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Cant wait for the mug to come out!
Keep it Goonerish.................
Friday, 31 October 2008
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Our fourth wake up call, Arsenal V Spurs, it had everything and more!
Obviously being a Gooner I'm upset with the result of last night. I don't think I've ever seen a side be 4-2 up with a minute to go and then draw 4-4, let alone Arsenal.
It has put a huge dent in our title ambitions but its a dent we can straighten out by beating Manchester United on November 8th. That game has even more importance now than it has had for a long time.
I, like every other Gooner, was doing my nut at how the game finished last night. I'm still slightly angry at the way we have thrown two points away but I must say that the game had absolutely everything you could want in a football match.
It was a roller-coaster of emotions, one minute we are flying and the next in the pits of despair. I felt the same way last season in the Champions League tie against Liverpool when Adebayor scored our second to almost see us through only for Gerrard to score a penalty 30 seconds later to pretty much knock us out. Real up and down stuff!
You could argue that we have seen goal of the season as well. I hate Bentley and his cocky attitude but the way he took his goal was amazing. I was gutted that HE managed to score but I have to give him credit for the way he took the chance. Although it took me five replays to admit this because at first I assumed Bentley just took a heavy second touch!
I look at the Arsenal performance and I think that we dominated the match and under normal circumstances scoring four goals would be more than enough to win. Unfortunately for us derby games against Tottenham don't have normal circumstances and the game never goes to plan. The game last night and the 5-4 win for us a few years back prove this.
We played some great stuff last night and opened up Tottenham at will, the four goals reflect that on our part. Defensively we were far from great and you could suggest we played more than our fair share in Tottenhams goals. The first Spurs goal was a stunner, the second was courtesy of Almunia trying to stop the ball with his face, the third Clichy was tripped by thin air and the fourth was the little girl not being closed down quick enough before her strike set-up Rude Boy to tuck home via the post.
I liked the way we looked dangerous at set-pieces for a change although it could have more to do with the fact Spurs can't defend from set-pieces, a bit like us really! That was a positive though and Silvestre and Gallas look more than capable of threatening from these situations.
Arsene Wenger needs to sort out how we defend as a team. The defenders looked pretty solid last night and didn't give much away. The midfield however have to start closing down the opposition a lot quicker. I lost count of the number of times Modric was allowed to run thirty or so yards with the ball unchallenged, Jenas' goal was a classic example.
Arsene Wenger also needs to take a look at how he uses his subs in a game. The substitutions he made last night put us on the back foot and allowed Tottenham to come at us in the last ten minutes. Wenger is his own harshest critic and I'm sure he will assess this.
Overall I'm disappointed by the result but quite happy with how we played for most of the game. We played some great stuff and really turned on the style at times. Unfortunately though playing with verve and style doesn't win you trophies. Winning games does though and until we learn from our mistakes I fear for our chances.
That is our fourth wake up call already this season. We cannot allow for anymore.
Keep it Goonerish................
It has put a huge dent in our title ambitions but its a dent we can straighten out by beating Manchester United on November 8th. That game has even more importance now than it has had for a long time.
I, like every other Gooner, was doing my nut at how the game finished last night. I'm still slightly angry at the way we have thrown two points away but I must say that the game had absolutely everything you could want in a football match.
It was a roller-coaster of emotions, one minute we are flying and the next in the pits of despair. I felt the same way last season in the Champions League tie against Liverpool when Adebayor scored our second to almost see us through only for Gerrard to score a penalty 30 seconds later to pretty much knock us out. Real up and down stuff!
You could argue that we have seen goal of the season as well. I hate Bentley and his cocky attitude but the way he took his goal was amazing. I was gutted that HE managed to score but I have to give him credit for the way he took the chance. Although it took me five replays to admit this because at first I assumed Bentley just took a heavy second touch!
I look at the Arsenal performance and I think that we dominated the match and under normal circumstances scoring four goals would be more than enough to win. Unfortunately for us derby games against Tottenham don't have normal circumstances and the game never goes to plan. The game last night and the 5-4 win for us a few years back prove this.
We played some great stuff last night and opened up Tottenham at will, the four goals reflect that on our part. Defensively we were far from great and you could suggest we played more than our fair share in Tottenhams goals. The first Spurs goal was a stunner, the second was courtesy of Almunia trying to stop the ball with his face, the third Clichy was tripped by thin air and the fourth was the little girl not being closed down quick enough before her strike set-up Rude Boy to tuck home via the post.
I liked the way we looked dangerous at set-pieces for a change although it could have more to do with the fact Spurs can't defend from set-pieces, a bit like us really! That was a positive though and Silvestre and Gallas look more than capable of threatening from these situations.
Arsene Wenger needs to sort out how we defend as a team. The defenders looked pretty solid last night and didn't give much away. The midfield however have to start closing down the opposition a lot quicker. I lost count of the number of times Modric was allowed to run thirty or so yards with the ball unchallenged, Jenas' goal was a classic example.
Arsene Wenger also needs to take a look at how he uses his subs in a game. The substitutions he made last night put us on the back foot and allowed Tottenham to come at us in the last ten minutes. Wenger is his own harshest critic and I'm sure he will assess this.
Overall I'm disappointed by the result but quite happy with how we played for most of the game. We played some great stuff and really turned on the style at times. Unfortunately though playing with verve and style doesn't win you trophies. Winning games does though and until we learn from our mistakes I fear for our chances.
That is our fourth wake up call already this season. We cannot allow for anymore.
Keep it Goonerish................
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
A message to all Spuds, THE BRAGGING ENDS TONIGHT!
I've heard nothing but "5-1" ever since the Spuds turned our reserves over last season in the tin-pot cup. Tonight that bragging ends, the buck stops here.
I'm full of confidence going into tonight's game. The Arsenal first team will be pissed off that the Spuds embarrassed their mates last season and will be fired up for this one.
Even the great Harry Redknapp can't stop the inevitable. If Arsenal get an early goal then I can see an avalanche of Gooner goals raining in.
The last time we lost to the Spuds in the league was on my birthday, 7th November 1999 and despite their drubbing of our reserves last season they tend to forget the fact we did the double over them.
I expect the roof to be raised tonight and I expect a performance from the boys. The adrenalin is building up big time, its time for the bragging to stop.
Keep it Goonerish................
I'm full of confidence going into tonight's game. The Arsenal first team will be pissed off that the Spuds embarrassed their mates last season and will be fired up for this one.
Even the great Harry Redknapp can't stop the inevitable. If Arsenal get an early goal then I can see an avalanche of Gooner goals raining in.
The last time we lost to the Spuds in the league was on my birthday, 7th November 1999 and despite their drubbing of our reserves last season they tend to forget the fact we did the double over them.
I expect the roof to be raised tonight and I expect a performance from the boys. The adrenalin is building up big time, its time for the bragging to stop.
Keep it Goonerish................
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Goodbye to an Arsenal legend in the making
I would like to take the opportunity to say goodbye to a man who could have achieved legendary status at Arsenal.
Never given the chance to fulfill his true potential, he was sacked ruthlessly despite winning his team a new tea-mug, the first tea-mug they had won since 1999.
He was set to take his team to new heights, the dream of a top four finish would not have been beyond his club in the Championship.
Although his pride is dented, the reported £7.5 million compensation claim will no doubt help to heal his wounded ego.
Gooners world-wide, I'd like to say goodbye to Juande Ramos, who given the chance could "one-day" have helped Tottenham Hotspur be relegated. You could have been an Arsenal legend Juande.
Goodbye Mr Ramos.
Keep it Goonerish..............
Never given the chance to fulfill his true potential, he was sacked ruthlessly despite winning his team a new tea-mug, the first tea-mug they had won since 1999.
He was set to take his team to new heights, the dream of a top four finish would not have been beyond his club in the Championship.
Although his pride is dented, the reported £7.5 million compensation claim will no doubt help to heal his wounded ego.
Gooners world-wide, I'd like to say goodbye to Juande Ramos, who given the chance could "one-day" have helped Tottenham Hotspur be relegated. You could have been an Arsenal legend Juande.
Goodbye Mr Ramos.
Keep it Goonerish..............
Monday, 27 October 2008
Harry Redknapp is at a "big club" now, so Tony Adams to take over at Pompey?
Harry Redknapp has left Pompey in the lurch again to take over a "big club". I'm confused because the last time I checked Tottenham Hotspur were NOT a big club, just a club living in the shadows of a truly big club, Arsenal. Anyway, enough of that.
With Mr Redknapp realising his dream, there is the small matter of a managerial opening down at Portsmouth. Could Tony Adams be the man to continue Redknapp's work on the south-coast?
Portsmouth are a smashing club. They have a good side down there and the Pompey faithful are some of the best fans you will find. They are loud and fanatical about Portsmouth, especially that nutter who has about 4567 Pompey tattoo's and a big blue wig. He actually frightens me.
Tony Adams could find himself in the second job of his dreams at Fratton Park, obviously the first job of his dreams would be becoming Arsenal manager. Nevertheless, I'd say Portsmouth would a good job for him to begin his Premiership managerial career.
Tony Adams wants to prove that he can succeed as the gaffer after his spell at Wycombe didn't end the way he'd have liked. We Gooners know how determined he is and his time at Wycombe will have hurt him because he is a winner.
Hopefully the door at Portsmouth may have opened for him to have another crack at managing. If the chance arises it will be a great opportunity for him to give it ago and show what he can do.
Arsene Wenger recently said that he expects some of his former players to give managing a crack, could Tony Adams step up to the plate at Portsmouth given the chance?
Who knows, if he takes over at Pompey and does a good job he might find himself in the Arsenal hot-seat one day.
Keep it Goonerish.............
With Mr Redknapp realising his dream, there is the small matter of a managerial opening down at Portsmouth. Could Tony Adams be the man to continue Redknapp's work on the south-coast?
Portsmouth are a smashing club. They have a good side down there and the Pompey faithful are some of the best fans you will find. They are loud and fanatical about Portsmouth, especially that nutter who has about 4567 Pompey tattoo's and a big blue wig. He actually frightens me.
Tony Adams could find himself in the second job of his dreams at Fratton Park, obviously the first job of his dreams would be becoming Arsenal manager. Nevertheless, I'd say Portsmouth would a good job for him to begin his Premiership managerial career.
Tony Adams wants to prove that he can succeed as the gaffer after his spell at Wycombe didn't end the way he'd have liked. We Gooners know how determined he is and his time at Wycombe will have hurt him because he is a winner.
Hopefully the door at Portsmouth may have opened for him to have another crack at managing. If the chance arises it will be a great opportunity for him to give it ago and show what he can do.
Arsene Wenger recently said that he expects some of his former players to give managing a crack, could Tony Adams step up to the plate at Portsmouth given the chance?
Who knows, if he takes over at Pompey and does a good job he might find himself in the Arsenal hot-seat one day.
Keep it Goonerish.............
Saturday, 25 October 2008
Did Gallas actually kill anyone with that cigarette?
NO he didn't, but judging by some people's reactions you would have thought that he'd gone on a mass murdering spree poking people to death with his zippo lighter.
I'll admit it wasn't Gallas' finest hour, getting caught like that was stupid. He should have hid round the back of the bike sheds, it worked for me, I never got caught at school.
At the end of the day it hasn't done Billy any favours with Gooners but was it really that bad? Lot's of people smoke, it isn't a big deal.
People will say he's supposed to be a role-model to kids, well Gallas smoking or not smoking wouldn't influence them anyway. Kids OR anyone else will smoke because their mates do OR maybe because they want to.
I think there is a band-wagon forming about Gallas and lots of people are jumping on it. Any little mistake he makes is high-lighted to the extreme. Birmingham incident aside I can't work out why, but my main suspicion is because he used to play for Chelsea.
People say he isn't the right captain for the club, well who is? Arsene Wenger seems to think that he is and as it happens, so do I.
We can't keep comparing Gallas to captains of the past. Tony Adams IS the greatest captain of all time at Arsenal, but he was one of a kind. You will never see a captain like Adams again at the club in our life-time so its unfair to keep comparing the two. Its like comparing chalk and cheese.
I sometimes think that some Gooners can't wait for Gallas to slip up just to say I told you so, had it been Toure caught with a snout most Gooners would have probably laughed.
Lets not make a scapegoat out of him, although I fear that it's too late for that already.
Keep it Goonerish............
I'll admit it wasn't Gallas' finest hour, getting caught like that was stupid. He should have hid round the back of the bike sheds, it worked for me, I never got caught at school.
At the end of the day it hasn't done Billy any favours with Gooners but was it really that bad? Lot's of people smoke, it isn't a big deal.
People will say he's supposed to be a role-model to kids, well Gallas smoking or not smoking wouldn't influence them anyway. Kids OR anyone else will smoke because their mates do OR maybe because they want to.
I think there is a band-wagon forming about Gallas and lots of people are jumping on it. Any little mistake he makes is high-lighted to the extreme. Birmingham incident aside I can't work out why, but my main suspicion is because he used to play for Chelsea.
People say he isn't the right captain for the club, well who is? Arsene Wenger seems to think that he is and as it happens, so do I.
We can't keep comparing Gallas to captains of the past. Tony Adams IS the greatest captain of all time at Arsenal, but he was one of a kind. You will never see a captain like Adams again at the club in our life-time so its unfair to keep comparing the two. Its like comparing chalk and cheese.
I sometimes think that some Gooners can't wait for Gallas to slip up just to say I told you so, had it been Toure caught with a snout most Gooners would have probably laughed.
Lets not make a scapegoat out of him, although I fear that it's too late for that already.
Keep it Goonerish............
Friday, 24 October 2008
It works both ways Arsene!
Arsene Wenger has spoken of a lack of noise at the Emirates and while I'll admit that the match-day atmosphere could be improved greatly, I think he has a different motive behind his statement.
I don't really think its the noise issue that bothers him, the atmosphere at Arsenal has been the same throughout his time at the club. I think that Wenger feels Gooners don't have enough belief in the squad, he badly wants us to believe in this squad as much as he does.
Wenger has built a squad that is huge on talent and potential, but in my honest opinion I think we are still a little short. We are 90% there and deep down I'm sure Le Boss thinks so as well. Why else would he have tried to sign Alonso on dead-line day?
The lack of support comment from Arsene is harsh. We have supported everything that Arsene Wenger has done at the club and in recent years we have been very supportive despite a lack of silverware. We have been patient while Arsene rebuilds his latest side and I think he forgets that.
Of course you will get grumbling from the fans, I grumble about Arsenal but its only because I care about and love the club. I think Arsene Wenger needs to realise how lucky he is too have such support from fans because the situation can easily turn. Had Wenger been in charge of Chelsea, Manchester United or even Tottenham, I'm sure there would have been many calls for his head over the lack of silverware in recent years.
We are lucky too that we have such a great manager and thats why we are patient and understanding of what Wenger is trying to do at Arsenal. We realise that the squad is young and needs time, thats why we understand about a lack of trophies.
However, Wenger wants his side to deliver NOW so there are no excuses anymore about the side being young. It's time for the side to win things again and all it needs is one trophy and the rest will follow.
I'm prepared to throw all my weight behind the side and support them (like I always have) to the best of my ability. The side needs our support but the side needs to deliver. It works both ways!
Keep it Goonerish.......
I don't really think its the noise issue that bothers him, the atmosphere at Arsenal has been the same throughout his time at the club. I think that Wenger feels Gooners don't have enough belief in the squad, he badly wants us to believe in this squad as much as he does.
Wenger has built a squad that is huge on talent and potential, but in my honest opinion I think we are still a little short. We are 90% there and deep down I'm sure Le Boss thinks so as well. Why else would he have tried to sign Alonso on dead-line day?
The lack of support comment from Arsene is harsh. We have supported everything that Arsene Wenger has done at the club and in recent years we have been very supportive despite a lack of silverware. We have been patient while Arsene rebuilds his latest side and I think he forgets that.
Of course you will get grumbling from the fans, I grumble about Arsenal but its only because I care about and love the club. I think Arsene Wenger needs to realise how lucky he is too have such support from fans because the situation can easily turn. Had Wenger been in charge of Chelsea, Manchester United or even Tottenham, I'm sure there would have been many calls for his head over the lack of silverware in recent years.
We are lucky too that we have such a great manager and thats why we are patient and understanding of what Wenger is trying to do at Arsenal. We realise that the squad is young and needs time, thats why we understand about a lack of trophies.
However, Wenger wants his side to deliver NOW so there are no excuses anymore about the side being young. It's time for the side to win things again and all it needs is one trophy and the rest will follow.
I'm prepared to throw all my weight behind the side and support them (like I always have) to the best of my ability. The side needs our support but the side needs to deliver. It works both ways!
Keep it Goonerish.......
Thursday, 23 October 2008
What does the future hold for Johan Djourou?
As Le-Boss whittled down the team sheet for the game against Fenerbahce Johan Djourou must have been sitting there listening through gritted teeth. He wasn't starting again.
Johan Djourou is one of our brightest talents at the club and he now finds himself as the FIFTH choice centre back, for a player of his quality that is criminal.
Song is a player who doesn't have a position that he can call his own, a "jack of all trades" if you like yet he is picked in front of Djourou. I can't understand it!
I think Song is a player that every squad needs, he can provide cover but he shouldn't be played at the expense of someone like Djourou, especially at the back, an area we struggle in at the best of times.
Djourou has shown that he is ready and more than capable of a starting place in the Arsenal side. I believe when he and Gallas began the season as a partnership we looked more solid than we have done in a long time.
Instead Djourou finds himself on the bench despite our regular partnership of Gallas and Toure unavailable. What does the boy have to do to play?
Keep it Goonerish...........
Johan Djourou is one of our brightest talents at the club and he now finds himself as the FIFTH choice centre back, for a player of his quality that is criminal.
Song is a player who doesn't have a position that he can call his own, a "jack of all trades" if you like yet he is picked in front of Djourou. I can't understand it!
I think Song is a player that every squad needs, he can provide cover but he shouldn't be played at the expense of someone like Djourou, especially at the back, an area we struggle in at the best of times.
Djourou has shown that he is ready and more than capable of a starting place in the Arsenal side. I believe when he and Gallas began the season as a partnership we looked more solid than we have done in a long time.
Instead Djourou finds himself on the bench despite our regular partnership of Gallas and Toure unavailable. What does the boy have to do to play?
Keep it Goonerish...........
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Success is built on the foundations of a solid defence
Any side with aspirations to winning the Champions League or any competition needs a solid defence. Arsenal looked far from solid last night.
How many times were we carved open and forced to rely on the excellent Manuel Almunia? Too many in my opinion.
We were also lucky that Fenerbahce had the Spanish equivalent of Adebayor playing up front for them, Guiza and Adebayor must be in a competition for who can be offside the most. I've no idea who will win.
Admittedly Arsenal didn't have our first choice defensive pairing playing, but then again Gallas and Toure haven't looked the most solid partnership this season either.
We have big problems at the back and it's needs rectifying, on another night this game could have ended 5-5 and all the team's superb attacking play would have been undone.
And superb we were going forward. We looked like scoring every time we went forward, it was a joy to watch. Nothing can be taken away from the team in an attacking sense, to go to such a heated atmosphere and score five goals is an incredible achievement and one we Gooners are very proud of. However despite this we cannot overlook the fact we were opened up at will by a poor Fenerbahce side.
As I've said from an attacking point of view we couldn't have done anymore, however great we were going forward the same has to be said for Manuel Almunia. He was top notch and gave a captains performance, it was probably the best display I've seen from Almunia in an Arsenal shirt. He was amazing.
I hate to sound negative about the defence after such a great win but it needs to be said. If we don't sharpen up at the back we will end up potless again and what a shame what would be. We have proved to devastating effect the damage we can do to teams, if we can be more solid at the back we could win the lot.
Keep it Goonerish........
How many times were we carved open and forced to rely on the excellent Manuel Almunia? Too many in my opinion.
We were also lucky that Fenerbahce had the Spanish equivalent of Adebayor playing up front for them, Guiza and Adebayor must be in a competition for who can be offside the most. I've no idea who will win.
Admittedly Arsenal didn't have our first choice defensive pairing playing, but then again Gallas and Toure haven't looked the most solid partnership this season either.
We have big problems at the back and it's needs rectifying, on another night this game could have ended 5-5 and all the team's superb attacking play would have been undone.
And superb we were going forward. We looked like scoring every time we went forward, it was a joy to watch. Nothing can be taken away from the team in an attacking sense, to go to such a heated atmosphere and score five goals is an incredible achievement and one we Gooners are very proud of. However despite this we cannot overlook the fact we were opened up at will by a poor Fenerbahce side.
As I've said from an attacking point of view we couldn't have done anymore, however great we were going forward the same has to be said for Manuel Almunia. He was top notch and gave a captains performance, it was probably the best display I've seen from Almunia in an Arsenal shirt. He was amazing.
I hate to sound negative about the defence after such a great win but it needs to be said. If we don't sharpen up at the back we will end up potless again and what a shame what would be. We have proved to devastating effect the damage we can do to teams, if we can be more solid at the back we could win the lot.
Keep it Goonerish........
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Almunia leads Arsenal out as captain in Turkey
With William Gallas and Kolo Toure missing tonight's game in Turkey through injury, Manuel Almunia will lead out the Gunners as captain in a surprise choice by Arsene Wenger.
The Spanish keeper has come far in his short time at Arsenal and being selected as Arsenal skipper will be the highest point of his career to date.
I believed that Cesc Fabregas would have been handed the armband in Gallas' and Toure's absence but that has not been the case. These days it seems the oldest player in the Arsenal side gets the captaincy through default!
Anyway, good luck Manuel!
Keep it Goonerish...........
The Spanish keeper has come far in his short time at Arsenal and being selected as Arsenal skipper will be the highest point of his career to date.
I believed that Cesc Fabregas would have been handed the armband in Gallas' and Toure's absence but that has not been the case. These days it seems the oldest player in the Arsenal side gets the captaincy through default!
Anyway, good luck Manuel!
Keep it Goonerish...........
Monday, 20 October 2008
Silence the crowd and Fenerbahce will become Turkey-Twizzlers
Arsenal can be guaranteed one thing tonight in Istanbul; a white-hot atmosphere that would send chills down even the most experienced players neck.
It will be the toughest game we face away from home in our Champions League group and I hope that this young Arsenal side can cope with being sent into Hell.
It will interesting to see how Arsenal react to being in such a hostile place, it will separate the men from the boys or in Arsenal's case, the boys from the boys!
Fenerbahce are a dangerous side, especially at home with a partisan crowd behind them. I believe the key to winning this game is to silence that fanatic support.
If we manage to get the crowd quiet it will have a major impact on how Fenerbahce play. With that crowd behind them it can seem like they have a twelve man. Without that support Fenerbahce can look a shadow of themselves.
I hope that the ref in this game is a strong one. Decisions can be influenced by supporters as we are unhappily aware of. Who can forget the way Babel won that penalty at Anfield last season? The Anfield faithful played a huge part in that penalty being awarded.
I believe we can win in Turkey. It will be the toughest test we have faced this season and Arsene Wenger's young side will either freeze or show no fear.
I'm sure I've heard before that youngsters show no fear.
Keep it Goonerish.............
It will be the toughest game we face away from home in our Champions League group and I hope that this young Arsenal side can cope with being sent into Hell.
It will interesting to see how Arsenal react to being in such a hostile place, it will separate the men from the boys or in Arsenal's case, the boys from the boys!
Fenerbahce are a dangerous side, especially at home with a partisan crowd behind them. I believe the key to winning this game is to silence that fanatic support.
If we manage to get the crowd quiet it will have a major impact on how Fenerbahce play. With that crowd behind them it can seem like they have a twelve man. Without that support Fenerbahce can look a shadow of themselves.
I hope that the ref in this game is a strong one. Decisions can be influenced by supporters as we are unhappily aware of. Who can forget the way Babel won that penalty at Anfield last season? The Anfield faithful played a huge part in that penalty being awarded.
I believe we can win in Turkey. It will be the toughest test we have faced this season and Arsene Wenger's young side will either freeze or show no fear.
I'm sure I've heard before that youngsters show no fear.
Keep it Goonerish.............
Mourinho in the Arsenal hot seat?
Arsene Wenger's contract at Arsenal ends in 2011 and he has admitted it will be a check point in his career.
From Wenger's perspective it could be the right time to take on a national job, such as Germany or obviously France.
It will leave a huge void the day Arsene Wenger decides to leave Arsenal and a strong character would be needed to fill the gap. Jose Mourinho is a strong character but would Gooners take to him?
Love him or hate him, it can't be denied that he is a good manager but his style of play isn't the type that would appease the Arsenal faithful.
Mourinho has stated that he wants to return to England when he ends his time at Inter Milan. I think he would relish the opportunity to take on a job like Arsenal. But could he succeed without the huge funds he had at Chelsea?
I've said in the past that I'd like someone to continue the Wenger way of football, someone like Slaven Bilic appeals to me but he hasn't been tested in the day to day running of a football club.
Whenever Le Boss leaves it will be a very sad day for Arsenal football club but I'm sure he will have some say in who succeeds him.
Would any Gooners accept Mourinho as the next Arsenal manager?
Keep it Goonerish....................
From Wenger's perspective it could be the right time to take on a national job, such as Germany or obviously France.
It will leave a huge void the day Arsene Wenger decides to leave Arsenal and a strong character would be needed to fill the gap. Jose Mourinho is a strong character but would Gooners take to him?
Love him or hate him, it can't be denied that he is a good manager but his style of play isn't the type that would appease the Arsenal faithful.
Mourinho has stated that he wants to return to England when he ends his time at Inter Milan. I think he would relish the opportunity to take on a job like Arsenal. But could he succeed without the huge funds he had at Chelsea?
I've said in the past that I'd like someone to continue the Wenger way of football, someone like Slaven Bilic appeals to me but he hasn't been tested in the day to day running of a football club.
Whenever Le Boss leaves it will be a very sad day for Arsenal football club but I'm sure he will have some say in who succeeds him.
Would any Gooners accept Mourinho as the next Arsenal manager?
Keep it Goonerish....................
Sunday, 19 October 2008
First Vieira, then Henry, now Cesc. Will it ever end?
Cesc Fabregas must be getting pretty pissed off having to answer questions about his future all the time.
It seems that everyday a new story is published about his future and he has to keep coming out to deny the rumours.
Everything he says is taken out of context and I'll readily admit that I have fallen for some of the rumours.
The poor lad can't win. If he doesn't respond and remains silent on the issue then he is leaving. If he does respond then he will only have to repeat himself again in the near future.
Fabregas shouldn't have to keep announcing that he is happy at Arsenal. I'm going to take his word for it and I will never doubt him again over these rumours. If he is leaving I'm sure he will be the first to let us Gooners know.
It seems that the media have an agenda with Arsenal's players. It used to be that Vieira was always about to walk out on us, then Henry was continually linked with a move away and now it is the next superstar at Arsenal, Fabregas.
Will this constant hounding of Arsenal's best players ever end? I was worried that Fabregas would be influenced into moving away from Arsenal but someone quite rightly pointed out that Cesc is not easily led. Thank god that he isn't.
He is very strong-minded and a determined individual. When he says he is happy at Arsenal I believe him.
The rumours will never go away about his future but I'm convinced that whatever comes from Fabregas' mouth is true. No more jumping the gun from me. He is happy at Arsenal and is surely the next captain.
Keep it Goonerish...............
It seems that everyday a new story is published about his future and he has to keep coming out to deny the rumours.
Everything he says is taken out of context and I'll readily admit that I have fallen for some of the rumours.
The poor lad can't win. If he doesn't respond and remains silent on the issue then he is leaving. If he does respond then he will only have to repeat himself again in the near future.
Fabregas shouldn't have to keep announcing that he is happy at Arsenal. I'm going to take his word for it and I will never doubt him again over these rumours. If he is leaving I'm sure he will be the first to let us Gooners know.
It seems that the media have an agenda with Arsenal's players. It used to be that Vieira was always about to walk out on us, then Henry was continually linked with a move away and now it is the next superstar at Arsenal, Fabregas.
Will this constant hounding of Arsenal's best players ever end? I was worried that Fabregas would be influenced into moving away from Arsenal but someone quite rightly pointed out that Cesc is not easily led. Thank god that he isn't.
He is very strong-minded and a determined individual. When he says he is happy at Arsenal I believe him.
The rumours will never go away about his future but I'm convinced that whatever comes from Fabregas' mouth is true. No more jumping the gun from me. He is happy at Arsenal and is surely the next captain.
Keep it Goonerish...............
DIABY'S TWIN BROTHER IN ARSENAL TRIAL
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Why do we always begin at a snail's pace?
The three points is a huge boost and a welcome one at that. When we went a goal behind and missed our usual 467 chances I had a horrible feeling it was going to be one of those days.
Alas for the Toffees it wasn't meant to be, they ended up well and truly chewed up and then spat out. It could have been a "sticky" situation for Arsenal had we not taken the three points today.
We weren't at our best in the first half but had the better chances to score. The Everton goal was poor defensively from Arsenal's point of view, who was tracking Leon Osman's run from the midfield?
Arsenal had an early scare in the second half but other than that we were immense in the second period. Le Boss must have had some stern words at the interval because the players came out like they had rockets up their arses!
One reason for this was due to the introduction of Theo Walcott, his pace and movement stretched a disciplined Everton side. I also couldn't understand why Eboue didn't start at right-back, Song is never a full-back and it was proved today.
Le-Boss does make some strange selection choices at times but the change at half-time was spot on. I do wonder though if Arsene would have actually made the change had it not been forced on him by Kolo Toure's injury? He isn't known for making changes at half-time and can sometimes leave substitutions a little too late meaning the sub hasn't enough time to make an impact.
My main gripe today though is why do we seem to start games at such a lethargic pace? I've seen snails move faster and Adebayor is the prime suspect. Look at the damage we did to Everton in the second half, we had too much for them. If we started games like that we could have the points in the bag at half-time. Why do we only seem to get going when we go a goal behind?
Keep it Goonerish.............
Alas for the Toffees it wasn't meant to be, they ended up well and truly chewed up and then spat out. It could have been a "sticky" situation for Arsenal had we not taken the three points today.
We weren't at our best in the first half but had the better chances to score. The Everton goal was poor defensively from Arsenal's point of view, who was tracking Leon Osman's run from the midfield?
Arsenal had an early scare in the second half but other than that we were immense in the second period. Le Boss must have had some stern words at the interval because the players came out like they had rockets up their arses!
One reason for this was due to the introduction of Theo Walcott, his pace and movement stretched a disciplined Everton side. I also couldn't understand why Eboue didn't start at right-back, Song is never a full-back and it was proved today.
Le-Boss does make some strange selection choices at times but the change at half-time was spot on. I do wonder though if Arsene would have actually made the change had it not been forced on him by Kolo Toure's injury? He isn't known for making changes at half-time and can sometimes leave substitutions a little too late meaning the sub hasn't enough time to make an impact.
My main gripe today though is why do we seem to start games at such a lethargic pace? I've seen snails move faster and Adebayor is the prime suspect. Look at the damage we did to Everton in the second half, we had too much for them. If we started games like that we could have the points in the bag at half-time. Why do we only seem to get going when we go a goal behind?
Keep it Goonerish.............
At last PROPER football is back!
Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased that England came out of the International week with six points and are top of the group but I'm more pleased that it's over and we can concentrate on some PROPER football again.
The International week bores me and the propaganda that comes with it bores me even more. At the moment in the eyes of the hypocritical English press England are heroes and world-beaters, how soon will that change?
I love England but I love Arsenal a whole lot more. I find it difficult to support England when I see the team sheet. It would make me a hypocrite to support any non-Arsenal players when at the weekend I see them playing for the Manchester United's or Chelsea's and I want them to fall flat on their arses!
Someone at work asked me if I had a choice of England winning the World Cup or Arsenal winning the League what would I choose. My answer of course was Arsenal being champions and I'm sure most Gooners across the globe would reply the same given that question.
I think that the fans supporting England nowadays are most likely to be supporters of clubs from the lower leagues or fans of clubs with a low status. It may sound arrogant but most fans from the big four and the other clubs competing around them just want players to come back injury free from these Internationals. In theory the Arsenal's, Liverpool's etc have bigger fish to fry.
It's good to be looking forward to an Arsenal game again. The feeling of being at the Emirates is back and what a feeling that is! I'm sorry but England games don't compare to this, proper football is back and let's hope that Arsenal get back to winning ways.
Keep it Goonerish..............
The International week bores me and the propaganda that comes with it bores me even more. At the moment in the eyes of the hypocritical English press England are heroes and world-beaters, how soon will that change?
I love England but I love Arsenal a whole lot more. I find it difficult to support England when I see the team sheet. It would make me a hypocrite to support any non-Arsenal players when at the weekend I see them playing for the Manchester United's or Chelsea's and I want them to fall flat on their arses!
Someone at work asked me if I had a choice of England winning the World Cup or Arsenal winning the League what would I choose. My answer of course was Arsenal being champions and I'm sure most Gooners across the globe would reply the same given that question.
I think that the fans supporting England nowadays are most likely to be supporters of clubs from the lower leagues or fans of clubs with a low status. It may sound arrogant but most fans from the big four and the other clubs competing around them just want players to come back injury free from these Internationals. In theory the Arsenal's, Liverpool's etc have bigger fish to fry.
It's good to be looking forward to an Arsenal game again. The feeling of being at the Emirates is back and what a feeling that is! I'm sorry but England games don't compare to this, proper football is back and let's hope that Arsenal get back to winning ways.
Keep it Goonerish..............
Friday, 17 October 2008
Djourou will be in and then swiftly out........Again!
I feel for Johan Djourou because even if he has a blinder in the games that William Gallas is injured he will be outed from the team as soon as our skipper is fit again.
When he began the season in the side he looked very comfortable alongside William Gallas and deserved an extended run in the line-up. Instead as soon as Kolo Toure was fit he was replaced and the shaky partnership of Gallas-Toure was restored.
I, along with many other Gooners have called for him to be given a chance to prove himself because without doubt he has the ability and he could be the perfect partner to either Gallas or Toure. I'd prefer Gallas and Djourou personally.
Our defensive problems continue with Sagna also being ruled out and I should imagine that Le Boss will start with Kolo at right back and a pairing of Silvestre and Djourou at the heart of the defence.
I've no doubt in my mind that Djourou will step up to the task but I also have no doubt in my mind that once Gallas is fit Johan will find himself back on the bench getting splinters in his arse.
I think that if a player comes into the side and performs then he should remain in the team on merit. It shouldn't matter who the player is or his reputation, if they are replaced adequately then they should win their place back. That didn't happen with Kolo and it won't happen with Gallas.
This leads to complacency and I'd argue that a few of the Arsenal squad know that their place in the first-team is never in jeopardy. This shouldn't be the case and I hope that if Djourou does well then he holds his selection down.
Keep it Goonerish..............
When he began the season in the side he looked very comfortable alongside William Gallas and deserved an extended run in the line-up. Instead as soon as Kolo Toure was fit he was replaced and the shaky partnership of Gallas-Toure was restored.
I, along with many other Gooners have called for him to be given a chance to prove himself because without doubt he has the ability and he could be the perfect partner to either Gallas or Toure. I'd prefer Gallas and Djourou personally.
Our defensive problems continue with Sagna also being ruled out and I should imagine that Le Boss will start with Kolo at right back and a pairing of Silvestre and Djourou at the heart of the defence.
I've no doubt in my mind that Djourou will step up to the task but I also have no doubt in my mind that once Gallas is fit Johan will find himself back on the bench getting splinters in his arse.
I think that if a player comes into the side and performs then he should remain in the team on merit. It shouldn't matter who the player is or his reputation, if they are replaced adequately then they should win their place back. That didn't happen with Kolo and it won't happen with Gallas.
This leads to complacency and I'd argue that a few of the Arsenal squad know that their place in the first-team is never in jeopardy. This shouldn't be the case and I hope that if Djourou does well then he holds his selection down.
Keep it Goonerish..............
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Has Hleb succeeded in his mission? Has Fabregas had his head turned?
I firmly believe that Hleb and all the other fuckers out there doing their best to brain-wash Cesc Fabregas into leaving Arsenal may have finally hit the jackpot. Cesc has had his head turned by the bastards and one man, and one man only can save the day, enter Arsene Wenger.
We Gooners have been saying it for ages, even Le Boss himself said it in the summer and now Cesc Fabregas has stated the bleeding obvious, we lack experience. It's little wonder Cesc is beginning to listen to other people. It's up to Mr Wenger to sort it.
I love Arsene and what he has done for Arsenal, he has transformed us but he can be a stubborn man. He has put a huge amount of faith in his young side but Fabregas has admitted it's hard for such a young side to perform every week.
It's great that Wenger has such belief in this side but I think he needs to admit to himself that having belief is not always enough. If players like Cesc Fabregas, who is your best player, have doubts then surely it's time to listen.
Fabregas has a wise head on young shoulders but is this really fair on him? He should be in the side and looking up to others, not trying to help carry players around the same age as him. It's a lot for such a young man, regardless of how talented he is, to take on.
A whole club and it's supporters rely on these youngsters, that's a lot for them to handle. They need guidance and experienced heads around them to help cope with the pressure. If you look at the current squad we are threadbare in this department.
Arsene Wenger and Cesc Fabregas enjoy an almost father-son type of relationship but that doesn't mean Cesc won't listen to other people. I've no doubt that some of the Spanish squad has put doubts in Cesc's ear about Arsenal. They will be telling him to come back to Spain, and I bet they are players that Cesc looks up to, players with influence. Who can influence him at Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger should do some listening too. Fabregas' views should be noticed, after all, he is the one on the pitch. I'm hoping that these comments from Fabregas give Wenger a kick up the ass or I worry if nothing is done then we will be saying adios to our little Spaniard.
Keep it Goonerish............
We Gooners have been saying it for ages, even Le Boss himself said it in the summer and now Cesc Fabregas has stated the bleeding obvious, we lack experience. It's little wonder Cesc is beginning to listen to other people. It's up to Mr Wenger to sort it.
I love Arsene and what he has done for Arsenal, he has transformed us but he can be a stubborn man. He has put a huge amount of faith in his young side but Fabregas has admitted it's hard for such a young side to perform every week.
It's great that Wenger has such belief in this side but I think he needs to admit to himself that having belief is not always enough. If players like Cesc Fabregas, who is your best player, have doubts then surely it's time to listen.
Fabregas has a wise head on young shoulders but is this really fair on him? He should be in the side and looking up to others, not trying to help carry players around the same age as him. It's a lot for such a young man, regardless of how talented he is, to take on.
A whole club and it's supporters rely on these youngsters, that's a lot for them to handle. They need guidance and experienced heads around them to help cope with the pressure. If you look at the current squad we are threadbare in this department.
Arsene Wenger and Cesc Fabregas enjoy an almost father-son type of relationship but that doesn't mean Cesc won't listen to other people. I've no doubt that some of the Spanish squad has put doubts in Cesc's ear about Arsenal. They will be telling him to come back to Spain, and I bet they are players that Cesc looks up to, players with influence. Who can influence him at Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger should do some listening too. Fabregas' views should be noticed, after all, he is the one on the pitch. I'm hoping that these comments from Fabregas give Wenger a kick up the ass or I worry if nothing is done then we will be saying adios to our little Spaniard.
Keep it Goonerish............
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Who do they look up too?
Some conversations stick in your mind and inspire you. Gael Clichy has revealed how Dennis Bergkamp gave him some advice and it spurred him on, eventually he won a first team place.
Looking at the current squad it is full of talent but has a lack of experienced heads to pass on some much needed advice.
We need players who have been there and done it. Players like Bergkamp and Vieira, players who know how to win things.
Some Gooners doubt Gallas but he is one of few in the squad that actually can pass on their knowledge.
Arsene Wenger is building a very talented squad but they need leadership. In previous Wenger sides we have had several leaders in the side at once. Take the invincibles, that side was full of leaders, players that the youngsters could look up too.
I've never had the privilege of being a professional footballer but I can't imagine there is anything better than training and taking advice from someone like Dennis Bergkamp.
We need more leaders.
Keep it Goonerish......
Looking at the current squad it is full of talent but has a lack of experienced heads to pass on some much needed advice.
We need players who have been there and done it. Players like Bergkamp and Vieira, players who know how to win things.
Some Gooners doubt Gallas but he is one of few in the squad that actually can pass on their knowledge.
Arsene Wenger is building a very talented squad but they need leadership. In previous Wenger sides we have had several leaders in the side at once. Take the invincibles, that side was full of leaders, players that the youngsters could look up too.
I've never had the privilege of being a professional footballer but I can't imagine there is anything better than training and taking advice from someone like Dennis Bergkamp.
We need more leaders.
Keep it Goonerish......
Monday, 13 October 2008
Fans have every right to boo Ashley Cole
A lot has been made of the booing that Ashley Cole received from England fans on Saturday, especially from the pampered stars like Rio Ferdinand. He believes that fans should be ashamed of themselves and that they are ignorant. That statement is rich coming from a man who "forgot" he was selected to take a drug test and was banned for eight months.
What players like Ferdinand forget is that fans have every right to voice their opinion. They pay huge amounts of money to go and see football matches so I think that they have every right to voice an opinion and if the players don't like it then tough.
Players earn fortunes and are lucky that they play football for a living, its the most perfect job in the world. They know that booing is part and parcel of the game and should just accept it. At least it was only booing and it wasn't the racist chanting heard in Croatia. It puts the situation into perspective when you compare booing and racist chants.
People will think that I'm only defending the taunts on Ashley Cole because I can't forgive his move to Chelsea. Of course his move and how it developed still rankles with me but that is not the reason for writing this, I think that fans pay enough money to boo and cheer as much as they want.
Players love the adulation from fans but when it gets tough they begin to cry. They should just deal with it and get on with it. They can't have it all their own way. Unless they want to start paying for the fans to watch then I suggest the players just shut up and play football, which is what they are payed to do.
Keep it Goonerish...............
What players like Ferdinand forget is that fans have every right to voice their opinion. They pay huge amounts of money to go and see football matches so I think that they have every right to voice an opinion and if the players don't like it then tough.
Players earn fortunes and are lucky that they play football for a living, its the most perfect job in the world. They know that booing is part and parcel of the game and should just accept it. At least it was only booing and it wasn't the racist chanting heard in Croatia. It puts the situation into perspective when you compare booing and racist chants.
People will think that I'm only defending the taunts on Ashley Cole because I can't forgive his move to Chelsea. Of course his move and how it developed still rankles with me but that is not the reason for writing this, I think that fans pay enough money to boo and cheer as much as they want.
Players love the adulation from fans but when it gets tough they begin to cry. They should just deal with it and get on with it. They can't have it all their own way. Unless they want to start paying for the fans to watch then I suggest the players just shut up and play football, which is what they are payed to do.
Keep it Goonerish...............
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