Arsenal Banter Archive August 29 2017

29 Aug 2017 21:25:39
I don't get it everyone getting on wenger's back, at the end of last season I would have wanted him to sell sanchez and ozil, good footballers no doubt, but both acted like they were uninterested in being at the club last season, and then the ox, a fringe player at best, now the manager decides enough is enough and he's the devil incarnate, get a grip some of these players came as a complete surprise to most of us, and there is time in the window yet remember we have some funds, please relax a minute and stop being so negative for the sake of the other players.

{Ed025's Note - but if they were to be sold then surely earlier in the window was the right time Gwin, the supporters are frustrated and rightly so imo the club dont seem to want to listen to the supporters and i dont care what you say top 4 is miles away and any business done now will stink of panic, its really hard to be positive the way the club are acting at the moment mate...this is arsenal not west brom..

29 Aug 2017 22:38:55
Ed025, I agree the deals should have been done earlier in the window, but it wasn't and that has people worried of course and me too, no manager really listens to the fans, we have been through a bad period for a long time as most of us know, with one thing and another and its sad that the younger fans haven't had some of the glory days we've had in the past, but were not the only team to have struggled to find what we had, look at liverpool one of the most feared teams in Europe and England for the best part of twenty years, and nothing really since, same at man utd more recently, the money clubs bought the league and Leicester lol, I know wenger must take a lot of the blame but how many have let us down on the pitch far too many too mention, why is no one saying chelsea are panic buying which they are with a weakened squad, it also seems some of these players have been holding the club to ransom with their demands, which they do not deserve as they have won nothing to merit the pay rise, I like to try to stay positive as I always have, I suppose different strokes mate.

29 Aug 2017 22:38:55
Ed025, I agree the deals should have been done earlier in the window, but it wasn't and that has people worried of course and me too, no manager really listens to the fans, we have been through a bad period for a long time as most of us know, with one thing and another and its sad that the younger fans haven't had some of the glory days we've had in the past, but were not the only team to have struggled to find what we had, look at liverpool one of the most feared teams in Europe and England for the best part of twenty years, and nothing really since, same at man utd more recently, the money clubs bought the league and Leicester lol, I know wenger must take a lot of the blame but how many have let us down on the pitch far too many too mention, why is no one saying chelsea are panic buying which they are with a weakened squad, it also seems some of these players have been holding the club to ransom with their demands, which they do not deserve as they have won nothing to merit the pay rise, I like to try to stay positive as I always have, I suppose different strokes mate.

29 Aug 2017 23:16:07
way I see it the clubs have left it late for a reason. we have a choice sell now or in jan they can talk to clubs.
I don't blame anyone for going I really don't this has all been a long time coming
would usmanov moshiri have allowed this under there watch not for me.

29 Aug 2017 22:05:01
Spot on Ed.

I'm pro Wenger, but jeez, the man doesn't do himself, or more importantly, the club, any favours.

Self inflicted turmoil.

{Ed025's Note - im afraid your right dags..

29 Aug 2017 22:08:45
Agree ed it's all very weak and amateurish. Smacks of a club without a real plan.

{Ed025's Note - very much so steve..

29 Aug 2017 21:16:57
Our club is being dragged through the mud! To leave it so late in the day to sell likes of Ox, Alexis and Mustafi is madness! If they don't want to play for us move them on sooner. Now we will scramble to get replacements and will they really want to join given the toxic feelings around. Our club had the chance to correct things now we go backwards. That's the main thing that hurts.

{Ed025's Note - your dead right bombay..

29 Aug 2017 22:03:28
Theres replacements there, mahrez and nzonzi for one. Both would get into our starting 11 easily.

29 Aug 2017 22:14:29
Of course your 100% right Bombay mate, if we'd cleared out early we could have come into this season with a new refreshed attitude from everyone.
Right now we don't need Hollywood signings we need committed fighters who will bring a new fighting spirit and mentality in with them.
Euro 2014 showed that teams like Iceland and Wales who didn't have the best players could achieve far more and earn the backing of their fans than a over rated England.
Obviously great talent and a great attitude is the ideal combination but if I had to choose one of the other I'd take attitude every time.

29 Aug 2017 22:27:17
The thing is has a serious offer come in for Sanchez or ox until now? It's ok saying sell early but you need to have someone to sell them. If I was a prem club and knew I would be interested in Sanchez and knew there was a good chance of Arsenal letting him go I would wait until late so Arsenal couldn't reinvest without it been under duress.

29 Aug 2017 22:14:29
Of course your 100% right Bombay mate, if we'd cleared out early we could have come into this season with a new refreshed attitude from everyone.
Right now we don't need Hollywood signings we need committed fighters who will bring a new fighting spirit and mentality in with them.
Euro 2014 showed that teams like Iceland and Wales who didn't have the best players could achieve far more and earn the backing of their fans than a over rated England.
Obviously great talent and a great attitude is the ideal combination but if I had to choose one of the other I'd take attitude every time.

29 Aug 2017 23:02:21
To be fair Sanago mate clubs have been prepared to do business with other clubs early mate so I'm pretty sure it's us that's dragged our feet and been refused to deal early.
Just my opinion but it does look that way.

29 Aug 2017 20:46:04
What I want to know, has Wenger got his coaching badges?

Doesn't look like it to me.

29 Aug 2017 20:49:11
He's had them before but I think they expired in 2005.

29 Aug 2017 20:55:57
I know all new managers have to have them but don't know about dinosaurs Malaga.

29 Aug 2017 21:02:23
A long long time ago mate and that's the problem.

29 Aug 2017 22:20:38
See I wanted a change and it's a shame it didn't happen but rubbish Happens. But some people on here including this poster are so disrespectful. Questioning if he has any coaching badges. End of the day he is more qualified and more knowledgeable of the game than any of us commenting on here.

29 Aug 2017 22:20:38
See I wanted a change and it's a shame it didn't happen but rubbish Happens. But some people on here including this poster are so disrespectful. Questioning if he has any coaching badges. End of the day he is more qualified and more knowledgeable of the game than any of us commenting on here.

29 Aug 2017 18:33:15
Meltdown 😁.

29 Aug 2017 18:52:21
I don't know Burnley aren't a bad outfit, don't be to tough on yourselves.

29 Aug 2017 19:18:54
NES,
Don't worry mate. I'm sure you will win a game at Wembley.
Might be last game of season, to avoid relegation.

Don't panic mate 😁.

29 Aug 2017 19:35:58
Hey 62 isn't this that bird who nearly choked on a barrel of lemons a few seasons back. Bless her. 😉.

29 Aug 2017 19:42:20
Its like fishing in a barrel with a shotgun. 🎣.

29 Aug 2017 19:54:16
Oh those famous fishing shotguns and 12 calibre shooting rods.

29 Aug 2017 19:59:24
Lol NES,
Welcome back 😁.

29 Aug 2017 20:31:32
Hello boys. good luck for the season. i think we both need it. 👍.

29 Aug 2017 20:31:51
OMG I could have eaten a bowl of Alphabetti Spaghetti and s**t a better comeback than that. Kids these days. 😂😂😂.

29 Aug 2017 20:39:43
I'm glad he's back too Dags, he has one season off from our page and Spurs finish above us, Nes is the signing we needed most ;-)

29 Aug 2017 20:43:07
Oh dear the Geordie skid is back.

29 Aug 2017 20:51:32
Goober and 62 your animosity is very much appreciated, I wouldn't expect anything less.

Stoner are you Oddbods mother or sister?

Enough for now, it's going to be a long season.

29 Aug 2017 21:27:44
No fella I just recall you turned into a bitter nasty little numpty a couple of seasons ago as things didn't go as you hoped.

So your cred is zero and banter as bad as ever poppet.

29 Aug 2017 21:54:15
Nessie, not sure why you're here telling us about your meltdown when we obviously have issues of our own.

29 Aug 2017 21:55:03
On the plus side, at least you can smile about it. One of ours dropped dead due to his meltdown.

29 Aug 2017 21:57:25
G62, that deserved a thumbs up! Well done mate 😂.

29 Aug 2017 22:16:11
Few whoppers on the line.

29 Aug 2017 22:16:11
Few whoppers on the line.

30 Aug 2017 00:04:29
Roast spuds done the Wembley way is always a popular bait to use in these waters Nes, happy hunting with that sea rod in pheasant serverd on a beach ball platter season.

30 Aug 2017 00:08:19
Oh how highschool of you Nessie. What next from you? An exchange of friendship bracelets?

You do know that most of us here are adults right? Saying things like "a few whoppers on the line" just makes you sound like a the kind of chap that looks over the divider at the urinals.

30 Aug 2017 07:30:38
RSharpe is that your interpretation of banter, begs to question what really does go through ones mind. scary.

29 Aug 2017 17:24:27
Unbelievable, Sky reporting that we are negotiating a Sanchez-Sterling swap with us paying a fee on top of Sanchez!

29 Aug 2017 17:54:33
What do you reckon Wes?
Were Sky telling the truth or a lie?
And are you on Lee Macs or David Mitchell's team this week :-)

29 Aug 2017 17:59:22
I think they like winding us up.

29 Aug 2017 18:02:45
Great negotiators!
We bought Mustafi for £35m last season and loan him to Inter this season and will probably have to shell out £25m+ to sign Evans!
We bought Perez for £17m last season and will be lucky to get £12m this season
We bought Gabriel for £13.5m and sold him for £10m
Now we are swopping Sanchez a world class player in his prime for Sterling and having to pay for the privilege of getting an inferior player!
It beggars belief, the club are in a complete mess.
We give Mertsacker a new deal and don't play him.
We give injured Cazorla a new deal and he may never play again!
If it wants happenning at Arsenal I would be laughing my head off.

29 Aug 2017 18:14:47
Surely they should pay us to take sterling we're short of defenders is managala worth a chance.

29 Aug 2017 18:55:08
from what i have read it is straight cash for sanchez and were buying sterling we won't let them have sanchez unless we get sterling it seems.

29 Aug 2017 18:58:37
Suddenly everyone is chosening to believe everything negative they read and hear! I wonder why?
You wouldn't have believed these stories last week so why now?
Arsene needs replacing i agree but certainly not beating up on the way out.

29 Aug 2017 19:48:21
How are arsenal getting it all so wrong? Seriously it appears to be one balls up after another, I hope it picks up for you guys really, but the premier league is a shark tank and at the minute you guys look like a carcass just getting picked apart.

29 Aug 2017 19:50:51
Sorry 62 but Wenger deserves the pelters he's getting, he has single handedly ruined the best legacy any arsenal manager has or more than likely ever will have, he has taken us from being a let's be honest better than average club to a very good boarding on a great club then all the way to laughing stock, money or bums on seats can't be the excuse anymore.
He has lost the plot and that happened a while back, what's scary is he doesn't even realise he's lost it and so refuses to even look for a way to change things to get back to where we could and actually should be.
Sorry that's so negative but nothing has changed to make me believe in the way he manages the club anymore.

29 Aug 2017 16:15:15
Hi ed are we going after evens again do you know.

29 Aug 2017 16:49:37
Its 50/ 50.

29 Aug 2017 16:56:36
What an odd question :-)

29 Aug 2017 16:59:30
I've heard that Evans is a big fan of tomato soup steve. Hope this helps.

29 Aug 2017 17:36:44
Lol CTR, I like that 😁.

29 Aug 2017 18:56:13
sorry meant evans haha.

29 Aug 2017 15:01:10
Is there anything in the murmurings that we would offer Walcott as a makeweight for van Dijk?

29 Aug 2017 13:53:56
WOW crazy day. You Eds have been on the money with loads of this stuff!

Eds can I ask you if Arsenal have bid for Van Dijk or if Southmapton want Walcott?

I think I saw Liverpool will bid so we probably won't get him but thought I would ask if there's something going on or if it is newspaper talk.

Also can I ask if there are there any defenders close to coming to us, and is Mustafi 100% going? Seems a stupid move to let him go without replacing first.

Thanks again for everything :)

{Ed002's Note - I am not going to get in to any blow-by-blow updates, I have explained there is interest. I cannot answer questions about "close" and "100% done".}

29 Aug 2017 14:32:20
Appreciate the reply Ed002.

I will ask then if things have changed and we are now trying to get Jonny Evans?
Also if you know of any interest in Walcott?
And if things changed with Mahrez going to Roma or if Arsenal want to sign him?

Thanks. I can see it has been a very busy day!

{Ed002's Note - (a) I am not aware of interest in Evans who one would ecpect to move to Manchester City. (b) I am not aware of anyone making any approach for Walcott this summer. (c) I cannot sensiblI cannot sensibly answer questions about "things changing" when I don't know what you are talking about.}

29 Aug 2017 14:53:58
Hi Ed.

Sorry, what I meant was is Mahrez going to Roma? Basically. On the Leicester page it says Arsenal have not bid. I wondered if with Lemar not coming in, we would go back to Mahrez.

Thanks for all the other answers.

{Ed002's Note - He is not going to Roma.}

29 Aug 2017 20:36:16
Thanks for the reply Ed002.

I assume we aren't going to try for him since you didn't mention it. Crazy to ignore him if he's on a plate. Don't know what is going on with us. He's not going to someone else in the league is he?

29 Aug 2017 13:40:58
Well now we know what the catalyst for change meant. Wenger morphing into Harry rednapp on deadline/ deadwood day.

29 Aug 2017 14:04:09
The French "Del Boy" lol.

29 Aug 2017 12:28:44
The breakdown of the Gibbs move opitomises the attitude of the arsenal bench warmers.

29 Aug 2017 12:49:02
Wish I could like this 1,000 times. Cozy Club.

29 Aug 2017 12:50:31
He may as well see out his last year as the wages he's been offered would take home theee years for the same amount lol. No brainier.

29 Aug 2017 11:54:08
After the mess of the weekend it is pretty clear that Wenger has lost the dressing room.

It struck me that the more responsibility wenger has taken on at the club the worse we have become. I'm not sure that he is as good as he thinks he is at running the full shop

Since David Dein left our recruitment has on the whole been poor. Wengers penny pinching tactics and failure to move with the times has been beyond frustrating. He seems to want to pay 2007 prices in 2017 and it's strangling our ability to compete. Historically (think late 90s and early 2000s) wenger said these are the players I want and Dein went and got them Sol Campbell being a perfect example

Secondly, he inherited a back 4 drilled to within an inch of their life on the art of defending. Yes he replaced them over the years but the likes of bould, Adams and Dixon would be leading there teammates to defend from the front. We also had more players that knew the art of defensive play such as Parlour, Gilberto etc who would lead on the pitch to keep a defensive shape. There is not a defensive bone in the bodies of our current midfield and attack

One possible overlooked exit was that of Pat Rice. Arsenes number 2 through all the successful years and also someone who used to take a lot of training sessions. He was not a yes man. If something was wrong he wouldn't be afraid to say his piece. Since he left in 2012 I have lost count of the spankings we have had away from home in the big games. Is that because Steve Bould is a yes man and or a terrible coach or is arsene just not giving him any responsibility. They certainly don't seem to get on like an assistant and manager do. You can't tell me that our squad in 2011/ 12 is better than the squad we had finishing last season and although we weren't challenging for the title then we looked at least liked we had a strategy, a game plan and some sort of coaching

Wengers ability is not in transfer dealings, tactics or coaching. Our more successful times have been when he hasn't had the responsibility for these things. Historically he has had a march on other teams with regards to finding diamonds in the rough but with the money now being pumped into the big clubs scouting networks he has even lost this aspect

So can any wengerites please explain what does this guy bring to the table to make him worth his reported 10 million a year?

29 Aug 2017 11:59:19
Top post Suffolk.

29 Aug 2017 12:17:53
I thought you would have been one who told us what he brings to the table Malaga. Lol.

29 Aug 2017 12:35:48
Personally I think it is and has been a club wide problem from top to bottom.
If in 2009 after 5 years without a title challenge would we fans have accepted Arsene being sacked, no chance.
What about 2014 after 10 years of non premier league competitiveness? Absolutely out of the questionn
We have all played our part in Arsene being totally unaccountable beyond questioning until it all became far to late to do so.
We as a club from top to bottom helped make the problem and we all need to accept we all got it wrong not just the board or Arsene without our consent and support.

29 Aug 2017 12:40:36
Good post, but Rice was equally subservient to Wenger and part of Wenger's methods is that staff do as he says and the moment they disagree with him they are out. Why do you think Gabriiel, Mustafi and Perez have or will be moved on? Rice was fortunate that we had some string characters at the club such as Adams who had beensuerbly drilled by George Graham and admitted that the defence organised itself how it wanted to without Wenger being consulted. As it worked Wenger sensibly left it alone. Can you imagine Adams, Keown etc, using Wenger's idiotic zonal system or playing a suicidallly high line and they would never have allowed players not to play their part in defensive duties. I recall Adan's admitting that he had Anelka by the throat after a poor match against, I think Middlesbrough, as Anelka didn't do his part defensively.
I believe the problems started with the departure of Dein and Fiszman, who Wenger respected and allowed to run the business side of the club. With the exception of the Ashley Cole deal, they generally performed well and even then they managed to prise Gallas, a top CB, from Chelsea, which was a coup at the time. Players didn't enter the last year of their contracts and they seemed good at signing the players Wenger wanted. The current negotiating team are dire.

29 Aug 2017 12:56:53
Steve he doesn't even bring the salt and pepper to the table.

29 Aug 2017 14:07:51
He's pushing it real good though Malaga!

29 Aug 2017 16:21:14
He brings a wooden spoon to the table.

29 Aug 2017 11:36:29
Sterling can get away from his man, but so could Gervinho. Not a step forward.

29 Aug 2017 12:11:45
The only good thing is, Sterling won't come to arsenal.

29 Aug 2017 11:20:23
LFC fan here (certainly not here to gloat) :
What do u guys make of the Sanchez-Sterling swap? Sterling has plenty of talent but seems to have stagnated at City. Personally i think he is an improvement on OX and Walcott and will improve your first 11? I expected him to have stepped up to the "world class" bracket" by now after his move to city but it has not happened.
U guys think Wenger may be able to unlock his potential and get the best out of him? Thoughts please.

29 Aug 2017 12:29:51
No I don't.

29 Aug 2017 13:03:58
I think if wenger does the change than sterling is very likely wenger will play him CDM or RWB because that what wenger does best play the players out of position lol.

29 Aug 2017 13:23:18
Moe, no manager would be stupid enough to play Sterling at CDM or RWB. I think you will sign both Sterling and Draxler to replace Sanchez. A front 3 of Laca, Sterling and Draxler looks pretty darn good to me. But your midfield is dire as hell. And less said about the defense the better. No leaders or motivators apart from Koscielny. You will score goals if Sterling and Draxler come but the team will keep falling apart against the big guns or when the smaller teams have a go at Arsenal. Wenger needs to do something (or step aside) to stop the rot or you lot face a long time on the sidelines like Liverpool did over the last decade or so.

{Ed001's Note - Sterling played fullback and wingback (both sides) in his time at Liverpool. So at least one manager has been stupid enough to play $terling at RWB.....}

29 Aug 2017 14:11:45
Mate, obviously I was taking a pi**.

29 Aug 2017 14:32:29
Wenger is no Brendan though, and at times even LFC fans will have wondered whether Brendan was actually from the same world let alone a football manager. Sterling will be a decent addition as long as Wenger plays him in his right position.

29 Aug 2017 11:03:52
Ian Wright was absolutely right when he says the players haven't played for Wenger for years, they play for themselves. That hasn't been more obvious than over the last 20 or so games we have played, league and cup. The players are not playing for Wenger any more. Apparently a lot of senior players thought his team selection this weekend was ridiculous. No surprise there then, so did everyone else.

29 Aug 2017 11:29:35
It was never more evident than last season that the players weren't playing for Arsene the fans or the club purely themselves and a chance to play in a cup final.

29 Aug 2017 11:46:10
Hi Steve, the teams selected against Stoke and Liverpool were absurd, I can't beieve anyone on the planet other than raver61 would have selected these teams and the tactics used.
Before the Liverpool match I wrote down the following team to see how it compared;
Cech
Mustafi Mertesacker Koscielny
Bellerin Xhaka Coquelin Kolasinac
Lacazette Giroud Sanchez

Fans may change some players I selected, but compared to Wenger's selection this team would be miles better. To think that Mustafi, Mertesacker, Coquelin, Kolasinac, Lacazette and Giroud? didn't start beggars belief. I would have sat deep just in front of the box to deny Liverpool space behind the defence and hit on the counter. Perhaps a quicker forward than Giroud may have been a better selection, either Walcott or Oxlade, as Welbeck looks woefully off form,

29 Aug 2017 14:55:28
Arsenal were poor but in all honesty we (Liverpool) were a class above and I think the team selection played a part in the score line whoever the result I believe would have still been a home win, the fact is the players don't want to be there so regardless of who you put out on that pitch nobody put 100% in. I genuinely think we're a better team too at the minute but in terms of arsenals issues, too many years of poor buying, nobody cares about the badge anymore and for too long there's been unwarranted belief in certain players such as wilshire, Ramsey wellbeck, Gibbs who in all honesty have always been subpar. I grew up watching Henry tearing up defences left and right, the Dutch wizard dancing around people, when giroud is arsenals best striker you know they've gone wrong, this is not a slating it's a comment on how it's happened gradually, would sterling change the squad? You'd be getting rid of one snake for another. I hope you sort yourselves out I really do but is sacking wenger the answer? Who out there is available? United after fergie have rolled through a few managers. Goodluck for the season.

29 Aug 2017 15:25:42
You call what those tatties with legs do playing? They don't play for themselves. If they did, most fans wouldn't be as angry as they are. At the end of the day, every football fan wants to see his team at least try. Regardless of formations, player positions, manager, or any of that - players at a club should at the very least play for personal pride. Unfortunately, most of ours don't.

29 Aug 2017 09:42:52
Sterling plus £50m for Sanchez. Thoughts?

29 Aug 2017 10:07:10
Doubt it's true but I would accept that offer.

29 Aug 2017 10:27:36
LFC fan in peace.
Just wanted to say how sorry i feel watching your club crumbling, especially if we sign Lemar.
I think you will do a leeds, out of top 4 this year and then next you'll not attract any decent players and lose your best players.
Being happy with sanchez leaving and sterling in is a disgrace and i think wenger should go.
Tuchel i think wouod be good.

29 Aug 2017 10:48:24
You think we will do a leeds? jesus its 3 games into the season, and we have no comparisons with leeds at all.

29 Aug 2017 10:52:32
No, no thoughts, we have Walcott, why do we want two walcotts. We don't need sterling he's over hyped and not what we need.

29 Aug 2017 11:08:19
Olber i see your side dismantling and signings like bob holding becoming the norm.
I have heard that rob huth and snodgrass are now being linked with you.
Exciting times.

29 Aug 2017 11:11:34
Why would Sterling leave city for Arsenal?
City can offer all they want but Sterling has to agree to it and I'd be shocked if he wanted to come to us and all our problems right now.

29 Aug 2017 11:12:09
Sterling for Sanchez are you real, how is than a good deal. It's a down grade full stop.

29 Aug 2017 11:18:13
Sterling is far better than walcott, I'd take the deal if it was true, but he's been one of citys best player at the start of this season so don't see why they would offer that.

{Ed001's Note - Pep doesn't want him, Sanchez would replace him. Sterling has a poor end product.}

29 Aug 2017 11:28:48
Olber you are missing the point. What do we need sterling for. What would sterling do for us, that would help the crap from Sunday. No brainer, no deal.

29 Aug 2017 11:29:46
Sterling is no better than walcott.
Id be fuming if he's sanchez replacement.

29 Aug 2017 11:30:25
He's a threat, put it one way, he would get into our starting eleven, i know everyone wants to keep sanchez, but i really don't see the point in keeping a player who doesn't want to be here, and is only going to give us one more year. Take the money and reinvest imo.

29 Aug 2017 11:33:42
Sterling would be Ox replacement, Draxler cannot replace Sanchez so it's a loss anyway you look at it. Aguero for Sanchez and i could sleep peacefully.

29 Aug 2017 15:00:18
Sterlingwill join arsenal and leave after a few years to someone like Crystal Palace he's a poor wilf zaha. Thing is you'll pay him very good money to come, so if you ever want rid it'll be on a free or he'll not leave due to his wage demands, I hope you guys find someone better.

29 Aug 2017 15:23:49
For someone who comes in peace you sure use words that have the propensity to rile folk up. I'm not saying that was your intention, but after reading your post, I have a strong urge to put a few laxatives in your packed lunch 😄.

29 Aug 2017 01:22:54
After some contemplating. Arsenal should just sell any players who longer want to be at the club. It will be sad to see the ox, Ozil and Sanchez leave but realistically we would do better without as we would probably finish in the same position anyway. We can't build a team around want always. I also can't help but think their attitude has infected the club. We need more players with Giroux and Ramsey mentality who will sacrifice personal gain for the benefit of the club. The league is competitive and there will always be 3 teams in the top 7 disappointed come end of the season. Perhaps now is our time to take a step back so we can make 2 forward. We just need to lower our expectations otherwise the atmosphere will be toxic and not much fun and that will have a further impact on performances on the pitch. These players don't need anymore excuses to underperform.

29 Aug 2017 08:40:26
Ox is g9ne, Ozil appears unwanted and if a £50m + offer comes in for Sanchez comes in I should be accepted as having a player at the club running down his contract is not sensible. We need a new manager and now. Rafa Benitez would be my choice as he think it would be possible to get him and he is very experienced and players respect and want to play for him.

29 Aug 2017 08:55:15
Benitez!? I remember how frustrated and annoyed Liverpool fans got with him after questionable tactics. I think sometimes some want change so much they look to anyone. Each to their own tho mate 👍🏻.

29 Aug 2017 08:59:58
Benitez.? Have a word with yourself.

29 Aug 2017 09:16:08
It was a suggestion bearing in mind who may be available immediately. Benitez has a good record and would set the team out well and has the respect of the players. My own preference would have been Marco Silva, a bright young manager. A question to those criticising my suggestion of Benitez, do you want Wenger to go and if not which manager that is/ could realistically be enticed away from their current club?

29 Aug 2017 10:08:58
Not criticising you just I don't feel Benitez would do any good. Just my view I'm entitled to that like you are. I don't really want wenger to go right now as I can see what good that'll do few days before the window closes. However he should've gone after the fa cup. It's difficult and pointless to talk about who would be available as we haven't a clue. Would viera be worth a go? Saw his interview today and he said he loves our football but we're missing strength in our team. So perhaps he has an idea what's going wrong. Then again it is obvious.

29 Aug 2017 10:22:52
Point taken D16, I just get a little touchy when comments are attcaked without a practical response, which you subsequently gave. My feeling is that Wenger's summer window, despite a great start has been terrible since. We have sold Gabriel and clearly he has fallen out with Mustafi and previously with Perez. He has persevered with Welbeck who has had a poor start, yet Perez scored and performed reasonably well last season. We have reverted to an absurdly high defensive line, with no defensve cover from the WB's and midfield. Also this poslicy of playing LB's at CB, when CB's are available is simply idiotic. Against Leicester I understood it as we had little option, but we had CB's available against Stoke and Liverpool. We appear to be losing Oxlade and Mustafi in addition to Gabriel, with the likelyhood of no quality signings. There are reports of Sanchez being sold to Man C for a fee plus Sterling. I would jump at this as the chances of Sanchez signing an extension are remote, so keeping him will cost us a huge amount. Sterling is a young English player, who scores. Then we could put the fee received towards trying to buy Van Dijk and N'Zonzi. Two players that I thought we should have gone for ages ago, when Van Dijk was at Celtic and N'Zonzi at Stoke. These players would give us the physicality and height we desperately need. I would also keep Mustafi, as a back three of Mustafi, Van Dijk and Koscielny would be awesome, with Bellerin and Kolasinac as WB's, protected by N'zonzi and Xhaka. Management-wise an alternative intelligent qucik fix would be Henry and Vieira.

29 Aug 2017 11:40:27
RG that post is spot on. Like I said I wanted him to leave in the summer. But this moment in time I dunno what good it'll do. The team selections have be weird I agree. Let's take out the Leicester game because suspensions and injuries played a part. Why on earth is monreal at cb? Bellerin at lwb when we had two much better choices on the bench. Same with welbeck. I like the guy but he in not a good cf. laca and giroud on the bench?! Why. And a good dm is needed. Not a fan of sterling myself. Would rather push for aguero in the deal but I can't see it.