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28 Dec 2012 22:39:03
It, s so exciting being an arsenal fan, you never know what to believe. AW told us RVP and nasri would not be leaving and they left! Now he is saying Ba is not coming so does that mean he is? Oh to be, oh to be, oh to be a gooner.
No, it means he is not coming.
^^ Someone has the 'sarcasm' brain cell missing!
28 Dec 2012 22:35:12
Diaby will honestly be like a new signing when he gets back next week, but we know he'll get injured soon so of course we need to sign a new DM
It wont be like a new signing, it will be like a long term injured player getting fit again, only to break down again.
AG
28 Dec 2012 21:39:12
I for one don't want Henry back to old to slow past it big time
He shouldnt be needed ffs he only came back last year because chamakh was so terrible and rvp needed a break :/ he shouldnt even be considered for anything else but a coaching role...........Henry=legend.
Baz136.
28 Dec 2012 21:21:33
I hope Thomas elsfield gets more game time think he is quality we also need a fast powerful striker demba ba sounds good to me
28 Dec 2012 20:44:03
Players need to play hungry tomorrow. With healthy bodies we have depth, which means players should be playing with urgency for the mere sake of keeping their place.
Crucial 72-hr period. Hopefully the healthy bodies help pick up maximum points.
Go get em boys....
Coyfg!
US Gooner
You tell them buddy!!
3 points and lets kick start the 2nd half of the season...
malaga gooner
28 Dec 2012 19:13:10
Villa is heading your way trust me
DV
Think your find its Newcastle heading to us. We play villa in February!
I presumer the original poster meant David Villa not Aston Villa person
I think he may have got that
28 Dec 2012 14:57:36
big game tomorrow, need to finish the year on a high, squad seems to becoming to full fitness just hope if we are in for A DM that if diaby does come back wenger doesnt think he doesnt need to by as come 1sdt of feb diaby will get the "hes out for three weeks" ( never to be seen again) anyway just wanted predictions for tomorrows game, will the team that battered reading with lovely football show up or the team that grinded out a result at wigan? where the F*** is our consistency, anyway... PREDICTIONS!
3-1 Arsenal. Imperative we get off to a good start though IMO
Yorkshire Gooner Joe :D
Not normally too confident of this fixture, but as long as we attack them and don't let them attack us we will win comfortably by 3 goals.
We have a better defence, and a much better midfield, the only worry is their strikers but if we keep attacking that will be fine.
Interesting to see if 'Ba' starts, my prediction is if he does not start he is leaving, to us hopefully!
337
Got a wicked joke on a Xmas cracker, cazorla! He's seriously bad, as is gervinhio, santos, chamberlain!
Walcott on the right wing will be a nightmare for Newcastle, because their left back Santon is great offensively, but he can't defend at all.
Not to sound like a total, cynical buzzkill, but can we start seeing some more posts about simple 1-0 shut-outs where the team looks comfortable on the ball. makes me nervous every time i see post here claiming easy wins. doesn't anyone share my fear of crazy results? a lil' caution, people. lets keep our hopes down and let the players surprise us in a good way for once.
psychocyst.
Psycotic, how about we post what we like? If we think they will win 5-0 let's post it, if you don't then post what you think?
Good idea?
FFS
^^ looks like I was wrong, I said we would win by 3 clear goals and it was 4, where have all the negatives gone?
337
28 Dec 2012 13:14:40
Wenger recently acknowledged the fact that Ba and cisse play well together because they play together for their country thus giving them a better understanding of each others style of play. I think this shows that wenger has done some decent research into Ba and what seperating him and cisse might result in.
Not quite sure what you are saying, but if you are suggesting that Ba is only good alongside Cisse you need to look at his record WHEREVER he has played, 'shed loads of goals' and he was also at Newcastle for a while before Cisse came and was scoring plenty. Infact when Cisse came it pushed him out wide and stopped him scoring for a while.
I disagree totally - coming up with a thought like that requires zero time or application at all. And to be honest, they play well because they're good players who understand the game, not because they play together about 5 times a year for their country. Ba has proven at every club he has played that he gets goals. His record for his entire career is:
Games: Goals:
26 22
12 8
30 12
35 14
18 5
20 9
13 7
36 16
21 11
This basically proves he is a top striker and we'd be totally stupid not to sign a player of his quality for his price, end of story.
^^ Very well put! If you take any 'top' strikers goal record and compare, 'Ba's' is up there with the best.
When I made this point a couple of weeks ago it was met with loads of negatives, and the 'dodgy knee' responces.
Let me ask, does that look like an injury prone strikers record?
F**K me don't compare it to RVP's or Diaby's injury record, and MANU just paid £24m and 200k+ per week for rvp!
28 Dec 2012 13:11:03
If we will finish in a top 4 position in the epl or beat bayern munich in the ucl is all down to wengers selection of players even if we end up buying no one in the january transfer window. tbh wenger has made some tactical errors this season that has cost us important points. But come what may...I have a feeling at the end of the season arsenal fans will have a genuine reason to smile....I remain a gunner till the end of time.
Geo ob
28 Dec 2012 13:06:12
I think it would be perfect if Wenger signs Georgi Milanov. He is a great young player and a great prospect. What do you think Ed? {Ed001's Note - are you his agent??}
Of course not. Just asking. {Ed001's Note - just wondered.}
28 Dec 2012 13:04:44
Don't know about you, but it's been nice not being written about over the last couple of days. With refs bad calls and Fergies face finally matching the same colour as his nose and still getting away with it (yet again).
What the games that were played did tell us is it looks like Everton are in it for the long haul, as are the spuds as long as bale stays fit. We need to make our rest count. Only a win will do. Always hard up there ( 4 nil up at half time, what could possibly go wrong,) Wenger knows the value of that little break, so let's hope we can make it count.
Will be interesting to see what players are bought in. Whoever they are they need to hit the ground running. Pray we're all smiling come the end off the window.
UP THE GOONERS. Flybo
28 Dec 2012 11:33:34
On the Guardian Sports page they have a piece called "Premier League at the halfway stage “ in numbers". Arteta is Everywhere.
Most passes made:
1 Mikel Arteta 1,571
Percentage of successful passes:
1 Mikel Arteta 92.62%
Most interceptions:
5 Mikel Arteta 51
Most fouls committed:
3 Mikel Arteta 42
Most tackles made:
5 Mikel Arteta 64
What a beast!!!
Khal Drogo
His fouls are shocking. He needs to improve on it
Also, I think he's looked like more of a leader on the pitch than Vermaelen.
Stezza.
Does not suprise me that much. He must be the hardest worked player in our side. He is the only one that reliably gets into defensive midfield positions and he also the starting fulcrum point for much of the attacks going forward.
A good player no doubt but he is being overworked in my opinion and needs rest with Wenger needing to bring in a more phyical DM in the window the balance the over atack minded midfield we have.
And that's him playing out of position. If he was over 6 foot, and had a bit more pace he would be considered as one of the best midfielders going.
Props to the man that is ARTETA
Flybo
Comes with the job tho some fouls are necessary :(
This may be true about hsi fouls but also I think I would rather he make that many tackles and concede those fouls, giving us time to regroup, rather than not make those tackles and not concede the fouls. One is DEFINITELY better than the other. The point is he is breaking up play. It's not his fault our defence go hiding in set-pieces.
The passing stats are only good because he doesnt try anything outside a 10 yard area around him
Always amazes me he's never played for Spain, he's class.
What surprised me is Mertesacker had the second highest pass success rate.
28 Dec 2012 20:01:06
The fact he passes without giving the ball away count for a lot
28 Dec 2012 11:23:00
I see alot of people posting that we need a big central defensive midfielder, however who would you all drop for this midfielder out of santi, jack and arteta? Thats the hardest part as all 3 are fantastic
Personally i would play Cazorla on the wing but unfortunately that is not his best position, but I dont think Jack can be dropped and Arteta is just too good too....
A difficult one for Wenger if he were to bring one in...
Also, if it turned out that we didnt bring a DM in but we still struggled would anyone possibly like to see Verm battling in the DM position with Mert and Kos at the back?
Not saying its right, just a suggestion.
R.O.B
I'd drop arteta in a heart beat {Ed025's Note - are you sure you watch the games mate?..
I would say that we need a big strong CM in 'certain' games NOT all. The secret would be to set the team up to play different teams, but AW will never do that as we only play one way ' OUR WAY' Love it or Hate it!
Rotation simple, and Arteta is old we need someone young for backup and to grow into that role.
R.O.B. I think the main thing to focus on is that we would have fantastic depth and rotation options. Eden Hazard was the most expensive player to move to the league in the summer and he doesn't always start or stay on. Chelsea can bring off one top player and bring on a different top player to change the game - something we can't do. All our players should be prepared to do time on the bench for the benefit of the results and if that means coming off after an ineffective performance (could be down to good tactics from the opposition) or coming on and changing a game then they should be prepared to do it. I don't think Santi, Jack or Arteta have an issue with that concept and no top footballer should either. There are games where Santi is marked out of the game and in those games we need someone like Diaby who can steamroll through the midfield past 3 players like he usually does...
So yeah, I'd take a big strong pacey defensive mid with open arms, it's the one position we've been subtly desperate to fill for years and Song wasn't adequate. Everyone saw Diaby's impact upon his return, and how we missed him when he got injured again.
Metal Gooner
That said I'd be happy to see Verminator or Kos in DM!
We spoke about this a lot last year on here, people seem to be in 2 camps - either 'er no he's a CB so how's about playing him as a CB' camp or the camp who see their attributes for their strength and ability to carry the ball or pass forward.
Metal Gooner
Put caz to wing and jack further up the field.
Rotate him with cazorla and wilshire. It's called squad depth.
New beast needs to start every game, Wilshere/Arteta to rotate.
Here we go again metal, let's play all the players in positions where they do not like to play and put other players who are not as good in their original positions, let's put shez up front coz he is tall and cazorla in goal coz he can dive, change the record please!
Haha good one unnamed poster - please tell me what I have said this time? That I wouldn't mind seeing Kos or Verm at DM if we don't buy one, which was an answer to the original post?
If you find that offensive I would suggest not visiting sites are hardcore as arsenal rumours til you've grown out of your nappies :-)
Metal Gooner
Would never be offended by anything you could say mental, just an old debate which has been put to bed a long time ago - just to clarify for you:
When a player reaches mid 20's and has been playing football for 10-15 years they and their coaches know their best positions, people like you who play fifa and football manager think that you have discovered a better position for them and know more than these professionals.
And one last point, BOY, from what we have read recently you are lucky to be allowed on this 'hardcore' as you call it 'site'
COYG
Well actually, CHILD, firstly I haven't done or said anything offensive to anyone...you lot just made assumptions. If you want to ask Ed002 what I did say he will tell you. In actual fact, although he didn't publish my inoffensive post, he did publish my sign off with the Ed's note saying {Ok I am happy to answer any of your questions}. So again nothing offensive, you're jut making assumptions, which I was always taught make an ASS out u and me so please stop.
As for the player positions, whilst I totally agree playing a goal keeper up front just because of similarities in physical attributes is obviously daft, playing a ball-carrying centre back who has the clear skill and ability combined with physique as a defensive mid when they consistently maraud as far as to the oppositions box is actually not a bad idea at all. It's not like I'm suggesting playing Ramsey on the wing and I think you'll find I never suggest playing players out of position unless it's bleeding obvious they are currently being played in the wrong position - for example - Santos as a LWM instead of a LB.
So, whatever petty grievances you hold against me, please just answer the main post and forget them, or in the least, keep them to yourselves. Your first comment was totally unwarranted, you've then stuck your nose into affairs that do not concern you regarding me and one Ed who so far has not confirmed that I did not say anything offensive (why would I say anything offensive to the Eds? They've been great) and made incorrect conclusions.
Signing off with COYG after doing that does somehow validate that either. How's about you grow up and let me and the rest enjoy the site. If you have nothing to say in response to R.O.B's post the don't post!
Thank you.
Metal Gooner
28 Dec 2012 10:41:45
joel campbell to be recalled from his loan at real betis if no strikers can be found
bs18
28 Dec 2012 09:32:03
Signings:
7.5 for Demba Ba
15 for Arda Turan
8+Coquelin for Etienne Capoue
28 Dec 2012 09:11:24
Is everyone happy? We are 16 points behind Man utd with only half the season gone. That's ok though because our club have managed to lower all of our expectations over the last few years. So a win against Newcastle and we can all end the year with high hopes for our once great club. 4th place and 25 points behind United at the end of the season is where i think we will be. What are your prediction's or hopes.
KJ
I haven't lowered my expectation and as such I am totally embarrassed at how far behind we are again!
Metal Gooner
Maybe the club should have a open top bus going through Islington from the stadium to the town hall to celebrate finishing fourth place.....and also a mention alongside the 13 titles and 10 fa cups....
28 Dec 2012 05:00:25
Hi eds, happy holidays. Any thoughts about Arsenal possibly recalling Ryo Miyaichi from Wigan? He seems to be rotting on the bench there (4 sub appearances for 54' in the Prem), and would make an interesting sub when Podolski makes his usual exit. --dk {Ed002's Note - I have no thoughts on the matter - perhaps others will.}
He is injured, USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!
Ur right. He's in serious need of game time. We need to get rid of gervinho first
28 Dec 2012 05:26:33
Greetings and salutations my fellow Gooners!
Oh sweet January is almost upon us and with that comes the ridiculous rumour mill!
I admit for one at times I enjoy the goofy proposals but man oh man have some lost the plot!
I trust Arsene to make the right decisions as January is a difficult time to buy but I do believe that this year more than any represents our most interesting challenge towards Champions League qualifications.
Competition has stiffened, Spurs, Everton and dare I say West Brom all represent respectful challenges to our post.
I do believe that because of our experience in this capacity (fighting for a CL spot) that we are best equipped of all these clubs to handle the pressure associated with this chase, but I wonder what the future lies?
I believe that Arsene will and is trying to rebuild the club with an English core who he believes will show greater allegiance to the club and can together compete for titles. I also believe he will continue to buy players of lesser public stature (some will fail, others will prosper and he will be criticised) as this is his nature.
Our one strength as a club is that we provide opportunities to young players to apply their trade. While others also buy exceptional young talent and pay them accordingly, we more than the others give them an opportunity to play on the highest stage(s) in Europe and I believe this is where we need to further excel as a club.
I believe we are what we are now. We are a club who believes in a balanced financial approach. Our purchases will always be handled in this manner as we have a strict wage structure. I understand when others explain that our wage bill is of the higher in the land but it is in direct correlation to where we finish in the league, as such I dont believe the big name established star will be purchased by Arsenal now or in the forseeable future!
The truth is I am ok with that. I want players who want to play for the club. If we can buy and retain a player from 18-29 at a wage within our parameters then we give them 11 years to win a title. I believe this is more than acceptable!
The truth is we will not pay what the City, United and Chelsea's of the world pay and as such we have to work within the parameters of our structure.
I continue to trust Arsene because I honestly believe he understands this evolution of our club more than anyone. He is not perfect nor do I expect him to be. I expect him to manage to the best interest of our club, and I believe he does!
Gunners4Life, In AW we trust!
Well said. Flybo
And on that basis, we will continue to win nothing.
Crowds will reduce despite attendances of 60, 320!
Players will continue to leave and win trophies elsewhere.
Support will become more and more divided.
Great way to run a football club.
Ike.