Arsenal

[Viperized]

2-0.

All Gallas's fault in my opinion.
It's Gallas' fault that the players are playing like a bunch of spastics?

It's Gallas' fault that Wenger didn't improve the squad?

It's Gallas' fault Wenger chose to put some average players in the starting 11?

[ThierryHenry14]

It's Gallas fault for saying all that shit and lowering the teams morale.

[TheBishop]

As stupid as it was for a captain to come out saying that, everything he said is right. Gallas has won trophies, been there done that, and he's had young players who have moved to Arsenal, thinking they've 'made it' and not giving him any respect.

For fuck sake Bendtner is wearing pink boots, that somes up the mentality of our squad. Bendtner has also had another shocker today.

[ThierryHenry14]

Man City penalty, this games done now.

[Mjällharth]

Make that three.

[Dragonfly]

For crying out loud. Even the consolation of earning 30 points for predicting a 2-0 loss was taken away. What a shit day.

[Viperized]

It's Gallas fault for saying all that shit and lowering the teams morale.
Then that proves this team doesn't deserve anything. Gallas is 100% right. This team is full of a bunch of bottlers and lacks warriors.

Abysmal performance today. Expect this dreaded run to continue by losing to Chelsea next week.

Starting G. Hoyte, Denilson and Song in midfield, and Bendtner again was an awful decision. Bad line-up. Wenger might as well have played Almunia as a striker seeing as he always starts Diaby on the wing.

This team needs a revamp. We're hitting rock bottom. And we've become ever so predictable.

[wrathchild_uk]

Theres no doubt Wenger is a great manager but i just cant believe he didnt bring in a few quality experienced players, the team at the moment doesn't even look capable of finishing in the top 4..

[Mjällharth]

Has the age gotten to him? This and the last season have truly been worthy of big facepalms and there doesn't seem to be a change coming in the near future.

[Viperized]

Arsenal have had 5 loses and it's not even December. Completely unacceptable.

This is all thanks to a lack of ambition in the transfer market and keeping the faith in the likes of Bendtner, Song, Diaby and Denilson. How many players have we let go this summer? 5? We've only replaced one.

[TheBishop]

In these dark days, I have decided to return to the clergy to find the answers, thus resulting in my new avatar.

[Emma79]

Gallas facepalm.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2157/p132saturday185x3643768et2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[wrathchild_uk]

Do you think if Arsenal win nout again this season and don't finish in the top 4 then Wenger may leave??

[Viperized]

Has the age gotten to him? This and the last season have truly been worthy of big facepalms and there doesn't seem to be a change coming in the near future.
HOW DARE YOU!

WENGER KNOWS. EVERY DEClSION HE MAKES IS RIGHT. THE MAN IS A GENIUS AND SHOULD BE IMMUNE TO ANY CRITICISM.

http://www.pesgaming.com/images/smilies/v6/rolleyes.gif

[TheBishop]

If we don't finish in the top 4, maybe. If we don't win anything but finish 4th, i'd still expect him to stay.

[Meyyappan]

Last season was good,we had some serious bad luck.

I cannot believe that an empire is crumbling.

Luck favoured man u in 06/07 and from an empire being crushed,they returned back to the top of the world.

Why did it not favour us last year?

[Dragonfly]

Arsenal have had 5 loses and it's not even December. Completely unacceptable.

This is all thanks to a lack of ambition in the transfer market and keeping the faith in the likes of Bendtner, Song, Diaby and Denilson. How many players have we let go this summer? 5? We've only replaced one.

We've replaced the players we let go, but not in the way you want.

[Don Sweey]

Do you think if Arsenal win nout again this season and don't finish in the top 4 then Wenger may leave??

I think it depends on which jobs are available next summer and precisely how much Arsenal have to spend.

A lot of top coaches won't want to take over a team of young players if there's little money to spend in order to shape certain things their way. By the same token, you'd expect Wenger to move to a fairly big team in Europe assuming he doesn't fancy going to a different continent.

[Viperized]

We've replaced the players we let go, but not in the way you want.
As far as I am concerned, we haven't replaced them.

Seeing as the likes of Diaby, Song and Denilson are picked in preference to them all the time, we might as well have not signed Ramsey.

He is the only other player we have signed alongside Nasri.

I'd rather see Ramsey start against Chelsea than any of the three players I've mentioned.

[TheBishop]

I would of thought French National team coach would be realistic.

EDIT Diaby was one of our better players today. He needs to be playing in the centre, but because we have no wingers available at the moment apart from Nasri, he gets stuck out wide.

[wrathchild_uk]

Last season was good,we had some serious bad luck.

I cannot believe that an empire is crumbling.

Luck favoured man u in 06/07 and from an empire being crushed,they returned back to the top of the world.

Why did it not favour us last year?

To have even improved on last year Arsenal needed to sign a couple of top players yet they lost Hleb, Gilberto and Flamini. So when they've not even done that and lost 3 players how can they expect to be better this season?

[Mjällharth]

HOW DARE YOU!

EVERY DEClSION HE MAKES IS RIGHT.

http://www.pesgaming.com/images/smilies/v6/rolleyes.gif

I disagree.

[Viperized]

I disagree.
I was being sarcastic.

[Mjällharth]

I was being sarcastic.

My bad, I missed the smiley.

[TheBishop]

To have even improved on last year Arsenal needed to sign a couple of top players yet they lost Hleb, Gilberto and Flamini. So when they've not even done that and lost 3 players how can they expect to be better this season?

Add the fact that Eduardo and Rosicky both haven't played since Birmingham, and your spot on.

[BarnDoor]

Wenger is such a cunt. Why can he never give credit to the other team?

[Dragonfly]

Wenger is such a cunt. Why can he never give credit to the other team?

Because we know the only reason we lose is down to our own performance.

[BarnDoor]

Because we know the only reason we lose is down to our own performance.

Go and rim that Wogan-Jonathan Ross bastard hybrid.

[Dragonfly]

Go and rim that Wogan-Jonathan Ross bastard hybrid.

Will I need Toilet Duck for that?

[Cannon ball]

Because we know the only reason we lose is down to our own performance.

But the other teams performance must be taken into account. I know I didn't see any of the game today, but from what people who saw the match have said, Robinho could have a hattrick, and had a goal, which could have been given on another day, chalked off. I'm not saying we were super-awesome today, Arsenal may have played poorly by their high standards, but it wasn't as if they all just sat on the pitch and thought "can't be arsed with this".

[BarnDoor]

Will I need Toilet Duck for that?

Perhaps. Depends how shit-ridden you like it.

[wrigh2uk]

Picture says a thousand words doesn't it...

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5966/77428229lc6.png

[Mjällharth]

Indeed.

[CaptainCabinet]

He's only annoyed because he knows he's going to get eaten in a month.

[Dragonfly]

I think he's been disappointed in his players. They haven't played to their potential and have proven him wrong. I'm confident he will sign players in January and even more in the summer, especially if this carries on.

[TheBishop]

I wonder if leaving Highbury was worth it. Because if we haven't got the money to buy players like Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool can, and after Wenger said we'd have to be a selling club for the next 17 years or whatever it was to pay for the stadium, was it worth it? Obviously we're generating more profit now but were not being able seemingly to use it on strengthening the squad. Just a thought.

[Mjällharth]

On a sidenote I liked Highbury's appearance and traditions as well (more than the Emirates, that is).

[wrigh2uk]

I think he's been disappointed in his players. They haven't played to their potential and have proven him wrong. I'm confident he will sign players in January and even more in the summer, especially if this carries on.

Well I hope your right because if he doesn't many will be questioning his sanity as our manager.

[DJ Clue]

Arsenal have had 5 loses and it's not even December. Completely unacceptable.


Agreed.

[Dundon's]

Wenger is such a cunt. Why can he never give credit to the other team?


In fairness the man was stitched up with that one, the prick of a match reporter "asked" him if he felt 3-0 was a bit flattering and Wenger said yes it was that the score could of been closer. He then went over to Hughes and told him that Wenger said that the 3-0 was flattering and totally spun the whole thing out of context to provoke a bit of controversy.

There's some hate campaign out against us right now and I fear it may drive out the greatest thing to ever happen to us.

[Joel]

In fairness the man was stitched up with that one, the prick of a match reporter "asked" him if he felt 3-0 was a bit flattering and Wenger said yes it was that the score could of been closer. He then went over to Hughes and told him that Wenger said that the 3-0 was flattering and totally spun the whole thing out of context to provoke a bit of controversy.

There's some hate campaign out against us right now and I fear it may drive out the greatest thing to ever happen to us.

Hate campaign on Arsenal? :lol:

Arsenal fans don't know what hate in football is.

[Jonny2J]

In fairness the man was stitched up with that one, the prick of a match reporter "asked" him if he felt 3-0 was a bit flattering and Wenger said yes it was that the score could of been closer. He then went over to Hughes and told him that Wenger said that the 3-0 was flattering and totally spun the whole thing out of context to provoke a bit of controversy.

There's some hate campaign out against us right now and I fear it may drive out the greatest thing to ever happen to us.Fuck off man. :lol:

[Dundon's]

Ok hate campaign might be tad harsh. Let us try mini witch hunt for our managers head.

[TheBishop]

I can see what your getting at. Because Arsenal are in a mess at the moment, I'm sure the papers would love to see a story with regards to Wenger's job.

[Dundon's]

The wolves are at the door mate but we have to stand strong and not buy into it.

So we're going through a bad spell!, if it comes to it we can buy our way out of trouble like everyone else does and all will be fine.

[TheBishop]

Are they? There supposed to be here at 12.

EDIT Just seen you extended your post, thus ruining my joke.

Thats the thing, we could easily just let that Uzmanov take over, plough us with money and be able to afford top players' wages. But even then Wenger probably wouldn't buy stars. At least were trying to do things the right way, and we are at least English owned.

[Dundon's]

Sorry fella, I tend to do that. I suffer from impulse typing.

[nev1612]

Arsene Wenger has appointed Cesc Fabregas as the new captain of Arsenal.

Speculation had been mounting as to whether the Gunners chief would decide to strip former skipper William Gallas of the honour.

The Frenchman had been openly critical of his team-mates last week, putting his position under threat.

Wenger has now decided that it is time for change, rewarding Fabregas for his continued progress into a world-class performer.

The Spaniard will lead the club for the first time in their UEFA Champions League contest with Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

Pressure
Wenger refused to comment as to why he had taken the decision at this juncture, but did admit that Gallas will be included in his side for the midweek European contest at Emirates Stadium.

"He will play against Kiev," he said.

He then added on the captaincy: "It will be Fabregas. I don't think I have to explain why. It is a permanent thing."

Wenger was also quick to dismiss reports that he had suffered a falling out with Gallas in the wake of the recent controversy.

"William is a player that I rate. I have big respect for him," he added.

"He was working as a captain under a difficult media environment and he was under big pressure. At some stage, you do not want that pressure to affect him or the team.

"For me he is committed to the club and he can become stronger as a player. I think it can be a new start for him."


Leaders
The Arsenal boss, keen to avoid going into detail regarding his new choice of captain, went on to outline what he expects from those charged with leading his side.

"I believe the captain is the voice of the club," he said.

"He (Fabregas), though, is just one of the leaders of the team. A successful team is a shared leadership - he will be one of many leaders."

Wenger is also confident that his troops can bounce back from consecutive defeats in the Premier League to make Fabregas' first game as captain a positive occasion on Tuesday.

"When we don't win then frustration kicks in, but this a good opportunity for us to show that we have strength and ability," he added.

"You go from catastrophe to fantastic and we are in between at the moment.

"We are frustrated, but it is not all doom and gloom. We have faith in our ability and we have a good opportunity to show that we care about the club."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4543058,00.html

[Barry]

He seems a good captain - more than capable with the ball, passionate, vocal and at the heart of the team. Let's hope it's not a burden to him.

[DJ Clue]

Nice, Cesc will be leading the team.

[Dragonfly]

He seems a good captain - more than capable with the ball, passionate, vocal and at the heart of the team. Let's hope it's not a burden to him.

I think it will make him a better player. I'm looking forward to the Kiev even more, now, just to see the responses of the new and old captain.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

I would've preferred it if Kolo was named captain, he has been at Arsenal many years. He was part of the team which won the league :w00t He has always been reliable, an important member of the squad.

I was hoping Cesc would be our captain in a few years time, but he is definately good enough and seems passionate enough to be handed the armband. Despite being only 21, he has been at Arsenal for 5 years and compared with a lot of the first team, he's a veteran. He is our star player so he should get all the players going, encouraging them. Having a midfielder as captain is ideal because then he can communicate with the team easier, when opposed to a defender or forward or goalkeeper being captain.

Let's hope it isn't too premature for him to be captain. I'm confident this responsibility won't affect him, in fact it may make him a better player. He seems a natural leader and let's face it, he will be a better job than Gallas did :faceplm:

I'm glad Cesc has been named as our captain because then he will want to stay here more :lol: Perhaps that's the main reason why he is named captain (so he snubs Barcelona)? :ninja:

[nath_scfc]

At least Gallas had the bravery to stick his bollocks on the chopping board to change things up and make everyone aware of how things are shaping up. Yes, he's a muppet but I think, more blindly than expectedly, that he was willing to put personal achievements behind the teams.

Also, Cesc is one of the more petulant players and in reflection, a poor appointment to my mind.

[TheBishop]

Old news, i posted about it on Friday :smug:

Diaby and Nasri are both injured for Kiev so I don't have a clue what our midfield will be.

We need to take it to them so i'd play:

--------------------Almunia----------------------
Djourou------Gallas----------Silvestre-------Clichy
Denilson--------Fabregas------Song-------Van Persie
----------------Adebayor(if fit)-----Bendtner/Vela---

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Is there an age limit in the Champions League? Any chance Wilshere could start? :w00t

I know he shouldn't be pushed too much so early in his career (Cesc wasn't when he was 16) but surely he'd do a better job than Denilson down that right wing, cutting inside doing what Nasri does on the left wing?

Also, I think Ramsey deserves a start. He's awesome. He had a hell of a game at Fenerbahce so I guess he could have a great game against Kiev.

--------------------Almunia----------------------
Djourou------Gallas----------Silvestre-------Clichy
Wilshere--------Fabregas------Ramsey-------Van Persie
----------------Adebayor(if fit)-----Bendtner/Vela---

Then if Ramsey and Wilshere don't perform, then there's always Song and Denilson on the bench to replace them, just in case.

In that formation, you could always push Van Persie up front and change to a 4-3-3 if we are in need of a goal or two to win the match. We need to beat Kiev, to get back into the winning habit, to give the fans something to cheer about, and also to raise the morale of the players in time for the clash at Stamford Bridge.

[TheBishop]

I'd prefer that team too mate but because it's a big game Wenger will probably go for experience.

I'm sure Ramsey and Wilshere will be in the squad. Ramsey especially is getting closer and closer to becoming a 1st team regular in my opinion.

[nath_scfc]

Oh, and your first signing of the window should be Anatoliy Tymoshchuk. He'd be perfect.

[TheBishop]

Oh, and your first signing of the window should be Anatoliy Tymoshchuk. He'd be perfect.

I can't see it. One, he's 29. Two, he'd be cup-tied in the Champions League (if we qualify). And three, I want Senna!!!!!!! :crymore:

[Mjällharth]

I'm propably one of the very few people in the world who'd suggest this, but Raio Piiroja would fit into Arsenal - (Estonian CB and captain) he's a great defender and header of the ball, and against Spain Torres could not outmuscle him nor get past him for that matter. (He did get a penalty by diving however)

[nev1612]

I can't see it. One, he's 29. Two, he'd be cup-tied in the Champions League (if we qualify). And three, I want Senna!!!!!!! :crymore:

Senna is 32 and would also be cup tied though?????

[TheBishop]

Senna is 32 and would also be cup tied though?????

I realised that as soon as I posted. :faceplm:

Though I wanted us to get Senna in the summer as soon as Gilberto left. Unfortunately, it's too late for us to get him now.

[ThierryHenry14]

Just heard the news about Cesc, this is fantastic for the team although Cesc needs to step up his performances this season.

[Meyyappan]

I believe appointing Fabregas as captain will improve him as a player and help him get his best form.

When Henry left and he was expected to take up the mantle,he responded with his best output for 5 yrs.

I feel very happy for him,so he must be like overjoyed,jumping on his bed.

All I can say is:

IN ARSENE WE TRUST

IN WENGER I TRUST !

We've Got Cesc Fabregas!
We've Got Cesc Fabregas!

We've Got Cesc Fabregas!
We've Got Cesc Fabregas!

COME ON YOU MIGHTY GUNNERS!

[My Time]

I believe appointing Fabregas as captain will improve him as a player and help him get his best form.

I feel very happy for him,so he must be like overjoyed,jumping on his bed.
All I can say is:

IN ARSENE WE TRUST

IN WENGER I TRUST !

We've Got Cesc Fabregas!
We've Got Cesc Fabregas!

We've Got Cesc Fabregas!
We've Got Cesc Fabregas!

COME ON YOU MIGHTY GUNNERS!

:lol: can you imagine that.

[Meyyappan]

:lol: can you imagine that.

A mature kid with a cool head on young shoulders but still a kid when alone:happy:

http://s51.radikal.ru/i134/0811/9e/0f7d53bf1ab5.jpg

Captain for 5 minutes in a final

[My Time]

So is Gallas definately going to keep playing for you because I find it really hard to imagine him apologising and then playing in the side without the armband.

[DJ Clue]

Wenger said he'll be playing.

[nath_scfc]

I can't see it. One, he's 29. Two, he'd be cup-tied in the Champions League (if we qualify). And three, I want Senna!!!!!!! :crymore:

He's a quality defensive-midfielder, leader and battler. He's one of the best pro's in the game at the moment and would be great addition. Perfect for you guys, infact.

[Jonny2J]

A mature kid with a cool head on young shoulders but still a kid when alone:happy:

http://s51.radikal.ru/i134/0811/9e/0f7d53bf1ab5.jpg

Captain for 5 minutes in a finalHe certainly seems more mature than he once was that's for certain.

[mufcsean]

Congrats to Cesc, i too think this will make him a better player.

Can't see him leaving next summer now.

[Mullet Taylor]

Arsenal need some tough english cunts in their ranks. Too many posing twats that can't take the physical aspect of the game.

I wish Jens was still at Arsenal :( loved him ( Him Vs Drogba that time they both dived about is truely priceless )

I think the appointment of Fabregas being made Captain was made to try and keep him at the club longer - It really is Desperate times if a Kid is being handed a Man's Job in being made Captain

Who else is there for the Captain's Arm band anyway ? Fabregas is probably the first name on Wenger's Team Sheet and rightly so, qaulity player, but i don't see him being Captin material.

Gerrard. Terry. Ferdinand. Fabregas.

I suppose Fabregas will be a different type of Captain from the other top 3 clubs but i cant picture him Shouting at his players and getting stuck in for meaty Challenges.

I reckon a Captain should be older and not a goal keeper. ( Captain should be able to speak to the reff imo )

Once Adebayor remembers how to score goals for fun again, the partnership of him and Fabregas will be the best in the prem yet again

[mufcsean]

Firstly it's captain, not captin.

Secondly,

Arsenal need some tough english cunts in their ranks. Too many posing twats that can't take the physical aspect of the game.

That is a stupid statement

[Mullet Taylor]

Firstly it's captain, not captin.

Secondly,



That is a stupid statement

as for the spelling fair enough, no secret my spelling is shite

As for 2nd comment, of course its true. too many Foreigners in Arsenal. In the Glory days of Arsenal, they always had at least a couple of British players. david Seaman, Sol Campbell etc ... now its like, Theo Wallcot.

Chelsea - Terry,Ashley/Joe Cole & Lampard
Liverpool - Carra & Gerrard
Man Utd - Rio, Brown, hargreaves, Carrick & Rooney
Arsenal - Theo

I think its quite sad that Arsenal only have 1 starting Englishman in their side. I hope that the rule does pass that you need at least 5 homegrown players in your team at all times

Like the champions league final with Man Utd & Chelsea. Everyone creaming over the fact its an " all English final " - aye very fuckin good, both teams loaded with englishmen... Hmm..... sureee

[mufcsean]

I was referring to the fact that you said that Arsenal have too many posing twats.

[Phatmann]

Firstly it's captain, not captin.

Secondly,



That is a stupid statement
Bit harsh like considering he spelt captain correctly 6 times and incorrectly once. Although he did capitalise it for some reason.:mellow:

I think what Mullet meant by that statement was that Arsenal have too many fancy players and are lacking in players who are more physical. They could do with 1 or 2 English players who are die hard Arsenal fans who have worked their way up through the academy, like Gary Neville for us, John Terry for Chelsea and Jamie Carragher for Liverpool.

[mufcsean]

He went back and edited it afterwards to change them to Captain, still didn't get it right :lol:

[Phatmann]

Haha! Fair enough then, didn't realise that. What a tool.

[Mullet Taylor]

He went back and edited it afterwards to change them to Captain, still didn't get it right :lol:

me and you should just make a thread " Mullet Vs Sean " . Save needless comments on other threads etc...

and yeah, thats what i meant about the whole english thing, but Sean doesn't like me and he just wanted to get a nasty comment in about me :D

[mufcsean]

:erm: When did i say i didn't like you i just don't think your opinion is a good one. Make a thread if you want, but

a.) You will lose
b.) It would be sad

[Meyyappan]

:erm: When did i say i didn't like you i just don't think your opinion is a good one. Make a thread if you want, but

a.) You will lose
b.) It would be sad

Get out.

Arsenal need some tough english cunts in their ranks. Too many posing twats that can't take the physical aspect of the game.

I wish Jens was still at Arsenal :( loved him ( Him Vs Drogba that time they both dived about is truely priceless )

I think the appointment of Fabregas being made Captain was made to try and keep him at the club longer - It really is Desperate times if a Kid is being handed a Man's Job in being made Captain

Who else is there for the Captain's Arm band anyway ? Fabregas is probably the first name on Wenger's Team Sheet and rightly so, qaulity player, but i don't see him being Captin material.

Gerrard. Terry. Ferdinand. Fabregas.

I suppose Fabregas will be a different type of Captain from the other top 3 clubs but i cant picture him Shouting at his players and getting stuck in for meaty Challenges.

I reckon a Captain should be older and not a goal keeper. ( Captain should be able to speak to the reff imo )

Once Adebayor remembers how to score goals for fun again, the partnership of him and Fabregas will be the best in the prem yet again

He can be a good captain,just check out the game today and what team do you support?

Ade stats for this season:

Apps Goals Assists

13 9 7

[Meyyappan]

Please delete this my key board went crazy

[ThierryHenry14]

as for the spelling fair enough, no secret my spelling is shite

As for 2nd comment, of course its true. too many Foreigners in Arsenal. In the Glory days of Arsenal, they always had at least a couple of British players. david Seaman, Sol Campbell etc ... now its like, Theo Wallcot.

Chelsea - Terry,Ashley/Joe Cole & Lampard
Liverpool - Carra & Gerrard
Man Utd - Rio, Brown, hargreaves, Carrick & Rooney
Arsenal - Theo,Wilshire,Hoyte,Ramsey,Sim pson,Gibbs,Randall,Gilbert and plenty more youngsters.

I think its quite sad that Arsenal only have 1 starting Englishman in their side. I hope that the rule does pass that you need at least 5 homegrown players in your team at all times

Like the champions league final with Man Utd & Chelsea. Everyone creaming over the fact its an " all English final " - aye very fuckin good, both teams loaded with englishmen... Hmm..... sureee
Hmmm.

[Phatmann]

Hmmm.
How many of those that you mentioned have played regularly for the first team? Compared to the players he mentioned for Chelsea, Liverpool and United?

[ThierryHenry14]

Erm about 1 or 2 but thats not the point we do have British players, just not in the starting 11.

[Phatmann]

Well Mullets point was that you don't have enough starting British players so your post was a bit pointless I guess? :unsure: All the big teams have plenty of British players in the reserves and the academy, but Arsenal don't have that many Brits playing in the first team.

[Meyyappan]

Guys,what about a Cesc,Ramsey partnership?

Araon was a rugby player before so he is pretty well developped physically at 17.

I heard when he came on against Fenerbace,he made some good tackles and seemed to be a player with lots of energy.

Anyone saw the game?

[uA - 1905]

He was very good indeed. He does have a lot of energy and his one touch play is quite good.

[Dragonfly]

I'm propably one of the very few people in the world who'd suggest this, but Raio Piiroja would fit into Arsenal - (Estonian CB and captain) he's a great defender and header of the ball, and against Spain Torres could not outmuscle him nor get past him for that matter. (He did get a penalty by diving however)

I don't think we should be signing players based on one good performace (unless you've watched him a few times and he's consistent). But, if we are to base judgement on players based on one game, that Khazak scorer agains England would be good. Also, I've watched a couple of Racing Genk matches and Elyaniv Barda is pretty nifty on the ball.

[Mjällharth]

Well, I've seen him play for a few years and he's pretty easily our best defender in a long time, perhaps in the country's history. But then again, we are ranked 131th.
EDIT: Yet he was in the starting 11 when we were circa 67th, back in 2003.

[TheBishop]

Well Mullets point was that you don't have enough starting British players so your post was a bit pointless I guess? :unsure: All the big teams have plenty of British players in the reserves and the academy, but Arsenal don't have that many Brits playing in the first team.

By the time that rule is applied ( or if it does ) then at least we have a good group waiting in the wings.

I don't know what to think for tonight. I've predicted a 1-1 and I'm not sure if anything could of been 'resolved' in the last few days.

[Viperized]

I think Cesc as captain is a decent appointment as it'll mean he won't leave next season.

I also think he will benefit from the responsibility as a captain as it'll improve him as a player and his attitude.

[BarnDoor]

I don't really care about Arsenal and am not fully up with the situation, but I was just wondering: why are you not playing Toure? I always though he was a quality defender, and he's certainly better than Djourou.

[ThierryHenry14]

Injured I think.

You really think if he was fit Wenger would choose Djourou over him?

[BarnDoor]

Oh sorry I heard he'd fallen out of favour, apparently Man City are lining up a bid for him. I was surprised Toure wasn't named captain.

[ThierryHenry14]

Oh sorry I heard he'd fallen out of favour, apparently Man City are lining up a bid for me. I was surprised Toure wasn't named captain.

Congrats.

[Mullet Taylor]

Congrats.

haha :D

[TheBishop]

Team to play Kiev:

Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Ramsey, Song, Fabregas, Denilson, Van Persie, Vela

Subs: Fabianski, Bendtner, Wilshere, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.

The inclusions of Ramsey and Vela look interesting, especially Vela as a good performance tonight could see him overtake Bendtner in the pecking order.

I would of liked to see Clichy play left midfield, move Song into centre back and put Silvestre at left back. Clichy has showed that defensively he's still got a bit to learn but going forward he's as good as anyone.

[Mullet Taylor]

Clichy could be like Roberto Carlos, one manager wanted to play him left mid but Rab said no... perhaps something similar with Clichy

[ThierryHenry14]

Is the game on ITV4?

[Bammers05]

Is the game on ITV4?

Yep.

[TheBishop]

Yes

[ThierryHenry14]

I swear we haven't been on ITV1 for like 2 seasons.

[BarnDoor]

Congrats.

My secret's out - I am Kolo Toure.

[TheBishop]

I swear we haven't been on ITV1 for like 2 seasons.

We played Porto on ITV1.

[JoeyM]

I don't really care about Arsenal and am not fully up with the situation, but I was just wondering: why are you not playing Toure? I always though he was a quality defender, and he's certainly better than Djourou.

He's been pretty terrible ever since he got back from that shit African tournament in February.

[BarnDoor]

Didn't he get malaria or some kind of African cancer in pre-season?

[Mjällharth]

That malaria lasted for like three days or so.

[ThierryHenry14]

Gallas injured?

[Mjällharth]

Got up and played on.
Eurosport:39'
Awful mistake from Gallas as a heavy touch gifts Bangoura possession. The Frenchman is happy to see that the Guinean striker's effort comes off the outside of the post.

[Billy Minof]

That malaria lasted for like three days or so.

Longer than id prefer to have it.

I swear we haven't been on ITV1 for like 2 seasons.

Neither have Bolton.

My secret's out - I am Kolo Toure.

And I am Yaya.

[ThierryHenry14]

Finally Bendtner has scored.

[Mjällharth]

WHAT a pass by Cesc, great vision!

[TheBishop]

I must say i'm pleased for Bendtner because he has been poor the last few games. After seeing the replay again it wasn't a handball, was a great finish on his weak foot.

Obviously we didn't play well, as I expected given our problems. But have to admit Kiev are a much better team this season than previous years. At least we can forget about the Champions League for a while, I don't mind if we finish 1st or 2nd when you look at the quality of teams that will finish 2nd, its not much difference.

I was Glad to see Aliev get set off after that pathetic cheating.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

We didn't play very well, but we got the win which is the main thing. I have been annoyed with Bendtner so far this season. He has been very wasteful, and very clumsy and unbalanced a lot of the time. But tonight as soon as he came, you could see his desire and determination to play well. And he did well tonight. What we needed was that urgency up front, and a tall target to cross it in to. And you could see the impact Nikklas had all the time he was on.

He did well to get Cesc's fantastic long-range pass under control, a nice touch with his knee to get the ball from under his feet and then finish it off with a nice, powerful shot with his weak foot. A very nice goal.

Song was bad tonight. Very clumsy, he was losing the ball quite often and he looked heavy-footed and was swinging all over the place for the ball.

It was nice to see Wilshere get a run out. I rate the guy a lot. He is amazing and god knows how good he'll be when he is 18 :w00t

Also nice to see Clichy back and fit again. A very convincing performance from his tonight. His athleticism was great and he never stopped attacking aswell as defending.

Overall, a good performance from the lads. Good displays tonight from everyone, except Gallas (that mistake in the first half was shocking. Good job Bangoura didn't punish us) and Song.

Next up, a trip to Stamford Bridge :rolleyes:

[Dragonfly]

Aliyev the dirty fucker. :realmad:

It did make me laugh, though. :happy:

[Mullet Taylor]

remember last season Fabregas couldn't stop scoring. He equaled Henry's scoring in x amount of games etc. He was my CaptAIN in my fantacy league etc ... this season i havent bothered buying him

What has happened to his goal scoring ability :( ? was those first few months just a fluke or has Wenger told him to take a seat back etc

[TheBishop]

remember last season Fabregas couldn't stop scoring. He equaled Henry's scoring in x amount of games etc. He was my CaptAIN in my fantacy league etc ... this season i havent bothered buying him

What has happened to his goal scoring ability :( ? was those first few months just a fluke or has Wenger told him to take a seat back etc

He had the safety of Flamini who allowed Fabregas to go forward. Although, I'm sure I haven't seen him try as many long shots this season.

[Mullet Taylor]

its a shame i think tbh, he was a good fox in the box in the 1st half of last season and scored some nice goals. Now hes being held back or something. The Partnership of Adebayor and Fabregas was just as good as a Gerrard/Torres partnership imo - if not better

[Barry]

Aliev should be hanged, drawn and quartered and then, the pieces arrested. Although you see it a lot, just not like this.

[TheBishop]

its a shame i think tbh, he was a good fox in the box in the 1st half of last season and scored some nice goals. Now hes being held back or something. The Partnership of Adebayor and Fabregas was just as good as a Gerrard/Torres partnership imo - if not better

Yeah, there was a little spell last season when Adebayor was the best striker in the league, in my opinion. Of course Torres was/is more consistent. It was the whole midfield though that Fabregas had a good understanding with. Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb and Rosicky was an impressive midfield and all 4 are close friends, they were known as the '4 Musketeers' ;)

[Joel Rojo]

Thoughts on Vela? I couldn't watch the game.

[Mjällharth]

He worked pretty hard, but needs to work on his passing a bit though, that's all I noticed.

[Mullet Taylor]

just watching some Arsenal gold ( Which i think is the best football channell of a team there is, it is just constant football games which is how it should be ! )

Arsenal Vs Chelsea. 02 FA cup final

Arsenal had

David Seaman, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Ray Parlour and Tony Adams

4 first teamers basically and who's Arsenal's current starting english 11 ? i think once they get English back in their side, they'll start to become more consistant

2 cracking goals from Parlour and Ljungberg that day. Terry was shoved off the ball for the 2nd goal, something i doubt we'd see today.

What a team Arsenal had that day. Where did it all go wrong ?

[TheBishop]

just watching some Arsenal gold ( Which i think is the best football channell of a team there is, it is just constant football games which is how it should be ! )

Arsenal Vs Chelsea. 02 FA cup final

Arsenal had

David Seaman, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Ray Parlour and Tony Adams

4 first teamers basically and who's Arsenal's current starting english 11 ? i think once they get English back in their side, they'll start to become more consistant

2 cracking goals from Parlour and Ljungberg that day. Terry was shoved off the ball for the 2nd goal, something i doubt we'd see today.

What a team Arsenal had that day. Where did it all go wrong ?

Maybe because players of the quality of Adams, Seaman, Campbell and Cole don't come round often. It wasn't just down to English players, we had Vieira, Pires, Ljungberg, Bergkamp, Henry all at their peak.

Arsenal TV could be better in my opinion. Yes the coverage of games is good but there's too many repeats of programmes/segments etc.

[Mullet Taylor]

haaa fair enough man. Anytime i watch it there is always a different game on showing for me

What a team they had though. Simply Sensational

Why are Arsenal such a fuckin Selling club ? Constantly selling their star players. I was amazed Adebayor stayed

[TheBishop]

We appear to be a selling club because of the stadium move, which has maded me wonder if leaving Highbury was worth it. Though in 10,15 years time, we should be in awesome shape financially, but will we have won anything meaninful in that period?

Adebayor never actually said he wanted to leave, he was just a greedy bastard. Though i can remember watching those conflicting interviews in the summer and thinking ' What the fuck are you doing?'. Our value of him was too high for Milan so maybe we're not that much of a selling club.

[My Time]

haaa fair enough man. Anytime i watch it there is always a different game on showing for me

What a team they had though. Simply Sensational

Why are Arsenal such a fuckin Selling club ? Constantly selling their star players. I was amazed Adebayor stayed

Adebayor's lucky to be playing for a side like Arsenal tbh, there's no way in hell he is good enough to play for a better/bigger team.

[Mullet Taylor]

it just seems like one big cycle as of late. 1 Summer, Arsenal's top player is being heavily linked to a move to X

The Star player shows his love for Arsenal, signs new deal and claims to be happy as larry

Following year he is sold.

we all know Wenger is the greatest foreign manager in the Premiership History so we all should have faith

Its the bastard board's fault for Arsenal's selling ways

Henry. Ashley Cole. Marc Overmars, Viera , Helb

Who else have Arsenal sold... when they should of held onto them ?


Van Bronckhorst had the opportunity to move to FC Barcelona and work with new boss Frank Rijkaard as part-exchange for the transfer of Cesc Fàbregas to Arsenal

lmao ^ what a deal !

[Dragonfly]

it just seems like one big cycle as of late. 1 Summer, Arsenal's top player is being heavily linked to a move to X

The Star player shows his love for Arsenal, signs new deal and claims to be happy as larry

Following year he is sold.

we all know Wenger is the greatest foreign manager in the Premiership History so we all should have faith

Its the bastard board's fault for Arsenal's selling ways

Henry. Ashley Cole. Marc Overmars, Viera , Helb

Who else have Arsenal sold... when they should of held onto them ?

Apart from Cole, the other players were sold after their peak, or performed worse once they left. Henry is showing signs of improvement.

Maybe losing David Dein had too much of a detrimental effect on our negotiation abilities in recent transfer windows. Hopefully the appointment of Ivan Gazidis will combat this.

[mufcsean]

That Ivan Gazidis guy seems like a top bloke, was watching Sky Sports News before and he certainly seems to love his football.

[Mullet Taylor]

what about when Arsenal sold Edu, was that a mistake ?

[Dundon's]

We offered him a new deal, couldn't do no more for him.

[TheBishop]

what about when Arsenal sold Edu, was that a mistake ?

I was gutted when he left, I thought he was very underated in what he done. But, at the time he left, Fabregas was coming through so it may have been hard for him to have got in the team anyway, as Fabregas and Gilberto formed a good partnership.

[Meyyappan]

Finally,we have got a new CEO

[Usul]

Van Bronckhorst had the opportunity to move to FC Barcelona and work with new boss Frank Rijkaard as part-exchange for the transfer of Cesc Fàbregas to Arsenal

lmao ^ what a deal !
Considering what each club has achieved ever since, i'd say Gio made a better career move.

[Dundon's]

You better believe it was, he bombed in the Premiership.

[Gooner10]

Maybe Wenger can make some good signings in January. Once again i'm gonna say we need a strong midfielder

[ThierryHenry14]

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says manager Arsene Wenger has money to spend in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are fifth in the England League having already lost five games and slipped 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, who they play on Sunday.

Wenger prefers to develop young players than spend but Arsenal are without a trophy since 2005 and supporters have called for Wenger to bolster his squad.

"He certainly has money if he wants to spend it," Hill-Wood told Arsenal TV.

"There have been suggestions we keep stopping him from buying - that is not the case.

"He's very sensible with the way he approaches the transfer market, he's not going to buy anybody just because the press or fans say he should.

"He's only going to buy somebody if he thinks they're going to improve what is a young squad but a very talented one."

We've played pretty well in Europe on the whole so far and to win the Champions League would be very nice

Peter Hill-Wood

[Dundon's]

The only type of player I want to see coming in right now is a Galactico of some sort of nature, it'd really boost the squad moral and get them bloodhounds in the press off our backs.

[Meyyappan]

Well what do you guys thing of him?

I find him super talented.

In his best interests what do you think should be his position?

Winger or CF

In our clubs

Striker or RM

[DJ Clue]

I think he plays better as a winger tbh.

[Mjällharth]

He fits best into the right wing IMHO.

[Meyyappan]

Diaby,what about him?

I think he needs to decide his position

[DJ Clue]

Central midfielder, i think if he gives him self sometime and not play out of position, he can shine like Patrick Vieira imo.

[Viperized]

Actually I think Diaby playing on the wings has hindered his development and he will probably be shipped out in the next few years.

You're supposed to play a player in his correct position so he can grow in that position, not in a completely different one.

[ThierryHenry14]

I was just thinking, someone said that Tottenham have won more silverware than us in the past couple of years, this is infact not true.

Tottenham - 1 carling Cup(2007)

Arsenal - 1 Emirates Cup(2007), 1 Amsterdam Cup (2008)

[Meyyappan]

Actually I think Diaby playing on the wings has hindered his development and he will probably be shipped out in the next few years.

You're supposed to play a player in his correct position so he can grow in that position, not in a completely different one.

Exactly,if you keep swapping his positions,he would not be able to develop as well.

Just imagin if this was done to Messi,Rooney or Ronaldo(both)would they have been the same?

[Dragonfly]

I was just thinking, someone said that Tottenham have won more silverware than us in the past couple of years, this is infact not true.

Tottenham - 1 carling Cup(2007)

Arsenal - 1 Emirates Cup(2007), 1 Amsterdam Cup (2008)

:lol:

I am assuming you are making a joke.

[CaptainCabinet]

I know this'll get lost in the furore of the game. However, I am attempting to get tickets for a friend for her birthday to the FA Cup game, now we know it's a home tie. Any ideas how I'd go about that?

[ThierryHenry14]

Arsenal website?

[CaptainCabinet]

Aye. Your system baffles me a tad though. I think I've got it sorted now. Got to wait for news and until the blue circle has a but tickets now by it.

Hopefully it'll be on the opposite day to the Pompey game, so I can go to one one day, and the other the next.

[Viperized]

I know this'll get lost in the furore of the game. However, I am attempting to get tickets for a friend for her birthday to the FA Cup game, now we know it's a home tie. Any ideas how I'd go about that?
Unless you're a member, it's going to be pretty hard to get tickets.

You'll have to snap the tickets as quick as possible as soon as they go on general sale. I've found it's pretty hard to find tickets for two seats in the same area when they're on general sale.

This can be done through the Arsenal site:
http://www.arsenal.com/membership/buy-tickets

F.A. Cup game is obviously not up.

[CaptainCabinet]

Aye, thanks for the info Vipe. I have a relation who's a member, so I might have to ask him nicely.

[Phil W.A.F.C]

I know this'll get lost in the furore of the game. However, I am attempting to get tickets for a friend for her birthday to the FA Cup game, now we know it's a home tie. Any ideas how I'd go about that?

A ticket tout ;)

[ThierryHenry14]

1-0 to Chelsea Djourou own goal

[Calzone]

Oh my Van Persie.

[ThierryHenry14]

Yay we won!!!

[vanNistelrooy]

A weekend where the Arsenal thread isn't full of fans moaning their asses off, maybe?

That said, Viperized is yet to turn up ;)

[Mjällharth]

The players need to score some goals before kick-off, just look how drastically it changes their work-rate and play in general, anyone agree?

[Bammers05]

:happy: Great win!

[TheBishop]

I wasn't hoping much result wise, i just wanted to see us play better and we did. Though Chelsea were poor today, 1 shot on target is poor.

As much as i'm delighted we won, it makes the losses to Stoke, Fulham, Hull etc. look even worse. Any other season, 2 wins against Man Utd and Chelsea would make you realistic title challengers.

Big weekend for Man Utd, there still the favourites in my opinion.

Had to love Ruud Gullit's quote about Van Persie's goals. ''It it ain't Dutch, it ain't much''.

[Meyyappan]

:happy: Great win!

Yes,good betting there Bammer05 and finally i think this season shall be luckier than the last as Wenger said.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Get in there!! You beauty!!

Great performance from the lads. Djourou was unlucky to score in his own net, but he played well in the 2nd half.

2 great finishes from Robin. The first one may've been offside (quite clearly) but fair play to him. A fantastic finish with his weak foot.

And then his second, there was no doubt about that one. Great tidy finish.

I'm very pleased :smug: Yes, we may be very inconsistent but to beat Man Utd and Chelsea is awesome.

Well played lads. Hopefully we can keep on playing like we did today.

[DJ Clue]

Super Van Persie. :)

[TheBishop]

Apart from the own goal, I thought Djourou was deserving of his place today. He was winning headers and kept pace with Anelka. Glad Drogba didn't play because he would of made it a lot tougher.

[Mjällharth]

Makes one think highly of coins, doesn't it?

"#¤% joke though, I know.

[Viperized]

Great result and the defense was solid, which was nice to see. Obviously Almunia had to be involved in a blunder today.

[Dragonfly]

Great day. Arsenal win, Adams wins and Spurs lose.

[Mullet Taylor]

haa glad to hear Arsenal won. Arsenal are my favourite Prem Team tbh

Who's their next league game against ? lets hope this can kick start their season into the level we saw the first few months of last year.

Then again though, what i just said was probably said by many after the UTD win.

Time will tell. Looking forward to Match of the day tonight :)

[Phil W.A.F.C]

haa glad to hear Arsenal won. Arsenal are my favourite Prem Team tbh

Who's their next league game against ? lets hope this can kick start their season into the level we saw the first few months of last year.

Then again though, what i just said was probably said by many after the UTD win.

Time will tell. Looking forward to Match of the day tonight :)

There next game is at home to Wigan ;)

[Mullet Taylor]

haa ohh dear. Wigan like to be a hard hitting team when they have to be against a top 4 side

on their day tho, Arsenal can pass around 13 players, so lets hope the confidence is still as high and arsenal give Wigan a ride :p

Nothing pleases me more than Steve Bruce's post match Whine, its too good.

[Phil W.A.F.C]

haa ohh dear. Wigan like to be a hard hitting team when they have to be against a top 4 side

on their day tho, Arsenal can pass around 13 players, so lets hope the confidence is still as high and arsenal give Wigan a ride :p

Nothing pleases me more than Steve Bruce's post match Whine, its too good.

13 players? It isn't rugby league, there only eleven on the pitch.

I remember when Arsenal came to the JJB last season and everyone on hear was saying they was gonna batter us when infact we got a point. Only saturday's game will tell us anyway.

[Dundon's]

The big thing I'm taking from the result was the performance of the back 4, especially the two centerbacks. Maybe we're seeing now why we didn't buy a CB in the summer. Right now a goalkeeper and a DM is what we really need.

Excellent result under unbelievable pressure leading upto the game, so taking all into account I think this season we're better equipped to win the champions league. We could very well do a Liverpool on it.

[TheBishop]

I agree mate. As i've said above, Djourou deserved his inclusion yesterday and played very well in a big game. I have to say I'm pleased with the way Gallas has responded to the whole captaincy saga, he's still putting in solid performances and it was good to see him smile again.

I thought Sagna had his best defensive display he's had in an Arsenal shirt, great performance. And Clichy, fuck me, he is so exciting to watch going forward and defensively he is gradually improving.

I have to admit though, I have been patient with Almunia but I've started losing faith in him now. He's a very good shot stopper and very agile but claiming high balls and his decision making ( like Yesterday ) aren't consistent enough.

A defensive midfielder is still a priority though Denilson, Song have put in some good performances this season. I still prefer Song at centre back though.

I know the media will start mentioning us in the title picture but I'm not, for me it was gone after the Stoke game. I just want to see us being more consistent- in results and performances. That's why the Wigan game is a huge game, as it will show if we have built on the win against Chelsea.

Obviously the Champions League would be brilliant but winning the Carling or FA Cup would still make me very happy.

[Barry]

I like to point out that Arsenal didn't do much before that 1st offside goal, and only then got a confidence boost to push through. Of course I'm not fussed as I am a fan, but it seems important to point out.

More thoughts; Terry should have been sent off, Denilson was shit and that dive was Hall-of-Shame worthy. And why did Scolari take off Mikel? Ballack and Deco were much, much worse.

[Meyyappan]

I like to point out that Arsenal didn't do much before that 1st offside goal, and only then got a confidence boost to push through. Of course I'm not fussed as I am a fan, but it seems important to point out.

More thoughts; Terry should have been sent off, Denilson was shit and that dive was Hall-of-Shame worthy. And why did Scolari take off Mikel? Ballack and Deco were much, much worse.

Yep,I want denilson fined.

And Song/Diaby given a run.

But seeing Song once did not obey the captain's order(toure,stoke it was i think??)

I would like to see Abu in his preferred position.

[TheBishop]

Again looking forward to seeing the youngsters tomorrow, won't be easy though.

Wenger has said that Bendtner, Vela and Silvestre (because Djourou picked up a knock) will all play. So the team will probably be something like:

--------------------------Fabianski----------------------
Hoyte------------Song----------------Silvestre-----Gibbs
Wilshere----------Ramsey-----------Randall---------Merida
---------------Bendtner-----------Vela------------------

Bit harsh on Simpson after his performance against Wigan.

[Dundon's]

I like to point out that Arsenal didn't do much before that 1st offside goal, and only then got a confidence boost to push through. Of course I'm not fussed as I am a fan, but it seems important to point out.



No doubt it was a snatch and grab game for us, we couldn't get near the ball for the 1st 20mins and only then in spells did we try and move the ball around.

To be honest I was happy to see us go in at half time only the 1 goal down, if we had of been chasing 2 goals in the 2nd half I feel it might of been too much of an ask, we defiantly wouldn't of taken the 3 points back home on the bus.

But all said and done I really couldn't care less if it was an offside goal or not, I remember the pain I went through when we got stung last season by the Frog. We needed a break and this must go down as one of the better ones we've ever gotten.

Delighted. :)

[TheBishop]

Plus, Van Persie, as he said himself, had a goal wrongly disallowed against Chelsea a few years ago at Highbury which would of put us 1-0 up, and Chelsea went on to win 2-0.

[Viperized]

Plus, Van Persie, as he said himself, had a goal wrongly disallowed against Chelsea a few years ago at Highbury which would of put us 1-0 up, and Chelsea went on to win 2-0.
Was going to say that myself. What goes around comes around.

Just like to mention how good both Gallas and Djourou were. They were great in defence.

[Meyyappan]

Not to forget what Frogba did to us.

[Dundon's]

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie does not believe William Gallas was referring to him in his recent criticism of the side.

Gallas' outburst last month saw him relieved of his duty as Gunners captain, while he singled out a player 'six years younger' than him.

It was suggested that 25-year-old Van Persie was the team-mate in question but the Dutchman insists there is no problem between the duo.

"Are you suggesting that William was talking about me?" Van Persie said.

"I don't know that, because he never told me anything and I didn't see my name in the papers, so I never felt that he was speaking about me. For me, there isn't a problem."
Adebayor

Meanwhile, striker Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted the team must address their inconsistency against the so-called smaller sides.

The Gunners have endured a mixed season, with wins over Manchester United and Chelsea, but losses against the likes of Stoke City and Hull City.

Adebayor said in The Times: "Sometimes maybe you have a little bit more concentration against a big team, that's one of the things that we're going to work on very hard.

Consistency

"Those are the things we're going to discuss a little bit in the dressing-room in the days ahead and see what we can do now against the lower teams.

"One or two days were not very good, but everyone can see that we keep the title dreams alive and the most important thing is to keep going.

"I think even if we had lost (to Chelsea), we would never say the title race is finished for us. We want to keep going to the end of the season. We know we have a good team, a good squad and everyone is ready for it."

The media can't just fuck off and let us alone can they?. No, instead they have to keep stirring the shit over and over again. The entire aftermatch discussion on sky consisted of how bad Chelsea was 2nd half, nothing about how they hadn't conceded a single goal all season in the 2nd half of their games.

Bottom line is we have the beating of any team in the premiership home and away, the consistency will come.

[TheBishop]

Again looking forward to seeing the youngsters tomorrow, won't be easy though.

Wenger has said that Bendtner, Vela and Silvestre (because Djourou picked up a knock) will all play. So the team will probably be something like:

--------------------------Fabianski----------------------
Hoyte------------Song----------------Silvestre-----Gibbs
Wilshere----------Ramsey-----------Randall---------Merida
---------------Bendtner-----------Vela------------------

Bit harsh on Simpson after his performance against Wigan.

I've seen the squad for tonight and Song is being rested, so it looks like Paul Rodgers might get a run out at centre back.

Wouldn't pay much attention to the media mate, especially Redknapp.

[Meyyappan]

What Harry Potter do?

[TheBishop]

Jamie Redknapp.

[CaptainCabinet]

:chanlaugh:

[Miggy]

Rumour over here has it that you're going to make an offer for Touré.

He's come out and said that he's happy with us. I bloody hope it's just a rumour. Be gutted to see him leave. Especially in January.

[mufcsean]

I read that on BBC football gossip, surely he'd cost more than £8m though

[Mjällharth]

I would be delighted to see Wenger buy him, Denilson is :faceplm: to say the least.

[TheBishop]

Denilson is 20 and is playing in his 1st full season for us. He was great against Man Utd and has had a few other good games for us. Plus, he isn't a defensive midfielder anyway, he likes to create and go forward just like Cesc.

Yaya would be a great signing I'm sure but there's been rumours about him before.

[somegooner]

This is how I think we will line up.
I was hoping Eduardo would feature but he isn't in the match squad.

----------------------------------Fabianski----------------------------
---Coquelin/Rodgers--G. Hoyte---------Silvestre--------Gibbs-----
---Wilshere-----------Ramsey-----------Randall--Bischoff/Mérida-
------------------------Bendtner----------Vela-----------------------

Bench:
- Vito Mannone
- Rene Steer
- Coquelin/Rodgers
- Henri Lansbury
- Emanuel Frimpong
- Bischoff/Mérida
- Jay Simpson

[TheBishop]

This is how I think we will line up.
I was hoping Eduardo would feature but he isn't in the match squad.

----------------------------------Fabianski----------------------------
---Rodgers--G. Hoyte---------Silvestre--------Gibbs-----
---Wilshere-----------Ramsey-----------Randall--Mérida-
------------------------Bendtner----------Vela-----------------------

Bench:
- Vito Mannone
- Rene Steer
- Coquelin
- Henri Lansbury
- Emanuel Frimpong
- Bischoff
- Jay Simpson

That is the confirmed line-up.

[nickpring]

According to SkySports Ramsey doesn't play at all, not even on the bench, but Denilson plays instead?

EDIT - it's now been updated. Nevermind!

[Mjällharth]

That Brian Jensen looks class if I'm correct.

[ThierryHenry14]

I'm going to do a Wenger, if we do end up winning this game it will show that our team has tremendous "character".

[Rossy Boy]

OMFG this is not the Arsenal youngsters.

[Mjällharth]

Hmm, they've got Chel$ki and now us. Kinda reminds me of Barnsley in the FA last year.

[DJ Clue]

2-0 :(

[Dundon's]

Just didn't work tonight lads, for me Bendtner was the main reason we got knocked out, he really should of taken at least one of them chances, I mean c'mon.

I just can't understand why he didn't started Jay, you feel if he had of got that early chance it could changed everything.

[TheBishop]

Burnley played very well, Jensen was brilliant and they showed the Chelsea result was no fluke. They just took their chances, we didn't.

I'm gutted because i thought our youngsters were good enough to win the competition. Can't really criticise our players other than Bendtner.... very disappointing.

I would of liked to see Simpson start too, he deserved to after the Wigan game. Plus i think he would of taken one of those 1 on 1's.

[Bammers05]

Nicklas Bentner tonight :faceplm:

Apart from him, I thought the overall performance of our players was quite good and the only difference between the two teams was that Burnley took their chances and we didn't.

[TheBishop]

Our next Reserve Fixture is against Portsmouth next Tuesday. I wonder if that might be the game that Eduardo finally gets some action. I'll be watching it if he is.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Awesome if he is. The sooner he's back, the better :smug:

Eduardo is the only real predator in our squad to be honest. I know there's Robin but he isn't quite as good as Eduardo, fox in the box.

When he's through on goal (in one-on-one situation), you can count on him to finish it. He's real top player (well, he was before he had this injury :()

We shouldn't expect too much from him in his first few displays. Should take it nice and easy. He should stay in Reserves until he's scoring and more-or-less match fit. We want him back to his very best. One thing's for sure; he'll still have that killer instinct in front of goal, thankfully.

Would be stupid to put him straight in first team and then he ends up getting injured again :faceplm:

[Dundon's]

Sake, I'm still waiting for our poxy cable provider to start showing Arsenal TV, they've been advertising it for ages now but it's not broadcasting in Ireland yet as far as I know.

[TheBishop]

Sake, I'm still waiting for our poxy cable provider to start showing Arsenal TV, they've been advertising it for ages now but it's not broadcasting in Ireland yet as far as I know.

Nothings confirmed yet that he'll be playing but he's surely going to play a reserve game or 2 before he gets back into the first team squad.

If you don't have ArsenalTV by the time he eventually plays, I'll jot down notes on everything he does ad report back to you. ;)

[Viperized]

Burnley completely outplayed us in the second half. I didn't remember a single shot on target. Bendtner was terrible as usual. As things stands, he is simply not good enough.

I would've played the exact same team that beat Wigan instead of changing the line up. On a few occasions I wondered to myself: Is this the same bunch of players which beat the likes of Sheffield and Wigan?

[Dundon's]

The 2nd half was very flat for us alright that's for sure. Merida had our best chance and to be fair done well to create it from nothing, however once again Pinky wasted another excellent opportunity to at least give us hope for the remaining few minutes. After some great work from Vela he really should of done better.

Imagine Eddie with those one on ones.....

[TheBishop]

The 2nd half was very flat for us alright that's for sure. Merida had our best chance and to be fair done well to create it from nothing, however once again Pinky wasted another excellent opportunity to at least give us hope for the remaining few minutes. After some great work from Vela he really should of done better.

Imagine Eddie with those one on ones.....

Be like a Paedo in a playground full of kids, he wouldn't miss.

[Viperized]

The 2nd half was very flat for us alright that's for sure. Merida had our best chance and to be fair done well to create it from nothing, however once again Pinky wasted another excellent opportunity to at least give us hope for the remaining few minutes. After some great work from Vela he really should of done better.

Imagine Eddie with those one on ones.....
He's coming back soon isn't he? It may take him a while to hit form, but it'll be absolutely brilliant to see him play.

[Dundon's]

It'll be after Christmas before we see him anyway, but when he does come back holy shit.

[Meyyappan]

Well,on the bright side of things 55% people think we will end up with a trophy so one of FA,CL,PL would do nicely.

[Mjällharth]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03122008/58/carling-cup-wenger-points-finger-bendtner.html

[DJ Clue]

Those pink boots should be fucking burned.

[mufcsean]

Don't blame the boots. blame Bendtner he is shit.

[Dragonfly]

He's not shit, be he should never be let in the box. He's better at linking up play with others. If people make runs past him, he's good at playing it on to them.

[greenegg]

I don't think Burnley will be the only CCC club to turn you over this season. :smug:

It won't be us either. You'll beat us but get knocked out to Wolves in the 4th.

[Viperized]

He's not shit, be he should never be let in the box. He's better at linking up play with others. If people make runs past him, he's good at playing it on to them.
Remind me the point of having a striker who is useless in front of goal? His role at this club has been useless. We already have enough players who couldn't score in a brothel as well up 'link-up' players.

Back to time when we won trophies, we had good finishers around the whole team. Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Ljungberg and even Vieira was a competent finisher.

The only competent finishers we currently have are probably Eduardo and Van Persie, which is clearly not enough.

[TheBishop]

He's not shit, be he should never be let in the box. He's better at linking up play with others. If people make runs past him, he's good at playing it on to them.

I agree, His link up play is good. He laid off some nice touches for oncoming forwards yesterday. He can do a similar job as Heskey.

His finishing and composure infront of goal doesn't look like improving though. And some of his passes were poorly placed. Wenger will know whether it's time to let him go or not.

[Viperized]

Unless he turns in to a goalscorer, then he will have to be shipped out. Why? see previous post.

[Joel]

Heskey is anything but a goalscorer, yet he works so well for England. Yes, a striker's main aim should be getting goals, but if they can use find other ways to make an impact on the game, then you don't automatically ship them out.

Drogba wasn't scoring 20+ in his first two seasons, but he offered us a lot more than goals. He brought players into the game and always gave the opposition defence a bad time.

[Viperized]

Heskey is anything but a goalscorer, yet he works so well for England. Yes, a striker's main aim should be getting goals, but if they can use find other ways to make an impact on the game, then you don't automatically ship them out.

Drogba wasn't scoring 20+ in his first two seasons, but he offered us a lot more than goals. He brought players into the game and always gave the opposition defence a bad time.
Chelsea had goalscorers such as Lampard on the pitch though. Drogba grabbed a number of assists didn't he?

From what it looks like, Bendtner does not fit in this team. As I said, Arsenal are lacking competent finishers outside Eduardo and Van Persie. We don't get many goals from midfield either. So it makes sense to play your best strikers as opposed to someone who looks more like a hindrance.

[Joel]

Didn't Bendtner only have those run of games, as Adebayor and van Persie were injured?

[TheBishop]

Chelsea had goalscorers such as Lampard on the pitch though. Drogba grabbed a number of assists didn't he?

From what it looks like, Bendtner does not fit in this team. As I said, Arsenal are lacking competent finishers outside Eduardo and Van Persie. We don't get many goals from midfield either. So it makes sense to play your best strikers as opposed to someone who looks more like a hindrance.

Yeah, this only highlights further the need for players like Bendtner to produce some goals.

When you think of midfielders of the past under Wenger who used to chip in a fair amount you had Pires, Ljungberg, Wiltord, Overmars, even Vieira got a good few. Unfortunately Fabregas isn't doing it at present but it would help if he had a defensive minded player next to him.

I've been looking forward to Eduardo returning pretty much every day since Birmingham, but we really NEED him back as well.

[DJ Clue]

Hope we get a positve result this weekend.

[Meyyappan]

Makes me cry when i see these,how come we did not win more trophies?

A must see for all Arsenal fans and a first good compilation of Freddie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_xPHea_LBg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDPffl2w4jc

[TheBishop]

Makes me cry when i see these,how come we did not win more trophies?
A must see for all Arsenal fans and a first good compilation of Freddie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_xPHea_LBg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDPffl2w4jc

If you mean during the period of Ljungberg, Pires etc. we did. For 4 straight seasons from 2002 we won at least one trophy, 2 leagues and 3 FA Cups.

As soons as Freddie scored on his debut against Man Utd, you just knew he would become a major player for us.

Good collection of goals. Even if the last few years have been frustrating to be an Arsenal fan, it softens the blow when you think about some of the best football we've seen in this country, that we've witnessed.

[Meyyappan]

But come on that team could certainly in 5 years get one CL?

Oh that would have been the icing on the cake?

They surely would have deserved it

I didnt follow us too closely back then,we are being told to be chockers on the bid scene

When i started following us seriously we always pulled one over the big guns

What can you tell me on this bishop

[TheBishop]

But come on that team could certainly in 5 years get one CL?

Oh that would have been the icing on the cake?

They surely would have deserved it

I didnt follow us too closely back then,we are being told to be chockers on the bid scene

When i started following us seriously we always pulled one over the big guns

What can you tell me on this bishop

Sorry but can you rephrase your question as i don't understand exactly what you mean.:unsure:

[Meyyappan]

Well like did we choke against the big guns,like cl as statistics suggest?

[TheBishop]

I don't think so. If you look at some of the teams we've beaten in the last 5 or so years. Inter Milan, AC Milan. In the season we reached the final, we knocked out Real Madrid, Juventus and we came within 13 minutes of winning it against a team who were the best in Europe at the time, Barcelona. I remember getting knocked out by Bayern Munich, who were a top side then. Only real disappointing exit was against PSV.

It all depends on what happens on the day when you get to the knockout stages, luck always plays a part ( as happened last year against Liverpool). The fact that Arsenal are always Number 1 seeds when the competition starts proves we have a good record in it.

Arsène Wenger had good news and bad news when he discussed his injury list with Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon.

The Arsenal manager will be without William Gallas on Saturday after the French defender failed to shake off the calf injury he suffered during Sunday's win at Chelsea. However, Kolo Toure's own calf problem has eased and he is available to face Wigan.

Johan Djourou (hip) is also fit, giving Wenger plenty of options at the back, while Emmanuel Eboue could also return after five weeks out with a knee injury.

"We certainly lose Gallas for Saturday but we have of course Mikael Silvestre, who will be available," said Wenger. "We have Kolo Toure available again and he is more suited to playing on the right side [of central defence]. We will see until Saturday how well he is.

"Eboue could be back in the group and Diaby [abdominal strain] could be available from next week onwards. Djourou is fine."

Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are still sidelined but Eduardo's return seems imminent. "As soon as possible he will play now," confirmed Wenger. "He is joining in full training matches but he needs games now."

Gallas out is a blow but at least some players are starting to return. Again, great news about Eduardo that he is already taking part in training matches, that suggests that he may play for the reserves next week.

[Meyyappan]

Fabregas Hints He May Switch Arsenal For Milan
The Spanish star spoke of all things Italy and revealed that the Rossoneri would be his first choice in the peninsula, as ‘they play the best football’...

Milan have been linked with Cesc Fabregas several times in the past and the Spaniard does not hide that a move to Italy’s fashion capital would be attractive, should he decide to quit Arsenal.

“I would undoubtedly pick the Rossoneri,” he confessed to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I think they are the Italian side that play the best football. I mean, there are several strong outfits in Serie A, such as Inter, Juventus and Roma, but they seem too much dependent on their star players.

“They run into trouble as soon as these are out injured. On the other hand, Milan lean on the group and their organization. I feel this is a winning mentality and a philosophy that I approve of.”

Spain were crowned European champions this summer and the 21-year-old buried the winning spot-kick that knocked out Italy in the quarter-finals.

“I think we met the Azzurri too early,” he smiled, “I would have preferred to face them in the final.

“Either way, I believe Italian fans can be happy: you lifted the World Cup and we just hoisted the European trophy. Do you fancy a swap?”


Then

Fabregas – My future belongs at Arsenal FC

12/1 Arsenal win Champs LgeGet a free £20 Paddy Power bet!16/1 Arsenal win the LeagueGet a free £20 Paddy Power bet!
Cesc Fabregas has re-affirmed his desire to stay at Arsenal.

The newly-installed captained was linked with a transfer to Milan this morning after he was quoted as saying if he ever moved to Italy he would join the Rossoneri.

However, speaking to Arsenal.com on Thursday afternoon, the 21-year-old once again talked of his happiness and fulfilment at Emirates Stadium.

“It is true that I said I admire Milan for their rich history and the way they play football but that is as far as the story goes,” said Fabregas.

“I am honoured to be wearing the captain’s armband for Arsenal and I am 100 per cent committed to this Club. My future is here.”

[Thursday, December 04, 2008]

:lol:they keep trying and he keeps denying.

Cesc 4 Press 0

Love how he instantly denies any rumour trying to disturb him and the fans, just class,before and after becoming captain

[Barry]

I never felt that Arsenal needed to win anything for me to appreciate and validate their greatness. The football I've seen at times...it's like watching a fantastic movie, or listening to a great track; that feeling you are witnessing something awesome. Very few in the football world have come close, and have produced beauty so often.

I never thought of football to be about winning; rather it being an art-form, poetry in motion. I enjoy the odd spectacle with two sides battling away with passion and battle; but there's nothing like watching Arsenal or Barcelona, or even AZ a few years back doing their thing with refinement and technique, rather than speed and strength.

[TheBishop]

I never felt that Arsenal needed to win anything for me to appreciate and validate their greatness. The football I've seen at times...it's like watching a fantastic movie, or listening to a great track; that feeling you are witnessing something awesome. Very few in the football world have come close, and have produced beauty so often.

I never thought of football to be about winning; rather it being an art-form, poetry in motion. I enjoy the odd spectacle with two sides battling away with passion and battle; but there's nothing like watching Arsenal or Barcelona, or even AZ a few years back doing their thing with refinement and technique, rather than speed and strength.

That was beautiful man. :crymore:

[Dundon's]

Well like did we choke against the big guns,like cl as statistics suggest?

Good question, back then we didn't walk our group games like we do now. It's taken us upto now to master that element of our game. Man Utd were the very same, it took them years to get it right also.

[TheBishop]

Good question, back then we didn't walk our group games like we do now. It's taken us upto now to master that element of our game. Man Utd were the very same, it took them years to get it right also.

I don't think playing at Wembley to start with helped though.

[Meyyappan]

Good question, back then we didn't walk our group games like we do now. It's taken us upto now to master that element of our game. Man Utd were the very same, it took them years to get it right also.

Ok and now i remember tha wembley part

[uA - 1905]

I never felt that Arsenal needed to win anything for me to appreciate and validate their greatness. The football I've seen at times...it's like watching a fantastic movie, or listening to a great track; that feeling you are witnessing something awesome. Very few in the football world have come close, and have produced beauty so often.

I never thought of football to be about winning; rather it being an art-form, poetry in motion. I enjoy the odd spectacle with two sides battling away with passion and battle; but there's nothing like watching Palace, Arsenal or Barcelona, or even AZ a few years back doing their thing with refinement and technique, rather than speed and strength.

Good post.

[TheBishop]

Arsène Wenger is convinced that William Gallas will stay at Arsenal - despite the best efforts of the media to unsettle his French defender.

Gallas has been in the headlines recently after quotes attributed to him in the French press led to a change of captain at Emirates Stadium. However, the 31-year-old responded in style with a towering performance at Chelsea last weekend.

In the wake of his difficult November, Gallas has been linked with a move in the January transfer window. Wenger was quick to rule this out when the issue cropped up at his pre-match press conference.

"My desire is clear, I want him to stay of course," insisted Wenger. "Of course [I am sure he will stay]. I have given you information there by telling you I want him to stay and it is because I have spoken about that with William.

"The problem in the modern game is that you always have to fight against an environment that attempts to destabilise you just by creating news.

"I cannot fight against that, I can only give what we want inside the Club. We want to keep William with us because he is an important player in the squad and what other people try to provoke, or try to put out in the media, we cannot master.

"It doesn’t change my mind and in the end I will decide that."

Is it me or do the media write more shit about Arsenal then anyone else?

[Jonny2J]

Is it me or do the media write more shit about Arsenal then anyone else?Seriously man fuck off. :lol:

[Dundon's]

It's a constant gravy train of shit.

Roll on the transfer window that's what I say. Please Mr. Wenger will you buy us one good DM and we'll be as happy as Larry. ... :ninja:

[mufcsean]

Is it me or do the media write more shit about Arsenal then anyone else?

Arsenal fans are so paranoid, first it was MotD then it was Andy Gray, now it's the whole media :lol:

[DJ Clue]

Everyone loves to take a poke at Arsenal.

[ThierryHenry14]

Does anyone read Piers Morgan's thing on the football part of the mail on sunday?
He is worse than Viperized.

[HammerHead]

I do Thierry, whenever i read it, hes either bashing them or praising them. But he seems to chat shit more than praising.