Arsenal America

Directors to decide who will replace ‘Le Boss’ at Arsenal?

Sep 29, 2005 by MrZog

Patrick Vieira saw the writing on the ‘Marble halls of Highbury’ a few years ago when in his opinion Arsenal failed to bring in enough world class players to maintain their dominance in the premiership, Real Madrid kept calling but he chose to stay in the belief that Arsenal would become the attractive force in World football. Eventually he realized it would not happen while he was at his peek and so he had no choice but to move to a team that sets no limitations when it comes to buying stars to win trophys and satisfy his personal ambition.

Thiery Henry was aware of Vieira`s views and understood his feelings giving him his blessing on seeking a career elsewhere but he himself was not convinced that Vieira`s view of the future of Arsenal was correct. He chose to stay in the belief that with all the money at Wengers disposal, plus what they got from Juve`there was a very good chance Arsenal would sign 3 or 4 world class players. Unfortunately as the pre-season drew to a close it became clear that Hleb would be the only real addition to the squad, whether that was Wengers choice or the directors remains unclear, regardless of this fact all it done was to reinforce the opinion of Vieira that to be successful at the highest level you would have to move away from Arsenals obvious lack of ambition.

‘Big game bottler’ Thierry Henry

Sep 28, 2005 by MrZog

I recently read an article in a reputable newspaper describing Henry as a big game bottler (after scoring the winning the goal against Ireland) and to some extent the FIFpro awards are backing this up…what does Henry have to do to get the respect he deserves as the worlds most potent attacker?

It is widely accepted that Titi is a big game bottler, even by some of our own fans, but his record is more or less incredible. From Euro 2000, when in the best international football tournament I have ever seen, he was top scorer for France. Since then he has topped the EPL scoring charts, won two golden boots and almost certainly (not sure) had more assists than any other player in the european leagues. He regularly scores in our big games against Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, ok Tottenham as well…He is also Arsenal’s top scorer in the CL year in year out. So can anyone tell me how the f@ck can he still be considered a big game bottler?

If Henry played for Barcelona, in a league that is less concerned with pressing and defending than the EPL, he would be considered the worlds greatest.

Ajax of Amsterdam

Sep 27, 2005 by MrZog

[ed. note: Sorry this is a bit late - major pc troubles the last three days!]

I’m not going to try to fool you and act as if I know alot about Ajax. Since FSC took the Eredivisie off the air, two or three years ago, I have not seen Ajax. What I do know is that they are one Europe’s most famous and storied clubs. The history alone is enough to respect this team.

Formed in 1900, Ajax was elevated to the top of Dutch football in 1911. As far as I know, they have continued a run in the top flite for nearly 100 years. Winners of 27 Eredivisie titles and 25 European trophies, they hail as one of the vanguards in world football.

Ajax have a Hall of Fame like no other. Many players were heads and shoulders above the world’s best, but long before my time. Perhaps their most famous name is Johan Cruijff. Their leading scorer from 1965-1972, he was an absolute magician. Very few players in history have had the command he had. I actually met him and got his autograph in the late 1970′s when he did a stint with the Washington Diplomats (After his trade from the LA Aztecs). Of course their most famous name amongst Gunner fans will be Kanu. OK, Im’ joking, it would be Dennis Bergkamp. I need to say little about “God”, but he led them in goals scored from 1990-93, averaging 25 goals per season. Other recent superstars include Patrick Kluivert and Jari Litmanen. Ajax have been known to elevate their youth to world famous players.

Ajax was a Greek warrior in Homers, “The Iliad.” Ajax was known as a powerful giant, the bulwark of the Greek Army. It is said he ascended to god status. I find it funny that Angelos Christeas, the 25 year old Greek player, is emerging as perhaps their next superstar. He has 4 goals in only 2 starts this year, including 2 this last weekend. Ajax defeated Roda JC 4-1, in what match reports stated was a 90 minute demolition. Searching the Ajax roster I only recognized one name, Tomas Galasek. The 35 year old Czech has been with the club for several years and stands as a challenge in the middle.

Ajax sit at 5th with 3 wins, 2 loses and one draw. Sounds abit familiar. They are dissappointed with their start and hope that the European campaign will increase the teams confidence to make a run at Feynoord.

Ajax 1-1 Arsenal
The Gunners hate to travel

See more of Ajax at www.ajax.nl. They have a complete English website. Just choose “English” on the front page.