Arsenal

[somegooner]

Is anyone watching the game?? I want to know how it's going.

[fick]

Oh, no you don't...

0-1. Didn't see who scored, i was in the kitchen.

[ThierryHenry14]

jenas of all people hopefully eduardo will come on and bag a couple of goals

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Terrible 1st half for us...

Senderos-Djourou doesn't work, Is Gallas on the bench? If so, get him on Arsene :realmad:

Our defense was terrible; the offside trap hasnt worked and Bendtner and van Persie have been disappointing; they have been making same old breaks into the box and the defenders have been able to read them like a book. So predictable :realmad:

Sort it out Arsene :realmad:

How can we turn this game around now because we really need to get a result out of this home leg. If we go to White Hart Lane losing on aggregate, in my opinion it would be very difficult (if not too little, too late) especially if the youngsters played.

Please Discuss...

Have I been too critical? Does anyone think we had a good 1st half?

I have to speak my mind after all :unsure:

[somegooner]

I think Wenger wants to use Eduardo the same way Ferguson used Solksjaer.

[vanNistelrooy]

I was down stairs having din dins. Is it really 1-0 to Spurs? Won't last anyway.

[fick]

Can't see him coming off the bench 'til late.

Edit: I was referring to Eduardo... got distracted.

See Sagna is coming on mind...

[Charlie: 9]

I was down stairs having din dins. Is it really 1-0 to Spurs? Won't last anyway.

Sure is, and they deserve it too. Believe it or not it was Jenas who scored.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Eduardo and Sagna on for the 2nd half :D

RVP and Djourou off

Hopefully Dudu will turn it around with 2 or 3 tap-ins :D

Hoyte CB :unsure:

[ThierryHenry14]

this person at my skl keeps texting me saying "ha ha 1-0 to the tottenham" and im like ok its half time and you got 1 goal and he thinks its going to stay like that.

[fick]

Hoefully Dudu will turn it around with 2 or 3 tap-ins :D

The Emirates - Theatre of Imagination :laugh:

Spurs look the better side so far...

Nice sig by the way... :shifty:

[somegooner]

Sagna might play CB. He can do that. I think he will bomb forewards like Toure.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

The Emirates - Theatre of Imagination :laugh:

Spurs look the better side so far...

Nice sig by the way... :shifty:

Thanks, I like it :cool:

work in progress, huh? What are you planning on making instead of the one you gave me? Are you going to use my idea I PM'd you earlier???

[fick]

Thanks, I like it :cool:

work in progress, huh? What are you planning on making instead of the one you gave me? Are you going to use my idea I PM'd you earlier???

I'm not sure yet... may introduce an element of Spurs actually beating the Arse at last if this game carries on like this!

[RB14 ARSENAL]

yeah, hopefully not though!!!

if we can get a draw out of this game, we would be very fortunate. at the moment, things look bleak however; lots of sloppy passes in midfield from Gilberto in particular...

[somegooner]

Gilberto has to go. He only impresed ar CB this season. Barely.

[fick]

looks like you're waking up a bit... and fortunate that Lennon is useless & Berba isn't quick!

Always the second leg at the lane...

Edit: Ahh, well, the england mascott will get the credit for a fluke...

..just when i was enjoying the thought of Stella crying into his beer :laugh:

[vanNistelrooy]

Play like that in the return leg Tottenham should turn you over.

How they didn't have the tie sown up tonight is beyond me :/

[Viperized]

Abysmal performance. There were so many things wrong tonight, and it doesn't help when you don't play your players in their proper positions. Diaby was really poor tonight.

In the first half we had no defence. In the second half we had no midfield. I'm hoping Diarra doesn't leave to be honest, because Gilberto is really past it, and his performance tonight showed this was the case. Walcott was quite impressive though - seemed to have caused a few problems.

But honestly we really need to change things in the second leg if we want to win it.

[fick]

Play like that in the return leg Tottenham should turn you over.

How they didn't have the tie sown up tonight is beyond me :/

Won't be turning me over... i'm a ManU fan!! (I can hear the booing in the background, thanks :) )

Good game to watch though. Neither side looks good defensively. Despite Arsene saying he'll play his young guns all through the cup, i bet he makes some changes for the 2nd leg,

[wrathchild_uk]

Did Defoe get run over by a bike or something??

[vanNistelrooy]

I didn't mean YOU, but Arsenal fans.

Arsene won't make man changes (apart from getting rid of that waster Gilberto).

[fick]

Did Defoe get run over by a bike or something??

Wishful thinking...

I didn't mean YOU, but Arsenal fans.

Oh :blush:

I don't think Gilberto was the main problem. Despite Spurs beano deep tactics, Arenals defence just didn't really gel.

If Spurs had a clue it would've been tie over already.

[Wan]

Arsene won't make man changes (apart from getting rid of that waster Gilberto).

And Lehmann of course.

[JoeyM]

Play like that in the return leg Tottenham should turn you over.

How they didn't have the tie sown up tonight is beyond me :/

Because they're massive bottlers. Ramos has improved them but he hasn't changed that yet.

[Jonny2J]

Nice to see Gilberto has overtaken Flamini's spot of the scapegoat.

[fick]

Nice to see Gilberto has overtaken Flamini's spot of the scapegoat.

Not completely. He's still a useless shite.

Listening to Wenger, he's blaming tiredness from the Burnley game.

Oh, and he just said Arsenal have no agreement with Dortmund for Lehman despite Lehman having agreed personal terms.

I'm confused. Damn these non english managers!

[Nifty1Pound50]

I can't believe Gilberto's getting so much stick from a lot of you guys.

Were you actually watching the game? Abou Diaby has just put in one of the worst performances I've seen from any player, anywhere, who's somehow managed to last 90 minutes. I could not believe it when he wasn't one of the two players replaced at half-time. He was fucking awful.

[fick]

I can't believe Gilberto's getting so much stick from a lot of you guys.

Were you actually watching the game? Abou Diaby has just put in one of the worst performances I've seen from any player, anywhere, who's somehow managed to last 90 minutes. I could not believe it when he wasn't one of the two players replaced at half-time. He was fucking awful.

Ahem...


I don't think Gilberto was the main problem. Despite Spurs beano deep tactics, Arenals defence just didn't really gel.

Yes i was watching, and it was fair to say he was still an average part of an average defensive outfit.

[JoeyM]

I can't believe Gilberto's getting so much stick from a lot of you guys.

Were you actually watching the game? Abou Diaby has just put in one of the worst performances I've seen from any player, anywhere, who's somehow managed to last 90 minutes. I could not believe it when he wasn't one of the two players replaced at half-time. He was fucking awful.

I agree, he was easily the worst player on the pitch imo.

That said, Gilberto offered pretty much zero protection to the back four. Berbatov tore us apart in the first half because everytime he'd drop off to get the ball no one would be within 10 yards of him. It was his duty to protect that space and he didn't do it at all unfortunately.

Nice to see Gilberto has overtaken Flamini's spot of the scapegoat.

Don't ever recall Flamini being the 'scapegoat' last season, most people simply didn't rate him because he wasn't very good. He's improved and now he is good and people rate him, where as Gilberto's looked unfit and unmotivated everytime he's played this season, so people don't rate him anymore, hardly rocket science is it?

[Nturtle]

Well...I think the defence was leaky and not very confident...always trying to play the offside. The midfielders bunched up a tad too much and Diaby/Walcott didnt manage to spread the load when attacking. Diaby I thought was worse than Gilberto, but it's relative. He had fantastic dribbling skills before he got injured...now his touch is terrible. Gilberto is a bit rocky...but he hasn't played very much. I would have given him captaincy instead of Leakeros...sorry...Senderos...

[ThierryHenry14]

Van Persie injured again and some other injury worries i think Wenger needs to buy a new centre back , does anyone know what has happend to Gallas?

[somegooner]

Gallas is fine. He was just rested.

[Stella Artois]

Nice to see Gilberto has overtaken Flamini's spot of the scapegoat.

Deservedly so too.

I think Flamini's form is showing up Gilberto as perhaps never being quite as good as we thought.

He misplaced more passes in one night than I've seen the whole team misplace in about 10 years.

[Tigermen]

Was at the game last night, just about! (Thanks London Transport, you useless bunch of cunts).

I swear we must have a deal with the devil or something. It just doesn't matter what happens, or how much they deserve it, Spurs still just can't beat us. Or it's cos they're massive bottlers, as someone else said.

Anyway. I thought Phil looked OK, just. Gilberto didn't give him anywhere near enough protection, and he was caught out over the top a few times (more on this later), but generally he made some impressive tackles, and certainly looked a better fit than Djourou.

The real problem with Senderos is not that he's a bad player, at all. In terms of actual defending, so reading where the ball is going to go and getting rid of it, he's actually very good. The real problem is that he lacks the one thing our back 4 is based on - pace. Having 4 pacy defenders allows us to defend high up the pitch, but even when we are playing Senderos we still play this way, and obviously he doesn't have the recovery pace to deal with it (hence why he gets caught out over the top a lot).

I feel for him, because I think he's a very naturally gifted defender, so he'd be better off I think at a team which defends deeper. He certainly is not a donkey by any stretch of the imagination, though he does make gaffes, most defenders do. The difference with Kolo and Gallas is that they have the pace to recover. Also, we like to play the ball out of defence, which is something he isn't great at. I looked at him a lot yesterday when he was dealing with aerial balls coming towards him and I could see he looked unsure, because the 'arsenal way' is to try and build from the back; he's having to look around to see who is open to head the ball too rather than just focus on getting it clear and that is why he looks uncertain.

It just annoys me when people don't engage their brain. Anyone who saw Senderos in 04/05 and especially in the record breaking Champions League defence will have seen that he definitely has the ability. I think it's just that he doesn't fit into our system. But instead, people would rather splurge out their "OMGZ Blunderos sukx lolz!" comments, which really don't help anyone.

[Stella Artois]

I agree and disagree at the same time. Whilst he's a pretty good defender, his lack of pace wouldn't be a problem if he tried engaging his brain once in a while. The goal was his fault in that he was too far behind the others, whilst he is usually caught over the top because he charges forwards and doesn't deal with the situation he gets involved in.

If he was playing on the continent where the game is played at a much slower pace, he'd be fine, but the fact remains that it's not, and he's shown up far too often.

[Barry]

What are the real fan's thoughts on Eboue? I've seen most games this season and while the entire team is aware of what they are doing, Eboue seems to be the weakest link. Or is that just a lack of form?

Though admittedly he seems to be involved in a lot of goals somehow.

[Stella Artois]

I thought he could make the step-up and become a decent winger, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

He's far more direct than anyone else, but his final ball is often poor and he seems to want to hit the ground too easily, rather than trying to ride challenges, etc.

It's a shame really as he was a good full back.

[ads]

I think Eboue's stongest position is full back, his end product in the final third is lacking too much for him to become a winger.

But Sagna seems a lot more solid than Eboue at full back and deserves to keep hold of the RB slot.

Plus, when Rosicky and Hleb are both back in the frame, Eboue will struggle to get a look in.

[wrigh2uk]

I think Eboue's stongest position is full back, his end product in the final third is lacking too much for him to become a winger.

But Sagna seems a lot more solid than Eboue at full back and deserves to keep hold of the RB slot.

Plus, when Rosicky and Hleb are both back in the frame, Eboue will struggle to get a look in.

Sanga is a wall :wub:

[pistolpete]

I was at the game last night and it was pretty grim.

Spurs werent that much better than us but every time they lumped it forward, Berbatov was on his own,and they could build an attack, this is why we couldnt put any pressure on them.

Theo was quite predictable, cant get the ball out of his feet, or cross which is why he should only play through the middle or on the left.

I thought Djourou looked shaky, but i understand now that he was unfit, Hoyte going to CB made me nervous but he was excellent there and was my man of the match for us.

Nobody has mentioned Denilson yet, he has been pretty poor this season and i have only started to notice it recently, his performance and red card against Blackburn, terrible against Burnley and not much better against Spurs, needs to be grabbing oppertunities when he gets them, please dont reply that he is still young!

All this and Spurs 1st team still cant beat a poor performance from our
seconds!!

[somegooner]

Denilson played well at the beginning of the season. I loved that goal against Newcastle.
It's at 25 seconds in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUY7LAfxAfk

[wrathchild_uk]

Denilson gonna be the new Kleberson??

[Viperized]

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/premier-league/article3310042.ece
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/2008/01/08/arsene-wenger-89520-20278448/

Some transfer news. We're after a 20 year old Bulgarian winger Nicolai Dimitrov.

[somegooner]

On Arsenal.com it says that we might get an Englishman. Luke Freeman. Now who says that Arsene only gets foreigners??

We're after a 20 year old Bulgarian winger Nicolai Dimitrov

He looks like quality:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9vo64EluGM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_T3HatWNLQ&feature=related
Depending on where AW plays him he could either be the new RvP or Messi.
Not a bad piece of business.

[Jonny2J]

On Arsenal.com it says that we might get an Englishman. Luke Freeman. Now who says that Arsene only gets foreigners??



He looks like quality:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9vo64EluGM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_T3HatWNLQ&feature=related
Depending on where AW plays him he could either be the new RvP or Messi.
Not a bad piece of business.Fuck sake.

[somegooner]

Maybe not as good as them but I meant in that mould.^^

[somegooner]

Squad for today??
-----------------Almunia-------------------
---Sagna----Senderos--Gallas----Clichy--
---Hleb-----Fabregas----Flamini--Rosicky-
-------------Adebayor--Eduardo------------
Subs: Lehmann, Hoyte, Gilberto, Walcott, Bendtner.

What do you guys think??

[JoeyM]

Pathetic.

[Viperized]

Pathetic.
My thoughts exactly and that sums it up pretty well.

I honestly can't remember a single shot from any of our strikers in the second half.

[PEM]

you had most of the game, we just latched on after the goal begging for the draw, ridgewell was immense in the defense if it was not for him it would have been all over for us. good game.

[somegooner]

Where was Rosicky??

[Viperized]

Apparently he was ill. That guy is never fit for 3 games in a row.

I really do hope we sign a winger. Walcott just isn't good enough and Rosicky is always absent.

[Stella Artois]

Haven't had a chance to watch the game, so I'll reserve judgement for now.

On a brighter note:

By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger believes the current crop of young players at Arsenal is the best he has had during his time in charge — and most of them are English.

The Frenchman has always drawn criticism for supposedly favouring foreign talent at Emirates Stadium. It is a charge he vehemently denies but certainly, over the past year, Arsenal have consistently put out sides that do not include an Englishman.

However Wenger believes that will change in the future. At Friday’s press conference he announced that he was close to signing Luke Freeman, a 15-year-old striker who has already made three appearances for Gillingham. Wenger also suggested that a couple of the Club’s 14-year-old players were so advanced “they had nothing to learn technically”.

“Yes, we will be pushing it through,” said the manager when asked about the Freeman deal. “I want to buy English,” he added with a smile.

“I met the boy and I like him. He has personality and he looks alert. He’s a striker and to play in a first team at 15 years of age is something special.

“We were quite well on the case and we are very positive that we will find an agreement with the club without going to compensation. We will pay them a transfer.”

Freeman will surely cut his Arsenal teeth in the Under-18s, FA Youth Cup side and then the Reserves. Wenger added that young Englishmen like Kieran Gibbs and Henri Lansbury would “certainly be in the first team squad next season”. But, even below those age-groups, the manager sees emerging talent.

“Yes overall from 14 to 20 it is the best group we have had,” he said. “We play a youth cup game against Burnley [tonight] and we have a very good side. They are all at a good level now.

“Also we have two Under-14s players I watched play and technically they have nothing to learn.

“Will they be professional footballers at Arsenal? I don’t know. The more you go down [in ages] the greater the margin of error. Sometimes you see a player at 13 and you think ‘absolutely amazing’ then two years later he has disappeared.

“But our target is to produce good players and I believe we are on the right road with the way we want to work throughout the Club.

“I know how much the English national team means here to people. To contribute to that would be a big pride as well. At the moment it is not my first responsibility.

“But I have been accused of only buying foreign players and I would like to contribute to the quality of English football.”

Excellent news.

The youth team beat Burnley 5-1 in the FA Youth Cup last night with Henri Lansbury getting a hat-trick and both Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs scoring. That's definitely postivie news as those three are expected to make the next step.

We've got Liverpool in the next round and as its only a 45 train journey for me, I'll go and watch and let you know what I think. Should be a cracking game as Liverpool are the holders.

[gollan]

Hope you guys won't be angry, being mostly english on this site and stuff, but for me, I would like to see that walcott fed to the sharks. What a disgrace. A frightened little pussy who can score against a broken down sparta prague. no more.

I'm absolutely disgusted with yesterday, we know Senderos is a slow cumbersome fellow, but walcott, oh god, so much waste, so much nothing.

Yuck.

[somegooner]

Well hopefully that winger we get is either Dimitrov who I already posted videos of, or Suarez of Ajax. He looked good inn the last few games I've seen him play.

[vanNistelrooy]

Hope you guys won't be angry, being mostly english on this site and stuff, but for me, I would like to see that walcott fed to the sharks. What a disgrace. A frightened little pussy who can score against a broken down sparta prague. no more.

I'm absolutely disgusted with yesterday, we know Senderos is a slow cumbersome fellow, but walcott, oh god, so much waste, so much nothing.

Yuck.
Finally, an Arsenal fan that can see Walcott for the overhyped waste of space he is.

[Viperized]

Hope you guys won't be angry, being mostly english on this site and stuff, but for me, I would like to see that walcott fed to the sharks. What a disgrace. A frightened little pussy who can score against a broken down sparta prague. no more.

I'm absolutely disgusted with yesterday, we know Senderos is a slow cumbersome fellow, but walcott, oh god, so much waste, so much nothing.

Yuck.
Senderos wasn't bad yesterday. In fact, he was pretty good. He put in some very good tackles especially on the 1-on-1 situations.

But yes, Walcott was really poor yesterday. He doesn't look like he is progressing at all. :\

[somegooner]

I agree about Walcott. I could see him at Liverpool in the next 5-6 years, Pennant style. He actually supports Liverpool the little wanker.

[Jonny2J]

I agree about Walcott. I could see him at Liverpool in the next 5-6 years, Pennant style. He actually supports Liverpool the little wanker.:rolleyes:

[somegooner]

So you agree with me Jonny??

[Jonny2J]

So you agree with me Jonny??No, I think it's highly pathetic that you're calling him a little wanker because he supports Liverpool.

[Barry]

Well hopefully that winger we get is either Dimitrov who I already posted videos of, or Suarez of Ajax. He looked good inn the last few games I've seen him play.

He'll drive you insane, he's not yet a finished article. A walking contradiction of football talent.

[Billy Minof]

But yes, Walcott was really poor yesterday. He doesn't look like he is progressing at all. :\

He has alot to learn, he is fast but his finishing and crossing leaves alot to be desired, maybe with Beckham training with you could help his crossing and passing and maybe give him some composier on the ball, if he can add them 3 things to his game he could be a great player but until he does he will remain a fast player only.

[Stella Artois]

Well he's a striker, but he's a striker with absolutely no heart. He bottles every single challenge, doesn't want to shoot, and is incredibly weak.

I wouldn't mind, but he doesn't seem to be putting in any performances that would indicate some sort of improvement.

[Barry]

He's turning into Shaun Wright-Phillips....it doesn't bode well.

[Stella Artois]

He's turning into Shaun Wright-Phillips....it doesn't bode well.

Luckily he's only 18 and can hopefully improve. SWP on the other hand is around 25 or 26 and will never get better.

Serves him right the money-grabbing cunt.

[Meyyappan]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he tried to sign David Beckham in 2004.

The former England captain joined Real Madrid from Manchester United back in the summer of 2003, but his first season in La Liga did not go to plan.

With Beckham struggling in Spain, Wenger spoke to the midfielder's representatives about a possible move back to the England League.

However Beckham opted to remain at the Bernabeu, a decision that was vindicated when he helped them win the title in the 2006/07 campaign - his final season with the club before linking up with LA Galaxy.

"David almost came to Arsenal a couple of years ago when things did not go too well during his first season with Real," Wenger told the Daily Express.

"I even met the people who took care of his career, but in the end, David decided to remain at Real."

Beckham is currently training with Arsenal in a bid to maintain his fitness ahead of England's upcoming friendly against Switzerland, although Wenger has already ruled out a loan switch.





Come on proff sign becks on loan.......................... ...................

[Stella Artois]

He's shit, we don't need him.

Do fuck off with all these stories of us being interested.

[somegooner]

Does anyone have any idea about this new kid Arsenal want. His name is Andre Ayew.

[Barry]

I've only seen him once, Marseille vs Lyon and he did great. Son of Abedi Pele. That's all I know, probably just a rumor though as Marseille would only let him go for big money.

[pes guy]

Does anyone have any idea about this new kid Arsenal want. His name is Andre Ayew.

I think he has a brother called Jordan ayew not that it helps but meh...

[Stella Artois]

I've only seen him once, Marseille vs Lyon and he did great. Son of Abedi Pele. That's all I know, probably just a rumor though as Marseille would only let him go for big money.

6m euro's apparently.

I'd never believe anything anyway lads until its on the main site.

[wrigh2uk]

And hes offf

Skysports.com understands Lassana Diarra has agreed his move to Portsmouth from Arsenal.



The French international has been locked in talks with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp this week after they agreed a fee in the region of £5million with Arsenal for the midfielder.


Diarra has agreed personal terms and passed a medical at Fratton Park and is set to be unveiled as Pompey's latest signing later this week.


The former Chelsea man has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Portsmouth and could make his debut this weekend against Derby.


Diarra, who only joined Arsenal during the summer transfer window, decided to move on after growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities at Emirates Stadium.


The 22-year-old opted for a transfer as he was concerned that his dearth of action for Arsenal could damage his chances of winning a place in France's Euro 2008 squad.


Diarra will be hoping to earn a regular place in Redknapp's starting XI as Pompey battle for a place in Europe.

[ads]

Does anyone have any idea about this new kid Arsenal want. His name is Andre Ayew.

If I was an Arsenal fan and the club were after a young lad from abroad I wouldn't even bother trying to find out about him, you'd just kinda think "If Wengers scouts have spotted him thats good enough for me"

[Dragonfly]

He's going to be really good for them. Diarra and Muntari looks like it could be a very good partnership.

[ads]

He's going to be really good for them. Diarra and Muntari looks like it could be a very good partnership.

Agreed, I think 'Appy 'Arry is slowly building an excellent squad at Pompey, I wasn't surprised for a second that he turned the Newcastle job down. Seems like he's building something special there at Portsmouth.

I think the one problem he'll face is who to replace David James when he retires.

[Wan]

They only need a scoring & consistent striker now to play with Benjani.

[ads]

Given the chance David Nugent might surprise a few people...

[Dragonfly]

They only need a scoring & consistent striker now to play with Benjani.

Or instead of Benjani. ;)

I don't know if Diarra's exit means that Gilberto is staying, or if we'll be getting that Bulgarian winger and playing Diaby down the middle.

[Wan]

I don't think there's decent striker instead of Benjani, or maybe Utaka.

[ads]

Or instead of Benjani. ;)

I don't know if Diarra's exit means that Gilberto is staying, or if we'll be getting that Bulgarian winger and playing Diaby down the middle.

Personally I think Diaby should play in the centre of the park, he's more effective there I think.

His build alone means a good prescence in the centre, plus, that monster of a shot he has.

[mufcsean]

Great buy for Pompy, good business for Arsenal aswell, made a few quid on him there

[Viperized]

It's a shame. Diarra is a very talented midfield. I personally think he could've challenged for the first team spot if he had been a little more patience instead of sprouting rubbish to the media.

And I agree on Diaby. He looks lost on the left wing each time he has played there and looks completely out of depth in that position. His best game for Arsenal was against Bolton in the F.A. Cup. He played in central midfield then. But the lack of wingers is a reason why Wenger is consistently playing Diaby in the left.

I hope we get Dimitrov. Haven't seen him play, but there seems to be good things mentioned about him, and at least it'll mean Arsenal have actually signing someone in the January transfer window.

[Nturtle]

Shame about Diarra - Portsmouth is going to be better next season from what I can see and can still finish quite high up the table.

If Flamini does go, Diarra will kick himself for sure.

RE: Diaby - well...he seems to have lost his confidence a bit and looks half the player he was at the start of the season, scoring, dribbling etc freely.

Still no sign of Vela coming to Ashburton to play on the wings? That would be interesting!

[Meyyappan]

How much did diarra go for?If we havent we should have put in buy back clause well if wenger doesnt do it for anelka he will hardly for diarra....................

[Tigermen]

Another excellent, clear post Meyyappan. Well done.

And Viperized, you're happy for us to sign someone you've never seen just so it means we've signed "someone". Needless consumerism...

[Viperized]

There seems to be good things said about Dimitrov and is a winger.

Playing people like Diaby on the left wing shows how weak we are in the wings.

So I think it is ideal we should sign a winger... right?

[somegooner]

Van Persie :doh: is injured :doh: again :doh:

[pistolpete]

Disappointed that Diarra has gone, surely he knew the challenge when he joined, especially with all the competition?

One player i would like to see sign is Nzogbia,

With Diarra gone, Diaby can fit straight into his place and Nzogbia could play in the positions that Diaby has been playing, Left midfield or supporting a striker, like the end of last season and he can fill in at left back and also it would be usefull to have another left footer, Clichy is the only regular with RVP struggling with fitness.

Dont think we will see Vela here till next year.

[somegooner]

Disappointed that Diarra has gone, surely he knew the challenge when he joined, especially with all the competition?

One player i would like to see sign is Nzogbia,

With Diarra gone, Diaby can fit straight into his place and Nzogbia could play in the positions that Diaby has been playing, Left midfield or supporting a striker, like the end of last season and he can fill in at left back and also it would be usefull to have another left footer , Clichy is the only regular with RVP struggling with fitness.

Dont think we will see Vela here till next year.

Vela is left footed??

[Meyyappan]

yep

[Viperized]

Van Persie :doh: is injured :doh: again :doh:
I know.

It's getting ridiculous.

Why did we even play him against Spurs in the Carling cup? Why did he even start?

He'll probably be back in 2 months now.

[ThierryHenry14]

He`s having a unlucky time..

[somegooner]

Should Arsene sell van Persie??

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Should Arsene sell van Persie??

No.

[ThierryHenry14]

No.. Have faith soon he will be back to full fitness and banging in goals...

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Should Arsene sell van Persie??

:no: He has improved under Arsene and if we sell him now it'll be a waste all that time we used to develop him.

[Miggy]

On his day Van Persie is fucking unstoppable he's one of the most gifted young players around. For the good of football let's hope he puts all these injuries behind him soon.

[wrigh2uk]

Very interesting read in the sun today about Wenger generally saying Walcott isn't were he wanted him to be at the present time and not progressing aswell. I know hes only 18 but they guy has really gotta start bringing somthing to the table , i think he would definately benefit being loaned out to a championship club for a season, hes way to scared to express himself in the prem

[K.1.N.G.]

On the other hand however, that would really knock his confidence altogether!

A.W. did mention that his decision to try play Theo out wide hasnt worked out as he hoped, and he feels it would be better to play him in a more central role - that has to be good news!

[Barry]

Fucks sake Van Persie is the most naturally talented player from Holland at the moment. Either you are deliberately seeking an arguement or you are fickle and idiotic.

[ThierryHenry14]

3-0 good result today Adebayor's on fire at the moment lets hope no one puts him out ;)...

[Viperized]

Apparently Van Persie is 2/3 weeks away. Still seems like forever...

I feel sorry for him. He seems to pick up injuries when about to reach form.

[ThierryHenry14]

Much like a Dutch version of Ronaldo who kept getting injured..

[Nturtle]

It's not exactly VP's fault for having his leg twisted grotesquely with a rash tackle is it?

He'll be back and better than ever I hope.

In the meantime, it's going to be interesting to see what the young guns do agains Sp*rs on Tuesday.

[somegooner]

I think it will be a low scoring game. I hope it doesn't go to penalties.

[Meyyappan]

Fucks sake Van Persie is the most naturally talented player from Holland at the moment. Either you are deliberately seeking an arguement or you are fickle and idiotic.


Not only sun but also a reputated site sporting life

[somegooner]

Fucks sake Van Persie is the most naturally talented player from Holland at the moment. Either you are deliberately seeking an arguement or you are fickle and idiotic.

I don't want to see him sold for fuck's sake!! I'm just asking for opinions because his injuries are just so fucking annoying!!!

[Nturtle]

Back on track...it looks like Gallas will be in the team as we've lost Senderos to a broken nose. Supposedly senior players like Cesc and Hleb will be on the bench to support, just in case. Walcott to lead up front with Bentdner it looks like...or with Eduardo...that'll be interesting.

I think it's a tough ask...but if the Arsenal youths are mentally strong enough..and creative enough on the pitch...they could do it. Not holding lots of hope if Berbatov and Keane are on song though.

[AgentZero]

Should Arsene sell van Persie??

hells no, id hate it to see him leave the premi.ership and become another waste of talent at Madrid.

[Barry]

I don't want to see him sold for fuck's sake!! I'm just asking for opinions because his injuries are just so fucking annoying!!!

Aye I saw where you were coming from. He's slightly prone to them, but often he just gets mowed down by crazed opponents.

[somegooner]

Exactly. I'm not stupid, I don't want him gone.

[Zoolander]

2-0.

Oh dear.

[Joel]

It's Tottenham...3-2 win for Arsenal after extra time.

[Zoolander]

Robinson isn't playing so I think (hope) they'll do it

[Viperized]

Why on earth did Wenger start Walcott as opposed to Eduardo? Gilberto needs to learn how to pass a ball to a team-mate.

We're not playing well and look extremely vulnerable in defence. As soon as I saw that starting eleven I was worried.

Can't see us getting back in this unless we score early in the second half which may only happen if we replace Walcott. We need someone who can shoot the ball properly.

Too bad Rosicky wasn't an option from the bench :\

I'm worried we won't score at all in the second half.

[Zoolander]

3-0. What a ball by Lennon!

[vanNistelrooy]

BUMP.

That's your kids coming back down to earth. Awesome run they were on before though.

[Stella Artois]

BUMP.

That's your kids coming back down to earth. Awesome run they were on before though.

Unfortunately you don't have any to speak of. You got merked by Michael Mifsud. :rolleyes:

[ThierryHenry14]

4-1 its a come back lol...

[Zoolander]

Gallas arguing with his own player. :laugh:

[Viperized]

Clearly Gilberto, Fabianski and Walcott are not as good as expected.

I've mentioned that Gilberto is getting nearer to the 'past it' stage and this performance was the final straw. He was SHOCKINGLY bad in midfield.

Fabianski? He hasn't looked the most assuring keeper despite making some flashy saves in the previous rounds. He should've done much better for some of the goals.

Walcott? Well... did he even do anything right today?

It didn't help by playing a RB in defence either.

Obviously I'm a bit upset since we got humiliated by Tottenham-fucking-Hotspurs but I won't lose any sleep over the Carling Cup.

[McGregor]

Pretty shocking by the Gunners tonight

You know your off the pace when Cesc is miss hitting a bucket load of passes

[McGregor]

You have to laugh at the fat gash in the Sky Sports Studio harping on about how you are not a good team until you win something.

Tell that to the Dutch of 74...

[Nturtle]

Phew...what a battering. Bubble has to end somehow - I cringe to see that it was Jermaine Jenas to start things off! HA!

Credit to Spurs that they blew us off the planet...once in 10 years isn't bad though...ha! Good luck to them in the finals.

[Dragonfly]

Did anyone see Wenger's post-match interview? When he said he gives each tournament the attention it deserves, a small smile appeared from the corner of his mouth, which suggested to me that he didn't think much of the League Cup. Did anyone else notice, or am I trying to find excuses?

[JoeyM]

Is it not already blindingly obvious he doesn't give a toss about the league cup considering the teams we field?

Gilberto needs to leave ASAP

[Dragonfly]

Yes, but after that, I need to hear it.

Yeah, Gilberto is fading faster than Shearer's hairline. It's a shame really. I can't say I noticed many poor performances from him last season.

[somegooner]

On the way the game went...
"Of course it is disappointing because we lost. I feel that everything went against us. We were always in the situation where we were chasing the score. We were open to counterattacking and we were not mature enough to stop the counterattacking."

On the scoreline...
"The score is very high and very brutal but I think it does not reflect what happened on the pitch. The first shot on goal was a goal, the second goal was an own goal, the third was straight after half time. After that, the game was over. It had no real meaning after that. They could concentrate on defending and catching us on the break. I don't give a big meaning to the importance of the score. It can be explained by the way the game went."

On regrets...
"My only regret is playing [some of] the players who played. We go into the season with many targets and every season we go in with that priority in this competition. It is good to see that some players have potential and some are not completely ready yet."

On the Carling Cup being a priority ...
"Not at all frankly."

On the second half scoring...
"That was dictated by the game. They defended like mad and they caught us on the break. We were 2-0 down, they only have 45 minutes to last. I don't see where you can be surprised."

On the education of the Carling Cup...
"It is part of the learning process. When you are a footballer you have to deal with disappointments. That is part of it all. You have to take that on board. When you a footballer you lose games, it is how you respond and deal with that."

On the reaction to this defeat...
"We live in a world where the last game is always a definitive conclusion. But it is not as simple as that. To educate young players great patience is needed aswell as a comprehensive attitude and tolerance. That is my problem not yours."
Arsene has just reassured me that this was a fluke.

[ThierryHenry14]

S***s still havent beaten us in the premiership for 9 years.

[Tigermen]

Clearly Gilberto, Fabianski and Walcott are not as good as expected.

I've mentioned that Gilberto is getting nearer to the 'past it' stage and this performance was the final straw. He was SHOCKINGLY bad in midfield.

Fabianski? He hasn't looked the most assuring keeper despite making some flashy saves in the previous rounds. He should've done much better for some of the goals.

Walcott? Well... did he even do anything right today?

It didn't help by playing a RB in defence either.

Obviously I'm a bit upset since we got humiliated by Tottenham-fucking-Hotspurs but I won't lose any sleep over the Carling Cup.

Right so you'll pick out Walcott again who looked one of the only players actually capable of beating a man and creating something (see Bentdner's effort which hit the bar) and yet you don't even mention Bendtner who had an absolutely disgraceful game and is possibly one of the laziest players I have ever seen. Nice selective vision there.

Hope this shuts up all the morons who've been saying that Bendtner is twice the player Adebayor is and how he should be playing ahead of him. He's never shown anything to justify that, it's actually astounding how lazy he is and he clearly has an over-inflated opinion of himself. No wonder Adebayor headbutted him yesterday and Gallas was going mental at him.

[gollan]

Right so you'll pick out Walcott again who looked one of the only players actually capable of beating a man and creating something (see Bentdner's effort which hit the bar) and yet you don't even mention Bendtner who had an absolutely disgraceful game and is possibly one of the laziest players I have ever seen. Nice selective vision there.

Hope this shuts up all the morons who've been saying that Bendtner is twice the player Adebayor is and how he should be playing ahead of him. He's never shown anything to justify that, it's actually astounding how lazy he is and he clearly has an over-inflated opinion of himself. No wonder Adebayor headbutted him yesterday and Gallas was going mental at him.

Let's make sense out of things.

Walcott, like I said probably 3 weeks or a month ago, should be hanged, or put against a firing squad, or tied in a bag and thrown into the lake, or something. He is absolutely a waste of space on the pitch. This should not be tolerated from a young, so-called gifted, player, who is just getting worse and worse as opposed to showing improvement. The fact that others see it the same way, makes me believe that I'm right.

Gilbo had an awful, awful game. He lost the balls on crucial moments and couldn't pass it right ONCE. But, he is getting old, and probably him not getting enough playing time hurts him a lot.

This doesn't mean Bendtner was any good - on the contrary. I didn't see Ade headbutting him or Gallas yelling at him, but he was awful, no off the ball movement, poor runs, a stupid own goal, you name it. Surely he cannot replace Ade.

But please don't try to defend Walcott. He is just rubbish.

[wrathchild_uk]

Not suprising to hear that Wengers response to the Adebayor, Bendtner incident was "I did not see it"....maybe he should go back to wearing those specs that he had when he first arrived at Arsenal!

[Bammers05]

Two CC finals in a row now.

:doh:

[vanNistelrooy]

Unfortunately you don't have any to speak of. You got merked by Michael Mifsud. :rolleyes:
Mifsud > Spurs ;) And I don't think you, as a Gooner, will disagree ;)

[Nturtle]

Not suprising to hear that Wengers response to the Adebayor, Bendtner incident was "I did not see it"....maybe he should go back to wearing those specs that he had when he first arrived at Arsenal!

No...clearly those "specs" are now contact lenses or a special Lasik eye treatment to deliberately not see incidents...does it even matter? He's got video, and I'm sure he'll be looking at the whole game to analyse things.

Let's face it - the team weren't good enough, we lost a chance to go to Wembley - let's move on.

Newcastle up next and I can imagine we'll be fielding a relatively good first team this time around.

I note that AC Milan lost in their league yesterday, so hey...it's not all roses out there - everyone is beatable.

[ThierryHenry14]

When is the champions league game??

[AgentZero]

Lennons goal was because of gilberto failing to trackback properly

[Tigermen]

Gollan - if Walcott hasn't improved by the time he's 21 then yes he probably is shit. A shit player is someone who has never shown any promise and this simply isn't true of Theo. Maybe you should reserve judgement until he's played more than 3 games in his preferred position.

[AgentZero]

Gollan - if Walcott hasn't improved by the time he's 21 then yes he probably is shit. A shit player is someone who has never shown any promise and this simply isn't true of Theo. Maybe you should reserve judgement until he's played more than 3 games in his preferred position.

there is a lot of late bloomer out there. Luca Toni for example didn't start getting noticed until he was 28 at Palermo.

[wrathchild_uk]

He's got video, and I'm sure he'll be looking at the whole game to analyse things.


He won't need to as the FA have said they won't be taking any action...another case of Arsenal getting away with murder! :ninja:

[Jonny2J]

I expect a spanking tomorrow.

[Dragonfly]

I expect a spanking tomorrow.

If the Keegan quote you posted in the Newcastle thread is anything to go by, then you guys could concede quite a few goals. I think you guys will probably give it a good go, so I'm not expecting a battering, but I'm confident we'll win.

How were Newcastle at cup games when Keegan was there last?

[Jonny2J]

If the Keegan quote you posted in the Newcastle thread is anything to go by, then you guys could concede quite a few goals. I think you guys will probably give it a good go, so I'm not expecting a battering, but I'm confident we'll win.

How were Newcastle at cup games when Keegan was there last?Our cup record was pretty poor.

[somegooner]

How were Newcastle at cup games when Keegan was there last?

Is that a serious question or a response to what Jonny said??

[ThierryHenry14]

Walcott is supposedly going out on loan , on SSN I saw that Stoke were interested....

[Dragonfly]

I doubt he'll want to go to Stoke, but I don't think I would mind if he went to a relegation battling Prem team for the rest of the season. I'd like to see what he's like when getting a run of games.

[Stella Artois]

I expect a spanking tomorrow.

You're the only one. We've been dog shite lately.

[Meyyappan]

Our Spanish football expert Guillem Balague looks ahead to another weekend of live La Liga action on Sky Sports and he answers your email.

SEVILLA V OSASUNA

Osasuna are worth watching for Carlos Vela alone.

Of course, he belongs to Arsenal and he is on loan to Osasuna for the season and he's playing really well at the moment.

He scored a fantastic goal at the weekend and made Sergio Ramos look very mediocre when Osasuna played Real Madrid before Christmas.

He plays on the left hand side or as a second forward - he's going to stay at Osasuna until the end of the season and then go to Arsenal after that. So keep an eye on him.

http://www.skysports.com/experts/expert_story/0,19793,12087_3075105,00.html

[Stella Artois]

I haven't had a chance to see him Meyyappan, but I've read that before and it's good news.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue has told skysports.com that both Milan and Juventus have enquired about securing his services.

The 24-year-old full-back, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations representing Ivory Coast, joined The Gunners from Beveren in 2005.

Eboue has regularly featured in Arsene Wenger's side since his switch, tallying 54 starts to date.

Wenger originally utilised the Ivorian at right-back, however the arrival of Bacary Sagna has seen Eboue move up into right-midfield.

Transfer

And speaking before Ivory Coast's Group B fixture against Benin, Eboue has revealed that a number of 'big clubs' have approached Arsenal about signing him in the January transfer window.

"I didn't want to talk about that. What I can say is that many big clubs spoke to Arsenal about a transfer in the January transfer window," he told skysports.com.

However, he insists he is content to stay at Emirates Stadium for the time being.

"But for me, it is Arsenal for the moment. I did not put a transfer request in. I like Arsenal. However, you never know [what might happen]," he concluded.

Who is this joker kidding?

Try playing well first, you cunt.

[wrigh2uk]

Sagna pwns Eboue :cool:

[Ronaldo_is_fat]

Stop stating the obvious

[somegooner]

What are your predictions for today??

Probable lineup:

---------------------------Almunia-----------------------
------------------Gallas------------Senderos------------
-----Sagna--------------------------------------Clichy---
-----------------Fabregas-----------Flamini--------------
-----Hleb---------------------------------------Rosicky---
-----------------Adebayor----------Eduardo--------------


What are your thoughts on Senderos's recent form??
The bench will probably be the other 5 fit players we have so we can't afford to have any players get injured in this match.

[ThierryHenry14]

I reckon Newcastle will put up a fight but i would say a 2-1win for Arsenal Adebayor getting both goals.

[Viperized]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3079787,00.html

Oh fuck. :(

What are your predictions for today??

Probable lineup:

---------------------------Almunia-----------------------
------------------Gallas------------Senderos------------
-----Sagna--------------------------------------Clichy---
-----------------Fabregas-----------Flamini--------------
-----Hleb---------------------------------------Rosicky---
-----------------Adebayor----------Eduardo--------------


What are your thoughts on Senderos's recent form??
The bench will probably be the other 5 fit players we have so we can't afford to have any players get injured in this match.
Hopefully that is the team which will start, since it is our best possible line-up.

Also..

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/shop/search.html?name=CUP%20FINAL%2 02008&code=CUP08&WT.svl=MEN&par=MEN

Sad cunts.

[ThierryHenry14]

Lol at Tottenham..

[mufcsean]

I read that Liverpool offered to take Walcott on loan :laugh:

[Meyyappan]

I haven't had a chance to see him Meyyappan, but I've read that before and it's good news.

hopefully he has the same potential as fabregas or messi:laugh: :happy: far too wishful(the way they talk about him),j:happy: st joking by the way

[Viperized]

1. Jens Lehmann
31. Justin Hoyte
6. Philippe Senderos
10. William Gallas
22. Gael Clichy
2. Vassiriki Diaby
16. Mathieu Flamini
4. Francesc Fabregas
7. Tomas Rosicky
32. Theo Walcott
25. Emmanuel Adebayor

Meh..

[somegooner]

Is the formation:
--------------------Lehmann--------------------
---Hotye-----Gallas-------Senderos---Clichy--
---Rosicky----Fabregas----Flamini-----Diaby--
--------------Adebayor-----Walcott-------------

If its not please tell me what it is.
We have a strong bench though.

[ThierryHenry14]

Rosicky subbed ? anyone got more details...

[somegooner]

He's injured TH14. How are we doing. Goal.com make it sound like Given has been busy.

[Nifty1Pound50]

The real world make it sound like we're 1-0 up through Adebayor.

[somegooner]

Thanks mate. Are we playing well though??

[Nifty1Pound50]

I'm not personally watching it. To all intents and purposes, we sound like we've had most of the game. But Senderos is always good for a goal, so as far as I'm concerned we're currently drawing.

[mufcsean]

2-0 now Adebayor again

[Nifty1Pound50]

Make that 3.

Nicky Butt own goal. Dirty Manc. ;)

[Tigermen]

Nifty - Senderos was actually really solid today. Granted he didn't have much to deal with but he did really well nonetheless. Bit of faith lad! :tongue:

[Nifty1Pound50]

Nifty - Senderos was actually really solid today. Granted he didn't have much to deal with but he did really well nonetheless. Bit of faith lad! :tongue:

I am extremely patient when it comes to the Arsenal squad - and I know for a fact that there is a player of real quality somewhere inside of him waiting to come out. When he first broke into the team, it was blatantly obvious why his potential suitors read like a who's who of world football when we signed him.

However, he's been God-awful since that streak of excellent performances. I'm not prepared to allow a centre-half a season and a half of mental recuperation after getting raped in one game. Even if it was Didier Drogba committing said raping.

[somegooner]

It was a decent result but now we have another injury. I think Wenger will push Hoyte into midfield if we have no right winger by the time for our next match. He might put Eduardo there too if he doesn't play Walcott there. Where's Eboue when we need him??

[mufcsean]

Ghana?

[Viperized]

Diaby's performance was much better this time, which is good to see.

Oh and Toure's injury isn't as bad as originally thought, thankfully.

[Wan]

Ghana?

It's Ivory Coast actually.

EDIT: I mean he plays for Ivory Coast in Ghana lol.

[JoeyM]

It's Ivory Coast actually.

:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

[Tigermen]

I am extremely patient when it comes to the Arsenal squad - and I know for a fact that there is a player of real quality somewhere inside of him waiting to come out. When he first broke into the team, it was blatantly obvious why his potential suitors read like a who's who of world football when we signed him.

However, he's been God-awful since that streak of excellent performances. I'm not prepared to allow a centre-half a season and a half of mental recuperation after getting raped in one game. Even if it was Didier Drogba committing said raping.

Think "God-awful" is a tad harsh but overall that's a fair assessment. I knew you wouldn't be part of the braindead "basher" brigade.

On a side note, Joey M your sig is a work of absolute beauty. All you need now is to go back to the Common avatar and you will have the best display of any member here...

[Meyyappan]

Taking place in ghana

[somegooner]

Guardian Unlimited say that we should be expecting Yoan Gouffran to join us soon since we have already agreed a fee. He is a winger-cum-striker like van Persie and Vela, and like most other Wenger signings he is young and French.

[Miggy]

Guardian Unlimited say that we should be expecting Yoan Gouffran to join us soon since we have already agreed a fee. He is a winger-cum-striker like van Persie and Vela, and like most other Wenger signings he is young and French.

What you like.

[somegooner]

What do you mean latinomig?? I don't get it.

[Viperized]

Guardian Unlimited say that we should be expecting Yoan Gouffran to join us soon since we have already agreed a fee. He is a winger-cum-striker like van Persie and Vela, and like most other Wenger signings he is young and French.
Van Persie isn't a winger.

[somegooner]

He plays as a winger for his national side and for Arsenal when needed (and fit).

[Nturtle]

Well...maybe Randall or Hleb or even Cesc will go right mid-field. Or Wenger will persist with Walcott who didnt' do too badly after a while...but he truly looks better nearer the centre. He needs a bit of strength and to hold up may better with his touch letting him down.

Bring on Newcastle take two.

[Usul]

...like most other Wenger signings he is young and French.
:limp:


:jester:

[vanNistelrooy]

Just read on my mobile that you lot have agreed a fee to sign Woodgate.

Sure more will follow shortly.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

We've got Man United in the FA Cup 5th round. At Old Trafford :erm:

Shame one of these two sides will be eliminated from the Cup so early; hopefully Arsenal will win :happy:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7212285.stm

Just read on my mobile that you lot have agreed a fee to sign Woodgate.

Sure more will follow shortly.

:shocking: Where did u hear this? Who sent u the text?

I wont believe till its on Arsenal.com

EDIT: http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=486877&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Wenger+-+I+am+not+after+Jonathan+Woodg ate

Speculation OVER

[Meyyappan]

We have draw man utd.yahooooooooooooooooooooooo o

[somegooner]

Goal.com says that we've agreed a 5mil pound deal for Gouffran and he will arrive in the summer.

[Viperized]

Man United? Bah. You'd always expect Arsenal to get the toughest draw.

And you would also always expect Liverpool and Chelsea to get nice easy home draws, as usual.

[Jonny2J]

Man United? Bah. You'd always expect Arsenal to get the toughest draw.

And you would also always expect Liverpool and Chelsea to get nice easy home draws, as usual.One big conspiracy eh?

Wait what was your last game? Oh aye a nice easy home draw.

[ThierryHenry14]

Man u in the FA cup should be a good game..

I just got a e-mail from Arsene Wenger


Dear Supporter,

Saturday was our first game after losing at Tottenham but I was not worried at all before facing Newcastle. This team has done extremely well since the start of the season and I was quite confident they would win.

We played against a good Newcastle side who started strongly and they created some chances in the early stages. But in the second half it was completely different. We took control and I feel the second goal killed off Newcastle. It was a difficult game but the right result.

It was clear that the first goal would have a big impact on the result. We scored when we were in control of the game, and that of course was mentally difficult for Newcastle because they knew then it would be difficult. If they had scored in the first half, that certainly would have given them more belief.

I named Theo Walcott in the starting line-up because at the moment he needs games. You could see that he grew in the game, he was very good in the second half as he slowly found confidence. Sometimes when a player feels he has not had a good game, you give him another game to show him that you believe in him.

I was asked many questions after Saturday's game about the incident between Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner. Frankly, in what team do incidents not happen? I am surprised that a country with such a history in the game makes so much of it, but I can understand it as well because it is something to talk about.

We now look forward to Tuesday night’s match against Newcastle United, this time in the England League.

Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger

[Dragonfly]

I just got a e-mail from Arsene Wenger

:laugh: You make it sound like you know each other.

[somegooner]

I get email from him too you know. I also see him every weekend for a cup of tea.

[Nturtle]

LOL

The tie with ManU will be interesting! No doubt about the conspriracy...lol

Well...at some point to have to play good teams, just like Champs League...so might as well be now.

[ThierryHenry14]

Woodgate has joined Tottenham
P.s me and Arsene reguarly meet up....

[somegooner]

I'm seeing him tomorrow. I have an Economics exam and he has a PhD in Eco so he's gonna tutor me.

[Jonny2J]

Take it easy eh lads?

[somegooner]

Take it easy eh lads?

Not ..... A ...... Chance!!!

HOPEFULLY

[Zoolander]

1-0.

[BarnDoor]

Apparently we were doing alright until Enrique had to go off.

[Jonny2J]

Apparently we were doing alright until Enrique had to go off.:laugh:

[Zoolander]

2-0. I didn't know Flamini had that in him.

[ThierryHenry14]

3-0 FT . A great result back to the top we go.

[Bammers05]

:hamster:

It's good to see Cesc scoring again, after so long without scoring. Hopefully he'll be able to build on that and get back to his early season form

[somegooner]

:hamster:

It's good to see Cesc scoring again, after so long without scoring. Hopefully he'll be able to build on that and get back to his early season form

Amen.

[Nturtle]

2-0. I didn't know Flamini had that in him.

Well...given that he screws a lot of shots wide or shanks a couple every game...I'm not surprised at that comment! But he has made a lot of important contributions, in ball chasing, tackles AND goals in the past! Don't forget that he's not a complete defensive midfielder - he just partners with Cesc that way. Once Gilberto came one, Flamini went forward a bit more.

I wish more Arsenal players saw fit to have a go like Flamini (with a little bit more accuracy more of the time pls)!

[Meyyappan]

The 23-year-old Togo international joined Arsenal from French side Monaco in January 2006 for £3m.

A bargain

[ThierryHenry14]

Diaby has extened his contract until 2012
and looks like Dzeko wont be joining
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3093075,00.html

[somegooner]

Has Luke Freeman joined yet??

[ThierryHenry14]

According to sky sports news yes.
Looks like Man u are going back to the top , I thought pompey would get atleast a draw.

[Meyyappan]

Cesc Fabregas - Tactical Analysis, Changes And Suggestions

::: Fabregas :::

You may have seen that Cesc Fabregas played the last 15 minutes or so of the two games against Newcastle on the right of midfield. Having seen both these small periods of the game live at the Emirates, it made me think. Before I explain my thoughts, remember that the game was won in the two games where Wenger moved him out wide.

Cast your minds back to Fabregas’ first season with the first team. With Vieira and Gilberto injured at the start of the season Cesc came in and did a brilliant job alongside Edu. Towards the end of the season, the senior players returned and Wenger chose to use the young Spaniard far more sparingly. In fact, most of his appearances were off the bench and he played a lot of his games on the right, including the FA Cup Final.

In the last two games he moved to the right of midfield and seemed to get far more time on the ball out there. He was given space to pick out a perfect pass and he was provided with the freedom to get into the opposition box at will. With the injuries we have, coupled with the indifferent form of Walcott and Diaby, Wenger should consider that he now has another option. Cesc can dictate play from out wide without having players closing him down so fast. Hleb is better on the left for me and it would be interesting to see Fabregas on the right with Hleb left.

That leaves a question over whom to play with Flamini. Diaby has signed a new contract and if Wenger wants to play him more, he needs to give him a chance in the centre, his natural position. Selecting a team is more about adapting to who we have playing. That means that with the players picked for the first team, we should look at how comfortable they are in certain positions rather than who is better overall. There is no doubt Cesc is the better player but he certainly seems more comfortable out wide than Diaby.

From midfield Fabregas has become a bit too tentative in his midfield role. During his scoring run at the start of the season Fabregas was taking up positions further forward and he was a massive threat. Recently he has dropped deep and teams have been able to stifle the flow of the team much better.

When Cesc is driving forward, he may not get the ball every time, but he certainly distracts defenders. They know that they have to watch the strikers but will have a watchful eye on the onrushing midfield player. I assure you, this is where confusion kicks in. Should the midfield fail to track their runners, the centre backs have to make the decision whether to be drawn out and call across the full backs. This will either provide space for the wide players to exploit or gaps open up straight through the middle. In the last two games this has happened when Fabregas has pushed on.

It was nice to see Cesc on the scoresheet again and if he can get forward like he did at the start of the season, we could see even more. As I said, I noticed how his goal came from the right last night and he has been closed down very well in centre midfield and I think it’s interesting how well he can adapt to this position. With players out and likely rotation to come into it, it is another option

Josh

I dont mind cesc on the right as long as he starts dribbling like zidane.

And also then the centre can be filled by rosicky and my instinct tells me
we wont notice the difference,our team might get better but cant see wenger doing it.

[fick]

I dont mind cesc on the right as long as he starts dribbling like zidane.

And also then the centre can be filled by rosicky and my instinct tells me
we wont notice the difference i our team it might get better but cant see wenger doing it.

I see the point, but i think you'd be wasting his distribution if he's bunged out on the flanks.

[Meyyappan]

Arsenal youngster on loan to City

Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs has joined Norwich City on loan until April 28, while reports say that Simon Lappin has been loaned to Motherwell.

Gibbs, 18, who plays in central or wide-left midfield, made two appearances for Arsenal's first team in the Carling Cup this season and made 23 appearances for their under-18s last year, scoring nine times.

Good he can continue his development.

[Meyyappan]

Wenger reveals Ronaldo move block
Cristiano Ronaldo fires home his free-kick against Portsmouth
Ronaldo is the Premier League's leading scorer with 19 goals
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told BBC Sport he attempted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before the winger joined Manchester United in August 2003.

Wenger's move for the Portuguese winger Ronaldo stalled because of United's links with Sporting Lisbon.

Wenger said: "He was here much earlier - he could tell you that if he wants.

"Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz moved and that made it very difficult."

Wenger refused to elaborate any further when questioned about Ronaldo's time with Arsenal.

"I don't want to create any story that isn't needed," the Frenchman told BBC football correspondent Jonathan Legard.

Ronaldo has been in sensational form all season, scoring 29 goals as well as setting up countless others for the Premier League leaders.




Since joining Arsenal in 1996, Wenger has established a unparallelled reputation for identifying and buying Europe's finest young players.

It truly is the word with ronaldo in the current arsenal eleven we would be running away with the title by some 7-8 pts. :ohmy: And who knows maybe in the future we might have a ronaldo like player.;)

[fick]

"I don't want to create any story that isn't needed," the Frenchman told BBC football correspondent Jonathan Legard.

Except he just has... :erm:

[somegooner]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Sir Alex is a talent spotter. He's not. He would struggle to manage Sunderland or even Blackburn. An interesting statistic said that ManUre's first XI cost 130 million odd pounds while Arsenal's cost 26 million pounds. Although Sir Alex has a lot of young talent in his squad he didn't discover them. Ronaldo was discovered by Wenger, Anderson was already known by the press, same as Nani, Hargreaves was with a big club, Rooney and Tevez were already discovered while at their old clubs.

Excuse my off topic rant but I just needed to get it out of my system.

[fick]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Sir Alex is a talent spotter. He's not. He would struggle to manage Sunderland or even Blackburn. An interesting statistic said that ManUre's first XI cost 130 million odd pounds while Arsenal's cost 26 million pounds. Although Sir Alex has a lot of young talent in his squad he didn't discover them. Ronaldo was discovered by Wenger, Anderson was already known by the press, same as Nani, Hargreaves was with a big club, Rooney and Tevez were already discovered while at their old clubs.

Excuse my off topic rant but I just needed to get it out of my system.

Fergie isn't a talent spotter. Like Wenger, he employs people to do that for him. Scout networking.

As for Ronaldo, i believe it was Lisbon who spotted his potential. He was already known in Portugal. ;)

[Dragonfly]

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126121770/bctid1399286368

I love how Wenger says "spot on". :D

Who is he talking about, by the way? Diarra? Beckham?

[Phatmann]

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126121770/bctid1399286368

I love how Wenger says "spot on". :D

Who is he talking about, by the way? Diarra? Beckham?
Pretty sure it's Beckham as I've seen another video that someone posted on here with Fabregas and Adebayor talking about Beckham after not getting called up for England.

[mufcsean]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Sir Alex is a talent spotter. He's not. He would struggle to manage Sunderland or even Blackburn. An interesting statistic said that ManUre's first XI cost 130 million odd pounds while Arsenal's cost 26 million pounds. Although Sir Alex has a lot of young talent in his squad he didn't discover them. Ronaldo was discovered by Wenger, Anderson was already known by the press, same as Nani, Hargreaves was with a big club, Rooney and Tevez were already discovered while at their old clubs.

Excuse my off topic rant but I just needed to get it out of my system.

:laugh: :jack:

[Zoolander]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Sir Alex is a talent spotter. He's not. He would struggle to manage Sunderland or even Blackburn. An interesting statistic said that ManUre's first XI cost 130 million odd pounds while Arsenal's cost 26 million pounds. Although Sir Alex has a lot of young talent in his squad he didn't discover them. Ronaldo was discovered by Wenger, Anderson was already known by the press, same as Nani, Hargreaves was with a big club, Rooney and Tevez were already discovered while at their old clubs.

Excuse my off topic rant but I just needed to get it out of my system.

You do talk some shit. SAF broke the strangle hold in Scottish football with Aberdeen & won a European cup.

You talk about the cost of your squad yet still haven't won anything.

[Keyser Soze]

You do talk some shit. SAF broke the strangle hold in Scottish football with Aberdeen & won a European cup.

You talk about the cost of your squad yet still haven't won anything.
Kind of irrelevant to what he was talking about - although I agree with you're opening line.

[Meyyappan]

Fergie isn't a talent spotter. Like Wenger, he employs people to do that for him. Scout networking.

As for Ronaldo, i believe it was Lisbon who spotted his potential. He was already known in Portugal. ;)

Hey,hey you nut crazy it was wenger who built his own army of sc:shocking: :shocking: :shocking: outs oh well somepeople:huh: useless to point out his ability to somepeople

[AgentZero]

I don't know why everyone thinks that Sir Alex is a talent spotter. He's not. He would struggle to manage Sunderland or even Blackburn. An interesting statistic said that ManUre's first XI cost 130 million odd pounds while Arsenal's cost 26 million pounds. Although Sir Alex has a lot of young talent in his squad he didn't discover them. Ronaldo was discovered by Wenger, Anderson was already known by the press, same as Nani, Hargreaves was with a big club, Rooney and Tevez were already discovered while at their old clubs.

Excuse my off topic rant but I just needed to get it out of my system.

:laugh::doh: :jack: the bloke from sporting travelling to Madeira woudl have something to say about this.
Lets make this concrete Wenger's Scouts > Ferguson's scouts.

[Zoolander]

:laugh::doh: :jack: the bloke from sporting travelling to Madeira woudl have something to say about this.
Lets make this concrete Wenger's Scouts > Ferguson's scouts.

I found some footage of Ronaldo training with Arsenal so he could be telling the truth.

Clip (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x45xmx_spurs-5-1-ar5ena1_sport)

[AgentZero]

i retract my statement ronaldo did train with arsenal.

photo of 15 yr old ronaldo and wenger (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/72/186793312_864b82e969.jpg)

[blob123]

Manuel Almunia has been ruled out of Arsenal's visit to Manchester City this weekend, which will gift outcast Jens Lehmann a rare start between the sticks...
Now how about that

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Manuel Almunia has been ruled out of Arsenal's visit to Manchester City this weekend, which will gift outcast Jens Lehmann a rare start between the sticks...
Now how about that

Hopefully Jens will have learn from his blunders at the start of the season, and show Wenger that he is staying at Arsenal and is prepared to fight Manuel for the no.1 slot.

Personally, I feel he will have a quiet game and we will win 1-0.

Please Discuss....

What do other Gooners think the score will be today vs. Man City........

[Meyyappan]

:laugh::doh: :jack: the bloke from sporting travelling to Madeira woudl have something to say about this.
Lets make this concrete Wenger's Scouts > Ferguson's scouts.

And,talent spotting:Wenger>Ferguson

[wrigh2uk]

It truly is the word with ronaldo in the current arsenal eleven we would be running away with the title by some 7-8 pts. :ohmy: And who knows maybe in the future we might have a ronaldo like player.;)

Meh I would have rather we signed kaka or Dinho when when we were watching them back in there Brazil days

Damm EU rules :realmad:

[Wan]

i retract my statement ronaldo did train with arsenal.

photo of 15 yr old ronaldo and wenger (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/72/186793312_864b82e969.jpg)

None of them looks like Ronaldo & Wenger. :shifty:






















Because they aren't Ronaldo & Wenger. :laugh:

[somegooner]

Meh I would have rather we signed kaka or Dinho when when we were watching them back in there Brazil days

Damm EU rules :realmad:

I know mate. Wenger wanted Messi too.

[Miggy]

I know mate. Wenger wanted Messi too.

Wenger seems to have wanted everyone. :rolleyes:

[Meyyappan]

Wenger seems to have wanted everyone. :rolleyes:

He never spotted messi before you guys.

[somegooner]

Wenger seems to have wanted everyone. :rolleyes:

Don't worry mate Barca are credited with discovering Messi, Wenger was gonna buy him the same time he bought Fabregas but the Non EU shit ruined the deal.

[Jonny2J]

Don't worry mate Barca are credited with discovering Messi, Wenger was gonna buy him the same time he bought Fabregas but the Non EU shit ruined the deal.No it never.

[Barry]

Probably stating the obvious but I can't be the only one who noticed that Arsenal now have a keeper that can be ranked with the better goalies out there?

[Miggy]

Don't worry mate Barca are credited with discovering Messi, Wenger was gonna buy him the same time he bought Fabregas but the Non EU shit ruined the deal.

I honestly don't think Barça would have let Messi escape like they did with Cesc.

[Jonny2J]

I honestly don't think Barça would have let Messi escape like they did with Cesc.All that happened was he was finding life a bit tough away from Argentina and Wenger said if he ever wanted to leave then he would sign him. That was all. Just somegooner talking shite as per the norm.

[Rambo]

Another excellent goal from Eduardo.

[somegooner]

Clichy deserves to be stoned.

Do you think that this game could be a goal thriller??

[Nifty1Pound50]

I think you deserve to be stoned.

[somegooner]

I think you deserve to be stoned.

Wtf?? Did you see his mistake??

[mufcsean]

No but we read your bullshit, anyway,

Eduardo;

http://www.lushtshirts.co.uk/images/products/bow_son.jpg

[somegooner]

That's it. We win. City lose.

[mufcsean]

Damn Adebayor again, and, he was tripped up and still managed to fucking score

[Nifty1Pound50]

Wtf?? Did you see his mistake??

WTF? ROFLcopter? LOLocaust?

Of course I saw his mistake - but I don't think it's an appropriate action to throw rocks at someone repeatedly until their death for making one error of judgement, especially when you consider he's been arguably our most consistent performer this season.

I also think you're a tool and deserve to be stoned, but that's beside the point.

[Bammers05]

Another good away win today. :smug:

We've now sored three goals in each of our last three league games, Adebayor's scoring for fun and Cesc seems to be playing very well again.

It feels just like the start of the season again.:ninja:

[Zoolander]

I bet Viperized still hates Adebayor.

[somegooner]

I bet Viperized still hates Adebayor.

Why does he hate him?? Isn't Viperized a Gooner??