Written by Wigan Gooner
Arsène won’t replace Gael Clichy. He believes he has a ready-made replacement in Gibbs. Similar to the transfer of Cashley in 2006, Arsène thinks he has a player-in-waiting.
I like Kieran Gibbs. I like his desire to get forward and his determination. He’s got more obvious drive than Clichy who I always felt was very laid back, so laid back he was horizontal at times and I feel that is where his complacency has stemmed from and why his performances have dropped over the last 3 years.
I’m delighted that we have sold Clichy to be honest, he didn’t want to re-sign for us and every penny we get now is better than nothing in 12 months time. Frankly, I don’t want 12 more months of Clichy’s abject performances.
Don’t mistake my happiness at seeing Clichy leave for anything other than frustration at his poor performances last season. For a quick defender with 8 years of top flight experience he spends a lot of time being tricked and then eventually falling over.
I like the guy, but its time he left. We have 3 different options at the club already in Gibbs, Botelho and Traore and I think Arsène will look at them in pre-season before making a decision on signing a replacement.
One of the big question marks over last season was the mental state of the squad. Over the course of the season we became victims instead of heroes, also-rans instead of winners. After promising so much the team delivered so little and had no excuses for it other than “there was something missing” – a quote from Alex Song.
Too many times last season we saw a little shrug here and a shake of the head there when things were going wrong. Our top-class defenders were making bad mistakes, infuriatingly so at times.
It’s the meek, victim mentality of “it’s not my fault!!” instead of “let’s sort this cr#* out and get back on the front foot against these guys”. Our defence was too submissive and too quiet when needing help.
In the players at Arsenal I see similar traits between them. The silent strop that does not achieve anything except make the player himself lose focus, an inability to pull their socks up and regain initiative.
I think Arsène has seen the emergence of Jack, of Rambo and of Gibbs and he’s forming a new clique, a British one. A clique with fight and passion. A clique full of guys wanting to prove themselves because on the International Stage they’ve won nothing and they’re judged by the International Football community on their medals and trophies. Using their supposed lack of technical ability to drive them on and prove it’s right to have faith in the British players.
Arsène is right, but is he already a year too late with the likes of Young, Jones, Smalling already at Manchester United, has he missed the drag-curve on the best British talent?
Which begs the question, in a football context “Has Britain Really Got Talent”?
Arsenal News 24/7
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Great stuff Wigan,
Some say we have a fourth option in sticking TV out left. I have never seen him play there so cannot comment, although it would be supported only by importing at least one CB.
My uneducated preferred option is to see TV in a DM role, at least while Song is ACN’ing.
Then again, who knows what our leader has in the pipeline as none of the things are intertwined with the more offensive Nasri/Cesc saga.
Wow, people are slow out of the traps this morning.
Thanks Micky,
Whilst TV is an option as he is left footed, I’d rather keep him where the action in at CB or, if pressed DM but I’d rather sign a better DM and keep TV where he is.
I think if Arsene does sign anyone it will be that Cissokho from Lyon, fits the mould and he’s decent.
WG
“Arsène won’t replace Gael Clichy. He believes he has a ready-made replacement in Gibbs. Similar to the transfer of Cashley in 2006, Arsène thinks he has a player-in-waiting.”
And you know this how?
Morning Wigan
Another great read from you! Thanks a lot!
I so agree with your statement ‘we became victims instead of heroes’, well said. And the body language was becoming more and more negative as the season neared the end.
Clichy – I am not sure, well, frankly no strong feelings about him. Not a legend or a complete failure. One of the guys that will be quickly forgotten.
I have often said that British are mentally stronger than any other nation; and that is coming from a foreigner who lived in other countries as well as UK. I am certain that Jack, Aaron and Kieron will deliver. The question for me remains – when???
Micky – me, vegan?? Come on, I have already given up on most good things in life, not going to stop eating meat! Never.
@FeyGooner
Naturally it is my opinion, based largely on previous evidence presented by Mr Wenger himself.
If you study his actions in the past you will see that he has always looked to promote from within first before investing in outside talent.
WG
@Evonne
Thank you very much 🙂
I think the time for the emergence of the trio you have mentioned could well be this year. Rambo and Wilshire certainly, even if Gibbs could take a little longer to start fulfilling his potential.
I have much hope for the coming season, fly to me my friends like a moth to a bulb, for I, WiganGooner will show you the light!
😀
WG
Evonne,
I am giving up smoking on Sept 1st, and that is going to be a very, very dark day indeed.
Evonne,
As for your “when” question. Jack has. AR will this season I am sure. KG, maybe.
Good for you Micky!
WG
Wigan,
After years of studying my wife, I am convinced that women have the moth gene. Candles are the clue.
What excites me post about the coming season has nothing to do with Cesc/Nasri or any new signings, rather seeing a fully fit AR cut loose. He will have been inspired by the impact that JW had last season.
Nice post WG.
Will be good to see some of that British talent emerge, and I honestly think we are ahead of the curve, unlike United we did not have to buy Smalling, Jones, and Young as we created our own. Not Ramsey, but many of the others who have been on loan last year are British players with the skills to satisfy Arsene.
Liverpool are going down a very similar road to United as they have realised that their squad was in danger of exceeding the 17 non home grown limit in their 25 man PL squad.
We all forgot Theo!!!
I’m sure there’s a reason for that Evonne……….
Anyone seen the pics of Ryo in the new kit….think he may have a knee complex….. http://tinyurl.com/6cmakcv
I am with GIE, we are ahead of the curve compared to manu; they are running around trying to put in place what we already have. Liverpool are also trying their hardest to Britify their squad.
GiE,
I have many theories about the new kit, but the one regarding the cut of the shorts is, I believe, a winner. For me they are specifically designed to restrict sideways movement which leads me to believe we are going to witness far more forward thrust this season.
Nice one, WG. I don’t think Clichy will be replaced either.
The title mentions disassembly but the post talks of forming a new clique. Maybe cliques of any kind are detrimental to team morale and perhaps unity has been ‘the something missing’ that Song spoke about.
Looked up ‘drag-curve’ as I’m not familiar with the expression and found this as a definition…..
“The curve created when plotting induced drag and parasite drag.”
I can’t help thinking that players who blackmail the club into paying them higher wages are parasitical, though, and deserve to be burnt off like a tick.
Interesting post – I think Wenger must realise by now that gibbs has a lions heart but the ankles of a sparrow – i think he will buy as the one position he has always kept well stocked is left back… (I think he sees a good left back rather like a Boxers Jab)
I thought Clichy suffered more than most from the loss of a 4 man midfield and especially Vieira. I remember Paddy used to charge over to help the left back (incl Ashley Cole) when pires / reyes had bombed on.
Clichy was a one man interception and counter attacking machine and the switch to a more ponderous possession style really affected his game. He has a lot to learn to fit in to mancini’s man city that is very more defensive than he is used to and will require him to cross the ball in to the box and stuff.
As for british talent – the deficit is really in the british coaching and mentoring.. the building up of egos and falsified reputations… look at the england team in the last world cup – they had 5 or 6 club captains in the first team… Club captains based on passport than any actual leadership ability… no followers just bad leaders…
Poor management of talent that can’t seem to figure out that you can’t play Lampard with Gerrard – and you can’t bring 15 egos to a tournament and make them live in harmony
Woooo, Nigella is back, just laying there waiting for me.
Bugger off London. Taken.
Good point about England and club captains.
I am not convinced that Wenger has given up on Traore.
Sloppy seconds Micky, get in line.
I’ve always craved for British but Arsene just took interest in buying French and French African. While cheap, the current arrivals are not mentally as strong as the Viera, Pires and Henry group.
They are here mainly to make money and when the battle is drawn they’ll fold.
Good Post !
and today im feeling the postive vibe again :)woke up this morning and even felt that wenger could turn this around..god dammit..!
but im still waiting for a coulple of signings wenger…do you hear me ?..
Have a splendid Weekend All Gooners…and yeah up the Gunners 🙂
@ Chas,
The term drag-curve is used often by pilots to describe the effect of a jet engine on the air behind it. If you are in the wrong place you just get spun out of control a-la movie classic Top Gun.
WG
Thanks again for all the wonderful comments guys
WG
I think Wenger responded ages ago to the critisicm of never buying British I also think it is one of the reasons we haven’t done as well as we used to when he didn’t give a monkeys about such things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQejeG2yUJQ
London there’s no place for such liberal thinking in the EPL. British players make every succesful Championship winning sides spine…..it’s why West Ham, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bolton, Villa all have a chance of winning the title this year….oh sorry three of those got relegated but well the media says so!
Interetsing that Man City are obviously taking the FFP Rules seriously with the deal to name the stadium for £120million, seems that they have restricted Mancini’s spending too by reports here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/07/manchester-city-naming-rights
Seems UEFA will have to test value of sponsorship being that its coming from the closely linked Etihad Airlines.
I wont be convinced about the FFP rules until they actually stiff someone because of them..I just can’t see UEFA upholding them.
They’re gutless.
WG
According to Matt Law at the Express a bit of a row is developing between Guardiola and Rosell over the speed of the deal and the insulting offers they have made for the him.
I guess Cesc could start to think that Barca don’t want him that badly if they keep playing games.
Anyone want to tell Emmanuel “I told you so”.
Money does not buy class….wouldn’t have happened at Arsenal…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2012485/Emmanuel-Adebayor-refuses-train-Manchester-City-reserves.html
made for the him = made for Cesc
@ GiE
Lets hope the internal kerfuffle at Barcelona will make them stump up the cash.
WG
GiE Might happen to Nasri yet… “Report to training next monday with the kids while the First Team Squad go off to malaysia or sign up and meet us at the airport” 🙂
but with adebayor it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy…
Fair point D98 although then it will be because he is a mercenary money grabbing little bastard so will be justified.
Biased ….. Moi?…..non non non
Fail…are you a Spud or Chav?
Quiet here today
Nice one Wiggy – good debate starter.
I hope AW does replace Clichy because I have real worries about Gibbs. In his first few first team appearances he looked promising, but every time I saw him last year he looked, frankly, a bit clueless.
Funny that no-one has mentioned the Charlton lad, Jenkinson. Apparently LB is his main position (at least according to my Addicks supporting mate) and he’s quite tall. I wonder if AW has plans to bring him through this year.
I refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer I gave some time ago……
I share your unease over Gibbs though Rocky, with his injury history and as you say his apparent lack of clue.
Having said that it can’t have been easy coming into the side on occasion last season so hopefully a run of games from the off and his managers faith will see him deliver.
July 5th GiE?
I can’t even remember breakfast!
GiE
How’s the summer going in Norfolk?
Too quickly!
GiE
This is completely unfair on Gibbs but…. do you remember the season before last, when we played ManUre in the CL semi? The Grove was rocking – best atmosphere I had ever seen at the new staidum. Within a couple of minutes Gibbs made that fatal slip in the box and we were 0-1 down. They scored another one soon after. The game was over before 15 minutes.
Now… that could happen to anyone I suppose, but you get certain players to whom that sort of thing happens too regularly. Clichy is the classic example of this – too many strange slips, trips and mishaps at crucial times that would invariably lead to a goal for the oppo.
I have a fear that Gibbs is one of those type of players: a bit accident prone, a bit unlucky, whatever you want to call it.
As I say, unfair and irrational, but nevertheless what I feel.
GiE
The kids get 10 weeks school hols in the summer here in Canadia. Great for them. Bit of a nightmare with two working parents. There are lots of kids day camps (my youngest is doing a ‘soccer’ camp as we speak, wearing his yellow Arsenal away top) but they cost a few bob.
Apparently it’s been a nice summer in Norwich. My little sis lives there and she says it’s been lovely.
RL comment at 3:59 bit unfair. Vermaelen slipped on his return from injury against Villa which led to a goal. Do you have these same ‘feelings’ about him? I think with a run of games Gibbs can show he is a good player. I think his problem has been injuries. Before the injuries he came in played well. Since getting labelled ‘injury prone’ he seems to be thinking about not getting injured rather than getting on with his game. Hopefully he’ll come good because I think he has more attacking skill than Clichy.
More news about people being offered season tickets. My friend and his have not even renewed their memberships for 3 years, so they were very surprised to receive the offer. I wonder how many didn’t renew? I know of 3, who had their season tickets for yonks
If we win the PL (and I collect a lot of money from Paddy Power) they’ll be kicking themselves! Fickle characters
Sid
You’re right – it is unfair (as I pointed out myself).
This is going to sound even more bonkers but… Gibbs seems like someone who is PRONE to slipping up at crucial moments.
With TV it felt like a one-off aberration.
I sincerely hope to be proved wrong about KG.
Fair enough. All I say is why hope to be proved wrong? Have the courage of your convictions. It’s a bit like saying ‘I think my son is good at football, but I don’t think he will make it to any standard. I hope to be proved wrong though’. I’m sure if you thought your son had a chance to play professionally at any standard you would have faith and belief in his abilities. I think what this Arsenal team needs is the fans to get behind them. I’ve been at the stadium enough times to know that our home form last season was bad because there was no belief in the players on the pitch. Certain sections of the fans don’t rate the team for whatever reason and this affects performances. Maybe in shouldn’t, but I think it does.
Evonne, that’s just weird.
It either implies that they’ve reached the back of the season ticket waiting list and are now scratching around for people who used to be on the list, or that the clerical procedures are so inefficient that people who don’t renew their membership do not get removed from the list. Very bizarre.
Hi all
Just back from my very own building site 🙂
I’m still on the waiting list so they can’t have reached the bottom yet.
Sid
If my son had a chance of becoming a professional footballer I would on one hand be very excited but on the other be very worried for him just in case things did not pan out.
The analogy you use works perfectly for Gibbs, I share the caution expressed by others but that does not stop me from wishing him well.
It simply isn’t practical to only say or write positive things about every player all the time……..cautious optimism has it’s place.
………. and it looks like we don’t have a post for tomorrow ………. if anyone has something can they send it through please 🙂
Rocky
The only bit of youtube footage of Jenkinson is with him playing left back but it is very clear that he is right footed. I would be surprised if he is playing left back for the first game of the season.
Moving on, I am not convinced that Traore is going to be sold he could vie for that position with the others and the list is quite long when you think about it.
Gibbs
Traore
Jenkinson
Eboue
Vermaelen
Judging from AW’s latest interview on Arsenal Player, WG is correct and Clichy’s replacement is Keiran Gibbs.
Evening all. Peaches I have put one in if it is of any use.
Sid
Don’t confuse my having an opinion about the merits of our players with my support for them.
Whenever Gibbs steps out for the Arsenal I am 100% behind him.
I don’t get on our players’ backs and I never have.
But I also feel entirely within my rights to hold and share (on forums like this) an opinion about their ability.
If I think a player may not be quite up to making the grade for us, what’s so unreasonable about hoping to be proved wrong?
Do you really have no views as to the relative merits of all our players?
Do you think they are all equally brilliant and there are none you have reservations about? I’d be surprised if that’s the case.
Thank you dandan – you’re a star 🙂
Still no sign of Mr Purple Bum then 😦
That slip was caused by mental uncertainty according to AW, he said that players slip like that if they are not 100% clear in their purpose. (or something along those lines). I remember that as I thought it was overly analytical/critical of a young player who basically made an unfortunate stud choice.
I think he has all the attributes to be a good attacking full back although I would hope that we could find a more defensively minded full back, he will need a lot of help and I’m not sure AA23 in front will be good for him.
GiE
Maybe London’s right – Traore is more defensive than Gibbs.
I saw Traore play for the French u21s against England at the City Ground and he was playing on the left side of the midfield in a 4-4-2. He spent much of the game as a left winger.
ah…
And yes Rocky it’s been a good summer so far in Norwich the barbie has had much use.
Even Norwich City Hall have decided to install solar panels on their roof to reduce costs
My son is still number 31000 on the waiting list Evonne. You’ll all be happy to hear my shoot is back on. 🙂 If Nasri stays and earns 110k Cesc must be off.
GM
Well done with the shoot – will it be for The Sun now?
I think you’re right about Nasri/Cesc. For one thing, Nas is going on the Far East tour and Fab isn’t…
Nas to be made captain?
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This is really funny
I only took out a 1 day sub to get my pictures off of fabulous magazine in case you wonder why they sent me this.
Thanks Rocky
They’ve decided to giv away fabulous magazine in the Wednsday edition of the Sun.
RockyLives….in Canada…..i’m going to Niagara Falls 27/28th……If you see some nutter walking about with an Arsenal shirt on it will be me, or if its nice and hot I will be the one with the Cannon tattoo on my right shoulder.
My client just came in who is on the board of the AST. I told her about Nasri being offered 110K and she said “but that’s not sustainable” I nearly pissed myself.
VCC
Might even be there myself that weekend (oldest son will be over from England).
I’ll email you – maybe we can have a beer!
Meeting at Niagra falls. How cool is that?
Rocky you behave yourself with that Maid in the Mist 🙂
Fantastic Rocky…..anything you want bringing over …..Tomato Ketchup? lol
marmite? VCC
Rocky… I will bring Bendtner/Denilson/Diaby/Squillaci over with me and we can push them over the wall into the falls. THEN have a beer.
Rocky/VCC,
It’s only about 200 kilometers from my home and I would enjoy meeting up with you both – maybe lunch….let me know.
GM – very cool 😦 me is jealous 😦
Chas, GM, Peaches – I sincerely hope that the Club in not struggling to flog off season tickets, I hope that every single ticket is sold and the waiting list is growing, and we go from strength to strength, and I never wake to find out it was all a dream 🙂
It’s not the same here without Red Arse, is it?
VCC – don’t you dare!!! We need Bendtner and Diaby
Bloody ell a full on AA meet up outside of the Tavern.
There are a few rules you must obey:
Thou shalt drink Peroni
Thou must only talk about The Arsenal
Thou must laugh loud
Thou must congregate outside to appease the smokers
Thou shall not worship false raven haired warrior princesses
VCC 🙂
If we tried to push them over the falls I predict the following:
Bendtner would miss.
Denilson would mysteriously never go over the edge but would, instead, keep floating from side to side along the edge of the drop.
Diaby would just float upwards, cos his head is lighter than air.
And Squillaci would plunge to certain death.
Gn5
An AA Niagara party! Now we’re talking.
…and if you see a grizzly bear, don’t be scared – he’s a Gunner, AKA GiE
Is there a meet during the Emirates cup at the Tavern?
gm,
Yes definitely if you’re going on the Sunday,
And as for the No Viagra Fools – I’m not impressed with anyone arranging a party that I can’t attend!!! 🙄
RockyLives…LMFAO = scenarios
gunnern5 …..Lunch would be fantastic, wife and I are staying at the Skyline 27/28th July.
GIE ……………
1 = Peroni = Italian beer? In Canada
2 =Talk/Sleep/Sing/Eat/Dream/Worship THE ARSENAL
3= I am laughing out loud at the news Arsenal will give in to Nasri and pay him £110k per week ( sell him)
4= Smokers?? Don’t do that (can’t afford it after paying out for tickets at the Emirates)
5= I only worship Arsenal, 55 years and counting
Lets meet up chaps.
I better get a ticket then Peaches. Is it sold out?
VCC
Might even be there myself that weekend (oldest son will be over from England).
I’ll email you – maybe we can have a beer!
please send email address or facebook.
FINE! If its gonna be like that I’m in mexico in october…who’s up for a beer?
WG
Arsenal have agreed to sell Nasri to Man City for 22Million, one down one to go.
Kelsey
AW came out today to say he was fighting to keep them both. Are you really sure about the Nasri thing?
He lost the fight so I believe, my reportstell me he is gone.We will know for sure tomorrow.I am not a gossip munger.
kelsey…If thats true, its good business, sell him and buy Ezequiel Lavezzi. Sorted
It;s breaking news on a few sites now.Yes it is good business,no player is bigger than thhe club.
Wenger has given an interview to Arsenal.com intimating Samir travels to Malaysia Monday, but Cesc stays at home with a muscle injury.
We shall know more come morning no doubt.
Wengers chat with Fab4 and Nas8 went ok. Neither convinced but neither willing to speak out for a move and both willing to listen some more.
Nasri offered new deal again.
Gervinho held up by minor legal problem, not a show-stopper. Deal done.
What’s your source Jamie?
Someone I trust with this stuff. He kept me up to date with arshavin and nasri transfers when they joined. He is not a prolific supplier of information but he is dealing with arsenal on a daily basis at the moment.
I put up a post yesterday as well along the same lines.
Plus it seems to fit what le gaffer is saying too which is why I thought is worth a post.
Thanks Jamie, you’d better keep your ear to the ground 🙂
Nite all
What is so different between Adebayor and Nasri?
By that I mean why is it heartache for some if we lose Nasri but for Adebayor it was good riddance?
Nasri is doing the same as Ade did before signing a new contract and then swanning off a year later, are we not better to sell now than pay increased wages (for loyalty) and lose him a year later?
I am also quite happy that 10000 season tickets have not been renewed, altho some will be financial you’d have to think that a majority are the glory hunters who have been putting their tickets on the exchange for the vast majority of the season since February. Altho it probably means less cheap seats to be picked up as I fully expect anyone to take a season ticket now to be going for the love not the glory.
The ST waiting list is separate to the membership scheme so there is no anomaly or mistake
http://www.arsenal.com/membership/need-help-/-contact-us/season-ticket-waiting-list
GIE,
Ah so Evonne’s friends haven’t renewed their membership for 3 years but stayed on the season ticket waiting list because for that it’s just a one-off payment, correct?
Where does the 10,000 not renewing figure come from?
Morning Chas
only 4 days left till first game 🙂
I hope that the 10k not renewing is wrong, it would be a huge blow to the club. Then again, the army of unhappy fans is growing, so perhaps it should be taken seriously and dealt with promptly, before it develops to a full blown crisis.
Chas I thought GM said (a few days back) that his sons number in the queue had dropped by about that number.
Evonne when the ST waiting list is 1 month then there is a problem.
Morning
I don’t know how anyone knows how many haven’t renewed, my position on the waiting list hasn’t changed but when it does I’ll be able to say difinitively how many haven’t renewed.
Obviously, unless they were number 9,999 last season and they’ve now been offered a ticket 😳
GiE – let’s hope it will NEVER come to that!
Hi Peaches, the admin at Arsenal is nowhere near as good as the admin on this blog, but I’d say they would know the definite number. I only know of now 4 fans that didn’t renew
Hi evonne – I’m pretty certain the figure hasn’t come from Arsenal, they’re not going to be telling people that 10,000 haven’t renewed. So although I’m sure there have been non-renewals and like you, and others we’ve heard about, some have been offered tickets and have turned them down but my waiting list number hasn’t changed.
Peaches – good, I hope your waiting list number never changes 🙂
Morning all,
New post………