Arsene turned his attention to the Carling Cup tie at Eastlands, observing:
[It will be] Interesting, exciting and a good test. We will be faithful to our policy and of course put a team out who has a good chance to win the game.
It is a policy that has borne dividends in the long-term development of young players, testing the waters ahead of progression into the Premier and Champions Leagues squads.
He has indicated that the team will be a mix of youth and experience, a contrast to the opposition on that night, City desperate to win silverware. Or perhaps Mark Hughes is so that he can at least have something to show for his efforts before the inevitable P45 arrives at some point in the next season or so.
If you call a full side 11 top players, then we will play a full side. For me a full side means a team who has a chance to win any game.
There will be players such as Walcott and perhaps Denilson for whom the outing would be a beneficial night on their road to full fitness.
The question is whether Arsene should perhaps make a little more sacrifice and play an additional experienced head to coax the young players through. Against Liverpool, he was able to re-introduce Samir Nasri to a relatively gentle return to action. At Eastlands, no doubt there will be other options on that front, Bendtner another one who could be on the road to recovery at that point.
As well as the developmental balancing act, Wenger needs to consider whether it is in the interests of all of the squad – first team and reserve – for the club to win a trophy again, even if it is one that does not warrant the Frenchman’s highest attention. The first winning medal that nestles on the sideboard will be the biggest hurdle for a number of players, gold would provide them with the confidence to take the next step and win what could be described as a major trophy?
Jack Wilshere put the alternative view: if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Not that he has a vested interest in youth being given a chance, of course. And who can blame him for wanting to play although personally, I think he should be setting his sights higher with his ability.
It will be good to play against Manchester City and I hope they play a full team. We will go there and believe we can win and hopefully we can. I think now we are into the last eight it is realistic for us to win the trophy. I think we can beat Manchester City and if we do then the competition will be wide open. We can go all the way
They can of course win the trophy without experience but is there any harm in stacking the cards a bit more in their favour for a short-term gain. It could of course backfire and the tie be lost with or without a couple of regulars playing. No guarantees can be given for an away game.
Anyway, it is a long way off in footballing terms with more important domestic and european matters to be dealt with beforehand. Happy birthday to Tiny Tiger, 7 years old today – another triumph of hope over expectation.
’til Tomorrow.
WE WILL SCORE MORE
By: Kitchen Sink on November 12, 2009
at 2:23 pm
I’d hate for Moneybayor to end his goal drought against us in the cup…
By: EvilFiek on November 12, 2009
at 2:39 pm
What I’d like more would be for Senderos to completely boss him.
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 2:41 pm
should be a good game,city are not playn well since the beat us in september and their draw with burnley should give the lads a confidence boost b4 d game.city spent big and their stupid fans were talking of the title what a joke that looks now,they wont finish in the top 4 with hughes as gaffer so lets hope they hang onto him for a while,so im going of course for an away win and a little bit of revenge on my mind then wembley to collect the first of many trophies which are heading our way in the next few years,i havnt been thuis happy about an arsenal squad since 2004
By: IRISH GOONER on November 12, 2009
at 2:49 pm
I’d love to see Adebayor scores… and then have his goal ruled offside.
By: Luke on November 12, 2009
at 2:50 pm
Arsene should, and will, stick to his policy of playing youth in the didlee cup. There is no point in tiring out any of our more experienced players, save Silvestre.
As long as we have a decent defence I think we will be fine. Our attacking options should be enough to overcome City’s defence. I’d love to see Vela and Wilshere shread Toure and Lescott to pieces.
By: smoletar on November 12, 2009
at 2:50 pm
Not a regular on here Yogi, but I’m assuming Tiny Tiger’s your son?
Finding the right balance for that game at City will be a little more difficult than usual. The game is less than 48 years after the one at Chelsea. So I’m pretty sure none of those who start that night will play.
Saying that, I think those who started the game against Liverpool will probably do so again. That team had a good blend of experience and youth.
By: Vertino on November 12, 2009
at 2:51 pm
Is Santa Cruz fit again?
By: smoletar on November 12, 2009
at 2:52 pm
Top post and comments on the blog yesterday & today. Thanks to all, especially for comments on the musical chairs game being played in the boardroom.
By: Finsburyparker on November 12, 2009
at 2:54 pm
Ole,
I think your earlier piece (from the last thread) on the takeover contradicts itself in some ways:
One one hand you say that Kroenke is blocking a possible takeover – this I would agree with.
But on the other hand you assert that: “Over 50% of the club is now in the control of Kroenke, Fiszman, other board members & the AST.”
So the obvious question is why would Kroenke block Usmanov if he already had (directly and indirectly as you say) 50%?
And to my mind – he doesn’t have this yet, but that’s not to say he could be quite close to that figure.
The reasons why Kroenke has shelled out so much money is obvious: the club is very well run – only going into debt to increase its turnover by building a stadium, it has an amazing manager who brings in a yearly profit on transfers, the club successfully plays attractive football, and its profile is growing at an enormous rate. As an American, who has only run sports enterprises in the states, AFC represents an golden opportunity to manage a global sports brand. A brand that is becoming huge in Africa/Asian markets and a sport that is becoming very very big in the states!
So if you were Kroenke – do you think you’d be afraid of Usmanov? Yes to some extent, but Usmanov doesn’t threaten his investment per se. If Usmanov exceeds the threshold, Kroenke will make a very tidy profit in the same way the Magnier/McManus entity reaped massive rewards selling back to the Glazers. Nor would taking dividends necessarily mean a shortfall in investment as you suggest (in fact dividends would attract further investment!!) or represent a reduction in valuation as you also assert, imo.
What would be the one thing that would scare the sh1t out of silent Stan most? The prospect of Wenger leaving. If Wenger left, most of the players would go too. There would not be the same attraction to play for the club. Fans could become disillusioned too and all of a sudden you might find it difficult to fill the stadium. What do you think this would do to the share price that you have shelled out millions for?
And why would Wenger leave? Well, Usmanov has already been vocal about buying expensive players, letting Ade go and of course injecting money through the rights issue. This thinking is directly contrary with AW philosophy. It would interfere with his control and vision of how the club should be run. AW would, to my mind, walk instantaneously.
Stanley needs to appease Wenger, who wields unbelievable power both on and OFF the field. Stanley needs to directly or indirectly tie down 51%.
I don’t think AW has spent 13 years of his life, building a club and leaving a legacy to see some egotistical Oligarch Phuck it all up over a battle for shares!
Wenger wields so much power at this juncture without even owning a single share.
That’s my take.
By: Joe on November 12, 2009
at 2:58 pm
Hopefully Arsene will stick with his young guns, win or lose the experience is money in the bank for the club for years to come, whether that be in progress to the first team or the price they can realise when eventually sold on.
For Arsene, the belief he instills among young players that he will at leasrt give them a chance is one of the major reasons they sign in the first place.
To prejudice that in the search for short term glory seems to me to be counter productive.
By: dandan on November 12, 2009
at 3:00 pm
Good post Yugi,
trust me guys we will out play them with high score. 4-1 for 100?
By: Bahraini Gooner on November 12, 2009
at 3:00 pm
Dandan
Agree with you in principle. Same mix of youth and experience as the team that beat Liverpool should be enough.
By: Luke on November 12, 2009
at 3:05 pm
Vertino
Indeed – No. 2 son.
YW
By: Yogi's Warrior on November 12, 2009
at 3:11 pm
hi…nice blog…really…why don’t we exchange links? visit mine and let me know if you are interested in it
Riccardo
Sport City-Calcio
http://sportcity-ricio.blogspot.com
By: Riccardo on November 12, 2009
at 3:11 pm
Agree with others, the Liverpool squad had a good mix of youth and youthful players with lots of experience (and an old guy too!).
Joe, good take on the Kroenke thing. I think it is important to let Usmanov, who would be disastrous for this club, know that there are people out there who would go toe to toe with him if he tried to wrest control of the club from the other shareholders.
By: Gris Gris on November 12, 2009
at 3:11 pm
Joe,
No contradiction there. I didn’t say he controls over 50%, I say that Usmanov can’t get to 51% because there’s a block of shares (>51% of the club) that will never go to him.
Buying shares and getting close to takeover shows very clearly to Usmanov that he won’t be allowed to launch a takeover.
You say that Kroenke could make a tidy profit by selling out to Usmanov. I am not sure. Usmanov would offer the highest price Kroenke has paid till date. He might make money, but it can’t be more than a few tens of millions. That’s nothing to a guy like Kroenke.
I think he’s made a long-term investment in Arsenal. he’s said as much to the AST if I understand correctly. I can understand that too. I see Arsenal’s value continuing to rise, as equity in the Emirates Stadium rises. Why would he exit now for a couple of tens of millions?
About taking dividends; Do you really mean to convince me that if the £60M profit Arsenal made this year was paid to the shareholders, Arsenal Football Club will see more investment off that? Please explain that bit.
About Usmanov threatening Kroenke’s investment. As I explored before, unless Kroenke’s after a quick buck, and not looking for longer term capital gains, and an investment that stores the value of his assets, it wouldn’t. If he’s in it for the long term, an Usmanov takeover and change in approach is a threat as you yourself partly explore.
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 3:12 pm
Our reserve team is as good as the first team if Mr wenger can plan some afew experienced players to join them in key areas to block Mancity
By: John Muhindo on November 12, 2009
at 3:16 pm
The Carling cup tie with Man City is the best we could ever ask for. Look at the advantages:
1. An opponent of substance that will give the young team a good test. It’s fine playing lesser sides and cruising through, but a team like Man City gives all of us (the club and the fans) an opportunity to see which of the kids will sink or swim. You can’t buy that experience anywhere in the world.
2. The pressure is on Man City, not on Arsenal. It would be the height of embarrassment (even bigger than Real Madrid being shipped out by a 3rd division team), if a second string Arsenal side humbled the Sheiks of Middle Eastlands.
3. With the addition of Eboue and Gibbs for good measure, the defense is going to be really strong if you consider that Fabianski will be in goal and Denilson in the midfield.
4. Ramsey and Merida will terrorize their midfield as both of them are at cross-roads and about to join the first team proper, and this is their big stage – it’s their time to shine.
5. A front line of Walcott, Vela, Eduardo, Wiltshire, Watt or even Bendy (if available) in any combination, will run rings around Lescott and Toure. It’s inevitable.
Believe me when I say Man City are the ones losing sleep over that tie. Arsenal’s ‘kids’ are a bogie team in the Carling cup that no one wants to encounter because they don’t have the fear of being embarrasssed.
I would fancy a starting line-up of:
Fabianski
Eboue Senderos Silvestre Gibbs
Denilson Merida Ramsey
Walcott Eduardo Vela
By: Darius Stone on November 12, 2009
at 3:21 pm
anyone know when Clichy is expected to return?
By: Kitchen Sink on November 12, 2009
at 3:27 pm
Interesting article by a “Chelsea fan” which reads like a tongue-in-cheek article written by an Arsenal fan mocking Chelsea fans. Post-modern irony.
http://u.nu/8fcu3
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 3:42 pm
.
By: Gunner4Ever on November 12, 2009
at 3:56 pm
Gunner4Ever! Thanks to you I had that awful Arsenal ‘Hot Stuff’ song in my head last night, this morning, and very possibly as an inappropriate soundtrack throughout my dreaming. Thanks a lot.
By: LimparAssist on November 12, 2009
at 4:09 pm
Ole,
On the dividends point: If you have a choice of making an investment in Share A, which yields no dividend or Share B which does yield a dividend – what would you pick (assuming all other things are equal)? Of course the entire 60m profits would not be paid out, that would be poor management – but some part would/could.
Is there a blocking share of 51% Ole? To my mind Kroenke owns 29.6%, Fisman 18%, AST 1% = 48.6% Its not a lock out just yet Ole unless I’ve my figures wrong – but I do accept it is very close.
Suppose for example Lady Nena sells to Usmanov? This could trigger an offer to be made by Usmanov no?
I take your point on Kroenke being in it for the long term. But I’m sure Magnier/McManus were too. It just doesn’t always work out that way. And a profit to these guys is a profit even if its just “tens of millions”. If you were to use that logic with a man supposedly worth 3bn – why invest at all – when he could just go horse riding with Frank?
By: Joe on November 12, 2009
at 4:12 pm
Joe,
A transfer of Arsenal shares does not mean money goes into the club. Kroenke sells to Usmanov for £100M more than he paid for his shares. Does that mean £100M goes to buying players? El No!
About blocking share: You’ve left out the shareholding of the other directors! Lady Nina sells to Usmanov, Usmanov won’t get over 50%.
About short-term/long term: Kroenke’s said he’s in it long-term. He’ll make more money if he invests long-term. He usually invests long-term. He’s told the board he’s in long-term. If we were doing long-term he won’t be at 29.9%. He’d just have let Usmanov move towards takeover, and even have helped drive up the takeover price.
If he goes short-term it’d hardly have been worth his while since he’s been at it for a couple of years.
Most of the data points to a long-term approach from Kroenke, mate.
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 4:25 pm
Darius, all excellent points. Seeing as how little Jackie Wilshere was so unlucky to miss the Liverpool game – I’d love to see him start at Middle Eastlands.
I have confidence in all three second string keepers – but I’m guessing you’re right and Fab will get the nod on account of his missing that opportunity to understudy Manuel. Added to that he played very solidly against Liverpool.
I’d also be tempted to give Traore his day in court. I love Traore, really exciting little player. Absolutely rapid, sweet left foot, a hatful of tricks and a great bite about him in the tackle. (He also took a knuckle-duster to shite hart lane to watch the north london derby with some mates in the stands a few years ago – not advocating this at all, in fact it’s an incredibly daft thing to do – but it is kind of legendary all the same).
Resting Gibbs for the PL and CL.
So I’d go…
- – - Wowcheque/Mannone/Fab – - – -
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Eboue – Senderos – Silvestre – Traore
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - –
- – - – - – - – - Denilson- – - – - – - – - -
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
- – - – - – Ramsey- – -Merida – - – - – -
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
Walcott – - – - – - – - – - – - – - Wilshere
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
- – - – - – - – - – -Vela – - – - – - – - – -
And that would absolutely peel the face off of shitty.
By: LimparAssist on November 12, 2009
at 4:25 pm
Joe
SK is at 29.9%; the board and their allies are virtually at 50% if not more which would block Usmanov from any takeover.
Even if they don’t have that much, Usmanov cannot force them to sell to him unless he has something like 90-95% of the shares. In which case, he would need to put in a staggering offer to make it worth SK’s while to sell.
YW
By: Yogi's Warrior on November 12, 2009
at 4:26 pm
This is why I love RVP so much:
“In the league I have now contributed seven assists and I am just as proud of these as the seven goals I have scored.”
And you just know that’s true. I think he just about defines Wengerball.
By: LimparAssist on November 12, 2009
at 4:32 pm
The revenge will be success
By: Bogale on November 12, 2009
at 4:37 pm
so, ole gunner, how did you come across the chelsea blog in the first place?
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 5:19 pm
It comes up on Newsnow Arsenal. I know cos I saw it too.
By: perrygroves on November 12, 2009
at 5:25 pm
Darius, would you not like to see Wilshere start?
By: JD Gooner on November 12, 2009
at 5:26 pm
‘Go horse riding with Frank’. What the fuck is going on here, neither Lady Neena nor Peter are race horses. They are workhorses and they pull my wagon, without which I would not be in business. A modest business and not comparable to Mr Kroenke or Mr Usmanov or Mr Fiszman, but then I wouldn’t be seen dead in a toupe and moustache, I don’t weigh 47 stone and I didn’t inherit my money from daddy’s blood diamond business. I might want to get to know Lady Nina a little better but that is beside the point. However if it is a bet you are after…might a recommend a tenner on the nose of Running Dog Capitalist Lackey the Fourth. Doing very nicely at the moment, and would be doing even better if he would keep his focus on the fucking rabbit and stop sniffing around….well thats another story.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 5:33 pm
Sorry Limpar……
Here is the cure, repeat after me (3 times):
RVP….Click Click Click
By: Gunner4Ever on November 12, 2009
at 5:35 pm
zaparodje,
It would have been a brilliant parody wouldn’t it have?
Best thing I read today, not counting the fact that the bloke can’t count, and seemed a bit too eager to shave inches off Vermaelen & Gallas’ heads.
That’s part of the pardoy, what with him going off on Arsenal fans for not knowing Arsenal players, when Gallas played for his woodshed team, and he doesn’t even realise WG10 is a 6 footer, and their Giants, Terry & Carvalho, are a combined total of 1 inch taller than our midget centre halves.
Taken in the right creative spirit, it’s a brilliant article, a perfect example of post modern irony.
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 5:39 pm
Silent Stan? Not sure! I would put it to you, he is more strategic than he gets credit for.
Stan is also on a process of selling his stake on the St Louis RAMS, believed to be worth over $700m.
Could that be a possible indication of a take over plan from his side?
For the Shitty game, as mentioned by LimparAssist, would also love to see Traore on the left.
Anyone noticing the marked improvement by Bacary Sagna? I think he’s got a few assist already this season, might be even more than he’s whole lot of last season. He’s crossing more precise and taking player on a bit more…
Happy Gunnering!
By: SimbArsenal on November 12, 2009
at 5:42 pm
Silvestre and senderos could be taken apart by city. ho hum. We dont have any choice.
Wilshere should play in the Cesc role and Merida wide left.
By: RomfordPele on November 12, 2009
at 5:46 pm
I’d play;
Walcott Vela Wilshere
Merida Randall Ramsey
Traore Silvestre Senderos Eastmond
Szscesny
against Citeh
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 5:54 pm
no nasri?- it could be another step on his return to full fitness
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 6:01 pm
and i think mannone would play aswell
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 6:02 pm
ahahaha yes it would actually be a good parody OG. ”Chavs, glory hunters” Imagine what it would be like before the actual game ”i hope we don’t injure ourselves on the Emirate’s laughabe turf. I really hope lovely Johnny Terry doesnt harm his face to look like a drug dealer, and in doing so complete the trio of the terries”
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 6:14 pm
Mum: convicted M&S shoplifter
Dad: Drug Dealer
Boy: Utter cuunt
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 6:15 pm
RVP….Click Click Click
RVP….Click Click Click
RVP….Click Click Click
I think that’s worked G4E, Cheers.
Seeing as city failed to take apart Birmingham the other week, I think Sendy and Silvestre stand as good a chance as any in shutting them out. With Ramsey and Denilson sat in front of them, that’s loads of protection and I think we’ll see a lot of possession. Wilshere and Merida will carve out a hatful of chances for Walcott and Vela.
By: LimparAssist on November 12, 2009
at 6:17 pm
JD Gooner.
I’d love for Little Jack Willy to play. I wasn’t sure whether he’ll be match fit by then as I haven’t heard anything about him being in training. That boy just makes the hairs at the back of my neck stand up each time he has the ball. I love his ‘bring it on’ attitude when he attacks defenses.
A front line of Little Jack Willy, Vela and Walcott will do just as much damage. Nasri and Eduardo might be on the bench for insurance.
Romford Pele. Sly and Sendy are far better than the centre backs from Birmingham or Burnley and the strongest of Middle Eastlands City couldn’t take them apart. Have a bit of faith.
Gibbs as someone said will have just played the Chelsea match so I guess he might be out of contention – so it will be Traore I guess – unless Clichy is ready for a run out after his injury.
Our key player that day may be whoever plays DM – whether it’s Denilson, Eastmond, Coquelin or Randall. City won’t survive if you cut off their air supply in Steven Ireland. I suspect since Denilson will need match time after his injury, he’ll get the nod and a licence to keep Ireland in his pocket.
By: Darius Stone on November 12, 2009
at 6:32 pm
Speculation about speculation is very dull
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 6:44 pm
I know November is a dodgy month for injuries – but even I wouldn’t wish what has happened to a Spurs player.
Carlo Cudicini was involved in a life and career threatening accident when his BMW motorbike collided with a Ford Fiesta this morning in East London. The Ford was written off so that gives you an idea of how bad the accident was.
Wish him a good recovery but it’s feared he might not be able to play football again.
By: Darius Stone on November 12, 2009
at 6:49 pm
Pace is how Citeh beat us against the run last time. If they put out there full side then they will go for pace again…on the break. This will be their downfall.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 6:49 pm
Depends on how old and decrepit the Fiesta was and where he hit it, Darius. I had a Fiesta once which would have fallen apart if an old man on a bike hit it. Why is a Premiership goalkeeper riding around London on a motorbike? Manuel Almunia rides one too.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 6:53 pm
This is definitely the best Arsenal squad I have ever seen.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 6:54 pm
Let the finger do the walking.. Our junior team is no joke,they fear none.Am sure Man City will run 4 their own money when meet our young team. Liverpool were beaten 6-3 in the same cup a couple of yrs ago by our 2nd team,so Man City will not be spared either.
By: Mannix on November 12, 2009
at 6:58 pm
Fulham’s second string came close to beating Money City in the Carling Cup. I don’t see why our boys who’ll be fresher can’t manage it.
By: Ole Gunner on November 12, 2009
at 7:02 pm
lehmann almunia
campbell vermaelen
toure gallas
lauren sagna
cole cliche
**** ****
gilberto fabregas
ljungberg song
viera rosicky
pires ****
**** v.persie
henry arshavin
bergkamp eduardo
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 7:02 pm
lehmann, toure, campbell, lauren, cole, pires, gilberto, viera, pires, bergkamp, henry
almunia, gallas, cliche, vermaelen, sagna, rosicky, fabregas, song, v.persie, arshavin, eduardo
This team can win something for sure, but it will need to stay injury-free. When you look over Man U’s last three seasons have they had many injuries? To Ronaldo? No. thats the difference
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 7:05 pm
Thankyou for the interesting posts today relating to the finances of Arsenal Football Club. May I ask you learned gentleman another question about ‘football finances’. How many professional football teams in the Premiership are, in fact, turning a profit? Please leave the debacle from Leeds out of this question.
By: Two Owls on November 12, 2009
at 7:06 pm
I really would not want to be a Citeh supporter at this point in time. Or ever actually. But particularly at this point in time. The doubts will just be creeping in around the edges now. Give it a week and the sleepless nights will set in as the grim realisation that they are about to be put to the sword by a bunch of Arsenal kids drips into their every waking moment. Some of them will be stark staring mad by the time the game kicks off. Look out for them in the stadium….stubble, staring eyes, underwear unchanged for days on end…
Poor fuckers.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 7:08 pm
Incidentally that is why lardarse Lampard has come back from the middle-east. Thigh problem?…Rubbish. The guy is distracted. How the hell are Chelski going to beat Arsenal…there must be a way…there must be a fucking way……………….but there isn’t.
By: Frank on November 12, 2009
at 7:11 pm
By the way in Nasri’s interview as a child he’s asked wether he wants to be compared zidane- he says no, i don’t want to be like him because i will not be as good as him i want to be a doctor and i need to study incase i dont become a profesional footballer
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 9:44 pm
Jees didn’t realise Cudicini injuries were so severe, broken both his wrists and his pelvis..
He’ll never dance again..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 12, 2009
at 9:48 pm
Two Owls
Define profit:
1. General profits at the bottom line as per their accounts
2. Genuine profits without financial chicanery involved
3. Profits excluding player trading
If the answer you are looking for is 2, then I would suggest that at the most it is 4 clubs. For 3, probably 1 club. For answer 1, no more than 6.
How do they survive? Quite possibly, science will provide evidence of the existence of God before anyone can adequately explain the continued existence of 92 professional football clubs in this country.
YW
By: Yogi's Warrior on November 12, 2009
at 9:49 pm
Zaparodje
Zidan presented him with young french player of the year a couple of years back, Zidan said he’s one of the few players who’s career he follows closely..
When the media was comparing him with Zizu like they do with most hugely talented french young attackers, Nasri replied he’s proud to be compared with such a great player although people are mistaken because he feels he’s a different animal..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 12, 2009
at 9:55 pm
no i know but he says that he wont be as good as him, hence the ”pasc que” i dont know how to spell it but yeah he is like zidane in many respects, and it remains to be seen wether he can live up to his potential, he’s cetainly on track so let’s hope so
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 10:03 pm
i miss nasri, we need him and we need everyone really as we will be looking to constantly rotate the teams as the fixture list becomes increasingly crouded. I think after this break, for about 2 months were gonna have matches simultaneously on the weekend, the following weeknights and the next weekend. It’s gonna be tough but let’s see what we’re made of eh? i hope chelsea drop points. who have they got next? oh, wolves
By: zaparodje on November 12, 2009
at 10:07 pm
Ole;
Oh you had to go and spoil the fun regarding that Doggin, wife beating twit!
By: Spike on November 12, 2009
at 10:23 pm
The good news is that not all our players are taking part in the international frenzy so we might have a few fresh faces to get us through some of that.
By: Passenal on November 12, 2009
at 10:25 pm
It’s been a bad week for goalkeepers.
By: Poliziano on November 12, 2009
at 10:40 pm
Passenal;
Yes, the likes of Denilson, Vela, Theo, Fabianski and Nasri should all be getting back to fitness during the snoreathon.
Polizi;
Yes, very sad for Enke and his family and unlucky for Cuddicini. Hope he makes a full recovery.
By: Spike on November 12, 2009
at 10:53 pm
I don’t think it has been a bad week for goalkeepers.coz that is what their have been paid for to do.And if their don’t do their job properly then are not fucking good enough to played or even payed.
By: gooner2 on November 12, 2009
at 11:25 pm
Gooner2 you really are an idiot.
One goalkeeper killed by a train and another seriously injured in a road crash.
Is that what they are paid to do.
Fuck off you cretin.
By: Dupsffokcuf on November 12, 2009
at 11:37 pm
I never knew that a goalkeeper has been killed by a train.so I think I have made a mistake saying the things that I have said above.but I am not an Idiot or Either a cretin.
By: gooner2 on November 13, 2009
at 12:04 am
You a both.
It is very easy to keep up with the top sports news (which obviously you do not) via most football news sites.
You seem to be a person, who reads one item and then makes their mind up to spout a load of shite from said item.
Either get a grip on the real world, or fuck off back to the small imbecilic existence where you originated from and leave the rest of us alone.
By: Dupsffokcuf on November 13, 2009
at 12:27 am
Correction – You are both.
By: Dupsffokcuf on November 13, 2009
at 12:28 am
I think you are just a waste of my time Dupsffokcuf.coz all the things you have just mentioned above are all fucking stupid as you are.but I understand coz you are one of those people who seem to think that they know everything.but if you think that you know everything then you can fuck off or go back to your small imbecilic existence palce where you originally from.
By: gooner2 on November 13, 2009
at 12:47 am
I meant where you are originally from.
By: gooner2 on November 13, 2009
at 12:55 am
Hahahahahaha!
I love the way you give people shit, then correct yourself G2! Effin cracks me up!
I swear you are on a wind up!
Quality entertainment, thanks dude.
By: Spike on November 13, 2009
at 1:10 am
Spike,
I fear your satirical comment is way over his head.
By: Dupsffokcuf on November 13, 2009
at 1:55 am
I believe when he seems to make an intelligent comment (rare I know) it is someone else prompting him/her/it.
By: Dupsffokcuf on November 13, 2009
at 1:57 am
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-mullock/Why-Rafa-Benitez-reaction-to-David-Ngog-s-dive-shows-a-true-understanding-of-the-Liverpool-way-article219893.html
Crap article in praise of Benitez honesty over Ngog’s dive.
I have read other reports contradicting Simon Mullock’s version which was:
“It clearly wasn’t a penalty,” said Benitez when asked about Ngog’s dive over Lee Carsley’s challenge.
In those other reports, he was quoted to have said something to the effect that “Maybe it wasn’t a penalty.”
By: Luke on November 13, 2009
at 7:55 am
Luke,
Shows the power (or weakness) of preconceptions.
Wenger said something eerily similar to Benitez, but was and is castigated while Benitez is praised for his honesty.
Benitez said: “”Maybe it wasn’t a penalty but we deserved to score more goals”.
Arsene said: “From outside I must say it looked a penalty but having seen it again on television, it doesn’t look to be a penalty”.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 9:14 am
Ole
The news flow just got better. Lampard is facing a lengthy (1-month) lay-off due to thigh strain. Dont’ get me wrong. I’m sure we can cope with Lampard, but I sure like the improved odds when facing Chelsea without him.
By: Luke on November 13, 2009
at 9:55 am
Hope “Ole” short for “Ole Gunner’ is fine with you.
By: Luke on November 13, 2009
at 9:56 am
Lampard & Drogba = Chelski
I don’t care. We’ll beat them anyway.
I have the feeling that sometime this season we’ll completely spank Chelski. Not sure it’ll be now. They’ll play like they played at the Nou Camp in May.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 10:08 am
We’ll give them a sexy spanking with our brand of Wengerball. 29th November can come soon enough for me.
By: Luke on November 13, 2009
at 10:14 am
Lampard out is certainly good news, but the chavs will definitely point out they were missing ‘key’ players when thoroughly trash them.
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 10:51 am
we thoroughly trash them*
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 10:52 am
legio,
And we’ll laugh and tell them to mind the gap.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 10:52 am
Haha, i guess their aging squad is finally catching up with them? Let’s see how they handle an injury crisis like we did/do. Bet them chavs are quaking already at the Bridge.
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 10:57 am
Apparently Bendtner’s dating some Eurotrash with a title and a fortune. There’s something about this kid. He’ll be the new tabloid prince.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 11:10 am
Just get the impression Nick’s going to be the player who most tasks Wenger’s management genius.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 11:26 am
Ole, the lady concerned is part of the Danish royal family
By: JD Gooner on November 13, 2009
at 11:48 am
Maybe it’s part of his whole confidence thingy. Probably a side-effect.
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 11:48 am
so much for Eurotrash..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 11:55 am
Its David Dein babay ..he’s back and part of the team for 2018 WC bid..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 12:18 pm
Makes her all the more Eurotrash in my book.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 12:23 pm
it would..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 12:25 pm
Don’t mind me asking, what’s Eurotrash? O.O
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 1:25 pm
Just saw RVP interviewed at Dutch HQ. He was beaming.
With Chelsea doing well, Lamps will come out and say: “We’re really strong, we’re playing football, we’re getting on really well with *insert trophy manager’s name* – we’ve just got to keep on working hard.” – Which translates as: “We’re hard work. We’re dull as ditchwater to watch and we’re twice as repugnant up close. We are a gaggle of cheats, mercenaries, and arseholes – devoid of any sense of history, decency or style.”
When Utd do well Rio will stumble clumsily into focus, spluttering, “We’re playing really badly! But still managing to win! Noone can quite believe it! I guess teams just fold in the wake of our reputation cos god knows we’ve not played well since Ronaldo left!”
Or Rooney will be rolled out. He won’t have to say a thing, just squat there in front of the cameras as they flash away for a long, confusing minute of silent Wayne – Mike Phelan will give the nod and the Roonster will be rolled back from whence he came and the press pack will think to themselves as one; “aha – United are winning ugly”.
With Arsenal, RVP just beams. The only thing to be wary of, keeping his humility, which he does admirably as he somehow tries to explain the magical football that his team are currently lighting up the world with. He talks of comradeship, assists, team spirit. He is Wengerball, he is Arsenal – and so are we. Proud days.
By: LimparAssist on November 13, 2009
at 1:28 pm
I don’t know legio. A classless continental with a tabloid lifestyle, or tabloid lifestyle aspirations.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 1:28 pm
Yes Limpar
I read once true greatness is never proud, it is always infinitely humble.. Humility is one of the 1st requisites of greatness..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 1:50 pm
It’s why I think Alex Ferguson is a very successful manager but can’t attain greatness.
His bullying, and bloody-mindedness will ensure that he’ll be resented not celebrated when he’s no longer in the game.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 1:58 pm
I agree Kitchen Sink. That’s one of AW’s finest qualities and one that he’s always instilled in the team.
SAF is the antithesis of humility.
By: LimparAssist on November 13, 2009
at 2:03 pm
I’m actually looking forward to the weekend’s international games for a change. For once they’re good ties & the results matter.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 2:10 pm
Thanks Ole Gunner.
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 2:12 pm
Um….is bobbygee some kind of spambot? He doesn’t seem to post more than once. And it’s always to his blog.
By: legio on November 13, 2009
at 2:13 pm
I wonder which gems we’ll find at the U-17 World Cup.
I was impressed with the Nigerian winger who reminds me of Eboue at his best and even looks like him.
Hajrovic, the teenage defender we got in the Summer has impressed in will play in the final.
One of the classiest players I’ve seen is Federico Carraro, a classy midfielder who’s come through the ranks at Fiorentina. He looks every bit an Arsenal player.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 2:27 pm
i hope france and portugal go out.
By: santino on November 13, 2009
at 3:39 pm
Who is the best British manager from the south?
By: santino on November 13, 2009
at 3:40 pm
Virgin Trains: London to Liverpool return quicker than Robbie Keane…….ahahahaha
By: zaparodje on November 13, 2009
at 3:53 pm
aaya
By: zaparodje on November 13, 2009
at 3:54 pm
Limpar – you got him down per verbatim my friend!
By: football shirt fan on November 13, 2009
at 6:28 pm
I don’t trust these alleged ‘injuries’ the chelski players are supposedly suffering from. I bet they will all make a miraculous recovery in time for our game having missed the pointless international frenzy they will be well rested and raring to go.
By: Passenal on November 13, 2009
at 6:39 pm
All the better if they are all fit and available for the 29th – I don’t want to hear any excuses when we are victorious.
By: FunGunner on November 13, 2009
at 6:50 pm
Passenal. I truly hope they have their strongest team playing against us on the 29th.
I don’t want silly excuses that Chelsea were a weakened team when we beat them. I’ve had enough of hearing that Arsenal swept past teams because the opposing team didn’t turn up or were pathetic. Let them bring their strongest team so that they experience RVP, Arshavin, Rosicky and Fabregas running rings round them with Diaby running the hell through their defense for good measure.
Whenever I think of Chelsea, I don’t necessarily think of footballers, I just think of shady power and sheer brut force.
By: Darius Stone on November 13, 2009
at 6:55 pm
Darius –
“brut” force.. witty!!
Gooner2 – you are a miserable, negative prick ~ bring back Howard!
By: ponyboy on November 13, 2009
at 7:08 pm
I agree, I believe we can beat a full chelski, which is why I’m not falling for the hype!
We are 3 years more experienced than when our midfield of Cesc, Denilson and Diaby ran rings around them in the CC final and unlike the FA cup semi-final we will be playing on a football pitch rather than a potato patch.
By: Passenal on November 13, 2009
at 8:03 pm
Oh I love Manu Eboue on ATVO he’s telling us he can play anywhere and one day if the boss needs a keeper he will fill in “why not” , he’s also got a new dance which he won’t show us till he scores again and one day he sees himself as an actor of the comedian mold because he feels his role is to bring happiness to the team..
We love you Manu yess yess we do do..
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 8:14 pm
When Chelsea beat us at Wembly and the Emirates last season, we had Almunia, Sagna, Gallas and Clichy, Rosicky and Fabregas all out.
So no excuses. I know we’ll beat them and go top.
By: only fabregas on November 13, 2009
at 8:41 pm
I agree Kitchen Sink – I loved that feature and sat there with a soppy grin on my face. I can really see how his team mates would just love him!
By: Passenal on November 13, 2009
at 8:53 pm
Personally my major concern when playing Chelsea is who John Terry will attempt to cripple with the two footed tackle that he never even gets booked for.
As a general rule you don’t take pleasure in another person being hurt but if Terry was run over by a tank I’d laugh my arse off.
By: Marc on November 13, 2009
at 9:18 pm
Maybe it was seeing how he played early on when he seemed not better than Pascal Cygan, but I don’t think I will ever see Terry as a top class defender. He really must be that because the stats, show he plays well and everybody rates him.
Me, all I see is a slow mistake-prone thug.
By: Ole Gunner on November 13, 2009
at 9:28 pm
Glad to hear that our biggest scapegoat of recent times poppy shirt has been sold for an astounding £825..
Abou Diaby WE LOVE YOU
By: Kitchen Sink on November 13, 2009
at 10:06 pm
Great KS, goes to show that just because a few loud mouths flap their gums online, most genuine Arsenal fans see the value in all our players.
By: Passenal on November 13, 2009
at 10:29 pm
[...] Arsene In Between The Devil & The Sky Blue Sea Arsene turned his attention to the Carling Cup tie at Eastlands, observing: [It will be] Interesting, exciting and a [...] [...]
By: Top Posts « WordPress.com on November 15, 2009
at 12:07 am
I smell revenge in the air…
By: mayank on November 15, 2009
at 5:23 am