Departure of Wenger ‘Not An Issue’
May 20, 2009
The main stories in the media surrounding Arsenal Football Club in this final week of the Premiership season include some reports in recent days that manager Arsene Wenger might leave the London club for Real Madrid this summer.
Such rumors have emerged since last week’s shareholder meeting when Arsene Wenger voiced his criticism over questions directed to him from club supporters who were attending.
Heated exchanges at the event, along with a pledge from Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez to make Wenger his first choice as the club’s new manager next season should he be elected this summer, led to stories in the British press that the Frenchman would be looking to leave Arsenal.
But according to more recent quotes from Wenger in such places as a Daily Mail article, he will continue as Arsenal manager and spurn the advances of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Even while previously admitting that the advances from Madrid were ‘’strongly interesting,” Wenger is quoted in Wednesday’s Daily Mail insisting that he has no plans to quit the Emirates.
”There’s nothing to worry about, it’s not an issue for me,” he told the newspaper. ”I’m staying here. If that changes I will let you know, but don’t worry about that. It’s not an issue.”
Wenger’s comments reportedly came on a day in which he had a three-hour meeting with Ivan Gazidis, the club’s new chief executive, at Arsenal’s training ground in London Colney to discuss transfer targets and budgets.
Since arriving at the club in 1996, Wenger has impressively transformed Arsenal’s playing style along with the club’s fortunes, leading his charges to three Premiership titles, league and cup doubles in 1998 and 2002, and into the UEFA Champions League final in 2006.
But a drought without any trophies the past four seasons has caused concern among some Arsenal supporters who have seemed to lose patience with the manager and his policies this spring. While conceding the team has considerable young talent, the naysayers and doubters believe the side lacks both experience and strength in depth to challenge for titles with rival clubs who seem more willing to “splash the cash” for big-name player signings.
Considering the manager’s record, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has stated that the criticism of Wenger is “out of order,” and that he believes the Frenchman will remain in charge at the Emirates at least until 2011, when his current contract expires.
Former Gunner defender Lee Dixon agrees, telling the London Evening Standard that “I am gob-smacked that people have started calling for his head. People are very short-sighted. It is the modern-day supporter who wants success yesterday.”
“Yes, we have gone four seasons without a trophy and have been off the pace in the Premier League this season, which is Wenger’s trophy priority, but he is as frustrated as anyone else,” continued Dixon, who maintains Arsenal will soon deliver silverware once again.
“He feels the frustration just like anyone else,” Dixon added. “He has produced one of the best training grounds in the world, one of the best stadiums in the world and some of the most attractive football ever been played. And people still just say ‘we haven’t won anything.’ They just have to be a bit more patient.”
Support is also coming from fans who feel that fellow supporters should remain faithful to the club and its successful manager as it heads forward for the 2009-10 season. In fact, hundreds of Arsenal supporters will take part in a march before Sunday’s home match with Stoke City to show their support for Wenger and help persuade the manager not to leave for Real Madrid this summer. This “march of solidarity” is being organized by the supporters group RedAction.
And the Arsenal Supporters Trust, which was established in 2003 to promote the interest of facilitate involvement of supporters who own shares in the club, has released a statement on its web site on the matter, saying, “Arsene Wenger is one of the greatest managers Arsenal has ever had. In the last few years he has performed arguably his best work by continuing to deliver Champions League football within the financial constraints created by the move to the Emirates stadium.
“Arsene must stay but if there is a need for change it is to the parameters within which he has been forced to work. The Trust met with impressive new chief executive Ivan Gazidis last week. He understands the importance of providing both the funds and hands-on support for the manager in the transfer market so that Arsene can complete his work and take Arsenal back to the top. All shareholders, large and small, should unite behind this plan and play their respective parts in it.”
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May 20th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
The criticism of Wenger was not out of order. Examples of ‘rough’ questioning of leadership in England abound: the weekly questioning of the Prime Minister comes to mind. Surely PHW, a presumed staunch supporter of the crown would never tell members of parliament that they are out of order. Hypocrite.
A show of support is nice but it is for the pundits, critics, Perez and haters of Arsenal to see. We at Arsenal are just having a little family tiff. Although lately family tiffs in the US have turned into massacres.
May 20th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
The good thing about this whole nonsense is that at LEAST Wenger knows if he fails to strengthen the team and the team fucks up ALL season like it just did…..his head will be on the line.
May 20th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
When all this blows over we’ll be left asking the same question, “will we be competitive next season?”
The ‘financial constraints’ argument is a red herring. Even IF we are ‘constrained’ compared to say ManU we are still well heeled. And look to the past, Wenger has always developed his teams on a limited budget. Overmars, Anelka, Petit and Vieira were all relative bargains. It’s actually hard to pick a key player that came with a big price tag. Even Henry at 10m was a relatively ordinary spend for a top-half EPL club. So what’s actually changed? It’s not the budget – it’s the approach. It’s the buying young, the deferred gratitfication thing, combined with the move away from first principles like a team based on strong defenders and strong CM’s.
Read Wenger’s comments at the shareholders meeting 2 things stood out for me:
1. Continuity over major change: This is key for me. Wenger loathes major changes to his squad. He wants to buy and keep (a bit like Warren Buffett). He’s a tweaker not given to decisive changes. So the idea that he would go out and ‘buy a solution’ like a top CB would be quite foreign to his MO. He would work with his current crop. Hence he felt no compulsion to replace Bert or Flamini – he was happy to work with Denilson and Diaby and Song.
2. Collective defensive responsibility: This has also become key. Wenger has moved away from holding the defence responsible for defending. You see this through his comments that always avoid fingering the defence with sagely references to the whol team needs to take more responsbility. This avoids the obvious issue that at set pieces you need to defend well! Yet even in the s/h meeting he avoided answering that point.
Another clincher is history. Wenger has never spent big on a CM or a CB. So why expect him to do that now? I doubt it will happen. The best we can hope for is that he will spend big on attack (either up front or out wide). If he does that and manages to find working partnerships in CM and CB then we might stand a chance by overwhelming the opposition. Yet basically we need to face reality, he won’t change.
May 20th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
“Wenger will not want for financial backing during the summer window, when the area he will seek to strengthen as a matter of priority will be his defence. His funds are likely to be swelled by the sale of the striker Emmanuel Adebayor.”
I’m confused. Do we have big money to spend or not?
May 20th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I think we’re gonna have about 13m-20m
May 20th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I read we have 13 Million to spend!
That’s not quite gonna get it done, when we are at least 18 points back of United, and you KNOW they are going to try and improve, even if they win the CL as well as the league for a 3rd straight time.
But.
If he has that amount, it is IMPERATIVE that he at least attempt to use it.
Not throw it away… but the reality is, we need a CB with some steel, a Defensive Midfielder with grit and experience, and preferably a striker to replace an outgoing Adebayor.
Wenger isn’t going anywhere… its HIS team… as I said… and the board LOVE the way he is both successful and profitable. When we get into the mode or model of trying to WIN first, then be profitable, we might see something on the pitch.
May 21st, 2009 at 12:00 am
The reported new away strip for 09-10 sucks big time !!! Why do we keep going back to blue?
Trivia question – When was the last time, Arsenal won the league title in a non-yellow away strip?
May 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
Michael, your post is filled with a lot of gossip and then your comments attempt to marginalize critics.
here are some examples:
“But a drought without any trophies the past four seasons has caused concern among some Arsenal supporters who have seemed to lose patience with the manager and his policies this spring.”
some Arsenal supporters? concern has been evident from ‘most’ supporters and past players, Lee Dixon is in the minority!
“policies this spring”
concern started in the ‘07-’08 season: departing key players weren’t replaced. During the summer, the only significant signing was Nasri – “out of respect”, supporters gave Arsene a ‘PASS’. Its only after the first 6 weeks of this season that it was obvious to EVERYONE the team was under achieving.
Fan frustration only grew when our manager continued to be in denial that there was any problem. (I guess you are trying to replicate the idea – there is no problem)
again, this remark:
“While conceding the team has considerable young talent, the naysayers and doubters believe the side lacks both experience and strength in depth to challenge for titles with rival clubs who seem more willing to “splash the cash” for big-name player signings.”
naysayers and doubters ? this is how you describe faithful Arsenal supporters? Supporters, who have poured their hearts out at this site – identifying problems and suggesting solutions. Who would expend this much energy each week to discuss their ideas. naysayers / doubters? By the way, most former players have reiterated the need for a better balance of ‘experience’. At the moment, there is no depth in mid-field or defense.
Out of respect for Mr. Peter Hill-Wood, there would be no changes this summer had not the supporters cared enough to criticize.
If censorship of criticism is your theme, then you are of the same ideology of the past administration who labeled anyone criticizing their administration as “UnPatriotic”.
You are entitled to your opinion. Obviously, we have been in separate parallel universes!
May 21st, 2009 at 12:25 am
I don’t think the basis of the article is to “marginalize critics” at all.
May 21st, 2009 at 1:02 am
I like Lee Dixon’s analysis, he usually talks really good sense. What I would say is that many people have difficulty in separating rational analysis from sentimental feeling. In recent articles Lee has argued that Wenger needs to buy experience, so let’s not take his sympathy for Wenger as AFFIRMATION of his current approach.
We all feel hugely grateful to Arsene Wenger for his wise stewardship and the style and success he has brought to Arsenal. But we don’t live in the past. And managers on 6 million pounds p.a. can’t live off past glories forever. If we aren’t competing – there is a problem. We need to be competitive. We can’t guarantee a win in any particular competition, yet we need to be competitive and supporters should be able to look at the side and feel it is competitive.
Frankly clouding the issue by referring to unsubstantiated financial constraints, the average age of the team, values, whatever, is unhelpful.
If this ‘lovers tiff’ serves as a wake-up call then great. If it doesn’t then we’re in for more tears. Cause I guarantee you one thing, the pressure will keep rising and if we aren’t facing up to the fundamental problems then it will get ugly and the team will suffer.
May 21st, 2009 at 3:00 am
We can get very good 25 to 29 year old DMs and CBs from Germany or East Europe for an average of 5 million each.
If we cant go for Alonso we should go for those bargains and stop pretending as if we are helpless.
13 milla plus Adebayor money is tight but not useless money.
With the 13 mill. we plunge for Alonso … assuming Liverpool go for Barry.
With the 25 million from Adebayor we can get a 25-29 year old CB for 5 million (average CB price) and kick Silvester out.
We can then get a tall first choice keeper from France, Netherlands, Denmark or Germany for about 5 million (average goalie price).
With the remaining 15 million, you could then look for an Ade replacement or buy another AM.
There is NO excuse for feigning helplessness or brokeness!
May 21st, 2009 at 5:03 am
Confirmed – http://www.arsenalamerica.com/2009/05/20/departure-of-wenger-not-an-issue/#comments.
“Arsenal Football Club today reveals its new away kit with a design that celebrates the sartorial excellence of the Club’s London birthplace.”
May 21st, 2009 at 7:34 am
SpotOn, I referred to “naysayers and doubters” in this article as those supporters who are doubting Wenger’s policies … no intention to marginalize their support of the club, but to rather show their comments against the manager’s approach (which does seem to be the issue leading to all this debate). And as far as any “gossip” you refer to, I in fact have used actual quotes and statements taken from various parties mentioned here.
Anyway, like other supporters I also have concerns with the direction of the club yet will wait until later this summer before seeing what shape the squad takes for next season before firming my opinions. I for one want to see what the combination of Wenger and new chief executive Gazidis come up with a year after Wenger basically operated without that executive assistance in transfer dealings. I think the introduction of Gazidis is an important element here, and if I was aiming to offer any personal opinion while writing the article it’s probably that point (of the manager working with the incoming chief exec to better rebuild the squad, beginning with this off-season).
May 21st, 2009 at 8:35 am
Here’s one perspective on it all, from football365.com:
PIRES: ARSENAL NOTHING WITHOUT WENGER
Former Gunner Robert Pires believes “Arsenal need Arsene Wenger more than he needs them”.
Wenger coach has allayed fears he was set to quit Emirates Stadium for Real Madrid following criticism by some supporters in the wake of a fourth season without silverware.
Wenger, whose contract runs until 2011, continues to have the full support of the board, with chief executive Ivan Gazidis insisting their manager was going nowhere when quizzed while on a visit to Dubai at the unveiling of a new soccer school.
Pires, 35, was part of the all-conquering Arsenal side which won the double twice and went unbeaten throughout the entire 2003/2004 league campaign.
The French winger – whose last game for the Gunners was in the 2006 Champions League final before moving to Spanish side Villarreal – feels Wenger has become synonymous with the north London club over the past 13 years, and it would be hard to imagine life without him at the helm.
“Arsenal need Arsene Wenger more than he needs Arsenal,” Pires told Setanta.
“Arsene made Arsenal what they are today, and the fans understand it perfectly.
“If he was to leave tomorrow, he would do it with his head up, not by the back door.”
Pires, who won the World Cup and European Championships with France, added: “His youth policy will pay off in the future, no doubt.
“Arsene wants to die with his ideas.
“As far as I am concerned, I cannot see him embarking on another boat.
“Indeed, he has not won anything in four years, but the most important thing is to know what he really wants.
“The question is: ‘is he capable of leaving Arsenal?’ It would be starting from zero, obviously, and the Spanish mentality is not similar at all to the English one – he would not have absolute power at Madrid.”
While Wenger has long championed the potential of his young squad to deliver what would be a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup, the Arsenal manager accepts a couple of experienced men have to be added over the summer.
The Gunners boss is understood to have up to £25million available should he wish to spend it, which is likely to be bolstered by player sales, with unsettled Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor the most probable to leave.
May 21st, 2009 at 8:37 am
Michael, for every issue there will always be a minority of extremists. These views are not mainstream Arsenal supporters, and that is how I interpreted the posting……maybe my error.
Consensus among Arsenal supporters saw us lose key players last year, Arsene chose not to replace them and ARGUED after every result that he saw nothing wrong – ability & result were coming. This refusal to acknowledge what was obvious to every supporter is what pissed off everyone and raised the ‘level of criticism”.
Those that care about Arsenal saw HIS APPROACH detrimental to the club.
Take the signing of Arshavin. Forget that we could have picked him up last summer. If we had signed him early in January, instead of Feb. 2nd, he could have been available for additional league and FA Cup matches.
Penny wise and pound foolish.
Those that follow this site are not unreasonable in their expectations of club, manager, or players. Everyone wishes Arsene success and continued future at Arsenal.
Arsene is paid big bucks and at some point that buck stops with him. For supporters to openly challenge his policies is FAIR.
It is too early to speculate for the influence of Gazidis. We all hope him to be a good sounding board for Arsene.
As Kiwi rightly points out below……the board, the manager, the key players – all are at a cross roads for Arsenal future.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:08 am
Pires is one of my favorite Gunners ever, and it’s nice that he’s loyal to the old boss, but…
“Arsene wants to die with his ideas.”
Yeah, that’s what some of us are afraid of.
And what does this even mean….
“Indeed, he has not won anything in four years, but the most important thing is to know what he really wants.”
He sounds like he’s talking about an old friend he wishes well, but it’s not especially insightful.
May 21st, 2009 at 9:10 am
Re: Arsenal Finances
This is really about dissension among board members, poor communication with Arsene, and no one being accountable!
Businesses use budgets to regulate their spending, based on projected revenues.
If your boss tells you that sales and profits are down and he is cutting salaries by 20%, then I must adjust my budget at home to reflect this loss of income.
Obviously Arsenal revenue is an issue. The board needs to grow a set of cahones (sp?) and tell Arsene, if you need $30 million pounds to bring in the necessary players to address team weaknesses, then sell off some of your players.
Which players is another posting.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:57 am
You are correct, SpotOn, we all have the right to criticize the manager and the club, and it certainly is fair for us to voice our concerns. So I definitely agree with you. I was only trying to update the site with some recent/actual comments and actions in the last day or two.
And yes, I’d also agree that Wenger and the club in general is at a crossroads. I thought the summer Arsenal saw Henry leave was major (as both Cesc and Wenger were also rumored to leave at the time). But we sort of “weathered that storm” and in the next season looked great on the pitch and in the league table until very late. And then last summer seemed another big off-season for the club after losing more integral players. So this summer will really be telling for the future of our club and its manager.
May 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am
That last point is a good one … as Wenger seems almost “loyal to a fault” to some of his players. Which of his heralded youngsters (that might not have fully blossomed yet) will he be willing to part with? Doing so would potentially be seen as an admission by him that he’s made some questionable decisions on player personnel, (but certainly would bring some additional funds for new additions). Has he grown too stubborn/rigid in his approach to make such changes?
As mentioned previously here, it will be an interesting summer to see what develops and how things are handled at this crossroads.
May 21st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I would have to agree with Pires… Arsenal DO need Arsene, more the Arsene needs Arsenal. (right now, with this team, for sure).
May 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
With the season not even over, teams are already positioning for… lining up… and readying to buy players.
Get it done EARLY, and do not prolong and drag it out… that seems like the smartest business move.
It is funny how teams do this every year, yet… we get these prolonged entanglements that last weeks… and Wenger saying it doesn’t take a few days, etc.
May 21st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Seems to me that AW wants the loyalty to run both ways, hence the “inflated” salaries of players who have “yet to prove themselves.” (Are accurate salaries actually published and available to the public?)
By giving (young) players the higher wages the intent (I think) is to create a certain sense of stability so that another team can’t just say to the press that they want to buy a player for X number of Pounds or Euros and having much credibility—They also have to consider matching the salary we’re already paying (or why would the player want to make the move?)
Part of the madness (fun?) of European football relative to the American sports I grew up with is the lack of information about transfer budgets and salaries, and a cadre of unscrupulous agents and newspaper/press people who manipulate the (more die-hard) fans with this same (mis) information. I never think that anything I read is real until it’s on the official site, and even then I figure I’m getting a good measure of spin.
We’ve only got Sunday to get past (how much for that guy who can throw a ball into the box better than any of our boys can kick one?) and then….let the games begin….
May 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
It’s interesting how ‘loyal to a fault’ (which sounds very noble) quickly breaks down to what’s probably closer to the truth. “Stubbornness/Rigidity”, “Admissions of….questionable decisions.” More simply, ‘Wenger’s Ego”.
It feels like the veneer of his infallible genius has been cracked open sufficiently. That, in addition to the significant boardroom developments, might mean this Summer will be a little different for Gooners. My only concern is that the economy might give the economist some more cover. Even then, though, the customer’s voice is finally being heard. I’m hopeful that will be good for the product.
May 21st, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Off topic (but about something that is actually confirmed…)
The new away kit for 2009-10 looks good. More traditional football design with a collar. Blue with pinstripes, but classy.
That is all.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1186213/EXCLUSIVE-Cesc-cleared–FA-rule-Arsenal-skipper-case-answer-spitting-row.html?ITO=1490
So Phil B!rown stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Twerp! That’s why you and your team deserve to go down, down, down, down to the soggy bottom baby. Just no class and low class.
May 21st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I HATE shirts with a collar!
and I ain’t putting any more money into the Arsenal coffers, until they show they are serious about WINNING TITLES.
But hey, that’s just me…
May 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I don’t like all blue kits. They make us look like Chelsea.
Also, when was the last time, Arsenal won the league title in a non-yellow away strip?
May 21st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Seriously, you guys will find reasons to complain about ANYTHING.
Although I do like the new kit, I don’t buy shirts anymore. Grown men who aren’t playing on a sports team look silly wearing team shirts IMO.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 am
yes. but you can buy them for kids, nieces, nephews…
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:14 am
We’ll need to integrate new players into the team ASAP. That means we should buy new players now and not wait until the last minute. They need to go through the entire pre-season training program and be at their best for next season.
I’m far from interested in seeing Adebayor go. If he gets service, he’s one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. His numbers are down from last season but he hasn’t had the service and support like last year. Teams interested in him know if he get’s service, he’ll score a lot of goals. It’s hard to play as a lone striker. How many have the size, pace, and power to do it? Torres, Anelka, Drogba. Who else? How many CB’s can stop him without help? He’s an asset and we’d surely be weaker without him. I’m certain that if you play Arshavin, van Persie, or even Bendtner behind Ade, he’ll get thirty goals again. Just not Fabregas, Diaby, or Nasri.
Hey, maybe Wenger needs the money.
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 am
joshuad,
No question, he has great talent, but he has left a bad visual.
It is not his goal scoring abilities that has soured fan opinion and ‘MAYBE’ Arsene’s.
The asset is wasted if the mind is somewhere else. How many matches did you see him give 100% effort? (after the club met his salary demands)
The fans get it about the service – this season has left supporters with a feeling he is unappreciative and wants to be somewhere else! Maybe he is just immature & its difficult for him to handle being in the spotlight and $’s.
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
how can you not like the new away kit? this years kit made me sick to my stomach. I dont care what the history of the away kit is, just as long as it doesn’t look like complete shit.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Regardless of what transpired in the past, it’s going to be very difficult to replace Ade unless we spend big. There is no one currently on the squad and very few on the outside who can replace his loss and provide the skills he brings to the table.
And please, do not mention Bendtner in the equation because except for statue, they are totally different players with totally different skill sets. Plus, if we bring in a new striker it will take them at least half the season to adjust. The striker position and AM are probably the 2 hardest positions to adjust to because they are at the hub of the offensive play and all the other players have to learn their nuances.
Unfortunately, I think he is history, but he will go somewhere else and become a top striker.
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Anyone knows whats up with Almunia?
Is he injured?
May 22nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Its not THAT hard to replace Ade.
We happened to have a competitive team BEFORE the oaf came along.
One can make the argument that he needs good service to perform well….well, one can also say that about ANY other big, mobile oaf.
And there are quite a number of big, mobile oafs around.
Sell the bastard!
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
All Ade was good for in the past was the lone role. He can’t even do that anymore so he’s reduntant!
Sell the bastard!
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
i think he will go…there is a pattern.
wenger gives the contracts after disputes/desires to leave and says proove yourself. cashley didnt really and neither did ade….i expect him to be a chelsea player as drogba seems on the way out too…
May 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
On Arsenal.com it says
(ankle)
Which I think means either he’s quit, or he’s hurt his ankle.
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
@Fred,
Since it’s so easy to replace Ade and you said “And there are quite a number of big, mobile oafs around.”, would you kindly name a few for my edification.
certainly would appreciate.
May 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Great read from ANR.
http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1275&cntnt01returnid=42
An excerpt:
“The French messiah gathered his disciples around him in a circle and told them how they would play.
The conversation was :
“Andrej, I want you to do this, this and this.”
“But that’s stupid, boss !” said the Russian ace.
There was a gasp from the other players. They were deeply shocked when the new guy talked back to the manager.”
At last, someone with the balls to tell Wenger he is not necessarily right. The intriguing question is, how will Arsene react react to a player questioning his decisions and authority.
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Remember when Adebayor and Almunia called for the addition of experience players and Wenger said players should worry about how they play their game and not on player transfers. In essence he was saying shut the f**k up. I can not recall another coach blasting his players in the press for calling for reinforcements. Now along comes Arshavin who is not a child but a star and who has had an instant impact and Wenger does say boo to him when he also calls for older players to brought in .Shock and horror, a real man arrives at Arsenal and Wenger has got to ‘check up’ on his BS.
You certainly cannot recall Wenger blasting his players in the press about their play or their comments in the past. Clearly he was irked and then came the AGM meeting where he received very harsh criticism for how badly things have gone. Do not let Wenger distract you with the I can take criticism but you cannot denigrate my players talk. There was only the one comment about Silvestre that gets highlighted and the man does not move on defense and thats a fact. Silvestre has no speed of thought and no speed of movement and you can call that being ‘geriatric’ for short.
Remember a few weeks ago I commented that if players come in early without the usual last second drama it would be Gazidis at work. Now comes this bit of guess work from M. Palmer who imagines the same thing: http://www.arsenalnewsreview.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1276&cntnt01returnid=42
Brede Hagland. How does that grab you for 15mil? Not a bad rumor to savor.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
It’s probably the ankle that Diouf kicked and should have received a red card for but didn’t.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I wouldn’t say it was easy to replace him but we don’t need any more drama in our lifes. If he had scored 20+ this season and looked like he was trying as hard as last year then we could put up with him. He’s a shadow of himself and he’s still has AC Milan on speed dial. For the record I would go with Ibsevic who had 18 goals before tearing his anterior cruciate. He’d have to pass a physical before we show them the money. Maybe there’s another Eduardo lurking in the hinterlands.
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 am
Two points.
1. Selling Ade will severly affect Arsenal. Are your ready to put your hopes in a strike partnership of Eduardo and RvP? Bendtner, Vela and Walcott? As much as we dislike him, we may be hurt more by selling him than keeping him. Unless we sign a ready made replacement, and like CK said who is available who doesn’t cost the moon?
2. Arsenal will struggle if Arsene leaves. Yes, but whose fault is that? It is the board and Arsene himself. The board for making Arsene the single point of failure in the whole club. Arsene for building a structure which will be difficult for any coach to continue with – over paid youth under performing always. People say that Arsene has always had the best interests of the club at heart and that is indeed true, but under the assumption that he is in charge forever. Passing it on to someone else will not be easy.
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:51 am
Good news guys, Arsene’s “gut feeling” is that Ade will stay.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-on-adebayor
Remember how Arsene didn’t know/believe that Flamini would leave.
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 am
Drama ctpa, we already have more than enough drama surrounding our club, from the shareholders, the Board, the manager, the fans and other players.
I have watched Ibsevic play this season and do like him a lot, BUT, he is still just a 1/2 season wonder, coming off a very bad injury (we don’t need another RVP or Eduardo) and doesn’t quite have Ade’s physical presence.
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:01 am
I do believe that the same club that Flamini went to for FREE is still lurking in the background. Schevchenko is finished. How long can 35yo super “Pippo” keep scoring like he’s 25. I’m convinced the man is doing roids. Boriello still has to get through a season uninjured and show that he’s not another Gilardino, world class in a small fish tank but a minnow on the big stage. Pato is nice but is not a physical presence which Adebayor would allegedly represent.
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
1/2 season wonder UNLIKE Adebayor from October 2007 to March 2008 hey?????
LOL!
It is always amusing when people start claiming that we cant win without ONE player.
Adebayor was complete utter shit when he came to Arsenal, now you are trying to claim that we would die without his glorious “physical presence” even though we didnt collapse when the truly great Henry left.
What exactly have we won with Adebayor in the team? Zilch!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I would refer you to some of my posts of late last year. Cant be arsed.
Turns out Adebayor is not that unique. In fact he is not unique at all. He only has brawn. Nothing else.
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
1) Your average African oaf from France or East European giant cost under 10 mill.
And I am sure a lot of them will match the 10 goals Adebayor has given us this season.
2) I dont think the club will struggle at all. Just promote from within. Pat Rice, Steve Bould (kiddie coach) or bring in an intelligent ex-player. We will only run into trouble when we try to get in an “experienced” defensive coach.
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
1. AFC fans are in a state where they’ll be happy as long as money is spent. Never mind if the guy is not exactly great…lets just spend. Not to say we dont need a CB and it might cost money but still..if there’s no1 which wud be strange, we shudnt spend.
2. Doesn’t matter if Ade is Henry Mk 2 or will become one. If his efficiency is down and he cant be arsed to run around and harry which were his strengths and he moans and talks more than he plays, might be better off going.
3. AW has given tons to the club and taken them upwards. For people to suggest that is a problem and blame him and the board is absurd. Eventually when he goes , if he goes on his terms AFC WILL NOT suffer. Of course if he happens to become a victim of his success it’ll be a problem..
4. Myles Palmer should be a drama writer instead. He makes Sidney Sheldon and co look like novices. Was he at those training sessions with Arsene?
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
We will certainly not struggle any more with Ade leaving, than we did with Henry leaving. They are not even in the same galaxy in terms of talent.
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
If you stand still an do NOT try to improve, by bringing in players… then AFC fans have every right to bitch. Yes, you can buy someone and not have it work out… but we SELL players, and don’t attempt to replace them. That’s called insanity… if you are attempting to actually improve.
We need to improve. That won’t occur doing nothing.
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Fred, your powers of comprehension seem to be totally lacking or you just do not read all of what is said.
Did I say Ade is irreplaceable? No.
Did I ever say we can’t win without Ade? No.
Ade scored 30 goals over an entire season. Ibsevic was on pace to beat that but got injured right after the halfway mark in the Bundesliga. He has even less history than Ade.
Please, please, Fred do not try to put words in my mouth. If possible, think, before spouting irrelevant shit. You are always blaming the media for chatting crap based on rumors and yet, you are worse than the Daily Mail.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I remember Henry leaving and us putting together a title challenge. Whom did we replace Henry with? How much did that player contribute towards the title challenge? Exactly.
This is not about whether we can’t win without Ade nor about Ade being irreplaceable. This is about the team dynamics and how much the team will suffer. I dislike Ade as much as anyone else on this site. But please answer my question – Are your ready to put your hopes in a strike partnership of Eduardo and RvP? Are you ready to pin your hopes on Arsene signing a ready made replacement who will make an impact from day one (like Arshavin)?
May 24th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Dude, make it personal if you want. Thats your business.
It is HILARIOUS how you are now trying to claim you never said “he is irreplaceable” when your initial comment was ” …. since its so easy to replace Ade, name them” ………….LOOOOOL.
Now you are trying to turn it round LOL.
Like I said if you want to make it personal thats your problem.
As for Ade, he is NOT great and he will NEVER be great. It is clear from his character – no, not the transfer seeking character, but his on-pitch character.
He should get lost.
May 24th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Wenger buys strikers. He ALWAYS does even when he is a stingy bastard. So I dont see why you are going over the “Eduardo and RvP” thing.
Personally I would not even buy another striker. I would buy TWO DMs and an extra AM. Then have Arshavin partner Bendtner or Eduardo. But Wenger has a striker fetish, so he will get some unknown striker ala Eduardo …. and that would do just fine.
If your midfield is useless it doesnt matter if you put Van Basten up there.
On the whole if you have followed soccer for a while and seen a plethora of strikers from the 90s up till present you will see that Adebayor is vastly mediocre by all historical standards.
He will fare worse than Hleb and Flamini outside the Arsenal lackadaisical nursery.
May 24th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Anybody we could find will be better than Silvestre. Rest assured about that.
And no, CBs dont cost that much money. Infact it is the cheapest position on average. So no excuses for not fixing OBVIOUS faults.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
AW is getting more galling (Gauling?) all the time. I really feel like he views the supporters as if we’re stupid. It’s hard to respect someone that has so little respect for us that he says things such as….
“Take Manchester United – they won only one game against the top four,” said the Frenchman.
“They lost twice against Liverpool, lost and drew against us, and they drew against Chelsea and won one.
“Where Man United made a difference was between 10th and 20th place. They made all doubles in there.
“So they are not as far as people think from the top four teams.
“They were more consistent and found their stride in the right moment of the season.
“But I believe nobody is installed indefinitely in the top four, and can say ‘OK we are miles ahead’. I do not believe that at all.”
Not surprising that the Wenger acolytes are so comfortable denying reality. They have a tremendous role model in that regard.
It’s true, Arsene. No team is ‘installed indefinitely in the top four’. But over the last 4 years, which Big Four side has been closer to proving that?
“So they (United) are not as far as people think from the top four teams.”
He’s right there. Neither ‘pool nor Chelsea looked so far back.
As I have before, I’ll quote a proven, consistent winner here, Bill Parcells…
“You are what your record says you are.”
The rest is spin.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Song starts as CB.
Is this a glimpse into next season? A precursor to – “We don’t need a new CB, we have internal solutions”.
Or just another combination to be tried in a meaningless end of season game?
May 24th, 2009 at 11:21 am
anyone know who is broadcasting todays game ?
May 24th, 2009 at 11:27 am
3-0 17:45 into the game. Stoke are being butchered.
Beatty OG,
RVP PK
Diaby header off RVP FK
May 24th, 2009 at 11:27 am
freedomcast
May 24th, 2009 at 11:32 am
http://www.freedocast.com/forms/PopOut.aspx?sc=428A31E9213710A1
May 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am
3-1
Fuller PK after poor challenge from Denilson in the box.
Arsenal have taken their foot off of Stoke’s throat. Still 1st half.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Thank you Roy Delap for RVP’s 20th of the season off a headed back pass to the GK.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Stoke are now just woeful as they let Toure get into the 18 yd box for a shot off the wood work.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Bendtner on for a < effective Walcott to start the 2nd.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Eboue on for Sagna. The action is ho-hum now.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Arshavin-Bendtner-Diaby-RVP alone w/ the GK and Sorensen saves off RVP’s foot.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Fuller is done for the day at 67″ w/ an injury.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
A Vela sighting 71″.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I have to admit the one thing the sports team in the US lack is the class of the final walk around the stadium at the end of the season. Looks like Rosicky can walk now.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Hleb’s ‘gloomy’ assessment of the Arsenal situation…calling Mazza!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/5369631/Alexander-Hleb-offers-gloomy-analysis-of-Arsenals-future-prospects.html
May 24th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
11 points less than last years total is not a good finish to the season.
Walcott disappointing against a poor Stoke team.
Diaby disappointing against a poor Stoke team.
Denilson disappointing against a poor Stoke team.
4-1 and I’m disappointed in our < clinical finishing in the 2nd half against a poor Stoke team.
In addition to the usual player requests, I think Arsenal could use another dynamic player who could be what Walcott is expected to be.
It was fitting that Shawcross gave up a PK since he kicked Adebayor on the side line when the ball was going out thus earning the wrath of Wenger in the 1st meeting w/ Stoke.
Now we wait, hope and watch for the necessary players to show up on our doorstep.
The lesson from this season that this team needs to learn is that you beat the teams (Fulhams, Stokes, Hull Citys, Aston Villas, Man Citys) you’re suppose to if you’re the real deal.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Hleb is a loser by nature. You need to see the regard folks at Barca have for him. Exceedingly low. He is dead LAST on the line for both midfield and attack in a team and league that plays his exact type of game….and where the refs protect you very often with their whistle.
Now he and that other mediocre gorilla at Milan is commenting on Arsenal…..shows you how lowly Arsenal have become. You never hear Djemba-Djemba commenting about Man U, but all our ex-cretins open their mouths.
I guess we should prepare to hear from Adebayor after he has FAILED miserably at Milan exactly one year from now.
May 24th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
“I guess we should prepare to hear from Adebayor after he has FAILED miserably at Milan exactly one year from now.”
Mark it.
May 24th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Like I said earlier in the week, Song will be our “internal solution” at CB next year. Which means, that Gallas could go and another CB brought in to replace him. This will also depend on whether Milan takes up the option for Senderos. Silvestre still has a year remaining on his contract, so we may be saddled with the “geriatric” unless some under-performing French team wants a player/coach.
It also means we will get another DM to complement Diaby and Denilson, which also means that Denilson is being looked on as the final DM solution.
Good game, but still showed our lack of clinical finishers. RVP, who now seems like he will be our front man next year, should have scored at least 3 or 4, and Bendtner should definitely have had at least 1. Ade now seems certain to be a “goner” rather than being a “gooner”.
Believe it or not, we will have to endure another year of Wenger’s YOUTH PROGRAM and INTERNAL SOLUTIONS. Whether this will lead to success or not, will only unfold for certain, this time next year.
Like it or not, the only potential exits are Gallas, Ade and Silvestre, with Ade seeming the most likely.
Should be a very interesting off season.
May 24th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Good old Hlebby eh. Always looking out for Arsenal’s best interests
May 24th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Interesting in a tear-your-hair-out/resigned sort of way.
May 24th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
On Ade. Going by his absence and the tone of Wenger’s comments a move may be on the cards.
In Wenger’s view that will leave him with RvP, Bendtner & Eduardo as strikers supported by Arshavin, Walcott and Vela. That’s 6 potential strikers, I wouldn’t be surprised that Wenger will consider that sufficient. Add to that Rosicky & Nasri and I think you have the attacking unit in Wenger’s mind.
Judge for yourself whether that is a title challenging unit. To me the issues are the same as last pre-season:
1. RvP: I see RvP has enjoyed his best ever season fitness-wise and yet has only started 63% of EPL games and was notably absence in crunch cup games. How feasible is it to rely on him? Henry, was incredibly robust as a player and allowed Wenger to maintain a small contingent of attacking players. I seem to recall Wenger commenting that he couldn’t ‘overplay’ van Persie in midweek. That seems to me to be a pretty major issue.
2. Eduardo: It was great to see his cameo return. But alas, returning from such a horror injury was never going to be predictable. Another operation, and more rehab. Only time will prove his durability for the slog of an English season.
3. Rosicky: Never seen on a pitch. The silly talk over this guy has reflected badly on Wenger. After most folk got over their silly-season mindlessness few seriously expected to see him back in anything other than a cautious rehab type role.
So there you have it. If, as expected, Adebayor leaves, we have 8 attacking players in the squad that one may assume will get game time (surely Vela will get more???). Of those 8, 4 have some experience. Of those 4 experienced players 3 have major questionmarks re fitness.
May 24th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Is he also thinking of Barazite and Simpson as part of next year’s strike attack, or will they be shipped out on loan again? Who the hell knows.
May 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
It depends largely on whether Wenger is planning to move away from the 4-4-2 and implement the 4-2-3-1. 4-5-1 formations on a more regular basis.
If we do play the Liverpool style formation with Fabregas, Arshavin, Nasri in the ‘Gerrard’ role then we might have enough forwards in the squad to play the lone role. Vela, Bendtner, RVP, Eduardo can all do the job. Again though, injuries and someone like Bendtner going one step forward and two steps back(again), can make that forward line seem callow and lightweight. I wouldn’t be against bringing in someone like Forlan. An experienced, clever, mobile, right footed forward. We don’t have any those in the squad at present.
If we bring in a Hangeland type (it will be interesting to see what happens if we actually buy one of those types everyone thinks we need) and draft in top class centre mid, AND Rosicky somehow stays fit, we can look forward to productive season.
I get the feeling though that by early August I will be ‘doom mongering’ again having once again been let down by Wenger.
May 24th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
CK, as you say no one knows Wenger’s thinking.
But to me, you can add any number of names from ‘young Arsenal’ to pad out the list yet as we saw this season – what is the point? Last pre-season there were many references to Vela and Wilshere as players to augment the squad yet I saw with chilling clarity it was a mirage. We need players to take responsibility. To hold up their hand and say I’ll score the winning goal, I’ll get us back in this game. Anything else is clutter.
There is a world of difference between a guy coming on in a few games and scoring say 3 goals and expecting the same young player to carry a major burden of responsibility throughout the season.
Where were the players to score against the unfashionable teams that derailed our EPL challenge in the early months of the season? Who was ‘up for it’ in the big cup games against Chelsea and ManU at the end of the season? As we know the answer was no one. The depth was a mirage. A fit Eduardo and Rosicky would be real options in the heat of battle – yet the likes of Walcott, Bendtner, Vela and Wilshere are at this stage inconsequential.
Wenger can spin all he likes. The statistics that he won’t quote are 4th, 3rd, 4th, 4th being the EPL league results. And 18, 4, 21, 24 being the points gap between us and the winners. The other unmistakable reality is the manner in which this team flumps big cup games. Whether that is due to line-ups, bottle, whatever we are very adept at losing.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I am willing to make a bet he will make it good at AC Milan if he goes there. He will definitely get service from Kaka, Ronaldinho and the gang.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Very much in agreement with you Kiwi.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
If Ade goes and Arsene doesn’t bring in a like replacement it either means we are moving back to the traditional 4-4-2 or RVP and Bendtner will be utilized as the central striker, with neither of them being suited for such a role.
May 24th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Many questions to be asked about some of the other young Guns, Merida, Hoyte, Nordveit, Bothello, Ramsey, Wilshire, Traore, etc.
Where do they go from here? Putting them on the squad and not playing them, inhibits their development, yet they are vying for places against 21-23 year old’s who could be starters for the next 7-10 years. Vela, Ramsey and Wilshire were the greatest examples of stunted growth this year.
It just seems like with very little opportunity for some players we are like a breeding ground of young, unfulfilled potential who eventually will go on to play for other teams.
May 25th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Ronaldinho failed at Milan and is almost definitely on his way out.
Dont count on Kaka staying either …. Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid are good bets to get him… especially with Ancellotti leaving and Milan having already shown they are ready to accept offers for him.
Either way, I am almost definite he will do worse than Hleb. Ade will find that running around is nice and good in the EPL but useless in a tight league if you have such a woeful touch that makes your run 20 yards to control your touchdowns LOL.
And those “jump all over the defender” routine he does will be hilarious to watch in a whistle happy league.
His best bet (and ours too) is for Man City to go in for him with big money. I doubt Milan will offer us big money for him.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I like the shirt and I pre-ordered it. In fact its only the second Arsenal shirt I have bought. Like the colour and like the design and believe me… it will have NO bearing on whether we win anything next season or not. By the way I am a grown man.
May 25th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
In regards to this ‘like’ replacement for Ade, who do you like of the tall, lazy, occasionally brilliant, smirking bastards available?
(Sort of.)
May 25th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Lorik Cana, tall, very strong, hardworking player. Also very “technically aware”. Very Flamini like, but possibly more dynamic.
I imagine he is worth 5 to 10 million tops.
We can likely offer cash plus Denilson for the guy.
We can then buy Alonso, and move Song to defense.
A central midfield of Cesc, Alonso, Cana, Diaby and Ramsey suffices.
We can then dispatch Silvester, extend Gallas’ contract and have Toure, Gallas, Djorou and Song as CBs.
Seems very likely that Milan will pony up the agreed 6 million they agreed to last year for Senderos. With that money we can get an extra keeper …. a real keeper.
Just by buying two CMs and a GK and getting rid of Silvestre and Denilson we would have improved the outlook of the team significantly.
And all that without the Adebayor money.
We can maximize the Adebayor money by getting Man City into a (hopefully) bidding war. If they do, we might get up to 30 million for him, by repeatedly calling him the new Drogba and showing them clips of his goal against Villareal.
If we can really get that sort of money, we can plunge for Kim Kallstrom, an excellent Arshavin-like winger/AM, with a shot more powerful and accurate than Roberto Carlos’ in his prime for 10 to 15 million AND get a striker.
OR we could just blast the whole Ade pot on Ribery.
Either way, there really is no excuse for not improving our squad this summer. Even with allegedly only 13 million in the bank.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
If Ade goes to Milan, I think he’ll do OK… maybe even well.
He might score 12 – 15 goals.
I wouldn’t care. He won’t do that at Arsenal, and that’s all that matters.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
We aren’t bringing in a star player… its just not Wenger-style. So forget Ribery.
I’d agree with Mazza, that we’ll probably be going insane by about August when nobody of any significance has been brought in!
But I pray we make the moves early, whatever they are… something has to be done… its just not likely that enough will be done.
Wenger does not see the problems that we all see… he thinks we are just around the corner from breaking through… a bounce of the ball, a few calls by the refs… and we’ll be able to make up 18 points on United… even though we all know they won’t stand still… nor will Chelsea or Liverpool.
The long wait begins… now.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:05 am
i don think cana will be able to gel with the arsenal team….
he is slow…and we need a CDM who can do the work of two people….cana is no better than song and i am pretty sure of that….
watch a few games and then u will see the reason why he is not the player we need..
on the other hand i think roman pavlyuchenko will be a great player for arsenal, i personally think that if we sell adebayor we should buy him…i know perfectly well that his first season with spuds has been a flop, but that does not mean that he is not good…he has the technique and the skill alongwith the pace and a winning attitude that arsenal needs right now….
also, martins is another player that can be looked upon especially if wenger decides to play 4-5-1/4-3-3 with van persie in the centre in the next season too..
May 26th, 2009 at 7:57 am
@Vibe – Replacements for Ade?
From the EPl, the top tier would include Torres (unavailable), Jo (probably not for sale, Santa Cruz (injured too often and attitude problems), Anelka (unavailable), Drogba (too expensive). Kenwyne Jones might be available at a decent price and is familiar with the EPL and probably would be our best bet. I like Pavlyuchenko but have set to see that fire which I think is important to our needs.
Pavel Pogrebnyak, the other Russian striker who plays for Zenit would be a better fit than his team mate Pavlyuchenko. He is 25 years old, aggressive, tall, good in the air and is willing to mix it up. Zenit has said he is available.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is another one who fits the bill and probably will be available after failing to impress at Real and Van Nistelroy being fit again.
Edin Džeko had a monster season in the Bundesliga, is a mature 23 year old, tall, excellent reader of the ball, reads game well, is very aggressive and full of youthful zest. Has 12 goals in 17 appearances for Bosnia and 26 goals for Wolfsburg this season.
Based on availability, price and compatibility I would have to say Džeko, Pogrebnyak, Jones and Huntelaar are my top 4.
May 26th, 2009 at 8:00 am
re: Ade
Size, speed, and strength are meaningless without effort.
May 26th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Besides Ade, other concerns for me:
- What to do with Walcott? Is he another Aaron Lennon or SWP type? We are not able to utilize his strengths at right wing! I say try him in Henry’s position out wide: Utilize his pace and the luxury of more space.
- Do we need 3 left backs?
- We need a solid back up for Sagna. Two years in a row, where Sagna has burned out by April. (I would use Toure as alternate)
- adding a CB is critical
- Diaby, Denilson, and Eboue are consistently marginal; I would prefer to see Vela, Wilshere, and Ramsey receive their playing time as a better investment for Arsenal.
- add a disciplined and powerful DM (good in air with technical/tactical attributes)
- Can the club afford another year without Eduardo and Rosicky?
in summary:
sell: Ade, Diaby, Denilson, Eboue, Senderos, Silvestre, Bishoff, & Traore
add: experienced CB, DM, Right winger
May 26th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Pretty good list, CK. I wonder what impact Arshavin would have on his fellow countrymen coming to the N5 (or not)?
Not sure about Jones, though he feels like a Wenger choice.
Huntelaar’s the only one I’m kinda, meh, on.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Re: Huntelaar, he is two footed, very athletic, good header, fairly clinical with good ground skills. The only question in my mind is attitude. Does he have the toughness and desire to compete effectively in the EPL? I don’t know.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Jones needs to improve on his finishing, but he is a bear to match up with and does have an attitude.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:51 am
1) We can’t sell Bischoff, he only had a 1 year contract which is up this summer.
2) I don’t think Wilshire or Ramsey are ready for prime time yet. Ramsey needs 1 more year of grooming and probably should be sent out on loan to a bottom feeder EPL team. Wilshire needs to develop more physically to withstand the EPL rigors and I don’t see him being ready for another 2 years.
3) This has to be Vela’s year or we might as well sell him. He has so much potential and needs the playing time. He is very strong physically and has all the skills. We need to let him loose.
Arsene should keep the young lads during the pre-season and the 1st half of the season to play CL and loan them out in the second half so they can get regular playing time.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Obi Martins has been injured for much of the season at Newcastle, so I think he’d be perfect for us!
May 26th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I have watched Cana enough times and he is faster AND stronger than Flamini.
I would take that as a difference in opinion….but when you go on and talk about Martins and Pavlyuchencko…….am sorry I just have to laugh.
We can NOT buy the Russian …..and Martins is not only an OLLLLD man…..he is WHHHAAAACK !
May 26th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Infact thinking about it, for you to call him “slow” or like Song….it shows you really, reall, really dont have a clue.
I should have noticed that when you started mentioning Martins in the next line.
May 26th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Agreed. And while I’m loathe to suggest we need to bring in another dodgy finisher, I do like the idea of a little more spine and fight. Huntlelaar, as you allude to, strikes me as soft.
(Note, I’ve seen just enough of both on to be talking out of my ass. So I’m truly inclined to defer to you on this. But we have 5 months to kill, and since we don’t talk about music and movie on here….)
May 26th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Yup, the verdict is still out on Huntlaar in terms of mental toughness. I really like what I’ve seen of Dzeko, but Jones has proven he can compete effectively in the EPL with an inferior team.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
CK…..
Bischoff: sell / trade – my point was his departure is better use of roster space
I don’t see that we are that far apart on anything – especially Vela
re: point 2
also agree about their physical development – how this is achieved is side issue; my point being Cesc – how Wenger built up his playing time: not sending to lower level club. Cesc was and is still a light weight!
Wilshere & Ramsey can start all of the CC matches & some early FA Cup: then for league play, see p-t against the lower level clubs 20 – 15 :alternate each into a starting role. Wouldn’t you think they could perform at a higher level than Diaby, Eboue, or Denilson?
In watching players, I assign into two types:
- those that can maintain or raise the level of play of their teammates
- those that lower the level of play of their teammates
Ade, Diaby, Denilson, Eboue, Senderos, Silvestre, Bishoff, & Traore fall into my second type category…..
I have purposefully omitted discussion for GK.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Actually – I like Senderos’ game.
Hi IQ – sound technically and tactically.
He had a few too many “Eboue” moments, so I’m not sure how he could psychologically ever return to Arsenal.
May 26th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
No spot On, we are not far apart.
I think Ramsey is the closest one to contributing in terms of physical development, but he must get regular playing time. Cesc was surrounded by great, experienced players in Viera, Edu, Silva, Bergkamp, Pires, Lundjberg, etc. and so was able to be eased into the side without us losing much. Now, 2/3 of the squad is still in learning mode and are incomplete projects.
I personally like Traore and next season will determine whether he makes it for us or not.He is the closest thing to Ashley Young in terms of pace and skill, and has all the physical attributes.
Not a Denilson fan myself, but I see Arsene moving Song back to CB and utilizing Denilson as our future DM.
I also just don’t want Ramsey and Wilshire to be used in the same manner as he used Vela this year. It is counterproductive to the learning curve. Vela would have been better off at Hull (god forbid) or WBA this past season.
May 26th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Also, Arsenal doesn’t have a choice with Senderos. If Milan wants him, they have the option. He only comes back if Milan doesn’t exercise the option, which they probably will, with Maldini bidding them farewell.
And yes, Bischoff will probably end up in the Portugese League, where he will be a decent player for one of their clubs.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Yes, majority of our squad are still in training pants.
Wouldn’t you see a similar core of experienced quality to surround Wilshere or Ramsey with: Rosicky, Eduardo, RvP, Cesc, Arshavin, plus the additions of an experienced DM and CB? (agree about Song being one of our CB’s)
The Denilson of this season can never effectively be our DM – but Wenger definitely favors this player.
If Ade is sold, Wenger will pick up a replacement striker – like a Tevez.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Listen up Adebayor: you cannot mention AC Milan and Arsenal in the same sentence. That doesn’t work for me. Get a clue and get some PR flack to write your statements because your current statement is still < convincing. Talk is cheap and you’re on 80K and did squat for that amount.
This season and last the press resurrects the Cana rumor. Give it a rest. The press has only been out in front of one Wenger transfer in recent times and that was Arshavin.
Ibisevic has extended his contract with Hoffenheim.
The thing I most notice in Dzeko highlight reel is the porous marking for most of his 6 yd tap ins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZAV2fuEWko&feature=related
The FA must be daft to allow Walcott to play in 2 major summer tournaments. I can understand Pearce is desperate after his team got waxed by France and looked poor all over the field in doing so.
The more Evra says, the less of a man he becomes. Get a grip. You’re starting to sound like Joey Barton thinks and behaves.
I hope Barcelona win because I don’t want Ferguson to be anointed by the British media.
8mil for Hangeland sounds like a typical opening Wenger bid. Remains to be seen if that rumor is for real.
Mario Gomez going to Bayern Munich for 26mil. Strikers are the least of BM problems. They need a GK, defenders from what I’ve seen.
Diego to Juventus means we should hear that Govinco wants out.
Did you see Flamini playing FB and getting his a** wiped by Menez in AC Milan’s last loss. Menez looked like he was half asleep while he was abusing Flamini. I guess he forgot how to play the position since his Arsenal days.
May 27th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Martins is so last year as is Roque Santa Cruz. With Adebayor saying he’s staying for ‘now’ because he’s “happy” at Arsenal, the dream of a tall CF w/ touch, skill, desire, work ethic, finishing ability and can score from distances > 6yds will have to wait another year.
May 27th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I did see Flamoney get his ass wiped and loved it. He looked pathetic in that game.
May 27th, 2009 at 6:27 am
That’s because, apart from a few good months last season, Flamini is pathetic. The revisionism over the magnitiude of his departure is hilarious. Even Danny T has fallen for it in his blog. What the fuck did Flamini have to do with Fabregas scoring?
May 27th, 2009 at 7:12 am
The revisionists would argue that Flamini energy in defense allowed Fabregas to venture forward w/ effect.
I would say this about Flamini’s ‘replacements’: Song gives you 60-70% of the 80% that Flamini gave in overall performance (I am not talking effort here).
Denilson gives you about 50% of Flamini’s 80%. This is why we cry.
May 27th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Fabregas ventured forward just as much this season as last. The difference is you had planks like Walcott and sideways passers like Nasri not finding his runs or losing possession. Leaving Fabregas high up the pitch and our defence exposed to a counter.
Last season that didnt happen as much. When Fabregas made a run, like at Anfield last season, Hleb found him. Hleb was the man, IF there was a man. In my opinion, Fabregas is limited going forward and always will be. That goal glut of last season will be looked back on as an abberation as he struggles to get more than four or five every season for the rest of his career.
May 27th, 2009 at 11:05 am
“When you look at what a manager such as Roy Hodgson has achieved at Fulham – conceding three less goals than Arsenal with a defence of Pantsil, Konchesky, Hughes and Hangeland, it certainly puts into perspective how lack of money is a very lame excuse for a team not having a well organised defence.”
Guess who?
May 27th, 2009 at 11:21 am
That just means he’s off… Wenger doesn’t care if he changed his mind and wants to stay! I think he’s too old now! Wenger wants a nice 20 year old!!!
May 27th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I knew Matt Flamini, and Alex Song is no Matt Flamini?!?
May 27th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Wow. You think Hleb was the man? Strange.
May 27th, 2009 at 11:26 am
David Beckham?
Naomi Campbell?
or
Barack Obama?
Had to be one of them.
May 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hleb might’ve been the man for us, but can’t even make the bench for the CL final. IMO that’s just sad….
But like he said…there’s life after football and you have to plan for it. Is he making that much more money in Barca?
Whoa…Barca take an early lead through Eto’o…
May 27th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Anybody watching the CL final? Barca up a goal through Eto’o, ManU seem to have nothing beyond Ronaldo diving and trying his luck from range with the “new ball” (WTF). It just speaks to the shame that we didn’t have the personnel to challenge the weak links in the United squad (Anderson, Park, Carrick, O’shea).
May 27th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
United was dominant…for the first 15 minutes. All Barca since E’to’s goal (their first chance, too).
I hate that Plantini is smirking over this. As much as I love rooting against United (Ronaldo is such a bitch), my Prem Pride kicked in.
May 27th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Can they put Puyol out to stud and give one of the first born for our defense.
Puyol: MOTM and a warrior to boot. Xavi was okay but he was not the man of the match for my money.
It’s too bad that the best of English football is represented by Man U because Patrice it was men against boys tonight. What a feeble effort by a typical ‘english’ side that did not have the technical skill to compete. Could not get the ball, could not keep the ball and could not move the ball against a patched up back line held together by Puyol glue. Chelsea in retrospect put up a tougher fight than Man U.
Excellent refereeing as well tonight and let that be a lesson to you Tom as to how it should be done.
May 27th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
We looked better in 2006 w/ 10 men and losing 2-1 w/ poor refereeing, an offside goal, being kicked off the park than Man U did w/ their mixture of high price stars, aging has beens, and shaky defense
May 27th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Hleb is a BIG loser …. he looks good in a club like Arsenal and in England because he can do a one-two dribble.
His types come by the tons in East Europe and in the German league …. and there is nothing special about that type. That is why NONE of the major clubs bother wasting time with ‘em.
The oaf could not even make the bench even though Yaya was displaced and Keita didnt start. The guy is practically LAST place in Barcelona. And that is a team that “plays football”.
If Xavi and Iniesta had been suspended today….he still would NOT have started the game.
Thats how “great” he is. The Barcelona fans pretty much see as a nothing player.
PS: The most hilarious part was how he gave an interview in the Spanish media on Monday, saying how he was “very fit and not tired and how he was rearing to go, if called upon for the final”
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha !!!
May 27th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I Hleb is a loser what does that make the rest of the parasites in our squad.
Watching Barca tonight once again use triangles to neutralise United. We did that last year. We had the ability, the ball retention. Not anymore.
May 28th, 2009 at 3:26 am
fred ..i love your arrogance…your belief that your the best …but it seems you are truly blind…
ability is if you can spot a talent….and i dont think that you really have that at all…
cana is slow and i dont know what games you are talking about ..it seems you were watching some different french and champions league…you are crack to even say that cana is faster and stronger than flamini…i mean you must be on some real high dope to write or even say that.
go watch games of cana or better still gimme one game were you think he was fast…forget fast even if he ran at a decent pace…just gimme one game and i swear i will admit that cana is fast
u know wat fred???..i think that he will be a good enough for everton or the likes..he is a good hassler and is quite an irritant like flamini, but his pace is nowhere near flamini’s.
re: martins …it seems u have seen his passport and his birth certificate…you are daft!!..isn’t arshavin’s example enough with respect to the age factor..
also fred my dear ..do a favour ..watch some newcastle/inter games and you will know why i am saying he has talent…dude..u need to see beyond the obvious!
same with respect to pavlyuchenko….get a life, try to spot the talent
p.s. btw, i really hope you are talking about lorik cana the captain of marsielle..LOL!!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
For the last time, Mazza, Hleb is nowhere near as good as you make him out to be. Case closed, appeal denied.