Written by Harry
In the midst of one of the biggest summers that I can remember since 97, many questions need answering, Where did it all go wrong? Whose fault is it? Is Wenger the right Man for the job? Which players actually play for the shirt? What are our weaknesses, the list is endless……..
Endless reviews of the seasons have highlighted the moments that the season went wrong. All along and also seasons gone past, there have been moments where our inner belief has floundered, this season for me it eroded alarmingly at St James Park, after which the team then seemed to always believe they had a mistake in them and this hampered them continually………
Rather than drag out the pain that still manifests within all of us gooners and do a full review of the actual games, as we all know that we surely threw away a very easy title win.
There is no arrogance in that statement, its clear to all that we did, but fair play to old red face, Shrek and his team mates, they managed to play with a steel and belief that we clearly lack, they played as if they knew they never get caught albeit with huge portions of luck thrown in, shame for Giggsy he didn’t have the same luck in his private life in not getting caught……
Anyway according to the hordes of mass press ranks, we will be fighting mid table mediocrity and be lucky to stay out of the relegation zone, mighty Arsenal are in crisis, players are leaving in their droves…….
So lets look at all the players who have played for us this season and whether they should stay as a Gooner or whether they should be a Goner………….
Keepers:
Sczcesny: A legend in the making, got his chance due to Fabianski’s injuries and Almunia’s propensity for clangers. A youngster with supreme confidence, should be a firm fixture in the squad for years to come, he will have competition for the No1 spot. Needs to sort out his distribution which is a major weakness. GOONER
Fabianski: Old flappy was just starting to win the crowd over when he had a setback with his shoulder and he was out for the season. A very capable keeper, great shot stopper and will push Chez all the way, rated by the their mutual polish coach as the better keeper. GOONER
Almunia: Horrendous season, needs to leave for himself and Arsenal, he is a good keeper who has lost his way, he couldn’t make the step up and needs to rediscover himself at a lower level. GONER
Mannone: On loan at Hull and injured, has potential. GOONER
Lehmann: Came in, in an emergency situation. Proved he can play at this level and seems tempted to come out of retirement permanently. Has a winning mentality and his experience would be invaluable for the young poles, although would be surprised if he stays. GONER
Defenders:
Sagna: Solid player who had a good season overall, played with niggling injuries, a Trojan without doubt. Needs to improve his crossing. GOONER
Clichy: Athletic and devastating at full flight on the attack, poor crossing lets him down. But his defending is naïve at best, positionally inept and has a fragility about his confidence, can panic at the slightest sign of pressure. Wenger has tried, but maybe it is time to let him go. Won’t sign contract, am I bothered? Not really, sell. GONER
Vermaelen: The biggest miss this season by a country mile, scores goals, defends like a warrior and has steel about him. GOONER
NB: TV6 highlights the need to improve our medical facilities and personnel.
Djourou: Mixed bag this season, always liked and rated him, he is solid and dependable player perhaps who has been hampered by injuries, but he does also have a fragility and a tendency to make mistakes under pressure. Next season is massive for him anymore errors of note and he will struggle to make it at Arsenal. GOONER
Squillaci: I believe at times unfairly blamed, but he didn’t inspire confidence when at the heart of our defence and with belief been key, perhaps he isn’t a risk worth continuing with. GONER
Koscienly: For me, forget the CC mistake, he had a great season and has shown immense promise, he had a messi pocket when Barca came to town. Brilliant man marker and reads the game well, pushes on and supports attacks well. A great back up DM as well. GOONER
Eboue: I have put him as a defender (arsenal.com have him as a midfielder), although he covers midfield as well. Has a tendency to play the fool once too often, but he is versatile and is a good cover for Sagna. I would keep him: GOONER
Miquel: Only played a couple of times, shown great promise. GOONER
Gibbs: Massively hampered by injuries, Great hope for him and we all hope he will make the step up and claim the left back slot, is he ready for the level of consistency needed? Not sure about that, but he is a great back up and cup player for me, its up to him now. GOONER
Traore: Been away at Juve on loan, if clichy goes, perhaps he could fight with Gibbs for a spot? I would keep if no one else came in, such as Baines….GOONER (Maybe out on loan)
Midfield:
Song: Overall he has come along way since his dark days at Fulham, and he has become a rock. But if we are all honest he had an inconsistent season. Seemed to drop his head when things went wrong. GOONER.
Wilshere: Stunning season from the little maestro, Young Player of the season, has bite and determination to go with his talent. Stood toe to toe with Xavi and didn’t look out of place. Wenger was right to disagree with his U21 involvement this summer. The big question now is will he maintain his levels, up his levels further and handle the expectations that go with it? GOONER
Ramsey: Only played at the back end of the season due to the horrific injury sustained at the UFC in Stoke. Has shown already in a handful of matches he looks like he will return and fulfil his promise, unlike sadly Eduardo who didn’t. GOONER
Diaby: Enigmatic player who divides the faithful more so than most. On his day he can destroy and dominate opponents, but powerful displays are as common as powderpuff ones, where he has a tendency to throw away possession. We cannot make wholesale changes in one go, for me has one season left to prove himself worthwhile. GOONER.
Denilson: What can I say? Has a over sized opinion of himself, had so much promise and might still make a name for himself, just not at ours, won’t be missed bye bye. GONER
Frimpong: Injured at the start of last season and missed the campaign, will compete with Song, has immense potentialm, should play a lot of cup matches. GOONER.
Eastmond: Doesn’t and has never impressed me one bit, weak at best. Go on loan, toughen up or move on preferably. GONER
Lansbury: Had an impressive loan stay at Norwich, but strangely had to come off the bench a lot. Had started the season with us and scored at the spuds in the CC. Much expected, behind the curve due to long term injury in previous seasons. Big season, should be in the squad. GOONER
JET: Too versatile for his own good, has a suspect attitude, but has an abundance of talent. Should stay at ours and play in the Cup matches and have his attitude curbed by Wenger. GOONER
Arshavin: So disappointing, has the talent to destroy defences. Yes he has more assists than others and does score the odd goal, but he is playing at 70%, more to give (proven in 2nd half against United). Would prefer a more central role. Worth keeping, just if he truly wants to prove himself the great player he can be, if Nasri and Fab do leave, he can play the central creative role. GOONER.
Rosicky: Finally has overcome his long term absence to play a fair number of games, expectations are high and failed to really grasp his chance. A favourite of mine, squad player now, would keep around for experience or allow to leave if he wants: GOONER
Nasri: A dazzling first half of the season curtailed by injury, came back but couldn’t see us over the line. Wants more money and is flirting with United via Evra. It is imperative we keep him, this reminds me of the Flamini / Diarra situation where we lost both. Pay him the 110k if necessary. Must stay at all costs. GOONER
Fabregas: Thanks for the memories, never reached his top level this season, maybe in 2 or 3 games at best. His heart is somewhere else and to be honest I understand, just disappointed that he wasn’t true to himself on the pitch this season. If he did stay I would be only happy, but only if he truly wants to stay, which he clearly doesn’t. GONER
Attackers:
Van Persie: Without doubt our most prized possession, more influential than Fabregas, fights and gives his all for his team. Outstanding scoring run at the end of the season, only down side is the injury prone situation. For me is absolutely world class. GOONER
Bendtner: The self proclaimed Danish Pele, has talent but seems to over complicate situations for me, has been played out of position which doesn’t help, works harder than credited for, but waste easy chances at times. If he does move on I see him been a success, so should we persevere? Either he goes or Chamakh? Had too many chances for me. GONER
Chamakh: Great start to the season, had confidence dented by RVP return, never challenged him by making most of chances when he came on, seemed scared to shoot at times. Worth hanging onto just, 2nd season improvement beckons……. GOONER
Walcott: A better season than many would give him credit for, injuries again have hampered him, but when he plays he can be devastating if played to his strengths. Would prefer a more central role. No longer a kid or just potential, needs to dominate games. GOONER
Vela: The Mexican wonder boy has faltered and taken a step back when he should be dazzling us with his undoubted skills. Went on loan to WBA and they played him from the bench, although he scored a couple. Bring back and give one more chance. GOONER
There are many other youth players I could have added to the list, but I have used the squad list on Arsenal.com. Some long term contracts have been signed by Afobe, Aneke, Henderson amongst others…………..
So moving on, in my humble opinion, should be Almunia, Clichy, Squillaci, Denilson, Bendtner, Eastmond and sadly Fabregas, which should suit their desires as most of them have actually stated that they want to move on. So that’s 7 minimum out of the doors……..
In Wenger, we must continue to hold faith and back him to make the necessary changes and manage this situation with the player’s unrest; in already we have Jenkinson and some more Barca products, is that sensible?
In my next waffle I will analyse what we need and what there is available out there…..?
Harry KB……
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Nice break down Harry, good job.
Personally I’d like Fabregas to stay, I’d never wish anyone with that ability and potential to drive us forwards to leave the club. If he goes I will be gutted that we are unable to hold onto a player with that ability despite him being under contract, but that’s footballl.
I would say that he has certainly been playing within himself this season but I believe a big part of that has been recurring injuries and the psychological effect that they have had on him. I think he’s been struggling with the fear of re-injury and that has hampered him. However, a good pre-season will knock that out of him.
RA-Swingball as a drinking game is awesome. I recommend it 🙂
WG
Great post, along with arseblog this is the best arsenal blog going.
Personally i think diaby has had his fair share of chances. It is frustrating how his can be a world beater one game, then a disapointment the next. Constant injuries don’t help his cause.
Cesc situation is a tough one, i know it must be tough for him with his family and friends are over in spain. Why he wants to go from one of arsenals best and probably the best midfielder in the premier league, to a bench player at barca is beyond me. I think not rocking up to the last game showed just how much he cares for this great club!
Thanks, I hope your right WG, as I say if he truly wants to stay then great……
Hi Harry I’m sure I won’t be the only one to disagree but well played for nailing your colours to the wall.
Players I would add to the goners:
Fabianski
Rosicky
Traore
Diaby
Vela
Players I would change to Gooners:
Clichy
Cesc
Bendtner
That’s based on desire to have rather than any stated desires by the players themselves.
For me Diaby, Vela and Traore are too far down the line who do not impress regularly enough to warrant keeping as squad players. Rosicky lacks pace and seems to be playing on a different wavelength to those around him.
I can’t imagine Fab hanging around to fight for the shirt, the choice is Szczesney and therefore he should be allowed to move on for his own careers sake.
Keeping Cesc is obviously a desire for us all. He suffered too many stop start injuries to judge the second half of the season. He seems to have good friends in the squad (RvP, Theo, Jack).
For me I think Clichy is too often exposed by his teammates often being left in no mans land by trying to cover too many options. As for his crossing with one player in the box surrounded by three defenders I’m not sure many of the best crossers in the world would find it easy to pick out the forward. For me he is one of the more committed players in the squad.
Bendtner again a player who gives his all for the shirt no matter where he is asked to play, he wants away for more opportunities to play, we should give him those opportunties if he fails sell him in January, for me too good to allow to go elsewhere without giving him a proper chance.
Same old same old….here we all are,Gunners, still praying that AFC will shock us all and buy top quality, but knowing its mostly hot air. I would just like once to read that AFC have signed players and not been linked for 12 months only to suddenly see Manure, Liverpool, and even Chelski and City turn up with the player instantly. So please no more links , only news that we have sold about seven duds who have let us down continuously and replaced them with quality equal to the income poured into Arsenal by the fans.
A great article this. I would like to add that the current squad would have walked the title if not for the implosion. Geordie fans said the ref was totally appalling for the last 15 minutes and seemed to want to book our players for simply looking at the ball. A joke! But, the real damage was done in the CC final. Had the psychologists got the team to say “oh well, the CC is not worth stressing over, just win the next few games, be more dogged and go get the title” all would have been roses. We let it go though. We would simply have to address the confidence issues next season to be challenging again. With the extra experience we would have a huge chance with no changes. However, we WILL have a few changes and in my view, what we need most of all is that big bruiser of a CB (like Samba) to play against the bruiser teams. I’m sure we all agree.
When I take stock of what Wenger is actually building here, I am filled with joy. I feel sorry for some of the teams that keep losing their big talents but one thing is sure: British players now want to come to Arsenal above any other club. Jenkinson looks like a real gem to me. He speaks well, loves Tony Adams, can’t wait to give 110% for his team that he loves and looks like Roy Keane, a man I have huge respect for. A gunner through and through.
We have JET, Wilshere, probably Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Jenkinson, Aneke, Ozyakup. We have Ramsay, probably will have a top British CB and maybe a top british RB as well.
But on top of that, we will have the best passing and possession team outside Barcelona. The fact that they have never beaten us 11 v 11 should be remembered.
Players I think have had a slightly bad press are Arshavin, who actually did everything to track back and help the dodgy defense out, having listened to criticism and Chamakh, who is an exceptional target man and holder of the ball.
I love them both and want them to stay. Arshavin, imo is the biggest talent after Messi and having had a less good season yet still provided so much, what will he do next season? Let’s hope he gets even more goals and assists and that we get him a song to keep him feeling appreaciated!
All in all our future looks better than any other club, especially when you look at the fact that we are in credit since the move to the Emirates. The biggest criticism is the hike in prices. A couple of trophies and a title would help a lot, especially if they can freeze or decrease the prices for a few years.
The best things take time to build and these are relatively early days still.
Lastly though, it seems that we could have fairly easily won 3 more titles over the last 10 years that went to United eventually and that would pout us on 16 titles and them on 16 titles. 11 men in a CL semi or final could have easily added the CL as well. That is how close it has been and these are the reasons we need this brilliant generation of British talent and Arsenal fan players who will drag the team over the winning line next time we are in pole position.
We have the least to do to create the best team this country has seen. United have it all to do and will City implode financially? Otherwise they will probably be our main challengers next year. Luckily, we seem to be able to more than live with them and a lot of their players are not playing for the badge. I will enjoy them beating United a couple of times next year though. Should make life a lot easier for us!
Come on Gunners, it’s time to get positive, there is so much to look forward to..
Crikey GunnerPete..
That’s an awfully negative way to start a week! The Jones transfer to ManYoo wasn’t the fault of Arsenal or Arsene, he chose to stay up north. There isn’t anything we can do about it, its free will. His agent made sure ManYoo knew we’d bid and they made sure they matched it.
It’s going to be a long summer and I hope we get our transfer targets in soon. Arsene rarely buy’s a superstar, but that doesn’t mean they’re second rate. Try not to judge until the season starts and keep the faith. Doesn’t get us anywhere but depression to dwell on past summers.
WG
Rosicky
Traore
Diaby
Vela
Bendtner
Clichy
Long Gone all the above and save wages .No more use of potential players please
@ The Cabbie
Your list of departures list two left backs, given that we have also released Tom Cruise this summer, are you aware that you have left us with Gibbs, Brislen-hall and Botelho (should he get a work permit/qualify for an EU passport).
You are looking at a serious squad overhaul overall, who is going to replace these players? All of the above got over 10 games last season.
WG
Top quality post Harry.
I expect Eboue, Rosicky, Denilson, Vela, Fabianski and Bendtner to leave. If this happens it will signal humongous change. If Cesc leaves it will signal a revolution; he, along with RvP are my favourite players so I cannot bring myself to think of him going anywhere.
Players coming in will be dependent on the players above going out which will take time. I only expect a new striker if Bendtner leaves apart from that I don’t expect to see any new signings, unless you count Nasri who I firmly believe will re-sign.
Very intersting post that I generally agree with. I’d have Diaby as a goner though. Eboue will probably be replaced by Jenkinson.
Very good Post, Harry, 🙂
That will certainly give everyone food for thought, although there appears to be general agreement on the bulk of the ‘Goners’.
Wenger has said quite specifically that he need to strengthen the defence, and who would gainsay him on that. So, at least, one CB will arrive. He was also pretty disappointed with the ‘forwards’, and therefore I expect an attacking winger or centreforeward, or both.
Depending on whether or not Clichy, Nasri or Cesc go of their own volition or not, there will be additional changes there.
Summary: New arrivals, regardless, 1 * CB; 1 * Winger; 1 * CF.
Replacements: Like for like: Nasri, Clichy, or Cesc, if they leave = 3 replacements.
For Arsene this looks like it could be revolution, and not evolution forced upon him.
Again, well done Harry, you are a knowledgeable fan who writes good sound sense that fans like me can identify with. 🙂
For our sake, we need to toughen up – a lot, lot less twittering and a lot more footballing.
OUTS:
Szczesny – can’t handle pain; fancy coming off in a European cup game ’cause he dislocated his finger – maybe it was his twitter finger.
Almunia – finished at Arsenal
Fabiansky – 2nd division keeper
Vela – good lad who needs to play football but won’t at the Arsenal
Squllaci – too slow, not up to premiership standard.
Eboue – is a circus performer
Roscky – not worth carrying anymore
Bendtner – star in the 2nd division, also-ran in premiership
Denilson – real disappointment. Thought he could be 300 game player for us.
Walcott – can’t dribble, first touch is iffy, slow mind, whinger instead of winger
Clichy – defensively non existent and doesn’t want to be here
Fabregas – doesn’t want to be here so he can get out; not a captain’s sphincter
INS:
Stekelenberg – Top class goalkeeper who can distribute on ground
Krul – youngster who craps all over all the keepers we currently have
Samba – tall, strong, gutsy, leader
Hoilett – better than Woolcott now and will be an absolute star at Arsenal
Odemwingie – class
Gervinho – class and strength
Schweinsteiger – has always looked an Arsenal player
Honda – is a magic player
Tiote – takes no prisoners and has the skills
Enrique – defender first, attacker second
Great post,
we all have opinions and wishes, and i also confess to being a newsnow and twitter junkie feeding on the rumour mill of hope.
Probodkin makes a quality comment too which i completely agree with.
We are in safe hands, best just to sit back, enjoy the summer, we will be fine whatever transpires we alsways are.
In a moment of boredom i was playing fifa on the iphone. I changed the formation to 4.4.2 with Theo up front with RVP, scored a bag full. If only reality was so straight forward.
@ Tommy
I play Theo up front with RvP/Chamakh on FM and I’ve won the prem twice in a row and the Champs league, FA Cup, Charity Shield and Euro Club Cup.
Naturally the first thing I do is sell Denilson, Bendtner, Eboue, Almungo to generate cash to sign a decent defensive midfielder..(Casemiro is a good shout).
Arshavin is my assist/goal-scoring king from the left. 35 assists and 15 goals last season.
As you say, if only it was the same in real life.
WG
WG
LOL quality.
Harry, well done – a positive post drenched in realism. And then, I read Probodkin’s comments and the day cannot go bad anymore. Well done Probodkin – great name by the way (sounds like an Eastern European robot!?)! There is just so much to be positive about in our squad, there is no need for despair what’s-o-ever. RA might be spot on with what is likely to happen re new arrivals.
DanDan – Probodkin will give you renewed hope in mankind!
Without wanting to cross-pollenate our sites, I’ve written an interesting (in my eyes) rebuttal to Usmanov’s ranting via the tabloid press..
http://www.wigangooner.co.uk
I hope you guys find it interesting.
WG
Hi WG, great post again. You have a real talent for this. I like the name of your proof-reader as well – looks like you have a good mini-team at WiganGooner.
Great stuff Harry,
I am slightly cheesed off with you for the use of the word “Waffle”, as yesterday I failed miserably in my attempts to garner the support of my chums in the East with the hook “Pak Choi”, and had decided to aim Westwards next time at my Chums in the US, and “Waffles” were to be my secret weapon.
The inclusion of Rosicky as potential “Gooner” would be my major Mmmm.
Sorry not to be around either yesterday or today. Hope to get back in the saddle tomorrow.
@ TA
Do you mean D-man? Thats my good friend Dirk and WooWoo is the mrs 🙂 heheh
WG
Thanks guys and probodkin, quality post mate with some real positivity, good to see in gooner land……..
Micky the waffle was for me sorry……
WG, Will have a read tonight at work and too busy……
WG, I was woo-ed by WooWoo!
“Infatuation is when you think he’s as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Conners. Love is when you realize that he’s as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger and nothing like Robert Redford – but you’ll take him anyway.”
Change it as much as you like from Arsenal point of view!
@ TA
Me too, thats why she’s the mrs heheheh
WG
OkOK WG – I must go to next season’s Wigan away!
Great upbeat post Harry, I get the feeling that Squilaci and Rosicky will both see out their contracts (= 1 more year I think?)
I’m not sure I’d persevere with Vela. He undoubtedly has the talent but I don’t see the burning desire. Diaby would definitely be in the last chance saloon for me, this really has to be his last year. He is clearly injury prone and the only thing he is consistent at, is being inconsistent.
I have high hopes for Frimpong and Coquelin, but JET is another who seems to not be able to focus his talent, its like he never really knows whether he’s a striker or a midfielder – but maybe that’s a problem with several in the squad.
@ Rasp
I think ol’ Squidgy has two more years on his contract. I remember thinking it was a bit of a landmark contract because its the first time he’d offered over a year to someone already over 30.
WG
at last someone who agrees that Koscielny is a great defender. Next season will see him become even better. Btw, koscileny is spelled incorrectly in the post.
@ SG
I too think Koscielny is going to be a great defender. I worry a bit about his slight frame, but his mobility, reading of the game and ability in a 1v1 situation is extremely good and will only get better.
WG
Thanks WG,
Koscielny reminds me bit of Kolo in as much as he seems to need a more commanding and calm partner to balance his effervescence. We never really got to see the TV/Kozzer partnership develop, but I agree that Koz has already put in some amazing performances defensively.
If those two are to be our main CB pairing, we need a bit more height and power in midfield to help defend set pieces.
TV and Kozzer as first choice CB pairing with Djourou as back up, Squillaci as forth choice and Song for emergencies is the reason why my guess is that there will be no new CB coming in during the summer.
Wenger saying that we need to tighten the defence does not necessarily mean that he intends to buy a new defender it can just as easily mean that the existing defence must perform better.
Hi London,
I think AW always intended TV and Koz to be the main CB pairing, but I stick to my point that we need a bit more height and power in midfield to help the defense out on occasion.
If you think about it, how many of our midfielders are able to contribute to defending set pieces? RvP often gets his head on corners, but how many times do the midfielders ever clear the ball from dangerous positions?
I think it’s interesting that our criticism of the defence is focussed on centre backs. I think for the main Kozzer and JD did very well for us this year. Kozzers performance against Barca at home was one of the best performances from an individual in red and white this season. Squilli was suspect at times.
But….the gaping holes left by full backs and defensive midfield leave them overexposed and the fact that half of our goals conceded were fro set pieces when the defence relies on midfielders and forwards to help out (Drogba at Chelsea even Berbatov for ManU have done this well this year). Unless we are going to rob back possession in the opposition third we cannot afford to continue committing full backs with as much bravado as we have in the past.
Rasp …. Great minds and all that 😉
I agree Rasp, more height in the midfield would be high on my wish list as well. Come to think about it which midfield player reduced the average height in that area last season?
Top comment GIE
In terms of our full-backs, I think Sagna moves forward a lot more intelligently than Clichy. He doesn’t get caught upfield as much as the diminutive Clichy.
What should happen is Clichy look across the back, see Sagna has moved forward with the ball and Clichy should tuck in…..but he doesn’t. He roams forward in attack and gets caught out.
WG
I agree WG, Sagna would have been a good shout for player of the season for me. Unfortunately Gibbs displayed the same disregard for defensive balance as Clichy when he played. It would be interesting to know how many goals we conceded from attacks down our left flank (Clichy’s side) compared to the right flank last season.
@ Rasp
The thing about Gibbs is he is far more productive than Clichy going forwards. I think he has a bit more vision about him because of his background as an attacking left winger come striker.
I remember the last game of the season he got in the box for a great header…..Clichy would need a step ladder to get that high!
I think Gibbs is intelligent enough to work on his defensive game. I’m losing the faith with Clichy after last season.
WG
I can’t imagine that there would be too many gooners who would shed a tear if Clichy were to leave, the trouble is I am not sure that Gibbs is the answer; he may be better at going forward but for me his defending leaves a lot to be desired. Do you think he is better defender than Clichy?
So manu sign Jones for 17 mil. Is he better that Koscielny? I don’t think so. I choose to believe that Wenger let this one go rather than being gazumped. I also think that Jones’ agent was very cute in this: manu if you don’t cough up we will go to Arsenal.
It’s getting more and more difficult to get people to agree with me. How about this: Rioja is a wonderful thing?
@ London
Currently Clichy is a better defender, but Gibbs is more tenacious and he’s already shown he’s working on adapting to the left-back role and I really can see his future there for us.
I’d give him a chance to show if he is ready to supplant Clichy in pre-season.
WG
London
I just read that rednose was going to wait til next year to buy jones but had to move when liverpool invoked his buyout clause. He did something similar with rooney when Robson at Newcastle put a bid in for the little transplant headed twat. He didn’t look £17m last night. Or henderson for that matter.
GM
It sounds like Jones’ agent was even more cute: if you don’t cough up manu we will go to Liverpool.
Hi Harry,
Great post , other than Clichy and Fabregas, I agree with you. I would add GOONERS4NOW to Diaby and JET, as I believe next season to be critical to their futures
The thing that struck me last night about that game was that all the England players were big and strong, built for the EPL and the Spanish players were small and nimble, built for the speed of the Spanish league. Neither team would survive for a whole season in each others league where as each team would probably win there own league.
Hey Wonderman good to have you back. What kind of signings if any do you envisage this summer?
@GM He’s not daft that agent of Jones. He got us all in on a bidding war.
Its all about the commission baby.
WG
Let’s not give up on Cesc yet. He is still one of ours.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2011/feb/17/arsenal-barcelona-champions-league-pictures#/?picture=371816494&index=29
Nice one TA
Good picture as well.
@TA
Agreed, I think we’ll see a lot more of Cesc in an Arsenal shirt next season and I’m excited to see him have a good pre-season and take the shackles of injury off.
WG
London I agree about Rioja, if you haven’t sampled yet try the Ramon Bilbao range from Majestic, grey from Gran Reserva to Crianza and a really easy drinking Single Vineyard.
I also agree re Clichy he is a good tackler, is often left with no outlet for the pass so looks slow and is tired out by trying to help our the attack too often.
Cheers London. The picture tells a story – this man will always have Arsenal in him.
WG, I hope you are right. I just don’t know anymore, but until we hear he has left, he is ours. Whatever he decides to do, I will have only great memories. The first time I saw him live, was against Liverpool at Anfield. He was only 17 (maybe 18) then and played next to PV. During that game, he showed such an awareness of where the ball would end up in the next 2 to 3 seconds. Everytime he was there first of all the top players on display. I knew instantly that he would become a big player. With real, real talent you can spot it almost straightaway.
Evening all, glad you all like, if not agreeing to all, the post…….
To clarify, I really want Cesc to stay, and wengers reaffirmed today in his belief he will stay…….I just want his heart to be in it, there was elements of doubt last season, notably last game of the season…………..
Wonderman, Clichy has to go, he is a liability that has started this panic mode in our defence, he just hasnt taken that final step………..
I wont say who I want in as thats my next post complete with formation and tactics………
I agree with all that Diaby is in last chance saloon, the only reason I’d give him another season and not jettison now is that we cannot get rid of too many in one go…………
I understand some peoples stance on rosicky, but I’d let him see his contract out…….
Onto JET, he has an attitude problem as he got in with the wrong crowd at Doncaster, he is not sure what position wenger will use him in either………He needs to return to the fold of the arsenal family and wise up………..
By the way in open play we had the best defensive record of all………….It was on set plays we conceded more…..GIE will probably have a stat on this……..
I dont think it is a case of having 2 good CB with back ups, TV, Kozzer and JD are all good enough, supplement with another who is good enough and then alternate for Cup matches etc……….Have 4 quality cb, 4 quality FB and 3 quality keepers……..Stop, going into nexty post again………..
And WG, I am trying not to think why you call your wife WooWoo………
As well as getting in the wrong crowd at Doncaster JET was also involved in the group of Cardiff players out drinking past 4am the day before the last game of the Championship season…..not good
Wow, thanks for the photos of the Barca game TA – I have an extra wide smile on my face now and may have to treat myself to watching the game later tonight. What a night that was 😀
Harry- great to read your post and comments recently. I’m still sitting on the fence in transfer schmansfer land! I’m waiting to hear something concrete about us signing a player I really rate- a Sneijder or Schweinsteiger level of player.
I don’t really understand what’s happened to Clichy- for years second only to Cashley in his position in the league, he’s been lacklustre for the last season and a half and if he wants to move I have to question what’s going on behind closed doors at the training ground cos he always struck me as a warrior and Arsenal though and through.
Apart from him- and as long as RVP never gets talked of as a transfer target- I actually feel a bit “meh” as I know change is needed but I’m still disappointed in the group for their lack of fight and not particularly impressed by many of the names we are reported to be in for.
So allegedly Chelsea are going to spend £30 mil on the 19 year old Neymar, unless Abramovich converts another bunch of debt to equity how are they going to keep within FFP rules? They will have to spend quite a lot of money to replace their ageing first team over the next few years, Drogba 33, Terry 30, Lampard 33, Anelka 32, Essien 29, Cole 30, Malouda 30 plus many others around 27-28.
Agreed GiE. Their challenge is bigger than ours.
Agreed Peeches, it was a special night and the photos are simply fantastic – they ooze a love for quality football.
Carlito at 8.49. Good questions re Clichy: maybe you should write a post about it…
Did you think about anything in particular from the moment you left the plane until you touched the ground again, or did everything remain blank in your mind?
I know what I’d be thinking for at least twenty seconds….
“please open please open please open”
One of my mates has just decided he is going to do a charity parachute jump the week before his wedding…..that’s after his stag where we go coasteering (jumping off perfectly good headland (cliff) into the sea)
That’s the thing GiE, you and I who have never done this before would expect to think just that: ‘please open, please open, open please’. But maybe it is not like that at all…. a thought can never compete with an experience. I wonder what Carlito has to say about it.
Think it’s an experience I could do without. After a week peering over cliffs in Wales I’ve come to realise I don’t like heights that much.
Peaches and Rasp: I’ve mailed a post to you. Hope it meets requirements!
June 14 2011 12:00AM From Todays Times
Cesc Fàbregas keen to speak with Barcelona over summer move
Cesc Fàbregas will reiterate his desire to join Barcelona this summer and is prepared to go public with his intentions should Arsenal once again block his move back to Spain.
The Arsenal captain is due in Madrid tomorrow to shoot a Hugo Boss commercial alongside Xabi Alonso, the Real Madrid midfield player, and David Villa, the Barcelona striker. It is understood that Fàbregas’s representatives will fly on to Barcelona to try to broker a deal between the clubs, with Arsenal demanding £48 million for the Spain midfield player. Real Madrid have also shown an interest.
Fàbregas’s desire to move to Barcelona has not altered since he told Arsène Wenger of his wish to leave last May. However, the 24-year-old’s camp believe he has a “gentlemen’s agreement” with the Arsenal manager and that having stayed in the Barclays Premier League last season, he will be allowed to leave for Spain should the North London club receive an acceptable offer this summer.
In the past, Fàbregas has mischievously dropped hints about his future but has always been careful not to be quoted as saying that he wanted to leave, for fear of a backlash from some fans should the transfer not materialise. The Spaniard is mindful of all that Arsenal have done for his career and would never consider going on strike in the manner of Nicolas Anelka in 1999, but it is understood he is now prepared to take things one step farther.
Despite his determination, it remains unlikely that Fàbregas will submit a written transfer request but if he sees signs that his dream move might stall again this summer, he has resolved to make a public plea to be allowed to return to the Catalan club, whom he left at 16 to move to North London.
Fàbregas would risk losing his right to any remaining loyalty and signing-on payments that are due from Arsenal in his contract, which has four years left, but such is his determination to leave the club that he is willing to forfeit those bonuses.
Wenger is used to his stars being courted by Europe’s top clubs. He has faced similar situations with Anelka, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole. On each occasion, the player stayed or Wenger sold him for his desired price. The Frenchman has shown that he likes to maximise transfer income before a player’s value begins to diminish with age, which would not be the case with Fàbregas, who has his peak years ahead of him.
Arsenal have always insisted that their captain is not for sale but now that seems no more than an attempt to strengthen their negotiating position. The club’s valuation of Fàbregas is some £8 million more than Barcelona were willing to pay last summer but the Spanish champions believe they can find a middle ground this time.
Having described Wenger as a “second father” and Arsenal as the club “that made me”, it would be a wrench for Fàbregas to walk away. However, his spiritual home will always be in Catalonia. “I’m from Barcelona,” he said last summer. “I am a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle and my cousin. I feel those colours and have since I was young. I am Catalan.”
The sale of Fàbregas would strengthen Arsenal’s spending power this summer, with Wenger preparing to be “very active” in the transfer market. Arsenal are closing in on a £10 million deal for Christopher Samba, having missed out on the Blackburn Rovers defender in January, while Wenger remains the front-runner in the race to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the 17-year-old Southampton forward. Arsenal are also keen on Willian, the Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker.
• Ivan Gazidis will not be held to ransom by Arsenal players demanding lucrative contracts (Gary Jacob writes). The club’s chief executive told shareholders at a question-and-answer session last night that their financial model was envied but conceded that he shared the “profound disappointment” about the team’s failure to win a trophy last season.
Gazidis came under fire for allowing Samir Nasri and Gaël Clichy, the left back, to enter the final year of their deals. Nasri, who is believed to want to be paid £110,000 a week, is a target for Manchester United, while Liverpool have made a £5 million offer for Clichy. “We have to judge how much it makes sense to invest in each player at each point,” Gazidis said. He was questioned about Arsène Wenger’s position as manager, whether the Frenchman was accountable, and whether he had a succession plan.
“It’s not all about heart and desire; but there are issues,” Gazidis said. “Some new signings will be coming in. We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
Morning dandan,
Do you think interest from Madrid strengthens the position of Arsenal in terms of transfer fee demanded, or is it irrelevant given the player’s desire to leave for only Barca. Also, to what extent can Barca lower their offer as a result of this. Clearly we cannot keep hold of a player who wants out?
It sounds as though there are one or two posts in the pipeline, but I would love to debate the Harry Stat: By the way in open play we had the best defensive record of all………….It was on set plays we conceded more.
Are these set piece conceded goals directly as a result of a lack of height, or is it more to do with a lack of understanding between the GK and CB’s, which will come with regular games together? How many games have Sz, TV and Kos played together? Any?
I think Micky it is probably an impending feeling of doom that fills the players as a set piece happens.
The problem with that Times article is there is not a single quote in the first two thirds, and at the end there is a bit about the question and answer. So for me it’s a non story. Until he comes out annoys sell me, or until Arsene comes out and says go I do not believe any of this.
Why should we sell him, he cost us nothing (virtually) we should make him see out his contract he signed it make him honour it.
Morning GiE,
On the defending, I am convinced that the understanding is the key. Losing a player, rather than being out-jumped, is an organisational issue. Sz only become No1 during the season. He has height (together with the extended arm punch) but also he is confident and vocal. Also, TV is a leader, shouty and an organiser. If we could get an injury free run out of these three, I am confident we could mop up many of the conceded column.
On Cesc. If he really does want out (and I never believe anything until it happens) I cannot see the point of keeping him.
Wages, agents, contracts and loyalty. I promise not to start on this 😦
TA GiE the main thought running through my mind during the fall was “oh my god” although perhaps in slightly more vulgar terms! It was a pure shock of cold air and wind rushing noise and a sensation that there was something distinctly unnatural about what was happening to me!
Morning All
Precisely Micky. I have always seen our problems as organisational and think we have the personnel for a good defence. However, the problem is hardly new and perhaps we have to look at why.
Will a zonal marking system at set plays improve us?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13758021.stm
A better report of last nights Question and Answer with Gazidis.
Morning Micky, I think in the main you are correct, organisation and communication make set piece defending easier. A good keeper makes it better still. With Sagna, Song, Kozzer,TV and RvP there are five players who should not be easily outjumped or outmuscled, two tinies (Clichy and Nasri) on the posts one up front (Theo), one on the edge mopping (Jack) and another body in the mixer Cesc. Shouldn’t be a problem.
Keown said the side he played in used zonal marking, you had an area and that area was your responsibility. I like this as in reality you can cover the threat areas (in front of near post, near post, middle and far post) with four players. If you haven’t got to track a run your only responsibility is watching and attacking the ball in your zone.
Zonal marking came in for a lot of criticism (from media) at Liverpool but just like the current Arsenal don’t shoot myth it was never backed up with stats, they had the least goals conceded from set pieces at the time, they unfortunately conceded in some big games (against ManU and Chelsea) and so another media myth was born which critics of Rafa lapped up.
Carlito. From the above I assume you were successful at the w/e. Congrats.and chapeau
Have you described the event anywhere?
GIE. 🙂
Great minds BR 🙂
Morning all,
If the defensive problems are mainly organisational then the coaching staff are 100% to blame and should hang their heads in shame as its been that way for several years and still no improvement.
Ah ha,
Life as it should be. All back, present and correct.
BR,
Hope you had a good weekend.
Carlito,
Too many questions, but here is one, at what point were you closest to saying No, and what thought got you through the barrier?
Rasp to blame coaching staff is too simple.
The problem as with any walk of life is that you can give someone all the tools and training they need, but sometimes they just don’t perform at the required level.
Loosing your principle CB for a whole season doesn’t help.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13447996.stm
Good interview with Song that’s been around a while, thi quote about Jack from it:
“He doesn’t want to say ‘today everyone talks about me, so I won’t work harder’. Every day in training it’s like a new day for him. I’ve never seen him walk in training. I think that’s very good because when you have the mentality like that it’s the winning mentality. England have a good future with him.””
Arsenal’s injury problems were not as bad as many last season. Our coaching staff have a history of failing to rectify basic faults in players – Ade being offside, mute goalkeepers, wingbacks who can’t cross ….. shall I go on?
Yes Rasp – please do …
Hi Raddy,
You’ve heard it all before, our defending has been a problem for years. If its not the coaching then its the personnel,either way it is about time we put it right. There is no law that says you can be a wonderful attacking side but the downside is you’ll be rubbish at defending.
The Yin Yang balance is about to be restored…..
Great new post from Rocky ……
Morning peeps, 🙂
I have never professed to being anything but a fan; no technical knowledge; no inside info; nothing but observations over many years.
So what, you may ask? Well this morning I have had a quick look around various sites, including AA, and so far I have garnered the following from more able bloggers, and have been left totally bemused.
– It’s all the media’s fault. Obviously.
– No, it’s the fault of the coaching staff.
– No, no, Arsenal don’t go in for much coaching, or it’s poor quality. (Tony Adams, allegedly).
– Nope, it’s definitely not the fault of the coaches, it’s the inability of the players to put their coaching lessons into practice.
– No, no, no, it’s because our defenders are too short.
– Nope, our defenders are not too short, it’s because they are not properly organised. (back to coaching above).
– And so on and so forth.
I am actually quite glad not to be a technical whizz, the whole thing seems too subjective and immune to logic. Everyone thinks they are right and everyone else is wrong.
But it makes for a hell of a good read on the bloggs, and long may it continue. Just take a large pinch of salt with the Eureka ‘I know what is wrong’ moment! 🙂
RA,
Which is purer, Rock or Sea Salt?
futbol online…
[…]Arsenal…….Gooners or Goner’s…….? « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…
real madrid cf fans…
[…]Arsenal??????.Gooners or Goner???s??????.? « Arsenal Arsenal[…]…