It seems every time Henry has a bad touch of the ball, two articles get written in Spain describing Henry’s failure. Considering that Henry gave Arsenal fans so many great memories, it is not very pleasant to see Henry criticized so much. Negative articles about him were being written in the first half of the season but recently they have increased as end of the European season approaches. So in a way it was very refreshing to see a mini documentary film on Henry on the Independent Film Channel (IFC) last month. The film was directed by the lovely Paz Vega (yes the actress) and was part of IFC’s Framed series where celebrities will make their first documentary film on sports stars. Henry’s film was the third episode in this series. It was a real treat to watch Henry being comfortable, happy, honest & even a wee bit flirtatious (I am sure Miss Vega has that effect). In reality, the doc film is only 5 minutes long but the rest of 20 or so minutes are about the setup.
The full film can be found here: Click on the Henry & Paz Vega link, and choose the full episode option. Although, I found this link a bit slow even though the sound quality was very good. Alternatively, here is the film in three parts (the sound quality is not the greatest in some sections):
Part One — the set-up where Henry meets Paz Vega and they discuss the project.
Part Two — the audition of the people in the film.
Part Three — the Interview and final shots.
Here’s a very good quality clip of the penalty sequence between Henry and Vega.
Just a delightful film to watch.
Wenger’s list:
One day when Wenger retires, I would love it if he would let out which players he wanted to sign during his reign at Arsenal. Just curious to know who Wenger had/has on his mind, etc. He is secretive about the players he wants for obvious reasons. A year or so ago, I remember reading an article that mentioned the Real Madrid president said if Wenger was interested in someone then they should get him. One can imagine that if word got out that Arsenal and Wenger were interested in someone, then a bidding war would start. Unsure if something of that sort happenned with Sean Wright Phillips. A month or so ago, Wenger did let out that Cristiano Ronaldo was close to signing with Arsenal. So who else does Arsene have in his mind? Maybe we will never know.
63 Responses to “Links & Lists”
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April 24th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Maybe we will never know. — Correction. We WILL never know
April 25th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Yes Sachin, fans tend to feel they know better, yet in terms of unearthing talent, Arsene Wenger probably has the BEST track record in the professional game. i don’t think anyone can argue with that.
Those Barca fans who criticsed Henry just like any other plastic fan these days, to them, everything is black and white.
They do not consider Henry been playing out wide, out of position, yet they expected him to score a lot of goals.
They do not consider this is Henry’s FIRST season at Barca neither. At Arsenal, we fans have been very patiented towards Eduardo. cos the manager kept insisting every new signing needed at least 6 months to settle in, I think most fans bought into this theory, and indeed it make sense.
so despite Eduardo hasn’t really lit up the world, nobody came out and said what a waste of money.
anyway, u can imagine if the same sceniro happens to one of our new signings, Arsene Wenger would not have hestiated for a secnod coming out to defend his man.
under AW, Titi had been spoilt during his time at Arsenal. now it’s reality check. he no longer got a manager backing him up through thick and thin.
what has happened to Henry at Barca isn’t really a suprise. A guy as smart as Titi, I think he should have expected that when he went there.
it’s sad to see he wasn’t even chosen to start the game against Man U.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I hope Henry starts at OT and scores a goal, although I doubt he has ever scored scored there except in that 1-6 loss.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Reports from Italy are now indicating that Juventus have failed in their bid to get Flamini…and it’s AC Milan who have won the race for his signature…If Juventus are saying that they have not managed to sign him ….May be there is stilll a chance that he might sign a contract at Arsenal…time is running out though
April 25th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Umm, maybe this is nothing but I just read it and would like for you guys to see it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=562008&in_page_id=1779
April 25th, 2008 at 11:20 am
And umm,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=562002&in_page_id=1779&ct=5
And umm,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=561960&in_page_id=1779&ito=newsnow
Maybe their crap articles.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Flamini to Milan? Yeah right. Who’s going to play Flamini in front of Pirlo?
April 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I would welcome Henry. If Wenger can utilize him as a role model and not necessarily the star, I think he could be a great addition to the squad.
Then again, Henry is a big ego and will that ego want to submit to being a bit part player. What about the salary as well?
That being said, he could be the winger we need. Playing on the left or right as necessary or as a striker. It would be like signing 3 players in one.
VAVAVOOOM!
April 25th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hmmm.
I wouldn’t want to see Henry as a bit part player. Not now.
He’s only 30.
I want to see Thierry Henry in all his full blown greatness, mesmerizing defenses and thrilling fans. Wherever that may happen.
Having said that… in a few years time, maybe he could fit the mold
Dennis Bergkamp did at the Arsenal.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I think Arsene’s just being nice to Titi in saying he would consider taking him back at Arsenal. In the next breath he said that Titi should stay at Barcelona and prove his quality.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Titi would probably do real well at AC Milan with Kaka providing service.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
How can Henry cut it as a winger in the PL when he has lost his pace with increasing injury and age and when he is so ineffective in a “slower” Spanish league.
He is definitely not coming back to Arsenal. At this point in his career we dont need him and he doesnt need us.
He should stick it out in Spain for one or two more years then head for a mega pay day here in America. Hopefully in NY
April 25th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Lost pace and all he is still much quicker that Hleb.
April 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
How ironic that my last post comes in on #13 and is about Mr. Hleb. If only this would be Friday 13th…ow well can’t have it all.
I think Henry can cut in PL. As much as I would love to see this relationship work out for the best, I doubt his salary and personality will permit such a move.
Never say never…Arsene knows!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
playing on the wings is a DEMOTION from a strikers point of view. he is struggling and complaining playing on the wings of a 4-3-3 - do you honestly think he can accept a wing place in a 4-4-2 where he is further from the goal and has more defensive duties?
he is too old and too frequently injured to run. he is past that part of his career and he is not going to get his pace back.
america is where its at, baby! henry, dont fear to come here. we will take whoever we can get!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
its funny though:
last season, the stadium announcer used to say “welcome to the pitch, thierry henry’s arsenal!!!”. he got a 110k POUNDS per week contract with a sign on fee that he got IN FULL immediately he signed. the team was built completely round him, when he moans, prances, and whines, he is given a pass.
he had no clue how good he has it here…..with a manager who is happy to overlook your faults.
wenger will NEVER buy him back…make no mistake about that.
same thing is going to happen to hleb.
arsenal is pretty much the only major club that has patience with flawed major players.
April 25th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
First, I don’t think anyone should doubt Henry’s ability to cut it at EPL. Hell, this is a player who is tailor-made for the Premiership!!
He is a “direct” player. And there’s no better place than the Premiership to make the most out of his ability. I talked about this when he left, his game will never be as effective elsewhere as with Arsenal, and playing in the Premiership.
just look at the way he play for France, never as good as when playing for us. Henry’s only at his best when he’s playing for us.
i won’t worry about his age. This guy got a great football brain. when he’s still with us, i saw a future of him playing as a withdrawal striker like Dennis did - behind the main striker. His PASSING and VISION are better than any of our current strikers.
with that, he doesn’t even need the pace. he could play a Sheringham role, or Bergkamp role perfectly.
but i do agree there is no way he’s coming back. cos there’s this thing called “EGO” in this world.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I doubt he’ll come back.
I’d be surprised, but not shocked. Nothing should shock you in sport.
I do like him saying there is only ONE TEAM in his heart!
April 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
It’s hard to imagine Henry returing.
1. Wenger has never re-signed a player.
2. the team has moved on, it would be a retrograde step
3. Henry is expensive
4. think back to his last season with us, when you think of what he was paid and the return we got - yikes.
5. he has serious injury issues
6. he isn’t bergkamp, bergkamp loved creating for others, henry wants everyone to make him look good. they’re the reverse in that sense
7. the team pattern looks healthier, without a myopic attacking focus
I still love the guy
April 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Good ol Titi.. an absolute legend. The best part about all his goals was that more than 70% of them were quite spectacular..things which normal people couldnt dream of. He wasn’t just another RVN who in his own right is special..he was just something out of the world..What a player!!!!
Here’s hoping he dumps ManU out of the CL at OT.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
@kiwi: He isnt DB10…no one is DB10. To say Henry wanted evryone to make him look good though may be a bit harsh…he had numerous numerous wonderful assists as well…he had a big EGO which is a different hting but he defo wasnt selfish like .. dare I say Ronaldo??..without being accused of sour grapes?
April 25th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Bring back Pires…….now there’s a good fit
April 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I agree … the only player i want to see return is Pires. He is the type that ripens with age.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
i agree with LDE, i don’t think Titi wants others to make him look good.
He got an ego. but he’s not a selfish player. i believe the frustartion he had (towards his teammates) at the past was they were not in a same wavelength as him.
i mean, we were lucky to have Titi, but in a way, Henry himself was lucky to have teammates like Bergkamp, Pires, Freddie, Vieira by his side.
Those guys are damn intelligent on the pitch, and they “made each other better than they really are INDIVIDUALLY”.
Henry surely had helped extended Bergkamp’s career. While Bergkamp, Pires also made Henry look better than he really was as an individual player.
Together they were an awesome unit. but if u break them apart and send them away to different club they might have struggled.
Last season, for the first time, Henry found himself all by himself. His old teammates all gone. van Persie, Ade are not bad players, but they were not in the same wavelength as Thierry, esepcailly in terms of football intelligence.
so the man was frustrated.
to me, his biggest fault was he couldn’t control his frustration, and let it SHOW in front of his teammates. In a way, it’s similiar to what Gallas has shown this season.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
At last!
“Arsenal willing to part with Philippe Senderos”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/04/25/ufnars125.xml
April 25th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Gonna miss Sendy.
He has a great attitude, but not the skills to match. If he goes, I wish him best of luck.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Miss sendy for what??
April 26th, 2008 at 12:20 am
More tabloid selling rubbish.Sendy is just a scapegoat in the big scheme of things. He was hardly responsible for our downward spiral…but no…let us just gloat and keep dreaming of that Tony Adams/Paolo Maldini clone who is going to appear from Madagsacar tomorrow.
April 26th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Modric has signed for spurs and it’s been officially confirmed on their site…..seems like they are hitting the transfer market pretty early..
April 26th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Modric for 20 million is overpriced don’t you think. I bet Wenger would have paid half of that.
April 26th, 2008 at 1:32 am
So Modric ends up at Spurs after all the hue and cry about Arsenal and Chelsea. Good luck to him!
ANR says Hleb is off and we should sign Kranjcar (he is mostly wrong).
Reports say Arsenal have improved their offer for Flamini fearing Hleb will leave.
If both leave, a lot of this season’s hard work will be done. What a shame.
April 26th, 2008 at 2:55 am
I really hope Hleb stays…but considering his ‘tapping-up’ incident and Wenger’s tirade against Inter…seems like we will see the back of Hleb just like Ashley Cole..
Correct me if I am wrong..but I don’t think Hleb can buy out his contract just yet..i think he will be eligible to do that next year….If he does get sold ..i hope Wenger makes Inter pay a big sum or do a player exchange…if Hleb gets sold for a cut price deal ..i’m going to be very upset.
About Modric…20 million seems to be way over the top…seems like his price increased after Wenger expressed some interest in him…..seem like lot of clubs are following this strategy of going after players where Wenger has an interest.
I think the only way around this is for Wenger to start faking interest in certain players so that no one recognises whom he is genuinely interested in
:D ….Would have loved it if Wenger had expressed interest in Darren Bent and then see Spurs tiumphantlyh sealing a deal for him for 30 million :))
Cheers,
Wayne
April 26th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Wayne, Hleb’s played at Arsenal for three seasons so he can buy out his contract.
Senderos screwed up the Liverpool game, which happened to be the most important game of the season, but only a blind man couldn’t see that he was better this season than before. I think that was the only game he played in that we lost. This is newspaper speculation. I expect to see Senderos in the fall.
I haven’t said anything about the Diarra to Portsmouth deal but if we lose Flamini, then that’s a bad bit of business. All Diarra wanted was to play regularly to ensuure he gets into the France team for Euro ‘08. We loaned van Bronkhorst to Barcelona so that he could get into Holland’s World Cup squad and we should have loaned Diarra as well. Instead, Wenger put his trust in someone who’s already proven capable of betrayal. In fact, if Diarra was still on our books, we wouldn’t even be sweating over the fact that Flamini may leave.
April 26th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Let’s remember that whilst Flamini has been excellent this year, we were happy to let him rot for a couple of years…….life’s sometimes not as clear-cut as it seems.
If he goes, I’ll be disappointed. And a bit annoyed he didn’t fess up sooner so we could recruit. But I’ll stop short of accusing him of betrayal.
It just shows to me again how impatient Diarra was. A little more patience and he would have got even MORE gametime with us. He could be 1st choice DM at Arsenal one of the worlds best ‘French’ clubs.
April 26th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Kiwi, I call it betrayal because he did the same crap when he left Marseille to join Arsenal. His old boss said he was truly heartbroken by Flamini calling what he’d done “the perfect betrayal”. Regardless, we knew Flamini was capable of doing such a thing and I told everyone back in January that I expected him to do it again. Besides nipuna, everyone else disagreed saying they were so sure he’d sign. Instead of arguing with them, I said what I always say, time will tell. Time always tells.
As for Diarra, he had from this start of the season until the end to earn a place for France for this summer’s Euro championship. Half the season had passed and there was no sign he’d get a significant number of games. Instead of running the risk of not getting picked by France, he opted to leave. A loan would have been more ideal and I think he might have preferred a loan as we know he want’s to be at a club bigger than Portsmouth. Now, we look set to have lost all three of our DM players in half a season. WOW!
April 26th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Actually if we look at the “SUPPORT” Flamini got from fans over the years, if he decides to leave, i don’t think too many fans actually earned the right to accuse him for doing a “betrayal”.
as for his contract issue, as stated, Arsenal board always has a strick wage structure. that’s why even we have spending budget, we may not be able to attract top class talent cos the board wouldn’t allow the wage they demanded.
Flamini’s wage demand is not just about him. Should the board allow his 80k weekly demand, then sooner or later lot of his teammates would be doing the same thing, and ask for a pay rise.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:55 am
spot on andez. Personally, I think Flamini had one stand out year. Before this he wasn’t that important and people wanted him gone. My concern is if he fails to live up to what he did this year. Then people will call for his head. Though I doubt this would happen. I am all for him to sign and see him improve as a CM. He definitely took the chances that was given to him this year. If Gilberto hadn’t been away last summer, he might not be in this position that he is in now. But good luck to him.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Btw, I think modric is pretty stupid to sign with the spuds. I am sure he could have signed with the top 4 of PL. Is he in for the money? Maybe.
April 26th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Title race back on. Chelsea win over ManU. Two goals by Ballack, but the person who save Chelsea was Sheva with the goal line clearance near the 90th min. What a contribution by the guy!!
April 26th, 2008 at 9:48 am
The amount of stick I got in Jan when I suggested that Arsene would be in quite a soup if all 3 CMs leave was a LOT. Anyway, Flamini can still sign. Let’s hope he does.
April 26th, 2008 at 9:52 am
To Fred and anyone else who says we don’t need a striker
1. Rooney’s goal today - which Arsenal striker would you trust in the same situation in such an important game? Ade - with all due respect to his massive contribution, 1:1s is not his strength. Bendtner and Walcott - you got to be kidding yourself. RvP - maybe, if fully fit and on form. Eduardo - yes, but he is out for we don’t know how long.
2. Ballack’s penalty today? Again it will boil down to just RvP.
In short, we are relying on a striker who has missed more than half the games for 3 seasons in a row. Still think we don’t need a striker?
April 26th, 2008 at 9:54 am
By the way, Fred, just because I am saying we need a striker doesn’t mean that I think we don’t need a goal scoring midfielder. I simply think that we absolutely need BOTH. That is, if we want to win something. Otherwise, we are reliant on all those glass players staying fit and that is not going to happen.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Henry still have many qualities that our current team lacks - mainly that llittle bit of finishing touch.
However, Henry was a self-focused man. He threw a tantrum towards his teamates (especially the younger ones) when they make a mistake. That quaility, I’m afraid, is unwanted at Arsenal and will bring us a step backwards.
The only way Henry could be of good to us is if he accepted a semi-Bergkamp like role, partly to be used as a sub to help change the game, and partly to help younger players grow. But the fear factor that Henry inspires is going to disrupt our game. Players will pass him the ball even if there is a better option. We’ll be relying on Henry again. No good.
The player I want Wenger to bring back is Tony Adams. His contract at Pompey is up in the summer and I think having a former captain to coach our team, especially the back four, could help fix Arsenal’s mental weakness or lapse in concentration. Adams could be the “captain” behind the scenes to motivate our squad.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Yes, better to have Adams back than Henry this summer. I don’t think there is anything to the Henry rumour than Wenger just being nice. Let’s try to get Adams back and let’s not get either Adam’s or Wenger’s ego get in the way.
April 26th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Well, if Senderos really does go, along with Flamini, Hleb (who I think is pretty much out the door already), Lehmann and possibly Gilberto then that leaves alot of holes and missing experience to replace and Wenger will have to buy alot more than the 1-2 players he has talked about.
Spurs signed Modric for over 20 Million, so I suspect taht means that Berbatov will be sold in the summer.
April 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am
@ nipuna: If we can get a solid CB, a better GK and one or two proper AM/wingers AND still have money for a “top, class striker” that costs 20 million sure why not.
before our season’s dip in form, playing against the other top 4 has NOT been a problem for us. we never struggled against them for the last 2 seasons, till our defence became nonsensical.
DEFENSE WINS LEAGUES ….. not attack!
If you think blasting all our money on a “top-class” striker while leaving a DEFECTIVE central defence wide open and continuing with Eboue at RM is the answer - then thats your opinion.
DEFENSE WINS TITLES ….and our defense is COMICAL. Apart from Sagna I dont trust any of them in there. And I completely dont trust Almunia. He is the definition of mediocre - with NO shining attributes to make up for his weaknesses.
PS: Ade has scored more goals against the big 4 than Rooney.
April 26th, 2008 at 11:50 am
@ nipuna: its ironic that you mention the chelsea-man u game as a point why “top-class” strikers are useful……yet in that same game an ATTACKING MIDFIELDER decided it. a bit ironic.
PS: the modric guy will move spurs closer to the big four than berbatov.
April 26th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
The thing about Luka Modric is..he will move Spurs upwards only if Berbatov stays which I doubt. If Berbatov goes its midtable again for Spurs. Another UEFA Cup maybe…but they aren’t challenging for Europe CL.
Seriously though how far off the top are we..really? We stopped scoring(RVP, Rosicky,Dudu) out at the same time..and started leaking goals again as soon as the Gallas-Sendy partnership broke up due to Kolo’s return. Sagna injury was the last straw.
I agree - Rock back 4 is a must. More than a flair player. Think back to when the invincibles started fading. Its always the defense that starts leaking first.
The 5-3 Boro was a great result but shocking that we let 3 goals in against a bottom table team. Invariably the pattern with sudden leaky defense is:
First you win 2-0, 3-0…Then they start hitting the bar…and u start winning 2-1 , 3-2 …. then there’s a high scoring game with a come from behind win like 5-4 or 5-3 and then theres an injury …then ur luck runs out and you lose a 2-1 or a 0-1 and the confidence goes…and takes time to mend. If we stop leaking goals we have enough attackers to do well. A left/right winger would be nice though….
April 26th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Attacking midfielders consist of Hleb, Rosicky, Fabregas, Walcott, Diaby, Eboue, Denilson, Vela. We’ve also seen in the first team this season the likes of Barazite, Simpson, Keiran Gibbs, and even Traore with Merida still to come. Yet some have been screaming for an attacking mid all season. How many more do we need?
In fairness, I was screaming how we needed cover for Rosicky in the off-season. He was the only player without cover. It was justified as he was injured quite a bit last season. This season, he’s been was the main player injured and we started the season with no cover for him. Silly.
We need that Rosicky cover. If Hleb leaves, we’ll need a super talent in for him. I think Denilson can cover for Fab if he stays fit but if we lose them both, then we’ll need Wenger to not be afraid to play Hleb or Rosicky there. If Merida comes back ready for the Carling Cup then we’ll be okay because that kid has talent.
Wenger’s going to give Fabianski a chance to prove himself and based on how he performs will determine if Wenger brings in another keeper.
April 26th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
As for Bendtner and Theo on a 1:1 I think they are both excellent. Infact the lesser decisions they have to take the better they are..In front of goal and with 1 choice they will be fine. No we don’t need a striker…I doubt AW will go for one .. then again who thought he’d go buy Bacary Sagna.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Fred, the argument was about wingers and strikers. You said very clearly that we need TWO AMs. I said we need one striker AND one winger. There was no debate about CBs. If you are bringing them into the argument, it puts a whole new dimension to the whole thing. Some might say we need a CB, winger AND striker. Some might say CB and winger/striker.
The only way Wenger is EVER signing 2 AMs is if Hleb leaves. Even then I doubt it. If you ask me that given only one player - would it be a striker or winger? I would say striker. Unless the winger has a really good goal scoring pedigree. Do you agree that getting a very good (note that I never said world class although I did say I like David Villa.) striker is easier than a proven goal scoring winger?
By the way, we kept asking for CBs who are better than Senderos. Looks like Rafa has not only found one, but two - Agger and Skrtel. How come Wenger can’t? I think if you look at defenses, it is very rare that young talent makes it. Ferdinand, Vidic, Carvalho, Gallas - all were big money signings. It is one are where youth just doesn’t work. Experience matters a lot more.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
“DEFENSE WINS LEAGUES”
I don’t have the stats, but I don’t think it’s true. ManU have the best defense, but they also have the best attack. We didn’t have the best defense in 02, that was Liverpool. ManU didn’t have the best defense in 99, that was Arsenal. There are many other instances of this. But except 2003, the team with the best GD has won the league.
So, you can solve the problem in two ways. Improve attack or improve defense. I would say one thing though - in Europe, defense wins you titles.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
If we win at Derby, we are only 4 points behind ManU and Chelsea. With two games remaining, if we stay that way, it would be an incredible achievement for this season, even if we finish in 3rd place.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Actually defense does win leagues…I never said you have to be the very best defense. You just have to have a defense that makes is comical in a tragic sort of way - like ours currently is.
@ joshuad: Of all those you name only Hleb, Rosicky and Vela can play competently on the wings. Rosicky is a permanent sicknote. Hleb cant score and is probably leaving and even though I like the sound of Vela he will need adjustment time.
If we have to play Diaby or Eboue on the wings next season it would be TERRIBLE.
we need at least ONE “super” AM. plus we have to keep hleb. a proper AM/winger will cost around 15 million on the cheap.
a proper CB that wenger will like will probably cost around 10 million.
that is 25 million already.
any spare change we can find should go into getting proper backup at LB and GK.
i just dont see where the extra money for a 20 million pound star striker is going to come from - except u imagine we are suddenly going to spend 50 million pounds this summer.
April 26th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Fred, it can be done and if anyone can do it, it is Wenger.
Sagna, Agger and Skrtel all came for 6-8M.
Eduardo came for 8M.
Hleb/Rosicky came for 10/8M.
Assuming 30M for CB, winger and striker, we can have all three. We can recover some money (10M) by selling Hoyte (2M), Senderos (3-4M, i like the guy, but someone has to go) and Rosicky (4-5M) and even Bendtner (3-4M). That’s a net spend on 20M.
True, it is quite a overhaul of the team and doesn’t account for Flamini and Hleb leaving, but I feel we are going to have some changes if we are to avoid another trophyless season.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
One thing for sure, the thought of Nico Kranjcar replacing Hleb is a joke. A very sick joke.
Although some ‘grass is greener’ Arsenal fans are actually in favour of it. Shows you how stupid football fans can be.
I have faith that Wenger will not take Bilic’s words too seriously.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Sorry Fred. I thought you said attacking mids but what you really mean is attacking wide players.
In the previous thread I already mentioned how Dennis Bergkamp was the difference that made the wide players dangerous. He was a striker who used to come deep to receive the ball and that would make space for others to exploit. He also knew how to find them. His protege, Henry, got pretty good at it too. But if we don’t have a striker who can make space and make passes to put those players in on goal, it hardly matters what attacking wide player we sign.
Pires was a phenom because he had this instinctive ability to be in the right place at the right time. It’s a gift. It was very nice having Bobby but he and Dennis spoiled us where we expect wide players to get 15 goals a season. But what wide player typically scores that many? Don’t go yelling Ronaldo as typical midfield players actually have defensive duties and Ronaldo clearly doesn’t. Historically, attacking players that have minimal defensive duties have been called strikers, but I guess things change. You didn’t appreciate Rosicky’s seven goals in less than half a season so who’s the right answer, Fred?
April 26th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Hleb is gone. Someone from Arsenal TV said they were told not to put his name on any merchandise etc. Same thing happened with Henry last year.
Gonna take me a while to get over this one. Bottle of vodka and some dramatic opera music needed.
April 26th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
It was obvious from the very moment I saw the slow motion of his punch.
Goodluck to him! Inter and Hleb are match made in heaven.
We should try to squeeze up to 15 for him.
And we must replace him with TWO AM/wingers.
April 26th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
@ 57: i recall saying after the everton game….”isnt rosicky just the master of late wrap up goals” ….and since then u have been all over that. get over it.
its funny when people have a complete attachment to certain players.
i love arsenal, but i really have pretty much no attachment to any player whatsoever. so if i do abuse your favorite player…its nothing personal.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
If Flamini leaves, thats betrayal?
No, its called GETTING PAID. One Eduardo type injury, and your career can be over. If Wenger and Arsenal don’t want to pay him what other teams will, he would be INSANE not to go while he has the most value.
How is that betrayal?
Its the player doing what is smartest and best for himself.
Is it betrayal when teams sell players to make some big money, and the team sucks for a few years because they’ve sold their stars?
So Spurs paid 20 Million for Modric. If he’s a really good player, WHO CARES what they spent. Its NOT YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!
Liverpool paid big bucks for Torres. United paid big for Rooney
These teams will pay the high wages to their best players to keep the team together… United have signed a bunch of players to contracts just recently.
Arsenal have money to spend. They have money to pay players.
If they choose not to, well… call it what you may… but if Hleb, Flamini, Gilberto, Lehman, and others go, it will mean next season will be another transitional year, because we’ll have to bleed in new players and young players… and that breeds inconsistency.
Sometimes you have to spend the money. Wisely, yes… for sure… but can’t be afraid to pay a player or buy a player because of a big price tag.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I see Wenger is ratcheting up the pressure on Hleb an Flamini….suggesting that they get vey well paid and that it isn’t just about the money.
You can understand Wenger’s comments and the frustration that probably lies behind them. He has knit this side together. Given it time to blossom. Put faith in young players…..and let the clubs hopes ride on them Then after one good season from both these players they seemingly want to cash-in.
Wenger is an idealist in a mercenary environment. An ideailst, but a clever one.
April 27th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Stag, betrayal is a term I got from his coach at Marseille. If Flamini says he’s going to sign a new contract with Arsenal then is it unreasonable to expect him to do so? (I didn’t expect him to) Most would call it betrayal when someone publically declares their loyalty to another only to later dishonor that word. But he’s French.
Fred, I’m not talking about something you claim to have said that one time that no one but you remembers. I’m talking about what you’ve said many times that everyone remembers; about how Rosicky’s goals weren’t important. Anyway, don’t try and change the subject. You still didn’t tell me who your “consistent goalscoring, attacking wide midfield player who actually defends” was. I’m not just giving you crap but am genuinely interested. My first hand experience is it’s hard as hell to score a lot of goals from way out there.
Anyway, Fred, my whole point was that Bergkamp (and Henry) made those wide guys, from Ljunberg to Reyes, look a tad bit better than they really were. Just look at them now. Bergy’s gone now and we don’t currently have anyone that can create for teammates the way he did. So to expect the same volume of goals from our wide players is unreasonable.