Arsenal Banter Archive August 24 2013

24 Aug 2013 20:26:23
1st of all thanks to Dagenham Gunner and Ghost of Terry Mancini. You are good guys. Cheers.
We need players, no doubt. Things aren't as terminal as people think. Just look at our last 4 matches.
We beat Man City easily all be it a friendly
We lose to Villa controversially
We easily beat Fenebahce
We easily beat Fulham
Common denominator the Ref in the Villa game.
We are a good team in good form. The only thing I fear next week is that we are at home against Spurs.
Pls guys if you are going to be negative don't come.
Wenger will come good, he will get the right players for the squad.
You can't doubt this guys ability to pull out performances in the face of adversity.

100% with u always bruv

I would love Wenger to get it done, saves the search for a new one, but we do need more players or we will not make 5th let alone 4th .we would have been chasing 1st, but for whatever reasons ****ed that up

A sensible post at last, well done.

Controversial?! Mate you are off your rocker, I'm a Gooner and the referee made a fair decision on both incidents vs Villa, just accept it that we need players, whether we get them or not is a totally different thing not me nor you or anyone else on this site has insider news were all just fans with different opinions

That's not what a common denominator is.

24 Aug 2013 19:35:41
Benzema's agent say's he isn't going anywhere.

I for one really wouldn't be surprised If Arsenal only signed Flamini.

I wonder what the reaction would be to that

24 Aug 2013 18:36:42
Wenger speaking on BT Sports before the match today, Wenger confirmed that he was looking to strengthen the defence, midfield and attack

(he said something like: we are a little short at the back and need another striker- also, with injuries to arteta and ox, he will look to strengthen the midfield).

He also reassured those crazy people who think that just because Arsenal have won two games he won't buy or will alter his transfer plans by saying:

"No [it won't alter my plans]. We will be a bit less under media pressure maybe but that will not change exactly. I know exactly what I want to do and that will not change".

Before the Fenerbahce game? No.

He was then asked if he would be strengthening before the game at the weekend against Tottenham and he said:

"Before next weekend?

It's possible. Honestly, I'm not the only one that can decide that because the clubs who sell the players [are involved too]. We are on the market, you know that. I know you expect news from us. We will try to give you some, but at the moment nothing to announce".

boy we have a long week or so a head - fingers crossed everyone for some good signings.

Nothing before Tuesday.

Benzema is looking unlikely, his agent has said it won't happen. But we never know.

So don't get to exited until at least Tuesday sorry :(

I read half the post before my first comment sorry haha.

Good post mate hopefully there will be some after/during Tuesday :)

May be holding for a long time mate

24 Aug 2013 18:18:13
Can we clear one thing up please after every game if we loose, people come here and say see I told you. And if we win people say the same see I told you I was right Wenger was right everything is fine. let's just stop this and talk in a civil manner. It is counter productive, starts arguments and not what this site is about. Anyone who wants Arsenal to loose to be proved right is an person you should always want to team to do well and win. However the fact of the matter is that 27 players have left and one has been signed, winning doesn't change the issues with the spending of money and what is needed. A team should always be looking for ways to improve even if you have just won the league. We have the money we need to do this and we should have started earlier. There are clearly issues at the club with the Ownership, Board and Management, these have been highlighted by a number of journalists, supporters groups and fans. One results doesn't change anything so let's stop the I was right, no I was right and move on.

You was right haha. no anyone who want their team to loose need to reassess which sport to follow, win lose draw I support my team, this does not give management carte Blanche to do as they please, yes there are serious issues with the owner, who I think is trying to offload the club, will we get the signings we need?anyone's guess, Wenger says no one in b4 Tuesday, so no faces till deadline day I feel, supermarket sweep anyone

24 Aug 2013 18:12:11
In the post match interview Arsene responded to questions stating that he will not be strengthening before Fenerbache, and strengthening before the weekend is only a possibility? Yet the window closes monday night?

I'm praying to god that he hasn't seen this result today as a sign that the squad is strong enough

Frustrated Gooner

24 Aug 2013 17:46:08
Wenger has said podolski will be staying this season and there may be a signing before the spurs game hope we can get a big signing done COYG!

He can be good but he injured himself for about 2-3 months before by trying to step over the ball! cannot deal with pacey strikers either but a decent CB overall

24 Aug 2013 15:44:00
So that was not such a bad crisis was it? Fenerbache and Fulham neatly overcome and our fears are just that much less. Of course we are still significantly behind last years to 3 in strength.

However, Chelski are completely unbalanced they have almost a team of superstars in attacking midfield, but there attack is Torres still, and their defence wasn't good last year and is no better this year.

United won by a street last year but jsp like us before them are heavily shaped by whatever RVP does. If he gets injured they suddenly look a lot less great.

City a staggering array of talent, and a new coach with a reputation of achievement. But the question is are they able to play together and will Pellegrini be given time?

Spuds some class signings, the feeling that AVB is a coach on the rise, but Bale is off and without him they would have been mid table at best last year.

So if we make the right signings can we compete? Yes. Will we make the right signings? This is the hard bit, I still doubt it.

Not because we won't try, not because we won't spend, but because:

- Just like Suarez before him I think chasing Benzema is a waste of time. He loves being at Madrid, and he will only leave if he has to. The only chance is if Suarez joins them. That migh happen but it's far from certain, and f it does it will be at the last moment. Too late I suspect for us.

- Di Maria will probably leave once Bale joins, but why will be Arsenal bound? I can't see it. There will be others who want him who are bigger than us and have more money than us - United for one.

- Cabaye is possible unless Paris want him in which case he is coming nowhere near us. But while he's good I don't see the great need he is too similar to Arteta and to a degree Jack.

As for the rest? Well if it's right we are chasing Benzema and Di Maria I fear we'll waste too much time on them that at best we'll be picking up talented but not game changing players.

I'd feel so much more convinced if we were signing Lamela, Martinez, Kondogbia etc.

Oh well fingers crossed and what do I know? I thought we'd only draw today.

You was not the only mate I thought 1-1 and I agree with your comments about transfers targets
Heybridge Gooner

Top class post, agree with everything.

We wast0days doing. what! Have no idea now what we were doing!. think it is to late for the big signings now, should have identified targets and got them, spend top cash on top players, at the next level you don't haggle you just pay the price. we look like amateurs. I worry for the team if we can't recruit the required numbers

Do think that DiMaria is a possibility and this is the calibre of player that wins you titles.

We do need bodies but 'accepting' where you are will win you sweet fa.

24 Aug 2013 15:24:44
Couldn't make game today had to watch on tv.

Good result today against a fighting committed team, but we still need to invest. Players today played with some fire in the belly and Ramsey is turning into a monster.
Szecs. made two big saves but he still looks dodgy when under pressure with the ball at his feet.
Jenko. played well attacking but needs to defend better
Sagna. Looked comfortable against a casual classy berbatov (the guy is class wouldn't mind if wenger made an offer for him)
Merti. solid but caught out on goal
Gibbs. IMO our best defender can defend and attack
Ramsey. was our star player, got stuck in, kept things simple and protected the back four, if anything he is a starter before arteta and a powerful midfielder alongside him could be interesting.
Cazorla. starting to show last seasons form in spurts but needs to get fit and chase back
Rosicky. played well, chased down but couldn't get his game going
Walcott. much better outside wide can use his pace running in, was a danger all game
Podolski. Apart from the goals did nothing much else can't complain!
Giroud. starting to play with confidence and with a swagger needs support upfront took goal well.

Subs
Wilshere.still finding his feet, needs game time needs to control the short fuse.
Monreal. Came on to shore up the left side, was ok
Sanogo. looked a bit startled needs to play with confidence, needs a goal.

Overall a good three points but we still need to invest. as I have said before we have a good team but need the catalyst to take us to the next level.
Get the chequebook out! You got ten days

Agree with everything.

Top post

24 Aug 2013 15:11:05
In my opinion I think we shouldn't go for benzema, 125 games 56 goals for real and he's been more of starter than higuain. we could look at burak yilmaz, michu, jackson martinez. and they will be much cheaper. my opinion guys.

Even though he's just signed a contract, going all out for Benteke would be great. They'd accept a bid of around 25million I Rekon.

24 Aug 2013 14:48:25
After a result and performance like that, guys I think the best thing is for me not to say anything.

The performance was ok. No more no less and aginst the "top" teams we would have gotten our arses kicked.

Can someone explain why we score one and then puts the handbrake on. It was darn close that Fulham scored one after 1-0 and all because we stopped playing. It was the same against Villa.

You're right. We beat a weak Fulham team. Crisis averted, no signings needed.
In Wengerism We Trust.

Do you honestly think we can run a whole season without replacements?.really. 16 outfield players 23 released or sold, and no signs of anyone to come in to strengthen, not asking for ronaldo for christ's sake just really good FIRST TEAM players

Wengerism sometimes silence is more than enough my friend. I admire your unstoppable enthusiam for wenger, long may it continue.

I disagree. After our two last games maybe you should say:
- To all those who have thrown insults at you - anything to say now?
- To all those that were suggesting we boo because Arsene was 'mad' or a 'traitor' etc - were you booing when the third goal went in today, or when Giroud scored his penalty in Istanbul?
- To those who have been so stupid and to not understand you, like the rest of us, are entitled to your opinion - why do you fear and hate intelligent thought?

Oops that will get one or both of us some hate mail I have no doubt! The reality is we have signings to make but the side and Arsene deserve respect and support.

Which you then come online to say. Was a great performance has to be said. We have a strong first eleven just need some more depth add a bit more quality and we could compete. Wengerism please tell me you at least see that and would think Arsene was wrong if he didn't sign anyone.

I'll say something - criticism of Arsene Wenger is nothing to be ashamed of - the last three transfer windows have been shocking, and he is the man who gets both the glory and the rocks thrown - that's his job, he's paid £7 million a year for it.

We all want the team to do well, we're here to debate - I've paid for and stuck with Arsene for the last 8 years, but the last three transfer windows, selling RVP to United, AW and the board deserve everything they get, plus the kitchen sink. There needs to be an understanding that the fans voice is important and is part of the reason they are all living the life of riley.

Its good to see us winning and playing well, if you look at our bench it's thinner than Kate Moss on the cabbage soup diet. We need five players, 1 class striker, and we want them now, otherwise the s*** is going to hit the fan.

Yours lovingly

Our problem last season was our lack of points against the top teams. Fulham were poor. Fenerbache is the equiverlant of a retirement home. Say as little as you like but how will we compete against the top 6 teams who have all added bar Man U ( yet ) who knows. Next week is massive. Acquisitions need to be in and available for Sunday. Next week is massive.

Yeah you are right ISM STF UP!

24 Aug 2013 14:28:38
Mertesacker was at fault for bents goal he should be marking berbatov not just stand der I don't understand people rate him he's a liability hope we sign another cb and put mertesacker on the bench

Really, give it a rest bruv, your team just won away from home and after all this pressure. Please stop, just enjoy the win. Well done boys, Sagna, good game bruv.

Your team won, therefore don't worry Imired. Apparently we've been doing it wrong, I thought papering over the cracks still meant improvements had to be made.
Share your opinion, Mert should be on the bench, preferably for Sakho.

24 Aug 2013 13:54:12
can anybody answer this please because i'm confused lol.
I have virgin media and I pay extra for tv so how come i'm watching the fulham arsenal game on tv?. I thought bt sports and tv were in competition and I don't pay for bt sports channel. hopefully you clever lot can explain to me plz. {Ed044's Note - I would think the Virgin web site is the place to look mate.}

If you get Euro Sport or ESPN you get BT Spprt free. ALSO if you have BT internet {Ed007's Note - Virgin started broadcasting BTSport for free to XL subscribers a couple of weeks ago. I am surprised they haven't made more of the fact in advertising. The only reason I know is my mate is an engineer for them and told me a Celtic game was on it.}

Virgin bought the rights to show BT Sport about a week or two ago? Never announced, however I saw it trending on twitter, was a very happy bunny.

Thanks ed. ps i'm not complaing because I seem to be getting BT sports for nothing. win win I think lol

24 Aug 2013 13:30:19
Cabye not playin today because he's unsettled
Why don't nufc just come out and say we're greedy c**ts and we want to sell but want to look like we are. Being pushed into it, pr**ks. Yes 2-0

Cork city. I totally agree but they want £20m and we prob won't pay that hence the stumbling block mate

24 Aug 2013 13:17:51
1-0 arsenal giroud again but we no what happened last week when giroud scored early against villa

I know what didn't happen; Podolski doubling the lead.

24 Aug 2013 12:43:44
Lets all stop all this unnecessary battering of Wilshere. The young lad never said he was going to leave if Wenger is dropped? He said "he might consider his future", note the key word is might. Which means should the club not show ambition by replacing Wenger with another Top Top Manager, he (Wilshere) might consider his future.
I can't see anything wrong in those comments. Wilshere loves the club and wants the best for the club but if the club wants to turn itself into another nothingham forest, please don't expect Wilshere to spend his prime in relegation battle. I won't do it myself.
Dropping Wenger isn't the problem but we must make sure we have an equal, if not better replacements.

24 Aug 2013 12:15:27
Good news boys I've heard that if we don't buy anybody in this transfer window we will have £200 million to spend in the January window where Wenger and co can rub their greedy little hands together and not spend that either. I'm taking the piss as you are probably aware!

& the following year we will have 250mill not too spend going up to 300mill. If it weren't so sad it would be funny

24 Aug 2013 11:40:01
I think 4 1 arsenal today.
The knee jerk reaction by fans after last week was cringe worthy.
Iam glad the board and wenger panic.
First 3 points today on route

Yes mate only another 36 Premier League games to go plus the Champions League games, FA Cup games and Carling Cup games. You're absolutely right they should start panicking and get their fingers out. This is Fulham we are playing not Man Utd, Chelaea, Man City, Barcelona, Real Madrid etc should I carry on?

24 Aug 2013 12:25:41
Really don't want to be negative but it's looking like wenger is not going to get in anyone again hope I'm wrong but there's only about a week left, this is taking the piss considering are injuries

24 Aug 2013 12:15:27
Good news boys I've heard that if we don't buy anybody in this transfer window we will have £200 million to spend in the January window where Wenger and co can rub their greedy little hands together and not spend that either. I'm taking the piss as you are probably aware!

24 Aug 2013 11:40:01
I think 4 1 arsenal today.
The knee jerk reaction by fans after last week was cringe worthy.
Iam glad the board and wenger panic.
First 3 points today on route

24 Aug 2013 10:15:51
Hope we genuinely looking to get a keeper. The last time we put in a challenge for the tittle in 88 we had a keeper who was probably the 15th or 16th best keeper in the league and we finished 3rd I thought at the time we if we had a top 5 keeper we would have been champions. We haven't had a safe pair of hands since Lehman. She'zs is far better than Almunia but not top 5 by a long way yet. We have missed out on loads of cheap good keepers over the years and if this is the year that changes then so will our frothy draught

24 Aug 2013 09:37:38
As an Arsenal fan, the only thing I hate more than the transfer window are Wenger's press conferences!

Can you imagine what a press conference between Andre Villa Boas and Wenger would be like? Absolute torture!

Can you imagine what a press conference between Andre Villa Boas and Wenger would be like? Absolute torture!

24 Aug 2013 08:47:42
Original AG this isn't North Korea mate. And the Arsenal board isn't the Politburo. To claim that they've forced Jack Wilshere to make those comments is pathetic.

It'll be too late if we wait till the end of the window.
I think we can safely judge his transfer activity this summer already - and the judgement is that it has been pathetic.

I agree its definitely a push to say Arsenal made Jack say what he did, but at the same time can you honestly say it is something you could put past them given the circumstances and fan unrest? He is arguably the one player we probably wouldn't turn on. Our love for Jack is endless, so if there was aplayer to talk and get us all to sit up and notice it would be him. There is a lot of funny business going on at Arsenal, a lot of smoke screens, horrible PR and NO BLOODY SIGNINGS for every reason under the sun. So I wouldn't dismiss that they could use our beloved Jack in that way.

24 Aug 2013 08:40:01
Good luck today boys. I reckon it's going to be a tight 1-2. We will get a result away. Just like we did in Turkey.
It doesn't take a genius to see we don't like playing at home anymore.
How sad, our team finds it easier to play in the cauldron of hate in Turkey. Compared to the poison we create at the Emirates.

Wengerism, sadly there is a large element of truth in your post. 3 points today away from home followed by 3 very very good signings and hopefully we will be ok

Why do you think the team is getting so much stick at home Wengerism?

PS People boo Arsene Wenger, not the team

If the board and wenger did something for the fans there would not be any negativity BUT we are tired of being lied to and just funding arsenal plc WITH THE MOST EXPENSIVE TICKETS IN EUROPE!!!- when will you wake up mate, and see we are being take for granted

I couldn't agree with you more. The players seem nervous playing at the emirates and have done for some time. It was never the arsenal way to get on the back of the players that wore the red and white, it seems that the new breed of supporter who only remember the glory years are having their voice heard

This is why wenger sold gervinho if you remember he lacked confidence especially at the emirates.

Oh yes forgot to say good luck today boys especially you Mr Wenger! Didn't want to get left out! Is that ok ISM?

24 Aug 2013 08:27:05
I can't defend the managers signings over the last couple of seasons. Even though I think he was forced into that transfer bracket of around £10-15m
He could have done better.
We still have time in the window, look at Manchester United they haven't bought anyone.
Judge him at the end of the window.

You mean apart from Wilfred Zaha? So they have.

You mean apart from Wilfred Zaha? So they have.

24 Aug 2013 07:10:25
Here is a blinding quote from Arsene. He stated that the first thing any top level player wants to know before he goes to a club is are you in the Champions League? and that there is a queue of top top top players beating a path to our door to sign up! Well if that is the case Wenger all I can say is Tottenham must have been very very very lucky seeing as they are NOT in the Champions League! Do you reckon when they arrived in London they must have been coming from Wood Green and instead of turning right at Manor House to the Emirates they turned left into Seven Sisters road towards White Hart Lane? At this stage in the game I would have thought that Wenger would have chosen his words more carefully. What a ridiculous thing to come out with.

Think we are going for a higher caliber of player spurs have over spent on good players but not 100 mil worth. l if we get a few of the players we are linked with this summer will have been more productive than there's. They finished behind us with bale so knowing they would be without him they bought in bulk because with out bale they would have been 3-4 places below 5th last year if you took any one player out of our team last year I reckon we would have finished in the same place. I know that very few will agree tough.

24 Aug 2013 04:08:04
Any interest in Chicarito? My lady friend works for Man United and said that she heard things a while back in the beginning of the summer. Was wondering if the interest was sustained.

24 Aug 2013 01:47:51
I think Wilshere's comments about considering his future if Wenger left are disrespectful. If he love's the club it shouldn't be decided by the manager. Also saying Wenger always delivers trophies. Has he not witnessed the last 8 years. Obviously he has to support the manager but I think that's pretty childish. Saying if he doesn't get his way he'll have a hissy fit. In my opinion not very professional. Maybe stuff is happening behind the scenes. As i've said before no doubt he's a talent but I think he's hyped up needs to perform more consistently and be more effective in front of goal. Better players have left the club.

Let's remember he is just a kid.

Well, Jack Wilshere has one down a notch in my books. I thought he loved the club more than the manager. So if Wenger goes to PSG, then I guess it's hello France for Jack

24 Aug 2013 00:22:33
Ok boys I'm going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons here this is going to be one to put on file for a season! Who wants to have a bet that Jack Wilshere will be transferred no time soon . I reckon it will be by next season!

I wouldn't put it past them. I honestly don't believe it would be the end of the world as long as we got over 40 million. I would rather he stayed but I reckon other young talents will surpass him. There's no doubting he's talented but I do feel he needs to step it up a notch to really deserve the praise he gets. Some games he's unplayable others he's wasteful and jumps in to much. In front of goal he is ineffective for someone who plays football all day and is technique wise sound he should score more goals. One day hopefully he would be class but he is injury prone. I honestly think there are other players I would regret loosing more.

First full pre season after injury of over a year and 2 games into the season and he is not as good as they say and is expendable? jheez what you smoking bro sounds good?

Wilshere has looked a men against boys at times. Sure he hasn't been consistent, that's due to injuries. This year is huge for him, if he can stay fit the whole year (Something I don't think he is capable of) then he will improve greatly.
However, we will never get the best out of Wilshere, not when he has to have defensive responsibilities.
Now, have Jack free to do what he likes and be confident a player likes Lars Bender is behind him to do the dirty work? Now that I would love to see.

40 mill what warrants that pricetag

I love Jack Wilshere. But who in their right mind would pay 40million for him? I wouldn't. He is a kid with a lot of potential and very determined and spirited. But no way in hell he is worth 40 million

Fickle fans can you not remember before he did his ankle his midfield performances almost won us the league and bossed Barcelona (the best team in the world at the time)

Fickle fans can you not remember before he did his ankle his midfield performances almost won us the league and bossed Barcelona (the best team in the world at the time)

23 Aug 2013 23:39:45
I really hope that we keep Frimpong at Arsenal. Give him this year to come back from all the injuries and I think we will have a very good DM. A tougher player is hard to come by and I think he will become very good. I might be very off with this but I really like him a lot. A real warrior on the midfield. He also seem to be a humble guy. A humble warrior that always gives everything, can't be bad, especially not for Arsenal. Hope he is allowed to stay, really do. What is your take on Frimpong?

24 Aug 2013 00:27:44
If I could describe Frimpong in one word it would have to be DENCH! Love the lad and hope he has a future at the club. Another one who's career has been hampered by injury. He's very unlucky. Hasn't he had 3 cruciate ligament injuries now? Like you said Swede, hard to find a tougher player. Exactly what we need in midfield.

Because he's a freebie we may as well take him back. he was a terrific player and exactly what arsene is looking for, eg won't cost a penny

23 Aug 2013 23:09:29
Any one else getting a sense of being here before. another week gone and STILL no signings. almost time for wengers famous supermarket dash.
This feels like George grahams last days to me, the board not releasing funds etc
Maybe that's what the issue is behind the scenes, power struggles are not good.