Arsenal

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

I think Eboue has established himself as one of the most pivotal player in our side. He is a player that creates width on the right and starts a new dimension in our attacks. He was one of the most useful players in our side that has the ability to penetrate through tight defense and has shown it again and again. I think he has the potential to be remembered as an Arsenal legend.

[Nturtle]

Well...I'm the first to say Eboue's made some great contributions...so all credit to him. I just wish he grew up! And Viperised....it's a bit tough to compare C Ronaldo to him...Ronaldo really knows his stuff...and can take the shit...and credit to him for not crumbling (ok...he's got a huge ego). He DOES perform on the field and is pretty classy as an attacker...Eboue is a defender...so he needs to improve on that before his attack!!

[Viperized]

Are you for reals?

Eboue has been nothing short of brilliant this season. Granted his defending has not been as good as last season, but he still shut down the most in-form winger in the Premiership - C. Ronaldo. He provides so much more than Hoyte and Gilbert is not even close.

[calculus]

Are you for reals?

Eboue has been nothing short of brilliant this season. Granted his defending has not been as good as last season, but he still shut down the most in-form winger in the Premiership - C. Ronaldo. He provides so much more than Hoyte and Gilbert is not even close.

How many times you seen Gilbert play? You can see that boy is going to take Hoytes place in about 2 years time!

[Viperized]

I was talking about Gilbert and Eboue.

Eboue is more established, more experienced, and better.

Obviously Gilbert is talented, but I'd pick Eboue any day over the week seeing what he is capable of.

Gilbert is a better RB than Hoyte though and I agree with that.

[calculus]

I was talking about Gilbert and Eboue.

Eboue is more established, more experienced, and better.

Obviously Gilbert is talented, but I'd pick Eboue any day over the week seeing what he is capable of.

Gilbert is a better RB than Hoyte though and I agree with that.

Eboue is the no. 1 right now that boy is hot property didn't know you were comparing Gilbert to him otherwise I would of agreed with you! :D

Arsenal are linking up with the Colorado Rapids in the MLS!

[Joel]

Eboue is the no. 1 right now that boy is hot property didn't know you were comparing Gilbert to him otherwise I would of agreed with you! :D

Arsenal are linking up with the Colorado Rapids in the MLS!

What do you mean linking up?

And I see you are a Naruto fan.

[Viperized]

Joel, he means this:

Revealed: the US billionaire who is in talks with Arsenal
By Nick Harris
Published: 09 February 2007

Arsenal are involved in advanced talks with a billionaire American sports tycoon, Stan Kroenke, about forming a ground-breaking partnership with Kroenke's Major League Soccer franchise, the Colorado Rapids, The Independent can reveal.

The deal will primarily focus on Arsenal's push for expansion in America, initially at least, but an intriguing aspect is that it will put Arsenal into business with Kroenke, one of America's richest men with a personal fortune of more than $2bn (£1.02bn).

Kroenke, 59, a property magnate, is a prolific sports investor whose portfolio includes the NFL's St Louis Rams, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and the Rapids. He sees huge potential for football in America, evidenced by heavy investment in the Rapids, including a new, dedicated stadium that will open for the 2007 season. But he has watched with interest as his compatriots Malcolm Glazer, Randy Lerner, George Gillett Jnr and Tom Hicks have bought Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool, and is understood to be open-minded about branching out in England himself.

There is no suggestion that Arsenal's current major shareholders - Danny Fiszman (25 per cent), Nina Bracewell-Smith (15.9 per cent) or David Dein (14.6 per cent) - are looking to sell, but Kroenke would give them a ready-made option if that changed and Kroenke wanted to expand his interests across the Atlantic. Another shareholder, Granada TV (9.9 per cent), would like to offload its shares, but those alone would not hand the buyer significant power.

With three of England's "big four" - United, Chelsea and Liverpool - already in foreign hands, Arsenal alone remain under British ownership. This had led to inevitable takeover rumours in the past year, not dampened by the fact that the hedge fund Lansdowne Partners has been stockpiling Arsenal shares (2.7 per cent). Lansdowne also bought into pre-takeover United, eventually selling to Glazer.

Under the terms of the proposed Arsenal-Rapids alliance, it is planned that the Rapids will be renamed, and become either Arsenal Colorado or Colorado Arsenal. There are also plans to change the colour of the team strip to match the historic maroon strip Arsenal wore last season.

Both the proposed names have been trademarked by Kroenke's Sports Enterprises firm, and their website domain names have been registered to KSE headquarters in Denver, Colorado, in anticipation of the deal being signed. The tie-up could also see the teams play against each other in friendlies, work on coaching initiatives, and develop players. The Rapids have plans to visit England for pre-season training before the 2007 MLS season starts in April. It is not known yet whether they will use Arsenal's facilities. The Rapids will play the final game of their pre-season tour against Valencia in Spain on 21 March.

Arsenal have been involved with a variety of partnership agreements, including the Belgian team Beveren and an academy in the Ivory Coast. They also have a "technical partnership" with Spain's Celta Vigo, a club increasingly likely to be used as a "staging post" for South American talent en route to London. The Rapids tie-up would give Arsenal access to North American talent, or be an option for young players to gain experience.

One stumbling block to Arsenal's link with the Rapids is that MLS rules do not allow franchises to change names or team colours without 18 months' notice, unless a penalty payment is made. Legal work to resolve this issue is ongoing. Arsenal ideally want the deal to begin in time for the 2007 season, when the international media spotlight will focus on the MLS with the arrival of David Beckham at LA Galaxy. An added complication is whether adidas, which provides kit for all MLS teams, will have time to produce a new Arsenal Colorado strip in time for this season's kick-off.

An important figure in forging the partnership is Jeff Plush, 41, the Rapids' vice-president and managing director, who is also a key man in the KSE empire. It is understood he is an Arsenal fan. He has specialised in recent years in the expansion of KSE's "strategic business initiatives, new media enterprises, and brand development".

The Gillett and Hicks takeover at Anfield has highlighted a growing desire by American sports tycoons to invest in English football. In a development which is separate from the Kroenke-Arsenal talks, The Independent understands that another American billionaire, with three franchises "in US sports", has been looking at Premiership clubs. A well-connected source at a New York investment firm said that this unnamed owner considered a bid for Liverpool last year. The source said that the person in question is not Robert Kraft, the owner of the NFL's New England Patriots, whose previous interest in Liverpool was well publicised, but declined to say who it is. The speculator is believed to be considering other options.

Arsenal are an attractive option because of their international status, while Newcastle are seen as ripe for a takeover. The owners of Manchester City and Reading would sell to the right bidder but probably lack the name recognition an American would crave.

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/premiership/article2251275.ece

[wrigh2uk]

No matter if we have a billionaire running our club, wenger would still never go on a spending spree.

[Rossy Boy]

Yeah, agree with you there wrigh2uk

[Canadian, Eh?]

I miss Lauren....

This debate about Eboue is tiring, he plays like a winger as it were. Rubbish at the defensive end. Gilbert could be better there, althought I heard he had a red card earlier this year that was quite stupid.

Hoyte has impressed me over the last while, he is better defensively than Eboue which allows Clichy to attack more.

Wigan tomorrow, 3-0 please.

[mufcsean]

Should piss all over them, its sunday isnt it?

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

I miss Lauren....

This debate about Eboue is tiring, he plays like a winger as it were. Rubbish at the defensive end. Gilbert could be better there, althought I heard he had a red card earlier this year that was quite stupid.

Hoyte has impressed me over the last while, he is better defensively than Eboue which allows Clichy to attack more.

Wigan tomorrow, 3-0 please.

Didn't you see how he closed down C.Ronaldo against Manutd? He was one of our best players in that game as he did not only contributed defensively for us but also creates goal from the wings. He is a rare player in our squad that offers width and likes to play one touch down the wing plays. The only let down of him is that he is inconsistent at times but so was Cashley for us in the early days. The young Cashley was once critized for his inconsistency in defense but Eboue is only 22 and is already a better defender than Cashley defensively in the same age.

[Scarface]

Cashley Cole as a 22 year old had already kept some of the best right wingers in the world in his pocket and been the best left-back in a World Cup. I'd say Manu Eboue has a little way to go before that status, although he has been very good defensively against some opposition. He's caught out a few times too many when he pushes up, but fortunately he has the pace to get himself out of jail on occasions, not to mention Kolo Toure covering him. Still needs to improve in the air and work on his positioning amongst other things, but he should improve with time, and nothing should stop him being one of the top 3 or 4 right-backs in European football, in the near future.

Can't stand Paul Jewell, so hopefully we'll give Wigan a good going over. Perhaps a chance for Julio Baptista?

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

We're lucky to have such an amount of talent in our squad but I do hope none of them is wasted. Take a look at the RB for example, the amount of talents we got there are mouth watering. We have Eboue that has already established himself, Gilbert who also has the potential to break into our first team and Hoyte who keeps improving. So it''ll be hard to predict our first team lineups with the amount of talents we have. So who do you think is going to make it? Eboue, Hoyte or Gilbert?

[Scarface]

I think it'll be the two we have now. Gilbert has the potential, but Hoyte has (finally) taken his chance, and Wenger seems happy with him, so it'll be more difficult for Kerrea Gilbert now. I've only seen a couple of highlights since he's been at Cardiff, but I hear he's been pretty good, although not outstanding. I hope he makes the breakthrough, though, as he looked a very promising player in the appearances he made for us. Maybe he'll be given a run in the Carling Cup team next season, and we'll keep him as backup for the defence - seeing as he can play across the backline.

[Viperized]

I miss Lauren....

This debate about Eboue is tiring, he plays like a winger as it were. Rubbish at the defensive end.
Oh so thats why Eboue has kept the likes of C. Ronaldo, Robinho, Nedved, Cameronesi and many other players in his back pocket.

[Canadian, Eh?]

I will give him Robinho and Ronaldo.

Nedved is kinda past it, and Cameronesi is hardly an achievement.

[ATH10]

Oh so thats why Eboue has kept the likes of C. Ronaldo, Robinho, Nedved, Cameronesi and many other players in his back pocket.

How many times have we heard you say that?

[JoeyM]

How many times have we heard you say that?

Probably about as many times someone has said Eboue can't defend.

I was reasonably impressed with Song today, looked a much different player than we normally see.

[Viperized]

How many times have we heard you say that?
Thought I'd mention it as the 'Eboue can't defend' theory isn't true at all.

[mo sissoko]

you are gay with Eboue he he

[Canadian, Eh?]

I was reasonably impressed with Song today, looked a much different player than we normally see.

I saw the last 30 mins and he looked determined, much different. Hopefully the loan spell will do the boy good.

Like how he wasn't taking shit from Rooney.

[Viperized]

you are gay with Eboue he he
Shut the fuck up dickhead. He he.

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

you are gay with Eboue he he

Banned serve your right. Cunt.

[Nturtle]

Are you for reals?

Eboue has been nothing short of brilliant this season. Granted his defending has not been as good as last season, but he still shut down the most in-form winger in the Premiership - C. Ronaldo. He provides so much more than Hoyte and Gilbert is not even close.

It's all relative Viperised...if he can shut down people well...he's got to do it consistently. And it is people's IMPRESSION also...why did C. Ronaldo switch wings to go against Eboue rather than take on Clichy recently?

I get your point, Eboue can't suddenly be crap or hero...I think what I'm saying is exactly the same thing...but I'm looking at it more in terms of consistency in the league as well as the games where the whole team has performed relatively well. Hleb also does a lot of shielding for Eboue...and they have a good working relationship. That's also a reflection of how good and bad they attack or defend together.

[g33k]

Arsenal are such a funny team...

[Cannon ball]

Oh shit. This is a game I need the gunners to win and guess what? They're losing.

[Joel]

Arsenal are such a funny team...

Care to elaborate on that?

[The Stig]

Arsenal are such a funny team...
They are 0-1 down to a world class strike. The first half has been fantastic end to end stuff.

[Zoolander]

You boys love to do things the hard way!

[Cannon ball]

Good an equaliser, but I fear some shits gonna happen...

I must eat my words the gooners are winning! Yay!

[vanNistelrooy]

Henry showing his class I see :rolleyes:

Anyone else think they should have had a penalty? Possibly if Heskey hadn't done a swan dive he may have got it?

[Top Gun]

It probably should of been a penalty but you know.

It was funny seeing Henry trying to be hard, Kirkland should of knocked him out, it would of been worth the red card.

[BarnDoor]

Just the sort of game that disgusts me.

Wigan should have had a penalty just before the goal. Skoko wasn't allowed back on the pitch, and Flamini was offside for the goal.

And then you have Henry acting hard towards Kirkland. Fuck off Henry you cunt, why are you giving it the biggun when you know if someone offered you out you'd get put on your arse? Kirkland should have fucking decked him. It would have been be great if De Zeeuw was playing and knocked him out.

And then Lehmann wasting time, yet Henry said nothing than did he? Arsenal complete their usual jammy routine, robbing games in the last ten minutes they never deserved to win.

There's two things I hate in football - Liverpool fans thinking they'll ever win the title and Arsenal players thinking they're hard. Save Baptista there's no one with any bite to back up their bark in that team. I'd love to see Lehmann get put on his arse one day.

God I've remembered how much I hated Arsenal now. Can't wait til they go to Bolton in midweek and get hacked off the park.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

It probably should of been a penalty but you know.

It was funny seeing Henry trying to be hard, Kirkland should of knocked him out, it would of been worth the red card.

Nah, we don't know, please tell us why it wasn't. I wonder if your answer should involve "top team at home" and "not a big name".

Yet again we are told of how amazing this heart of Arsenal at home is. If it were away from home fair enough and I do think there is a spirit in the side which will only grow over time, but come on at home Arsenal should be brushing teams aside as even the less prolific Liverpool do.

[calculus]

What do you mean linking up?

And I see you are a Naruto fan.

Viperized explained that I guess! And yeah Naruto big fan of it!

Nah, we don't know, please tell us why it wasn't. I wonder if your answer should involve "top team at home" and "not a big name".

Yet again we are told of how amazing this heart of Arsenal at home is. If it were away from home fair enough and I do think there is a spirit in the side which will only grow over time, but come on at home Arsenal should be brushing teams aside as even the less prolific Liverpool do.

Arsenal don't play with anything it seems until we go 1-0 down...if we go 1-0 down at Bolton we will be out of the FA Cup guaranteed!

[PEM]

great game! wtf is up with henry cokey or what?

[BarnDoor]

No, he's just a cunt.

[Rossy Boy]

I think he was just frustrated with Kirklands timewasting, still good result and i dont see how Lehmann got booked and Kirkland did its shocking

[Canadian, Eh?]

If Wigan are allowed to time waste for 40 mins I don't see why we are not allowed to time waste for 5 mins.

I thought the Adebayor offside could have easily been let to go for a goal.

The penalty was just like the one against Senderos last week, Heskey is a big man, he should have been fighting for it more instead of flailing around like a girl.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

If Wigan are allowed to time waste for 40 mins I don't see why we are not allowed to time waste for 5 mins.

I thought the Adebayor offside could have easily been let to go for a goal.

The penalty was just like the one against Senderos last week, Heskey is a big man, he should have been fighting for it more instead of flailing around like a girl.

Translation:

Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal ......

[Rossy Boy]

Yeah he went down looking for the penalty

[Canadian, Eh?]

If Henry was replaced with Heskey and the penalty wasn't given everyone would have came on msg boards saying "Diving cunt!"

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

I think he was just frustrated with Kirklands timewasting, still good result and i dont see how Lehmann got booked and Kirkland did its shocking

Maybe because all Kirkland was doing was what every keeper does when their side are winning. Lehmann was acting like a twat and deliberately threw the ball at the advertising boards to waste time.

I think it sums up the kind of fan you find in the Emirates that they all found this funny and were "waying" as it happened but then reacted angrily when Lehmann was rightly booked.

[PEM]

No, he's just a cunt.
:laugh: all in a few words

[Scarface]

Firstly, Clichy and Henry's dives were a disgrace. We can't complain about conceding a penalty that shouldn't have been awarded, when the next week we twice try to cheat to get ourselves level.

Although I don't condone Henry's reaction, he was clearly and understandably frustrated with Kirkland continuously wasting time, in a pathetic manner. It's also very convenient that as soon as Jens Lehmann copies the tactic he gets booked. Great consistency there.

Our first goal was offside, but then for Adebayor's "goal", he had what, an arm offside? That was borderline and on other occasions would have been allowed.

Flamini was very clumsy to touch Heskey's shoulder, as we should have learnt after last week that minimal contact is enough for penalties and sendings off. Then again, what's the difference between Taylor pulling Henry's shirt as he lined up a shot from a great position at 1-1? No mention whatsoever of that being a penalty.

Let's also forget about Fitz Hall's appalling challenge on Gael Clichy at the end. That's a career threatening challenge, and far worse than a few verbals from Henry towards Kirkland. Glad to see the lanky cunt injure himself in the process.

We didn't handle ourselves in a good manner on occasions (although neither did they), but that was what they wanted. It was their gameplan to wind us up, and they succeeded, just unfortunately for them the result didn't turn out quite as they intended.

Admittedly, we were lucky to pick up the win today, but we were unlucky last week to not win, and as we are so often reminded when things don't go our way, "things even themselves out".

[northlondon]

we al know arsenal played shit, be we won and thats what matters.
anyhoo, the only reason scouse fans are giving a dig at arsenal is because theyre sour about getting beat by newcastle.

[northlondon]

Firstly, Clichy and Henry's dives were a disgrace. We can't complain about conceding a penalty that shouldn't have been awarded, when the next week we twice try to cheat to get ourselves level.

Although I don't condone Henry's reaction, he was clearly and understandably frustrated with Kirkland continuously wasting time, in a pathetic manner. It's also very convenient that as soon as Jens Lehmann copies the tactic he gets booked. Great consistency there.

Our first goal was offside, but then for Adebayor's "goal", he had what, an arm offside? That was borderline and on other occasions would have been allowed.

Flamini was very clumsy to touch Heskey's shoulder, as we should have learnt after last week that minimal contact is enough for penalties and sendings off. Then again, what's the difference between Taylor pulling Henry's shirt as he lined up a shot from a great position at 1-1? No mention whatsoever of that being a penalty.

Let's also forget about Fitz Hall's appalling challenge on Gael Clichy at the end. That's a career threatening challenge, and far worse than a few verbals from Henry towards Kirkland. Glad to see the lanky cunt injure himself in the process.

We didn't handle ourselves in a good manner on occasions (although neither did they), but that was what they wanted. It was their gameplan to wind us up, and they succeeded, just unfortunately for them the result didn't turn out quite as they intended.

Admittedly, we were lucky to pick up the win today, but we were unlucky last week to not win, and as we are so often reminded when things don't go our way, "things even themselves out".


damn straight scarface

[g33k]

They are 0-1 down to a world class strike. The first half has been fantastic end to end stuff.

And to a team 17th in the Premiership. WELL DONE! There was some idiot who said Arsenal were better than Man U. This is a perfect example of why they are not.

[nath_scfc]

Just the sort of game that disgusts me.

Wigan should have had a penalty just before the goal. Skoko wasn't allowed back on the pitch, and Flamini was offside for the goal.

And then you have Henry acting hard towards Kirkland. Fuck off Henry you cunt, why are you giving it the biggun when you know if someone offered you out you'd get put on your arse? Kirkland should have fucking decked him. It would have been be great if De Zeeuw was playing and knocked him out.

And then Lehmann wasting time, yet Henry said nothing than did he? Arsenal complete their usual jammy routine, robbing games in the last ten minutes they never deserved to win.

There's two things I hate in football - Liverpool fans thinking they'll ever win the title and Arsenal players thinking they're hard. Save Baptista there's no one with any bite to back up their bark in that team. I'd love to see Lehmann get put on his arse one day.

God I've remembered how much I hated Arsenal now. Can't wait til they go to Bolton in midweek and get hacked off the park.
Agree with this mostly, some loose parts of it I disagree with, but on the whole the basic idea of this sums up my thoughts. I don't like Wigan either.

I think with the penalty the Ref saw the incident and was caught in two minds, then Heskey's reputation's gone before him and the decision has gone the wrong way, in my opinion. Although Heskey should've scored early in the second half, and was unlucky not to when he hit the post.

[vanNistelrooy]

Career threatening tackle?

[cracky]

Appears rather fortunate we won today with two late goals. Vital we won today and I've no qualms of how we win if we do indeed get the result. Just gonna check the Landzaat goal out, I've heard it's rather special.

[Scarface]

Career threatening tackle?

Yes, there was no attempt for the ball, and he tried to jump and kick Clichy's leg with full force, which could result in a serious injury.

I now hope he has a spell on the sidelines.

Appears rather fortunate we won today with two late goals. Vital we won today and I've no qualms of how we win if we do indeed get the result. Just gonna check the Landzaat goal out, I've heard it's rather special.

It was a superb strike, and what we deserved, after about the tenth time we failed to clear the ball further than 10 yards.

[ATH10]

If Henry was replaced with Heskey and the penalty wasn't given everyone would have came on msg boards saying "Diving cunt!"

And if Heskey was replaced by Henry and Flamini by Fitz Hall you'd be saying penalty. The Linesman bottled the penalty decision as it was against Arsenal at home.

[calculus]

And if Heskey was replaced by Henry and Flamini by Fitz Hall you'd be saying penalty. The Linesman bottled the penalty decision as it was against Arsenal at home.

Well last week we conceeded a Pen which wasn't and this week we got away with a pen that was!

Bolton won, Liverpool lost and we took advantage bring on Wednesday!

[Joel]

Well you don't have Jens Lehmann available for the Carling Cup Final. But no doubt Manuel Almunia was going to start anyway.

calculus, do you download Naruto episodes, or watch it on Jetix?

[calculus]

Well you don't have Jens Lehmann available for the Carling Cup Final. But no doubt Manuel Almunia was going to start anyway.

calculus, do you download Naruto episodes, or watch it on Jetix?


He wasn't going to play I don't think anyway! It was funny and dumb at the same time the way he got booked luckily it was a home game! Imagine if that was away the fans would of gone mental!

Watch Jetix at the mo' but will d/l the Jap version soon!

[ThierryHenry14]

we've now come back from 1-0 to either draw or win this season so far by 12 games it's a good thing but we shouldn't be going 1-0 down in the 1st place but it seems to make arsenal play better and stronger

[Bammers05]

We were quite lucky to win today after quite a poor performance from both us and the ref

Has anyone got any news on Djourou's injury? It must have been quite serious to have been taken off straight away

[calculus]

We were quite lucky to win today after quite a poor performance from both us and the ref

Has anyone got any news on Djourou's injury? It must have been quite serious to have been taken off straight away

I think he was taken off for tactical reasons AW made the decision to change him not GL!

[Joel]

Who is GL?

[Irons1102]

Who is GL?

I think he means Gary Lewin the physio.

[kallum]

Wenger said it appears Djourou has a broken nose.

Nothing too serious.

[AgentZero]

henry...why was he celebrating an oggie

[Viperized]

Scarface, very well said. I completely agree with you.

Heskey clearly dived. Look at the size of Flamini and then look at the size of Heskey. Flamini hardly touched the fat cunt.

If anyone thought that was a penalty then please lay of the drugs.

Translation:

Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal ......
What the fuck is that supposed to mean?


And then Lehmann wasting time, yet Henry said nothing than did he? Arsenal complete their usual jammy routine, robbing games in the last ten minutes they never deserved to win.
So its okay for Kirkland to waste time?

Lehmann was only doing it because of Kirkland. I hope he gets another injury.

Robbing games in the last ten minutes when we never deserved to win? We retained far more of the ball, had more shots, had more possession. We had an onside goal disallowed, with our players missing 4/5 sitters.

Doesn't matter though, the end result shows we won, 2-1.

[Top Gun]

Scarface, very well said. I completely agree with you.

Heskey clearly dived. Look at the size of Flamini and then look at the size of Heskey. Flamini hardly touched the fat cunt.

If anyone thought that was a penalty then please lay of the drugs.


What the fuck is that supposed to mean?


So its okay for Kirkland to waste time?

Lehmann was only doing it because of Kirkland. I hope he gets another injury.

Robbing games in the last ten minutes when we never deserved to win? We retained far more of the ball, had more shots, had more possession. We had an onside goal disallowed, with our players missing 4/5 sitters.

Doesn't matter though, the end result shows we won, 2-1.

More possesion? This suggests different,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/live_text/4794777.stm

[ATH10]

David Platt thought it was a penalty. Doesn't that tell you something?

[Barry]

Lovely goal by Landzaat though, long time since I saw him do that.

[Viperized]

More possesion? This suggests different,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/live_text/4794777.stm
skysports:

63.1 Possession 36.9

[Scarface]

David Platt thought it was a penalty. Doesn't that tell you something?

Not at all. Watch the games he analyses us in, and he more often than not supports the opposition's case. Doesn't seem biased to Arsenal in the slightest - perhaps due to him actually being a Man Utd fan ;)

Richard Keys

Right, that’s it. I’ve had enough of him.

Richard Keys, Sky Sports football presenter - I claim you. You can run but you can’t hide. Me and you need to sort out our problems and there’s only one way to do it. Fisticuffs.

I know how much you love Man United (again) and how over the last couple of seasons you’ve loved Chelsea, but I’ve had enough now of your constant and half-witted sniping against Arsenal.

Today, when Arsenal came back from 1-0 down against Wigan you just couldn’t help yourself. First you were waffling on about Thierry Henry’s reaction to Arsenal’s first goal. Fair enough, he should probably have known better but in the great scheme of things it’s hardly that important. Not to you though, if there’s a mountain to be made out of an Arsenal molehill you’ll do it. Demands for public apologies are feckless and ridiculous but that’s what you encouraged Platt and McAllister to say.

Arsenal have ‘lost friends’ today, he said. Funny, I thought football was about winning games, not making friends. And if we’ve lost cunts like you as friends then all the better.

Somehow Chris Kirkland’s constant time-wasting, which I totally understand by the way, is not as bad as Jens Lehmann’s one ‘offence’.

Then there’s the penalty incident. If you go by what happened to Senderos last week then it was inside the area and a penalty. However, when you say that Flamini ‘wrestled Heskey to the ground’ then you’re going too fucking far. How does a hand on the shoulder of a 6′2 16 stone athlete get construed as wrestling someone to the ground? If it had been at the other end while I would have wanted a penalty I’d have been embarrassed if one of our players had done that when they had a chance to score.

The same as Yakubu last week and I didn’t hear you say a word about his admission that he’d dived. Did you say anything to McAllister when he said Heskey ‘had to go down’.

“Why would he go down there?”, you asked the panelists

Well, I can think of one reason. He’s shit. He missed two great chances already. What’s easier? To try again and miss another good chance, because let’s be completely honest about this Heskey could easily have stayed on his feet and had a shot, or to take a tumble and let someone else take the responsibility? Exactly.

But more than anything else it’s the sneering pleasure you take in highlighting any Arsenal incident that does my fucking head in. You’re happy to highlight the trivial but completely ignore things that need to be spoken about again.

Remember earlier in the season when Arsenal played West Ham at Upton Park? Afterwards you couldn’t stop going on about how Arsene Wenger reacted to Alan Pardew’s provocation but completely glossed over the fact that some West Ham scumbag threw a coin which hit Robin van Persie.

I remember some years back when Arsenal played Man City. We were 2-0 up and then Anelka scored. He ran to get the ball back and I think it was Ashley Cole who got in the way. Anelka grabbed Cole by the head and threw him on the ground and got a red card for his trouble. Your bullshit condemnation was for Cole though.

You’re an arsehole with an agenda and it’s so see-through that it might as well be double glazed.

Over the years there have been countless incidents like this. Today was the final straw. I now realise that no matter how how pathetic an incident is you won’t hesitate to make the most of it once it means you can be negative about it. Although I would be happy to engage you in debate or measured conversation I know it would be like talking to a brick wall. You want your ‘yes men’ on the panel who will respond to your transparent leading questions.

As I said earlier the only option is a fight. I’m not a violent man. I believe the world would be a better place if people talked more but the problem with you is that you need to talk less. A lot fucking less.

So I claim you. Let’s have at it. Sky Sports car park. Whenever you want.

http://arseblog.com/columns/?p=43

:laugh:

Can't stand the pretentious asshole either.

[BarnDoor]

So its okay for Kirkland to waste time?

Lehmann was only doing it because of Kirkland. I hope he gets another injury.

Robbing games in the last ten minutes when we never deserved to win? We retained far more of the ball, had more shots, had more possession. We had an onside goal disallowed, with our players missing 4/5 sitters.

Doesn't matter though, the end result shows we won, 2-1.

The difference is i don't mind Kirkland, Lehmann is a fucking cunt and deserves a slap. The shoving of people, the belief he is amazing when he isn't, the whole package just digusts me in ways i can't really explain

The main point here is wigan deserved something from the game and Henry believed just because he has alot of talent, he also hard, which is not the case and never will be. He looked a twat and if he had tried it with someone with abit of a temper he would have shit it. Plain and simple

[JoeyM]

The difference is i don't mind Kirkland, Lehmann is a fucking cunt and deserves a slap. The shoving of people, the belief he is amazing when he isn't, the whole package just digusts me in ways i can't really explain

The main point here is wigan deserved something from the game and Henry believed just because he has alot of talent, he also hard, which is not the case and never will be. He looked a twat and if he had tried it with someone with abit of a temper he would have shit it. Plain and simple

Fair enough about Lehmann, I love him but he is an absolute twat at times (okay, all the time). But I don't see how Henry was acting hard, I've done similar things when playing, and I sure as hell know I'm not hard. It was arrogant, but he's French, what can you do?

And let's be honest with ourselves, that was never a penalty, the "fat-titted cunt" (as I think you would put it) clearly just fell over the second he felt contact. I don't blame him though, if I was as shit as him I would've done the same thing.

Wigan probably didn't deserve to lose, but it's about time we've gotten some luck our way, it just happened that all of our luck came in one match.

[vanNistelrooy]

Now that was some goal by Landzaat!

[Jonny2J]

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1471/animation3gb6di7.gif

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Scarface, very well said. I completely agree with you.

Heskey clearly dived. Look at the size of Flamini and then look at the size of Heskey. Flamini hardly touched the fat cunt.

If anyone thought that was a penalty then please lay of the drugs.


What the fuck is that supposed to mean?


So its okay for Kirkland to waste time?

Lehmann was only doing it because of Kirkland. I hope he gets another injury.

Robbing games in the last ten minutes when we never deserved to win? We retained far more of the ball, had more shots, had more possession. We had an onside goal disallowed, with our players missing 4/5 sitters.

Doesn't matter though, the end result shows we won, 2-1.

Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal,Arsenal,Arsenal......

[Rossy Boy]

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1471/animation3gb6di7.gif

:laugh::laugh:

Thierry Henry claims his confrontation with Chris Kirkland was 'just a joke', insisting he was annoyed by the Wigan Athletic goalkeeper's time-wasting.

After Arsenal had equalised at Emirates Stadium through Fitz Hall's own goal, Henry taunted Kirkland by offering the keeper the ball.

The Gunners captain was booked for his gesture, but has played down the seriousness of his actions, claiming he was merely responding to Kirkland's time-wasting.

"Kirkland started to waste time from the first minute," said Henry.

"This is one of the games when I have run the most because I was trying to get the ball off him.

"When we scored I asked him if he wanted to waste any more time.

"It was just a joke, but it was a bit annoying."

Arsene Wenger backed his striker in the row, which cast a cloud over Arsenal's comeback in recording a 2-1 success.

"Thierry was upset, but what he did, for me, was right," said Wenger.

"People do not pay money to see people waste time, they come to see football.

"Okay, he should not have done that, but it is not the biggest insult we have seen in football.

"The time-wasting started in the first half - the goalkeeper kept crossing over his area to take kicks."

[Viperized]

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1471/animation3gb6di7.gif
Disgraceful dive.

:(

[jw7103]

Disgraceful dive.

:(
what about the contact outside of the box by the wigan defender. Henry tried to stay on his feet but lost his balance. How can that be a dive.
However said that clichy dived need to check again as there was contact there but that was outside the box originally.
Heskey is twice the build of flamini and should of never gone down as easy as he did.
Henry shouldn't of showed his anger towards kirkland after the equaliser but when a keeper time wastes for 50mins after they score what do you expect. The ref made mistakes in the game and surely the prem league and the ref association need to look at the ref's performances this season and take a stand as more ref's are bottling bigger decisions more this season than last.

[calculus]

Henry didn't dive! Nor did Clichy! Now I wasn't really going to mention Heskey but what ever... for those of you who play football if someone tugs your shoulder do you fall down? not the way Flamini tugged Heskey he made the most of it and got nothing shame on him! I've seen Heskey shrug off 6ft plus defenders to go through on goal so why couldn't he do that with a french toad? I don't think he dived but rather fell to ground theatrically to make the most of the situation and it back fired!

[g33k]

Yes, his leg just magically collapsed under him! :rolleyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLZQVtKkK9k

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

If that was a dive, then it was a stupid looking amateur dive but it doesn't seem like a dive does it?

[Top Gun]

Credit to the Arsenal fans like Viperized and Scarface which can admit that it was a dive and not just be pointlessly biased.

The people who don't think it is a dive must be retarded so we shouldn't really take the piss out of them.

[JoeyM]

Pretty shit dive as well, he might have had as shout if he went down when the initial contact was, but it looked a bit of an afterthought, as in "Fuck, I'm not going to be able to keep that one in, I guess I'll just fall over."

[PEM]

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1471/animation3gb6di7.gif



:laugh:

henry says it was a joke with the arguement with kirkland.:rolleyes::rolleyes:: rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:: rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:: rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:: rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:: rolleyes:

[kallum]

Save it mate, save it.

What I think Henry meant was it was all as gamesmanship. Nobody likes timewasting and he told him off for it. It's nothing personal.

Bring on the Trotters.

[PEM]

yeah,but he cant really complain when his own keeper does it day in day out

[kallum]

Well, do you ever see players critising their own for time wasting?

No.

It was all Gamesmanship. Gamesmanship is always directed at the opposition.

It's fucking pathetic how whenever Arsenal (Or Chelsea you could argue) do something possibly, if it all controversial- everyone gets on their cases.

It that was Rooney giving Kirkland the lecture everyone would be admiring his 'passion'.

[PEM]

:laugh: "passion"
i do admit the rooney thing.:lol:

ok it was "gamesmanship" but what i want to know is
did henry go to kirkland at the end of the game? if yes did he say sorry?

[kallum]

:laugh: "passion"
i do admit the rooney thing.:lol:

ok it was "gamesmanship" but what i want to know is
did henry go to kirkland at the end of the game? if yes did he say sorry?

Erm, I really couldn't say though seen as it's you doing the critising I'd argue it's down to you to tell me.

And if he didn't, big deal. Like I said I feel it wasn't personal, and I doubt it's really shaken Mr. Kirkland up. Thierry didn't have to say sorry about anything, this kind of stuff happens week in week out.

Now put your cock away, and get over it.

[Guillermo]

If that was a dive, then it was a stupid looking amateur dive but it doesn't seem like a dive does it?

Yes.. :mellow:

He started to lose his balance, but then managed to regain it. So just fell over like a woman anyway.

[jw7103]

Credit to the Arsenal fans like Viperized and Scarface which can admit that it was a dive and not just be pointlessly biased.

The people who don't think it is a dive must be retarded so we shouldn't really take the piss out of them.
look carefully at the link for the vid on youtube. watch the whole vid and u will c contact between henry and defender. please watch the full vid before making a comment.

[calculus]

:laugh: "passion"
i do admit the rooney thing.:lol:

ok it was "gamesmanship" but what i want to know is
did henry go to kirkland at the end of the game? if yes did he say sorry?


He went to him twice at the end of the game!

[Nturtle]

Read it on the Arsenal.com website...Henry apologised in his own way.

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=447822&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Henry+plays+down+alterca tion+with+Wigan+keeper+Kirklan d

There's not much too it....Wenger said it all...."Okay, he should not have done that, but it is not the biggest insult we have seen in football."

Onto Bolton...let's break this hoodoo!!!!

[calculus]

Why of all teams Bolton tough match and with Cesc looking a bit under the weather its going to be tough any team news?

[pistolpete]

Well, if Cesc is missing form the team against olton then i would put Diaby or Denilson in his place, although i have a feeling Wenger will replace him with Flamini.

Just a thought - with Hleb still recovering and Walcott lacking confidence, could we move Rosicky to the right and play Clichy and Traore on the left - i seem to remember Cole getting a run on the left wing with Clichy backing him up during the 04/05 season.
It will make good use of Clichys attacking ability and also both are natural leftbacks so i doubt we would be troubled at the back with them both defending ??

[calculus]

Well, if Cesc is missing form the team against olton then i would put Diaby or Denilson in his place, although i have a feeling Wenger will replace him with Flamini.

Just a thought - with Hleb still recovering and Walcott lacking confidence, could we move Rosicky to the right and play Clichy and Traore on the left - i seem to remember Cole getting a run on the left wing with Clichy backing him up during the 04/05 season.
It will make good use of Clichys attacking ability and also both are natural leftbacks so i doubt we would be troubled at the back with them both defending ??

No idea Clichy is alright down the left but needs to improve on his delivery!

[Rambo]

Henry is going to be rested for the Bolton match.

[Viperized]

I'd like to see Diaby start.

He is one tough nut. Hleb is also back in the squad. I'd like him to start too.

Senderos is still suspended, so I'm expecting this backline:
Hoyte Toure Djourou Clichy

Lehmann is rested, so Almunia is starting,.

[Canadian, Eh?]

I can only assume.

Almunia

Hoyte Toure Djourou Clichy

Denilson Diaby Gilberto Rosicky

Adebayor Baptista


With Freddie maybe put back in for Rosicky. Henry being rested as Wenger said.

[Stella Artois]

Typical anti-Arsenal bollocks from the United and Liverpool contingent. :rolleyes:

Three things:

1) Twas never a penalty
2) Adebayor scored a perfectly good goal which was disallowed
3) Flamini wasn't offside

Good day.

[Scarface]

Didn't Arsene Wenger say Manuel Almunia will start in all our domestic cup games this season when he's available? Lehmann being rested is no surprise.

I can only assume.

Almunia

Hoyte Toure Djourou Clichy

Denilson Diaby Gilberto Rosicky

Adebayor Baptista

That looks accurate, but I have a feeling that Ljungberg may get a surprise start. Assuming we have a couple of key players on the bench to bring on later in the game, we still have a chance, but with the Champions League starting again next week, I'm a little worried about our chances tomorrow. I'd be quite confident, were it not for the game against PSV next week, which we're carefully planning for.

[Stella Artois]

I'd be surprised if Ljungberg was thrown straight into it.

I'd like to see Diaby starting, along with Baptista and Denilson.

Perhaps a team of:

Almunia
Hoyte Toure Gilberto/Djourou (will he be fit?)/ Clichy
Walcott Diaby Denilson Rosicky
Ade Baptista

[Viperized]

Yes Djourou is fit. He'll definitely start tomorrow.

[Nturtle]

I'd go with Denilson instead of Cesc as well....give the kid a rest!

I suspect Ljungberg will start on the right for the "experience"...with Hleb subbing him....or the other way around.

Diaby would be a good start....but Gilberto will most likely hold his place...again for the senior team experience.

I just hope our frontline is strong enough....Aliadiere, Ade and Baptista....mmm....just wish VP was mixing in there!

[calculus]

I'd go with Denilson instead of Cesc as well....give the kid a rest!

I suspect Ljungberg will start on the right for the "experience"...with Hleb subbing him....or the other way around.

Diaby would be a good start....but Gilberto will most likely hold his place...again for the senior team experience.

I just hope our frontline is strong enough....Aliadiere, Ade and Baptista....mmm....just wish VP was mixing in there!

I think we're really missing RvP we've had a stupid amount of injuries this season but the squad is only just now able to cope with it!I.E. they are coming good now!

[Nturtle]

I think we're really missing RvP we've had a stupid amount of injuries this season but the squad is only just now able to cope with it!I.E. they are coming good now!

Well the thing is...it does give those fringe players more of a chance...like Aliadiere, Diaby (for Flamini), Hoyte (Eboue), Djourou (Senderos/Gallas), Walcott (Hleb/Ljungberg)...etc. But I too would like an injury free squad...like ManU's!!! :happy:

[Viperized]

I think Diaby should start.

Bolton's dirty tactics didn't affect us last year when Diaby was in midfield.

[calculus]

Bring on Bolton tonight I'm on a love in with the Gunners! :blush:

[Viperized]

Arseblogger:

'Kolo Toure wants revenge and Kolo gets what Kolo wants. Nobody fucks with The Kolo.'
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007070356,00.html

Haha, nice.

[AgentZero]

so who currently stands as le arse's most expensive player?
i don;t you lot have ever dished out more than 9M and that was for snr Reyes

[pistolpete]

With our most expensive players we seem to pay a smaller fee when we sign them and then lots of smaller bonus payments.
I thought Reyes was in the region of £17m
Henry was £10.5m
Wiltord was £13m

[Viperized]

Reyes was £17m depending on cups won, international appearances, goals etc.

[calculus]

so who currently stands as le arse's most expensive player?
i don;t you lot have ever dished out more than 9M and that was for snr Reyes

Right now I think Henry is by far our most expensive player at 10.5m! He's not even worth Saha :laugh:

[ThierryHenry14]

henry and lehmann not playing could be a bad choice good to hear it's on tonight bbc 1 8.00pm

[northlondon]

to be honest, i think were gonna lose 2-0

[jw7103]

to be honest, i think were gonna lose 2-0

ur prediction out of the window then lol

[kallum]

Good games thus far, shame the piss poor commentary is ruining it.

Denilson. :wub:

[calculus]

That boy Denilson is Fabregas Jr.

[jw7103]

That boy Denilson is Fabregas Jr.

more like a gilberto jr. than fabregas jr.

reckon it is about time we beat bolton away

[Joel]

Gilberto :huh:

[jw7103]

1-0 gilberto misses a penalty.
who reckons the either baptista or adebayor should of taken it.

[Stella Artois]

We're absolutely pissing on them and should be out of site...I give it two minutes before they score.

[jw7103]

We're absolutely pissing on them and should be out of site...I give it two minutes before they score.

I hope not. Haven't got ne more wine to drink during the game

[kallum]

Campo, diving. Disgraceful.

I wonder what big fat Sam's gotta say about that.

[CaptainCabinet]

Probably something with a lot of spit if the last close up when Tal Ben Haim got booked is anything to go by...

:laugh: From the BBC site,
"2138: The first yellow card of the night goes to... Tal Ben Haim - for a foul on Emmanuel Adebayor. And the Arctic Monkeys win Best British Album. Overrated if you ask me. I know you weren't." Clever lad if you ask me.

and, :laugh: at Adebayor.

[Rambo]

Adebayor's miss :laugh:

[Stella Artois]

Its a lass.

Ade deserved another goal, he's been fucking brilliant thus far. In fact the whole team have been.

How I hope that Walrus-faced cunt slips and slits his throat on the way out of the ground.

[kallum]

Oh for fuck sake...

[Dan]

Bugger.

[Stella Artois]

That was worse than being bum raped.

[vanNistelrooy]

That was worse than being bum raped.
And this guy should know!

Trust me :ninja:

[Stella Artois]

Too right.

It's a bloody shame Ljungberg has had to come on, we now have absolutely nothing down the right.

[martin_cranie]

I knew that was going to happen. If we lose this now, we'll have only ourselves to blame.

[vanNistelrooy]

Wouldn't worry too much. If it goes to penalties you'll breaze through (as long as Gilberto doesn't take one :ninja:).

[jw7103]

can't do a penalty shoot-out tonite as my wife wasn't happy with bristol getting a penalty shoot-out last nite

[kallum]

I can feel the likes of Rafalutionary & co waiting in the wings for a Bolton win.

:mellow:

C'MON YOU GOONERS!

[Stella Artois]

Yeah well he can remember, 3-0, 3-1, 6-3 before he pipes up the stupid cunt.

SORT IT OUT.

[jw7103]

am now out if wine not good. Drank 2 bottles tonite

[Stella Artois]

Now aren't you a crazy guy?

[Scarface]

We've had it. Really fucked ourselves over here. I said after 50 minutes when Toure gave the ball away after failing to perform the same skill for the fourth time, Bolton won't beat us tonight. We'll either win 2-0 with another Adebayor goal or beat ourselves. Couldn't have done it better if we had tried. Chris Waddle would even have to laugh at that one.

This isn't a knee-jerk reaction as i've said it before, but why the fuck is Tomas Rosicky not taking the penalties? He's the best penalty taker we have in the squad. Maybe he doesn't have the confidence due to his lack of goals, but the sooner he's on them, the better.

I'm not even going to reach the age of 30; i'll have heart failure by then. Either that, or i'll have to put myself out of the misery. This is beyond belief. Can't even bring myself to watch anymore of it. Sorry for the pessimism, just ignore me, i'll be sitting in the corner quivering.

[Stella Artois]

Get someone to bitch slap you to calm you the fuck down.

[Original?]

Of all the people...

[kallum]

LJUNGBERG!!!!


Get the fuck in there!

[Joel]

If it is a foul, surely it is a red card. It doesn't matter now, but they always like to speak about the letter of the law.

What is wrong with your penalty takers? Damn!

[BarnDoor]

Arsenal are fucking useless, and Pederson is a talentless fat cunt, lets just leave it at that.

[vanNistelrooy]

Wouldn't worry too much. If it goes to penalties you'll breaze through (as long as Gilberto doesn't take one :ninja:).
...or Baptista.

[Stella Artois]

Well that was a brilliant cup-tie, end-to-end stuff but I think we run out deserved winners in the end.

Two things:
1) Why wasn't Anelka sent-off?
2) Adebayor was absolutely excellent!

[calculus]

Probably something with a lot of spit if the last close up when Tal Ben Haim got booked is anything to go by...

:laugh: From the BBC site,
"2138: The first yellow card of the night goes to... Tal Ben Haim - for a foul on Emmanuel Adebayor. And the Arctic Monkeys win Best British Album. Overrated if you ask me. I know you weren't." Clever lad if you ask me.

and, :laugh: at Adebayor.

:laugh: along with yoiu how many chance did we miss!

Too right.

It's a bloody shame Ljungberg has had to come on, we now have absolutely nothing down the right.

But your singing Freddies song now!

[Stella Artois]

Well, I'll concede that it was a brilliantly taken goal, but it was made by a superb run by Aliadiere who looked excellent when he came on.

[calculus]

Well, I'll concede that it was a brilliantly taken goal, but it was made by a superb run by Aliadiere who looked excellent when he came on.


Yeah don't sell him keep him for the Cups!

Now... is it me or does Baptista need about a 3m diameter circle of space to control the ball? he always controls it away from him and in a tight game well you can imagine what happens!

Also Hleb had a great game his ball control had me droolling! 2 quick feet dribbling just wish he took on that shot when he coasted passed three players instead of passing it!

[Scarface]

Denilson, Rosicky, Hleb and Adebayor were all brilliant. We played some excellent football again, but when will we learn to stop making such hard work of it? Agh, who am I fooling, it'll never change, it's the Arsenal way. I was expecting Jaaskelainen to bicycle kick an equaliser in, with the way it was going. Thank christ we made it through. Hopefully Blackburn will be a little less stressful.

[pistolpete]

I agree Rosicky should take the penalties when Henry and RVP are away, but anyone but Gilberto, he has no composure - theres plenty of players with better technique, id like to see Cesc take one.
Thats 4 pen misses this season for us Gilberto2 Baptista2 - Brazilians!

Never seen anything like the end of that game.
Way to shoot ourselves in the foot with the misses we made but under all the wierdness of the game - we beat Bolton, our problem team, on their ground, and shut up AllardARSE.
Was really impressed with some of the passing tonight and especially with Clichy, and Denilson - maybe people will believe me about him now - that guy is a quality player.
Special mentions also to Toure (as usual) almunia, Diaby, Adebayor and Aliadiere.

Thanks for the well taken goal Fredy but better is required if he wants to stay in the team.

[calculus]

Denilson, Rosicky, Hleb and Adebayor were all brilliant. We played some excellent football again, but when will we learn to stop making such hard work of it? Agh, who am I fooling, it'll never change, it's the Arsenal way. I was expecting Jaaskelainen to bicycle kick an equaliser in, with the way it was going. Thank christ we made it through. Hopefully Blackburn will be a little less stressful.

Yeah right they are going to f**k us up physically would you stick with the same team?

No Fab, No Lehmann and no Henry?

[vanNistelrooy]

Two things:
1) Why wasn't Anelka sent-off?
2) Adebayor was absolutely excellent!
1) Does it really matter, in hindsight?
2) Yes he was. Probably your player of the season. Either him or Clichy.

[Viperized]

3-1. Fantastic! We definitely deserved to win, and we were long due a win against Bolton too. Next game is Blackburn at Home. I'm feeling very confident..

Unfortunately, we wasted far too many opportunities and it could've cost us dearly. I almost had an asthma attack when Meite scored. We should be far more clinical. Although we mostly controlled the game, we lacked the killer blow. The scoreline could've and should've been 6-1 to us.

I was disappointed with Baptista. He missed chance after chance after chance. He could've scored a hat-trick!

Aliadiere however was brilliant. He has frightening pace and is an excellent dribbler. I think he is a real handful to keep and I would not want him to leave. He made a huge impact tonight.

Denilson was fantastic and Diaby was brilliant, although he lost the ball on a couple of occasions. Patrick Vieira No. II? Looks likely, doesn't it? Denilson looks like a Gilberto and Fabregas rolled into one. Nice to see Hleb playing so well and brightly after being injured for a long time. Last year he struggled to find form after his injury.. it took him a long time. But I'm happy he slotted right in the team.

Adebayor was great and worked hard, though he had a shocking miss. Rosicky played well... the whole team played well.

I'm glad we've finally got the better of Bolton, and I'd just love to see the face of that fat Walrus cunt.

edit: I completely agree Rosicky should be our penalty taker when Henry or Van Persie aren't present. He has taken many for Dortmund and Czech Republic and seems to slot them with ease. I just knew Gilberto would miss his and I could sense Baptista would also miss his.

[calculus]

1) Does it really matter, in hindsight?
2) Yes he was. Probably your player of the season. Either him or Clichy.

Only when Henry is not playing! Has anyone noticed that the only player that could really have henry under his thumb was Bergkamp? The mecurial Dutchman!

[pistolpete]

Jens wont play cause its a cuop game.
Henry will come in for Baptista.
Wenger has a decision to make on Cesc, i think he will bring back Gilberto into midfield and play cesc, but Diaby and Denilson excelled themselves.

[calculus]

watching highlights of the game again :D TBH I can't believe we got through because of the number of chances we missed how can you miss 2 penalties in a game :no:

[Viperized]

Oh and Clichy... what a left-back he is.

He has been absolutely brilliant this season. He has easily been the most impressive fullback in the Premiership.

No one could get past him tonight. Scarface, he is easily in the league of Lahm and co.

Also, I have to say Hleb was sensational today. We missed him. He was probably our best player on the pitch.

[calculus]

Oh and Clichy... what a left-back he is.

He has been absolutely brilliant this season. He has easily been the most impressive fullback in the Premiership.

No one could get past him tonight. Scarface, he is easily in the league of Lahm and co.

Please don't get carried away!

[Scarface]

edit: I completely agree Rosicky should be our penalty taker when Henry or Van Persie aren't present. He has taken many for Dortmund and Czech Republic and seems to slot them with ease. I just knew Gilberto would miss his and I could sense Baptista would also miss his.

Yep, with the first penalty, I had a strong feeling we'd miss it, and then when I saw Gilberto's face, I was certain. With Baptista, I said "let's see how far he can miss it by, now" and there it goes flying over the bar. Things just can't be made simple. Still, I shouldn't complain, it's one of the exciting things about being a Gooner - there's never a dull moment.

I think Wenger will go with a similar team, with the only changes perhaps being Justin Hoyte coming back in at right back (if he's available) and Cesc Fabregas starting in midfield, with Denilson and Diaby dropped to the bench. Who knows, though? They both played well enough to deserve a starting berth in the next match, so Wenger could start them. At least we have competition now, unlike last season.

No one could get past him tonight. Scarface, he is easily in the league of Lahm and co.

He's had a great season, and been excellent in the past few games, but I want him to see him stay consistent for the rest of the season, and continue to do well next season, so he could beyond doubt be classed as one of the best. Too many young players start off great, and then drop off. Admittedly, Clichy has been around for a while now, but he's never shown such encouraging form until this season, partly to do with lack of chances, to be fair.

[Viperized]

And injuries.

Clichy has had a number of injuries which have limited his first team chances.

[Viperized]

Please don't get carried away!
I am hardly getting carried away.

Clichy has been nothing short of brilliant this season. His performance today has further convinced me he is such a good left-back.

[BarnDoor]

Adebayor 'excellent'? Were you watching the same talentless cunt as me round the goalkeeper and hit the post when it was easier to score? And don't get me started on Gilberto and Baptista, wank to a man. Don't get me wrong Bolton were shitter still, but if those cunts had talent you would have had that game well wrapped up before extra time.

[Viperized]

Everyone has missed a penalty one time or another.

[JoeyM]

Brilliant win, Adebayor was magnificent, he never stopped working, grafting, running etc. Even though his second goal was a bit thiefish. Toure and Gilberto were solid. Hleb is amazing, his first match since injury and it's one of the best he's played for us. Rosicky was very good as well. Diaby and Denilson were very good. Diaby looks to have learned how to use his strength defensively, both of them scrapped well. Baptista though had an off night, simply everything he tried didn't come off.

[calculus]

Baptista though had an off night, simply everything he tried didn't come off.

He did make a goal! :happy:

[mufcsean]

I only caught extra time but was an excellent game from what i saw

[Rossy Boy]

It was a great game, how comes Djourou started at RB what was wrong with Hoyte

[calculus]

It was a great game, how comes Djourou started at RB what was wrong with Hoyte

He needed a Kick up the back-side!:erm:

[Rossy Boy]

Almunia played well i dont think we will need to get a replace ment for Jens he seems good enough to take his place

[JoeyM]

Almunia is no where near good enough to be our first choice. Granted he's impressed in his cup games, but lest we forget when Jens was dropped, or the CL final. He simply doesn't have the concentration to be the first choice keeper at a top club.

[Nturtle]

He needed a Kick up the back-side!:erm:

LOL!!!!! I think in one of the papers it mentioned Wenger chose his "tallest" side..Diaby and Djourou instead of Fab/Gilberto & Hoyte certainly upped the inches. :cool:

Great win...no matter how we did it. If you don't miss...there's nothing to talk about hey?!? HA! Well...gives the team a good mentality...never give up! :w00t Well done gunners!

I think we'll see some more fringe players in the action...fixture congestion coming up!

[Nturtle]

Having watch the goals again on www.soccerblog.com (thanks to the team there)...I thought the fresh legs of Aliadiere made the difference for Freddie's goal...great job there! I hear Denilson had a good game, in for Fab...so wow...what a great find again Mr. Wenger!

[Viperized]

This is a far better blog for Arsenal goals:
http://arsenalclips.blogspot.com/index.html

[ThierryHenry14]

i thought denilson played great so did freddie after coming back from injury but the player who changed the game was Aliadiere but we should of won by 6-1 seeing as we missed 2 penaltys and a open goal

[Dragonfly]

Were excellent for most of the game. The only disappointment was Baptista. Hleb and Rosicky were excellent.

[Dundon's]

Here's how I saw it.

Best player on the park was Rosicky, everything about him is world class. You can even notice him holding the ball more and more which normally results in a darting run followed by some kind of end product.

Worst player on the park was Baptista, I nearly put my boot through the tele every time he got the ball. I know this is a wild call but on last night performance I'd fuck him back to Spain. The only person he sees on the filed is himself, not a gunner......

Denilson: What can I say, this guy is the bomb and reminds me of Fab when he first broke into the slide way back in the coca cola cup days and with the two of them sitting in the middle of the pitch (in a few years time) we won't need to buy a center midfielder for another 10 years. It's also a bonus that he's well able to handle himself and doesn't look too light for the premiership.

Gilberto: Played his normal calm composed self, the secret to why we can play all these kidz in the first place.

Aliadiere: What ever we do we can't leave this guy leave, he has changed overnight from zero to hero and is the closest thing to Henry in our squad.

Hleb: At this point he's first choice for me on the right, his feet are just too fast for fucks sake. lol

Overall: We should of lost the game, it would of served us right for not killing them off when we had like 500 chances to do so earlier. If I was Wenger I'd of freaked out, you won't see Man utd and Chel$ki letting teams off the hook like that, IMO we are the greatest footballing side on the planet (including Brazil) but not finishing the job is our only achilles heel.

[pistolpete]

Hleb was awesome last night - his passing and dribbling were brilliant an in him and Rosicky, we have good balance from the wings.
I cant say how happy i am with where the team is at the moment, we can only get better.
Great experience from players who arent exactly old like Toure,
Great youth in the team playing well, Cesc, RVP, Clichy
Great prospect of players who are making waves on loan, Bendtner, Vela, Muamba.

Oh and the greatest manager in the world and an unbelievable stadium.
Us Arsenal fans are spoiled!

I love you Arsenal - i do!

[Stella Artois]

I thougt Baptista played well myself... he wasn't brilliant, but certainly wasn't poor.

I also thought Diaby did well, he's not really been given the praise his performance merits methinks.

1) Does it really matter, in hindsight?


Well if rules are there, then they should be followed. Its not enough to say, "well you won anyway", as he could have ended up scoring an equaliser against us.

I'd also say its unfair on the team they've got next as he shouldn't be playing.

[Viperized]

Baptista missed chance after chance after chance. He was shocking. But I wouldn't want him to go back to Spain after this performance. He got in so many goalscoring positions and worked hard off the ball.

I agree with you about Diaby. He was brilliant. Diaby and Denilson were both excellent. Diaby won everything in midfield. Nolan or co couldn't get anywhere near Diaby.

[Stella Artois]

Thing is, Baptista was actually getting into positions to miss the chances. Sure, had we lost I'd have been annoyed but when you really reflect on his performance you realise on another day he could have had a couple, he won a penalty and got Haim sent-off whilst looking bright and interested. He certainly won't get it in the neck from me.

[Dragonfly]

The team met the queen today.

[alpine goal]

Nice to see people talking about Denlison like they do Cesc. When I first posted that I got stick for it.

[alpine goal]

It was a great game, how comes Djourou started at RB what was wrong with Hoyte

Extra bit of beef thats why he played.

[kallum]

Nice to see people talking about Denlison like they do Cesc. When I first posted that I got stick for it.

:shocking: News to me!

You're owed boy...

http://www.morgan.k12.il.us/jvsd117/herget/osage-twig.jpg

----

Thoughts on Saturdays squad boys? And who's injured right now/when do they return? I'm abit lost. :ohmy:

We've been on the arl TV quite abit recently too, I like it- very convinient.

[alpine goal]

Denlison plays the game the same way as Cesc.

The way they find space

Know what to do with the ball before they get it

Willing to have the ball in tight areas other players would not want it

Cant say Denlison will turn into the new vieira as his game is not based power.
He is the finder of holes and space yes he wants to tackle but will say now he will never become the new Vieria. Cant see how you can liken Denlison to Vieria even in the future. Thats like saying Flamini could turn into the new Paul Davis given time just not going to happen. The one thing I can say Denlison has over Cesc is he will score more goals given games.


Still stand by this but the boy just gets better and better. He did drop a bit after an hour for about 10 mins then got a stronger and started to control the game again.

[Pierre]

I dont know if this has been said already, but Adebayor was definitely onside when he scored his final goal.....

Baptista passed forward but was already in the box, whereas Adebayor was just getting into the box, therefore behind Baptista and play.....

So there can be no whinging from Fat Sam and the Bolton fans!

[Dundon's]

Thing is, Baptista was actually getting into positions to miss the chances. Sure, had we lost I'd have been annoyed but when you really reflect on his performance you realise on another day he could have had a couple, he won a penalty and got Haim sent-off whilst looking bright and interested. He certainly won't get it in the neck from me.

ok I kinda take back what I said about the beast, it's just he wound me up with all the missed chances. I also think it might of been due to who we were playing too, I just wanted to beat them cunts badly that's all.

[pistolpete]

So there can be no whinging from Fat Sam and the Bolton fans!

He still had a go though.

I read in the evening standard that the Bolton players critisezed the ref and were saying that they didnt get any of the small decisions.
I dont think they can argue with either penalty or the sending off but they can feel lucky that Anelka isnt banned for 3 games - how was it not denying a clear goalscoring oppertunity - not only was Ade clean through but there was no keeper!

Not quite sure what little decisions they wanted - i thought that was one of the best refereeing performances i have seen.

[Dundon's]

Dude what about Hleb getting clattered just outside the box, that was a stone wall yellow if I ever saw one.

But I suppose aside from that the ref was cool. Least he understood the edge of a cup game was present.

[calculus]

Nolan said on the BBC site that he hopes Arsenal go on to win the FA Cup! Wouldn't it be funny if we end up in the final with Chelsea!

Can't wait for tomorrow noon kick off another tough match but we will win through with the same sort of team minus Rosicky, Hleb, Fabregas, Lehmann and Henry!

Almunia

Hoyte Toure Djourou Clichy

Walcott Denilson Diaby Ljungberg

Aliadiere Baptista

[ThierryHenry14]

henry might be back for tomorrows game and i noticed the bolton fans on wednesday's game they were chanting cheats everytime we won a free-kick

[Dundon's]

Heard that alright, lets put it this way lads at least the papers might stop the bogey team shit talk before we play them the next time round. I think that's part of the reason they get fired up for it, it's a conscious thingy.

[calculus]

henry might be back for tomorrows game and i noticed the bolton fans on wednesday's game they were chanting cheats everytime we won a free-kick

Yeah shame they were all quiet when Campo went down! I wouldn't of complained if he got a red for that it was probably the worst thing I have seen in the FA cup so far this season!

Heard that alright, lets put it this way lads at least the papers might stop the bogey team shit talk before we play them the next time round. I think that's part of the reason they get fired up for it, it's a conscious thingy.

But AW doesn't believe they are our bogey team so thats good enough for me!

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

A good finish by Ljungberg, it seems like his old instincts is still present. He is great when he can score but sucks pipabablu when he doesn't. If you watch him carefullly he seems to lack the awareness and the physical ability to perform at times. He loses the ball most of the time he dribbles and loses out in all the tackles. Don't get me wrong I am not against Ljungberg but just expressing my opinion about him.

[calculus]

A good finish by Ljungberg, it seems like his old instincts is still present. He is great when he can score but sucks pipabablu when he doesn't. If you watch him carefullly he seems to lack the awareness and the physical ability to perform at times. He loses the ball most of the time he dribbles and loses out in all the tackles. Don't get me wrong I am not against Ljungberg but just expressing my opinion about him.

Hater :realmad:

LOL! I have yet to see the perfect player!

[alpine goal]

Gallas back in the squad for cup game

[calculus]

Gallas back in the squad for cup game

I'm going to double Check that could he be back to thwart Chelsea's quadruple dream :ninja:

[calculus]

Do you think Adebayor has been Arsenal's best January signing?

[PEM]

i find this picture a bit funny

http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Premiership/Arsenal/gallas_injured.jpg

[alpine goal]

Alumina
Hoyte
Toure
Gallas
Clichy
Ljunberg
Denlison
Cesc
Rosicky
Aliadiere
Henry

[calculus]

Alumina
Hoyte
Toure
Gallas
Clichy
Ljunberg
Denlison
Cesc
Rosicky
Aliadiere
Henry

I hope Gallas is fit, haven't found any confirmation but I know Djourou picked up an injury and Hleb will be Rested for CL!

[alpine goal]

I hope Gallas is fit, haven't found any confirmation but I know Djourou picked up an injury and Hleb will be Rested for CL!

Sorry dont know how to put the link on so you can just click it.

Go to team news and it will tell you who is out and in the squad.

OUT
Jens
Djourou
Beast
Helb
Eboue
Diaby
Gilberto

[calculus]

Sorry dont know how to put the link on so you can just click it.

Go to team news and it will tell you who is out and in the squad.

OUT
Jens
Djourou
Beast
Helb
Eboue
Diaby
Gilberto

No worries I believe you we should have enough to take out Blackburn with the team you posted!

[Dundon's]

You never know with Blackburn what team is going to turn up. However with the strength in our squad these days it feels like no matter what 11 we field they always click.

[jw7103]

No worries I believe you we should have enough to take out Blackburn with the team you posted!

I have just seen on sky sports news that djouru picked up a knock during game against bolton and misses tomorrow hleb also misses tom's game. Senderos is back. Gallas is in squad as is cesc and henry.

[ThierryHenry14]

gallas will return it was on sky sports news

[Nturtle]

Do you think Adebayor has been Arsenal's best January signing?

James Lawton @ the Independent might agree with you there Calculus...

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/comment/article2278054.ece

Well....hopefully we'll just play our game and give Blackburn a tough fight. We can't relax...and maybe a rest was just the tonic for Cesc, Henry etc. Not sure why Lehman is out...but it's good for Almunia to have a few games in a row.

I'm guessing Gallas might start...but that might be a tall order for a guy who's been out for so long. Senderos and Toure at the back I reckon...with Gallas subbing Toure I would guess. Hleb really sounded like he played well....too bad he is out. Hopefully Walcott is learning from him...technical dribbling skills are needed...and not just speed.

Come on lads...let's get it sorted...then onto the FA Cup and Champs league!

[martin_cranie]

An interesting read, courtesy of The Independent.com:

Is Wenger unfair to skilful young Englishmen? Not really

When considering the high-profile departures from Arsenal of young native talent, it is easy to assume Arsène Wenger is biased against domestic players. Several rejected footballers have suggested as much, notably Jason Crowe and Graham Stack None of them, however, has succeeded elsewhere - that pair are respectively at Northampton Town and on the bench at Reading.

Only two former Arsenal players are currently on the books of another of England's "big four" - Ashley Cole, who left against Wenger's will, and Jermaine Pennant, who left with so much baggage he must have needed a porter. Only Cole and Matthew Upson have gone on to represent England, and the latter's selection owed much to injuries.

Of other departed Englishmen the most successful have been David Bentley and Steve Sidwell, both of whom have nothing but praise for Wenger. James Harper, Sidwell's Reading team-mate, and Charlton's Jerome Thomas are also Premiership regulars, but the failure of most players to stay the distance in the top flight not only suggests Wenger was right to release them but would seem to indicate that any distrust of British and Irish talent he has is well-founded.

But it is not just the local boys who find the going hard. Many foreign youngsters have been ditched too. Moritz Volz has since impressed, going on to represent Germany, but Wenger is unlikely to be haunted at night, or on Saturday afternoons, by such names as David Grondin, Alex Manninger, Frank Simek and Danny Karbassiyoon, the last of whom yesterday announced his retirement at the age of 22. Stathis Tavlaridis should play against Manchester United in the Champions League this week, but he is at Lille - hardly a European powerhouse.

No one could argue, after this season's Carling Cup run, that Wenger does not give youth a chance. Most of the departed have simply failed to take it. The bottom line is only Nicolas Anelka, Cole, Sidwell and Bentley, all of whom Wenger tried to keep, plus perhaps Upson, would get into Arsenal's current squad.

Anthony Stokes or Sebastian Larsson, who have recently been allowed to sign for Sunderland and Birmingham respectively, may prove him wrong, but are they really better players than Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, or Cesc Fabregas and Denilson? Wenger thinks not, though such is his nature that, if they were to prove him wrong, he is more likely to be pleased than resentful, for no manager likes to destroy a young man's dreams.

[Zoolander]

What a fall from grace for Daniel Karbassiyoon!

[Jesus]

There are some good English players who are on loan from Arsenal that is Gilbert,Muamba and others

i find this picture a bit funny

http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Premiership/Arsenal/gallas_injured.jpg

me too!:laugh:

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

A good one there and sums up everything for the critics who still thinks that we're being unfair to English talents. It is just that English talents rarely make a breakthrough in our team, I really doubt that Wenger is being unfair here.

I don't think anyone will contradict Wenger's opinion in spotting talents. Those that were released by us will usually fail to perform in another team but with the exception of Bentley, who is doing extremely well for Blackburn this season. Just look at Aliadiere, Wenger obiviously knew that he has talents and gave him more chance. He has taken it and showed that Wenger was not wrong about him.

[calculus]

A good one there and sums up everything for the critics who still thinks that we're being unfair to English talents. It is just that English talents rarely make a breakthrough in our team, I really doubt that Wenger is being unfair here.

I don't think anyone will contradict Wenger's opinion in spotting talents. Those that were released by us will usually fail to perform in another team but with the exception of Bentley, who is doing extremely well for Blackburn this season. Just look at Aliadiere, Wenger obiviously knew that he has talents and gave him more chance. He has taken it and showed that Wenger was not wrong about him.


He does not look at passports but rather football talent and potential! He wanted to keep Upson(who if he had stayed for another season probably would have got a run in the team due to injuries), he wanted to keep Bentley but again the boy was very impatient and wanted to play football. He let Stokes go rather than have him rot in the reserves so he could play football because of the number of strikers ahead of him in the queue...we all know about Cole and TBH Pennant was not good enough. Instead of keeping his head down and playing he was interested in the night lights, crashing cars, getting to trouble etc.

Is it Arsenal's responsibility to produce players for England? No. The FA should use all that money they wanted to pay Sven to develope young talent, educate and then Clubs would have a look at them example Muamba! :ninja:

[ThierryHenry14]

henry isn't going to play against chelsea in the carling cup final next week
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/17022007/2/photo/arsenal-plan-omit-henry-league-cup-final-squad.html

[calculus]

henry isn't going to play against chelsea in the carling cup final next week
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/17022007/2/photo/arsenal-plan-omit-henry-league-cup-final-squad.html

:laugh: Henry isn't going to like that!

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

What if Henry wants to? No one can really stop our captain.

[Viperized]

Well I personally feel these are one of the few English players (who are not at Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United) that are good enough to play for Arsenal:
Lennon (could easily be rotated with Rosicky and Hleb).
King
Woodgate

There are others who have impressed such as Bentley, Barry, Richards, Barton, and more but I think they are not better than our current players. Players like Bentley would definitely want to be in the first eleven.

Rosicky is better than Bentley and so is Hleb.
Clichy is better than Barry.
Fabregas is better than Barton.
Richards isn't much of an improvement over Eboue. Eboue's delivery in the final third is top notch. Richards is better than Hoyte, but I don't think he'd want to play second fiddle.

About the three players:

Lennon (could easily be rotated with Rosicky, Walcott and Hleb). We play like 50-60 games a season. No two wingers can play that many games a season and of course there'll be injuries.
King
Woodgate

Problems:
#1 First two play for Spurs. We wouldn't be able to obtain them unless they do a Sol Campbell.
#2 Last two are injury prone.
#3 The first two would be very expensive anyhow. I don't think Real would sell Woodgate for crazy money.

[Jonny2J]

Well I personally feel these are one of the few English players (who are not at Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United) that are good enough to play for Arsenal:
Lennon (could easily be rotated with Rosicky and Hleb).
King
Woodgate

There are others who have impressed such as Bentley, Barry, Richards, Barton, and more but I think they are not better than our current players. Players like Bentley would definitely want to be in the first eleven.

Rosicky is better than Bentley and so is Hleb.
Clichy is better t