Arsenal Banter Archive December 05 2012

05 Dec 2012 18:48:28
with sagna likely to leave edd do you see any of abate,piszeck,debuchy,danilo,juanfran coming in and replacing him {Ed027's Note - no i have belief in Jenko, prefer him to sagna at the moment, sagan's contract ends in 2014, we wont get much for him in the summer, he'll be 30, when his contract ends he'll be 31, Jenko will be more than capable, then id expect yenaris to either step up, or for us to go get some youngster

I say we keep him as back-up to Jenkinson. Then let him leave on a free in 2014. We won't get enough from selling him to warrant it.

But knowing Arsenal we will sell for 5m then buy someone crap for 7m or play Coquelin there.

StEvE

We should keep Sagna at the club, Jenkinson is nowhere near his standard, but is young & if he works hard at his game, he could replace Sagna in time. Although I belive Wenger will sell Sagna, as he opened his mouth.

Do you really think we can affort to sell a proven player like Sagna? Especially in our current situation?

Would make the hole Wenger is digging a lot deeper i guess.

But this would just fit to our management / board. Why not sell Walcott in january under value too?


Stefan

05 Dec 2012 21:35:12
Not a regular poster, but just wanted to share my views about the current state of Arsenal and manager who I think most of us have mixed emotions about. I think we all agree that Arsenal is a far distance away from the invincible team and I think it's important to understand why? First off, the whole football environment has changed massively since then with the likes of Chelsea and Man City having endless supplies of cash and the mindset of players largely being interested in very high wages and jumping clubs with little or no real attachment (unlike the likes of Bergkamp /Adams esq). You all know who so I won't go on about it. Taking this in the context of Arsenal aiming to be self sufficient creates a huge task for Arsenal to generate the revenue to keep players (high wages and big purchases) and remain competitive.

In trying to tackle this problem Arsenal took out huge debts to build the Grove and generate greater ticket revenue. In order to secure the debts, new commercial contracts were taken out until 2013/14 which in theory would then help to pay the repayment and interest.

The reality of this meant that between 2005 - 2013/14 buying power had considerably dropped and akin to a mid to low level premier league team (in the past 5 years I think Arsenal on average spent less than 18 other Premier League teams). If we were to be competitive it had to come from development of youth players and low to mid value purchases. Which to be fair to Wenger he did well (I know the exceptions - Bendtner and co) (he also invested heavily with parts of the Anelka money in the current youth set up). As a result we made the CL final, 2 carling cup finals, knocked out of the CL by Barcelona 3 times and an endless amount of top 4 finishes etc...We could have done even better if certain players did not let us down and leave.

So my point is that if we look at it from the outside, we are actually overachieving and it's Arsenal's and Wenger's previous achievements that has created the high expectations for us fans.

As for bringing our Arsenal back, well I genuinely believe that the 2013/2014 commercial deals will make a huge difference. Prior to this we were profiting on average about 20 million a year (excusing service of the debt) and despite what people think, this was not going to silent Stan and the other shareholders who have not taken any dividends (which I find to be quite remarkable given the sums involved!). After the new deals the annual profit should be close to £50m and the debt will be decreasing annually. And this is ALL Arsenal money and not the handouts of a billionaire or the banks!

Wenger has always sad he has 1 ambition and that is to make Arsenal FC the best football club on the planet and if it can be done in a self sustained way then we really are set for the future (which is close!).

As for the current season, we are the only team still in all 4 competitions, so it's not all bad. As for Wenger, despite his many flaws (bring Wilshere on ffs), we have only stayed competitive because of him - hand on my heart I don't think any other manager who has managed in the PL (even Red nose and the special one) would have been able to do what he has done over these years with the resources he has had. Let's not forget, he's the one person who could have left us in the difficult times but did not (Madrid / france / brazil and many others came in for him).

Now that financially (if not on the pitch) there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I think he should at the least be given the chance to manage with the better resources. Sorry for the long post.

Josh

Excellent post. Most comnents on this site are reactionary and with no context. the context of the football world has dramatically changed. there is very little parity or loyality. Arsenal are currently overachieving. even if we finish 10th this season that is just a blip.

Need to see the bigger picture people.

Mojo

Fantastic post 10/10.

Billybob

Nice post josh.

i suppose my anger and frustration is just out of being a huge arsenal fan.

i know wenger had restrictions due to build,i have said this in my posts,i just dont like his arrogant attitude towards the fans.
sometimes i wish arsene would stop doing interviews,

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE

You make some valid factual points about the bigger picture in terms of our reduced spending power since the new stadium compared to other top table teams. It is just about impossible to attract the cream of players simply because of wage demands. We just cannot match with the bankrolled sugar daddy clubs.

Until the Premier League follow up with what UEFA are trying to do with FFP and start punish teams that recklessly spend way beyond their means we will never match these teams financially for all income we may get.

Points deductions are needed and this should be a strong deterrent of say minus 10 points and a incoming transfer ban until their house is in order, not pointless fines.


The problem is will the PL do this when they are too scared of losing TV money with star players then going elsewhere. For some strange reason they need the backing of the majority of the PL clubs, why?. Clubs should follow their rules end of, otherwise they have no point as governing authority. This is not a democracy here these a rules are for a fair competition. If City and Chelsea don't like it tell them either you get in line or go and join PSG, and that rich Russian side in a little mini league all on their own.

Germany is a good example of a quality league that is producing high quality football, good players and a good competitive product overall while clubs are still spending within their means in a fair way. The PL should follow their lead.

Great post. Shame you can't make every arsenal fan see this. Glad I popped back and read this.

Excellent post.
The problem is that we now have a huge cash surplus, new improved sponsorship deals and a long term low cost loan in place for the team, so there is money there, if Wenger wants to spend it. I also am not keen on the change in Wenger's playing system & the type of players he tends to purchase. His demeanour on the bench has become increasingly disturbing, berating 4th officials or bent double clutching his stomach.
Surely, Wenger can see that we need to change, zonal marking is problematic. Not having suitable defensive qualities in the midfield has exposed the defence & his formations overwork players in certain areas of the pitch, hence the never ending injury problems.
To sum it up, Wenger has been a superb manager, steering us through difficult times, but we need the light can be seen, we need to adapt & I am not sure he will.

Nice post. I have a little question though. Would the money we gain from the new sponsorship deals not be offset by the loss of the money we would have received for playing in the CL and finishing 4th in the premier league and therefore leave us in a status quo in terms of spending power?
I understand the importance of these deals if we continued to qualify for the CL but if we fail why would any top player want to come to us?
Chess

^^ Why would you suggest that we will not qualify for the champions league AGAIN? Are you one of the ones last year saying the same?

You guys really need to stop blubbering and whinging, we are still in the champions league unlike the EPL champions and last years winners, and as far I remember you have to be in it to win it.

Thanks guys, appreciate the replies � means a lot coming from fans.

Not sure who wrote about FFP rules, but totally agree, our increased revenue will help us progress and FFP rules should regress the sugar daddy clubs � hopefully resulting in our success. Though as with you I'm not convinced on the transparency of the EPL.

Chess: you hit the nail on the head, that's exactly why the CL spot has been so important for the short and now long term progression of our club. Rightly or wrongly that's why Wenger values it like a trophy.

Charlie, what do you want him to say in his interviews? I was wrong, I don't know what I'm doing? I should leave the decision to Bould or even RVP? Not being condescending, but seriously all the top managers are arrogant � look at red face and mourinho!

Wenger has his faults and I share a lot of the frustrations, but looking at the bigger picture he's done as well as he could have with what he had. I think his biggest test is to come in the next 2 seasons if he is still with us (I for one hope he is) because he'll have funds and if he spends (which I think he will � for crying out loud he spent 11 mill on Henry all those years ago) he'll have to get it right. I don't want a January Carroll or summer Henderson and Downing. If as someone else mentioned he can adapt then I think we'll be successful again.

Josh

05 Dec 2012 19:12:36
Who do we rather face in the second round??

Arsenal vs PSG

Arsenal vs Malaga

Arsenal vs BVD

Arsenal vs Sharkhtar/Juve

Arsenal vs Bayern/Valencia

Arsenal vs BarcaCanGooner

Dont care, we wont win anything

Barcelona, Juve or Bayern for me.

Bergkamp's apprentice

It's BVB not BVD ;)

Malaga

SY4

I would say PSG or Malaga will be our best chance but not easy by any means but will give us a even chance I think.

Juve possibly if we bang in form and get a few key players in, we have a good record against Italian teams. Bayern about the same will depend on form at the time.

Dortmund or Barca., cant see us having any real chance, would need alot of luck.

At the moment it looks daunting but things can change. If we do manage to bring in some key signings in and bring our confidence levels up with a good run of form you never know. It is still a knockout Cup competition and you still need slice of luck aswell along the way.


I have a feeling that Celtic may cause an upset in the last 16 and beat one on the favoured teams. Nobody will fancy going to Parkhead.

For me Barca, Madrid and Dortmund are ahead of the us and others but the rest I feel are quite a even level.

Malaga would suit us, but the way we're playin at the moment, any team could knock us out.

BU

05 Dec 2012 17:23:56
Good luck AW and the team against W.Brom. keep your chins up, hope all the fans attending the game go all out to support the team.

MOFAYA.

I will go ans support the team but now wenger.

champagne charlie

05 Dec 2012 16:44:47
I urge Wenger to sign Huntelaar, now before people go off on one, hear me out.

1. He's a proven goalscorer, both in league(Bundesliga is second toughest league IMO) and internationally.

2. He hates Van Persie! (nuff said)

3. He'd add much needed arrogance and aggression, and he certainly wouldn't shake hands with RVP before the United match (BTW I found that disguisting before a match like that, can't believe everyone was so nice to him...pathetic)

4. I can see it happening. He's a bargain 6million and it fits the wenger mould. It has also been well publicised that we've been interested in him for a while now.

5. I know he's gonna sign, and I for one can't wait to get down to the armoury to get the hunter on the back of my shirt ( Obviously a new shirt, not gonna get rid of Prince Podolski's now am I :D )

Also, what are people's thoughts on Podolski? I for one think he's a beast and don't believe he gets the recognition he deserves(absolute clinical finisher, just needs the chances)

CheetahChaz97

Number. 2 wins it for me. Flybo

05 Dec 2012 13:54:02
My assessment of the game...imo you can assess players in 2 ways - what they did well, and what they did badly. For me if a player leaves me looking at what they did badly then that's a reflection of their performance...so for someone to say 'actually he did pretty well here and here' might be fair but perhaps redundant, because it's what players don't do well that cost us.

Szczesny - 6.5 - hard to say...thought he was sloppy for the curled shot, he never ever seems to be able to save anything that isn't hit straight at him, bit then he makes miracle saves on corners etc. I don't get it. Replays show the shot was exceptional but you don't expect him to be beaten like this consistently and he is. Still, he looks commanding and in control.

Jenko - 6 - I was gutted when he was dropped, thought he'd been superb, but since he's been back he's been very mixed. He'll make some great runs, supports attack well, tracks back well, but then does something so stupid. He switched off a couple of times, most notably when he watched his man lose him, a cross comes in and the guy luckily heads wide. Some good runs but some worryingly poor defending as well.

Squillaci - 6.5 - I was actually pretty pleased with him last night. I know others weren't but maybe they were looking for it. He did hardly anything wrong all game except hash a back pass conceding a corner. He looked comfortable for a change. Think he enjoyed the game. Maybe he can't handle the pressure of the EPL.

Verminator - 7 - better game from him. Some great last-ditch tackles, he was committed and worked hard. Good effort. Needs to be more vocal as captain though.Needs to impose himself on games like he used to.

Meade - 8 - because of his age, lack of first team game time etc I'm giving him an 8. If he were Gibbs I'd give him a 7 or 7.5. but this kid was the most exciting thing on the pitch barring Rosicky. He needs to release the ball sooner but he is very comfortable, he's RAPID, he's skilful, and despite his height he matched their guys in the air. Second time out of 2 that he has really impressed me. Needs to get games in the league for sure. Not loan. He's 20 and GOOD, we need him. Why hand out talent to other teams?

Coquelin - 5 - well, one or two nice curled passes does not a great player make. Shocking performance from him considering his usual standards, considering he's France international, and considering h rates himself. He looked like he'd taken a leaf out of Ramsey's book - he worked hard, and was everywhere, but seriously he made rash challenges time and time again, he made so many loose passes and hashed clearances, lacked composure. Have seen far better from him so he gets a 5.

Rosicky - 8 - showed his experience and quality, he led the team by example, tried to make things happen, just did his usual thing really. Took the goal superbly! Shame he was brought off but I understand why. Have seen better from him but he was our best player.

Ramsey -4.5 to 5 - seriously, every game I say to myself 'forget what you saw last time. Forget his reputation. Just judge him on today.' That's what I give him. Gets himself about, works hard and achieves nothing. Pointless Arsenal player. He slowed things down, he's indecisive, he gives the ball away so much, it's like he has a mental block about passing forwards, honestly, he makes me want to punch things. Did everything he typically does - backpassing unnecessarily - missed a SITTER! - totally killed at least 2 attacks not to mention passing from inside their box, back to near our half-way line. Wrong player for this club, looks like a Norwich player. 'Given away by Ramsey' is getting hard to hear.

The Ox - 5 - let's be real, we all love him. But he did nothing all game. Has been the story of his season really. Maybe got one decent cross in but that's it, he isn't beating players enough, isn't shooting at all, and isn't creating. Seriously needs to improve. Choosing between a hit and miss soon-to-be leaving Theo and and off-form Ox is hard! Please come back Ox, we need your talent!

Chamakh - 6.5- to be fair, he did pretty well at holding the ball up, he made some good runs and again tried to be involved and make things happen. Could easily have had some fantastic efforts on goal had we had a player like Abdoun or Djebbour instead of Ramsey or Gervinho. He's not as good at heading the ball down for players as Giroud but to be totally real he was not bad last night. Deserved better, he looks like a player who wants to take his chances.

Gervinho - gets a 7.5 for his assist, gets a 4 for the rest - shocking game. One of the worst I've seen. You look at those Olympiacos players and they just prove Wenger doesn't have a clue about transfers any more! They sliced and diced us all game and those defenders had Gerv in their pocket all game. Honestly one of the worst performances I've ever seen and his one piece of decent play doesn't absolve him from criticism! If he bothered to look up, knock the ball ahead of him, pass it, we could have buried the game in the first half alone.

Arshavin - 6 - meh. Looked okay on the ball, came to life a bit in the last 10 or so, had one or two good efforts on goal. Could have been used better. He clearly only like one position on the pitch and that's acm.

Angha - 6 - looked promising and confident....I look forward to seeing that slowly but surely eroded as he gets older then! He could be a good talent. Pointless substitution but nice to see him.

Wenger - 5 - I totally understand why Wenger rested the players, why other didn't go and why he picked the team he did. Totally fair. I was sad to see Rosicky go but I think Wenger knows he's essential to us kick-starting our league performances and really this was about fitness for him. However, Gervinho was so poor he should have taken him off. As should Ramsey. Ramsey off Akpom on. Gervinho off Ansah on would have been class. Then Rosicky off Arshavin on in the middle. We'd have looked like this:

.....................Szcz....................
Jenk.......Squid........Verm.....Meade
...Coquelin.....Arshavin.......Akpom..
.....The Ox....Chamakh....Ansah.....

Still though what's done is done, would have been nice to see some of our young forwards. We live in a strange world where Wenger loves to paly this so called attacking football yet he is terrified of playing young forwards from our youth set up.

I really liked the first half, it was great to go ahead, and the team put in a lot of effort. I can't fault them for that. Shame we could have wrapped the game up, let down by some first team regulars and some tactics as always, but at least it wasn't important. Also, for the first time ever, not winning the group might have done us a favour!

As for West Brom....well we all know they'll be looking for all 3 points - hope we prove them wrong!

Metal Gooner

V WBA, revert to a 4-4-1-1
Szczesny
Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen Gibbs
Walcott Arteta Wilshere Cazorla
Podolski
Giroud

We need to buy:
Reina
Shaw
M'Biwa
Fellaini
M'Vila
Zaha
Huntelaar

Simples...

Totally agree about the 4411 - Podolski is great at building play, he's great passing the ball and putting people through, he's perfect for the Rooney role. The others would make runs around him.

Metal Gooner

05 Dec 2012 12:21:03
we want our arsenal back! sadly i cant see it heppening anytime soon. we cant compete with chelsea united and citehs spending power. we should of spent years ago and we wold of been able to hold onto players. however we are to far behind and will cant afford to bring in the sheer amount of players needed. arsene and the board are a perfect buisness partneship. we need arsene no other manager will be as loyal or do the same things hes done on a budget. untill the board change no manager will top arsene! Fact look at spending look at his record. not graced with throphies since the sugar daddy era but consistantly top of the rest. its pre sugar daddy era and high expectations that are no longer realisit that are making people angry. but now is time for realism we will miss arsne when hes gone! just like liverpool have not been the same since benitez. becarful what you wish for! in arsene we trust you take the blame and shame and only show loyalty back both to the club and to the board! hes a scapegoat thats been a remarkable man and will go down in history with herbert chapman as the best we ever had!

05 Dec 2012 10:18:46
Can I ask this I'm a big fan and try not too doubt my team but think we have reason to be worried about Saturday

So looked at the odds this morning

1/2 arsenal 7/2 draw 13/2 west brom

Best of all 11/2 draw no bet

Now looking at recent performances 13/2 has to be a worthy punt but 11/2 draw no bet means west brom win u win draw and get your money back

Like I said emotional hedge to maybe help Saturday with the nerves I'm sure a few of us are feeling

Goonertillidie

05 Dec 2012 09:27:06
There are so many issues with the team 4 now, but I don't think wenger is even taking any into cognisance....the most visible which is Mr.ramsey.

is wenger related to this boy or what?, can't he just see that this boy can't play well to save his life. ramsey just has to be sold. He has no future in football....sell him now.
Sir ob

Bit Harsh. No future at Arsenal - Yes, but he could do well elsewhere. You have to feel sorry for him as his leg break has really effected his ability
Chess

05 Dec 2012 09:11:29
No excuses Saturday. The majority of the players would have had a weeks rest. It's only about the three points. We're not asking for a world class performance (good job really as we can't seem to produce that sort of football anymore). You fight and you scrap for everything. Nothing more needs to be said. They need to play like 11 devils who have just had their egg yolk burst by a passer by.
GET THE JOB DONE. THREE POINTS, NOTHING LESS.
UP THE GOONERS. Flybo

05 Dec 2012 08:47:16
So we are all screaming for quality signings in Jan that will make an instant impct. But how many available players are there? Clubs RARELY sell top players in Jan, because they will not be able to replace them. That is unless you pay silly money... which we will not.

So ask yourselves... How many quality, AVAILABLE players are there that we can try for in jan...

My point, the squad is what it is... so the best thing we can do is support them, so that their morale goes up and the confidence starts to come back!

Billybob

Billybob posts like this are always interesting - firstly, the players don't read this site or any such sites. What we type here does not filter back to them. In fact even the stuff that's said on MOTD doesn't seem to filter back to the team.

Moaning on here does mean we aren't behind the team. I have faith and truly believe that we will win every single game, I'm excited and raring to go before kick off...and always expecting a different, improved performance to the last. I never get it, I'm always left feeling disappointed. When the opposition takes points off us they either don't even play well or we don't turn up.

This is where as fans we can discuss the ins and outs of the team and live out our managerial fantasies haha. Doesn't affect the team morale in the slightest. AT the end of the day if their wages don't do that then a few typed words on a random forum they never see certainly won't affect them either!

People confuse slating the team on here with not supporting them on the day- they shouldn't.

Metal Gooner

Liverpool are upping their stakes in walcott, sturridge and jack butland...

so we will likely get whatever no one else wants and we will be led to believe they were the bargains of the centuary...literally from the bargain bin at tesco or sainsbury...except no one wanted that anyway.

L:)akerville

***Wow - major typo there - moaning on here DOES NOT mean we aren't behind the team***

Metal Gooner

05 Dec 2012 08:14:57
In addition to my last post...what about a loan deal for Darren Bent....we are in desperate need for a forward as I don't believe Huntelaar would be allowed to leave in the January window due to the continued participation in the champions league.I a. I also believe the current system of playing three in central midfield is not having its desired affect due to the lack of goals and penetration from the two wide players... Sorry about this one guys but what about Lampard on a loan deal?experience goals from midfield us runs into the offensive areas from central midfield....I think the figures being quoted for the Palace winger Zaha are stupid.....12 months of promise in a lower league is no excuse for inflated prices,he couldn't lace Lopez boots.km

05 Dec 2012 07:24:32
For me the the most urgent signing should be a winger/wide midfielder as well as a forward with mobility.Lopez is a great player who scored a hat full of goals as well as having the ability to beat a man in the last third.We don't appear to have anyone in the present squad who can cross a ball or beat a defender and go pass him on the outside to cross the ball to the awaiting defenders.The ox needs a run in the team because I believe he is lacking confidence..... Also,is it me or was the young boy at left back refreshing and smart looking player......no need to see that lazy Brazilian again if,or should I say when Gibbs injured again.Km

05 Dec 2012 03:02:17
Quick question.

What do you think will happen IF we do lose to WBA?

StEvE

StEvE ClArKe wud be very happy

05 Dec 2012 10:01:41
Apparently there is a virus that has it the west brom squad,this might help us on saturday.

It will be the end steve.

and not before time.

champagne charlie

If it meant Wenger would quit I would take the defeat. Unfortunately it will mean nothing. Wenger will blame the ref, linesman, the direction of the wind etc.
Chess

We will not lose to WBA, time to get behind the team...

Charlie, get a grip. End of what? The world? The club? or maybe your name again?

05 Dec 2012 02:06:31
Not good to lose, although AW was right to rest most of the senior players. I'm surprised Arshavin didnt get to start. He wasnt great when he came on admittedly, but wasnt too bad either, unlike a few of the others. Gervinho and Ramsey were just shocking, and I mean shocking. However AW is fully responsible for this and I dont think he is dealing with this situation at all. He played a few young players, like Meade who impressed, but our top young starlet, Eisfeld, is nowhere to be seen. Personally he should be put into the 1st team squad....think about it, can he do much worse?

Regarding AW, alot of people have defended him and have tried to convince us he will turn it around, that ''be careful what you wish for'', etc. I, like many fans, are grateful for his achievements but to me, I think he isnt moving forward with the times (same quote he used for Fergie). As fans, we would love to be winning trophies every season, but at the very least, we would like to see us making progress, learning from past mistakes, being resilient in the face of adversity, etc. Nothing is happening, or if anything, we are doing the opposite. Our stylish play is diminishing, as our chances to score goals dries up...basically, we have been awful all season except against Liverpool and maybe Citeh. I think we do have the players, with a few hopefully coming in January, but I dont think things will get any better unless AW steps down at the end of the season (not sacked btw) and try to end the season with a top 4 finish and maybe a League cup. I think AW needs a long break to spend time with his family and perhaps return to manage at international level.

Gervinho set up the goal!

That was more down to Rosicky's run and excellent finish...even I could have played that pass. It was a shock just to see him pass successfully to a team-mate...really mate, he was truly shocking.

05 Dec 2012 00:55:15
The main reason i stopped posting was because it was just repeating the same thing year after year.
I think now what i was posting nearly 3 years ago, and i think its getting closer and closer to reality.

I said a long time ago, Arsene would leave Arsenal in a mess! not during his tenure as such, but for the following managers coming in after him.
The crowds are getting less, i was amazed how many empty seats were at the Montpellier game, thousands.
And i always said that this business model would drive away the future support of the club. Kids on todays fields are not wearing arsenal shirts, that is our next generation of supporters, and its not the emirates they will be coming to!
What name does a kid put on the back of his shirt these days? Walcott, maybe! No more Adams, or Bergkamps, Henry`s or Pires.. Who is podolski or giroud to todays kids? No one.

As a manager, wenger is superb...... As a financial director, wenger is superb, but to do both is impossible as it is a conflict of interest.
Wengers eyes are on finance decisions, his purchases are now based on financial not footballing benefits.
Wenger used to spot and bring talent to the club, now he brings Affordable players and the result is average football from average players.

I know some fear the billionaire ownership, however this club was run over a 100 years ago with millionaires. The principal hasn`t changed, only the quantity, todays millionaires are supporters, no longer owners.

I don`t demand trophy`s, but i do expect an arsenal team that shows passion and pride, this is not what we see from this current squad and it saddens me.

I am tired of AW`s continual turnarounds, and i think he and the club have been hugely disrespectful to the fans.
We are not stupid, talk to us and we will understand, if it takes 10 years to pay our debt off, then say so.
Don`t say this is the strongest squad AW has had, that they have mental strength, that they are tired after only 14 games after saying the squad is strong enough to compete in all 4 competitions.
As supporters we are in the dark, the likes of cesc and rvp were not, they saw the lack of ambition and probably left a club they really didn`t want to, can`t blame them, Jack will too if this carries on another 5 years.

I don`t believe AW is the puppet, i believe he is the puppet master, its not wages that are keeping him quiet as some say, he could get more at Real, PSG, China and Russia and still have the freedom to do what he wants.
AW predicted years ago a financial collapse in european football, it hasn`t happened but he is still acting as if its just around the corner, arsene the financial director is calling the shots.

Oh and i also posted over 2 years ago that arsenal should buy Suarez and Baines and got dogs abuse, bet you would have them now?

ike.
blast away.

Outstanding post ike.

like you i have campaigned for change.

when the football was good he got away with it.

i think the final nail in the coffin will be against W.B.A if we loose.
how is it right that i am half wishing we loose on saturday so the nightmare will end?

champagne charlie