Arsenal Banter Archive December 12 2012

12 Dec 2012 22:58:27
We don't need drastic changes to become the best club in England again. A change in tactics and 3 strong signings. They're all available, even in Arsene's price range:
Pepe Reina, Mamadou Sahko and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

___________Reina
Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Sahko
________TheOx, Arteta
___Cazorla, Wilshere, Rosicky
______.___Huntelaar

Squad Players: Szczesny, Mertesacker, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Coquelin, Diaby, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

Szczesny's good but Reina's better. A World-Class goalkeeper is vital and we haven't had one since Seaman.

A solid back four, Sahko or Gibbs. Both are good enough but a little bit of competition never hurt anyone and its competition we don't have at the moment with the Cuddlemonster Andre Santos.

Re-jig in midfield:
We all saw Oxlade-Chamberlain against AC Milan, put him in Centre Mid with Arteta. Two strong, intelligent and technically gifted "defensive" midfielders.
What is Jacks best position? Attacking centre mid. The creative little diamond in the Bergkamp role behind the striker.
Then the wings. Santi and Rosicky are way too talented to leave out! And we don't play with orthadox wingers. They can come inside to link up with Jack and create havoc for any opposition. I think where Santi is so tightly marked he would benefit immensely from a bit of space out wide.

And then up front. Klass-Jan Huntelaar scores for fun. And with that midfield behind him... I'd bet on him to get the golden boot!

For the time being, Szczesny, Gibbs and either Podolski/Giroud can easily fill in those 3 positions and we could be a match for ANYBODY.

I just wish Wenger would see the obvious:
Zonal-Marking does not work
Ramsey needs to go out on loan
Gervinho needs to knob off

Arsene you have done so much for us and even though recently i do not understand your team selections, tactics or transfer policy I will never say a bad thing about you. But nowdays we have to compete against a growing number of super-rich clubs as well as the Barcelonas and Man Utds of this world.

We must adapt and we must evolve. Be more ruthless!

Embrace Alisher Usmanov instead of shunning him. Bring back David Dein and send Ivan Gazidis back to Major League Soccer. Promote Arsene up to the boardroom and let Pep Guardiola alongside Steve Bould challenge our squad to improve our passing game, off the ball movement, press higher up the pitch and not to be so naive defensively from set pieces.

Is that so much to ask?

NIALLI

Too narrow- need a true winger

Reina is not available. Read his book.

Not only does he love Liverpool but he stayed their because his wife and children refused to move.

Besides which, look at what happened at Liverpool 3 years ago (Rafa's final season). It's very similar to what Arsenal are going through now. 3 years on and we're still recovering.

If I can see that Reina can see that. So why would he go to Arsenal to repeat the same cycle?

Cabbie man

Hunterlar up top so doesn't matter about being too narrow, if it were Giroud then yes, I would make you right.

12 Dec 2012 22:38:50
Why do people what pep? Wow, he managed the best team in the world. But, I could do that. All you have to do is tell barca to give the ball to messi as much as possible and they will win. He isn't a proven manager.

GonnerGlenn

If you don't no the answer to this then you obviously haven't seen them play its called beautiful football

They were a championship winning side...do you know how hard it is to motivate world class players to be on the top of their game for 4 years and win 14 titles?

it has not happened with the likes of zidane and thierry or cantona or maradona or even pele...

you need to have that special something to be able to control a locker room of superstars.

he came in and sold ronaldinho...the best player in the world then...it takes guts to do what he does...even selling ibrahimovic...but its not about money for him...he wants players who want to embrace the team philosophy...if its about the player then he can go to the highest bidder. luckily iniesta, messi, xavi were great in their own right to be historical players.

nothing is luck unless your chelsea...especially it is impossible to repeat luck...and btw, villanova is a brilliant coach...players help but so do tactics...and if you watch them now, you will see how he barely does what pep would do.

Lakerville

And he has the worst transfer history.. He don't have more than 1 succsessfull transfer... Eto'O+ 30mil for Ibrahimovich.... 25mil for Chygrinsky, Martin Caceres for 17 mil, Keirrison 14 mil
With our budget, we can not make such big and expensive mistakes...

Or it could be how it got them to press the opponents at every opportunity, not give them an inch, play football the right way, Messi gets the headlines but the rest of the team played the way Pep told them to

N. Wales Gunner

12 Dec 2012 21:59:23
I think no matter how bad it gets, everyone at the games every week should sing Wengers name and really get behind the team, this in turn will revive the confidence the team have had in the past. If everyone sings Wengers praises this will soon turn around and will also show the players the ammount of respect Arsene Wenger carries from the supporters. This man has put Arsenal on the map big time, times are hard right now but this will turn around if everyone gets behind the team and our manager. Players hearing this will soon up the anti and away we will go again. Show all the media and spuds fans and all the other Arsenal haters, we are better than them and we will fight together. Let it begin on Monday night against Reading.

andylat

12 Dec 2012 20:55:39
Let's be honest I said some time ago get ready for the dark days , we are not a team that is anything more than a also ran

12 Dec 2012 20:36:22
Bradford you are a credit to the lower leagues was there last night with my daughter we dont get to many gunners matches we were made most welcome and any enquiries we made were greeted with politeness and helpfulness didnt like to see us lose but good luck Bradford

12 Dec 2012 20:19:31
I haven't posted in a while and I've been thinking and fuming at our performances on what is going to happen. IMO wenger will keep any signings secrecy they will be unknown and will be crap until our next manager comes, hopefully Pep G, and they will be sold or sat on the bench for a few seasons. It will be weird because I'm 16 and haven't ever seen a different manager at Arsenal so we can only think what's going to happen but let's all stay strong until January and roll on from there.

Little Gooner

You poor young man! I suppose you don't really remember arsenal as a top trophy winning club huh?

12 Dec 2012 20:03:48
Banter Please again Eds. Thank you.

J1970,

Thanks for getting back to me again, my major concern is not having belief in Arsene and that things will come good with him again and in essence I shouldn't doubt him, but right now I am and don't feel good about it.

I totally get what you're saying re Diaby, Rosicky and Dembele, for me I simply felt that Dembele would of gotten us playing further up the pitch as Diaby was doing. It was a gamble that has made us much less effective since his injury.

I know you have to plan as you see pre-season unfold and make decisions on who to bring in, I used Capoue and M'vila as examples but Wanyama was also talked about and has proved he has what it takes. Sakho was pretty unlikely to have come to us from PSG I would think.

I get you do have to show that there is potential places for the young guns to step into as well but it must equally dishearten them when they see the likes of Gervinho, Ramsey, Santos and Chamakh getting game time ahead of them.

This is what brings doubt into people's minds re Arsene, why have you played Santos and then shown us how much more capable Meade was, why do you persist with Gervinho and it's pointless saying why, why no Rosicky from the start against Bradford, so much better to get a flying start against them instead of that lack lustre start we saw, take him off after 70 mins when we're 3 nil up if he's knackered. It's these things and many others that make everyone wonder what the hell.

It also makes me wonder that if Joel Campbells work permit is now a formality that he will actually be happy to let Theo go as he has him lined up to replace him as a striker, we play a game of trying to 2nd guess Arsene and apart from knowing Rambo and Gervinho will be in the team we haven't got a clue.

It's good to hear, and thanks for your views on the young guns, I've loved what I've seen of Eisfeld and Gnabry but had only read good things about Toral, nice to hear it from someone whose seen him.

Stoner

Stoner.

Happy to respond to what are interesting and thought provoking discussion.

I see and agree your point 're: Dembele. I just think at the time Arsene thought he had cover.

The point 're: Wanyama is very true. I believe that Arsene and Arsenal tried very very hard to conclude the deal. Wanyama wanted it. We wanted it. Celtic felt they had no time to replace hmm before the start of the season. I absolutely wish we had managed role complete that deal.

As one discussion kicked off u don't get Ramsey ahead of pretty much anyone at the moment. Gwrv concourse strayed the season really well. So maybe Arlene thinks he us suffering a ligand will come food? He us obey he'll of a frustrating player but he is quick. Time will tell.

Happy role create some video highlights f Next-gen and Reserves if you would like when I go to a game.


Wenger has a difficult decision though and I think most of ys would dine utility equally as difficult. Ayers layers that have shown, at times, to be effective and bolster them as individuals? Or, throw in a youngster. Hope they will swim bot sink abs hope the current Furstenberg team players don't get affected by such decisions.
I agree on Santos. No idea why he was bought. U truly think that was a hit and hope. Other decisions u think we're more thought through. I think Canola, Giroux (who I really rate) and Pod are all grid players and will prove risk 've a hit. Lets be honest u was salting Merts last season and thus season I have swallowed my prude. U was wring. Arlene was right.

I still beloved in Arlene. Although have a minor heart attack every 90 minutes we play as do you. But he has made our club great. I am pretty sure he would not want to destroy it. I keep the faith.

But faith is being tested. But it is and always will be the club I love and I think he loves it as much as we do.
J 1970

J 1970 I am not sure if you are drunk or on a bumpy journey but your post was very entertaining, thank you! I am prone to glaring omissions or mistakes but that was something else, quality!

Metal Gooner

12 Dec 2012 19:53:27
I know many of you dont like Talksp*rt, but Arsenal fan Darren Byfield's attempt on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was quite good.

12 Dec 2012 19:46:59
Bye bye Theo - I think you knew this lot were pants and so put in a wage demand you knew wouldbe rejected - well played.

12 Dec 2012 19:23:47
Ok I'm going to be a little controversial perhaps. I've supported Arsenal for my whole life, even seen us scrape through the odd relegation battle, but last night was the first time I have ever ended up cheering the opposition.
It was a straight forward victory for a club that cares about it's fans and players that care about their club. It was about genuine commitment, genuine heart, and sadly about a genuine football club. City totally deserved it, wonderful for them and football that they secured their future.

When Vermailen missed I have to be honest I cheered. For 40 years plus I have supported Arsenal come what may. Good god I even supported Terry Mancini, Glenn Helder, Tommy Caton, and many other rubbish footballers that have 'blessed' us with their presence.

Like many others I lived through the many drab dark years before Arsene. I loved what Arsene did for us, what players he bought, what great teams he gave us, and yes the trophies too. But yesterday for the first time I gave up.

Sadly the better team, the better club, really did win. How much longer do we waste our wages to prop up players who simply do not care, who have no heart, no resilience and no desire?

Gervinho is a disgrace, lacking sill, intelligence and heart, Chamakh a flop and a fop, Ramsey sadly lost all heart and skill after Shawcross, Djourrou one of the worst players ever to put on the shirt, Arshavin skilllful but without purpose or heart. It goes on Chamberlain has lost his way, Diaby is forever and will be forever injured, Sagna hasn't recovered and lst heart and will leave soon, Koscielny, one good season and he's back to going backwards again, Podolski and Giroud will take a full season to see their potential, Mertesacker is like a battleship, slow and easily out manoeuvred, even Cazorla is looking tired, oh and Arteta woefully being played out of position.

So City wasn't a disgrace it was simply the new nadir of a side that has lost all heart and purpose. A side that has gone steadily backwards from the heights Arsene led us to. It's sadly too late now. There will be no golden last days in the sun for Arsene. He deserves it but it will not happen.

I love Arsenal. I will forever praise what Arsene has done for us. But City marks the beginning of the end. Arsene is right we should not be embarrassed. No that's not the word at all. When Vermailen missed it shone the light at the core of what we have become, and I feel much worse than embarrassed, I feel sad our day in the sun truly has ended.

The ghosts of Thierry, Bobby, Gilberto, Seaman, Dennis, Tony and others are left to haunt us - and we are left with the smile stark reality of players who do not care and who are not good enough. At least Mancini cared.

12 Dec 2012 19:18:46
where are the kroenke out banners where are the gazidis out demos the truth is us arsenal fans are as guilty as some of the old school brigade we critizise on the board fiddling while rome burns and as much as wengers hands have been tied who bought ramsey squillaci gervinho santos fabianski denilson bendtner and rewarded them with contracts that mean other clubs will not take them ...le prof of course they do say there is a fine line between genius and insanity......brum gooner

12 Dec 2012 17:55:27
We have lost the easiest cup and left with the hardest ones (EPL,FA & CL) which in my opinion is lost too.

AW should relieved of his duties else the club is doomed! How can a manager not spot the difference btw Ramsey & Ox, Gervinho & Theo, and why Chamakh? What is he trying to prove? Wake the dead? Is he Christ?

He is fast eroding away his glorious past by his present form which he delude himself of.
Everyone knows that we have 95% of the current arsenal 1st team players as average, 65% of the youngers ones above average yet he can't figure out what to do!
The above average players(with low salary wage) went to Reading and made us smile while the so called 1st team big BS**t couldn't beat Bradford!

AW should be sacked, sack all the dead woods, with quality replacements, bring in a good young manager, and finally all average place should be give 2 months to brace up or face extinction by the next summer transfer.

Thanks
Ajat

12 Dec 2012 17:33:30
Moaners! Thinks that sounds better than Gooners. Reality hurts, doesn't it? Keep dreaming then, or better join 'Pool in celebrating the past. Ur hopes are now on the one 'trophy' u're used to, but dnt be too sure - that too might elude u lot. .
SpursMe.

Liverpool won a cup just last season. What do Spurs and Arsenal know about winning trophies. You've both given up on that now haven't you?

There are many teams that I envy. Funnily enough, yours isn't one of them.
# always in our shadow. Flybo

This is probably the worst team we've ever had at Arsenal but we will still finish above you. West Ham are back in the prem now so you've got them to worry about especially now they've got the Olympic Stadium. 60,000.00 seats should see the Hammers overtake you quite nicely. Was this the power shift you've been going on about since before I was born ?

Exo

Exo , West ham will be lucky to half fill the new stadium , besides it wont be ready till 2014 at the earliest . By then hopefully , they will be back where they belong in the championship . I know its a hard fact to face but 3 points do separate us now , lets see after the weekend , besides you only have Reading ! Anyway , there arent any teams I envy , but I do like it when we are above you however long it lasts !
Davo

12 Dec 2012 17:16:36
I personally think that signing players in Jan would not alter things at all while we have autocrat has a manager.We all know what he has achieved in the past on and off the pitch,but if he doesnt feel any form of embarrassment after last night(ie in the displays of Gervinho,Ramsey and Chamakh then he clearly has a serious problem.Has i have posted on here before how far down the line do we have to be
before he is shown the door.In the past i have felt loyal to him but my view is getting nearer contempt.
Which ever story you chose to believe concerning transfer budgets and so forth,what happens on the pitch in team selection,tactics,substiutions and motivation lays fairly and squarely at his door.I have just listened to Stewart Robsons interview on a website and all what he says seems to me about right.He made a point about the Birmingham game(Eduardos broken leg ,conceding last minute penalty
and Gallas strop on the pitch)i feel the club has not been right since that game,when i look back, that game seems pivotal to what went on afterwards.The only bright spot last night was Jack,wonder how long before the transfer chase starts there.Anyway
i really cannot be cheerful,because this position we are in is only going to get worse while AW is in charge.One last bit, can anybody see Theo signing
because i cant.
Thanks for the site Ed
Heybridge Gooner

12 Dec 2012 16:40:35
Some things are so painfully obvious to everyone except Arsene - Gervinho has never seen an opponent he didn't want to beat, Ramsey simply doesn't seem to understand the basics of the game, Djourou just isn't good enough, the gifted Diaby is injury prone (an understatement!), Chamakh is a pale shadow of the forward I saw and became enthusiastic for at Bordeaux. M. Wener seems intent on proving to all of us that he is the world's genius by continually bringing in unproven guys so he can proudly claim: "See, another gem unearthed!". In all fairness, it still occasionally happens but what we now need in order to compete are players already proven and willing to give their all to compete. And we need it next month or even I will say it's time for M. Wenger to move upstairs.

GOD NO not upstairs, just out the door. Christ, can you imagine him as a director "I know you need a new striker so you've got a budget of £50, (including the players wages and agents fees of course). Got to go now with a bit of dignity

Exo

12 Dec 2012 16:30:37
It may be 7yrs since you won anything and yes a shock result against Bradford BUT shouting for Wenger to go? When all minnow teams hope they draw you in cups, when you win nowt for 44yrs, when you have a mute as an owner,then welcome to my team Newcastle United!! If you want Wenger out, PLEASE PLEASE send him up to us.

12 Dec 2012 16:01:47
I bet Van Persie is pretty damn happy right now.

We are becoming a joke of a club.

We need change.

This isn't just because of Bradford, the club has been ****ed for a while now.

Nick.

If RVP had not been a mercenary traitor then we would not be moaning about the state our team is in tonight.
I am sick of hearing how no one blames him for leaving, he may be pretty damn happy now, laughing all the way to his off shore accounts.
Chris

12 dec 2012 15:20:09
basically we need to sign a good cdm that can replace arteta because he cant defend an has no pace to get back when he goes forward , we need a quality striker , who i thik should be cavani as his big and is one of the best strikers in the world , and we should sign a winger for example nani , and keep walcott , then we have a strong team and a lb will do nicely as well , and sell ramsey , gervinho , arshavin , santos , squalatchi , chamack ,

12 Dec 2012 15:11:35
i seriously still can't believe that wenger didn't hold his hands up and admit we were an embarrassment last night. we fielded a strong team and i agree with many that it should never have got to penalties, with team we fielded we should have won in 90 mins.
also anyone who has faith in gervinho needs their head testing because he couldn't even score an open goal. ramsey out on the right well i don't need to go any further than that. i think podolski is wasted out on the left.

as for theo's situation i'm actually past caring now. i did want him to sign but he's clearly not going to and i think there has been a deal done with another team on the quiet and if it's some kind of swap deal with liverpool then i hope it's sterling that's part of the deal and not pepe reina because reina ain't anything special .

there seriously needs to be some big changes made at our club because we are falling deeper into the abyss and i'm just thinking how long will it be before players like jack weigh up his options?

gooner mark

12 Dec 2012 14:41:42
Ed is there a reason why we can't come on this page and have a bit of banter at sy4s expense as he comes on ours slagging our team off yet none of my posts get put up stinks a little of double standards none of my posts contained swearing or were overly offensive {Ed002's Note - I have no idea who you are or who "ours" refers to. I suspect your posts were caught by the rubbish-o-matic checker and deleted.}

12 Dec 2012 14:25:34
Sagna and Theo will leave in the next two windows, and it is probably for the best, because they are the last two truly active players from our "Underachievers" era. We have to draw a line under this era now, and not let it define the next three seasons.

This whole squad failed, whether you blame the players or AW, it has been a complete failure to follow The Invincibles with these losers:

Almunia/Flappi/Mannone
Clichy/Traore
Eboue/Sagna
Gallas/Djourou
Senderos/Squillaci
Flamini/Song/Denilson
Cesc/Diaby
Nasri/Rosicky
Arshavin/Vela
Adebuyawhore/Bendtner
RVP/Walcott

And before anyone says "if we had kept RVP, Cesc & Nasri we might have won something" well we didn't really get close to winning anything significant when they were here for many seasons together, so why would it have changed when every other club improved?

Any remaining players at Arsenal from that squad will likely be moved on this summer, and in fairness to AW he has got a good basis for a new squad: WS1, Jenks, TV5, LK6, Gibbs, JW10, Santi, AOC, Oli G & Lukas. We have to keep all of these players together for the next 4-5 years, But we have to cut our losses now with ramsey, gerv, santos, coquelin and chamackh. They will only bring the others down to their level.

Will AW get the time to see another squad develop together? I don't think so.

Has he earned the right to? Perhaps, but I wanna see what someone else can do with the next squad.

gun44

12 Dec 2012 13:40:14
My last two post didn't cut it to be published so here i go again. A boycott of games would be appropriate as someone stated below. The reason is still the same. The share holders want money, if they continue to get them they will continue to drag our beloved gunners down the drain. A simple truth about any company is that when they stop developing and being innovative they dissapear. A good example of this is the Swedish car maker Saab that started using Turbo in cars in 1978 and had many innovative functions. They are now a distant memory due to the lack of innovaton (I am perfectly aware that this doesn't apply to todays world with big TNCs and to big to fail banks but it fits Arsenal). When Arsene came he had new ideas and innovation that made us go forward. Now if anyone se innovation and new ideas please let me know. What has been happening is that the club has been deteriorating for several years and nothing has changed. The post-match interview by Wenger really says it all. Watch the interview and tell me it was only in my imagination. No wonder i fear for the lower PL clubs when yesterdays game was not an embarrassment. AW seems to have lost every objective sight of what is happening and this is extremely serious. We as Arsenal fans who says we love the club, how far will we let it continue down that slippery slope before we actually act? Calling for Wengers head is still by some called drastic. How the hell can this be drastic? How many disappointments do we have to se our beloved club put us trough before it is not called drastic. It is not this one game. If you think it is, please get some perspectives of the slowly shinking ship that is Arsenal. Gustav Vasa (who was a Swedish king) built a ship in the 1600s that was that it was to unstable to come with any wind and had loose guns that contributed to that the ship sunk just outside the coast of Sweden on it's maiden voyage. The ship Arsenal has the same problem. Any wind and we can se that we are not up for it with loose Guns that runs around all over the deck (pitch). A change better come sooner rather than later. A sunken ship is extremely hard to repair and take ages to recover. Take the ship back to the docks before it sinks and make an overhaul before it is to late. viva Arsenal!

The Swede

12 Dec 2012 12:56:13
Banter please Ed.

It is not very often that I post on here, although I do enjoy reading other peoples views, of which some I agree with and some I do not (half the fun of the site).

But after last night and the last few weeks I felt the need just to voice an opinion.

I apologise early if the comment is long, but hopefully worth reading and I would honestly like others opinions in response.

Last night was a interesting game. Although we did not win it (I knew Chamakh would miss due to confidence, and was pretty sure Verm would not tuck it way) we did play fairly well. Wilshire looked solids but here is where, for me, the crux of the matter is.

Our biggest problem in the last number of games is that of Ramsey. I really want this boy to suceed. He looked like he had everything before the injury, but looks like a shadow of the player he was.

Whilst Ramsey was playing, our ball retention is poor. Our speed of switching from defense to attack is slowed down, and he looks worried to receive the ball, and then when he does, he either slows us down, or feels obliged to do something impressive and his choice of actions just seems incorrect the majority of the time.

I understand Wenger not wanting probably to harm his confidence, but I think a stay away from first team action may actually help him. He feels a burden (Ramsey that is) and just does not seem to play with freedom that comes with confidence.

Now look at when Rosicky cam on. The team dynamic changed completely.

Firstly, Rosicky not only wanted the ball constantly, but his direct, approach and his eye for movement, with his abilityt to find the pass was evident from the moment he came on.

He constantly looked for space for himself in a forward position, played the ball into space for others, rather than just passing to others feet, which makes us more mobile (players running onto the ball, rather than static) and he is always looking for the next phase oif play and to become an option to receive after and activity with the ball.

He breaks play up, but unlike a defensive midfielder breaks it up (defensive mode) then immediately switches to turning the oppostion and accelerating us forward.

This was also true of Diaby's approach to the game prior to the Chelsea game, and is probably why we have had such a downturn since his injury.

These two players, and there instantaneous view of defensive duties to offensive activity speeds us up, and gives the opposition less time to recover from a failed attacking situation.

Ramsey's latency allows the oppostion to "recover" and set up their team to a defensive mode.

I understand everyones frustration with Wenger, the has he lost it or not question, the should he or should he not stay question, but for me there is one single failing. Why does he persevere with Ramsey, when Diaby, Rosicky or and equivalent (anyone say Eisfeld or Toral) makes us quicker to pressurise opposition.

The 4-3-3 or any other formation arguement with rage on, but 4-3-3 is effective for us and we do know how to play it WHEN we have a player whose speed of thought and vision for space (for them personally and for their team mates) is inherent within the team.

As I said, just my opinion, but having one to see a number of games this season, both first team and reserves, would value other peoples comments.

J1970

Great post and very accurate. I tihnk along with confidence, Ramsey's problem is that he is being deployed in the wrong position. He is slow on the ball, but has good pass completion.

He is a deep-lying playmaker. He needs time and space; which allows him to tak e the ball off the defense (without much pressure) and then move the ball around the center.

To put him on the wing basically negates all of this.

I will spare us all a similar rant on Gervinho, but we blatantly lack depth upfront.

Billybob

12 Dec 2012 14:09:24
J1970,

Nice to hear from you mate, nice to have a slightly different perspective on things, I've said it myself, we've not been the same since Diaby's injury and it's true.

The simple shame of that one thing is Arsene new as we do that he is injury prone and with such a style of player making that much of a difference to us, it was a gamble to rely on him, knowing TR7 wasn't fit why did we not buy a ready made replacement in the summer, such as in my opinion Dembele.

To me we had such promise at the beginning of the season and it makes no sense that we didn't buy Dembele and a proper CDM say Capoue or M'vila, both affordable, just those two would of made a big difference to where we find ourselves now.

It's difficult watching this season unfold not to get heated and dissapointed with what we're seeing.

On another note what's your thoughts on Eisfeld, Toral and Gnabry.

Thanks Stoner

Thank tour Billybob. I think we are so close to being the team we all know and love. The pressure is on. We just need the eight personnel who can handle the pressure and channel it positively.

Diaby or Rosicky or Eisfeld have to be a permanent with the team.

J1970

J, you have answered your own question mate.

Ramsey is shot of confidence because he doesn't know where in the pecking order he is, or what his position is. Wenger has done this to him, the same way he messed around with NB52, Arsh, Vela etc

He is dropped for Rosicky or Diaby or Wilshere or Gerv or Theo or Ox when they are fit, he is having to play different positions because we can never get all the first team fit together.

I agree Ramsey is lightweight now, but he is behind Gerv, Theo, Arsh and Ox for the right wing position. And he is behind Arteta, Wilshere, Santi, Diaby, Rosicky and Coquelin for a CM position.

It is all ultimately Wenger's fault, but playing Ramsey is actually something he has been forced into a lot of the time.

gun44

Hi Stoner, thanks for the welcome.

In principle I agree with you about the risk of not buying to cover Diaby but, I think the following needs to be taken into account.

Diaby had a great pre-season. Looked fit, looked sharp, and was the player we have been missing. When fit I would have him over Song everyday of the week and I am sure that Wenger felt the same. I think this was proven at the beginning of the season. Add to this Arsene knew TR7 was coming back and I would be fairly sure that he thought one would be available at any time. Sometimes circumstance can be harsh. The two of them do what we need that "defensive to offensive" engine need to do. And with Artetas footballing brain behind them, and Jack coming back he probably thought we had enough to get through to our optimum position.

Dembele is a very good player, but I do not think fits our style. And he is not without injury issues.

M'Vila is a different situation. I believe he would have come in the summer had it not been for his personal issues. Wnger had just got rid of the negatiuve personalities in the dressing room (Song, Clichy, Nasri, even RVP) so why bring a potential firecracker into the furnace when you are trying to settle and harmonise. I think he now sees this as a mistake and I would be suprised not to see him being chased in Jan.

A missing link more important I believe that we should have got in the summer is Mamadou Sakho. He can play centre back, right back and defensive midfield and is the player we should be looking to buy. Just my opinion.

We also have a rich vien of midfielders coming through and Arsene knows it, and he would not have wanted to lose them due to them feeling their chances of moving up had been hampered by nerw arrivals in that area.

Now ont the 3 players you asked about.

1. Eisfeld - I think this boy is special, great feet, brilliant fdootballing brain (looks where space is going to become evident rather than just where space is - similar to TR7, Cazorla, and dare I say Zidane in tyhat way). Can score, has a beeautriful range of passing, always has time on the ball (as Cesc used to do), has a good engine, great work ehtic, and seemingly hates losing! I am sure Arsene is worried he might be a little brittle due to past injuries, but if that goes away we have someone very special!

Toral - I love this player. He has a real swagger to him. Beautiful passer of the ball. Great vision, technically very gifted. He is a little light weight but will "man out" and then things get interestiung. Barcelona never tried to sue us for as much money when we took Cesc as they did when we stole Toral. Says something in my book.

Gnabry - Really like this player. Personally think he might get ahead of Ox pretty quickly. Very strong. Ridiculously quick. Is a little to early to tell if he will round out (look at the time it took Walcott and he still isn't the finished article. What I like about Gnabry is his speed and strength combination. He is very direct and knows how to hug the touchline.

The one for me is Joel Campbell. Brash (and then some). Thinks he is the best thing to come since Eto'o (reminds me of a combination of an early Eto'o / Brasilian Ronaldo. Is cute in front of goal. Left and right footed, pace to burn, awesome movement. We need to get him in the fold, or he will be a great talent then doesn't come to fruition.

I would say to everyone, go and see some of the reserves or the new Junior European league games (ost are free) Take a look at what we have, and then maybe that will keep your chin up, your faityh alive and realise that Wenger is trying to build a leagacy. One I wholly admire.

Sorry fo the huge amount of text. Just wanted to give a propoer answer to your question Stoner.

J1970

Hi Gun.

My earlier statrement was not a question. More just me expressing my point of view. I just would not be playing Ramsey. I think there are better options.

I agree he is behind some in the pecking order, but not that many or else he wouldn't have kept getting on the team sheet for the past few weeks.

I would have TR7, Wilshire, Arteta ahead of him. He has had enough chances to iron out his form. Maybe a spell on loan would help.

J1970

12 Dec 2012 12:49:05
Enough is enough! AW is trying to put a brave face on the debacle last night, but he alone is to blame. His experiments are now totally proved to be out of date. We never have a plan B, we always try the same way and teams rub their hands knowing how to combat our out-of-date system. Additionally, some of our squad are simply not of the calibre Arsenal has come to expect so, so is there any wonder our top players want to jump ship? All this talk of millions available to improve the team is rubbish, AW will not spend to bring in the right players and SK merely wants his dividends and has NO feelings for the club or its history. If anyone seriously believes we will be buying top players then there must be a Father Christmas!! Please get rid of this board and AW, his plans do not now work and he is too stubborn to admit it and won't change. So keep going to the Emirates and put your money into SK, IG's and Hill-Woods pockets, but do NOT expect this team to get anywhere whilst you do!

12 Dec 2012 12:07:45
I forgot to mention.. Is Gazidis to be blames just as much or more than Kroenke for our performances? Just curious. They both need to go

-NDGunner

12 Dec 2012 11:51:03
Will Kroenke ever sell his shares soon!? I feel like he's also a part of the reason why we fail to succeed. He is satisfied with us only qualifying for Champions League because all of his American teams fail to succeed in some way, shape, or form. All of his teams are failures. He also tends just let the big shot player of those teams too without willing to make that position better. I don't think there is one team that he owns where the fans are satisfied with him. I am definitely not satisfied with him because I feel like he doesn't care about the club, he just cares about making more money for him. I'm not saying we need to be like Man City, PSG, etc., but at least their owner cares about the team, they are doing whatever they can to get the best players to play for their team because they want to WIN. Not qualify for Champions league and say hooray. We need an owner that will make sure he does whatever he can to make us lift a trophy.

I also want know if Usmanov would ever takeover? I believe his net worth is more than Mansour and Abromovich. I'm not sure what the net worth of the PSG owner is though, but I thought I heard like last year the Usmanov wanted to take over, but Kroenke didn't want that to happen.

-NDGunner

"I feel like he's also a part of the reason why we fail to succeed. "

He is the main reason; along with the rest of the board that did not want to relenquish power, when the trend in football is foreign investment. This is true of most other markets in the UK.

12 Dec 2012 11:45:09
I seriously fear for Arsenal FC, fair play to Bradford and all but there is no way on this earth should a team of Arsenals calibre be beaten in a quarter final by a team in the 4th tier.

There are some fantastic players at Arsenal at the moment; albeit nowhere near the calibre we've had before, however they do-not seem to be able to pick themselves up and play for the shirt. This in my eyes can only be down to the fact that themselves, like the fans, have lost the respect for the manager. I honestly think a manager with better tactical awareness and managerial style could get these players playing a whole lot better than they are.

Wenger has lost the plot in my eyes, for the past number of years he has sold our best players and replaced them with inferior, cheaper options. He defends his and the boards actions and says that they can't afford to 'buy big' yet Wenger takes home a massive salary, the board make obscene amounts of money all while ripping off the fans.

I haven't been to the Emirates in 6 years because of an expanding family and ridiculous ticket prices and frankly I'm not that bothered any-more, until Wenger leaves anyway.

The amount of really bad players on crazy wages is quite shocking, there are at least 7 players, who, if given the boot would free up plenty of a wage bill for 3 or 4 better quality players. Selling RVP to UTD, not replacing him, then saying it was 'for footballing reasons' was the last straw for me. Not forgetting letting Cesc go for pittance, letting Viera, Pires and countless others go before their times, selling Henry for nothing and now re-signing him possibly twice on loan. Arsenal FC is currently under a dictatorship and the main man is Arsene Wenger, no-one at the club dares question his methods.

"Wenger has lost the plot in my eyes, for the past number of years he has sold our best players and replaced them with inferior, cheaper options. He defends his and the boards actions and says that they can't afford to 'buy big' yet Wenger takes home a massive salary, the board make obscene amounts of money all while ripping off the fans."

The board is at fault not Wenger...

Billybob

12 Dec 2012 11:27:16
where have all the gooners gone of the Tottenham page oh thats right all celebrating after another superb performance !!!!!

Sorry mate, we are all still eating Toffee and Everton mints from the weekend - remind me who were you playing in this competition?

337

You lost to a league 2 club in 4th place, suck it up. In Arsene we trust haha

Ha ha ha mate you might want a high 5 2 you

secret rider

12 Dec 2012 10:56:08
We do not have the financial capability to buy players. This isn't my opinion this is factually correct. The message we all got from the last AGM was that we cannot compete financially for another 2 years, this is a watered down version of the board saying to Wenger there is not money to spend.
I believe that no manager would be doing a better job than Wenger at the moment bar three points:

1. Ramsey shouldn't be starting games against tough playing opposition
2. Gervinho - see point number one
3. We should be making a more conscious effort to offload several fringe players, which would free up the funds to offer higher salaries to players who we need to keep

We desperately need to maintain Champions League football for the next two seasons, whatever it takes, just so when the two years are up and we are debt free, we are then in a position to attract the players we need to then form a new squad around the handful of talented individuals that we have.

I'm sick of reading posts by the 'fans' who just don't seem to understand our current predicament, namely Champagne Charlie, I know it's frustrating, but these cycles happen in football - especially at a well run club like ours.

It's about patience. We will be in an incredible position in 3-4 seasons time. We cannot blow it now by spending our way out of this situation and into debt.

My final point is this:

We have the most technically gifted midfielder in the world right now in Jack, if there is even the slightest whisper that he has lost faith and wants to move on, and the board don't do all they can to keep him, then I will very quickly be jumping on that bandwagon to clear the board out.

Paul

12 Dec 2012 12:10:00
Paul,

Nice post mate I just don't now know if we can hang in that long without some kind of flexibility in that plan, funds are arriving now.

Arsene is so worrying me with things he is doing and I truly dont know if he'll be here in 2 years and to then find out what he would do with those funds to prove us all wrong.

I guess like I said it's part of being a football fan and at this moment being an Arsenal fan. We all have differing opinions but all just want the best.

Stoner

12 Dec 2012 10:49:30
Forget about penalties, there is no way it should have gotten to that stage with the team we put out. It should not even have gotten to extra-time.

This is the most pathetic Arsenal side I have ever seen. For crying out loud, we can't even pass effectively against a League 2 side and, in the end, relied on a cross and header to equalise (in the 88th minute against a side ~70 places below us). Just take a second to think how ridiculous that is for Arsenal. What happened to passing with purpose?

We can barely score unless it's a counterattack spearheaded by Walcott, a penalty or a header from a cross.

And, in all honestly, our recent results could have been a whole lot worse. Spurs were looking better than us until Adebayor went AWOL, and, although we were dominating, we shouldn't have had that penalty last week. They papered over even more of the cracks that we have in our squad. And a win in penalties would only have furthered that.

Putting aside our defence which is still terribly insecure, we have no creativity and are utterly predictable. I have no intention of going through all of our attacking players and highlighting how awful they have been these past couple of weeks (although I probably will in the future if this continues), but let's just say that the only 'positive' review would be for Wilshere, who seems to be the only one who gives a **** at the moment.

Anyway, credit to Bradford for going through. They deserved it, considering what this meant to them. We did not deserve it at all.
Eman

12 Dec 2012 10:38:37
Never thought I would say it, but Wenger needs to go, have utmost respect for what he has done for our club, but enough is enough. The rot starts from the board down. I don't especially like abramovich and the way he goes through managers, but why does he do that? he wants to win, and win at any cost. He has a passion for the club and will put his money where his mouth is. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want him at Arsenal, all I ask is for someone other than Stan who cares about club and is dedicated to win.
Arsene for me, seems to have too much power, and his stubburness is costing us. Would love to see someone like Moyes at the club, if you look at Evertons team, it isn't full on world beaters, but full of players filled with pride and passion and will give everything to play for their club. Why?? Because it comes from Moyes and the board! Don't know a great deal about Usmanov, but for me I would like to see him and dein at the club.
Matt

12 Dec 2012 10:25:15
I know it's already been said by a few of you, but I want to give my own MASSIVE shout out to our away fans. Different class. They deserve so much more. As we all do
Flybo

12 Dec 2012 10:12:59
Is the supposed 50m to be spent enough? id say probably triple that and we might be closer to the mark, Team on team have spent more than us over the last couple of years and have improved. The proof is staring AW straight in the face, how can he even have the balls to defend such a performance last night, Playing Gerv up front, i mean he literally shown he cant hit a barn door from 10 paces. Ramsey, slow, cant pass, cant shoot, yet he constantly plays them. The areas to improve on are there to be seen, hes been around the game long enough to make me think perhaps hes got tunnel vision, see's what he wants to see, not what the rest of the world can see and thats to move with the times, pay the extra couple of million to get the high calibre players in, not second rate. We were once one of the most feared teams in England, now...... well lets just say the other teams arnt exactly quaking in their boots. AW, YOUR EXPERIMENT, has completely backfired, YOU are to blame for the results, yes you, YOU pick the team, the tactics, the training, YOU bring in the dross in the transfer market just to save a few quid. Utter Sh1te

N. Wales Gunner

12 dec 2012 10:02:35
there should of been some 1 at the club 5 years a go saying this is not working.

there use to be a time when all you would see is kids wearing arsenal shirts in the parks.
the next generation of kids are going for other teams.we have ruined a generation of future supporters.

i wish we were still at highbury,there was a different type of supporter back then.
ashburton grove is not the fans stadium,it was not like highbury, when it was built for the supporters.

i remember games at highbury like the night we beat juventus in the cl when cesc scored.
or the time sammy nelson dropped his shorts.
or the day my old mate champagne charlie nicholas danced around the spuds defence.
highbury was the fans turf.
imagine the booing and jeering if that was the way we played at highbury,it would of burst your ear drums.

arsenal use to be about the supporters.

arsenal use to be about winning.

even if we cant be the biggest club in england we should be the biggest club in london.

where has all the tradition gone.

where has all the fight gone.

40 year i have been going to games and i have never seen such a split between our fans.

there are 2 sort of supporters at our club,one that supports arsene and ones that support arsenal.the stadium has done this to us.

david dein would never had allowed the club to get this way.

shameful

champagne charlie

Again spot on mate. Jack Kelsey was in goal when I started stood as an 8yr old on the clock end in awe of the stadium, the supporters pushing & shoving but making sure this little 8yr old was ok, the players the red & white with that cannon on the front. The red & white painted meself rattle & booble hat. The whole pulse of the place just filled you up & some 50 odd yrs it's still there. These Americans don't get it do they.
Last night we lost our soul. All that Arsene has done, & we have to say it's a lot is fast fading away. We have a striker with how many caps for Germany? Oh I know lets confuse every one & play him on the wing! Let's play the winger down the middle!! Is it me or is it stupid. Ramsey like a lost sheep on the right the bloke is a central mid fielder he ain't never gonna work out there!
No tactics no heart & no style! It is sad to see it fading away. Have we come so far just to reverse our way back.
The players look lost, that's the boss's job. Players clearly not up to standard, that's the boss's job. Players not liking or understanding the system, the captain needs to go the the boss & say we need to sort it.
Lastly the board need to sit down with Arsene & really get this sorted NOW.
No matter what, I am a gooner always will be, my slab is out the front with me grandson's, I'll never forget the last game at Highbury with damp eyes & my grandson crying & the real pride as I walked with him to our seats the 1st time at the Grove!
Sorry but we deserve more 'cause of our history & players that have worn our red & white. I would have PAID to play for 'em this team really needs sorting.
A sad & angry
Sagalout

12 Dec 2012 09:42:03
We are in meltdown FACT....

We have been thawing out for the last 7 years.....due global-wengering the process is starting to quicken.

1404

12 Dec 2012 09:18:43
Gervinho up front - podolski left wing
Says it all, terrible tactics once again

12 Dec 2012 09:06:26
morning every 1

woke up this morning after hitting the things that make you feel sick in the morning.YEP EZDEE YOU KNOW THE SCORE!

had to jog the memory thinking i just had a f***ing nightmare.

i was thinking the last couple of days i would give it a rest on here and focus on the different issues that surround the club like future player signings and even sticking up for cazorlas dive by saying it settled us and we needed a bit of luck.

i was thinking there was a bit of fun on here and people were thinking i talk a bit of sense as i was them.there has been some great posts put on here since saturday and i was actually feeling happy and maybe optimistic coming up to xmas period.

i was actually feeling that good i visited the SPUDS page and gave them a bit of banter,HOW STUPID DO I LOOK NOW,IM WAITING FOR LOADS OF ABUSE BACK AND RIGHTLY SO,THIS IS WHAT FOOTBALL IS ABOUT

i have seen a load of posts with PEOPLE NOT SIGNING OFF and to be honest i dont read half of them because i like to have conversation with people who you know like JOE, STONER, FLYBO, STEVE, USGOONER, SY4, 1404 AND I LIKE TO THINK I HAVE BECOME GOOD BUDDYS WITH THE LIKES OF METAL, IKE AND EZDEEOVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW?
we seem to be ALLWAYS 1 GAME AWAY FROM ALL OUT MAYHEM.

we go on to a game against reading and im sort of now hoping we loose.the board can not let this go too much further.I sort of blame the board now for whats happening more than ARSENE.
Its quite obvious to me now that ARSENE WENGER has been running the club and has the final say on everything.he is deciding who stays and who goes and how much to spend on transfers.
just do not understand how he comes to the conclusion that what he is doing with team selections and formations are right and have not been for years.

I am not angry any more,actually ashamed should be the term every 1 should be using.

SHOULD NEVER HAVE GOT THIS FAR.
ARSENAL SUPPORTERS HAVE LET IT GET THIS FAR!

WE SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED

champagne charlie

Top man. Flybo

The champagnes is a bit flat today !!

Laughing at ya

Much love

12 Dec 2012 10:44:08
Top post mate, I just posted before I read yours, pretty much the same sentiments, dont really remember feeling this dejected by football ffs. Like you I gave it big licks but to the Utd boys yesterday, did have them a treat though, bless. Still all good fun.

Keep smiling mate, I say sat here with a face as long as a fiddle!!

Stoner

12 Dec 2012 08:40:47
where is stoner?You were calling man united players average and your so called world class players couldn't hit a barn door,you call us a one man team and yet you lot depend on carzola for creativity.Apart of carzola and wilshere the rest are average!Jude.

12 Dec 2012 10:45:54
Hey Jude,

Shouldn't you be a Liverpool supporter, HEY JUDE, did you get it...oh well maybe not.

Stoner

12 Dec 2012 08:11:48
Rumour had it, we were going to play a strong side in last nights match !! !!!!!! :-)ColbyGarry

12 Dec 2012 07:16:48
"You feel embarrassed when you don't give everything, I think they'll be more disappointed and frustrated."

Go back to france you have lost the plot...
A cup semi final!! damn is that no important, say how u feel man have u got no passion

12 Dec 2012 06:03:11
This is a total embarrassment. I am a 20+ year season ticket holder and have one for my 6 year old son, over 2 grand a year on this shower of xxxx.
How can I tell my son this morning that we lost to Bradford - utter disgrace.
Wenger, Sham (sorry Stan) and Ivan - you are ruining my club and my life.
Please give all true Gunners fans across the world a Christmas present and sod off.
Bring in Davie Moyes, he knows the Prem League, hopefully he will bring a player or two with him.
Mr Salmon

Well said moyes with a budget he could be the next fergie.

12 Dec 2012 04:19:01
i know this is wishful thinking but i'd rather us stump up the money for someone like cavani or falcao but that's not going to happen so we'll end up probably getting huntelaar which i'm not that excited about. another thing we need to send ramsey and gervinho packing they're both about as useful as a chocolate fireguard.

12 Dec 2012 03:46:04
USGooner here.
I watched the Bradford game and read many of the comments - mostly negative and calling for Wenger to go.
First of all I want to say well done Bradford. They played their hearts out, were a joy to watch and to be honest, I hope go all the way. They deserve it!
I am sad watching Arsenal. But the game typifies what has happened over the past few years. it is not a one-off. We can all accept defeat and if this was a one-off then I would be disappointed but would move on.
No...for the past few seasons, how many times have we seen Arsenal dominate games and not win? I get fed-up looking at stats which say 65%+ possession to Arsenal but we lost the game. How many year have we spent looking at transfer windows to see us linked to great players - ones we all think yes please buy at least 1 or 2 - yet end up with someone we have not heard of?
Arsene has made some poor transfer decisions and his policy of paying the same wages across the board has given us one of the highest wage bills for mediocre players. Chamakh should have been sold - even at a loss - last season. Gervinho needs to go on loan somewhere. I have never seen someone run so much and do nothing. Reminds me of Adebayor - had 40 shots at goal, 2 on target and scored 1 - and we were longing for him to go.
The team seems to have no cohesion to it. There is no plan. Players come in to fill a gap and hope they fit. Like a dam with cracks...patching up the leaks will not make the dam stronger - you need to have a solid core and build around it.
I do not know why we are in this position. Why there is no determination from the players. I am a Wenger fan and think he has changed Arsenal for the better. HOWEVER, I am not sure he can sort this out. My problem is, if he left, who would be a suitable replacement?

Sorry for the long message...I am just as a loss to explain or come up with an answer.

USGooner

Great post. I agree Gervinho should go on loan.
Chamakh should have been sold last season. He is not fit to wear the shirt .
The rot set in with the loss of RVP and Song. We have lost our drive and I fear this result will have greater impact.
I am totally gutted.
Chris

You forgot to mention the shocking ramsey by far our worst player the guy cant pass a ball..

12 Dec 2012 02:47:19
The career path for being a perfect footballer and making the maximum possible money out of it...

Step 1. Join Arsenal's academy.

Step 2. Sign a professional contract at 15 or so for 40k/week.

Step 3. Sign another one for 65k/week by the time you are 19.

Step 4. Put in a good year and by 20 you will be offered 75k/week.

Step 5. On your 23rd bday demand a new contract worth 150k, 200k/week.

Step 6. Go to mancity, manutd, chelsea for the money and the trophies.

CONCLUSION: Earn big as a reserve player, a young footballer... Earn huge as a professional footballer and win trophies.... Every now and then thank Wenger and Arsenal FC for the player you are and that you would have been nothing without them.

Goodbye Theo, Jack in the near future and Sagna by the looks of it by Jan. I dont blame you at all...

12 Dec 2012 01:31:01
How many of you so called "loyal supporters" will complain all night and then go to the emirates for the next home game and give the board more of ya money!?!?!?.....KEEP DOING THAT AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE.....


everyones gotta stand together....stop attending until they take us seriously...these fat cats seem to have forgotten without US there is no THEM

I hate 90% of the people associated with the club right now

Scooby Dooby K

Wanted to get an early night tonight but cant get to sleep unfortunately, because i cant stop laughing at the arse haha,
looks like yet another season with sweet fa for the goners....
crazy dillusional supportes,atleast your not as bad as the spuds lot going on about what a club they are,makes me laugh just as much to be honest,atleast yous have won a couple of things scince the turn of the millenium,theyve never done nothing anyone can remember,except get in the champs league once or maybe twice and had a couple of good games against inter or someone.....thats it!! thats all theyve got to shout about full stop!! sorry..... my bad and gazza played for them once upon a time aswell...that sums spuds up......
either way the goners are gonna be finished soon and spuds have never been anything anyway haha
rodger the dodger

Totally agree mate but it doesn't make much of a difference. The board are more concerned about their fans overseas, and specifically the TV rights and merchandising monies from abroad.

Arsenal don't compete on the pitch, they compete for players, and they don't compete for fans in London. Our fanbase worldwide will grow but we are falling behind in London.

I have turned down free tickets this season on cold worknights and will continue to do so until the personnel changes on and off the pitch. Why bother going to watch overpaid journeymen play crap football in a silent stadium?

Certainly not for the £5 a pint of pi$$ in a plastic cup they sell, which you can't even take to your seat (even if you're half a mile from the pitch). And definately not for the £14 soggy fish and chips. Or the slow queues for the tube.

Every aspect of our "brand" is deplorable.

redgoon

People don't seem to realise that whilst it may be hard to not turn up for the team we love it is the right thing to do in the long run.

StEvE

I think youve got a point scooby dooby k,plus if everyone stopped turning up it might actually give the emirates a bit of an atmosphere for a change....

12 Dec 2012 00:55:16
I have never been so embressed my life which been today we lost against a league two club it was horrible. WENGER SHOULD BE SACKED STAIGHTWAY. I demand as a loyal fan it's time for new manger. Gunner4ever

12 Dec 2012 00:22:50
Do any of the people who told me to lay of Gervinho last year want to raise their hands?

No one?

Ike.

I am happy to admit I always argued for patience with Gervinho. He showed some good signs at the beginning of the season with 5 goals in 7 outings before his injury, but my patience is certainly running thin with him now. Occasional goals are beginning to be outweighed by completely useless and wasteful performances. and, critically, he is not doing too well with assists either.

Look, I never think it's worth getting too down on a player in their first season unless they are consitently atrocious (eg Squllaci). Mertesacker got at least as much criticism as Gervinho last season and has come good. Gervinho wasn't great last season but he showed decent signs. Unfortunately, almost a year and half into his Arsenal career, he is still going on 3-game benders of mindless wastefulness and it is not good enough.

I do hope we get another forward in Jan and Gervinho has to up his game to stay at the club.

Oleg Maputo

We aint got time, we have waited long enough...

Gervinho has all the ability to be a great footballaer. He is fast, skillful and very fit. Unfortunately he does not have the brain for football at all. He receives the ball and just stutters, does the gangnam style dance and then passes to the opposition. Did anyone else notice that Cazorla refuses to pass to him and I do not blame him. Gervinho is absolutely terrible and Cazorla know it.
Chess

12 Dec 2012 00:15:40
I have always been pro Wenger but ffs Ramsay, come on, its a waste of a player in the team. This was Bradford, a team divisions below us, the Ox should have been on from the start and been running at the defence. That decision on its own by Wenger is criminal. Ramsay offers so little it is embarassing. Has he got it in his contract that he plays if fit?

Gervinho, poor control, poor intelligence and does not move or anticipate what to do. Good bench player but an Arsenal centre forward, you are having a laugh.

Chamakh, so poor its funny. Highlighted by his woeful attempt at playing in the Ox. Needs to go, is not good enough and should be shown the door asap.

Rosicky should have played from the start, he is incisive and looks to make things happen.

Something needs to change and quick. There are serious problems at Arsenal and especially within the team. Shake it up Wenger. Get rid of lacklustre players, try out a youngster like Eisfeld or Gnabry, but DO SOMETHING. If it does not work dont keep trying the same thing over and over again, get the message!

Cut out the over generous loyalty to some players. If they dont perform axe them. The stats on us winning with Ramsay not starting trounce the games won with Ramsay starting. It does not take a genius to work out what you should do.

The advice is do something or walk else all the good work you have done is going to be overshadowed by recent history.

I really hope we dont get Barca or another top team in the CL draw - on current form we'll get well and truly smashed.

11 Dec 2012 23:58:02
i am o so o happy we lost why bradford played great and i want us arsenal to wake up and say what have w done so you know what F**k you wenger F**k the bored and litterly F**k this i just say we need to be relagated then we can win the champoinship cu and win that and at least we will get something

secret rider

Chill you sound like a glory hunter(don't get me wrong you probably are not but a lot of posts on here sound like they are from such people)
Yes things are not great and we have many problems. the rough with the smooth and everything goes in cycles etc.
Arsenal were up and down before me and they will be up and down after me.
yes there is much I don't agree with at present.
But this is Arsenal my team and yours.
I don't know if Stan Wenger etc will be here next week or for the next 10 years,but I know I will be still at Arsenal,even if at lot of what's going on at present is twisting my melon.(I've been reading this site for a while and yes we are all upset with the club at the moment,but lets not tear it apart the managers and board will come and go in lifetimes,but this is our club thats one thing they can never rob)