Arsenal Thread

by azania Wed 05 Sep 2012, 3:56 pm

First topic message reminder :

Surprised the isn't one yet.

In

Carzola
Giroud
Podolski

Out

Deadwood (exept Squilacchi and Chamakh)
RvP/Berba clone hopefully

I actually believe that Arsenal are stronger than last year. Carzola is a great buy for us. Giroud, although he hasn't scored yet makes terrific runs and in time will score 15+ per year.

Our defense has been tightened by Bould's astute style.

My prediction? Arsenal will end up 2nd behind City. UCL semi and win something (CO-Cup).

Discuss.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Tue 13 Nov 2012, 9:22 pm

azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:What do Arsenal fans think about Piers Morgan's views? I just heard his interview on Talksport and I personally think he talks a lot of sense, especially when he says, "We've become a club that thinks coming 4th is good enough". Personally I think Wenger's time is coming to an end as a manager, and it may be time for him to move to Director of Football role.

Not a chance. Wenger is still Mr`Arsenal. Probably the best manager in the EPL.

Sorry but that mantle goes to Mr Ferguson by a long shot

by socal1976 Wed 14 Nov 2012, 7:33 am

compelling and rich wrote:on the issue of zonal marking, i think the best is a mixture of both and being zonal doesnt mean the defender just stands still, city and arsenal have been showing recently how to do it poorly. the key attackers should clearly be man marked, touch tight as well. look at terrys goal v liverpool to show how if you dont man mark properly its even worse than zonal!

but you also need a couple of players marking zones, the most obvious and most accepted is the near post guy who's there to clear that poor cross that doesnt get enough height on it. one middle and back post is also a zone that may be needed depending on how many you want on the line. and if you are marking these zones then you should be attacking the ball and not just standing still.

the best defensive teams from set plays often use both, if we were purely just saying its either zonal or man mark then i would choose man mark. but purely zonal where the players just stood around is terrible! ive never been overly impressed with arsenals defence either way, but citys new defensive coach deserves a medal for turning one of the best defences into one of the worse from set plays!

I agree of course there are some aspects of zonal and man marking in most defensese of set pieces. For example, putting a guy on the post is an obvious hybrid of a zone and man marking and to be honest that is about as much zonal defense that I can handle. Put one or two guys on the posts, everybody else for the most part should be man marking. The problem with attacking the ball from the zone is that you have to stay in your zone for it to work while the offensive player can build up a head of steam and get a more unobstructed run at the ball. At least that is the way it seems to me. The attacker is running several yards at the defender who while of course not completely stationary is just letting it happen to him.

But your point is a fair one, Arsenal couldn't defend the set piece man marking or zonally. But frankly I think the man marking is simpler and for a team that has a weakness in that area lets see if they can master the basics of just getting between one guy and the ball.

Also what happens when two or three attackers flood a single defender in the zone? Who the hell are you to mark if there are two player running at you at full speed while you stand there holding your pecker.

by socal1976 Wed 14 Nov 2012, 7:39 am

On a positive note I like what Giroud is doing and I liked what he was doing even before the goals started to come. Our wide players have to give him some early balls and then I think we will really see what he can do. They have to change their mindset a bit and think more direct. That is why I love the partnership of Walcott and Giroud. In their own way they are both very direct, and frankly at times that has been missing from Arsenal in the past.

by azania Wed 14 Nov 2012, 10:17 pm

Grant Holt V2 wrote:
azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:What do Arsenal fans think about Piers Morgan's views? I just heard his interview on Talksport and I personally think he talks a lot of sense, especially when he says, "We've become a club that thinks coming 4th is good enough". Personally I think Wenger's time is coming to an end as a manager, and it may be time for him to move to Director of Football role.

Not a chance. Wenger is still Mr`Arsenal. Probably the best manager in the EPL.

Sorry but that mantle goes to Mr Ferguson by a long shot

If Wenger had the spending power of SAF, Arsenal would be more dominant.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed 14 Nov 2012, 10:21 pm

azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:
azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:What do Arsenal fans think about Piers Morgan's views? I just heard his interview on Talksport and I personally think he talks a lot of sense, especially when he says, "We've become a club that thinks coming 4th is good enough". Personally I think Wenger's time is coming to an end as a manager, and it may be time for him to move to Director of Football role.

Not a chance. Wenger is still Mr`Arsenal. Probably the best manager in the EPL.

Sorry but that mantle goes to Mr Ferguson by a long shot

If Wenger had the spending power of SAF, Arsenal would be more dominant.

The fact he hasn't won a trophy with a club like Arsenal for 7/8 years (cant remember for certain) is unacceptable. He hasn't had the money to spend like the others, but he has had the talent to win one poultry trophy in that length of time.

by User 774433 Wed 14 Nov 2012, 10:32 pm

Oh c'mon Olly, that's slightly unfair.

Considering the money Arsenal have spent (net) they have been very consistent for the past few years.
United, Chelsea and Man City who have won the PL since that time all have more spending power... As does the likes of Barca and Real in the CL.

I think he could prioritise the League Cup, but does it mean that much? Liverpool won it last year, it didn't save Daglish.
I think FA cup should be a priority for Arsenal this year though.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed 14 Nov 2012, 10:47 pm

I don't care whether it's the Champions League or the League Cup, but the fact he hasn't won a trophy for that length of time is astonishing.

It is unacceptable considering the talent you have had at your club.

by azania Wed 14 Nov 2012, 11:17 pm

Grant Holt V2 wrote:
azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:
azania wrote:
Grant Holt V2 wrote:What do Arsenal fans think about Piers Morgan's views? I just heard his interview on Talksport and I personally think he talks a lot of sense, especially when he says, "We've become a club that thinks coming 4th is good enough". Personally I think Wenger's time is coming to an end as a manager, and it may be time for him to move to Director of Football role.

Not a chance. Wenger is still Mr`Arsenal. Probably the best manager in the EPL.

Sorry but that mantle goes to Mr Ferguson by a long shot

If Wenger had the spending power of SAF, Arsenal would be more dominant.

The fact he hasn't won a trophy with a club like Arsenal for 7/8 years (cant remember for certain) is unacceptable. He hasn't had the money to spend like the others, but he has had the talent to win one poultry trophy in that length of time.

The EPL has been dominated by Chelsea, ManU and City. A common factor has been the amount of money spent on players and their wages. Arsenal simply cannot compete with them. We do not pay anyone over £100k/week. That is a paltry amount for many City players.

The only realistic trophy Arsenal could have won was the league cup and that is not a priority. The EPL is what matters. Given Arsenal's spending powers its a minor miracle we always finish in the top 4.

by Smirnoffpriest Sun 18 Nov 2012, 3:34 pm

Well that was a pleasing win even if our defence was getting ripped to shreds most attacks

Good to see all our attackers looking dangerous, but what was most pleasing was that we attacked a weakness (down the Spurs left) and actually crossed the ball to take advantage of players like Giroud and Mertasacker or whipped it in early on the ground.

Still a lot of work to do but I was thankful that Walcott, Sagna, Arteta and Giroud got over their niggles to play

by socal1976 Sun 18 Nov 2012, 7:45 pm

Yes Smirnoff, our defense still looks very suspect, I think we were in big trouble until Adebayor made a stupid play. But bad decisions resulting in red cards our goals are what determines games and Adebayor clearly should have been sent off and if I was one of his teammates or coaches I would be none to pleased with the fellow. Frankly it couldn't happen to a nicer guy, he was nothing before he came to Arsenal and has treated Arsenal and its fans like we owe him something for running off more money.

I have to say that I am very pleased with Santi, Giroud, and Podolski all the new players are producing, and not one of them broke the bank. If what is said is true that we have 35 million pounds in the midseason transfer window to spend on new players, well I say sell some deadweight off for dirt cheap and use the new funds to strengthen our defense, and defensive midfield. We need I think we need another left back, another central defensive midfielder, and another decent center half more for depth than as indictment of the current center halves. That will cost more 35 million if we want to bring in good players of the quality of the three pre-season signings.

Santos, I don't want to judge the kid and say he won't ever be a good player, but right now he is terrifying as a left back. When he is playing for us and we are defending I honestly feel like we are playing with 10 men and every team just runs right up their right handside and gets any type of service in that they would like. Well this going to put your center halves under too much pressure. He is not ready for prime time as fullback, he could be a good winger but we have plenty of more skilled players in attack so I don't know what his longterm prospects are at this club.

by socal1976 Sun 18 Nov 2012, 8:19 pm

In my mind Giroud if health permitting and if arsenal keep giving him minutes and service he will be a big star. He is France's future number 1 striker. And we got him pretty affordably. I think 20-25 in all competitions if he doesn't get injured is a pretty safe bet. A player is getting used to a new system, language, new home, and especially new teammates. As much as Giroud has had to get used to playing with the Arsenal the Arsenal players have had to learn how to best use thier big man at the top. In the last couple of matchs the wide players and midfielders at Arsenal have been whipping the ball into the box and letting him attack and not holding it and playing around the ground when no advantage is gained by not throwing it into the mixer.

And it hasn't been just goals for me that has made Giroud's performance so great. When he is out on the pitch after Mertesacker he clears the most corners and set pieces probably on the whole team in terms of defense. And he has great touch for a big man and has created a number of goals and chances for others as well. Now throw in 5 goals in the last 5 matches and it looks like we found our new striker if he can keep it up, the work rate for me though is another plus. So the point I am trying to make is that he brings goals but much more than just that to the team.

by Nakatomi Plaza Sun 18 Nov 2012, 9:01 pm

socal1976 wrote: In my mind Giroud if health permitting and if arsenal keep giving him minutes and service he will be a big star. He is France's future number 1 striker. And we got him pretty affordably. I think 20-25 in all competitions if he doesn't get injured is a pretty safe bet. A player is getting used to a new system, language, new home, and especially new teammates. As much as Giroud has had to get used to playing with the Arsenal the Arsenal players have had to learn how to best use thier big man at the top. In the last couple of matchs the wide players and midfielders at Arsenal have been whipping the ball into the box and letting him attack and not holding it and playing around the ground when no advantage is gained by not throwing it into the mixer.

And it hasn't been just goals for me that has made Giroud's performance so great. When he is out on the pitch after Mertesacker he clears the most corners and set pieces probably on the whole team in terms of defense. And he has great touch for a big man and has created a number of goals and chances for others as well. Now throw in 5 goals in the last 5 matches and it looks like we found our new striker if he can keep it up, the work rate for me though is another plus. So the point I am trying to make is that he brings goals but much more than just that to the team.

That's a cracking point. Not many people have picked up upon it, but he does bring some much needed aerial ability to our defensive play. I still think he has a little bit of work to do to completely be used to the physical side of the English game, but I'm glad to see he is believing in himself more.

by socal1976 Mon 19 Nov 2012, 6:25 pm

Nakatomi I agree that we can't be sure he is going to be star I mean a nice 5 game run of goals is great but a club like Arsenal that has had the Henrys, Bergkamps, and Van Persie's of the the world in recent years isn't going to be satisified unless he performs consistently at a high rate. I think he has it in him, because for one he doesn't strike me as a lazy forward. His movement on and off the ball is really spectacular for a man of his size, he has an excellent motor and makes smart runs continously. Also I almost like watching his reaction more when he doesn't score, you can see the pain, the shame, regret, all in a matter of a few seconds. This guy really wants goals and fights for them, and also he expects to score. That is why he seems so angry and at the same time apologetic when he does miss. You got a really want it to get it, and Giroud seems like someone who understands that.

by Smirnoffpriest Tue 20 Nov 2012, 4:55 pm

Yeah social I'm loving his energy/work rate - I also think that we shouldn't be expecting him to match RVP/Henry's goal scoring rate, as IMO Giroud's strength is just as much the way he creates chances for others by his movement, smart runs and layoffs as it is his goals (which I see him getting a lot of - around the 20 mark this season) - also hes a great header of the ball and his movement in the box again helps create space for others.

by socal1976 Wed 21 Nov 2012, 12:47 am

No I agree smirnoff, certainly we can't have those type of lofty expectations of Giroud to match Henry or Bergkamp. But the point I was making is that the arsenal fans and management expect a striker to play the way he is playing and that he needs to keep it up. Gunner fans have been spoiled by great frowards in recent times and dating to the past and playing for the club he plays for he has to keep playing well.

I agree that he bring a great deal more to the game even when he doesn't hit the back of the net. He wins a great deal of balls and creates openings with his constant pressure for other players and he has a nice passing touch for a big man. Plus he is like a another center halve when we are defending corners and set pieces.

This is what upsets me with Theo's insistence on being featured in a more central role. Theo you can score just as many goals from the wide position with your speed as you can up top in my opinion. And then what do we do with Podolski and Giroud? Theo is getting goals now and creating them, and it isn't sacrificing for the team that is his most natural position and look at how valuable he has been providing service to giroud. Ronaldo managed to score from a wide position, hell Henry played a lot of the match out wide left. If you have goals in you, you can get as many from his current position. And it allows the team to utilize the other forwards it has better. Theo is in his the best position right now for himself and for the club.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed 21 Nov 2012, 2:52 pm

Couldn't agree more. Particularly the Walcott part (but you're spot on with Giroud as well) the position Wenger currently plays him is more attacker than midfielder and he's got licence to roam across the line and (more so this season) interchange with the other attackers - that gives him the chance to beat a man for pace down the flank, cross the ball to the big targets (Giroud and Podolsky, and even Mertasacker if he's up there) or cut inside and have a shot, or drift into the middle and make a run between the centre backs.

While if he plays in a central position, it means dropping Giroud/Podolski, meaning Walcott will need to hold the ball up, and battle two centre backs on his own. Or change the whole formation just to fit in 1 player whose doing well as a Right Attacker.

by socal1976 Thu 22 Nov 2012, 6:13 pm

I agree Smirnoff, to me Theo Walcott is playing right where he should be playing. When you are getting goals as a wide attacker (as you correctly point out) the answer isn't to bring you central and move one of the other forward who have also been scoring goals out. When something isn't broken you don't fix it. I think Theo hs 9 goals already what about 1/3 of the season? Giroud and Podolski are also playing well, so why change the system to move theo from a position he is having success at to a position that frankly doesn't suit his talents or is good for the club.

I love Theo, don't get me wrong, and I want to keep him just like I wanted to keep Cesc and RVP. But I just can't see Theo being a successful central striker at a club like Arsenal. If he leaves Arsenal it is unlikely that a bigger club will play him in that role and why would he want to make a move laterally or down in terms of the quality of clubs. By the way even if Giroud, god forbid was to go down the next most natural striker we have on our team is podolski. Push came to shove I would play podolski up top before Theo. Plus he played as a striker at times for munich and Koln, and that left footed volley shows the power and ruthlessness he posesses.

by socal1976 Thu 22 Nov 2012, 6:27 pm

By the way what a great second goal against Montpellier, the first one by Jack was a nice one and the game winner but Podolski's second with the cheeky little flick over the top from Giroud was just spectacular. Podolski's left footed strike was of the highest class. By the way how freaking great have Arsene's off season purchases been. Put Giroud, Podolski, and Cazorla's assists and goal numbers up against Song and RVP's numbers and it isn't even close. Plus last year we were one RVP ankle away from losing all that production. Right now we are much deeper and more versatile attacking team.

Giroud is the target man, wins the ball in the air and can score or knock it down for other attackers. He constantly pressures the defense with his size and power. Then you have Podolski, he bring a tireless German motor and industry with a truely world class left foot that has produced consistent goals wherever he has played. Out right you have Theo who just unsettles people with world class sprinter speed and his ability to just run by people. And all of them are getting goals right now.

If we can work out some problems defensively and at the keeper position I don't think we have a big problem with our attack. That being said we are bit thin in terms of depth at the striker position behind Giroud and also I would like to se another really rugged central midfielder brought in as well. We finally work out the issues in back and this could be a very good squad. If we don't work out those problems we will struggle to finish top 4 and be out of the champions league real soon. But the potential is there if we gets some breaks with injuries and improve in the back the sky is the limit.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri 23 Nov 2012, 12:49 pm

Yup, I really hope we keep playing to Girouds strengths, and Podolski, Santi and Giroud can strengthen their understanding (it's already pretty good) so their on the same wavelength for 90mins every match. ~

Then add to that Walcotts speed, threat, improved finishing and crossing and it's a very dangerous and fluid attack.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri 23 Nov 2012, 12:51 pm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/nov/23/arsenal-agree-new-150m-deal-emirates

Looks like we've signed a new Sponsorsip deal with Emirates for both the stadium and shirt sponsorship - which surprised me as I thought one of them may have gone to another company.

It's a huge improvement on our previous deal and the £30m a season should really help us improve our squad and allow us to better compete with United, City and Chelsea.

But I can't help thinking it could have been even more...

by TopHat24/7 Fri 23 Nov 2012, 2:47 pm

Wonder if you'll actually spend it or just use it to promote your 'good business' card........?

by Smirnoffpriest Fri 23 Nov 2012, 9:13 pm

Well im sure well do what we have been doing recently and what we said for the past few years we r going to do from next season - spend on good quality players, make shrewd signings and increase spending, transfer and compete with the other top teams more for signings. Theres rumours tho that we mite buy a top striker in jan

by socal1976 Fri 23 Nov 2012, 9:44 pm

I hear a great deal of noise about huntlaar or Cavani from Napoli that would be a nice add to the squad. Although I think we need another good defender and a good defensive midfielder more than a striker. If something happens to giroud Podolski can play as the top striker which he did both at times at Koln and Munich. Gervinho is gone for awhile but he is a player that can play at times in that position and we know theo has been dying to get a crack at that spot as well. Also please get a solid back up goal keeper and back up left back. I think we would be better served spending the money on defense and goal keeping that going for a goal scorer. I honestly don't believe the attack is where we have problems.

by Smirnoffpriest Fri 23 Nov 2012, 10:02 pm

Apparently gervinho is back (at least until the acon). I dont think we need a keeper as weve been playing our 3rd choice and 5th choice keepers who havent done awful but szczencz is back and will only get better while fab will b back by xmas. But def a dm (song anyone?) and a defender are key. I just wish wed got vertongen as he could have been 1st choice lb or even cb and could have been a back up dm.

by socal1976 Fri 23 Nov 2012, 11:23 pm

Good call Smirnoff, would love to get a versatile player that can play one of the fullback positions or in the defensive midfield. You are probably right on backup goal keeping not being a priority. But I do feel like we lost quite a few points in the early part of the year because we were forced to play Santos and Mannone. I believe though we are both on the same page in that we would prefer to see he defense and defensive midfield being invested in as opposed to just getting a single big price tag striker that may upset the balance. I see bringing in a big name striker as being a very high risk move when the problems on your team are not a lack of goals. We have quality out wide, we have good players that can play up top, we have good creaters in the midfield. Where we need added strength and depth is at the defense and defensive midfield.

by socal1976 Sun 25 Nov 2012, 7:00 pm

Well the boys didn't have their best match against Villa. I do feel that this team will be better in the second half of the season when all the new players gain further understanding of the team and each other. That being said we didn't look likely and our middle field looked harried for much of the match against Villa, Villa had the best chance hitting the woodwork but all the other chances in the match and the possession was clearly going the Arsenal's way. Yet it wasn't to be. Aaron didn't have a bad match, Santi was off I think he needs a rest. and Giroud didn't really get the kind of service he needed to score.

Arsene I think needs to give Santi a blow, he takes a lot of shots and fouls and has been the most used player or among the guys who have lodged the most minutes. So happy he is playing well but we must be careful how hard we ride a player not used to the longer and more intense premiership season in terms of fixtures.

by Smirnoffpriest Sun 25 Nov 2012, 8:38 pm

Yeah we look quite toothless, unable to raise the tempo and it seems quite easy to disrupt our composure.

Good point about Santi - hopefully now Wilshere is back it will give us the opportunity to rest Santi and play a midfield of Arteta, Ramsey and Wilshere - still think we need a DM as obviously Diaby's fitness can't be relied on and Arteta is going to need a rest at some point

by socal1976 Mon 26 Nov 2012, 1:20 am

I agree fully Smirnoff that we need another defensive minded midfielder of some quality to play for Arteta or possibly even with Arteta in match that requires a little bit more stability in defense. I know I would prefer a good defender and good defensive midfielder over spending money on a striker, a big money striker in the middle of the season is a very high risk proposition especially as you are already trying to incorporate a whole new attack and players are just starting to get comfortable in their roles.

I am still hopeful for the second half of the season as I think this new look Arsenal will require some time to gel, but unfortunately it seems like every year is a year of massive overhaul hopefully that won't be the case anymore and we will be out to add quality players.

by mystiroakey Sat 01 Dec 2012, 12:36 pm

I like arsernal this year- untill my palace gets up into the prem you have my support- Come on your Gunners!

by mystiroakey Sat 01 Dec 2012, 4:49 pm

i take that back my support is gonna be with united instead- this team is gash

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat 01 Dec 2012, 4:56 pm

Mr Wenger's time is up I feel as I said a couple of weeks back. How much longer will Arsenal accept mediocrity for profits?

by mystiroakey Sat 01 Dec 2012, 5:29 pm

I cant see wenger going untill they drop out of the top 4 tbh.

add to that the fact they are still in the CL he wont be going just yet

by **Crimey** Sat 01 Dec 2012, 7:21 pm

I think Arsenal are essentially following the same route Liverpool have been on since 2009, sold top players and haven't got in good enough replacements and so are sliding down the table.

by Fernando Sat 01 Dec 2012, 7:30 pm

It seems like it but Wenger won't go despite you guys saying he should mainly because everyone is aiming their anger at the board and particularly our stupid American owner "Silent Stan" and his sidekick Ivan Gazidis

Sooner he sells up to Usmanov the better it seems at the moment

by **Crimey** Wed 05 Dec 2012, 8:57 pm

Apparently Henry is on his way back to Arsenal (again) in January on loan. So what do people make of this? Does it highlight the lack of depth and quality in Arsenal's squad? Is Henry at risk of ruining his Arsenal legacy?

For me, I think while the previous loan move wasn't disastrous, it wasn't a huge success and it didn't really make much of an impact on the season good or bad. However I think Wenger is tempting fate by bringing back Henry again, not only does it smack of desperation and a lack of ideas, Henry's legacy is being tarnished as he returns not at the peak which he was when he left Arsenal the first time.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed 05 Dec 2012, 9:04 pm

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Mr Wenger, your time is almost up...

by The Special Juan Wed 05 Dec 2012, 9:56 pm

*your

by TopHat24/7 Wed 12 Dec 2012, 1:43 pm

This thread's gone very quiet.... laughing

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Wed 12 Dec 2012, 2:04 pm

I wonder why!! Wink

its not good when you get knocked out the cup buy a league 2 side whilst playing a strong team is it?

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Wed 12 Dec 2012, 2:08 pm

No. No it it is not. And for Wenger to say he was happy with the effort was quite ridiculous.

by Smirnoffpriest Wed 12 Dec 2012, 2:30 pm

Don't start! there's no point even talking about how I feel...

Though I will add that it's funny that what we really need is a goalscorer, a DM and a LB and who did we leave go last season - RVP and Song, we also left Vermatonghen slip through our fingers coz we wouldn't guarentee him 1st team football Whistle

by mystiroakey Thu 13 Dec 2012, 5:55 am

whats your thoughts on Zaha,

Do you think you will get him?

Do you want him?

by TopHat24/7 Thu 13 Dec 2012, 9:29 am

Will he be a replacement for Theo who'll leave because you don't value your stars enough?

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 13 Dec 2012, 10:42 am

Mystiroakey - Not that bothered either way, Zaha could be excellent in the future or not, but we're well covered with wingers/wide forwards and really need to strengthen in other positions.

TopHat - please tell me how we don't value Theo? A player who has been injured more than not this season, which is the reason he hasn't played much.

by mystiroakey Thu 13 Dec 2012, 10:45 am

I agree with ya tbh.

I dont want to see him go anyway- and think it will be United he goes to.. But I feel as though Arsernal does well with kids and my maternal instinct wants to see him do well..

by Smirnoffpriest Thu 13 Dec 2012, 11:07 am

are u a Palace fan?

by TopHat24/7 Thu 13 Dec 2012, 11:18 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Mystiroakey - Not that bothered either way, Zaha could be excellent in the future or not, but we're well covered with wingers/wide forwards and really need to strengthen in other positions.

TopHat - please tell me how we don't value Theo? A player who has been injured more than not this season, which is the reason he hasn't played much.

He could/should be a star player but he's consistently played out of position and won't be paid a competitive salary. Has been said before that Arsenal have a tendency to pay inflated salaries to their young/break-through players but then aren't as free and easy with the chequebook when it comes to the more established players. Thus you end up with a wage bill that looks good overall but underneath is unbalanced compared to other clubs and is part of the reason so many players seem to leave when at or approaching their peak.

I hate the way Rooney held United to ransom, and wasn't too impressed with Rio previously also, but at the end of the day the club found a way to balance the books whilst paying enough to keep their star players - the result being trophies in the cabinet.

by mystiroakey Thu 13 Dec 2012, 11:20 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:are u a Palace fan?

yep

by Il Gialloblu Fri 14 Dec 2012, 6:14 am

I saw an article on the BBC earlier.

Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has been accused of "having no passion" for Arsenal by honorary vice president, and former director, Lady Bracewell-Smith.

Bracewell-Smith, who sold Kroenke her shares last year, tweeted: "If making money was the motivating factor, surely there are better ways.

She continued: "Football is a business of passion. SK has no passion for AFC."

When asked her view of the way the club is being run, Bracewell-Smith added: "Disappointed would be an understatement!

"[He] shows he cares very little. Why he wanted to be part of AFC I do not know."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20721492

I don't know much about this bloke/situation but from scanning this page I gather he's American, doesn't say much and, while I can't imagine he's stupid, it seems he doesn't endear himself well to the Arsenal fans.

Fernando wrote:... our stupid American owner "Silent Stan" and his sidekick Ivan Gazidis

Sooner he sells up to Usmanov the better it seems at the moment

Is he to blame for all of Arsenal's ills? Is selling up to Usmanov in the pipeline? Why would Usmanov be better? Who is Usmanov?

Just thought I'd ask some Arsenal fans what's really going on and what the feelings are at ground level. Cheers.

by Fernando Fri 14 Dec 2012, 9:55 am

Il Gialloblu wrote:I saw an article on the BBC earlier.

Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has been accused of "having no passion" for Arsenal by honorary vice president, and former director, Lady Bracewell-Smith.

Bracewell-Smith, who sold Kroenke her shares last year, tweeted: "If making money was the motivating factor, surely there are better ways.

She continued: "Football is a business of passion. SK has no passion for AFC."

When asked her view of the way the club is being run, Bracewell-Smith added: "Disappointed would be an understatement!

"[He] shows he cares very little. Why he wanted to be part of AFC I do not know."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20721492

I don't know much about this bloke/situation but from scanning this page I gather he's American, doesn't say much and, while I can't imagine he's stupid, it seems he doesn't endear himself well to the Arsenal fans.

Fernando wrote:... our stupid American owner "Silent Stan" and his sidekick Ivan Gazidis

Sooner he sells up to Usmanov the better it seems at the moment

Is he to blame for all of Arsenal's ills? Is selling up to Usmanov in the pipeline? Why would Usmanov be better? Who is Usmanov?

Just thought I'd ask some Arsenal fans what's really going on and what the feelings are at ground level. Cheers.

I wouldn't say all of Arsenal ills because he doesn't go out on the pitch and play but he's more motivated by money then actually helping the club, Time and again Usmanov has made him offers but he won't sell up because it's not good for business, He won't even let him sit on the board, He'd be better cos he seems actually interested in helping the club and getting us back to where we should be and He's a Uzbeki businessman worth around 18bn

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