Arsenal Banter Archive August 18 2014

18 Aug 2014 23:15:03
Cesc still world class surprise surprise. Let's hope Wenger didn't gift United the title with RVP and Chelsea the title with Cesc.

I made quite a bit of noise when we turned Cesc down, and there is a large part of me that still thinks it was a big mistake.

Time will tell

19 Aug 2014 00:43:58
Nonsense.

If Wenger signed Cesc then Chelsea would have just signed a different world class CM. Probably Pogba, Vidal, Kroos, Khedira - someone of that calibre.

We didn't need Cesc. We needed a Winger or Striker and we got that in Alexis. £35m much better spent.

If Chelsea win the league its because they can afford world class in every position and Mourinhio is a top, top manager.

19 Aug 2014 07:42:10
I prefer to go on facts rather than names. If his assists and goals outperform everyone else in the league then my point is proved. There was no room for Cesc - but in the same way RVP's goals won United the league, Cesc's assists could be the difference. Time will tell. It's not nonsense, it's mathematics

Detroit gooner has just answered this as well as it could be answered in my opinion

19 Aug 2014 11:39:38
I'm in between the argument but what we've got to be hoping for is that Ozil does what he was signed for and tops the assist chart

19 Aug 2014 12:33:24
Only time will tell how significant Cesc wilp be in Chelsea's title challange. But Cesc and RVP are different. Van Persie was Uniteds stand out player and almost single-handedly won a poor United side the league. Cesc is not as good as RVP. He will weigh in with assists and goals just as Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Schurrle will.

I also fail to see how this is Wengers fault. If we signed Cesc we would have had the same problems as last year. We would have to push Ozil and Santi wide to accomodate him. what's the point in 3 playmakers when you don't have the forwards infront of them. Like I said, £35m on Alexis much better spent. We have never lacked creativity, just the players to put chances away.

Wenger loves Cesc, and would have signed him if it was the correct decision. But it wasnt, I say we move on.

18 Aug 2014 23:10:14
Ninja capybara is back from reconnaissance, tells me Sydney Gunner is not someone to mess with. I sent my crocs to ruin White Hart Lane as per request, apparently a giant croc named Levy beat them to it.

:)
I think Ulster Gunner is more then correct, he obviously figured out that when croc's get sent, they turn into Levy. Poor thing.

18 Aug 2014 22:22:28
Who would be happy with Vargas / Manolas and Khedira as final signings .

Obviously some would be leaving but would the above be enough to push all the way to May?

18 Aug 2014 22:31:57
Manolas, yes.

Khedira, yes.

Vargas, not sure.

Holly Willoughby, yes but that's a different story.

Khedira, a good cb and some depth up front? Yea I'd be happy with that.

Though on that, even with another cb brought in, we've still not got any more depth at the back than last season, as jenkinson has gone. That's unless bellerin is as good as he looked against benfica.

I'd be very pleased with Manolas and Khedira. Not saying I would be annoyed with Vargas but it would feel like a Baptista/Park kinda signing and I think we're passed that now.

Tbh, I'd be happy with Khedira but I really feel we need a top CB and a top ST to challenge Chelsea and City.

Manolas = Yes
Khedira = Hell Yes
Vargas = Hell no

We can do better. Reus, Lavezzi(maybe), Cavani, Falcao
Rather than buyin Vargas. We can stick wit Joel all season & safe money.

I'd be happy with all of them, if we had Vargas for a season, probably mean we could send Sanogo on loan for some experience

19 Aug 2014 11:41:31
Messi
Ronaldo
and Yaya Toure or I'm just not going to be a gunner anymore!

18 Aug 2014 22:16:08
akie

Don't know about what?

That Chelsea won't get anymore points than us or CF looked sharp?

18 Aug 2014 22:24:25
Points I think mate

Then I'm scratching my head

A win is 3 pts last time I looked and we both have 3 :)

18 Aug 2014 21:48:50
And Ed002's Avatar is Batman.

I'm sure there's a story there. :-)

{Ed025's Note - if only you knew dags..

18 Aug 2014 22:05:19
Maybe 002 will one day spill the beans.:-)

{Ed025's Note - maybe dags..

Ed025, we discussed that you have to be Superman! Everton blue, Arsenal Red and Yellow! Will you always protect us?

{Ed025's Note - "im here to fight for truth, justice, and the american way durban".. :)

18 Aug 2014 23:12:51
American way?

Don't you mean American hard gums Ed? :-)

18 Aug 2014 21:30:03
Has everybody seen Ed025's avatar?

You couldn't resist could you Ed? :-)

{Ed025's Note - not my pick dags, i wanted a george clooney one...the first one they gave me was the stay puff marshmallow man from ghostbusters! bloody cheek.. :)

18 Aug 2014 21:42:46
I was hoping for the speedo's :-(

{Ed025's Note - that one was banned jen, due to over excitement of females worldwide.. :)

18 Aug 2014 21:42:57
Lol Ed,

More bad press I see :-)

{Ed025's Note - im used to it now dags, joey barton and myself are never painted in a good light mate..

18 Aug 2014 21:53:59
Nah mate, you are top boy.

Can't say the same for Joey Barton.
As soon as he moved to France, they all emigrated to Newcastle's first team.

18 Aug 2014 21:59:19
Ha ha, no surprise there ed025 :-)

18 Aug 2014 19:57:33
Fancy cesc to score tonite I should have got him back

18 Aug 2014 21:40:43
Ww,

He does look good but I don't think we need him mate.

If Rambo continues his progress and Wilshere steps up a little, cesc will be a thing of the past. ( which he is anyway).

Wilshere need to step up 1000 steps mate nowhere near good enuf and never will

18 Aug 2014 18:39:36
Hey lads, eds and Jen. Now eds I know you don't talk money thus this question is not for you! Curious as you what valuation Gooners would put on Ramsey if we had to sell him? I'd be firm on £40-50m

Depends who buys him mate I would say 40 plus as it stands if he keeps fitness add another 20 to real / Barca at end of season

18 Aug 2014 20:52:44
I think a lot will depend on his form this season, he looks like it has every chance of continuing and even him getting better in which case I could see his value being in excess of £40 million. :-)

I think as we stand today £40 million by the end of the season it certainly won't be less and quite properly a lot more

18 Aug 2014 21:26:32
£40/50m in my honest opinion.

18 Aug 2014 18:09:20
Hi eds have u got certain days that your on line or do u all come on when u want please thanks

{Ed025's Note - when we are available mostly WW,

18 Aug 2014 17:55:06
DAGGSIE old boy

Remy won't do anything for helping Sanchez settle in, that is a big plus, Remy you wanted to buy, at least Vargas could be offered back.

Just for the fact you are Mr Remy in disguise I wouldn't want him here

:) x

18 Aug 2014 21:47:20
Lol Bambam,

Gimme Remy any day, especially over Vargas.

18 Aug 2014 17:11:06
How close are we to signing Manolas? Will Reus leave Dortmund this summer and if so, who is interested?

{Ed002's Note - Read the posts please. Use the search function.}

18 Aug 2014 17:09:31
I've just noticed a lot of mention of this 'Cool Gang'
What is all this *ollockz about can somebody tell me please.
Eds can you please enlighten me as to where this all stemmed from and why?.
It sounds really muggy.

{Ed025's Note - i think it started with little gunner having a post deleted golds...then the toys came flying out the pram.. :)

18 Aug 2014 23:58:52
Ed, you know full well that wasn't how it started. And no toys came out of the pram, just sticking up for WW and others.

{Ed025's Note - i hope you noticed the smiley at the end LG, dont take things so serious mate..

18 Aug 2014 16:02:44
Is the Manolas deal close to being finalised?

{Ed002's Note - Measured how?}

18 Aug 2014 16:47:38
In penguin feet Ed, duh? :P

Has the medical been carried out and do all parties appear to want the deal to happen?

BA HA HA HA, penguin feet, I think Sp@rs are after him!

18 Aug 2014 14:49:50
Jack Wilshere knockers - see Aaron Ramsey 2 years ago.

Amazing what a couple of injury free (ish) years can do. Even mystic Meg couldn't have seen his change of fortunes coming.

Have patience. In Wenger we trust.

18 Aug 2014 15:28:49
I don't think there are any Jack Wilshere knockers, just a load of Jack Wilshere supporter's who wants the boy to do better.

He has a God given talent, injuries can't be helped, who doesn't seem to be using that talent to the best of its ability.

18 Aug 2014 15:47:40
As was posted on the other page it is simply a need for him to return to form, his potential was realised in his earlier years. It's that simple.

All this constant going on about him is the same as happened to Aaron, just let him get on with it, he knows what is required.

18 Aug 2014 16:06:41
Absolutely Jenjen,

And Arsene has said its the fittest he has seen him in 3 years.

Here's hoping.

All three excellent points Gooner, Charles and Jenny.

Completely agree. Just let him get on with it! He's an Arsenal player after all so just support him and hope he gets to a level we all want, just like Aaron Ramsey.

18 Aug 2014 16:53:17
With you all the way g1

Jack Wiltshire hasn't got any knockers.

I truly believe you can't fault his ability, it's his attitude that needs to change.
Ramsey looked poor but once he got his mind straight everything came together.
Willshire has a great model in front of him to aim at and I believe he can do it.

Correct cs. I think out rivals have better strikers.

18 Aug 2014 14:24:45
Rumour circulating that Bernard is being put up for a season long loan to get him out of war torn Ukraine.

The fact that Shaktar find themselves in such a difficult situation could work to our advantage in negotiations and he could prove a valuable, short term, low risk addition to the squad.

When we were linked with him last season I watched highlight reels online and he seemed a gifted technical player but he hardly set the world cup on fire in the few appearances he made. Would add pace to our left flank without a doubt tho

18 Aug 2014 15:36:27
Brilliant on YouTube, not so on the pitch.

Season long loan? Yes please.

Outright purchase? No thank you.

Giggily Giggily UG.

From what I've seen he's not great on the football pitch which is where we would play him Dags.

Not for me.

18 Aug 2014 16:57:20
A real youtube united player :P

If he's not good enough to play for us if we buy him, not sure he's worth loaning. Would just be more of the same anyway. Money from the wages could go towards a player we could do with, like schnederlin or remy or nastasic.

18 Aug 2014 13:32:51
OUTBACK

Great post reference JW and OG, some good points made.

18 Aug 2014 13:26:40
Thoughts on Vargas ALL

I had an interesting exchange on here yesterday ( one of many alll good though)

I think he would be ideal, he is quick and versatile and he also has a mate at the club.

I feel a benefit for sure.

His pace would be an asset but his recent scoring record ain't great. 3 in 17 on loan at Valencia last season. In 2 minds whether he is what we need.

Scoring record isn't great Banbury. I'd be happy enough if he came in as you say he links well with Sanchez. He is also the type of player to utilise Mesut Ozil to maximum effect.

However

We have a similar player in Joel Campbell that has jumped through every hoop asked of him to get his chance for Arsenal and his time should be now.

Id take him on a season loan with an option to buy.

18 Aug 2014 15:42:16
Bambam,

Don't mean to be picky but you have slated Remy all season and are now offering Vargas?

Hmmm, Ding Ding, round 1.

Bring it on big fella.

Just for the record Dags, I would take Remy on loan for the season. I think both Vargas and Remy aren't great but would "do a job" coming on and would allow us to rest Giroud in cup games etc.

I just feel we should be looking at bigger and better long term.

18 Aug 2014 17:06:15
I think his best asset is his versatility he can play wings and centre but I'd be hoping for someone more prolific in front of goal

18 Aug 2014 12:08:57
Just reliving the INVINCIBLES team from 2004 and it got me thinking. Strange I know! How far away is the current team from that? I decided to do a little comparison.

Szczesny Vs Lehmann: For me, Lehmann was probably the craziest keeper to play for Arsenal. However, you cannot deny that he was a fantastic shot stopper and an excellent keeper. I remember he palmed out a definite goal at Old Trafford in the last few minutes and we won 1-0. Szczesny has a touch of the "crazies" about him but is starting to mature into a top keeper.

Lehmann: 8
Szczesny: 7

Cole Vs Gibbs: Cole, even though I hate the money grabbing person, was, at the time, one of the best left backs in the game. Gibbs is solid but in the early stages of his career is prone to injury.

Cole: 9
Gibbs: 7

Campbell Vs Mertesacker: Campbell was a rock at the back and still being in his prime, proved to be an outstanding bosman free from Spurs. Formed an excellent partnership with Kolo Toure. Mertesacker is a born leader and what he lacks in speed, he makes up for in positioning. Captain on the pitch.

Campbell: 8
Mertesacker: 8

Toure Vs Koscielny: Toure was moulded into an excellent centre back from midfield and was fast and strong and a fantastic defender. Koscielny is rapidly turning into a beast of a defender, however, he is prone to the odd rash decision, penalty conceded or a red card.

Toure: 8
Koscielny: 8

Lauren Vs Debuchy: Lauren was a solid performer, giving you a 7/10 performance most weeks. Debuchy, although he's a new signing, is looking to be very similar in the mould of Sagna, Lauren etc. a solid performer, week in, week out.

Lauren: 7
Debuchy: 7

Vieira Vs Arteta: Vieira was one of the most inspirational players to have ever played and captained Arsenal. A legend. Arteta has been an excellent servant for Arsenal but with age he is often found wanting, especially against the big teams. Current captain and leader in the dressing room.

Vieira: 9 (close to a 10, no half marks!)
Arteta: 7

Gilberto Silva Vs Ramsey: Slightly different positions but matching up the two players. Silva was an excellent, under the radar in terms of praise and fame, but did a fantastic job in midfield. Underrated but hugely important. Ramsey has transformed himself into one of the first names on the team sheet. An indispensable asset to the team.

Gilberto: 8
Ramsey: 9

Ljungberg Vs Sanchez: Ljungberg was an icon for Arsenal, not just for his ridiculous hairstyles but for his ability to score VERY important goals at crucial moments. Sanchez looks to be an outstanding player and one that could potentially help us challenge on all fronts.

Ljungberg: 8
Sanchez: 8

Pires Vs Ozil: Again, players from slightly different positions but I am measuring up strongest XIs. Pires was sensational from the left hand side of midfield. Scored lots of important match winning goals just like Ljungberg. Ozil is Arsenal's record signing but has been very hit and miss in his first season. With the pace of Sanchez and Walcott on the flanks, he could potentially rediscover his form and return to the King of Assists.

Pires: 8
Ozil: 8

Bergkamp Vs Giroud: Bergkamp is arguably one of, if not the greatest ever player to play for Arsenal. For me, he was brilliant and second only to Henry. Brilliant touch, control and vision. Giroud has scored goals for Arsenal but has missed several chances in crucial games against the big teams which have been costly.

Bergkamp: 10 (A perfect 10 for our best ever No: 10)
Giroud: 7

Walcott Vs Henry: Henry is still Arsenal's leading goalscorer with 228 goals for Arsenal. A brilliant player with pace, power and an eye for goal. Fantastic trophy winning captain. Walcott has often been referred to as the pretender to Henry's crown with similar attributes, especially pace. Theo has shown in the past he has an eye for goal but has been disrupted by injury.

Henry: 10 (IMO the best player to ever play for us)
Walcott: 7

INVINCIBLES: 93 out of 110
Arsenal XI 2014: 83 out of 110

A long way to go for the current team but there is definitely (after a signing or two) a squad with the potential to challenge. What does everyone else think? Apart from the fact that I am bored and have too much time on my hands!

18 Aug 2014 13:12:35
Greeny,

Fantastic, and I do mean fantastic post.

Totally original.

Do you want to join our gang?

You will get a shiny "I love Ed001" badge.

Seriously though, great post and well thought out.

Great post Greeny

I had it 99 / 86 in favour of the Invincibles.

What a good side they were

I would have Campbell Vieira Pires and Bergkamp and Henry all as 10s. Head and shoulders above their equivalent you have put them against.

Good post greeny enjoyed that

Good post. But disagree on a couple. I wouldn't like to give a player a rating based on his performances for a previous team, so find it hard to give ozil the same mark out of 10 as pires. The same for Sanchez. Also, I think a 9 for Ramsey is a bit much. Had a great two thirds of a season, but don't think he deserves the same score as viera. Also, I think Campbell was a better defender for us than merts has so far.

I think the invincibles are a good few paces ahead of where we are now. I'd say in that teams, about our weakest link was Lauren. He's as good as our current right back.

An excellent comparison job mate. Henry is also my favourite player of all time but I've always wondered if he would have been as prolific without the immense DB10.

Surely the best strike pairing of all time?

I disagree about Gibbs though. I don't know why people look through rose tinted glasses at him, he is average and is too easy injured. He would get a big fat 5 from me

18 Aug 2014 14:26:58
I think you're being very kind to some of the current crop Greeny

I prefer to see myself as a lone wolf although I am open to extending my wolf pack.

Ulster and Sheeny, football is all about opinions mate. I can understand your Gibbs thoughts and I have no problem in saying I am willing him to be a top player for us. Rose tinted specs and all!

Sheeny, who loses marks?

Great post Greeny. It was very well analysed.
It would be very interesting to see how the other members of the 2 squads match up.

18 Aug 2014 17:11:54
Funnily enough I would drop a point off every person in the current team. In work now so I don't have time to explain myself. Just having a quick read through of the site atm. I'll post my full ratings later

{Ed025's Note - we look forward to it sheeny..

Post of utd the season Dr Green, well done mate I really enjoyed reading it and think your marks were as close as it gets

18 Aug 2014 10:04:48
Would you risk Kos tomorrow? If he plays injured we could lose him for a time which would be a disaster.
If we play safe with him do we bring in Mert before he's ready or risk playing Flamini at CB?

Koscielny has trained with the squad this morning and looks fine. Personally, I would play him alongside Chambers. He will be fine. He's a strong player and we need to get a good result.

Another situation you could see coming and its come after first game. Ridiculous really, we have all been saying at some point defence is light. You could put flamini in I suppose, or what about deboucy pushing over and bellerin at rb, another good decision sending jenko out on loan before all the germans are ready. If mert is 100% then yes but if not why risk him.

Mertesacker did not train with the rest of the squad, he trained separately with Ozil and Poldi following their training programme.

The Germans also didn't board the plane to Instanbul so that effectively rules out Per playing tomorrow.

It will be Monreal, Kos, Chambers and Debuchy across the back.

18 Aug 2014 08:40:56
Rocky Vll,

Love the avatar :-)

"Cool" isn't it haha

18 Aug 2014 03:38:32
Ok, so, a couple of points based on the hot topics that have been discussed. I will be worried if I don't get disagreement, argument and dissent. Just remember though, I know your names now, and I have trained, attack crocodiles, as well as deadly capybara assassins.

1. Wilshire. Has shown brilliance in glimpses but injuries have stopped him from establishing himself. Unless he puts on 20kg and 20cm, he won't be a DM. Therefore, he is either our b2b or AM, but doesn't presently deserve to start in either role over Ramsey and Ozil. This makes him a great backup to either role, from the bench. This is not slating him, merely a statement of fact. MOVING ON.

2. Giroud. He has been very useful in his role. We cannot continue to expect him to play every game. Sanogo needs experience, so ideally, needs to be loaned out. All of Theo, Alexis and Joel can fill in up front but none of them can claim to be genuine CFs. Therefore, another CF would be handy. Wether that is a backup or, an upgrade in the starting side, either would do. A backup like Remy, Vargas or Lacazette. Or, an upgrade to a worldie like Cavani with Giroud for backup, for me, is ideal. Giroud is good Cavani/Falcao/Benzema are better. Once again, this is not a slight on Olly, merely a statement of fact.

Great Post!
I agree with you but am not that fussed by bettering Olly as I think him in the centre of two very dangerous flank men will be very effective.
I do disagree that you have managed to train crocodiles! I may not be from croc territory but I've seen many crocs and know enough to say they will not be subject to anyones authority :P

And Capybara's are South American!

18 Aug 2014 08:33:19
Top post Outback.

Totally agree, especially about Jack.

18 Aug 2014 10:41:58
I have trained crocodiles SydneyGunner, they have frickin laser beams attached to their heads. Check the sightings page for a photo of one in action. My ninja Capybara was brought back by one of my crocodiles on assignment in South America. I have now dispatched one to your location, in response to your insolence. You will not see him coming. Good day.

18 Aug 2014 12:32:16
You ruined it for me when you said Benzema was a "worldie" :(

I see it as a vocation to rid the world of this view!

18 Aug 2014 12:50:27
Outback,

You keep quoting films.

Austin Powers, lol.

Great film.

O dear. Well Sydney is practically flooded at the moment, so plenty amount of water. O well, I work in a biology lab, soooooo, might just have to send a super virus your way and we'll call it even ;) However you wouldn't take out a fellow Aussie Gunner, how about we send your crocs to wreak havoc in White Hart Lane instead?

You send them crocs near white heart lane and I'm phoning the RSPCA and having you brought up on cruelty to animal charges. Frickin lazer beams I can handle but the Inhumanity of that statement makes me shudder

18 Aug 2014 15:49:55
UG :-)