I won’t lie. van Persie’s announcement a couple of days ago left me gutted.
As of time of writing, there are still no developments on his situation as to whether he will honour his contract and stay, or surprise everyone by signing a new contract or just be sold. Also like a few fickle Gooners, I won’t jump on the bandwagon of ‘Kroenke out, Gazidis out, Wenger out’, just by reading a piece of paper published by the yes-men of a certain Uzbeki who has a dark shady history and been linked with allegations of trafficking, rape and murder.
I intend to reserve my judgement on this situation until I see what decision and comments Wenger makes about all this chaos and how he acts. As a humble fan of this great club, all I can talk about is how we can deliver on the pitch and ride our way back to greatness, instead of musing on who is the better between the two mannequins’ ala Kroenke and Usmanov.
Assuming that the not-so-flying Dutchman leaves and it is the most likely possible outcome given Wenger’s history of shipping out unhappy players, the Club is tasked with replacing a 30 goal striker with fantastic movement around the box and one of the leaders of last season. Tactically speaking, we have to ask ourselves the question as to which has been the bigger loss in the last couple of summers – Fabregas or Persie?
The more important question is do we rely on a single superstar to guide us to glory, only for them to leave us for greener pastures just because they couldn’t handle the weight of the cannon? Or do we place our trust and hope in a bunch of hardworking, classy players, who actually work as a team and toil for the crest and relish it with pride? True, that the 2011-12 season belonged to the moneybag clubs like City and Chelski, but still there were tremendous success stories like Montpellier and Dortmund, showing that Arsene’s philosophy and dream can still be achieved.
A week ago, I had an article on a strategy that we might use next season (Arsenal-Milan hybrid), which involved Persie more as a false-9. What we will miss next season is not the 30 odd goals; Podolski and Giroud are more than capable of compensating for it, but what we will miss is the playmaker-like quality that he possessed. Technically speaking, we have just lost 3 playmakers in 2 summers (Arshavin might be the 4th this summer).
Podolski and Giroud both are technically different players than these playmakers. Podolski is more of a strong workhorse with a powerful shot whereas Giroud is the classic No.9 with fantastic aerial ability, hold up play and the hungry predatory instinct which I dare say, even RVP lacked. A few nostalgic fans might remember the 4-4-2 which we employed during the Invincibles season, but even that is not a possibility anymore, as 4-4-2 is a rather defunct formation having weaknesses which good teams can exploit; it can be used temporarily depending on the nature of the situation, but not as the base formation.
RVP’s departure might force Wenger to get a playmaker to add that level of creativity needed to make players like Podolski and Giroud tick. Not all hope can be pinned on the young shoulders of Jack, who I assume might not be rushed into more than 20-25 games next season.
Whoever the new playmaker is, what we can expect is a bit of unpredictability from Arsenal next season, as the opposition might not know where the goals will come from, and that bodes well for us. Also, I assume that if we indeed get a playmaker, Song might not neglect his defensive duties after all as there is no added pressure of creating chances. A midfield of Song and Arteta aptly supported by Coquelin, Frimpong, Wilshere and either of Diaby or Ramsey looks solid enough. It is the ‘hole’ that is lacking quality with Rosicky as our only main pure playmaker.
In the circumstances that the opposition tries to single out this playmaker, we can fall back on the options of last season ala Arteta and Song. Add Wilshere and Diaby(whom I expect to surprise everyone and have a great season), and we have secondary options as well to carry out playmaking duties.
What is important is that we manage to keep our players fit which can result only from a slight change of training regime, as this new look side has enough quality and more importantly, the right balance to challenge for the title. The future of the Club like Wilshere and Chamberlain can be slowly blooded in, alongwith the likes of Miyaichi, Afobe, Jenkinson, Gnabry etc, guided by the veterans Arteta, Rosicky,Vermaelen, Mertesacker and others. Who knows, the departure of van Persie might even be blessing in disguise, in the long run. But to start off this wonderful dream, what the Club has to do is to make the necessary signings and make them fast.
A team can only be successful only when it properly gels in and the teammates understand each other telepathically. Trash this possession football stuff and get back the beautiful counterattacking Wengerball where each player contributes !
Suggesting all of this seems quite easy by just sitting in front of the laptop, but it is not impossible, especially given that we have one of the best managers in the world at the helm. I won’t cry my eyes out just because one of our strikers left, but I will certainly start worrying the day this man decides to leave.
Written by Sagar Tarkhadkar
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
we just need a proper playmaker
Thanks for the article Sagar, an interesting read and I hope your vision is realised.
A Man Utd fan phoned through to TalkShite (I know I shouldn’t listen but it was Keys/Gray show so normally a bit more rational than Durham/Gough) Stubbs and Quinn were laying into the Arsenal and trying to stir up calls from disgruntled fans (no Gooners called in whilst I listened), anyway this Man Utd fan took us back a few years when another arrogant Dutchman decided it was time to up sticks and leave. Ruud Van Nistelroy had just finished a season of being Uniteds main scorer and everyone wondered where the goals would come from and talked about it being the end for United. They won the league the next season (06-07) with two players in the top scorer list but according to this fan the rest of the team were now taking responsibility rather than looking for Van the Man at every opportunity.
They went on the next season to win the League for the following 3 Seasons and threw in a Champions Leage for good measure.
He was a similar age to Robin and was quoted as saying “now I play for the best club in the world”….not sure United fans have lost too much sleep since.
The only way RVP leaving can be a blessing is IF/WHEN Arsene spends the money on a world class defender like Chiellini (swap ) and a Cavani type predator. We have enough playmakers with Jack, Arteta ans Rosicki plus the OX……I will only be happy when I see our failed defence sorted for the first time in 7 years and al the deawood is sold to create the gaps and the finance. So hopefully its goodbye to Arsharvin, Bentner, Sqillacci, Fabiansky, Vela, Chamakh, Djourou, and Theo if he keeps overrating his talent.
I hate to say this, but we already have a playmaker in Eisfeld. I’m sure that Wenger will slowly integrate him this season and suprise everbody. Le boss won’t splash 15-30£m for a proven playmaker I’m afraid. My star addition would be Belhanda of Montepellier. Let’s wait and see what happens.
% of SOT – RVP 47.1, Poldi – 42.9, Giroud- 43.5
gls/shots % – RVP 17.2, Poldi- 21.4, Giroud- 13
I think Podolski’s numbers indicate he is the clinical striker in our team. His finishing was more clinical than RVP’s last season, though his shooting accuracy was slightly less.
In terms of creating opportunities, Van Persie is far ahead of either Podolski or Giroud (although the no. of assists are similar) In a sense, Robin was let down by poor finishing from others (mostly Gervinho and Ramsey I think) But I think Podolski can be creative too. He was playing in a team that was battling relegation and as such he was the main man. His role was to score more than to provide, and even then he came up with 7 assists. Podolski was involved in 64% of Cologne’s goals last season. The rest of his offensive numbers are very similar to RVP. He dribbles slightly more than Robin, was dispossessed and turned over the ball slightly less.
Giroud, although the typical no.9, only scored one headed goal, from 35 attempts. Which is worth bearing in mind. However, he did win over 70% of his Aerial Duels, and many of his assists come from knock downs. Pity Sagna isn’t fit, because I think his crosses could be ideal fodder for Giroud to score more with his head.
Well, I do think we could do with a creative midfielder, but that depends on the fitness of Wilshere and Diaby, and the form of Rosicky and Ramsey (who created plenty chances last season as well), But, will we miss the creative qualities of RVP? I think Podolski can create more than he showed last season, the aforementioned players could step up too, and for all his creativity, we didn’t really convert most of the chances Robin created. So, in terms of loss of output, it might not be that much.
I think we need an attacking midfielder/creative force, but someone who can play on the wings. If Podolsk plays through the middle, as I suspect he will, we really have only Gervinho, Theo and Ox, who can play out wide. Having another winger, gives us much needed cover, but also flexibility to move Ox, or the new winger, into the AM slot. Podolski too can play there. He’s quicker than RVP, and can take advantage of Giroud’s knockdowns etc.
So, I think we need a winger, more than a pure creative force. We have plenty options who can play as AM. But not enough options on the wings. Probably a less speedy, but more technical player. (poldi can also provide speed on the flanks)
For me, we need a Winger, a DM, and a backup GK. I think we’ll get 2 out of 3.
Thanks Sagar, interesting thoughts.
It’ll be earlier than planned, but I think the next incarnation of Arsenal will see the side built around Wilshere as a playmaker, with Song (assuming he signs a new contract) and Arteta providing the base. I also think Arshavin might be kept, as a squad player for playing in the hole.
Good call from Exile re the non-impact of van Nistelrooy’s departure on United. It’s a team game, and more than any individual contribution, we will succeed or fail on the basis of the collective dynamic.
You’re a optimistic person who love Arsenal Club like me. But I don’t have a slight point view as you. I very worry about serial player which can go out after the RVP’s statement . I hope Arsenal can sustain in this summer storm.
personally i would say that losing Cesc was more difficult than losing RVP because Cesc had the ability to get the best out of other players, Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner and even Chamack. maybe Wenger should stop building Arsenal around individuals, i don’t know if he choses to do so or circumstances force him to, but i’d really like to see Arsenal relying on the strength of the whole team rather than individuals, bacause these player don’t show Wenger the same loyalty. Cesc was a Barca reject, RVP was constantly injured, what’s next? Diaby’s gonna come good and leave as well? the truth is, Wenger didnt choose to sell Nasri, Cesc, Cliche, and now RVP, he was/is forced to sell these players.
“Who needs Batman when you have an ungrateful twat”
I for one am happy that RVP came out before preseason. Now Wenger has time to plan for next season with out him.
he’s just bought two left foot strikers so maybe that is the attack sorted.
Walcott while good is not as vital as RVP.
The ox can play there as can Gervinho as can Miyachi. so maybe thats sorted too.
Play maker? maybe tho a midfield of Arteta (the Sweeper), Song (Skirmisher) and Wilshire (catalyst) is fairly balanced.. the only backup we need is for Arteta.
Wilshire is ably backed up by Rosicky and Ramsay
Song is able backed by Coquelin and Frimpong
Arteta performs a role that is half Gilberto (wall) and half Fabregas (playmaker) so he is harder to backfill – we won 1 game last season that he didn’t play in. Maybe its M’vila but i don’t know…. Coquelin might have the class and discipline to pull that off.
So right now i think we could do with one midfielder and would like to see hugo Lloris come in an challenge Chesney….
You’re entirely right, I hadn’t thought that it leaves us a little bereft in the creativity department, somewhere we weren’t exactly ripping it up in last year. I felt we could do with another creative player last season (even with Wilshere fit, it would have left us a little light imo) unless Rambo steps up his game a little. A proper no. 10 or another decent talent in midfield, not sure I’d like to rely on Aneke or someone coming in if Wilshere doesn’t recover and someone else in the middle gets a long term injury.
we need a good playmaker…spot on!
We can’t eat our cake and have it back.because when arsenal as a club sell out is best playery to another club and use money for their own advantage after that they will be expecting miracle that they will wine trouphy why can’t they try and keep their best players at all cost.
Great start to the week Sagar. Thank you.
I completely agree that team spirit and fitness will be the key components in what will be a highly successful season 🙂
Playmaker…..mmmmm. Because I am not in fact Arsene in disguise, I find this one very hard. Does he plan to ease The Ox into the AM role, as if he does, that would very much alter my shopping list (if such a thing exists)?
Abdulraheem We have never sold our best player… that is the misconception.
You see our best player is the manager and Arsene Wenger has remained at the club despite numerous attempts to steal him from us…
Arsene is mr Arsenal. He is so good and so vital that i would believe that he could take 11 random members of the public into a preseason camp in July and by may they’d be into the top 4.
Its true the sagas prevent us from competing as Wenger only needs stability over two seasons and he will win a title.
We panic,
we panic because The press howl with derision when clubs like Mancity pay over the top prices for our players… Adebayor, Toure, Clichy, Nasri nearly cost them a 100m.
FFS.
“oh Arsenal are a selling club, they can’t be taken seriously”
and yet year on year we always finish in the top 4.
and spurs don’t, and Chelsea don’t and Mancity Don’t.
Before we all wish our club and the distinct essence of Arsenal away. Maybe we should take stock and analyse where we are.
What we are.
the best football club in england.
because all our rivals are no longer football clubs – they are franchises, corperations, harems.
and i don’t want oil fueled titles that mean nothing.. i want jack wilshire to get his sustainable hands on a trophy that was won on merit or quite frankly i don’t want it at all..
Morning all,
Great post Sagar, I too would love it if Diaby had an injury free season and realised his potential – but then he’d probably want to leave the next 😦
I hope you don’t mind but I had to make a couple of minor changes just in case we could have been sued (26may, I could do with your advice)
I’d love a world class playmaker, but there are a couple of problems. There are very few and they are over priced … and the ones there are seem to be way too full of themselves.
Micky … re our recent telephone conversation, did you see we’ve been linked with Victor Moses?
Wenger should go and sighn replacement for RVP.
@abdulraheem, your name sounds familiar, a basketball hall of fame lol? jokes aside, you cannot keep a player who doesnt want to be kept, maybe we should have kept Cesc because he still had a few years left on his contract, but does it really help to have a player who wants to leave? do you think he’ll give his all to the team? remember that Arsenal was built around Cesc, now imagine Cesc not giving 100%, what would that do to the team? Cliche and Nasri were very clear, they werent gona sign new contracts period. the only mistake was to sell to a premiership team, but again Man City were the only team stupid enough to pay that much.
RVP is a different story, he didnt reveal what was said in the meeting, but again he said he isn’t going to sign a new contract, what should Arsenal do? sell him but this time to a different league if possible.
we can all talk about how all these players were not adequately replaced but, to get a replacement is not as easy as most of us think, one needs to find the right player and that player has to be available. Ian Wright spoke some shit about Arsenal losing out on Juan Mata, Eden Hazard David Silva but he forgot to mention which teams that signed those players.
My point is, as soon as Man City, Chelsea and Real Madrid start to have interest in the same player, it becomes difficult for other teams to compete, as a result we end up going for players that are not so popular and that is always a gamble, it can go either way.
@Gerano, i complelety agree with you, we might see Thomas Eisfeld being introduced and i think he’ll surprize most, at least i hope so.
Victor Moses is great, and was man of the match when Wigan beat us in April. But I’m not sure he’s ready for a big club move, it looks to me like he needs a bit more time to develop. Would love him to end up in the red-and-white (and blue, what’s that all about?).
Sagar – good post, thank you.
However, as i have stated more than once before – Usmanov was jailed for financial inconsitencies by biggest crooks than him. To accuse him of rape and murder is seriously wrong and potentially dangerous.
What is it with this site that people knock Alex Song and wear it like a badge of honour?
“I assume that if we indeed get a playmaker, Song might not neglect his defensive duties after all as there is no added pressure of creating chances.”
Most of the post is taken up by the concern for a new play maker. I share that concern and it is that very problematical area last season that forced Song to play further forward to try and make up for the ineptitude in front of him.
All you needed to do was add the words “be forced to” in between the words “not and neglect”.
I know is the done thing to say: Oh great post, wonderful, marvellous but sly digs at worthy Arsenal players offends me.
Great post by the man with five A’s for Arsenal and three AR’s for ARRRRRRRRRRRsenal in his name! 🙂
I have also been doing some thinking about our formation for next season – in the light of the seemingly irreversible departure of Robin van Penis.
I don’t think we’ll get a new playmaker, although like you, I would welcome it with open arms. I reckon we will play with Giroud on top and 5 midfielders behind him – just as we did at the start of the 2010-2011 season, when Chamakh played that role.
During the first half of that season, we managed to score 2.4 goals per game, whilst any sustained period with RvPe as our sole striker we never got passed the 2.0 mark per game.
In such a formation, I can see the Gervinho/the Pod, or even Santos, on the left in midfield, and Theo/Coquelin/The Ox on the right. The Pod could also start instead of Giroud or could be his replacement. In the centre of the ‘5’ midfielders, you can pick and choose out of Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Diaby, the Ox, JW, le Coq, le Frimponghe, and even the tsar of melancholy (am trying to cheer up our Judas Priest loving Gooner 🙂 ).
Somebody already mentioned Eisfeld and, as far as I know, we also still have Ozyakop to break through this season.
4-5-1 is also a great formation for protecting the defence as we will keep a lot of possession, and yet we just seem to score more goals with this sort of formation. Key is to get goals from the midfielders though, and all the midfielders I mentioned above to need to make a step up next season.
So, I think I am going to agree with Shard, albeit from a slightly different angle, that we could be looking for an attacking midfielder who is comfortable at the wing as well as in the centre (ooh how Mata would have fitted this formation!), and who can score 10+ PL goals next season.
Under Arsene, we will never give up on possession football, tiki taka- like football. It is still style of football that has given us the edge in order to finish in the top-4 every season, and do so well in the CL. We need to build on that, improve it, and add a bit of directness, clinical finishing and become less vulnerable to injuries of our key players, in order to make the next step up.
With the arrival of Giroud and the Pod we will get more directness, and I can see why we are still being linked with more strikers. With Chamakh and Bendy to leave and Campbell on loan for another season, we need additional cover for Giroud and the Pod, because these boys will be busy. 🙂
@TotAL, Ozyakop was sold to Besiktas a few weeks ago
*passed = past
Good to see you back Evonne! 🙂
Chas, you devil! I was hoping everybody had forgotten about that one….. 🙄
D98 – so fine comments again, but I hate that avatar: it gives me the creeps! 😦
Take9, thanks but are you sure: I never so it confirmed?
evonne, I amended the wording in the post regarding those allegations you mention.
Hi 26may, yes Moses ripped us apart in that game, he looked dangerous every time he had the ball. Micky and I agreed we’d like to see him at the Arsenal.
I can’t seeing us buying another striker when the balance is we’ve lost one (maybe 2 if Chamakh goes) and signed 2.
Hello Total! I read your blog about the traitor – very, very good. You must be hurting even more than the rest of us – you had complete faith in his integrity and he let you down. Bastardly situation
Hi Rasp – thank you. they are rather serious allegations, and this is a serious blog, read by many
Hello Evonne 🙂
I missed you on here for the last week or so 😦 Did you go on one of your many world trips? 🙂
You are right. I feel hurt and also a bit embarrassed. I read back a few of my posts on him and they now make me cringe! Titles like: ‘There is no ‘I’ in team, but every bit of Persie in Leadership’….. and the ‘Bakkie Koffie one’. You can take the player out of Rotterdam, but you cannot take the rot out of the player. Poor Arsene – his believe in human kind must have had another shock!
GiE, Peaches and RA, thanks for responding to my query re the risks of a rights issue.
RA 🙂
Your post has really made me understand the issue of pumping additional cash into the club a lot better. Cheers mate.
Have you read this. All the recent posts about Wenger adopting a new tactical approach don’t seem to be in his mind.He will carry on as before
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/7882678/Wenger-won-t-change-his-ways
Option 1) RvP Nuri Sahin (playmaker)?
– RvP would be off to a different league (La Liga) & could still win things with Real. Real has abundance of riches in midfield (Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Ganero, Kaka, Sahin) and if reports are true, looking to add Modric & Lucas Moura(Sao Paulo).
– Nuri Sahin can defend & attack competently, can play DM/CM/AM positions, good passer, set-piece taker, long shot & tackler. Stints with Dortmund & Real.
Option 2) Chamakh + cash Stevan Jovetic (second striker/playmaker)?
(Viola makes Chamakh approach)
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7883771/Viola-make-Chamakh-approach
If New playmaker: Either Nuri Sahin or Stevan Jovetic.
——————————————————————-
Still with 3-4-1-2 being our formation the new season.
– Having 3 competent CBs is good & for Koscielny, Mertesacker & Vermaelen to play together more regularly to develop match understanding;
– even if Sagna is not match fit at the start, we do not have to play a FB, use Coquelin & Santos/Gibbs as WB covering our wide areas; with insurance of 3 CBs where Koscielny & Vermaelen could move up/side when our WBs attack upfield.
– say if during a game, one of our CBs got injured, it is still alright as we still have 2 other CBs in the game, we could then sub in a midfielder for the injured defender. Formation shape still remains intact, with either Song or Arteta then sitting in deep in DM/closer to defence while subbed-in midfielder (e.g. Wilshere, Rosicky, Ramsey etc) plays CM.
Hi LB 🙂
I use to love watching the Tour de France. This was before all the doping scandals and Holland still had men who defied the very fact that it is as flat as a pancake, and still could become kings of the mountains.
My all time favourite was Joop Zoetemelk (despite some doping issues as well), but I also loved Hennie Kuiper (won Alpe d’Huez twice in a row in the late seventies – the vicar there used to be Dutch and would ring the bells every time a Dutchman won this famous stage).
Zoetemelk became second many times behind the super-humans Merkcx and Bernard Hinault and then one year the latter had to pull out and Joopie was able to win it. Those were the days! 🙂
My dad, who still watches the TdF religiously, reckons Wiggins has a very good chance this year.
Kelsey
We have some very talented young players coming through, it seems natural to me that Wenger would want to give them all the encouragement he can by making statements to emphasise that he will continue prioritising youth (I paraphrase) But the thing is the signings don’t lie. Podolski and Giroud are not exactly Alexander Hleb.
Thank god for that LB 😆
What is it with Gooners? A 1 in 8 “you guys” 29 year old type wants more wonga (that we ain’t gonna give him) and so suddenly after 8 injury filled years he decides we don’t match his ambitions and he’s off to join his best mate Nas (no ambition after signing 2 internationals Already? The cheek of the man). This inexplicably has caused loads of Gooners to wanna go in for some retail therapy? I guess we’d all love a Ganso type of €50mil Brazilian wonder kid winger who’d arrive and light up the prem.
But why splash the cash when we have Miyaichi & Ox who can both play as wingers? If Jack is on schedual-ish Septober wasn’t it? Pencil him in for Xmas/ new year to be fully back. Another big if is Diaby? if he comes back fit enough and manages to stay that way fantastic But our immediate midfield picks itself when fit (Song Arteta Rosicky). I’d seriously think of playing Ryo & Ox either side of either Giroud (Girou silent “d” everyone) or Pod. There’s been loads of talk about dead wood and our need to out them and yes a whole sale clear out would be very nice, but lets just remember our injury record come November eh? We can’t leave ourselves without cover or Wenger will get it in the neck for not having planned well enough from the same bods wanting a clear out.
Not exactly one season wonders ‘a la’ Hleb well we can all be thankful for that hopefully!!
Hi TA
The way I look at it is like this: 10 years ago there was enormous pressure on all riders to use whatever means were available to them to get an advantage; in short, they were all at it.
The most common practice was for riders to take their own blood in January which was full of red blood cells and replace the depleted body during the TDF by way of transfusion. The more red blood cells you have the more oxygen you can carry, the harder you can push yourself.
I know I was embarrassed by Oz this morning and good luck to him but this June was the first time Armstrong has ever said he has never doped. This is obviously strange because he has been accused of doping since 1998. He always used to say that he had never failed a dope test, big difference.
The other obvious thing is that technology has moved on so much more since 1998. There was no internet or next to nothing, there were very few mobile phones; the laboratories that were used then to test blood are nowhere near as sophisticated as they are today.
These charges against Armstrong are not a vendetta, the man is about to get his comeuppance.
So where are we today? As I said the laboratories now are so sophisticated it is impossible to change blood or anything else for that matter.
I believe that all the top riders are cleaner than clean.
It will take a long time for the general pubic’s understandable perception of cycling to change but it will.
Hi Richie
While you are around, it was very endearing to suggest that I was off to play football in my Arsenal shirt (if only) But I am in fact exactly the same age as you.
Rasp,
I did hear the Moses link after our phone call, and I’m afraid my first thought was: “That little snake Rasp had inside information all along” 🙂
LB,
I have a brother who has a treking business in Nepal, and says that around Everest base camp, smokers do well as their body is used to less oxygen.
With improved testing in the TDF, I expect to see more riders with a fag in their mouths.
Very pleased to hear we are offering kozzer a new contract nice and early. Now there is a player who is worth £60-70k per week
17th November will do just fine LB cheers!
LB, I sincerely hope so. I would start watching the TdF again if I knew with some certainty that taking drugs on a large scale is a thing of the past.
Hi Richie, good to have a francophone at AA!
Re Vertonghen, I checked with a friend of mine again yesterday. He supports, like me, a team called Roda JC in Holland, so he is not biased in any way. He reckons Vertonghen is not a classical CB, and confirms your view that he can be a bit vulnerable in his own box at times. However, he also said this was not a big issue at Ajax, as he fits well into their style of football and very few opponents are able to put Ajax under sustained pressure in the Eredivisie. He reckons his forward thrust and energy levels are impressive, and so are his long-distance crosses and goal threat during set-pieces.
With Vermaelen we already have such a player, so happy to see us giving him a miss. Hopefully he’ll flop at the Spuds! 😛
Micky 🙂
Richie said: “But why splash the cash when we have Miyaichi & Ox who can both play as wingers?”. Because they are not ready yet to become full on first team players, and this might take at least a couple or more seasons. However, if Theo stays it becomes less important.
Micky, moi? inside info?
I wish there were truth in the story but it’s from the Metro and so carries zero credence
Afternoon all,
good post Sagar!
My belief is that we will not sign any more players, at best we might sign a youngster or two but thats it..and that will only be if any of this so called deadwood gets sold (not out on loan)
i think we will have to wait a season or two before the purse strings even start to get the snip, but by then i believe this einsfeld kid along with Ryo and a few others will be rip roaring reddy to go!!
TotAl, dont you like Judas Priest? 🙂
Mrs Sagna has a dig at RvP….well it’s how I read it anyway. 🙂
Gazidis Out!!!
Sagar, you may call me fickle!!
Rio might be saying something about JT?
GiE, its about Bacary being a shite kisser, never having the time to take her on any dates and never talking his girl up in public 🙂
Thanks for the read and comments , fellow Gooners !
Chere Ludivine,
Je suis humble, j’aime watching the TV et blogue, et je suis une plus beller kisseur!
Simplement, je suis l’homme….
TotAl 😛
Tu dois dire: adieu Bacari et alloooooo TotAl 💡
@Shard:
Good analysis on our 3 strikers. By a wing AM, am I right to say that what you are suggesting is a younger version of Benayoun? 😉
The propensity for Arsenal fans to get hysterical at the drop of a hat is quite remarkable.
No player is bigger than the club and, as we managed well without CF, we will do so without RVP.
WE have suffered in the past by concentrating on one player only.
The classic case was Ian Wright. In 90/91 we smashed all before us and were great, with Alan Smith as the fulcrum of our attacks.
GG then made the mistake that would, in my view, eventually bring his reign to an end, by buying IW, and changing the whole focus of the team.
The attack was designed to pander to IW’s strengths, so much so that he bacame, virtually, our only goal scorer, and the slide downhill began.
When Henry emerged, our attacks and goals came from a variety of players, from Pires, to Ljumberg, to DB, Wiltord and many others.
AS soon as AW started to concentrate on CF, expecting him to be the fulcrum of the team, things started to deteriorate, because there were not enough players in front of him the score the goals.
So we come to RVP. When he was injured for the first half of 1010/11, with Chamack as the no. 9 we scored many goals, and they came from many players. As soon as RVP returned, it was IW all over again, He was virtually the only one to score for the rest of that season and we see the same this season, but to a lesser exent, because TW began scoring.
WE need to avoid relying on one striker and should attack on the wings and through the middle, with the whole of the midfield participating, and with the speed that we saw from the Invincibles. If you look at there goals, you will see that a large number came from quick attacks.
Maybe, RVP’s greed will become a blessing in disguise.
Also for those people who critisize AW and the board for not trying to sign RVP up earlier, and there seem to be a lot out, they live in a dream world.
Do they honestly think that AW and the rest of the people at the Club are idiots and do not know what they are doing? Of course they have been trying to get RVP and the others to sign contract extensions, but it takes 2 to tango,. Clearly, RVP (and no doubt TW) have been thinking about moving for a long time and realised that the longer they drag out the negotiations for a new contract the stronger their poisition will be.
Tony, I used to really like JP, but not so much anymore.
Have you been shOOtiNG kaNGarOOs recently? 🙂
@Rasp:Thanks for posting ! Also good editing on your part, I was pretty hasty in writing , I have also sent you a simple picture of Arsene which you can upload at the bottom of the post…
@evonne: thanks for clarifying about Usmanov….
Also, thanx for the read !
TotAl, i couldnt answer that question on a public forum!
you do know that we have a kangaroo on ‘the coat of arms’ 🙂
but they taste soo good….wait….i didnt say that 😉
besides, its WaBBiT season 😉
Hi Sagar,
I’ve added your picture at the bottom as requested.
Kelsey @ 12.01pm,
Please correct me if i am wrong or have misunderstood you, but i think you have confused Wengers’ tactical approach with his transfer policies?
@Lb:
About Song, I never took a dig at him, its just my opinion that he does make some defensive mistakes trying to create chances. Song and Vermaelen have been my 2 favourite Arsenal players ever since they signed up…but I do get irritated sometimes when they bomb forward even when we don’t have the need too, especially Vermaelen. I think it was in a interview that Song said “I and Vermaelen have that understanding, when one of us goes ahead to create chances, the other stays back” However, last season, there were a few instances in which both were ahead even when we are leading, and then got caught on the break (Norwich game is the best example.) I think its more of an error on a slight lapse of concentration on their part…..and also the fact that Wenger makes the players to decide for themselves and play their own game…instead of providing a tactical setup to follow…That has to change in my opinion.
Thanks for the comment, and good to know that you yourself are also a fan of the great Song Billong 🙂
TotAl @11.25am, ‘tsar of melancholy’ 🙂
D98,
your avatar reminds me of Stephen Kings “pennywise”… am i far off?
TA – yes, I was in a very hot country, 35-40 degrees every day; it was a relief to come back to the cold and wet weather I am accustomed to
@TA : hmmm…4-5-1 seems like a logical option too….however, we can all make a decision on what Wenger might play once he buys all the players…maybe we will ahve an idea in the next 2 weeks when Arsenal play their preseason games (yipeee!!! AFC football is back !!) 😀
@kelsey:
The news by sky sports is just recycled news which AW made a couple of weeks ago…..I think he hasn’t commented anything on the RVP situation yet, I would love to see his reaction to that. And as far as we know about Arsene, of course he’s a stubborn man who will stick to his principles and philosophy, its just that I want to see him succeed atleast once using them, the guy has handled a lot of flak for the past 8 years, shouldering the burden of the cannon on his own.
I like sagars writing
Sagar and LB,
I take on board your points but it gets harder year by year to dig out gems at an affordable price to the club.
I have tried to raise few points in the last week but hardly anyone answered but to be fair I don’t have the time to be on here as much as I would like.
There is no getting away from the fact that although all clubs have injury we have four first teamers who are injury prone yet when fit add substance to the team/squad.RVP, Diaby, Gibbs and Rosicky.
Yes we have bought Podolski and giroud and both have impressive records in their respective leagues but then so did chamakh.Chamakh scored more headed goals in Europe i think in the CL before we bought him, but to me he is just an average player.Squillacci was a bad buy and who knows why we bought Park, though some said to sell shirts in Asia,well i would have preferred to see someone beneficial to the squad.
Then the point about players coming through the ranks to th level required by a top four team.not exactly many, though I understand it gives most of them a footing to enhance their football career, most probably at a lower level.
I won’t change my opinion that Podolski and Giroud were bought knowing RVP was leaving and i expect either arshavinor,bedtner walcott also to go .
Denilson is staying out on loan. Vela looks like he will finish up in La liga second division and then again we won’t have a fit Wilshere until Xmas.
So many changes yet again which makes it harder to progress . Why we don’t buy a back up keeper and a real no nonsense defender is a mystery as we are still weak as a squad.
It appears AW does stil have one hand tied behind his back, and I appreciate we can’t compete with some clubs but changing (for want of a better word) key personnel every season takes some doing.
Hey Sagar, with RvPe out of the way, it all seems to make sense to me, although I agree with you that we have to wait and see if, and which, other players are added to the team this summer.
The line up of
Szczesny
Sagna – BFG/Vermaelen – Koz – Gibbs
Theo/the Ox – Song – JW/Diaby/Rambo – Arteta – Pod/Gervinho
—————————————Giroud——————————-
….looks both very Wengerish and exciting to me 🙂
Most probably have Tony 😉
All this high finance and FPP rules thiese last few days is way above me. I have had several businessses but obviously football is not run like most day to day businesses.
I don’t toe the line on here,never have done but when I knew we were after Dempsey a few months ago, I knew that things were not going well with those nearing the end of their contract.
Evonne, happy you are back in wet and windy London! 🙂
@jnyc : Thanks ! For a guy like me (English is not my first language), that is a rather huge compliment 🙂
@Total:
Is it by mistake or by intention that you missed Coquelin out there next to Arteta? I have very high hopes for the kid next season….highly underrated by many fans, not by Wenger though…signed a long term contract last season
only yesterday i was thinking exactly this, the need of a playmaker and for some reason i kept thinking about christian eriksen from ajax. now i m not the type that has a list of players i want the manager to buy, normaly i wait and see whatever happens, but in this case eriksen just kept on popping up in my mind, forget hazard, kagawa, belhanda and i dont know who else, eriksen would be a player that would fit perfectly in a fast attacking style of football like ours, i have this gut feeling and i hope its right
Well said Sagar….
We surely can’t have as doomy and gloomy a start to the season as we did last year…so yeah in my eyes the only way is up.
Its simply crazy to think that we because we lose a player here or a player there that we will sink like a stone. Why/How do so many fools in the media continually talk as if its no longer a team sport..??
Madness
Sagar,
A younger version of Benayoun is putting it very well 🙂
Kelsey,
I agree that Podolski and Giroud were bought with Robin’s exit in mind, though they might still have hoped to get him to reconsider. Or at least planned to hold him to his contract.
We have a few injury prone players, the prime among whom is Diaby. Robin too, but he’s had 18 months with no major injury. Rosicky seems to have overcome his injury problems. Wilshere..Well..As of now, I don’t have much hope to see him having a great year. He’ll need time, just like Ramsey did. I expect Ramsey to be better this season. So yes. A few injury prone players, and a few other injury problems. However, it is important to see why we get these injuries. Is it the training regime? Possible. The club are making a lot of effort to look into that though. New medical centre, the use of GPS etc. Our injuries could also be due to Arsenal don’t like it up em being propagated in the media. I agree it was propounded less in the previous season than seasons past, but perceptions take longer to change. Even if the player doesn’t immediately get injured, over time, all the kicks, and tugs and jolts, cause more wear and tear. In any case, the club is examining it. We cannot buy more than a certain number of players though.
Chamakh’s goalscoring record wasn’t as good as either of our new buys’. He was a player who was brought to add something different to us, and for a while he did. Whether his failings were due to lack of quality, or lack of some mental fortitude is debatable. Squillaci, no matter how poorly it worked out, was exactly the sort of player we needed then. An experienced CB who had played at the top level. Again, it just didn’t work out. But the signing itself represented something positive. If your point is we’re buying average players, I’d sort of agree. Those players are above average. They fall short of being good enough for us, and are definitely not in the great category. But, you must acknowledge, the club tried to buy players to fill the need (Chamakh should have been bought 6 months sooner though)
don;t think we’re seeing too many changes this year though. We have a settled midfield pecking order, and Wilshere to come back. We have a settled defense too. I don’t think Djourou will go anywhere, and I am happy about that. As 4th choice CB, Homegrown, Djourou is more than decent. He was played mostly out of position last season. We also have Miquel and Bartley (only one of whom will make it I think) coming through the ranks.
Our forward line, if we can keep Theo, is probably better than last year too. Gervinho should be better this year, Theo will be Theo, Ox will improve as well. And for RVP (who had a magic year) we now have Podolski and Giroud, which I think is a fair enough situation, though I agree, the forwards will take some time to bed in. If Gervinho and the midfielders can add a few goals, we’ll be just fine without RVP.
So, I think we’ll get a backup GK (if Fabianski leaves) and I don’t think we need to buy any defender. Any additions to midfeld (attacking or defensive) will be welcome, but I see our team as a largely settled side (if we keep Theo!!) which will improve on last year’s performance.
(Vela will move to La Primera Liga, not the second division)
Wow Sagar, I would not have guessed that English is not your first language! I agree with the Johnnie, you have a lovely style of writing! 🙂
Re: le Coq, the opposite is true. I rate him very highly and I reckon he will get plenty of games on either RB or RM, or in he middle.
The good thing about 4-5-1 is we don’t need a typical playmaker around which we build the team. There are more than a few in that midfield who can pick a pass/through ball, which makes us very hard to play against.
I know it’s not good form to take chat away from our beloved footy, but the Tour de France is epic right now: Wiggins vs Evans vs Froome vs Cancellara. And halfway round the time-trial, Wiggo is looking mighty good.
Has john terry been let off yet?
GM, not yet, I think the trial is meant to last all week. And then he’ll be let off.
He’s obviously going to get not guilty. Suarez should have denied it and he would have got off.
I thought he was going to Crown court. He may get guilty in a magistrates. All that bollocks about leaving Rio out for “footballing” reasons is exactly that. Bollocks. The FA are corrupt scum just like Uefa and fifa.
Thing is GM, the criminal case is irrelevant to any FA proceedings. I am sure Liverpool will be watching like hawks, as if after the criminal proceedings (whether guilty or not guilty) he will be subject to FA charge. I think the FA will find him guilty on exactly the same basis as they found Suarez guilty, context was irrelevant he used racist language. The same goes for Terry in this case.
Lets be honest, if someone came up to you and said “oi did you just call me xxxxxxx?” and you hadn’t would you repeat the insult back or would you say “no i didn’t”.
Guilty as charged m’lud pass the black cap for sentencing.
He obviosly is guilty GIE. If he get’s not guilty he won’t be charged by the FA though.
On Ferdinand Incident:
“I’m being honest and open with you guys, that I didn’t mean it in the context that, if you watch the video and me, watching the video, you can quite easily say that doesn’t look good.”
On Barca sending off:
“Sanchez was darting in behind me. I’ve seen the replay and it does look bad. I’m not that type of player to intentionally hurt anyone. I’ve raised my knee, which I maybe shouldn’t have done in hindsight. But hopefully people who know me as a person, as a player… I’m not that type of player. At the time, I was bewildered because I was trying to protect myself a little bit, but looking at it on the replay, I’ve no complaints.”
Similar defence
His defence is that he was repeating what Ferdinad “thought” he’d said. If he get’s off because of that. The FA can’t really charge him.
His defence are also saying he was provoked as a back up strategy
I think the FA can, we will have to wait for our resident lawman to present himself, but my understanding is its racist language, he used it, context irrelevant, FA Charge to come followed by ban,fine and an announcement of International Retirement.
Well I can dream cant I?
That would mean they can charge the referee for saying “did you call him a….? “
A fine post, Sagar.
In some ways we were fortunate last season that van Persie had an injury free season. It will be so much better if the goalscoring is shared around a little more.
I still can’t see how the Pod and G Spot both fit into our recent 4-3-3. I’m hoping they can forge an attacking partnership of sorts. Who knows what form that will take?
26 @11:19,
see
1982-3
1983-4
1986-8
1988-90
1992-4
1998-2002
for recent examples
http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Arsenal/Arsenal.htm
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/131/460/1225816.jpg.23040.0_display_image.jpg?1262140451
hahahaha, that 1895/96 kit is like i how to dress at home chas. love answering the door to strangers dressed in that. The key is to keep a completely straight face and allow the stranger to clock you head to toe. The only way i can describe there face is to picture a very upset and frightened Mesut Ozil.
Sagar, excellent post dude. Ramsey will be our playmaker next season. I realy think he will surprise us all. All the ingredients are there for a suceesful season, ime very excited about it.
Wow totally forgot the blue trim on those kits. But weirdly remembered the 92-93 kit.
Ashamedly I think the home kit I bought last season was the first home shirt I bought since that 92-94 kit. I only got that one when the cup final was on and had my name printed and No4.
My dad was a bit miffed when he went to pick it up, he had expected me to choose 6 or 8.
I liked Davis and that was his comeback season under Graham after rotting in the reserves for a while after not seeing eye to eye. I also liked that haymaker.
GiE, incredible you mention Paul Davis. He was exactly who i was thinking of when i mentioned Ramsey in my last post. Pre George Graham he looked a fish out of water. Come 1990 he was playing paul Gasgoine of the park. A great player in my opinion.
Double98 11.04…absolute legend of a comment !
Very well played
Very underrated player Terry. Him, Mickey and Rocky was a midfield I enjoyed watching.
That’s why I pin so much hope on our youngsters emerging together, there was nothing as enjoyable as seeing youngsters progress through the ranks.
Hi Chas and other AA’ers,
Here are the results of the predictions post from back in March. Use the link below to see the post and your own predictions:
https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/ten-games-to-go-how-will-it-end/
Questions/answers/(points for right answers)
* How many points will we get from those 10 games? 18 (2)
* What will be the Top-six at the end of the season (in order)? MC, MU, ARSE, Spurs, NU, Chelsea (1 for each correct league table position, maximum of 6 points)
* Will Arsenal remain unbeaten? No (1)
* How many more goals will RvP score? 4 (1)
* Who will win the PL? MC (1)
* How many games will Wilshere play of the ten remaining? Nil (1)
* How many goals will Arsenal have scored at the end of the season (currently 57)? 74 (2)
* How many more come-backs this season? 1 (1)
* How many more assists by Alex Song between now and the end of the season? 2 (1)
* How many clean sheets? 5 (1)
* Who will win the CL this year? Chelsea (1)
* Who will win the FA-cup? Chelsea (1)
25 Bloggers took part properly.
Winners are:
7 points: Sharkey and Chas
6 points: Nate, Jon Jynnas, Jean Caldwell, Peaches-Son
5 points: Kelsey, TotAl, Arsenalista, GiE, CharyB
4 points: 26May, Tony (RurP)
3 points: Peaches, Strus, Mwalimu Elias, RA, VCC, Micky, Slough Gooner, Oz
2 points: Ameya, RL, Wrighty
1 point: London Gunner.
So well done to Sharkey and Chas! 🙂 🙂
Chas, cheers for the kit link, I hadn’t seen that for a while. I know it’s predictable to slag off new kits, but it’s the big blocks of blue on the shirt itself this that I don’t like. Blue piping etc is ok, and I absolutely love old-school blue-and-white socks but that blue on the new shirt just seems wrong.
As evidence that I’m not always a reactionary, I really liked the home kit we’ve just ditched, plus I’m the only person outside the Nike marketing department that likes the blue diagonal halves away shirt.
Spot on re Paul Davis: quality player. That Cockerill punch came at the wrong time, just as Davis had broken into the England squad; his nine-game suspension ended that. Never happened for him internationally, but he’ll always be loved in Goonerdom.
A re-turn @TotAl 1:07 Stop it! Too young too inexpirenced not ready? Sounds like a Mary Whitehouse rant. So who do we buy off the shelf ready made and ready for a prem season who ain’t gonna need time to adjust to the Arsenal way or adjust to the prem at a reasonable price mind you? Jack was once in the same boat as the above. Then Arsene played him and he got the necessary expirence and he was ready. I say the Ox is very ready now and Ryo ain’t miles away after his loan spell away at Bolton. They both might need a 45 before full 90’s but nows the time to break them in I believe.
P.S. I may be in a majority of “one” but I also think Coquelin isn’t far from ready. While Frimpong who I like a lot and I think has got all the assets needed to be a great player obviously needs more time. I think most of us realise he’s a player that needs both more time and more expirence.
Richie not wrong on breaking them in, I just hope we fans give them time, one of my biggest bugbears with the faithful at the moment is expecting too much from youngsters. We’ve been spoilt by Cesc’s talent at a young age, sometimes I wish those in the stand would take a second to remember their ages before writing a player off. It used to be something I was proud about us Arsenal fans giving encouragement to the up and coming youth.
Damned! Made a mistake. Song actually had 3 assists (1 against Norwich and 2 against Villa – source BBC match reports). Therefore we have a change in the winners table:
1. Chas: 8 points
2. Nate: 7 points
3. Sharkey, Jean Caldwell, Jon Jynnas: 6 points
Simply fanCHAStic! You are not only a babe-magnet, but also very clever. No wonder Evonne has taken a fancy to you! 😛
Hi Richie 🙂
I think Arsene is moving on from relying too much on youth.
in the 4-5-1 formation I suggested for next season, we need plenty of goals and assists from our midfielders. The Ox and Myachi are promising players but are unlikely to deliver the required performances consistently throughout the coming season.
Currently, we have Theo, Podolski and Gervinho, and yes in an ideal world I would like us to add a ready to rock winger to those, especially if Theo were to leave.
Hmmm a lot of front bottoms in the Guardian report of JT case
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jul/09/john-terry-case-racist-language
PeachesMum test has not been applied in Fleet Street 🙂 surely they could have censored it a bit.
Morning all.
Now David Dein is commenting on the RVP situation only two days after Usmanov’s open letter and for the life of me though I accept what he says, all it does is unsettle even more whatever is going on at the club .
It is not a healthy situation and then throw Darren Dein into the equation as commercial adviser to RVP and pre season training started for some yesterday.
If Dein is such a good friend of Wenger why come out publically with his thoughts as Wenger knows exactly the situation himself.
Surely it wouldn’t appear like that in the hardcopy paper, would it. The TV even pixellates Terry’s mouth so as not to offend any lip-readers out there.
Thanks for the results, TA. Most unexpected.
Wasn’t it only pixelated because of the legal proceedings?
Morning Kelsey…I don’t get DD Snrs comments either, he isn’t with R&W anymore so why the posturing?
As for DD jnr, well he can bugger off, how come he has managed to work with so many of our players?
You’re probably right, GIE. After all none of us had seen the footage before, had we? I wonder how the censorship is enforced when the sign language version of the news is presented. A hand placed over the mouth?
David Dein can go rot in hell.
I rather like having blue incorporated in our strip, it shows how patriotic I am. As a kid I had the blue and white hooped socks. The socks helped me feel half Arsenal and half QPR (sorry Chas, hehe)
VCC,
What did your old man think of you supporting Arsenal?
No problems. You have to remember most of the time we were in a different league. QPR played mostly in a lower division. The last match he went to live was Arsenal v QPR on a boxing day, I can’t remember the score.
Of course when Arsenal played anybody else he was as vociferous as me.
I quite like the hoops repeated on the socks.
I’m too old to dislike a kit I’ll probably be seeing/wearing for the next year.
I like the Arsenal mod badge, too. (Though the cannon was facing the wrong way so I turned it around. Also they could have had the tip of the barrel within the circle. Apart from those two minor details, I like it!) 🙂
http://twitpic.com/a5z0wf/full
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRQJoU52xbg
“Mod badge” 😀 I hadn’t looked at it like that.
All they need to do is release a Parka with that on the sleeve and we will all turn up like a scene from Quadrophenia 🙂
Morning all,
congrats cupid stunt, im guessing it was indeed you that took out top prize in TotAls’ post from last season..
‘cunning stunt’ would also have taken top honours 😉
why the name change?
Just mucking about, Tony.
I only used ‘chas’ in the first place to distinguish blogging here from elsewhere.
I’d buy this T shirt
http://twitpic.com/a5zbsy/full
Morning all,
What is DD saying?
Good morning
Angel – I have just read Double at at 11:04. You are right, top, top comment
Double – congrats, very well said. I don’t want oily trophies either
Evonne hi,
Would it make any difference if there was a lifelong Gunner with a spare billion he wanted to throw at Arsenal, and he had made his money from fair trade cereal and sent 50% of all profits back into third world education and orphanages?
how about this guy: M’Baye Niang. Very talented and only 17 (could become home grown), but …… he looks familiar, another Ade?
I think my point is, do we differentiate between perceived good and bad money, or is it simply any money that skews the balance sheet from a self financing model (sorry, cannot say sustainable model out loud).
Hiya Micky – do you have anybody in mind? Or is it just a nice dream?
Micky – I don’t know, I am rather proud of being different, unique, self sustained. Would I really like a star studded team like Shitty? No, definitely no. Just like Double said – I want to see Jack going through the ranks and lifting the trophy
Micky,
Basically this is what he said..
“All I would hope, for the stability of the club, is whether he stays or whether he goes, it happens quickly.
“You don’t want to see what happened last year when you had Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas stringing it out.”
Morning everyone else.
So by numerous reports i have red City will offer a derisory offer of 15 million for RVP, the club will turn it down and then RVP will ask for a tansfer and bob’s your uncle.
Can someone tell me in plain English why we are one of the richest clubs in the world.it may seem a bit naive but I would still like to know.
A possibility that Dempsey is off to Anfield which surprises me.
Just another thought on this term sustained, we borrowed millions to build a stadium.
Kelsey – and if RvP asks for a transfer, do we HAVE to let him go?
Thanks Kelsey,
Seems a reasonable statement from DD.
No idea on the richest question.
How do you value a business? There are so many ways.
I would imagine so evonne. No point keeping a player who is determined to leave even if he sacrifices his cut in the fee it will be made up to him in other ways.
Morning all, we have a hastily cobbled together……
….. New post …..
Kelsey,
Arsenal is ‘capitalized’ (value of the shares in the club) at approximately £1 billion. That’s £999,000,000 more than my local team. That’s rich?
Mickey,
You borrow £1,000,000 as a mortgage on your home, because you as can afford to pay the interest and repay the loan.
You are a model of financial probity and sustainability.
I borrowed £20 from my mate Jimmy and could not pay him back, partly because I am a rat, and partly because I don’t have any dosh.
I am not financially solvent, nor do I run my affairs on a financially sustainable model. Hsssssss!!
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