seen a whole lot of Melo but its promising that Le Boss is looking to strengthen in midfield.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/5768286/Arsenal-to-talk-with-Fiorentina-about-swapping-Emmanuel-Eboue-for-Felipe-Melo.html
Derby are interested in taking Mark Randall on loan for the season.
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/sport/YOUNG-GUNNER-RAMS-RADAR/article-1140515-detail/article.html
I think this will be with a view to a permanent deal. It's clear he's a good player but with younger players pushing ahead of him in the pecking order such as Ramsey I think it might be time for Mark to move on to pastures new.
Martin Keown has been talking about how this year is make or break for our Swiss defenders.
http://www.sport.co.uk/features/Football/551/Martin_Keown_talks_Senderos_Wilshire__Wenger%E2%80%99s_spending_power.aspx
He believes Senderos has to cut out his elementary mistakes and he could finally become an established centre back. Hopefully his year at Milan has tuned him up and ironed out the flaws. Not holding my breath though. Sir Keown also mentions Djourou and the faith Wenger has in him, in what we can only hope is his breakthrough season. Keown alludes to a problem with his mentality a Keown himself recognises all the natural attributes Djourou has. Nothing really groundbreaking here though.
Our mad Spaniard wants us to start the season strongly, he's not the only one.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/06/1367252/manuel-almunia-looks-forward-to-a-strong-start-with-arsenal
Mr Capello as he affectionately known is loving the Arsenal academy, and why not, it might eventually give him a few options other than the measly 30 odd players he can pick from.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=goal_fabio_capello_lauds&prov=goal&type=lgns
Have a good day, more tomorrow.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Realistic Expectations
After four long years without a trophy we head into the new seaon as percieved also rans. The media are expecting to finish fourth at best, but with Man City snapping up players left right and centre, that is hardly garunteed. Will another seaon of scrapping for fourth place be accpeted by an increasingly fickle Arsenal crowd? Midway through last season with Aston Villa snapping at our heals an undercurrent of discontent was evident at the home of football. If the problems of the past season are not addressed this summer we could be in for a particularly long and painful season
My question is where do you believe the mighty Gunners will finish next year with he current squad?
My question is where do you believe the mighty Gunners will finish next year with he current squad?
Welcome Post
Hello Bloggers. I'm new to all this but i thought I'd give it a go anyway. A little about me, I'm 24 live in Highbury and am an Arsenal fanatic. I've had a seaon ticket since the age of five and have Arsenal running through my veins. I will attempt to update this site as regularly as possible with reviews, opinions and gossip.
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