Where does the beautiful game go from here?

July 13, 2010

I awoke on Monday morning sick and angry at the realisation that the Sam Allardyce School of football had somehow found its loathsome way to the World Cup final as Holland kicked, hacked, tripped and shirt pulled their way through 120mins of cynical attrition, laughingly described by some as football. Thus the most high profile game in the world was dragged down to a level that would have shocked Sunday morning pub footballers.

This I thought is the country that gave us Johan Cruyff, Krull, Neskins and latterly our own Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, each and every one renowned for sublime skills. Yet it was RvP, who’s own foul play straight from the kick off announced to the watching world just what today’s game plan would be.

Where has Holland’s fabled total football gone? Surely it was this concept that had inspired Barcelona through successive managers to play it with the style and panache that makes them the most attractive club side in the world.  The same style copied back here in England by Arsene Wenger as he shapes our own Arsenal after the same fashion.

Yet here and now, in the full spotlight of the world’s media and on millions of TV screens worldwide. We had watched Spain’s modern interpretation of the same concept, being ruthlessly nullified by storm troopers, wearing the same orange shirts their forbears had worn with such distinction, as footballers in previous world cups. Sure they had never won one, but their reputation and magic has entered footballs folklore and is to this day the stuff of dreams and wonder to those of us lucky enough to remember. What will this crowd of losers be remembered for?

So bad was the rough stuff that even Alan (football is a mans game and a contact sport) Hanson was a complete contradiction of all he has ever espoused on BBC TV. He was moved in his half time summation to roundly condemn the Dutch, their methods and tactics in an anti intimidation tirade that would have left most listening gooners in a state of  complete disbelief given his known track record on the subject. Miracles it seem do happen, conversion is still possible in today’s cynical football world.

So back to yesterday morning and as I lay in bed the realisation of how far we had fallen came. When I turned my radio on and Jordie Cruyff a Dutch international himself and the son of the great man, said to Nicky Campbell “of course we played the correct game we had to stop them playing, if we had let them play their tippy tappy football we may as well have gone home after 45 minutes as we would have been beaten. The referee didn’t help he was very” (picky, fussy cant remember exactly. But the meaning is clear). Like father, like son I think not.

True the referee tried valiantly enough, but no doubt warned by the politicians not to ruin South Africa’s big day, was not able to apply the law, as he should have done in order to control the game. Two sent off in the first half would no doubt have finished any hope’s he might have of higher office when his officiating days are done.

We are well used to Blackburn and Bolton and their ilk playing against us in this manner, the broken legs and in some cases spirits of fine young footballers, in our own club, testify to the malaise in this country.

But from Cruyff to Allardyce in the world cup final is a tragedy I am unable to get my head round.

Thank god they didn’t win and the beauty of the Spanish game got its just reward. Even if there was too much diving, unnecessary posturing and card waving from the Spanish players, but at least they stuck to the basics and kicked the ball most of the time.

So my football loving friends please answer the question I keep asking myself, where the hell does the game I love go from here?

Written by dandan

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Posted by dandan

The Exit Looms …. But For Who?

July 12, 2010

When discussing buying players recently, I’ve found myself repeating the phrase ‘cautiously dipping our toes back into the transfer market’.

I know we’ve been buying players selectively over the last couple of years, but I do believe that the pattern of one decent signing over the summer will become 2,3 or even 4 as long as our profits remain healthy and the squad needs reinforcing.

In a perfect world, we’d have a gifted and balanced squad, none of whom want to leave, fed by a constant influx of talent from our youth system, but Carlsberg don’t do football management. I don’t expect us to buy any ‘finished article’ £25m+ superstars, but continue with what we do best and that is to identify players who are not on the radar of the big clubs but are ‘Wenger gems’ in the making. I expect Koscielny to be just such an acquisition.

This brings me to the main point of the post. In the future, if we are going to bring in 2 or 3 players, we will also be letting 2 or 3 players go. Competition for places in the side should be fierce and hopefully this will increase desire, ambition and work rate in the squad. I’m not referring to the likes of  Sol, Silvestre and Campbell’ older players who are being ‘let go’. It would be great if the next time we sell a player it will be because WE want to  rather than THEY would prefer to play for a ‘bigger’ club.

In yesterday’s post, 26may1989 put it very well when he wrote this about the respective performances in the World Cup ‘Never has a tournament shown the value of team play, of the collective over the individual. To me, that’s a good thing.’

I would argue that team spirit and belief is eroded when the better players know that there are weak links in the side.

We’ve discussed the importance of not damaging player’s confidence by character assassination from the terraces; in the media or on the blogs, but the ruthless objectivity that has got us into this enviable position must also apply to the squad.

The purchase of Vermaelen to replace Kolo Toure is a perfect example of the way I think we should go about strengthening the squad.

I have it from a ’very reliable source close to the top’ (hell, I sound just like the sort of rumour monger I despise), that last season, there were four first team regulars that were thought not to be up to standard – pretty amazing that we finished 3rd in the Premiership if that really was the case.

I can already sense every reader compiling a list in their heads. Apart from the obvious choice of the keeper, this subject will produce more disagreement than any other. Song would be one of the first names on the team sheet for me whereas I am yet to be convinced that Diaby can produce the consistency and discipline required.

I shall not describe any players in relation to a ‘popular savoury spread’, but suffice to say that we all employ our personal prejudices when evaluating players and sometimes that is an irrational judgement, but the harsh reality is that we can now afford to replace any that are not good enough – and that’s precisely what we must do!

Arsène will no doubt have it in his mind that next season will be make or break for some players. He has announced in previous years that he expects player ‘A’ (Theo?) to really step up a level, he now has the financial clout to replace player ‘A’ if he fails to reach the required standard. Every player with potential should be given the chance to prove they can make the grade (Vela?), but equally there is a point where persistence with failure damages the team and costs games.

We will have a stronger team this coming season. The description of Koscielny as a ‘warrior’ says it all; Arsène knows we need to be stronger and more aggressive to compliment our silky passing skills.

I expect that any player who consistantly fails in terms of ability and work rate will be closest to the door when we go shopping next summer.

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Posted by Rasp

The Barcelona Inquisition,take a tip Cesc and stay with the ones who love you.

July 9, 2010

Day after day there are alleged reports that one by one the Barcelona players have been speaking to Cesc, pleading with him to return home to his roots, yet little or nothing is being published that he might not even get paid initially,let alone played, as quite frankly, Barcelona are in a real mess financially.

The latest report is that the new president of Barcelona,  Sandro Rossell, is travelling to South Africa to meet Arsène Wenger in what is being viewed as a “make or break bid”. Reports suggest that if they cannot reach an agreement with Wenger this weekend, the Catalan club are likely to turn their attentions elsewhere to bolster their squad. That in itself shows me that they are clutching at straws. Quite simply Barca don’t have the funds and in layman’s terms I will try and explain the complex issues surrounding the club.

As of June this year their total debt is 518 million euros, which included “irregularities” of 57 million from the 1990’s, yet they still have made pre tax profits for the last three years.

Their problem is one of cash flow, and hence they have borrowed 150m euros to pay short term payables such as hefty bonuses to the players  but they will need to continue to sell players before they can even think of putting in a substantial offer for a player such as Fabregas. The main issue revolves around the problems at Mediapro, who are seeking bankruptcy protection. The problems at Mediapro, who manage the tv rights for La Liga clubs, are a knock-on effect from problems at the suppliers of cable tv in Spain.  Strangely, Barcelona appear to have a different deal with Mediapro to Real Madrid with only verbal payment guarantees. If one adds to that the fact that players did not get paid in June, how dare they even try and attempt to belittle our club with a meagre offer for one of the best young players in Europe.

The promises by  media companies to be able to pay out large sums to football clubs and their inability to do so in the current climate are surely going to have an affect on football finances world-wide.

If you want to read more about Mediapro click here

http://www.eufootball.biz/Television/8351-spanish_rights_holder_mediapro_filed_bankruptcy.html

In addition have a look at the source below to see Rossell’s reported take on Arsenals behaviour

http://www.eufootball.biz/finance/8409-barcelona_deal_cash_flow_problem.html

Cesc, you are being conned, forget Barcelona and concentrate your efforts on a club steeped in history that wants you to be part of the exciting times ahead.We have seen you grow from a youngster to a world class player these last seven years, and if, and it’s a big if you leave us now, you may just regret it.

Written by kelsey

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Posted by kelsey

Arsenal Sign £30m Star – should have gone to Speculation Savers!

July 7, 2010

Not much has changed since I last tried to reign in the excesses of those supporters who denigrate our club because we have failed to sign Messi (OK I exaggerate – but they started it).

We had a seemingly well informed blogger (Dudulino) on yesterday who claims to have met Koscielny at the training ground. Apparently he will wear squad number 6. The announcement of his arrival will be made with full fanfare on AW’s return from the World Cup – I believe Dudulino, it is totally in line with the way the club is being run now and for the foreseeable future.

Shock Headline from The Sun “Arsenal eye £40m swoop for Italian Stars” – calm down dear, it’s only a commercial …… to attract readers to a gutter newspaper!

Let me put everyone’s mind at rest. We aren’t going to sign any £30m players – but that’s OK, we’ll still be the Arsenal. We are just a couple of years ahead of the way every other club is going to have to operate. For some (pool) that change may come too late.

In the same way as we showed the Premiership how to play football and introduced new training techniques at the start of Wenger’s era, so we are now showing them how a club MUST be run to ensure survival. Most Premiership clubs can only dream of having a stadium like the Emirates, let alone achieve it with manageable debt.

I am optimistic that Schwarzer is already on his way and we will sign a big right sided central defender – Mertesacker will do nicely. I’m not bothered about Joe Cole, we have players as good as him already. I think a player like Mertesacker could be the last piece in the jigsaw for next season and would raise the intriguing prospect of Vermaelen or Djourou being advanced into the defensive midfield role. We have been linked with Ozil for £20m today (yawn), obviously that would only be a possibility if Cesc leaves.

I’m no saint when it comes to my wish list. I’d love us to sign Torres, but more than that, I want us to continue on this path because I wouldn’t risk the stability of the club for anything, if we did, all the hard work of the last 5 years would be wasted.

I hope my light hearted approach (or should that be reproach?) hasn’t upset any of those who crave signings at any price. We are all gooners after all and even those of you who are foaming at the mouth due to our lack of transfer activity will keep supporting the Arsenal come what may.

Written by Rasp

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Posted by Rasp

So, where is Koscielny?

July 6, 2010

The media are having a great time thrashing the Arsenal this morning. Reports that Merida couldn’t wait to get out the door and Nasri didn’t want to come,  coupled with more taunts from the Spanish camp that Cesc has his Barcelona shirt ironed and ready to go have left me feeling more than a little despondant. So, where is Koscielny? The start of the season is almost a month away and we seem to have only two centre-backs to get going with.

With no new good news I started to think about who would run out for the Barnet game. In ten days time I shall be there watching an Arsenal team kick uphill for the first half and downhill for the second half. Yes, it really is like that and there are back gardens that abutt one of the goal lines. Last years game saw the re-introduction of Rosicky as a first-team player and he captained the side in the first half. He looked really good and I was thrilled for him that his strange collection of injuries had been sorted out.

Who will we see to be delighted and enthusiastic about? The first half is usually a mix of first teamers and reserves and then the second half just reserves or whatever they’re going to call them now as we’re not part of the Reserves league. I expect Keiran Gibbs to play and he should get a huge cheer maybe Aaron Ramsey will be there too.  Hopefully, players like Tom Cruise and  Kyle Bartley, who seem to have been around for ever, will  be given the chance to break into the first team if they’re good enough.

Tonight sees Holland hoping to book their place in the World Cup Final. Robin van Persie, along with other Premiership stars, hasn’t set the tournament alight but maybe he’s just waiting for tonight – you know the way we always think that ‘this free kick is definitely going to go in’. My Arsenal heart is with you Robin ……..and tomorrow it will be with Cesc…………just don’t get injured.

It would be nice if the media left us alone for a few days, if players that had departed just said thanks for having me – I had a really great time, sorry it didn’t work out. There is always the future. We are a great club and we will have a great 2010/11 season and its not too far away.

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

No Longer The Wonder Of You?

July 3, 2010

Written by BigRaddy

We need a new song to run out to. We have done ever since we moved to the Emirates, in fact I would guess that we have been a much less successful team since the powers that be adopted TWOY (the wonder of you). My guess is that less than 10% of Gooners and none of the team are aroused by this poor example of the King’s work, and surely that is the point of it.

I am imagining the meeting when the new song is chosen ……..

P. Hill Wood would have rejected out of hand anything from the past 20 years. I think he would have chosen a tune with a classical bent, not too highbrow. something traditional with an English theme, Jerusalem would be my bet. And it would be better than what we have at present. 60,000 people singing “And did these feet in ancient times walk upon England’s mountain green” etc. Stirring stuff I feel, though hardly representative of our current squad.

Fizman from the looks of him is more a prog rock. He would be a fan of Free and the driving guitar riff Alright Now could work as could Stone Cold Sober by The Faces, but I see him going for the perennial classic ELP’s Fanfare for the Common Man, a reliable but well trodden path

Gazidis being American would probably look into the great Motown back catalogue and I think he could vote for Martha and the Vandella’s Dancing in the Streets, though perhaps having a blue collar background he would be a Bruce Springsteen man. So the chorus of Born to Run would be my guess for his choice, which would get voted out by the rest of the Board who are unlikely to be Bruce fans.

Mr Wenger is a difficult one. I imagine that he has a cabinet full of Diana Krall CD’s with a few Mozart String Quartets, a bunch of Bach, and the first 3 Sade albums with which to enjoy his red wine . He may well have some early punk/New Wave as well, so a Jam number could fit him – Going Underground or Eton Rifles (actually that works for PHW!), but on reflection he will be aware of the great Arsenal tradition and go with Good Old Arsenal.

Pat Rice would of course suggest some traditional Irish folk. The Scousers having taken the wonderful Fields of Athenry, he could do worse than raid the Dubliners back catalogue and choose The Wild Rover which has the advantage of a clapping chorus. Simple and rousing.

Lady Nina is sure to be a Metalhead. I see her as a huge fan of Metallica and as such The Sandman is an obvious choice, but she would also love the classic metal sound of AC/DC and as such my bet is that she would go for Hell’s Bells or Highway to Hell, both of which in my opinion would be great choices.

As Captain Cesc would have some input, and I think he would check out other sports to see what works…. I recall him going to Twickenham during one of his injury breaks to watch a Calcutta match between England and Scotland. He was sure to have been impressed by the Swing Low Sweet Chariot echoing from the stands and I think he will suggest trying it at THOF. Failing that, he may go for a jumping song like I predict a Riot by the Kaiser Chiefs.

Whatever is chosen, as long as we get rid of TWOY it will be progress. We have suffered this dirge for long enough.

My choice? I go with Lady Nina………..

N.B. This article is tongue in cheek and I have no knowledge whatsoever of our Board’s musical tastes. Fun to imagine though!

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Posted by Erik the Red

Arsène-all

July 2, 2010

One of the stated aims of this site is to offer an opportunity for Arsenal fans of all persuasions to air their views on ‘everything Arsenal’ and to stimulate healthy debate. Today’s post is written by a dedicated Arsenal fan who has never blogged before but wanted to share his thoughts with other supporters.

I have supported Arsenal for over half a century (although I don’t really see myself as old). My recent feelings have been that too much of Arsenal’s dirty washing is being hung out in public. The wild “news”, inventions and speculation by the tabloid press have done much to unsettle fans and force irrational views into the heads of the more gullible fans.

If I were to ask me how a keen follower of Arsenal football team might enhance their experience, I would suggest that they throw away their Sun, Mirror, Mail, Star and Express. Trust in the Boss, he has already worked wonders with limited resources and HE DOES WANT TO WIN TROPHIES as vindication of his methods.

Sure, he makes the odd mistake but I think that, even now, he is learning to be more flexible: Be PATIENT – our team’s quality will come through. Only injuries prevented Arsenal from winning the Premiership last season. If we can rotate the squad more readily to take the pressure off of some of our more inspired players, then maybe there will be fewer injuries to hamper our progress.

If new players are to be brought in, bearing in mind the need to use the full squad, I would say that we do not need many. I would like to see Diakhate brought in also, possibly, Van de Wiel. I would also think it wise to sign Schwarzer to buy some time for Mannone & Szczesny to mature and to enable the sale of (at least) one of the current senior pair.

I should also like to investigate the availability of Kjaer as a utility centre-back come full-back and (this one should put the cat among the pigeons) Matthieu Flamini to strengthen the midfield. I think that if the club could persuade Matthieu to return, either permanently or on loan, then Chelski, Manchester Untied, Manchester Citeh and Tottingham Hotshots would all be fighting for the runners-up spot and Arsenal would be winners of all competitions.

Arsenal would be world beaters!

Written by Greybeard

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

Transitions & Resolutions – from Highbury to Ashburton Grove

July 1, 2010

Written by charybdis1966

“Where are the big signings?” is a cry Gooners are used to hearing or making this time of year, usually followed by “Didn’t we move to our new stadium so we could compete for the marquee signings?”

Times have moved on somewhat for our club, it’s first ever game, as Dial Square, in December 1886(against Eastern Wanderers, to be historically complete) was on a piece of wasteland on the Isle of Dogs thereafter till 1913 we played in various locations around the Plumstead Common area of South East London. As our delightful Spud brethren never tire of calling us Woolwich Wanderers our South London heritage is undeniable, but the move north of the river to Highbury in 1913, due to poor transport links at the time in south London was to allow more spectators to be able to attend our matches. The land south of the river is softer and therefore more difficult to build on, and make tunnels in for the underground tube system that was being rolled out at the time. Hence the tube until recently did not progress far beyond New Cross in south east London.

The subsequent move ninety-three years later to the Grove was essentially for the same reason – to get more bums on seats. As the time to leave Highbury approached the natural reaction was of sorrow at leaving the old place. Yes, it was antiquated, yes it patently had seats, corridors and passages designed for the smaller sized turn-of-the 20th century-sized spectator however there was dolefulness about many a Gooner as the 2005-06 season came to a close.

I remember leaving my place of work at the time during the last few seasons at Highbury in Blackstock Road many a lunch time to join the queue for the box offices in the East Stand where I would be served by bored, disinterested ticket clerks, slumped behind the windows. (You can compare this to the staff at the  Armoury who are aware of at least the basics of customer care, while some of the surliness of old seems to remain at club shop at Finsbury Park tube station).

The closeness of the crowd to the players was an important part of the intimacy of Highbury, I recall seeing Bobby Pires standing just eight feet from me when I had a front row seat for a Coca Cola Cup game – I’m sure I got a few flicks of sweat from his floppy fringe as he swivelled his head one way and the other looking for a player to launch his throw in at.

It was experiences like this, although nothing special in themselves though collectively able to mould our memories of Highbury, that many would fear losing as we contemplated the move. I would plot out the actual move in my mind: leave my seat in the East lower, left turn out of the East Stand gates, left again into Gillespie Road and then follow the bend of the road to the left, past the small park to our new home.

A wise man once said “Life is all about learning to let go, of those dear to you especially” that can also apply to places dear to you and who among us didn’t feel a sympathy to the mood conveyed by those images of our players walking west down Gillespie Road as part of the “Final Salute” campaign directed by AFC?

We’ve all been left speechless by our first impressions of Ashburton Grove even though it initially had an antiseptic feel that took a while to become accustomed to and slowly it’s character is starting to form, of course a trophy winning team will add to that character pretty much instantly.

Four seasons on and it seems that the cash flow situation that has hampered our actions in the transfer market may finally be easing and one would think today we will start to see the events of this transfer window start to unravel differently to those of the last five or six as many players contracts typically expire on the last day of June.

To my mind, the club is at a critical juncture and were there to be a sense of deja-vu about the events of this month and the next transfer wise, i.e. acting like a small time club rather than the elite club we aspire to be, I fear we may struggle to convince ourselves we left Highbury for the right reasons.

New Home Kit (Finally A Beaut!)

(Hope you don’t mind I putting up the pics Chary, Irishgunner).

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

A New Rock Solid Defence – are we still one short?

June 30, 2010

The stress of the transfer window is clearly exacerbated when you’ve watched your experienced keeper – Manuel Almunia – make a series of howlers in the previous season and you hear how your manager is not really looking at a replacement. In addition, knowing that four centre-backs – Campbell, Gallas, Silvestre and Senderos – are possibly not going to be around for the start of the new season, the apparent inactivity by Arsenal has been difficult to witness.

Quite frankly, for a team like Arsenal, lacking a class goal-keeper is a ridiculous situation to be in. We have a number two – Fabianski – who is also of the flappable nature and a number three – Mannone – who was called into action and heroically kept us in a game against Fulham but wasn’t felt to be ready to play more than a few games. Our fourth choice keeper – Szczesny –  has everyone raving about how great he’s going to be but is currently too young and inexperienced.

So, reports that we could be interested in signing Mark Schwartzer from Fulham are interesting. Do we need 5 goal-keepers? Who’s going to make way for him? Surely if he is to be our new No.1, Almunia or Fabianski must be moved on…………..

But it is the centre-back pairing is causing even more debate. We are linked – and I suspect he’ll be unveiled very soon – with Laurent Koscielny from french side Lorient and we have Johann Djourou available fighting fit – for now.  Who should be first choice partner for Thomas Vermaelen? Senderos has already gone but we have no idea if Gallas and Campbell are staying or going. Gallas played his best football for us last season and Campbell was a revelation adding spirit and desire to the team. They both have high wages and I suspect they’ll both be hampered with injuries next season so we don’t need for them both to stay but one would be nice.

Koscielny may cost us £8.5m which is not money being spent for him to sit on the bench so I assume he will be our new No.6 and the first choice partner for Vermaelen. Djourou will be back-up together with either Campbell or Gallas. But what if they both go? Ooops we’ll need another CB – Anton Ferdinand anyone? What if they both stay? It must be doing Arsenes head in. Either way I’m looking forward to welcoming Koscielny to be part of our new rock solid defence but we still need one more……………..Silvestre?????????

Yesterday, Rasp and London got all excited at the thought of the new centre-back pairing being Djourou and Koscielny and Vermaelen being pushed up to partner Song in front of the back four as our new long awaited DM. Now that does sound like a plan, only then we’d be two short at the back. Go figure………….see you in the comments.

Following last nights Spain v Portugal game I’m compelled to say – Cesc, we love you, we’d never leave you on the bench for a whole game, come home, don’t even think about playing in Spain – not yet anyway, wait until they really need you.

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Posted by peachesgÖÖner

French Farce – Will Arsenal Pay the Price?

June 29, 2010

Written  by dandan

So the World cup has for England, like France, ended in tears. A pathetic emasculated display against Germany has left the country bewildered and angry at the limp-wristed performance that undersold all that we love about the Premiership. No pace, no pressing, no organisation. Eleven misfits who didn’t appear to know their place or purpose and a back four that played in such a way that our local pub team would have fancied there chances against them.

All our grievances with them appear to be football based, unless and until the balloon goes up on their return. The only criticism of the manager appears to be that he liked to keep the team sheet to himself until 2 hrs before the match. It would seem he wishes to stay on for the Europeans. Will that happen? Who knows, but we will soon find out following a meeting with the FA.

Oh that France had so few problems! A mutiny within the squad culminating in our former ‘Le Sulk’ launching a half time foul mouthed tirade at the manager, questioning his character, tactics, capabilities and reason for being. Unsurprisingly, Anelka was dispatched post haste to the airport on the next flight home. The next day, after an on field team meeting, the captain voiced the team’s solidarity with the brooding absentee and refused to train. A statement followed expressing their loyalty to France and the fans. This was read paradoxically by the coach, even though he was their biggest complaint. Consequently, the patched up, out of sorts and demoralised team were taken apart and ditched out of the competition by the hometown boys of South Africa.

They have since summarily returned home economy class in disgrace. The whole debacle has resulted in questions being asked in the French parliament and several players have been summoned for questioning by the enquiry.

Caught up in the middle of this sorry tale are four Arsenal players, Sagna, Clichy, Diaby and the out of contract Gallas. How, I wonder, will they react to this debacle? Surely the most shameful episode ever in French football. What kind of mental state will these guys be in when they return for the new season?

The fact that Gallas, (whose mental state is questionable at the best of times) is probably leaving us is a bonus I think. But will the three young Frenchman so important to our success this year have the mental resolve to handle such catastrophic happenings and the likely backlash from their incensed countryman?

Will the press here constantly compare them to the errant John Terry who himself attempted to muster a mutiny at a Press Conference?

Will we as a club suffer from the loss of form in these young men as they try to come to terms with the enormity of the disappointment and the manner of their World Cup exit?

Will we once again pay the price for something beyond AW’s control that has occurred while his players are away on International duty? Not physical injury this time but mental perhaps.

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Posted by dandan

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