F@&*!
I just wrote an absolutely epic post for today covering Arsene Wenger’s thoughts on Andrei Arshavin, Manchester City and Kaka, injuries in the squad as well as the game against Hull. And now, thanks to an unfortunate click of the wrong button, it’s all gone.
It’s a blogger’s worst nightmare come to life when they write a great article and then delete it. I’ve done it before a couple of times before, but never on something so detailed as today’s post. As such, I’m pretty f#$@*%g annoyed right now.
I can’t really be bothered going back through it all again so I’ll just summarise the main points. I hope you understand. Here goes:
- Wenger strongly hinted that Andrei Arshavin negotiations are progressing well, despite admitting that the signing could be some way off yet. With regards to this, I think we all need a sense of perspective to not to count our chickens before they hatch or risk being severely disappointed.
- The manager thinks Manchester City are living in a fantasy land, something I whole-heartedly agree with.
- He also thinks that the return of Fabregas, Walcott, Rosicky and Eduardo will be like new signings. To a certain extent I agree but it shouldn’t stop him bringing in a couple of new players while the window is open.
With regards to the game against Hull City, Alex Song faces a late fitness test to be named available while the rest of the squad is the same as the one that beat Bolton a week ago. I think we’ll begin with the same starting team that defeated Bolton and that should be good enough to beat a Hull side that are badly struggling for form.
In terms of players to watch you can’t go past Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri at the moment. They’re in great form and are the players most likely to break the game open and ensure we get the three points.
On the flipside, the players who should be under firm scrutiny by the manager are Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Adebayor. The former in particular has not blossomed as an attacking-midfielder and, with Arshavin seemingly on his way, needs to be on his toes to avoid being dropped back to the bench. As for Adebayor, he’s struggling to find that killer instinct in front of goals at the moment and needs to start finding the back of the net or risk losing his spot to Nicklas Bendtner.
I think we’ll beat Hull tomorrow and I think we’ll beat them well. Here’s to three points and a return to form.
PS. I know it’s not Arsenal-related but check out this goal. Why Milan let this boy go out on loan I will never know.
Have your say on Arsenal v Hull by leaving a comment.
Silly Spanish Fry !!
That happens when you mix blogs and beers.
Sorry to hear of your unfortunate wrong click. I don’t know if this will be any help to you; it is an extension for use with FireFox and is called AutoSave Text:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6419
I have not tried it but from the description it sounds like what you may need!
I remember the feeling after deleting a 2000 word essay.
Gourcuff is an exceptional talent, one Wenger nearly got 2 seasons ago before he joined milan. Is he their Kaka replacement now for next season??
Hehe, clumsy SF. But this post is great aswel so theres no harm done.
Anyway, i would go with the same starting lineup as the one against Bolton with the exception of Diaby. He had his chance and he blew it, he should be dropped for Vela and Nasri should be in CM.
Eboue-Nasri-Denilson-Vela
We’ll win for sure.
WHAT A GOAL! Hate to see a classy person/ player like Kaka ruin their career but I guess the money speaks… If Im Milan I get rid of Ronaldinho to City and bring Gourcoupp back to the san siro… I will dream of that goal tonight as I sleep haha
Thats a great clip of Gourcuff BTW.
@ DM
Milan could make their best deal ever becuase the best days of Kaka are gone and Gourcouff seems to be more talented.
Did you see the goal that he score against PSG las weekend?? Its just amazing! The closest thing that I seen to Zizou.
Yes, Arsenal will beat Hull well tomorrow without doubt. Check these odds for them.
BTW, Rumors are Ronaldo is leaving for Real Madrid. 🙂
How in the world can you say the best days of Kaka are done? 26 years old and doesnt only rely on his speed… Gourcouff is incredible but I disagree with Kaka not being a good option for Milan… Sure the money may be too good to refuse but it will surely hurt them in the football department. Cant wait for tomorrow and hopefully a game with some nice Arsenal football and more then one goal for us… 3 points is what matters though
Wenger HAS to start Vela above Diaby with Nasri playing central. When we altered to that formation last week against Bolton, within 35 seconds of Vela coming on we looked much more potent. I like Diaby but he’s nowhere near creative enough.
Almunia
Glichy
Djourou
Toure
Sagna
Vela
Denilsen
Nasri
eboue
adebayor
RVP
i may be teaching you to suck eggs but Control Z undoes your last action if you accidentally delete something for example.
I don`t think Wenger will start with Vela,he`ll probably stick with the same starting lineup he used against Bolton.I feel Wenger will try to play it safe to start off then bring on Vela in the 2nd half.
The question is;Is Vela ready (physically & otherwise) to start a premiership match? I think only the Boss knows!
Mexican Gunner, C`mon how can you say Kaka`s best days are behind him?!The dude is just 26yrs and just cos he was not smoking hot last year doesn`t mean he`s finished! Methinks he`s the real deal.
kaka is past his best? come’ on guys. he gave great performances in most of the games he played this season. he is one of the best around.
I agree with MG, Kaka is past his best. He is still a great player but he will never be as good as he was in the 07/08 season.
“Benitez turns down contract offer” (bbc).
Could this be the fall of Liverpool?
Dang SF. Well at least it’s not a computer problem. C’mon lads it’s time for revenge against Hull.
Next week is when some big moves will start to happen…..so far all the denials from such clubs as Portsmouth, Wigan, AC Milan etc have proved blatant lies as Steve Bruce is losing players now what with Palacious agreeing terms with the scum….Kaka is on his way due to the absolute ridiculous amount of money offered…..makes a mockery of the game as well as basic economics….So my prediction is by the end of next week Arsenal will have two new players….Arshavin and a lesser known Frenchmen (as per usual in the transfer windows!)..hopefully a defensive player.
C’mon guys,i disagree with u saying kaka has past his best.this dude is just 26yrs he still got a lot to contribute.
SF- sweet display of touches on the ball from Gourcouff! Practice makes perfect!
Hull- Yes funny how small the PL is. Almost seems conspiratorial; pointing to Hull signing Manucho from MU in time for the match Sat. I almost think Fergie hates AW that much he conspires against him with lower teams…
On another note, Ablongisawhore from Villa; This guy is quite annoying! Just read that he believes Arsenal will find it difficult to stay in the top four. Because apparently Villa are that good? My view he is a piece of shit! http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2009/01/16/it-ll-be-tough-for-arsenal-in-champion-s-league-race-say-aston-villa-s-gabriel-agbonlahor-97319-22708102/
Why is everyone going so crazy about the Kaka deal? There is nothing new in any of this- it’s always been the case that the clubs with the most money sign the best players. The only difference here is that the club involved has not had this sort of money before, and the amounts involved have moved up in a bigger step than previously. Let’s face it, if you’re one of the world’s best players, you’ve got a massive contract playing for one of Europe’s best teams in a nice warm, beautiful city like Milan, it’s gonna take some serious sheckles to get you to agree a move to a shithole like Manchester (no offence Mancs, but you know it’s true) and play for a team lying 15th in the EPL, who are currently trying to avoid a relegation battle. The only surprise to me is that if you’re a crazily rich arab with billions to spare, and you want to buy a football club as a plaything, you choose to buy one in a shithole like Manchester (no offence Mancs, but you know it’s true). you’d think they’d have bought Monaco or something. If they were set on an EPL team, you’d think they’d have bought West Ham. At least they get a bit of sunshine in East London, and the birds are much better looking down south…..
Seriously though, this shows the buggers mean business, which means that from now on we’ll be up against at least 4 teams with much greater purchasing power than us. We’re struggling to keep in the top 4 now, this will mean it’s only gonna get harder…
Fatboy,
The PL is where it’s at! MC seems logical because it’s in the same town as United….The boys who purchased MC have an arrogance like that…They point blank said they were going to purchase a MC and then purchase world class players like Kaka, Robinho, etc…The problem they have is…They are stupid! They have know knowledge of what they are doing. Absolutely no way to do what they want as fast as they want..I believe they will be in it for a few years and then leave…It’s unfortunate, because I thought Sven did a good job…He brought credibility to the team. If he was still there I would be worried.
I think a mention should be given for Bacary Sagna as a potential player of the season. Like everyone, I have been quick to salute RvP and Nasri who certianly deserve to be noticed for their work so far. But from now on when I mention those two, I shall also mention Sagna, who has been consistantly exceptional.
He is undoubtably the best right back in the league, owing to exceptional atacking flair combined with the ability to defend and the energy to run and run and run.
If Nasri, RvP and Sagna have a good game tomorrow I am confident we can win.
Revenge will be sweet!
@ hartwick89:-
Fair points mate, but I don’t see any fundamental difference between what’s happening at MC and what happened at Chelsea 5 years ago. A mediocre team is using a billionaires money to buy quick success. It took until Abramovich’s third season before they won the PL. He bought a lot of great players, then bought Europe’s best manager and it paid dividends. It’ll probably take MC a similar time, and they’ll definitely need a new manager, but if the arabs chuck enough money at it, it’ll happen eventually. You say they don’t know what they’re doing- I would disagree. Why is it that Real, Barca, Milan, Man U are so consistently successful? Because they spend huge sums on the best players and the best managers. It’s not rocket science. We currently have a mediocre team because we have not made this investment. Whereas we’ll buy one or 2 players for £10-12m a year (at the most), MC will buy 4 or 5 for £30m+ each. This difference will pay dividends evetually. It’s true that keeping a large squad of superstars brings its own problems, but that’s a better problem to have than trying to win games with a squad that’s too small and contains too few quality players.
Sorry I have not comment for a while. Ive been busy but am able to comment now.
– On Arshavin, im hopeful, he is a good talent and he wants to join.
– On Kaka, he is not past his best, prime is 25-28 years, he is 26.
– On Hull, we will beat them, they are on a bad run, we are on a good run.
– On Diaby, I like him a lot. But I believe Vela is a much better player but he comes on as a sub and makes an impact, he might not do that at the start of a game.
– On that Gourcuff goal, I was watching that game on TV and the footwork was just something else, If Milan are going to be stupid we should buy/loan him in the summer.
More talk of Upson coming back in exchange for Bendtner plus cash:-
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16012009/58/transfers-transfer-talk-wenger-s-6m-u-turn.html
Interesting point here: We sold him in 2003 for £3m, we’re alledgedly buying him back for £9m. So he’s 6 years older, now proven to be a bit injury prone, and £6m dearer. I think this says volumes about the state of our squad at the moment. In normal circumstances I don’t think AW would consider a buy like this. If true, it shows me in just what a desperate state we’re in- we’re considering buying back a player we let go because, I assume, he wasn’t deemed good enough 6 years ago. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think he’s become appreciably better in that time. I think it’s that the quality of our squad has fallen back to his level. Worrying……..
@ Fatboy
I dont think Wenger will go for Upson, he is not what we need and he is not Arsenal material. I think Wenger knows it. Ill be happy with Hangeland, he is a wonderful defender. Hangeland, Arshavin and a quality DM (Veloso is now worth £20m so theres no chance) like Toulalan would be great for the team.
£100 million is huge chunk of change — whether Kaka is past it or not at 26 (Ronaldinho was), is irrelevant. With that money one can buy 5 £20 million players… which will no doubt improve any squad. THAT is what Man City should do with the money — or perhaps they should even 8 £12 players… Any team would be crazy to turn down money like that, particularly in this economic climate.
As for Gourcuff, that was an exceptional goal. However, I think Nasri, RVP or Arshivin are all capable of play like that. One goal does not a great player make, but all indications are he can be a great player. I remember talk about Arsenal signing him. If I am correct, Bordeaux have an option to sign him in the summer for £15 million. So, I don’t think Milan can have him back.
I think that we will be seeing more of Denilson in the DM role. I think we will then see Nasri, Arshivin (fingers crossed) and Eboue playing in front of him… perhaps trading positions as the game develops. When Cesc and Theo come back and if Thomas recovers, we will have nifty midfield.
I think Song will be more occasional and may be called on to play more in defense …
spot
Perhaps he is not a Flamini but more as a deeplaying playmaker type. We all love tough destroyers like
Yes I think the best days of Kaka are gone because Brazilian players are very differente than the rest.
If you see almost all the great brazilians get to their best at 25, 26 and after that if they win everything (like Kaka, Ronaldinho and a big ETC ETC) they just go in downhill. They´re not like european that shows a constant desire to be at their best.
I think brazilian are conformist and get lazy after theyre named “best player” or win the Champions or the world cup.
Actually (as you see) I dont like brazilians players, I onli like two brazillians in the last years one is Kaka ant the other is Diego. Because it seems that theyre just flashy and stuff, problematics and love the party more than football.
…..
And about Gourcouff I would prefer that Arsene buy him than Arshavin, Im sure that he and Walcott will be one of the stars of the next World Cup!!
Unfortunately I think Bordeaux will pay the buy out clausule of 15mill as an investment because in two seasons will come Madrid, Juve or other and will pay more than the double for him.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1518/hull-city/2009/01/16/1064208/manucho-cleared-to-play-for-hull-city-against-arsenal
I despise Ferguson and his tactics… The kid is dangerous judging by the African Nations Cup. Hopefully we are ready for him…
@ MoMONEY
Im not too worried about Manucho, he can stun you but he’s not that good. He wasnt that great in the AFCON either, he was good in their game against Tunisia but that was it. Ive never heard of him since that game.
Manucho has emerged this season and he is 24, not really a youth player is he. I think he is too far behind, not had regular football and 24. I dont see him as a threat.
Worrying about Manucho is plain ridiculous. Because he hadn’t had the time to forge an understanding with his teammates, playing him against us could be the dumbest thing PB could do. Our defence could handle ManU’s top strikers, definetely they are not going to strugle against their underling who hasn’t kicked the ball in the epl and doesn’t have any understanding with his team mates. If AW does not play counter or defensive tomorrow, it should be a comfortable win. If Nasri starts in the middle with Vela on the left and Diaby and Song not in the starting line-up, we should have a happy, happy weekend.
Im not necessarily worried but a tall talented striker means we have to be focused from set pieces…nothing we cant handle though…
A bit unrelated but a great article about the different philosophies of football- mostly about Brazil vs Italy/ Mediterranean styles but worth the read. Forgive me if I shouldnt be posting but ive already sent it to a ton of people…
Zenit invited Arsenal officials to Russia.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/football/12771/Arshavin_deal_sorted_next_week.aspx
So we might sign Arshavin on tuesday.
@ Gibbs – I really hope so
FFS – Aston Villa beat Sunderland depsite having Young sent off. Although that does mean Young is suspended so if we beat Hull then we could see them drop points next game and hopefully we catch up with them. Man Utd win again in the 90th min, its getting rather boring now United. Im going round a mates to watch the Arsenal game.
ManU, Villa, Chelsea you lucky bastards! This is really annoying! Anyway, 3-0 to the Arsenal.
BTW, Kaka said he prefers to play for Arsenal or ManU, not Citeh
RvP you beauty! 3 assist for the man with the chocolate leg today, you have to love the guy. 3-1 to the Arsenal! Bendy, Nasri and Ade. This was a good performance from the boys.
I must admit when Hull City equalised, i fort, here we go all over again. But my favourite arsenal player RVP added to his assists, and the assist for Nasri, he was surrounded by 3 players. Bendtner also hit the post, Arsenal hav hit the woodwork the most the season. RVP LEGEND!
That was another improved performance despite key absences, and i was very impressed with the character shown to come back to win, and i’m delighted to see Bendy score again. We seem to be on an upward curve at the moment, despite crucial injuries. Long may it continue!
(Also RVP is clearly in top form – which is fantastic, and Ade seems sharper too.)
And RvP hit the post more anyone this season, unlucky for him. He will be the player of the month for 3 succesive months thats for sure.
Almost everytime Bendy comes off the bench, he scores a goal. He should keep this up, its a great confidence booster for him, and Nasri proved he is more important than Hleb once again.
Lastly, lets not forget Denilson. The boy is turning into a great DM, i really dont see the need for a new DM anymore. Deni is doing a wonderful job in that position.
haha forgot to post the article… oh well
If Leverpool lose tomorrow we are 6 points back. ManU have a game in hand but we get to lay them as well… All these last second point winners are killing me. Villa, ManU (seems every week), Chelsea should all have dropped points today
@Gibbs
Totally agree with you about Denilson and Bentdner
Apparently Arsenal have hit the woodwork most out of the PL this season…11 times
Cant belive the other title challengers all won!
PS Im meant to be on a plane to London now but after a freak day of fog in southern brazil im stuck here!….at least i can log on and find out the happy news of arsenal!
Yeah boys! How sweet to win against those hullers! So bets on which top four was the luckiest this week-end? Villa- Milner hand of god or the kick outside the penalty box on abiawhore? Lampard gift of xtra time? or 90th MU Berbs with a diver?
im creaming my pants over that Groucuff goal….never seen him play but from all reports his a star.
He just didnt fit into the milan side last season cause he was young and had bigger names infront of him.
CR7,
My next question was who does top 4 fear the most? AV, CHelseaov, LPOOL or Arsenal? By your respons to Groucuff must be Arsenal? Why? SF- your boy should have had 2…Just what a holiday should have! PS been peeking in on other Arsenal blogs….by far this is the best! Credit to you and us!
Good performance,
but Djourou was a shambles today
he made a challenge on manucho was a penalty, and he looked unsure.
not the best performance back there.
Really happy with today’s performance. Hats off for RVP, he was immense, outstanding. Agreed with Gibbs that he is Arsenal’s best player for last couple of months. He is one of the best technical player in the premier league and best all-round striker. This season he hasn’t been injured like other seasons which is nice for Arsenal. He is carrying this team single-handedly after Cesc injury. Also Nasri. Bayoor, Nasri and Super-sub Bentdner were also excellent. Denilson and Diaby were okay but where is our creativity and urgency in the middle park?
I am worried about our defence though. Almunia is not Arsenal standard. Clichy is making a lot of errors this season. It might be due to ego problem and lack of competition at LB position. He should be dropped for couple of games but question is who else we have in that position. Again, we conceded a goal from a wide open cross. Noone in the team seems to be strong in the air bar Sagna. Gallas/Djourou combination is still the best CB combination we have. Gallas is still worldclass when in form and is a real winner. I love Toure but he hasn’t convinced anyone after African nation’s cup.
It was tough to see Manu, AV and Chelski winning from unwinnable situations. We need someone like Vidic to bolster our back-line. Vidic is the backbone in Manu defense which kept record 10 clean sheets. I am still wondering why Wenger didn’t bother to pay 2 million xtra for Zapata from Udinese, one of the best young CB’s in Europe.
I watched Barcelona vs Deportivo yesterday. I am not Barca fan but it’s fun to watch them. I felt like watching our “Invincibles”. We moved to Emirates to challenge teams like Barca, Milan and Manu but where we are now? Against Astonvilla.
We need Arshavin urgently. Rumors about his signing on tuesday is making me feel good. One more quality besdies Arshavin will make most of us happy. What we need? A CDM or a CB or a Goalie. I will take anyone.
Really happy with the performance most importantly three points. Hats off for RVP, he was immense, outstanding. Agreed with Gibbs that he is Arsenal’s best player for last couple of months. He is one of the best technical player in the premier league and best all-round striker. This season he hasn’t been injured like other seasons which is nice for Arsenal. He is carrying this team single-handedly after Cesc injury. Also Nasri. Bayoor, Nasri and Super-sub Bentdner were also excellent. Denilson and Diaby were okay but where is our creativity and urgency in the middle park?
I am worried about our defence though. Almunia is not Arsenal standard. Clichy is making a lot of errors this season. It might be due to ego problem and lack of competition at LB position. He should be dropped for couple of games but question is who else we have in that position. Again, we conceded a goal from a wide open cross. Noone in the team seems to be strong in the air bar Sagna. Gallas/Djourou combination is still the best CB combination we have. Gallas is still worldclass when in form and is a real winner. I love Toure but he hasn’t convinced anyone after African nation’s cup.
It was tough to see Manu, AV and Chelski winning from unwinnable situations. We need someone like Vidic to bolster our back-line. Vidic is the backbone in Manu defense which kept record 10 clean sheets. I am still wondering why Wenger didn’t bother to pay 2 million xtra for Zapata from Udinese, one of the best young CB’s in Europe.
I watched Barcelona vs Deportivo yesterday. I am not Barca fan but it’s fun to watch them. I felt like watching our “Invincibles”. We moved to Emirates to challenge teams like Barca, Milan and Manu but where we are now? Against Astonvilla.
We need Arshavin urgently. Rumors about his signing on tuesday is making me feel good. One more quality besdies Arshavin will make most of us happy. What we need? A CDM or a CB or a Goalie. I will take anyone.
Sorry for Double Posting Guns>>
@rumugunner, dont forget that Mendy is a very good RW, Look how Clichy managed with Dirk Kyuit,but I think that Mendy is tougher.Anyone you put on the LB would have struggled agst Mendy.The guy had a tough time ystday, and that was the first time I saw him in that kind of situation.Well done to our boys once again,SWEET REVENGE IT WAS!!! 8 games in a row, no dft!! WHAT MORE WE ASK!!!Our next game away agst Everton would be the toughest this month,this will be a key game for our title challenge, cos its an away game agst a tough side which is just behind our back.I really hope Arshavin would be signed by then.Im still asking myself: Why the boss didnt play Vela ystday????
We dont really need CDM anymore, the only unfortunate situation for us now is watching Deni doing that job while he can do better job up front.Bendtner is a real revelation!!!he has really improved his run “pass and go””The guy is just a real killer,and you can clearly see how he coped with the cold weather so quickly, What a Dane we have!!!!!RVP was just phenomenal!!! My lil worry is Ade who is alwys coming to the centre to get the ball coz he cant get enough ball in the box.This is a pbm that AW shud sort out asap.We couldnt really see much of his run lately cos he’s goin so far frm the box and can no longer align with RVP in the front line for a good run.My guess is:Diaby isnt good enugh to assist him.
My resumee for the game:Very gud overall performance from our boys; We start to see more and more Arsenal style every week; Our winning mentality is back;But sometimes,the boys are still a bit nervous.
I remember a few months ago when I said we were about to witness the real, very deadly RVP, I found it hard to find anyone in agreement. It is nice to see the boydo so well. For the first time I feel like I don’t have to digg up stats to make a case for Denilson. What we have now is a very good DM who is also a very good AM. No other club can say that. That means when the going gets easier defensively, we can essentially have 2 very good schemers in a game which gives us an instant half striker at any moment.
I am glad for once I don’t read the “we are not good enough” stuff for a change.
@ramugunner;
The boys have turned the corner already, as much as you like shopping, I would say that today you have come accross to me as you just want anyone who had a decent game or two who is not an arsenal player and don’t like very much our very own. Be positive.
I love an rvp in top form. I used to despise bendtner but now i am having second thoughts. Diaby is yet to change my mind though. I also think denilson is proving himself little by little. About nasri is there anyway i could make him marry either my siz or my future daughter?He is a wonderful player. If and when we sign andrei and eduardo, rosicky and cex fabregas do come back, arsene is gon have a massive selection headache. Nice blog sf!
Oh! How much do we love the Bendtner now!
@Taygoon, Hey Bravo!!! Your Bendtner has now become a very dangerous Dane.I still remember how you ve always protected him while the others didnt stop to bomb him with critics and blames. Im also starting to have a 2nd thought on him, and franckly,2weeks ago,I was just not one of his fan.You can actually see an immense bright promising future in him, but its very unpredictable to know what kind of striker he will become? Drogba like???Ruud VN like?? TH like? We dont know!! but No doubt, he will become a very very good striker.If not this season then next season the latest.In Wenger we trust!!!!!
I always thought Denni would come good. His biggest problem early on was he needed to relax. He still was a bit will nilly at times but it’s coming the more he plays. I expect him to be more than serviceable come the business end of the season. Hate to say it though I don’t think he’ll ever have the work rate or the tackling ability of the Flamster though.
Diaby played better but still has yet to impress me. He did have a solid tackle early on Mendy though. It was the kind he would have made a hash of last season. He really needs to stop with the flashy flick ons and worry more about making a proper pass that keeps us in possession.
I have always liked big Nik and off the bench he really cranks it up a notch when he comes on.
RVP was brilliant. I ask for apologies for ever insinuating he should leave. Such technical skill is so beautiful.
Clichy is fine. When we get Traore back he’ll have someone with his pace pushing him again. Plus Mendy in all honesty is equal to his pace. Mendy is not an easy fella to stop.
The rumors abound on Arshavin are a record trasnfer fee and record wages to go with it. If that happens I could see Ade having a pout. At least after this season we can say what have you done to deserve it?
Chwaki;
After his horror show in the last game, Diaby was back to the basics last night. It was probably his last chance givenbto him by me boss and he was all about not making mistakes first. He wasn’t selfish at all and that is a very good sign. With his skills level, if he starts to look at himself as someone to ochestrate others rather than him being the one to do the do, he is going to be a true revelation. From what I saw of him yesterday, leo boss has had a nice chat with him about that and I hope to see him as the schemer in chief at Everton. When you can control the ball like he does, you can pass it too so with him it is a question of mentality rather than ability.
About Bendtner; he has more skills than people would like to give him credit for. More skillfull players thrive well when left with a little bit more to do, especially when they are still young than give them something on a plate. This comes from a want of self-expression which with experience(by then you would have expressed yourself enough) will become less prominent and necessity takes over. That is why I admire Eduardo, Cesc and Denilson so much as they are capable of putting in a one man show of skill to die for but would rather have neccessity dictate their performances rather than trying to be showoffs. If Ramsay learn that, I would start him right behind Cesc Nd probably in the “Bergkamp role” he is that good but not yet mature enough
Radads RSA;
Bendtner is not going to be like any of those guys. He will be more as a cross between TH 14 and Eduardo. He has one of the best ball controls of someone his size, not too fast, neccessity when has to, deadly finisher, a few skills on show plus he will be a burly Drogba hasn’t been able to be. If he maintains the same pace of his development, Ade would be surpluss to requirements next season
I am watching Portsmouth vs spurs. If you guys haven’t seen traore lately, you should. He is our LM next season. He is sublime!
Glad Traore is doing well. Tbh honest Clichy hasnt done much this entire year but give away the Tottenham game and the first Villa game with the og… He is a good player but hasnt been performing. Traore as competition would be best…
Pple, if for anything good for me as a man today is the news from Goal.com http://www.goal.com/en/teams/england/94/arsenal. If I wake up moro and see this news finally manifest, I will stage all our co-bloggers to come have lots of booze with me here in the cold of Aberdeen.
No matter what you guys say, Clichy has been suspect with his defending all season. He is the worst Arsenal defender this season. Since he has no competition for his place, he is being irrogant. The so-called “I am the best LB” attitude is killing his game. Remember he has won nothing and he has been overlooked for French squad for good reasons. He is being the shadow of the player he was last term.
Goalie Situation at Arsenal:
Almunia is one of the biggest problem with the team. Besides having a decent reflexing ability, he possess nothing to be a top goalie. Even his distribution was horrible against Hull. Simple, he is a Celta Vigo reject, a second-tier team in Spain with zero international appearance. An international goalie and well organized defense is most important to buid a successful team. Manu did treble last season with strong defense, not just Ronaldo. Mourinho won back to back title with a class goalie and well organized defense. Barca are playing best football in the planet this season. Their success is not relied only on their glamorous attack. Defence and Valdez are also playing good. Valdez is the best keeper in La Liga this season. Worldclas goalie is a backbone of every successful team. During champions league 2006, we didn’t concede a goal for 853 minutes with Lehmann in goal. The backline during that run was: Eboue Toure Senderos Flamini; all average defenders. But our defense was organized by a world-class keeper in Lehmann. Somebody said that Almunia is the cancer of this team and I agree. I hold to my statement that we will not win anything with Almunia in goal. No non-international goalie has won PL or CL ever for a good reaosn.
@ ramugunner – You make some interesting points even if I don’t agree. What I will say though is that Victor Valdez at Barcelona – much as I like him – has always been considered a weakness in that side. He’s a great shot-stopper but makes mistakes consistently and isn’t great in the air. To use him as a reference point to Barcelona’s success this season is, I think, perhaps a little bit generous. Having said that, I haven’t watched too much of Barcelona’s defence this season so I might be incorrect.
In terms of Almunia, I’d say his strengths are his shot-stopping, his generally sticky fingers both on the high ball and dealing with long-range efforts, and in contrast to what you suggest, his distribution. His kicking is superb and – the Chelsea blemish aside – his willingness to get things going with a quick throw is most valuable.
I’ll admit he’s not the strongest in the air or most aggressive keeper going around but I just don’t agree with the assertion that he is the cancer of this team. I think he organises well and Manchester United have shown that you can keep clean-sheets without having a perfect goalkeeper between the sticks.
Interested to hear your thoughts if you read this.
SpanishFry Mate; Almunia is one player I don’t agree with your views. He is not the biggest concern at the moment but he is still not upto Arsenal standard. We have big issues with hard-tackling midfielder and a creative player in absence of Fabregas. I believe we will see Arshavin in Arsenal shirt soon for 2 reasons: 1. He is so desperate to play for us. 2. Wenger rates him highly. And why not. He finished 6th in the rankings in the list of best footballer in the planet, ahead of even Cesc. He won UEFA cup with Zenit which title is still now won by Arsenal ever.
Back to Almunia. He is the worst No. 1 Goalie I have ever seen in Arsenal shirt: weak with long balls and long shots. There is no way we can compare him with Van der Sar who has won everything in club level and is a success with Dutch team. He hasn’t been in best form lately but still is no comparision for a Celta Vigo reject with 0 International app. Valdez is not worldclass but is decent enough, unlike Almunia. Like I said, He is good enough for top 4 finish but I don’t see him to be that keeper which can win major trophies.
I still hold my assertion about the fact that we will not win anything with him in goal. I would love to have a bet with you which I have with some of my freinds. Just waiting on Wenger to realise that Almunia is not good enough. I don’t know how I can convince Wenger.
Some other things:
1. ‘m enjoying watching Bottomham Spurs leading the race for Relegation. They deserve to be where they are. Ugly red-nosed Harry.
2. RVP for League’s best player if he stays fit all season. Chocolate leggy.
3. Still furious with Mr. Fail Clichy. Wonderful talent but with no defensive discipline and motivation to improve.
4. Someone in this blog saying “get rid of RVP” and “Given is not much better than Almunia” chants is hilarious. That means zero ounce of football knowledge.
5. It’s not time to be too excited with a laborious win against a Championship side with worst record in past 2 months. Everton will be tough next week but I am positive.
6. Arsene’s substitution policy is very poor. Why the heck he waited till we concede a goal to substitute Eboue against Hull?