Arsenal Banter Archive February 16 2015

 

Use our rumours form to send us arsenal transfer rumours.

16 Feb 2015 12:18:11
Ozil looks to be getting better week by week since returning from his injury, great to see, personally thought we was the best player on the pitch yesterday. Him and Santi both seem to have finally sussed the English game and do a lot more defensive work as well as working harder to create space going forward.

Gabriel looks a good signing, wasn't afraid to get stuck in, took a yellow for the team (not enough of our boys do that), attacked the ball well on set pieces, played out from the back well and did his bit to G up the rest of the lads. Not bad when you can't speak a lick of English.

Gibbs was his normal quality, consistent self, and Chambers looks to be back to his old self.

Even though Boro were well below par, it was good to see that we were able to cope without Coquelin. I still don't see a place for him or Arteta next season but Flamini looked decent and did his part to preserve the clean sheet.

One thing I wan't to bring up is that Wenger has said that Giroud is now a 'transformed player' not taking anything away from him yesterday, he was outstanding and his two goals were taken magnificently, but when he starts burying free headers from 8 yards and starts putting away the simple chances as well as the stunners, hard chips, tight angles and first timers then i'll start getting on board with this statment, as there have been a few times this season he's missed and I've said, 'I bet Welbeck would have buried that.'

Anyone else agree?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I would have agreed but for the Welbeck comment as he is even more wasteful than Giroud. If Giroud was clinical he would be a truly special player, even without having pace.}

I suppose it works both ways. Welbeck seems to dispatch the chances that Giroud misses and vice versa. One thing I like about Welbeck is his heading, he always tries to put the ball back where it came from and more often than not hits the target, he's also pretty lethal when he's got a chance between the posts.

Thing with Giroud is for a such a big guy with the ability he has in the air, wastes far too many headed chances, strange considering he's scored the most headers in the PL over the time he's been with us. One thing I do love about him is his ability to put away chances from outside the front post, and taking first time shots in his stride. There aren't a lot of players in the world who can do that better than him, sadly the one's who can, also put away the simple chances. the one's Welbeck normally buries.

I still think Giroud can be a special player for us, but he needs to be more clinical in front of goal, and he's not getting any younger.

Agree0 Disagree0

Channel Islander -
Agree with some of your comments but not all!
I amvery much a pro Ozil person and see him emerging to be a very very good buy. Again he cold have had another assist if Walnut had been more match sharp and was involved in a lot of very good approach work.
I think that Giroud and Wellbeck both lack a bit of touch when they are passing sometimes it looks lazy. They also both miss a few easier chances than those they convert.

Agree0 Disagree0

Welbeck is a much better player than poldi and sanogo and even akpom at this moment and as a backup striker or a wing cover he is brilliant. he is not going to set the world alight but he has done a better job than balotelli if we are talking the money we paid.

Arsenal need a clinical striker, I just don't see us getting one.

I just don't think walcott has the ability or has proven his capability to lead the line, and in the real world, besides a benzema ( who we won't get) or a cavani ( even less likely) I can't name many more who would come in and be clinical the way th likes of aguero, messi, ronaldo, suarez, neymar, diego costa are.

i would have suggested we go all out on one superstar this summer, be it pogba or bale. again landing a player like pogba is near impossible for the sums involved and the teams involved in the auction. however I think with bale there is a chance if madrid want to sell him and he takes the option to leave.

i reckon bale is wasted at madrid, more like a scapegoat and an working pony rather than utilize his talents. he can score 30 odd goals but he will not have the platform or the chance to prove it, much like neymar and suarez are at barcelona.

Agree1 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - why not Benzema? He may well be available in the summer.}

Do you know if we will be interested in him ed and if there will be much competition?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Wenger loves him, I would be shocked if you didn't show interest. He is basically a Giroud upgrade, offers all the things Giroud does, plus more pace, strength and better finishing.

As for competition, yes mate, there would be a lot of interest. The rich French clubs, a couple of Italians, and any Prem team that could raise the money would be likely to show interest.}

Well fingers crossed :)

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I tend to find the players I want to sign for Liverpool go elsewhere, such as Sanchez. So I won't keep my fingers crossed for you, in case the same happens when I hope for a player to join someone else! If he does sign, I will then claim all the credit, though G62's deal with Sepp will obviously be a part of it.....}

Thanks for not hoping we sign him then ed! ;) him or lacazette would be my dream, wengers made a marquee signing the past two summers so i'm quite optimistic that we might get someone special :)

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I would love to see Lacazette play in the Prem, he is a talent and a half him.}

16 Feb 2015 16:30:06
As I pointed out to the Oracle yesterday Ozil is simply quality and as much as it's hard not to like Giroud what he brings to the table is for me is outweighed by what he doesn't.

When you think we didn't pay that much less for both Welbeck and Giroud as Chelsea paid for Costa I know who I'd rather have, a two for one swap every day of the week.

It does seem odd that some want a better CB and a better DM to see us win the league but are ok with the quality of Giroud as our main striker. Nothing against the guy but the top two strikers in the Premiership just happen to play for City and Chelsea, the current top two, current Champions and many's Champions elect.

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed the fact that benzema will be part of multiple teams bidding, and likely to go for a significant sum, if madrid are looking to do their annual, let's buy the best player. its hard to see benzema coming to arsenal. not due to lack of interest but 50 mill really does not grow on trees, and from what Ed002 said arsenal are near violating the FFP.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I do expect a number of players to leave Arsenal to ease those issues though mate. Obviously that's if there are takers for them. The wage bill is the main issue at the club.}

16 Feb 2015 17:08:39
What do you think about a cut price jovetic?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I will start the bidding at £3.50!}

16 Feb 2015 17:48:49
We've got 3.50,3.50,3.50 do I hear £4.00? :)

Agree0 Disagree0

I think a CDM is something Arsenal, liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs are missing badly.

not just a CDM by position but rather someone who can not only command his position but be aware of movements ahead of him and behind him, filling in the pockets, like matic does. its makes the defense compact and the attack wider.

for me Javi Martinez, scheniderlin, pogba, and matuidi are the ones I rate in that position, I've not seen the guy from Roma but i'd take one of those.

Agree0 Disagree0

16 Feb 2015 11:54:46
On today's poll about being allowed to use a 4th sub in extra time, I think its a good idea but also I'd like to see European cup competitions decided on who wins the most corners over the 180 minutes if its all level after both home and away legs and extra time.
This would reward the most attacking side and also take away the personal burden of a vital missed penalty

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - that is not necessarily true, what if the more attacking sides has a lot more shots that go just wide or over, or even hit the woodwork and bounce back out and so do not lead to corners?}

Um good point Eduardo, maybe its back to the drawing board with this one for a while and see if I can iron out those pesky creases you spotted

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I always liked the idea of, instead of being able to make more subs, you had to remove a player every so often. Play 5min then stop while one player is taken off, so players can get a quick tactical reshuffle, and play for a further 5min. If it is still a draw take off another player each.}

I like that idea too Ed, I once played in a 7 aside competition on full size pitches, it was brilliant so much time and space and loads of goals.
You'd imagine it to be kick and rush but the passing teams did best by along way

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - that's settled then, now I have your agreement I will get Sepp on it right now. That was all he was waiting for,....}

I've only got a small house and a ten year old car Ed (although it's an MG that I like a lot :-) so I'm not sure I can afford for Sepp to agree with me :-)

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I hear he likes MGs mate, you should be ok, don't worry. I will cut a deal with him, he likes deals.}

Deals on me wheels it is then, as long as I don't actually have to be in the country as him at the same time or ever hear him talk again I'm fine with Septic

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I will see if I can have that included in the deal. I believe I can swing it if you can get the Arsenal Ladies team to play in shorter shorts and tighter tops. So I will leave that to you to sort out....}

Extra time multi ball!

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - that would be fun!! Can you imagine that in the Champions League final?? Oh I would love to watch that.}

Could be exciting chaos! (beach balls anyone? ;)) how come they scrapped golden goal? you would think next goal wins would be a pretty fair way of deciding things

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - Blatter scrapped golden goal when he found out he wasn't getting gold every time a goal was scored.}

Lol! any idea his presidancy is under much threat or has he already bought and paid for it?

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - bought and paid for a long time ago. He has even managed to bring in blocks to any serious candidate being able to stand against him. It is almost impossible for him to lose now. I think there is more chance of Kim Jung Un losing an election than him. Actually, come to think of it, the North Korean leader is far less corrupt too.}

Well that sucks, needs a change badly

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - it does need a change badly, but it will only happen when he gets too old.}

Sorry G69, can no longer talk to you now I know you've got a hairdressers car, nothing to do with the age or value, just the image - so long, it's been nice knowing you! :-)

Agree0 Disagree0

How very dare you 2242, I'll have you know its the most manly beast your ever likely to catch a glimpse of on your local motorway and in trophy blue too, if you jolly well please
I guess if marvelous Marvin Haggler does your hair then maybe

Agree0 Disagree0

G2d2, lol!

Agree0 Disagree0

Wait blatter is only 25? I did not know he was soo young. how old is old ed? that's taking the piss age 78

Agree0 Disagree0

16 Feb 2015 05:58:23
Am I the only one who thinks Gibbs was fantastic? Of course I know his attacking tendencies have gotten us into trouble several times but yesterday, there was no threat and he motored forward effectively

Santi, Ozil, Flamini were also brilliant. I can't understand what has happened to Theo's shooting boots to be honest. I think he's got them on vice-versa

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Theo will get there in time. this season is a bedding in one.

Agree1 Disagree0

16 Feb 2015 08:36:59
I'm a big fan of Gibbs, his first touch is awesome and just love the way he plays.

Flamini I just wasn't sure if he was playing the 10 role or our out and out striker! Lol.

Agree0 Disagree0

He played v well yesterday, and the only reason he played well was because Monreal has been playing so well. He did things, like making forward runs trying to dribble, things different to his game. Its just good signs to us with the competition.

Agree1 Disagree0

I watched him closely yesterday (well as much as you can on tv) defensively he just cannot hold his position at all and during one a Middlesbrough corner he somehow ended up in the RB position and when we broke he stayed there for a bit leaving our left totally exposed.
This is no a dig at him at all because going forward he was super and as good as anyone its just an observation that he is not a natural left back he's a converted winger and defensively it shows quite badly at times.
Maybe there's room for him in the MF or wing but not in a title chasing defence IMO

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I am with you on that G62, technically excellent, good going forward, but is in desperate need of a George Graham style coaching session to fix his positioning defensively. He is not getting the one on one tuition he needs, in my opinion, to sort out his positional sense.}

I'm with you on that Ed with one on one coaching to work on those weaknesses he could be potentially be a very top full back, unfortunately for him in recent years everything has been about the attacking side of the game with Arsene so home grown defenders naturally lack in this department.
I know it wouldn't have been popular but I'd have signed Ashley Cole last summer for his experience for our defence as a whole and for Gibbs to work with and learn from for a season or two

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - I bet Cole wishes you had your way on that as well!}

Did he used to be a winger g62? how come we never play him there be a lot better than shoving ozil on the left wing

Agree1 Disagree0

It's like Carragher said eden, you'll be surprised how many full backs are a failed CB or a failed winger. Gibbs was a winger until about 6 seasons ago yes which probably doesn't surprise anyone. I rate the guy though.

Agree0 Disagree0

Always said that about Gibbs, perfect on the wing he can play anywhere down the left

Agree0 Disagree0

Its a surprise that he never gets played there then especially in big games with both him and monreal playing it would offer a lot more defensively on the left

Agree0 Disagree0

15 Feb 2015 23:55:23
2 results down just 7 to go. For the 9 next winnable games.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

15 Feb 2015 22:53:24
It takes a lot of balls to play golf as badly as I do.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

See your jokes are on par again dags! Just make sure you take spare string vest and pants with you incase you gt a hole in one.

Agree0 Disagree0

16 Feb 2015 18:40:13
I would have said it takes balls to tell jokes as badly as you do Dags! Lol. :-)

Agree0 Disagree0

15 Feb 2015 22:49:48
How many times did Carzola shape up to shot today and then pass?
I wonder what Phil Neville would like to do to him

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - I did hear the Neviller had been to see 50 shades to get some more creative ideas of what to do to those who play fancy flicks. Something involving duct tape will no doubt be in order for Santi.....}

I was thinking the same thing Ed :-) beware all hippie's Phil is on an anti flairs mission and is taking prisoners

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed001's Note - the thing is, can anyone honestly say that a Phil Neville challenge, even with both feet, would be something to be scared of? I have met the lad a few times and he is not in the slightest bit scary, despite being offputtingly ugly. He is more of the 'awwww poor lad' type of ugly than the 'wouldn't want to meet him down a dark alley' kind. For some reason the word cat has just come to mind. Oh no, I meant pussy, silly me!}

15 Feb 2015 23:48:19
OK who thinks manu will win tomorrow. I had an 8fold and there the last team I need to win and get all 8 correct. Would you cash out? Hmmm

Believable0 Unbelievable0

16 Feb 2015 00:13:14
PNE are no mugs but I think utd will sneak it mate.

Good luck but I so don't want Utd to win.

Agree0 Disagree0

They will win 100%

Agree0 Disagree1

They might be playing atrocious football, but I think Preston are to lightweight to derail them. No disrespect meant to Preston

Agree0 Disagree0

I am thinking a replay, and then they go through. Thier away form js horroendous

Agree0 Disagree0

Steve il come looking for you if your wrong lol. il ask the eds for your i.p address.

Agree0 Disagree0

So its my brothers selections but I put west brom not westham and realized after I press bet. I did his bet also but he lost on westham.

so I told him I made the other bet and said we go halves on winnings. fair?

Agree0 Disagree0

A bloke from my home town has just scooped the second highest pay out ever on the fix odds, £170,000 for £1bet .
I might pop back and see if I can make friends with him :+)
He sounds quite young from what I've read in his early 20s, perhaps I can convince him I'm his real Dad

Agree0 Disagree0

Amazing that was gunner

Agree0 Disagree0