Arsenal Banter Archive October 05 2014

 

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05 Oct 2014 23:14:45
a bit of posativity here.

people crying that arsenal had 0 shots on target.
chelsea only had 2 from open play!

and 5 shots off target for them to our 10.

off target shots aren't what we want. but if all 5 of theirs off target hit row z, and all 10 of ours sailed inches past the bar/post then the stats would still be the same. let the performance paint pictures not the stats!

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Not sure what you are trying to say. Their performance was a winning one ours wasn't.

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Agree with Steve. Forget shots on or off target. In a game of football only one stat matters. Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0.

I would literally be doing backflips if we played Chelsea and had two shots, scored them both and won the game. Fact is, we were dominated and didn't even deserve a draw.

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What a joke. let the performance paint the picture. We LOST. put that in your stat book. That's a stone cold fact there. Ozil shldn't have started. still ain't had my say on him, but it's wearin' thin. get him in the gym or get rid of him. he ain't for the premier league.

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That was as easy a win chelsea will have all season. They barely broke sweat

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I'm starting to agree, Ozil just isn't up to the premer league physicality, how Wenger did not take him off I don't know.
Also we have Chamberlain sitting on the bench for a lot of the game, he is our only real wing type player at the moment.
How can Chambers develope with the alternation during the game between Ozil, Alexis, then Chamberlain. both full backs need to develop partnerships but they can't at the moment, when Wenger insists on using the likes of Ozil, Carzola Podolski as wingers, none of them are wingers.
Surely Wenger can now see the importance of getting a big strong holding midfielder. or can he.

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Seriously. if you have two shots on target you have more chance of scoring. they scored two goals. we had no shots on target and scored no goals. simples

if you play a football match with no shots on target you will struggle to win ffs

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I was trying to say that our performance wasnt as bad as everyone is making out.


you are an person if you think arsenal will win every match 200-0.

2-0 away at the bridge is a good result. is it a win? no is it the best result no. but we played ok. just not well

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Disagree, when you have a high strung star like him you have to build a team around him that make sense rather than put out on the wing as an add on. He needs to play the 10 with solid cover and lots of options - like we used to do with Fabulous Fab.

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Gooner link i'm not a what ever you put, I've said before don't get personal, put your point across. You are entitled to your opinion, don't make it personal.

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05 Oct 2014 22:56:41
CR7.

3 hat tricks in last 4 games.

Respect.

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Yeah, he's okay

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Let's see him do it in the prem.

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06 Oct 2014 10:30:58
Jack
Some of the pl defenses are much worse than in Spain.
Don't know why people still doubt CR7
best player in the world
miles ahead of that cheating arrogant lazy sulking egotistical midget
Just ask Ed007

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Best player ever

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What's scary is he'll probably be in a utd shirt next season, and our two season break from finishing below them will be over for sure.

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I think we may finish below them this year it will be close

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05 Oct 2014 21:09:10
At start of week I was pessimistic about today.

We beat Gala and I was more optimistic.

2-0 Chelsea, fair result.

Make no mistake, Mourinho had Wenger in his back pocket, therefore, Chelsea had us in their back pocket.

Mourinho, as usual, had a plan and a formation.
Wenger, as usual, only has plan A.

Chelsea have a solid back 4 and than they have Matic and Fabregas in front of them. They both start as DM's to protect back 4 but than Mourinho pushes Fabregas 10 yards upfield, than he dictates the game.
No surprise really, he did it for years at Arsenal.
No point going over old ground, but what a player.

There is something seriously wrong here.
7 games in and we are already 9 points and 10 goals behind Chelsea.

We bought well in summer.
Sanchez, Debuchy, Welbeck, Ospina and Chambers are all good acquisitions, yet we seem to be going backwards not forwards.

7 played, 2 won, 4 drawn, 11 scored, 9 conceded.

We are too one dimensional and easy to defend against.
A predictable plan A and no plan B or C.

Predictable substitutions that are always like for like.
If you sell your car and buy the same car, it will drive the same.

Predictable, almost boring like, too many passes that go nowhere, the same players running in the same spaces, no width.

How many players do we have who can get the ball and beat 2 or 3 men, like Oscar did for the penalty?

Its as if Wenger has told them to forget skill and just pass.
I think Messi would struggle in an Arsenal shirt.

Fair play to Chelsea.
Their master out-thought and out-fought Wenger.
His team out-thought and out-fought our team.

Said it before and will say it again.

Top 4 contenders? Yes.
Title contenders? No.

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{Ed025's Note - dont big up old big head so much dags, arsene is a better manger for me, but he cant buy the world..unlike fat head..

DG now that is a post, your best of 2014 and has few rivals for post of the day competition

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05 Oct 2014 22:43:11
I hear you Ed, but you have to look at what Mourinho has done since he returned.

He took over last season, admitted Chelsea wouldn't win anything in his first season back, and they didn't.

He than did what he had to do and sold Demba Ba, Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o, as well as David Luiz and Lukaku.

He than added Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas.

He turned them from title contenders to title favourites by using the money from the sale of the aforementioned players.

Don't like the bloke but admire what he has done to strengthen Chelsea.

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{Ed025's Note - thats where we differ mate...i see him as a self obsessed arsehole..

05 Oct 2014 22:55:07
Thank you G62.

Whilst I am here, I'm going to have a friendly pop at you, lol.

One word. BALOTELLI?

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05 Oct 2014 23:02:28
Hehe can't disagree with you mate :-)

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His only real selling was luiz and lukaku phil,
the others contracts ran or were loaned out.
and that's if mourinho is in control of transfers. he has a say but I bet its more modern than that at both chelsea and city.

his bought a world class striker in costa, whom flumpped at the wc.

we bought a world class striker in alexis, whom triumphed at the wc.

he is no genius when it comes to transfers. his tactical nous is what makes him the 'special one'.

chelsea beat us the same way they beat everyone whom poses a striking threat.

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I'll see your Balotelli and raise you a remy, chavs were always confident today but not quite that confident :-)
Your right mourinho knows how not to lose a game

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05 Oct 2014 23:37:37
G62,

I just knew you were going to raise me Remy lol.

Well played :-)

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05 Oct 2014 23:51:09
Mourinho sold only Luiz and Lukaku? What about Kevin De Bruyne, Juan Mata, Demba Ba, Van Aanolt, Bruma, etc? Ed025, ain't u supposed to be concerned about your pathethic Nevertin right now and the clueless Martinez who's rapidly turning u into another Wigan?

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{Ed007's Note - Celestyn!! What drag show have you escaped from?}

06 Oct 2014 07:13:29
Ed025 always comes across as one bitter chap. Not surprised though, he's Everton!

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{Ed025's Note - im not bitter my friend, passionate yes,and will always stand my corner...bitter evertonians is a term coined by liverpool supporters who cant believe that anyone can have a bad word said about their club...well guess what...i have a load of them..deluded being one..

I would swap Wenger for Mourinho, for sure.

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Celestyn, I know its a hard ask, (as you blues aren't know for it but) read everything that's posted pls.

only REAL selling, and if you look we are talking about this summer.

if arsenal had a 50 man squad with players stretching from world class to championship class, i'm sure wenger could loan out/sell 25 and look a genius.

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Great post Dags, ed025 money can't be used against us we are no longer cash poor we can compete! Plus we have 2 very rich shareholders. Arsene without doubt the better manager but Maureen is a better coach.
We have great players that are not being used to their best. When a coach thinks possession is more important than goals he is deluded! 174 passes we should have won, come on!
We need a proper game plan a solid back 4, 2 protecting them & a game plan to win the game.
All he wants is his version of 'perfect football' it ain't working & never will. This won't change till we drop out of the top 4!
Sagalout

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05 Oct 2014 19:06:44
Hello edd not feeling to happy after the result there's a few players contracts running down is there any interest in pique or chielini, Schar we need a defender or 2! These are top quality players we require also how likely is khedira and will coquelin, podolski, Campbell be leaving and lastly with Dortmund not doing too well will reus and hummels be sold

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{Ed025's Note - too many scenario,s there imired mate, just roll with it mate, and try to enjoy it..

Dags agree totally, we are going backwards. Our centre defenders from last year don't look the same is maybe the pressure of having no defensive midfielder.

Bought well but even more top heavy on sililar players in midfield.

Title contenders? forget it
Top 4 Contenders? For now yes.

I fear for us this season, our saving grace is Liverpool are worse than last season and everton have european commitments to deal with and spurs, well are spurs:)

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05 Oct 2014 21:35:39
So Wenger is again out witted tactically by another manager. Jose has the voodoo on him and hasn't tasted defeat and that's probably because Jose doesn't play players out of position. He doesn't stand for substandard performances and will sub players off. He can also set his team up to win or draw against the big teams, and that, is what wins league titles.

Anyone care to enlighten me with where I'm wrong?!

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{Ed018's Note - you are spot on}

No mate I can't fault your post at all.
The fact is if we wan't to retain our hair and sanity we have to accept that for now we have limits to what can be achieved and enjoy the good days and accept the bad ones for just a few more years .
Let's have our moans today and tomorrow use the international break to get back to having a bit of fun and lighten things up a bit.
We are a great bunch on here and let's not lose that bit of good humoured banter that made our page such a good thing to be part of.
We can't control Arsene but we can our own happiness on non match days.
Doc can I send you a pat on the back in a very manly way as I know your names not Gary and you certainly ain't Gay :-)

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05 Oct 2014 22:52:37
Sounds spot on to me Doc.

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05 Oct 2014 20:56:02
Yet again Wenger plays Özil out of postion.

Why not keep the same team as in the week??

Thought we did ok today but we really need to be stronger and tougher didn't really look like scoring did we apart from Wilshire bad touch.

4th again it is then.

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We'd be lucky this time mate. too many teams have strengthened. we're faffin toothless and useless against the big boys. and the other boys are only getting bigger.

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05 Oct 2014 20:37:53
Apparently we had no shots on target for the first time in 11 years. If true that's awful. Wenger needs a hard look at himself. Welbeck will get us goals against the weaker teams. But the big teams won't worry about him.

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05 Oct 2014 20:29:21
This is the season we drop away. Not just saying it because we are 8th or getting beaten today. We are physically weak, mentally weak, make the same errors game after game. Our galactico has become a passenger, we get outplayed and out witted against good teams. We aren't buying the right players to make us stronger and we are very very average.

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05 Oct 2014 19:38:53
Chelsea fan here in peace!

hard luck 2day u gave us a good game apart from your final ball!
right is it time for wenger to go? am sorry but your midfield is powder puff and dare I say it mikel would walk in it your 2 holding player's are just easy to bully! why is wenger neglecting it? has he forgot when he was successful he had viera and petit bossing the middle! I genuinely feel for you lot having to watch that each week. love ramsey though class act.

anyways we all hate Tottenham

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Pinky every pundit has been asking for years and continues to ask the same Question you ask, can everyone else really all be wrong all the time and Arsene right in equal measures?
The whole not football is stunned by this not being addressed for so long.
If it was a film or a soap opera we'd all be saying how far fetched and devoid of reality it is

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05 Oct 2014 20:09:03
Lol a nice little patronising pat on the back for u lads!

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Hello, chelsea fan.

As much as I hate chelsea (I hate them a lot, more than Spurs) you seem to have perfect balance, just like us in 2004, Matic breaks play up like Vieira, gives it to Fabregas, to pass like Bergkamp who then gives it to Costa, your Henry.

You are never exposed at the back because full backs never attack when they don't need to, and when they do, your centre mids sit and do a job defensively.

I've no idea why Wenger doesn't buy a DMF, maybe he did try in the summer but 2 months isn't nearly long enough, we desperately need one, and some more defenders, what has Steve bould done since he came in? Nothing. We should follow Chelsea's defending template, but instead our full backs act as wingers and hardly get back on the counter.

A few weeks ago I joinded the wenger out brigade, and today I blew a gasket, never been so mad at a loss.

Wenger out guys, we won't get above 4th. And that isn't good enough after 35m on sanchez, 42m on Özil.

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05 Oct 2014 20:33:03
Pinky,

Although your post had slightly sarcastic undertones, I pretty much agree with the majority of what you said.

Arsenal? More questions than answers.

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05 Oct 2014 19:59:22
Where did u crawl out from pinky?

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{Ed018's Note - good question}

05 Oct 2014 20:44:54
P**s off back to your page.

But yeah we need Steel, what's new?

Also I feel sorry for you having to watch your team every week - you might be champions but it is a bit boring? Playing counter for 70 minutes today at home?

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{Ed018's Note - yea and Arsenal went out and dominated the match. How many shots did they have on goal? Oh yea none}

Are you wenger out yet dags

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05 Oct 2014 22:06:28
Derby,

I'm teetering on the edge mate.

Just wish he would lose the stubbornness.

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Pinky and the redman, you guys can go suck a lemon. shockin performance. bring off santi, who was arguably our best player, instead of ozil. someone mentioned a bit ago 'bout the keane vieira 'ting. wengers best point. LOYALTY. his worst LOYALTY. BOOOO

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He won't change dags. a man hug is waiting for when you finally come out. your family will support you I promise

lol

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05 Oct 2014 19:20:32
Form is temporary
Forth place is permanent.
Things we learned:
Wenger outwitted by Jose yet again.
Cesc still better than all of our mid and is getting unbelievable assists.


Had enough of the professor. Ozil et al are just not delivering.

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I totally agree with all but the last line Ash.
Ozil on the wing is 0% of the player he really is for us but in the middle he's the king of assists still and 75% of what he can be, as for Arsene he's going no where in the next few years whether we like it or not

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Agree with all and say that Ozil isn't delivering. Others are but are being let down by players who aren't playing well. You can't carry players in the PL!

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Wenger out. Anyone who thought we would go there and get something is mad

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Maybe it is time to cash out on Mesut for 30mil and buy a couple of grafter like wide players like James Milner, just such a shame it will probably come to that as signing him was the most exciting thing that's happens to us in years that night on deadline day

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We're in the same position neways. Why do all these players get rewarded with new contracts, mad wage top ups, for this dross. we're turnin into a joke. Joey Barton got it right. Mourinho's got wenger on toast. I'm throwin mine in the bin.

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05 Oct 2014 19:09:58
If we get 30mil for ozil would you sell him? If it meant replacing him with another quality player like Vidal or reus so wilshere or carzola playing the no 10 role really like ozil but he's too lightweight doesn't look interested and really doesn't deserve to start

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To think we payed 42mil for ozil and wouldn't pay the hazard fee. Or the gotze fee.

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Is get rid of wenger for less if it meant playing Mesut in the middle where he belongs.

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05 Oct 2014 18:40:39
Gutted.

Wasn't as bad as last year but 2-0 is unacceptable. The same mistakes that have plagued our season so far were our undoing.

This tika taka around the edge of the box with no end product is so frustrating. They all line up just outside with no one actually getting into the box other than Welbeck. If Gibbs could actually put in a decent cross, it would be wasted.

The referee had a poor game with justification for both teams having players sent off. Cahill should have went. Oscar should have picked up a card much sooner than he did. Welbeck and Chambers were lucky to see the full 90. The pundits were saying Kos should have seen red for the penalty but the replay showed that Gibbs was behind him. I think yellow was the right decision.

What bugged me the most was the second goal. Costa was the only Chelsea player in our half and he still scores. That hoof and hope tactic works against us every time. Credit where credit is due though the pass was like a laser guided missile.

I've been slamming Wenger a lot on here recently. I'm not going to do that now because I feel so sorry for the man. Joey Barton says top team managers have Wenger on toast when it comes to tactics. Sadly where Mourinho is concerned It's very true. I would have loved to have seen Arsene smack him one. Even just to give him that satisfaction because its going to be a long time coming on the pitch.

Title hopes are dead and if something isn't done about these poor results against big rivals. It will be a long time before we are champions again.

Anyways onwards and upwards. Hull City, prepare for the Cannon Backlash!

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Spot on mate. hoof n hope don't agree with. d'you not think wilsheres the main culprit for all that poncin rnd the box? he's the guy who instigates all that bollox, and he's the guy lyin' on the floor holdin his ankle afterwards when it all goes wrong

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I'm torn about Jack mate. He wants to be the type of player the team revolves around. Unfortunately he concedes possession far to often and the tempo he try's to dictate the game with is too slow. On the positive side of things he's willing to be the man to take the risks to unlock opposition defences and appears very vocal on the pitch.

He's been at Arsenal for a long time. These short comings in his game have been drilled into him by our Academy and ultimately Wengers vision of football.

Who knows what he would be like under a more modern day manager or fingers crossed, a seen the error of his ways rejuvenated Wenger.

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05 Oct 2014 18:21:59
well wenger done it again, anyone else thinking it doesn't matter what players mourinho has, give him Swindon or mk dons team and I still think wenger would struggle against him. Nothing new either from mourinho same tactics control and counter, pick out a couple of players to rough up and test continually ie. ozil no combative bite to protect players like him, u know sunday league if the other team kicks your best player continually u rally round him and give him protection make sure the other team knows your up for the fight. They look like a team of winners with a plan and it comes from mourinho, It seems we go into these games without a structured plan of how to win, its not the players responsibilty to work it out as they go along they need direction. also wenger moaning about there financial clout is a joke 35mill sanchez and 45ish for ozil come on take some responsibility, what must the players think when he comes out with these ridiculous statements.
Someone put wenger is a dinosaur and I think that is a great analogy unfortunatley he is still in the past, we have the players to win these big games but just no plan it must be embarrassing for wenger he gets beat by the same tactics all the time he is a tactical fool

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If a team plays how we want them to play against us we slaughter them but as soon as a team refusess to let us dictate the pace where in trouble.
Against most teams we still have just about enough not to lose and probably win most but against a good tactical manager who also has good players ( Dortmund, chavs) we're out of our depth.
It is what it is

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05 Oct 2014 18:05:57
November 22nd won't make up for all today's failings but it will make us all very very happy and will go a long way towards securing that 3rd place finish in May.
We may have to wait a while to taste glory in the title again but in the next two and half years there will be some good days too and we should just enjoy those for now

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Utd beat a team today we were very lucky to draw with.

In Saying that I watched the game. Their 2nd goal was lucky and De Gea was in inspired form (and needed to be)

I fancy our chances against them to but if you look at that league table, as it stands it isn't pretty reading.

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They still have to play chavs and city twive Ulster plus I'm fairly certain we have too much for them this season plus we will end this ridiculous run of not beating top teams this season.
This season we'll be ok its next season that worries me already, utd will be competing at the veryb top again Liverpool will get back on track with or without BR and Everton and spurs will be much more settled and stronger.
Arsene's refusal to change might finally catch up in 2015/16 as the distance between him and the modern game is growing each passing year

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We shouldn't have to wait that long till he's gone tho. Why did we offer him a a new deal :(

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05 Oct 2014 17:50:15
Reading these comments you'd think Chelsea had 20 shots on target and played us off the park.

I can't remember us doing much beyond conceeding a penatly and getting caught with a world class ball on the counter as we pressed. Did they have more than 3 shots on goal?

Yes, we didn't threaten their goal - but Chelsea's home record speaks for itself. It's not that easy.

What is hard to read is the stuff fans come out with (online generally no specific targets) - slating the players, slating Wenger - next win it will be as though none of this words were ever said or meant anything. All a bit harsh IMO. Yes we weren't good enough to beat Chelsea away. End of story. It could be a lot worse, we are one of the top three teams in the league and not even past the quarter stage of the league yet.

Chelsea have hit form early, they will have a dip. Walcott, Ramsay, Debuchy, Giroud all out (although Giroud is taking a lot of stick as well for no apparent reason). We need a CDM and new CB

All surreal if you ask me, a total loss of perspective.

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Mate honestly we will be nowhere near them come may time. We are stuggling

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We where not the reason they didn't have loads of shots, its mourinho tactic don't commit too many forward against us as we always give chances anyway, and be compact against us as we have no plan b to get a goal, wenger had no say on how the game went he just turned up saw us get beat and moaned about their financial power pretty pathetic really

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What game are you watching in your rose coloured specs. We are held at arms length and toyed with. We are no where near good enough.

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05 Oct 2014 22:33:58
The same game as you mate, just don't watch it through a haze of negativity. We weren't toyed with whatsover. They have no injuries, we have five key ones. Chelsea's record at home is amazing. I tell you what mate, it'a all amicable, but let's see where the season goes, and see how it plays out. City and Spurs draw at home, could have won either, Chelsea loss away. It really is not as bad as you have it to be.

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05 Oct 2014 22:37:34
U are one of the top 3 teams in the league? Based on what? In fact when was the last time u finished 3rd?
Sorry mate I'm not being intentionally harsh but to claim u are one of the top 3 teams in the league is a joke! U are nowhere near that this or the last 7 or so years, u are a very good team but top 3? No.

The facts speak for themselves, even with a crazy PL last year u still finished 4th and this was a season when utd were awful and missed out on CL and Liverpool nearly won the league.

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05 Oct 2014 22:41:41
The other two draws, Everton and Leicester away. As I say, it's not as bad as you are making out, nor are Arsenal as crap as you seem to think. Nor is Wenger, as tactically naive as you seem to think - good enough to win a lot of silverware and guide us through a economic downturn, build a new stadium and win two more trophies this year 2014. Moriunho who everyone is fawning over won nothing. Get a grip. I don't care if he stays, or Klopp comes in, but hearing this deranged hysteria from Arsenal fans is over the top. We have a new striker, a new player in Sanchez, new right winger, and 5 missing players. How many players were the chavs missing?

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{Ed025's Note - cracking post baggins....well said mate..

05 Oct 2014 22:50:00
At the moment, IMO we are one of the top three teams in the league.

I don't have the energy to explain the difference of having one of the best strikers in the world scoring 30 goals for your team. Without Suarez Liverpool would have got nothing, this year they'll get nothing.

For me, United are a great team, but you have lost 3 class defenders and you'll let in dozens and dozens of goals this year. Our defense, although bad, is still better than yours. Falcao is unproven, RVP is injury ridden and running on horse placenta, Rooney is slow. Di Maria is world class, the rest are average. B.a.n.t.e.r.

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05 Oct 2014 23:10:16
So utd are a great team but falcao is unproven, rvp injury prone and Rooney slow??

Again tell me how u are one of the top 3 teams?

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{Ed025's Note - its about opinions chris..by the way....arsenal are miles above united in class and stature mate..as i say just an opinion..

05 Oct 2014 23:27:29
As much as I admire your optimism, I think it's pretty misguided, mate. I agree that we played a full strength Chelsea side with 5 key injuries and, by all comparison to last year's humiliation, it's a good result, and an improvement.

I still don't get how you can't agree that Wenger is tactically naive, when every poor performance has highlighted all of our short comings like an A level revision book. Take today for example.

Pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass to the edge of the 18 yard box, turn, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, give the ball away cheaply.

That was the theme of the game, and Mourinho had our number, he knows that we rely far too much on attacking down the middle, and with our bollocks style of passing, all he had to do was get his back 4 to tighten up and be more compact.

It doesn't take a footballing genius. Just decent football brain, and the stones to make the call.

Evidently, Wenger has neither.

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06 Oct 2014 00:01:33
I meant historically great - although potentially great if Falcao turns up and his knees hold out. Rooney is good, RVP is good - liked Tevez, Ronaldo, Cantona, etc. Always had great teams, this one has potential but no defense. Evans Jones et al not good enough.

I think we are better, purely based on potential for this season. I think we on paper have the 3rd best squad, and led most of last season, lost no players and have extra ones plus your excellent Wellbeck. Walcott, Sanchez, even dare I say it Ozil, Ramsay, Merts, Gibbs, Kos, Wilshere would all get into your team imo.

Don't be offended - you've had your day:) You'll never get fergie again. IMO 4 th place, always one game away from a defensive collapse and subsequent tonking. Keep in touch and show me I'm wrong:)

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06 Oct 2014 00:45:32
A much better squad that's in 8th not 3rd, 8th! Dnt worry mate I will wait, then we can speak about this at a later date.

I'm not claiming we are better than u and didn't bring utd up at all, but your much better defence have only conceded 1 less than our make shift injury hit back line, and we did capitulate and concede 5 in 1 game too. But we have had 2 clean sheets.

Anyways your right let's leave this debate for a few months. I would wish u good luck but clearly u Dnt need it as u have 3rd sewn up.

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05 Oct 2014 23:53:13
That's fine ed and its my opinion he and u are very wrong and a little bitter, but I guess that's ok because your 'real football fans'. 😊

I guess we will have to wait and see who's more correct

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Completely agree with baggins here.

i think most people watched a biased stream with commentators slating us at every turn.

i wouldn't go as far as saying people posting negatively are wrong.
but i'd like people to try and see the result unbiased.

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05 Oct 2014 17:24:43
Also Podolski!?

What the hell man?! We lose 2-0 to one of our title rivals and he's still all smiles having a little chin wag with them after the whistle.

He needs to be sold, no desire to perform and obviously not fussed about the club or the results.

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05 Oct 2014 18:32:18
Tbf wengers not been to fussed about Podolski either.

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05 Oct 2014 17:01:36
So today's match has shown me two things.

1) Slow build-up/tiki taka/short passing football is dead and Wenger is just too stubborn to compromise his 'philosophy' to change our style. We can still be a passing, football playing team and be successful, but you never saw the Invincibles EVER take so long to get a shot or a cross off. Graeme Souness had it spot on in the post match analysis. We'd get on to the edge of the 18 yard box and then turn and start again. And in football at the highest level, that just doesn't work when you need to be creating half a yard of space to get the shot away. We don't even have a player who can do what Fabregas did today any more. It's really doing my loaf in that Wenger is still trying SO hard to be del Bosque or Pep, it WON'T happen!

2) Arsene Wenger will NEVER get the better of Jose Mourinho tactically. When Mourinho saw that Chambers was doing pretty well against Hazard, he had him play slightly more centrally and look what happened. More often than not he was making tactical changes during stoppages, even as early as 10 minutes in he was speaking into Ivanovic's ear on the sidelines. And due to his unwillingness to compromise our current style of play or our tactics (if we have any at all) he will NEVER beat Mourinho. We need a manager who is actually going to be positive on the sidelines and make calls on the fly that Wenger is too stubborn to make.

A few more notes:

- Ozil, though he looked bright during the first 10-15 minutes is up to his old tricks again and was complete dog rubbish in the second half

- We rely far too much on playing down the middle. Even at 1-0, all Chelsea had to do was compact the back 4 and we didn't have a chance of getting through. Surely the comeback against Everton showed Wenger that when we get the ball wide, we create chances and actually score. And again, how many goals did the Invincibles score from balls from out wide.

- Jack really needs to work on his passing.

- It's abundantly obvious to everyone who isn't Wenger that the Ox should have started.

- Ref again had an absolute shocker!

On the plus side, we did manage to make a game of it and were in the game almost all the way to the end. And it is a VAST improvement from what happened last season, we looked a lot surer defensively, despite being so lacklustre going forward. Cazorla really put a shift in and I was really unimpressed that him and Sanchez were subbed. Gibbs had a good game as did Flamini.

All in all when you look at it on paper, considering our massive injury list, it's not the worst result by any means. But it's a result that, again, makes all of our shortcomings glaringly obvious to anyone that isn't Arsene Wenger.

At least the calender is slightly more favourable for the rest of the month. I'm expecting at least 10 points from our next 4 league games leading up to United at home, and hopefully we can actually take 3 points from them this time round. A double against Anderlect would be nice too.

I hate international breaks!

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Take a look at motd 2 from lunch time today and listen to Martin Keown talk about Arsene, the amazing thing is he isn't even critical of him but is very revealing in his support of him.
Disbelief was displayed by the rest of the panel and an acceptance of 2 years 33 games before we can realistically compete for a title

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05 Oct 2014 23:15:56
2 years, 33 games? Is that when Wenger's contract expires?

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05 Oct 2014 16:29:08
Played OK but loose we need to go back and in the market and spend some more money are wage bill is higher than Chelsea for some reason welbeck is OK not world class I'm.not just saying this based on this match
We need a 3 players

Khedira
Schar, pique, chielini, reid
Huntelaar

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05 Oct 2014 17:09:35
We played far from ok and no matter who we buy we still have tbat dinosaur wenger in charge

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05 Oct 2014 17:11:13
So welbeck is not WC but a 30ish Huntelaar is?. Hmm.

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05 Oct 2014 18:29:13
Danny over Huntelaar all day long

Would have played Ox over Alexis all day long with Ozil in the middle. Issue is trying to accommodate Jack when what we need is a CDM with Ozil in front of him.

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Mate huntelaar is a goal scorer and at the minute welbeck is a failed winger he's not clinical enough he's missed a lot of chances before

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05 Oct 2014 19:40:20
I thought welbeck was the next Henry?

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05 Oct 2014 16:14:36
Wenger in, this is what to expect. For me I have not wavered wenger he's past it, he is a dinosaur and we ain't going anywhere but backwards. We are rubbish.

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Totally agree not a single shot that nearly went in or had to be last ditch saved

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Steve nothing has changed from August we were never going to win the league and always likely to finish 3rd ahead of utd in 4th.
Today was actually Bette than I expected and a vast improvement on last season.
The reasons we can't compete are so well documented its unreal but nothing changes by and large

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05 Oct 2014 17:18:33
Wenger is like the simpsons. Great for the first 8seasons and depressi gly poor after that. Were a mid table side righy npw and that makes no sense. We havr the playrs. What are we missing?

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Pat Rice sheeny

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Spot on steve. I said i'd of taken a 1nil lost today before the game lol. he's killing us.

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06 Oct 2014 19:41:56
Rice oversaw a 7 year decline in our defence UG. Don't see what kind of difference he'd make. Last year was our best defense in years. Excluding the three games that shall not be named we conceded ~19 goals. Fairly sure I looked at it over the summer and removing any of the other top teams 3 heaviest concessions we were the best defense.

Plus I think we had the most clean sheets. Shez joined we Cech for golden glove on 16 and Fab played the last game of the season which off the top of me head was a clean sheet.

Rice might only assist in a change of diet my friend but I'm no nutritionist.

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05 Oct 2014 16:01:31
Pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass and go nowhere.

Just do what Chelsea do.
Give ball to Fabregas, one pass to Costa and its goodnight.

Simple.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not convinced that Arsenal giving the ball to Fabregas would help the cause.}

Hi all. pretty gutted, again:(
at this moment I would be delighted with our 4th place trophy. we'll see
COYG andi

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We don't need him said Arsene, that's right we don't need him said the majority on here so he finds a new home at which he rips us apart and becomes hated for doing so.
Its not rocket science but it takes a bit of understanding all the same.
And worst of all it was always going to happen

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Fabregas didn't want to come back to Arsenal. That is a FACT! Stop thinking he did and we had a chance of getting him.

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05 Oct 2014 16:48:58
Well I guess I have to eat some humble pie. Chelsea deserving winners and controlled the game.

Few real chances for either side, but Eden, Fab, and Costa made the difference. Showed a gap in class and Chelsea never really looked threatened.

I think Sanchez and Wilshere should have done better with their control when put through in the first half. One of them probably should have at least tested the keeper.

To me, that is a penalty on Fab; you cannot dive for the ball with your arms like that, but arguably we should have had 2 or 3 players sent off so I guess that balances out.

And really Chelsea were good value for the win.

Guess just work hard on the training pitch and put together a good string of results the rest of the way. Hard to see us making up 9 points on a Chelsea side who never got out of second gear but still comfortably handled us tbh.

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James no need for humble pie mate you called it as you saw it as we all do.
Rocky I don't remember it being like that back in the summer mate but 3 facts I do know are
1 Arsene didn't want him
2 the majority on here didn't want him
3 today would have been better for us and worse for chavs if he'd played in Red not blue.
Those things I know for sure

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G62

Your spot on wenger didn't want him. But that was based on him not being able to get him. You really think Wenger would come out publicly and say that he couldn't get him?
Fabregas had chosen his destination well before it was official he was leaving Barca. Why Chelsea? He knew Arsenal wouldn't pay the wages he wanted!

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Well Rocky that may or may not be true I don't know couldn't say for sure either way, if Arsene's ego stopped him admitting he couldn't get him then its come back to haunt him now.
I'd have done all I could to get him home along with a DM long before I bought Sanchez, don't get me wrong I like Sanchez very much but I'd always buy the windows I need before I bought the tv I liked

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05 Oct 2014 16:38:35
Lol fair point Ed,

I should have worded it better :-)

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05 Oct 2014 15:26:39
we may be down but not out. come on you gunn
ers!

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05 Oct 2014 14:01:28
15 min delay in kick off

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05 Oct 2014 13:18:51
Why o why has wenger dropped the ox, he has been one of our most dangerous and consistent players.
We have gone back into our shell, ozil will be left out wide and flamini will be our 'powerhouse rock' trying to stop the counter.
We should have kept the same team as galstassary upfront, defenders are intimidated by pace and Sanchez ox and Danny have it in abundance! terry and co would have been bricking it!
We have to be 100% with it today! flamini needs to be disciplined and not give away stupid fouls in dangerous areas! he will be the do or die on our result today. We need to control the midfield

Fingers and every thing crossed

Hulk Hogunner

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05 Oct 2014 13:15:52
Typical wenger why change the team the Ox was brilliant on wed! I'm guessing ozil is on the wing again? Such a waste really hope I'm wrong but shows wenger is scared of going at Chelsea I think we all know what could happen now just hope I'm wrong!

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Can only hope its
Jack Flamini
Sanches Ozil Carzola
Danny
Now as that's the only thing that makes the slightest sense to me and even that's risky defensively

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05 Oct 2014 13:10:50
Why is Chamberlain dropped?! The team was perfect the other night but of course he has to get the golden boy Jack back in the team!

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05 Oct 2014 13:30:43
I don't think it's because he's the golden boy, more to so with Jack can play deeper.

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He sacrifices the best No.10 in the world to play Jack. When Jack is fit he plays.

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05 Oct 2014 15:12:06
he might be in the best no10in Spain or international football, but he needs to man up to be considered that title in the EPL.
Get physical against him and he can't handle it.

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05 Oct 2014 10:24:22
Arsene talks of the impotantace of nullifying their strengths today, I find it very positive to hear him say that and it fills me full of hope that he and we have learned from last season.
If we aren't naive and set up to hit them on the break while protecting our back four best we can and show total commitment to the cause we have at the very least as much chance a Leicester who ran them very close if not a whole lot more

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05 Oct 2014 12:29:27
I don't expect the same result as last season, but it won't be easy to stop them scoring, keeping shape is something we need.

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Just watched motd two and listening to Martin Keown talking about Arsene refusing to adapt his philosophy no matter who we play was terrifying, the rest of the panel were as full of disbelief as me listening to Keown explain that he and other senior players would pull the strings on the pitch to make Arsene's way work against his instructions to just always play our way at all times.
I can only hope what Arsene said yesterday about nullifying as well as attacking today marks a turning point for him and us

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05 Oct 2014 08:52:53
I hope anyone reading this going to the bridge today gives Cesc a warm and respectful reception. He is not Nasri, Cole etc. He would have come back, it was not meant to be. I really hope no booing.

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I agree totally Baggins mate, he left us for his childhood hero's and WE didn't want him back there is absolutely no reason to boo him at all.
What choice did he have? Join Swindon so as not to offend us in any way shape or form

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{Ed025's Note - i hope everyone feels like you 2 guys..

I don't get the Fabregas love in. He engineered a move whilst captain if Arsenal and with 3 years left on his deal. Whilst Nasri, was sold when only had a year to run.
I wouldn't boo Fabregas, but he is no hero.

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He didn't go from us to chavs Robbie, if you had a chance to give up your job and play for Norwich on £10,000 a week would you?
If you became their captain and fell in love with the club but Arsenal repeatedly season after season kept trying to buy you would you join the club you've always loved first chance you got or stay loyal to the club who gave you everything for another 2 or 3 seasons as Cesc did?
Imo the man was a fantastic servant to our club who just couldn't continue not to take the chance to see out his childhood dream.
I don't see to much wrong doing there Robbie mate

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So we are Norwich in your analogy G62? And Fab was on "peanuts" before leaving?

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05 Oct 2014 10:23:07
Give him a respectful clap, no boos and move on.
We are bigger than that, didn't want him and we have a way of doing things right.

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No white rabbit, I was trying to use a club no one seems to hate so as not to go over the them v us thing that would have happened if I'd used utd similar mate.
The club used is of no relevance but the facts are of Cesc situation are and why imo booing him would reflect much more badly on us than him

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05 Oct 2014 11:58:12
With you all the way Robbie. He left. He's not Arsenal. Forget about him.

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Ok I see G'. Either way, I could not care less about Fabregas even if I tried

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05 Oct 2014 06:54:47
I'm looking forward to today's match. Hopefully, we can take confidence from the midweek thrashing of Glatasaray and unleash the attacking trio of Sanchez, Welbeck & the Ox on Chelsea.
My main concern is Flamini, who in my opinion should be dropped against Chelsea. I see little point in playing him, as he has becomae a liability. I would prefer the mobility of Coquelin or even the inexperienced Hayter.
In January we must sign at least one defensive midfield player. Reports are that Khadeira has agreed to come, subject to agreeing a fee with Real Madrid. I would go one step further and sign a second defensive midfield player to replace Arteta and a centre back is obviously essential.
Players to go: Flamini, Arteta, Podolski, Campbell & possibly Rosicky. If these players were to leave a left-sided attacking/midfield player could be brought in and my choice would be Reus.

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Hayden .

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