Three signings have already been confirmed in Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla, and a forth is possibly going to happen in Şahin from Madrid. But it is like when it is like the weather in England, we moan when it is too cold and then moan when it is too cold, we moan when we don’t sign anyone and now some fans are moaning that we have no where to play them! Some people are never happy!
Well, firstly let’s start with Podolski. If you were alive recently in June and the start of July, then you would have seen the Euro’s. You may have also seen the most entertaining team in it, Germany, where Podolski was a regular starter. If you did watch our first signing of the summer transfer window, then you would have noticed that he play played on the left wing. This is not actually Podolski’s natural position, even though he is left footed. He is more of a centre forward, a player that sits behind the striker, but he does naturally drag the ball towards the left so he can have a shot on his stronger foot. He can also do this upfront.
So that centre forward position, do we already have players that play there? Well I personally believe that we don’t have a player that is actually meant to play in that position, although we do have some players that can. We have players like Walcott, Gervinho and the Ox who can play behind whatever striker starts upfront next season, Giroud or even maybe a new striker we sign, although that would obviously mean they were replacing Van Persie. Arteta could probably even play behind the strikers if he was asked too.
But it all depends on the formation that Wenger plays the team in this season, Podolski may play on the winger or behind the strikers. In past seasons he has opted to have ‘copied’ Barcelona with the 4-3-3 formation with two defensive or holding midfields and one in front of them, and one central striker.
I think that the formation will be changed next season, we will have Giroud, so he may play a 4-2-2-2, although Podolski would have to play on the wing in that formation, and we would only have two midfielders in the centre, which we put us at an disadvantage against a team which plays a lot of midfielders, for example in a 4-5-1 formation, even a 4-4-2.
I think that to accommodate all of the fresh talent brought in to the club, we would have to play a 4-2-1-1-2 formation, with Arteta and ?Diaby at defensive midfield, Cazorla in the centre attacking position, and Podolski sitting behind Giroud. This would mean Cazorla and Podolski are free to drift over to the wings.
Our second signing of the transfer window is French international striker Olivier Giroud, who is twenty five years old, he has been a professional football player for only three years, so his football mental age is younger than twenty five. He is tall, although he isn’t actually just a central striker. He is deployed upfront, although he does run onto the wing and crosses to the other striker. He finished the 2011 / 2012 season off with twenty five goals and eleven assists in the league , one more assist in other competitions. This proves he can create goals as well as score them, something Van Persie did do as well, almost the same stats between the two. A big difference between those two is that Giroud isn’t injury prone.
Our third signing is Cazorla, his signing was almost as painstakingly long as Podolski’s was this year. We knew we had signed him, so did all the players, he had flown to Germany with the squad, all before the announcement of his arrival, Malaga’s financial problems preventing us from revealing his arrival. He is a player that operates on the wing, although can also play in the centre of the park. He can’t be deployed at high up the pitch as Podolski can, but he is a player that can attack on the wing, or help control the game with Song and Arteta in the centre of the pitch. He can score, nine goals in La Liga last season, and he provided vital assists.
We do actually have players that can play in his position, Arteta can if asked, the Ox is now being played in a central role, and possibly Diaby can, but once again, we don’t actually have a nippy little player who can attack quickly and can help in defence will waiting to begin a break. Cazorla is the type of player that top teams have, for example Man City with Nasri, Man United with possibly Carrick and Chelsea have Hazard who can play there. He may single handedly, along with the form we had towards the end of the season, make us a title contending team finally. He may be our new Ljungberg or Pires.
Fans are worried that we are going to have too many players, especially if we finally confirm the signing of Madrid’s Şahin, a central player, and some fans will want to see certain players and they aren’t played. I personally believe that we will have some nice competition between the players to get into that starting line up, especially for the Champions League, which Man City especially have, and it hardly did them any damage.
Wenger also stated while in Asia, before the news of Cazorla’s transfer was taken seriously, that any more players arriving depended on how many players left. Well not one left before Cazorla arrived, except six youth players not signing senior contracts and Almunia. Now Vela has left, and Bendtner may also be following him out, as well as Squillaci, who has been rumoured to have been bid for. Chamakh played in the Asian tour, so he may still have one last chance. Qpr are also contemplating whether or not to bid for Arshavin, a player who arrived all guns blazing, but just lost it after that. This all may suggest more signings, which every Arsenal fan wouldn’t mind, we have been deprived of signings in recent years, but now things may have changed, finally Wenger have dipped into that pocket of his, rumoured to have around forty million in. Has he learnt his lesson, youth may not always be the answer, Arteta, an experienced player, defiantly proved that.
I have said this before and I am sticking to it, the summer transfers are a long way from over, lets see what the next few days brings.
Written by Miles
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Great post. I disagree about carrick though. He’s not fit to wipe Cazorlas boots.
Where is everyone?
Miles,
I am sure you put a lot of time and effort into writing that essay, and you are to be commended for that.
This might just be a personal observation, but I found a number of non sequiturs in the Post that made your line of thought just a little difficult to follow.
For example, the question in your 2nd para, (“If” you were alive recently) — made me stop and think, but on reflection if I was dead then, or now, that would be an impossibility, so I can only assume that I was, and am, at least at the time of typing.
Teasing aside, I enjoyed the read. 🙂
Song’s gone, maybe you should remove that in your post.
Well done, Miles
I think Giroud is a centre forward.
van pussy
Cracking post Miles, we love a ”cat amongst the pigeons” article here.
I think the performance against Sunderland’s 5-man midfield proved that the 4-3-3 formation works in the Premier League, especially against the cloggers.
What we needed was a bit more of a cutting edge, something that will surely come over the next few games. Make no bones about it, we are a stronger side this season and I am excited.
I don’t feel we will feel the loss of Song, especially with Frimpong, Coquelin plus the recruitment of Sahin which is very exciting. I like Sahin a lot and have wanted him since he made his debut at Dortmund. His deep playmaking style reminds me of Arteta but a bit better.
Poldi and Giroud will get the goals. All we need is Gervinho and Theo supplying them with some quality, something lacking at the weekend.
To finish before I bore you all – How bloody super is Santi Cazorla? What a player! I haven’t been this excited about a midfielder since Pires. He glides about the pitch and creates and creates and creates.
Awesome player and a snip at 15 Million Euros….remember we paid Euro’s too…so we’re probably looking at £12,000,000.
Stunning piece of transfer business. Have we finally got it right at the negotiating table? 15 million for Song, I’m delighted with that, 24 for Robin? Well if we had to sell because he wouldn’t sign then 24 Million softens the blow nicely I think.
WG
Don’t understand why we sold Song, didn’t need to & should not of done so in my opinion.
Sahin is a quality player but not a DM so confused about him as a replacement although would welcome him as he is quality.
I did read about us going for Biclia but would prefer M’Vila.
I was more impressed with Giroud than Pod at weekend, he will cause problems for sure.
Wasn’t the greatest performance but after a few more games together I think we will be in for a decent season.
@Bryan
Rumour has it that his attitude to training, time-keeping and general respect for the managment and the duties he was asked to complete had been suffering for several months and his off-field antics were causing disruptions also.
He is not a good defensive midfielder, we need to stop thinking that he was because he kept wandering all over the place and the odd amazing chipped pass to RvP aside, he had a poor season.
We are well rid. Get someone in with a bit of bite, tenacity and a desire to be a defensive midfielder, rather than a creative midfielder.
WG
Well done Miles, a lot of effort there.
Not sure if I`m reading you right though, Carrick is a nippy little player ?. I `ll be amazed if Cazorla is ever used on the wing, it would be a waste of his talent. Podolski is never a winger and would be a waste on the left wing as much as the BFG would be on the right wing, if Wenger insists on playing there, he`ll be about as much good as Chamakh playing as a goalscoring centre forward , and will come under the category of ……” what a waste of money ” !.
Hey guy`s, your column on the right side, how about a section called ….” what a waste of money ” , come on, you know it`s a good idea 😆 , actually I`m serious, other AAers, I demand a democratic vote on this idea, whose going to second my idea ? 😆
This is an example:
What a waste of money.
1) Chamakh ( although technically he did`nt cost anything, so he is a waste of nothing !)
2) Squillaci
3) Park ( If we have sold more shirts than he cost in fee and wages, then he will be removed )
4) blah
5) blah
6) blah
7) blah
8) blah
9) blah
10) blah
What do you think ?.
Hi GLiC
I love it, it certainly would spark debate too. I was also thinking of suggesting a “I was crap in my last game” section. Where we all vote after a game who was the worst player and then they are stuck there until the next game.
Just for giggles 🙂
WG
Did anyone else notice how much deeper our full backs played on Saturday? They we’re a lot more reserved and mindful of their positioning.
Much better performance from the back 4…
WG
WiganGooner
I read about his attitude thing but not sure how true it is.
I can not agree with you about him having a poor season, I think he was one of our top 3 performers last year & think he was the most underated player in EPL. Also a better defensive player than you think but last season had to compensate for the deffiencies in front of him.
I think if you check out the stats that we have lost more games when he was not in the side.
We certainly need to find a DM now.
Hi WG
I think there is enough room on the right side for a few of our ideas.
I need a few more of you intelligent types to back me as I`m not allways flavour of the month and dont get taken seriously !. 😆
I`ve been on Arsenal.com to try and get 2 tickets for the Southampton game, the new system wont give me 2 seats together, I might have to phone !. 👿
@GLiC
Good luck with that, the AFC phone services are rubbish!!
WG
The last two times we’ve bought tickets we’ve had trouble online but the phone service has been excellent.
I`m currently listening to ” the wonder of you ” and I do a mean Elvis, so when they finally answer I will just carry on singing !.
Aparrantly I have to keep waiting and trying, the available seats keep changing every few minutes. I liked the older version where I just went on and got 2 seats together no problem. I atleast got to speak to someone about changing my boy`s card, he`s 19 and still got a gunnersaurus one ! 😆
Rumours of Chamakh on loan to Everton or Spuds, Bendtner swap deal with Mexes, and Song was apparently lazy, work shy and had a bad attitude.
Not sure about the first 2, but getting rid of Song sounds like good business to me. He was not a DM and was one of the reasons why we conceded so many goals last season. The amount of times Arteta had to sweep up for him was amazing, and if you look back at a lot of the comments from last year, it’s probably one of the reasons why we all loved Arteta so much! There’s definately a new attitude of hard work and togetherness about this current lot, but in order for that to stay we need good results and performances. It’s obvious that a lack of trophies and bad egos (Adebayor, Gallas etc) has been passed down a generation to the likes of Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Bendtner and maybe even Theo?. let’s hope that our current young crop will pick up good habits from the likes of Vermaelen, Arteta and Mertersacker. Based on the professionalism of these 3 players I think there’s a strong chance the attitude in the camp will be better going forward.
I b’live dat Giroud should b pushed upfront, wit ida Arshavin or Walcott to play b’hind de CF. Cazorla n Podolski runs frm de flanks. In de middle, Djourou n Arteta should hold de pack pending when Wilshere n Rosicky will come back. De departure of Song brings Frimpong n Santos to play b’hind de CM n in front of de back two-Jenkinson n Gibbs until Sagna returns, my able captain ‘Vermenator’ b at de CD, while Szczesny de shotstopper in b/w de post.
Innocent,
did you see Saturday’s game?
Cazorla didn’t run from de flanks at all.
Big Johan in centre midfield would be interesting.
As would Santos and Gibbs in the same team formation.
Micky would approve of your back three approach.
Miles. Interesting read, thanks.
Do you think that with the wealth of attacking midfield talent at AFC we could see a JW, O-C, Cazorla Arteta midfield? I realise there is no dedicated DM but all can tackle and are intelligent. Size might be an issue!
O-C can go left or right to create the width.
That new ticketing on line, two words ………….F**king hopeless, it`s now saying the Southampton game is sold out !. 10:00am till now……….What a waste of time, that can go with my new column of …..” What a waste of money “,….talking of which, why isn`t it up and running already ? 😆
In reff: to chas`s other name for ….pssst you who !, the other day, the 25 stone spudette at work accidently slipped of her chair with legs up in the air, well, to tell the truth, I haven`t seen curtains like that since…. ” The Cold War “, remembering this last night had me giggling and I immediately thought………. ” Beef Van Curtains”, come on, not even a little smile ?, bet the bastard scores tonight !.
@BR
I’d love to see that midfield formation, though I think we’d miss a dedicated DM. We need a bit of a monster, someone who isn’t necessarily a good, classy footballer, but a good tackler and determined player.
I’m going to say it, I’d love to see us sign Cattermole. He’s an animal, but he is a ferocious tackler and leads Sunderland well. I’ve liked him for a few years, when at Middlesborough and now Sunderland.
Sign him, he’s Prem-experienced and ready to go.
WG
I can’t watch tonight. It will take time for me to watch that lump of dogturd wearing that scum kit.
Hope he does his ACL
@GM
Was talking to a Citeh fan earlier, he said exactly the same lol
WG
Looks like you’re not the only on glic
Sorry Miles, back to read later.
This bloke just heard the Chamakh to Spurs rumour.
Thanks for the Post Miles.
Like some of the others, I definitely see Cazorla as being used in the CAM (Cesc) position by Arsene, as he was on Saturday.
I can’t see any similarity between the way he plays and the way Carrick plays – apart from anything else the gulf in class is massive.
For me Giroud is an out-and-out CF and I would like to see us start with him up front against the Orcs. With Gervinho and Walcott as the wide men (maybe also Podolski and/or Arshavin) we should be able to give him good service from the flanks, with Santi creating chances through the middle.
When I say about Carick, I mean that he is a cm but attacks a lot. He isn’t like Cazorla, or even in his league, a Spanish international world and European cup winner compared to a useless British bulldog. They play the same way but because Cazorla is a winger almost he is nippy and faster than him.
I can’t wait to see him against Stoke, a tall bullying team.
Miles. That’s more like it. Carrick is overrated rubbish
Anyone going to U21s at the Emirates tonight and fancy a swift half.
Would you like a match report?
Jamie
Would love a match report, Jamie, even if it is in the comments section! 🙂
Still waiting for my column !. Below ins and outs would be good and if you like you can change it from………”what a waste of money ” , to…..” what a waste of space “, even though it wouldn`t be . 🙂
Jamie
I, for one, would love to see a match report on the Under 21s.
Hopefully Rasp or Peaches will give you the green light! 🙂
GLiC
Sorry to be a killjoy, but I don’t like slagging off our players while they’re still with us (either in a “waste of money” column or in singling out a “worst player of the match”).
Not that I care if others want to do so… it just doesn’t work for me.
anyone know if there was a buy out clause for nuri and if so how much? thanx
Hi Glic, and Rockerman, 🙂
How about a “Star” column instead, showing the MoTM after every game – voted on by AAers maybe.
We can see whether or not there is a trend every so often. Mind it would create the occasional bust up with difference of opinions, but democratic voting rules!! 🙂
Good day to you Dandan, Raddy and Didit 🙂
Dear Killjoy 😆
Do you really think I`d expect Rasp or Peaches to give It, “the green light” !. 😆
Dont worry about slagging off some of the “slaggable” players on our books in the comments though, as I doubt they read the stuff !. 😆
Oh, thanks, Evonne, no ‘Good day’ to Rocky, Glic and myself then, even if you have got a new laptop!!
Good day to you Glic, RA and Rocky 🙂
I didn’d mean do omidd anyone purposefully
Goot Tay Evonne
I think you should litter all your comments with words beginning with “d” to celebrate your new keypad 🙂
Personally, I’ll miss seeing references to Micky Tit It 🙂
Not to mention Ratty
A but off topic, but apparently we are in for a defender. Any chance ManC would send Kolo Toure back our way? Apparently he is frozen out over there. I’m not even sure how he’s viewed by my fellow gooner– I would love to see him back… As a utility man, of course.
Dear Killjoy, aka The Rock.
Did you know that one day, God was looking down at earth, and saw all the misbehaving ( too much sex, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, risqué emails and Glic’s column) that was going on.
So he called one of his angels to go to Earth.
When he returned, the angel told God, “Yes, it is bad on Earth; 95% are misbehaving, especially GLIC, and only 5% are not”.
God thought for a moment and said, “Maybe I should send down another angel, to get a second opinion”!
So, God called another angel, & sent him to Earth too.
When the angel returned, he went to God & said, “Yes, it’s true. The Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, especially GLIC, but 5% are being good.”
God was not pleased. So he decided to e-mail the 5% who were good, because, he wanted to encourage them, give them a little something, to help them keep going with the good work!
Do you know what the e-mail said ?
No??????
Well, I didn’t get one either …
Rockjoy
I, for one would love to know some of your non-slaggable thoughts on some of our sought after players like Chamakh, Squillaci etc` ! 😆
Hi Redders 🙂
How`s my Cousin from over the pond ( alright ,I know your over here ! ) doing ?.
Have you had the delightful experience of trying to get a ticket on Arsenal.com ?. What a pleasurable few hours I had !. 🙂
Hello e va va vonne, shiny new laptop ? 🙂
Evonne,
You have your ‘d’s back, but lost your ‘t’s. What’s going on?? 😉
Glicster,
Unfortunately I am still rooted to my humble abode at the mo’ so no visits to Arse.com. 😦
Have you bumped off Terry? Or has he spontaneously combusted with an excess of enthusiasm — just leaving his telescope to mark the spot? 🙂
I got one from Satan saying……..” keep up the stretching and the good work will follow ” ! 👿
I prefer the player of the week. Or if it is to be an a-hole of the week it should be an opposition player. This week would be the Sunderland GK for saving Cazorla’s shot
Dr Stretch is still hard at it with Mrs Beef van Curtains, he hopes to have the vid finished before the TW close`s.
You guys might or might not have seen this.
Wenger: ‘We lacked sharpness and fluency’
Dear Arsenal supporter,
We played with a good spirit on Saturday and we certainly put the effort in. But we lacked some sharpness and fluency and that made us less dangerous in the final third.
We did create a few chances but we couldn’t convert them, and Sunderland defended very well throughout the whole game. When you play a team like that you have to be sharp enough to make the difference, otherwise it becomes very difficult.
Our balance wasn’t quite right up front because we needed maybe one more creative player to improve our accuracy in the final third. There was not a lot of space left to our strikers, so everything had to be created from our midfield.
It is a missed opportunity of course, and it is always frustrating when you have so much possession and only get a point. You have to accept that you will have to settle for draws at different points of the season, but you don’t want to start with one in the first game.
Our three new signings made their debuts and they all contributed. It’s difficult not to be pleased with Santi Cazorla because he played on Wednesday night for Spain in Puerto Rico and all our chances were basically created by him.
I feel that Lukas Podolski is not physically ready yet but he has the quality to do well, and Olivier Giroud showed he has a presence when he is on the pitch. Olivier had a great chance on his right foot and I think he had more time than he thought.
I never denied that Robin van Persie will be difficult to replace but when you are on the football pitch you don’t think about the players who are not there. You try to make a good pass when you have the ball. We had the opportunity to play the ball against Sunderland but our overall passing was not quick enough.
Finally, as you know the Club agreed terms to sell Alex Song to Barcelona. We did this because we have Jack Wilshere coming back, we have Abou Diaby back, we have Tomas Rosicky not far away and we will try to bring in another midfielder as well.
Thanks for your support.
Arsène Wenger
All this doom and gloom stuff about people ripping up their ST`s and we wont get to fill the stadium, what a load of crap, this ain`t the Chavs you know, where they couldn`t fill a little stadium in a CL Semi against Barca. This is The Arsenal. If it was that bad, you`ld think I could get a ticket against the mighty Soton !.
“We tried six times to renegotiate his contract. They kept saying it has three years to run.”
Song’s representative said.
That’s what a contract’s for, you imbecile. Happy enough to sign for £55k a week, wasn’t he? Effin wanker.
glic
My son is still 21k on the ST waiting list after 4 years
I don’t think Chamakh was a waste. He carried us at the beginning of his first season when that dutch wanker was injured.
https://twitter.com/WaleLuvzGirl/status/237572715580620800
https://twitter.com/WaleLuvzGirl/status/237569985571061761
chas. The Entitled Generation…..
On a serious note. What has happened to “a man is as good as his word”?
Chas I almost Posted those. Wale hasbeen banned 3 or 4 times now. He’s so funny. Obviously a white man.
Given that Alex Song was one of our most improved player over the years, I think a 15k pay rise (Consider it as a reward) from 55k to 70k was well deserved, considering that even theo walcott is on a reported 70k+.
GM, it was the Rio one that set me off. 🙂
123,
More fool him for signing virtually a 6 year contract, then.
I think he should get himself a better agent. Hahahahahaaha.
123
I think if AW had wanted to keep him we would have given him a pay rise.
It seems that the club saw this as an opportunity to get shot of him (hopefully because they have someone better lined up).
Song’s agents and their press release just make them sound like money grabbing dickheads. I don’t blame Song for that.
He employs them, GM.
I don’t get why so many of you here is hating on Song and celebrating that he left, while the way I see it, it is a great loss to the club. Song has been with Arsenal for many years now and we have seen him grown from a very average player to a well established, experienced player. I won’t lie, he was one of my favorite players and I find all these rumors about his apparent bad attitude very weird. (Don’t you guys find it odd that all these “rumors” appeared only when he was about to leave, oh but that’s fine, because these rumors originated from legit sources and not from twitter right?!) If it is indeed true that he left because the club didn’t want to give him a 15k pay rise, I must admit I will be pretty pissed. The sale of Song does nothing to help portray the club as one with ambition instead of being a ‘feeder’ club, and he has been one of the most senior players in our squad after RVP left. For all of you saying that Song goes forward too much and leaves our defence exposed, do you guys think that Wenger has nothing to do with this? More likely than not, Wenger was the one who asked him to push forward and provide a creative spark or two when the midfield is getting static due to the loss of Fabregas/Nasri and we had no attacking playmaker. I am sure if Wenger did not want him to push forward once in a while, he’d make it clear in the training ground. No matter what, in my opinion Song is a greater loss to the club than RVP.
123. Why?
2 years ago Song signed a contract and was very happy to do so. He improved under the auspices of one of the best coaches in the world who stood by him when even Charlton weren’t impressed, so IMO he should repay the club not the other way around. But in the manner of a spoilt child he agitates for what his greedy agents believe he deserves, notwithstanding an agreement they set up themselves.
Perhaps AFC would have listened if he had given 100% off the pitch but bad attitude doesn’t predispose the manager to reward it with more money.
Shame on his agents and shame on him. Let’s see how he develops on the bench at Barca (another Hleb?). I wish him well.
And I’d f***king appreciate it if Wenger could actually give a proper statement to why Song has been sold, rather than letting speculation starting all these rumors.
Not sure I see any “hating on”.
There is no rumour surrounding his agents attempts to hoist his wages. AW thought he was worth what he was being paid and no more. You and his agents clearly disagree
123,
He was sold because he wouldn’t even honour his contract over the summer.
“Then Barcelona came in and yet Alex still said he wanted a new contract. When they said we’d all sit down on 1 September that was the final straw.”
I wish all agents would contract a brain-rotting venereal disease.
Got to say if I had to choose between Arsene Wenger’s judgement of the player and yours (123) I would, of course, choose your deep knowledge of the player, your intimate knowledge of the confidential/secret contract negotiations and what is deemed to be in the best interests of the club.
You aren’t Gazidis in disguise are you? You are so knowledgeable about everything, unlike the rest of us stupid people on here who cannot see things with your clarity and brilliance.
The players refuse to sign a contract extension with 2 years left to run, knowing full well they’ll get a bumper pay rise when sold with 1 year left.
Players that have signed for a further 3 years want a pay rise half way through a contract.
I think it’s superb that the club have stood up and said we’re not going to take this any more. After all, it’s what we’ve been asking them to do for the last few years.
Tip top post Miles, I am keen for a new signing if Theo decides to make dollars elsewhere, feels like Arsene is tearing apart the failed generation but rather than starting with another group of youngsters is building a complete team/squad.
I also realised that a replacement for Song will not be too priority as we are changing formation or at least one player is changing position.
TV5 will become the DM that way we get to keep Koz and BFG on the pitch as well.
Either that or we are going 3-5-2
……………………BFG………………….
……………Koz…………..Verm……….
…………………..Arteta…………………
Sagna……Ox……………Santi….Santos
………………Pod………Giroud……………
I like the look of that.
Thanks for the post Miles and time will tell which position the new players play, and as you suggested dealings are not over and up to 4 players may still leave the club.
I see podolski playing central just behind the striker but then again bendtner was a striker and Wenger ivariably played him on the wing.
Not sure I agree that we have too many midfielders for a top club.Rosicky (who I thought was finished) had a good season but is injured yet again medium to long ter. Jack concerns me.he has been out for over a year and even though AW he is recovering quicker than originally stated he will have missed 18 months and they expectations on the young man are more than on anyone of his age in the last few years.
Raddy, re question about players being insured when injured.It’s quite complex but generally not when they play internationals (that’s why so many pull out ) but in the World Cup there is part compensation. As for clubs I really don’t know but one would presume a top flight player is a huge asset when fit therefore I assume the club insures them, but there maybe a time frame attached.
With regards to Song, if what has been reported is true and the club were prepared to lose him for 15K a week, that speaks volume in itself.
Thought I would share another anecdote with you, of when the Rock and I met up.
He confided in me a little story of what he had been up to when I was lazing on the beach, in Florida.
He was driving my brand new Corvette convertible, and blasting down the road at 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what looks like his syrup.
“That’s amazing,” he thought as he flew down I-95, pushing the pedal to the metal.
Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a Florida State Trooper, blue
lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110,
then 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I’m too old and I’m also a good AAer to be doing this!” and pulled over to await the trooper’s arrival.
Pulling in behind him, the trooper got out of his vehicle and walked
up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, then said, “Sir, my shift
ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a new reason
for speeding–a reason I’ve never before heard — I’ll let you go.”
The Rock paused then said: “Three years ago, my wife ran off
with a Florida State Trooper. And I thought you were bringing her back.
“Have a good day, Sir,” replied the trooper.
What a guy that Rock is!!!! Let’s here it for our man!! 🙂
I’m of the opinion we need our best players on the pitch, so rather than shoehorn players into a formation or leave a more effective player on the bench due to the formation we should find a formation that plays our best players.
The above still leaves options of Gerv, Rambo, Jack, Theo, Diaby, Djourou on the bench. Plus Others.
GIE,
I think the alternate players you left out are maybe better than the guys you included.
Anyway, I hope you don’t mind if I recount a tale you told me about one of your clients?? 🙂
A GIE client who owned a golf course was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some confidential mathematical help.
He called her into his office and said, “Look you graduated from the University of Leicester and I need some help. If I wuz to give you £20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?”
The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, “Every little thing but my earrings.”
And you guys thought accountancy was boring!! 🙂
Hi 123,
I agree that perhaps Song deserved a pay rise, and if the reported figures of 15k are true then I’d say that is fair. However, there is also a way of demanding a pay rise. Tarting yourself around to all the clubs in Europe and holding that over your head in demanding a pay rise is not something which should be looked on kindly. What’s the guarantee that even if we gave Song what he was looking for, next year he wouldn’t do the same? I agree that the transfer looks strange because he was an important player for us, but that makes it all the more likely that there was some reason behind it that we don’t know of. He must have done something to make him unwanted enough.
Contrast it with the way Arteta went about it. Apparently he wants to be boosted back up to 75k and asked the club to do so after last season. They are still in negotiations apparently. But he didn’t try and get himself a move away and threaten the club to get his pay rise. He simply played well and requested it. And the club are more receptive.
Redders 😀
OK, so I have just been joshing some of my friends on AA, but I confess I have occasionally had problems with some accents here.
So too in the US.
Two years ago I went to visit a friend in Tennessee who is a state cop, who allowed me to accompany him on a tour.
He pulled over this guy and said to him “You got any ID?”
The driver replied, “Bout whut?”
Never have that prob in the UK!! 🙂 Or do you?? 🙂
I don’t understand why anyone would be particularly upset at the sale of Song. If, as is looking likely, Sahin signs, then that means we have swapped RvP, Song, Bartley and Vela for Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud and Sahin. I don’t think that’s a bad deal for the club, especially if you consider that RvP wanted out and Song was unhappy.
When Clichy left I was pissed off, when Na$ri left I was pissed off, then Cesc left and I was pissed off, Jack out for over a year and I was pissed off, then the worst, Beef van Curtains left, f**king angry to put it mildly. Song has left…………so !. Not good enough to piss me off !.
IMO the transfer window should close before the season starts, there is plenty of time in the close seaon even if the Euros are on.
I think it is easier to imagine that we will find an improvement to Song than it has been for Fabregas or BSR, in fact, easier than all our recent departures.
I just feel numb now.
RA – the half eaten keyboard was merely 6 months old, still shiny
Is anybody going to watch the game tonight? I don’t think I can
you guys here are really getting me interested in this 3-5-2 thing, but we really need to get Arsene interested.. i dont see any sign that he is considering it…maybe we need roberto martinez to come in….. 😉 and– i have a feeling that whoever replaces song will be an improvement..
Emirates picturesque with only a couple of thousand in.
Emirates picturesque with only a couple of thousand in.
Gnabry just missed trying to dink it
For the last couple of seasons Song has not been playing the position he is supposed to play but instead has gradually started wandering forward like a kid in a school team seeking glory. It has been stated that maybe AW wanted him to be more attacking but who knows ? To me he has been unhappy in the dm role for at least two seasons and has been playing more and more of the dramatic match-winning passes (which more often than not didnt come off). He thinks he can do better elsewhere in a team packed with midfield competition much better than him …. I disagree….say goodbye to your career Alex, unfortunately you are destined to become yet another Barca whore. All of these players who are leaving to seek glory are the reason we have failed for the time they have worn our colours. Good riddance and bring on the players without the hard-done by self-pitying attitude.
A comment from G Neville tonight, i love him more and more…..i feel dirty…but its hard not to respect someone who just says the truth and doesn’t get influenced by the hyperbolix around him.
“Arsenal football club is the most important thing, players are just grains of sand on the beach. Arsenal is 125 years old.”
Jamie
Keep your powder dry and submit a report for us all to read tomorrow!
RvP on the bench?!?!?
Jamie according to a couple of lads on twitter Santi is there watching the U’21s tonight, better than a match report will be an interview with our new star 😀
Actually perhaps we at AA should try and get a few interviews with the young players, would be good if we can get them whilst on loan.
I promise to get an interview with an Arsenal player who comes to Ipswich or Norwich on loan.
CG
I wanted to respond to your comment earlier about Kolo.
I’m afraid I really would not want him back. To me he falls into the category of those players who were off-loaded by AW at just the right time.
He went away to one of those African Nations Cup things and came back with malaria. When he recovered he seemed to have lost a yard of pace and was never the same player again.
When Citeh signed him (under Hughes) they made him captain, but they had to take the captaincy off him because he couldn’t hold down a starting place.
I love the guy for what he did for us in the past, but we don’t need him now. I’m happy with Djourou as our 4th choice CB.
Actually this is the United line up:
………………..De Gea……………………
Valencia…..Vidic……Carrick……..Evra
Nani……Scholes…Cleverly…..Kagawa
………………Rooney……………………….
…………………..Wellbeck…………………
Thats a winger playing right back and a centre midfielder plaing centre back, and a £24m reserve Centre Forward on the bench.
Rocky it also doesn’t help that Toure is about 45 😀
There is. 35m forward not even on the bench…..
Good idea GIE. I will get an interview with Chamakh, when he is on the bench of our local pub team on loan. I`ll have plenty of time to do it, Gobber , our one eyed,prosthetic legged 58 year old striker, doen`t normally come off `till the 88th minute !. 🙂
After Miles compared Carrick to Cazorla, does anyone think Santi will make a fine CB aswell ?. That makes Djourou 5th choice !. 🙂
I guess Wilshere is ahead of Santi as CB. Makes JD 6th choice
What about Arshavin?
Arsenalista – I’ve only just seen your comment about a match report from tonights U21’s – are you still game to do that?
It was interesting that when AW said he did not necessarily need to replace Song he mentioned Jack W.
I wonder if he sees a starting MF three of Arteta and Jack, with Cazorla in front (but all three changing positions as and when they need to). It would be a tasty threesome.
I seem to remember LB making the point that Jack was suited to the deeper MF role than the AM role (sorry if I’ve got that wrong LB 🙂 )
Chas
Arshavin and Santi as our CB pairing. I love it 🙂
Just seen Rocky’s invitation for you to write one anyway 🙂
Welbeck’s hairstyle makes him look like an ancient Egyptian.
Van Pussy’s makes him look like a lily-livered, money-grabbing, traitorous, back-stabbing, lying cund.
But Peaches, I didn’t hint at grave consequences if he didn’t do it. I haven’t got your “iron fist in the velvet glove” touch 🙂
Rocky,
Bouldie has got them practising one on the other’s shoulders. Might need an extra long shirt to get away with the deception.
Chas
We’ll need to put the lawnmower on the lowest setting or they’ll never see over the grass 🙂
bit like this
I need to tell you something about the defence on Saturday …
In the first half when we pushed up Gibbs, Per and Vermaelen stayed back and spread themselves across the pitch. I wondered why Gibbs stayed back as in my opinion he is a good attacking wing back but realised later that Jenkinson was always further forward so we were playing three at the back.
In the second half Per was scarily high up the pitch – I mean really scary, for a big man that we know has no pace he was over the half way line!!!! However nothing troubled him even when Sunderland broke there was always someone behind him to tidy up – it was pretty impressive how organised they were.
I was sat in the North Bank so had a good view as the play unfolded towards or away from me.
Does Vermaelen have the engine to play as a DM?
That’s encouraging Peaches. Are you detecting the influence of Mr “he’s go no hair but we don’t care?”
(Not you, Terry).
In fact, Peaches, I commented in my match report that there were times when Gervinho was having to try and dribble past two or three defenders and I was looking for Gibbs to be available for the cutback – but there was no sign of Gibbs.
I suspect the coaches and team have made it a priority to not concede stupid goals this year – at the cost of some of our attacking impact.
I’m watching the Everton-ManUre game and Everton are unlucky not to be a couple up at half time.
You’re brave to watch it, I don’t think I’ve got the bottle, I certainly don’t want to see BSR 😦
The thing I didn’t understand was why Jenkinson was up in the mix and Theo was so far away from the wing????
It’s easy. He’s got a manc badge on his chest.
It’s as if he never wore a cannon close to his heart.
Bloody hell! Everton just hit underside of the crossbar!
This is heading to be one of those jammy 1-0 wins that ManUre always seem to get. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win it with the old dive-and-penalty routine.
Off the bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on Everton. I’m not watching by the way, just listening to Stan Collymore telling talksport listeners that Arsenal supporters should be very disappointed that we’ve moved on players that have been with since they were youngsters. Yawn
Yes… moving on those players who achieved so much for us…
good game, very little between the teams
Peaches – he’s not even playing, warming the bench and signing pieces of paper, but not cheques
Welbeck looks the fresh prince of belair with that haircut!
Fellaini is immense.
yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh good – Everton have scored (top class head work from Fellatio).
As soon as I hit post comment his header flew in!
RvP’s leg fell off……
luvverly
front bottom warming up
Worth a try!
Fellaini all over Carrick all game…but especially for the goal. What day is it Michael? Michael…Michael are you there?
Slimgingergooner more like the fresh prince of bell-end…sorry, couldn’t resist…I’m here all week…etc…
hehehehehe
Oh good, Everton have scored 🙂
ManUre have good movement going forward, but their midfield and defence is no better than it was last year. They could have a dodgy season if they don’t reinforce the defence.
Evra playing like a man who’s had the news that his replacement’s coming…poor…
MU got Pulis’d. Hope we do better next weekend
This league is so strong these days. The Everton and Newcastle first teams are a match for anyone, nevermind the likes of City, United, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea.
Wish we had got Jagielka! He has been unbelievable tonight.
TWAT.
Brave Sir Robin is on.
everton fans are booing him. lovely 🙂
With some singing minstrels behind him… “and then Sir Robin ran away, he ran away, tea la la…”
I hope he gets booed at every ground, then maybe he’ll realise what a front bottom he is
Evra continuing his form from last season, he was dreadful. United fans have been wanting Baines for ages but looks like its going to be Buttner.
They’re booing him because everyone knows he has traded loyalty for cash.
Everton dropped worryingly deep. They were the better team and should continue having a go.
has the Fantasy Football been sorted? Irish sent me the code
Diver Young is on for ManUre.
Dive dive dive, the sub’s coming on.
evonne – just checked and it doesn’t look like it!
Peaches – Will send U21 before bed. Only just getting home. Great performance
I’m crossing fingers for last min pen to Man Utd…which RvP then scoops over the bar…*crosses fingers, toes, eyes, and anything else that can cross*
Rooneys looked unfit tonight and has been dreadful. Will probably score now!
Yeah – don’t jinx it Slim.
evonne – what’s the code? Can you send it to me please.
Rhyle – if you want to join the Arsenal Arsenal league you need the code. If evonne sends it to me I’ll put it into the widget.
For anyone who has been in our league before you just need to login, make your new team and enter it. But new people do need to have the code.
Hahaha – US commentators saying how ManUre are just passing the ball from side to side in front of the Everton defence without any penetration.
BSR should feel right at home 🙂
cheers Peaches
Rocky, naughty 🙂
FT 1-0 Everton.
ManUre in crisis?
Get in you lovely Toffees hahahahahahaha
Hahahahaahahah
When danger reared its ugly head
He bravely turned his tail and fled…..
Hahahaha.
ha ha ha ha, oooo, ha ha ha ha ha
Good to ROLF again 🙂
So he didn’t score a hat trick as predicted???
ha aha ha ha ROLF and ROLF away
Who’s that Robin guy that came on for United? He was shit!
£24m on a striker and then have to play 2 midfielders in defence!!! Barmy!
Yes, Brave Sir Robin turned about,
And gallantly he chickened out…..
My Twitter time line has gone nuts with laughing gooners, love it 🙂 🙂 🙂
Funny thing was that Everton were much the better team until they sat back too deeply after going ahead.
Excuse me I was just ROFL.
Bravely taking to his feet,
He beat a very brave retreat,
Bravest of the brave, Sir Robin.
You could have the best 4 strikers in the world, but if your formation only allows 2 to play at once and you’ve got no defensive players then your going to struggle!
https://twitter.com/TAngleFootball/status/237653535179808770
Lots of great tweets …..
HE knows he is the laughing stock at the moment. Excellent
LadTheGooner @LadGooner
Agent van Persie, task one: complete. Please report back to Colney for info on your next mission.
578731-148406 Rhyle try that code Irish sent it to me earlier
Shame he didn’t get injured though
GM,
I think he dislocated his integrity fairly recently.
actually, i thought rooney was invisible all match..maybe a good sign of things to come..maybe he wont enjoy sharing spotlight hopefully problems to come…hehe
rocky..i agree..i thought everton made uniteds midfield look ridiculous,–oh, wait, maybe uniteds midfield made everton look great.. but they really did dominate most of the match
Magic peeps, code accepted and in like Flynn!
Well done Rhyle – now if I could only find the widget I could put the code in it for others to use 😳
https://twitter.com/mickthegooner/status/237668992536440832
There was one that said ” I forced a move too”
Peaches – you have two posts in your inbox.
Night all
If true this is hilarious:
“Manchester City could lose star midfielder David Silva, 26, as contract talks stall over the Spaniard’s wage demands.”
Twitter is gold. Love the van persie memes.
Ive spent the last 5 days in Manchester. Stayed in a run down bit of Town, but its hard to tell up there. Shaved my head in a mohican style, donned kakki camaflage and changed my name to Terry Bickle.
Met Robin several times. Queued up with a bunch of 12 year olds for his autograph. All the little runts got him to sign Utd shirts but i got him to sign my arse. He was a bit shocked but still done it.
Set up a tent outside his house and saw him come out for a morning jog so i jogged behind him. “Robin” “Robin”, i shouted “Thanks for the Arse signining, i will never wash my Butt again”. He got a bit nervous so started sprinting away. “Robin” “Robin” i shouted “why you legging it, i just want to help you”
Next day some bloke in a Merc pulled up outside his house to pick him up for training. I just happened to have a Cosh on me so i belted the driver with it, tied him up, shoved him in the boot and stole his clothes. Had a nice conversation with Robin.
“Good luck against everton Robin” (bickle)
Thank You” (Robin)
“How you feeling?” (bickle)
“What do you mean”? (Robin)
“Must be hard, leaving a great club to come to this shithole, you might regret it” (Bickle)
“What you talking about man, who the fuck are you, and whats that noise coming from the fucking boot”?
At this point he got a bit edgy and at the lights jumped out of the car. I pulled down my trousers and showed him my signed Butt. “Robin” “Robin”, “Its me, why are you running?, ime just trying to help you”
Have to a bit careful now. Lots of security men hanging around his house. Wont give up though, i just want to help him.
Bought myself a full length mirror for my run down flat.
” You talking to me Robin”? “You talking to me”? “Who the fuck you talking to”?
Will let you know once ive saved him.
Haha – brilliant Terry 🙂
Morning.
It would be such a shame if Utd had blown the lions share of their transfer kitty on a striker, being about the only position they do not need to supplement.
Such a shame.
Song gone for sure eh, and AW says Jack is a replacement although he’d like to bring in another midfielder.
That is crystal clear, he’s after a genuine DM.
I hope that is Buglia, as M’vila sounds a little…ahem…awkward.
Chas,
Love this line:
Surely the most poetic thing would be for M’Vila to hesitate and then go to Villa
Morning Micky,
You’d like Arsenal Gentleman.
But not enough to put up with the rest of the twatface garbage.
There’s a fantasy football league? Code me 🙂
WG
Fantasy football league? 🙂 Code me 🙂
WG
The more I see of Moyes in all his guises the more I think he is the perfect guy to replace Wenger when the time comes, works to a budget and improves young players.
It’s at 10:08pm, WG
Sorry Lads,
Must go to a meeting.
Works to a budget? Is that our first criteria in managers nowadays..? I’m a big fan of Moyes too, but its kinda sad if hes being considered as a replacement just because he works under a budget well and fits the boards #1 criteria of balancing the books. 😦
123 Their is a real world out there my friend soon all clubs will live in it not just us.
Liverpool/Utd/Spurs all lose, City go behind, Arse draw but they are the club in crisis, press agenda what agenda, paranoid me ?
Morning all,
Fan of moyes also but don’t like his style of play. I think the BD manager klopp is our man
first ever sell out Paralympics! Well done Britain
Happy Birthday, Joe.
but we have a manager, why look for a replacement?
I have read years ago that Moyes gets aggressive with his players, not sure I like that. Having said that the Wonderful Gary Neville was singing DM’s praises last night and I tend to take his words as gospel
Morning all
Who’s got the Fantasy Football code? I can’t find it
Found it
578731-148406
I do, wait
578731-148406
🙂 morning evonne
Here’s the Fantasy Football code, if anyone needs it.
578731-148406
Here’s Conor Henderson’s free-kick from last night.
I don’t know if you wanted to use it in Jamie’s post.
morning my dear friend 🙂
morning evonne,
I assume you mean me haha
Thanks chas, I’ll copy it in 🙂
of course dearest 🙂
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