Arsenal Banter Archive February 01 2013

 

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01 Feb 2013 20:45:39
Well, we all know now that all the speeches were nothing but garbage. I was rubbished for continually stating AW would NOT spend and that a leopard doesn't change his spots, and I also said that any incomer would be a no-name. Well, well, well, who was correct? We have been conned for too long now and AW can no longer live on his past reputation, it is time he moved upstairs, at least. All the talk of improving the team is just rubbish, AW, SK, IG and H-W have NO intention of spending what is needed and there is only one way to get them out and that is to boycott games, but it will never happen. There is a chink of light in that we will not qualify for the CL and that will impact on their income thus, perhaps, speeding up their departure.

Believable6 Unbelievable25

I'd hardly call a Spanish international a no name. What a stupid comment!


SM1996

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Is the only thing you enjoy about supporting Arsenal winning points in forum discussions? This was the first post in banter, else I wouldn't have bothered reading it all. Such misery mate. Watching and supporting football should be a little fun don't you think, or else why bother? Parts of this season have been some of the worst I've seen from Arsenal, but honestly I feel like I've been spoilt by Wenger. Just support who ever is top of the league, or whoever scored the best goal last week maybe? You just seem like a typical ignorant fan, who'd ruin our team for nothing, and not be around once the damage was done.

Sign off if you fancy yourself pretty special.

Also, I think possibly its your fault that you think Monreal is a 'no-name', not his or the clubs. Ned.

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Wenger is losing a lot of respect from the paying arsenal fans, everyone knows the board are gutless - but everyone seems to be forgetting the point we still have arsenal football club - the club will be here long after these gutless fools have gone, everyone knows we have been sucker punched by 'tight ar*e, blind to the fact we have no defensive system wenger', but we must still get behind the TEAM every match - boycotting the team will not help, it will only hinder our chances more. lets see at the end of the season where we stand, if wenger is proven wrong by not buying then he must leave.

GS

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Gs, we have been saying the same things about wenger going for over 5 years. he has too much power at the club to be pushed out.

champagne charlie

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Too much power?

the spurs have Daniel Levy running around the place to sign a player. Liverpool had Tom Werner and Ian Ayre trying to get things done because the first try didn't yield well with Comolli working things out. these are board-level people dealing with the business end of the club, same way we had Dein getting involved with us.
Wenger didn't need to wade through all that water on his own. apart from what little Wenger does do, who else do you see in the suits-and-boots group who give a crap about what we do out on the field and who we sign?

apart from our own King Louis XVI, does anyone in upper management care what happens at the club? would sacking Wenger automatically grant us the right to league title without challenge? what's to say the next guy in won't be giving just as little attention?

Mike

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Oh god another anti Arsene rant. So signing three established internationals from France, Germany and Spain last summer, a Spanish international in January adds up to signing no names?

Can I also check what did you really know about Cesc, Pires, Wilshere, Sagna, Vermailen, Petit, Anelka, Ljungberg, Lauren, Flamini, Hleb, Ramsey, Toure, Clichy, Nasri, RVP, and so many others before he bought them through or signed them? I'm guessing as fan you will have heard of them?

You have to be realistic United, City and Chelsea have access to funds beyond anything we might have, and we cannot and maybe don't want to compete with them in spending £100s millions.

You either only started supporting Arsenal in recent years or you have forgotten the teams we used to have prior to Arsene - my god even Terry Mancini used to play!

The ghost of Terry Mancini

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01 Feb 2013 20:08:31
Anyone else watch Monreal's interview on the Arsenal web site, is it me or was that faf. Those guys doing the voice overs.

Stoner

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02 Feb 2013 09:00:15
Obviously not you donut, you just made yourself look a right pillock and not for the first time I might add.

Stoner

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Stoner, you having an argument with yourself? Or is one of the above not you?

337

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01 Feb 2013 19:59:08
Champagne Charlie,

Apologies I've only just been through the posts and seen your question, we all have a series of pretty much the same ever revolving questions.

Easiest thing is to say this, I have been a die-hard in Arsene we trust (actually detest that saying) fan since his arrival and subsequent revolution of our style of football and all that came with it.

This season for the 1st time I have lost a lot of faith in him simply because I find it impossible to put up an argument for some of the incredulous things he's said in interview and decisions he's made on field. I even said at one point the best signing we could make was Klopp.

Most had a good feeling or a vain hope at the beginning of the season about a reasonable core of the squad and knowing Jack was coming back. We all knew we had players not fit for purpose, that Diaby and Gibbs were risks and to an extent we didn't know how Jack would come back or Rosicky, we all just hoped we'd do something, but it's just not produced or lived up to any kind of expectation as of now.

However I do not want him to go and want him to stay and bring Arsenal back to the forefront of great football and trophy winning ways again. I just have no idea how to defend him anymore or whether I'm even sane for that matter.

Stoner

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Stoner the post is not adressed to me but anyway, I agree I do support arsene, because me hating him won't change anything, to take a club to the places he's taken them is exceptional. Weve revolutionized our club and made it better and very sustainable for the future, I believe he does need another summer, but he won't have time to take us back to the top. He will step down end of next eyar ( contract ends) hopefully we will have won something then and he will leave in the right vein, aslong as his team give 100% I will be satisfied, afterall we can only do that if the millions less they are worth compared to city catches up on them well fair enough!


Yorkshire Gooner Joe :D

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Being an arsenal fan is the hardest thing in the world for me. it never use to be like that "ashburton grove " is to blame for that.
people on here think i'm a moaning prat that gets a kick out of being negative but its just not like that.
i tried to build up support to try and get change at the club, it was just my way of trying to do something for which I believe is for the good of the club.

i have been coming on here for about 2 years now and I want to tell every 1 that does not all ready know that yes I am "malaga gooner" and I would like the eds to verify that.
i want to explain to every 1 why I made up that character.
as I said I have been coming on here for about 2 years fighting for change at the club and at the time there was only about 4-5 of us that felt the same way.
even when ex directors where being pushed out of the club for stating there was money to spend,, fans on here were still defending the way the club was being run.

i started of posting rumours about players coming in to the club not to wind people up but to show them the sort of players we should be going for because we could afford them, it was never meant to give people false hope but to remind them how once we use to have world class players and how far behind we have fallen.
it got a bit out of hand.

i agreed with the owner of the site that I would cease using the name and to be honest it went to far. I have been held up in the bed for about 15 months on and off due to an accident at work, I had too much time on my hand.

it has got to the stage now where the club has started to wreck every 1s head. football was never suppose to be about arguments and falling out with fellow gooners, it was suppose to be about bringing gooners together in harmony and to show respect to each other and a escape from every day troubles in life. the fighting at brighton was the last straw for me. who ever is running the club may it be wenger, gazidas, or kroenke they should be ashamed for letting it get that far.

one thing about me is that straight to the point and a bit blunt but I do not think I have been once abusive to any 1 on here, I did get a fair bit of abuse from others but I suppose I deserved it after giving people false hope.
i actually tried to post all this after the 1st hazard saga but for some reason it did not go through so I carried it on.

we are quite lucky on the arsenal forum there has been some great posters on here for the last couple of years and more and more are signing off.
"clg lets be having you son"

any way 3 points saturday nacho to score the 1st goal.

e. i. e

champagne charlie

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Good post Charlie, now as for your rumours I'm not too sure why people let it get to them so much and like you say 'players we actually should be going for' asides the rumours I can't think of much you've said that isn't right, I'm not completely with you on the Wenger out boat, but in all honesty I'm getting to the end of my patience with the man. Stan out yes and would like to see what and how that would change the club.

On the whole I can't disagree with a majority of what you say, fact is we were sold a dream, that dream was Ashburton grove and being the biggest club off this era, we kept to pur end of the bargin as fans, we kept going to the matches, supporting the club when we lost / sold players buying the merchandise etc etc knowing full well we would have some difficult years in the stadium transition period. but enough is enough, our great club and great fans doesn't deserve the way we are being treated, fans like me and Charlie and many others only want what we were sold.

1404

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Tbh mate, I aren't getting any sympathy for me. I've been reading the site for a couple of years myself, although I only recently started posting, so I've read a lot of what you are talking about.

Perhaps you don't deserve abuse, but you do deserve everyone's lack of respect. You have acted like a man-child, your arguments were insufficient, so you made stuff up, manipulated fans of a club you claim to support in order to pursue your personal agenda.

Your actions have had a negative impact on Arsenal Football Club, not a positive one, you have not helped. You have incited people against the club, and your comments have made these people have strong emotional reactions at times, right or wrong as that may be.

Sounds to me like you need to put a touch less importance onto the club man, it will always be here, it will be a winning side again. GO for a walk or something.

Dicky

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02 Feb 2013 10:27:38
If being an arsenal fan is the hardest thing in the world for you, then you quite an easy life son. a very easy life

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Lol, Stoner mate, I can confirm you are definitely not sane. Passionate, loyal maybe, but certainly not sane.

AJH

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1st of all i'm not looking for sympathy dicky. I just thought it was time to let the cat out of the bag for the people that did not know.

1404 your absolutely right we were sold a dream that the fans ended up paying for. the 1st sponsorship deals helped the project but the supporters paid for 2 thirds of the stadium.

keith elderman and david dein were pushed out of the club and both were huge arsenal fans. they were replaced by people like ivan gazidas and tom fox who do not have an ounce of arsenal blood running through their veins. wenger sat on the panel and had the final say in their appointment, does that not tell you who has the power. if wenger did not agree with the way the club was being run why did he not walk with his mate dein.

my post above was not an apology and any 1 that thinks it is should read it again.
this is a rumour site and as long as your not out of order you should be able top post what ever you like about the club.

to the 3rd unnamed post. I am going to doubt your a true arsenal fan. arsenal use to be about the community, it would give hope to the community. it would help the community through bad times. arsenal means the world to me, not as much as my wife and kids but after them its araenal.
edoo2 in a conversation with him yesterday was talking about camden town and prawn sandwiches but when people do not turn up for games it has an effect on local business.

there use to a time when the whole squad use to tun up at the whittington hospital at xmas to see the sick kids and this xmas they sent players like santos and djourou,, I know 1 of the nurses who has works in the hospital for a good few years and she said the hype and excitement this year after the players left was dead flat.

ffp rules are suppose to stop teams spending what they can't afford. are you all telling me we could mot afford to spend 10-15 million on a gk when we had almunia in goal or 10-15 mill on a cb when the sqid ended up being a dud.

as I said when die hard away supporters started fighting at an away game was the day arsenal lost its soul.

its time fans started supporting the badge not the people that have the power at the club.

champagne charlie

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Unfortunatly some people hear the word rumour and think it means truth, one of the many words that has lost its meaning over recent years, like 'legend' world-class' and 'every other club gets bought out by a wealthy business man and they spend a fortune and we get bought out by someone who is only interested in making a fortune'. yeah I get that's more than one word.

If football was a big bag of revels we would end up with that sickly horrible orange coated chocolate thing!

1404

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02 Feb 2013 14:31:07
Welcome back, the one and only Champagne Charlie, what you did was totally harmless mate and we all have and do, voice differing opinions. let's just go kick butt for the rest of the season.

Stoner

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01 Feb 2013 19:41:41
Well guys absolutely gutted, if Gibbs never got injured we would have signed no one. Shocking really when you think our back four are having a nightmare time. We needed at least 3 players, and we all know it. can't understand why we are prepared to lose our champion league spot as well as our respect in europe. It will be hard to sign top class players if this happens, and there is a high posibillity it will happen. The fans know damn well there is money available, the club had plenty of time to scout players during this window, but still ignore the obvious, shocking defense an absolute embarrassment. I will always support and love this club, but I am gutted for the great fans we have. DEVON GUNNER

Believable6 Unbelievable6

01 Feb 2013 18:57:16
anyone else think it's a bit weird how tv transfer news/nobody reported the nacho deal last night except people on twitter and then the club - or that in the mirror for example, there was a page of all the ins and outs of each club, it said arsenal: ins: none, but then the page before was a double page spread on nacho signing for us?! bizarre

Believable2 Unbelievable1

01 Feb 2013 18:38:06
i want to start my post of my saying i'm pleased we signed monreal, he looks a really good left back, but for me that wasn't enough, and I doubt that wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for gibbs getting injured. what i'm about to say will probably be long so I just want to pre warn you and isn't a knee jerk reaction after last night, but the result of years of mediocrity and decline at the club. the only two aspects of the club that have improved in the last couple of seasons are the finances and the press office they can spin a good story. for me van persie moving to united proved one thing we are no longer one of the top clubs in europe or even the premier league and we are a serious distance away from mounting a good title challenge.

we are currently 6th in the league and 21 points off the top of the table, winning the premier league is impossible and finishing fourth looks harder than ever, we crashed out of the capital one cup against bradford and finished second in our champions' league group. each year we slip further and further away from the top of the table and become less competitive, yet we hear that we can still compete and have great character and a fantastic squad. so far this season we've drawn against sunderland, stoke, villa and southampton, lost to swansea and norwich games we are expected to win costing us 14 points. but what I find most frustrating and only reinforces just how much we have slipped behind the top three is that in two games with chelsea, one against united and two against city we managed 1 point conceding 9 and scoring 4. but what is most annoying about these high profile games is that we haven't even turned up, the performances were just awful, we looked a million miles away from a club that once beat these teams and proudly sat at the top of the league. and this isn't just in the premier league we also lost at home and threw away the lead to drew to schakle and lost away to olympiacos costing us top spot in our group in the champions league. how can this be considered success? being competitive? or even making progress?
we are for a second season looking at a real possibility of not finishing in the top four, we did it last year will we do it again though? what annoys me the most though is that we have had two opportunities to strength the squad and have failed to do so. yes we may have added cazorla, podolski, giroud and now monreal, but they didn't strengthen the squad or add to what we have they were bought to replace what we had lost leaving us in the same position. each year we hear that we will be active, that we want to sign players, and then we hear that only if there is quality and value for money, then we have a fantastic squad, that we aren't selling x and then we do. then when the window passes that we couldn't find anyone who was better than what we had, we have so and so returning from injury and they will be like a new signing. regardless of what people think we probably have the worst squad, we've had since wenger has been here. there is so much mediocrity, to many players who never get played and we are over reliant on one or two. we have no real competition for the goalkeeping position and as such have an overly cocky and confident goalkeeper who has no fear of losing his position, and does crazy things like cruyff turns as a player is breathing down his neck.

we have sagna who unfairly got his place back in the squad from an impressive jenkinson, a truly ridiculous decision more so as wenger hasn't dropped him and he has a been a liability he seems to have his mind elsewhere as his contract runs down, defenders who seem to have forgotten how to defend and are inconsistent, diaby who is always injured, no real wingers or defensive midfielders, and no quality that we can bring off the bench. yet we heard from wenger and szczesny this week we have a fantastic squad one of the best in europe, and we don't need much in the transfer window, is that meant to be a joke? apart from the obvious wilshere, cazorla and podolski nobody is anywhere near the level of any of wenger's best players. everyone knows whether that be our fans opposition fans, the press or anybody with the slightest footballing knowledge that we need an experienced goalkeeper, another centre back, a defensive midfielder a winger and perhaps another striker. this has been the case for a while I truly believe if we had a good defensive midfielder we wouldn't concede as many as we would have some line of protection between the defenders and the midfield. we've had ample time to add one, alex song left on the 20th august that gave us left 11 days to sign a new one in the summer, but no we decided to use diaby, he got injured as usual, wenger himself admitted before the chelsea game in september that just having diaby was a risk yet added nobody during the 31 days that have past. people can say it's hard to get quality during january nobody wants to sell but the point i'm making is that we have a chance in the summer as well but didn't we didn't pursue wanyama and then didn't do anything in january, we can't win. we missed out on llorris, mbiwa, m'villa, zaha those are just an example of four players that have moved during that time period all for reasonable fees and in areas we need to strengthen, but I thought wenger said there was no affordable quality that would improve the squad? I could go on all day about the players we have penny pinched over and lost or that who would move to the club but we make no attempt to sign.

we have an owner who is never at any games and as a policy of turning the clubs he owns into a nice little money making investment. a board that comes out and say that we have money to spend when directly asked a chairman who thanks us for taking an interest in his affairs and a manager that is to stubborn to change he wants to be proved right he wants diaby to come good and persists just so he can say see I was right we didn't need to spend 20 million. in the last months the website and media gets plastered with information about the money we have made in a new sponsorship deal, how we have got money to spend then we don't. there is the constant talk of ffp and how our time will come soon but it never does, wenger goes on about his "social pay structure" which in lehman's terms equates to we don't offer a competitive pay package with proper high end wages, but instead have mediocre players on big wages, and reward talent alone far too early. I find it hard to swallow as well as gazidis and wenger can get all high and mighty about ffp and not offering big wages and how crazy football has got while earning ridiculous wages themselves, some of the highest in their respective fields. we play bayern in the champions league next they boast a squad which includes; neuer, dante, ribery, martinez, robben, shaqiri, lahm, muller, badstuber, gustavo, schweinsteiger, gomez and kroos, a real team with strength in depth and quality yet have a smaller wage bill than us it boggles my mind. in the last three season they have won the league finished second twice, got to two champions league finals in the last three years won their version of the fa cup yet still add to their squad and want to be more competitive. that is a top european squad one that doesn't rest on its previous success but moves forward and at the slightest sign of slipping off the pace as they did with dortmund in the past add strength and quality to the squad. we simply do not do that this post is not just about our short comings in the transfer window but decline of our club. we qualify for the champions league to get knocked out year after year either at the quarter finals or the last sixteen, and the board and club seem happy they got to two finals and weren't.

today I read from people that we should get behind wenger, the club and squad after all he created the invcibles, did the double and I should dare question him. and on the other hand everything at the club is wrong even if something good happens find the negative. I haven't forgotten what wenger did and never will he is a legend, but that is in the past and not even the last two or three season 8 years ago, and we are on the decline selling our best players, not adding quality, charging huge ticket prices, I believe that announcing the ticket price freeze was done when it was to distract from our lack of activity in the transfer window. but in the same virtue I won't boo the players or insult them on twitter after a bad game I will get behind them. but overall something has got to be done look at liverpool they missed out on the champions league and haven't managed to get back in we cannot afford for that to happen to us we must do something whether that be replace wenger the board or the owner I do not know but what I do know is that many of the things that could be done to improve the club and squad are not being done and that is just ridiculous. I could go on four ages and mention many more things, but this post is already far too long I realise that I have only scratched the surface on many points. and if you disagree fine I don't mind you are entitled to your own opinion but please no in arsene we trust or telling me what he has done in the past. thanks for reading
will

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I'm sure its a good post but don't have time tonight, i'll read it Sunday morning.

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Quality post spot on DEVON GUNNER

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I agree with your point but we are not a million miles away from getting back to the top of the heap, dig up some of the stranger stats this year and you'll see what I mean. we are top for conceeding due to an individual error (I think it's 19 goals) this can be ironed out and I think it will be reduced when we get our DM's fit (Arteta did great early season but was new to the position hence not always in the right place to give an outlet ball, we passed the ball to the opposition from defence at times). Refereeing errors - we've had more than the average and some have really cost us. Own goals in key games - most just unlucky (luck evens itself out), Mike Dean seems to referee all of our big games (just 1 win in 18 under him, way off the average referee stat in our games), outplaying teams but no cutting edge early season, scoring for fun but conceeding too many recently - looks like the balance isn't quite there yet, Arsene will instruct players whether to push on or stay back, Arteta's cover Ramsey and Coq haven't quite sat back enough, Lack of top class cover which will be addressed by the young reserves improving (this happens to us every year and happens to other clubs e. g. Song was useless a few year back, RVP a liability etc). you can go on looking at fine detail and see that with a fair bit of work, a couple of new players in the summer (churn), current youngsters improving and youngsters coming through from reserves we can get back up there.
I work in Liverpool and the consensus the other day was that the game highlighted exactly how good both teams could be but equally outlined why both teams are where they are. errors for us and for them its down to when Gerrard tires the team sit back showing how ordinary the rest of the team are (barring Suarez but he is equally disliked in general).

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01 Feb 2013 16:28:58
Hi Edds,

Sorry if this has already be answered but now that gibbs is likely to miss the champions league, can't you add 1 player who is cup-tied to your squad?

Can Monreal play if we add him?

Believable0 Unbelievable5

He can't play since Malaga are still in the competition. Wenger's already mentioned that he wouldn't feature against Bayern.

Wenger also said that "Santos could have a key role" but I guess it's his way of 'lying to the public' instead of coming out straight away and saying Vermi would play there and he's just throwing Munich and the media some bones to chew on.

Mike

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No, I'd expect and hope TV5 plays there with Gibbs out and Monreal cup tied.

Bergkamp's apprentice

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I hope the only key role santos is given is holding the keys of the team bus

spanner

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01 Feb 2013 16:24:33
Nacho Monreal is a quality signing but I don't think that a left back was the position that was most needed. I would have rather spent the money on Wanyama

Believable7 Unbelievable2

Left back was definitely needed. With gibbs injury prone, we don't have a lb. .

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Didn't watch the game wednesday then

1404

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01 Feb 2013 18:45:53
Absolutely agree with you, but I doubt Wanyama was for sale in this window. Hope for better availability in the summer.

Deepthrow

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Hooper wasnt for sale and neither was wanyama

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Before I get slated this is tongue in cheek.
Now we have Monreal we could play a back 4 of:

Sagna, Mert, Kos and Gibbs

Midfield:
Monreal, Diaby, TV5, Jenkinson

Attack:
Santos and Giroud.

We could play this squad when we're looking for a draw. it's so defensive but pre-season Santos looked good upfront and playing off Giroud we could probably nick a goal.

If you think about it this is the kind of set-up Stoke and Norwich seem to have i. e. Defend as a team, all capable defenders except Giroud (although when he has to and at corners he isn't too bad). I think that's why those teams do so well defensively as the defence has lots of help all over the pitch.

I'd love to see this line-up when we just need a draw in Champs League, fill the bench with attacking players!!

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You seem to be confused, GIbbs is more attacking whereas nachos is more a solid defensive mind player so surely if you want those 2 in the same team they will switch positions, me however I want an out and out left winger/midfielder(I know Gibbs started off as a midfielder and could do a job) but we need a top class player in the mould of an overmars or even a limpar

2-1 arsenal today in a scrappy nervous battle


Shaneyd

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This is why you're not a football manager.

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Totally agree with you, my comments are tongue in cheek, just looking at the fact we could play defensively whenever needed, most of our defenders are adaptable and can be used further up. my preference is attacking football using real wingers and quick forwards i. e. Henry. that's the Arsenal way but my point is that other teams set themselves with defensive midfielders even out wide i. e 2 banks of defenders, we could do that now but only when needed. I hate Stoke they are anti football and Pullis would look for the type of set-up I've outlined. I actually our 100% defensive option would perform better than them.
I actually like the fact our defence are pretty much attacking mould players i. e. the CB overlapping our midfield at times (not including Mert here) but I also realise this is prone to errors. I still prefer it that way

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01 Feb 2013 16:13:20
Sorry Ed I sent my post in before finishing it. My one was the one about the AW and the rubbish. I was going on to say that someone had already mentioned about the lack of opportunities some of our young players get IE Eisfeld, Gnabry and Miyachi(loaned out)not to mention the dropping of Jenko for the sorry sight of Sagna. I wonder if this was a bone of contention for Liam and he decided to call it a day, but I must admit the rumour of The Iceman being his replacement brought a big grin to my face, not to mention the wife who is his biggest fan. Anyway people I am going for a hard fought 2-1 Arsenal win tomorrow.
Thanks for the site Ed
The Heybridge Gooner

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01 Feb 2013 16:03:41
Gk. Szeczney
Rb. Sagna
Cb. Koscielny
Cb. Vermaelen
Lb. Monreal
Cm. Arteta
Cm. Wilshere
Cam. Cazorla
Rw. Walcott
Lw. Podolski
Cf. Giroud

Subs
Fabianski
Mertesaker
Gibbs
Diaby
Rosicky
Oxlade chamberlain
Gervinho

2nd team

Gk. Manone
Rb. Jenkinson
Cb. Squllaci
Cb. Miquel
Lb. Santos
Cm. Coquelin
Cm. Ramsey
Cam. Eisfeld
Rw. Gnabry
Lw. Arshavin
Cf. Afobe

Subs

Martinez
Angha
Meade
Yennaris
Olsson
Henderson
Akpom

Out on loan
Djourou
Frimpong
Denilson
Ryo
Campbell
Aneke
Bendtner
Park
Chamahk
Wellington
Galindo

Not a bad group of players
Seen better seen worse
Hope to win the fa cup and finish 4th

1987gunnerforever

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01 Feb 2013 16:02:40
Hello Ed and fellow Gooners
Firstly, Nacho, quality buy who will be a good addition to the squad. I here he was a possible summer target, so I don't know if that made the deal easier to go thru, really looking forward to seeing him in a Arsenal shirt. With the purchase of Nacho, I hope we will never see Santos in a Arsenal shirt again, that includes Champions League.
The usual post transfer window rubbishnfrom AW concerning signing another player was what it is(rubbish) in my opinion.
I see someone has already mentioned today concerned a

Believable1 Unbelievable1

01 Feb 2013 14:36:39
Thoughts on our weirdo defence lol

Alot of it is down to tactics. Wenger knows very little about training defenders. Inhereted the famous Geroge Graham back 4 who were world class as a unit and then brought in a class organiser and leader in Sol. En route to CL we hadnt conced in something like 10 CL games, including trips to Juve and Real. Since Sol we've had no stability whatsoever and no leadership. Jens Lehmann was another leader who would enforce tacitcal compentence, sometimes physically. At times our defending has been down to lack of quality, like Senderos and Santod. But atm, I think we genuinely have 5 amazing defenders in Sagna, Mert, Verm, Kos and now Monreal. Problem has always been playing as a unit and lack of leadership at the back. Good defenses always have a vocal, inspirational organiser like Terry, Kompany or Vidic whereas we just dont. The result is Mert and Verm playing different systems at times or the defenders making mistakes through lack of faith in the system etc.

No idea if Monreal (very similar player to gibbs but BETTER going forward) will fix things, I suspect well still be vunerable. I really like our 3 CBs as individual defenders but a player like Kompany is worth £50m to Arsenal, he really is.
Eman

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Its quite strange when you consider that Wenger himself was a defender!

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No disrespect but do you watch wenger train defenders? does he even do that don't coaches do that? Martin o neil for example lets cocaches train and just does man management, i'm not rubbishing oyur point i'm just saying show abit of respect.

Yorkshire Gooner Joe :D

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01 Feb 2013 14:33:25
Just a thought Ed,

Seeing the way Monreal was actually meant to move to us in the summer, could this be an indication of 1) Wenger signing players for the new manager, 2) a big summer of spending by us.

Personally think its number 2. How many other players are learning english right now for the move to Arsenal in the summer lol.

We normally do deals months before they happen, Poldi was another. can see this being a very busy summer to finally address all our problems. hopefully overhaul the defence, Heard Chesney has 6 months to prove himself also.

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Or it could be just a last minute deal and wengers going nowhere and we will sign two unknowns and a youngster with outstanding potential.
same s£££t different day.

ty. 1

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01 Feb 2013 14:41:35
I can't believe the reaction of some people! Yes we only got 1 player but a very good 1 and we were definitely trying to get villa and I've just heard we were trying to get capoue! Are we seriously moaning about not getting Diame he is not an improvement on what we've got. Wenger obviously has got players lined up in the summer and will be at a better price. 1 last thing we no wenger dosent like buying in January so stop moaning that he didn't go crazy with money keep the faith if we don't finish 4th then start moaning but in the mean time get behind wenger and the team!SM1996

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Wanting players to improve our team isn't moaning and is also classedas getting behind the club.

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Here here
in arsene we trust

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Do we really know this player is good? I cannot remember anyone quoting this player as a left back we should be interested in. In fact I would imagine 90% of people haven't even heard of him until yesterday, why should we be excited about this signing as it doesn't really help us (wouldn't surprise me if Wenger plays Santos/Vermaelen at LB at the weekend).

Should we be excited that Wenger almost signed someone else? (well he didn't sign did he). In my opinion No. Why not sort a deal in the 30 days prior and actually sign him.

I honestly do not see an improvement in our team after this window and we all knew we needed to strengthen. That is why I am complaining. I still want Wenger to leave in the summer.
Chess

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Chess, a full Spain international just behind Alba for the world and European champions, I'd say that makes him a decent player wouldn't you mr negative?

Check mate

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01 Feb 2013 14:18:53
Here's my view for you negative persons

Why do you guys want us to sign a winger?pls tell me what's wrong with podolski or walcott on the wings?
you all wanted hazard, tell me what has he done to justify that price tag and wage?podolski is miles ahead and is a hard worker with a good end product. our attack is dangerous, and would be a constant danger if sagna was on the bench, he is completely useless on the attack, no pace, no cross, can't beat a man and constantly passing backwards, just analyse some games, teams want us to pass the ball to him since he will stop the attack dead cold, there is no reason not to give jenkinson a start, but wenger doesn't see it.
the only thing letting us down is the defence, with sagna the main culprit, we don't need a def mid, we just need a better more organized defence, gibbs is great, monreal is a spanish international, enough said, and jenkinson and coquelin should fill the right back spot until sagna leaves, I was disapointed we didn't sign a cb, but i'll live, so please stop with the berating of the team, our attack is good, except sagna
we just need a better defence
end rant
Nuclear gooner

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01 Feb 2013 14:02:17
As we haven't bought a D. M ( Don't know if that's been mentioned ) this is the conversation I would have with Diaby, Arteta, Ramsey in training, but especially Diaby as he would be my first choice. "When your fit haha, we've got a A. M (Cazorla). We've got a box to box (Wilshere). What I want you to do is just to sit and protect the back four. That is your no1 priority. I know I maybe losing out on your creative part of your game, but for the greater good you need to hold back. Keep their attacking players in front of you. Especially Arteta and Ramsey as you don't have the pace to get back when we're being done on the counter attack. The only time I want you to go forward is when I tell you to. Which will probably be if we're losing or needing the win with 10 minutes to go. We need more balance in the team and you are it!

Like others I'm very frustrated, but from hear on in I will only concern myself we've who we've got and not who we didn't get. I'm not saying I won't critizise, because I'm sure I will, but they will have my full support until the end of the season. No matter how frustrated I am, I f##kin love this club, and have since the age of six. That will never change! Give it everything. Go forth and get fourth (minimum).

AS EVER, COME ON YOU GOONERS :-) (-:
Flybo

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Totally agree mate. In my humble opinion there are only two, maybe 3 players in our entire squad with the engine to be anywhere near as good as previous DMs - they are Jenkinson, Coquelin and Koscielny. Those 3 players cover ground at a scary rate, and maintain this for 90 mins. Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, Diaby, Rosicky, these 5 are nowhere near as. what's the word. pacey/agile/leggy/athletic as those 3 mentioned.
I have memories of Gilberto and Vieira and the way the ate up ground for breakfast, they covered it so quickly.
Coquelin and Jenko cover ground all game long at pace, and Koscielny, well, very few players are faster than him. When I look at it that way, it really makes me pray that Coquelin becomes a star. We see glimpses and then he gets injured, he needs to overcome this.

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01 Feb 2013 13:56:32
What's Monreal's squad number?

MiKey

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I believe it's 17

Bergkamp's apprentice

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17 I would think

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01 Feb 2013 13:14:21
any 1 else think NACHO looks a bit like peter crouch and he looks more german than spanish?

1. 78m tall, the extra height will come in handy.

this boy is suppose to be able to tackle would any 1 stick him in as dm when gibbs is fit?

champagne charlie

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I thought the same thing about him looking like Crouchy.

I think we have had enough of players playing out of position. Look at Ramsey. Playing a hell of a lot better in the middle. If he is a left back, then left back is where he should play.

Naz

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With respect people moan at players being played out of position so why as soon as we buy a FULLBACK would we want him in midfield basing it on his height and the possibility he can tackle.

Paul - Rochester

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Wait. Monreal is 26 foot tall?!

Lie him infront of the goal, and have done ;)

D

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Annnnd I just saw the 1.

Trolled myself there.

Akward. (slips out)

D

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He's only 5'8, not really much extra height.

Ted

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D, maths clearly not your thing.

Even if you missed the 1 off 78m is not 26ft

Do you suffer from foot in mouth syndrome?

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01 Feb 2013 13:55:18
Listening to Wenger's interview earlier saying we were close to signing someone else but the other club had other idea's and it wasn't about money, my immediate thought was that it was all bull and was just saying that to please the fans especially with the money bit, hinting he may have opened the old war chest, might be just looking to much into it but if Gibbs didn't get injured we obviously wouldn't have signed anyone. Could the other one been villa, personaly even though I love him and think he is ace in front of goal I'm glad we didn't. back from a big injury, we would have bought him, sent him out for his debut and he would been upended by any prem defense and probably would be nursing him till the end of his career.
Either way we have our team for the rest of the season so let's have it, back the the lads and see where we end up.

Eyeball

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01 Feb 2013 13:47:55
A big congratulations to MalagaGooner, you got 0/12 correct. That doesn't include "Im told Walcott is 100% off, he will not be signing a new contract"

Paul

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Paul, although you really do need to get some 'Malaga' therapy you are right - he got every incoming signing wrong, and Walcott leaving wrong, but you missed 'TV5' has fallen out with AW and will also be leaving.

I have a funny feeling that MG has gone for good. . .

Or maybe he is still here in disguise??

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Well, you can't fault the guy for effort Paul.
God loves a trier.

D

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He's not Malaga at the mo I think he's got his Champagne Charlie shirt back on.

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And how many did you get

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So he doesn't love Santos then

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01 Feb 2013 13:40:35
ha, just read david sullivan interview on agents.

i know quite a bit about him and this interview made me laugh.

i know david through school dinners club it use to be in baker street in london.

would not of thought there would of been too many people that would of threatened him and are still breathing.

powerful man. lolololo

champagne charlie

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What!

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Very interesting zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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01 Feb 2013 13:03:25
ED. ! Could you please shed more light on the following player's current situation and why they are still not in our fist team:

-1- Wellinton Silva --» World Class in Making
-2- Ryo Miyachi --» Arguably the Fastest young winger
-3- Thomas Estfield --» Highly Technically Proficient

If Arsenal is still in possession of these SUPPER TALLENTED YOUNG PLAYERS, why aren't we using them in first team? All the aforementioned are better than Herzard, Mako Marin, Ganzo etc who are also as young as they are but enjoying first team play.

I bet few Arsenal supporters have seen WELLINTON SILVER playing before.

Naija Gunner {Ed002's Note - I can't but I will open it up for the locals to give their opinion.}

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Welling ton Silva - no idea
Ryo - needs to prove himself, and has been injured.
Eisfeld - honestly no idea, the guy is amazing.

Just my take.

Metal Gooner

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Wellintion is a bad player with a bad attitude, can't get work permit, he will never play for arsenal
ryo is fast, but that's it for the moment, he is hot and cold and very lightweight for the prem, one for the future I tink.
eistfeld not sure bout this one, read great reviews on him. would love to see him get a game. my view on this is that wenger like players to wait their turn, as in there's many ahead of him in our midfield
hope it helps somehow

col

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Ryo is still a raw product and when you when you consider the flack Wenger's taken for the lack of results, it's understandable why he's risking it by playing experience over potential even when that experienced players is **it now.
Eisfeld's recovering for a big knock and getting games under his belt in the reserves.

can't see the youth being allowed to get game time like they did a couple of years back. teams that played in the cup games should make it obvious the kind of circumstances we're playing under.

and yeah, I guess Silva's just not received the kinda media focus as the rest although I remember his name popping up often last season.

Mike

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Your right about few people seeing them play, but I think your wrong about them being better than hazard and marin and ganzo. pricetag/experience reflects that.

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I don't know much but I think Wellington Silva can't get a work permit and there was issues with his attitude and how hard he trained when he went on loan in the past.

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I wouldn't say any are better than hazard or Ganso, yet.

But it's simple really.

Wellington silva can't get a work permit, even though he's a star in the making.
If you follow his tweets, he adores arsenal, and just being part of the club.
Yes, he has some attitude issues, but I guarentee, if he was at the emirates, that wouldn't be the case, Wenger can deal with egos.

Miyiachi, showed so much promise, and I expect him to play at the emirates next season, but he's raw, needs game time, and that's why he's on loan, he's had a couple of knocks whilst at Wigan, if I remember rightly, so hasn't played as much as we wanted.


Eisfeld, I'm not sure if I'm honest, the kid is clearly fantastic, and if he continues his development at the rate he's currently set, he'll eclipse Gotze, as Dortmund first thought.
I can only think Wenger wants to protect him?
Unleash him next season maybe.

Don't forget, only one of those is over 20. (I think, I do most of my posts from memory! May make mistakes!)

Hope that cleared things up a little mate.

D

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Goetze has been doing at the highest level, Eisfeld has yet to get in the first team

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He has, but it's a know fact that Dortmund rated Gotze lower than Eisfeld mate.
It was Eisfeld's injury that stinted his delivery.

The fact that Wenger Isn't allowing Eisfeld a run, is a mystery for me.
Like I say, it'd have to be something like protecting him.

D

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01 Feb 2013 12:55:52
Would loved to have seen wenger seal the deal for the second player Capoue, but it seems our financial stinginess may have proved our downfall again, together with the fact they were not desperate to sell. The new left back, Monreal is a good buy and I'm just pleased wenger can actually see we have problems in defence and has strengthened one of our defensive weak areas but will have to wait for the summer to cure the rest.

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01 Feb 2013 12:29:51
Nacho man along with capoue was the main targets for jan not summertargets! Tolouse were just not desperate enough. Personally think M. Sissoko would have been great! and cheap.

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01 Feb 2013 12:14:29
Right. I have had my rant, there are a billion posts I disagree with. but it's done now.

Bring on a win tomorrow and that will ease the pain.

Good luck to the guys for the end of the season, and welcome to the club Nacho!

Metal Gooner

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01 Feb 2013 12:01:41
Well it wouldn't be the same if I didn't give my opinion so that's what I will do and I will try not keep coming back to this topic throughout the coming months and season run in. It is what it is, now we have nothing left to do but get behind the team for the rest of the season.

I know some people are amazed we made a signing. I am not. For what it's worth, I think this window has been an absolute disgrace. There is absolutely zero logic in the way we have done anything and the whole window has been a massive middle finger sent with love from Wenger to the fans.

Let's get one thing straight. This squad is not good enough. Maybe some of us tried to get behind the team at the start of the season and we felt if this lot fire on all cylinders from day one then we could do better than last season - but it hasn't happened. I don't know where to start with Wenger. This whole month has been a chance for him to spout utter crap and air his ageing views on a world he is becoming less and less a part of.

When our first 11 walk out on that pitch, we have no left winger. We have no right winger. I do not count The Ox who is an off form midfielder, and I discount Gervinho because he isn't good enough. We have 3 Strikers who all play up front at the same time and we have nobody in back up. This is Wenger's fault.

What just happened yesterday? We signed a left back. Ok. Let's think about this. Why did we sign one? Because Gibbs is injury-prone and Santos is not a good enough back up. Ok. But we knew this a year ago. Many of us called for another one in the summer. If Santos is not good enough and Gibbs is injury-prone why did we wait til the final day to sign Monreal? Why wasn't he brought in on Jan 1st if we knew Gibbs was a risk and we felt Santos wasn't good enough? We just bad points and nearly threw a cup game almost singe-handedly due to Santos. Again. Having Santos near the first team has undoubtedly made life tough for Vermaelen too, he probably feels he has to do two jobs at once and as such does neither well enough.

Anyway, enough about him. a bloody wasted month but at least we finally brought someone in who seems to be of good quality and there's a chance this could be an exceptional piece of business. so exceptional, we waited 30 days to do it :/

Still - did we sign a striker? No. So actually we have one wide left player - Podolski who isn't one, one CF- Giroud, and one wide right, Theo. That's not 2 in every position.

We don't have one defensive midfielder at the club. How many people honestly thought we would enter into February having not signed a def mid? I would imagine that answer to be less than 10% of fans worldwide. Still, we loaned Frimpong, Coquelin's injured and imo not good enough although improving, Diaby doesn't count and is box to box anyway, Ramsey if a CF but WAIT ----- queue PR gimmick - RAMSEY IS OUR NEW DEFENSIVE MID! Wenger you GENIUS!

I admit he has some of the qualities, sure. In fact I like the idea. But tell me why he hasn't played there since the start of the season? Tell me he is only playing now that Arteta is injured, when Arteta is a CM by nature?

We can all point at the weaknesses in the squad, of course we can, and we would be deluded to think all of them would be addressed this window. But to outright ignore our problems and refuse to spend money that IS there. well that's just gross negligence on the manager's part. There are younger, hungrier, more savvy managers with worse players doing a better job week in week out, who respect the fans and would die to be in charge at Arsenal and have the funds we have, and there's Wenger sitting on a pot of gold just because he can. I would love to know what was said in this 'clash' between Gazidis and Wenger. If it was along the lines of 'enough f***ing around Wenger - sign Monreal by the window close or we will reconsider your position' then I have a shred of respect for him.

We needed another keeper badly. We needed a CB badly. We needed a DM badly. And we needed another option up front, be it a winger or striker, badly. This is on top of potentially needing a RB, potentially needing a LB. What did we get? A LB that was so obviously needed it wasn't even spoken about as a major concern this window.

This is one post that I am sure will get the disagrees, and that's fine, for once I don't really mind because some people with have this 'wow we signed someone here comes top 4!' approach and will think I am not behind the team at all. I am, but I have lost all respect for Wenger, and the board for the freedom they clearly give him, and I hope he goes at the end of this season, because to me he's just a smug, lying little sh!t who got far too big for his boots in recent years, and he's a hypocrite with no respect for the fans. He can royally f*** off. I love this club and this team and some of our players but I can now say with conviction I HATE our manager and the sooner he leaves the better.

I will be back later when I have moved on from the black cloud and onto the silver lining.

Metal Gooner

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Obv I meant Ramsey is a CM!

Metal Gooner

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The rantings of a mad man. Made me chuckle though.

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Everyone keeps talking about a DM all the time. In Wengers formation that he plays he doesn't use a DM and hasn't for quite a few years now (not saying he is right btw). That's why we didn't sign one and probably won't while Wenger is at the helm. Song, last year, was not a DM. He played a box-to-box/deep-lying role as do Diaby, Arteta and Ramsey when they play the deepest of the 3 midfielders. If he sign another deep lying midfielder it will be just that, a deep lying midfielder, not a DM. That's why we were looking at Sahin at the start of the season. In Wengers formation there is no DM, just a deep-lying midfielder (Arteta), box-to-box (Wilshere) and one that usually plays slightly higher (Cazorla)

D-Dot

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First, since when is Ramsey a CF?


Why you people can't understand. You CAN'T reform your team during January. How many teams did that? So you think that if we had bought new RB, new CD, new DM and new ST in our current situation we would have finish above 4th or 3th place. There are 21 points gap betwen us and the top. You think that we had to overpay for 4 more players just to finish 3th. No need for that. You will ask why had we not bought those players in the summer and those 21 points to be much much less. Simple answer: last really big stadium loan; no emirates money.

I really don't like some AFC fans, because they blame Wenger for everything. If you read some comments here it seems like Kroenke is the most generous man on the planet, but he- the mad man, looney toons- Wenger want his players to be cr*p. No one from this "group" doesn't think that the players who had to win the league for us, the players who he created, stab him in the back ONLY for money.

There is one think I don't understand, why some of you think, that the man, who in our new history tought us how to win, tought us which is the taste of victory suddenly became looser that is here to destroy our club. That is sooo stupid idea. And I have to ask something! Which club has performed better from us after they built their new homes, new homes which provide financial security for the team not for the next 7-8 years but for the next 30-40 years minimum. Tell me which was that club?

As Arsenal fans, we must be the clever fans, the fans who see the bigger picture and understand all the aspects of the modern game onfield and offfield.

I think that Arsene has one big "problem". He is idealist, he believes in his ideas and he is trying to improve the football world around him. Now that is a problem. But the same thing helped him the most when he reshaped the face of the english game, when he created the Invincibles. Only his faith in his players made the best team ever played in England, because after 2002-2003 all the media and the fans wanted bigmoney transfers from him, they wanted "stars".

There is one argument thou that he must go. He really can not understand the new "rules" of the game. Cheating, payments under the table, russian money laundering and more. Because that is the football nowdays. Uefalona's football, Abramovich's football, sunshine fans football. We live in the time, when you must "win at all cost". At all cost indeed : no loyalty, no fairplay, no love for the club or the game itself. We as a club are one of the few bravely fighting against all that and we must be very proud of that. Instead we moan in the internet and write BS transperants on matches. I can not understand that.

Finally I must say that in 2007-2008 already was clear that hard times are coming. The big bang in commercial deals made ours look like we are club in League 1. The comming of Abramovich and his offers made inflation in football world and players who used to cost 10-12 mil became 20-25 mil and more. very important was and the financial crysis, because AFC expected much much bigger profit from Highbury estate. That all will end after 1 year, when we will renew all comm. deals. So patience is the thing we need most now. Very soon hard times will end. And what are 7-8 years without trophey in our mighty history. Patience my fellow gunners, patience.

Metal Gooner, I understand that all depends of the point of view. Obviously mine is different than yours and I bet mine will get more disagrees :D. But after your post's extreme end in which you state that you hate AW, I want to explain my point of view, which is maybe extreme too.

BGGOONER

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I was going to drag on about this in a post but my better judgement stopped me. until I read the last bit here.

all over the internet in blogs and sites concerned with things Arsenal, I read and re-read the same rehashed nonsense of being "lied to and deceived and cheated by Wenger" and I can't help but laugh.

i get the anger towards him for not making moves and doing the wrong ones when he does do something (like playing Ramsey on the wing or letting Santos come near the football in an Arsenal kit) but the way people find it easy and second nature as breathing to call the man the things i've had the pleasure of listening is just incredible.

why doesn't anyone come out and pass the same abuse to the board or others in the administration department? why not call them liars for saying there money to be spent (not just money that they'll gladly tuck away in their own pockets instead) or refusing to let Wenger spend it? we know just the same amount about the actual money available than we do about Wenger's willingness and/or ability to spend or lack of thereof.

the fact that Nacho's deal worked out this fast just goes to show how much we really know what happens at the club or how much of credible information leaks out (i. e. a big fat tub of nothing).

there's no way to know if Wenger does indeed get the chequebook to use or why he doesn't use it if he does? we don't know $hit about what's going on with the club. it's part of the frustration involved in being a gooner nowadays.

so in the sense of darkness that hangs over us, why does it become the go-to thing to just vent out at Wenger? it was recently acknowledged that our hands were tied in the past few years because of the loans. it was obvious that we couldn't really admit this before because it gives clubs a chance to go after us (more than they already did) by nicking our players and charging us more for the ones we wanted. the facade had to be maintained and the king had to be told that his robe looked well.

the Supporter's trust came out with the 50-70 million pounds figure a while ago. I don't recollect well (due to my aging memory) but it was mentioned in hushed tones that the figures weren't brought out in the meeting with Gazidis or the board but it was something passed to the secretary (i think) like spicy gossip which later was given out to the media through them.

i'm not at all saying Wenger isn't to blame here. far from that. but I draw the line at unsubstantiated rubbish fans toss around. he plays Santos or Gervinho- leave bags of flaming poop at his doorstep if you wish because his mistake is evident. accusing him of not spending money that doesn't exist? shut the whining unless you know enough to be aware of the reality of the situation at the schizophrenic club that is Arsenal.

Mike

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Good point Ddot, even Viera and Petite could not be classed as DM, they would just be able to play a very good all round midfielders game, we have players who do that but the secret is 'telepathy' between players, knowing where they are and what they will do, Petite and Viera had that.

337

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Metal gooner, what a load of bitter twisted crap you have just posted, maybe arsenal should give you the job that way you can change the team every transfer window when a few of them have a dip in form. fact is the team individually hasn't performed to the levels they are capable of and as a manager there's not a lot you can do when the whistle blows at 3 o, clock. just look at chelsea last season, they finished 5th ffs, and they are the bank of russia, not to mention newcastle utd a couple of seasons going down with a team of that quality we have a very good team and I am 100% confident they will improve during the run in, but even if they don't pick it up, as I have aready mentioned somtimes sh$t happens and you have to accept it back the club and keep your cake hole shut. you mentioned a def midfielder, what in gods name is a def mid? a john obi mikel perhaps? a player that doesn't go over the half way line and offers nothing to the team offensivley, maybe that tube m, villa is your sort of player, but certainly not mine, I feel you have been listening to much to these so-called pundits talking. defensive mid my a#s. by the way a lot of managers have come out today stating that it was extremely difficult to get the players they wanted cause other clubs didn't want to sell at any price. but I suppose its all arsene wengers fault if your milkmans late in the mornings aswell.
IN ARSENE I TRUST
trev the gooner {Ed035's Note -

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01 Feb 2013 16:42:04
D-dot,

Why would Arsene talk of Ramsey or Arteta as DM's if he didn't play one?

Stoner

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BGGOONER, i'd hug you if I could.

Mike

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Stoner,

I suppose they are 'Defensive' Midfielders based that they are the most defensive of the 3. But we don't play a proper DM and you know that!

D-Dot

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01 Feb 2013 11:58:10
Just a thought.

When Gibbs is fit, who'd say pushing him or Monreal up to LW, and playing Poldi up top more, would work?


D

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In an injury crisis could work

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I would like the opposite Gibss at LW and Nacho as LB

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01 Feb 2013 15:40:27
Gibbs will be our rb when Sagna contract ends

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^^ He's left footed, do you know anything about football?

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01 Feb 2013 11:48:14
With the team we have at present, our fully fit starting 11 is pretty strong. If as has been reported that Nacho was lined up for a summer transfer it just goes to show that AW has identified the areas that need improvement. Yes we are all p1ssed off for not addressing this issue now (numbers wise), but as we all know, AW HAS never spent money for the sake of it. Yes he doesn't want to hinder the progression of Eisfeld, Coquelin, etc, but at the same time understanding the need to strengthen not only the first team but the squad.

Media have not and will never help any fans with the pure amount of names being banded out to every club, it just a false hope, helps to sell papers, get more hits etc.

Another CD to push TV5, LK6, and PM4, into bigger competition for a starting place, this could be made much easier with a strong CDM, Toulouse refused to sell Capoue, who I believe AW wanted for that role.

Anyway the transfer window is shut, we have what we have, Lets get us fans right behind the team, Lets make some noise and help push the lads on to Europe.

On a side note, lets stop these silly banners about AW out, its not clever it just makes us look stupid, if you want to get the message across, don't go, there are plenty of other gunners out there that would be more than happy to take your place!!

Hoping for a strong finish to the season

N. Wales Gunner

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So you think that if you want wenger to leave you shouldn't go to the games? I support arsenal but I've lost patience with wenger and how we are always let down by his lack of addressing key and obvious issues in the team.
Scottish Gooner

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01 Feb 2013 11:47:29
I am very happy with Monreal, however I still feel we did waste a big opportunity this transfer window in not signing more reinforcements.
For an extra 20 mil, we could have signed Butland, Yanga M'Bwia, Diame and Demba Ba. And for another 5 mil, Debuchy who is arguably better than Sagna at the moment. I hope we have the squad to compete by I fear we are still not good enough to be confident of 4th.
BW

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None of the players you mention are any better than we have (maybe BA), AW is right to only buy players who are better than we already have, these are not available in Jan, Look at Chelski, Manu, & Citeh - not a lot happened there either!

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Yes but the Manc clubs and the Chavs are pretty much guaranteed 1, 2 & 3 finishes with automatic group stage ECL qualification. We are not and that is the difference and the reason we SHOULD have strengthened the squad with more than just Monreal.

CECEGUaW

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^^ Sorry, where did Chelski finish last season?

NOBODY is GUARANTEED ANYTHING!

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01 Feb 2013 11:37:15
We bought a left-back, which we needed to do, and a very good left back at that.

However, it begs the question, would he have signed had Gibbsy not got injured - It was clear Nacho was probably going to sign in the summer, given that we've all known for quite some time that Santos is worse than s**t, is it not a bit worrying that it took Gibbs to get a knock the day before close of shop to actually do something?

What would have happened if Wilshere got injured, or Cazorla or Giroud? were there contingencies in place for them?

Typical Wenger, reactive instead of proactive.

We're still shy of a 6ft2 monster in midfield in my opinion, in some games you just need someone to take the game by the scruff of the kneck and bully the opposition. We just don't have that.

As for centre-halves, I really am convinced that the problem is down to coaching and management rather than individual ability.
Start of the season, we were rock solid. Mert seemed to have adapted his game, and up to the last 2 games he's been our most reliable defender.
People saying we should've got Chris Samba, you are mad. He's a decent defender but come on, £12.5m - £100k a week? He's not Vidic or Kompany or Hummels - he's no better than Koscielny. that's desperate, and the QPR owner is a lunatic for thinking that's worth it.

Overall I'm not confident we're going to get top 4. I think a midfielder was essential for us to push on, just as it was BEFORE WE SOLD ALEX SONG, LET ALONE AFTER. We are relying on Spurs to dip in form, we've still got to play them at WHL and we are just too inconsistant in my opinion. As others have said, Nacho doesn't improve us, it just means Santos is kept away from the team.

AG {Ed001's Note - more importantly, what would have happened had Gibbs got injured today?}

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AG I could cry, I really could.

ANOTHER window of being totally played by Wenger again. Why am I so stupid? To have that shred of hope. to think there was a chance we turned a corner. everything seemed to point that way this time unlike last year - players got loaned out, the manager said openly he planned on spending, he wanted at least 2 signings, he needed to clear some players out first, etc etc.

But no. It was just a chance for him to milk the situation.

I am disgusted at how one man thinks he can treat millions of fans. Absolutely disgusting.

He has totally lost me as a fan, and as someone who wanted it to be someone else's fault. It is crystal clear it isn't.

He signed those players 18 months ago because we lost 8-2 to Man U. It wasn't planned. They were panic buys. He has done less than the acceptable minimum in every window for years now.

I thought this window would be different for so many reasons - our league position - our injuries - our massive weak areas e. g. LB, DM - our lack of back ups e. g. CB, ST, GK - the noises coming out of the club, the eds, the manager. the rumours.

We have been played. I just wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season because I bet the team is gutted we didn't sign another CB and gutted we didn't sign another ST and gutted we only signed a DM. If there's one thing I can say it is that those players at the club KNOW who is weak, who they carry and who carries them. They will be gutted.

Metal Gooner

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01 Feb 2013 11:29:31
Credit to Wenber.

Nacho is a good signing and as much as we pushed unfortunately we couldn't get the David Villa deal done. If a club is not selling, then there is not much you can do. Unlike Malaga, Barcelona aren't financially stressed and do need want to risk squad depth.

While that would have been a boost, the team looks strong. Yes Nacho is cup-tied, but we were never winning the champions league this year.

What we have is a good squad that is looking reasonably balanced as well. Wenger also made a smart move is loaning out Frimpong. If he can keep fitness and get experience, he could be the "beast" that we have all been craving in the midfield.

If not, we can battle for Capoue in the summer (who was never moving this window).

Equally, in the summer - there will be plently more options for a striker target and we will also be free of some excess baggage.

Arshavin / Squillaci / Fabianski contract's will expire and free up the wage bill.

Chamakh / Santos / Djourou will all go out.

I expect Wenger to go for a quality striker in the summer and bring in a good young CB, perhaps the Ajax player that has been mooted. Also probably a chance for an older experienced keeper as back up.

IMPORTANTLY - the names listed on our squad sheet from now until May are FIXED. Booing them, moaning about them causes to lose not win. So it is what it is - For better or for worse - stand by the players and the manager.

Billybob

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Is wenber your pet name for arsene billybob?

champagne charlie

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01 Feb 2013 11:27:40
Staggering that we haven't signed a keeper. Scezney is the worst first choice keeper we've ever had. Absolutely fed up with people calling him a young prospect etc etc. Garbage. He seems to escape any criticism due to his age, and clear passion for the game. Not good enough for the premier league, and a million miles short of being Arsenal quality. I'd go as far as to say, he's up there with Gervinho & Santos in terms of quality. A shambolic defence usually emanates from the keeper and it's crystal clear who is to blame for blind faith.

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Two words: Manuel Almunia

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Without looking at each GK we have had, it is clear to everyone that Szczesny is definately better than Almunia - so therefore he is not the worse GK! Lets not overreact!

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In the summer I think we should make a move for asmir begovic from stoke. Now they have butland it's time for him to step up to a bigger team, he's been great this year!

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LOL 1st reply

Nick.

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He's worse than almunia.

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He's worse than almunia.
-- o_O
please tell me your joking.

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01 Feb 2013 11:25:14
How come the Daily Mail have pictures of Nacho Monreal unveiled as an Arsenal player in our kit but our own official website doesn't have a single picture?

Johnny

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01 Feb 2013 11:22:44
i think its time for me to stop being negative.

i have said what I wanted to say and at the end of the day there is nothing we can do until the window opens again in the summer.

lets hope wenger can get things right on the pitch for the rest of the season.

the only thing I want wenger to do now is to start blooding players like EISFELD.

3 POINTS AGAINST STOKE PLEASE.

champagne charlie

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The best post you have ever written!

337

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I feel weird reading this :p

Nick.

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Don't think Eisfeld can play in prem he wasn't submitted as part of prem squad. Not unless Wenger altered it on deadline day which I believe you can.

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01 Feb 2013 11:19:05
I'm happy with nacho nacho man

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Here goes, off the cuff!

MonREALLY glad we signed NACHO, his name may be CHEESEY, but I am glad we DIPPED into the market before the fans went SOUR, CREAM fullbacks are really hard to find these days and this guy looks CRISP, lets hope he adds some SPICE to our team, and maybe santos can SALSA back to where he came from. And he did'nt cost a PACKET either.

Sorry bit lame at the end

COYG

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01 Feb 2013 11:06:44
Funny how malaga gooner never creates any rumours about malaga players

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Thats because he is not real eh Charlie?

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Probably because he doesn't live in Malaga and is in fact some random split personality disorder kid in Peckham!

Daniel

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01 Feb 2013 10:57:49
So just found out that Gibbs is out for 6 weeks which means he can't play the Bayern Munich champions league games.
Yes we have bought a new lb in monreal but he is champions league tied which means one thing that santos will have to play against Bayern.

Bayern attack against santos = bad news for arsenal

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TV5 will play there against Bayern, and rightly so

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01 Feb 2013 13:27:46
We can obviously move vermalen lb and bring kosielny in for the cl game.
Govonor aja

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Vermaelen?

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01 Feb 2013 10:54:58
Sorry hit post by accecdent can you add this to my last post please Ed?
Simply put us fans are being ripped of the if the board really cared about the club they would look after the greatest assest THE FANS but they do not they are clearly just using the club as a personal invesment and it makes me sick
If the carefd about the club they would want to keep the fans happy which they are not doing, either they invesment money in the team this summer or I call for a buycott of buying kits and mercendisea s well as certin matchs too hit the board where it hurts in there pockets
Spanner {Ed001's Note - sorry mate, I have no idea what your previous post was!}

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01 Feb 2013 10:40:45
Interesting how people on here have gone from saying we have the best squad (at the start of the season) to berating the quality now.


Paul - Rochester

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I've always thought we have a good squad and to be fair at the start of the season we looked ok, but I've never seen a squad of platers be so inconsistent. . . personally think we need 3 players CB, CDM ans left winger and move Pod to the centre.

Collectively we must start playing better and together

1404

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01 Feb 2013 10:16:39
Just the day after the transfer window shuts, and I've already seen a ton of posts moaning about the activity in the window and how we are going to struggle. So I thought I'd try and put a positive spin on it.

Compared to previous windows we haven't lost any of our 'big' players, instead we've tied them down to long term contracts (Wilshere), even if some of them have taken a while (Walcott). And by the sounds of things we've signed a very good LB, who can actually defend. I haven't seen much of him myself, but unlike when Santos joined I haven't heard much at all bad about him. Now we may have only got him at the last second because of a Gibbs injury, but to me that doesn't matter. we still got him. Another thing to point out about the transfer is that it seems it may have been in the pipeline for the summer, so bringing it forward does show a little urgency from the club, even if it's not what we all wanted.

Finally, I know that we might have not got the DM, and commanding CB that we know we all need, but as fans we don't know that the ones we are actually interested in can be bought in January. So we just need to get behind the team we've now got for the rest of the season, push for 4th and maybe have a shot at the FA cup. You never know.

COYG

JH.

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01 Feb 2013 10:02:47
hi stoner,

we have had many a conversation over the last couple of months over certain positions wenger has neglected in the transfer market.
still no dm brought in and it looks like we had no real targets this window.

how do you feel about wenger blatantly b/sing to the fans again?
how do you feel about manager that can't see where we are lacking players and has constant faith in crap players?

the gambler has gambled again.

champagne charlie

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01 Feb 2013 09:49:12
Theres always positives and negatives to take away from this transfer window.

1) we did not buy garbage and I feel as much as diame would be a good signing his ceiling is much like gervinho's and we don't need more.

What works for west hame necessarily doesn't work for us. Also he is most useful when he has the ball in attacking positions, going by that Stat alone, I would rather have Arteta who is more disciplined.

2) It gives us a chance to get rid of garbage like Squillachi and arshavin(sadly) and Fabianski and here's hoping the likes of Djourou and bendtner and denilson also bugger off.

3) our squad may not be exactly loaded but I think players like Ramsey, Arteta and Gervinho are good squad players but not exactly impact players for big games. Well Arteta is not the other two.

Im not sure what exactly went on this transfer window but Kovacic (who wenger scouted) joined inter

Cuenca joined ajax, Behlanda did not join inter and now Manchester United are in for him in the summer. Zaha went to utd, Thauvin went to lille, Amorbieta did not want to leave spain until the summer(free agent = more money) I have no idea how malaga decided to let nacho go, but he will be miles better than santos.


4) this summer we won't be selling big name players unless you still consider sagna to be one after the performances he put in.

5) the Core of our team looks good, perhaps more game time for the likes of Ox, Jenks, Coq (once he's back) and hopefully Ryo can step up. he has talent just not utilized.

6) negative - well look at QPR if they get relegated they won't just go to the championship but may cease to exist. they have commited in nearly 60 mill worth of wages. absoultely crazy.

This summer will see some big names from spain move. Strikers that we may have a chance at due to the nature of the market.

Not that falcao will come to the Emirates but it only takes one big player to move for a domino effect.

Also liverpool in my opinion have spent once again on junk.

The likes of chelsea and city and utd stood still, so did spurs and us. in terms of players who can change the season. The market was just not right.

Lets support these guys and pip the spurs and everton to that 4th spot.

Lakerville

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01 Feb 2013 09:45:40
There was clearly no intention to buy anybody before Gibbs got injured, so all of the comments made by AW were a contiual pack of lies. I am sick of the way he run's the club and I fear for our position as a top class team and dearly hope that this is his last season. Hopefully we can get someone in who does not treat the fans as plebs and will hopefully be honest with us. Let's hope we turn up for the first half tomorrow and don't have to come from behind again.
KJ

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01 Feb 2013 09:27:49
Signing Nacho will not improve us as an overall team, obviously it means Santos can now rot in the reserves and become another unsellable player on crazy wages.
I see no way we can make fourth without a DMF.
Also how long will Diaby be out? Will it be one of those 3 week injuries that last 6 months?
A disappointed Chess

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01 Feb 2013 10:31:30
A thumbs up for positivity.

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Surely just having santos NOT in the team will improve us

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01 Feb 2013 08:33:36
This site is the one man. I have been reading a few past posts, it's quality.

"I've been told ::::: is on his way for a medical"
"NANI! Seen at Colney"

Did anyone call monreal? It just shows how Afc do there business.

Under wraps, nobody knows targets, so stop with the blatant bulls*it,
I know it's a rumours site, but come on some people on here are full of it.

ItK my arsenal!

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01 Feb 2013 09:23:58
I think the reason a lot of French players jumped ship and joined Newcastle is the 75% tax. . Wenger did state he is more interested in spain and Germany.

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Absolutely, the top rate of tax in France is due to increase to 75% on everything over a million euros, plus 15. 5% social tax. hence the players would have to pay 90. 5% on any earnings over a million euros. Wenger stated that France isn't producing top quality players at present, hence the decline in the standing of the national team. He stated that Germany & Spain are producing quality footballers, hence we have signed Podolski, Mertesacker, Eisfeld, Gnabry, Arteta, Cazorla, Miquel & Monreal.

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What country does Koscielny, Diaby, Giroud, Squillaci, Sagna and Coquelin come from? Just more of Wenger nonsense.

Bergkamp's apprentice

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01 Feb 2013 23:11:12
Im not going to defend Wenger but I don't think there is the same quality that was aroung in he late 90s early 00s. If its true he tried to sign Villa and taking into account our new player. then buying spanish international is as goods as it gets. a def mid. would of been my priority. km

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01 Feb 2013 09:14:49
big clubs do not have to panic buy.

big clubs address their problems.

big clubs would not give a manager 8 years so sort things out.

big clubs do not constantly lie to their supporters, they respect them because supporters make big clubs.

we are no long a big club

in arsene we rust

champagne charlie

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Can't please you can they.

Big clubs don't panic buy, ANY player signed in January is a 'panic' buy.

Yesterday you were crying out for signings, we got one which looks very good due to Gibbs injury he came earlier than expected, he would have come in the summer.

Now please stop whinging and get behind our team, we have a very decent squad, better than spurs and Everton and not a million miles behind the others.

COYG

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Define a so called? BIG CLUB, do you mean finance wise, eg Chelsea, Man c or teams with history in the game, if later then Villa, Everton, have to say Spurs, could also include Forest, Leeds all of have also not won much in last few years, you listen to trash like talkstupidsport and the media banging on about it and ok it gets to you and me but the ones with proper history and not bought would love to be in our position be it a champ league place every season and financially sound I'm sure

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01 Feb 2013 09:05:17
any transfer news ed?

no seriously you did say we would should leave it until febuary to talk about the changes that are going to take place at the club.

is this a bit to early?

champagne charlie {Ed002's Note - I will do, and it is too early. I have been travelling this week and am again next week. Maybe a chance will come for me to write something in some lonely hotel room (or bar).}

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Ed002 are you Dick Laws in disguise. {Ed002's Note - If I were, I think I would change my name rather than wear a disguise.}

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Ok mate have a safe journey.

champagne charlie

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01 Feb 2013 08:34:06
If, and it's a big if, we finish top 4 and Wenger then in the summer strengthens well in the areas we all know he needs to; experienced keeper to challenge Shezza, a quality CB, a strong defensive mid, I think he'll be proved right. I personally don't see the big need for another striker honestly, especially not an old bloke like Villa. I do though think we should be getting rid of Sagna and signing a top quality RB as Jenks isn't ready yet.

Fact is, it's not a myth that there's no real value in January. Top clubs just don't want to sell top players in January, unless they're in dire straits like Malaga.

Chimney Sweep Josh

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01 Feb 2013 08:25:21
On the positive side we appear to have a proper left back. Santos can't defend, interestingly when we signed him, a Turkish pal mentioned he was good going forward, but couldn't defend! He was right, why didn't our scouts pick this up? As for Gibbs, he was an amazing young left sided midfield player in the Ryan Giggs mould, why did Wenger try & convert him to left back?
On the down side, we only have one inexperienced decent keeper, 3 centre backs & not one true defensive midfield player.
Hopefully, having a virtually fit squad we can finish top 4, although I very much doubt it.

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01 Feb 2013 08:16:09
The rest of the season will go like this, out of the cl to Bayern, beat Blackburn then brushed aside by manu, citey or chelski in the next round a poor run in the prem will see us end up 7th or 8th. Promises will be made that we will spend big in the summer when all that will happen is a lot of serious bids will come in for Jack, who's body language imo in the last few games is showing a lot of frustration. Really hate feeling so negative about the club but I find our lack of ambition in buying any quality players in cb, cdm and gk quite unbelievable.

Believable3 Unbelievable5

Not suprised you did'nt sign off, you really cannot be a football fan, let alone a Gooner!

Go Away!

COYG

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01 Feb 2013 07:58:30
Hi eds?
So we got two guys called nacho monreal? and both are from malaga? seriously when should we start to trust arsene wenger words?

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01 Feb 2013 07:36:33
The one good thing is we'll probably only have to play Santos in our easiest game of the month against Munich. Result.

Stoner

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Im sure vermalen will play left back

watford gooner

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01 Feb 2013 05:11:09
Up early to look at the predictable moans. 'Fans' suggesting boycotts, or that Arsene should go off with Santos etc!

I am truly interested in this, as like all Gooners I get frustrated, and have voiced that countless times, but I would honestly like to get the logic. So is it in protest against?

a. The fact that Arsene has been our most important and succesful manager since Chapman?
b. That he has produced more talent than any other club in the world other than Barcleona and United (who just happen to be two of the biggest three sides in the world)?
c. Because he has overseen the succesful transition from the wonderful, but totally inadequate Highbury to the future proof Emirates? (oh by the way did you think that paying those bills back who be free to us?)
d. Because he has produced the most entertaining sides in the world - ranking again just behind Barcelona and United?
e. Because throughout his time we have finished above Spuds? Or because for once in a generation there is the risk (and no more than a risk) we will finish behind them?)
f. The fact that he and the current owners will not spend money at the rate and level of the billionaire Arabs and Russians who not only completly distort football, but in essence have hijacked monies from much poorer ordinary people? You think morally that makes any sense? You also wouldn't worry about the real sustainability of that model?
g. The fact that despite the lapses, and good grief there have been some (Santos, Squillaci etc) he still manages to bring real talent in and really good value - in season one Santi, Giroud and Podolski all look good. Given seaons two all will have adapted and improved we have the core of serious talent. Or do you think those three weren't good signings?
h. Is it that he has at long last done what we all wanted him to do and begun to create a British core to the side who will hopefully stay loyal and committed to us in the way the best United and Barcelona sides players have?
i. That unlike most he stayed loyal to us, committed to us, when he was offered more money, bigger temptations, that he didn't leave when Real came calling, or at the first offer of petrol millions?

I repeat I share your frustrations, we should have / could have done more in the transfer window, but get real - Arsene has worked mriacles for us - I will personally never be able to repay the joy and pleasure he has given me over the years he has been with us. We owe him the loyalty that he has shown us.

The ghost of Terry Mancini

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If we don't have money and we don't spend. no problem.
BUT

1. if we have 80-100m in bank why not offer RVP the wages. why sell him to manu?

2. why sell song?

3. Personally I still believe we have a more balanced squad then utd its always been like that but its the mentality which matters. if you give this arsenal side to ferguson he not moan and make them winners

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You have also got to factor in the quality or lack of it he signed to get us thru the transition. The out of position players. The appalling defence mistakes we are now making due to bad or lack of coaching. Sadly this is a result based game would he have lasted this long any where else?
I don't think he will resign with us & sadly don't think he should. Everyone plays a form of Wenger ball which is his real contribution to English football but they have all now sussed him & he know longer knows how to change it.
A sad sagalout

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Could not agree more. There is one argument against this and that is the ticket pricing but to be fair I'd pay the money to watch us as we are ENTERTAINING - unlike most of the teams in world football.

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Terry, cracking post and you are not wrong. I think what most fans have a problem with, besides the prices at the emirates, is the fact that wenger has been part of this lie perpetrated by the board.

Everyone would have been more accepting if we had been told that money is tight due to the stadium, tell the fans that you want to pay the stadium off early, christ let the russian on the board, freshen things up!

Something has been going on at the top table. Personally I think the yank is going to sell and that hill-wood (after his performance at the AGM) is going to be getting a tidy 'thank you' for keeping his gob shut.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not an advocate of spending vast sums on players and wages, but a club that fills a 60,000 seater stadium every other week should be able to bid for players in the 20 mil bracket, Fellaini comes to mind with his reported release fee, but the club dont.

Why stock pile cash? Huge dividends? Money for a new manager to spend? Just because it looks good on statements? Who knows, but people are angry with the lack of investment at the club. Fourth place is a 'trophy' and a very lucrative one.

BUT paying fans have a right to be annoyed with a left back (and only due to an injury) especially after they have been banging on about players will be signed.

People are mad with wenger because he is the mouth piece, maybe his salary is so huge because he is the focal point, but he needs to stop lying and getting peoples hopes up!

Wenger is running the risk of tarnishing his reputation, maybe when he writes a book about it all everything will become clear, but until he does, sadly the abuse won't stop!

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01 Feb 2013 10:36:07
Mate,

For me I don't think it's any of them, every point you make is not in question.

Time and disappointment make for a lot of unrest, some have not even been fortunate to witness the things you've spoken of and see what some of us have watched in wonder. The want for your club to be challenging and giving you something to smile about and if need be to rib other fans about is huge for some people.

Personally this is the first season that I've found my self literally shouting at Arsene, "WTF are you doing or thinking"

I don't like that because I genuinely think there are a very few better than him. We can never know or understand what goes on behind the scenes and can guess wildly or assume stupidly.

This is a football club and we all support it, it's decisions Arsene has made on the pitch that have dismayed me at times, some actually incredulous. I appreciate once they walk onto the pitch the players have to stand up and be counted but Arsene has tested my faith in ways I never expected.

At the end of the day I would truly want nothing more than for him to take us back to the top. I hope the big changes ahead involve him but at the same time make us more competitive off and on the pitch in every aspect.

Stoner

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I cannot quantify the level of frustration and emotional torment I have experienced in the last few years but must completely agree with you. Being the (sometimes) proud owner of a season ticket or two makes it extra painful when I feel we have wasted money on poor signings and failed to invest in opportunities to acquire good ones but, ultimately, I love Arsene, my team and being a part if the Gooner family.

I was there to see us win the FA cup in 2005 and will be there when we lift a trophy again.

In Arsene we (a little tentatively) trust!

COYFG!

Lets get behind the team and review our position come the summer.

Thanks for all the good work to all the Eds and all the people who post on the site.

Block 5 Gooner

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Just to be clear I am so often beyond frustrated with Arsene and Stan the Man, and find myself muttering and moaning with the best of them. Not signing a central defender and CDM is madness, we should have signed them in summer. Equally the weird playing of players out of position does my head in.

I am convinced with Song or Wanyama to replace him, and a decent young central defender we would be firmly in 3rd place, and thinking a trophy is close at hand. Without them there will sadly be no trophy, and 4th a real struggle. It makes no sense to me. We should never expect a Cavani or Falcao, but £20-25m for two players would have repaid by qualifying for the ECL.

So I share he anguish.

What I do not share is the vitriol so many poor out at Arsene, I don't feel it's vaguely warranted. One day, and maybe that's coming in the next couple of years, he needs to move upstairs (I hope), but let's just not forget what he has done for us, and what we still have.

The ghost of Terry Mancini

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01 Feb 2013 03:27:09
I really hope gibbs is back to play bayern, nacho must be cup tied right?

brighton gooner

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I think the CL is the least of our problems fella. Just having Naco for the prem and cup is a bonus.

Naz

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01 Feb 2013 01:56:07
Most fans said Wenger wouldn't buy this transfer and when he does guess what they still moan. For me it was must signing we couldn't afford to have Santos at left back for 3 weeks so arsenal did the right thing would of like more signings but I like the rest of the supporters didn't really think we would bring any one in. The thing that got me excited about the summer transfer window was when Graham Hunter said that arsenal had actually had an agreement with malaga and the player for him to join in the summer so hopefully arsenal have a few more deals on the table like this one.

Top Gunner

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01 Feb 2013 01:05:41
Father Christmas, unicorns, fairies, big foot, the Easter bunny and defensive midfielders. All of these things Wenger doesn't believe exist.
Two positives. No other team fighting for the top four, bought that one signing that make them out and out favourites for fourth, and our one signing is very good going forward and ( wait for it ) can actually defend. A great bit of business
That's all i've got. Not surprised but still disappointed.
OH WELL.
Flybo

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01 Feb 2013 00:52:34
Nacho done deal! Though no villa, diami, least. We got our zeal to watch the matches, nevermind boss you are boss I know all you know is in you we always trust, is just that the year 2013 and we are untouchable now we fear what who what think or say. We'll pay djerou, scolachy, rosicky, arshavin, and the lot only in 2013 sczny sgna mtaska vamlan Gibbs wcot arteta cazola pdolski Wilshire are all we can teams have 2 1st 11 c utd chlsea city even lpool totnam do 2nd 11 2 fill in properly but as I say you are boss fear no fire a fan! Want some french tea let's chat qua sa!

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What the heck does this post translate to? can't understand a single point in it.

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What are you trying to say!

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01 Feb 2013 00:50:53
Greetings and salutations my fellow Gooners,

Looks like the sale of tissue papers will be at an all time eye as many of our supporters wipe their tears away from an uneventful transfer deadline.

I can't say i'm too disappointed as my greatest worry after yesterdays match was that we would be left with Santos at LB, it appears we've signed a quality Spanish International so disaster averted.

Now onto the rest of the season as for the time being this is where the focus of the club should be. I believe Arsene was correct yesterday in stating that much of our defensive frailties are psychological in nature. Both goals yesterday were a calamity of errors, there was no physical letdown but a break down mentally that led to both goals.

So what can we do? As some have mentioned, we can change the manager. A fair point to some who believe that its time for the club to change. We can change our personnel. Another fair point. Finally we can encourage and teach and hopefully that in itself will materialize change.

I believe it is the latter that is our only choice at this time. Arsene is not going to be replaced at this juncture in the season, we surely cannot buy any other players. so that leaves us with changing the minds of our players!

I for one honestly believe that we have talent at our club and we have a manager who still has an eye for such talent however we are lacking the mindset of champions. Van Persie acknowledged this as he stated "he was surrounded by Champions" at United.

So how do we fix this? I believe Arsene should really be bringing in ex players to be part of the fold at Arsenal. We need our current group of players to be mired around those who have won, and equally important those who they admire. Henry, Viera, Pires, Lundberg, the list is immense, the presence and knowledge immeasurable!

And finally to our supporters, lets be loud, lets be proud, lets rock The Emirates and stand behind all our lads, including the manager. We're all on the same team!

Gunners4Life, In AW we trust!

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I might not support the board or Wenger but I certainly do support arsenal AFC which is bigger than them! So I will be cheering on the team loudly as they are going to need some help to get 4th spot.

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I completely agree, mate. Against Liverpool the defenders were: france international first team RB, german international first team CB, belgium first team international CB and santos(even he has many appearances in the brazilian squad). And what is AW supposed to do, maybe he must wear the jersey and do the job himself. I think players must improve very much. Vermaelen is sooo out of position and is panicking and he misses interception on regular basis. And for Per, he is trying very hard, but he need strong partner to be succesful himself. On Per's other side we have Sagna, who was one of the most consistent players in the PL. He used to make players like Bale and ronaldo to look like Downing. He was just brilliant. And what about 2013. He is just cr*p. I can't recognise him. BS and TV are very important players and they must improve at all cost to be our team successful at back.

BGGOONER

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31 Jan 2013 23:34:22
I bet we won't have signed Nacho if Gibbs did not get injured.
What a joke of a club we have become.

Too many lies. I as a fan refuse to be treated like a puppet.

Not a penny from my pocket will end up in Arsenals bank account till ambition is shown. Wenger out!

Believable5 Unbelievable4

01 Feb 2013 00:40:21
We need to get behind this team now! No more whining! Nacho is great just what we needed Gibbs doesn't cut it yet. We Just Need Confidence, as we s you c k in the first half then owns them in the other half. Push from minute ono!

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01 Feb 2013 00:18:33
Im still in shock that we actually signed someone.

I'm glad that we brought in a good player, but why at left back? I'm not fussed really, just glad to see some activity.

And to those of you who think Santos will never be seen again, wait til you see him on the wing.

Nick.

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I wouldn't be shocked to see him come on for Poldi when were defending a lead. I'm still happy that he isn't the last line of defence for us.

Mike

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01 Feb 2013 00:12:10
I will keep it short
Wenger screwed us again
This spanish lad maybe good but wenger didn't address our problem defensive mid orr centre defence. we are run by fools that want to destroy arsenal in return for profits
Really feel let down was expecting more activity
If we finish season with nothing wenger should leave please take santos with you
GS

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01 Feb 2013 08:20:59
why don't you apply for the job. .
your a joke!

stockers8

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Dear stockers8
'supporters' like you who probably have never been too a match and spend most of your time behind a computer screen, are the very reason I write posts on this blog.
you in my estimation have 'supported' them since wenger has been here and most likely do not know the history of this great club.
this club has seen many a successful manager go and another arrive.
to call me a joke without justifying your claim really sums you up an arsene fan not an arsenal fan with rose tinted glasses and tunnel vision.
wenger has had 7 seasons to right the wrongs, in those 7 years what has your messiah achieved regarding winning honours. yes, we may have built a new stadium but I like so many others would rather still be at highbury winning the double every other year thank you.
if you can read try reading some of my earlier posts and you will realise I don't detest wenger, he has simply in my opinion run his course. not addressing the very problem of defending my dear boy after so many calamities that have cost us dearly it is simply not good enough. Monreal by all accounts is a good player but was not a neccessity. if you ever watched a game you will know that we are caught every time on the counter attack or our central defence is split by a through ball and we end up chasing the game, every game.
this is the very reason if after 20 games or so a manager of wengers magnitude cannont see that then there must surely be something wrong. he is more bothered about making profit, this club is financially stable and does not have to worry about buying quality players where required - it is simply wengers stubborness and stupidity at not realising the obvious and being loyal to perrenial under performing players.
so my friend you are just another product of the time that does not understand what real supporters feel. we want to win honours not be second rate and everyones favourite team

GS

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Well done GS.

top posting mate

champagne charlie

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01 Feb 2013 00:00:20
Good news for Arsenal always has to be followed by a bit of bad news.

The moment Monreal was confirmed to be leaving Malaga for Arsenal, Graham Hunter adds that Malaga have all but agreed a deal with Chelsea for Isco this summer. Malaga want a bit of cash now in an attempt to pay off debts due to be paid by March, or they face another ban from European competition (even though they're not certain to qualify). But it is understood Chelsea don't want to pay anything upfront.

I wonder if we can hijack this deal now that we have an enhanced Spanish (and Malaga) contingent?

gun44

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31 Jan 2013 23:46:39
monreal deal just sums up what edd was saying 2013/2014 major changes in arsenal around 5 players will be inactive as contract would not be renewed. Monreal and arsenal deals was ment to be for the summer moved forward because of gibbs just shows you what we think of santos, EDD if i'm right arsenal main targets majority are cup tied in champions league so we are taking a risk but arsenal have shortlisted summer moves already {Ed001's Note - clubs always plan ahead, though the plans very seldom work out.}

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01 Feb 2013 00:02:39
Arsenal fan since I was a little tadpole!,

Please please please stop lining the arsenal piggy bank.

I feel so sorry for all thos season tickets holders who pay far to much money to watch an average team. Double the price of united and they are global!

Stop paying and start watching on tv. Unfortunately I think this will be the only way it will change

Arsenal are legally robbing from you and it isn't fair!

Wow, soz about that but feel very strongly about the good faithful arsenal fans being taken for a ride!

Spartakusmark

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The Dortmund president had a point when he recently said the fans should never become customers.

I couldn't agree more. although I hate the negativity on this page some of it is down to fans becoming customers. the team becomes a product and if it doesn't work you want to send it back like a faulty kettle rather than support it. You feel conned.

Yet another thing that Milton "greed is good" Friedman has F*cked up, as if there wasn't enough already.

Jensen Hatrick

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The only problem with this is, if the current season ticket holders give up there ticket, there is huge waiting list of people that will snap it up. Then trying to get one back in the future is next to impossible. For most season ticket holders. never going to happen.

JH.

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31 Jan 2013 23:59:31
very very disappointing, arsenal are struggling to get into the top four, have been linked all transfer window with players and only signed one player a left back, very disappointed as an arsenal fan, did arsenal try to sign any other players ed? what went wrong?

Ads995

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31 Jan 2013 23:51:15
So Kieran 'Sicknote' Gibbs is out and Arsene panics because he no longer has "2 players for every position". In fairness he's strengthened us at left back which is good, but I can't help but feel that had Gibbs not got injured last night (probably our best defender of late as well) we wouldn't have signed anybody.
I feel completely uninspired at the lack of transfer activity. We are still lacking any strength in midfield and Wenger persists with the belief that one day Diaby might play 2 games a week without breaking down AGAIN.
I wish he could but he can't. That is clear. I wasn't expecting any mega signings but bought hat he might just bring in a strong enforcer in the gilberto mould.
I don't believe for one second that there is a mega war chest. We're told it every year and if there was it would have been used by now, because if ever there was a time when an Arsenal team needed investment it's now. Every supporter see's it.
Oh well time to get behind them and hope that we somehow manage to finish 4th.
I dread to think what'll become of them if we don't.
Alsager Gooner

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31 Jan 2013 23:41:56
Ok not an ideal transfer window, but I think we all know there are bigger things ahead this summer and next season.

I posted yeaterday saying it's time to get back to basics and if we only signed one player I wanted us to sign Baines, well, Nacho isn't far off and is a more affordable deal for a younger player.

Might not seem a big deal yet, but I think the Spanish fullback will enable Gibbs to play on the wing in front of him, then we can play a 4-4-2. We have missed an energetic left winger, when Gibbs comes back he could be just that. Ox on the right and we have proper energy on the flanks. Pod & Gerv & Theo rotate with Oli G up front.

A stronger CDM would have been great, but wanyama and capoue are the ones to go for, and they aren't available until the summer. Diame could have been a good bargain, however he is still quite a risk and I think his wage demands were unrealistic, and then it would put us in a poor position for one of the better targets in the summer. At least it was no more compromises!

One move that surprised me was Momo Sissoko (formerly of Liverpool) left PSG on loan to go to Fiorentina, now he was proven in the Prem and I would have welcomed him at Arsenal on that deal. Ed I thought Sissoko was very Viera-esque, has he gone downhill at PSG? cheers

redgoon

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31 Jan 2013 23:41:32
Feeling disappointed and let down by our lack of signings today we required more than a left back. Suppose its because they froze next years ticket prizes.

Bergkamp's apprentice

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31 Jan 2013 23:36:04
At least we dipped into the transfer market to get Nacho

SY4

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31 Jan 2013 23:33:21
AW gets a quality LB when Gibbs gets injured, why didn't he sign a world class striker when Van Persie left, or a holding midfielder when Song left, then most certainly we wouldn't be in this position!

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Giroud/Podolski were horrible replacements!

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Because its very difficult to get a too quality striker for that kind of knock down price. I think he was less than Mertesacker which is ridiculous.

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31 Jan 2013 23:31:44
At least we get to sing a good song nacho nacho man

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Llf brilliant

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31 Jan 2013 23:31:14
The midfield lacks physicality and tennacity. we need a DM.

We've sold out fourth choice CB, and the first three are in embarassingly inconsistent form. we need a CB. Yet all we're hearing is Monreal and possibly (although unlikely) a striker. Serious neglect once again!

We're a good team, with the makings of a potentially great team. But we've never been in this much danger of losing a CL spot (our fourth place trophy), because although we're not expected to keep up with the signings of Citeh, Chelski and Man Utd, we're also failing to compete with Tots, Everton and EVEN Liverpool in the regards to transfers.

They've closed the gap and we're doing nothing about it. Despite year after year of record profit!

Eds. please prevent me self-halming with news of Wanyama or a beast of a CB.

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For a long time now, arsenal has been a good team with the potential to become REALLY good if the right players (2-3) were bought. Unfortunately, arsenal isn't owned by an ambitious person.

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31 Jan 2013 23:31:07
I think it just shows how little we all know about anything to do with transfers. I've checked this site at least twice a day for the last 2 months and not once did monreal come up. And I have to say how disappointed I am with not signing an attacking player. I was praying for villa. But now the best I can hope for is for it to happen in the summer.

3434

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31 Jan 2013 23:28:43
Where's the Salsa, Sour Cream and Guacamole?

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31 Jan 2013 23:27:05
Anyone see the spurs fans all over the tv reporter outside sh!te hart lane and when they heard that Damiao wasnt joining them, they made a loud racket and the tv reporter told them to shut up. typical classless spuds.

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31 Jan 2013 23:25:59
Don't all be so down hearted, maybe Nacho's good anywhere across the back, can play DM, or on the wing, is a top centre forward and rubbish hot goalie to boot!

WG

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31 Jan 2013 23:17:50
Terrible transfer window per usual thanks Arsene

Believable5 Unbelievable7

31 Jan 2013 23:12:40
Monreal was forced up on his with Gibbs injury, he was to be signed in the summer.

which means we would of signed no body had Gibbs not been injured.

I sat in the shareholders meeting with Wenger, Ivan etc, was flat out lied to. told we would spend big this window, and the days of keeping our cash due to stadium are gone.

Arsene earlier in the window we will sign 2, ''we are trying very hard''


Fans have been let down yet again, 2 top players away from being near manchester sides. but that's the way it will remain until Wenger and Kroenke leave sadly Arsene has lost it, needs to find his replacement so he can leave asap. I was Wenger in, now i'm wenger out this summer. sadly

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'I sat in the shareholders meeting with Wenger, Ivan etc. '
Really?

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