Arsenal [Archive] - Page 4 - PESGaming Forums

Scarface

07-02-2005, 17:16

Real'll give you Guti and Owen, you give them Reyes and Edu ;)

Deal??

That wouldn't be a bad deal for Arsenal under certain conditions. As Edu looks likely to be a free agent in the summer, he would be yours for free anyway, and Guti and Owen could bring a lot to Arsenal. I'd prefer it if Reyes stayed, as he has the talent to become an Ashburton Grove legend, but if he is homesick (which I don't believe he is, but anyway) and wants a move back to Spain, then Guti and Owen would be good players to bring in, but I can't see Wenger allowing him to leave unless it's absolutely necessary, and may prefer straight cash for him, so he can bring his main targets in.

Over the next few months loads of Arsenal players will be linked with moves away from the club, it's an annual event. I can't see too many players leaving, with the exception of the likes of Lehmann, Almunia, Edu obviously, and possibly Cygan. Wenger is more interested in bringing in more players to the squad, rather than letting quality players go.

Figо10

07-02-2005, 17:22

gollan

07-02-2005, 17:51

That's a sweet deal for Arsenal. A sweet deal indeed. With all due respect for Jose Antonio, Owen is just a better player. True, he underperformed for 'pool, and he doesn't get that many minutes in Real, but he's got the best goals/minutes average, and he's FAST, and he's a natural striker and not a wing-player. And Guti is just better than Edu, IMO. He's a fighter not a wanker. But I don't think that this deal would come true - a dreamy one if it would.

Scarface

07-02-2005, 18:25

Guti was linked with Arsenal about a year and a half ago, when Arsene said he wanted Guti, Ayala and another player for his squad.

Reyes homesick?? I doubt so. When he arrived, his first three goals for Arsenal were against Chelsea ;) Could be instrumental in pegging Chelsea back in the title race.

Luxemburgo might want to let Owen go. If he does, it'll most probably be back to the Premiership. I don't think he;ll return to Anfield, and Newcastle aren't good enough for him, so Arsenal's probably the best choice.

As for Guti, his recent performances have been good although I'll rate his game as another Beckham performance. Real fans say he can't even give a good pass, and he isn't physically strong enough like your skipper to tackle and pressurize players.

Edu, just make him a Real player ;) Otherwise he'll choose Valencia at the end of the season, all rumours are saying this.

The reports from News Of The World, or some other terrible paper, were claiming Reyes was homesick, as his family haven't moved to London yet apparently. Within 3 days of him joining Arsenal, all of his family reportedly had moved into a new house in London, so unless they suddenly decided to piss back off, they are wrong.

Guti, Ayala and Owen would all be good signings for us, but we could still do with keeping key players such as Reyes.

Edu was excellent against Villa, and was for most of last season and for Brazil in Copa America, but whether he would keep enough consistency to be a Real Madrid regular, i'm not sure. Both Edu and Guti are very good players when in form, and about the same age, but the versality of Guti is a good bonus. Do you know of any interest in Guti from other clubs? It seems likely he will leave Real now they have signed Gravesen, and already have Beckham, Zidane and Helguera.

Did you mention Roberto Ayala? Yes please :cool: Doubt he would come cheap though, now that Valencia have got rid of their veteran Pellegrino, unless he doesn't have much longer on his contract?

A bit of annoying news today, Timo Hildebrand has signed a new deal wth Stuttgart until 2007. Bastard :o. He will probably still go in the summer i'd imagine, but is repaying Stuttgart for helping him make his name, by getting them a fee for him.

Akineye

07-02-2005, 18:36

I can't believe people would rather have Owen than Reyes.

I'm by no means an Arsenal fan and I'm not that fond of Reyes either, but having seen him play at Arsenal and Sevilla I think there's much more to his game than there is to Owen's.

Owen even admitted himself that he has lost his extra yard of pace due to injuries, and without his pace, to me, Owen is just an average striker.

Edited, Arsenal have just signed Owen from Real Madrid on my Football Manager game. Spooky.

Figо10

08-02-2005, 02:54

Arsenal need a centreback now, Ayala would be good though he'll not come cheap as you said.

Guti is versatile, but he doesn't do well in various positions. A Jack of all trades. He knows a bit of ball-winning, pacey dribbling and shooting. Can play as a holding midfielder, left winger or striker, though he hasn't been a forward for a long time, since Real have Ronaldo and Raul and now Owen.

Still underrated in my opinion.

AgentZero

08-02-2005, 04:15

he hasnt made much on the impact of arsenals game, they do have argueably one of the best strikers in the world in henry and he plays on the left side and drops to mids quite a lot, could this be preventing reyes playing at his best

Yi-Long

08-02-2005, 13:16

Arsenal should just get Van Bommel this summer, when he's free...
Probably the best Dutch midfielder at the moment, experienced, and a great combination of hardness, and technique. Also a leader on the pitch. Could be amazing alongside Viera, or alongside the youngsters... (plus it will keep Viera from becoming lazy if he has direct competition for his position...)

I SO prefer Reyes over Owen. reyes is a bit unlucky because he has 2 incredible guys in front of him in the picking order (Bergkamp and Henry), but he is still a great quality striker and dribler. I can understand why Reyes is now often played from the left midfield, as you wouldnt want to keep a guy like that on the bench too long...
I doubt Owen would bring anything to the team that the current Arsenal strikers can't deliver... (plus Van Persie and Quincy are great up-and-coming talents who can take over from Henry and Bergkamp in a few years time...)

Arsenal just needs to fix their defensive problems, and they're good to go...

fishcheese3

08-02-2005, 14:44

the cheese is in the air and it smells like mr figalos bell

adams9802

08-02-2005, 16:30

they do have argueably one of the best strikers in the world in henry
Really you're a sharp one aren't you...
:rolleyes:

As for Owen and Guti? Both can go fuck off coz that's a terrible deal for the Arse. Yadda Yadda reyes isn't happy coz this and that. Whatever. All he needs to do is start playing up front all the time. He's a strikere not a winger and when he's switched to a more central attacking position then he'll do better. The onlty thing I worry about is that Henry and Reyes won't gel because of their "differences" and all.

gollan

08-02-2005, 17:01

adams9802

08-02-2005, 17:15

I beg to differ, but as far as I know Reyes is a winger, not a striker. And I still hold that it's a sweet deal for us. I know most of you guys think otherwise, but as for clinical finish (something, for instance, RVP needs to take a few lessons with Denis and Thierry) Owen is much better than Reyes.
Well in one sense you're right he's a winger but not the classical type of winger like say Ljungberg. He's more along the lines of a Robben type of winger that can fully ochestrate the team through some cutting wide and central play. I don't see why we cou;dn't just buy Owen and keep Reyes, first I dreally don't see Reyes leaving after his first full season, I mean if we keep Kanu and Wiltord for as long as we did they're aint no way in hell that Reyes is going.

Yi-Long

09-02-2005, 06:42

The onlty thing I worry about is that Henry and Reyes won't gel because of their "differences" and all.

Perhaps that's the 'real' reason why Wenger has now placed reyes on midfield instead of as a forward!? To remove that competiveness between the 2!? Or alleged competivenesss...
To take away that whole 'you're better then...' thingy with that loony spanish coach etc!?
By playing Reyes now in a midfield-position and labeling him an attacking midfielder, instead of a forward, Wenger probably wanted to take that whole 'better then' aspect out of the relationship, cause they are now no longer competing for the same position!? So that would take away some of the tension between the two?

Personally, I never noticed any tension between Henry and Reyes, and felt they worked pretty well together those times they played together in the beginning of Reyes arrival...

Nturtle

09-02-2005, 16:50

A bit of annoying news today, Timo Hildebrand has signed a new deal wth Stuttgart until 2007. Bastard :o. He will probably still go in the summer i'd imagine, but is repaying Stuttgart for helping him make his name, by getting them a fee for him.

Damn....

And regarding defensive problems...well...maybe it is because Edu and/or Gilberto aren't being good Defensive Mid-fielders this season...and a certain amount of bad luck for our lads....the defenders aren't too bad (but I do hate Cygan the old warhorse, even though he performed as one of the better players vs ManU) but someone like Ayala might bring some flair....

As for Owen...I think he's ok...but I'd like to see van Persie in action more first...he could be just as good and even more of an all rounder... :D

adams9802

09-02-2005, 16:51

Damn....

And regarding defensive problems...well...maybe it is because Edu and/or Gilberto aren't being good Defensive Mid-fielders this season...and a certain amount of bad luck for our lads....the defenders aren't too bad (but I do hate Cygan the old warhorse, even though he performed as one of the better players vs ManU) but someone like Ayala might bring some flair....

As for Owen...I think he's ok...but I'd like to see van Persie in action more first...he could be just as good and even more of an all rounder... :D
Gilberto has, and you can hardly blame him as for he's been out for the whole season.

martin_cranie

10-02-2005, 22:22

Ayala is fantastic, ideally i want someone younger, but beggars can't be choosers. He made the FIFA top 35 so he's good enough for me.

I think that if we could've settled it with Edu and signed him to a new contract then we wouldn't need a new midfieder. With Gilberto back and the young guys coming through i'd say we'd be very strong in central mid, considerably better than Chelsea, Man U etc.

As for Guti, from what i know of him he's versatile but as Figo10 said he's a 'Jack of all trades...' Are we looking to just cover gaps or fill them with quality? Flexibility is good but having larger numbers of players would be better. I dont want to have masses of players like at Chelski, but i want more than a few 'versatile' players trying to plug the holes we have.

Owen?! The forward we really need is a creative player who can score loads to. Aka 'The new Bergkamp'. No small feat, i haven't got a clue who could do it, but it sure isn't Owen.

martin_cranie

10-02-2005, 23:05

This could be the bad news that we've been fearing:

Jose Antonio Reyes has been involved in a radio hoax in Spain, where he was tricked into admitting his desire to join Real Madrid.

Spanish station Cope Radio pulled off the amazing hoax, by claiming to be Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno.

Cope Radio contacted Reyes's agent, who in turn informed the Arsenal man to speak to the pranksters claiming to be the Madrid chief.

During the conversation, Reyes admitted to life being 'not great' at Arsenal - confirming growing rumours that he is not settled in North London.

Reyes later went on to say that he would be happy to join Real and that he had always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants had just denied reports of a swap deal involving Michael Owen moving to Arsenal in order to sign Reyes.

The former Sevilla man had himself said that he was concentrating on winning things at Highbury, despite being flattered with Real's interest.

This latest stunt is sure to anger all parties, and Reyes is thought to be considering legal action against the hoaxers.

Alternatively click here for the original source:
http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=255340&cpid=23&CLID=3&lid=&title=Reyes+in+radio+hoax&channel=Premiership

Scarface

10-02-2005, 23:16

I still can't see Reyes joining Real Madrid, even if that is true. We saw the mayhem that was caused when the Sevilla fans found out he had been sold to Arsenal. If he moved to Real, they would go absolutely mad, it'd make the Sol Campbell deal look like a piece of cake. I know there have been similar cases to this before, where the deal has gone through, but lets be honest, Reyes isn't the really mentally strong type, his quite shy, and would be very intimidated by the Sevilla fans, should he commit what they would think of as a sin by joining Real Madrid.

SkySports like to report crap about Arsenal players. Earlier in the day, when Jose said he was happy and committed to Arsenal, they preferred to go with the 'Reyes flattered by Real link' headline :rolleyes:

I'm not going to believe any story linking Arsenal players with moves away. It happens every single year. There is still a long way to go in the season with a lot to play for, and the transfer window is not opening for a while yet.

martin_cranie

10-02-2005, 23:25

AgentZero

10-02-2005, 23:28

hahaha poor jose, it could of been worse if he added fuel to aragones fire by stating his dislike for henry

50!

10-02-2005, 23:29

I just saw it on Sky Sports News and from what I saw it looked pretty true. You even heard the conversation with transcripts. You could tell the DJ was a prankster he could hardly hold in his laughter at one point. He said that Raul had recommended Reyes to Madrid and then Reyes replied with I have always supported your club and would love to join. It may show his disloyalty to Arsenal but from a neutral point of view it was one very funny prank.

Scarface

10-02-2005, 23:32

I certainly don't take Sky's opinion as gospel, and I also don't want to believe it, but i'm finding it hard not to. I just don't see Reyes' passion and dedication to Arsenal. He likes us because we gave him a chance on a bigger stage than Sevilla. He has no intention of spending his career with us thats for sure.

The hoax part seems true, but the few quotes provided are very limited, and don't really tell us much. Foreign players are often saying about how it's been a dream of theres to join a particular top European club.
Definitely in the next few years I can see him heading back to Spain. He promised the Sevilla fans he would return to them after Arsenal, but we'll see.

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/arsenal/story.jsp?story=609904

^ That's probably a better source rather than from the skyscum.

Nothing much to worry about too much at the moment. It'd be a shame to lose a player with such awesome potential, but we should get a very good deal for him, if it eventually does come to the worst. The Reyes/Henry partnership has never really got going, so that's obviously one thing that needs improving to improve the morale of the Spaniard.

edit:

When press reports alerted Reyes to the fact that he had been victim of a prank he spoke to manager Arsène Wenger, who told him not to worry about his faux pas. But, following that conversation, Reyes released a statement insisting that he remains committed to Arsenal.

"I have seen stories in the media linking me to Real Madrid," Reyes said. "Of course it is flattering, but not only am I under contract at Arsenal, I am happy here and committed to helping the team win more trophies.

SinspaW

10-02-2005, 23:41

i like him a lot when hes playing...but if he doesnt want to stay...then get out...
thats my opinion anyway...

Scarface

11-02-2005, 16:13

Arsene Wenger says that he is not worried about Jose Antonio Reyes saying that he would like to join Real Madrid during a radio hoax.

The young Spaniard was caught by a Spanish radio station, who phoned him pretending to be Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno.
A bullish Wenger told reporters on Friday that he was not worried about the comments - insisting that Reyes could become one of the best in the world at Real.
Wenger was determined to play down the incident, and he said Reyes was just feeling down when he said he was homesick.
"A young player is sometimes up and down and he has been caught when he is disappointed at not playing in a few big games," said Wenger
"But it does not take away from the challenge that we have, both Reyes and myself, in front of us to make him one of the best players in the world, and I think he can achieve that. Simple as that.
Wenger says that he is yet to speak to Reyes about the incident, saying it is normal for a player to have a boyhood dream of joining a club in their own country.
"I haven't spoken to him about it because I just heard about the whole story today.
"I believe I could catch out every journalist in here by saying something that his company would not be happy with - it is too simple to do things like that.
"It is normal that joining a big club of your country can be one of your dreams from your youth, it does not mean that he does not have another dream to come here - because it was his dream to play for Arsenal.
"I don't have to say anything against the fact that every player has, in his home country, a club that he would like to play for."
As for the story disrupting his side's preparations for their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday, Wenger dismissed any talk of his squad being unsettled.
"We have a great spirit inside the club this is basically a non-story but unfortunately we have to live with non stories.
"But they are still non stories and it has nothing to do with the vision we have for our club.
"There is no distraction at all because it is just a minor, minor incident in our week.
"Reyes has made a statement yesterday and that is available to you - we have more problems with people who want to join us than those that want to leave

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=255486&CPID=8&CLID=3&lid=&title=WENGER+UNRUFFLED+BY+REYE S&channel=Premiership

Recoba set for Arsenal?

The Gunners are interested in signing Inter’s Alvaro Recoba to take the place of the disappointing Pires.

‘Il Chino’ has been sitting down on the bench for most of this season and even though the Uruguay player has vowed eternal love to Inter, his patience may be running low.

Arsenal are looking for a player with Pires’ characteristics and they have targeted Recoba as his perfect replacement. The Inter forward would be interested in a move to England as he would finally get to play regular football.

If the English club decides to make a move for the talented South American player, than they will have to fight off the competition of Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

http://www.goal.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=46751

Sounds very accurate. Obviously doesn't quite have as good a left foot as Pires :rolleyes: Deary me, the funny season has begun already.

Campbell likely to miss Bayern clash

Arsenal defender Sol Campbell looks almost certain to miss his side's Champions League tie away to Bayern Munich on 22 February.

Campbell, 30, has been out since twisting his ankle against Manchester United on 1 February.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed: "There is only a small chance of Sol being fit for the Bayern Munich game.

"He has had this injury a few times and I have never rushed him back. When Sol feels okay, we will bring him back."

He added: "Sol is out for at least one more week. He will back in training at the end of next week."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4258015.stm

Fingers crossed Sol will make a return for Bayern. We need our strongest back 5 for that game, missing Sol could be crucial, in a tie that's likely to be extremely tight.

Nturtle

11-02-2005, 16:50

Thanks for the scoops again Reyes9...interesting one about Recoba!! That would be a great addition!

Nturtle

11-02-2005, 16:52

Gilberto has, and you can hardly blame him as for he's been out for the whole season.

Sorry...you are quite right Adams....I merely meant Gilberto has been absent...as has Edu :rolleyes:

Scarface

11-02-2005, 16:55

Thanks for the scoops again Reyes9...interesting one about Recoba!! That would be a great addition!

Your welcome.
It's about time Recoba makes some serious use of his talent. Like we all know, he is supremely gifted, I don't see where he would fit into the Arsenal system, but he would be a very interesting signing. His name has often been touted for Arsenal in the past few years, it would make sense for Recoba to make a move, but we'll see what comes of it.
It just seems a dodgy rumour at the moment from goal.com, its as though we are in the transfer window with all the rumours fliyng about at the moment.

Nturtle

12-02-2005, 17:13

LOL...well, if Recoba is as good as his stats in FM2005/PES4...well, we'd be so lucky! Ha!

I'd like to see what Wenger has up his sleeve for his summer signings...need someone solid I feel. We give up too easily and don't finish off the opponents when in front or when scoring first...bah...

Estill

12-02-2005, 19:31

4-2

Stella Artois

12-02-2005, 19:43

You deserve a medal for saying that Estill. Either that or a punch straight to the face. Stupid glory hunting prick.

Tenacious D

12-02-2005, 19:44

4-2
LOL that's just funny :p

P.S. Run while you still can lol.

Scarface

13-02-2005, 00:25

4-2

UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS

Or have you only started supporting Man U this year? :rolleyes:

Estill

13-02-2005, 23:29

LOL Love a bit of banter dont you

martin_cranie

13-02-2005, 23:41

LOL Love a bit of banter dont you

Just posting something saying '4-2' isn't banter. If we talk about banter then Reyes9's was better. I'm happy for you to win 4-2 one season, it hardly compares to going undefeated through a premiership season.

Now thats good 'LOL'

Estill

14-02-2005, 11:53

cranie you bloody idiot, I was referring to Reyes9's post as the banter for crying out loud, read through it slowly again....

Scarface

14-02-2005, 22:02

Arsenal 5-1 Crystal Palace

Wow, what a performance. I'd go as far to say that's the best we have played all season. Thierry Henry and Jose Antonio Reyes ran the show. Dennis Bergkamp continued his fantastic recent form, and we are heading into the FA Cup and Champions League in the right form now.
Once again, early on we saw the best and worst of Lehmann. Making a stunning double save, and then seconds later, letting an easy backpass go under his foor, and just managing to stop the ball go fully over the line. :D Going by many reports, it seems Jens Lehmann looks likely to be the German #1 keeper, as Klingsmann is not a fan of Oliver Kahn, and rates Jens very highly. This could be good news for Arsenal, as we can expect Lehmann to be fired up for the remainder of the season, not only to keep his place in the Arsenal team, but also to secure his place in the German international team.
Some amazing goals tonight, lets hope we can keep it up for the rest of the season.

Alcoholic

14-02-2005, 22:16

I didnt catch that. Sounds like I missed a bit.

Lami

14-02-2005, 22:23

Don't get too excited. Crystal Palace didn't show much defiance. Their defence was too easy to pass through and Henry-Reyes-Bergkamp did what they always do. Nothing special

Scarface

14-02-2005, 22:29

I didnt catch that. Sounds like I missed a bit.

You certainly did ;)

It was an amazing display by the Arsenal :cool:

Report by skysports:

Arsenal showed that they have not yet forgotten the all-conquering form of their early season, destroying Crystal Palace 5-1 at Highbury in a display that sent out a stark reminder of the quality at the club.

First half goals from Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Antonio Reyes and Thierry Henry shattered Palace's early resistance, and calmed the jitters that have haunted their recent games.
The second half saw Arsenal relish an unconquerable lead - allowing Patrick Vieira to add a simple fourth, before Andy Johnson grabbed some measure of consolation from the penalty spot.
But it was Henry, in his 200th Premiership game that had the final word - wrapping up the scoring with a sublime fifth.
For the opening ten minutes, watching Manchester United fans must have felt that the second place was theirs for the taking, as The Gunners' nerves were once again on open display.
Jens Lehmann had shown his ability with a fine full-length save to deny Dougie Freedman's early snap shot, but the German then undermined himself when he took his eye off a Gael Clichy backpass, missing the ball entirely but racing back to stop it crossing his own line.
But, in Bergkamp and Henry - Highbury have two of the Premiership's most iconic players, and the duo's indisputable quality began to turn the game back in Arsenal's favour.
First Henry, looking determined to haul the side up by their bootlaces, turned and slammed a shot narrowly wide with Gabor Kiraly scrambling across his goal.
Then Bergkamp went one better, finishing a fine move that saw Edu pick out Reyes on the left, and the under-fire Spaniard fire in a low cross that the Dutchman slotted home at the near-post with a clinical tidiness that belied the narrow nature of his target.
Reyes has been lured into unwise comments about his desire to walk away from a season to forget, but his embarrassment appears to have manifested itself in the best possible way, and he soon added to his assist with a goal.
Not before Freedman wasted a wonderful chance to haul Palace level, however, volleying shockingly wide when picked out unmarked at the far post.
Reyes finally unlocked Arsenal's delightful flowing game, absent throughout much of 2005, when he added a settling second, firing a simply perfect strike across Kiraly from the edge of the box that left the Hungarian no chance despite the range.
The relief at Highbury was palpable as their heroes began to believe in themselves.
Kiraly saved superbly to deny defender Gonzalo Sorondo looping a Bergkamp cross into the top corner, and Fitz Hall blocked what looked a sure-fire Henry goal.
But the Frenchman did manage to get on the scoresheet soon after, conjuring the kind of shot that most strikers can only dream of, as Kiraly was again left clawing at thin air after the ball had whipped past him and thundered into the back of the net from the outer reaches of his penalty box.
Johnson was marginalised on his England debut, but he must have wondered if he was being played on the wing again with all the chances falling to partner Freedman - and it was the Scot who wasted a fine opportunity at the start of the second period, cantering through but failing to test Lehmann.
Henry orchestrated a fourth for Vieira soon after - his ball leaving Hall and Kiraly in disarray allowing the Arsenal skipper to delay his effort then tap into an empty net.
Bergkamp came inches away from grabbing number five, when he fired just wide after a flowing move that had been created by Reyes and Henry.
Johnson appeared to realise that the only way he could interrupt this display was to do it himself and he duly earned a penalty when his cut inside Kolo Toure was abruptly halted by the clumsy challenge of Vieira - getting up to fire emphatically home from the spot.
Henry was denied by an errant linesman's flag, whilst Robert Pires took his time after Reyes had sent him clear, but only managed to pick out the face of a post instead of adding to the score.
Highbury was baying for a fifth, and it was fitting that Henry should be the man to grab it - Bergkamp picking out the French genius, who dropped his shoulder to gain a yard and lazily fired the ball into the top corner.
Chelsea may well have already sealed the Premiership title this season, but for all their money, they do not have monopoly in class - and in Henry, Arsenal have a player worth a good percentage of Roman Abramovich's millions.

Figо10

14-02-2005, 22:34

Nice 5-1 win, had to be a thrashing after tge Gunner's drew away.

3 goals in 7 minutes :D

LiamK

14-02-2005, 22:54

Stella Artois

14-02-2005, 23:14

Give us £200 million and we will buy some British players.

Estill

15-02-2005, 13:17

I'll give Arsenal credit, they scored 5 quality goals last night. It was only against C. Palace though, who started well but drifted early on when Riihilaati went off.

Probably too late for you now...

Stella Artois

15-02-2005, 13:21

A 5-1 victory against any side in the Premiership is a good result.

It is also too late for United, although being the optimists all United supporters seem to be, they believe otherwise.

gollan

15-02-2005, 13:54

Right then, well done for the 5-1 win, but seriously.

I want apologies from all Arsenal fans with over 500 posts for a completely non-British squad and running out to the French National Anthem.

You can private message me them or post them here.

I apologize for a completly non british team and for running out the french national anthem and for selling you guys 50% of our british starting-11 players (Ashley) leaving us with Campbell. Please accept my apology LiamK.
I would also like to apologize for the amazing-money-can't-buy style, the 2 amazing goals by Henry (which with all your money you have no-one who can score like that) and the beauty of the game. Take my word for it. I'm very, very sorry.

Cray

15-02-2005, 13:57

well then, since i am a Arsenal fan, i am sorry too~

(actually my intention is to get the points...)

Scarface

15-02-2005, 14:12

..although, should we be given £100m to spend, i'm sure Ledley King, Steven Gerrard and Shaun Wright-Phillips would be near the top of our wishlist :cool:

I admit it would be nice should we bring more English youth through, but we can't complain when we are treated to the football we are, and are getting the results.
We simply cannot buy English players of a good enough standard, as they are too damn expensive. We would need a new investor to buy 2 of the 3 names I just mentioned, as Man City, Liverpool and Spurs will all ask for a tremendous amount of money, which would take a huge chunk out of our spendable cash, whereas instead, we could continue to buy fantastic bargains throughout the World, who become some of the best players in European football. I know which I would prefer :)

Nturtle

15-02-2005, 14:52

Well done Arsenal..and it would have been good to keep a clean sheet except for Viera's tempermental feet...ha!

Well, if you ever play FM2005, you'll find that English youngsters ARE hugely expensive. Even though it's a game I think it comes close to allowing us fans to see how the teams are made up and it's just a fact that Arsenal have more non-English players chosen for the match. Like Wenger said...does it really matter what passport they have when they play good?

lostgunner

15-02-2005, 20:44

This article sums up my feeling as a long time Arsenal fan

"Yes, Chelsea win lots of games and hardly concede any goals and they deserve credit for that, but have they ever been entertaining? Certainly nowhere near the standards we set last season on our title run. Sure they will all say the main thing is winning games and trophies: not putting on a show, but then - what's the point in watching football if you're not going to get entertained?

So whether it's one of those Vieira tackles, a Reyes run, a through-ball by Bergkamp, an Henry goal or anything else that other team's fans can only dream of - this is Arsenal and only Arsenal. Love it. Love every moment. Every single second."

http://www.arsenal-mania.com/?page=articles&view=full&article=17835

LiamK

15-02-2005, 21:01

but then - what's the point in watching football if you're not going to get entertained?

Now I agree Chelsea haven't been as fluent and beautiful in their football as Arsenal were last year.

But that comment is absurd.

While that writer may support Arsenal and watch them play because they can play nice football, everyone else goes to watch their team because they want to support their team.

Whether the pitch is a beautifully mowed, under soil heated footballer's dream, or some bogged down, cut up old field it the depths of League 2. Whether the action is fluent and reminiscent of ballet, or a dirty, ill-tempered long-ball fest. Whether you're sat in £55 seats in an roofed upper tier, or cramped in between two fat pissed up twats standing in a terrace where you pay on entry.

What about when George Graham was manager. Arsenal played some of the dullest football known to mankind - I assume that the gloryhunting fool that wrote that comment only started supporting Arsenal when Wenger's well-oiled machine clicked into full action.

Is this the type of fan you want writing for an online-fanzine?

And you might want to think twice about agreeing with his sentiments.

Cannon ball

15-02-2005, 21:25

It seems Arsenal are now playing the way they can and should. All Man U fans say its between chelsea and the red devils for the premiership, but Arsenal are only 1 point behind them and could easily slip past Man U. I still highly doubt Arsenal will pip Chelsea for the top spot. Fergie has said yet again Chelsea will have a blip. Yawn.

arsenal 03-04

16-02-2005, 16:13

[
What about when George Graham was manager. Arsenal played some of the dullest football known to mankind QUOTE]

Graham may of had Arsenal playing highley defensivley grinding out 1 nil results but he did it in a fashion that no one had done before. Whats more it got results

League: "89, "91,
F.A Cup "93,
League Cup "93,
Cup Winners Cup "94

Chelsea may be able to buy the premiership but never a history like most other clubs, even the the spurs. I see Chelsea are celebrating their 100 year centenary next season, what have they got to celebrate? 1 div championship, 3 F.A cups, 2 Cup winners cups and .............................. .....

LiamK

16-02-2005, 16:38

Oh no. You're not one of those Arsenal fans that keeps yabbering on about Chelsea's history are you, and continually confuses history with silverware?

If you knew your own history (and by history I mean history, not silverware), you'd be less inclined to try and boast about it.

Click back to Page 19 (http://www.pesinsight.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5439&page=19&pp=30&) if you really want an insight into your own clubs history.

We've got history, in the real sense of the word, and it's far more legitimiate than Arsenal's.

Besides, correcting this urban myth is missing the point.

The point was that the author of that comment is a gloryhunting fool, and I'd be interested to see if anyone other Arsenals fans agree/disagree with his views/my analysis.

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 16:41

Ah, yes, Romans rubels are obviously clean.

Remember LiamK, the Chelsea fans back then would have been bitching about it, just as many fans today bitch about the fact that you have bought the title.

LiamK

16-02-2005, 16:47

No, Abramovich's millions are most probably not particularly legitimate. Legal proceedings will continue throughout his entire lifespan most probably.

Just I have to laugh when uneducated Arsenal fans enjoy saying how the honest Woolwich Arsenal fought tooth-and-nail for their footballing status while Chelsea are only their because of their oil magnate.

Arsenal fans really don't realise just how similar our histories are. So it's entirely hypocritical to start giving that 'history' bullshit.

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 16:52

If you honestly believe he earned his money legitimately then your a fool.

Anyway, when we talk about the present day, we have a right to slate Chelsea. You were an a decent side looking to get into the Champions League then the addition of a few hundred million from Roman has seen your ambitions change dramitically.

The sad part is people like you believe Chelsea deserve to be in this position.

Anyway, this is a thread about Arsenal, so I will stick to discussing them.

LiamK

16-02-2005, 16:59

Mind pointing out to me where exactly I said I thought Abramovich's billions were earned legitimately?

Your post only serves to back up my point.

All Arsenal fans have a go at Chelsea for 'not deserving' their status amongst football's elite. Sitting back all smug at being so honest and legitimate in their business, that even if Chelsea beat them in the league, they can still play on the fact that they're an honest team and Chelsea are undeserving champions who are only not in midtable mediocrity because of Roman Abramovich.

When in fact, Arsenal's history includes bribery, relocation, merging and doping.

Yet Chelsea are the scummy team, while Arsenal's halo shines brightly.

Are any other fans in England quite so uneducated about their own clubs history?

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 17:05

Who gives a flying fuck about the past? Stop using it as an excuse to justify the millions being spent on your team.

There would have been arrogant wankers like yourself moaning about Arsenal's wrong back then, so save yourself the trouble of retyping what we already know.

LiamK

16-02-2005, 17:13

Marvellous, just as I think I've reached new grounds by reaching the second post of a debate with you acting quite civilly, that dream is promptly destroyed by your usual dose of insults and swear words.

Some uneducated Arsenal fans started mouthing off about Chelsea's history. So, being a Chelsea fan, I defended my team.

Quicker than you say Henry Norris, another Arsenal jumps aboard and gives it the sarcastic 'So Chelsea are completely legitimate' - which was not what I was implying at all. I was merely bringing to light the similarities between the two clubs histories.

Understand now?

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 17:20

Thanks for making it obvious to me. I am but a poor simpleton who cannot even come close to the intelligence of my hero (thats you).

As I have said, Chelsea fans would have moaned and bitched during the time of Henry Norris so when we bitch about Roman Abramovich, you have to revert to the past. :rolleyes:

And I will never be able to discuss something civilly with someone I detest.

LiamK

16-02-2005, 17:28

Thanks for making it obvious to me. I am but a poor simpleton who cannot even come close to the intelligence of my hero (thats you).

Firstly, have you ever heard that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit?

Call it educating Arsenal fans. I know of so many Arsenal fans who do not have the first clue about their own history, but that doesn't matter when they sing 'Carefree, wherever you may be. Chelsea ain't got no history' (NB: this applies to match-attending Arsenal fans only)

So I always feel the need to highlight to them for the hypocrites they are. Just like I did with your sarcasm at the start of this post.

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 17:45

It aint my fault I am just a poor simpleton with a low form of wit. :)

But thanks for educating me on something I already knew.

gollan

16-02-2005, 18:11

Just for the argument's sake, can I please understand the relevance of Arsenal's ancient history to the contemporary Chelsea financing?
There is a big difference between a "I am better than you" argument and a "You stink" argument. The first requires comparison, while the second doesn't. Alas, everything is relative (Einstein found that out before me) so "You stink" arguments could be answered with "Smell yourself first, matey" arguments. I can agree. On the other hand, relativity - if we consider this wonderful theory - works on many levels, but most strongly on the time dimension. This means that, for example, British people can condemn actions taken by countries that deal with human rights issues, even though when controlling its colonies Great Britian did some horrible things. Same goes for Germany, same goes for a lot of countries. Can you seriously argue that those countries are estoppled from criticizing other nations' actions due to their own ugly history? It's absurd.
It's even more absurd in football. The fact that Arsenal's owners did what they did ages ago, has no bearing on Chelsea's handling of the current 2 years, and even more then that - can serve as no means of defense for Chelsea fans.
The logic is simple - in an adversary procedure between 2 sides, it would be a good defense to claim that the other side is more horrible than what they claim that you have done, but it doesn't have any bearing on behavioural indiscrepencies toward third parties.

Bottom line (also for simpletons :D)

Chelsea Stink. Now. This is what relevant. You can find shit about almost anyone else. But this is Chelsea's time to Stink and look like an organized crime financed football establishment.

Stella Artois

16-02-2005, 18:17

That is an intelligent way of putting it, thanks Gollan.

However in future PM me what you have written and allow me to post it so I look smart. ;)

LiamK

16-02-2005, 18:35

Completely agree. It's like the Spanish saying how the English can't possibly condemn them for being racist because of the English colonies. Ludicrous.

Although the attempted-debate-turned-into-childish-insults is a little more detailed.

The problem arises when you've got Arsenal fans claiming to be representing the honest, hardworking club from Plumstead/Islington (could've been Fulham too!), who although occasionally may be beaten by the evil Chelsea, can always claim that Arsenal are an honest club meanwhile the evil Chelski scum are only not in the relegation zone because of Abramovich.

Because of this delusion, combined with the superficial delusion that silverware equates to history, that Arsenal fans seem to possess, they think a) that they can mock Chelsea's 'history' because they've won more and b) that they really are the honest hard working team from wherever they're being moved to next.

Combining the two delusions, they mock Chelsea's history - which is nothing to be mocked for. Chelsea's is a proud history, as anyone who knows Chelsea's history will tell you. And even if history=silverware, I support my club, not it's trophy cabinet. When in fact, despite their own delusions and lack of knowledge, it's their club with the history that should be mocked and investigated.

So, to continue your analogy.

Arsenal, who quite clearly stank to the rafters, say to the Chelsea who have began to stink recently: "You stink. But we definately don't and never have. We're the well-bathed, squeaky-clean club from wherever we're being moved to. We never have stunk because we've won a lot"

Which, as I'm sure you'll agree, doesn't quite add up!

adams9802

16-02-2005, 18:41

I understand what you're saying Gollan and in terms of pure logic its fine but what I can understand atleast from the stand point of other teams from London I can see their sore point with Arsenal's history. If there ever was a shady team who rose from a dirty past itwas the Gooners. Never before in Englsih football has there been such manipulation of the FA through bribery and intimidation. We got into the old First through a Wimbeldonesque type of move that involved some ugly dealings. So what you're saying is true that past histories have no relevence to curent situations but its still a valid sore point with other teams(albeit as hsitory marches on fewer people know about it) Just ask the losers down the road from Highbury....
:D Now thats a team everybody young and old can learn to loathe.

Nturtle

17-02-2005, 03:50

Let sleeping dogs lie guys. I enjoy rooting for Arsenal for the current team, and I don't particularly enjoy it when Chelseas keep winning...but it doesn't mean I'm comparing who is better or worse in whatever way!

LiamK is happy to give us grief only when we come out with generalisations that might be interpreted as unreasonable, and equally he has his own generalisaitons like saying "ALL Arsenal fans have a go at Chelsea for 'not deserving' their status amongst football's elite." This will inevitably go around in vicious circles so let's not go there.

Adams has put things in perspective - not everybody likes or dislike a team for the same reasons and nobody is whiter than white. Let's just talk footy rather than attack each other?

Keeper Moya Targeted by Gunners?

Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya is honoured to have attracted the attention of Premier League giants Arsenal but insists his first priority is helping his club avoid relegation.

The form of the 20-year-old shot-stopper has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing campaign for Mallorca, who are 18th in the Primera Liga.

Although they are still in the relegation zone, the confidence shown by Benito Floro and his replacement Hector Cuper has seen Moya become a first team regular.

His consistent performances have attracted attention in Spain and now Arsenal are also taking a close look at Moya, with vice-chairman David Dein already having visited Parma to watch him play.

"The fact they are looking at me is something to be proud about," said Moya.

"Arsenal are a great club and they have two good goalkeepers in (Manuel) Almunia and (Jens) Lehmann, but I would prefer not to make any plans about the future," he said, firmly fixing his sights on avoiding relegation.

"My priority is helping Mallorca to stay in the Primera Liga and news like this can't distract me.

"I would do whatever I could to help save Mallorca and what excites me most is the thought of Mallorca being an important club."

From Teamtalk-

http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,2483_308836,00.html

trafty_7

17-02-2005, 04:31

you guys could use a better keeper...bit of a joke to have 4 goals dropped in on ya in a big time game ;)

Nturtle

17-02-2005, 05:48

Well, Lehmann wasn't particularly super in some game during the unbeaten run, but we had luck on our side. Poor Almunia concedes a goal in the Carling cup like within a minute...then the ManU game practically fell over to let the goals in...too bad...but changing goalkeepers requires a lot more thought than the rest of the squad probably.

Some stability might be best for the moment, and Taylor's not even had a proper chance yet. We'll see!

gollan

17-02-2005, 10:51

To Stella: Ok.
To LiamK: Regarding part (b) of your argument - agreed. People who display arsenal as the ever squeaky-clean team of the century are not, how to say lightly, very serious.
As for part (a) - well, technically, you might argue that history does not equal silverware. But judging historical (and to that matter, contemporary) SUCCESS, on the other hand, should be based on merits alone, hence - historical success = silverware.
I would also argue that when weighting Arsenal's historical stinkiness, in light of the fact that it happened many years ago, to Chelsea's current stinkiness, with the facts that Arsenal won so many more things than Chelsea, the historical outcome would be that Arsenal is, HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, a much better club.
:D
Those debates are so bullshitty it really makes me smile.

Scarface

18-02-2005, 14:45

Wenger's transfer cash lift

Arsene Wenger has been told that a war chest of up to £40million will be available for him to spend on rebuilding his team in the summer.

After the disappointment of effectively surrendering their Premiership title this season, the Arsenal manager will need to invest heavily if the club are to make up ground on wealthy rivals Chelsea.

According to Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman, the money will come from the cash he did not spend in last month's transfer window and the next instalment from broadcast giant Granada, which is committed to buying a five per cent stake in the club for £30m in the spring.

Arsenal had around £17m available for players in January but Wenger chose not to use most of it, and around two-thirds of the investment from the television company will also be banked for his use.

Managing director Keith Edelman said: "There is ample money to spend on players in the summer and there were resources there in the transfer window if the manager had wanted to spend it." Wenger's track record suggests he will not spend all the money which could be available, but Arsenal are determined to compete for players the Frenchman targets.

Details of his transfer funds have emerged from Arsenal's latest set of accounts, with information for the six months to the end of November last year published today.

They showed a pre-tax profit of £2.7m on a turnover of £49.5m with £17.4m cash in the bank and a reduced wage bill.

Arsenal ran up net debts of £183m by the end of November, including £44m of bank loans during the six-month period.

The vast majority of the total borrowing figure is related to their new stadium at Ashburton Grove and has been separated from the football business.

Niiice :cool:

So who would you want us (talking to just Arsenal fans here ;)) to make a move for?

Gerrard, Wright-Phillips, Dellas (free), Friedrich, Frey or Hildebrand, Aghahowa, Mascherano or van Bommel (free) please :D

Also, a bit of news for the Sheff Utd game tomorrow; it is likely that Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira will be rested. Ashley Cole is likely to miss out again through injury, while Sol Campbell is still on the sidelines, and is likely to miss the Bayern clash aswell.
Bergkamp and Ljungberg should be restored to the side to face Sheff Utd.

LiamK

18-02-2005, 15:04

I remember reading a while ago that it would the transfer fund would be much bigger than £40m. I can't remember the exact figure, but I remember it being substantially bigger.

I think Wenger will want to bring in a good young centre back. Ledley King? You also would get the added bonus of the suicides of a lot of Tottenham fans. Then obviously a goal keeper as well, Hildebrand or Frey, whatever, it's not like you'll actually care as long as Lehmann and Almunia aren't in goal for you.

I don't think you'll go for Wright-Philips, he'll be far too expensive and I can really see how he'd fit into your side. He's not really the type of winger that Arsenal employ. Besides, Keegan will want about £25-30m for him, so that'll be the bulk of your budget gone.

Darrenaldo

18-02-2005, 15:21

hey, 1st time posting
i think a decent young keeper is priority, hildebrand or so for about £5-8mil
wright phillips is a definite 4 me altho he's vry expensive
and if reyes REAL-ly wants to go, then bring in a big money youngster: torres, kaka (god willing) sum1 with a robben like impact on the premiership

Nturtle

18-02-2005, 15:30

Mmm...I think it wouldn't be a super big name like Torres, Kaka etc. Too expensive really. Young and good for development yes, or amply experienced like Ledley King as LiamK says.

Well, I'd like to see if Stuart Taylor can make the grade actually. Nothing like putting some ENGLISH (sounds so defensive really) players back on the pitch if that's what is perceived to be a problem!

I'd say somebody like Senderos will be playing more, and Eboue as well. More likely some experience mid-fielder to cover Edu/Gilberto really. Since Borssia Dortmand is in trouble....maybe Rosicky as a replacement for Pires?!? Heh heh...

JoeyM

18-02-2005, 15:33

I, like most, think Wright-Phillips would be an excellent addition, especially seeing as with Pennant most likely leaving we don't have much cover for Freddie on the right. However, if he costs more than 20 million, than I'd probably rather spend it on someone else, that's getting into Joaquin/Gerrard money.

If we can keep Pennant from Birmingham, and Wright-Phillips says he wants to go, we might be able to get him for Pennant+10-15 million.

Jonny2J

18-02-2005, 15:36

adams9802

18-02-2005, 17:03

pennants out of contract in the summer
And we shan't give him a new contract either, its a shame though we'lll lose him for nothing as for I could see us getting 3-5 for him, but then again same old transfer policy for wenger, he's done the same to parlour, edu and wiltord. As for SWP if we table a reasonable bid I can't see him going anywhere else but us, Chelsea could buy him but I don't see that, I doubt he'd go to United plus he's a Wright which will work in our favour.

Jonny2J

18-02-2005, 22:34

And we shan't give him a new contract either, its a shame though we'lll lose him for nothing as for I could see us getting 3-5 u mean a 3-5 year stretch :D

Ronaldo_is_fat

20-02-2005, 04:19

A blush for Arsenal to tie 1-1 with Sheffield in Highbury. Bayern Munich is in a bustering form right now winning 5-0 against Dortmund with Makaay scoring a hat trick and 2 assist. I don't see Arsenal winning in the away match because Campbell is injured. Arsenal do have to get their defense sorted out or they would have a hard time when visiting Munich.

adams9802

20-02-2005, 08:07

u mean a 3-5 year stretch :D
I kinda hope he does do hard time... ;)

As for todays dire match I wasn't that suprised that we did so poorly, you can't make 7 changes and expect the team to perform. I was however impressed with Clichy today.

ChelseaDave

20-02-2005, 13:18

Quick Question:

Does ITV have shares in Arsenal or something because i heard that they were going to give Arsenal £30million to spend in the summer...?

Darth Daft

20-02-2005, 15:42

""We have no other choice but we do not want to lose Reyes," said the Arsenal manager.

"Reyes may be a yellow card but I don't see why one case should be linked with the other.

"The Football Association should look at the whole game anyway."

Wenger also accused Cullip of sparking the incident by deliberately stamping on Cesc Fabregas.

"I must say I was shocked by what I saw against Fabregas," he said.

WHAT IS HE ON?

shocked by what he saw against Fabregas? :confused:

codename 47

20-02-2005, 15:48

WHAT IS HE ON?

shocked by what he saw against Fabregas? :confused:

You know wenger will always defend his players in public,something that i think is a good thing but he can look embarrasing when he's defending them against something that they obviously did

Figо10

20-02-2005, 15:53

You know wenger will always defend his players in public,something that i think is a good thing but he can look embarrasing when he's defending them against something that they obviously did
It's the manager's job to do so, though sometimes you're right Wenger overdoes it.

Like Lehmann conceding two crap goals against Panathinaikos in Greece, when he came up for the ball but left the goal open. Wenger claimed that Lehmann should not be blamed for those two howlers.

Yi-Long

20-02-2005, 19:13

WHAT IS HE ON?

shocked by what he saw against Fabregas? :confused:

I think he's talking about the near head-crush on fabregas, which enraged Bergkamp!? Although I'm not totally sure if it was against fabregas, or Flamini...
Anyway, from the replay right after the incident you could see Bergkamp making that stomping-gesture with his feet, so I'm guessing that's what Dennis was so very angry about: He thought the Sheffield player intentionally tried to stand on Fabr./Flamini's head and he reacted to it...

Still a bit stupid from Dennis though, reacting the way he did, although it's understandable when you see one of teammates on the floor almost getting trampled...

The problem I have with the decision of Barry giving Bergkamp red, is simple: If it would have been Roy Keane doing the exact same thing as Dennis did, it would have been a yellow card instead of a red one...

Although I think he's very biased against Arsenal, he could also just be a very very bad referee, as I still cant understand why that first-half Sheffield goal was disallowed...
His bad decisions go every way, since Arsenal also had 1 or 2 honest claims to a penalty (Reyes getting torpedoed from behind looked pretty clear...)

ChelseaDave

20-02-2005, 20:27

Stella Artois

20-02-2005, 20:40

Don't be a hypocrite. You support a team which has players who dive all over the place. It's funny how Chelsea supporters try to act as if their players are angels sent from Heaven.

adams9802

21-02-2005, 11:11

Reyes and co. go down like they've been shot every time an opposition player comes near them. Should have been him sent off instead of Bergkamp as it was him who did the womanly slap and not Bergkamp.

Fabregas should have gone off for his tackle, could've broken the guys leg.

Yesterdays game just fuelled my hatred for Arsenal even more, with there petulance.
Wasn't a very good game to watch and I thught that would be the case. Fabregas should have been sent off but then again so should have a sheffield player when the handbags went off. Just another Arsenalesque affair that makes us Arsenal fans smile. (which is the only thing we can do as for our teams been doing it for decades now)

Scarface

21-02-2005, 17:34

As for Fabregas' tackle, I agree it was bad, but no worse than a certain Mr Frank Lampard's on Xabi Alonso back at Christmas, which has kept the Spaniard on the sidelines ever since. I believe Lampard did not even recieve a yellow card for that 'tackle'.

A draw was a good result against Sheff Utd considering we were down to 10 men for 60 mins, with an in-experienced team playing. They have missed their best chance of beating us now.

calculus

21-02-2005, 17:48

nacco

21-02-2005, 17:49

How about the line up of Arsenal for the Champion League, are there any injuries?? Can everybody play??

Stella Artois

21-02-2005, 18:09

Lehman

Lauren Toure Cygan Cole

Ljungberg Vieria Edu Pires

Reyes Henry

I think that may be the line up.

Scarface

21-02-2005, 18:10

Thats confidence for you that is what i like to see, do u think he will still field a weaker team for the replay?

It will still be a tough tie at Bramall Lane, but playing with 10 men for 60 minutes with a very young team would have been a lot harder.
I'm not sure when the replay is, I think it's on the 2nd March which is probably a Tuesday or Wednesday (?) so if that's the case we will have a few days rest before the next Prem game, so we should put out a stronger team. By then Campbell and Cole should have returned and Vieira hopefully will be added to the line-up.

Nacco, Arsenal will be without Bergkamp, Campbell, Gilberto Silva and possibly Ashley Cole for the Bayern game. Bayern will be without Ballack though, which is good news.

Stella Artois' team is what I expect it to be aswell, providing Cole is fit enough to return.

Darth Daft

22-02-2005, 00:26

Wasn't a very good game to watch and I thught that would be the case. Fabregas should have been sent off but then again so should have a sheffield player when the handbags went off. Just another Arsenalesque affair that makes us Arsenal fans smile. (which is the only thing we can do as for our teams been doing it for decades now)

Fair play to you mate, instead of defending the indefensible, you embrace the times when Arsenal revert to type and lose the plot, and for that, i think you should be applauded.

Like when Red Nev dived against Citeh and then nutted Mcmanaman, yes i knew it was a) cheating, never mind b) violent and costly to my team, but was i laughing and enjoying it? you bet.

Nturtle

22-02-2005, 03:17

A lot of mind games going on with injuries I think (except for Wayne Bridge obviously) - I wouldn't be surprised to see Ballack back....and Cole playing as well! In any case, it will be a super match, and keep your eyes on the other channel's game too! Another cracker RM vs. Juventus!

Cray

22-02-2005, 03:20

apparently, no one support Arsenal in the betting forum against Bayern at this moment

Nturtle

22-02-2005, 03:24

apparently, no one support Arsenal in the betting forum against Bayern at this moment

Heh heh...well, football is a funny thing...that's why I don't bet!!! Who knows what will happen? :D

Cray

22-02-2005, 03:26

i dont want to bet, since which ever team i bet on, the winner always is the opposite team...

Nturtle

22-02-2005, 03:43

LOL cray...just tell a friend to bet more money than you on the opposing team!!

Back on topic...

If you have never visited this site...check it out:

http://www.arsenal-mania.com/

Great site with lots of links to external news - kudos to the owners/contributors!

Nturtle

22-02-2005, 06:59

Good news for Gilberto
Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has targeted a comeback from injury in March.
The Brazil international has not played for the Premiership champions since mid-September due to a back problem.
There were fears that the 28-year-old would be sidelined for the rest of the season due to the complaint.
But Gilberto returned to training with The Gunners on Thursday and now has his sights on getting back onto the pitch.
"I hope to be playing again next month," affirmed Gilberto.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has always been confident that he would have Gilberto at his disposal again before the season finished.
Wenger, though, was slightly more cautious about when the midfielder will return, with an April date on the Arsenal manager's mind.
"Yes, I think Gilberto will play again before the end of the season," said Wenger.
"He could be back in April."

And maybe a summer signing?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly considering firming up his interest in Silvio Proto.
The 21-year-old custodian has impressed this term between the posts for Charleroi and has attracted admiring glances across Europe.
Arsenal had scouts in attendance at Saturday's game between Charleroi and La Louviere, with Wenger awaiting their reports.
Manchester United are also admirers of the full Belgium international but it is Arsenal who are arguably more in the market for a new custodian.
Neither Jens Lehmann nor Spaniard Manuel Almunia have convinced this term and it would appear Wenger could be ready to move in the summer.
French outfit Paris Saint Germain have already launched a bid for the player, so if Wenger is to land the promising starlet then he may have to move quickly.

Mmmm...Timo Hildbrande would have been my choice...or Moya from La Liga, but hey...let's see.

Both from SkySports

codename 47

22-02-2005, 12:24

don't know how much truth there is in this but if its true i think it'll be a good signing for arsenal

The agent of midfielder Emre will hold talks with Inter Milan this week over the interest of Arsenal in the Turkish international.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the diminutive midfielder and is considering him as a replacement for the Valencia-bound Edu at the end of this season.

Emre's agent is aware that Arsenal have approached Inter about the player's availability and is seeking clarification over their intentions ahead of the summer market.

The Turkish international is interested in a move to the Premiership and knows that along with the Gunners, Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness has also been tracking him for some years.

Nturtle

24-02-2005, 04:23

The opening salvo in the summer battle for Belgian starlet Vincent Kompany looks to have come from Juventus.
The Italian giants are understood to have had a bid of €6 million, plus either Marcelo Zalayeta or Igor Tudor, rejected by Les Mauves.
Anderlecht are looking for a fee in excess of €15 million for Kompany, who looks highly likely to depart The Constant Vanden Stock Stadion this summer.
Since making his debut aged just 17 in 2003, the classy central defender has attracted interest from a host of clubs and both Chelsea and Manchester United have appeared close to landing him at different points over the last two years.
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have also scouted him closely over the past 12 months.
However, Kompany is by no means destined for England as all of Europe's top clubs are keen.
Juve's interest is obviously apparent, but Internazionale were very keen last summer and are likely to be gearing up for a renewed bid this summer - while Milan cannot be discounted according to reports in Belgium.
If the interest from The Premiership and Serie A was not enough, both Real Madrid and Barcelona stated their fondness of the player only last month.
Kompany is now likely to have his pick of clubs this summer and much will depend on his own personal preference.
The Belgian international is currently finishing his studies and has admitted he will only leave Brussels when he passes his exams, meaning he may yet stay for another 12 months.

From Skysports

Nturtle

24-02-2005, 06:11

And more news on potential signings:

Arsenal are reportedly considering tabling an offer for Rosenborg's Daniel Braathen.
The Gunners have been monitoring the 22-year-old for some time, even before he joined the Trondheim-based club.
Only an injury disrupted plans to offer Braathen a trial at Highbury and Arsene Wenger has continued to track the Norwegian prospect.
"I have had several talks with Wenger regarding Braathen and he is interested," his agent Jan Olsson told Adresseavisen.
"Wenger has studied Daniel a long time."
The forward came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in this season's UEFA Champions League and also figured in the 5-1 drubbing at Highbury that sealed the North Londoners' qualification to the knockout stages.
The transfer window may be shut until the summer, but Olsson seems convinced that there could be developments later in the year regarding his client.

Skysports

Scarface

26-02-2005, 03:11

Against Southampton, we can expect to see Lauren and possibly Toure dropped.

ARSENE WENGER has axed Lauren after Arsenal’s Champions League disaster against Bayern Munich.

Phillipe Senderos will come into the side against Southampton

I'm hoping Emanuel Eboue will take the right-back slot. Toure needs to have a rest and regroup, so hopefully Cygan will partner Senderos.
For the rest of the season when Sol and Ash are fit, i'd like to see us try Lehmann-Cole-Campbell-Senderos-Eboue. Big Phil and Eboue are both inexperienced but what have we got to lose, when our defence has been performing the way it has?

Wenger

ARSENE WENGER reckons his battle-weary Gunners have just 12 days to put a smile back on his face.

Arsenal boss Wenger admits the performance and 3-1 Champions League loss at Bayern Munich on Tuesday had him close to tears.

His side — who have all but blown their chance of retaining the Premiership title for the first time — have been under fire ever since for producing one of their worst European displays.

The long road back starts at Southampton today.

It then takes in an FA Cup replay at Sheffield United and a clash with Portsmouth in the league — before the season- defining Champions League return leg at home to Bayern.

Wenger declared: “The next two weeks will decide our season, so it’s very important we give a great response after Tuesday’s disappointment.

“The only positive thing is it could easily have been 4-0 but 3-1 away is like losing 1-0 — if you win 2-0, you are through.

“The goal at Bayern can transform our destiny. First, we need a great response at Southampton to show we’re not affected by what happened in Germany.”

Wenger bristles at talk Arsenal have under-achieved in Europe and instead rates his side’s appearance in the continent’s premier tournament as a wonder.

He added: “I think it’s a miracle we are in the Champions League every year, considering the English league’s strength.

“And then people think when you are here every year, you have a right to win it. No!

“Why should Arsenal suddenly have the right to be stronger than Milan just because we appear every year? We have a chance but it’s not a scandal we don’t win the Champions League.

“I don’t know where this superiority complex comes from in England. It seems we just have to turn up and win.

“I am convinced Arsenal have big potential but our target in the next two weeks is to stabilise defensively, without losing our forward drive.

“That starts with Southampton, who I think can stay up because of the quality their manager Harry Redknapp has brought in.

“Henri Camara is a very good buy. Harry always finds one like that — he found Yakubu for Portsmouth.”

Hopefully we can put in an encouraging performance against the Saints now, after that Munich Massacre. Reyes and Bergkamp will both be suspended for their horrendous attacks on the Sheffield United players. It's likely that van Persie will be brought it to partner Henry, and Pires and Ljungberg will be restored to the wings. Edu is out for around 3 weeks, so Fabregas should be given the nod ahead of Flamini, to partner Vieira.

Good news this week that may have passed you: Gilberto Silva is on the verge of making a recovery, and French prodigy Jeremie Aliadiere is back in full training, now please stay fit for at least 2 months! ;)

redjellydonut

26-02-2005, 05:38

I never imagined that we would be facing such a crisis of injury and suspension at this point in the season. I've watched the Reyes and Bergkamp contretemps a half-dozen times and still can't see reason for Bergkamp's sending off. Reyes is another story and deserved the belated suspension. But Bergkamp? Never!

I desperately hope Toure recovers the form that made him one of the most improved players in the league last year; I desperately want him to be successful.

Akineye

26-02-2005, 13:54

I aint a doctor, but it looks clear to me that Pires has broken his ankle.

I expect he'll be out for the rest of the season.

Tenacious D

26-02-2005, 14:01

Van persie just got sent off not good all they need is to let Henry get Injured/sent off.

LiamK

26-02-2005, 14:03

Tenacious D

26-02-2005, 14:09

David Prutton is our friend, is our friend, is our friend

Ho ho ho, couldn't have happened to a nicer person!

Well at least if he can't stand up he can't keep on fucking falling over.

van Persie sent off, isn't that like the 60th Wenger sending off now?
Yeh something like that Prutton's challenge was just dirty although Arsenal are dirty.

Van Persie must be hiding because I don't think Arsene Wanker will be happy with that, it was silly, two sending offs in two days tut tut tut :rolleyes:

LiamK

26-02-2005, 14:20

It's pretty taboo to celebrate a broken leg/ankle but there really are certain players who deserve it.

Besides, it didn't stop some Arsenal and Scum fans celebrating when Robben broke his ankle.

My justification is that football is better off without players like Pires, therefore an injury to him is definately worth celebrating. Only a few players qualify in this bracket, like Totti, Mihajlovic etc... I wouldn't celebrate if an honest decent player like Henry got injured though just because he's a good player who plays for a title rival. They've got to be utterly despisable cheating bastards.

Tenacious D

26-02-2005, 14:32

It's 1-1, with 8 or so mins to go, Lehman(so) made the mistake from a corner.

LiamK

26-02-2005, 14:33

Tenacious D

26-02-2005, 14:43

Thinking about the van Persie sending off, with Reyes and Bergkamp suspended, van Persie just sent off, Arsenal will have only Henry to play upfront against Portsmouth.

And on todays evidence, Henry needs a rest more than ever.
Yeh he's the only player to play all their Premiership games :eek: although aladiere(sp) is back and he's alright.

Henry is playing so well, the only one that looks scoring although he is the only striker.

Cole scored but it was offside in the last min and the Commentator goes it was close :eek: gezzz.... when it was clearly offside.

JoeyM

26-02-2005, 14:44

Stuart Taylor-Be our hero

LiamK

26-02-2005, 14:46

Despite logic agreeing with you, Wenger's xenophobia means it'll never happen.

calculus

26-02-2005, 14:56

:mad: "Skybet...It mattersmore when theres money on it"

You can imagine I made a fool of myself after Cole scored that disallowed goal!

Tenacious D

26-02-2005, 14:57

Van Persie might have a Pizza thrown at him... :p

calculus

26-02-2005, 15:06

=-']Van Persie might have a Pizza thrown at him... :p

I hope Arsene sends him back to Holland...I mean that! Bring back Bentley and have him guided under the tutorlage of Bergkamp! :mad:

This is what should happen in the Summer,

Bentley back from loan in the Squad

Get the Board to Fund a bid for King

Buy a keeper!!!! Seaman has not been replaced!!!

Trabelsi!!!

LiamK

26-02-2005, 15:11

You've got that Eboue lad now, any reason to buy Trabelsi?

Keeper obviously, how Hildebrand's name has been hardly mentioned whatsoever is astonishing! He's the only truly class keeper available at the moment, and neither United or Arsenal have really been linked with him!

Agreed about van Persie, probably not seen as much of him as you have, but he's seems a little, erm, temperamental, egotistical and not really up to the standard.

Don't know about Bentley, didn't exactly impress at Norwich though did he?

King would be a good signing, but a bloody expensive one.

calculus

26-02-2005, 15:32

Fraz_Maitland

26-02-2005, 15:55

I'm not too sure about Bentley either, seems a bit too much of a luxury player for me.

I know he's old but I'd love Arsenal to sign Jaap Staam this summer. A back four of Cole Campbell Staam and Toure at RB would for me be well solid for me providing Ash stays of course, and would give wenger a couple of years to come up with replacements for the 2 aging center halves.

Goalie wise I havn't the slightest who we should go for, obviously would love someone English but there isn't a chance with that with there not being any available who are up to scratch. Still gutted we let Robinson go down the road to Spurs as he would have been a great signing for us but there ya go.

LiamK

26-02-2005, 16:54

That was scary, I was listening to the exact same line from What A Waster as I read your signature.

I've a few Norwich friends and they were all quite disappointed by Bentley when he was there.

As for Stam, he's a top player, but Wenger's not really one to invest in older players. He'd rather try and bring through some European youngster like he's trying to do with Senderos. Upson's not the greatest defender in the world, but I still can't understand why you got rid of him to get Cygan. But someone like Stam could buy Arsenal some extra defensive stability and an extra year and to bring someone in.

Goalie-wise, I'll say it again. Timo Hildebrand! Honestly, he's class, and he won't be staying in the Bundesliga for long!

calculus

26-02-2005, 17:45

Campbell is going in 2 years if we dont get some defenders in we are **** he wants to play abroad!

Dundon's

26-02-2005, 19:41

After today lads its looking pretty bad for our season in general. I'd be happy just to win a cup this year.ATM tough that doesn't even look likely,Sheff utd might put us out going on todays game.

P.S. Talk about needing a keeper.lol

Stella Artois

26-02-2005, 20:46

If I could punch LiamK in the face I would. Celebrating an injury of an oppositions player is sick. Your just a prick celebrating the fact that a Russian Billionaire has saved you from watching your team being outplayed season after season by Arsenal.

Our season is going from bad to worse. Lets hope the move to a new stadium, a cash injection from selling the Stadiums name and money available from January will allow us to buy a decent Centre Back, Goalkeeper and a Striker.

Fuck this, if I could say more I would, but then I would be permanently banned.

LiamK

28-02-2005, 11:12

Football is better off without Pires. I'll always celebrate an injury of someone who's a burden and an embarressment to football.

I'm sure Pires will use it as a learning curve.

He'll study how he went down under a real challenge, then attempt to imitate that in every single game until the end of the season (if we're unfortunate enough to see him play again this season).

Scarface

28-02-2005, 19:12

FA Cup 5th Rnd Replay

For tomorrow's game at Sheff Utd, we now have Campbell, Gilberto, Edu, Henry, Reyes, Bergkamp, van Persie and Pires on the sidelines. Who are we gonna play? :eek:

I'm thinking it will have to be something like this:

Almunia
Cole
Cygan
Toure
Eboue
Clichy
Flamini
Vieira
Lauren
Ljungberg
Aliadiere

Subs:

Lehmann
Senderos
Hoyte/ S.Larsson
Fabregas
Quincy Owusu Abeyie

It was already a tough test, but now with our injuries it becomes a huge test. Let's hope we can pull ourselves through it.

calculus

01-03-2005, 02:15

Scarface

01-03-2005, 18:14

Are you mad Almunia??? I would have the "lemon" in goal than the "moon"
Aliadiere is not fit enough to start aparantly so Lupoli is in the squad, by this time a week next thursday our Season could be over!

Is Lehmann even in the squad?

We usually play our 2nd keeper in the F.A. Cup so it's quite likely to be Fawlty Manuel in goal tonight.
Wenger hinted today we will be playing Freddie Ljungberg up-front again, and he will choose between Aliadiere, Quincy and Lupoli. After hearing Ali is not fully fit and is likely to only be able to manage 30 mins, my money is on Quincy starting.

Scarface

01-03-2005, 19:07

Wenger asks Quincy to cure Arsenal ills :p

Arsene Wenger is ready to entrust Dutch teenager Quincy Owusu-Abeyie with the job of spearheading his team's attack in their FA Cup replay at Sheffield United tonight.

The manager is without all four of his first-choice strikers. Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Reyes and Robin van Persie are suspended and Thierry Henry is injured. Robert Pires, Sol Campbell, Edu, Gilberto Silva and Justin Hoyte are also out injured.

There is also a doubt about goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who has been suffering from flu, and Stuart Taylor may be called up for his first appearance of the season following his return from a loan spell at Leicester

Henry has been suffering from an Achilles tendon problem and he is likely to be taken out of the firing line until Arsenal attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit in next week's Champions League return clash with Bayern Munich.

Arturo Lupoli is in the squad but may be considered too lightweight. Wenger appears likely to use 18-year-old Quincy up front, supported by Freddie Ljungberg. Quincy has modelled his game on Henry. "When I was growing up, my father used to call me to watch the television when this young player from Monaco was in action," he said. "It was Thierry Henry and he is very much the player I admire."

He showed great promise last season but was criticised for being over-elaborate. "I am more direct now," said Quincy, who joined Arsenal after being released by Ajax.

I don't like to wish illness on anyone, but please just sit this one out, Almunia, eh? :) It would be a tough game for Stu Taylor to make his first Arsenal appearance in yonks in, but it should be interesting seeing how he deals with the pressure after so long out, providing he gets the chance.

Scarface

01-03-2005, 19:50

Team to face Sheff Utd:

.............................A lmunia........................ ..

...Lauren......Senderos....... ..Cygan.....Cole.......

............Flamini...Fabregas ..Vieira...Clichy.........

...................Ljungberg.. ..............................
.............................. ........Lupoli................ ..

Lupoli at 17 years of age, handed his senior debut, c'mon lad, you can do it.

Looks like Paddy Kenny has missed out for Sheff Utd, which is good news.

Stick a few away Arturo :cool:

gollan

02-03-2005, 09:44

won by a scrap, 4-2 peno shoot out. well it's a victory allright, but what a disgrace. hopefully we'll do better against bolton.

Yi-Long

02-03-2005, 10:48

No-one here mentioned the absolute delight it was to watch young Quincy!?
He played tremedously well, and hopefully he gets a few more starts the coming weeks, cause if yesterday wasnt just a fluke, he really deserves more playing time. Nice movement on and off the ball, pretty good touch (a few times he lost the ball, but hey...), nice passing, and not affraid to take people on, and making individual actions...

Ajax are nuts that they have let the kid go :)

Scarface

02-03-2005, 14:39

I don't think Ajax could do anything to stop him from leaving. He was only 17 when we signed him, and was without a professional contract I believe.
In the past, he has showed glimpses of terrific talent, and yesterday he was fantastic again. He uses his pace to really good effect now, and looks to have great vision and awareness, to go along with his pace and trickery. He could turn into a phenomenom. Unlike Lupoli, he can really go at defenders. The Quincy/Lupoli partnership in the reserves is doing great at the moment, so that could develop into something very special in the future, but Jeremie Aliadiere will have a lot to to say about that, should he manage to stay injury-free now.

I thought we played well yesterday to be honest. Our defence looked shaky on a few occasions, but overall, Senderos and Cygan played ok, and got forward with purpose a few times, which was good to see.
We should have put at least 1 goal away. Ljungberg has been poor up-front but blame should not be attached to him, as his working as hard as ever, and trying his best.
The main disappointment for me was Kolo Toure. Where has his unbelieveable stamina and enthusiasm gone lately? When he first broke onto the scene in 2002, his energy was terrific, but now he will make a few lung-busting runs forward, but then not bomb back to defend like he used to. I know he only came on late, but that's even more reason for him running riot in midfield and giving us the energy to run right through Sheff Utd. Hopefully over the summer we can get Kolo back to the level he was at, it'd be a shame to see his potential go wasting.

please just sit this one out, Almunia, eh?

I apologize :o. 4 fantastic saves during the game pulled us through, so credit where it's due. He was really gutsy to save those 2 penalties after having the 1st 'save' harshly ruled out. You can see at times why Wenger signed him, his shot-stopping has been spectacular at times, but his decision-making and dominance in the box are not good enough for him to have a long career at Arsenal unfortunately.

Bolton next in the Cup then, hopefully we will play with the same passion and hunger, and with some of the senior players returning by then, we can progress further.
Portsmouth next up at the weekend, at Highbury, that'll be tough. I hope Quincy is given a start, even though van Persie should be back as he only got a 1-game ban I think, so he may be given a chance to redeem himself.

calculus

03-03-2005, 12:04

I think Quincy and Aliadiere should be given a start if Henry is not ready! Send Van Persie back to Feyenoord :mad:

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:09

yeah, he acts like a little baby when he loses ball (which is all time) if he could have controlled his temper u would have beat the saints.

calculus

03-03-2005, 12:14

yeah, he acts like a little baby when he loses ball (which is all time) if he could have controlled his temper u would have beat the saints.

I know but c'est la vie!

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:19

i dont rate Van Persie he is to stroppy. I would like to see more of Owusu Abeyi he looks v quick. Henry needs a rest as does Viera

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:29

wenger never rests them 2 cause witout em they become quite ordinary. u saw that against the blades (who i h8

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:32

i think cygan is aweful and almunia is a bit dodgy

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:34

i think cygan is aweful and almunia is a bit dodgy

a bit dodgy, hes f*****g crap!!

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:36

a bit dodgy, hes f*****g crap!!

He is worst def in premiership. what a egg head. his head shape on pro is stupid but when you play with him he looks good.

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:38

lol. dont hold back will u?

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:39

your a manu fan you should hate arsenal.

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:41

your a manu fan you should hate arsenal.

wot makes u think im a man u fan?

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:46

Cristiano07 pretty obvious 2 me.

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 12:50

Cristiano07 pretty obvious 2 me.

i cud just b a fan of his. well ot r u doin on ere wen u support liverpool

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 12:53

F you. your keeping me chatting. C U

pokey

03-03-2005, 15:03

umm what a load of bull comin from a liverpool fan... go on official liverpool thread :S lol or go make 1! i think van persie is ok... not great needs to pass more often n not try n take on the world. quincy was immense when he came on added life to the team and (mind the cliche) was a breath of fresh air. i wanna see him more in the premiership n aliadierre looked quality last season b4 his injury so its all gd... wasnt 2 impressed with the light weight Lupoli tho, Wenger needs to send him to the gym!

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 15:11

talkin of quincy, have u got a decent face 4 him

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 15:18

Quincy is good, van persie is stroppy and one footed and doesnt score enough. and for cygan.............awful.

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 15:22

Quincy is good, van persie is stroppy and one footed and doesnt score enough. and for cygan.............awful.

not an arsenal fan then? i actually dont think quincy's that good either, i think he has his head down 2 much and wants 2 take on the whole team

jthk2004

03-03-2005, 15:23

not an arsenal fan then? i actually dont think quincy's that good either, i think he has his head down 2 much and wants 2 take on the whole team

toure is kinda like that too, that's why we conceded so many goals!!!

pokey

03-03-2005, 15:23

Cygan is most consistent in the CL bar that own goal header hes been playin well... o n bar the bayern game where the whole defence looked fragile :(

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 15:23

what do you think of cygan, senderos and van persie?

Cristiano07

03-03-2005, 15:28

who do u think arsenal would miss the most, henry, vieria, campbell?

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 15:31

intersting point i not sure, there all valuable members of arsenals team.

jthk2004

03-03-2005, 16:01

vieira is not that good defensively this year... although he scored a few...
we always need henry for goals and assists...
definitely need sol back... don't wanna repeat senderos' handball, nor toure's munich horror show, nor cygan's shoot accuracy from corners.

Morientes19

03-03-2005, 16:02

i couldnt choose between the 3. imagine if all of them were out. EDU off in summer.

Scarface

03-03-2005, 16:32

not an arsenal fan then? i actually dont think quincy's that good either, i think he has his head down 2 much and wants 2 take on the whole team

And how many times have you seen Quincy play? He is only 18, he has plenty of time to develop, but for his age, he is a superb talent. He showed against Sheff Utd he is a team-player and doesn't go for goal all by himself.
Your opinion on Quincy sounds more like an assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo.

who do u think arsenal would miss the most, henry, vieria, campbell?

Campbell. He is the only world class centre back we have, and is needed to dominate in the air and lead the defence.

what do you think of cygan, senderos and van persie?

Cygan is not suited to the Premiership, he usually puts in good performances in the CL, but lacks the pace to be a top defender in the Prem. He does have fantastic distribution though, certainly one of the best defenders in England at passing the ball.

Senderos has a lot of potential. He has limited experience, and is only 19, so will need time to adapt and develop. He is also very good with the ball at his feet. At the moment, Senderos is putting in very in-consistent performances, but he has a lot of potential and could turn into a great centre back.

Van Persie is a fantastic footballer. His technique is up there with the best at Arsenal, his temperament has always been suspect, but he has a lot of positive attributes. He just needs to be patient at Arsenal and not try and do too much (i.e. take on 2 or 3 midfielders in the centre-circle) and he could have a very successful future.

As for Almunia, he is nowhere near the worst keeper in the League. He is a great shot-stopper, but lacks other qualities needed to succeed at a club like Arsenal, but he is certainly not the worst keeper in the Premiership.

Nturtle

04-03-2005, 06:04

Well, I think Aliadiere can make a good contribution whilst we have a few suspensions and injuries...when the going gets tough...Arsenal need to really get going with the backups!

Let's not analyse too much - I cringe whenever Cygan is announced in the starting 11, but certainly he has been ok. Everyone has their off days...just some have more than others!! Almunia possibly being the case point...silly silly mistakes vs. ManU...but he's a good shot stopper on penalties I guess. I just didn't think he did himself justice by diving the wrong way vs. ManU on every shot coming towards him!!

Scarface

04-03-2005, 11:29

I just didn't think he did himself justice by diving the wrong way vs. ManU on every shot coming towards him!!

lol, too right.

Looks like we should get another chance to see Quincy Owusu Abeyie this weekend, for the game against Portsmouth at Highbury.

A superb 75 minutes against Sheffield United on Tuesday may have earned Quincy a place in the Arsenal side at the weekend.

The 18-year-old Dutch striker came on at half time at Bramall Lane and tested the home defence throughout the remainder of the match. It must have impressed his manager.

“You have a very good chance of seeing Quincy over the weekend,” Arsène Wenger told Arsenal PLUS on Thursday, “especially with the number of strikers we have out.”

Quincy’s inclusion may hinge on whether Thierry Henry returns to the team. The French striker missed Tuesday’s tie because of his on-going Achilles problem. Wenger was not so definite about the top scorer's participation, but said: “Thierry has a chance to play on Saturday.”

Of course the manager is very aware