Laurent Koscielny? He Won't Be The Last Defender Coming In

This summer the Arsenal back-line has taken a bigger pounding than Lindsay Lohan's back-door.

Big Sol looks like he's off to Celtic to enjoy an easy ending to his career, Fish-Head is going home to the Atlantic Ocean, while Big Willy has not been seen since France's exit from the World Cup. He is rumoured to be in a mental home.

This leaves us with TWO centre-backs in Johan Djourou and Thomas Vermaelen. It that enough for an entire campaign of football?

Of course it's not I hear you scream!

It's widely believed that Laurent Koscielny, the Polish-French centre-back, will be signing for us in the next couple of days.

So with him signing, and going by my mathematics, that makes three centre-backs at the club.

We really could do with another. I think Arsene Wenger will sign another too.

In my opinion Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djouoru will start as the first-choice pairing this season.

What's that you say Wrighty? Wenger has just spent £8.1m on Koscielny so surely he will start as one of the two centre-backs.

I think not.

Thomas Vermaelen is going to be the number one choice next season. He's earned that title and possibly a crack at the Skippers arm-band if Cesc Fabregas does leave.

Johan Djourou said that Wenger told him he sold Kolo Toure for the Swiss man to play. That's enough for me.

I think Johan has earned his stripes at the club, served his apprenticeship, and is more than good enough to start despite his doubters.

Ideally I think Wenger would like Sol Campbell to stay but I can't see it. If Sol did stay then I doubt we would see another defender joining but as I've said it looks like he is off.

For me Laurent Koscielny will begin his Arsenal career as back-up. Probably to Vermaelen due to him being left-footed like our Belgian defender.

With Koscielny being the back-up left sided center-back, Wenger will need a back-up right sided one too.

That's why I believe Laurent Koscielny will not be the last defender signing for Arsenal this summer.

Keep it Goonerish.........

Please, Please, Please No Robert Green!

I keep hearing or seeing these rumours linking us with West Ham United and England goalkeeper Robert Green and to be honest it is giving me nightmares.

I know we need a new 'keeper but Robert Green?

Please no! Say it isn't true!

I'm sorry but in my opinion he is no better than our very own Manuel Almunia.

We need someone who will instill a bit of confidence in the back-line and for me Green is certainly not that man.

Over the last season many knocked Almunia for his mistakes. Well, Robert Green made mistakes that led to MORE goals than ANYONE else in the Premiership.

So that means he made more fuck-ups than the Spaniard did too. So why do we 'apparently' want him?

Don't get me wrong, Green is a good keeper but NOT a great one and a club the size of ours need a great keeper.

People say that the last world-class keeper we had was David Seaman. I disagree. I think Jens Lehmann was world-class too and he was outed quicker than lager turns to piss.

For me, Joe Hart is a great keeper. Yes, he isn't in the class of David Seaman or Jens Lehmann, yet, but I have no doubt he will be.

I don't think Green can improve his game anymore whereas Hart will just get better and better.

Englands number one should be Joe Hart. Yes, he lacks experience, but so does Germany's first choice keeper Manuel Neuer, and if the Germans can use an inexperienced goalie, then so can England.

With it being well-known that Arsenal made a bid for Fulham's Mark Schwarzer it is obvious that we after a new stopper between the sticks.

If we are going to take a gamble then I'd rather take one on Joe Hart and certainly not Robert Green.

Keep it Goonerish.............

And People Worship This P*ick?

What a slap in the face for England fans.

Not only did we have to watch that pile of shit attempt to play football, we had to take abuse from the one 'saviour' in our team too.

This was meant to be Wayne Rooney's World Cup. The year he announced himself on the same stage as Pele, Maradonna and Shakespeare.

Yeah right.

Rooney has been abysmal in this tournament. I've always thought he was over-rated, now I'm definitely seeing why.

People are quick to jump on Emile Heskey's back, make him a scapegoat. He is the easy target isn't he? When he makes a mistake its well documented.

However, if Rooney fucks something up then excuses are made for him. Its a liberty.

I hope now people see what I've seen in Rooney all this time. That he is an ungrateful petulant little munster and he is not as good as people like to make out he is.

How dare he have a pop at England fans. Calling us unloyal.

Loyal? He doesn't know the meaning of the word. Didn't he once say 'Always a blue' then straight away switch alliance from Everton to Manchester United at the drop of a hat?

Those England fans out there in South Africa deserve better. Some probably saved up since the last World Cup to get out there and yet Rooney calls them unloyal?

This is why I find it hard to support England. I hate the likes of Rooney, Terry and co. They all think they are better than what they are and throw their dummy's out when the going gets tough.

The truth is England are being found out. We can talk about how great the likes of Rooney is all day long but they aren't great. They look good at club level but that's only because they are being carried by the 'dirty foreigners' that people are quick to condemn.

The fans who paid fortunes to go to Africa, to watch those wankers, have every right to boo. It was bad enough to watch on TV, if I'd have paid the money the England fans have to get there I'd expect a lot more too!

I never thought a lot of Rooney before this World Cup and I'm surprised but I think even less of him now. The man has thrown back everything in the face of us English. He needs to grow up.

Keep it Goonerish........

Where Is The 'Dig' From Cesc Here?

“Here they give us much more information than they do at Arsenal, definitely.”

“At Arsenal we don’t really look at anything from the other team, we look for ourselves and that’s it.

“Here, maybe two three days before the game, we start looking at some videos, we know more or less the starting eleven that is going to play … we know nearly everything about them.

“You just have to have your group of friends here, you play cards, you play Playstation, you have fun. We train morning, afternoon, go to sleep early … you don’t have much time to think about it really.”

I've read this comment from a Cesc Fabregas interview until my eyes have bled and I still, for the life of me, cannot see a direct dig at Arsenal or Arsene Wenger anywhere.

You can interpret and analyse these few sentences until your brain can take no more but for me, the simple fact is, there is nothing in these comments.

Fabregas was asked to compare the difference between Arsenal and Spain's preparation for upcoming football matches. He is not having a dig!

Its a well known fact that Arsene Wenger pretty much concentrates on just what Arsenal do, not what the opposition do.

Whether this is right or wrong I don't know but what I do know that Wenger knows more than I do!

Of course I can see why this comment could be taken out of context. All summer we've had this shit from Barcelona and the media twisting anything that Cesc says into something more than what it is.

I look at it like this; Whatever will be will be.

It may seem all doom and gloom surrounding our skipper at the moment but I don't think he would disrespect the club and the man who made him into the superstar he is today.

He is better than that. He is classy. Just like Arsenal.

Keep it Goonerish................

Yaya Yaya Yaya Yaya Yaya!

How about Na Na Na Na Na and one more for luck, Na.

This is one transfer that will never, ever, ever happen. Never in my whole entire stinking existence anyway.

Why are Arsenal forever being linked with Yaya Toure? I know his agent (pimp) has been whoring Kolo's little brother around like a little hoe but flip de flop I wish there would be an end to it all!

Everywhere I look I see the speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal or even rejecting us!

Now that makes me giggle like a school girl. Yaya Toure, rejecting a move to Arsenal? Does nobody actually remember the fact that he was on trial for Arsenal once. And was rejected.

So who has done the rejecting?

I can't doubt that Yaya is a quality player but there is no chance of him joining Arsenal so whenever you see that he would consider a move to us or that he has turned us down don't pay attention.

The story, like my blog, is boring now.

Of course Yaya Toure is at the World Cup and putting himself in the shop window. Did you know that he has even rejected Arsenal?

Talking of the World Cup a pal of mine runs a World Cup blog called A2BWorld Cup. Check it out. It has some interesting articles. I wrote on there once too about England's chances of glory.

Slim to fuck all if you ask me.

I can't wait till tomorrow. The Premiership fixtures are announced and finally proper football will be back soon.

Is it me or has this World Cup been shite so far? As for those poxy trumpet things..........

Keep it Goonerish.............

Where Is The Love?

I felt a right wanker last night. Still do a little bit.

The reason? I just can't muster up the love for England and still haven't caught World Cup fever or even a cold.

How bad is that? I don't even feel that bothered about England. There must be something wrong with me.

Even Robert Green's mental mistake didn't affect me. To be honest I laughed. I giggled at a fuck up that could cost my country qualification from the group stages.

Its unreal really because I know for a fact that had it been Arsenal I was watching last night and an Arsenal keeper making an error like that I'd have the right arse today. Proper.

So why am I like this? It's not always been like this for me. In the last World Cup I loved England, in fact I found the whole thing exciting and got caught up in the frenzy.

Last night one of my mates (a real one) asked me if I had a choice between an England World Cup victory or Arsenal winning the Premiership what would I choose. I chose Arsenal. Not even a little hesitation and most of my pals were shocked. They couldn't understand.

I'm sure its the same for most Gooners. Most of us would put Arsenal over their countries any day.

Keep it Goonerish..........

Gallas And Senderos SHOULD Have Been Arsenal Legends

Well Philippe Senderos has gone and it looks like William Gallas is on his toes too.

Its a shame really because I feel that both should have become Arsenal legends.

The truth is the closest they ever came to becoming icons at the club was wearing the shirt numbers of former idols Tony Adams and Dennis Bergkamp.

Big things were expected of Senderos and Gallas when both signed for Arsenal but neither really hit the heights expected of them.

In Philippe's case he is a confidence player and to be honest that confidence was continually beaten out of him either by being over-looked for first team action when in form or by Didier Drogba.

It wouldn't surprise me if Senderos has nightmares about Drogba. He had plenty against him on the pitch.

It's funny that in this day and age we judge players so early in their careers. Back in the day players like Senderos were given a lot more time and more leeway when making mistakes.

Look at Tony Adams in his early days. He wasn't called a donkey for no reason.

The difference is that Adams had the character and self-belief to overcome the criticism and become one of the biggest figure heads in Arsenal's history. Senderos hasn't got that.

To me, Phillipe Senderos has got great ability and had his mental strength met that natural talent then we could have had a player who became even better than Tony Adams.

Unfortunately Arsenal Football Club is too big for someone like Phillipe. Fulham will be a better level for him and I expect him to do well there.

I'd like to add that people often forget that he took Cesc Fabregas under his wing and helped the Spaniard settle into London. I think he deserves a lot of credit for that.

I wish Senderos well. In his case there will always be that question of 'what could have been'.

William Gallas is a different kettle of fish.

When the Frenchman signed I was ecstatic to be honest and I truthfully believed that we got a better deal than Chelsea did in the Gallas-Cole swap deal. Especially when we received £5m too!

Looking back at his time with us I'd have to say its been a bit of roller coaster ride for him. Despite this people will know that I love Gallas and rate him very highly. Always have and always will.

I'll admit though that I thought the move would have had more success. Especially on the trophy front.

When he was announced as captain I thought at the time it was a good move. He was a winner and he could only lead Arsenal to silverware.

It didn't pan out that way.

The captaincy was taken from him in controversial style. I don't actually think he did a lot wrong. When criticising the squad he only said what a lot of us were thinking wasn't he?

Would there had been so much uproar had Cesc Fabregas said the same?

I think regarding William Gallas he wasn't really given a chance at Arsenal. He was never popular with Gooners but there are times when he didn't really endear himself to many of us.

Especially the Birmingham incident.......And surprise. I defended him then too!

What went wrong with Gallas? He should have become a legend. He is a world-class defender and I'm gutted to see him go.

The man should look back at his time with Arsenal and as in Senderos' case think 'what might have been'.

Maybe if his attitude had been a little better there would be more Gooners out there, like me, who are disappointed with him leaving the club with no silverware and really as a bit of an outcast.

It should have been a whole lot better for both.

Lets hope that the next players who grace the prestigious numbers 6 and 10 fare better than their predecessors.

Keep it Goonerish...............

Can Someone Just Punch Xavi In The Mouth Please. Really Hard.

This Xavi geezer is really beginning to get on my tits. The bloke is a diabolical mug who never keeps his lips closed.

Its not often that I resort to suggest offering some violence to someone but Xavi is getting on my last nerve.

Has the man got a case of OCD? Does he have to repeat himself several hundred times a day to get on with his life?

Listen, I understand OCD is a serious condition and it must be difficult to live with but Xavi needs a vicious sharp jab to the jaw to keep it shut.

He continues to go on and on and on and on and on about Cesc Fabregas and if he suffers with OCD then fair enough, he can't help it. I apologise.

But to hear about Fabregas's Barcelona DNA all the time is driving me crazy. I'll tell Xavi something, I'd love to show him my Arsenal GBH.

Every day I trawl through News Now to see who Arsenal have signed and all I seem to see is this man running off his mouth. It is getting boring. More boring than watching paint dry. In fact, more boring than watching Chelsea play.

The man is a fantastic player. I probably enjoy watching him play as much as anyone but as a person he is a wanker.

Xavi should show Arsenal a bit more respect because from what I'm seeing he, and Barcelona, have lost a lot of mine and I'm sure many others too.

Keep it Goonerish..........

Never Thought I'd Say This But Here It Goes......

COME ON JOSE MOURINHO!!!

That's right, I did it. Something I never thought I'd do. Cheer on Jose Mourinho. I really hope that Real Madrid win La Liga next season and take Barcelona down a peg or two.

Those cheeky Catalan bastards have done nothing but tap up Cesc Fabregas since the end of last season and until today didn't even have the decency to put in a bid for our skipper.

Barcelona have just led him on, flirting away and turning his head. It's a bit like when you have been with the missus for a few years and this stunning exotic little treacle comes along and flutters her eye-lids at you. You've still got it. Of course you ARE tempted. You are only human.

But then your missus steps into action and reality kicks in. Very firmly she puts the exotic little treacle in her place. You saw the little treacle, she made a move, but now she has been snatched away. Admittedly you are gutted for a while. Who wouldn't be? But the truth is you would be happier with your missus anyway.

That's what Arsenal have done today. They are the missus and Barcelona is the little treacle. Very firmly our club, our Arsenal, have put those muggy deluded fools in their place.

I must say Arsenal have conducted themselves marvelously throughout this whole 'ordeal' that Barcelona have put us through this summer. It must have been very tempting just to say, in a polite way, "fuck right off" to the Spanish champions.

While I don't feel that this is the end of it at least we have seen that Arsenal have finally got some bollocks and will not get fucked about.

Well done Arsenal!

Keep it Goonerish.................

Theo Didn't Earn His Place At The World Cup But He Needs Us Now

The kerfuffle surrounding Theo Walcott is out of control.

The poor lad will be suffering at the moment but it seems almost everyone is enjoying kicking him whilst he is down.

I fully admit that Theo hasn't done enough this season to warrant a place in England's World Cup squad. Far from it in fact, but what he doesn't need right now is people jumping on an already rolling band-wagon trying to explain why.

It's done now, just leave it. Walcott doesn't need the likes of Chris Waddle basically saying that he is shit and he didn't deserve his place anyway.

What he needs right now is an arm around the shoulder. A talk to prove Fabio Capello wrong in the future and not these harsh words.

Waddle should know what its like to be a young footballer under pressure. He was one once. What he should also know is Walcott is probably the most under-pressure footballer to wear the England shirt in recent times.

So why be so harsh? It's almost as if now he and the Theo-bashers can say I told you so.

Theo, the poor little git has now had TWO World Cup nightmares at the grand old age of 21. I feel for the boy. I really do.

Where is anyone offering support in the public eye? Where is the help? People are quick to criticise but not sharp enough to help. It's like they are enjoying watching Theo fail.

That's why Theo needs us. The Gooners. We can support him and hopefully, through this bitter disappointment, he can come back next season a more refreshed and focused player.

Get behind Walcott now. He needs us.

Keep it Goonerish..........

Would Joe Cole Fit In At Arsenal?

So Joe Cole is set to sign for Arsenal. Well that is according to the Star newspaper anyway.

I'll be honest (if its true) this excites me. I've always rated Cole and thought that Chelsea got a bargain when signing him for £6.6m back in 2003.

In my opinion Joe Cole is technically the most gifted player the England national team have and he would be an asset for ANY side in the Premiership or even Europe.

Having said that I do have my doubts that the transfer will actually happen because I wonder whether Cole would fit in at Arsenal.

Ability-wise I have no qualms about Joe and no doubts that on the pitch he would suit Arsenal's style of play all day long. It's off the pitch that worries me.

I'm not suggesting that Cole is a trouble maker but I wonder whether he would be able to mix with the Arsenal squad.

I think he would be a little out of his comfort zone.

At Chelsea there is an English contingent at the club and Cole is a part of that. He wouldn't get that at Arsenal being that there is a more 'continental' feel at our club.

Having said that hearing Joe Cole in interviews I understand his speaking of the English language isn't the greatest either!

Seriously though Cole has been linked to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as well as Arsenal and I think a move to either of those is probably more feasible due to the fact there are more English players at both clubs making it easier for him to fit in.

This may sound narrow-minded on my part but its just my opinion and I think its quite valid.

If Cole's decision is based on just football then I would have no doubt that he would join us but as with all walks in life its not that simple.

Begrudgingly I have to accept that this move may not happen but hopefully I'll be proved wrong because as I've said Cole would be an asset to us. Or anyone for that matter.

Keep it Goonerish...........

I Wouldn't Expect A MAJOR Centre-Back Signing

Every day I'm seeing Arsenal linked with centre-backs like Brede Hangeland and to be honest I'm not expecting a major signing in that area.

I know it is an area that has to be strengthened over the summer, especially with the futures of William Gallas and Sol Campbell in the balance, but I believe that Arsene Wenger will rely on Johan Djourou as one of the first choices next campaign.

Ideally I'd like to keep both Gallas and Campbell but that doesn't seem on the cards. I think William has more than one foot out the door already and is on his toes.

Sol Campbells situation is quite different. Sol wants to stay but he wants to play. He has spoken to Celtic and I'm sure he would get regular football there whereas with us he is likely to be back-up to the first team.

I'd love Campbell to stay at Arsenal. He is certainly a good influence on this squad but if he left I'd understand. The man has been immense since his return to us and has more than proved he can still cut it at the top level.

He probably surprised himself, but then knowing his supreme self-confidence maybe not! Whats clear is he became a very good acquisition to the Arsenal squad and Arsene Wenger deserves a lot of credit for taking a 'gamble' on him. Something Wenger doesn't really get a lot of credit for.

However Gallas' case is different. Despite proclaiming Gooners were the worlds best supporters many haven't taken to him. I, on the other hand, really rate him and would love him to stay but that doesn't seem very likely.

Readers of my blog will have seen the numerous posts where I have 'stuck up' for William and will know that I love him like a brother. Despite my love I think Gallas is definitely off this summer and if that is the case then the first-choice Wenger preferred partnership of Thomas Vermaelen-Willam Gallas will be broken up.

That's why I reckon Wenger will promote Johan Djourou as a first team regular alongside Vermaelen next season and especially when you see what Arsene told the Swiss man. Here is an extract from an interview Johan did a couple of weeks ago;

"I was really confident about being able to play this season. The boss said to me, ‘I let Kolo go for you to play’. It is the thing you don’t want to hear when you are injured but it is the truth. It is difficult to take on but I swallowed it and I will fight for my place next season, that is for sure."

That for me says it all really. We all know that Arsene Wenger would rather promote from 'with-in' and in this case I would be more than happy for Djourou to step up the plate. In my opinion Johan Djourou is more than ready to the make the move to first team regular and I think he would flourish alongside Thomas Vermaelen.

Djourou can and will become one of the best centre-backs in Europe given the chance and this coming season could be the opportunity for him to prove that. And I think Arsene Wenger will give him that chance.

That's why (despite the futures of Campbell and Gallas being in doubt at the club) I don't believe Wenger will sign a centre-back to slot straight into the team. Djourou has been patient and I think Arsene will put his faith in him.

That said I do believe the gaffer will sign a centre-back this summer but the players role would be more that of a squad player than first-team regular.

Keep it Goonerish...............

Hale The Mighty Barcelona!

I've decided that I fucking hate FC Barcelona. I hate them even more than a proper kick in the bollocks.

I can't believe that after all the tapping-up and the constant noise that Barca really want Cesc Fabregas they haven't even put a bid in for him.

They have tried their damned best to unsettle our skipper and are trying take the easy route. Basically they want to drive a wedge between Cesc and Arsenal resulting in him putting in a proper transfer request.

What confuses me most though is that if Barcelona wanted Cesc Fabregas that badly, why didn't they try to sign him before David Villa?

It seems to me that Barca want him just for the sake of it. Just because they think they can. Because they are the mighty Barcelona.

That's why I've decided I really hate them now. I used to think that the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid couldn't be bettered for arrogance. Well I was wrong.

I used to like them. They were my favorite side in Spain. Well no more.

Sometimes I wish Arsenal were a little wankerish in how we do things. Maybe we should start acting like cunts and maybe we will start to turn a few heads and people might start to think we are a big club too.

Then I think bollocks to that. We are too classy a club for that nonsense.

I think the silence from Fabregas and Wenger is deafening. I didn't believe the conversation happened as speculated at first but maybe it did. Or didn't.

Anyhow I hope that if Cesc Fabregas has made his mind up to leave then I hope he realises that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

Yes he has Barca in his 'DNA' but will he be as revered out there as he is here? Will he become skipper out there? Will he the first choice in the starting eleven?

I doubt it.

I love Fabregas and I can understand his desire to rejoin Barcelona one-day. It was always on the cards but I didn't expect it to maybe happen so soon.

However doesn't he feel a little embarrassed about how his 'new' or 'old' club are acting? Surely he would want Barcelona to act accordingly? Clearly they aren't.

There is no respect from Barcelona in this move at all. They said they would respect Arsenal wishes. Well where is that respect?

Arsenal have already said they don't want to sell but the Barca media onslaught continues. If Cesc wants to be a part of that, part of a club who think they are royalty then let him.

But I hope he knows what he is letting himself in for because it ain't gonna be as rosy as he thinks it might be.

Joining a club with no morals only to warm the bench isn't going to be easy for a player used to adulation and captaincy.

Keep it Goonerish...........

So How Does Guillem Balague Know The Details Of A Private Conversation Anyway?

So Cesc Fabregas has told Arsene Wenger he wants to quit Arsenal THIS summer and rejoin his boyhood heroes Barcelona. Well that is according to Guillem Balague anyway.

Now don't get me wrong, Mr Balague is a very well respected journalist who has got many rumours right but he has also got them very wrong.

In fact I'm sure for the last 4,345 transfer windows the man has said that Fabregas is leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona. He will keep doing this until eventually, when it happens, he can say I told you so!

It's fucking easy!

What I'd like to know is how does Balague know the details of a private conversation (if there actually was one) between Cesc Fabregas and Arsene Wenger anyway? Was he there? Is he psychic?

Or is he just making it up?

If this 'supposed' chat between captain and manager does exist when why couldn't it had been about Wenger discussing his transfer targets with Cesc and reassuring him of the clubs ambitions?

I'll tell you why, because news like that doesn't sell newspapers and it doesn't create hits on websites.

Despite all the 'breaking news' and hysteria created by the likes of Sky Sports News that Fabregas is leaving ASAP I'm going to remain calm over all this. I'll believe it when I see it with my own eyes.

If the worst possible scenario did happen and he left the club this summer then I hope Arsenal do not sell for a cheap price. If Real Madrid can fork out £80m on Cristiano Ronaldo then I'd expect at least £50-60m for Fabregas. Not all this £30m shit I'm hearing.

Don't forget Arsenal hold all the cards. Barcelona and SSN do not.

Keep it Goonerish.............

Why?

I can't work out what Samir Nasri has to gain by having a pop at William Gallas. I think it is a stupid move by him and Arsene Wenger needs to clamp down on players giving these idiotic interviews.

Personally I couldn't give a shit whether Nasri and Gallas hate each other more than I hate Harry Redknapp's twitchy face. It should have been kept in-house. All this does is give the haters out there more ammo to have a go at Arsenal.

Revealing a number of players do not speak to Gallas isn't the brightest thing Nasri has done and in truth it just shows that the defender was right. Samir has shown a lack of respect to a man who has achieved a lot more than he has in the game. Just as he did on the team-bus with the French national squad.

I admit that William Gallas isn't the most popular player amongst Gooners but in my opinion the man deserves a gee because he has been brilliant this season. Highly professional and I think it will be a shame if he leaves the club.

Can you say the same about Samir Nasri? Personally he has disappointed me this campaign and how he can have the audacity to air our dirty laundry in public baffles me. There was no need. If he has a problem with Gallas then just get on with it and not whinge.

Arsene Wenger needs to be stronger with his players and not let them say things to the media that will bite Arsenal on the arse. Andrey Arshavin does it a lot and needs to be curbed too. I understand that it's difficult to keep a leash on a fully-grown adult but he is their guvnor after all!

The media don't need an excuse to dig Arsenal out but maybe we aren't exactly helping ourselves are we?

Keep it Goonerish...............

R.I.P Arsenal Football Club

How many times have I heard that Arsenal Football Club is dead and buried?

It makes me fucking laugh!

According to everyone and their dog Arsenal are knackered. Goners not Gooners. Cesc Fabregas is on his toes, Arsene Wenger has had enough and we are a spent force.

I've heard that the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City will replace Arsenal and Liverpool in the top four. Whatever.

In short Arsenal are fucked and there is nothing that we Gooners can do about it.

I'll be honest, I've never heard such bollocks in my whole entire stinking existence!

Please don't listen to those toss-pots out there who are desperate to tear our club apart and please don't believe everything you read.

Arsenal Football Club is far from dead, it is far from buried.

Over the last few summers and post-seasons Arsenal have been written off more than the cars I've owned. Its the same this summer.

I love it. I love being written off because it makes my love for Arsenal grow even stronger, more determined to prove those doubters wrong.

There isn't going to be a power-shift in North London. Those Spuds may have looked like getting closer to us but they haven't. The gap is still as wide as the one in Madonna's teeth.

It's only five points they say. Well that was down to Arsenal collapsing like a deck of cards at the end of the season not the Spuds gaining ground on us.

When they've qualified season after season for the Champions League and challenged for the title then they might have an argument.

Until then they can jog the fuck right on. Mugs.

All the knobs out there who continue to write us off, carry on. I just hope it unites us Gooners and doesn't separate us. I've seen signs of splits between Arsenal fans, don't let them do it to us.

Yes times have been frustrating recently, even worrying as well, but lets rally.

Don't go mental if we don't sign players straight away. Wait until September to judge. I really feel that this summer will be a good 'un for us.

Keep calm and believe.

Arsenal are not dead. I think there are changes round the corner and this time next year we will be the ones with smiles on our faces whilst the mugs who continue to try and knock us will have egg on theirs.

Keep it Goonerish...............

At Last Arsenal Grow Some Nuts And Give Some Back!

It's been a long time coming but it seems that Arsenal have finally grown a big pair of knackers!

I couldn't believe my eyes when scrolling through the Arsenal website I came across a page that shows transfer links to the club.

It can be seen here.

This is a more unusual move than Tom Jones by Arsenal.com. I know that it says the page 'should taken with a pinch of salt' but what purpose does it actually serve?

I like to think that Arsenal are giving some stick back. In my opinion over the years Arsenal have had more players tapped up and linked with moves away than anyone.

Personally I'm happy we are doing the same. It may seem dirty but I reckon Arsenal have been bullied enough and a little fight back doesn't hurt anybody.

The likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid have been doing it since the Stone Age and more recently Manchester City have been publicly declaring their interest in players in a bid to unsettle them.

Why shouldn't Arsenal rock their boats for a change?

Yes I know we are more classy than those clubs but I reckon playing them at their own game is a good move by Arsenal.

However, the more 'suspicious' Gooners may believe this a ploy by Arsenal to get our juices flowing.

I've heard that Arsenal tickets, and season-tickets, aren't selling as freely as in the past. Linking big-name buys may whet the appetite again for Arsenal fans.

Surely Arsenal wouldn't be that devious? I don't think so.

It's nice to be linked with big-names but I wouldn't get too excited or distressed this summer over transfers.

Yes, it's obvious we could do with 'freshening' up the squad but with the World Cup just around the corner I expect a summer of pure transfer 'speculation' madness.

Try to remain calm. I will. If you don't you may end up going mental like Britney Spears or something.

It's going to be a long summer, chillax and let it pan out.

You may end up being surprised.

Keep it Goonerish.............

Will Ian Wright Like Us Again If We Save His Son?

I've read with interest that Arsene Wenger is 'preparing a cut-price £5m move' for Shaun Wright-Philips.

The source has come from the 'very reliable' Sun newspaper, which probably makes the story about as reliable as a chocolate fire-guard. Yummmm, chocolate fire-guard.

Anyway, over the past decade we have been linked with SWP probably over a million and one times so where is the harm in linking him to Arsenal again? After all, it's almost silly season!

I think in the past Wenger has admitted a fleeting interest in Ian Wright's son. It's a bit like when you catch a glimpse of a 'beautiful' women, turn to check her out, only to realise the women looks as good as a cross between Harry Redknapp and Iain Dowie.

You thought you saw a sort but in truth the reality was different. These mistakes can happen. We are homo-sapiens after all.

I can't see it happening but I wonder whether Ian Wright might actually start to like us again if it did.

Wrighty gets a mixed reaction from Gooners these days. Some still worship him, others think he has become a turn-coat. Some people think I named this blog after Ian Wright. I didn't, Wright is my surname too and Wrighty is a nickname of mine.

Sometimes I wish I still had my child-hood image of Ian Wright ingrained in my mind. Then he could do no wrong. I loved him, like a brother.

These days I have a different opinion of him. He seems bitter about Arsenal to me and never hesitates to stick the boot in. I think he might be bitter because we never signed his son and let him leave.

Of course, he is entitled to his own opinion but I just wish he stuck up for Arsenal more than having a dig.

As a matter of fact a lot of ex-Arsenal players who go into the media seem to take up the trend of having a pop at us whenever possible. I think its wrong.

Enough of the media have a go at us already without Arsenal 'Icons and Legends' taking the same route. It's almost as if its the way to remain in your job. They probably get a pay-rise for every anti-Arsenal remark they make.

Charlie Nicholas is the exception. That man sticks up for us all the time and in my view is the benchmark for how the others should be.

You will never hear a former Manchester United player having a pop at United or a former Liverpool player having a go at Liverpool and that is how it should be.

Why do these former Gunners go into the media and constantly whinge about Arsenal and what they should do?

Keep it Goonerish............

Where Is The Pride When Wearing THE Arsenal Shirt?

I can't believe what I am seeing!

Just what is happening at our football club?

A few games ago we were fighting for the Premiership title but now we are looking nervously over our shoulders in case we finish below the likes of Manchester City or, dare I say it, Spurs.

Luckily for us there is a lack of games remaining and they both face each other so third place is in our hands.

For this I'm thankful because I dread to think what would have happened had there been five games to go with us in this type of form.

Lately we have been nothing short of a disgrace and in total honesty a lot of these players do not deserve to wear the Arsenal shirt.

It pains me to say that.

I can accept defeat but only if the players wearing the Red and White of Arsenal have given everything. In recent games we have given nothing.

It has been embarrassing.

Barely a handful of players can hold their heads up after this dismal run. The main man has been Sol Campbell. And to think people doubted him re-signing.

At the moment I wish we had eleven Sol Campbell's on the pitch. The geezer has been fantastic and I'm gutted that he influence isn't rubbing off on this side as much as it should be.

He gives everything and wears the Arsenal shirt with pride. He knows what it means to wear the Cannon on his chest.

I don't want to single out any Arsenal players for criticism. We all know who isn't pulling their weight but I don't think that they either care or are bothered that we, the fans, are pulling our hair out at what we are seeing at the moment.

Too many of our players have got too much to say and they don't back it up. To be honest I'm beginning to become sick of it.

All season-long I've backed this Arsenal squad and I feel like a big of a mug. Like Arsene Wenger I've shown my faith in the players and that faith has smashed me back hard in the mouth.

I don't entirely blame Wenger for this disgusting run of games but he has to shoulder some of it. He can only motivate as much as he can but its up to the players when they cross that white-line to perform for Arsenal Football Club. For us, the supporters.

To be frank the players have acted as though the season ended the night we lost in Barcelona. What a liberty.

Where is the pride? Where is the passion? Why haven't we seen the season out in a proper fashion?

I think a shake-up is in order. We need to mix it up a bit. I'd keep the majority of this squad but adding to it is essential.

Marouane Chamakh is said to be a done deal and as we all know Wenger loves a bargain. I'd get Joe Cole from Chelsea. Available on a free, a winner and a player who would fit in Arsenal's style of play.

A new keeper is a must. Its a shame to say but our keepers at present have become diabolical liabilities. Signing Cole and Chamakh on free transfers gives Arsene more spending power.

Get Joe Hart. I'm pretty sure he would jump at the chance to join us.

I'd keep Sol Campbell for another year but I'd sign a top quality centre-back too. I hate to say it but I reckon William Gallas is off and Silvestre is on his toes.

A new injection of talent will give us the kick up the arse we need. I think we have become complacent and the recent run of form could back that up.

Arsene Wenger has proved in the past he can be ruthless with his players. We need to see that ruthlessness again. I just hope Wenger hasn't become complacent himself.

Us, the Gooners, would sweat blood for the Arsenal shirt. We haven't been privileged enough to have the talent that our players have been bestowed with. That may well be the case but I guarantee I'd put in more effort than most of this lot have in recent games.

How sad is that?

Keep it Goonerish........................

Disappointing But Maybe Some Perspective Is Needed?

It appears that in the minds of our players the campaign ended when Lionel Messi knocked us out of the Champions League.

Since that hiding Arsenal have been about as much use as a one-legged man at an arse-kicking contest. We have been diabolical.

I've the heard the term 'European hang-over' before, well let's just say that must have been one hell of a piss-up!

After so much promise the way the season has ended has been very, very disappointing. Whilst we are 'pot-less' again I think maybe a little perspective is due.

Let me start by saying that I do not believe that finishing (nearly there) third in the Premiership is a brilliant achievement. To be fair, third place (nearly there) is for losers.

You just don't win trophies for coming third (nearly there) do you?

But cast your mind back to last summer. By rights, according to 'experts' and many others (including some Gooners) Arsenal shouldn't be where we are right now in the league table.

We should be where Liverpool are.

Arsenal wasn't expected to even compete for the Champions League places, let alone the title, so are things really that bad?

If you believed everything you read, heard or saw in the summer of 2009 then Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester City, Liverpool and even Aston Villa should be above us right now.

How many of those mentioned actually are?

The truth is Arsenal are not that far away from becoming the best team in England. By far too. We are the nearly men and that has to be addressed. I think it will be.

Wenger could have strengthened in January but he didn't. Maybe that is what cost us winning the title this season maybe it isn't. What I really feel though is Arsene is ready to spend this summer.

He appears to be hinting at making some signings and while I know we have heard it all in the past I genuinely believe he will strengthen our squad with quality. He needs too, and I reckon he knows that now.

The problem is the likes of those mentioned above will add to their squads making our future tasks even harder. From next season the Premiership will not be a top-four, it will be a top-seven.

I believed that Arsenal would win the title this campaign, I said it last August. I was wrong but so are those who doubted we would even make the Champions League for next season.

So while the season has ended on a disappointing note maybe it hasn't been that bad. As I've said, third isn't something to shout about but it's better than most expected.

A title-challenge is the least I'd expect from Arsenal and until a couple of games ago that is what we had.

Our challenge ended prematurely this year but if Wenger makes the right signings this summer then I'll go out and predict that Arsenal will be Champions next season again even if most will predict the usual doom and gloom that we won't even finish in the top-four.

Keep it Goonerish.................