One of the most difficult things for Arsène Wenger over the last couple of seasons has been looking over at his bench and asking himself just who he could bring on to change the game.
To be fair to Arsène this wasn’t a problem in the early days of his reign he had a first eleven so much better than the rest of the Premier League that when he turned to his bench he was looking to give a rest to the players who had already put the game out of sight.
In the last few seasons as the rest of the Premier League has improved and teams have adapted their game to keep Arsenal at bay he has needed a bench to change the game. Unfortunately due to injuries, want away homesick players, greedy mercenaries and a very tight budget from the Board Arsène has only been able to look round and see a mixture of youngsters or capable squad players, and none that could be seen as a gamebreaker. Admittedly over the early winter months he could look across to see Thierry and Arshavin and hope they could provide something.
Obviously not every player on the bench is there to change the game, you need one keeper, one defender and maybe two utility players. But then you still have three berths, and unfortunately for the majority of last season we had nothing different sitting on the bench than was already on the pitch, they just had slightly fresher legs (unless the legs belonged to a short Russian) . We had a lot of carbon copies, or players out of form, or players who were not as good as those starting the game. In truth most of the bench was there to only be broken in case of emergency.
But what about this coming season, have the transfers done so far plus the players returning from injury given us anymore from the bench? Whether we lose Van Persie or not the signings we have made already and the further development of the younger players means that Arsène will be able to turn to his bench and actually see players that can change the game, or offer something different to those already on the pitch.
In midfield we will be able to choose a starting three from Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Song, Wilshere, Coquelin, Frimpong, Diaby and maybe Eisfield too.
Up front we will have a starting three from Podolski, Giroud, Gervinho, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Afobe, Miyaichi and maybe even Van Persie and Arshavin.
If we start Podolski, Giroud and Walcott up front Arsène can look over and decide more pace is needed so send on Ryo or Gervinho, or more shots from distance, chuck on Ox.
The same in midfield if starting, Song, Arteta and Rosicky, Arsène can stick Coquelin on for Rosicky if he wants to keep possession, or swap out Arteta for Frimpong if he wants some high energy and to get in the opposition faces, or even put Diaby on for Rosicky if he wants to make another substitution in the next ten minutes.
Even though we have only added a couple of players to the squad so far (if reports are to believed this will be a few players by the time you read this) we seem to have the bench to make Arsène’s life a little easier when he is looking to change the game.
So what do you think, does our bench look better this year than last?
Gooner in Exile
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
@ Micky
isn’t Song 2014 and walcott 2013?
Now to the post
Good work GiE, thanks.
To answer your question, then up front, the answer is Yes, but the way you set out the midfielders, the answer is No. However, might AW be thinking of moving Ox into the centre of midfield, in which case that “No” becomes much more like a “Yes”.
We know what happened to our play in the absense of Arteta, and that vulnerability still exists. Also, neither Rosicky or Ramsey are to my mind Arsenal standard for the AM role. In other words, without adding the Oz to the AM shortlist, then we are relying enormously on Diaby, and we know all too well the risks that comes with that.
Oz,
Don’t know, but thanks.
@ GiE
I definitely think it has. The game against AC milan springs to mind. We needed a game changer on the bench in the second leg to freshen things up, unfortunately we did not have one. I firmly believe if we did we would have made it to the next round! It all comes down to injuries really, but the youngsters have another year of experience/development in them, we have brought in strikers who will actually come on to the field (sorry Park), and Denilson didn’t come back!!!
@ Micky
Yep double checked, 100% one year for Walcott and 2014 for Song (apparently he knocked back talks during the season for a possible extension)
Oz,
Looks lie I’ve added you to the AM shortlist. Is this wise?
Oz, interesting.
I have not seen any of the pre-season’s, so to help me out, has Ox played AM in any?
I’d like to say ‘sub me in coach’ but I’m about attacking as Clichy (I can run fast but my end product is dismal). I’m more of a lorik cana defensive midfielder
Seems like my attacking list has been shortened as Afobe could be off up to Bolton on loan, he may benefit from learning a few dark arts up there with Kevin Davis but I’d prefer him in the PL to be honest.
Micky I think you are right about the midfield, Carzola would change that as would using Ox in there, although I guess that is the brilliance of that young man presently he could be used in a couple of positions.
Ramsey will be come the best midfielder arsenal as ever had yes the best.
GiE,
If Ox is an AM, then I’m not so bothered about Carzola (altho you can never have too many good ‘uns), but imperative to secure a tiptop DM.
Only saw bits and pieces from games, so couldn’t tell you to be honest. From most of what i saw it was eisfeld playing as the AM. Bloody hell I watched the man city game yesterday too and I can’t remember if it was AM or Wing when he came on for Arteta
SONG
CAPOUE
DIABY
WILSHERE
RAMSEY
SAHIN
ARTETA
CAZORLA
ROSCIKY
WALCOT
OX
GERVINHO
RVP
GIROUD
PODOLISKI
MYIACHI
IMAGINE THIS ATTACKING MINDED MIDFIELD WOWOWOWO
Having not seen much of Sahin myself, IF he came in would he be more of a defensive midfielder type, or the Arteta type?
@ Micky
Coquelin is your man, break through season on the cards for that young man
@ Stephen
love the confidence, i sure as hell hope so
Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!
Stephen,
You may well be right, and I hope you are, but he certainly proved last season he is nowhere near good enough for the AM role yet. Mind you, I have long argued that it is the most priviledged role in football, and the system that uses it only works if that man is a very very good footballer.
Work calls.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post GiE. Always good to read your views. 🙂
I am happy with the squad as it is and the possible addition of Cazorla will make us even stronger. But, as indicated yesterday in Oz’s posts and subsequent comments, it is the increased versatility of our players that gives Wenger additional options.
He can change things during a game by shifting players into different positions, without always having to bring new players on.
Re our new ground. Is there a better stadium in this country? Best pitch, great design, and the rest is up to the players and the fans.
Anybody who is in doubt about the need to have versatile players should only look back at the FBs disaster last season. It cost us our season and it was ridiculous that only four players can play effectively in an FB position.
SAGNA KOSCI VERMA GIBBS
(JENIK) (MERT) (——-) (SANTOS)
SONG WILSHE
(CAPOUE) (ARTE,DIABY,RAMSEY)
CAZORLA
(ROSCIKY,SAHIN)
OX RVP GERVINHO
(WALCOT) (GIROUD) (podoliski)
wowowowo
@ Micky
Farewell
As Rocky/GiE said (can’t remember) his best position is the one he is playing whilst at the Olympics. He is the fabric that glues the defense and attack. A carbon copy box to box player. Perfect position for him as he will run all day and always make himself available for the pass
I’m quite glad that these wowowow line ups include a majority of existing players.
Wuba those —— should include Djourou, or Bartley or Miquel.
Next season we’ll have up to 5 AM’s and 5 DM’s playing for us every game. Diaby, Song, Wilshere, Santos, Cazorla, Coquelin, Rosicky, Arteta can all be destroyer one moment and creator the other. Specialism is soooooo last millennium.
Oz think that was our Dutch master TA who said that.
hmm midfield cazorla/ aterta/song sub rosiky/diaby/ramsy. fowrd.giroud/podo/gerviho sub/bolt/ox
Great post GIE, i’ve put in a link on twitter, so hopefully it will get some extra readers.
Anyway it will be nice to have some options off the bench, & boy i’m so excited about this season with or without RVP.
“Santi Claus is coming to town”
@ GiE
couldn’t of been, TA never makes any sense haha
@ TA
It sure is! He evolves when he wants, he evolves when he wants, ARSENE WENGER, he evolves when he wants!!!
TA,
I’m watching you 🙂
“Specialism is soooooo last millennium”…you’re having a go at me aren’t you?
Do City play Total Football? No
Do Utd play Total Football? No
Do Chavs play Total Football? No
Did AW’s greatest side play Total Football? No
Thanks tommy I did see that.
So you’re sure Santi is coming? I must be honest I know nothing of him and will reserve judgement until he puts on a red and white jersey.
Remember when the Twitter hate mob said Ox was just another teenager….oh how we all laugh now. 🙂
TA,
I expect a full and comprehensive bollocking when I return 🙂
I’m with DidIt…..which is always worrying
It does look better; far better than last season
GIE
The twitterhate mob seem to have gone in to hiding LOL
Cazorla is an awesome steal, saw him lots last season, want him to hit the ground running though.
Exciting times.
short Russian.lol! I guess everybody can guess who that is.
Yes, Sahin is more in the Arteta mould, I have seen a bit of him. He isn’t your most dynamic attacking midfielders, or even the most defensive, more like a Riquelme, a player who can easily dictate game play in midfield, and channel play according to the team’s needs. A one year loan deal with an option to sign, would be great, as he could be an ideal replacement for Arteta in 2/3 years time. He is still 23, and has his best years ahead of him.
It is difficult to work out just how much truth there is in the Cazola rumour. On one hand the current owners are in financial trouble which indicates that they might need to sell. On the other hand a group of Russians are being shown round the club with an eye to buying it. If this goes through they might not want to sell one of their most talented players. However the biggest indicator telling us that he will move is that he did not travel to Venezuela with the team for their pre-season warm up.
By my reckoning the likelyhood of this happening is no better than 50/50.
I think at last we will have strength in depth, and perhaps this might persuade Van Persie to stay, so many great players playing behind him.
The signing of Cazola or the loan of Sahin sounds like an either or to me. Arsenal will use the rumour of Sahin to drive the price of Cazola down. The same talk of Sahin will indicate to Malaga that the Arsenal can afford to walk away.
I think it is a fair bet that one of Cazola or Sahin will happen.
“Specialism is soooooo last millennium.” I’m still with TA and Oz. Which is a great place to be. Except it also means I’m on the other side of the fence from Exile and DidIt, which is both unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Oh well. Much of that debate yesterday really seemed to be about terminology, so I won’t try and open it up again. Not after TA has done it already! 🙂
Noice post, Exile. The bench will be stronger this year (it needs to be, it was shocking last year), and I think we can all see more flexibility for the coming season. There will be times for 4-5-1, 4-4-2, and 4-4-1-1, though it looks like we’ll continue to use 4-3-3 as a default. It’s not that I’m obsessed with formations, but having a deeper squad and better bench will give us the ability to adapt to the oppo and circumstances.
Interesting view LB, I enjoy the way you look at rumours from a negotiating view point. Having not done much contract negotiating in my life it is interesting how you view the tools used to achieve the desired outcome.
TheGoonerReport, interesting thoughts on VanPersie, the player talks about ambition, yet when we appear to be strengthening in several areas and he appeared to enjoy playing with various players such as Arteta, TV etc the question has to be asked….just what more can the club do to improve or then again we could just be not prepared to pay for his retirement yacht.
Didit 🙂
Nothing personal, I can assure you. I apologise for my earlier narkyness/ prickly responses. 🙂
For the very rich clubs it always remains the easiest, and quickest to success, option to choose a system where they have two very good players per position: The Mancs, Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern, most Italian teams come to mind.
Then there are those who choose, as a result of a mixture between vision/style preference and necessity (cannot afford to buy lots of world class players), for either a variant of total football or a defensively focussed approach to football.
The likes of Barcelona and Dortmund, and the Spanish National Team are showing us how it should be done. Liverpool are hoping to be successful in going down this way too with the appointment of their new manager. I really believe it is because of a lack of top total football managers that not more clubs have already opted for the same approach. With Financial Fair Play rules starting to bite now, combined with the economic problems all over Europe, more and more clubs will now have to invest in their youth systems and a style of play that will make them competitive.
Regarding your specific questions:
Did Citeh struggle disproportionally when Yaya went to the ACN, or Kompany did not play last season? Yes, yes, yes. Despite their superior strength in depth they could not cope with it and it almost cost them the title.
Where Citeh and the other Mancs embarrassed in Europe, twice last season? Aber sicher, oui bien sure, zonder twijfel, without any doubt.
Chavs? I rest my case. They finished sixth in the PL and somehow won the CL: nothing to do with football though, just pure, seemingly bottomless luck. Will they repeat that feat again whilst sticking to the same strategy?
Do you believe that Arsene’s strongest side would still survive in the PL and Europe now? Arsene now has the players, especially if Cazorla joins us, to try and replicate that sort of footie again. Will he go back to 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2? I very much doubt it, but if he is thinking about it, this is the year for it.
I reckon a lot of fellow Gooners would really like us to go back to 4-4-2.
You could write a post about it Micky! 🙂
I was not necessarily saying that total football is the answer to everything for Arsenal. But I do believe that versatility of players, rather than specialised positions with a couple of players per position who can play in that role, combined with an all-encompassing system of football, is the way forward for us. Arsene has been evolving our team constantly, and I cannot see him go back now. Of course I could be totally wrong. Would not be the first time! 😆
From Arsenal.com
………………………………………………………………….
Ivan Gazidis appointed to governing posts
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis has joined the FA’s Professional Game Board (PGB) and the FA Council ahead of the 2012/13 season.
The two prestigious appointments will see Gazidis contribute to the decision-making process at the game’s governing level, impacting the way the sport develops from grassroots upwards.
As one of four appointments made by the Premier League to the PGB, Gazidis will play a key role in supporting and advising the FA Board on matters relating to the professional game. The committee has a broad remit including administering the FA Cup, the national England set-up and the FA’s relationship with FIFA and UEFA.
Gazidis also becomes one of eight Premier League representatives to sit on the FA Council for the 2012/13 campaign. The body recently gave its vote in support of a significant youth development review which will see small-sided games made mandatory for players up to under-12 level, phased in by the start of the 2014/15 season.
In addition to these new appointments, Gazidis will continue his work with a number of the senior governing bodies with which he is already involved. These include FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, the European Clubs Association where he is chairman of the Legal Advisory Panel, and the Premier League Working Group for Elite Player Performance.
Gazidis said: “I am delighted to be joining these important footballing bodies. The appointments mean Arsenal will
Ending of last sentence.
……………………………………………………………
Gazidis said: “I am delighted to be joining these important footballing bodies. The appointments mean Arsenal will be represented in many of the key debates in the game both here in the UK and in Europe.”
Mourinho: Sahin can leave Real
Friday 3rd August 2012 12:44
.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says that reported Arsenal target Nuri Sahin has his future in his own hands.
The Turkey international has been strongly linked with a summer move from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Arsenal reportedly keen on a season-long loan deal.
Sahin joined Madrid from German champions Borussia Dortmund last summer but failed to make any major breakthrough in the first team, making just four appearances in Los Blancos’ triumphant Primera Liga campaign.
Mourinho has now claimed that the 23-year-old can leave the Spanish giants this month.
“The point is, he’s a young boy, he wants to play every match,” said the Portuguese. “He wants to play to be happy, and in Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso, with [Sami] Khedira, with Lassana [Diarra], [Esteban] Granero, [Mesut] Ozil, the situation is not easy.
“Real Madrid is very difficult. It is not an easy club, because we demand a lot. We have great players, and when you don’t start well, it is difficult to do it.
“If he stays, he’s not a problem for me, he’s one more solution. We leave [the situation] in his hands. Be happy.
“Decide what you want to decide, to be happy. If you decide to leave we are going to help you to leave. If you decide to stay, we are going to support you and try to succeed this season.”
Representative of The Premier League in FA Council(2012-2013) alongside:
D Barnard (Chelsea FC), M Byrne (Sunderland AFC), M Collins (Fulham FC), D Eales (Tottenham Hotspur FC), P Faulkner (Aston Villa), D Gill (Manchester Utd FC) & Sir D Richards (FAPL Chairman)
Representative of PGB Committees Professional Game Board alongside:
(Premier League) Darren Eales, David Gill, Sir Dave Richards
(Football League) Greg Clarke (Chairman), Shaun Harvey (Leeds Utd AFC), Tony Kleanthous (Barnet FC), Keith Lamb (Middlesbrough FC)
Stephen (10.14am)….you are either a genious or deluded. I haven’t decided which one yet!
Definitely looks as though we may be stronger from the bench this season. Cheers, GIE.
“or even put Diaby on for Rosicky if he wants to make another substitution in the next ten minutes” made me laugh, even if it’s a little harsh. He’s managed two games without collapsing, you know. 🙂
I just bought tickets for Stoke away.
Yooo hooo the season’s just around the corner.
@ Total 1.29
very well said.
@ Micky
Apparently Arsene and I were both wrong. Arseblog has confirmed that Song has a contract until 2015. Gives us a lot of breathing space.
I agree with 26, Total, and Oz. They are right in this case, versatility is definitely the key to unlocking success at the might Arsenal.
@TA @10;31 “You know I’m with you on that one”!! No need even to ask!! Only those who haven’t seen total football in full flow and don’t understand it criticise it. “Dutch Total Football” changed football completely, the game we are watching today wasn’t just influence by TF it was rebuilt because of it. Rinus Michels was a genius! I think statues of the great man should be erected everywhere that plays the game the way it should be played. For those who don’t get it Wengerball is a TF hybrid. Arsene Wenger is the same age as Johan Cruijff, and no doubt lived in a time when there were massive influences on the old game.
Arsene grew up in Alsace (German france) and didn’t speak French until he was 7. He he watched German teams, principally borussia mönchengladbach who by the time he left his teens were playing a pioneering all attacking style. In interviews Rinus Michels and JC both said they admired borussia’s all attacking style.
Oh how I wish we had a whole team raised at our own academy that could adapt fluidly to playing with the freedom that “Jack” has no problem doing. A whole team that could interchange position in the way the great Ajax teams of the past could. Why was Cashley a great LB? Because he could defend? Or because he could attack and defend?
TDH wasn’t a typical CF, RvP isn’t a typical CF either. Its because he can drop deep to pick up the ball and do something different away from the fixed role assigned to him by those who believe that players should be shackled to a fixed position.The old guard. One of my favorite memory’s is of Tony Adams scoring against against Everton in 98 (We clinched the league that day) TA’s goal in that 4 nil victory was a lesson that no one should forget. An old dog can learn a new trick. The goal showed TA embraced the TF idea/ideal. I loved it because the look on TA’s face after he scored because it said “look I can do it” & “this shit actually works”
The father of ‘total football’ who let his players run free – News …www.independent.co.uk/…/the-father-of-total-football-who-let-his-pl…Cruijff
http://jouracule.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/3-3-1-3-ajax-and-louis-van-gaal-love.html
All 102 “assists” for Senor Fabregas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRTt1f2I3yA
damn you chas, damn you!
Richie
Can you just help out with something: this might sound obvious but if AW didn’t start speaking French until he was 7 are we to assume that the first language of his parents is/was German?
Hi RA 🙂
Good to see you back here. Hope you’re ok?!
Richie, that is a great comment and thanks for the article. It was great to see that BM demolition again – with commentary by the Dutch Alan Davies. 🙂
I think it is fair to say that Cruijff has the vision and understands the philosophy of total football really well. I reckon the likes of Van Gaal, and Guardiola are both capable of not only understanding what Michels/Cruijff had in mind but also to put it into practice, and what’s more make it more perfect. The have added their own variants but the basics come from Michels and Cruijff.
It is almost unbelievable that Van Gaal lost so many great players in the early nineties, only to start again and win everything a few years later, including the CL and losing next year’s CL final on penalties.
Fact is that many of us have probably not seen the likes of Sahin or Cazorla play, yet, as with all possible transfers, we assume they would benefit the Arsenal. Personally, i would love us to sign one of the two, but only because i believe that a decent price tag would show some ambition from the board. Does that actually mean they would be a success? No.
As to the question put forward by GIE, how many of the top clubs have these game-changers these days? Even the mighty Man City have the likes of De Jong, Dzeko, Johnson and Zabaletta on the bench. If you asked a city fan what they thought of these players, they would probably describe them as average at best.
I don’t believe that the problem with Arsenal is their lack of quality in the squad, i personally believe that it comes down to having the correct players fit at the right times of the season. Luck, some would call it! A massive wage bill allowes more room for menouvre, sure, but it doesn’t guarantee quality.
LB: According to that ever-reliable resource, Wiki, he first spoke “the local Alsatian dialect of Low Alemannic German”. There you go. Apparently his dad was one of many men in Alsace forced to fight in the German Army in WW2, and had to serve on the Eastern Front. Not a lot of fun.
I just gave a job to a Spud. He’s ecstatic but I’m now seriously outnumbered in my department. What did I do to deserve this?
Hi LB 🙂
Bet you are enjoying the cycling gold rush at the moment. 🙂
From Wiki: “in spite of his nationality, Wenger did not speak French until the age of seven, instead expressing himself in the local Alsatian dialect of Low Alemannic German.[8]
snapski 26! 🙂
Btw, you should always allow 50% of a recruitment decision to be influenced by your gut-feeling. Clearly you have been ignoring it… 😛
Congrats Ginga!! you have evolved from FatGinger, to SlimGinger, to MarriedGinger. Is it an upward spiral trend 🙂
Evonne wrong tense
“it was an upward spiral trend”
🙂
Congrats S/F/MGG I should stress its not necessarily the quality of squad that has been lacking it is a player able to bring something different on to the pitch than what is out there.
When you think about it that is not enough information. Every one has heard of the “Mother Tongue”. A term taken from the female side as the mother is thought, quite rightly, to be more linguistically influential. So what we need to know is what language did Mrs Wenger speak to young Arsene up to the age of 7?
I am going to refrain from talking about cycling on here from now on as certain regulars seem to be unhappy about it which considering this is an Arsenal site I suppose they do have a point.
Update:
Benik Afobe joins Bolton on loan for 1 season.
From club website:
==================================================
Benik Afobe has joined Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old striker makes a return to the Championship having completed a successful loan spell with Reading at the end of last term, where he made three appearances as the Royals secured the league title and promotion to the Premier League.
The England youth international has since enjoyed a strong pre-season for both club and country.
He played a key role in this summer’s Under-19 European Championship in Estonia, scoring twice as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals. Benik also took part in Arsenal’s Asia Tour 2012, where he was involved in all three fixtures in the Far East.
In heading to the Reebok Stadium, the Barnet-born youngster follows in the footsteps of Arsenal team-mates Jack Wilshere and Ryo, who have both gained valuable first-team experience with Owen Coyle’s side in recent seasons.
Everyone at the Club wishes Benik well for his time with Bolton.
LB, how can you not talk about cycling when the team is hoovering up golds right now??!
Hi LB, you keep talking about cycling to your heart’s content, that is one subject that is always a welcome topic (together with anything else sport related)
I punched the air whilst driving my car twice on the way home, once when the Mens Team pursuit won, and second time when Vicky brought it home, looking forward to watching highlights later.
I love Jess, i so want her to win. She is a complete athlete and a nice girl, come on Jess!!!
But Grainger and Watkins are in a class of their own – olympic gold winners, stunning beauties and both study for their PhD, WTF??
Jess you beauty!!
Rasp
Post in drafts if you need one.
@GIE 1st off good idea for a post; Re the Bolton loan, I think Arsene might have a few things to consider (among others) the first is that the championship is a marathon, second its a real tough competition physically, metally as well it ain’t no day at the beach. The third is that Owen Coyle sets his teams up to play football so he has his players train to play football. Not kick and rush as was Bolton formally under Allardyce. Arsene wants the loaned players to get pitch time and Benik with be following Jack and Ryo both of who benefitted from their expirence there. The championship is a toughening up exercise, I think the next step is a prem loan for our 19 year old providing he uses his time in the Manchester area well.
@Oz G Sahin is a pure midfielder full stop. Both offencive and defensive. I live in Highbury but I’ve got a house Spain and I’ve watched him play for Real when I’m there and I was impressed, I can only think he doesn’t see eye to eye with the special one, because I’m not sure why Moronho wants to out him. Anyone know? Mind you JM’s a bit like SAF in that regard, ‘he wants yes men’. If we get him, the word is he’s disgruntled (The Ausie equivelent is someone pissed in his beer) I can imagine Arsene re-kick starting his career as he’s done in the past for others. Now I guess technically he’d be classed as a deep lying playmaker because he can spray the ball forward high and long or diagonally beautifully, picking out team mates, whist in defence he can tackle. He’d need to adjust to the prems speed but in that position he’d get more time than most.
@ Richie
cheers for that, I’m sold! I could imagine JM being an acquired taste.
@LB sorry for the very late reply; The short answer is “no” Arsene spoke an Alsatian dialect until he went to school. Now Alsation can be discribed as “Germanic” although most Germans wouldn’t understand it. Its also discribed as Low Alemannic which translates as Low German. But thats just the Alsation bit, the dialect Alsation? Well your guess is as good as mine. Speaking Alsatian didn’t mean he “barked” Alsace Lorraine as a province swapped between France and Germany often.
Its strange until you think of Germany and England. Then consider the country inbetween.Holland (que TA ) “Hoe gaat het met jou?” 🙂 English is an Anglo-Saxon language as opposed to a latin language like French. Anglo-saxon translates as English German. Now dispite their great animosity so many Dutch speak German perfectly, the reverse is not true however, there are not a hugh amount of Dutch speaking Germans. Also there are area’s of southern Holland that speak a Dialect of Dutch that closely resembles English. My point is a Dutchman speaking “Flemish” to a German wouldn’t be understood. The same Dutchman speaking to an Englishman wouldn’t be understood. We could go on and on even though all three are “Germanic languages”.
So thats all about as clear as mud!
@OzG I’ve just seen your “Gravatar” its Brilliant! 🙂 🙂
@Oz G I couldn’t agree more I’ve rated the Coq for a while proper player!
@LB as I was so late I didn’t realise everyone had answered your question already, but to answer your second question about mother tonge the answer is that at home, with his mother he spoke a local dialect. There are 3 Alsace languages French Alsace & German Alsace plus a local Alsace dialect. Like I said clear as mud 🙂
@ Richie
nothing wrong with wanting Vermaelen to beet the snot out of our old captain haha.
In regards to coquelin, there’s just something about him tbh. He’s got that ferociousness that I think is needed in that position. I loved how Flamini went about it in his last season, and to me coquelin is exactly like that but with more skill. He will run all day, and he will fight tooth and nail for every ball. It’s as though Arsene chucks players he rates in the deep end against United. Look at Song as CB, then szcz, and las t season it was coquelin. All passed with flying colours
* beat
@OzG Damn straight! I love that shot! My dream is well sell him for a shit load of donzi and he goes and wins the golden duck! Out 1st ball. 🙂 There’s no forgiveness in my heart! It like a mate doing the wife. And I wasn’t even thinking about JT the low down snake in the grass racist wife F’er!
I’ve just read what Moronho’s says about Nuri Sahin and I guess he’s got a point there is a bit of competions in the middle of the park at Real. I hope their loss is our gain.
Real Madrid manager sympathizes with his condition feels it is tough for him to make a break through from the avalanche of midfielders Los Blancos have got.
“The point is, he’s a young boy, he wants to play every match. He wants to be happy to play, he wants to play to be happy,” Jose Mourinho told the reporters.
“And in Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso, with [Sami] Khedira, with Lassana [Diarra], [Esteban] Granero, [Mesut] Ozil, the situation is not easy.”
The former Chelsea manager said that he has no problem with Sahin staying as it will give him another options only.
“If he stays, he’s not a problem for me, he’s one more solution.
“We leave [the situation] in his hands. Be happy. Decide what you want to decide, to be happy. If you decide to leave we are going to help you to leave. If you decide to stay, we are going to support you and try to succeed this season.”
OzG re- The Coq has a few important things going for him. As you state. His engine, He’s agressiveness, his brain (he doesn’t run about like a headless chicken) and the best seems to be his attitude. Its always great to see a young player get on with whatever the manager asks them to do. I like that!
Your right saying he’ll fight for every ball, he’s got that bit of “Jack” in him, he doesn’t want to give up. I like that too!
Couldn’t agree more. It was very low coming out (as a captain) and making that statement. He is going to look like a twit if we bring in santi and sahin as well. I really hope he does go because it’d be hard seeing him lineup for us again this season (far worse than ade when he flirted himself around). I hope Juve hand over 20 million, then they get relegated again for match fixing. I’m sure he’d enjoy the italian league division 2 trophy!
Great news from JM, I really hope we get the loan deal with the option to buy at the end of it. Just as long as Sahin wants to be at Arsenal, and doesn’t want it to be a stepping stone back to Real or a move elsewhere. Then again if he plays his heart out that wouldn’t be bad because he’d be only bidding time for Jack to come back.
Coquelin has very good positional sense, his loan for lorient definitely helped with that. It’s the one thing holding frimpong back at the moment. Once he gets his body right and goes out on loan again he will learn positioning and be an absolute beast of a player
Stewart Robson was commentating for ESPN on our Far East tour.
Apparently he was on 5 Live on Thursday giving Arsenal both barrels. The rumour is that he was sacked. I like the idea that that petition to have him removed was successful.
This tickled me.
http://1nildown2oneup.net/you-may-be-great-but-have-you-won-the-premier-league-grandpa/
I wonder if this’ll be any good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RD82H0W3s
It’s official.
There has been no announcement from the club regarding the signing of Santiago Cazorla.
It’s official.
you are one cruel individual chas!
Chas’s a monster!
So is Santi not signed? He must have failed the medical
343 and 10 minutes
Chas didn’t you hear, it was 50p this time on the transfer fee. And a penny on weekly wages. Gazidis and Wenger OUT!
Hopefully Robson will get sacked. And hopefully the campaign to remove that stupid Gossip section on the Arsenal website also succeeds.
Morning all,
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