This is the time of the year when Arsenal, and every other club, seem to be caught in the footballing equivalent of the doldrums, once the bane of every sailing ship known to man, where a relatively calm period occurs out of nowhere, and during which time no wind has the temerity to stick its nose in, and indeed prefers to disappear like ice cream in a hot oven, trapping sailing ships for lengthy periods lasting days, weeks and sometimes months, where for what seemed an eternity to their crews – nothing happened.
The transfer window is the fans version of the fabled doldrums, where during a tedious and seemingly never-ending period, dozens of transfer rumours are offered up by the media and many blogsites, on a daily basis, and then roundly condemned and ridiculed as nonsense by the very same blogsites and sports media who started the stupid stories running in the first place.
Then just to give us a short break, these same rumour mongers announce stories, designed to add more click bait to bolster their media and blog site advertising revenues, they feed us cute stories which are hard to prove, or disprove, as falsehoods often are. The trick here is to base the rumours on stories with just a smidgeon of possible truths, and embellish them with wild abandon and make them into something far more juicy.
Instances of this are: Injured Cazorla out until February 2018 – Lucas disgusted with Wenger for pinching his #9 shirt and giving it to someone else – Wenger bids €100m for Mbappe – and then these gems are swiftly followed up by: Cazorla trains with team, back soon – Lucas to leave for more game time – Wenger denies making any bid for Mbappe – and away we go, with fans pointlessly arguing for or against whichever nonsense proposition catches their eye.
And still the transfer doldrums bear down, trying to suffocate us with their mediocrity.
But wait – from out of left field the clubs decide to join in and titivate our sensibilities by entering the spirit of this nonsense and allegedly willy-nilly start to offer kings’ ransoms for this player or that.
Not your boring common or garden £80m or £100m offers for a striker, or two, obviously, but €200m for Neymar or Mbappe (yes him again) and we all laugh holding our bellies, and scoffing at these crazy stories, until, in keeping with this cornucopia of scrumptious jelly and cream La La Land make believe, the reality squirts out from the asshole of the transfer window – Citeh sign Walker – yes that Walker – from the Spuds, for £55m – now that is both unbelievable and incredible, and shows reality can outshine even the most fanciful banality. Yee Gods.
Any sense of reality just evaporates with that news – but hold on, one of the blogsites today insists that Wenger is still in the hunt for Mbappe. Who could credit that? Tomorrow – Wenger denies bid for Mbappe – and off we go again.
I am on record in saying the transfer window should start after the season ends, and finishes on the 31st July – but I am not so sure. Much as I am consecutively annoyed, intrigued, baffled or sneer at these farcical stories, they do actually give me something to fill the doldrums betwixt the ending of one season and the start of the new one – so let the good times roll.
What say you? 😂
Written by Zee
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Excellent, Zee.
I suppose it is all quite entertaining but only if you take everything with a pinch of salt.
There is now a huge online business which depends on Arsenal news. A plethora of blogs, podcasts, youtube ‘fan’ channels and every Tom, Dick and Harry, all have to be seen to be giving their five pennyworth on the minutest detail of Arsenal’s day-to-day business.
Well that put some wind in my sails, very enjoyable read and all true of course.
Morning Chas, and thank you for the vids and pics. 🙂
Hi LB,
Long time no see. 🙂
Chas,
The transfer window coverage, as you implied, has become an important money earning business for the papers to boost their circulation and makes the extravagant claims almost inevitable.
The blogs with volunteers trying to write articles in the ‘dead zone’ of the inter-season find it frustrating that ‘real’ football issues are difficult to write about without appearing ‘stale’.
I gave myself away when I said that common sense would point to amending the time scale for a shorter window that would help new players settle in, and force the clubs to make or break deals sooner and get back to real life football matters, but then I said the rumours and counter rumours do amuse me, and I also know that 98% of them are rubbish so no harm is done.
The problem is that some fans believe everything they read and are disappointed when ‘nothing happens’.
Zee,
So you’re saying we have not bid 100M for Mbappe? Shitballs and big ones at that 🙂
And Santi is back in training!!!!!! Wow. In that case, we’re gonna win the league
Ok, so massive thank you for nibbing up once more. I guess my first question is when does it close. Aug 31 st ?
Mmmm my vote goes to shutting the window one week before first league game, whenever that is.
I think the nitty gritty of transferring a player probably is quite a complex affair, quite apart from the fact they would want a holiday fit in as well as the Internationals
So, say it’s currently open for eight weeks. They only get one annual holiday, so say 4 weeks, then a Euros, World Cup of Confederations, not to mention Under 21’s etc, and there really is very little time
Hiya, Micky
Actually I did not say that we did not make a €100m bid for Mbappe – it were that geezer Wenga. He said we had nor made ANY bid for him. 🙂
As for Santi being back in training (2 weeks ago) it now seems he popped in to pick up his spikes, and hopes to be back ‘as soon as possible’ maybe August 2018. So that’s OK till the next rumour. 🙂
Now back to work with you!
Mickish,
The transfer time table does look complicated when all these various competitions kick off in the summer and relevant players are picked to play in them.
Of course the players are only required to pick up a pen and sign the contract – the agent does everything else. 🙂
No, no more work today. Have friends staying, so doing the tourist guide number.
It would be very good news indeed if Santi could at least play the important games.
Yes, I get that, but nevertheless there remains the whole domino effect stuff.
We’ll only let so and so go if we have replacement lined up.
Then, from players point of view, I do want to to go to PSG but only if Madrid are not interested, and Madrid might only be interested if they fail to prize Johnny Big Pants away from Munich. Not an easy task to get to the signing stage.
Sanchez the indestructible force of nature who never stays injured for more than 10 minutes, has reported in ‘sick’ and is unlikely to be back to Arsenal next Sunday as scheduled.
Now that is a surprise – not. *
* Rumoured sickness, of course, no official statement! 🙂
Micky @ 9:31
True dat! 😀
Sanchez sick?
As Basil Fawlty said to the absent builder “Ah yes, Mr O’Reilly, the flu”
Hey Zee
Bitcoin fork mean anything to you, what with being a maths wizard and fish eater?
Micky,
It would be better if you googled ‘Bitcoin Fork’ and it will take you to a whole series of sites that explain the term and what it means – and the changes that will happen from August 1st.
It is both straightforward and yet complicated depending on the individuals involvement. Be Careful.
great post Zee
However you have missed a great big section on the impact that the transfer window has on fantasy football and the use of the wild card.
Zee
I asked you the question as if cryptos were your thing, as they are mine, then I’d be interested in your opinion.
Google? No. Up to me gills in the stuff 🙂
Micky,
I have no interest in Bitcoin – because I am a luddite, sorry. 🙂
Good point, VP.
Unfortunately, I tend to bash out the odd Post on a whim, within the time it takes to simply type the rubbish that comes into my head – in this case a bit of a record for me of 10 minutes – so have at it sir, and expand on the world of fantasy football and wild cards — that will be much better than what I have posted!! 😀
Morning all, I find the transfer window an absolute bore, the amount of mis-information that is believed is unbelievable – it only benefits the media and is a total distraction for the clubs and the players.
Thank you Zee.
I hope you continue to have whims and create more quickie posts.
Im
Team news: Santi, Gabriel and Jack updates
28 Jul 2017
Arsene Wenger gave us a brief fitness bulletin after overseeing training at London Colney on Thursday.
The boss doesn’t have too many injury concerns right now, but here’s what he said about those who definitely won’t be fit for the Emirates Cup.
on Gabriel…
I would say that Gabriel is still a few weeks away because he has an inflammation of his bone.
on Jack Wilshere…
Jack Wilshere is close to coming back to training.
on Santi Cazorla…
For Santi, it is difficult to set a definite date but he is getting better every day.
on other fitness issues…
Overall those are the main injuries we have. Everyone else is back to fitness.
Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to http://www.arsenal.com as the source.
That’s interesting info, GN5, thank you. 🙂
Fred,
What’s Im?? 🙂
Feed up writting In so thought Im would suffice 🙂
Squad for Emirates Cup confirmed:
GKs: Petr Cech, David Ospina, Emiliano Martinez
DFs: Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers, Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac, Cohen Bramall
MFs: Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Granit Xhaka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock
FWs: Alexandre Lacazette, Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck
https://www.arsenal.com/news/squad-emirates-cup-confirmed
For those who doubt that I can get angry I am here to tell everyone who is interested that I would be happy to see the back of that ‘sick sh*t Sanchez.
We pretty much saved his career when we took him from Barça where he was a nobody among their galaxy of stars, and boosted him during the brief time he wanted to be with us. A great goal scorer it’s true, but a shabby self obsessed man who craps on us from a great height when it suits him.
‘I’m feeling a little bit sickie wickie which is a bit tricky — for you — so I won’t be coming out to play – or train” – he says – which is both insulting and sickening – for us the fans who applauded him and praised him and who he treats like something nasty he has trodden in.
He can go fuck himself and I hope Wenger shows him the door as soon as possible, and I further hope he never wears an Arsenal shirt again the treacherous bastard.
He has crossed the line as far as I am concerned!!
I agree, Fred, ‘Im’ is the new ‘In”. 😀
Thanks for that JM.
It might be the mood I am but that squad does seem a bit samey to me, even with our new boys La Caz and Kolasinac, and I am keeping my fingers crossed we manage to get one or two more classy players in just to change the squad make up.
Zee, maybe you should have waited until Sunday for your Sanchez rant. You may well have been taken in by a just the type of Red Top click gatherers that you wrote about and may be forced to recant if he turns up on schedule as expected by Arsene.
But then again I never believe the Red Tops so there are bound to be times when their wild statements turn out to be true, but it seems to be out of character for Sanchez.
Top stuff RedZee, lies for money are despicable, I only lie for attention.
My lying career started as a kid. I had just switched school and as an outsider with an unpleasant personality tried to ingratiate myself with the other kids by claiming to have a full collection of Thunderbird replicas, including one of Parker naked.
For a short while I was a hero, but from the beginning I could tell one boy in particular, Graham, was suspicious. How could I have such a grandiose collection when I had a face that deterred the receiving of gifts.
After a while it was announced that there would be a day when all boys would be allowed to make a presentation or display of there hobbies. Everyone was excited, especially Graham who said he couldn’t wait to see Parker and was I sure he wasn’t wearing pants?
I was really panicking. What could I do? The only Thunderbird I had was the aquatic 4 which I had stolen from Graham about a month back. I had no choice but to bunk off.
Later that day there was a knock on the door and as I answered a gaggle of boys steamed past me. In the living room they saw Grahams Thunderbird 4 and despite my protestations I had that day found it in the street and the rest of the collection must have been stolen by a member of the “Anti Replica Nudity League” my number was up.
That’s what will happen to those twats that spread transfer lies. One day they will be named, shamed, and forced to admit they have never seen a Parker replica naked.
I don’t read the red tops, GN5 — over here the leaks coming out are relatively widespread, and altho I normally shrug off the crass comments made, the Sanchez thing has run for so long it is helping to form my opinion.
I understand you may not support my view – after all bloggers who are diametrically opposed to your views cannot wait to also rubbish me too — and I suppose being in the middle as I appear to be — does not matter — I am what I am and if that does not suit other people that’s tough, and I will just have to go my own way – and say sayonara.
So ‘Sayonara’ – the Herbs of the world have won, I really must be a shit person, and I have had enough.
Terry,
You must have posted that comment when I was saying goodbye.
You are a lovely guy and I will miss you and your tales, (and GLIC and his love shack) — that hurts, so look after yourself my friend.
I hope you are joking Zee I can’t believe that you would quit because I disagreed with you for the only time I can remember?
Nooooo RedZee, say it isn’t so. Don’t let them win.
I shall carry out my threat to keep posting madness until your return and when you reappear like Mcarther, who I believe done it to make love to loads of beautiful Phillipiners, shall continue posting madness when your back. Which I hope is within the next half hour.
I really only want to enjoy ‘AA’ as a reader, no longer a commenter, because there is no debate here.
But Red Arse just can’t help taking a swipe and throwing insults.
‘The Herb’s of this world have won…’
What is it exactly that we ‘Herb’s’ have won?
Our football club is in the biggest mess it’s been in for decades, and they’re further away from competing than they’ve ever been.
Pochettino is by far out-performing our gilded manager – who seemingly can do no wrong – on far less resources.
But we don’t want to discuss that because that would somehow stain the angelic Wenger, who is beyond reproach.
So not only are Arsenal now miles behind Chelsea and the two Manchester’s, we’re now chasing Liverpool and Tottenham too.
The ‘Herb’s’ of this world have sat and watched so-called intelligent people defend the dismantling of Arsenal’s whole identity, which has led to a huge decline in the overall quality.
The problem isn’t the ‘Herb’s’ of the world, it is that Arsenal have wasted vast resources on getting their strategy totally wrong.
No other big club wastes money on the same scale as Arsenal for so little reward.
I don’t know about you, Red Arse, but it is my opinion that the current version of Arsenal gave up the fight and surrendered long ago.
As Arsenal fans, that means we’ve all lost.
Please find a more appropriate target to direct your anger, because I refuse to accept blame for having a different opinion to you.
Herb, how do you see Manure being miles ahead of Arsenal?
In terms of results vs what has been spent to achieve those results compared to Arsenal etc.
VP really???
They’re the richest club in world football.
They’ve won 20 First Division/Premier League titles to Arsenal’s 13, and are far more likely to win it again before Arsenal, as well as three CL, which Arsenal are a million miles from.
Even with Arsenal’s stadium move, they are still 16,000 short of United’s capacity of 76,000.
Their global support dwarfs Arsenal’s by some distance.
And apart from their brand being significantly bigger than Arsenal’s across the world, they rake in approximately £150 million a year more than Arsenal in their commercial deals.
Look at the difference in their spending habits.
United buy because they want to be the best, Arsenal buy only when it is deemed necessary, and always with extreme caution.
United buy to try and live the dream, Arsenal are obsessed with financial profit, which is why it’s impossible for them to contemplate living the dream.
Arsenal are now a corporate business focused on making Kroenke a healthy profit, United still recognise the importance of having success on the field.
They are hungry for the PL tItle and CL, Arsenal couldn’t care less about them.
For seven straight years, exiting the CL Round of 16 was considered perfectly acceptable because the club were being very healthily rewarded for making up the numbers. And when you’re rewarded for continued failings, the lines get blurred. Those complaining about the lack of progress in real football terms are drowned out by those who spin it into a success solely because of the club banking money.
Arsenal supporters are far more placid and less demanding than United fans. We accept failure with far more complicity. United are more ruthless and direct in their pursuit of success. Van Gaal was sacked for exactly the same as what Wenger achieved last season, winning the FA Cup and missing out on CL.
United have grown astronomically because their spending has manifested into success, and nothing makes more money than continually winning.
None of the other top six clubs in England – which includes Everton – would take Wenger as their manager.
United are miles ahead of Arsenal because the two clubs have very contrasting philosophies.
Hopefully, for the relief of the regulars here, this will be my final contribution because none of us like doing the club down, but we can only say it as we see it, and for me personally to see Arsenal go this way is heart-breaking.
Zeeeeee I’m with you. To be honest, there’s only one way to interpret Sanchez “enfermo” (sick in English) post. If he’s willing to pull a move like that, I’m personally disgusted.
I wish there was a way for a team to fight back against a player lying about illness, injury. Mandatory medical exams, withholding pay, breach of contract penalties. For example, if you’re contracted to work for a company for a year more, but refuse work, paid or not, you should not be allowed to walk away merrily to your next job. I would, if i were the club, take the loss on a transfer ( unless theres a 60m £ offer) and pay the best legal sharks to pursue him. Set a precedent against him.
Either way, Arsenal should be wrapping up players before our hand is forced, when sellers and buyers will know what we desperately need, and even how much more we have to spend. Thats a bad situation. Im also angry about Ox maybe walking on a free. Terrible job by the club to allow this situation, along with Ozil.
So to reply to Sanchez in Spanish. You’re being a gillipollas. English- d.ckhead.
Hi ya jnyc,
Your comment @ 1:28 chimes exactly with my own thoughts, and that is no surprise.
You are so right that Arsenal have taken their eyes off the ball and made a mess of the contract renewals, perhaps hoping they would magically sort themselves out.
A foolish expectation always doomed to end in frustration for everyone especially the fans.
Competition for “AA Drama Queen of the year 2017” is now really hotting up.
Barely past the half way mark, and with handbags flying, the feuding divas could well be joined by the smooth skinned South American dog-fancier as the tiara hurling spills over onto the pitch.
Marvellous 🙂
One is back 🙂 🙂
Eddddieeee, take note 🙂
J and NYC and Zee
Should we take into account that Sanchez is, how do we put this, sensitive and emotional 🙂
Mmmm, just looked up on AFC dot com and it says Ems game is on audio 🙄
Also says Sanchez and Mustafi played with each other on July 2 in Russia, so only return to training on Sunday.
Ok, enjoy game if you’re going or your Saturday if not
Before I depart these shores, I just want to say hello Micky.
No arguments from me, Micky, we all have our own opinions, and people’s ideas of what constitutes success are obviously very different.
But you are one of the good souls that has stayed the course from the blog’s very beginnings, and as you’ve always been humourous and generous (mostly) in your comments towards me, it would have been impolite not to acknowledge your presence.
Sometimes it’s difficult not to get embroiled in the politics of the club, and for that I apologise. I just hope there is some light at the end of this dark tunnel.
This has now become my last comment, but it was in a good cause.
If I break my promise and comment again, Micky, you can hire a hit-man to finish me off 😀
GN5,
I owe you an apology as I was being a bit down about blogging especially as there are a number of top people including yourself on AA — and I was talking to myself really.
It was not intended to be in anyway aimed at you – or anyone else for that matter – it was a just a personal matter.
Micky,
“Also says Sanchez and Mustafi played with each other on July 2 in Russia” that is so debauched! Russia, eh? Wait until Terry finds out. 😀
What time is Raddy going to publish his pre-Match Special for today’s game?
Or is it down to you Micky?
Presumably Ant and Duck are travelling down to the game – pictures, please? 🙂
For those with Freeview [37], Sky [144] or Virgin [172] — the Emirates Cup is available free on the channel called ‘Quest’.
The Arsenal game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. — I think – andSeville at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
Game showing on ESPN though
Zee. You most certainly do not have to apologize to me my friend.
As I sat and reflected on your comment it was pretty obvious that you had something else on your mind. To be perfectly clear I find you to be one of the very best bloggers and your posts and comments are always refreshing and a treat to read.
I consider it to be a great honour to be able to blog with you – along with many other AAers – and long may it continue.
I’ve been blogging, in various forms, since the early to mid 90’s and after visiting many other sites I continue to find that AA remains as my blog of choice. I sincerely hope that if any of our “missing” bloggers are reading that they come back and once again grace us with their presence.
I knew you would understand, GN5 – thanks for that. 🙂
Herb, yes really, what have they achieved in the last 3 or 4 years that puts them miles in front of Arsenal? If anything, in the same period, I would say that arsenal have out performed them.
Manures spending to win 1 FA Cup and 1 Europa and I think 1 CL place but below Arsenal in the league each of the last few years?
Vs.
3 FA Cups, 2 Charity Shields, 3 CL places and above Manure in the standings.
I even think our club record signing is better, Lacazette vs Pogba
You can’t say Manure is miles ahead of Arsenal these last few years, you just can’t
But I’m sure you will
anyway, I’m at Father Daughter camp this weekend with my youngest.
The last camp for me after previous Father Daughter and Father Son camps.
They are a strange rites of passage time when the dad gets to be put to the sword in terms of expectations etc.
We are at a YMCA camp near the beach. I’m in a bunk bed with 4 other dads.
On the plus side, food was great. One of the Greek dads came down and did the lamb on a spit over hot coals with tzakiki dip etc. best camp food so far
The first line up for the Gunners this afternoon is;
Ospina, Holding, Mert, Sead, Nelson, maitland-niles, Xhaka, Le Coq, Theo, Iwobi, Giroud
Giroud misses sitter, Arsenal allow own goal. Ospina is so damn shaky. Sead digs it out and Walcott with da finish!
Walcott look good today having quick front 3 wound be lovely to see this season
Reiss Nelson woooooooooo
Took G to his first game at Emirates today, needless to say that just re emphasised why I go, and why I took him. To enjoy it, and what an enjoyable day it was too, a nice 5-2 win, but to be honest watching G watch and listen to the Benfica fans at the Armoury roundabout, and then not far from us in the stadium, they even brought a flare to add to the atmosphere was just as enjoyable.
As good as the game was (even getting drenched in row 1 before watching second half from back of Upper Tier) it was all about time I spent with G, getting photos with all the statues, filming his first walk up to the seats, memories I can keep and nothing to do with trophies players, transfer fees or directors. Just about going to The Arsenal like I did when I was a kid. When did football become only about titles and success?
I got G to strike the TA pose with the statue.
On another note about our club, I emailed them ahead of my visit, knowing that I would have bag searched, and in it I would be carrying G’s anaphylaxis kit (incl needles), said what I was carrying, made sure it would be ok. They asked me to email back with the turnstile and block details, so they could make a supervisor aware in case of any issues.
Going through the turnstiles the stewards sent G through first, called a steward on other side who held his hand until I came through. Further establishes what an amazing club we support.
LB woooo indeed, and was impressed by Naitland-Miles too, but the player who impressed me most today was Theo, looked like a player who may have done a bit of reassessment as he looked focussed, hungry and set to prove a point.
@Zee
great stuff as always. Thank you for the entertaining post
I completely agree with your comments regarding Sanchez. He way good/okay is a team of stars and Arsene added another bow to his game (like he has to so many players).
He’s just another mercenary. We deserve better than “sorry, I’m sick” – that’s the sort of student a 15 year old does when he’s stacking boxes at the local grocery store. I expect better from a professional. We made him banner with his dogs on it for christ sake!
@JNYC – agree.
GAME –
Giroud’s celebration looked like a player that was leaving the club. I could be reading too much into it but that’s how it looked to me.
GIE, what a wonderful day that must have for you and your son, I remember my first game like it was yesterday even though it was 70 years ago. I hope he got the bug and that he enjoys our team in the years to come as much as his dad does.
I just wish I could have done the same with my son and grandson but 3,60 miles makes it a tad difficult.
Once again, Arsene Wenger’s post-match press conference was dominated by Alexis’ future and when he will return to training.
The Chile international posted a picture on social media declaring that he is unwell, and the boss was asked about it on Saturday following the Emirates Cup victory against Benfica.
This is what he had to say:
on Alexis…
He has flu, yes. I had him on text yesterday. He will come back as soon as possible and we were in touch with him and his doctor and he has no basic problem apart from the fact that he should come back tomorrow, but he comes back on Tuesday.
on whether Alexis’ future has developed…
There’s no development, it’s always the same.
on whether he thinks people may have misinterpreted Alexis’ Instagram post…
No. Your job is to be suspicious. Your job is built on mistrust and mine is built on trust. So that’s why I prefer my side.
if what he said about his own contract situation last season causing uncertainty also applies to Alexis this season…
No, it’s not the same. It’s not the same I think, the players who have one year of contract have to respect their contract and play out their contract. After for a manager is a bit different because it concerns more what is the future of the club. The players were thinking what’s going on and what’s happening, so it creates uncertainty because it’s a global policy. I am responsible for the global policy of the club but for the players it is different.
on whether Alexis has told him whether he would like to stay or leave…
I cannot reveal to you what he says to me always, no.
on what’s being said in the text messages between them…
I don’t want to talk. I cannot reveal what is a secret conversation.
on what language they are texting in…
We speak in English.
on whether Alexis is in the country…
He’s flying back as soon as he’s in a position to fly back. He has flu and that’s a question of normally four or five days.
on whether he will have a meeting with Alexis…
I cannot constantly talk about that. I’m meeting with all the players.
Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to http://www.arsenal.com as the source.
Read more at https://www.arsenal.com/news/wengers-latest-comments-alexis-future#FsvUQhmAgMfMXFos.99
Oz, I’ve had the same feeling with Girouds demeanor for the past few weeks, his goal celebrations, body language, snubbing of Lacazzette in in earlier friendlies… also he made some seriously cryptic statements that sounded like he’s more likely to leave.
Definitely JNYC. A real shame. I like Giroud and he gives us another dimension. Without him we have Lacazz, Sanchez (doesn’t want to be here), Perez (Arsene doesn’t want him here clearly), Walcott (I don’t want him here), and some young ones.
Wouldn’t be too good.
Oz Gunner – how are you?
I have missed your views on Arsenal for quite a long time, altho I sometimes have a look at what’s going down at BK and have seen you once or twice.
As regards Sanchez, it is a pity these guys do not have even a tiny percentage of the loyalty to the fans that we give to them.
Great to see you! 😀
GIE,
I mentioned you recently, and it is also great to see you and G, above, and my how he has grown since he was first introduced to AA. 😀
You are spot on about the trophies, the owners and everything else so many just moan about – like you I just am a supporter, and will always be a Gooner.
If Arsenal win a trophy like all the FA Cups we collect then I am ecstatic – but it would not change my attitude if we had lost them.
Arsenal for ever – and I bet G will grow up thinking that too with a dad like you!! 😀
Hi Chas,
I saw the Sanchez sick pic, and was outraged with Pep – until I realised it was one of your ‘specials’ and could not stop laughing! 😀
GIE my picture next to adams look much better anyone want to see 🙂
should we be concerned there is not defending in those highlights
Hi Zee,
Have been crazily busy since FA Cup Final, can’t believe we are fast approaching the next season. Best thing about that is that I have managed to avoid the transfer turmoil, the will he won’t me with Alexis leaves me cold, I find it amazing that there is weight behind the “no ambition” theory that leads to his “reported” actions being supported by some Arsenal fans.
I find it laughable that a player who was brought in as the icing on the cake is somehow “allegedly” able to criticise the clubs ambition for not signing other “big names” etc, or that somehow his current teammates are not as good as him.
If all this is true then in that respect he falls into the BSR, FFF, and Cesc pool of leavers who actually don’t believe they are good enough to win titles on their own, or be the leaders to those titles.
That’s why players like Koscielny get my respect, could have been tempted away in the last few seasons is one of the best centre backs in the PL and would improve the back four of most of the other sides around us, yet remains.
Don’t be shy Fred show us the pic.
How How post pictures again I promise this is the last time am asking
GIE,
Couldn’t have said it better. Sanchez v Kozzer like chalk and cheese.
I like to hear you are ‘crazily busy’ means you are busily looking after your family by putting in the hours like any good accountant. 😀
Good on you.
Jock & Jimmy were walking along a street in London.
Jock looked in one of the shop windows and saw a sign that caught his eye.
The sign read, “Suits £5.00 each, Shirts £2.00 each, trousers £2.50 per pair”.
Jock said to his pal, “Look at the prices! We could buy a whole lot of these and when we get back to Scotland we could make a fortune.
Now when we go in you stay quiet, okay? Let me do all the talking cause if they hear our accents, they might think we are cheap Scotsmen and try to screw us. I’ll put on my best London accent”.
“OK Jock, I’ll keep me mouth shut” said Jimmy.
They go in and Jock said in a posh voice, “Hello my good man. I’ll take 50 suits at £5.00 each, 100 shirts at £2.00 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at £2.50 each. I’ll back up me truck ready to load them on, old chap!
The owner of the shop said quietly, “You’re from Scotland, aren’t you?”
“Well yes,” said a surprised Jock. “What gave it away?”
The owner replied, “This is a dry-cleaners.
GIE,
The shame of it all is that loyalty appears to be have become old fashioned. I guess I’m stuck in the past as I retain my faith that players will in fact treat their clubs with respect so I always end up totally disappointed. I never learn………..
The more I look at the posed picture of Sanchez the more nauseated I feel – see what you’ve gone and done to me Zee.
OK lacazette nice but how welbeck miss that he seriously doesn’t deserve to play
There a lot of talk about Sanchez being loyal but we as fans have should show loyalty all around and not only to or best player just last thread someone was saying that wins Coq etc should be sold
I know we want the best for Arsenal so I can understand they ain’t good enough but loyalty should be both ways in my opinion
Bang on, Frederico.
Cmon you Gunners
Hi redzee
I’m good thanks. Yeah I haven’t written any posts or posted much for 3 seasons. Normally I need to fit in Arsenal replays during lunch breaks etc.
I get that players aren’t going to have the same loyalty as us supporters but a bit of respect for the club that turned things back around. Oh well. He’s up there with nasri in my opinion. F**k him. Unless he re-signs somehow (I’ll deny ever saying such a thing).
Glad lacaz appears to be okay, heart in mouth stuff when he limped off.
How is life for zee?
Chas,
Up late this morning, coz late to bed — one look at the dogs and I am struggling to keep my eyes open again. Yawnnnnn……….
What’s that about ‘your mum’s made the beans?’ – quixotically French, or do English mum’s really make beans — thought they grew in the allotments. 😀
That’s odd, Chas, in general those strips seem to move slightly — individually they say motionless.
Hi ya, Oz,
The time difference is always a bit of a problem for Aussies and far eastern bloggers and the North American. But it’s good to hear from you.
I’m not too bad, thanks. 🙂
Watching the cute pics and vids on AA, is in complete contrast to the news that Stan Kroenke has opened a TV channel dedicated to hunting, and tho I have not seen it, and will not, it apparently shows gory scenes that are appalling and likened to a slaughter house in the wild.
What is he doing? Disgusting — all those b*stards are.
Chas, Peaches, Rasper, Big Thingy,
If there is anyone in an exalted position who can publish a Post – I am bored with this one, and can let you have a replacement tout de suite, if you let me know.
If not – probably a wise decision on your part. 😀
we have some good Full backs
Zee
Posts always welcome as ever.
If you give me half an hour, I can get it up. 🙂
Morning all from Canada.
Zee our different time zones are way more complicated then they appear on the surface.
Australia has 5 different zones.
Canada has 6
USA has 8
UK has 1
20 different zones in all.
The biggest difference I have is between VP of Oz and myself – we are 14 hours behind.
Chas,
It will be in the usual place shortly.
OK, Chas, it is there. 🙂
It’s OK, GN5, as a native North American I am well aware of the time zones from New York to Hawaii, but with all due respect to you for carefully typing them up – for which thank you – I was simplifying it as Oz already knows. 😀
NEW POST
Ok, Chasser,
Here it is — getting worse all the time — difficult to pick a subject to write about! 🤠
Arsenal Decisively Indecisive?
Being decisive is usually recognised as recognising a problem, or identifying a need to improve a situation, and arriving at a decision to quickly and effectively act to resolve it.
And in some ways, that has happened, in that defensively we seemed to be all at sea last season, until realising that the absence of the wise old head of Per Mert and the continuing frustrating injuries affecting Kozzer, AW decided to change to a three at the back, primarily until the injured CBs returned to the roster the following season at which time he would review which formation fitted the team the best. And undoubtedly the change in formation worked very well.
The ‘3 at the back’ was self-evidently caused by the lack of resources in defence because in addition to the loss of Per and Kozzer, Chambers had been loaned out, Gabriel had shot himself in the foot, or something, and Holding was still learning his trade and making a good fist of it, but to cap it all there were injury problems in the backs as well.
So, good decisive reactions helped us to almost qualify for the CL, except for possibly one of the more inept performances seen in many a year, when we lost to a poor Crystal Palace team who every pundit expected us to put to the sword. The three points conceded there would have given us 4th place, instead of just missing out.
It was clear in a very confusing time, when even the Chief Executive Gazidis said it was a catalyst for a change meaning that there had to be a restructuring of the team personnel and the management, presumably in the close season.
Frustrated fans reacted with a glimmer of hope that a decisive reaction had come at a time when Arsene was indecisively stalling on renewing his contract. Again – action and reaction – yin and yang – decisive and indecisive.
Last summer the club should have reacted decisively to the failure of Özil, Sanchez and Chamberlain to extend their contracts, but instead there was a sense of apathy and indecision throughout the summer 2016 transfer window, and eventually AW announced he was sure contracts would be signed during the season, and anyway there was still 2 years left in which to negotiate. Wishy washy? Selling such important players under 2017 transfer window pressure and attempting to buy top replacements has been predictably difficult.
And what has happened to the reinforcement of the CBs? Kozzer has what is known as a chronic injury that is not going to go away, Per has announced that he will retire soon, and although he has the right mental attitude to play, his physical decline has continued as was clear in the pre-season and he is unlikely to be able to play regularly – and both are getting older.
To add to that, there is still no sign that Gabriel is likely to recover from his injury any time soon, and with Calum on the ‘to sell’ list, not much attention seems to have been shown in shoring up a key area for the team. Decisive? I think not.
AW explained quite clearly that he did not like other clubs continually asking for Sanchez, Chamberlain and Özil, and ignoring his decisive message that they were not for sale.
He went on to declare that Arsenal’s policy was that when we wanted a player we would inquire if that player was available for sale, but, if told they were not for sale, then the club would respect that and walk away.
But hold you hard. How does that decisive statement square up with the rumoured bids for Lemar when it seems Arsenal have been told he is not for sale, and yet we appear to have been going back with increased offers in trying to acquire him. Not taking ‘no’ for an answer there then.
It beggars belief that Arsenal will reject the prospect of possibly making £150m in sale proceeds for selling the above-named trio this summer, and simply lose all that money next summer, as they walk away on ‘frees’.
Either the manager will decide late on in this window that he will sell after all, and probably find it difficult, if not impossible, to buy replacements at short notice, or we will be without 3 key players next summer, and to make matters worse – also without that £150m needed to buy the equivalent replacements.
Does anyone feel a little tremor of indecision creeping into the Arsenal thought processes – especially from Kroenke, the man whose money it is?
Me too.