Football blogs serve one important function and that is to provide an escape valve for supporters to vent their angst – and boy have we had cause of late. Such is the need to let off steam that AA has been flooded with contributors wishing to exorcise their footballing demons. Today we publish the thoughts of 2 new writers who are Arsenal to the core and through their own words have reached the same upbeat conclusion as to our prospects this season.
Part 1 written by Holly
Since September 1st I’ve withdrawn from all on line sources of Arsenal news, I think my brain was about to implode with the frenzied wind up to transfer deadline day, so the break was welcomed. This allowed me to stand back and take stock of where we are at compared to the last home game of last season where those that turned up made their feelings clear that they were not happy with many things Arsenal. This is the bit where I shall embrace controversy; I think we are now a far superior team and squad and feel that not only is a top four slot a realistic shout, but a title tilt is far from beyond us also!
I know know, such positivity, I must be on the happy pills!
Think about it, from our squad last season we have lost really only four players that we could argue were regulars and even out of those four I could find you more gooners than not that were happy to see two of them leave, namely Bendtner and Clichy. So really it’s the loss of Cesc and Na$ri that leaves the ‘gaping hole’ I keep hearing about. I’m fed up hearing we’ve not replaced these departees but not only have we replaced them we’ve improved upon them. Like for like we are never going to replace Cesc, the guy is a one-off, a truly world class player, so rid yourself of any desire to compare like for like, it serves little purpose. Na$ri on the other hand, whilst admittedly possessing the potential to be world class, we only saw glimpses of it and therefore he is very replaceable.
Now let’s take a look at those who’ve joined us, whose primary remit would be to replace and improve upon the creativity of our departed. Let’s presume that Park comes in for Bendtner, and judging by his 4 goals in 2 games in international week I’m reasonably encouraged by this prospect. Then we have Arteta, Gervinho, Benayoun, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (AOC), and to a lesser extent Myaichi. Arteta is as similar a player to Cesc as certainly the premier league has to offer and he has made a big impact in training already with his quality. His guile, quick feet and vision will create many opportunities for our attack and he won’t require any settling in time. Gervinho has started his Arsenal career in fine form, his performance against Udinese suggesting that we have a big game player on our hands.
It may be a little churlish of me to point out that when we needed our big game players during last season’s title run in that Na$ri popped up with a grand total of one goal in fifteen games, images of him clean through at Bolton one on one will haunt me for a long time. Benayoun is another quality addition; I’m much happier with the prospect of him coming off the bench instead of Eboue, for example. Then we come to the player who with a bit of luck could do a Theo and be a surprise inclusion for Capello next summer (yes, I know I’ll get stick for this). If you didn’t see the six minute clip doing the rounds in the last couple of days of his second half cameo for the under 21s then I urge you to go find it and watch. One nil down to four one up thanks to four assists from AOC. Speed, power, control, end product, I could not believe how lucky I felt that I was watching an Arsenal player, this kid has the lot
If Arshavin’s form continues and (the ever improving) Theo picks up a knock then AOC could get his chance and if he does I’ve an inkling he’ll take it. Myaichi is an unknown entity at the moment but he did achieve cult hero status after playing just four months in Holland, so he certainly has something about him. Next week’s Carling Cup match against Shrewsbury may be interesting.
All in all that’s a very strong hand we’re playing with in an attacking/creative sense. Just behind them we’ve a more experienced Jack, the proverbial new signing Aaron Ramsey back after serious injury and more recently a man of the match performance against England at Wembley, and the emergence of the first real competition (Diaby/Denilson, I’m looking at you) to Song, Emmanuel Frimpong. For the record I would have liked us to have secured the signing of M’Vila before the deadline but maybe that deal can be done in 12 months.
Finally we come on to the defence. To Koscielny, Djourou and Squillaci at the end of last season we can add the returning (4-6 weeks they say, and I believe them, ha) Vermaelen and the vastly experienced and huge Mertesacker. Nobody could argue that a starting pair of Vermaelen and Mertesacker isn’t strong, and with good back up in firstly Koscielny and then Djourou I think we’re set fair at last in this position. Clichy left to very little fanfare and Santos comes in, in similar fashion. At the very least he will provide good competition for Gibbs but lest not forget he is a Brazil international and at 28 the right age for our squad. On the other side Jenkinson has shown enough for me to be confident that with the right guidance he will be a very useful squad member at the very least, in the mould perhaps of an O’ Shea up at Old Trafford, and before you laugh just remember that O’ Shea has 5 league titles, 3 league cups, 1 fa cup and a champions league winners medal to his name.
So come on guys, be positive, think big, get behind them, you never know, you may be pleasantly surprised. Latest odds for the title by the way 26/1…………
Part 2 written by Fatgingergooner
Sunday 28th August, Old Trafford, Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal. Now this is a game that will long live in the memories of football fans all over the world, but it is one that this Gooner is ready to move on from…..
I could sit here and write a full analysis of this game from start to finish, talk about whether or not lambs were sent to their slaughter for Arsene’s benefit in the Transfer Window, or whether it was the lack of tactics, confidence or football experience that was to blame for the defeat. There are some that would love to sit and discuss this for hours on end, after all, it is still the hottest topic in football and to many Arsenal fans it is still an open wound that can only be soothed by the counselling that is found on blogs. But for me, its a scar, one that i will have to carry for the rest of my days, but also one that has healed cleanly. There are 2 reasons why i have been able to move on:-
Firstly, no matter how many ways you look at the scoreline and the result, it will only ever read:-
1 game, 0 points, -6 goal difference
You can try and dress it up as a confidence shattering result for a club that was already on the brink (something the press have enjoyed doing over the last 2 weeks), but many of the players that featured in the game will not be taking to the field on a regular basis for the remainder of the season. People like Jenkinson and Coquelin will be used sparingly, Arshavin, Rosicky, Djourou and Koscielny will now play second fiddle to the new signings, and Traore has been removed altogether. In 2 weeks time we will have players coming back from injury and suspension, new signings bedded in and raring to go, and a different looking side from that which was subject to humiliation.
Secondly, I have accepted that this was a lamb that could have been slaughtered in 10 different ways! A crack CSI team couldn’t figure this one out! Was it the boards influence? The players naivety? The coaches downfall? Or was it Professor Wenger in the changing rooms with the football pump!!!???? To be honest, I don’t know, and I don’t think anyone else does either, and that is why we must move on.
We have a relatively easy set of fixtures coming up:-
Swansea (h)
Blackburn (a)
Bolton (h)
Spuds (a)
Sunderland (h)
Stoke (h)
During this period our rivals will be playing each other:-
Man U v Man C
Man U v Chelsea
Liverpool v Man U
Spuds v Liverpool
This is an important period coming up for this club and something that all Gunners should be looking forward to. We can close the 8 point gap and in my opinion get ourselves right back in the title race where this new look side belongs. Some may say that I’m deluded, or some of you may want to look back over the Old Trafford defeat than look to the future. I’m not here to judge, but think about this…..
1 game, 0 points, -6 goal difference…….no more, no less…………
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Two fine post, really upbeat and sensible, cheered me up no end, now off to see my grandson on his birthday in a great mood thanks to the pair of you. Welcome to the AA scribblers commune.
What a great read. Thank you both and a big thanks to Rasp for coming up with the idea of linking the two posts.
Two different viewpoints and both positive. It sends me to work with a jaunty skip in my step.
Thanks to Holly and Fgg. If you think the tension is high now, its nothing compared to 3pm this Saturday. Anyone thinking of taking a black scarf or voicing any negativity towards the players or the staff would be well advised to stay at home as I expect the real supporters to give them hell.
All we need is a win – any kind of a win. I’ll take a scrappy 1 nil as long as we get the 3 points and start to build the momentum and climb the table.
Don’t forget that Saturday’s team will be far from our strongest without TV, Song, Gervinho and Wilshere and so we can expect the team to grow stronger every week.
First welcome Holly, (who you?) 🙂
An excellent take on our team and the changing player resources. You have an upbeat and engaging style and it would be hard to disagree with you.
The blot on the landscape is the unfortunate injuries to Vermaelen and Jack, which coming on top of the deparures of Cesc and Nasri, is a major blow. Still, the new lads can offset that.
Well done for a good read! 🙂
Hi Slim Auburn Gunner, 🙂 another very good and interesting Post from you and you have obviously now gotten a taste for public writing.
As usual, you have a sensible, even handed approach to our travails, and altho’ not all will agree with you, your point had to be made and I am pleased you have done so.
Yes , nice post. In fact we have lost to Man Utd at OT in last two season so we lost in current season that’s it , now just forget about what happened at OT and just focus on as to how to win next 5/6 games in a row and I believe if we can acheive that it will reduce the gap and we will be back in title contention. C’mon all the best to gunners
Morning people!
Many thanks for the welcome, I can NOT wait for Saturday, which is quite the transformation from my leaden footed retreat from OT 11 days ago.
The debutants should really lift the place and the fans will be undoubtedly behind the team, as in fairness we have been all season, but this time with renewed optimism. My only ‘fear’ is their keeper will have the game of his life, ha!
Rasp, I hadn’t heard about RvP, why is he missing?
Morning Red Arse,
Holly is a long standing supporter who follows the team home, away and abroad. He’s been reading the site for about a year and was introduced to AA by a mutual friend.
I know of many supporters who read blogs (this blog) every day but never leave a comment, it sometimes takes exceptional circumstances to flush them out 🙂
Hi Holly,
What the hell am I talking about? RvP is fit as far as I know, trouble is I type faster than I can think.
But the point stands that the team will get stronger due to returning players and the new recruits bedding into the side.
It will be interesting to see if Mertesacker starts as he will undoubtedly play in the CL midweek, I suspect that Arteta will definitely start but our cautious manager may well put Santos (I gather Gibbs is fit) and Mertesacker on the bench.
I am very keen to see how Park will do up front, he has that amazing ‘Eastern Energy’ that will trouble defenses.
Dandan, love the pic, Brian Talbot (it is him, isn’t it?) was my favourite player as a kid. Not necessarily because he was our best player, but more because on my way to the ground i used to walk past Talbot Motors on Holloway Road (think its a carpet rite/allied carpets now….?) and I used to think that the bloke who owned that shop and our midfield maestro were one and the same, and I liked it, ha! I was only about 7.
Redarse, cheers for the positive feedback. Regarding the injuries, as was pointed out at least our September is relatively kind fixtures wise so hoping we have enough to win ’em all, 🙂
Thanks chaps. I have a busy and difficult day ahead, those reads have given me a lift and spring in my step.
Unfortunately I have to work 12 hour shift on Saturday but will be there in spirit, please give those boys in red a huge shout for me.
COYRRG
Hi Rasp,
I hope you don’t take offense, altho’ I suspect you will, with the following general point.
Protests, marches and expressing dissent is a long held and perfectly acceptable form of expressing discontent in any democracy which values free speech.
It is a pity you are talking about giving hell to anyone wearing a black scarf or expressing their unhappiness.
We may not agree with the opinions of those who see this as a necessary way of venting their displeasure, but to attempt to stop or verbally intimidate such protestors is not good.
P.S. I have not got a clue what they are on about, or even who they are, or why they feel the need to wear black scarves. But it takes all sorts.
My feeling is he will play Mertesacker, simply down to wanting to get him acclimatised as soon as possible and a home game against Swansea is as good a place as any to do that. Followed by a trip to a team he knows well its quite the perfect induction for him. Agreed on Santos, I presume Gibbs will start if fit. Arteta has to start, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play, by all accounts the reserve players at London Colney have been blown away by him in training.
I wonder would he try and incorporate Park and RvP both into a starting 11, as you say his energy is an ingredient too often missing from our arsenal (sorry…)?
holly .. no that picture is of Georgie Armstrong. Paid to watch him on many occasions, wonderful servant to The Arsenal
Good posts. Time to look ahead and get behind the team.
Holly and FG thanks for the joint post but don’t kid yourself there is no such thing as an easy game and the team’s morale cant be great.
Going back to Dempsey and now Arteta taking a wage cut leads me to one of my conspiracy theories that the club re cost cuutting on wages as far as possible which will lead to an inevitable sell out, to you know who and if that is the case wenger’s days are numbered.
Agreed Holly and what an example and refreshing contrast Arteta brings when compared to Na$ri.
The guy takes a £20k a week pay cut and joins a side that let’s be fair is perceived to be in turmoil because he believes in us and has the ambition to win with Arsenal. I hope the young players learn that lesson from Arteta in training too.
I’m pretty sure Mikel will get the loudest cheer when the team is announced pre-match. He is the guy who can show us that success without Cesc is in our grasp.
I read somewhere they’d called off the protest march, but they have paid for an advert on that giant billboard by the mini roundabout…..no idea what it’ll say but i believe their issues are with both board and management….
Holly,
I gather you were one of the stalwarts up at OT who were absolutely brilliant on the day,
I watched in shock and horror from the comfort of my armchair, after that opening goal mistake and was thrilled — yes that is the word – thrilled at the stoicism and sheer loyalty and guts shown by our away fans that day. What spirit and brio you all showed!
Respect to you and the other stalwarts!!! 🙂
Re: Dandan’s gravatar, I cracked that some time ago. It’s actually Geordie Armstrong I believe.
RA,
You will be aware that I am the one who defends the rights of bloggers to voice a contrary opinion on AA. My advice to anyone who is thinking of protesting to stay at home is simply because I fear there will be trouble and that is not what the team needs to hear at such an important time. There is a time and a place and saturday is not it.
Morning all,
Hope you goy my emails last night and this morning Rasp, dunno whats come over me at the moment! Dont feel you have to post all my nonsense!!!!
Good idea to pair up the blogs btw.
Nice working with you Holly, hope to read more in future!
Cannot wait for the weekend, the only gaping hole i have had recently (i should be careful here!!!) is in my Saturday afternoons. Bloody hate Internationals, bring back the real football. COYG!!!!
Kelseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey We are having a positive day today. I am watching you 🙂
i am being positive dandan.cost cutting exercises go on in all types of business and we have carried deadwood for long enough and a fw have not been moved on and this must be a directive from the BoD who are not totally in harmony.It’s great that arteta takes a wage cut for reasons stated before, but i have a feeling in my water.
by the way the tests were negative so thankfully i am not pregnant 😉
Red Arse
At the time, watching that second half felt like we were witnessing a seminal moment in our history, it really felt that important. It was one of the most emotional games I’ve ever experienced, which for a league game in August is significant in itself. I was also at OT ten years ago when we lost 6-1. (maybe i shouldn’t really go there again…) That day was worse, we were 5-1 down at half time but the atmosphere was very different with most of the away fans having left long before the end.
This time, the vast majority remained until the final whistle.That one chant lasted for the full 45 minutes, only broken once to sing ‘easy easy’ when we scored to make it 6-2! One of those, ‘glad i was there’ moments.
Fgg,
I am impressed by your recent prolific output – long may your catharsis continue 😛
The Mert and Arteta will step in for this game, I would suspect we would see Ramsey and Frimpong in the midfield with Arteta. Up front is anyones guess – RVP in the middle – What is the story with Walcotts injury?
I’m not asking for a 10-0 to us (take that goal difference…) but rather just a confident victory to finally get our PL season up and running. Decent fixture list ahead of us, which will hopefully help build some good momentum.
Madness and pandemonium is about to break out here down under in New Zealand with some weird game with a funny shaped ball about to be played for a month. However I’ll still be switching on the telly (2:55am) on for the Gunners!
Hi pat, I didn’t realise you were from Lord of the Rings country.
Apparently Theo’s hamstring tweak didn’t develop into an injury and he is in contention for saturday. We actually have plenty of cover for him now and it looks like the Ox is going to be a hell of a player given time to develop.
It is interesting that AW has been very left flank-centric over the years and good to see that our attack from the right will every bit as strong as the left this season. Henry, Pires, RvP all on the left etc etc. I remember Freddie screaming for the ball in acres of space on many occassions only for it sprayed out to the left, mind you that was probably the better option.
Rasp,
You are not the only one who welcomes opinions on AA, contrary or otherwise, always provided they are not abusive or insulting, but that was not the point I was making.
I am sure your advice to the black scarf wearers was well intentioned — it was your ‘expectation of violence’ that concerned me.
Anyway, you have now clarified your position, and I agree that a positive approach by us fans is much more conducive to the team winning than endless carping at all and sundry. 🙂
I am still hoping to go myself on Saturday and have a pint or three at the Tavern. I am looking forward to meeting you and London and all the other imbibers. You won’t miss me, I promise! 🙂
Rasp, re your September 8, 2011 at 10:16 – I am also feeling good about the players coming in and that we already have that are really wanting to play (I mean REALLY play – committed to the cause for more than just $).
I think the team has far more character in it this season. It will be reflected in the performances of the team and also in the crowd support. I’ll be shouting at the TV down here so hopefully will hear alot of noise from the other side of the world at the Emirates!
Great stuff RA, hope to see you at the pub.
Kelsey,
Don’t be bashful, name names, who are we going to sell out to? Why would that mean the end for Wenger?
Hi Holly, wow what a great first post on AA! Well written, very postive and well structured. Love it 🙂
What do you think will be our system with the arrival of our new midfielders? Will we continue with 4-2-3-1 with two defensive minded players – with potential to go forward/pick a pass as well – in the ‘two’, or will be go Spain/Barcalona style 4-1-2-3, with Song/Frimpong in the holding role and two attack minded midfielders (Benayoun, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshere) higher up the pitch?
For what it is worth, I believe we will go with the latter, by simply looking at the players Wenger has bought this summer.
Now I am going to read Goldilocks’ post 😛
Holly and FGG – thank you both for great post! What a day, 2 good posts, Rasp is spoiling us 🙂
Raddy – ha ha ha, good point about Manchester 🙂
Kelsey – Dempsey’s stats are good ok, shame we didn’t succeed
Hi AT,
Was Goldilocks Fat and Ginger too? Or is that just another fantasy? 🙂
LG he’s talking about jabba the uxbek. If anyone’s missed Young’s goal for Korea have a look on 101 great goals. Very well taken.
uxbek = uzbek
Two fantastic posts by the way.
Hi gm, since you have the knowledge of eastern matters (how many wives?) , tell me, should we call him Young, Park, Chu-Young or Chuchu?
Cheers Rasp re Walcott – thats what it seemed like, good to hear. Theo isn’t doing too bad I agree he needs cover / competition as I think he has more to give. Could be a better player if he kept things simple and played to his strengths. Don’t dribble round someone – kick and run! Or one two with someone and turn on the jets!!!! He seems to have a problem if he gets slowed down, but when hes at pace he causes the opposition all sorts of problems.
Also compliments to todays posters – good stuff there. Agree that we need to put the Man U game / transfer dramas behind us now and look to the next game.
Hi Dandan, 🙂
Just as well you are keeping an eye on Kelsey, he is obviously up to mischief today! 🙂
That’s the thing with conspiracies tho’, the only ones who know anything are the ones who are doing the conspiring.
I would deduce from this that Kelsey must be a conspirator, only for the fact I have recently read most of what he has alluded to in the daily press or the blogs. 🙂
No conspiracy after all, it seems! 🙂
Holly & FGG,
I congratulate you both on the great posts and more importantly in keeping the faith. Once everything settles down at the club we will be a big threat this season. I know i keep repeating myself, but i dont care, we have the best manager, the best club, a fantastic way of playing and a squad full of talent.
I have convinced myself we can win the league this season and i shall not recant until the fat lady sings.
Lifelong Gooner,
i f i have a few facts that i can back up so be it.With regards to your question it was only a theory of mine.We know from lady nina that all is not well in the boardroom.DHW didn’t want “your kind here ” when refereing to kroenke, who is now the major share holder.
usmanov is only a spit away from getting his 30% and then he can see the books.
I am not as optimistic as some that we wil guarante a top 4 place, but i hope we do.
I think usmanov will make a move which depending how the season pans out could develop in him taking over and if that happens i believe Wenger would rsign.
Why did DHW come out with his statement yesterday ? only the media are wishing us to have a bad season. there was no need to comment.We will see.
Rasp, 🙂
Maybe you can call him Chuchi Face?
Fabulously Gorgeous Goldilocks, thanks for another fine post. I like your mentioning of a scar, cause that is what it will be for a while for all of us.
I only have issue with you regarding:
‘but many of the players that featured in the game will not be taking to the field on a regular basis for the remainder of the season. People like Jenkinson and Coquelin will be used sparingly, Arshavin, Rosicky, Djourou and Koscielny will now play second fiddle to the new signings’.
I don’t think you should blame any of these players, or doubt their quality/suitability for playing at Arsenal’s first team. It is far more complicated than that. For me, there were just too many changes to the team on that day and as a result it did not play as a team but as a collection of individuals. The Mancs were fresh and eager and smelled blood, and boy did it hurt. Let’s just hope we can do the same to them rather sooner than later!
I think Park is his surname Rasp. But I don’t know many Koreans. I’d call him Young so we don’t confuse him with his cousin.
TotalArsenal
Thank you!
I agree, on Saturday I think his starting 11 will be:
Chesney
Sagna Koscielny Mertesacker Gibbs(if fit)
Frimpong
Ramsey Arteta
Theo RvP Arshavin
I know he wont but I would love to see the Ox replace Arshavin.
Regards Frimpong, if he decides that his performance there up at Old Trafford was too poor he may drop Ramsey back to form a ‘two’. I really hope he doesn’t select Rosicky over Ramsey either.
With a fully fit squad (ha) Vermaelen, Song, Wilshere and Gervinho would come in for Koscielny, Frimpong, Ramsey (maybe) and Arshavin, which is a very strong line up, with a very strong bench.
See, this is why I now have such renewed confidence in the team and optimism moving forward. A win on Saturday though is absolutely crucial to set the ball rolling. A 3-0 would do nicely thank you very much!
Holly
Frimpong wasn’t at OT it was coq
Jest re read your comment Holly scrub what I just said I’m an idiot 😦
Morning all and thanks for the posts Holly and FGG. The quality and quantity of posts this week has been amazing and many thanks to all who have contributed – much nicer than me nagging eh 🙂
I’ll be asking a few times but if anyone wants to bag the match report for Sundays post they should let me know soon 🙂
RA 😛 I am just trying to get FGG to think more positive about himself 🙂
Peaches, I think Harry volunteerd for it yesterday evening…
Kelsey,
Why would Wenger resign? I see no evidence of wage cost cutting, and if Wenger was aware that the current regime were doing what you say, why not resign now?
Park is his surname but in Korea the Surname comes first when writing the name.
Holly, agreed on that line up. Like you, I hope Arshavin will start on the bench and we can add a fresh pair of legs to the left wing. Ryo would be brilliant – just to give him a chance, but Ox would be fine too. Both are just mouthwatering prospects 😆
TMHT,
of course there is wage cutting we have ofloaded more players this season including loans than for years.I said Wenger could resign if things don’t pan out well this season and there is a struggle in the boardroom, which i forsee happening.
peaches,
I would have done the match report something you know i enjoyed but onlinefooty has scuppered that as you are fully aware.
TA, 🙂
I agree. FGG should amend to;
JollyFatHappyGingerLoyalGooner, or see himself more positively still by;
SlimAuburnGoonerWhat’sYour Problem, or;
FitFreckledGooner.
Are you reading this FGG? More positivety – you know the Rasper wants that!! 🙂
goonermichael,
You were right, I was wrong, I was thinking about the Udinese away game when Rosicky came on for Frimpong at half time and Song dropped back to the holding role.
Kelsey
I would wait to see the figures before you indulge that speculation, i think you might be supprised. I do agree however that if there is a power struggle there is a possibility that the manager will review his position, who wouldn’t if there was chaos from the top.
Thanks TA for the info, I’m gonna grab Harry now – there are witnesses 🙂
kelsey – what’s the prob with the liveonlinefooty, shall I get you your own season ticket, why can’t you use mine anymore?
our half year figures reported a loss of 2 million though 3 fewer home games,so as you say let’s wait and see.
Arsenal are a bit like Barca asset rich but in comparison.cash poor
anyway we have a team of accountants on here who can paint a better picture than i can ;).
peaches they have found out that people are sharing their password with others and if you log on they say quite clearly that if that continues the person who initially subscribed could be banned. Ask dandan he can confirm that.
furthermore they are not letting new people subscribe,most probably as they are full to capacity.dandan thinks (and i agree with him) that Sky are losing many customers through the recession and the cost per month.
i have Sky and threatened to leave last year as the sports package was over £50.00 a month and they reduced it to £30.00 without hesitation for a year.
the trouble is that many of our games ar on ESPn which is an additional £9.00 per month.
online footy for £36.00 per year and a choice of all games is great value.
I fear I may have to change my avatar in January, I’m not sure how much AA would fetch in the transfer market, but maybe there will be a new name coming in at the same time.
I think it likely that Cahill will move in January too (most likely to totnum) I can’t see us being interested unless TV’s injury takes the same course as last season (and not even in that eventuality)
Being positive it would be nice to start with 11 on the pitch and finish with the same number 😉
Not a lot of time this morning which is a shame as both posts were enjoyable reads and as most people know I agree with their sentiments. Time to move on, and concentrate on supporting the team.
For that reason I also agree with Rasp that any protest is now ill timed, we want the best for the club so lets concentrate our efforts on supporting the team, I have no interest in going into the Emirates and hearing “6% You’re Having a Laugh” they’re in ground they’ve paid it so the Board clearly weren’t having a laugh and the people singing obviously didn’t mind paying it. If they sing “Spend some F******* money” it will be even more evidence of their idiocy (with the TW up) and even more counterproductive to the players on the pitch.
Kelsey as well as 3 fear home games no prize money (not even CL Group stages which was achieved by that time) is included in the figures, I assume no TV money too, as that is based on final positions. So I would expect a far heather result than the half year figures intimated.
kelsey – I’ve just had a look. I used it when I was in France to watch the ‘pool game, which was on someone elses pc without any problem but as you say we wouldn’t want to be completely banned from it. They have said that they will be opening new memberships to family and friends so hopefully that will happen soon.
Thank you auntie 🙂
GIE,
The point i was trying to make, and not very well is after all other commitments how much money is available for transfers and wages.Last year the figure was 113 million for all employees.It is clear to me that we may be able to afford a player at 30million but not the wages since city have blown everyone awy, but they can’t continue this route for long.
You’re welcome 🙂
Roll up, roll up, I have inserted an ‘AA meeting at the pub’ widget for Saturday, everyone welcome, let us know if you’re going to be there.
Having just looked at the widget I’m annoyed, as I will miss meeting RA 😦
I don’t think you should blame any of these players, or doubt their quality/suitability for playing at Arsenal’s first team. It is far more complicated than that. For me, there were just too many changes to the team on that day and as a result it did not play as a team but as a collection of individuals. The Mancs were fresh and eager and smelled blood, and boy did it hurt. Let’s just hope we can do the same to them rather sooner than later!
In response to this TA,
I totally agree with you that the team can carry only one or two changes at a time and that the team that took to the field against MU that day had no chance.
The reason i listed those players was not because i feel they are of poorer quality than the rest of the squad, it is because i feel that those are the players whose confidence would have taken the biggest hit that day. Players like RVP, Szczesny and Ramsey are all cocksure and know that they will be first team players this season. The rest, for me, are vulnerable at the moment.
RA, is that confident enough for ya!?
if any of you lovely people havent got Sky at the moment and would like it half price for 12 months then send me a reply.
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY!!!!!
Cant do anything for you existing customers, sorry.
FGG 🙂 Fully agree with your last comment. Hopefully the CC game will be an opportnity for some of these players to regain some confidence.
Peaches (if you are still looking) I had gary green and the owners of HOB (all spuds) ripping the piss out of me on Monday night. They said that they felt they’d won when they saw our score. If we get top 4 he owes me 3 litres of nanokeratin (it’s for Brazilian blowdries, ask your wives).
Just booked flights for London over Xmas. Would like to go to the Wolves game on Boxing Day.
Anyone have a spare?
FGG,
That name was awesome, but I’ve grown to like your FGG persona. (A rose by any other name … and all that. 🙂
I am just about to leave Sky, because Virgin are pressuring me constantly for the last 3 months, and Sky have only given me 1 Sky+HD box when I upgraded last year. My other (multi room) box is still the non HD type and they want to charge me approx £200 to upgrade it. (Bistards – not you FGG). 🙂
My name is in the widget for Saturday but I’m working I’m afraid. My next match will be Stoke. My in laws have changed thier flight back to Tokyo sinced they pushed it back to the Sunday so I’d better get 3 tickets
FGG,
BTW, I agree with your view of the Manyoo game. Bitty broken pieces team thrown together. They were doing OK tho’ until that bizarre goal courtesy of Kozzer/Djourou/Chezzer.
RA,
i speak to customers all day from Virgin who are looking to come to Sky. All i ever hear is how the bills started low and got higher and higher, and when they tried to call about it they were sent to a foreign call center and couldnt get their point acreoss.
Im sure Virgin will say similar things about Sky, but just be careful.
Also, Virgin dont offer the interactive services on their sports pack, ie you cant choose what game you want to watch when the CL is on and you cant choose the highlights to watch on Football First.
As regards your multiroom box, we now do a standard HD box that doesnt record which should only be about 50-99 quid rather than 200.
Hope this helps and sorry for turning the blog into a SKY advert!!!
Thanks FGG. I will stop being a grumbling customer! 🙂
RA
Don’t touch virgin broadband.
Kelsey – “online footy for £36 a year” – What’s that about? How can I get that? Is it decent quality? Can I run my laptop through my flatscreen telly? Have you tried it? Can you answer so many questions in one post??
RA
I’ve got a spare virgin+ box (minus the hard drive) You can have it if you pay the postage.
CG
I run my laptop through my TV and it looks great.
FGG
Is card sharing illegal? 🙂
GM Cool but what’s the online footy thang?
GM,
I think its frowned upon, but no need to tape your bum cheeks shut just yet!!!!
CG,
Google – liveonlinefooty. You will go to a site of that name. At the moment I don’t think it is taking on new customers.
For £6 you can get 2 months of football (pretty much anygame) or a season ticket. You pay thru’ PayPal – (same as Ebay system) so it’s pretty secure.
You simply go their website via your computer before the game starts and load the required game from the menu. If you have an HD lead you can connect this to your TV socket from your computer and Bob’s your aunt.
I have always found the quality very good.
I suspect you already know the answer to card sharing. 🙂
What dear? me dear? no dear. I was just asking 🙂 FGG
Thanks for your Virgin advice and offer GM. 🙂
At the moment I haven’t finally decided to jettison Sky.
It’s just that I am irritated by their attitude as I spend an absolute fortune with them on various services.
They seem happy to risk about £900 p.a. by being mealy mouthed about upgrading my multi room box to Sky+ HD.
GM
Any reason for avoiding Virgin broadband? I’ve just switched to them and I have to say I don’t really see what the fuss is all about – the service is pretty glitchy compared to O2, which was almost completely problem-free for 3 whole years.
I have annoying little faults with Virgin like sometimes I can’t get straight online through the ps3 so have to quit the game and run a connection test (which always comes up fine).
Did you have similar problems?
CG,
my account has answered on my behalf.
Yes,yes, and yes and no delays either.
kelsey. You are as cheap as our beloved club 😉
CG the problem is your PS3 probably….most of my gaming colleagues use Virgin BB and they love it. I have to make do with SkyBB as the cables were never laid to my area by Virgin. Nowt wrong with Sky downloads but the ping is a stage which makes decent gaming connection a lottery.
I need to go into bat with Sky soon re my subs they have followed an upward trend that sees me pay them (and ESPN) around £100 a month, but I do have all packages and all BB and phone so it’s maybe fair.
I just hate new customer deals, or even existing customer deals like at the moment if I didn’t already take BB I could get £160 Quidco cashback for signing up for it. Sky router is also poor and there is no way of using my own (which is a pain because I sacrifice Wireless speed around house)
A stage = average
I’ve just switched to BT from virgin BB. It was a big deal as I had to get BT line put in as I only had a virgin phone. When virgin works it is easily the best in the country as it’s a cable service. Wher I live though it is terrible due to over subscription. They gave me a date for fixing it as October 24th. This was 2 months ago. The same thing happened last year. The call centre in India is rubbish. My ping is grade f (impossible to play online games) Download speed at peak times is 0.02. I have sent them numerous abusive emails and threatened to knock branson out so it was time for me to leave them.
Virgin’s wireless hub (netgear) is absolute shite. When I had the virgin modem and my own (belkin) router it was much better. GIE you may be able to piggy back a wireless router to your sky hub.
goonermichael @11:06pm yesterday,
It`s called Senrab, after Senrab Street in East London, which is close to Barnes Sreet, Senrab being Barnes spelt backwards.
GM – I had the same problem with Virgin. I didn’t abuse them, but wrote to the CEO. He replied, many apologies followed and £200 outstanding fees were written off.
I am with BT now and the net is so slow that I am going to go back to Virgin soon
GIE
Sky have just released the new N router which should improve things for ya. As an existing cust they are only bowt 25 sheets!
FGG – are you really fat and ginga?
Evonne,
That would be telling! 😉
Evonne
My BT is ok. Not really fast but enough for streaming and playing on my wii. Where I live Virgin is only usable between 3-9 AM. The rest of the time it doesn’t work at all.
Thanks GLIC.
I use Comx and a decent router makes a huge difference. Also the positioning of said router in a wireless system. I get download speeds of 11+ at peak times
That’s a yes then ginger 🙂
GM. 😀
FGG – ah go on, tell tell 🙂 My almost ex husband is a red top, but not fat yet 🙂
GM – I sometimes think that BT deliberately slow down the services, so customers would upgrade to the next band. I think I will complain soon to them
GM 🙂
That’s fat ginger to you GM 🙂
I know someone who is with BT and part of the problem is that WiFi is a difficult medium, because if you get a bunch of people close together the signals can cross-talk and the further they are from the Exchange the worse the transmission speed.
Someone in the same street, nearer the Exchange, will get a much greater download speed especially if there is not the same density of WiFi users nearby.
BT also ‘smooth’ the speeds of downloads by cutting back at the exchange to ensure everyone gets some access.
Luckily for me I get good speeds with little problems. Mind, I am camped out in the Exchange foyer!! 🙂
That’s right. Demand respect freckles. Tell him it’s MR Fat Ginger to him!! 🙂
You ain’t feeding him enough then Evonne 🙂 poor lads wasting away!
It’s true what they say “once you go Ginge you never go back!” ain’t that right Evonne 😉
Re cost cutting I believe we are about to enter a period of huge economic turmoil and decline. All clubs will need to adjust and if we are ahead of the curve.. all the best. I fear some very familier clubs are going to implode financially and the EPL in 10 years will look much different to the way it does now.
Things economically are going to get much worse.. for those of you will some extra coin.. buy gold an silver.
Sorry to be a downer.
Your right what u say RA,
BT will share out speeds during peak hours due to the fact they overload the exchange. Sky are the only company in the UK that don’t do this, therefore, in peak hours your not sharing your speed with spotty Steve down the road who’s paying 5 quid for bb whilst your paying 25!
Also at 7.50 Sky’s unlimited bb is insanely cheap and with no fair usage cap.
Only problem is they run on the Bt lines so speeds aren’t always great, but they can get upto 20mb in some areas.
Night all,
Gunna go sail the seven seas in search of gold n silver….gyaaar!!!
FGG,
If you want Gold, then nip round Neamman’s gaff and start ripping up floorboards.
Holly and FGG,
Two outstanding posts. Thanks both. Its really boring getting to the party so late as there is so much to say and yet so little time.
I have a Doomer friend who is convinced the end is nigh. He is armed to the back teeth, has buried gold on his land, every kind of greenhouse/poly tunnel, two years worth of canned food and ten years worth of chopped timber for his woodburning heating/cooking system.
He went very pale indeed when I told him I would have to put my children first and shoot him if the shit hit the fan!
Dum di dum di dum
Micky what have you done with everyone?
neaman 6:06 name your price
GM,
Dunno…
Are you going saturday?
GM,
Its happened again.
Lights off for me.
Micky @7.18 😛 hahahaha!
Great, inspiring posts from FGG and holly.
Thanks, look forward to many more.
I have Virgin BB and have never had any problems with it. Must be lucky.
Will probably be at the Tavern on Saturday, meeting family as usual.
Hope to see you all.
Im not a doomer re end of civilization per se, but I certainly believe we havent seen the worst of it. I see a 30s style depression ahead of us. That being said the silver lining is the 30s were our glory years!!!!
Evening all, I so wish that I had read this post this morning but unfortunately work got in the way and didnt get a chance, it would have given me a feel good factor for the day…….
Cracking posts, by both, the fat ginger one and Holly,
My only disappointment was that Holly is a bloke, no offence………I thought I had met my soul mate, i was about to get a divorce……….(wouldnt take much)……..Not one to glean any credit for a fantastic post, but that could have been wrote by me in so many ways……just love this site, common sense filled by a pragmatic realism……….
Love the Pub Role Call Widget Rasper……
It will be good to meet the Red Arse, one more off the list of must meet……….Looks like you picked the wrong match GIE, mate….
So looking forward to this match………We have a squad now worthy of our club, you can always improve on any squad, but for me lets see where this one takes us…………To the tavern………………
Evening Harry, if we win our next 4 games we will be 2 points ahead of the same point last year – I don’t know what all the fuss is about 😆
Great write up Holly and FGG.
Holly, I’d just watched that AOC vid on101GG not long before reading this, and it filled me with great hope.
I’m hoping to see him get minutes, if not start, this Sat.
Got my ticket on order, Tavern here I come !!!!
Well at least I think I have a ticket…here’s hoping Evonne isn’t in need of one, otherwise it will be me back to liveonlinefootie.com
nice one sharkey see you there……
Yep rasp, its all proportional in the end, we all saw it coming with the players out, with our new ones now within the squad, barring a dodgy lasagne, we shouldnt be in that position again….
Sharkey – I would never do it to you, again 🙂
You’re in the pub widget now Sharkey, there’s no going back………
Rasp – are you still there? Have you opened arsenalnuts this evening, I can’t get in there to see if Wigan has managed to get a link code for the track in VCC’s post.
Mr Red Arse I’m so looking forward to meeting you 🙂
……. and Mr Sharkey too ………..
Hi peaches I’ll have a look now
… nah, nothing there 😦
Don’t worry Rasp maybe he’ll be able to do it in the morning
great post guys, 2 posts in one definently spoilt!
@ Harry your comment yesterday was brilliant, should of saved it for a post.
@ Holly i agree i think we have become stronger as a team and cesc can’t be replaced (gotze would of eased the pain though as that kid can play). However last year was our best chance because united, chelsea and mancity were weakened. This season you have a man city team that has nasri (not a world class player, but i feel playing with other world beaters we will see him lift to another level. Says something about his character if he couldn’t do it himself at arsenal), dzeko (bedded into the league and ready to play), aguero (very dangerous), a settled defence and viera behind the scenes!
I’m confident that we can win the league, and will always think so until it’s mathematically impossible. I just hope verm and jack come back on time because our return dates are usually far from being accurate
As it is Friday
– http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/…article/66828/
Was that the Hat Shop story Kelsey? Link didn’t work.
Chessers saves v Germany, class!
Damn it Szczesney! That double saves really hurt my jaw!
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/article/66828/
Adverts with Szczesny are replacing Dudek’s very fast in Warsaw 🙂 He is the hottest export now
Damn, damn, damn we almost won, never beaten Germans before!! Last minute of extra time, damn, damn, damn
Morning all
Kelsey – what a waste of our money! who cares about small hat shop?
It was the Hat Shop story…..how true is it? Have only seen mention on Eurosport via Twitter….and now Kelsey. Seems very pathetic I was hoping it was a regurgitated April Fools 😀
Rob that double save is the pick of the bunch, unbelievable strong arm and agility to get up for it.
However one thing I’d like to see him improve is pushing the ball away from goal further, it seems a harsh criticism but with experience the best GKs push the ball away from danger even in the heat of battle.
I forgot to say Good morning.
Anyone who can guess tomorrows starting 11 exactly ,wins a prize which is either a hat,, a visit to Rasp’s shed, a poem by Red Arse, a haircut by GM, legal advice by 26th, or a book by GM or raddy on how to marry at least 4 3 or 4 times to stay happy, a free full years accounts by any one of the numerous theaccountants on here,a one off lecture by dandan on how to remain positive, a visit to Gunner N5 , a forefeit by London which must include an item of clothing ,an evening with Evonne,a night with peaches, or lastly a week in my villa whilst it’s being renovated.
GiE – Pepi Reina received a lot of criticism few years ago for punching the ball away rather than catching it. I have noticed that he indeed punches less and catches more. A goalie has obviously got more control over a ball once it is in his hands, but isn’t it a safest option to push or punch it as far away as possible?
GIe,
I think it is true but so what.
Good morning Kelsey 🙂
One more thing about slow internet – most of the problems with speed can be attributed to your machine, ie shortage of space, double fire walls running and no spyware installed, programs that start running when you boot the machine and lurk in the background, damaged/fragmented files, etc etc. I have done some housekeeping on my laptop and bingo, internet is as fast as it should be
Kelsey – OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have just read the Evening with Evonne!!!!!!! That is outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cheers mate
evonne depends where you live.
I am lucky to get 2mg but a mile away they get up to 6 mg. Also too much security can slow it down but finally Spain is one of the most expensive countries for ADSL in general. I use orange which actually runs the land liben through the Internet ADSL
Kelsey – yes, you are right about location, but there are other factors that can slow down the net, the main culprits being spyware and disk space
Morning all
There’s a New Post …………..