Arsenal

[zerosktz]

Also, I nearly pissed my pants in an earlier match when some jamaican guy tried to do a bicycle kick, but instead of the ball, he kicked a defender in the face, right in the mouth and nose. Priceless.

lol

great news about vela... he's still at salamanca correct? i actually think he's 16 not 19, isn't he?
EDIT: actually vela is 17 lol i was thinking of fran merida
anyways hopefully wenger brings him back to arsenal soon... cesc debuted for us at age 17 in the carling cup i believe?

read that lupoli has gone and signed a pre contract with fiorentina...
check it out:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=411071&cc=5901

sucks about the whole brawl fiasco on sunday... we're gonna be without kolo and adebayor, possibly eboue for 3 matches... doh! that doesn't apply to the champions league does it?

[calculus]

lol

great news about vela... he's still at salamanca correct? i actually think he's 16 not 19, isn't he?
EDIT: actually vela is 17 lol i was thinking of fran merida
anyways hopefully wenger brings him back to arsenal soon... cesc debuted for us at age 17 in the carling cup i believe?

read that lupoli has gone and signed a pre contract with fiorentina...
check it out:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=411071&cc=5901

sucks about the whole brawl fiasco on sunday... we're gonna be without kolo and adebayor, possibly eboue for 3 matches... doh! that doesn't apply to the champions league does it?

No!

Baring in mind our performance yesterday what team do you think Wenger will go with for Wednesday's clash at Blackburn!

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

The future is incredibly bright for Arsenal.

4th. Well off the pace. In debt.

Dear god these Sky commentators talk bollocks. For every kid you have who looks like he is going to be a World Beater only so many can make it at the real top level.

We've got a few very good kids there as have the Mancs but no one is aware of them as they are on loan or too young to make their mark (other than being the youngest side to win the FA Youth Cup in our case.)

Take nothing away from the real kids in the team like Traore and Walcott but a lot of the others are players who either probably wont make it due to having had their chance (Alliadiere, though I feel sorry for the lad) or them costing too much (Baptista wont come cheap and I don't know if Wenger will make that move) or whatever.

Looking at the actual side in the final.

Almunia - decent back up

Traore - looks a gem for the future.

Senderos - seems to be a first teamer when fit

Toure - First team and top quality

Hoyte - Been really impressed with him and he is a decent squad player to have but wont be getting in ahead of Eboue or Gallas anytime soon I wouldn't think.

Denilson - looks quality but is he good enough for the first team yet ? I would still prefer those ahead of him. At 18 he has plenty of time.

Diaby - Had a good game and could force his way through possibly.

Fabregas - Top Class player who has been playing top level since he was 17, depiste him only being 19 thesedays I would never refer to him as a kid and nor should any of the sky presenters, although Gray still calls Scholes "the young lad".

Walcott - You pay that kind of money you expect that kind of quality but he is one of the real kids who did what was asked of him in the Final.

Baptista - Hardly a kid or lacking in experience.

Alliadiere - Sadly injuries have put pay to his time at the top I reckon.

So out of this supposed team of "kids" the only real kids are Traore, Denilson, Diaby and Walcott. and I would be interested to know how much Arsenal paid for Denilson.

[wrigh2uk]

The future is incredibly bright for Arsenal.

4th. Well off the pace. In debt.



And that has nothing to do with the stadium we just paid for ?

If you read Arsenals financial report that was on skysports a few days ago you would see our financial situation is perfect.

[calculus]

And that has nothing to do with the stadium we just paid for ?

If you read Arsenals financial report that was on skysports a few days ago you would see our financial situation is perfect.

Yes we are in a good financial situation due to the fact of increased stadium turnover! And I wouldn't think our wage bill is anywhere near the other top 4 either!

Dr. Kelso I think Denilson was a £3m buy!

[vanNistelrooy]

Did anyone see the interview on MoTD with Jose Moaninho?

When asked about how good your youngsters look for the future, he replied (long the lines of) "They look very good. I wish I had a job where I was told I didn't have to win the Premiership for 4-5 years".

Anyone else see this? Anyone else think he's being a prick as usual and that it's to be expected?

[Stella Artois]

Well he walked into a job where he had hundreds of millions to spend, so what did he expect?

Nice to see Rafalutionary talking his usual load of bollocks. I wonder if he has a daily quota.

[Viperized]

The Arsenal team aren't young Rafalutionary? Is that what you are trying to suggest. Look below.

Average age of the Arsenal team: 21

Oldest player: Almunia, 29 years old
Second oldest: Toure, 25 years old

Midfield:
Walcott 17
Fabregas 19
Denilson 18
Diaby 20

That IS a midfield full of kids.

Average age of the Chelsea team: 27

Makelele 36
Lampard 28
Essien 24
Ballack 30

[Pierre]

Haha, just watched the rukus video....

Fat Frank was getting involved unnecessarly in my opinion...

Also, in one bit Drogba slapped Cesc on the back of the head wich was quite funny.... I dont think that was anything tho

[pistolpete]

Also, in one bit Drogba slapped Cesc on the back of the head wich was quite funny.... I dont think that was anything tho

Would the FA had done anything about it if Cesc had lay on the floor after it like Bridge did?

[calculus]

League Cup<<<<<<---------->>>>>>>FA Cup anyone got info on the squad for Blackburn on Wednesday!?

[calculus]

Just heard off of SSN that we will be without 10 players...Henry, Rosicky, Diaby, Toure, Adebayor, Hoyte, Djourou, Flamini can't remember the rest!

[pistolpete]

RVP is injured still and Cesc will be rested.

I think his is a very dangerous game for us, being knocked out of the FA cup is not something Wengers enjoys though.

The probable team.

Almunia
Eboue, Gallas, Senderos, Traore

Hleb, Gilberto, Denilson, Rosicky

Baptista, Aliadiere


Bench.
Poom, Ljungberg, walcott, Randall, Connolly.

Cant think of any more players.


Eboue for me is becoming a bit of a liability, great going forward but needs to learn to defend, bit like ASHcOLE years back.
It was a matter of time before he picked up a 3 match ban for something. How many times has he lost it this season. Too hotheaded and way too emotional, thank goodness Hoyte has improved and playing well.

Interview with Paul Merson in Evening Standard, he does his usual ripping into Arsenal and in particular, Fabregas.
Goes on to say that he is petulant and immature, i bet he saw the incident once.

[Viperized]

This could be the team then I guess:

...........Lehmann
Eboue Gallas Senderos Clichy
Walcott Denilson Gilberto Hleb
......Baptista Aliadiere

No Adebayor, Henry, Fabregas, Toure, Rosicky, Hoyte, Djourou, Flamini. They're all unavailable.

[Nturtle]

Eboue could be out right? Clichy too and no Fabregas for the FA Cup...it'll be intersting.

Denilson in for Fab, Traore again probably, with Djourou on the right maybe...Gallas/Senderos in the middle.

Too bad Rosicky is out..that's a big blow!

[Irons!]

This is how I reckon your lot will lineup tonight:

GK-Almunia
RB-Djourou
CB-Senderos
CB-Gallas
LB-Traore
RM-Hleb
CM-Denilson
CM-Gilberto (C)
LM-Ljungberg
FW-Aliadiere
FW-Baptista

[mufcsean]

I dont, i think you will field a very strong team, seen as this is one of your last chances at a trophy

[JoeyM]

Considering injuries and suspensions that probably is our strongest team apart from Cesc

[vanNistelrooy]

Blackburn

Brad Friedel
Christopher Samba
Aaron Mokoena
Stephen Warnock
Ryan Nelsen
Morten Pedersen
David Bentley
Brett Emerton
Tugay
Matt Derbyshire
Shabani Nonda

Benedict McCarthy
Jason Roberts
Zurab Khizanishvili
David Dunn
Peter Enckelman

Arsenal

Manuel Almunia
Philippe Senderos
Armand Traore
Emmanuel Eboue
William Gallas
Fredrik Ljungberg
Alexander Hleb
Julio Baptista
Gilberto Silva
Denilson
Jeremie Aliadiere

Theo Walcott
Mark Randall
Gaël Clichy
Justin Hoyte
Mart Poom

[calculus]

We are playing better with this team now than we did with a stronger team in the first tie! :rolleyes:

[calculus]

3 defeats in a row! 3 different competition! I think that's 1 injury too many but C'est la vie!

Crisis talk! :no:

By the way it was a great goal by Benni McCarthy!

[Top Gun]

Benni McCarthy take a bow, I think he made a point to Hughes for not starting him.

[calculus]

He's a good striker but I think Hughes was resting him as Benni said!

[Scarface]

Brilliant. A perfect way to top off my day.

I think I can safely say that's our season over. We won't beat PSV 3-1, which is what we will need to do. I'll happily eat my words, but I just don't see it happening.

This is what we get for having as much firepower as a drunken mouse. I'm really getting sick of Julio Baptista; as has been previously mentioned in this thread, his touch is appalling - the worst i've seen by a Brazilian attacker in quite some time - and the amount of chances he completely wastes is shocking. There's only so long those 4 goals against Liverpool could bail him out for, and his time is up. Pull your fucking socks up.

I couldn't understand the decision to have Philippe Senderos, one of the slowest defenders in the Premiership, at right back, when Denilson played ok in that position for a couple of games, but whatever, we were destined to lose that game, after the amount of chances we wasted - once again.

[Joel]

Well it seems that the Champions League is all you have left once again. You have a good experience of this, this time around, so maybe you make the extra step this time...

[Top Gun]

It could actually help Arsenal in the CL as that is all they have to concentrate on, I have to agree about Baptista, he has been really poor so far. I expected more after seeing so much great play from him for Sevilla.

[Scarface]

Rosicky and Henry will both be missing for the return leg. That seriously weakens our attack. Rosicky has been at the centre of most good things in the last third in the past month or so. He's a huge loss. Henry is out for 3 weeks. If we do manage to get past PSV Eindhoven, we'll need him to return fired up and ready to give 110% in every game (as he did when he returned last season following injury), if we are to have any chance of progressing much further in Europe. If he continues to put in the half-arsed performances he has recently, there's simply no hope for us, as without Van Persie, there's a complete lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

It's been said for 3 seasons or more now, but we need a damn goalscorer to lighten Henry's workload. Ljungberg is past it, and has been for 3 years, no Pires, no Reyes, no Bergkamp. Where are we going to recover those goals from? Van Persie and Adebayor can score goals, but they're not natural finishers. We need someone in the vein of Huntelaar.

[Viperized]

If only Van Persie was fit. He is our most clinical striker. He has had a brilliant season so far, but the injury has made me very sad. Van Persie IS a goal scorer. He hasn't got 11 goals in the Premiership for nothing. Van Persie isn't Bergkamp number two. Van Persie is not a pass master. Van Persie is a goalscoring striker.

Baptista wastes far too many opportunities as a striker. He should've scored a hat-trick. The whole team performance was crap. Hleb kept on losing the ball too. Aliadiere was non-existent, Senderos' mistake led to McCarthy scoring that goal and Ljungberg also faded quite significantly in the second half.

Our best player was Gallas, and by a mile. This is why I think he is one of the best defenders in the world. Everyone else was below-par, except Troare who looked fairly good. Our only realistic chance at winning silverware (the F.A. Cup) is now gone out the window. For fucks sake.

Is Rosicky out against PSV? He has been our second best attacking player this season. For him to miss the PSV game would hurt us, a lot. We'll need everyone fit and ready.

I agree about Ljungberg. He is clearly past it. He offers very little anymore. We need a proper winger in the mould of Robben or Ribery. Although I said Van Persie is a clinical striker, we need another goalscorer. This is the second time he has had a major injury to be left on the sidelines for such a long period. He isn't going to stay fit all season!

Why on earth was Gallas not put at RB? I knew Senderos would be found out. But Phil has to take blame for the goal. There was no way McCarthy was going to beat him on the outside. He was always going to step in.

This season has been a joke. We have wasted far too many goalscoring opportunities, and now we're paying for it. We lack the cutting edge and we simply lack the firepower. We should be shooting down teams, not firing 5 or 6 blanks! We could've easily won this game.

[Scarface]

If only Van Persie was fit. He is our most clinical striker. He has had a brilliant season so far, but the injury has made me very sad. Van Persie IS a goal scorer. He hasn't got 11 goals in the Premiership for nothing. Van Persie isn't Bergkamp number two. Van Persie is not a pass master. Van Persie is a goalscoring striker.


He does score goals, but he's not a natural finisher in the mould of a Huntelaar, van Nistelrooy or Eto'o - which is what we need. Cristiano Ronaldo has around 16 or 17 goals in the Premiership, but it doesn't make him a natural finisher or a regular 25 goal a season man, he's just having a superb season, like van Persie was.

I like van Persie, but if he consistently scores 20+ League goals over the next 5 or 6 seasons, i'd be amazed.

Rosicky is likely to be out for 2 weeks. When it goes wrong, it goes really wrong.

Hopefully we might at least get the cheque book out and sign a few players, after another trophyless season. It's all very well having a group of tremendous young players, but we need success now. Everyone is talking about how we'll be fine in a couple of years, but a lot can change in that time. Who ever expected Chelsea to suddenly become a dominant force, when they were on the verge of a crisis? There's no certainty that these youngsters will fulfil our potential, so we need to start bringing in one or two well established players who can help us start winning things again.

[Viperized]

Last season, during the winter months, Van Persie was at his goalscoring best. He scored 10 goals during the winter period. He was then injured and never found his form during that season. Personally I think Van Persie IS a cut-throat striker, despite not being in the mould of Van Nistelrooy and Huntelaar. Van Persie has scored a couple of goals for Holland too this season. His finishing is top notch. Best of all, most of his goals are a delight to watch!

This season he has started off very well. He hardly wastes chances. Huntelaar is too slow and lacks the movement to play for us. Eto'o would be fucking amazing though.

If we're still in the Champions League, and Van Persie returns for the quarter-finals then I'd be over the moon. Not sure what the chances of that happening are.

Eto'o and Van Persie could be lethal together for years to come. But it depends whether Eto'o wants to leave, and whether Wenger wants to spend £25 million on him.

[vanNistelrooy]

I can understand the anger at going out in a game you had chances to put to bed, but with the squad that Wenger put out I wouldn't feel to disheartened if I were you. If he really wanted to ensure Arsenal got through to the next round he would have played as many of the starting eleven as he could have.

I would say you've got the Champions League to play for, but for some reason I think you'll suffer in the same vein Liverpool did last season against Benfica (lose 1-0 away in the first leg and give away and early goal in the return leg).

But you never know, you could easily brush them aside by 2 or maybe 3 goals, really depending on who you field. If you were to get through, you've got every chance of going all the way again with Rosicky and Henry fit.

[Scarface]

I can understand the anger at going out in a game you had chances to put to bed, but with the squad that Wenger put out I wouldn't feel to disheartened if I were you. If he really wanted to ensure Arsenal got through to the next round he would have played as many of the starting eleven as he could have.

To be fair to Wenger, we had an injury and suspension crisis, and that was pretty much the best team we could field, but that team was good enough to win, and with the chances they created, there's no excuse for them not doing so. This has happened far too many times the past 2 and a half seasons, and we still look no closer to solving the problem.

[Top Gun]

I have to agree about everything said about not having enough firepower. Although I am not sure whether the strikers are the problem, for me it is the midfield. I mean they used to have Pires and Ljungberg who could both easily get 10+ a season, Patrick Vieria could also knick in with a few. You look at the team at the moment and there isn't enough goals coming from that area, Rosicky and Fabregas really need to be scoring more and Hleb should also be getting a few. Weirdly it is Gilberto who has been in the most impressive goalscoring form from midfield.

But saying that Rosicky has shown for former clubs and nationally that he can score goals and from some of the shots from Fabregas he could develop that.

In my opinion Van Persie has the ability to develop his finishing and become a great goalscorer.

[vanNistelrooy]

Unfortunately for you lot, you've never been the same since V for Vendetta left.

Remarkable how many goals he actually chipped in with and how much you're missing him.

[mufcsean]

Brilliant. A perfect way to top off my day.

I think I can safely say that's our season over. We won't beat PSV 3-1, which is what we will need to do. I'll happily eat my words, but I just don't see it happening.

This is what we get for having as much firepower as a drunken mouse. I'm really getting sick of Julio Baptista; as has been previously mentioned in this thread, his touch is appalling - the worst i've seen by a Brazilian attacker in quite some time - and the amount of chances he completely wastes is shocking. There's only so long those 4 goals against Liverpool could bail him out for, and his time is up. Pull your fucking socks up.

I couldn't understand the decision to have Philippe Senderos, one of the slowest defenders in the Premiership, at right back, when Denilson played ok in that position for a couple of games, but whatever, we were destined to lose that game, after the amount of chances we wasted - once again.

Why 3-1

[Scarface]

Why 3-1

I don't have confidence in the team keeping a clean sheet, when we know we have to score goals, and 2-1 wouldn't be good enough, as they'd go through on the pathetic away goals rule.

[JoeyM]

I don't see how you can deny RvP is a natural goalscorer, there's one reason he's in the team, and it's not his average link up play, but his left foot in and around the area. He's not a box striker like Huntelaar, but he's still a goal scorer. Plus, he offers twice as much as Huntelaar in terms of his overall game.

What we need more than anything is 01/02 Freddie tbh

and Gallas rules.

[Scarface]

I don't see how you can deny RvP is a natural goalscorer, there's one reason he's in the team, and it's not his average link up play, but his left foot in and around the area. He's not a box striker like Huntelaar, but he's still a goal scorer. Plus, he offers twice as much as Huntelaar in terms of his overall game.

He can finish in lethal fashion, but I feel he's too hesitant in and around goal and fluffs too many opportunites. At least half a dozen times this season, he's been one on one with the goalkeeper, and taken 2 or 3 touches, and couldn't make his mind up what he wants to do. A world class natural goalscorer would have buried one of the four great chances he had against CSKA Moscow earlier in the season. It's easy to pick out a game where a striker has an off day, but that wasn't just a rare occasion. I class a natural goalscorer as someone who will regularly score you 20-30 goals a season. He's had injuries, so it can't be proven beyond doubt yet, but I don't see van Persie doing that.

It's true that we need our midfielders to chip in with far more goals. Pires was priceless for us in recent seasons, in terms of that, but Rosicky and Fabregas both have the ability to do much better on the goalscoring front.

[mufcsean]

Ah rite, for your comment about the score

[cracky]

We lost because we played a reserve side. Beats me why, its the FA cup ffs, only thing we can realistly win now is the CL.Which I doubt we will.

[Joel]

We lost because we played a reserve side. Beats me why, its the FA cup ffs, only thing we can realistly win now is the CL.Which I doubt we will.

Been said already, you had most of your first team out due to injuries and suspension. Wenger didn't have much choice but play that team.

[alpine goal]

Bad week in terms of that we cant win 2 cups. But the way we played is something to be hold, even if we lost. Both teams for the Arsenal were young, and controled the game for spells. But you must score goals in that time.

Wenger is building somthing great let him have time and we all will be greatful.

[Zoolander]

It's alright! You still did the double over United. :ninja:

[Dundon's]

I called it a few weeks ago lads, Baptista is a donkey. I don't care what he does or how good he might come for someone else, he's not a gunner imo.

We got what we deserved, it's our own fault.


P.S. And Graham Poll the wanker.

[Nturtle]

Crap way to go out...and admittedly...maybe a tactical error by Wenger to move Senderos there...or even play Eboue in the first place!

Mmm....we need some good luck in the CL not to let the opponents score!

[calculus]

I was disappointed in the result but I don't think there is a need to panic...10 players out! Walcott playing with an injury Ljungberg only just coming back to full fitness, Traore a youngster who will find it tough to finish that level of game...we will be ok! We have Bendtner to come back plus we have a load of other players coming through be patient you will see!

[Dundon's]

Dude I'm gonna give this team as long as it takes, I believe in my heart we got the best squad in the world. Meaning any other club would swap squads with us in the morning.

Just gutted that we play so well and get fuck all for it.

[Barry]

I would say you've got the Champions League to play for, but for some reason I think you'll suffer in the same vein Liverpool did last season against Benfica (lose 1-0 away in the first leg and give away and early goal in the return leg).

But you never know, you could easily brush them aside by 2 or maybe 3 goals, really depending on who you field. If you were to get through, you've got every chance of going all the way again with Rosicky and Henry fit.

Strong talk, PSV has an organisation not easily broken down. Gomes is one of Europe's finest keepers, Alex-Salcido-Da Costa are not the types to go around giving presents and Simons/Cocu know how to run a midfield.

Having said that, your attack is far better and with more options. It's going to take a lot to break down their defence though. I don't know if Farfan is back for the 2nd leg, but he's a player that can make the difference.

I'm not sure who will win.

[vanNistelrooy]

as they'd go through on the pathetic away goals rule.
I'm not so sure you'd call it "pathetic" if it worked in your favour.

[martin_cranie]

I'm not so sure you'd call it "pathetic" if it worked in your favour.

I would. You can easily be happy to go through without approving of the manner in which you win. It's a ridiculous rule, built around the generalised presumption that all teams find it harder to play and score away from home. It should be disposed of asap, in my opinion.

[vanNistelrooy]

At the end of the day most managers aren't going to want to play extra time too often. With the away goals rule in play it decreases the chance of this happening.

[Scarface]

I'm not so sure you'd call it "pathetic" if it worked in your favour.

I've maintained that it's a ridiculous rule ever since it came into existence. Whether or not Arsenal are eliminated thanks to the ruling, makes no difference. It encourages negative tactics, and it's a poor way of determining the outcome of a tie. If 30 minutes of extra time is such a problem, just go straight to penalties. At least teams can then play with more freedom, and not worry about conceding goals on a certain ground.

[vanNistelrooy]

Fair enough point. Then again people will argue that it's not a great way to decide a tie.

I don't think it'll change for a long long time. Hopefully they'll change the penalties so you have to run it from the half way line and score.

[Dundon's]

I'm with the two lads, the away rule is a joke. So instead of getting two belting hell for leather cup games per tie, you get two dirty games where one team is always only wanting to play.

As for the PSV tie, I just can't say. We could win 5-0 or lose 1-0 who knows.

[Yi-Long]

PSV was wiped away by NAC 3-0 last night. Koeman isnt a very good coach. So IMHO Arsenal still has a chance, if it plays it's cards right.

But it's going to be very very difficult, if PSV is as strong and sharp in defence as they were 1 week ago...
Like Barry says, Gomes is a world-class keeper, and if all the other players do their job and stick to the organisation, PSV will be a hard team to beat.

Sad to see Arsenal go out against Blackburn. Great goal by Benni though. Havent seen much of the game, just highlights, so i have no idea how well both sides played or if it was a deserved loss for Arsenal or not. Just sad to see them go out, cause I would have liked to have seen Arsenal at least win 1 prize this season.

[Rossy Boy]

Who do You think will partner Adebayor on Wednesday

[Barry]

PSV was wiped away by NAC 3-0 last night. Koeman isnt a very good coach. So IMHO Arsenal still has a chance, if it plays it's cards right.

But it's going to be very very difficult, if PSV is as strong and sharp in defence as they were 1 week ago...
Like Barry says, Gomes is a world-class keeper, and if all the other players do their job and stick to the organisation, PSV will be a hard team to beat.

Sad to see Arsenal go out against Blackburn. Great goal by Benni though. Havent seen much of the game, just highlights, so i have no idea how well both sides played or if it was a deserved loss for Arsenal or not. Just sad to see them go out, cause I would have liked to have seen Arsenal at least win 1 prize this season.

Yeah, he decided to keep some star-players on the bench against an in-form NAC. However I couldn't give two shits about the "Gatorade Cup", I think Koeman took it a bit lightly as well.

[Yi-Long]

I only care about the gatorade cup so much as in that it would/could have meant a more interesting semi-final.
Luckily, the draw is still pretty interesting as it is right now (Ajax and AZ on course to meet in the final), but still. We could have had a very interesting semi-final as well...

I can see PSV losing more points these weeks btw. Ajax is still unconvincing, so AZ has a slight chance to creep up a bit further maybe even overtake PSV in the final few matches.

[calculus]

PSV was wiped away by NAC 3-0 last night. Koeman isnt a very good coach. So IMHO Arsenal still has a chance, if it plays it's cards right.

But it's going to be very very difficult, if PSV is as strong and sharp in defence as they were 1 week ago...
Like Barry says, Gomes is a world-class keeper, and if all the other players do their job and stick to the organisation, PSV will be a hard team to beat.

Sad to see Arsenal go out against Blackburn. Great goal by Benni though. Havent seen much of the game, just highlights, so i have no idea how well both sides played or if it was a deserved loss for Arsenal or not. Just sad to see them go out, cause I would have liked to have seen Arsenal at least win 1 prize this season.


Arsenal played well creating some chances in the first half which we didn't take! We faded in the second half and then Benni McCarthy scored his brilliant goal!

I think next season will be a very crucial season!

Who do You think will partner Adebayor on Wednesday

I think the question is who would we like to see partner Adebayor!? And what team do you reckon we will put out against Reading?

[Dundon's]

We're missing Henry and RVP badly this year.

Just as long as that donkey Baptista isn't playing up front we have a chance of scoring a few goals.

[calculus]

We're missing Henry and RVP badly this year.

Just as long as that donkey Baptista isn't playing up front we have a chance of scoring a few goals.

Yeah when they are fully fit they will be back terrorizing defeces again!

[JoeyM]

Baptista was 10x better than Ali and Hleb the other day, yet he gets called a donkey.:rolleyes:

[Nturtle]

Interesting about PSV....well....I think Baptista will be up front with Adebayour...but...possibly Adebayour might be a sub! Remember....Aliadiere plays pretty well with everybody...and it's only by himself that there seems to be a nervousness he isn't good enough.

[Dundon's]

Baptista was 10x better than Ali and Hleb the other day, yet he gets called a donkey.:rolleyes:

You must of been watching a different game mate, in the game I watched I saw Baptista single handedly destroy every move he tried to get involved in, that aside from missing all the chances in the game on our behalf. Ali ran his little legs off for the cause and at least works back. While Hleb is entitled to an off day, the blokes been at the heart of every good passage of play we done this season.

I'm picking on Baptista also because he's the one on trial.

[calculus]

Anyone know the injury news for tomorrow? I know Henry won't play and Adebayor, Eboue and Toure are suspended! Also Rosicky is out!

My team

Lehmann

Hoyte Gallas Senderos Clichy

Hleb Gilberto Fabregas Ljungberg

Aliadiere Baptista!

Will this match be on live-footy.org?

[Dundon's]

Aye it'll be something like that, is Clichy ok for it?

I also see Denilson getting a long run in the first team from now on due to recent performances , he's the real deal and him and fab will dominate for years to come.

[martin_cranie]

You must of been watching a different game mate, in the game I watched I saw Baptista single handedly destroy every move he tried to get involved in, that aside from missing all the chances in the game on our behalf. Ali ran his little legs off for the cause and at least works back. While Hleb is entitled to an off day, the blokes been at the heart of every good passage of play we done this season.

I'm picking on Baptista also because he's the one on trial.

I'd agree with that. Don't get me wrong, I have no interest in seeing The Beast fail, but he is under-performing rather a lot. I still believe he can be a success, though.

Aliadiere is, to me, showing real promise now that he's injury free. I hope he stays and fights it out for at least another season. And Hleb is just the bomb. Easily one of our best players.

[Usul]

Don't forget that Baptista started out as a defensive mid and slowly worked his way to the forward position.

He was playing as an attacking mid for Sevilla, if i remember correctly.

[calculus]

Don't forget that Baptista started out as a defensive mid and slowly worked his way to the forward position.

He was playing as an attacking mid for Sevilla, if i remember correctly.

Yeah and when he was playing for them he was a beast!

[JoeyM]

You must of been watching a different game mate, in the game I watched I saw Baptista single handedly destroy every move he tried to get involved in, that aside from missing all the chances in the game on our behalf. Ali ran his little legs off for the cause and at least works back. While Hleb is entitled to an off day, the blokes been at the heart of every good passage of play we done this season.

I'm picking on Baptista also because he's the one on trial.

I'd suggest you watch the game again then, Baptista's touch and link up play looked much improved. I don't see how he destroyed every move he was involved in, he gave the ball away a few times, but nothing to be alarmed about (he even played in Freddie with a good ball). He was by no means excellent, or even good, but he was one of our better players on the night. He was one goal away from a good game. Besides, how is he supposed to show any sort of sharpness in front of goal when he hasn't been playing regularly?

At least he threatened the goal a few times as well, Aliadiere's hard work means fuck all if he can't translate it into end product (something Ade's learned to do quite well). We may as well play the Flaminator up front.

[ThierryHenry14]

we desperately need van persie back but doesn't look likely i haven't heard a new stuff about him so far

[calculus]

I'd suggest you watch the game again then, Baptista's touch and link up play looked much improved. I don't see how he destroyed every move he was involved in, he gave the ball away a few times, but nothing to be alarmed about (he even played in Freddie with a good ball). He was by no means excellent, or even good, but he was one of our better players on the night. He was one goal away from a good game. Besides, how is he supposed to show any sort of sharpness in front of goal when he hasn't been playing regularly?

At least he threatened the goal a few times as well, Aliadiere's hard work means fuck all if he can't translate it into end product (something Ade's learned to do quite well). We may as well play the Flaminator up front.

Yeah but Flamini scores goals! :huh:

I think if he does stay he will improve not all players who come into the Arsenal team settle straight away so I guess give him time!

[JoeyM]

Tbh I think if he stays or not depends on his price, if Wenger is able to get him for a cut price I think he'll keep him. Baptista said a few weeks ago that his agent was coming to England to start negotiations, so that shows that Arsene is at least interested, otherwise there'd be no need for negotiations.

[calculus]

I think he would be a good addition even though I haven't been total impressed with him I think his touch in the last two games has improved!

[Dundon's]

Joey don't get me wrong mate, I was like a bitch in heat when we signed him and I'm still hoping he does a job for us, it's just these were big big games mate and he failed to do a job in all of them (aside from the the early rounds where he was playing well AND missing chances at the same time)

To sum his stay up so far I would say he was average with some promise.

[JoeyM]

To sum his stay up so far I would say he was average with some promise.

I agree with that.

Just as long as that donkey Baptista isn't playing up front we have a chance of scoring a few goals.

I called it a few weeks ago lads, Baptista is a donkey. I don't care what he does or how good he might come for someone else, he's not a gunner imo.

Don't agree with that.

[Viperized]

Well, Baptista certainly has the movement to get in good positions, however, his finishing has led him down on far too many occasions.

He has missed too many sitters.

[Dragonfly]

The Brasilian Banjo Brothers :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RiCQZkaF7M

That kid at the end - "I just want to be on telly." :laugh:

[calculus]

The Brasilian Banjo Brothers :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RiCQZkaF7M

That kid at the end - "I just want to be on telly." :laugh:

I posted this already! ;)


So let's hear what we think of Baptista now? I had a feeling he would score!

[Dundon's]

Well I seen the full game on RTE (irish station) and he was killing us again every time he got the ball. He also got the luck of the Irish on getting that goal, he basically falls into a space where he just manages to toepeg it past the keeper.

Anyway I'll lay off him, I don't get off in knocking our players in general.

Baptista match rating: 6

[calculus]

Well I seen the full game on RTE (irish station) and he was killing us again every time he got the ball. He also got the luck of the Irish on getting that goal, he basically falls into a space where he just manages to toepeg it past the keeper.

Anyway I'll lay off him, I don't get off in knocking our players in general.

Baptista match rating: 6

I heard Walcott was playing upfront is this true?

And also Song is getting high praise at Charlton but whenever I see play he looks like he's been smoking weed!(No offence meant)

[JoeyM]

Thought Hleb played well, and Freddie was surprisingly good. The Beast did well again, his touch looks much improved and he's not hanging on to the ball so long anymore, plus he scored (which is what matters) and should have had an assist.

Theo did play up front, his movement was good, but most of the time when he got the ball he seemed a bit indecisive, but he looked much better up front than on the wing.

[alpine goal]

Great save by Jens at the end.

After Cech best kepper in the prem,

[Top Gun]

Great save by Jens at the end.

After Cech best kepper in the prem,

Um, Van Der Sar.

[alpine goal]

Um, Van Der Sar.

3rd

[greenegg]

Cech>Given then who cares.

[Dundon's]

No way mate, our keeper is better than both.

[Zoolander]

No way mate, our keeper is better than both.

Yeah, showed his class in the Champions League final. ;)

[Dundon's]

Are you taking about the same keeper that holds the champions league record for clean sheets?

Or the player voted best goal keeper the the recently past world cup?

[Zoolander]

I dunno, he may be the same keeper who won't have any silverware this season & likes to do this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5maC2HYDbIc).

[calculus]

Lehmann is a great keeper but because of his madness other fans won't give him the credit he should get!

[Viperized]

On the subject of goalkeepers, Arsenal are linked with Igor Akinfeev!!

Arsenal are considering moving for CSKA Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev, 20. (News of the World)

He is a top, top keeper and is only 20 years old. He has the potential to become one of the best.

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Baptista had a good goal, with the combination of power, skill and a tiny bit of fluke. I do hope the result of this goal will strengthen the Beast's confidence and help his to bang in a few against PSV.

[mo sissoko]

Baptista had a good goal, with the combination of power, skill and a tiny bit of fluke. I do hope the result of this goal will strengthen the Beast's confidence and help his to bang in a few against PSV.

I dont think Baptista is consistent enough at all even when he was at Madrid

[Joel]

I dont think Baptista is consistent enough at all even when he was at Madrid

He was amazing at Sevilla.

[Dundon's]

That he was, I personally will stand by whatever decision the gaffer makes on keeping him.

At this stage I trust his judgement more than anyone elses.

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

He was amazing at Sevilla.

So as Jose Antonio Reyes

[Dundon's]

Reyes got a bad one last night and so did Becks.

[Stella Artois]

I haven't been around properly for a while and can't be bothered to go back over old ground. Needless to say we've been unlucky in the past few games but there's no particular need to worry.

As for the Beast...well, the most important thing for me is that whilst his first touch would put a rapist to shame, he is at least putting in the effort and getting into goal-scoring positions. He's capable of finishing well as anyone who watched him for Sevilla could testify. Give the guy time. I'm sure we can all remember one player who was slagged off week in, week out and is now a fans favourite?

[Dundon's]

Ya even though I was one of the worst cunts towards him I think we should get behind the beast for as long as he's with us.

Getting back on track, what's the news on Henry?

[Viperized]

The news on Henry is positive.. he has passed his fitness test.

I really hope he has not received any injections. He should only start if he is 100% fit.

[calculus]

The news on Henry is positive.. he has passed his fitness test.

I really hope he has not received any injections. He should only start if he is 100% fit.

100% agreed...I hope this risk does not back fire!

[Bammers05]

Here's some team news for tomorrow night:

Thierry Henry will be fit enough to start Arsenal’s crucial Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

The French striker has been struggling for some time with back and foot problems but he came through a training session on Tuesday morning. Afterwards his manager suggested he would be involved.

“He can play,” said Arsène Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “He trained this morning and he can start if I decide to start him. There is no risk for his health or medical problems. Just a risk that it gets a bit worse after the game and you have to start from scratch again.

“He did not practice for two weeks but he did a few gym sessions without running so I don’t think he missed too much.”

Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor will be available despite being in the middle of domestic bans. Abou Diaby is in the squad after recovering from an ankle problem. Philippe Senderos is the only fresh injury. The Swiss defender is out afer hurting his hamstring.

For the record, the current injury list is Justin Hoyte (hamstring), Mathieu Flamini (foot), Emmanuel Eboue (ankle), Tomas Rosicky (groin) and Robin van Persie (foot).

Source: http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=452525&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Henry+fit+enough+to+star t+crucial+PSV+game

I don't know whether it's a good thing or a bad thing to bring Thierry back, on one hand it should give the team a better chance of qualifying, but on the other hand, Thierry could get even more injured.

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

At the moment the odds are high that PSV will produce an upset. I think it'll take us more than a superb performance to go through against PSV, because I don't really see us have enough fire power to score two or more goals at the moment. As a matter of fact, our defense just can't stop conceding goals and if this scenario happens today, it'll prove costly and we'll surely be fucked. If Henry can play than so be it, as I really hope that he'll help us to dominate the game but it doesn't sound likely in his current form.

[Viperized]

This is our biggest game of the season.

I really, really hope the players show urgency FROM THE FIRST MINUTE.

The only thing PSV are going to do is defend. We must be clinical. If we score the first goal, the tie should shift to our favour -- it'll open up the game.

[Jonny2J]

Howay Arsenal of all the English teams left in the competition I want yous to go the furthest.

[JoeyM]

Not having Eboue is such a huge blow, with Rosicky out our left side looks a bit dead unless Freddie can continue his mini-revival. Hleb's really going to need to have an outstanding match without the support of Eboue.

[calculus]

Howay Arsenal of all the English teams left in the competition I want yous to go the furthest.


That's very nice of you! :happy: Plus I like the Avatar :laugh: If saw him running towards me at the wicket I would probably walk and leave the stumps! :laugh:

[Barry]

Should be interesting this, PSV will hope to score a quick goal and defend naturally. Da Costa and Kromkamp won't be there, that will make a difference.

[calculus]

I think PSV will set out very much like Benfica did against Liverpool last year and because of that I think this will be a very intriguing match of how Arsenal will break PSV down!

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Howay Arsenal of all the English teams left in the competition I want yous to go the furthest.

Come on Alkmaar!

[calculus]

Come on Alkmaar!

That's a bit harsh?:mellow:

[zerosktz]

is farfan playing tonight?

[calculus]

I think so and Henry is on the Bench!

[Jonny2J]

Come on Alkmaar!:rolleyes:

[zerosktz]

...well there's always next season. F&^*!!!!

[Guillermo]

I was rooting for you guys tonight, but it seems a near impossible task now.

[g33k]

Now any deluded Arsenal fans can realise they're not that good.

[Dragonfly]

:crymore:

[JackTreehorn]

Ha ha fucking Arsenal. Bye bye ya stupid ponces.

[Top Gun]

To be fair PSV are going to give anybody a difficult game, they defend brilliantly.

[wrigh2uk]

Ha ha fucking Arsenal. Bye bye ya stupid ponces.



Who are you again!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cracky]

fuck sake

[Scarface]

Ha ha fucking Arsenal. Bye bye ya stupid ponces.

Ahh, still bitter over the 3 successive defeats?

So, what's your connection to Liverpool then, yank?

[JackTreehorn]

Who are you again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone who's team will still be playing in three weeks.

Reminder in the group stages...Liverpool 2 PSV 0

[wrigh2uk]

Someone who's team will still be playing in three weeks.

Reminder in the group stages...Liverpool 2 PSV 0

Are you going to watch Liverpool play soccer ?

[JackTreehorn]

Ahh, still bitter over the 3 successive defeats?

So, what's your connection to Liverpool then, yank?

Spent two years across the pond. Reds were the first team I ever saw and made me fall in love with football.

[JoeyM]

stupid fould by Hleb, awful marking, stupid positioning by Lehmann.

We were one top class winger and one top class striker away from winning.

[Scarface]

Someone who's team will still be playing in two weeks.

Reminder in the group stages...Liverpool 2 PSV 0

A reminder for yourself.

Arsenal 3-0 Liverpool
Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal
Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal

Or were you not a fan all that time ago?

[Guillermo]

Reds were the first team I ever saw and made me fall in love with football.

Surely a joke? :laugh:

[calculus]

:crymore:

Now any deluded Arsenal fans can realise they're not that good.


I don't know what to tell you! Barcelona went out yesterday are you going to say the same about them? Or Inter Milan who went out yesterday or Lyon who lost 0-2 at home?

[JackTreehorn]

Are you going to watch Liverpool play soccer ?

Sorry but I'm not some dumbass fair weather fan.

Matter of fact I'll be at Anfield next month for the Middlesbrough match.

[Viperized]

Ha ha fucking Arsenal. Bye bye ya stupid ponces.
Get the fuck out of this thread, cunt.

Did you support Liverpool at the end of May 2005?

[vanNistelrooy]

Wouldn't blame Lehmann for the goal, Alex almost hit his head on the floodlights jumping that high!

[Dan]

I don't know why you're all jumping on his back, half of you do the same when we lose.

[Viperized]

Why is Hleb so afraid to shoot? Nice tackle by him there.... not.

Adebayor... missed another sitter. Not surprising. We lack a cutting and clinical edge like all other teams.

Why the fuck was Baptista taken off? Henry has done absolutely nothing. Wenger... you know better. A half-fit Henry isn't likely to create magic on the pitch, is he?

Ljungberg... don't get me started on him. Time and time again I've said he is past it. He offers absolutely nothing anymore.

We missed 500 fucking clear-cut chances, yet fuck up as usual. Story of our fucking season; miss easy chances.

We create so many fucking chances but it seems to be an impossible task to finish them. We should've won 4-1 today. But you know, we always like to make life more difficult for us.

We should've beaten Bolton at Emirates. We should've beaten Blackburn at Emirates. But we forced ourselves to play replays. We should've beaten PSV at their stadium, but we wasted our chances and paid for it big time.

We've seriously missed Van Persie. He is the only player who I'm confident (other than Henry) to score in a 1-on-1 situation. Adebayor's miss was embarrassing. Argh. Arsenal are just so fucking frustrating to watch. I feel fucking devastated. Our season is over. Nothing to play for.

[calculus]

Get the fuck out of this thread, cunt.

Did you support Liverpool at the end of May 2005?


No need for the names mate, we're out let them have their day I still reckon we will finish above them in the league...I just wish AW didn't bring on Henry!

[wrigh2uk]

Sorry but I'm not some dumbass fair weather fan.

Matter of fact I'll be at Anfield next month for the Middlesbrough match.

Who would have guessed a yank would be soo ingorant to a sport he surely knows nothing about...Just like your dumbass president, stupid and ignorant

[wrigh2uk]

I don't know why you're all jumping on his back, half of you do the same when we lose.

No only Stella

[calculus]

:crymore: I feel like how you are ranting, I'm gonna get done at work!!!

Why is Hleb so afraid to shoot? Nice tackle by him there.... not.

Adebayor... missed another sitter. Not surprising. We lack a cutting and clinical edge like all other teams.

Why the fuck was Baptista taken off? Henry has done absolutely nothing. Wenger... you know better. A half-fit Henry isn't likely to create magic on the pitch, is he?

Ljungberg... don't get me started on him. Time and time again I've said he is past it. He offers absolutely nothing anymore.

We missed 500 fucking clear-cut chances, yet fuck up as usual. Story of our fucking season; miss easy chances.

We create so many fucking chances but it seems to be an impossible task to finish them. We should've won 4-1 today. But you know, we always like to make life more difficult for us.

We should've beaten Bolton at Emirates. We should've beaten Blackburn at Emirates. But we forced ourselves to play replays. We should've beaten PSV at their stadium, but we wasted our chances and paid for it big time.

We've seriously missed Van Persie. He is the only player who I'm confident (other than Henry) to score in a 1-on-1 situation. Adebayor's miss was embarrassing. Argh. Arsenal are just so fucking frustrating to watch. I feel fucking devastated. Our season is over. Nothing to play for.

[Viperized]

stupid fould by Hleb, awful marking, stupid positioning by Lehmann.

We were one top class winger and one top class striker away from winning.
I really hope we sign either Ribery, or Quarsema, who has improved greatly this season. He scores a huge number of goals.

I'd love for us to break the bank and spend £25 million on Eto'o. He is a top, top striker. I can easily see him scoring 25+ goals in the Premiership and could do wonders at Arsenal. Seems unlikely we'll get him though, sadly. Henry isn't getting any younger anymore. The injuries have fucked him up. This season = injury plagued season for Henry.

And yes, we do have the money to spend £30 million.

Van Persie is out only cut-throat striker in our team. He is the only striker who could just grasp a chance and take it. No other player in our team seems to do that anymore. Oh how I miss him...

But how fucking stupid of Wenger is it to play Henry when he is half-fit? He admitted himself he is taking a risk! He looked injured 10 minute after he came on the pitch.

[vanNistelrooy]

Henry trade for Eto'o anyone?

[Viperized]

Someone who's team will still be playing in three weeks.

Reminder in the group stages...Liverpool 2 PSV 0
Remember the team that beat you thrice.

Idiot.

http://www.pesgaming.com/images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[Rambo]

That's a few million quid added to Alex's price tag, he was great tonight.

[Viperized]

He is owned by Chelsea.

What a fucking defender he is.

[Scarface]

We need to stop rushing Henry back. Now that all we have to play for is maintaining our top 4 position (how exciting that should be! woo11!!) we should rest him for 2, 3 months, whatever it takes to get him back to 100% fitness.

Stupid foul by Hleb, but we asked for this with our absolutely laughable marking. I'm not blaming the guy, as he's a great asset to us when he's in his correct position, but has Gilberto ever had a decent game at centre back? He's an accident waiting to happen in that position.

[calculus]

stupid fould by Hleb, awful marking, stupid positioning by Lehmann.

Yes stupid foul by Hleb, yes-spot on about Lehmann. He really really didn't need to come for that cross but hey goalkeeping is a dying art!

We were one top class winger and one top class striker away from winning.

No. We were Adebayors 1 on 1 and Henry not coming on to be a passenger away from winning through! :crymore:

[calculus]

Henry trade for Eto'o anyone?

:no:

[vanNistelrooy]

:no:
Well you need to do yourselves a favour and make him the last player you choose as captain! He doesn't look a fraction of the player he is when he's captain.

As much as a complete prick E To'ol is you've been needing a greedy striker for some time, and there aren't much better than him around these days.

[wrigh2uk]

Well you need to do yourselves a favour and make him the last player you choose as captain! He doesn't look a fraction of the player he is when he's captain.

As much as a complete prick E To'ol is you've been needing a greedy striker for some time, and there aren't much better than him around these days.

R.I.P shevchenko

[calculus]

Well you need to do yourselves a favour and make him the last player you choose as captain! He doesn't look a fraction of the player he is when he's captain.

As much as a complete prick E To'ol is you've been needing a greedy striker for some time, and there aren't much better than him around these days.


:) Henry is injured and needs to be rested and it was naive of Wenger to bring him on only for him to be a passenger! I think he should be given leave only brought back when he is fully fit!

[nikos24]

Henry ala Campbell? :lol:

[Jonny2J]

Who would have guessed a yank would be soo ingorant to a sport he surely knows nothing about...Just like your dumbass president, stupid and ignorantMy god.

[vanNistelrooy]

George Bush is your god?

[Dundon's]

Right I'm going to save the crying shit because I'm sick of it at this stage and besides, there's nothing I can say that you don't know already.

But the bottom line is we deserve nothing, the thousands of plastic fans that walked out on that team tonight should be banned from the ground period. For me it just showed how far we have still to go before we can ever stand side by side with the great Liverpool.

I watched Liverpool get beat 1-0 by Man U the weekend in a game almost exacty the same as this one(and all the others we lost) in terms of chances and to make matters worst it was nearly the last kick of the game. Now did they fuck off?

Did they fuck, they stood there proud chanting you'll never walk alone, same as they sang it the night we murdered them in the cup.

After playing so well and not getting ANY luck what so ever this season I reckon that scene at the end would of hurt the players a lot more than getting knocked out of any cup.

Shame on you.

[calculus]

Right I'm going to save the crying shit because I'm sick of it at this stage and besides, there's nothing I can say that you don't know already.

But the bottom line is we deserve nothing, the thousands of plastic fans that walked out on that team tonight should be banned from the ground period. For me it just showed how far we have still to go before we can ever stand side by side with the great Liverpool.

I watched Liverpool get beat 1-0 by Man U the weekend in a game almost exacty the same as this one(and all the others we lost) in terms of chances and to make matters worst it was nearly the last kick of the game. Now did they fuck off?

Did they fuck, they stood there proud chanting you'll never walk alone, same as they sang it the night we murdered them in the cup.

After playing so well and not getting ANY luck what so ever this season I reckon that scene at the end would of hurt the players a lot more than getting knocked out of any cup.

Shame on you.


I think that is the great post of the day!

[Viperized]

Well you need to do yourselves a favour and make him the last player you choose as captain! He doesn't look a fraction of the player he is when he's captain.

As much as a complete prick E To'ol is you've been needing a greedy striker for some time, and there aren't much better than him around these days.
Captain last season, 33 goals in all competitions.

I'd just say its injuries which have wrecked Henry's current season.

[vanNistelrooy]

Henry was captain that often last season!?!?

I take that back then. I want him to hit a bit of form, as we need you to beat Chelski.

[JoeyM]

Henry was captain that often last season!?!?

He was THE captain last season.

[vanNistelrooy]

My apologies. What did you win with him as captain last season?

[nikos24]

Coincidence that Alex also scored an own goal last time PSV Arsenal met at Highbury. :erm:

[Joel]

Howay Arsenal of all the English teams left in the competition I want yous to go the furthest.

Kiss of death!

Too bad it wasn't Liverpool out and Arsenal through. Would have been a lot better.

[JoeyM]

My apologies. What did you win with him as captain last season?

Nothing, but I don't see what you're getting at. You said Henry was captain that often last season!?!?

and I told you he was the one and only Arsenal captain (when fit) last season.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Kiss of death!

Too bad it wasn't Liverpool out and Arsenal through. Would have been a lot better.

Yeah you wouldn't want to meet Liverpool again would you. ;)

[Joel]

Yeah you wouldn't want to meet Liverpool again would you. ;)

If we meet, then we meet.

It's only been three games so far this season and it is usually five, so it looks to be on the cards.

Sorry for going off topic.

[JackTreehorn]

Who would have guessed a yank would be soo ingorant to a sport he surely knows nothing about...Just like your dumbass president, stupid and ignorant

I hate the prick as much as you obviously do. He didn't get my vote.

[Viperized]

Coincidence that Alex also scored an own goal last time PSV Arsenal met at Highbury. :erm:
And he then scored the goal to knock us out.. :\

[Yi-Long]

Exciting match tonight. I feel Arsenal were the better team, won most of the personal duels, and showed they wanted it more.
Unlike last match, tonight's PSV was a bit too defensive for my liking, and leaned back too much.

If it would have only been this game, I feel Arsenal should have gone through, but since Arsenal wasnt very good 2 weeks ago, and PSv was very good, even though having too many injuries, I'm glad they have now advanced to the next round.

I'm also very glad Alex scored the winner, cause he was the best man on the pitch tonight, and I felt bad about that own goal. He's a great guy.

[Cookie]

hard luck lads. theres always next year

[Scarface]

Wenger 0 Koeman 2
By Myles Palmer


PSV Eindhoven are the worst team in the last eight.

I said Farfan was average but he is not that good.

But Arsenal could only draw 1-1 with PSV at the Emirates tonight.

After not beating Koeman's Ajax in 2003, Arsene could not beat Koeman's PSV in 2007.

They could not beat an average Ajax or an average PSV.

They got one goal, an o.g. by Alex from Denilson's whipped corner in 57 minutes, but they could not get a second because they weren't good enough.

Thierry and Freddie weren't good enough because they're too old.

Baptista and Adebayor weren't good enough because the ball bounces off them seven feet away.

Walcott isn't good enough because he's too young.

Lehmann made a big mistake on the Alex header. He came, he stopped, he fell on his nose. Pathetic goalkeeping !

Hleb made a mistake wrestling the man over by the corner flag to give Cocu a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Arsenal should have defended that like a corner, since the foul was in the quadrant, with men on each post.

I'm afraid Arsene's delusional. He has delusions of adequacy. He thinks his squad is far better than it is. Without the injured Rosicky and van Persie, the team lacked dynamism and goal threat. It needed Diaby's power.

I'll never know why he didn't start Diaby. Instead Arsene told us that Freddie loves March, when the big games come round ! Face the truth, Arsene : Freddie is past it. Freddie is over the hill. Freddie's been living on borrowed time for two years.

And ask yourself why you gave a new £20 million contract to an ageing crock who has lost his pace. You could have bought two proper strikers for £20 million instead of paying it to a narcissstic ballerina who is well past his sell-by date.

What a rubbish game, what a horrible, boring night ! Beaten 2-1 on aggregate by an average team from Eindhoven.

But if your squad is only top 16, you won't qualify for the last eight. Tonight was an accident waiting to happen. We've waited eight months to see this accident happen, so it's been the longest slow-motion car crash in football history. The team that couldn't score kept rolling along, month after month, and then the wheels came off.


I know a lot of people hate Myles Palmer and regard him as too outspoken and controversial but, unfortunately, I have to agree with a lot of points he makes there, particularly the last paragraph.

[Dundon's]

I don't agree with many of his points, the one about Henry been too old!!!

C'mon... The man has been injured for nealry the whole season.

Diaby? Denilson and Fab ran that show for 90 mins, we had plenty of ball.

Not good enough? If we had half the luck Man Utd have at the minute we'd of won not only that game, the previous leg, the blackburn game, the Bolton home game and the Chelsea game by 5 clear goals in each of the matches.

I dunno... he's a dry cunt and I don't like him very much now, my head hurts and fuck you Baptista.

*Really he didn't play that bad tonight I'm just feeling like blamming him again*

[cracky]

Henry sidelined with torn stomach muscles

Arsenal have confirmed that captain Thierry Henry tore his stomach and groin muscles in Wednesday night's Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

Henry will undergo scans on Thursday to ascertain the seriousness of the injuries.

:huh:

[Dundon's]

Well isn't that just fucking super.

[Yi-Long]

I agree about Freddie that he shouldnt still be at Arsenal. But I've never been much of a fan of Freddie (I understand his good points, which is lots of movement and dynamics which will make stuff happen when a game is tight-locked... but his bad points (running around like a headless chicken) weigh heavier for me... cause players that just run and run without knowing where to go is annoying as hell. With a guy like Bergkamp behind him to somehow understand his movement and create a brilliant pass for him within a second, Freddie can be very dangerous. But nowadays Bergkamp is gone, and although Henry also has the quality to create a good throughpass, and Cesc as well... it somehow just isnt happening.

Freddie got nutmegged twice last night by Afellay, who has been out for a few weeks with all sorts of injuries. So when a player who isnt really a show-off starts nutmegging you, you should start thinking about maybe stepping down to a slightly lower level...

Henry isnt too old btw. He's just injured, and he might be frustrated by seeing so many talented players in his team not reaching their full potential as an attacking squad yet.
I also feel he doesnt make a good captain. Gilberto did very well as a captain when Henry was absent, so maybe Wenger should consider handing the captaincy over to Gilberto. Henry shouldnt have to have that extra weight on his shoulders, and should just be allowed to be creative up front.

A Henry without injuries is still top-class. And complaints about his age are ridiculous, as he's not even 30 yet. His skill is good ball handling, pace, vision and just great skills. Apart from pace, the others dont really deteriorate that much when you get older but stay fit.
So the only problem is staying fit, but that's a problem for all ages, not just the 30+ guys.

I also disagee with the statement PSV is mediocre. They can give pretty much every side in Europe a very difficult time, have world-class players (Gomes, Alex, Cocu, Simons perhaps) and upcoming talent (Aissati, Afellay, Bakal). Yesterday they didnt have much attacking options, but when Kone is fit, as well as Kluivert, plus Kromkamp overlapping with crosses, they can play some might fine football.

Not as gorgeous as AZ's football btw (Tonight against newcastle!), cause PSV plays alot safer than AZ... but they do have a quality squad.

...on a budget which is wayyyy beneath Arsenal's or AC Milan's or who-ever's.

The only problem PSV has is depth in their squad, as in they dont have enough quality players on the bench. Yesterday our only attacking alternative was Tardelli... who quite frankly sucks. Kluivert is out injured and there's a new brazilian guy but he just arrived and cant play in the CL yet.

[Zoolander]

Yi-Long = Bergkamp's love child. ;)

[Viperized]

The problem with the team is the lack of goalscorers.

Eboue? No
Toure? No
Gallas? He has scored a few, but not really.
Clichy? No
Hleb? Hell no. The guy is afraid to shoot!
Fabregas? Has potential, gets in good positions, but 99% of his shots are sky high.
Gilberto? Has stepped up this season, but I doubt he'd be able to replicate the feat next season. Half of his goals are penalties too.
Rosicky? Hmm.. he should really be scoring more. Like Fabregas, gets in good positions, but should release the trigger more options. He has the best shots in our midfield imo.
Van Persie? Yep.
Adebayor? No - he isn't a clinical striker.
Henry? Yes.
Baptista? Hmm.. Should really be scoring more. Maybe he'll come good soon.
Ljungberg? 3 goals in 2 years? Brilliant!
Walcott? Has only one goal to his name at the moment.

Now look at Manchester United's goal threats:
Rooney
Saha
Ronaldo
Scholes
Giggs

They're all capable of scoring goal, which is why they're at the top of the Premiership. They're good at set-pieces too. We're fucking gash at set pieces, both scoring wise and defending.

Out of our first 11, you could only say Van Persie and Henry are our goal threats. That isn't good enough.

Few years ago, Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Ljungberg and maybe Vieira were people who you could rely to score goals. Now, its only two players - our first two strikers.

The Wenger philosophy: Pass, pass..... pass, pass pass.... pass, pass, pass, pass, pass in the box, pass to another person in the box, then pass again, then pass, and pass......and then finally shoot after the opposition defenders get in position to block the shot.

We need to be more direct in our attacks. We dally on the ball far too much. How I miss Van Persie. He is our only cut throat striker. He is someone you WILL strike the ball once he receives it at his feet within 18 yards of the goal. Everyone else in the team still continues to pass!

:huh:
Blame Wenger. He gave Henry injections to have him ready for previous games, he rushed him back too quickly, he played him in games when he should've been rested, he risked Henry yesterday, and now he is injured again. Fucking hell.

Why the fuck didn't we treat Henry properly? If we did, I'm sure we would be seeing a completely fit Henry right now.

[Yi-Long]

Yi-Long = Bergkamp's love child. ;)

Everyone who loves good, intelligent football loves Bergkamp ;)
But I'm too old to be his kid though :D

(although my nickname on the street is/was Bergkamp, when it came to playing football :D )

[Zoolander]

Do you dislike flying?

Btw I made this sig you may want...

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6893/bergkamp7zj5.jpg

[Dundon's]

I want that that picture destroyed immediately and the person that posted it banned for like a month or two. :ninja:

[Yi-Long]

Do you dislike flying?

Btw I made this sig you may want...

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6893/bergkamp7zj5.jpg

I dont mind flying. I'm not scared or nervous, but when it's long flights (for example from Holland to Hong Kong, and back) it's a bit of a drain. :)

I liked Bergkamp's answer to the question what he was going to do now that he was retiring from football: "hmm... I dont know... I might buy a plane... " :D

BTW, that's not a sig, but a picture with text over it ;)

[Zoolander]

I dont mind flying. I'm not scared or nervous, but when it's long flights (for example from Holland to Hong Kong, and back) it's a bit of a drain. :)

I liked Bergkamp's answer to the question what he was going to do now that he was retiring from football: "hmm... I dont know... I might buy a plane... " :D

BTW, that's not a sig, but a picture with text over it ;)

I wish I could make sigs because that picture would make a lovely sig.

[Dundon's]

Why?

Is that you beside him?

[Zoolander]

No, that's Yi-Long. Pay attention.

[Dundon's]

Well that's fine then.

[Viperized]

Did anyone see what Lehmann was doing during the freekick (when Alex scored)?

Oh well. Another mistake from Jens. :\ :\ :\ :\ :\

[Dundon's]

Dude I think we should just let it go now, we got suckered and we need to get over it, tearing the team apart isn't going to help anything.


Fact of the matter is the tie should of been over since the first leg. We're a young team and we''ll learn from this. I also predict someone to get a 10-0 off us before the season is over.

[Yi-Long]

I wish I could make sigs because that picture would make a lovely sig.


Just download photoshop, and once you have that it's pretty easy TBH. Just a matter of selecting the bit you want, resizing it, working it, adding text or a logo, and you're done.

Trust me, even a donkey can do it. ;)

[Dundon's]

WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!!

Person advising someone to download illegally WARNING!!!!


:ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja:

[Yi-Long]

WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!!

Person advising someone to download illegally WARNING!!!!


:ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja: :ninja:

OBVIOUSLY I meant downloading a 'trial-version' of Photoshop(!) ;) :tongue:

[Zoolander]

Yes, I too will download the 'trial-version'.

[calculus]

What a dry desert weekend I'm going to have!

[ATH10]

Arsenal 3-0 Liverpool
Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal
Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal



Scarface, I thought you wouldn't have stooped to this level.

[calculus]

Scarface, I thought you wouldn't have stooped to this level.

It's his Trump card!:ninja:

[vanNistelrooy]

Scarface, I thought you wouldn't have stooped to this level.
Surely...

European Cups

Liverpool 5-0 Arsenal

?

Come on, you are Scouse aren't you?

[calculus]

Surely...

European Cups

Liverpool 5-0 Arsenal

?

Come on, you are Scouse aren't you?


I guess that trumps 3wins - 0 :crymore:

[Scarface]

Scarface, I thought you wouldn't have stooped to this level.

Reminder in the group stages...Liverpool 2 PSV 0

I wouldn't mention it, but if that "Kopite" would like to remind us of certain scoreline this season, i'd like to return the favour and remind him of a few. He was hinting that because they managed to beat PSV and we failed to, it makes them a superior team to us, which is ridiculous logic, and those 3 scorelines are a more creditable source of where things stand.

[vanNistelrooy]

I guess that trumps 3wins - 0 :crymore:
When you finish the season with fuck all, it kinda does.

Any news on how long Henry is out for?

[calculus]

When you finish the season with fuck all, it kinda does.

Any news on how long Henry is out for?

The info should be out tomorrow!

[greenegg]

Who have Arsenal got in the FA cup quarter final? :w00t

[calculus]

Who have Arsenal got in the FA cup quarter final? :w00t

Plymouth :ninja:

[greenegg]

Sorry mate this is probably the only time we will be further than the Arse so I have to enjoy it.

[calculus]

Sorry mate this is probably the only time we will be further than the Arse so I have to enjoy it.

No worries I think sinclair might just get you past Watford but 'me thinks Chelsea next round will be a bridge massacre'

[Viperized]

Sorry mate this is probably the only time we will be further than the Arse so I have to enjoy it.
Plymouth for the F.A. Cup!

[alpine goal]

Sorry mate this is probably the only time we will be further than the Arse so I have to enjoy it.

Enjoy

Go win it or at least get further than Spurs or Chelsea

[calculus]

Henry's probably out for the season! :realmad: That's my prem top scorer bet down the drain!!!!

[Dundon's]

Would of been hard for him to catch that useless cunt Frogba anyways, the way his luck is going this year if he fell out a window he'd go up.

[calculus]

Would of been hard for him to catch that useless cunt Frogba anyways, the way his luck is going this year if he fell out a window he'd go up.

I was hoping he was going to go on an amazing run of goals but that's not going to happen now!:realmad:

[Jonny2J]

Would of been hard for him to catch that useless cunt Frogba anyways, the way his luck is going this year if he fell out a window he'd go up.:rolleyes:

[calculus]

:rolleyes:

Silly me I thought he actually meant to call him Frogba! :rolleyes:

[Viperized]

Now Arsenal won't have a recognised goalscorer for at least a few weeks... great.

But it shouldn't matter.. Baptista is creating loads of chances. Surely one day he'll finish them off? When watching him for Real Madrid last season on sky sports he appeared to be a far more better striker than this!

[Zoolander]

Now Arsenal won't have a recognised goalscorer for at least a few weeks... great.

But it shouldn't matter.. Baptista is creating loads of chances. Surely one day he'll finish them off? When watching him for Real Madrid last season on sky sports he appeared to be a far more better striker than this!

No, he weren't. He was shit. 8 goals? It was only at Sevilla FC he looked good.

[Viperized]

At the end of the season he scored the majority of his goals - this was when he was deployed as a striker. He scored 4 goals in his last 7 matches. Before that he was played in midfield. I think it was left wing.

[Zoolander]

My bad. Still doesn't look the player he was at Sevilla? He's got better players around him as well!

[Jonny2J]

He was played out of position to accommodate the so called bigger names at Madrid that's why.

[Rambo]

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of groin and stomach injuries.
The 29-year-old tore muscles in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven, which saw the Gunners crash out of the Champions League.

Henry, who signed a new contract last summer, has struggled with a sciatic nerve problem all season.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "We are confident that he will be ready for the start of next season."

:shocking:

[-The Trooper-]

Shame... :ninja:

[Dundon's]

I'm not really surprised to hear that, I could of predicted that after the game the other night. Henry hasn't been right all season and the man clearly needs some healing time.

Just as long as we make the champions league next season there's no real panic, plus it will give Baptista a better chance to prove his worth to the side.

[Yi-Long]

Yeah, it's a shame Wenger decided to risk Henry like that, and this shows how bad that decision has turned out. But a long rest might be exactly what Henry need. This season he has been injured and irritated by small and minor stuff all the time, so hopefully now that he will have a few months off, he will be sharp again next season, and hopefully the restof the team will have matured a bit by then so they can start offering real competition during the whole season.

I'm just curious if it was Wenger's decision to let him play, or Henry's own decision. If it was Wenger's, it might mean Henry could be pissed off enough to go elsewhere for next season. I doubt it, but you never know how those relationships between player and coach develop when stuff like this happens.

[Dundon's]

Well the main thing is we'll be getting paid for him if he does want to fuck off.

Not that I want him to leave.

[alpine goal]

I'm just curious if it was Wenger's decision to let him play, or Henry's own decision. If it was Wenger's, it might mean Henry could be pissed off enough to go elsewhere for next season. I doubt it, but you never know how those relationships between player and coach develop when stuff like this happens.[/QUOTE]

Henry is 5-6 on that was his last game for Arsenal in some bookmakers in England.

Just hope that there wrong !

[zerosktz]

Sucks about Henry. There should'nt be a problem between him and Wenger, I mean they've been working together for such a long time and they've never really had problems before... That's what I'm for hoping anyways...

So what for next season? Who do guys think are our weakest links in each area of the team: forwards, midfield, defence, in the goal and what should we do to improve or who should we bring in/let go of to come in guns blazing next season?

Out Jens, In Afinkeev/Hildebrand?

Out Flamini/Ljungberg, In Ribery?

[Viperized]

Possible summer transfers:

Out:
Lehmann
Flamini
Baptista
Ljungberg
Aliadiere
Muamba (I can't see him as an Arsenal player)

In:
Bendtner, Gilbert (from loan)
Ribery
Akinfeev/Boruc (scouts were watching Boruc v AC Milan apparently)

So we'll have a squad like:

GK:
Boruc/Akinfeev
Almunia

RB:
Eboue
Hoyte
Gilbert

CB:
Toure
Gallas
Senderos
Djourou

LB:
Clichy
Troare

RM:
Hleb
Ribery
Walcott

CM:
Fabregas
Gilberto
Denilson
Diaby

LM:
Rosicky
Ribery

ST:
Henry
Van Persie
Bendtner
Adebayor
Walcott

If you ask me, that looks like a very strong squad.

But I would love it if we broke the bank and signed Eto'o. What a signing he would be.

[alpine goal]

OUT
Jens
Senderos
Aliadiere

IN
Carson / Akinfeev
A world class goal thief

[Viperized]

Senderos OUT?

[Scarface]

Meh, we talk about all these possible transfers each year. When was the last time we've had a successful transfer window?

I woudn't be surprised if we tried to flog Thierry Henry for 25m, and then sign Winsten Bogododa, a 16 year old goal machine from Congo, for 250k, fail to sign any midfielders or defenders, and get someone like Yohan Pele as a replacement for Jens, rather than a true top class goalkeeper, such as Igor Akinfeev.

I'm sorry, but i'm fed up with the way things have been going on the transfer front. Pires, Edu, Vieira, Bergkamp, Reyes, the list goes on... who have replaced these key players? Don't talk about Abou Diaby (Vieira) and such, as despite having promise, they're far from being proper replacements. Is it any wonder those "unbeatable" days seem so long ago now?

Then, the few bright sparks, most recently; William Gallas, has been injured for the majority of the season, but has looked very reassuring at centre-back, and Tomas Rosicky; being used out of position. People can talk as much as they want about him being good on the left wing, and yes he is, but such a talented player could do a good job anywhere in midfield, however, until we use him in his correct position, we will not see the best of him, and deservedly so.

I doubt the cheque book will be anywhere in sight, as soon as we hear Marseille's valuation for Franck Ribery. Another striker (possibly two) MUST be purchased. Will we? Well, i'm not going to get too hopeful, not about a top class one being brought in anyway.

I'm not a fan of this youth project, and never have been. I'm all for exceptional young talent being brought in as we look to the future, but the balance has to be found and a line has to be drawn somewhere. How much longer is it going to be ok to say, at the end of another disappointing season "Oh, but it's alright, we'll dominate the League for years to come in a few years when these kids have fully developed". No guarantee of that at all. Who's to say by then Chelsea and Man Utd haven't added another couple of titles between them, and are out of sight, having the luxury of mulling over the best talent in European football? We cannot wait for success to come to us, we need to go out there and grab it, and if that means entering the transfer market and signing two world class players for big money, then that's what we should do. If the youngsters are good enough, they'll break into the team anyway, won't they?

[nikos24]

I'm certain Ribery will leave Marseille come end of season, but it could be either Madrid, United or Arsenal.

My money on Arsenal with Wenger et co.

[JoeyM]

I'd say that Gallas, Rosicky, Baptista and Denilson was a pretty fucking successful window.

You can't blame Wenger for Gallas's injuries or Baptista's misses (considering most of us were happy as fuck when we signed him). What team is prepared to lose a world class striker for 70% of the season? Most of us were creaming our pants at the start of the season at how good are squad looked and all of us were calling Wenger a genius.

And despite what you believe, replacing world class players isn't that easy. Just because Wenger signed one world class midfielder from Milan for 3.5m doesn't mean that once Vieira left he could just sign another one to replace him. Ditto with Pires. It's not that simple, especially for a club with our finances. Yes Wenger has made a few mistakes in the transfer market but it's easy to point out in hindsight what those were. We're not the first club to struggle replacing key players, and we won't be the last. We find it harder than most because we don't (or didn't) have the money to replace Bergkamp, Pires, Vieira, Edu, Campbell, Cole, Freddie, etc. with proven world class superstars all within a few seasons.

[Scarface]

I'd say that Gallas, Rosicky, Baptista and Denilson was a pretty fucking successful window.

With Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Jose Reyes all leaving? I wouldn't.


You can't blame Wenger for Gallas's injuries or Baptista's misses (considering most of us were happy as fuck when