16 Dec 2014 20:52:46
Red dog,

Just to comment on your previous post.

I hear where you are coming from, but I don't think Banbury and G62 are "fawning" over Man Utd.

You say we should be aiming for Chelsea and City, and you are totally correct.

But, taking off your Arsenal hat, whilst I agree, we should be aiming for them, they are too good, and as a Gooner for over 40 years, it hurts me to say that.

So, rather defeatist, we are looking to finish top 4.
That, in itself, is a sad predicament of where we stand at the moment.

As ardent football supporters, we look at the teams around us.
Basically, they are our enemy and we are in a battle against them.

The first rule of battle?
Know your enemy.

The second?
Never underestimate your enemy.

For me, Chelsea/City 1st/2nd.

Arsenal and Utd 3rd and 4th, so I'm looking at Utd as our main challengers.

Defensively poor, midfield poor(ish), terrific upfront.
But, they will be there at the end of the season, with us.

Like I said, I agree with your post but, until we improve defensively and DM, we will not be serious title contenders.

Just my humble opinion mate.

1.) 16 Dec 2014
For me Dags its a case of either accept reality or live in blissful pretence that is isn't happening
They have sadly got their noses in front of us again, just.
If we chose the former we can react change that reality if we live in the latter what's to change?
Our battle is for 3rd or 4th, I much prefer 3rd ahead of utd rather than behind in may

2.) 16 Dec 2014
16 Dec 2014 21:39:12
Dags,

Guessing fawning was the wrong choice of word but they do seem to excessively worry about them.

As for City and Chelsea we gave them both a good game and could and should have beaten City so I dont, with the much discussed, right additions believe we are anywhere near as far behind them as United.

Yes we lost to United but that again seems to be mind over matter, much like Stoke. We psych ourselves out of it.

Having faith in Wenger and my team doesn't make me deluded because I see what's wrong but at the same time see so much more that is right.

I predicted 2nd for us at seasons start but it's not been a great one so I'm now thinking 3rd.

Almost every team in this league has to be taken seriously mate and that obviously includes United but they to me are a long long way from being a United under Ferguson and Van Gaal has yet to get them remotely playing like a team and half the time doesn't seem to know what he wants to do.

I have been baiting the master for a few weeks now though and he finally took it. It was only a matter of time. Lol.

Banbury and g62 no offence intended gentlemen. :-)

3.) 16 Dec 2014
16 Dec 2014 22:47:16
Lol Red,

To be fair, 'fawning' was the right choice of word, it was, after all, lighthearted banter.

Again, I agree with you.
City and Chavs are in front of us but, with the addition of 2 good players, in the correct position, we can go 'toe to toe' with the aforementioned teams.

Likewise, whilst you slightly and lightly dismiss Utd (but I love the baiting of Chris), they too, are only 2 players short of being a top force again.

Its all good banter mate, and you are very good at it, and I know Bambam and G62 won't be offended by it.

4.) 16 Dec 2014
Red you thought 2nd but now think 3rd, I thought 3 but now think 4th, let's hope something happens in January that make's us both think 1st next season is a very real possibility and maybe even a champions league final this time round.
I think there's lots of little things we could do that would make a big difference, add to those changes a DM and a CB and who knows what's possible?

5.) 16 Dec 2014
16 Dec 2014 22:51:28
G62,

Whilst I admit, we had a very decent Summer Window, certainly compared to previous season's, we made 2 signings too little.

With that in mind, I would happily, albeit reluctantly, accept 3rd, as being an improvement on last season mate.

6.) 16 Dec 2014
How funny, you lot crack me up.

Dags, rules of battle? You've been watching films again haven't you?

I like the rules of "fight club" best

Rule 1: never talk about fight club

Rule 2: there are no rules

7.) 16 Dec 2014
We are not catching utd I don't think our champs league run will give them the edge

8.) 17 Dec 2014
16 Dec 2014 23:58:24
Speaking of films 337.

There's a new film out about a tractor.
I have just seen the trailer.

Also,
Premature ejaculation: The movie.
Coming soon.

9.) 17 Dec 2014
If healthy we are closer to 2nd than 4th and much better than ManU.

Look at our squad - forwards with healthy theo 8.5/10 - attacking mids with Rambo and Ozil firing 8.0/10 - defense if healthy (Gibbs/Kos/Merts/Debuchy) is 8.0/10 and GK 7.5/10.

One well diagnosed problem is a healthy Arteta is still only 7.0/10 even with the intangibles.

Question is would it be worth it to get a modest or risky upgrade (Tiote type?) for this season just to secure 3rd or do we wait until the summer to get the perfect upgrade - which is Schneiderlein (way less risky than Carvahlo)? Knowing Wenger if he gets a modest upgrade then he will not be in the market for another in the summer.

10.) 17 Dec 2014
We only finished 7 points off the champions last season, so I agree that we are not that far off at all, yes we have not had the best start to the season, but we have won 5 of our last 6.
And also can I just say that in no way do I settle for 4th and every season go in with the optimism that we can win and mount a serious challenge for the league, but let's not forget the quality of this league and that finishing 4th (while not a reason to celebrate) is still not a bad position.
Man utd have one off season and finish 7th, Liverpool have not finished there is a long time and look at them now after 1 season back in top 4 and in champ league.
Leeds, Newcastle, Blackburn, Bolton all tried to compete at in top 4 and look where they are now
Tottenham, Everton would love to finish there even for one season.
so yes let's dream of more and support and will the team but also let's not underestimate the great consistency this team and manager has shown where so many other teams have failed.

{Ed025's Note - good post that GB..

11.) 18 Dec 2014
Last season was last season. this season inst the same. we will be further away from the champions than 7 points. this season. double that or more I think