The real season is over so the silly season can now start!
Unlike previous summers, the big players have hit the ground running, with deals aplenty. The most significant so far, is Man City signing Gareth Barry.
Once Barry's agent had leaked the rubbish that Barry wanted to go to Arsenal, it was no surprise that one of the big spenders jumped in. It might have been Liverpool, but it turned out it was Man City who ended up paying £12 million for a 28 year old with a year left on his contract. Rafa Benitez was aiming to pay around £8 million, and with no other takers this might have been possible. In the end, the agent and Aston Villa must be happy with that fee, and Gareth "I want to play Champions League football" Barry has ended up at Eastlands. Apparently, Man City have Tevez, Eto'o and Kolo Toure in their sights.
The other saga is Kaka, who, I understand, is on his way to Real Madrid once his father, sorry, his agent, gets himself a pay day as well.
In terms of Arsenal, there is not much to report. The usual unreliable websites have started their unsubstantiated rumours that roundly get circulated and then turned into a story but at the moment there is nothing concrete to report. We shouldn't be surprised because that is how Arsenal do business. Sport.co.uk is reporting that we have signed the Ajax defender Vermaelen, and its no surprise that various blogs have taken the story and run with it. It might be true, but to be honest, sport.co.uk have not previously been reliable. They tend to run with anything that sniffs of a story and routinely link us with every player under the sun.
It seems to me, several of the big clubs will be spending a lot of the summer fending off interest from Spain. Man U will be fighting a determined Real Madrid to hold onto Ronaldo, Liverpool will be doing the same with Xabi Alonso, and Arsenal, if we believe the rumours are in danger of losing Fabregas and Adebayor to Barca and Milan/Chelsea respectively.
Predictably, Chelsea have been linked with several players including Ribery, Pato, Adebayor, as well as Kaka, not to mention Glen Johnson.
Interestingly, the rumour mill has not enswirled 'available' players like Roque Santa Cruz but we wait with baited breath.
So, dear gunners fans, hold your breath for an interesting summer, but remember to take everything you read with a gigantic pinch of salt.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Arsenal...the season that was.
So the season is over for Arsenal, a few days to take stock, think about the whole season, not just the last few weeks and decide what's needed to take Arsenal back to where we all believe they should be.
And so I present my own personal review of the season, its ups and downs, and I'm sure you won't agree with all of it!
Player of the Season
William Gallas
What! I hear you cry. After losing the captaincy he has been our most consistent performer all season and you can even make a case for his injury being the single most contributory factor to us losing those key games at the end of the season.
Game of the Season
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4
The obvious choice would have been a game that we had won, and there are contenders for that. Beating Man U at home was a great victory. However, the game at Anfield was full of excitement, goals, and with Liverpool needing to win, had the edge to it which provided extra tension. It also heralded the arrival of Andrey Arshavin who contributed 4 goals.
Most Disappointing Player of the Season
Emmanuel Adebayor
I write this as an Adebayor fan. For me, he has all the natural attributes in the world, and has enormous potential, if only he had Carlos Tevez's attitude! If he gets his head right and rediscovers his hunger, he can be a great player for Arsenal. Unfortunately, due in part to injury, but mostly the perceived courtship with AC Milan last summer, he lost the love of the fans and underperformed this season. He is the biggest disappointment because he can be so much better.
Signing of the Season
Andrey Arshavin
Samir Nasri was also a good signing but Arshavin's acquisition demonstrated the recognition by the board and manager that experience was needed and what a difference he has and will make. Especially next season when he will play Champions league.
Ivan Gazidis
I think he has been the most important signing for the club in general. He has galvanised the board, taken some of the pressure off Wenger by lightening his load, and been isntrumental in bringing the likes of Arshavin to the club. I like the way he supports the manager but is clear about his own ideas without undermining important figures in the club. I look forward to what he can bring in the summer.
Performance of the Season
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2
People easily forget this match, but after going behind, the Arsenal team dug in and beat Chelsea in their own patch. No one expected that type of performance, and we thought it was a new dawn. Unfortunately, the erratic results continued and the team couldn't build on great results like this, and by the time consistency was found, the title was well out of reach.
Arsene Wenger's Moment of the Season
Arsenal 2 Man U 1
Despite all the criticism, there are many moments that the manager will be proud of. Beating Villareal, will certainly rank high among them but the victory at the Emirates over Man U will have given him the most pleasure. After all the criticism his young side received, to outplay the current champions and long term rivals was no mean feat. Arsenal hadn't beaten Man U so easily for a long while and in part this was vindication for Wenger's tranfer policy. It didn't unfortunately materialise into a title challenge.
Arsene Wenger Blunder of the Season
Arshavin absence FA Cup semi final
I am sure that when Arsene Wenger looks back on the season, this will be his biggest regret. If Arsenal had beaten Chelsea then they would have faced Everton in the final and had a real chance of some silverware this season. With Arshavin cup-tied for the champions league, this was the sort of game he was purchased for. Of course there have been other mistakes:Nasri given a withdrawn role in midfield with Cesc pushed forward when surely the other way around makes more sense. I would not put the failure to sign a defensive midfielder as a blunder. Clearly, this is what Arsenal need, but we know he tried and failed to sign Inler and Yaya Toure and I admire his belief that if you sign a player who isn't a youngster, he should be good enough to play for the first team. In other words, Wenger won't sign a player he intends to use as a squad player. If the right player is not available then it is better to sign no one.
Final Team Report
I would give the team a solid 7/10 this season. Collectively there have been achievements: the semi finals of FA Cup and Champions league, and finishing 4th, are reasonable achievements for a club of Arsenal's spending capabilities. If you consider Villa, Everton and Spurs, all of whom finished way below us, they all spent significantly more money, all have supposed 'great' managers and yet Arsene Wenger comes in for massive criticism. The reason is because Arsenal supporters look upwards towards the summit nowadays because of Wenger's amazing successes. And we must do the same for the next season. There have been mistakes along the way, and people forget the disastrous injuries that Arsenal suffered. Walcott, Fabregas, Adebayor, Gallas, Eduardo and Rosicky, to name but a few, all were out with long term injuries, and key players were missing at critical parts of the season, Gallas who I have already mentioned for example.
There are reasons to be optimistic: Almunia seems to be a solid keeper now, Song and Denilson have improved and most importantly, the board and manager seem to recognise what is needed, and what is missing. I am hopeful they will sign experienced players in defence and midfield. Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor and Arshavin should all go from strength to strength.
Star for next season
There are so many who could potentially star in the premiership. Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, dare I say it, Eduardo or Rosicky and even Walcott could make an impact next season. I suspect though that Arshavin will drive the team forward, and I hope another star for us will be a new signing. I also have a funny feeling about Nicklas Bentdner. But don't quote me on that!
Realistic Aims for Next Season
Title Challenge/Trophy
We keep saying it, but Arsenal need to win a trophy. I personally think they need another title challenge. I look at Chelsea and see an ageing team, Man U may well lose Ronaldo this seaon which will be difficult to recover from, and I think Liverpool have had a purple patch of a season but are not as good as they think they are. They are still heavily dependent on two players. Don't be surprised if they fall to a disappointing third. If Arsenal get in the right players, I think a title challenge is not beyond them. I think winning the title might be a step too far, but challenging is definitely attainable. Last season we finished 4 points off the leaders and really should have won the title. A trophy would be nice, but being in the final shake-up as long as possible is what Arsenal need. Look at Liverpool this season, they won nothing but no one would say their season has been a failure.
Have a great summer, and the blog will go on, with the silly season almost upon us!
And so I present my own personal review of the season, its ups and downs, and I'm sure you won't agree with all of it!
Player of the Season
William Gallas
What! I hear you cry. After losing the captaincy he has been our most consistent performer all season and you can even make a case for his injury being the single most contributory factor to us losing those key games at the end of the season.
Game of the Season
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 4
The obvious choice would have been a game that we had won, and there are contenders for that. Beating Man U at home was a great victory. However, the game at Anfield was full of excitement, goals, and with Liverpool needing to win, had the edge to it which provided extra tension. It also heralded the arrival of Andrey Arshavin who contributed 4 goals.
Most Disappointing Player of the Season
Emmanuel Adebayor
I write this as an Adebayor fan. For me, he has all the natural attributes in the world, and has enormous potential, if only he had Carlos Tevez's attitude! If he gets his head right and rediscovers his hunger, he can be a great player for Arsenal. Unfortunately, due in part to injury, but mostly the perceived courtship with AC Milan last summer, he lost the love of the fans and underperformed this season. He is the biggest disappointment because he can be so much better.
Signing of the Season
Andrey Arshavin
Samir Nasri was also a good signing but Arshavin's acquisition demonstrated the recognition by the board and manager that experience was needed and what a difference he has and will make. Especially next season when he will play Champions league.
Ivan Gazidis
I think he has been the most important signing for the club in general. He has galvanised the board, taken some of the pressure off Wenger by lightening his load, and been isntrumental in bringing the likes of Arshavin to the club. I like the way he supports the manager but is clear about his own ideas without undermining important figures in the club. I look forward to what he can bring in the summer.
Performance of the Season
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2
People easily forget this match, but after going behind, the Arsenal team dug in and beat Chelsea in their own patch. No one expected that type of performance, and we thought it was a new dawn. Unfortunately, the erratic results continued and the team couldn't build on great results like this, and by the time consistency was found, the title was well out of reach.
Arsene Wenger's Moment of the Season
Arsenal 2 Man U 1
Despite all the criticism, there are many moments that the manager will be proud of. Beating Villareal, will certainly rank high among them but the victory at the Emirates over Man U will have given him the most pleasure. After all the criticism his young side received, to outplay the current champions and long term rivals was no mean feat. Arsenal hadn't beaten Man U so easily for a long while and in part this was vindication for Wenger's tranfer policy. It didn't unfortunately materialise into a title challenge.
Arsene Wenger Blunder of the Season
Arshavin absence FA Cup semi final
I am sure that when Arsene Wenger looks back on the season, this will be his biggest regret. If Arsenal had beaten Chelsea then they would have faced Everton in the final and had a real chance of some silverware this season. With Arshavin cup-tied for the champions league, this was the sort of game he was purchased for. Of course there have been other mistakes:Nasri given a withdrawn role in midfield with Cesc pushed forward when surely the other way around makes more sense. I would not put the failure to sign a defensive midfielder as a blunder. Clearly, this is what Arsenal need, but we know he tried and failed to sign Inler and Yaya Toure and I admire his belief that if you sign a player who isn't a youngster, he should be good enough to play for the first team. In other words, Wenger won't sign a player he intends to use as a squad player. If the right player is not available then it is better to sign no one.
Final Team Report
I would give the team a solid 7/10 this season. Collectively there have been achievements: the semi finals of FA Cup and Champions league, and finishing 4th, are reasonable achievements for a club of Arsenal's spending capabilities. If you consider Villa, Everton and Spurs, all of whom finished way below us, they all spent significantly more money, all have supposed 'great' managers and yet Arsene Wenger comes in for massive criticism. The reason is because Arsenal supporters look upwards towards the summit nowadays because of Wenger's amazing successes. And we must do the same for the next season. There have been mistakes along the way, and people forget the disastrous injuries that Arsenal suffered. Walcott, Fabregas, Adebayor, Gallas, Eduardo and Rosicky, to name but a few, all were out with long term injuries, and key players were missing at critical parts of the season, Gallas who I have already mentioned for example.
There are reasons to be optimistic: Almunia seems to be a solid keeper now, Song and Denilson have improved and most importantly, the board and manager seem to recognise what is needed, and what is missing. I am hopeful they will sign experienced players in defence and midfield. Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor and Arshavin should all go from strength to strength.
Star for next season
There are so many who could potentially star in the premiership. Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, dare I say it, Eduardo or Rosicky and even Walcott could make an impact next season. I suspect though that Arshavin will drive the team forward, and I hope another star for us will be a new signing. I also have a funny feeling about Nicklas Bentdner. But don't quote me on that!
Realistic Aims for Next Season
Title Challenge/Trophy
We keep saying it, but Arsenal need to win a trophy. I personally think they need another title challenge. I look at Chelsea and see an ageing team, Man U may well lose Ronaldo this seaon which will be difficult to recover from, and I think Liverpool have had a purple patch of a season but are not as good as they think they are. They are still heavily dependent on two players. Don't be surprised if they fall to a disappointing third. If Arsenal get in the right players, I think a title challenge is not beyond them. I think winning the title might be a step too far, but challenging is definitely attainable. Last season we finished 4 points off the leaders and really should have won the title. A trophy would be nice, but being in the final shake-up as long as possible is what Arsenal need. Look at Liverpool this season, they won nothing but no one would say their season has been a failure.
Have a great summer, and the blog will go on, with the silly season almost upon us!
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Arsene v angry shareholders. Who's right?
Following the shareholders meeting last week, Arsene Wenger has been suddenly flooded with support from all quarters. The written press now are rushing to his defence proclaiming his greatness and chastising those supporters who have criticised him so vehemently. Gone are those certain ex-players insisting that he needs to radically change his transfer policy, to be replaced by apparently different ex-players amazed at the attacks he has received and reminding us what he has achieved. Is this hypocrisy? Did the critical shareholders get it so wrong? Let's weigh up both sides.
In the blue corner, we have the critics. They make the case that the team is no nearer to challenging the title, that Arsene Wenger has misplaced his faith in some of his young players, and that he didn't replace the players that moved on. Some even argue that Wenger has outlived his managership, and the club needs a fresh direction under new stewardship.
In the red corner, we have the Wengerphiles. They argue that he has achieved miracles with a limited budget, has produced a top four team consistently with a young group of players assembled with a minimal net outlay. He has been strangled by boardroom instability and lack of funds and Arsenal would be where Tottenham are if it weren't for Wenger. This voice has been the strongest recently once a flirtation with Real Madrid was brought to light.
The problem with all this is that they are both right. Wenger, has, according to the board, had money to spend. He has had the opportunity to replace players, and add to the squad, and he has historically bought players with potential, with a few exceptions. That is his philosophy. It has previously worked brilliantly, but some would argue that perhaps it needs revision. He has also kept faith and defended players that most would regard as not good enough, and seems to view the team's overall performance differently to the rest of us. For example he refers to Arsenal as being in the top four in Europe. He doesn't mention that Arsenal met not team of note on the way to that semifinal. The board has also not done Wenger any favours. They were unbelievably slow to replaced David Dein, they have said that money is available should Wenger want it, which is actually not the same as handing him a transfer fund to do with it as he pleases. Wenger is a victim of his own success. He achieved the almost impossible by playing heavenly football, winning titles, all on a relative shoestring budget. Unfortunately, in doing this, he cranked up Arsenal supporters expectations and is now seeing the downside of that.
Having said that, some of the critics have been frankly shameful. Myles Palmer is a case in point. I won't quote him directly because I don't want to dignify his remarks and his website is widely read and easily found. These so-called Arsenal fans have remarkable amnesia, equalled only by their lack of loyalty. They conveniently forget that Wenger has been instrumental in transforming the image, the profile, the infrastructure and the stadium in which the club plays its football. Incidentally, he won't leave this summer, but eventually he will either through the end of his contract or through retirement and then the board will face their biggest challenge yet.
On balance, and I'm sure the board and Wenger acknowledge this, changes need to be made, particularly in terms of recruitment of players. All clubs with a track record of youth development do it within an environment of experienced players, and I think that has been recognised. As for Arsene Wenger's critics, if you call yourselves Arsenal supporters, you don't know what that means, I don't care about the rest of them.
In the blue corner, we have the critics. They make the case that the team is no nearer to challenging the title, that Arsene Wenger has misplaced his faith in some of his young players, and that he didn't replace the players that moved on. Some even argue that Wenger has outlived his managership, and the club needs a fresh direction under new stewardship.
In the red corner, we have the Wengerphiles. They argue that he has achieved miracles with a limited budget, has produced a top four team consistently with a young group of players assembled with a minimal net outlay. He has been strangled by boardroom instability and lack of funds and Arsenal would be where Tottenham are if it weren't for Wenger. This voice has been the strongest recently once a flirtation with Real Madrid was brought to light.
The problem with all this is that they are both right. Wenger, has, according to the board, had money to spend. He has had the opportunity to replace players, and add to the squad, and he has historically bought players with potential, with a few exceptions. That is his philosophy. It has previously worked brilliantly, but some would argue that perhaps it needs revision. He has also kept faith and defended players that most would regard as not good enough, and seems to view the team's overall performance differently to the rest of us. For example he refers to Arsenal as being in the top four in Europe. He doesn't mention that Arsenal met not team of note on the way to that semifinal. The board has also not done Wenger any favours. They were unbelievably slow to replaced David Dein, they have said that money is available should Wenger want it, which is actually not the same as handing him a transfer fund to do with it as he pleases. Wenger is a victim of his own success. He achieved the almost impossible by playing heavenly football, winning titles, all on a relative shoestring budget. Unfortunately, in doing this, he cranked up Arsenal supporters expectations and is now seeing the downside of that.
Having said that, some of the critics have been frankly shameful. Myles Palmer is a case in point. I won't quote him directly because I don't want to dignify his remarks and his website is widely read and easily found. These so-called Arsenal fans have remarkable amnesia, equalled only by their lack of loyalty. They conveniently forget that Wenger has been instrumental in transforming the image, the profile, the infrastructure and the stadium in which the club plays its football. Incidentally, he won't leave this summer, but eventually he will either through the end of his contract or through retirement and then the board will face their biggest challenge yet.
On balance, and I'm sure the board and Wenger acknowledge this, changes need to be made, particularly in terms of recruitment of players. All clubs with a track record of youth development do it within an environment of experienced players, and I think that has been recognised. As for Arsene Wenger's critics, if you call yourselves Arsenal supporters, you don't know what that means, I don't care about the rest of them.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Team of the Season
A quick post of my team of the season. I won't bother justifying selections exhaustively as this is so subjective.
So without further ado:
Schwarzer
Johnson
Vidic
Hangeland
Clichy
Ronaldo
Gerrard
Alonso
Arshavin
Torres
Rooney
Subs:
Evra, Lescott, Ferdinand, Cahill, Ireland, Anelka
Manager: David Moyes
Comments as always, welcome!
So without further ado:
Schwarzer
Johnson
Vidic
Hangeland
Clichy
Ronaldo
Gerrard
Alonso
Arshavin
Torres
Rooney
Subs:
Evra, Lescott, Ferdinand, Cahill, Ireland, Anelka
Manager: David Moyes
Comments as always, welcome!
The Dust Settles
So, Manchester United crossed the line efficiently on the weekend rather than spectacularly. Arsenal restored some pride in their performance at Old Trafford and they can thank their opposition for playing largely within themselves, but it should still restore some much needed confidence.
For all Arsenal's good play at times, the Manchester United defence was rarely stretched, although they did play rather defensively which makes it difficult to create chances. Diaby played in his familiar position and looked better than he has done recently, Denilson did well, as did Cesc who again was played where he is more comfortable. I would have liked to have seen Adebayor in the lone striker role, because I think he plays it better than RVP who I think needs a partner up front. Arshavin was slightly subdued but I think we have seen enough of him to believe that he is going to be one of our most direct and exciting players for next season.
That leads me on to thinking about the summer and next season. We can look back on this season after it has finished, but we have seen enough as Arsenal fans to be filled with questions, and we look forward to seeing how they are answered.
There is much uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment both on the pitch and in the boardroom. This summer could see upheaval on both levels. The ownsership of the club might come to a head, which could have an impact on potential summer signings. I would like the protagonists to fight it out sooner rather than later, so as to give plenty of time for any changes to take effect on the squad. Put simply, if a takeover is going to mean more transfer funds, then get it over with so Arsene Wenger can spend it!
Speaking of transfers, the futures of Adebayor, RVP and even Gael Clichy seem to be in question. We wonder about new arrivals, and we have been promised experienced players by the manager who in my opinion has come in for some shameful criticism recently. I have said it before on this blog and I am not at all bothered to repeat it. He has done and continues to take this club to places it almost has no right to go. For such a young team to finish comfortably in 4th, and be in the semi finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League is no mean feat. They finished above teams with much more experienced players bought for far more money. Martin O'Neill for example, often lauded as a great manager, spent a fortune on players in the summer, and his team finished behind this Arsenal team who effectively lost key players in the summer.
Of course we judge ourselves by the top of the table and not who is below. I think Arsenal can only push on from here. The young players are very experienced, they will get better next season, we hope Eduardo and Rosicky will come back into the team and play more regularly that will strengthen the experience in the team not to mention new additions in the summer we expect. If those new additions are the right players and of the quality of Arshavin and Nasri then we have reason to be optimistic.
Assessing our rivals, I would say that Chelsea are the team most likely to fall back. They have an ageing team, they are likely to lose Drogba, and their manager, depending on who they bring in in the summer, I believe they are most vulnerable from the other top teams. Liverpool are an interesting case in point to give Arsenal hope. Last year they finished below Arsenal (who incidentally finished only 4 points behind the eventual champions) in 4th, they only really added Rieira to their squad but they leapfrogged Chelsea and really put up a fight for the title. This should give Arsenal fans some encouragement. This squad is actually quite big, despite what the press say, it needs reinforcements in key positions, but with the right ones, I think Arsenal could do great things.
Catching Man U next season and winning the league is probably too ambitious. But I think giving them a run for their money and finishing second will please most Arsenal fans and vindicate the manager. Winning the league quite honestly is dreamland, but not impossible.
Media Rubbish
I thought of doing a weekly look at the nonsense in the written press, there is usually a wide range to choose from. Unsuprisingly, today's offering is from the Daily Mail.
They claim Arsene Wenger has a transfer kitty of £13 million.
My dear fellow Gooners. That is complete drivel. Congratulations to the Daily Mail for its contribution to this column!
For all Arsenal's good play at times, the Manchester United defence was rarely stretched, although they did play rather defensively which makes it difficult to create chances. Diaby played in his familiar position and looked better than he has done recently, Denilson did well, as did Cesc who again was played where he is more comfortable. I would have liked to have seen Adebayor in the lone striker role, because I think he plays it better than RVP who I think needs a partner up front. Arshavin was slightly subdued but I think we have seen enough of him to believe that he is going to be one of our most direct and exciting players for next season.
That leads me on to thinking about the summer and next season. We can look back on this season after it has finished, but we have seen enough as Arsenal fans to be filled with questions, and we look forward to seeing how they are answered.
There is much uncertainty surrounding the club at the moment both on the pitch and in the boardroom. This summer could see upheaval on both levels. The ownsership of the club might come to a head, which could have an impact on potential summer signings. I would like the protagonists to fight it out sooner rather than later, so as to give plenty of time for any changes to take effect on the squad. Put simply, if a takeover is going to mean more transfer funds, then get it over with so Arsene Wenger can spend it!
Speaking of transfers, the futures of Adebayor, RVP and even Gael Clichy seem to be in question. We wonder about new arrivals, and we have been promised experienced players by the manager who in my opinion has come in for some shameful criticism recently. I have said it before on this blog and I am not at all bothered to repeat it. He has done and continues to take this club to places it almost has no right to go. For such a young team to finish comfortably in 4th, and be in the semi finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League is no mean feat. They finished above teams with much more experienced players bought for far more money. Martin O'Neill for example, often lauded as a great manager, spent a fortune on players in the summer, and his team finished behind this Arsenal team who effectively lost key players in the summer.
Of course we judge ourselves by the top of the table and not who is below. I think Arsenal can only push on from here. The young players are very experienced, they will get better next season, we hope Eduardo and Rosicky will come back into the team and play more regularly that will strengthen the experience in the team not to mention new additions in the summer we expect. If those new additions are the right players and of the quality of Arshavin and Nasri then we have reason to be optimistic.
Assessing our rivals, I would say that Chelsea are the team most likely to fall back. They have an ageing team, they are likely to lose Drogba, and their manager, depending on who they bring in in the summer, I believe they are most vulnerable from the other top teams. Liverpool are an interesting case in point to give Arsenal hope. Last year they finished below Arsenal (who incidentally finished only 4 points behind the eventual champions) in 4th, they only really added Rieira to their squad but they leapfrogged Chelsea and really put up a fight for the title. This should give Arsenal fans some encouragement. This squad is actually quite big, despite what the press say, it needs reinforcements in key positions, but with the right ones, I think Arsenal could do great things.
Catching Man U next season and winning the league is probably too ambitious. But I think giving them a run for their money and finishing second will please most Arsenal fans and vindicate the manager. Winning the league quite honestly is dreamland, but not impossible.
Media Rubbish
I thought of doing a weekly look at the nonsense in the written press, there is usually a wide range to choose from. Unsuprisingly, today's offering is from the Daily Mail.
They claim Arsene Wenger has a transfer kitty of £13 million.
My dear fellow Gooners. That is complete drivel. Congratulations to the Daily Mail for its contribution to this column!
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
What now?
It's a reasonable question isn't it?
Heavy defeats to two of our supposed rivals, and save for Arshavin's brilliant performance and uncharacteristic errors by the Liverpool defence, it could have been worse. We all knew that the key games, starting with the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea, would define our season. Our season has well and truly been defined.
In a way, the home defeat against Chelsea epitomises this Arsenal team, and I think of all the defeats, hurts the most. This may be surprising because it is the game that had the least riding on it, but the signs in that game are the most worrying. This was Arsenal in a nutshell. Started well, looked exciting, seemed to have Chelsea worried, created chances, but ultimately lacked the class that was glaringly present in two of Chelsea's goals. I want to make a small comment on Bendtner. Often criticised, and I am the first to admit that I am not his biggest fan, but he came on against Chelsea and I have to give him credit. We were down and out and he never stopped running. He took the game to Chelsea and did what none of our players managed, he intimidated Chelsea physically. He scored a great goal, muscling out Essien no less to head home. He was the only silver lining in a very black cloud.
That aside, Chelsea were ruthless. They didn't deserve the margin of victory and you could argue that on the balance of play, they didn't even deserve a victory, but win they did. They won because when it mattered, they possessed the composure and clinical finishing that was needed. Chelsea were everything Arsenal weren't. Efficient and solid without being spectacular.
Where do Arsenal go from here? Some people are talking about a total overhaul, we are already being linked with players left right and centre. Predictably, pundits are arguing that Arsenal need a centreback and a defensive midfielder.
I would argue, as I have already on this blog, that Arsenal need certain characters. Someone needs to be on the pitch who will kick the players who aren't performing up the behind. Someone is needed who will lead by example, show fighting spirit and intimidate the opposition, not by skill necessarily, but by strength of will. In short, Arsenal desperately need a leader.
Many of the Arsenal players are fantastic on their day, the problem is that they are confidence players. I often hear Arsene Wenger talk about not halting the development of the youngsters by making too many signings. Well, that makes no sense to me. Firstly, what gives the youngsters the divine right to play for one of the four biggest clubs in the Premiership? If our midfield was being patrolled by world class players I would understand that arguement. But I don't see why Diaby, Denilson and Song should have their development protected? They aren't exactly setting the Premiership alight, in fact, some healthy competition is likely to improve them. Not to mention the fact that an experienced midfielder might actually teach the youngsters a thing or to.
Don't get me wrong, I think Diaby has great potential, the problem is that he is never played in the same position twice, and has no role model at the club, that can't be good for his development.
Adebayor is another enigma. Wenger has to find some way to get him in the mood because he has enormous potential but the wrong attitude. Last year he was hungry, this year he is bloated. I have faith in him to develop into a top class centre forward, the question is whether he would do this at Arsenal. You can bet that Rafa Benitez or Alex Ferguson would not accept his attitude to the game.
So, where do we go from here. I would urge Arsenal as I have already said to buy leaders. Arsenal lack a spine and that's exactly what they need. The loss of Gallas, arguably our best player this season, was deeply felt, a physical imposing centreback surely is a priority. The talented young midfielders desperately need to be led, as much as the back four desperately need some protection. As others have said, a physical, intimidating midfielder is required, and as Fletcher demonstrated, he doesn't have to be supertalented, or a perfect technician, but I worry that Wenger won't see it that way.
So that brings us to the manager. Many so-called Arsenal fans have laid the blame squarely at his feet and insisted he leave. We don't know many things about the last few years. We don't know how much he really has had to spend, and I wonder where the club would be if he wasn't manager. He isn't stupid, he probably invests too much faith in his young players, but he believes that in this day of financially driven transfers the way to keep players leaving for the money is to groom them early to fall in love with the club.
I think we need to find a happy medium. There are some exciting young players at Arsenal, not as many though as we think. I would question how many of them will be top class. That aside, young players need guidance on as well as off the pitch, so if Wenger really believes in them then he should bring in some old heads to steady the ship, show the youngsters the ropes, and in a few years those youngsters might replace their masters. You never know, Arsenal might just win some trophies along the way.....
Heavy defeats to two of our supposed rivals, and save for Arshavin's brilliant performance and uncharacteristic errors by the Liverpool defence, it could have been worse. We all knew that the key games, starting with the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea, would define our season. Our season has well and truly been defined.
In a way, the home defeat against Chelsea epitomises this Arsenal team, and I think of all the defeats, hurts the most. This may be surprising because it is the game that had the least riding on it, but the signs in that game are the most worrying. This was Arsenal in a nutshell. Started well, looked exciting, seemed to have Chelsea worried, created chances, but ultimately lacked the class that was glaringly present in two of Chelsea's goals. I want to make a small comment on Bendtner. Often criticised, and I am the first to admit that I am not his biggest fan, but he came on against Chelsea and I have to give him credit. We were down and out and he never stopped running. He took the game to Chelsea and did what none of our players managed, he intimidated Chelsea physically. He scored a great goal, muscling out Essien no less to head home. He was the only silver lining in a very black cloud.
That aside, Chelsea were ruthless. They didn't deserve the margin of victory and you could argue that on the balance of play, they didn't even deserve a victory, but win they did. They won because when it mattered, they possessed the composure and clinical finishing that was needed. Chelsea were everything Arsenal weren't. Efficient and solid without being spectacular.
Where do Arsenal go from here? Some people are talking about a total overhaul, we are already being linked with players left right and centre. Predictably, pundits are arguing that Arsenal need a centreback and a defensive midfielder.
I would argue, as I have already on this blog, that Arsenal need certain characters. Someone needs to be on the pitch who will kick the players who aren't performing up the behind. Someone is needed who will lead by example, show fighting spirit and intimidate the opposition, not by skill necessarily, but by strength of will. In short, Arsenal desperately need a leader.
Many of the Arsenal players are fantastic on their day, the problem is that they are confidence players. I often hear Arsene Wenger talk about not halting the development of the youngsters by making too many signings. Well, that makes no sense to me. Firstly, what gives the youngsters the divine right to play for one of the four biggest clubs in the Premiership? If our midfield was being patrolled by world class players I would understand that arguement. But I don't see why Diaby, Denilson and Song should have their development protected? They aren't exactly setting the Premiership alight, in fact, some healthy competition is likely to improve them. Not to mention the fact that an experienced midfielder might actually teach the youngsters a thing or to.
Don't get me wrong, I think Diaby has great potential, the problem is that he is never played in the same position twice, and has no role model at the club, that can't be good for his development.
Adebayor is another enigma. Wenger has to find some way to get him in the mood because he has enormous potential but the wrong attitude. Last year he was hungry, this year he is bloated. I have faith in him to develop into a top class centre forward, the question is whether he would do this at Arsenal. You can bet that Rafa Benitez or Alex Ferguson would not accept his attitude to the game.
So, where do we go from here. I would urge Arsenal as I have already said to buy leaders. Arsenal lack a spine and that's exactly what they need. The loss of Gallas, arguably our best player this season, was deeply felt, a physical imposing centreback surely is a priority. The talented young midfielders desperately need to be led, as much as the back four desperately need some protection. As others have said, a physical, intimidating midfielder is required, and as Fletcher demonstrated, he doesn't have to be supertalented, or a perfect technician, but I worry that Wenger won't see it that way.
So that brings us to the manager. Many so-called Arsenal fans have laid the blame squarely at his feet and insisted he leave. We don't know many things about the last few years. We don't know how much he really has had to spend, and I wonder where the club would be if he wasn't manager. He isn't stupid, he probably invests too much faith in his young players, but he believes that in this day of financially driven transfers the way to keep players leaving for the money is to groom them early to fall in love with the club.
I think we need to find a happy medium. There are some exciting young players at Arsenal, not as many though as we think. I would question how many of them will be top class. That aside, young players need guidance on as well as off the pitch, so if Wenger really believes in them then he should bring in some old heads to steady the ship, show the youngsters the ropes, and in a few years those youngsters might replace their masters. You never know, Arsenal might just win some trophies along the way.....
Saturday, 9 May 2009
You Aren't Arsenal Fans
After yesterday's press conference, the media headlines were predictably diverse and misleading. One headline would declare that Wenger sticks to his guns and defends his youth policy, and another would say that Wenger admits he has to buy experience.
Anyone who thinks Arsene Wenger is going to turn around with three games left in the season and declare that his young squad isn't good enough and needs an overhaul, is dreaming. He will say exactly what those players need to hear right now, that is his priority. The team has taken a big hit and their season is effectively over, and the post mortems can start at the end of the season, but not now. Of course we expect the gutter press to start predicting doom and gloom, but Arsenal fans should know better, much better.
Firstly, let's acknowledge that Arsene Wenger has made mistakes this season. There is no doubt about that. He should have played Arshavin against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final, he says Arsenal got to the last four in the Champions league, when we all know it's because we didn't play anyone decent until then. Let's face it, if we had met any of the English teams or Barca in hte quarters, the likelihood is that we would have gone out. I know Arsene tried to sign a defensive midfielder last summer, Inler, Alonso and Toure were almost acquired, and I respect his belief that he should aim to buy players who will push for the first team, not squad players. He implied yesterday that he will only acquire players who will enhance the squad and will likely buy experienced players not youngsters.
Here is the quote:
Either way, even if he is saying things you don't want to hear, what he says may not be want he intends. He has the current players that have a few matches left to play this season in mind. Even if that were not the case, I am angry.
I am angry because when I survey the websites and blogs I see more and more calls for Wenger to leave or be sacked. Some of them disgusting and rude in their expression.
Can I just say to those blog writers or responders to blogs:
YOU ARE NOT ARSENAL FANS
You may think you are. But you aren't. You just want to support a winning team. You don't want to support Arsenal. If you thought about how much Arsene Wenger has done for this club, if you bothered to consider where the club would be now without him, if you could see the way the club is run, the training ground, the lifestyles of the players, the culture of the club, you would realise it is mostly down to that man. Cast you eyes at Aston Villa, Tottenham and Man City who have spent much more than Arsenal, have very good managers in post, and still can't get close to us. More importantly, have you thought who could possibly take over?
So all those who are calling for Wengers' head, we don't need your support, we don't want you at the ground, you belong in the Newcastle or Real Madrid boardroom, or writing a tedious column for the Daily Rag.
You are not Arsenal supporters.
Anyone who thinks Arsene Wenger is going to turn around with three games left in the season and declare that his young squad isn't good enough and needs an overhaul, is dreaming. He will say exactly what those players need to hear right now, that is his priority. The team has taken a big hit and their season is effectively over, and the post mortems can start at the end of the season, but not now. Of course we expect the gutter press to start predicting doom and gloom, but Arsenal fans should know better, much better.
Firstly, let's acknowledge that Arsene Wenger has made mistakes this season. There is no doubt about that. He should have played Arshavin against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final, he says Arsenal got to the last four in the Champions league, when we all know it's because we didn't play anyone decent until then. Let's face it, if we had met any of the English teams or Barca in hte quarters, the likelihood is that we would have gone out. I know Arsene tried to sign a defensive midfielder last summer, Inler, Alonso and Toure were almost acquired, and I respect his belief that he should aim to buy players who will push for the first team, not squad players. He implied yesterday that he will only acquire players who will enhance the squad and will likely buy experienced players not youngsters.
Here is the quote:
"We will try of course to bring in one or two players to strengthen the squad but we have plenty of strikers....And if we buy, it certainly won't be players who lack experience. We have enough of those.
Isn't that what Arsenal fans want to hear?Either way, even if he is saying things you don't want to hear, what he says may not be want he intends. He has the current players that have a few matches left to play this season in mind. Even if that were not the case, I am angry.
I am angry because when I survey the websites and blogs I see more and more calls for Wenger to leave or be sacked. Some of them disgusting and rude in their expression.
Can I just say to those blog writers or responders to blogs:
YOU ARE NOT ARSENAL FANS
You may think you are. But you aren't. You just want to support a winning team. You don't want to support Arsenal. If you thought about how much Arsene Wenger has done for this club, if you bothered to consider where the club would be now without him, if you could see the way the club is run, the training ground, the lifestyles of the players, the culture of the club, you would realise it is mostly down to that man. Cast you eyes at Aston Villa, Tottenham and Man City who have spent much more than Arsenal, have very good managers in post, and still can't get close to us. More importantly, have you thought who could possibly take over?
So all those who are calling for Wengers' head, we don't need your support, we don't want you at the ground, you belong in the Newcastle or Real Madrid boardroom, or writing a tedious column for the Daily Rag.
You are not Arsenal supporters.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Myths and Madness
Firstly, I am not happy. The manner of the defeat to Man U was hurtful. You wouldn't be an Arsenal fan if you left the game early if you weren't upset. We support our team through thick and thin and when they are miserable, we are miserable. That isn't to say that we won't be critical when criticism is justified.
I understand the anger of some fans, I understand the knee jerk reaction and I also know what the media is like in this country and their appetite for drama and extreme headlines. They relish results like this. It gives them an opportunity for lauding the greatness of one big club and the demise of another. The truth, of course, is somewhere in between.
I'm going to try and break through the garbage and nonsense, sadly, on occasion, written by those who profess to be dedicated Arsenal fans.
Myth One: Arsenal are not in Man United's class
This is absolute nonsense. This team has not lost to any of the big four this season and have actually beaten Chelsea away and Man U at home. What was different about the last two games? Critical injuries. Gallas is a huge miss for us, not to mention Clichy who has experience in these sort of matches. The other factor is that sometimes one team has an off day and sometimes the luck isn't with them. No one knows what would have happened if Gibbs hadn't slipped, and I agree that overall Man U were the better team over the two legs, but a lot to do with this is personnel and injuries have hit Arsenal at the worst stage of their season. What would have been the outcome of this game if Ferdinand and Evra had been injured for both legs and Gallas and Clichy not? How many would then say that Arsenal were outclassed? If Arsenal had beaten Man U under those circumstances you can bet the headlines would have been about crippling injuries to the Man U team. On a final note, I seem to remember Liverpool destroying Man U 4-1 at Old Trafford, I don't recall people saying Man U were not in Liverpool's class. Let's keep some perspective, sometimes teams have an off-day, and others have a purple patch.
Myth Two: Arsenal have suffered because they have a small squad without depth and Man U are succeeding because they have strength in depth
Let's look at the facts. Man U are lauded for their attacking play, how many strikers did they start the season with? Rooney and Tevez. They were so light in this department that they went out and bought Berbatov in January. How many strikers do Arsenal have: Eduardo, Bendtner, Adebayor, Van Persie, Arshavin, Vela not to mention that Walcott can play there. Ok, so maybe Man U have more in defence. Let's test that theory. How many central defenders do Man U have? Ferdinand, Vidic, Jonny Evans, maybe Neville at a push, even O'Shea or Brown? Arsenal: Gallas, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Song at a stretch, we also have two right and two left wing fullbacks. Man U have Evra and A N Other at right back, and the young twins. My point is that Arsenal have a big squad. There is a difference in quality, their first choice starters are very strong, but a big plus for them is that they have all stayed relatively injury free all season. I challenge anyone to predict where Man U would finish if Ronaldo had been injured for three and a half months, and Ferdinand for the last two months of the season. Arsenal have lost key players in all parts of the pitch to long term injuries. Walcott, Fabregas, Eduardo, Adebayor, Clichy, Gallas, Rosicky all had long term injuries and still this team managed to be the form team in the premiership over the last three months.
Myth Three: Arsenal's squad is too young to win anything
This is a myth but not because of the reason you think. Arsenal are certainly a young team compared to some, but actually many of their players are not that young. RVP, Adebayor, Arshavin, Almunia, Gallas, Eduardo, Rosicky, Sagna, Eboue, Toure, Silvestre are all 25 or over. Most of those players would get into the strongest Arsenal team, are you also telling me that Fabregas and Nasri shouldn't start because they are too young. This team is also very experienced for their age. I would argue that Arsenal don't need a player of a certain age, they need a player of a certain type. By that I mean a player who plays in a certain way, and someone of the right personality. Arsenal desperately need a roll-your-sleeves-up, never-say-die, fighting character who will lift the team when they are down. Someone who will drive the team forward, someone physically imposing and a leader. I don't care if he is 23, if he is experienced and has those traits then it doesn't matter. Arsenal need a central defender that leads the back line and loves defending for defending's sake. I don't care if he is 24. Adebayor is 25 years old, experienced in playing in the big games, in the world cup, and yet what stops him being world class is his attitude. He needs someone to scream at him during the games, to get him psyched up, to inspire him. That's what Arsenal lack. Age, for me, is not that much of an issue, quality is.
Trophyless seasons are not representative of quality. In the last two season Arsenal have improved siginificantly, last season they should have won the league if it were not for some appalling refereeing and terrible bad luck with injuries, not to mention some wayward captaincy. Remind me what Chelsea and Liverpool have won recently and please don't count the Carling Cup as a trophy.
The Real Post Mortem
Here is what I take away from this match and the two legs as a whole:
1. Man U are a terrific team, one of the best, if not the best, the Premiership has seen. They could conceivably win the league and champions league two seasons in a row. That is an astounding achievement.
2. Arsenal need to develop a winning mentality. They have to find a way to get through these crucial games. They need two players in the spine of the team that can give that to them.
3. The final scoreline did not reflect the true difference between the teams/squads. Man U were practically at full strength, Arsenal were depleted in a key match in key positions.
4. The premiership is unbelievably competitive and Arsenal need to make signings to challenge for the title, but it remains very strong with four true european contenders. If Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal won the Champions league, no one would argue it wasn't justified.
5. Arsenal needs its fans, not people who walk out after 15 minutes. They are not true fans. Give up your season ticket to the long waiting list if you can't support your team when they need you the most.
Quick prediction for tonight....Barcelona to go through, winning at Stamford Bridge is a possibility.
I understand the anger of some fans, I understand the knee jerk reaction and I also know what the media is like in this country and their appetite for drama and extreme headlines. They relish results like this. It gives them an opportunity for lauding the greatness of one big club and the demise of another. The truth, of course, is somewhere in between.
I'm going to try and break through the garbage and nonsense, sadly, on occasion, written by those who profess to be dedicated Arsenal fans.
Myth One: Arsenal are not in Man United's class
This is absolute nonsense. This team has not lost to any of the big four this season and have actually beaten Chelsea away and Man U at home. What was different about the last two games? Critical injuries. Gallas is a huge miss for us, not to mention Clichy who has experience in these sort of matches. The other factor is that sometimes one team has an off day and sometimes the luck isn't with them. No one knows what would have happened if Gibbs hadn't slipped, and I agree that overall Man U were the better team over the two legs, but a lot to do with this is personnel and injuries have hit Arsenal at the worst stage of their season. What would have been the outcome of this game if Ferdinand and Evra had been injured for both legs and Gallas and Clichy not? How many would then say that Arsenal were outclassed? If Arsenal had beaten Man U under those circumstances you can bet the headlines would have been about crippling injuries to the Man U team. On a final note, I seem to remember Liverpool destroying Man U 4-1 at Old Trafford, I don't recall people saying Man U were not in Liverpool's class. Let's keep some perspective, sometimes teams have an off-day, and others have a purple patch.
Myth Two: Arsenal have suffered because they have a small squad without depth and Man U are succeeding because they have strength in depth
Let's look at the facts. Man U are lauded for their attacking play, how many strikers did they start the season with? Rooney and Tevez. They were so light in this department that they went out and bought Berbatov in January. How many strikers do Arsenal have: Eduardo, Bendtner, Adebayor, Van Persie, Arshavin, Vela not to mention that Walcott can play there. Ok, so maybe Man U have more in defence. Let's test that theory. How many central defenders do Man U have? Ferdinand, Vidic, Jonny Evans, maybe Neville at a push, even O'Shea or Brown? Arsenal: Gallas, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Song at a stretch, we also have two right and two left wing fullbacks. Man U have Evra and A N Other at right back, and the young twins. My point is that Arsenal have a big squad. There is a difference in quality, their first choice starters are very strong, but a big plus for them is that they have all stayed relatively injury free all season. I challenge anyone to predict where Man U would finish if Ronaldo had been injured for three and a half months, and Ferdinand for the last two months of the season. Arsenal have lost key players in all parts of the pitch to long term injuries. Walcott, Fabregas, Eduardo, Adebayor, Clichy, Gallas, Rosicky all had long term injuries and still this team managed to be the form team in the premiership over the last three months.
Myth Three: Arsenal's squad is too young to win anything
This is a myth but not because of the reason you think. Arsenal are certainly a young team compared to some, but actually many of their players are not that young. RVP, Adebayor, Arshavin, Almunia, Gallas, Eduardo, Rosicky, Sagna, Eboue, Toure, Silvestre are all 25 or over. Most of those players would get into the strongest Arsenal team, are you also telling me that Fabregas and Nasri shouldn't start because they are too young. This team is also very experienced for their age. I would argue that Arsenal don't need a player of a certain age, they need a player of a certain type. By that I mean a player who plays in a certain way, and someone of the right personality. Arsenal desperately need a roll-your-sleeves-up, never-say-die, fighting character who will lift the team when they are down. Someone who will drive the team forward, someone physically imposing and a leader. I don't care if he is 23, if he is experienced and has those traits then it doesn't matter. Arsenal need a central defender that leads the back line and loves defending for defending's sake. I don't care if he is 24. Adebayor is 25 years old, experienced in playing in the big games, in the world cup, and yet what stops him being world class is his attitude. He needs someone to scream at him during the games, to get him psyched up, to inspire him. That's what Arsenal lack. Age, for me, is not that much of an issue, quality is.
Trophyless seasons are not representative of quality. In the last two season Arsenal have improved siginificantly, last season they should have won the league if it were not for some appalling refereeing and terrible bad luck with injuries, not to mention some wayward captaincy. Remind me what Chelsea and Liverpool have won recently and please don't count the Carling Cup as a trophy.
The Real Post Mortem
Here is what I take away from this match and the two legs as a whole:
1. Man U are a terrific team, one of the best, if not the best, the Premiership has seen. They could conceivably win the league and champions league two seasons in a row. That is an astounding achievement.
2. Arsenal need to develop a winning mentality. They have to find a way to get through these crucial games. They need two players in the spine of the team that can give that to them.
3. The final scoreline did not reflect the true difference between the teams/squads. Man U were practically at full strength, Arsenal were depleted in a key match in key positions.
4. The premiership is unbelievably competitive and Arsenal need to make signings to challenge for the title, but it remains very strong with four true european contenders. If Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal won the Champions league, no one would argue it wasn't justified.
5. Arsenal needs its fans, not people who walk out after 15 minutes. They are not true fans. Give up your season ticket to the long waiting list if you can't support your team when they need you the most.
Quick prediction for tonight....Barcelona to go through, winning at Stamford Bridge is a possibility.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Latest News....Injuries...Transfer rumours....
Both Rio Ferdinand and Robin Van Persie trained today with their respective clubs. I expect Rio to start for Manchester United but I am not so sure about RVP. He has missed four games and I suspect that he won't be risked in the starting eleven.
As the silly season approaches, agents are trying to move their players and journalists are desperate for something to write. Put those two factors together and you get a flourish of transfer rumours as the season ends and we enter the summer break, particularly if there is no major tournament to provide a distraction. Man City are going for the record of being linked to the most players, but from the Arsenal point of view, we have been linked with the following over the last weekend:
Sakho, Inler, Santa Cruz not to mention Wheater, Bassong and Lescott previously, oh and Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million to spend in the summer. Coincidentally, this is the same amount offered to him by Real Madrid to become their new manager and be ordered to win the Champions league and La Liga every year or be sacked. Surprisingly Arsene turned them down. I think the only consistent transfer target seems to be Sakho, although the rumoured fee is a ridiculous £12 million for a 19 year old! Can't see that happening, although my understanding is that Wenger is interested in the player.
Milan declare that Adebayor is staying at Arsenal which can be directly translated into: we are going to do our level best to sign Adebayor from Arsenal. If they offer silly money (which some would say is above £12 million) then I think he may be on his way. An offer of above £20 million might be too tempting for Arsene or more importantly, Ivan Gazidis to turn down. Expect the links with Santa Cruz to intensify if Ade goes. As for other outgoings, Clichy and Van Persie have been directly linked with moves away, and in a typically shoddy piece of journalism, the NOTW has declared that Arsene will struggle to hold on to RVP, Cesc and Walcott. Why? Because they are in contract negotiations at the moment. Surprise surprise. I expect all three to still be at Arsenal next season. The most likely to leave if any is RVP.
But the most pathetic piece of so-called journalism this week goes to the Daily Mail and its affiliates for reporting the ridiculous and pathetic story about Arshavin. I won't bore you with the details and I'm sure you have all read it, but essentially it is a quote from an interview with his agent that suggests that Andrey hates his team mates because they are all French, they are jealous of him, and he is unhappy being played out of position as well as, you'll never guess, other big clubs are now interested in signing him...Groan...Anyway, it was only a matter of hours before his agent came out and strenuously denied he said anything of the kind and he never gave any such interview. Sadly, there is no accountability for there 'journalist' and further reinforces my belief that they belong somewhere in the close vicinity of Judas Escariot (see Dante's inferno). Unfortunately I'm a devout atheist, so I will settle with sleeping with the earthworms.
Speaking of which, Stan the US sports tycoon, has increased his share of Arsenal to surpass that of Red and White Holdings. Stan, now the UK board members' luvvy, seems to be preferred as the lesser of two evils. Arsenal is now effectively foreign owned, so I suspect the Etonians might just decide the American is better than the Russian and Dein. A complete takeover before the summer is not impossible now the lockdown agreement has expired. Hence the rumours of massive transfer war chests. We wait in anticipation. My guess is this will rumble on for a few months more as the power brokers wrestle for position, and Nina decides what to do with her shares.
Congrats to the team for their performance against Portsmouth, although 3-0 was slightly flattering! Amazed he didn't give Arshavin the chance to play in his favoured position but still Carlos Vela did well and joins the growing ranks of small skilful players who will likely be playing out of the flanks because there is no room for them up front where they would all prefer to play!
As the silly season approaches, agents are trying to move their players and journalists are desperate for something to write. Put those two factors together and you get a flourish of transfer rumours as the season ends and we enter the summer break, particularly if there is no major tournament to provide a distraction. Man City are going for the record of being linked to the most players, but from the Arsenal point of view, we have been linked with the following over the last weekend:
Sakho, Inler, Santa Cruz not to mention Wheater, Bassong and Lescott previously, oh and Arsene Wenger has been given £40 million to spend in the summer. Coincidentally, this is the same amount offered to him by Real Madrid to become their new manager and be ordered to win the Champions league and La Liga every year or be sacked. Surprisingly Arsene turned them down. I think the only consistent transfer target seems to be Sakho, although the rumoured fee is a ridiculous £12 million for a 19 year old! Can't see that happening, although my understanding is that Wenger is interested in the player.
Milan declare that Adebayor is staying at Arsenal which can be directly translated into: we are going to do our level best to sign Adebayor from Arsenal. If they offer silly money (which some would say is above £12 million) then I think he may be on his way. An offer of above £20 million might be too tempting for Arsene or more importantly, Ivan Gazidis to turn down. Expect the links with Santa Cruz to intensify if Ade goes. As for other outgoings, Clichy and Van Persie have been directly linked with moves away, and in a typically shoddy piece of journalism, the NOTW has declared that Arsene will struggle to hold on to RVP, Cesc and Walcott. Why? Because they are in contract negotiations at the moment. Surprise surprise. I expect all three to still be at Arsenal next season. The most likely to leave if any is RVP.
But the most pathetic piece of so-called journalism this week goes to the Daily Mail and its affiliates for reporting the ridiculous and pathetic story about Arshavin. I won't bore you with the details and I'm sure you have all read it, but essentially it is a quote from an interview with his agent that suggests that Andrey hates his team mates because they are all French, they are jealous of him, and he is unhappy being played out of position as well as, you'll never guess, other big clubs are now interested in signing him...Groan...Anyway, it was only a matter of hours before his agent came out and strenuously denied he said anything of the kind and he never gave any such interview. Sadly, there is no accountability for there 'journalist' and further reinforces my belief that they belong somewhere in the close vicinity of Judas Escariot (see Dante's inferno). Unfortunately I'm a devout atheist, so I will settle with sleeping with the earthworms.
Speaking of which, Stan the US sports tycoon, has increased his share of Arsenal to surpass that of Red and White Holdings. Stan, now the UK board members' luvvy, seems to be preferred as the lesser of two evils. Arsenal is now effectively foreign owned, so I suspect the Etonians might just decide the American is better than the Russian and Dein. A complete takeover before the summer is not impossible now the lockdown agreement has expired. Hence the rumours of massive transfer war chests. We wait in anticipation. My guess is this will rumble on for a few months more as the power brokers wrestle for position, and Nina decides what to do with her shares.
Congrats to the team for their performance against Portsmouth, although 3-0 was slightly flattering! Amazed he didn't give Arshavin the chance to play in his favoured position but still Carlos Vela did well and joins the growing ranks of small skilful players who will likely be playing out of the flanks because there is no room for them up front where they would all prefer to play!
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Arsenal v Manchester United: Preview
Manchester United bring a slender but significant advantage to the Emirates on Tuesday night. Slender because the lead is narrow, but significant because it they have not conceded away goal.
All the talk is that Manchester United will score at the Emirates and because of that, Arsenal are favourites to go out at the semi final stage. I think realistically, most Arsenal fans, and the players accept that they are underdogs. However, before a ball is kicked at this stage, both Manchester United and Arsenal would have told you that they would have wanted a two goal lead in the home legs and nothing has changed. Arsenal's remit is simple. forget the away goal and beat Manchester United, arguably the second best team in the world, by two goals on your own ground. It's that simple. When you think about it like that, then you can forget about away goals, forget about the obsession with our depleted defence, we just have to get on with it.
Wenger will be the happier manager. Why? Because his team are still in the tie. There is a distinct feeling that Arsenal got away with it at Old Trafford, and that's because they did. That feeling will remain in the minds of both sets of players. If things aren't going Man U's way, they will be thinking, why oh why didn't we finish them off at our place?
But still, on balance, Man U are very capable of coming to the Emirates and beating Arsenal. They are a danagerous team with three match winners: Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney. Arsenal have Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott and Adebayor. Yes, Adebayor. He was relatively poor at Old Trafford, but, he was starved of service, had effectively no partner, and never forget, he is a big game player. He has an excellent scoring record in big games and even when he isn't playing well, he can pop up with a key goal. Ask Villareal. I suspect Tuesday night might be his night.
The key deciding factors, as I see it, are:
Adebayor v Vidic: If Ade is up for it, he can bully Vidic especially if Rio doesn't make it.
Fabregas' position: It is beyond comprehension why Wenger is persisting to play Cesc as the advanced midfielder. Firstly, it isn't his favourite position, and secondly, we have other players itching to play there, that actually are good in that position! Nasri and Fabregas need to swap positions for the return leg. If RVP is fit, he can also play there. Play Cesc where he is at his most destructive to the opposition: in central midfield with more players in front of him than behind him.
Containment: Ronaldo and Rooney are pivotal to Man U goalscoring threat. Containing them is going to be tough but not impossible. In the league match at the Emirates, this was achieved with good success. Rooney and Ronaldo will be playing from the flanks so they key to keeping them quiet is the advanced wing players to track back and help the full backs.
Assuming RVP is not fit, this is the likely team:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Walcott
Adebayor
I would like to see a more attacking formation that lends support to Adebayor whilst still protects those flanks. Now, I know that I am going to get derided for this but this is the team I would play:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Eboue, Walcott
Adebayor
This system puts eboue and walcott on each flank allowing song to hold the midfield, fabregas to play slightly further forward, and nasri closest to adebayor. Now, I know Eboue's limitations, but whilst Arshavin is cup-tied, he will add balance to the side. He can play on the right, and will get back to help out sagna. Walcott will play on the other flank meaning we will have pace on the wings. This system will allow the central midfielders to play in their preferred position and hopefully get support to Adebayor. If RVP is fit he replaces Eboue and Nasri moves to the flanks.
I predict a victory for Arsenal but I am not sure if the margin will be enough to take them through....
Fingers-crossed gooners....
All the talk is that Manchester United will score at the Emirates and because of that, Arsenal are favourites to go out at the semi final stage. I think realistically, most Arsenal fans, and the players accept that they are underdogs. However, before a ball is kicked at this stage, both Manchester United and Arsenal would have told you that they would have wanted a two goal lead in the home legs and nothing has changed. Arsenal's remit is simple. forget the away goal and beat Manchester United, arguably the second best team in the world, by two goals on your own ground. It's that simple. When you think about it like that, then you can forget about away goals, forget about the obsession with our depleted defence, we just have to get on with it.
Wenger will be the happier manager. Why? Because his team are still in the tie. There is a distinct feeling that Arsenal got away with it at Old Trafford, and that's because they did. That feeling will remain in the minds of both sets of players. If things aren't going Man U's way, they will be thinking, why oh why didn't we finish them off at our place?
But still, on balance, Man U are very capable of coming to the Emirates and beating Arsenal. They are a danagerous team with three match winners: Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney. Arsenal have Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott and Adebayor. Yes, Adebayor. He was relatively poor at Old Trafford, but, he was starved of service, had effectively no partner, and never forget, he is a big game player. He has an excellent scoring record in big games and even when he isn't playing well, he can pop up with a key goal. Ask Villareal. I suspect Tuesday night might be his night.
The key deciding factors, as I see it, are:
Adebayor v Vidic: If Ade is up for it, he can bully Vidic especially if Rio doesn't make it.
Fabregas' position: It is beyond comprehension why Wenger is persisting to play Cesc as the advanced midfielder. Firstly, it isn't his favourite position, and secondly, we have other players itching to play there, that actually are good in that position! Nasri and Fabregas need to swap positions for the return leg. If RVP is fit, he can also play there. Play Cesc where he is at his most destructive to the opposition: in central midfield with more players in front of him than behind him.
Containment: Ronaldo and Rooney are pivotal to Man U goalscoring threat. Containing them is going to be tough but not impossible. In the league match at the Emirates, this was achieved with good success. Rooney and Ronaldo will be playing from the flanks so they key to keeping them quiet is the advanced wing players to track back and help the full backs.
Assuming RVP is not fit, this is the likely team:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Walcott
Adebayor
I would like to see a more attacking formation that lends support to Adebayor whilst still protects those flanks. Now, I know that I am going to get derided for this but this is the team I would play:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs/Clichy
Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Eboue, Walcott
Adebayor
This system puts eboue and walcott on each flank allowing song to hold the midfield, fabregas to play slightly further forward, and nasri closest to adebayor. Now, I know Eboue's limitations, but whilst Arshavin is cup-tied, he will add balance to the side. He can play on the right, and will get back to help out sagna. Walcott will play on the other flank meaning we will have pace on the wings. This system will allow the central midfielders to play in their preferred position and hopefully get support to Adebayor. If RVP is fit he replaces Eboue and Nasri moves to the flanks.
I predict a victory for Arsenal but I am not sure if the margin will be enough to take them through....
Fingers-crossed gooners....
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Manchester United v Arsenal
Finally a Man U Arsenal game that means something. That's not to say that the games in recent years haven't been meaningful, but the Champions League semi final is something special. I think the team has made great progress in the last 6 months but I am disappointed that we can't really judge their progress against the current benchmark in the Premiership because of crippling injuries.
It makes me laugh how the written media in this country keeps banging on about our lack of strength in depth when the reality is that no team this season has had to suffer the number of injuries to key players and still Arsenal have been the form team in the Premiership in 2009. It's not only the number of injuries but the length of injuries. Practically everyone in the first team has suffered some form of long term injury: Fabregas, Gallas, Adebayor, Walcott, Clichy, Diaby to name but a few.
Our big problem is going to be in defence. Kieron Gibbs didn't train yesterday, and it looks like Silvestre will be fit so the back line could look something like: Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre which is a unit that hasn't played together and looks very vulnerable.
I expect that because of this Wenger will include more protection than normal in the centre of midfield with two holding midfielders in the form of Denilson and Song with Fabregas just ahead of them and Nasri and Walcott on the flanks and Adebayor up front.
Is it good enough? Time will tell. The key to both legs will be how Arsenal defend. If they can defend well, we have a great chance. I worry that the full backs will get little or no protection from the wingers ahead of them and I can't see Silvestre, if he plays at left back, coping with Ronaldo.
Positives are that Man U look vulnerable, and a score draw is the best result Arsenal can hope for at Old Trafford. I fear the result will be worse so I optimistically predict 2-1 to Man U but I remember the last time we went to Old Trafford with a makeshift defence and got hammered.
It is such a shame that Gallas is injured. This is the sort of game he relishes. He has been arguably our most consistent player and he might have made the difference today. I think Arsenal need to keep the tie alive for the second leg and then we will have a chance. Man U will try and kill off the tie tonight.
On a separate note, am I the only one who thinks a 0-0 at the Nou Camp is a dangerous result for Chelsea? You just can't see Barcelona not scoring at Stamford Bridge. They will get more space as Chelsea will attack, so I am going to boldly predict an away victory in the second leg and Barcelona to face Arsenal in the final. With a bit of luck!
It makes me laugh how the written media in this country keeps banging on about our lack of strength in depth when the reality is that no team this season has had to suffer the number of injuries to key players and still Arsenal have been the form team in the Premiership in 2009. It's not only the number of injuries but the length of injuries. Practically everyone in the first team has suffered some form of long term injury: Fabregas, Gallas, Adebayor, Walcott, Clichy, Diaby to name but a few.
Our big problem is going to be in defence. Kieron Gibbs didn't train yesterday, and it looks like Silvestre will be fit so the back line could look something like: Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Silvestre which is a unit that hasn't played together and looks very vulnerable.
I expect that because of this Wenger will include more protection than normal in the centre of midfield with two holding midfielders in the form of Denilson and Song with Fabregas just ahead of them and Nasri and Walcott on the flanks and Adebayor up front.
Is it good enough? Time will tell. The key to both legs will be how Arsenal defend. If they can defend well, we have a great chance. I worry that the full backs will get little or no protection from the wingers ahead of them and I can't see Silvestre, if he plays at left back, coping with Ronaldo.
Positives are that Man U look vulnerable, and a score draw is the best result Arsenal can hope for at Old Trafford. I fear the result will be worse so I optimistically predict 2-1 to Man U but I remember the last time we went to Old Trafford with a makeshift defence and got hammered.
It is such a shame that Gallas is injured. This is the sort of game he relishes. He has been arguably our most consistent player and he might have made the difference today. I think Arsenal need to keep the tie alive for the second leg and then we will have a chance. Man U will try and kill off the tie tonight.
On a separate note, am I the only one who thinks a 0-0 at the Nou Camp is a dangerous result for Chelsea? You just can't see Barcelona not scoring at Stamford Bridge. They will get more space as Chelsea will attack, so I am going to boldly predict an away victory in the second leg and Barcelona to face Arsenal in the final. With a bit of luck!
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Man U 5 Tottenham 2
Manchester United cemented their position as champions in waiting with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Tottenham after Liverpool and Chelsea both won.
What can you say about that game? My two most hated teams playing against each other and in the end all the headlines surround the penalty award. Firstly, I am sick and tired of being told by the FA who our top referees are. We can judge that for ourselves and why Howard Webb is being touted as the UK's best referee is beyond me. He gave Man U a handball decision against us at Old Trafford which gave Man U their equaliser which was so ball-to-hand it's painful. Not to mention the softest of free kicks to Evra for running as fast as possible to the edge of the area and then falling over. But that's another blog. The bottom line is, Howard Webb is an average referee at best.
Having said that, I have watched that penalty decision again and again, and is it just me, or is it clearly a penalty? There are a couple of angles that make it difficult to decide, but one angle shows Carrick taking the ball away from Gomes and being caught by the goalkeeper who makes no contact with the ball at all. Believe me, I am the last person to favour Man U, but I call it as I see it.
Having said all that, a dubious penalty does not excuse the complete and utter capitulation of the Tottenham team. Pathetic does not begin to describe it. Keystone cops defending and when Man United players weren't squeezing the ball in the net, Tottenham defenders were obligingly giving them a hand.
If I were a Liverpool or Chelsea fan I would be spitting blood at the way teams go to Old Trafford and then melt into oblivion. It's not as if Man U need any more help, they already get the generosity of the referees as well as home advantage, and a great team to field, they don't need the opposition falling apart in admiration as well! Ah well, what do you expect from Tottenham.
And to think, they were telling us not too long ago how they were going to break into the top four with their heady signings like Darren Bent and David Bentley. I never understood why Tottenham fans have been so hostile towards Levy and the board. They have given managers an unbelievable amount of money to spend, and look at them now. They should hang their heads in shame after their performance yesterday, and it is very smart of Redknapp to divert attention away from that, and onto the referee.
From the Arsenal point of view, we should be encouraged that it looks like you can go to Old Trafford and score. However, our defence isn't looking too clever. It's all about how many we concede....More on that game later.....
What can you say about that game? My two most hated teams playing against each other and in the end all the headlines surround the penalty award. Firstly, I am sick and tired of being told by the FA who our top referees are. We can judge that for ourselves and why Howard Webb is being touted as the UK's best referee is beyond me. He gave Man U a handball decision against us at Old Trafford which gave Man U their equaliser which was so ball-to-hand it's painful. Not to mention the softest of free kicks to Evra for running as fast as possible to the edge of the area and then falling over. But that's another blog. The bottom line is, Howard Webb is an average referee at best.
Having said that, I have watched that penalty decision again and again, and is it just me, or is it clearly a penalty? There are a couple of angles that make it difficult to decide, but one angle shows Carrick taking the ball away from Gomes and being caught by the goalkeeper who makes no contact with the ball at all. Believe me, I am the last person to favour Man U, but I call it as I see it.
Having said all that, a dubious penalty does not excuse the complete and utter capitulation of the Tottenham team. Pathetic does not begin to describe it. Keystone cops defending and when Man United players weren't squeezing the ball in the net, Tottenham defenders were obligingly giving them a hand.
If I were a Liverpool or Chelsea fan I would be spitting blood at the way teams go to Old Trafford and then melt into oblivion. It's not as if Man U need any more help, they already get the generosity of the referees as well as home advantage, and a great team to field, they don't need the opposition falling apart in admiration as well! Ah well, what do you expect from Tottenham.
And to think, they were telling us not too long ago how they were going to break into the top four with their heady signings like Darren Bent and David Bentley. I never understood why Tottenham fans have been so hostile towards Levy and the board. They have given managers an unbelievable amount of money to spend, and look at them now. They should hang their heads in shame after their performance yesterday, and it is very smart of Redknapp to divert attention away from that, and onto the referee.
From the Arsenal point of view, we should be encouraged that it looks like you can go to Old Trafford and score. However, our defence isn't looking too clever. It's all about how many we concede....More on that game later.....
Home against the Boro: team selection
Now the FA Cup horse has bolted, the harsh lessons of team selection will have been hopefully learned. I am still bewildered by Arsene's decision to leave Nasri, Arshavin and Song on the bench against Chelsea, but still, I'm confident he will rest key players today.
It is a no brainer. Man U on wednesday, Everton and Villa both dropped points yesterday, we should coast into the Champions League places. He does keep going on about getting third place which would mean automatic qualification into the Champions League, but I think that will be a bonus rather than a realistic expectation.
So, as for today, the one area sadly he cannot rest players is in defence. Djourou has resumed full training but I suspect he will at the least get a sub appearance, we can't afford to lose any more defenders before wednesday. He may well rest Sagna as well.
So I am guessing Fabianski, Gibbs, Silvestre, Toure, Sagna/Eboue
In midfield, I wouldn't be surprised in Fabregas, or Nasri and/or Theo are rested, Arshavin will definitely start. So dont be surprised to see Arshavin, Diaby/Denilson/Song/Ramsey even Vela and if not playing in defence, Eboue might start on the right wing.
Up front, you might see Eduardo and Bendtner but expect Adebayor to feature as a substitute at some stage.
I really hope Arsene doesn't risk some of the big names to guarantee victory in this game. A draw, whilst annoying, is perfectly acceptable in the grand scheme of things. We cannot leave Old Trafford with the tie being out of sight. It is imperative that we are still in the tie approaching the second leg at the Emirates. More on the Champions league game later.
My prediction for today's game: 2-1 Arsenal.
Enjoy the sunshine...
It is a no brainer. Man U on wednesday, Everton and Villa both dropped points yesterday, we should coast into the Champions League places. He does keep going on about getting third place which would mean automatic qualification into the Champions League, but I think that will be a bonus rather than a realistic expectation.
So, as for today, the one area sadly he cannot rest players is in defence. Djourou has resumed full training but I suspect he will at the least get a sub appearance, we can't afford to lose any more defenders before wednesday. He may well rest Sagna as well.
So I am guessing Fabianski, Gibbs, Silvestre, Toure, Sagna/Eboue
In midfield, I wouldn't be surprised in Fabregas, or Nasri and/or Theo are rested, Arshavin will definitely start. So dont be surprised to see Arshavin, Diaby/Denilson/Song/Ramsey even Vela and if not playing in defence, Eboue might start on the right wing.
Up front, you might see Eduardo and Bendtner but expect Adebayor to feature as a substitute at some stage.
I really hope Arsene doesn't risk some of the big names to guarantee victory in this game. A draw, whilst annoying, is perfectly acceptable in the grand scheme of things. We cannot leave Old Trafford with the tie being out of sight. It is imperative that we are still in the tie approaching the second leg at the Emirates. More on the Champions league game later.
My prediction for today's game: 2-1 Arsenal.
Enjoy the sunshine...
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