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08 Dec 2012 22:47:41
Good thing about Gervinho's dribbling = defenders don't know what he's doing
Bad thing about Gervinho's dribbling = Gervinho doesn't know what he's doing.
Eman
Haha brilliant
Nick.
08 Dec 2012 22:21:38
Feels kinda naughty taking those Man Utd type 3 points, but I like it nonetheless!
Brilliant match by Jack, what a quality player. Ox had his best game today as well. Good showing overall by the boys, got physically hammered today but showed good spirit and fight. Someone send Arteta on holiday. The man is a machine I think. Played every single minute in the EPL so far this season. And his hair still looks great.
Hopefully TR7 is good to go as a starter for the Reading game, he looks like he's ready to tear it up. If I never see Ramsey or Gervinho in the starting line up again it will be too soon. I however do think they make quality subs, but DEFO not starters. I'd rather Gervinho on for 10 minutes than the 80 he got today.
Hopefully this win will be the beginning of a good run in this busy December , don't wanna be miserable at Christmas.
Ezdee
Ivan out. BoD out. Stan out! Wenger....
08 Dec 2012 21:52:18
The way we opened up W Brom today was breathtaking. Speed, skill and precision destroyed them. We didnt get lucky at all. Wenger your a genius.
08 Dec 2012 20:27:22
I really think we are short just 2 class players to change our whole season. A class center forward , and a big strong class midfielder, anybody any suggestions
Limerick Gunner
Fellaini and Soldado . Add Navas as well.
Ezdee
Ps:Gervinho out!
^ we need a fit diaby player, and a would class striker, cavani huntelaar type player.
08 Dec 2012 20:16:55
Looks like Wenger will speak to Santi
Can't remember Spur's or Liverpool manager taking that stance
Proud to be a Gooner
SY4
He's gonna put his arm around him and thank him you mean with a warning "next time don't make it so obvious"
Most important thing today was 3 points, simple as that! Not concerned with why what who n where! We were desperate to win by hook or crook and that's what we did.
OnlyOneGilbertO
AW does not stand for diving
SY4
He doesn't lie down for losing either....
08 Dec 2012 20:16:23
In: Diego (VFL Wolfsburg), Henry (Ney York Red Bulls), Baines (Everton)
Out: Santos, Sagna, Walcott (he won't sign a new contract), Arshavin,
Starting Lineup
Szsznesy
Koscienly Mertesacker Vermaelen Baines
Arteta Wilshere
Diego Cazorla Podolski
Giroud {Ed027's Note - nope diego would be wasted out wide, hes a number 10. cant imagine him playing wide
08 Dec 2012 20:02:23
Steve Clarke has been "raging" over the Cazorla incident.. let him... his defenders seemed to be sent out with the mission to kick anything that moves, yet there is no mention of that, Per was running to a cross and Olsson, blatantly blocked him (penalty for me), Reid, on Gervinho how many times, its funny how the defence get away with murder yet the attackers get crucified!!!
08 Dec 2012 19:57:45
Look were always gonna get the bitter fan coming on our page looking to provoke. End of the day we DOMINATED the entire game, yeah maybe a controversial penalty but name me one team who hasn't had one, the point is, we played as a team, we had the hunger, the desire, the fight back in us today, JW10 was running the show for me, he was pure quality, the defence was solid, TV5 looks to be getting back to his best, Mert was unlucky not to get a penalty imo. It was a solid performance today.. end of!!! Well done the lads!!!
N. Wales Gunner
One team that has no controversial penalty. Arsenal! I mean Arsenal of last season. Hell, we dont even get penalty, how would we get a controversial one. Reminiscent of last season.
08 Dec 2012 19:02:56
we won by getting gifted a penalty(s), at least now we know what it feels like to be utd for a weekend, gifted a result id take that every weekend
08 Dec 2012 20:23:28
We dominated the game, made chances, solid all round performance.. ffs some people will never be happy!!
N. Wales Gunner
08 Dec 2012 17:47:01
one word after todays game is relief,was impressed with wilshere hopefully we can improve our game and get back 2 our fast passing game,and start banging in the goals freely .todays performance was a improvement a win at bradford on tuesday and things really will feel alot better just hope we get some more quality in jan and kick on
ty.1
08 Dec 2012 17:32:08
Lucky lucky lucky against W Brom yet again. Martin Fulop last year now the ref today. We all how rubbish Arsenal are though dont we? Your luck doesnt pave over how pants you are.
That wouldn't be a bitter spud would it? Thought I could smell something funny. Flybo
Someone somewhere loves you.............even if you are a spud
1404
08 Dec 2012 19:14:18
And this forum does not pave over what a coward you are.
Do you say the same when your team gets the rub of the green?
Lwi
Sorry but how many times has Gareth (monkey boy) Bale been booked for diving go back to dreaming of finishing above us again your boring.
Bergkamp Wonderland (least I sign off)
08 Dec 2012 17:24:28
I honestly don't care what anyone says.
We didnt win just because of the two penalties, we deserved to win. Gervinho wasted chance after chance, Podolski missed a clear chance at the end and we had more possession/chances than them so we deserved to win anyway.
The ref made a few rubbish decisions, as though he was trying to even it out after the Cazorla dive.
It feels good getting a bit of luck our way for once, because yes, he did dive, but right now we have the 3 points and that's all that matters.
Nick.
08 Dec 2012 20:25:27
Well said Nick, we smashed them all over the park, they were resorting to dirty fouls, knocks at the end. They just had no answer to our performance today!!!
N. Wales Gunner
08 Dec 2012 17:10:38
Good performance from the boys. Need to be more clinical that should of been 4 or 5. Wilshere I thought was immense. Hope wenger pulls cazorla aside and has a quiet word. Alot of good and positives today and a negative GERVINHO. Sorry arsenal enough is enough you need to get rid! COYG
Gooner 84
08 Dec 2012 16:55:55
Thats a little bit more like it.
I think we just needed a win, nomatter how we got it, a clean sheet is always a bonus.
It looked a bit more convincing than our recent games, maybe they did just need a rest.
Jack Wilshire is my man of the match, his closing down and pressing up the pitch was great and showed some great class wihth his passes and footwork.
There is still a long way to go but we really do need to press on from here.
WG
08 Dec 2012 16:52:35
Good win but Jesus we really need a center forward
Limerick Gunner
08 Dec 2012 16:34:23
Guess you were all happy with Arteta taking the penalty today but not the other week?
His penalty stats are good
Everyone just likes to moan about tactics and Wenger - no matter what the logic is
SY4
Moaning is just what the English are good at!
08 Dec 2012 16:15:21
Is Gervinho useless or is he?
The classic "can't hit a barn door with a machine gun" player.
Brilliant run and pass for Wilshere's miss.....
08 Dec 2012 15:45:28
My god. And you lot have a moan about us and Bale diving. Santi Cazorla has taken it to another level. Atrocious dive. Shame on him.
It was bad, but its only the once. Hopefully Wenger or some of the others give him grief and he doesn't do it again, not week in week out.
Cazorla dived once, Bale dives consistently.
Why dont you concentrate on your own litte team!
I have no doubt that Wenger will be ticking off Cazorla. Reminding him of what happens when you have that reputation.
BTW, i'm still up for diving to be punished with a ban.
WG
No Bale takes it too a new level, that was one dive by santi Bale does it often!
Bale has a reputation for it!
Gooner Red
08 Dec 2012 17:15:11
It is the firts time he dived and now he is labeled diver:S that dive just showed his desire to win the game. A win is a win! worl class midfield display.
It would take more one dive to be in the same category as Gareth Dive
Don't like to see our players kicked to pieces like Santi has been from day one but I hate to see any Arsenal player diving as we are better than that
SY4
Yes he may have dived but the defender was within inches of catching him.... Bale if you remember dived with the keeper missing him by yards.
Wind your neck in and realise that you have a player who is making a career of diving hopefully Cazorla will avoid doing this too often.
At the end of the day the fact the FA won't punish the likes of Bale, Torres, Suarez and Young when everyone in the stadium could see it was a dive then players will join them if the challenge is close.
You could say bale is a real game changer :-)
What bale does is wrong he shouldnt dive and he has been booked for it ,sometimes wrongly. Two wrongs dont make a right ,it does not matter if its the first time or the tenth corzola cheated and got a penalty from it helping your team to win. Just remember to not complain when it happens to you and take the moral high ground when you have had players notorious for diving like pires in the past.
Read above - we don't like divers but it takes more tan one time to earn Bale/ Owen / Young or Rooney's reputation
Leave RP7 out of it - he's a legend
SY4
We've had plenty of bad decisions and dives cost us points this season alone, I think Arsene sums it up well after those games when he said we were a little unlucky as there he felt there was a foul leading to the goal or as the other night it wasn't a corner. It's a real shame Clarke couldn't take the same approach! Luck evens itself out (except in that area called Manchester).
08 Dec 2012 15:29:53
So, Giroud says he "joined Arsenal at the wrong time".
I don't disagree with him, nor am i angry, I'm just disappointed.
Disappointed a player could ever think that.
And it's not his fault, it's ours.
Three years ago, if you turned down arsenal, it was because:
A: Mega money.
B: Real Madrid/Barcelona/Utd's calibre came calling.
C: you didn't think you'd get enough playing time.
Now you join Arsenal because:
A: it's the best offer you've got
B: you want to put yourself in the EPL window.
C: you think you'll get more playing time.
If you look at our current team, where is there any real competition?
Right back is still up in the air in Arsene's eyes.
As Is Merts v Kos (Mertesaker for me)
Left CB and LB is always Vermalen and Gibbs when fit, no contest.
3 mids are Cazorla, Arteta and Wilshere, is there any real threat to them?
Ramsey maybe, but he really, really is playing awfully, wether he's lost all confidence, or he's just awful, is a mystery.
As for the front 3
Podolski Giroud Walcott
Gervinho is constantly picked by Wengers, for whatever reason, but do you really think Poldi and Walcott feel pressure from him for their places?
Two Forwards, playing on the wing, and our one striker has no-one to challenge!
If we just look at it
Szczesny
Sagna-Mertesaker-Vermalen-Gibbs
Arteta
Cazorla-Wilshere
Walcott-Giroud-Podolski
Bench of what I consider to be strongest :
Mannone, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Santos, Gervinho, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain
Other than Ox, Koscielny and Jenks. Who is really threatening the person taking their place?
And once Jenks overtakes Sagna, then he won't be threatened by Sagna.
Our squad isn't strong enough and I think some of our players are complacent.
Just look at past teams, if Viera or Gilberto didn't perform, you've got Cesc, Petit, even Kolo Toure if needed, who'd all try to stake a claim.
Right back, if Keown was underwhelming, in comes Lauren.
Left back, Cole playing badly, Clichy there to have a crack.
On the wings, Reyes, Wiltord, Ljungberg and Pires, all had one another to compete with.
Up top, Henry and Bergkamp were pretty solid, but even they knew, Pires could take Bergkamps position if ever needed, maybe even Van Persie as a hungry youth, had him thinking, same for Thierry, having Kanu or Adebayor, looking for chances!
These players all had a fear of losing their place.
FEAR IS GOOD!
Fear makes us think, it makes is try harder, work more.
Just for arguments sake, imagine we signed ( not saying we will/should/can/are/anything) Honda, Ba and Sakho.
Instantly, you've got a defender who can play Cb and Lb with equal ease, out goes Djourou (for me, he's content to be fourth choice) you've now got four centre backs, none of who will want to be anything other than first choice.
Four centre backs who are going to do their all to get a place.
You've also put worry on the left backs, and the midfielders, because Sakho can play, like TV5, Lb and Cdm, he wants to play Cb, but just having that threat, gives us a boost.
You've then Got Honda, a threat to Podolski as he can play on the left nicely, you've got a threat to Cazorla and Wilshere, Honda naturally plays AM, your also getting an incredible utility player when needed.
Lb, St, Cdm, Rw, all viable for Honda.
Then Ba.
Let Walcott have a strikers role, giving the RW to AOC or Gervinho, let them fight it out.
That gives us three strikers, all of whom are capable goal scorers, none of whom will be content as a third, or even second choice.
If they want to be first choice, then make them earn it.
I don't have any loyalty to the board, and that won't change.
I want Wenger out, I'll always remember and appreciate way he's done for us, but the modern game is ruthless, and arsenal can't afford to be a charity.
If Wenger can't do the job at this level anymore, we need someone who can.
I love Arsenal.
I'll always love Arsenal.
But right now I don't like them.
D
I think you got the wrong end of it: Henry, Bergkamp, Cole and all those guys of course never felt any fear of losing their spots, because they were unbelievably good, as opposed to being unbelievably good because of any fear.
What we need right now is not mediocre competition to stir our mediocre players, but three or four guys who are irreplaceable by virtue of sheer class.
So I beg to differ: Giroud joined Arsenal at exactly the right time from his personal perspective, because at any other time he would have been rotting on the bench. (And I actually like him. A tiny bit.)
On a sidenote: I do not agree in the least with the prevailing theory that new players will solve our problems, not even three or four great ones.
I absolutely mate, I didn't mean that crop were only great because of pressure, they were a fantastic group, some of the best the league has ever seen, in some cases the world.
As for Giroud, I like him too, that was a quote from him, to l'equipe if I remember.
I do think, however that new players are exactly what's needed.
The team needs much more depth, along with that added quality, it's ok having Walcott, Arshavin, Podolski, Gervinho, AOC all fighting for a place on the wing, until you consider that two are strikers, one wants to play in central midfield, and the other barely gets a look in.
Out of the five wingers there, only one is actually a winger, and it's safe to say he's not having the best of times.
New signings appease the fans, give the players a boost, and keep them on their toes.
Exactly what we need
D
08 Dec 2012 14:59:14
won't be going into the who told me, when they told me, how they know scenario with anyone... i'm only going by things i've been told, but before anyone assumes i've got none of this off of twitter esp' not from kip/afcamden (who are the same person just to add)
remember they're rumours, i'm not claiming to have exclusive inside info. some of these are known anyway.
zaha is pretty much all but done, there's a story it could be he's bought in january, but loaned out (back to palace) until the end of the season (like de bryne of chelsea)
henry's loan is complicated. wenger wants him until may, nyrb are happy with this but the financial compensation is a sticking point, at this moment. if afc don't get him for the 6 months, it'll be 6 weeks or so, as per last season.
dzagoev has slowly built back up, onto wenger's radar. twenty-three and although not a massive goalscorer, 30+ in just over 100 games for a midfield playmaker isn't bad...
aw's "there's no such thing as a true dm" line has backfired on him when selling song to fcb, so he is definitely looking to rebuild there and free up space for arteta to roam... candidates atm are looking to be fellaini (possible swap with ramsey-loan-, arshavin and money is touted), capoue is also on the list there and momo diame has just just crept in, in the last day or so with david gold publicly discussing his buy-out clause (thought to be around 3.75m gbp)
also rumours the club could be going back in, for essien or tiote/cabaye.
i heard that ben fairthorne is touting that we're the front runners for llorente's signature... this is actually not true. whilst we're monitoring the situation, we're not jumping at it.
there's some weight in the demba ba story, apparently arshavin was going to be used as a make weight last summer although how true that is, i don't know... i personally don't think we'll go in for him though.
also expect us once again to be strongly linked with loic remy as it's been stated quite recently that labrune has said he'd be okay with selling him, january. wenger thinks he could get him for 12.5m gbp even though he's valued at over 15m and contracted until 2015.
also forget about monitoring reina and keep your eye on the recently retired from losc lille's goalkeeper mickaël landreau. he's been touted as going to bastia; however afc have been keen on him for some time and i wouldn't be surprised now if they went in, seeing as a cut price (off of 5m gbp) being as he's a "free-agent" (complicated story behind that) would be a snip for the 33yr old.
ds1886.
Thank you for the update ds1886 i appreciate it
The Swede
08 Dec 2012 14:54:39
Ok game time again. I am not to optimistic but i will of course watch the game and hope for a miracle. I want to know if anyone has heard any good sources or anything regarding Wanyama in the January transfer window. I really think that we need a player like him. Perhaps i am longing for the return of Viera but he seriously looks great and will only become better. Any news or good rumours?
Go Gunner
The Swede
08 Dec 2012 14:38:19
At a time when Arsenal are in need of top quality purchases in January, Wenger comes out and reiterates his belief that spending is not the answer. Brilliant.
Prediction for today's game. 2-2
Daniel
Glad I was wrong with the result prediction. 2-0 and some decent individuals - gervinho atrocious however.
Daniel
08 Dec 2012 14:20:57
Just seen the line up, looks like we're going to go for it properly!!
3-1 Arsenal
COYG
08 Dec 2012 14:18:44
Do i want king henry back no guys he is not like he was lus i want somebody like huntlaar,lorante and all those lot sorry king but your old plus we need a striker who can help big time even though henry could bring the push we need for the whole teams morale etc so its hard
secret rider
You really have no idea how stupid your posts are!
At least he signs them! Keep posting youngster, ignore the 'nameless' ones.
337
08 Dec 2012 14:06:31
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Giroud.
08 Dec 2012 12:20:42
Off now to the match. Been up since 7am with butterflies. Feels like a morning of a cup final and yes, I do remember them. One thing is for certain, all of us on this site want the mighty Arsenal to return to winning ways.
On a separate issue, the Walcott saga is becoming boring. For me he is too inconsistent since he came to us. I expect others to disagree and that is the beauty of this site. I wouldn't be gutted to see him go.
Anyway, come on you rip roaring Gunners.
Bones
Another good post Bones.
Matt Holland on Theo Walcott during match commentary:
"Everytime I notice Walcott on the pitch, it seems to be because he is having physio treatment.
He seems to get a knock at least 3-4 times every game, everytime requiring the physio. He needs to get back on his feet quickly, to let defenders know they are not hurting him or slowing him down.
When I played, you wouldn't want the physio to come on for you, because you would never hear the end of the teasing in the dressing room. It just seems general practice for Theo."
Just another reason why he doesn't deserve the money he wants. If Loserpool want to make hime th enext Downing, Joe Cole, Henderson etc then that's fine with me, give us 15m and we'll get an upgrade.
gun44
The problem is we won't get an 'upgrade' - we probably won't get any replacement, THAT is the problem if we sell theo.
I think we would get a better player. Whether it be a proper striker or a proper winger, not a player like theo who doesn't know how to be effective in either position.
Zaha would replace him easily, he can play 90 mins effectively, actually he can handle two games a week easily. Hell, ox, eisfeld, myiachi and afobe deserve their chance to impress now.
When theo leaves we won't miss him, he's going to straight from 'potential' to 'has-been' , missing out the key phase of being a star. see david bentley.
gun44
08 Dec 2012 11:37:55
honestly i believe wenger mus go...he has refused to evolve and our passing game is no more.i want someone who demands fight and passion from his players,someone like guardiola....see how guardiola stands on the touchline issueing instructions something wenger never does maybe he suffers from piles.....and a joke for you harry says he received a congratulatory message from becham.really? harry knows how to use a phone?
Don't watch him too often but when they played Chelsea he spent the entire match on his Arse
He has won things yes but I could have won with that side and the Academy they have
Wenger has out performed his spending and played great football year after year
Football manager makes everyone believe they could buy players and win the league.
Life is not like that
I want success at AFC and no one is bigger than the club but I have to respect what he has done for the club and the
blank cheque book clubs we compete against.
Get behind the club when it needs you most
SY4
08 Dec 2012 10:51:03
From a well respected source.. Sad to say Theo Walcott's talk's have broken down and has now set his heart on joining his boyhood club Liverpool FC. Expect more news to come out soon!
Jay
Time to panic when a mediocre player that we are desperate to keep hold of think he is better off at Liverpool.
1404
08 Dec 2012 09:54:06
Everyone who thinks the Hunter will be joining Arsenal they are wrong not going to happen. Schks tare still in the champs league and there own domestic league plus they are not Arsenal
I would loved to be proved wrong though
spanner
08 Dec 2012 06:08:49
Ed - is there anything concrete happening with Henry coming back for a stint?
cheers {Ed013's Note - I doubt it, but Mr Wenger may get desperate and allow him to train with hope of him making an impact with the current players}
He is already training with the squad is he not?
08 Dec 2012 00:44:16
Anyone think it'd be a good idea to sign Honda?
He is a great utility player as he can play just about anywhere in midfield. He would be great for squad rotation. A huge threat from set pieces and he
is very creative.
A great player to have in the squad, we could raise funds by getting rid of the likes of Denilson,Bendtner etc.
10 mil should cover it?
Nick. {Ed001's Note - he can play up front and in defence as well. I have seen him play left back and look like a regular in the position.}
Ed beat me to it :(
The guy could not be more versatile.
If take him like a shot!
D
Think the wheels have come off the Honda deal. He is off to Liverpool anyway.
Damn, the wheels have come off Honda, i'll have to get a Suzuki or Toyota now!
08 Dec 2012 11:44:39
That's where we keep going wrong, selling our beamers, mercs and ferrari's for a Honda.
Stoner
We have to be careful though, look what happened to chelsea when they bought a 'Veron'
337
08 Dec 2012 00:28:00
And what happens if we lose tomorrow?
North Carolina Gooner
Don't even want to think about it. Flybo
We remain on 21pts
07 Dec 2012 23:45:24
ED im not sure if you have answered these ? already sorry if you have but quick ? can you tell us if arsenal have interest in the names that im going to suggest Jan Huntelaar , mbiwa , strootman , capoue ,wanyama, {Ed007's Note - What names is that Jan?}