Arsenal

[Viperized]

Lets hope he doesn't.

[calculus]

I bring forward some good news. Good news for me anyway.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=458590&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=Flamini+wants+Arsenal+mo ve

FLAMINI WANTS TO LEAVE ;o

Although I admire Flamini's commitment and work ethic on the pitch, he is a very average footballer and isn't as good as any of our current midfielders. Good luck to him on his next challenge, wherever that may be. Tribalfootball believe Juventus and Inter Milan are after him.

:D that he wants to leave but after reading the article and seeing where he wants to go what makes him think he can hold down a regular spot in either of those teams midfields? :laugh:

[Viperized]

No... I said thats what Tribalfootball is reporting. He hasn't mentioned a word about any Italian clubs which are after him, although he did say he'd like a move to Italy (because he has family there).

[martin_cranie]

If you lot are after a winger I've been informed of some rather interesting and depressing news at my end that is looking very likely in the summer. His name is Charles N'Zogbia.

That would most certainly suck for you guys, but I'd be very pleased. I've always said he'd be a good signing, so fingers crossed we bring him in, with Freddie and Flamini heading out. I realise that many people want the more experienced Ribery but The Zog would be good.

[calculus]

No... I said thats what Tribalfootball is reporting. He hasn't mentioned a word about any Italian clubs which are after him, although he did say he'd like a move to Italy (because he has family there).

I was refering to him (Flamini himself) and what makes him think he could walk into another Champions League teams midfield!

[pistolpete]

I think Flamini could be a good player in the Makelele mould if he can discipline himself to focusing all his energy in making tackles in front of the defence, although him getting into the box has earned him a few goals this season, he has cost us a few by going charging off upfield and being caught out of position.

wherever he goes - i hope he does well.

[Viperized]

I think Flamini could be a good player in the Makelele mould if he can discipline himself to focusing all his energy in making tackles in front of the defence, although him getting into the box has earned him a few goals this season, he has cost us a few by going charging off upfield and being caught out of position.
Please tell me this is a late April Fools Joke. Flamini has a poor sense of positioning, discipline and isn't a perfectly good tackler.

[pistolpete]

did you actually read the whole post? i said IF he can be more disciplined.

[Original?]

I wouldn't mind seeing Flamini at Juventus, he's a fair squad player and could benefit from the change of scenery but I wouldn't pay much for him and he'd hardly be a first choice.

[Viperized]

I wouldn't mind seeing Flamini at Juventus, he's a fair squad player and could benefit from the change of scenery but I wouldn't pay much for him and he'd hardly be a first choice.
He'll probably be better suited in the Italian league than the Premiership, due to the slower pace of the game.

[Dundon's]

I'm just a bitter man now that our season is over.If we just hadn't our two main strikers out for half the season.

Fucks sake like.

[gollan]

about flamini - good fuckin riddance. dont come to juve as well. he was never up to par and will never be a good enough player. any comparison with makelele is a joke = flamini is a PUSSY. remember him flinching away from the ball so many times, just makes you sick.

[Viperized]

I'm just a bitter man now that our season is over.If we just hadn't our two main strikers out for half the season.

Fucks sake like.
I don't even think we've even played our strongest team this season:

Lehmann
Eboue Toure Gallas Clichy
Hleb Fabregas Gilberto Rosicky
Van Persie Henry

We're struck with an injury curse.

If Van Persie and Henry are kept injury free, then I can see us challenging for the title. But given our luck, that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Look back at our unbeaten season. Most of our players were kept fresh and healthy. There were rarely any injuries to our key players. Everyone was there for selection.

Once Hleb or Rosicky gets injured, we're weak on the wings. Once either Van Persie or Henry is injured, we lose a goalscorer. I'm hoping Bendtner will give us that clinical touch we're lacking. I don't think Wenger will ever spend big on a striker, such as Eto'o.

[Viperized]

BREAKING NEWS...

Kroenke Sports Enterprises have bought a 9.99 per cent stake in Arsenal Holdings plc, according to ITV.

ITV owned the 9.99 per cent but the television broadcasters have announced they have unconditionally sold their shareholding interest.

Conditional arrangements have also been entered between ITV and KSE regarding the sale of a 50 per cent stake in Arsenal Broadband Ltd
If the two transactions are completed the price tag would be £65million.

American businessman Stan Kroenke, the owner of Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids, has been linked with a takeover of The Gunners for some time.

Arsenal and Colorado agreed an exclusive partnership in February, with the aim of the venture to build the Premiership club's standing in America, help improve the quality of the Rapids and provide support to the grass roots game in the US.

Discuss.

I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal are taken over within the next year or two.

It's happened to Chelsea, it's happened to Man United, it's happened to Liverpool. We've established a club link-up with the Colorado Arsenal side. Kroenke has bought a 10% stake in Arsenal.

Signs are coming together... heheh.

Kroenke has an estimated worth of $2.1 billion and is in the Forbes' 400 richlist.

[Calzone]

BREAKING NEWS...



Discuss.

I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal are taken over within the next year or two.

It's happened to Chelsea, it's happened to Man United, it's happened to Liverpool. We've established a club link-up with the Colorado Arsenal side. Kroenke has bought a 10% stake in Arsenal.

Signs are coming together... heheh.

Kroenke has an estimated worth of $2.1 billion and is in the Forbes' 400 richlist.

The Guy Kroenke is American? If so, look out

[Viperized]

Look out for what?

[Calzone]

Look out for what?

americans taking control of top clubs

[Viperized]

No shit Sherlock. :huh: I've mentioned that a take over would be a possibility.

[Calzone]

No shit Sherlock. :huh: I've mentioned that a take over would be a possibility.

but you didnt say american takeover. :tongue:

[martin_cranie]

We don't need a mega-rich benefactor and certainly not an overseas owner. I really hope this doesn't lead to a take over.

[Nturtle]

LOL...well...rich guys need to invest in SOMETHING guys...as long as Wenger has a free hand...it'll be fine!

[Viperized]

According to the most trustworthy source ever revealed to mankind, The Sun, Barcelona are ready to bid £20 million for Thierry Henry.

[calculus]

According to the most trustworthy source ever revealed to mankind, The Sun, Barcelona are ready to bid £20 million for Thierry Henry.

Yeah I heard this or he could go to Inter or Real for £12m:rolleyes:

[Dragonfly]

According to the most trustworthy source ever revealed to mankind, The Sun, Barcelona are ready to bid £20 million for Thierry Henry.

I think I could see him go this time round. And to be honest, I think I wouldn't mind seeing him go. If he does, I hope we bring in a stay-in-the-box striker, or "fox in the box" Wenger was looking for a few seasons back.

[calculus]

I think I could see him go this time round. And to be honest, I think I wouldn't mind seeing him go. If he does, I hope we bring in a stay-in-the-box striker, or "fox in the box" Wenger was looking for a few seasons back.

:shocking: John McEnroe voice *you can't be serious!*

[Viperized]

Another sauce, The Mirror is also reporting this. The Mirror believe Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan are after him - for £12 million :huh:

We don't necessarily need a 'Fox in the box'. We need a dynamic striker. I would love Eto'o here. I don't think David Villa will succeed in the Premiership. He looks too weak physically.

Nevertheless, most newspapers are reporting:
Barcelona are lining up a sensational £20m bid for Arsenal captain Thierry Henry. (Various)

If Henry leaves, Wenger has to replace him with a top striker, or else I have no idea wtf is going through his mind. But I think he is more likely to replace Henry with some 15 year old striker touted as the next Pele from Mozambique.

[Dragonfly]

We don't necessarily need a 'Fox in the box'. We need a dynamic striker. I would love Eto'o here. I don't think David Villa will succeed in the Premiership. He looks too weak physically.

I think he's a lot more able than you think. I remember he made light work of England's defense in the friendly match. He would be top of my list of Henry replacements...or Berbatov. :rolleyes:

[Viperized]

I think he's a lot more able than you think. I remember he made light work of England's defense in the friendly match. He would be top of my list of Henry replacements...or Berbatov. :rolleyes:
Berbatov? Tell me you're joking. Van Persie is a better finisher than him!

Fair enough, I guess my eye was on Villa's performance against Chelsea!

edit: AC Milan are also in the hunt. But surely the reported £12m reported by the Mirror has to be bullshit. He can't have dropped a value of £38m in a space of one year, where he has hardly played. His goal to game ratio is still pretty damn good for an injury-plagued season.

I'm guessing if he does leave, it'll be for £20-25m. I can't imagine Arsenal without Henry though :(

[calculus]

Henry for Torres may be the deal that goes through but personally I don't want him to leave!

[Dragonfly]

Berbatov? Tell me you're joking. Van Persie is a better finisher than him!

I think Berbatov is an excellent player, well at least this season he has been. He's a good finisher, but his link up play with other strikers and players around him is incredible. If he doesn't get goals himself, he'll surely put it on a plate for others. But then again, the problem we have is that our players aren't willing to shoot.

[calculus]

I think Berbatov is an excellent player, well at least this season he has been. He's a good finisher, but his link up play with other strikers and players around him is incredible. If he doesn't get goals himself, he'll surely put it on a plate for others. But then again, the problem we have is that our players aren't willing to shoot.

Berbatov has been excellent for a long time when he was at Leverkusen!

[Jonny2J]

Henry for Torres may be the deal that goes through but personally I don't want him to leave!Why on Earth do you want Torres?

[calculus]

Why on Earth do you want Torres?

I don't but it's a rumour I have heard before so I was just throwing up some suggestions! I personlly would like a striker that scores goals! :happy:

[Viperized]

I think Berbatov is an excellent player, well at least this season he has been. He's a good finisher, but his link up play with other strikers and players around him is incredible. If he doesn't get goals himself, he'll surely put it on a plate for others. But then again, the problem we have is that our players aren't willing to shoot.
Our team is full of creative players. Fabregas, Rosicky and Hleb. Are you telling me you want more? I'm not discounting his finishing abilities, but he seems to create more than to shoot more. Plus, Berbatov isn't fit to lace Henry's boots. Berbatov would be a great second or third choice striker in our squad, but as our first choice? Naah. Berbatov isn't and won't be the answer.

We need a striker who is capable of scoring 30 goals a season. I don't ever think Berbatov will score more than 20 in the Premiership. And have you forgotten who he plays for? They'll never sell to us.

[Dragonfly]

Hence ---> :rolleyes:

[Jonny2J]

Eto'o or Huntelaar seem the obvious targets if Henry does go for me, in particular Eto'o as he'd fit right into the Arsenal brand of play so well it would be untrue.

[Cannon ball]

Arsenal were linked with Zigic a while back. They could go back for him.

[gollan]

Henry should not be sold. He had a terrible season after 2005/2006 where he played about a bazillion matches (ch. league + WC), plus the mental struggle of losing 2 finals. He is still a player that has 2 or 3 good years if he stays healthy and his record of staying fit and uninjured is amazing for a striker in his level. Some of the names mentioned as replacements were quite good as jokes for retardes (berbatov or zigic), some were honest mistakes of giving too much credit to players who are good strikers but will never make the top 10 list of "the best strikers in the past 20 years" (torres and villa) and one worthy replacement that in my opinion will stay in Barca (etoo).

[Viperized]

Eto'o or Huntelaar seem the obvious targets if Henry does go for me, in particular Eto'o as he'd fit right into the Arsenal brand of play so well it would be untrue.
About Huntelaar.. some say he lacks movement and is too slow to play for Arsenal. But I don't watch the Dutch league, so many someone like Barry give an opinion?

[Jonny2J]

About Huntelaar.. some say he lacks movement and is too slow to play for Arsenal. But I don't watch the Dutch league, so many someone like Barry give an opinion?That was one point I was actually considering as the fact that's why I think Eto'o would be perfect due to his pace and movement, but then again with the service that Huntelaar would get that would not be a problem due to his finishing prowess.

[kallum]

Big Arsenes on Sky Sports News now guys...

[Dundon's]

If Henry wants to go to Barca then let them have him, but only on the basis that we do a straightner for Eto'o. Don't get me wrong I still love the bones of Henry and want him to bounce back (which I don't doubt he'll do for a second) from this seasons injury nightmare but if a deal has has to be done then lets make it worth our while.

I for one have no interest in the 20m believed to be offered for the simple reason that we won't see any of it.

[Cannon ball]

I really doubt Eto'o will go to the Arsenal, if he's going to join an English club it will be Liverpool and he admitted he really likes the club.

[Calzone]

They say inter, real, and Barca are looking to get henry for 12mil. Barca. may use eto as a swap for him.

http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6650954

[Dundon's]

This buying out the remainder of a players contract business is going to get nasty.

Did I hear Gerrard would cost 4m and Lampard 8m?

[pistolpete]

Would it be against the laws for a team who wants to buy that particular player to fund the buying out of the contract or does the player have to pay up?

[Yossi]

Doesn't matter. If it was the player, the player could pay and then the club give him the money as a signing on fee.

[K.1.N.G.]

I for one have no interest in the 20m believed to be offered for the simple reason that we won't see any of it.

only cos A.W. doesnt want it dude - if he want sbucks they're tehre for him, but u know how he prefers not to splash out...

I really doubt Eto'o will go to the Arsenal, if he's going to join an English club it will be Liverpool and he admitted he really likes the club.

yeah, BUT he said the same thing about arsenal about 3-4 months back - and he really, really admires A.W.

only thing is I couldnt see a swap deal being done - himself n Henry are great mates, and would love to play together: what a combo that would be for us!:w00t

This buying out the remainder of a players contract business is going to get nasty.

Did I hear Gerrard would cost 4m and Lampard 8m?

true about diamonds anyway k1d - what a sickener that would be for chelsea eh!

only thing is that it has to be done within 2 wks of the season finishing, and can only be done by a player over 28. there's some other technicality about there being less than 3 yrs left on hs contract or sumit like that, but not 100% sure of it.

Would it be against the laws for a team who wants to buy that particular player to fund the buying out of the contract or does the player have to pay up?

its for the player to pay up - but use your imagination;)

player does a deal on the q.t. (lets use diamonds for example).

if he decides that he wants to leave for barca, then his agent would prob make contact, sort out the fine print of his contract, and then his contract is bought out for 8mil.

soon after this, ol frank signs for barca for nought - and gets a signing on fee in the region of, erm, 8mil:ohmy: (well, realistically, at that level he could demand a much higher signing on fee).

[kallum]

Onto the on-pitch shizz...

Thoughts on the West Ham game?

I'm slightly nervous to be honest, even though we're doing well at the Emirates, in our current state 3 points is a must for me if we want 3rd place...But I can just see it being one of typical games, missing countless chances, 'overplaying' and have them score from a set peice maybe. Especially with them in a relegation scrap aswell.

Not the optimist as you all can see. ;)

C'mon the Arse!!!!

[Viperized]

We have no strikers or midfielders who can finish.

We'll be lucky to score a goal or two. I predict another disappointing result, just like our last few results.

[Jonny2J]

We have no strikers or midfielders who can finish.

We'll be lucky to score a goal or two. I predict another disappointing result, just like our last few results.Don't worry you're playing us on Monday so you'll be fine.

[JoeyM]

Don't worry you're playing us on Monday so you'll be fine.

That's what you said last time.:angry:

[Jonny2J]

That's what you said last time.:angry:Can't help it at times if Shaymus is a one man team. :cool:

[calculus]

Onto the on-pitch shizz...

Thoughts on the West Ham game?

I'm slightly nervous to be honest, even though we're doing well at the Emirates, in our current state 3 points is a must for me if we want 3rd place...But I can just see it being one of typical games, missing countless chances, 'overplaying' and have them score from a set peice maybe. Especially with them in a relegation scrap aswell.

Not the optimist as you all can see. ;)

C'mon the Arse!!!!

I had a dream we were 2-0 down to W. Ham at HT :huh: Teddy Sheringham set up Tevez for their second goal! :huh:

[Viperized]

That isn't a dream, its a fucking nightmare.

[calculus]

That isn't a dream, its a fucking nightmare.

:laugh: yeah true!

[Viperized]

Wenger said some interesting stuff about Tevez.

When asked if he was going to sign him, he said "I don't know yet", and then began praising him.

Is that an indication? We were one of the teams heavily linked with him back in the summer.

[Rossy Boy]

Arsène Wenger has described stories of Thierry Henry leaving Arsenal as “completely invented”.

Media reports this morning revived the suggestion that Barcelona may be interested in the French striker. Within hours, captain and manager had spoken. At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Wenger made it quite clear how the conversation had gone.

“The story is wrong,” he said. “I had a chat with Thierry this morning. He asked me whether I’d read the newspapers. I’d not heard about his story. But it’s completely invented. He’s clear, he wants to stay. I’m clear, I want him to stay. So that story has been created.

“He wanted to make it obvious to everybody. I was not concerned because I know the day Thierry Henry wants to leave he will knock at my door and say: ‘Listen, I want to go somewhere.’ As long as he didn’t do that [I wasn’t worried].”

In fact Wenger believes that Henry can shake off his injury problems this season and scale even greater heights in the next campaign.

“Yes he can because he is intelligent and he is class,” said the manager. “That means he learns from every game he plays.

“I'm optimistic that [the break will benefit him]. It's good sometimes to look at your job from a distance. First of all you experience how much you miss it and secondly you are natural in your analysing of the game. You are more objective about the football situations.”

[CaptainCabinet]

http://classifieds.goalhanger.com/products/detail/?id=2322 :D

[Viperized]

http://classifieds.goalhanger.com/products/images/5/eboue_detail.gif
Haha, nice.

[K.1.N.G.]

Wenger said some interesting stuff about Tevez.

When asked if he was going to sign him, he said "I don't know yet", and then began praising him.

Is that an indication? We were one of the teams heavily linked with him back in the summer.

A.W. said during the summer taht the reason he didnt sign him was cos it would stunt young Theo's development, so cant see anything changing over the summer.

Unless he sees Theo's future as a winger - altho he has said that he is only playing him on the wing to get him used to taking on players, like Henry a few yrs back.

[g33k]

Arsenal are SO FUNNY!

[Nturtle]

Arsenal are SO FUNNY!

Well...it ain't happy at the moment...losing to West Ham atm... :no:

EDIT - well....would you believe...the team that beats us FIRST at Ashburtong Grove is....bloody West Ham!!!

Well done Zamora....great strike to lob Lehmann...bad luck arsenal...not as if they didn't try the sad players...*sigh*

[Viperized]

20 chances, and missed them all. 30 shots on goal, 15 on target. West Ham? 1 shot, 1 goal. None of the players can hit the back of the fucking net with the ball.

Adebayor has shown his mighty finishing abilities today, as has Ljungberg. We're also very unlucky. We struck the fucking woodwork twice. Just as bad as striking the woodwork three times against Bolton in the Reebok.

A 20% fit Henry would've probably scored two hat-tricks today. No one in this team, outside Van Persie and Henry, could hit a barndoor. We're missing chances after chances after chances after chances. It's getting embarrassing really.

Wenger needs to sign a striker. We've been missing chances all season, and have shown the lack of cutting edge without Van Persie or Henry. Klose would be lovely, he is a great striker and can score goals unlike everyone else in our team.

We're just hopeless without Van Persie or Henry. We'll be lucky to qualify for the Champions League at this rate.

West Ham, last team to beat us in Highbury, first team to beat us in the Emirates stadium.

[Del Piero]

And people say Arsenal arent a one man team?

To sum Arsenal up -

Lehmann is pants
Clichy isnt good enough
Gallas and Toure cant play together for some reason?
Senderos is dodgy
Hleb is shit
Rosicky isnt a left winger
Aliadere is shit
and you have one person who can score out of your whole squad HENRY.

The futures bright, the futures certainly not Arsenal

[vanNistelrooy]

Clichy not good enough?

He's better than that Finnan guy you Scousers keep harping on about!

[Del Piero]

Well considering they play in different positions that doesnt really matter

[Calzone]

Clichy not good enough?

He's better than that Finnan guy you Scousers keep harping on about!

No way, But Van persie is brillant. Only cant hold arsenal alone if henry were to leave.

[Del Piero]

Thanks, love you to

[Viperized]

And people say Arsenal arent a one man team?

To sum Arsenal up -

Lehmann has been hot and cold recently. His form is dipping. Should've held his position in the box.
Clichy is brilliant. I wish Liverpool had a left-back like him!
Gallas and Toure are both good defenders. Third time the Toure-Gallas partnership was used. It was only dodgy against Liverpool.
Senderos is a decent back-up defender.
Hleb isn't shit. He creates a number of chances but none of Arsenal's strikers finish them off.
Rosicky isn't really a left winger, but then again neither is Hleb. However, Rosicky is more of a winger than Hleb as he is more decisive down the wing.
Aliadere is a shit finisher. (But he has only played a total of 36 Premiership games since 1999, so..)
and you have two people who can score out of your whole squad HENRY AND VAN PERSIE

The futures bright, the futures certainly is Arsenal, only if the team could finish the good 15-20 chances they create
Agreed. Well said.

[Del Piero]

Putting all the wind ups aside, what actually is happening to Arsenal?

They def arent the team they used to be are they?

And I feel that Wenger is trying to play to many players out of their favoured positions, do you think this is causing your slump?

Or is it the fact that your team is very young?

[Guillermo]

You better get your act together before May 6th. :crymore:

[calculus]

I had a dream we were 2-0 down to W. Ham at HT :huh: Teddy Sheringham set up Tevez for their second goal! :huh:

I told everyone about my dream before hand which is good because I had a really bad feeling about this game! :realmad:

[Viperized]

What is happening? The team can't finish. We create so many chances, but just cannot hit the back of the net.

We should've beaten West Ham 8-1.

[ThierryHenry14]

we need henry and van persie back but doesn't seem likely at the mo

[Viperized]

I've been saying it since day one, but Adebayor is clearly a terrible finisher, especially for a striker. He plays more like a creative midfielder than a finisher. He offers us space and movement, but his finishing is terrible, which is why he is a bad choice as a lone striker in 451.

We desperately need to sign a striker. I would snap Huntelaar of Ajax's hand right now to be honest. Huntelaar would've scored two hat-tricks today. He is an excellent finisher, and is a clinical one too.

Adebayor isn't a lone-striker. He can only play well in a 442 formation with either Van Persie or Henry.

[Cannon ball]

You better get your act together before May 6th. :crymore:

Whats the significance of that date?

[Bammers05]

That was one of the most annoying games I've ever seen. It should have been 4-0 to us after the first ten minutes and we completely battered them for most of the match. Story of our season really:realmad:

On the plus side, at least our 1st loss at the Emirates was to them and not Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd or Tottenham

[wrigh2uk]

If Wenger doesn't splash abit of cash in the transfer window, next season will be a re-run of this one. Youngsters are great FOR THE FUTURE, if Wenger wants to carry on buying and fielding players that will become somthing in 5 years time then I fully expect Spurs to be a better team than us in the next couple of sseasons.

Im sorry but squad comparsion Chelsea and Man Utd are leagues ahead of us at the moment. I don't care if we beat Man Utd this season, I'd much rather have a trophey and have lost to them twice.

Look at the previous Arsenal sides and look at the current one even with Henry in it, Its not a shadow of our former selves. A couple more season of this shit and I think we'll loose our appeal to actually be able to buy GOOD players....

[Viperized]

Comparison with Man United.

First team:

Lehmann - Van Der Saar
Eboue - Neville
Toure - Vidic
Gallas - Ferdinand
Clichy - Evra
Hleb - C. Ronaldo
Fabregas - Scholes
Gilberto - Carrick
Rosicky - Giggs
Van Persie - Rooney
Henry - Saha

The Rest:

Almunia - Kuszczak
Hoyte - O'Shea
Djourou - Silvestre
Senderos - Brown
Ljungberg - Park
Diaby - Fletcher
Flamini - Heinze
Denilson - Richardson
Walcott - Solskjaer
Adebayor - Smith
Baptista
Aliadiere

I'd say Arsenal have got a stronger squad overall. Not being biased. The first team is evenly matched though.

Problems with the squad? Here are a couple.
- Lack of goal scorers
- Lack of goal scorers
- Lack of goal scorers

Some players should be sold.
- Ljungberg, As much as a great goal scorer he previously was, he has been injured many times over the past two years and has proved a stumbling block in his career. He is slowly declining game by game is and losing his pace. His ability to finish is simply non-existant and doesn't offer us much other than his desire and work-rate. Can be useful, but I'd rather sell Ljungberg while we can and replace him with a superior winger, such as Ribery.

- Flamini. Great work-rate and commitment. Offers relatively little on the pitch other than that. Denilson and Diaby are better than him.

- Aliadiere. If he wasn't injured, he'd probably be scoring goals. But just seems to have lost his touch he had two years ago when he was the top scorer in the Carling Cup. Unfortunatly, he has only played a total of 36 Premiership games for us in his 9 years. Most of this appearances were substitute appearances too.

- Baptista. Gets in good positions, but has a touch of a rapist and could not hit a barndoor in the Premiership. Has wasted too many chances. Bye.

We should buy:

- A goalkeeper. Lehmann is getting old. Boruc? Gordon? Akinfeev?

- A winger. Mancini? Quaresma? Ribery?

- A striker. A clinical striker. Huntelaar? Klose? Who knows?

[wrigh2uk]

First team:

Lehmann - Van Der Saar - Van Der Saar Easy

Eboue - Neville - Even

Toure - Vidic - Toure indivualy but Vidic works soo much better team~wise

Gallas - Ferdinand ^^^ As above

Clichy - Evra - Evra

Hleb - C. Ronaldo - Do you even have to ask

Fabregas - Scholes - Fabregas is the young scholes, But he ain't scholes

Gilberto - Carrick - hmmmmmm

Rosicky - Giggs - Giggs because hes ACTUAL a winger

Van Persie - Rooney - RVP

Henry - Saha - Henry

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Henry - Saha - Henry

You sure ? :)

[vanNistelrooy]

You sure ? :)
He's spot on.

[Cannon ball]

And people say Arsenal arent a one man team?

To sum Arsenal up -

Lehmann is pants
Clichy isnt good enough
Gallas and Toure cant play together for some reason?
Senderos is dodgy
Hleb is shit
Rosicky isnt a left winger
Aliadere is shit
and you have one person who can score out of your whole squad HENRY.

The futures bright, the futures certainly not Arsenal

Thats a very harsh assesment of the team. I think Hleb's a very good player, superb dribbler, Clichy's a excellent leftback, Ronaldo had to switch wings that time when they played Arsenal and Aliadiere is good, but he doesnt seem to get a good run in the team. If he had a good consistent partnership with another striker he could be very dangerous. Arsenal are not a one man team in the slightest. Remember that time when you won at Old Trafford without Henry and put in a very fine performance?

What you guys need is a poacher. Someone who may not be the most wonderful to watch but will definatly get the goals, a 20+ goal a season striker. Trezeguet maybe? Try and get Ribery in the summer.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Where have all the arrogant Gooners gone ?

What happened to the Gooner Gestapo?

Are they all crying into their warm Shandy?

[wrigh2uk]

You sure ? :)

Henry >>>> Liverpools Entire strike force :)

[Viperized]

He's spot on.
Spot on about what, Saha being a better player than Henry?

[Viperized]

Toure - Vidic - Toure indivualy but Vidic works soo much better team~wise

Gallas - Ferdinand ^^^ As above
I don't know where you get the notion that Vidic and Rio 'work so much better team-wise' than our defenders. Just remember, Toure and Gallas have only played a total of 3 games together, and still looked pretty good despite their abysmal display against Liverpool.

West Ham didn't have a sniff against Toure or Gallas, although they did score from that single shot, where Toure should've actually done better instead of claiming for the offside.

[K.1.N.G.]

What you guys need is a poacher. Someone who may not be the most wonderful to watch but will definatly get the goals, a 20+ goal a season striker. Trezeguet maybe? Try and get Ribery in the summer.

Someone in the mould of Franny Jeffers maybe. . . . . :erm:

[Cannon ball]

Someone in the mould of Franny Jeffers maybe. . . . . :erm:

Yes. Only better. A hell of a lot better...:huh:

[Cobinho]

Arsenal have lost too many points to they more physical teams in the premiership not because the lack a stricker but because they lack the midfield presence. Arsenal were most succesful when they had two 6ft plus midfielders in the middle of the park. Arsenal's great double winning side in 97/98 had Vieira and Petit, the "invincibles" had Vieira and Gilberto.

Fabregas is a great player but he just does but have the presence required for a premiership winning team. What have they won without Vieira? That Number 4 shirt is not just literally to big fo Cesc...

Everyone says Arsenal need a striker I would say a physical centre midfielder is more important.

[ThierryHenry14]

i think we need a decent left back or wait for clichy to get more experienced and we need a decent striker to work with henry

[Bammers05]

Arsenal have lost too many points to they more physical teams in the premiership not because the lack a stricker but because they lack the midfield presence. Arsenal were most succesful when they had two 6ft plus midfielders in the middle of the park. Arsenal's great double winning side in 97/98 had Vieira and Petit, the "invincibles" had Vieira and Gilberto.

Fabregas is a great player but he just does but have the presence required for a premiership winning team. What have they won without Vieira? That Number 4 shirt is not just literally to big fo Cesc...

Everyone says Arsenal need a striker I would say a physical centre midfielder is more important.

True if you're talking about 05/06, but I think this season we've done quite well against the physical teams

i think we need a decent left back or wait for clichy to get more experienced

Surprising that you said that, because I think Clichy's had a great season, he was just playing poorly today

[Cobinho]

True if you're talking about 05/06, but I think this season we've done quite well against the physical teams



Surprising that you said that, because I think Clichy's had a great season, he was just playing poorly today

Losing to West Ham twice, Everton, Blackburn, Sheffield Utd, Fulham and Man City is just not good enough. Arsenal are good against good teams but when it comes to a battle they don't do that well.

[Viperized]

Arsenal have lost too many points to they more physical teams in the premiership not because the lack a stricker but because they lack the midfield presence. Arsenal were most succesful when they had two 6ft plus midfielders in the middle of the park. Arsenal's great double winning side in 97/98 had Vieira and Petit, the "invincibles" had Vieira and Gilberto.

Fabregas is a great player but he just does but have the presence required for a premiership winning team. What have they won without Vieira? That Number 4 shirt is not just literally to big fo Cesc...

Everyone says Arsenal need a striker I would say a physical centre midfielder is more important.
Roy Keane 178 cm
Paul Scholes 170 cm

We've actually lost most of our points because of our wasteful finishing.

Arsenal should've won every single home game played this season. I don't think I could name any team which may have deserved their 1pt picked up from the Emirates stadium. I'm talking about the clubs who come to the Emirates stadium just to settle for a point.

[JoeyM]

Arsenal have lost too many points to they more physical teams in the premiership not because the lack a stricker but because they lack the midfield presence. Arsenal were most succesful when they had two 6ft plus midfielders in the middle of the park. Arsenal's great double winning side in 97/98 had Vieira and Petit, the "invincibles" had Vieira and Gilberto.

Fabregas is a great player but he just does but have the presence required for a premiership winning team. What have they won without Vieira? That Number 4 shirt is not just literally to big fo Cesc...

Everyone says Arsenal need a striker I would say a physical centre midfielder is more important.


Last season called, they want their analysis back.

[wrigh2uk]

I don't know where you get the notion that Vidic and Rio 'work so much better team-wise' than our defenders. Just remember, Toure and Gallas have only played a total of 3 games together, and still looked pretty good despite their abysmal display against Liverpool.

West Ham didn't have a sniff against Toure or Gallas, although they did score from that single shot, where Toure should've actually done better instead of claiming for the offside.

Well if you want to swap it round, toure and senderos, YES our wasteful finnishing has cost us but, how many times has it been a once chance, one goal Arsenal Story ? If our defence was that good we would be drawing alot more games instead of losing them am I not correct ?

[Viperized]

They scored an offside goal.

Lehmann was off his line.

[Cobinho]

Roy Keane 178 cm
Paul Scholes 170 cm

We've actually lost most of our points because of our wasteful finishing.

Arsenal should've won every single home game played this season. I don't think I could name any team which may have deserved their 1pt picked up from the Emirates stadium. I'm talking about the clubs who come to the Emirates stadium just to settle for a point.

If you think Fabragas has more presence than Scholes thats bad but to bring Keane into it is just stupid. I said Fabregas COULD develop this quality but he does not have it yet. In this country people give youngsters too much praise too early, Fabregas is miles behind what Vieira and Keane were and is not yet as good as Scholes.

Arsenal moan about being unlucky when they this boy at the heart of thier team. He is a talent of that there is no doubt but Vieira was something else. He was a leader, playmaker, ball winner, aerial threat and clinical finsher Cesc is 1 out of the 5.

The games Arsenal drew bares little relevance to my point raise with regard to Arsenal LOSING to the physical teams. If Arsenal got a striker it would not win them the league.

[Viperized]

You were mentioning height, so I thought I'd mention the height of Roy Keane and Scholes. Those two aren't 6ft tall. Fabregas is only 19, and still is a top class midfielder. I don't think Roy Keane or Scholes were as good as Fabregas at the same age.

Fabregas doesn't need to be an aerial threat. Was Scholes? Was Keane? No. Fabregas does actually win a good number of balls. You're right about his finishing; it isn't very good. However, he has got a good shot on him so I have no reason to see why he cannot score more than Vieira.

[Billy Minof]

You were mentioning height, so I thought I'd mention the height of Roy Keane and Scholes. Those two aren't 6ft tall. Fabregas is only 19, and still is a top class midfielder. I don't think Roy Keane or Scholes were as good as Fabregas at the same age.

Fabregas doesn't need to be an aerial threat. Was Scholes? Was Keane? No. Fabregas does actually win a good number of balls. You're right about his finishing; it isn't very good. However, he has got a good shot on him so I have no reason to see why he cannot score more than Vieira.

Also Fab was top scorer with the Spanish U19 or U17 team in the youth WC a couple of years back so I reckon he could more, but if he was to do that he wouldnt be as good as he is great at setting up players. He is indeed better than both Scholes and Keane for his age and is a great young player, if he can become as good as the 2 formentioned then Arsenal will have a gem on there books.

[Cobinho]

You were mentioning height, so I thought I'd mention the height of Roy Keane and Scholes. Those two aren't 6ft tall. Fabregas is only 19, and still is a top class midfielder. I don't think Roy Keane or Scholes were as good as Fabregas at the same age.

Fabregas doesn't need to be an aerial threat. Was Scholes? Was Keane? No. Fabregas does actually win a good number of balls. You're right about his finishing; it isn't very good. However, he has got a good shot on him so I have no reason to see why he cannot score more than Vieira.

I mentioned height because Arsenal midfielders of the past had it, I never said it was the be all, presence was what I was getting at. You took my point out of context stating the height of two superior midfielders and suggested height wasn't required. Whicht defeats the object of my point.

Yes they were and better in the air than Cesc I am sure he would admit that even if you dont. Neither were better than Cesc at 19 but they were not at the heart of the midfield of a Premiership team challenging for the title and neither should Fabregas, unless you play
4-5-1.

As for goal scoring Vieira never had a great shot but was excellent in a one on one the opposit of Fabregas.

My point is Fabregas is good but he is not there yet if he wants to be challenging for the Premiership. He can play in Spain or Italy for a winning team but in England he needs a bit more. When you compare him to Keane, Scholes and Vieira its unfair because they are some of the greatest midfielders of our era. Only an Arsenal fan would give him time for him to become the player you think he is.

[Barry]

How can the two even be compared? Vieira was a defensive midfielder( and a cunt) while Fabregas obviously is way more attacking.

[Viperized]

How can the two even be compared? Vieira was a defensive midfielder( and a cunt) while Fabregas obviously is way more attacking.
Vieira played an attacking role with Petit and Gilberto in midfield.

[ThierryHenry14]

ever since we got rid of vieria i personnaly think it has gone slowly down hill

[Dragonfly]

27 fucking shots yesterday! 13 on target and still nothing. What a frustrating season it has been. I think the current strike force we have is good enough to get plenty of goals, so despite my Henry posts earlier, I think we're OK up front. Lets hope for a better change of luck and less injuries next season.

But for defense, I still would like some more experienced defenders, and not some teenage French or French speaking kid, especially full-backs.

[JoeyM]

It's not a coincedence that these "physical" teams are also the ones that stick 8 men behind the ball and hope for a corner or free kick to score from.

Look at pretty much all our defeats to the "physical" sides individually and you'll see we mostly dominated, missed several chances, and conceded from a set piece or similarly stupid goal. Nothing to do with being out muscled, I don't see how anyone who'd seen those matches can argue otherwise.

[Dundon's]

I haven't even the heart to watch the highlights anymore, it's like one big piss take as this stage. I said it before and I'll say it again, "everything is our own doing, we deserve fuck all because we can't put the ball in the net and it's really as simple as that"

P.S. Yes I know things would be different if we didn't have RVP and Henry out all season, as for the signing of that Baptista..... the cunt can trap a ball further than he can kick it ffs.

[calculus]

I just hope we don't keep hold of Baptista but I have a feeling that AW will sign him! :no:

PS Dundon's your signature is very disturbing!

[Jonny2J]

I haven't even the heart to watch the highlights anymore, it's like one big piss take as this stage. I said it before and I'll say it again, "everything is our own doing, we deserve fuck all because we can't put the ball in the net and it's really as simple as that"

P.S. Yes I know things would be different if we didn't have RVP and Henry out all season, as for the signing of that Baptista..... the cunt can trap a ball further than he can kick it ffs.Have you fucking heard it? oh don't forgive me if I refuse to offer sympathy for someone who can't even be bothered to watch the highlights of a team who play the best football in the country and have had nothing but success throughout the majority of their history. Well boo fucking hoo.

[Dundon's]

Wah.... :huh:

The peeps are getting splashed and He-man is laughing at them, isn't he?

[calculus]

Wah.... :huh:

The peeps are getting splashed and He-man is laughing at them, isn't he?

:huh:

[Dundon's]

Have you fucking heard it? oh don't forgive me if I refuse to offer sympathy for someone who can't even be bothered to watch the highlights of a team who play the best football in the country and have had nothing but success throughout the majority of their history. Well boo fucking hoo.

I'm joking Jonny relax ffs. ;)

@Cal: Wah it's water like.

[kallum]

PS Dundon's your signature is very disturbing!

I think it's hilarious me. :D

Dunno if this has been posted but some transfer gossip. Not saw much of the lad, is he any good?

From bbc sport


Cameroon star makes Arsenal claim

Lille midfielder Jean Makoun has claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been in contact with him regarding a move to the Emirates Stadium.
"Arsenal are a possibility," said the 23-year-old Cameroon international.

"I know their scouts have come to see me play several times and I have had a phone call from Arsene Wenger, too.

Makoun is also adamant that Manchester United are interested in signing him: "They were in touch last year and I know they are still interested."

The midfielder has made over 100 appearances for Lille since 2001.

He was also part of Cameroon's 2004 African Cup of Nations team, that finished top of their first-round group.

[calculus]

I think it's hilarious me. :D

Dunno if this has been posted but some transfer gossip. Not saw much of the lad, is he any good?

Yeah I saw that article but I hope it's just rumours! :rolleyes:

[Viperized]

We don't need another midfielder. Signing another midfielder should be the last of our concerns.

Fabregas
Gilberto
Diaby
Denilson

Good enough for me.

We need another striker. A clinical striker to be more specific.

I haven't even the heart to watch the highlights anymore, it's like one big piss take as this stage. I said it before and I'll say it again, "everything is our own doing, we deserve fuck all because we can't put the ball in the net and it's really as simple as that"

P.S. Yes I know things would be different if we didn't have RVP and Henry out all season, as for the signing of that Baptista..... the cunt can trap a ball further than he can kick it ffs.
Click here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights)

[Dragonfly]

:laugh:

[calculus]

We don't need another midfielder. Signing another midfielder should be the last of our concerns.

Fabregas
Gilberto
Diaby
Denilson

Good enough for me.

We need another striker. A clinical striker to be more specific.


Click here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights) or here (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nqao_arsenal-v-whu-070407-highlights)

After seeing those highlights I don't have anything to worry about just a little luck to go our way and if we play like that insead of the way we played against Liverpool and Everton then we will surely qualify for the Champions League! I feel a lot better now I've seen that :D

[jord@n lewis]

Imo we need a striker, a CB (sendros........hahahha, not up to it, not consictent enough ps i know my spelling is crap lol) and a out and out winger and the i think we'll be ready to challenge for the prem again

[kallum]

Imo we need a striker, a CB (sendros........hahahha, not up to it, not consictent enough ps i know my spelling is crap lol) and a out and out winger and the i think we'll be ready to challenge for the prem again

We'll need alot more than that if we want to get back title-winning hopes. Sorry for my continued pessimism guys but we need to be much, much more solid if we want to stand a chance of winning the league.

Over 38 games we're quite far behind Chelsea and Man Utd. If things aren't sorted soon we could end up having 5 or so years in relative obscurity in terms of winning honours.

If we have another season even remotely similar to this one, I can see some of our better players going- Barca will come for Cesc as early as they can for example.

To other fans this post may seem arrogant, and it wasn't meant to seem so, it's just Arsenal should be in the title frame much more than what they are now.

[calculus]

To other fans this post may seem arrogant, and it wasn't meant to seem so, it's just Arsenal should be in the title frame much more than what they are now.

With the team we have now or as a club? :rolleyes:

[kallum]

Abit of both to be honest, more-so the club however.

The :rolleyes: was unneccesary too, save your finger's energy for it's other naughty self-penetrating activity.

[Nturtle]

Well boys...we know Baptista's 4 goals at Anfield was a bit of a fluke now....lol....

Upwards and onwards...I expect we'll only score through our midfielders or defenders against Newcastle....if we get it in at all!

[kallum]

Upwards and onwards...I expect we'll only score through our midfielders or defenders against Newcastle....if we get it in at all!

Forget that mate...

Lehmann's got an 85 yard screamer waiting to be unleashed :cool:

MAD JENS!

http://www.arsenal.com/Images/l/lehmann_0607mancity3.jpg

[kallum]

Baptistas just come on for Hleb against Newcastle.

I think he'll score, it's just typical of him when the critics start coming out to produce ie. his Liverpool showing.

[Viperized]

The referee is fucking shit. No decision is going our way. Howard Webb, an absolute cunt.

And we're playing fucking crap.

[Viperized]

Why the fuck did Gallas get a yellow for?

[Barry]

Solano really saved a certain goal there. Twice.

[Nturtle]

The referee is fucking shit. No decision is going our way. Howard Webb, an absolute cunt.

And we're playing fucking crap.

I agree with all of that I'm afraid....Arsenal just look like a pub side today...:realmad: bring on Randall or somebody who has some drive....it's a waste of time watching so far! :no:

[kallum]

Hang on, are we on TV? :O

[Nturtle]

Solano really saved a certain goal there. Twice.

Fine defending for sure....damn...can't believe Arsenal didn't score! :huh:

[Nturtle]

Hang on, are we on TV? :O

Easter Monday mate...don't worry not worth watching....

[Viperized]

On Premiership Live or whatever the channel is called.

I'm watching it on the internet. No point watching the match. I'd rather watch paint dry to be honest. Newcastle are playing shit, just like us, but are creating more chances. They could've scored. Then again, we could've also scored but Solano prevented it from going in when Gilberto took a shot. He cleared the ball off the line.

[kallum]

Ah, thanks anyway lads.

A draws better than another loss like, but things must still improve drastically.

It's amazing how our season went into free-fall amost, the week we went out all 3 cups. Damn.

[BarnDoor]

A shit game all round lads. I thought you were gonna score there.

[Viperized]

A completely shit performance to be honest..

At least we didn't lose and I didn't expect us to score here anyway, especially with Rosicky out, and with Adebayor starting up front who should've really put us 1-0 ahead when he blazed his header sky high, over the bar.

Ljungberg was poor, Adebayor was poor, Hleb was poor, Gilberto was poor, Fabregas was poor. The whole team was pretty much poor. Ljungberg, Gilberto (giving the ball away all the time) and Adebayor were the worst performers however. Baptista and Aliadiere made no impact.

[Viperized]

A shit game all round lads. I thought you were gonna score there.
Looked more likely that Newcastle were going to score, and had a couple of chances to get ahead.

[Viperized]

Next opponent: Bolton :ninja:

[BarnDoor]

Well I meant the great defending from Solano, I really thought the second one was going in.

I don't really think we looked like scoring after Dyer went off, we basically sucked dick after that.

[Jonny2J]

Well I meant the great defending from Solano, I really thought the second one was going in.

I don't really think we looked like scoring after Dyer went off, we basically sucked dick after that.We don't usually when he plays either.

[Freestyle27]

You's were worse than us today tbh, but neither team deserved to score..

[BarnDoor]

We don't usually when he plays either.

Well what I'll give you there is that while Dyer himself didn't looking like scoring, he appeared to link up the play better and it was clear that Arsenal defenders were weary of him. After he went off it seemed like they just dealt with Martins.

Thought Duff had a decent game surprisingly, while Emre was a constant embarrassment, throwing his arse at opponents and letting them go past him. Its a big arse no doubt, but by the time the fat cunt's launched it through the air the opposing player has gone past him.

[Nturtle]

A completely shit performance to be honest..

At least we didn't lose and I didn't expect us to score here anyway, especially with Rosicky out, and with Adebayor starting up front who should've really put us 1-0 ahead when he blazed his header sky high, over the bar.

Ljungberg was poor, Adebayor was poor, Hleb was poor, Gilberto was poor, Fabregas was poor. The whole team was pretty much poor. Ljungberg, Gilberto (giving the ball away all the time) and Adebayor were the worst performers however. Baptista and Aliadiere made no impact.

Well..the best player...was probably Lehmann who didn't do much (good save on the free kick scramble though)!!!!!

*sigh*....what a drop in morale...conviction...and passion! It'll be fun against Bolton for sure...and we'll lose if we play the same way...

[K.1.N.G.]

ever since we got rid of vieria i personnaly think it has gone slowly down hill

even before he left us, it was going downhill - he had obviously lost his desire, and was merely going thru the motions.

look at how he's been since he left - a new challenge, back to the viera of old.

I think it's hilarious me. :D

Dunno if this has been posted but some transfer gossip. Not saw much of the lad, is he any good?

Grimandi has been to watch him twice in the past few wks, so looks as if theres some truth to the rumour - but, do we really need him/ would he be good enough....?



Upwards and onwards...I expect we'll only score through our midfielders or defenders against Newcastle....if we get it in at all!

unfortunately, you were proved right k1d - some serious questions need to be asked right now!

major game coming up now against bolton - we should have been out of sight by now, instead we're only going in two points ahead of them. . . .

[Dragonfly]

We still have a game in hand, with Man City at home after. I'm sure we'll end up in the top 4, but I'm upset that my ambitions have been set so low this season.

[Stella Artois]

I went to the Emirates to watch the West Ham game - my first of the season - and God was it depressing.

Anyway, its nice to see that we haven't had the usual 5 pages of crap that I'm used to reading since I disappeared.

Not being able to score against Newcastle is disgraceful.

[Jonny2J]

I went to the Emirates to watch the West Ham game - my first of the season - and God was it depressing.

Anyway, its nice to see that we haven't had the usual 5 pages of crap that I'm used to reading since I disappeared.

Not being able to score against Newcastle is disgraceful.You had better believe it. :cool:

[Stella Artois]

Aye. The most insulting thing I think I've heard in a long while was Sky Sports interviewing Steven Taylor about how he had hoped to pile on the misery against us (this was after the West Ham game).

Fair enough had the interview been from Martins or Dyer or someone who could actually hurt us, but Steven Taylor? :@

[Jonny2J]

Aye. The most insulting thing I think I've heard in a long while was Sky Sports interviewing Steven Taylor about how he had hoped to pile on the misery against us (this was after the West Ham game).

Fair enough had the interview been from Martins or Dyer or someone who could actually hurt us, but Steven Taylor? :@Shouldn't really be included in folk who can hurt you I must say.

[ThierryHenry14]

well i wonder what the score will be tomorrow

[Bammers05]

Here's an interesting story:

Cameroon star makes Arsenal claim

Lille midfielder Jean Makoun has claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been in contact with him regarding a move to the Emirates Stadium.
"Arsenal are a possibility," said the 23-year-old Cameroon international.

"I know their scouts have come to see me play several times and I have had a phone call from Arsene Wenger, too.

Makoun is also adamant that Manchester United are interested in signing him: "They were in touch last year and I know they are still interested."

The midfielder has made over 100 appearances for Lille since 2001.

He was also part of Cameroon's 2004 African Cup of Nations team, that finished top of their first-round group.

Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6536937.stm

To be honest I don't think we need another central midfielder, splashing out on this guy would just be a waste of money

[nikos24]

I'd personally prefer Bodmer over Makoun, both for now and the long run.

But I think the club needs a keeper and striker while a winger would be a big bonus too.

Akinfeev, Huntelaar and Ribery are all realistic options.

[Cannon ball]

Oh me gawd, Bolton are winning...:no:

The elk has scored.

[Barry]

Rosicky equalised. Bolton had what? About 1 shot on goal.

[Viperized]

Should be Arsenal at least 3-1 to us with the chances we're creating. We're playing well and looks more likely we're going to score.

Rosicky is playing brilliantly. Davies is a cunt. Adebayor can't finish to save his life, neither can Freddie. Hleb needs to shoot more often.

[Barry]

Now that is a cool finish by Fabregas.

[Viperized]

CESC!!

Fantastic finish. Brilliant stuff. What a fucking celebration.

[Viperized]

Final score..

Arsenal 2-1 Bolton :)

Great result, at least we converted 2 chances out of the 20 other chances we created. Still, better than scoring nothing.

[Cannon ball]

That should end any dreams of Bolton reaching the Champs League. Which is good.

[wrigh2uk]

We were lucky as fuck again, Diaby and Baptista arguing over the ball and fucking misses is it.... quality

Too many players that can't hit a barn door, yeah we won and thank god but still concerning

[kallum]

We were lucky as fuck again, Diaby and Baptista arguing over the ball and fucking misses is it.... quality

Too many players that can't hit a barn door, yeah we won and thank god but still concerning

Aye, good result but I feel the same problems are still there- shite finishing.

And if things don't sort we'll keep a similar run of form, drawing/losing games due to crap finishing, with the odd win when we've got abit lucky.

[Cali]

Jeez. You guys we're lucky. Should of been a penalty, end of. Haha, Diaby's strike at the end of the Match, you can easily tell that finishing isn't one of his stronger points. Should of been 2-2, but that's the way Football goes at times, and I suppose you lot played quite well. Well, what the Highlight's showed anyways. Let's hope you lose your next game.

[Dr. Bob Kelso]

Arsenal have more than earned a bit of luck this season, well done.

[kallum]

Jeez. You guys we're lucky. Should of been a penalty, end of. Haha, Diaby's strike at the end of the Match, you can easily tell that finishing isn't one of his stronger points. Should of been 2-2, but that's the way Football goes at times, and I suppose you lot played quite well. Well, what the Highlight's showed anyways. Let's hope you lose your next game.

Approach it from a slightly un-biased point of view at least before spouting your shite. Lucky? To a certain extent with the penalty which I feel wasn't intentional and I think it hit his chest (or at least motd said so), but so we're Bolton- our finishing kept them in the game.

And Diaby's still young, his finishing will come with time- not to worry, he'll be wiping the floor with your lot soon enough.

Arsenal have more than earned a bit of luck this season, well done.

Aye, well said man and thanks.

[Viperized]

Arsenal have more than earned a bit of luck this season, well done.
:rolleyes:

[Viperized]

Jeez. You guys we're lucky. Should of been a penalty, end of. Haha, Diaby's strike at the end of the Match, you can easily tell that finishing isn't one of his stronger points. Should of been 2-2, but that's the way Football goes at times, and I suppose you lot played quite well. Well, what the Highlight's showed anyways. Let's hope you lose your next game.
We completely outplayed Bolton and created far more opportunities. We could've easily scored more than 4 goals. Bolton hardly had any shots in comparison to us. Highlights do not give the complete picture.

[Cannon ball]

Whats with the Emirates Stadium announcer only saying the first name then letting the crowd say the last? Its not a terrible idea, but it would help if the crowd were a bit more enthusiastic, or maybe its a plan to try and make the Emirates more noisy. Plus the announcers voice sounds a bit camp.

[Bammers05]

Whats with the Emirates Stadium announcer only saying the first name then letting the crowd say the last? Its not a terrible idea, but it would help if the crowd were a bit more enthusiastic, or maybe its a plan to try and make the Emirates more noisy. Plus the announcers voice sounds a bit camp.

They put it in last season in order to try and get a better atmosphere

[kallum]

Whats with the Emirates Stadium announcer only saying the first name then letting the crowd say the last? Its not a terrible idea, but it would help if the crowd were a bit more enthusiastic, or maybe its a plan to try and make the Emirates more noisy. Plus the announcers voice sounds a bit camp.

Aye, it can be quite embarrasing...These things normally get the crowd right into it, except it sounds like about a third of our fans bother joining in. :angry:

Prawn Sandwiches anybody?

[Cannon ball]

Yeah, its just very half hearted shouts of "Lehmann" or "Eboue". It might work at somewhere like Fratton Park.

[Scarface]

Yeah, its just very half hearted shouts of "Lehmann" or "Eboue". It might work at somewhere like Fratton Park.

As Bammers said, it's an attempt to generate a better atmosphere within the stadium, but it's very cheesy.

In Germany, a few teams do it, and it actually sounds impressive, but it won't work with our fans. I'd prefer us to go back to the light cheering while the tannoy announcer goes through the lineup.

Excellent performance yesterday. Should have made it more comfortable for ourselves, though we showcased our poor finishing again, but it's good to have outclassed Bolton for a third consecutive time. Poor Kevin Davies still thinks his rough-house tactics will defeat us. Not anymore, cunt features. Well taken goal from Cesc. Hopefully he'll start getting on the scoresheet more regularly, as there's no reason he shouldn't.

[calculus]

As Bammers said, it's an attempt to generate a better atmosphere within the stadium, but it's very cheesy.

In Germany, a few teams do it, and it actually sounds impressive, but it won't work with our fans. I'd prefer us to go back to the light cheering while the tannoy announcer goes through the lineup.

Excellent performance yesterday. Should have made it more comfortable for ourselves, though we showcased our poor finishing again, but it's good to have outclassed Bolton for a third consecutive time. Poor Kevin Davies still thinks his rough-house tactics will defeat us. Not anymore, cunt features. Well taken goal from Cesc. Hopefully he'll start getting on the scoresheet more regularly, as there's no reason he shouldn't.


That's true, there is absolutely no reason he shouldn't get on the scoresheet more often but the older he gets the more goals he will score, how many premiership goals had Frank Lampard scored at 19 :rolleyes:

Man City on Tuesday and The North London Derby on Saturday which should be interesting especially if we are playing 4-5-1 :D

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Fantastic goals from Fabregas and Rosicky. It was rather ironic on how Bolton's rough tactics were totally ineffective against us and Fabregas who had problem dealing with rough house tactics shitted all over their defense a couple of times. The scoreline should of been 4-1 if we can take the sitters and one on ones. Adebayor could of scored that one on one but he decided to kick the ball straight at the keeper, also don't get me started on Diaby.

Again, Hleb looks fustrating, he lacks vision and loses the ball too much. Everytime he recieves the ball, it is very predictable that he is going to pass the ball sideway. He should offer us alot more in our attacks like running the ball at speed to the opponent instead of passing it sideways as usual.

[Barry]

Fabregas did look a bit more confident after that goal, maybe it was all he needs to get the goalscoring engines running (for lack of a better metaphor).

[Stella Artois]

Hopefully Bazza. He should have sored an absolute hatful this season - but to be fair he hasn't been the only one. We should have a 100% home record and haven't really been outplayed away from home bar the bin dippers.

Hopefully we can get a result tomorrow then I will be certain we will get 4th place.

[vanNistelrooy]

You lot shouldn't be worrying about 4th place, I think you'll wrap it up soon enough. Unfortunate however that Liverpool look like getting 3rd :(

[calculus]

You lot shouldn't be worrying about 4th place, I think you'll wrap it up soon enough. Unfortunate however that Liverpool look like getting 3rd :(

That's what I thought and then they go and throw up a result like the one against M. City but I think we will get it as long as we can hold form because Liverpool have bigger things to worry about and are too far ahead of Bolton and Everton to be caught!

[pistolpete]

About the stadium announcer thing - i was at the San Siro for Inter vs Palermo and they do the same thing there and the atmosphere is electric.

A few of us went and we sat near the Inter Ultra fans and because they went 2 down they got a bit lary.

They had assigned people to get the crowd going, they were at the front facing the crowd hanging ove the barriers shouting for people to join in the songs, put their hands up, clap etc - Maybe Arsenal need something along these lines to get the crowd going.

The downside to this was that the guy in our section was an absolute thug, and apparently the Mafia pay these guys to get the crowd going, people who werent singing or joining in were attacked/ punched/ pushed or bottles thrown at them - obviously we dont need this at Arsenal but you get the point.

[Bammers05]

1-0 :D

I think we could get 4 or 5 tonight

[Barry]

More like a 1-1 actually. Can't comment this time as I'm unfortunately not able to watch.

[Viperized]

More like a 3-1 actually. A brilliant volley by Fabregas from 25 yards and a decent finish from Baptista.

http://www.live-footy.org/tue17.4/Arsenal_ManCity.html

Watch here. Stream 5.

[Bammers05]

I think 4th place is just about rapped up now

[Viperized]

Great win, we're in third place although temporarily, so hopefully Liverpool lose their game in hand.

[kallum]

Great win, we're in third place although temporarily, so hopefully Liverpool lose their game in hand.

S'alright anyway. They'll draw at least another 3 games I reckon with the CL in mind. We just need to really set out to finish strongly no matter what. If we get 3rd it'll 'keep' our name so to speak, as I've heard a few mutterings about us now heading for some years of relative obscuritiy...

Which with some thought at least is bollocks, we've a young squad who'll only get better, and also we've been very unlucky as we've controlled a hell of a lot of the games we haven't won this year, but our finishings let us down.

[Viperized]

If Van Persie and Henry stay fit next season, I think we might have a decent chance in challenging for the title.

There were many home games which we have drawn. Those games should've resulted in Arsenal victories, with our finishing costing us. We should've really won every single game in the Emirates Stadium to be honest. We dropped 18 easily obtainable points at home. Should really have 75pts at least.

If Van Persie and Henry, our two best finishers, stay fit for most of the season then I think we might be able to challenge for the Premiership title. Also, Gallas was also out for a long time, so he hasn't had many games with Toure - Clearly Toure-Gallas in defence in our first choice partnership. If Toure and Gallas continue to play games together they could probably form a very good partnership as they are great defenders individually. However, we'll need to sign some players in the summer. We may need to replace Jens with a good GK and signing a winger should be top priority. We should also sign another striker considering Baptista is unlikely to have a future here, as well as Aliadiere who seems like he will be sold to Middlesbrough. I wouldn't be too disappointed if we didn't sign a striker as Bendtner will return from loan but a winger should be a must signing

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/2090/untitledhe1.jpg

I didn't realise Arsenal beat Man United 3-1 :o

[Dragonfly]

:laugh:

I'm not laughing at the possibility of it happening of course. :mellow:

EDIT: I don't think we should just rely on RVP and Thierry. Bendtener will be back this summer, and I hope he raises his game for the Premiership. That would give us 4 good forwards, with three of them being quite tall.

[Viperized]

Well Rosicky and Cesc grabbed two goals in the past two games. Wouldn't be surprised if either hit double figures next season. They are certainly capable of doing so, especially Rosicky as he looks like a great finisher especially from range, as seen in the World Cup and against Hamburg.

[Dragonfly]

I have no doubt that they can rack up a good amount of goals for us, but I'm concerned the only reason they've been more forward thinking is because of our lack of scoring strikers. They've probably been asked to participate more, but once RVP and Henry are back, they may revert to a less shooting approach and try to walk in the goals like most of the season.

[Viperized]

I have no doubt that they can rack up a good amount of goals for us, but I'm concerned the only reason they've been more forward thinking is because of our lack of scoring strikers. They've probably been asked to participate more, but once RVP and Henry are back, they may revert to a less shooting approach and try to walk in the goals like most of the season.
I doubt it.

Wenger has said himself Cesc should've scored 10 goals already this season.

[Pierre]

hey guys off-topic...

Im trying to find a jacket that Ronaldo Lima wore when watching the champions league game of Ac Milan vs Bayern Munich....

It's like a black leather bomber jacket with wool ribbed arms and collar, I think....

You can see it in the ITV champions league highlights clip...

If anyone has any ideas PM me 'cos im going out now, cheers!!

[-Rafa-]

You guys can have 3rd place and we'll have the CL ;)

Cause tbh, I don't care if we finish 3rd or 4th, we'll still have to qualify for the CL.

[-Rafa-]

What?

I would rather win the CL and have Arsenal finish 3rd and us 4th since we focused on Cl.

[Dave!]

hey guys off-topic...

Im trying to find a jacket that Ronaldo Lima wore when watching the champions league game of Ac Milan vs Bayern Munich....

It's like a black leather bomber jacket with wool ribbed arms and collar, I think....

You can see it in the ITV champions league highlights clip...

If anyone has any ideas PM me 'cos im going out now, cheers!!

I would also like this...:erm:

[Dundon's]

Good result for us last night but what was more important is the fact that Fab and Rosicky are starting to bang in the goals. If they can grab another few between them from here to the end of the season then it'll set us up lovely for next years race I'm sure.

At last the midfield scoring jinx seems to be coming to a close.

Phew...

P.S. AND we're almost certain of getting a champions league place. Before the last two games it really was up in the air, not getting into it would of been.....well...... I don't really have to go there now do I.

[Rossy Boy]

anyone got some highlights of the game i was out so i couldnt watch a stream

[Cannon ball]

Pretty unlucky, but I couldnt see us getting anything out of this game. Oh and Ross, try Youtube.

[martin_cranie]

Vice-chairman Dein leaves Arsenal

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has left the club with immediate effect because of "irreconcilable differences" with the rest of the board.

American billionaire Stan Kroenke has bought 9.9% of Arsenal and more shares from major stakeholder Danny Fiszman.

It sparked takeover talk, but chairman Peter Hill-Wood played down moves.

He revealed remaining board members, who own 45.45% of the remaining shares, had agreed not to dispose of their shares for at least one year.

In a statement, Hill-Wood said: "On behalf of the board I would like to express our gratitude to David Dein for the many years of loyal service he has given to the club.

"We sincerely regret that irreconcilable differences between Mr Dein and the rest of the board have necessitated a parting of the ways."

Earlier in April, ITV plc announced that they had unconditionally sold their 9.99% shareholding interest in Arsenal Holdings plc to American Kroenke's KSE UK INC.

Kroenke Sports Enterprise have also co-owned American Football franchise St Louis Rams following their relocation to Missouri, while NBA side Denver Nuggets and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche are now too under the group's umbrella.

That development was not seen as the first step towards another American takeover of a English club, although the move to buy ITV's stake came less than a month after KSE stated they had "no interest or intention" of buying into Arsenal.

Both Dein and fellow director Fiszman had previously stated their intention to keep their shares.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6569561.stm

Terrible news. I know he's always had a frosty relationship with other board members, but it is suspicious that he is only walking out now, in the midst of takeover talk.

Could this be the proof that those with faith in our current setup, like Dein, are leaving now before our current ownership comes to an end?

[JoeyM]

Dein seemed to support the takeover more than the others, so if anything this makes the takeover less likely imo.

[Rossy Boy]

Yeah Cheers Cannon Ball, I was shocked to see Baptista to have a nice finish :shocking: shame about David Dein leaving

[Viperized]

Well his shares aren't sold. There is no mention of that.

Could he be returning with Kroenke? I'd have Kroenke as the owner to see Dein back to be honest. He was the only footballing brain in the board. He is Arsenal through and through. He was involved in a lot of our transfers too. Everyone else on the board are simply businessmen.

I'm guessing many people would be against Kroenke taking over Arsenal simply because of he is an overseas buyer. But to be fair he has managed sports teams before, has made them more successful and does know how to run a team.

I'd be surprised if Arsenal don't get taken over to be honest.

[Stella Artois]

I couldn't give a damn if Kroenke was the nearest thing to God, I don't want him at my club. The Orange Tan man has gone down the wrong route in my view.

[martin_cranie]

Dein seemed to support the takeover more than the others, so if anything this makes the takeover less likely imo.

Fair enough. I always thought he was, much like Wenger has been historically, anti-takeover.

As someone who is completely anti-takeover myself, but a David Dein fan too, I have mixed feelings about his departure.

[calculus]

It's a shame to see him go because of all the work he has done for Arsenal but I don't want to see a takeover!

[Calzone]

American planning Arsenal takeover?













YES, YES, YES

[vanNistelrooy]

I would fucking love it. Maybe Arsene would then shut up about how "Arsenal are more English than all other clubs".

[Stella Artois]

Could be worse. We could be fickle United fans who have conveniently forgotten just how much they hate Mr Glazer as you're enjoying a bit of success.

[Viperized]

Rumours are that if Kroenke takes over the club, it'll be along with Dein. So DD will return to the Arsenal board, presumably has vice-chairman.

By the way, I highly doubt Arsenal have much money to spend, which is probably why Dein supported the Kroenke takeover. Compare us to Man United and Liverpool! They're going forwards and forwards. English owned or not, I'd prefer the club to go forward instead of going backwards.

But we'll see this summer how much we'll spend I guess.

[Pierre]

People understate what Fergie has done and are focussing on the 'Glazer' impact far too much...

In the summer, Fergie only really bought Carrick for £18million, with the low cost buy of Kuschak and the Larsson loan...

He has been successful this season due to a good start, very few injuries for most of the season, the emergence of C. Ronaldo, solid defence and the re-introduction of a fit Paul Scholes....

I would'nt attribute much of that to the Glazer influence, barring the Carrick buy, which they would have afforded before the Yank takeover....

I think fitness with a few players can drastically change fortunes...

[calculus]

People understate what Fergie has done and are focussing on the 'Glazer' impact far too much...

In the summer, Fergie only really bought Carrick for £18million, with the low cost buy of Kuschak and the Larsson loan...

He has been successful this season due to a good start, very few injuries for most of the season, the emergence of C. Ronaldo, solid defence and the re-introduction of a fit Paul Scholes....

I would'nt attribute much of that to the Glazer influence, barring the Carrick buy, which they would have afforded before the Yank takeover....

I think fitness with a few players can drastically change fortunes...


Couldn't of put it better myself!

Hopefully we get the same luck if Henry and RVP come back strong and fit and stay fit! Rosicky has missed a lot of games too! Walcott will be back strongn after his rest too! Flamini and Baptista will leave! Bentdner, Gilbert and Merida should come on! Ljungberg looks to be coming back to full fitness and sharpness. Our back 4 should only get better! Diaby and Denilson :D! The Emirates! The future's bright, the the future's Arsenal!

Baptista can't settle apparently--->http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6570853.stm :rolleyes:

[Pierre]

It's only Chelsea that have completely re-invented their team....

Man Utd have thrived on consistency and tweaking things as they go along....

David Dein was great, but I can't say I agree with him on the Kroenke subject...

I would rather go down the Barcelona route if anything, where the fans own the club....

[Stella Artois]

You're forgetting Vidic and Evra who came last January and cost upwards of £12m.

Fergie has had plenty of money to spend.

[Viperized]

People understate what Fergie has done and are focussing on the 'Glazer' impact far too much...

In the summer, Fergie only really bought Carrick for £18million, with the low cost buy of Kuschak and the Larsson loan...

He has been successful this season due to a good start, very few injuries for most of the season, the emergence of C. Ronaldo, solid defence and the re-introduction of a fit Paul Scholes....

I would'nt attribute much of that to the Glazer influence, barring the Carrick buy, which they would have afforded before the Yank takeover....

I think fitness with a few players can drastically change fortunes...
So £18m isn't much? Thats a lot of money mate.

We only spent £6m. Gallas signing for us gave us a profit of £5m and Baptista was only on loan.

[Pierre]

So £18m isn't much? Thats a lot of money mate.

We only spent £6m. Gallas signing for us gave us a profit of £5m and Baptista was only on loan.

Yeah but how often has Arsene Wenger spent big? And why would he start now?

As pig-headed he is on the style of football we play, he is the same when dealing with transfer market....

We were chasing Robinho and were close to getting him... he would have cost more than Reyes, so money is not a massive factor...

In addition, how many times do we hear the board say funds are available, only for him to turn it down due to the detrimental effect it would have on our upcoming players?!

Unless you want a reverse "Cashley" case, where we get a good but money-grabbing player who's only coming for the money, then support the Kroenke thing...

I would rather we were owned by the fans than the yankie-doodle...

[Barry]

I think it's admirable that Wenger doesn't resort to silly long balls the minute things start going tough. Many coaches don't have the balls.

[K.1.N.G.]

Rumours are that if Kroenke takes over the club, it'll be along with Dein. So DD will return to the Arsenal board, presumably has vice-chairman.

By the way, I highly doubt Arsenal have much money to spend, which is probably why Dein supported the Kroenke takeover. Compare us to Man United and Liverpool! They're going forwards and forwards. English owned or not, I'd prefer the club to go forward instead of going backwards.

But we'll see this summer how much we'll spend I guess.

au contraire - if A.W. wants to spend it then money IS there, but, once again, he has come out and said not to expect any big name signings, he has more than enough confidence in the youngsters.

the thing that worries me the most is that Dein was very close with A.W - how will this affect contract talks? his contract is due to run out in 2008. . . . . (at least we know that A.W. doesnt favour a takeover!)

[Viperized]

Yeah but how often has Arsene Wenger spent big? And why would he start now?

As pig-headed he is on the style of football we play, he is the same when dealing with transfer market....

We were chasing Robinho and were close to getting him... he would have cost more than Reyes, so money is not a massive factor...

In addition, how many times do we hear the board say funds are available, only for him to turn it down due to the detrimental effect it would have on our upcoming players?!

Unless you want a reverse "Cashley" case, where we get a good but money-grabbing player who's only coming for the money, then support the Kroenke thing...

I would rather we were owned by the fans than the yankie-doodle...
Because the team is desperately in need of signings. And I most definitely do not want Cuntley back. I was just pointing out we hardly spent any money then so I would think we don't have enough money - stadium debts and so on.

Look how weak our squad. Without Van Persie and Henry, we are hopeless.

We've been battling for fourth place in two years, without any trophies. Our squad needs to be improved.

We need to buy a goalkeeper, a quality winger and a striker who can put the ball in the back of the net, whilst getting rid of:

Freddie (Past it. Was a great goalscorer, but now