24 Jan 2013 23:12:49
Arsenal finally have money to spend and wenger is ready to spend big. players such as villa jovetic hummels gotze etc are all main targets and arsenal are likely to make their moves in the summer.
wenger has found it hard to get these big players in in january and isn't willing to go for back up targets such as diame etc as he believes he will be able to secure his major targets in the summer.
Wenger maintains interest in two players in january, the only realistic forward for this window is david villa who he will pursue untill the very last minute of the transfer window however as yet it seems barcelona are unwilling to sell despite villa wanting to leave. Wenger also wants a top defender (most likely option looking like hummels) who will instantly improve the first 11, hense why he didn't move for yanga mbiwa as he dosent see him as any better than the current options.
Be patient, don't worry about a trophy this season and focus on top 4, meaning that with champions league football next season we will have more bargaining power to secure those top targets that will push arsenal up the next level and finally compete for trophies.
Arsenal Banter Archive January 24 2013
Use our rumours form to send us arsenal transfer rumours.
24 Jan 2013 23:02:43
Whoppy they will go in the summer finally, glad you made good money from arsenal Arshavin, Squillaci, Fabianski.
24 Jan 2013 23:02:16
Now i'm getting annoyed with all the hate. This is a rumour website, RUMOUR being the key word. These post's are rumours not news so stop the hate.
Arsenalboii46
This is the banter page mate
25 Jan 2013 06:55:35
No guy. This is the banter page. Key word being banter. So if you can't take being told that your rumours are rubbish then don't bother
You sure it's not the mindless crettins who come on here all saying the same barely legible rubbish that he's referring too?
Like you know, two people being who try to inform him that it's a banter page in a very condescending fashion?
You both know full well it's not what he's talking about, it's the people writing in huge caps about changes that "NEEDZ TU HAPPON NAU", when they clearly don't know how to tie their own shoe laces let alone run a football team. Or those that come on here slagging off our players, even after they have good games.
24 Jan 2013 21:20:41
Just a question;
Would people prefer Diame and Lopez now or no1 in January and Wanyama and Jovetic in the summer?
Basically do we need players now or can we wait until summer for possibly higher quality?
Khal Drogo
If I was waiting for the summer I'd want better players than you mentioned. Only problem is if we wait until summer we may not be able to attract players if we miss out on the top 4 & CL football next year.
Diame isn't leaving WHU and I don't think Lopez would be good enough to turn us round and get us into CL spots, i'd rather give Theo and Giroud a chance.
Rob
We need players this transfer window, because if we don't we will not finish 4th and so them sort of players we are apparently interessted into signing in the summer, would rather go to a team in the champions league!
24 Jan 2013 21:13:56
a guy on twitter is saying cavani to arsenal will happen in the next few days. not quite sure about that, would love to see it happen but make of it what you want!
austrian gooner
The day Arsene Wenger will spend 45 million on a player will be the day Mertescker scores a 35 yard freekick, its just to unrealistic and hard to imagiene!!
Or mertesacker can run 35yards in under 10sec
24 Jan 2013 21:12:07
honestly can not believe some of the stuff people are posting about hummels, I am sorry but first off he would cost a bomb which we simply don't do when it comes to our transfer policy and why would he want to join arsenal when he is at a much better side!
Agreed. Hummels would only come to Arsenal is if we have already agreed to sell TV5 in the summer.
These days 17 mill (which is needed for Hummels) is not a humunous amount of money, only 2 more than waht we paid for with Arshavin, and if that's the difference between us getting in the championsleague this year on not by suring up our defence, then techniqualy we will be making a net proft of 8 million by spending 17 :)
Much better side? They're having a great spell in their history no doubt but if we played them ten times in a row my money would still be on us winning more games! WE ARE THE ARSENAL
24 Jan 2013 20:29:26
So with Zaha off to UTD and us being linked to Nani earlier on in the window. It's a 2+2 but do any of you see Nani coming and would you be pleased?
Bradders
24 Jan 2013 21:03:23
SAF won't sell to us.
Please please NO
Nani is SH!TE
Rob
He sold us the mighty Silvestre!
D
SAF won't sell to us, that meaning he won't sell to potentially strengthen our team. He sold us sylvestre because he knew it would weaken us!
Paul - Rochester
24 Jan 2013 20:21:18
I'm beginning to think we are going to sign no players in this window. Be same old story, we tried.
Well done son, you on the same page as Wenger now, the old man is a bit stubborn and set in his ways. Besides Arshavin I can't think of anyone else that he has signed in the jan window(correct me if i'm wrong) you see any player returning from injury is a new signing in Wengers eyes.
Reyes
Adebayor
Walcott
Diarra
24 Jan 2013 20:12:40
Let's get real we beat a very poor team last night we still having a awful season if wenger don't spend and spend big I want him out {Ed027's Note - how many times to you see big sams teams getting ripped to shreds
Is that you Durham?
24 Jan 2013 22:23:15
So negative he will sign a big player this window
What ed027 said
Rob
Ed 27
I think the point is not about us ripping team to shreds, that were there for the taking, (1 swallow does not make a summer) it is about how teams have outplayed us and out battled us home and away this season.. So lets not be fouled again that we have turned the corner, we need to add quality and get rid of the injury prone high earners, any less and I think we will struggle for 4th this year
Shaneyd {Ed027's Note - we say the same thing every year, we always come out fighting, and gaining top four
24 Jan 2013 20:08:58
Great game last night, but there are still issues that was to be dealt with.
1. Transfer deadline is aproaching, and players we have been linked with has gone for other clubs. Time to haul them in Wenger.
2. We have sendt several players out on loan, which means our squad is getting thin.
3. Injury-proned players. With our thin squad we are very vulnerable if one of our regulars get injured.
4. Not cashing in for players becomming out of contract this summer. (Arshavin being one)
5.Replacing squadplayers with players who will actually challenge our regulars for a spot on the team.
Stekelenburg, Hummels, Capoue, Wanyama, Villa or Cavani......all these are great players, but also unlikely to join us.
I cross my fingers, and hope Wenger find a Gem for us.
Norwegian Gunner
24 Jan 2013 20:02:26
I know we were after Hazard, and it's old news he went to Chelski etc etc but anyone else think that he would never had kicked out & taken the law into his own hands if he had been in an Arsenal shirt?
The stupid money at Chelski has created a stinking attitude & arrogance from their players and organisation. They think they are above the law.
We say a lot of good and bad things about Wenger, one thing we have always been sure of is that his players are generally respectful and disciplined, he instills a lot of this from the top. I recall Ade & NB52 having words at spuds, and then they were both moved out of the team at the next opportunity, but other than that we can be proud of most of our players. We have a general respect at our club to be proud of.
gun44 {Ed027's Note - he nver kicked the kid who is just 4 years younger than him, he got the ball
This holyer that thou attitude is killing our club.
Too many people see through those oh so rosy tinted specs again.
It's the same with our players, most of them distinctly average, 2-3 players in the squad that are truly good enough. But a lot of people can't see it.
I ask now we beat a average team yesterday, great result, but papering over the cracks again.
We shouldn't be celebrating the fact we beat Whu, no disrespect to them, but it should be routine.
Sorry for the negativity! Lol,
On the upside looks like we might make some signings :-/
Still I will support the Arsenal, Think & Thin
Much love
Dubz
I'd have kicked the kid too..
The ball boys job is to get the ball and return it back to the playing field not waste time so he deserved everything he got.. Was the first time I have actually ever felt sorry for a Chelsea player!
G95
Whether he kicked the ball or the kid Ed he shouldn't have kicked out. Even if the kid was wasting time the officials would have added the time on.
Bergkamp's apprentice {Ed001's Note - except that the officials never do, that is why it is so frustrating when little cheats like that time waste. If the officials added on the right amount of time for all the time wasting done by Swansea last night, the game would have gone on for a lot lot longer.}
24 Jan 2013 19:57:01
As a celtic fan I don't want wanyama to leave but if he was to go I would love to see him go to. Arsenal. He is a huge talent and would take the premier league by storm and is the perfect players for arsenal because of the need for a cdm arsenal are my second. Favourite team gnd would love to see wenver spegnd goney as they need players to strengthen the team
Cheers m8
I love how your ability to write seems to deteriorate as your post goes on
24 Jan 2013 19:55:52
these were are so called targets. who ever wenger signs now will be a suprise but something that won't be a suprie that wenger will not sign anybody!
m'villa-rubin kazan
sissoko-newcastle
llorente-juventus
yanga mbwia-newcastle
diame-west ham (staying)
zaha-man united
lopez-athletico madrid (staying)
imranredman {Ed027's Note - we dropped intrest in Mvilla in the summer, never intrested in Sissoko, we choose Giroud in the summer, Llorente was out of our reach in the summer, Mbiwa wants first team, Zaha 17m thats all, Lopez is not first choice i understand, and neither is Diame anymore, players with more quality wanted...
Good point Ed the players you mentioned wouldn't improve us
24 Jan 2013 22:27:06
We need better players than the names mentioned
We already have better playedrs than all those mentioned!
yorky gooner
Edd you are true arsenal are trying to bring in the top quality as we said we would if it happens we will see we brought money forward from the sponsorship deals we will get more aggressive in these transfers
24 Jan 2013 17:51:40
Is it just me or does anyone else think there is a lot of new faces coming in at Newcastle? Paving the way for an exit or two maybe?
Also, maybe there is a reason we did not bid for any of their targets we were linked to?
I think we will try for cabaye. How do you fit all of these signings into the squad?
24 Jan 2013 17:44:59
Ramsey should be Arteta's successor.....he's not as lethal going at defenders like he was pre-injury but he still has the vision and technique to be a world class DM one day
We should also, from time to time, remind ourselves just how young Jack and Rambo are...
Next year, I see Ramsey making the leap, after 2 solid years post injury, and becoming our main deep lying playmaker
In Shezza, Jenks, Gibbs, Jack, Rambo, Ox and Theo....you have 7 of our first 11 looking long-term, and like Spain, at least 5 of the England starters will be Arsenal boys...
Moving forward, I see Arsene looking to add super class to that core of 7, although we are pretty close as far as CBs go, and they are young enough to be here a long time....
I think you will be surprised at how good our young British core look against Bayern, and I consider them the most in-form team in Europe....
Sit back and enjoy these kids growing before our very eyes. It will feel all the more special when we lift something.....having done it the right way, with a team full of Gooners.
Remember Barca almost gave up on Xavi, who was older than Ramsey is today during the 2006 CL final, and didn't play. Iniesta took years behind Giuly at W/F and Deco at AM to actually play....but look at him
Wilshere and Rambo partnership is finally forming.....looked pretty damn good yesterday and we should give it time
Also....for the Diame lovers
Jack, Rambo, Santi, Arteta, Diaby, Rosicky, Coqs, Ox if need be....is a stacked midfield. If we are to add there, I want someone better than what we already have at the top of that pecking order....in other words we didn't need Diame
Coyfg!!
US Gooner
Ramsey plays one good game in about a season and a half against a side that gave us far to much room and all of sudden his great again. Time will tell but I doubt it.
Ah those words "world class"being used so freely again, even pre injury he would have had to fulfill his high reputation and promise to get near to WORLD CLASS. Now sorry but he is or will not get anywhere near that level.
Shaneyd
People were thinking Gervinho was going to be our new striker after a few good goals early in the season. Ramsey had one good game against an average team. We need a Wanyama or similar in the dm role, not ramsey.
24 Jan 2013 17:44:31
If our club were to ever spend serious money
Szczesney
Srna Howedes Vermaelen Gibbs
Capoue
Cazorla Wilshere
Walcott Cavani Jovetic
I know that could cost us over 100m realistically but it would be a 100m well spent.
The second team fighting for their starting spots
Butland
Jenks Koscielny Mertesacker Meade
Coquelin Arteta Ramsey
Ox Giroud Podolski
I assume Diaby will be injured then so he is on the list of extras along with Gervinho, Gnabry, Eisfeldt and Frimpong.
Sell the likes of Sagna, Arshavin, Djourou, Squilacci, Rosicky and Chamakh. {Ed027's Note - big thing hear is, still playing theo out wide, and buyin a st in Jovetic and also sticking him out wide!
So were still going to stick with same formation then.
23 Jan 2013 08:49:55
Hey Ed just want your opinion. Do you think M'vila & Sissoko can play together, think the 2 would be great replacement for Diaby and Coquelin who are both not good enough for different reasons. M'vila can backUp/competition for Arteta whilst Sissoko would be our new Diaby without the injuries. These are the kind of signings that will improve our squad significantly. Mysteryman {Ed027's Note - they played for rance once, looked big and strong, but they were'nt on the pitch, both have weakneses, also M'villa has gone to russia now
22 Jan 2013 19:24:24
Hello Ed just read on one of the Arsenal, s web sites that AW is in Germany, as this got any truth in it.Also if it came down to choice for a new dm, what one of three would it be your prefferred choice.
Wanyama, Capoue or Daime
Thanks for the site Ed
The Heybridge Gooner {Ed027's Note - I would'nt belive that mate, and i'd choose wanayama, already a great player, shown his class in the CL, and will definately improve, i think it wil be Arsene or SAF who will take him, hope we come out with him
24 Jan 2013 19:45:09
So Napoli are interested in mannone ? I wonder if they fancy a cash and p/ex for cavani ? Just a thought !
24 Jan 2013 19:39:17
Mats Hummels and Stevan Jovetic
Any chance ed?
Rasha89 {Ed013's Note - Yes}
But is it a realistic chance ed013
RG {Ed013's Note - Without a doubt}
I admit I haven't seen him play but exactly how good is Jovetic... he averages a goal every 300 minutes of play and he takes all the penalties.... I seem to feel from your replies Ed that you like the idea of buying him? Is he really going to make a big difference?
yorky gooner
24 Jan 2013 19:11:24
everybody except arsenal seem to be able to sign players. Arsenal management is rubbish at making deals quickly
24 Jan 2013 18:50:16
Everyone saying we are missing out on our targets, how do we know whos arsenes targets are?
Everyone knows he never lets anyone know about transfers, Maybe we are missing out on our "potential targets" because wenger doesn't want them and he is looking elsewhere.
24 Jan 2013 15:47:39
Forget diame, wouldn't help us win anything although a bargain just a squad player for any title winning team.
Wenger should however spend big,
Sign 3 players were linked to.
Hummels 23mil
Cabaye 14mil
Jovetic 20mil + arshavin
We will sign no one
So we spend 60 million and pay about 30 million a year more wages...also I bet Walnut would either already have a clause linking him to top wages and maybe one or two thers would start upping their demands- how likely are Arsenal to do that?
Sorry meant to put me name!
reference post about Arsenal not being likely to pay out 60mill
yorky gooner
24 Jan 2013 15:43:37
'Mohamed Diame has sought to bring an end to speculation surrounding his future by committing himself to West Ham United.
The combative midfielder only moved to Upton Park last summer, with the Hammers snapping him up as a free agent when his contract with Wigan came to an end.
That deal looks like being one of the bargains of the season, with Diame having starred for Sam Allardyce's side after settling quickly in the capital.
Once the transfer window swung open, it was suggested that he could be targeted by Arsenal, with there said to be a clause in his contract which could be triggered at any time.
Diame has, however, attempted to shrug off the constant rumours by insisting that he has never expressed a desire to move on.
He told West Ham's official website: "I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay here.'
Yesterday I posted about Gourcuff not moving.
Today, Diame.Are we gonna' sign anyone!
Who are you then? sign off on your posts if you're so certain, then we all know to listen to you, or that you are full of it.
i don't think you have any sources, you just read the paper and report what they're saying.
topgunner
You know the game we wait till next thursday and pick up scraps
24 Jan 2013 15:37:03
M'Vila has signed for Rubin Kazan and Adrian Lopez said he has no intention of leaving Athletico.
Not so sure we actually need a striker when we have Walcott, Giroud and Podolski who can all play in the central role. Besides, isn't that what Theo just signed for..?!
Surely its a DM to relieve Arteta and a couple of defenders we need to reinforce LB and a second verstile one who can cover RB and CB positions?..
ASEG.
24 Jan 2013 15:34:52
as usual the arsenal fans on here have u- turned from Wenger out to wow what a display we don't need any transfers we just need to believe!
bit of consistency please.
24 Jan 2013 15:23:56
I think last night showed that when Giroud is given the proper service that any centre forward needs, he is a an extremely good player in the box. Personally I think with him Walcott and Podolski we don't need a new striker, Walcott and Giroud will oinly get better and better and I really think that if given the opportunity Podolski would do very well there as well. It's midfield that really requires work, so many Arshavin's and Rosicky's and Coquelin's that never play, I just think signing Wanyama or Fellaini would transform our side entirely. I know they are different sorts of players in that Wanyama is more of a central midfielder with a defensive edge whereas Fellaini is a box to box player that can do it all, but we clearly benefit from Diaby's power and presense whenever he plays. We need someone that will work with Wilshere and take the game by the scruff of the neck so that the boys up top can do their thing.
Additionally, I think we should move for Isco. I know it's unlikely we'd get him and all that but all the Spanish clubs are ruined financially and the lad is a livewire attacking midfielder that would thrive with us. I'd hate to see him go somewhere else!
Please Arsene, don't let the good win last night gloss over the flaws in your potentially top side.
Fab
24 Jan 2013 15:00:32
Fantastic, fantastic...., I was so happy this morning so much that I ran to work rather than wait for the bus....Thank you AW and your boys, I had a blast at work today
MOFAYA
24 Jan 2013 16:46:38
When Thomas Vermallen went off yesterday he gave the captains armband to Jack Wilshere
89'gooner
Arteta is vice captain but wasn't playing. JW10 or WS1 are the most obvious stand ins at the moment
Hopefully a sign of things to come
24 Jan 2013 16:06:59
Can someone that lives in London go and bang on the windows at the Emirates for me please? Arsene must have fallen asleep and needs reminding that the transfer window shuts in seven days!
Why do we always wait until the last minute? I'm certain players do not get cheaper the later it is. If Arsene came to me wanting a player with one day to go I'd even put the price up to see how disparate he was.
He keeps banging on about finding super quality players but we are the only club who let 'super, super quality players' go for next to nothing!
Winchy gooner
Clearly Arsene is a real person with regards to transfer activity and you on the other hand have a firm understanding!
Hey mate,
nasri - £25m
fabregas - £35m
van persie - £24m
not really 'next to nothing' in my book.
Fabregas was sold for 27 million when he should of been sold for 50 million andy carrol was sold for more
watford gooner
25 Jan 2013 17:36:23
It was meant as an overstatement to highlight our inactivity.
24 Jan 2013 14:49:11
Hey
Just had a little thought....anyone think that it could be Alou Diarra that we are in for from West Ham?
A French international who can play CM/CDM/CB, and has publicly come out and slated Big Sam and West Ham for the way they treated him, and that he wants to leave.
Wenger has been known in the past to show interest in him, and for the mean time he would fit in from now until the end of the season being eligible for CL etc...
Project Arsenel
He's got a lot of experience too. He played in the world cup final for France in 2006!
Macc Gooner
He is a leader also, he has captained both Bordeaux, and France....I am surprised that he hadn't played for West Ham I assumed he was injured.
Project Arsenel
24 Jan 2013 14:28:05
Have just seen that the DM have given that 'person' Adrian Durham a column in their paper, If it wasn't bad enough that he insists on slaughtering our club on the radio, he now does it in the national newspapers. What on earth is his problem with Arsenal? He has managed to turn a very good performance and result in to negative rubbish which borders an insane persons rant.
The only positive is that there is a picture of him, and boy is he an ugly creature! No wonder he is so angry all the time, I would be if I looked like that, but it's not our fault blame your parents Durham!
As a United fan, I find Durham's views on Arsenal ridiculous. The man is a muppet.
AJH
All arsenal fans should stop calling when Durham is on. We he says let's have your calls arsenal fans no one ring. He changes the argument to his advantage every time. If you told him our new forwards have scored more and assisted more goals than last year so we brought in two players instead of van Persie he would still find issue with it.
He's got a face perfect for radio !
He is a ranting Arsenal hater. Something happened in his childhood.
Gimp....
Well said mate, just read the article, disgraceful! He (Adrian Durham) is everything that's wrong with this country. He's nothing but an overpaid, talentless, sycophant, who sees no harm in vilifying a 17 year old kid in the national press. As for ugly, my god, if I had a face like that, I'd put it up against a brick, and throw a wall at it! The man's a fuc&ing clown.
Willesden Gooner
Perfect face for radio. He once commented how he thinks he's chances of being on tele was seriously hindered because of the colour of his hair. The funny thing is you know he's really bitter about it.
Just do what I do. Don't listen to him and don't read his column. He's just a shock jock and anybody can do that. He's many things, but a journalist isn't one of them.
Flybo
He couldn't even get the attendance right, there was more than 40,000 at the game last night. About ten times more than readers who read his articles.
Bergkamp's apprentice
24 Jan 2013 14:10:34
missed out on a few players so far in this transfer window and wengers targets have basically all committed themselves to their current clubs, honestly not looking to good on the new signings part but I would say our best bet of a signing is benat from betis
preston gooner
Probably never been any targets, just all bull
24 Jan 2013 13:56:12
Zaha i'm Manchester having a medical, agreeing terms on a 5 year deal. He's a Gooner and we are missing out on him while AW sits on his hands. In a few months time we will no doubt be told that we tried to get him but just missed out, as we did with Smalling and Jones!!
Do we really need another, young prospect? Especially on the wing? We have plenty of attacking midfield and wingers in our reserves which can't even get on the bench
Look we can't sign all the players...and its not that we don't want him, i'm sure the player told us that he was interested in joining united and we dropped off altogether...
for 15 mill, i'm sure wenger would have signed him.
He's an arsenal fan he could have said it publicly if he was a die hard arsenal fan and wenger would have signed him.
For me we have jack...and ox for the midfield pairing that we require...my ideal 3rd player would be mario gotze...and if we do acquire him then we are well on our way in terms of a future with our talented players...
having watched the german sensation...not only is he leaps and bounds better but he is a better scorer and a better winger...
take it how you want for me...he is currently a top 50 player...and that's what we don't have.
Lakerville
24 Jan 2013 13:53:39
Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha to have Manchester United medical in next 48 hours
24 Jan 2013 13:36:27
Let's be more realistic, there are no players coming in. Wenger has something up his sleeve, doubt any signings will arrive January, as Arsenals season lies in the hands of this current team, 3rd and 4th is stil much alive. We just need that team to unite, find consistency, showing there tru quality because we have seen what they are capable of. The world class players are cup tied for champions, what's the point of being hasty in buying players to shut fans up. Why go blow millions now where as he can build more funds from now till end of season and splash it out of tru and proven quality, makes no sense to make hasty decisions on players now, let the team play, identify there progress, let the scouts do there homework on consistent quality players, come next transfer window, he knows where the problems are and what positions needs strengthening. Patience pays off, the fans asked for top quality last year, Wenger brought in Poldi and Santi...Arsenal is rebuilding, and Wenger is no magician, but when he gets it right he went unbeaten for an entire season. The titles wil come, Arsenal jus need stability with there players staying and showing full commitment.
I have been hearing 'Wenger has something up is sleeve' for years now!
Also they aren't really hasty decisions, they're decisions that should have been made a long time ago. Defensive midfielder is required. Goal keeper is required. A true winger is required and another striker is required.
I agree that there won't be any signings in january. But I don't think wenger has a plan, I just think with the money man city, man utd and chelsea are prepared to spend in transfers and wages, I don't think arsenal can compete for the real proven world class players. World class players want around 200k a week and the clubs want 25m+ which wenger will never agree too. Arsenal are hoping ffp comes in and makes it a more level playing field. But if arsenal are wholey banking on ffp they will be dissapointend because city have already got round the rules and chelsea will beat the new rules leaving us behind. Arsenal have to spend big money to compete or get left futher behind
No thank you- that sorta drivel has been his excuse for far too long. There is no luxury of time here, we might not even be in the CL next yr, who will join us then? The time is now to make changes Wenger.
Ash
24 Jan 2013 16:03:07
Wenger seems content to be only 3/4 points behind the spuds....how about the 22 points utd.....If we qualify for champions league Wenger will regard this as a success....if we don't qualify, you can rule out certain established players signing for us.....a real paradox......km
^^^ A watch maybe
Wenger does have something up his sleeve. A tissue.
Flybo
24 Jan 2013 13:21:51
After 23 games we have 37pts. At the same stage last season we had 37pts. This year however we have scored 7 more goals and conceded 6 less. On the other hand Man Utd have only scored 1 more goal. To joke, was RVP that important to us?
Time for the team kick on as we did last year and achieve top 4 at worst.
Northbank
Nice stats if true!
Love little stats and facts like this!
brighton gooner
And how many more points do spurs have then they did at the same stage last season?
Do people not remember that we only scrapped 3rd after Tottenham forgot how to play football for the final 10 games last season and we went on a surge. Not so sure this will happen again this year.
Hello Northbank that makes very interesting reading
Heybridge Gooner
We have missed an awful lot of goal oppertunities and also vital penalties. We would have more points had RVP had stayed. One thing your missing is Wilshere was injured all of last season.
Brighton Gooner - so what happens on Saturday?
24 Jan 2013 20:56:19
You can't lie with the facts.
24 Jan 2013 13:11:07
I know I will get a lot of disagrees but meh I'm used to it ;)
Would anyone consider putting in a 15 mil bid or Torres plus extra money if he plays well?
Torres on his day is one of the best strikers in the world.
He would score goals for fun until he got bored.
He is severely under performing at Chelsea and we need a goal scorer who can bang them in for fun and we know Torres on his day is one of the best.
I also think that with the chances we create and under Wengers guidance, we could get the best out of him.
I'm basically saying, I'm not interested in the current out of form Torres, but I would like to sign the old Torres.
Worth an enquiry, what's the harm in asking. If he is overpriced then we move on.
Nick.
1 million disagrees!
24 Jan 2013 14:25:02
Nick,
I think the club are trying hard to move on a number of players who are not working out for us, it would just be a massive gamble on a player who looks to have no way back to add to them.
He has been so bad for so long.
Stoner
Why do we need a goalscorer? We have 1 more goal than Man City. 1 less than Chelsea.
A goalscorer would help cover up our defensive frailty. Like United scored 11 more and conceded 3 more.
I completely agree with you.
Not sure what all the factors are but Chelski just isn't for him and I have always firmly believed the Old Torres will return when he moves on and would love it to be with us.
Was so upset when he signed for Liverpool as it said to me that the club did not value winning the Prem at £25M.
Block 5 Gooner
Hes 29 nearly he has had his day first 2 seasons with liverpool he almost won them the league but way past it for that money!
24 Jan 2013 12:58:08
Am I the only one dissapointed Frimpong did not come on for either Wilshere or Cazorla for the last 15 minutes?
Could have used some first team action and give two of our playmakers a rest.
Unless he is not in Wengers plans.
I don't think he is to be honest. I am sure his contract ends this summer for one. He was also played at left wing in his last game where he got sent off after 2 yellows. When Wenger was asked who he would be playing at DM as Arteta, Diaby and Coquelin were all out, he laughed and said he didn't know and he needed to think about it.
Hard to see how Frimpong has a future but I hope he does.
24 Jan 2013 12:47:31
Ashley Williams (Swansea) a target for arsenal could be are new CD... not a bad way to spend 8 million!
An excellent player, would Swansea sell him for £8m?
24 Jan 2013 12:41:16
You know we played well when we seriously could've had 10 goals and a 5-1 victory feels somewhat flattering towards West Ham.
Pure domination.
Nick.
Haha yeah I was thinking the same thing, was really disappointed that didn't become an 8 goal rout...
But then, what's more disappointing is that the Ox came on and looked poor out wide again...yes he reached the byline a few times but his final ball this season has been shocking. I am worried about him. He's a shadow of the player he was last season...would have been good to see Jack taken off early and The Ox played in the middle instead of out wide.
Why we gave Santos a run out is anyone's guess...what the hell?
Metal Gooner
24 Jan 2013 12:32:17
arsenal pull out of diame transfer (unlike what he is saying, that he wants to stay put)
diame asking to much in wages.....
24 Jan 2013 12:17:29
Firstly all this talk about diame is a bit of nonsense as if we were to buy him it will show that wenger has lost faith in diaby being fit and I dnt think wenger has the only way we will buy a dm is if diaby is injured currently that position is over croweded whether they are any good is another question but wenger won't buy a out and out dm I would be thinking along the lines of a cb that can be moved foward if it has to be done which brings me to mwbia (Montpellier ) sorry for spelling. But how do Newcastle sign him before we do if we were interest ed the last time I recall we put a bid in for the summer and he said he didn't want to sign for arsenal as he was holding out for millan so how has he gone to sign for 'a wee club' compared to the arsenal. The diamedeal looks very unlikely as that pposition is occupied buy many players and if frimpong or coqulien isn't sold he will not be diame will not be signing for arsenal. As I was watching the game yesterday I was very pleased by ramsey's performance I've been a big supporter of him and feel that he is usually included with the dead weight we got but yesterday he might have been in a depper role than usual but he showed what he can do most of this season he's been pushed out wide and he is not comfortable there yesterday's game just seemed he was in control.
True G
24 Jan 2013 11:44:38
I suggest everyone looks at the Deloitte money league.
What you will find is that our matchday revenue is 10% above our peers across Europe (real, barca, man utd, ac milan, bayern, etc).
Directly a result of over-priced tickets.
At the same time, we are under-performing on the commercial revenues; which is why this something that is being immediately addressed.
Hopefully, as commercial revenues increase, we can reduce the rate of increase in prices for tickets.
Billybob {Ed002's Note - This is not really true Billybob - you cannot sensibly equate ticket prices in England with pretty much any other country other than England. A sensible comparison would be the cost of an average ticket, or matchday out, for the EPL against other leagues.}
Our stadium is virtually sold out for every match, hence the tickets are not overpriced. Its simply a matter of suppy & demand. If they were overpriced, the tickets would remain unsold.
I agree, but even looking at other EPL clubs, we take in a massive amount of OUR revenue from match day versus peers.
24 Jan 2013 11:37:08
So to some degree Wenger did know...
In that for all of our articles about "what we need", which I am guilty of as well...
What we actually need most of all is belief and confidence.
This true for the players, the staff, the media and most importantly the FANS (great support last night).
Support our squad. Whether players come in or not, from now until May we have a battle on our hands.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS.
Billybob
24 Jan 2013 11:31:27
The name of our latest Spanish singing is :
No Juan !
24 Jan 2013 11:16:51
Arsenal to panic but 3 players on deadline day, more then likely one will be loan
24 Jan 2013 11:00:44
Ahhh hindsight. Damn you. Not to take anything away from the guys at all, but didn't Allardyce kind of throw the game last night?
When you go away to Arsenal, don't you play your best team? Think about this. Firstly, West Ham have one of the most effective wingers in the league in Jarvis. There isn't a wing back he doesn't beat and his crosses lead to (far too) many goals. Then consider:
1) We hate balls into the box.
2) Our centre backs have not been at all great this season.
3) Mertesacker in particular is very easy to outmuscle.
4) They have Cole to do this and he does it very well
5) Sagna's form has been shocking recently.
West Ham actually had a perfectly good chance of taking points off us last night. Our biggest weakness is their biggest strength and they didn't capitalise on this at all. But Fat Sam leaves Jarvis and Diame, his two best and most consistent players, on the bench?! I am so glad I am not a West Ham fan right now because I know what it feels like to have a manager who doesn't put out the most official side and then scratches his head/buries it when we play badly.
On way home after game got talking to 3 w/ham fans on train and they said the same thing about Jarvis and Diame. The Chelsea result chirpped them up plus there worried that QPR will stay up and they'll go down. As the Hammers fans sang last night "We hate TOTTENHAM more than you".
Bergkamp's apprentice
24 Jan 2013 10:40:44
Wanna tip my hat to:
Our goal that came straight off the training ground for a start - Giroud's goal off the corner! What a goal. That was no 'let's run here and see what happens' goal - look at Mertesacker's role in it. Giroud has a sweet left foot and a great volley and it was used to maximum effect there! Wicked goal. Nice to see some training paying off.
That's the second point. Last night looked like a team who has trained hard to produce that sort of football. Notice the way Jack timed his ball out to Podolski? He waited and waited for the defender wing back to step in field just a tiny bit, then still split the pass between him and the cb to set Podolski off down the left. Yes it could be common sense but that looked learned and perfected which is why I highlight it.
Giroud is a big guy and his movement is unique I think. He doesn't always make typical runs, but he does usually always make clever ones. He knows the impact he is trying to have and it works. Also his set up play is outstanding. His first touch is a lot better than we give him credit for! How many times has he dinked a ball into the box for someone else to get onto - Podolski's heroic volley that time....Gibbs' heroic volley that time...there was another couple as well and again last night. That chip doesn't work unless it is perfect. We haven't had someone do that sort of thing for a long time. And what did it do? It brings another player into the game. It boosts confidence, it shows he is prepared to try and get us to score amazing goals not just simple ones.
I know he has days where he's ineffective but on many of those days our attack has been non-existent. When the team works hard for him he is always excellent. All those games where we sat there thinking we were crap, and hoping Giroud would make something out of nothing...well if we attacked the way we did yesterday, against Chelsea second half, against City second half...he will prove to be a very effective player. 10 goals and 10 assists and counting!
24 Jan 2013 10:06:53
Thoughts on the game, wow, some of the potential I really thought we had in this squad; I still stand by my ideal though to make our defence a rock because going forward as last night showed, we have some seriously good options.
I'm really loving Gibbs, he optimised himself with losing the ball from a run he made into their penalty box to be the one making the recovery challenge on the halfway line. The slight negative to that is we did have two fullbacks doing that, I don't want to get into putting Sagna down but Jenkinson in no way deserved to be dropped and knowing he had Sagna in the wings would only have helped, he didn't get an England call up for being a dope.
Ramsey, I posted a while back asking what could be done to help him out of his rut, I guess Arsene found the answer, play him in the right position.
Jack, it would seem impossible that he won't go on to be world class, a way over used term but he has everything to produce on the biggest stages in amongst the best.
So for me I would love to see some more quality in our CB area plus a CDM because going forward we can be truly lethal, saying that if Cavani fancies a spell in the Premiership then hey who am I to argue.
I know some will say don't get carried away it was only West Ham, they are not mugs but more to the point, this looked and feels like we did properly step up a level.
Finally if we do buy Diame I reckon he could have the Hayemaker or Klitschko. Jeez he's big.
Stoner
24 Jan 2013 10:04:56
Before the window opened, Wenger said he will need to get a striker as Gervinho will be away to AFCON. Considering that he sent Chamak away on loan, it is likely that he will indeed get a striker. However, I do not believe it will be Lewandowski because Wenge's explanation for lack of interest in Ba will still hold. I suspect he would prefer a DM that can also play central defence, which makes me think of Luiz Gustavo over Diame. Why will he send Djorou out on a loan without buying a replacement? Will he give a chance to our young CBs- Miquel and Angha? Fingers crossed.
I think he allowed Djourou & Chamakh to depart as there was virtually zero chance of them playing, so it made sense to allow them to play elsewhere & for the clubs they join to pick up the wage bill. I believe Wenger is looking for replacements in those positions.
24 Jan 2013 10:00:35
good win last night torres not the answer still want wenger out at the end of the year and moyes in
Think our next game will be a good test as to were we are going
So you want to go back to the old formation 11-0-0 then. That is the Moyes basic position in the game.
Wengers main fault is having such a purpole patch a few years back... he would be loved to bits if all the trophies were spread out over his whole reign.
yorky gunner
Like Moyes at Everton but don't want him at Arsenal.
24 Jan 2013 09:46:55
Have to say all the people who have slated rambo should have watched him last night. In his correct position looked decent
Yanman
I have slated Rambo on numerous occassions because he has been crap. West Ham game he was immense, no question about it. It doesn't change the fact that he was crap before though. So I am not sure what you are trying to say really. Please enlighten me.
The Swede
He was decent last night. But I have seen him have loads of crap games in the middle...like all of last season. So your point is kind of meaningless, no offence!
Last night he had a good game, just leave it at that. Doesn't mean anyone was wrong to slate him for such poor past performances.
Metal Gooner
24 Jan 2013 09:22:30
I think we should make a bid for Fernando Torress he's playing at the wrong club, any thoughts?
I don't think Torres has a future in this league. He looks like the kind of guy who needs some time away to rediscover himself and get back to doing the basics again e.g. getting his touches right, putting his foot through the ball instead of slicing his shots into row z.
Any move for the most off the boil striker would be dangerous, especially when we could spend equal or less funding on a younger more in form striker.
It's a bit of a hiding to nothing
I have always thought that, we love to play the ball to feet game and chelski dont. he would do better here than there. plus if he gets us 20 plus goals a season we can sell him to manchester for a princely sum.
i reckon we shouldn't bid more than 15m for him tops
24 Jan 2013 08:43:25
Why all of a sudden are we all happy with Diame for 3.5M not saying he is not a good player or that he wouldn't help our squad but didn't he sign for west ham only 6 months ago on a FREE from Wigan? that's how I remember it anyway correct me if I'm wrong.
He had 2-3 full seasons at Wigan and then signed for west ham on a free and 6 months later he is worth considering for 3-4M. All I am saying is that why didn't we go for him then if he was that good and again FREE.
Why are people so incapable of deduction? Are you 15?
He ran his contract down at Wigan because they were a team facing relegation and he didn't want to sign. This guaranteed him a transfer. He ended up signing for West Ham, a team newly promoted - many promoted teams go down don't they, so he made sure there was a low release clause in his contract in case West Ham got relegated. It's simple logic. Now the world knows about the release clause and here we are today.
Stay in school!
Because we don't have a defensive midfielder. Something is better than nothing!!
Baysie Gooner
The Everton captain played for Sheffield utd.. Wenger never takes many from the lower clubs/league.
We should have got him when he was free. He spent the back end of last season out with quite a serious injury at Wigan, West Ham took the risk of signing him before he had proven he was going to regain his fitness. We don't take those sorts of risks, and rightly so because we have squad depth.
He has returned better, WH are trying to negotiate a new contract with a 10m release clause. His 3.5m value does not reflect his worth.
We missed the boat for Vic Wanyama, he should have been ours in the summer for
24 Jan 2013 08:36:19
didn't watch the game but listened to it and followed the forums and by all accounts Rambo had a solid game in the middle of the park! please AW stop putting square pegs into round holes!
we as fans have to get behind our players, Rambo was just starting to show his potential (west ham away in the fa cup, comnes to mind) and then a serious injury! cut the lad some slack!
brummy gun
Rambo IS a great player, just like Gervinho and Arshavin who are good players when played right like on their national teams.
Gervinho, REALLY?
24 Jan 2013 08:08:32
hi, morning
well done the lads last night, super result! so pleased, nice smile for the day:)
just come off the chelski site, lol:) copied a couple of posts below.
pretty amusing:) sounds familiar?:)
anyway, made me smile even more!.....
How many skill full players do you want?
Hazard
Mata
Marin
Oscar
That's to name but a few. How much did they cost?
You can't always throw money at it when things are going bad.
What happened to coaching?
23 Jan 2013 22:17:05
Really disappointed that there didn't seem to be any passion, any determination, any urgency and did they look like they really cared? Hazard will get a hefty suspension I reckon. I don't want Rafa and have no respect for him but he needs to come out and say we were poor but I bet he says we played well, controlled the game but couldn't find an opening. We could still be playing this time tomorrow and wouldn't score.
fans... never happy:) andi
24 Jan 2013 08:06:07
to all you ramsay doubters, play the boy cm .....
simply awesome!!
stockers8
When Arteta is fit who are going to drop out of Arteta, Wilshere or Cazorla to play Ramsey
24 Jan 2013 11:59:42
ramsay is the future...since he joined, the plan was to play alongside jack.....
things are taking longer than expected...people leaving that were big in aw's plans aren't helped....
ill put a wager on for next season...that we finish champions....i trust in wenger today...tomorrow always and forever....
stockers8
They can all be rotated, Cazorla looks like he needs a rest some games, Arteta also would only play 2 out of 3 games and you would get more out of him, and if any of them get injured there is cover. It is a very good position to be in, and Ramsey is the most versatile of all although the others are probably better in that position.
Ive said it before and nothing has changed, Ramsey is very good player to have around and would play in goal if you asked him, 110% effort every game.
337
I'd say the Ox is the long term plan to play in Mid with Jack.
24 Jan 2013 05:18:57
Good result tonight an by the sounds if it Diame on way. I can almost gaurentee that people moan about signing him saying he's not good enough we need to spend more money on players ETC but the team showed what they are capable of just need to be more consistent and confident. Plus mr wenger there's no point of pointing out our problems and do something about it!!!!
24 Jan 2013 04:12:43
Just reading big Sam's article in the paper about arsenal selling van persie and that we haven't replaced the goals he scored and arsenal are struggling to score goals with out him but I disagree we have scored more goals this season after 23 games than we did last season the difference is we ain't relying on one person.
23 games this season we have scored 46 goals.
last season 39 goals
are problem is letting in to many goals not scoring goals.
Charlie Gooner 4 life
Agree we let in too many goals.
feel that rvp got more 'important' goals at crucial stages. he was able to snatch us wins from draws, and draws from defeats.
podolski last night showed (again) he can do this. got the goal to pull us back into the game and then we kicked on.
anyway, all/ any goals are welcome, come on back 4, defend better!:)
andi
We have scored 28 goals in 5 matches, in the otthers we were strugling infront the goal. I love Giroud, but in some games the others can't use him well. And when you can't score goal almost the whole game, than the defence finally make mistake and we lose points(for example PL game against swansea at emirates). The only real "lethal weapon" in our team is Podolski. Walcott is 5050, some games he is great, some games his game is cr*p. And Giroud is verY very hard working, running all over the pitch from the 1st to the 90th minute, he is useful in defence, he makes assists, BUT he must be more lethal infront the goal. He missed some siters, which could have brought us points. I am thoug that he will improve more and more every game, nevertheless I think we need another ST, one "fox in the box".
BGGOONER
We'll carry on scoring if teams mark like W/Ham did last night they gave so much space it was daft. Thanks Sam.
Bergkamp's apprentice
24 Jan 2013 09:29:36
we would have scored 60 if he was still in the team ! and be top of the league, look at man united without him they would be 5th or 6th in the league
Zonal marking is the problem. Although we played great yesterday when attacking we still looked very dodgy when dealing (or not) with set pieces. I also do not see the point of Mertesacker going forward when we have corners, the guy never wins a header and is too slow getting back. I am just happy we won but we need to sort out our defence soon.
Chess
24 Jan 2013 02:16:17
Greetings and Salutations my fellow Gooners,
Just a quick post tonight, a few observations:
1. We need to play with more confidence at the start of a match. Its clear our issues in this regard are between the ears. I believe part of this is nerves, part of it is experience and part of it is motivation, I believe this needs to be addressed immediately. This game is difficult enough, we need not complicate it by trailing so often.
2. Half time adjustments. Even in our losses to City and Chelsea have been impressive. Good on Arsene, Bould and the players for adjusting accordingly. It'll be appreciated by all if this would start 45 minutes earlier.
3. Ramsey. Has played very well the past few weeks. i'm glad that Arsene showed faith as I believe he and Wilshire could be a phenomenal duo for us in the middle of the pitch for many years to come.
4. Podolski, Giroud, Carzola. I think we can all say that Arsene did well and still has an eye for talent.
5. Back four. They are all internationals and I hope as the season progresses that Bould's influence will develop this into a world class back four. I do believe the talent is here, its time to show it.
6. Arsene. Whether you love him or are frustrated by him I think we can all agree that he is the man we all want to bring us back to glory. I hope he does as such, his presence with the club is monumental and I for one hope he brings us back to glory.
I for one am of the belief that we will sign, but I believe they will be subtle signings....reinforcement if you will. I think its clear to see on our day that we have the potential, we lack consistency and this is what I hope these potential purchases will bring to the club!
Onward and upwards,
Gunners4Life, In AW we trust!
Good performance & result. I believe our main problems are the formations Wenger uses, a lack of dominant tall centre back, a lack of Midfield ball winners & zonal marking. It is no coincidence that their goal came from a corner, with nobody picking up Collinson on the edge of the box. Even at schoolboy level you are taught to pick up players on the edge of the box when defending corners. I would love to know how many of the goals we have conceded this season came from set pieces...
I think you're right our formation for me is what frustrates me the most.
I love Arsene but sometimes I question why based on the team we are playing that we don't revert back to a 4-4-2.
Further to that squad selection sometimes is mystifying.
I hope we take the momentum from our victory and move forward. After seeing Chelsea and even City I don't believe we lack the talent, we simply lack consistency and certains tactics, and yes that is Arsene's responsibility.
But I do have absolute faith in him to deliver, now if Mr Kroenke would be so kind as to spend according to revenue I would be very, very happy!
Gunners4Life, IN AW we trust!
24 Jan 2013 00:48:00
Good performance from Ramsey tonite . People need to lay of his back, we have to remember he's still only 21 and gas been playing out of position all season . Still need 2/3 quality players to replace arshavin, santos, and I as good as he is when fit diaby
Ramsey has been played out of position at times this season, even turning up on the left wing. He is a quality central midfield player, as he showed last night.
I would still drop him for Diaby or Diame if they are fit. He was pretty good yesterday but he still had less influence then any other midfielder or attacker on our side.
Chess
24 Jan 2013 10:35:49
ramsey should of played cm against man city and chelsea, putting diaby straight in there was a big wenger mistake ..now he's injured again
24 Jan 2013 00:31:01
Big shout out to Dan Potts, get well soon, sorry to see your game end abruptly like that. Word on the street is he is well now. Good news! {Ed035's Note - well said
What person would disagree with this post unreal
Which nobber has clicked disagree ? Shame on you !
Maybe it was a mistake.
london gunner
24 Jan 2013 00:29:18
Well well - I just read a mad stat - Ramsey made 123 passes tonight, 95% were accurate and 53% went forwards!
They say it can take a one moment to gain a reputation, one lifetime to change it. You can do it Rambo :)
Metal Gooner
Ramsey was outstanding yesterday.think that is his natural positon..
24 Jan 2013 00:21:27
Best I have seen from the team since Arshavin was on form!
That was awesome. Those 15 mins of immense football have really restored a lot of my faith in the coaching at Arsenal - that stuff doesn't happen by accident, that is trained. 4 very different types of goal and 5 goals on the night...what an amazing result. So glad Podolski fired one in from range - let that be the start of the restoration of that left foot of his!
The thing that topped it off for me apart from Giroud's celebration for his second, and apart from Chelsea losing to Swansea, was the sheer joy in the commentator's voice when we scored those goals....such an awesome moment, sounded like he was an Arsenal fan! Sounded like he couldn't contain himself and I'll never forget that.
Awesome game, even when we were slow in the first half we weren't poor. Really happy!
Metal Gooner
24 Jan 2013 00:20:06
I would be happy with the diame signing. I said we should of got him from wigan.
Tbh i'd like another wide player, out and out wide player, I think our strikers are doing fine atm, giroud podolski and walcott look good.
23 Jan 2013 23:44:28
Great win 2night really needed that podolski was outstanding jack and ramsey played really well in the middle together.
I really think Vermalaen has been really slacking in the defending department I use to be against people saying wenger should move him as the holding midfielder but now I think that he would be better there because he ain't are best defender at the moment and he itches to come forward in games and him playing in the dm position will give him a chance to come forward when we are attacking.
Charlie Gooner 4 life
23 Jan 2013 23:35:26
Ramsey should never ever ever play again.....on the wing that is, he's much better in the middle. Well done to the boys tonight and gotta say Ramsey was a work horse from start to finish and did his job well.
Podolski was ok too!
Ezdee
He worked very hard, was on the ball a lot and seemed really confident tonight, was really good. I still think he needs to speed up his play when we're in their half and putting men forward but I can't fault his all round game tonight, he did well, and he saved a goal too (although at the cost of Vermaelen! lol).
Metal Gooner
Podolski was ok?? He was involved in everything and he gets an ok !!
1404
Sarcasm 1404.
Ezdee
23 Jan 2013 23:34:19
I have sai for a long time that Ramsey is a good player being played out of position. He is a good deep lying play maker - can absolutely be as good and better than arteta.
23 Jan 2013 23:18:01
A good three points...worked hard for each other and played with confidence
I know it was only west ham but we need to keep momentum
Hope potts is ok looked worrying
Man of the match podolski..him and gibbs have good understanding..pleased for giroud and another good game for wilshere and ramsey...theo looked dangerous big up to the fans who sang their heart out
Still think wenger needs to give half time talk at start
GS